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Tesnatee Gap First Grader Fischer Miller gives Suzanne Grisham a hug while stopping in his former kindergarten teacher’s classroom on the way to his class on the first day of school. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

Tesnatee Gap First Grader Fischer Miller gives Suzanne Grisham a hug while stopping in his former kindergarten teacher’s classroom on the way to his class on the first day of school. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

Ready to learn, grow

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   Noel Cochran said she had some jitters when she woke up Friday morning. It was the first day of Pre-K for her son, Chandler.
Carl Morrow celebrates his 100th birthday on Tuesday, Aug. 1. His shirt reads “it took me 100 years to look this good.” (Photo/Noah Johnson)

Carl Morrow celebrates his 100th birthday on Tuesday, Aug. 1. His shirt reads “it took me 100 years to look this good.” (Photo/Noah Johnson)

Faith helps Morrow reach 100 years

by Noah Johnson White County News   A White County resident celebrated a century of life on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Carl Morrow of Cleveland turned 100 this week, celebrating his birthday with 50 friends and family on Saturday, July 29.
At Saturday’s Back to School Bash, White County Middle School Principal Nara Allen presents a t-shirt to student Gavin Gabhart as White County High School Principal Mary Anne Collier looks on. For more photos from the event, see Page 6A. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

At Saturday’s Back to School Bash, White County Middle School Principal Nara Allen presents a t-shirt to student Gavin Gabhart as White County High School Principal Mary Anne Collier looks on. For more photos from the event, see Page 6A. (Photo/Samantha Sinclair)

Schools ready to welcome students Friday

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   Line dancing, sing-a-longs and a lion mascot trying not to get lassoed were all part of the fun Monday morning as White County Schools held its annual Opening Day Pep Rally for employees.
Tedi Boling of Cleveland addressed the Cleveland city council at each of its three public hearings regarding setting the millage rate. (Photo/Linda Erbele)

Tedi Boling of Cleveland addressed the Cleveland city council at each of its three public hearings regarding setting the millage rate. (Photo/Linda Erbele)

Tax increases on the way in county

by Linda Erbele and Samantha Sinclair White County News   After holding the required second and third public hearings Friday, the Cleveland City Council decided to retain the current millage rate at 5.056 mills, which will result in a tax increase for most homeowners.
Russ Mobley of Sautee Nacoochee was the lone citizen among a half dozen who commented during the county commission’s public hearing, who supported the board’s decision to maintain the millage rate. (Photo/Linda Erbele)

Russ Mobley of Sautee Nacoochee was the lone citizen among a half dozen who commented during the county commission’s public hearing, who supported the board’s decision to maintain the millage rate. (Photo/Linda Erbele)

Tax increases on the way in county

by Linda Erbele White County News   The White County Commission voted unanimously to maintain the millage rate from last year of 9.505 mills at its meeting July 31.
Elementary, middle and high school students and their parents eagerly wait in line for their free school supplies at last year’s event. (File photo)

Elementary, middle and high school students and their parents eagerly wait in line for their free school supplies at last year’s event. (File photo)

Back to School Bash to provide supplies, fun on Saturday

ν Look for the 2023-2024 Back to School Guide on Page 5B.   by Samantha Sinclair White County News   Families looking for school supplies will be able to find what they need at Freedom Park on Saturday. The Bridge Church will hold its annual Back to School Bash from 10 a.m.
Gold, silver and more recovered by Helen Police Department in connection with recent burglary. (Photo/submitted)

Gold, silver and more recovered by Helen Police Department in connection with recent burglary. (Photo/submitted)

Police search for burglary suspect

by Noah Johnson White County News   Helen police are searching for a man in connection with a $100,000 burglary. They have issued a warrant for Rodney Kevin Pierce, 54, of Doraville who is suspected of stealing jewelry, coins and other items out of a camper in Helen.
Renee Turner creates a variety of pottery in her studio that came together with help from her friends. (Photo/Jessica Wood)

Renee Turner creates a variety of pottery in her studio that came together with help from her friends. (Photo/Jessica Wood)

Turning point

by Jessica Wood White County News   One attraction at the White County Farmers Market each Saturday is a tree sculpture with pottery delicately hanging on the branches at Renee Turner’s Purple Toad Pottery booth. Turner’s art was prompted with a little help from her friends.
Antonella Skinner pleads her case to the board at the July 20 meeting. (Photo/Noah Johnson)

Antonella Skinner pleads her case to the board at the July 20 meeting. (Photo/Noah Johnson)

‘Totally against it’

by Noah Johnson White County News   At its public hearing Thursday night, the public responded to the White County Board of Commissioners’ plans to maintain the millage rate at 9.505 mills, considered a tax increase under state law.
Leah Smith, right, stands with Elena Radding, Sen. Raphael Warnock’s press secretary, outside the senator’s office on Capitol Hill. (Photo/submitted)

Leah Smith, right, stands with Elena Radding, Sen. Raphael Warnock’s press secretary, outside the senator’s office on Capitol Hill. (Photo/submitted)

Leah Smith goes to Washington

by Samantha Sinclair White County News   White County High School student Leah Smith spent a week in Washington, D.C. to learn about careers in journalism. She was selected as a National Youth Correspondent for the 2023 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University.