Local

The photo of Gene Walter accepting a schnapp at Two Tire Tavern during the 2023 Fasching parade in Helen won second place in the News Photo category. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

The photo of Gene Walter accepting a schnapp at Two Tire Tavern during the 2023 Fasching parade in Helen won second place in the News Photo category. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

News wins for local news coverage at GPA convention

The White County News picked up seven awards at the Georgia Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest on Friday, including first place for Local News Coverage in Division D.
John Sell and Joe Rothwell listen to Tom O’Bryant explain a portion of the map of proposed trails. (Photo/Eric Tiongson)

John Sell and Joe Rothwell listen to Tom O’Bryant explain a portion of the map of proposed trails. (Photo/Eric Tiongson)

Open house gives look at bike trail

by Eric Tiongson White County News   The city of Cleveland and White County governments held a joint, open house-style meeting last Thursday at the White County Senior Center, giving citizens the opportunity to learn more about the proposed bicycle, pedestrian and paddle plan.
A $20, as held by Cleveland Police Sgt. Wesley Addis, has distinct identifying factors, as described in the Know Your Money pamphlet provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Secret Service. (Photo illustration/Eric Tiongson and Samantha Sinclair)

A $20, as held by Cleveland Police Sgt. Wesley Addis, has distinct identifying factors, as described in the Know Your Money pamphlet provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Secret Service. (Photo illustration/Eric Tiongson and Samantha Sinclair)

Is it real?

by Eric Tiongson White County News   Not every bill is what it seems. Counterfeit money was found at a bank in Cleveland, with the first report coming in on June 6, according to Cleveland Police Captain Donna Sims.
Property taxes collected are now expected to be $621,000, a $16,000 decrease from 2023-2024.

Property taxes collected are now expected to be $621,000, a $16,000 decrease from 2023-2024.

Cleveland OKs budget with increase

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   The Cleveland City Council approved its 2024-2025 budget Monday night with a $40,000 change from the original proposed budget.
Another appeal to the White County Short-Term Rental Subdivision Map has been approved.

Another appeal to the White County Short-Term Rental Subdivision Map has been approved.

STR appeal approved

by Eric Tiongson White County News   Another appeal to the White County Short-Term Rental Subdivision Map has been approved.
The skies over Cleveland will light up with fireworks this July 4 weekend.

The skies over Cleveland will light up with fireworks this July 4 weekend.

Fireworks coming to Cleveland for Fourth

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   The skies over Cleveland will light up with fireworks this July 4 weekend. The Cleveland City Council approved a contract with Pyro Shows East Coast for a fireworks display on Saturday, July 6.
Spectators gathered to watch balloons take off for the race on Thursday morning. Cleiman described the Thursday morning crowd as the largest she ever remembers seeing. (Photo/Eric Tiongson)

Spectators gathered to watch balloons take off for the race on Thursday morning. Cleiman described the Thursday morning crowd as the largest she ever remembers seeing. (Photo/Eric Tiongson)

And away with records

by Eric Tiongson White County News   Records are meant to be broken, as the saying goes. This one was broken twice in the span of a few minutes. Two pilots shattered the record for the fastest time to complete the Helen to Atlantic Balloon Race on Thursday, May 30.
Tesnatee Gap Elementary Teacher Holly Witcher accepts the 2025 Georgia Teacher of the Year award from State Superintendent Richard Woods as other finalists celebrate.  (Photo/Georgia Department of Education)

Tesnatee Gap Elementary Teacher Holly Witcher accepts the 2025 Georgia Teacher of the Year award from State Superintendent Richard Woods as other finalists celebrate. (Photo/Georgia Department of Education)

Top teacher

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   Holly Witcher is Georgia’s Teacher of Year. The announcement was made Friday night in LaGrange during a banquet celebrating all district teachers of the year.
The Helen to Atlantic Balloon Race lifts off this morning. (file photo)

The Helen to Atlantic Balloon Race lifts off this morning. (file photo)

Balloon race, festival starts today

by Eric Tiongson White County News   And, they’re off! At 7 a.m. this morning, the 51st Annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race and Festival kicked off. Over 20 hot air balloon pilots were expected to race from Helen to U.S. Interstate 95, which runs from Florida to Maine.
Financial Director Lauren Anderson showed graphs, like the one above, to show where funding was coming from and going to in the tentative budget. (Source/WCSS)

Financial Director Lauren Anderson showed graphs, like the one above, to show where funding was coming from and going to in the tentative budget. (Source/WCSS)

School budget to dip into reserves

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   The White County School System could dip into its fund balance to support its budget for the next fiscal year.