Local

County is closing the rec center pool and thinking of putting in a splash pad.

County is closing the rec center pool and thinking of putting in a splash pad.

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County closing rec pool, seeks local options

Wayne Hardy
Thursday, February 24, 2022
The White County Board of Commissioners has chosen to close the outdoor recreation department pool but are considering other options to provide similar activities.
The City of Helen wants the county offices to manage city elections.

The City of Helen wants the county offices to manage city elections.

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Helen wants county to manage elections

Ashley Blair
Thursday, February 24, 2022
The Helen City Commission plans to contract with the White County election office to conduct its municipal elections. White County Elections Supervisor Akyn Bailey quoted a price of $5,717.35 to run Helen’s city elections.
Kalin Kennedy and Anthony Johnson

Kalin Kennedy and Anthony Johnson

WCHS STAR performers

Ashley Blair
Thursday, February 24, 2022
Anthony Johnson has been named White County High School’s STAR student for the Class of 2022, choosing Kalin Kennedy as STAR teacher. The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) award is a recognition by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators.
Dozens of artists and their works will be showcased over a two-day event at the Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center and the Helen Arts and Heritage Center. (File photos)

Dozens of artists and their works will be showcased over a two-day event at the Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center and the Helen Arts and Heritage Center. (File photos)

WinterFest Arts Tour returns this weekend with two-site showcase

News Staff
Friday, February 18, 2022
This weekend will feature a two-site showcase of various artists over two days during the 2022 WinterFest Art Tours. The Helen Arts & Heritage Center and Sautee Nacoochee Center are hosting their annual art festivals, including more than 75 artists.
County burn ban lifted, but officials urge residents to follow burn rules

County burn ban lifted, but officials urge residents to follow burn rules

County burn ban lifted, but officials remind residents to follow burn rules

News Staff
Thursday, February 17, 2022
White County has lifted a recent burn ban due to improving weather conditions, but safety officials are reminding the community of the rules of outdoor burning according to Georgia law. Property owners who do not follow the burn regulations can be cited and held liable.
Dry conditions and wind had led to warnings of high fire danger ahead of the Unicoi Fire that began Saturday, Feb. 12, and grew to include 184 acres. (Photo courtesy White County Public Safety)

Dry conditions and wind had led to warnings of high fire danger ahead of the Unicoi Fire that began Saturday, Feb. 12, and grew to include 184 acres. (Photo courtesy White County Public Safety)

Crews contain 184-acre Unicoi Fire

News Staff
Thursday, February 17, 2022
Rainfall forecast for Thursday was expected to aid fire crews working to contain a wildfire that began at Tray Mountain off Ga. 356 and spread to 184 acres. The Unicoi Fire started Saturday, Feb.
Valedictorian Ruth Davidson (left) and Salutatorian Rachel Harris (right).

Valedictorian Ruth Davidson (left) and Salutatorian Rachel Harris (right).

Davidson, Harris at top of WCHS Class of 2022

Ashley Blair
Thursday, February 17, 2022
Ruth Davidson is White County High School’s Class of 2022 valedictorian, with Rachel Harris earning salutatorian honors. Davidson said she is excited to be named valedictorian, though she recognizes the hard work of her classmates.
The Refined Table (at left) has relocated to East Kytle Street on the Cleveland square. Plans are in the works for Farmhouse Commons to open in the space to the right.

The Refined Table (at left) has relocated to East Kytle Street on the Cleveland square. Plans are in the works for Farmhouse Commons to open in the space to the right.

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Cleveland square adds new store, as plans set for ‘Farmhouse Commons’

Ashley Blair
Thursday, February 17, 2022
Change has come to the southeast part of the Cleveland square, with more planned to come. Farmhouse Coffee, on the north end of the downtown square, recently announced it would be expanding with a new location called Farmhouse Commons.
Ed Ward asked the Cleveland Council to allow a package store in Cleveland.

Ed Ward asked the Cleveland Council to allow a package store in Cleveland.

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Package sales of distilled spirits in Cleveland proposed

Ashley Blair
Thursday, February 17, 2022
The Cleveland City Council has been asked to consider allowing package sale of distilled spirits, such as liquor. Ed Ward spoke at a Feb.14 about his desire to establish a store and a city referendum on whether to allow such sales.