Helen

Pictured are locks that were on the bridge as of June 15. Because of the weight of all the locks over time, they have to be removed from the bridge. (Photo/Stephanie Hill)

Pictured are locks that were on the bridge as of June 15. Because of the weight of all the locks over time, they have to be removed from the bridge. (Photo/Stephanie Hill)

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Locks a weighty issue

Stephanie Hill
Thursday, June 24, 2021
As you walk across the pedestrian bridge in Helen you might see locks at the bottom of the bridge, some stacked several locks high. Attaching a padlock to a bridge and throwing away the key has long been a way for some couples to celebrate their romance.
The Helen City Commissioner has approved appointments to the newly reauthorized Helen Downtown Development Authority.

The Helen City Commissioner has approved appointments to the newly reauthorized Helen Downtown Development Authority.

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Helen DDA members appointed

Stephanie Hill
Thursday, June 17, 2021
The Helen City Commissioner has approved appointments to the newly reauthorized Helen Downtown Development Authority. The seven-member board will serve on staggered terms, with two members serving two-year terms, two serving four-year terms, and three serving six-year terms.
Even with sunny skies, Saturday in Helen was brightened by the annual Shriners parade through downtown. The June 12 procession through downtown featured a crowd-pleasing showcase of motor vehicles, costumes and good-natured antics. (Photos/Stephanie Hill)

Even with sunny skies, Saturday in Helen was brightened by the annual Shriners parade through downtown. The June 12 procession through downtown featured a crowd-pleasing showcase of motor vehicles, costumes and good-natured antics. (Photos/Stephanie Hill)

Shriners time in downtown Helen

News Staff
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Even with sunny skies, Saturday in Helen was brightened by the annual Shriners parade through downtown. The June 12 procession through downtown featured a crowd-pleasing showcase of motor vehicles, costumes and good-natured antics. (Photos/Stephanie Hill)
It's summer, which means it's budget time for local governments.

It's summer, which means it's budget time for local governments.

Budget hearings underway

News Staff
Thursday, June 17, 2021
It's summer, which means it's budget time for local governments. Some local governments have already held both of their budget hearings, and some have held the first hearings, with the second ones scheduled for the upcoming weeks.
The city of Helen has unveiled its proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2021-2022.

The city of Helen has unveiled its proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2021-2022.

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Helen holds first budget hearing

Stephanie Hill
Thursday, June 17, 2021
The city of Helen has unveiled its proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2021-2022. The Helen City Commission held its first of two public hearings on the budget June 15, though no one from the public commented. The proposed budget shows estimated general fund revenue of $3,493,229.
The 48th annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race and Festival wowed the crowds during the showcase, held June 3-5. Pilot Jonathan Wright is shown inside a balloon during inflations last Thursday, holding his dog, Wicket. (Photo/Wayne Hardy)

The 48th annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race and Festival wowed the crowds during the showcase, held June 3-5. Pilot Jonathan Wright is shown inside a balloon during inflations last Thursday, holding his dog, Wicket. (Photo/Wayne Hardy)

Hot air balloons paint sky over Helen

News Staff
Thursday, June 10, 2021
The 48th annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race and Festival wowed the crowds during the showcase, held June 3-5. Pilot Jonathan Wright is shown inside a balloon during inflations last Thursday, holding his dog, Wicket. Check out more photos in the June 10 issue of the White County News.
Conditions prevented the race from starting during Thursday morning's kickoff event on June 3, however, the crowd got to see the hot air balloons on display and chat with pilots. (Photo/Wayne Hardy)

Conditions prevented the race from starting during Thursday morning's kickoff event on June 3, however, the crowd got to see the hot air balloons on display and chat with pilots. (Photo/Wayne Hardy)

Hot air balloon showcase returns to Helen

News Staff
Thursday, June 3, 2021
The 48th annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race and Festival has arrived, scheduled for June 3-5. “We’re just really excited to be able to put on a beautiful show for people,” said event organizer Catherine Cleiman.
The Hayloft Restaurant and Bar will not appeal a recent citation from the city of Helen, though the owner says the establishment isn’t “out of control” and notes new operational procedures have already been implemented.

The Hayloft Restaurant and Bar will not appeal a recent citation from the city of Helen, though the owner says the establishment isn’t “out of control” and notes new operational procedures have already been implemented.

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Helen business doesn’t plan to appeal city’s citation; owner responds to officials’ claims

Stephanie Hill
Thursday, May 27, 2021
The Hayloft Restaurant and Bar will not appeal a recent citation from the city of Helen, though the owner says the establishment isn’t “out of control” and notes new operational procedures have already been implemented.
White County continues to see good numbers in regards to the coronavirus.

White County continues to see good numbers in regards to the coronavirus.

COVID cases continue steady trend in White County

News Staff
Thursday, May 27, 2021
White County continues to see good numbers in regards to the coronavirus. The county’s seven-day moving average of confirmed COVID-19 cases slightly increased after a decrease last week. The Georgia Department of Public Health’s May 25 status report showed the average at 1.
Helen City Commissioners approved a first reading of an ordinance amendment that allows tastings to be held at retail package stores that sell distilled spirits.

Helen City Commissioners approved a first reading of an ordinance amendment that allows tastings to be held at retail package stores that sell distilled spirits.

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Helen approves tasting ordinance amendment

Stephanie Hill
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Helen City Commissioners approved a first reading of an ordinance amendment that allows tastings to be held at retail package stores that sell distilled spirits.