Mark McKay
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Lead traffic reporter WSB Radio Atlanta. Triple Team Traffic reporter WSB-TV. EMMY 🏆winning 📺 sports anchor/reporter CNN & Edward R. Murrow Award winner 📻
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Articles by Mark McKay
White County Adds Three New Warning Sirens
(Cleveland)- White County is getting some additional outdoor warning sirens. On Monday, the White County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of three additional warning sirens. White County Public Safety Director David Murphy told the commissioners that these new sirens will be located at Yonah Preserve, Skylake Community, and White County High School.
Unattended Burn Pile Starts Fire In White County
(Cleveland)-Firefighters responded to an active woods fire on Wednesday. White County 911 Communications dispatched the Cleveland Fire Department to the area of Post Road and Cooley Woods Road, south of Cleveland, in response to a report of thick white smoke. White County Fire Services and White County Emergency Management’s UAS1 drone unit also responded to assist in locating the source of the smoke.
Mrs. Bonnie Lou Cochran, Age 74 Cleveland
Mrs. Bonnie Lou Cochran, age 74, of Cleveland, passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Mrs. Cochran was born in White County on April 17, 1950, to the late Charlie and Vennie Grindle Allen. She was a bookkeeper for Cooperative Purchasing for over 30 years. Survivors include her brothers, Ronald Allen, Charlie Allen (Janice), Benny Allen (Idell), Felix Allen (Sherry); sisters, Nellie Mae Ward and Merle Fowler (Wayne); and many nieces and nephews.
Maria Delores Cano, Age 60 Alto
Maria Dolores Cano, age 60, of Alto, Georgia passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at her residence. Ms. Cano was born on May 25, 1964 in Mexico to the late Manuel and Elena Contreras. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Luciano Contreras.
Cleveland Woman Arrested On Drug Trafficking Charges In Cornelia
(Cornelia)- Two people, including a woman from Cleveland, have been arrested on drug trafficking charges after an investigation Wednesday night outside a Dollar General store in Cornelia, according to the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office. Jeremy Keith May, 34, of Demorest, and Meagan Brooke Hutcheson, 25, of Cleveland, were taken into custody by the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and Special Operations Unit, which included K9 officers.
Shirley B. Hill, Jr. Age 92 Cleveland
Shirley B. Hill, Jr. age 92, of Cleveland, passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced soon. To share a memory or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.barrettfh.com Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland | (706) 865-3101 Views: 3
Randy Fowler, age 66, of Cleveland
Randy Fowler, age 66, of Cleveland, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025. Randy was born on July 28th, 1958, in Jacksonville, Florida to Laura Fowler and her late husband Ed Fowler. Randy moved several times across Florida and Georgia growing up, participating in Boy Scouts where he earned his Eagle Scout.
Robert Wayne Rose, age 78, of Cleveland
Robert Wayne Rose, age 78, of Cleveland, Ga passed away Thursday, March 13, 2025, at his home. Robert was born in Charleston, West Virginia on August 21, 1946. At a young age his family moved to Florida where he spent his youth and graduated from Marathon High School. He went on to become a mechanic by trade and worked for various dealerships in Florida, Georgia, West Virginia, and Tennessee until he retired.
White County Public Safety Busy Friday
(Cleveland)-White County Firefighters were very busy Friday responding to numerous calls. White County Public Safety Spokesperson Bryce Barrett said that at 2:30 PM, White County 911 Communications dispatched White County Fire Services, White County EMS, and the White County Sheriff’s Office to an area off Dyer Creek Road for a golf cart motor vehicle accident. Reports indicated a single pediatric patient was injured in the incident. AirLife Georgia was requested to assist with transport.
Cleveland Home Damaged In Friday Fire
(Cleveland)- A Cleveland home received moderate damage in a fire Friday evening. Cleveland Fire Chief Ricky Pruitt said they responded to the structure fire at 386 West Underwood Street in Cleveland at 6:29 PM. According to Pruitt, upon arrival,l heavy fire was showing. Fire units quickly extinguished the blaze and remained on scene for a couple of hours putting out hot spots. Pruitt said the cause is being investigated by the State Fire Marshall’s office.
Brian Shewbert, age 64, of Cleveland, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced soon. Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland | (706) 865 – 3101 Views: 2
Tony Lee Tipton, Age 86 Clarkesville
Tony Lee Tipton, age 86, of Clarkesville, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced soon. Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland | (706) 865 – 3101 Views: 2
Navigating the Global Tax Shift: Technology's Role in Calming the Waters | ABI
By Mark McKay and Neil Fletcher, Managing Directors with Alvarez & Marsal Tax UK LLP in London. The butterfly effect. A tiny flutter of wings in just the right place can trigger a hurricane thousands of miles away. That is chaos theory. What we are seeing across the global tax landscape today is not just one butterfly. It is a coordinated, strategic swarm of them, all flapping their wings in unison. The impact? Seismic shifts across the entire global tax and economic terrain.
Clara Ruth Smith James, Age 93 Demorest
Clara Ruth Smith James, age 93, of the Habersham Mills Community in Demorest, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Mrs. James was born January 12, 1932 in Tallulah Falls, Georgia to the late Frank Oscar Smith, Sr. and Clara Mae Holcomb Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Floyd James; infant son, Charles Lamar Bellamy; sister, Evelyn S. West; and brother, Frank O. Smith, Jr. Mrs.
Updated Cold Weather Advisory
2/19/25 Local – A cold weather advisory is in effect from 10pm this evening to 10am tomorrow morning. In an email from White County EMA Director Don Strength, very cold wind chills as low as 5 above can be expected during this advisory for portions of central, east central, north central, northeast, northwest, southeast, and west central Georgia.
American Red Cross Bloods Cleveland Feb 20 Clarkesville Feb 26 and 28
The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets in February to help build up the blood supply after thousands of donations went uncollected last month. People of all blood types – especially those with type O negative blood.
Dr. Emir Caner To Speak At Mount Yonah Baptist Church Sunday February 23
Dr. Emir Caner, President of Truett McConnell University will be bringing the message this Sunday, February 23, at Mount Yonah Baptist Church. Sunday School begins at 9:30 with worship service at 10:45 AM. The church is located at 882 Asbestos Road, Cleveland. Pastor Ross Roberts welcomes everyone to attend. Views: 15
Believers Concert Band Presents The Best Of The Wild West Sunday February 23
Believers Concert Band Presents The Best Of The Wild West Sunday February 23
Sautee Nacoochee Center Saturday Simple February 22
The Sautee Nacoochee Center invites everyone to Saturday Simple Breakfast, Saturday March 8, from 8 AM until 10 AM at the center’s community hall. This feast of pancakes, sausage, coffee and juice is free to all. Donations, which support the continuation of community breakfasts. Sautee Nachoochee Center is located at 283 Highway 255, Sautee Nacoochee. For more info, https://sauteenacoocheecenter.org/, 706-878-3300.
Barney Cleo Jenkins, 83, of Cleveland, Georgia, passed away on February 2, 2025, Cleo was born in Savannah, Georgia, to the late Cleo Jenkins and Mary Blackburn. He owned and operated a CPA firm, Jenkins & Associates, for over 30 years. He was also a member of Gideons International for 55 years and was deeply involved in spreading the gospel. Cleo loved sharing God’s word in local schools, churches, and working foreign ministries. He also enjoyed playing in church softball leagues.
Ophelia “Pete” Ivester Spivey, age 83, of Cornelia
Ophelia “Pete” Ivester Spivey, age 83, of Cornelia, passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Born on August 10, 1941, in Habersham County, she was a daughter of the late Julian Eugene Ivester and Beulah Shirley Ivester. Pete was a graduate of Tallulah Falls High School and retired from Georgia Mountain Community Services. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, doting grandmother, and great-grandmother. Pete was always a hard worker and well known for her famous homemade banana pudding.
Tina Renee Ramey, Age 63 Cornelia
Tina Renee Ramey, age 63, of Cornelia, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Born on January 24, 1961, in Atlanta, she was a daughter of the late Herbert Blankenship and Laverne Wilbanks Blankenship. Tina retired as a waitress with Stew-N-Que restaurant, where she served customers for many years.
UPDATED- Weather Related Cancelations
(Cleveland)- Winter Storm Cora, which brought heavy snow, freezing rain and ice to North Georgia brought with it some power outages. Habersham Electric and Georgia Power crews have been working round the clock during the storm. Minimal power outages have been seen on the HEMC outage map since Friday morning. With the melting of the ice from the powerlines things should improve into the evening.
Johnny Ray Adkins, age 61 of Cleveland
Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland announces the death of Mr. Johnny Ray Adkins, age 61 of Cleveland, who passed away Saturday. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced soon by Barrett Funeral Home in the death of Johnny Ray Adkins, age 61 of Cleveland Views: 2
The Cleveland-White County Optimist Club will hold a Hold a Holiday Craft Market this Friday and Saturday, December 6 & 7, at the Roy Ash, Jr. Community Room in Cleveland, on East Jarrard Street. The market will run from 12 noon until 6 PM Friday and from 9 AM until 5 PM Saturday. In addition to jewelry items you can embrace the season with unique handmade crafts, delightful treats and fun. Proceeds benefit the community projects sponsored by the Optimist Club.
Ribbon for Family Promise The Promise House
By: Nora Almaza (Clarkesville)- On Tuesday, December 3, Family Promise of White and Habersham County cut the ribbon to newly renovated homes for the homeless.
Accident Injures Six
10/31/24 Local – Habersham County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Habersham County Emergency Services units were dispatched at 1:44 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, to a three-vehicle wreck involving an overturned vehicle on Ga. 115 near Mineral Springs Connector. That location is between Ga. 105 (Cannon Bridge Road) and the White County line.
Doris Ann Butler Burzynski, age 81, of Dahlonega
Doris Ann Butler Burzynski, age 81, of Dahlonega, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. Born on November 11, 1942, in Dahlonega, Doris was the beloved daughter of the late Fred Butler and Verbie Anderson Butler.
Vehicle Destroyed In Wednesday Morning Parkway Fire
(Cleveland)- A vehicle fire early Wednesday morning in Cleveland destroyed a vehicle and caused some traffic delays. The fire was on the Appalachian Parkway at Highway 115 West. The incident was reported around 6:30 AM. Seth Weaver, with the Cleveland Fire Department, said when fire units arrived on scene they found a truck pulling a car hauler a car hauler with two cars on the trailer.
Elizabeth Ann Wallrich, age 86, of Cleveland
Elizabeth Ann Wallrich, age 86, of Cleveland, passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Mrs. Wallrich was born on December 13, 1938, in Walker County, to the late Fred and Eva Cathey Fox. She was a retired teacher and worked for Saint Stephen Academy. In addition to her parents, Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husbands, Rouse Thomas, Don Locke, and Jim Wallrich.
Frances Nola Carter Long Holbrooks, age 77 of Mt. Airy, took her heavenly flight home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Born on July 9, 1947, in Westminster, South Carolina, she was a daughter of the late Novie and Maggie Turpin Carter. Mrs. Holbrooks was retired from Habersham County School System, where she worked in the cafeteria. In her spare time, she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, and she also enjoyed reading.
(Cleveland)- The City of Cleveland has a new set of Zoning ordinances and Zoning map. The city council gave their approval to resend the existing ordinance and map and adopt the new set during their called meeting on Tuesday. Prior to the adoption, the council held two public hearings about the issue during which Economic Development and Planning Director Tom O’Bryant detailed changes that were made.
Bill "Mac" McNamara, Age 81 Clarkesville
Bill “Mac” McNamara, age 81 of Clarkesville, passed awaypeacefully on Monday, October 14, 2024. Born in Buffalo, New York on July 30,1943, Mac was the son of the late William and Mary McNamara. At a young age, he developed an enthusiasm for aviation. In his youth, Mac enjoyed building and flying model airplanes with his best friend of 75 years, Jim Metzger. As a teenager, he served several years in the Civil Air Patrol.
Firefighters Extinguish White County House Fire
(Cleveland)- Firefighters extinguished a structure fire that destroyed part of a White County home Wednesday. Bryce Barrett, White County Public Safety Spokesperson said, White County fire crews and emergency responders from multiple agencies responded to a 911 call just before 10:30 a.m. in the 5000 block of Highway 75 South.
White County Grand Jury Returns 26 True Bills Of Indictment
(Cleveland)- The White County Grand Jury convened this week to address cases brought before them. The jury body met Monday, October 7, and Tuesday, October 8, and returned a total of 26 true bills of indictment and one case was tabled. Among those indicted was 26-year-old Kayla Brooke Osburn of Commerce who was charged with 1st-degree Vehicular homicide, in connection with the April 2023, death of 26-year-old Wendell Lovell, of Cleveland.
Mrs. Ethel Ellen Morgan Autry, Age 95 Cleveland
Mrs. Ethel Ellen Morgan Autry, age 95, of Cleveland, passed away Thursday, October 10, 2024. Mrs. Autry was born in Jackson County, North Carolina, to the late Jim and Christine Duncan. In addition to parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, James Morgan, and brothers, Bill Duncan, Homer Duncan, and David Duncan. Mrs. Autry was a health care sitter for many years. She was a charter member of Northlake Baptist Church in Murrayville and attended Mt. Yonah Baptist Church in Cleveland.
Ronnie Elden Elliott, Age 64 Cornelia
Ronnie Elden Elliott, age 64 of Cornelia, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Born on October 26, 1959, in Clayton, he was a son of the late R.E. and Alice Waters Elliott. Ronnie was retired from Fieldale Farms and was of the Baptist faith. He was an avid race car fan, who also enjoyed deer hunting and fishing in his spare time. Mostly, he will be remembered for his tremendous love for his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James Waters.
Harley W. Goodman, Age 97 Toccoa
Harley W. Goodman, age 97, of Toccoa, Georgia went to his heavenly home on Thursday, October 3, 2024. Mr. Goodman was born on March 10, 1927 in Breckenridge, Missouri to the late Charlie and Goldie Mae Goodman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Frances Goodman; son, Ricky W. Goodman; and all of his siblings. Mr. Goodman was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Judy Elaine Ward Reddish, Age 74 Demorest
Judy Elaine Ward Reddish, age 74, of Demorest, Georgia peacefully entered her heavenly home on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 with her family by her side. Mrs. Reddish was born on May 27, 1950 in Charlotte, North Carolina to the late Clyde and Ruth Deamie Parson Ward. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Shelia Elaine Reddish; brother, Wayne Allen Ward. For a decade, Judy served as the manager of Dollar General on the square in Clarkesville.
Ernest "Moss" C. Cain, Age 88 of Dahlonega
Ernest “Moss” C. Cain, of Dahlonega, Georgia, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2024, at the age of 88. Born on August 3, 1935, in Dahlonega, Georgia, Moss was the beloved son of the late Henry Cain and Ellen Ridley Cain. Moss was preceded in death by his loving wife, Joyce Cain, as well as his siblings Edward Cain, TJ Cain Sr, Raymond Cain, HM Cain, and Ellen “Gail” Holbrook. He was also preceded in death by his loyal companion, his dog, “Pepper”.
White County Detention Center Report Week Ending April 30
(Cleveland)- The White County Sheriff’s Office has released the following information from the county detention center for the period ending April 30, 2024. This report is a list of people arrested and booked into the White County Detention Center. The individuals identified have been charged with a crime, but are not presumed guilty.
White County's Unemployment Rate 2.4 Percent In March
(Cleveland)- Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday said that all of Georgia’s Regional Commissions reported a slight rise in March unemployment rates. In the Georgia Mountains Region, which includes White County the unemployment rate bumped up one-tenth of a percentage point to 2.7 percent over the month, the rate was 2.8 percent one year ago.
Pany Rattanaxay, age 81, of Mt. Airy
Pany Rattanaxay, age 81, of Mt. Airy, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Mrs. Rattanaxay was born on October 12, 1942 in Thailand. She will be remembered as a loving mother to her children and a wonderful grandmother to her grandchildren. Pany was generous, kind, and loving to all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Boualam Rattanaxay.
Louise "Ann" Mayton, age 80 of Demorest
Louise “Ann” Mayton, age 80, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 20th, 2024, at her residence in Demorest. She was born on Sunday, December 26th, 1943 in Opelika, Alabama to the late Griffin McGinty and Louise Esther McGinty. She will be remembered as an incredible woman who was a diehard Auburn fan, a blessing to all who knew her, and loved by all. Ann was a beloved mother to her son, Thomas Griffin Mayton of Demorest, and a cherished sister to Dr. Don McGinty of Atlanta.
Relay For Life of White County Survivor & Caregiver Hope Dinner Friday May 3
Relay For Life of White County Survivor & Caregiver Hope Dinner Friday May 3
CLEVELAND POLICE ACTIVITY FOR 3/25 — 3/31 - WRWH
(Cleveland) – The Cleveland Police Department reports the following activities for March 25th through March 31st. March 26, 2024 — Officers responded to a two-vehicle accident on South Main Street. Minor damage to one vehicle, and extensive damage to a second vehicle, but no injuries were reported. The subject was arrested and issued citations for Driving Under the Influence and improper use of the center turn lane.
Unemployment Rate Unchanged In February
(Cleveland)- The Georgia Department of Labor Thursday reported that the February unemployment rate in White County was unchanged from the previous month. The preliminary rate of 2.3 percent was the same as the revised January rate. The labor department said that in February the labor force was 17,705 or those 17,297 were employed while 408 were unemployed.
(RV) Lady Bears finish 2-2 on the weekend
(LAURINBURG, N.C. ) – On Friday – Saturday, the (RV) Truett McConnell University women’s beach volleyball team traveled to compete in a two-day tournament where the Lady Bears defeated SUN conference opponents, St. Thomas University (4-1) and Florida Memorial University (3-2) on day one and fell to No. 9 Ave Maria (5-0) and St. Andrews University (3-2) on day two. TMU finishes the weekend with an overall record of 12-9, 6-4 SUN. DAY ONE TMU 4 – ST. THOMAS 1 Leah Bowen/Emma Boland (TMU) def.
Denton Humbles Saints In No. 1 Nighthawks' 1-0 Win
(DAHLONEGA )– The No. 1 University of North Georgia softball team only needed one run to win the Peach Belt Conference series against Flagler Sunday afternoon. A solo home run from junior infielder Grayson Perry was the difference in the 1-0 series finale victory from Haines & Carolyn Hill Stadium at Lynn Cottrell Park. After losing the first game of a double header on Saturday, UNG entered Sunday’s at risk of losing its first series of the season.
Bears split at home against Bulldogs
(CLEVELAND, Ga.) – On Saturday, the Truett McConnell University baseball team hosted Appalachian Athletic Conference foe Union College, where the Bears fell in game one with a score of 7-10, while clinching the win in game two in walk-off fashion. GAME ONE | 7-10 Union struck first in the second inning and third inning, forcing the Bears to work hard from behind with a score of 0-6.
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