School board in talks to purchase buildings

The Dawson County school system's central office may soon relocate downtown. The local school board came out of executive session Monday night and announced its interest in buying 2.5 acres at 28 Main St., the former home of Community & Southern Bank.

Take a dog’s approach to life

I wish I were more like my Border collie. Really, I do. She is the happiest soul I have ever met. Pumpkin has zero worries, is always happy to see everyone, and never gets upset - she's quick to forgive even after the Evil Beagle has attacked her over nothing. Of course, Pepper can either cuddle to make up for her poor manners or Pumpkin will sit on that rotten little hound's head, either one ...

Gilreath Player of the Year

Region 7-AAA selected its All-Region team last week. The team, voted on by coaches, chose Ebo Smith from North Hall and Carly Gilreath from Dawson County as Player-of-the-Year recipients. Selected for the girls' first team were Gilreath, Lady Tiger teammate Sheyenne Seabolt, Buford players Kristina Nelson, Maya Dillard, and Mackenzie Darrah and Taylor Kennedy from Banks County.

Finalists named for next Lanier Tech president

A technical college president and two vice presidents are the finalists to become the next president of Lanier Technical College.

Pauline “Polly” Harris Arrington

Pauline "Polly" Harris Arrington, 92, of Forsyth County, died March 2, 2013. She was born March 30, 1920.

For ethics reform, party isn’t over yet

The Georgia House of Representatives has passed an ethics reform bill and has sent it on its way to the state Senate for its consideration and action. But don't get out the confetti just yet. What one body sees as true ethics reform, the other sees as a desultory effort to curb the power and influence of those lizard-loafered lobbyists skulking the halls of the Gold Dome. We the Unwashed? We are caught in the middle, as usual.

Yvonne C. Melancon

Yvonne C. Melancon, 84, of Dawsonville, died March 2, 2013. Born Oct. 16, 1928, in New Orleans, La., to the late Joseph Robert and Marietta Lawton, she had lived in Dawson County for the past 20 years.

Medical Plaza to open soon

Dawson County will soon have a new location for help with medical needs. Medical Plaza 400, a part of the Northeast Georgia Health System, is set to open in April at what was formerly the Moto 400 building, located north of the intersection of Hwy. 53 and Ga. 400.

School budget anticipates another hit

The budget was at the forefront of the many topics the Dawson County Board of Education discussed during its annual retreat last week. While the 2014 fiscal year budget has not been set, it's expected to total about $32 million, which would be a drop of about $3 million from the current year's budget.

Student ticketed for driving safely

Kelly Maradiaga was caught by the Dawson County Sheriff's Office driving safe on Feb. 25 at the local high school. Maradiaga received a driving "citation" for driving a safe speed and for always wearing her seatbelt.

Crabgrass control

After a chilly weekend with daytime temperatures in the 40s, it can be hard to think about your summer lawn. However, now is the time to start thinking about controlling that most hated of all lawn weeds - crabgrass. Crabgrass is a summer annual weed, which means it germinates in the early spring, grows throughout the summer, and dies off in early fall. By the time you see it invading your lawn in early summer ...

Every daughter’s nightmare, turning into Mama

My friend Ashley posted one of those funny photos on Facebook the other day that made me laugh - until I realized how true it was. It read: "Sometimes when I open my mouth, my mother comes out."

Looking toward Crossover Day

This past week, the Senate passed House Bill 266, which would update Georgia's IRS code and clarify measures from 2012's tax reform overhaul by a vote of 41-7. The bill was amended from its original version to reconcile any unintended financial repercussions from last year's comprehensive tax reform package.

Ladies take down SW Macon

SAVANNAH - Dawson County senior Carly Gilreath had an idea it might be a good night. "I was telling my team before the game that I didn't miss a shot during warmups," she said, "and that they should knock on wood that it continues."

Lady Tigers win

SAVANNAH --Dawson County senior Carly Gilreath had an idea it might be a good night. "I was telling my team before the game that I didn't miss a shot during warmups," she said, "and that they should knock on wood that it continues."

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.