Cleveland City Council meeting canceled
News January 3, 2022
CLEVELAND, Ga.– The City of Cleveland City Council meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. today (January 3, 2022) has been cancelled. For further information or questions, please feel free to contact City Administrator Tom O’Bryant: (706) 865-2017 – Office; (706) 809-3368 – Mobile
Fire Chief cautions proper use of space heaters
Business October 21, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — At 1:10AM on Wednesday, Oct. 20, White County Fire with mutual aid from the City of Cleveland were dispatched to 272 Tulip Trail in Cleveland for a reported single-family dwelling fire. Occupants reported sparks coming from an electrical outlet. Fire units on the scene found no fire, and no damage. Units returned in-service shortly after arrival.
Chief Weaver of White County Fire Services wishes to take this opportunity to remind our customers to properly and safely use space heaters according to the manufacturer directions. Do not overload receptacle outlets with too many devices into a single outlet and to properly use extension cords. This is the time of the year to make sure your chimney is clean and to burn only dry wood in your fireplace. Time is about to change, and with clocks rolling back its time to check those valuable smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries.
If you have any questions or need guidance on improving your home safety, please contact our office at 706-865-9500.
City, County issue joint statement on consolidation of fire services
Press Release June 8, 2021
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — The City of Cleveland City Council and the White County Board of Commissioners will be entering into discussions regarding the consolidation of Fire Protection Services for the City of Cleveland and White County.
Both the City and County have worked diligently to provide the highest standard of fire protection to the citizens and businesses of Cleveland and White County. Direct improvements such as increasing the number of full-time fire fighters, investment in the water system, and increased training and certification of personnel have resulted in the improvement of both the city and county ISO rating.
While the current mutual aid agreement allows the city and county to work closely with each other on the delivery of fire services, it is important to note that both agencies have an obligation to the taxpayers to operate as efficiently as possible and reduce any duplication of services.
“I view this as a chance to incorporate the Cleveland Fire Station into one of our county’s lead stations with additional personnel and resources. The ability to disburse fire and emergency personnel from the City of Cleveland will enhance our capability to serve Cleveland and half of White County due to its proximity to major roads. Through the sharing of resources, we hope to create a more efficient and cost-effective way to better serve ALL the citizens of White County.” – Chairman Travis C. Turner
“We are pleased to begin negotiations with the county to consolidate fire services. We are exploring this consolidation with public safety being the top priority and continuing a high-level a professional service that the city and county fire personnel currently provide. There will be ample opportunity for the public to provide input and share concerns throughout this process including a public hearing. I look forward to working with the county commissioners and the city council over the coming months as we negotiate an agreement beneficial to all parties.” – Mayor Josh Turner, City of Cleveland
Meet Nigel the Nyala
Community August 28, 2020
MEET NIGEL THE NYALA
Introducing Nigel, the newest resident at the North Georgia Wildlife Park! Nigel is a “nyala”, a type of antelope from southern Africa. When full grown, Nigel may weigh as much as 300 pounds, and have beautiful spiral horns. But right now, he’s just a cute little baby with white stripes on his sides. He is as gentle as he is beautiful and is already used to people.
When Nigel was born, he had some difficulties. His mother rejected him, and he was not able to nurse. But Hope Bennett, co-owner of North Georgia Wildlife Park, loves a challenge. She brought Nigel to the Park and began to bottle feed him several times each day. It was not long before he began to perk up, and today is he a healthy young nyala.
You can meet Nigel on our Safari Drive Thru, or on our Sunset Safari Tour. Visit www.ngwpark.com for more info and to make your reservations. North Georgia Wildlife Park is located at 2912 Paradise Valley Road in Cleveland, GA.
Turner ready to put in hard work to be mayor
News May 11, 2020
CLEVELAND, Ga. – Josh Turner said Thursday his campaign for mayor of Cleveland is very much about the future.
“We have to be working now to plan our future,” he said. “I’m ready to put in the hard work for the next generation,” he said. “I want my kids other kids growing up in Cleveland to have better opportunities and more choices for successful career paths.”
Although this is the first run for elected office for the 34-year-old Turner, he is no stranger to government. A graduate of White County High School and the University of North Georgia, he is director of the Georgia Driver’s Education Commission. In that role, he is responsible for budgeting, planning, and executing the operations of the Commission. He is also a member of the White County Development Authority.
Turner has a history of public service, having served as a member of the board of directors of Enotah Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), a member of the White County Development Authority and a delegate to the 2008 Republican National Convention.
Leadership, he said, is the most critical need for the City. “I feel like the City needs strong leadership to provide solutions for the future, including infrastructure, sewer, water and transportation. It also includes solutions for the downtown area. Parking is a huge issue. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m willing to work toward a solution. I look forward to working with the City Council to provide greater economic opportunities.”
Josh, and his wife, Lacy, have two kids, a five-year-old kindergartner in the White County school system and an eleven-month-old. The Turners are active members of Concord Baptist Church.
Fetch Your News has attempted to contact Turner’s opponent. As soon as she responds, we will highlight her campaign as well.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Cleveland Mayor Shan Ash resigns effective immediately
News December 30, 2019
CLEVELAND, Ga. – Shan Ash who ran unopposed for a second term as Cleveland’s mayor in this year’s municipal election abruptly resigned today, citing “unforeseen recent events.”
In Ash’s letter of resignation obtained via an open records request, he wrote:
“Much has been accomplished in the past four years. It is my hope that my civic service will have a positive impact for years to come for our community. It has been a privilege to lead the City of Cleveland employees who are outstanding and dedicated to making our town a better place. I am deeply grateful for their commitment to Cleveland.”
He is expected to serve until a replacement can be found.
Ash would have taken the oath of office along with Cleveland City Council members Annie Sutton and Nan Bowen at a called meeting scheduled for Monday (Dec. 30). Councilman Bradley Greene is Cleveland’s mayor pro tem.
City Administrator Tom O’Bryant said Cleveland will need to hold a special election for mayor.
Fetch Your News will have more details when they become available.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Boil water advisory lifted for City of Cleveland
News October 20, 2019
CLEVELAND, Ga. — The boil water advisory caused by a break in a six-inch water main in Cleveland on Friday was lifted Saturday.
The advisory affected Kenimer Street, Old Blairsville Road, White Street and a portion of Wilford Ash Parkway It also led to the closing of White County Middle School since city workers had to shut off water to make necessary repairs.
The Environmental Protection Division (EPD) issued the advisory to protect the safety of drinking water to city customers. Saturday morning, the EPD notified city officials that all tests are clear and the advisory has been lifted.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Busy agenda set for Monday’s BOC work session
News October 27, 2019
CLEVELAND, Ga. – Monday’s White County Board of Commissioners work session could be a lengthy one with 18 items — including eight zoning issue — on the agenda. The meeting will begin at 4:30 p.m.
Work sessions are for commissioners to discuss items they will vote on during regular voting sessions.
Five of the zoning requests are for the purpose of operating as short-term rental units. One proposed use is for operation of a wedding/tourism event center.
Commissioners also will address two requests for county property to be annexed into city limits. One of those is located at 1847 Hwy. 129 in Cleveland. The other is 52 Comer Circle (South Main Street) in Helen.
A representative from Truett McConnell University will appear before the Board to request a revenue bond issuance through the White County Development Authority.
2020 being an election year, commissioners will discuss the administration of next year’s elections.
Other items to be considered, include:
A surplus resolution for disposal of obsolete public safety equipment:
Bids received for two certificates of deposit currently held at United Community Bank;
Fiscal Year 2018-19 budget amendments;
2020 Board appointments to the Board of Assessors, Building Authority, Planning Commission, and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
White County Commissioners Will Discuss Budget Process at Monday Work Session
News May 21, 2017
CLEVELAND, Ga. – White County Commissioners will get a preliminary look at the 2018 proposed budget and discuss the upcoming budget process when they meet in a work session and called meeting Monday at 4:30 p.m.
There will be a discussion of appointments to several county boards including the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Convention and Visitors Board of Directors, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Region 1 Board, Department of Family and Children’s Services Board and the Water Authority.
Retired Chief Probate Clerk Sandra McAfee will be presented a proclamation in honor of here 34 years of service to White County. McAfee retired at the end of April.
Commissioners will review proposals for the construction-manager-at-risk project at Yonah Preserve when they meet Monday at 4:30 p.m.
The City of Cleveland has proposed annexation of 4.06 acres owned by Woodlands Camp and Conference Center. Commissioners will review that proposal.
Commissioners will also discuss the 2017 Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG).
SPLOST Manager Kevin Hamby will present a monthly SPLOST status report and Finance Director Vicki Mays will present the monthly financial status report.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at www.fetchyournews.com
O’Bryant is Sole Finalist for Cleveland City Manager Job
News June 29, 2017
Tom O’Bryant is sole finalist for Cleveland City Manager job.
CLEVELAND — White County Community and Economic Development Director Tom O’Bryant is the sole finalist for the position of Cleveland City Manager.
The city received 29 applications for the position and interviewed four applicants before naming O’Bryant as the finalist.
O’Bryant has been employed by the county since 2006.
A city-issued press release said O’Bryant’s appointment as city manager will be announced at the July 10 meeting.
“This is a wonderful opportunity,” O’Bryant said Thursday. “I look forward to working with the mayor and city council to help move the city forward.”
Second Public Hearing on School Budget is Set for Thursday
News June 27, 2017
CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Board of Education will hold the second public hearing on the fiscal year 2018 budget Thursday at 6 p.m.
School officials say they are facing a budget shortfall of $145,515, but that amount can be made up out of the fund balance and no millage increase is expected.
However, the final tax digest numbers from the tax commissioner’s office will not be available until July so school officials have not been able to calculate whether there will be a rollback millage rate. If the school system or county is not willing to rollback the millage rate to be consistent with what the tax commissioner has calculated, it would be deemed a tax increase for the system. A notice of property tax increase would have to be advertised and two more public hearings held.
Board members will also discuss renewal of an agreement with the City of Cleveland and White County Sheriff’s Office to provide school resource officers (SRO) at schools.
Also on the agenda will be a discussion of furlough days to be observed and five-year facilities plan.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at www.fetchyournews.com
Greene, Stanley Qualify for City Council Races
News August 26, 2017
City Clerk Connie Tracas
CLEVELAND, Ga. – Qualifying for the 2017 City of Cleveland municipal elections ended Friday with one incumbent and one new candidate qualified for the November election.
City Clerk advised that Bradley Greene has qualified to run for reelection in Ward 4 and Kevin Stanley qualified to run in Ward 3, a seat currently held by Edward Young.
The election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 7 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
If you have any questions about your voting status, call City Clerk Connie Tracas 706-865-2017 or visit www.cityofclevelandga.org.
Fetch Your News will post profile articles on all the candidates in the coming weeks and provide the most comprehensive news coverage of all the races.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Ultralight Plane Crashes in Cleveland
News September 10, 2016
CLEVELAND, Ga. — A Quicksilver ultralight aircraft crashed into the woods off Hwy. 115 East in White County late Friday afternoon. Authorities were not contacted immediately and Cleveland Fire Chief David Murphy said units from the Cleveland Sheriff’s Office were not dispatched to the crash site until around noon Saturday.
Sources tell Fetch Your News that there were two people on board and one was Cleveland Mayor Shan Ash. Neither is believed to have suffered serious injuries. The other was not identified. Fetch Your News will have more details as they become available.
Commissioners OK Wrecker Impound Lot Despite Pleas of City, Area Residents
News August 10, 2016
CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners approved a very unpopular zoning change Monday that allows a wrecker impound lot to be built on 2.24 acres at the end of Helton Street, part of which is located in the City of Cleveland.
Property owners Don Payne and Terry Kimbrell requested the change from R-1 Residential to C2 Highway Business District in an area that does not have the highway access called for in the C2 classification. Although the property backs up to the Appalachian Parkway, it does not have access from that road.
Commissioners held two public hearings on the issue and at one, the meeting room was filled with area residents who strongly opposed the rezoning. Opponents said it would increase truck traffic in a residential area and endanger children. They also voiced concern that the business would eventually become a junkyard that would have a negative impact on property values.
The City of Cleveland has also voiced its opposition to the reclassification.
The vote to approve the zoning change was 4-1 with Commissioner Terry Goodger opposed. When the final vote was announced, one angry area resident registered her protest and stormed out of the meeting.
There were some conditions attached to the approval. The owners will have to use Campbell Street off Highway 115 West to access the property and if the property is sold and the usage changes the issue would have to come back to the county for a review. Also, commissioners said the lot can never become a junkyard.
Fire Destroys White County Home, No Injuries Reported
News July 26, 2016
CLEVELAND, Ga. — Fire completely consumed a home at 628 Frank Black Road in White County last night. No one was injured but the remote location of the home — nearly half a mile from the nearest hydrant — complicated firefighting efforts and kept fire service personnel busy throughout the night.
White County Public Safety Director David Murphy said, “Units had to shuttle water in and out. The driveway is about a quarter of a mile off of the main road, so they had to shuttle from the closest hydrant which was another quarter of a mile down the road.”
Units from White County, the City of Cleveland, the City of Helen and Lee Arendale State Prison Fire Department responded to the fire.
Two of the three occupants of the home have disabilities and were aided by the Red Cross.
“Because of the size of the structure and the limited water supply, the decision was made to back out into a defensive mode and let the fire burn itself out,” Murphy said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.