Emir Caner was Truett McConnell University’s president for 17 years. He separated from TMU in September 2025.

Emir Caner was Truett McConnell University’s president for 17 years. He separated from TMU in September 2025.

Former TMU President Emir Caner sues university over contract termination

By Carly Henderson  Former Truett McConnell University President Emir Caner has filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit against the university, alleging trustees improperly terminated his employment last year despite a contract that was set to run through 2031.
The Community Thrift Store on Highway 115 E. in Cleveland gives out grants to local nonprofits on a quarterly basis. The most recent grant presentation was on June 18. From left: Sedina Dove, Jackie McDaniel, Frank Morrell (back), Mark Thomason (back), Gail Smith, Carol Dobson, Kim Sosebee, Tammi Terrall, Tim Skidmore and Paul Veen. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

The Community Thrift Store on Highway 115 E. in Cleveland gives out grants to local nonprofits on a quarterly basis. The most recent grant presentation was on June 18. From left: Sedina Dove, Jackie McDaniel, Frank Morrell (back), Mark Thomason (back), Gail Smith, Carol Dobson, Kim Sosebee, Tammi Terrall, Tim Skidmore and Paul Veen. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Community Thrift Store awards grants

The Community Thrift Store awarded $45,000 in grants to four non-profit organizations that serve...
White County High School graduate Bryson Howe, left, prepares to sign his commitment pledge during a signing ceremony on June 18. Howe received a congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy from Congressman Andrew Clyde, right.

White County High School graduate Bryson Howe, left, prepares to sign his commitment pledge during a signing ceremony on June 18. Howe received a congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy from Congressman Andrew Clyde, right.

Howe receives principal appointment to Naval Academy

By Denise Etheridge 
The Community Thrift Store on Highway 115 E. in Cleveland gives out grants to local nonprofits on a quarterly basis. The most recent grant presentation was on June 18. From left: Sedina Dove, Jackie McDaniel, Frank Morrell (back), Mark Thomason (back), Gail Smith, Carol Dobson, Kim Sosebee, Tammi Terrall, Tim Skidmore and Paul Veen. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

The Community Thrift Store on Highway 115 E. in Cleveland gives out grants to local nonprofits on a quarterly basis. The most recent grant presentation was on June 18. From left: Sedina Dove, Jackie McDaniel, Frank Morrell (back), Mark Thomason (back), Gail Smith, Carol Dobson, Kim Sosebee, Tammi Terrall, Tim Skidmore and Paul Veen. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

Community Thrift Store awards grants

The Community Thrift Store awarded $45,000 in grants to four non-profit organizations that serve...
White County High School graduate Bryson Howe, left, prepares to sign his commitment pledge during a signing ceremony on June 18. Howe received a congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy from Congressman Andrew Clyde, right.

White County High School graduate Bryson Howe, left, prepares to sign his commitment pledge during a signing ceremony on June 18. Howe received a congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy from Congressman Andrew Clyde, right.

Howe receives principal appointment to Naval Academy

By Denise Etheridge 
WCHS' Maddie Kate Hall was named to the Class AAA All-State girl's golf team. WCHS ATHLETICS/SPECIAL

WCHS' Maddie Kate Hall was named to the Class AAA All-State girl's golf team. WCHS ATHLETICS/SPECIAL

All-State honors

Maddie Kate Hall, who graduated from White County High School in May, has been named to the Georgia...
Spencer Adams made his pitching debut with the Round Rock Express Wednesday night.  GASTONIA GHOST PEPPERS/SPECIAL

Spencer Adams made his pitching debut with the Round Rock Express Wednesday night. GASTONIA GHOST PEPPERS/SPECIAL

Adams signs with Rangers

by Mark TurnerWhite County News
Emir Caner was Truett McConnell University’s president for 17 years. He separated from TMU in September 2025.

Emir Caner was Truett McConnell University’s president for 17 years. He separated from TMU in September 2025.

By Carly Henderson  Former Truett McConnell University President Emir Caner has filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit against the university, alleging trustees improperly terminated his employment last year despite a contract that was set to run through 2031.The complaint, filed June 5 in…
WCHS' Maddie Kate Hall was named to the Class AAA All-State girl's golf team. WCHS ATHLETICS/SPECIAL

WCHS' Maddie Kate Hall was named to the Class AAA All-State girl's golf team. WCHS ATHLETICS/SPECIAL

Maddie Kate Hall, who graduated from White County High School in May, has been named to the Georgia High School Golf Coaches Association Class AAA All-State team. Hall is one of eight players from the state to be named to the Class AAA first team. Hall helped lead the Lady Warriors to fifth place…
White County's Alex Freeman was  selected as a utility player on the GADC Class AAA All-State second team. JENNNIFER KNIGHT/WCN

White County's Alex Freeman was selected as a utility player on the GADC Class AAA All-State second team. JENNNIFER KNIGHT/WCN

by Mark TurnerWhite County NewsA pair of White County High School baseball players have earned a spot on the Georgia Dugout Club 2026 GHSA Postseason All-State team.Alex Freeman and Cooper Garrett were named to the Class AAA All-State second team. The honors came after Freeman and Garrett were both…
Spencer Adams made his pitching debut with the Round Rock Express Wednesday night.  GASTONIA GHOST PEPPERS/SPECIAL

Spencer Adams made his pitching debut with the Round Rock Express Wednesday night. GASTONIA GHOST PEPPERS/SPECIAL

by Mark TurnerWhite County NewsIn a matter of 96 hours and more than 2,800 miles, Spencer Adams' life took a big turn over Father's Day weekend.Adams, who restarted his professional baseball career in 2025, has spent the last two years playing in independent baseball leagues, working and praying…
Send Letters to the Editor to editor@whitecountynews.net.  Please include a phone number and town of residence.

Send Letters to the Editor to editor@whitecountynews.net. Please include a phone number and town of residence.

 The U.S., and White County, are celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary this year by going bigger on July 4th for Independence Day.Americans will celebrate two and a half centuries of freedom this July 4th, the nation's uniquely bold summer holiday that commemorates the signing of the…
The Community Thrift Store on Highway 115 E. in Cleveland gives out grants to local nonprofits on a quarterly basis. The most recent grant presentation was on June 18. From left: Sedina Dove, Jackie McDaniel, Frank Morrell (back), Mark Thomason (back), Gail Smith, Carol Dobson, Kim Sosebee, Tammi Terrall, Tim Skidmore and Paul Veen. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

The Community Thrift Store on Highway 115 E. in Cleveland gives out grants to local nonprofits on a quarterly basis. The most recent grant presentation was on June 18. From left: Sedina Dove, Jackie McDaniel, Frank Morrell (back), Mark Thomason (back), Gail Smith, Carol Dobson, Kim Sosebee, Tammi Terrall, Tim Skidmore and Paul Veen. DENISE ETHERIDGE/WCN

The Community Thrift Store awarded $45,000 in grants to four non-profit organizations that serve some of White County's most vulnerable residents, during a presentation on June 18 at 1160 E. Kytle Street (Highway 115 East). This quarter, the thrift store awarded grants to Caring and Sharing,…
Send Letters to the Editor to editor@whitecountynews.net.  Please include a phone number and town of residence.

Send Letters to the Editor to editor@whitecountynews.net. Please include a phone number and town of residence.

 On June 28, 1787, there had been little progress made during four  or 5 five weeks of “close attendance and continual reasoning with each other” among the delegates at the Constitutional Convention. Benjamin Franklin—the elder statesman—then stood and reminded them that during the recent…
A cadet slides down an inflatable water slide during the White County Junior Law Enforcement Academy. The program includes physical training and team-building activities designed to introduce students to careers in law enforcement and public safety. PHOTOS BY CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

A cadet slides down an inflatable water slide during the White County Junior Law Enforcement Academy. The program includes physical training and team-building activities designed to introduce students to careers in law enforcement and public safety. PHOTOS BY CARLY HENDERSON/WCN

By Carly Henderson The first week of the White County Junior Law Enforcement Academy took place June 15-19, giving local students a hands-on introduction to careers in law enforcement and public safety.Hosted annually by the White County Sheriff’s Office, the Junior Law Enforcement Academy (…
Bill Hager

Bill Hager

By Bill Hager Here’s a true confession: I actually like fishing on the Chattahoochee River in downtown Helen.  Why not?  It’s not that far from where I live, they stock the river every week during the summer with lots of trout, and it’s entertaining in its own unique way.Yes, I’m…
Ivy Rutzky

Ivy Rutzky

By Ivy Rutzky On an early Thursday morning, Jimmie Tinius looked out her kitchen window. A hot-air balloon was sitting on the lawn. She lives at Starlight in the Nacoochee Valley. Jimmie walked out onto her front porch and waved hello. Crew chief Missy Meyer walked up to the porch to ask…
Dink NeSmith

Dink NeSmith

By Dink NeSmith         How do you step back 40 years in time?        For me, it was “stumbling.”I stumbled across an old black-and-white photograph—circa 1986—that led to an old poster. And that time-yellowed poster is tied to another story that goes…
WCHS' Maddie Kate Hall was named to the Class AAA All-State girl's golf team. WCHS ATHLETICS/SPECIAL

WCHS' Maddie Kate Hall was named to the Class AAA All-State girl's golf team. WCHS ATHLETICS/SPECIAL

All-State honors

Maddie Kate Hall, who graduated from White County High School in May, has been named to the Georgia...
Spencer Adams made his pitching debut with the Round Rock Express Wednesday night.  GASTONIA GHOST PEPPERS/SPECIAL

Spencer Adams made his pitching debut with the Round Rock Express Wednesday night. GASTONIA GHOST PEPPERS/SPECIAL

Adams signs with Rangers

by Mark TurnerWhite County News