Edna Gazaway

Edna Gazaway, 81, of Dawsonville, died March 16, 2013. Born Aug. 1, 1931, to the late Grady and Lizzie Tatum, she was a lifelong resident of Dawson County.

Nellie Garrett Martin

Nellie Garrett Martin, 104, died March 14, 2013. She was born Dec. 5, 1908, in Old Milton County, now Milton, in Fulton County.

Valerie Jean Martin

Valerie Jean Martin, 29, of Forsyth County, died March 12, 2013. Valerie loved her family and friends intensely.

Honoring District 51

One of the best parts about serving in the Georgia State Senate is the ability to honor groups and individuals in the Senate chamber. I am proud to represent District 51 at the State Capitol, and I am even more proud of the efforts that keep our district one of the best places to work and raise a family in Georgia. While the work we do in the Senate is great, it pales in comparison to the way each of you represents the pride and labors of our communities.

Some things I have been learning

It is IRS time and I've been putting together information to take to the CPS who has figured Taylor taxes for decades (one thing I have not completely learned). Surprisingly, I admit my gratitude that, even with a limited income, I usually must pay some extra dollars. That means that I have had money to live well enough and have something left. Fortunately, I don't have huge medical bills or credit interest payments and I ...

From the mountains to the ocean

It is a theological fact that God really likes Georgia. That is why He put mountains in north Georgia and the Golden Isles smack up against the Atlantic Ocean and added a bunch of lakes and parks and historical sites in between. Otherwise, we could have been Iran. Or Detroit. I stopped by last week to visit the man who is entrusted with these assets, Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources Mark Williams, to ...

R.E.A.D. director honored

Each year, one Certified Literate Community Program director is selected among every other in the state to win the Georgia Press Association Award of Excellence in CLCP award. R.E.A.D. executive director Sandy Lipkowitz has been named the 2013 award recipient.

Forsythia signals the arrival of spring

Early March can be one of the blandest times in the landscape. It can be downright depressing not being able to see any green leaves or any signs of colorful flowers. However, as the month moves on, March soon becomes one of my favorite times of the year. Seemingly out of nowhere, small clusters of bright yellow flowers begin to pop up on shrubs all over town. These flowers belong to one of the most revered shrubs in our area - forsythia.

Elder to serve as acting president

Laura Elder has been chosen as acting president of Lanier Technical College following the retirement this week of Russell Vandiver, TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson announced today.

Lillie Jean Cagle

Lillie Jean Cagle, 88, of Cumming, died March 16, 2013. She was a member of Shady Grove Baptist church and part of the ladies Sunday school class.

Michele Keller Chesnut

Michele Keller Chesnut of Cumming died March 15, 2013. Michele graduated from Grissom High School in Huntsville, Ala., and obtained her pharmacy degree from Auburn University in 1982.

Shane Michael Thurmond

Shane Michael Thurmond, 42, of Dawsonville, died March 12, 2013. Born Feb. 3, 1971, he was a lifelong resident of Dawson County.

Margie Weaver

Margie Weaver, 74, of Dawsonville, died March 18, 2013. Born July 31, 1938, in Pickens County, she lived in Dawson County for the past 55 years.

City declares Lady Tigers Day

In the final chapter of the varsity Lady Tigers varsity basketball team's story, the city of Dawsonville decided to set aside a day just for the players. During a luncheon in honor of the 2012-13 team on Sunday at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, Dawsonville Mayor James Grogan proclaimed March 17, 2013, to be "Lady Tiger Day."

Sticks, stones really not that bad after all

There are a few words that my child knows I will not tolerate being uttered. Fat. Stupid. Retarded. Hate. Ugly.

Ex-bank manager charged in theft

Thena M. Caine

Thena M. Caine, 79, of Dawsonville, died May 18, 2013.

Wiley Mezick

Wiley Mezick, 64, of Dawsonville, died May 16, 2013.

Larry Cohran

Larry Cohran, 77, of McDonough, died May 15, 2013.

Kenneth Evans

Kenneth Evans, 81, of Dawsonville, died May 17, 2013.

Calibrate weed sprayers

I have answered many calls at the extension office in the past few weeks dealing with weed control in home lawns.

Revitalization interesting

It was interesting to read the recent recommendations for downtown Dawsonville revitalization. They were almost identical to the items we identified when the previous revitalization committee was active probably 15 years ago, including the desire to utilize the David house in some way. We also worked under the guidance of a University of Georgia planner, Paul Kreager.

It truly takes a village to raise a child

"I don't like change," Cole said solemnly one day. "I'm like a cat that way."

Memorial Day service Monday

A service Monday at Veterans Memorial Park will honor local military men and women who served their country honorably.

Grads ready to walk

Three days stand between more than 200 students and the next chapter of their lives.

Longtime educator retires

Friends and family gathered Sunday to honor a longtime Dawson County teacher and member of the Georgia Agriculture Education Hall of Fame on his upcoming retirement.

Expert: Students are not blueberries

Dear public school teachers in Georgia:

Mayor mulls run against Gov. Deal

David Pennington, the mayor of Dalton, is making noises about challenging incumbent Gov. Nathan Deal in the 2014 Republican primary. Say what?

City seeks funding for reservoir

The city of Dawsonville has taken another step toward making the Calhoun Creek reservoir a reality.

Middle school teams merging

In what is being billed as both a cost-saving and competitive measure, Dawson County and Riverview middle schools will combine their football, softball and wrestling programs, as well as their football cheerleading squads.