Vera Carter

Vera Carter, 87, of Dawsonville, died Feb. 18, 2013. Mrs. Carter was born April 13, 1925, to the late H. Percy and Nellie Cox.

Keeping transportation costs at a fiscally responsible price

Although I was just recently named chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I am not new to the discussion on Georgia's wide range of transportation needs. As a former DOT board member and a former county commissioner, I am well-versed in the transportation needs of more rural areas of the state, and as a former member of the Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Overview Committee (MARTOC) I have also had the chance to review some of ...

Even unanticipated, decisions bring results

It is often difficult to foresee the end results of an action when it is initiated, although we are constantly taking actions that have far-reaching outcomes. That's exactly what life is all about. Sometimes the results are serendipitous (look that one up), sometimes calamitous or run-of-the-mill or even unobserved. Generally, I think, we must look back and analyze situations in order to realize the cause/effect steps.

Another busy week in the General Assembly

Last Wednesday marked the 20th legislative day, which puts us half way through the 2013 legislative session. The day was extremely special for me, because this was the day that House Bill 122 passed the House of Representatives.

Dorothy Louise Evers Maze

Dorothy Louise Evers Maze, 86, of Brookville, Ohio, died Jan. 12, 2013. She was born Feb. 20, 1926, in Providence, R.I., she also lived a number of years in Dawson County.

Jason Harben

Jason Harben, 36, of Dawsonville, died Feb. 23, 2013. Born Aug. 31, 1976, he was a lifelong resident of Dawson County.

Richard Emmitt Martin

Richard Emmitt Martin, 61, of Cumming, died Feb. 22, 2013. He was a very loving husband, a wonderful daddy and papa.

And you will call him ‘son’

The he'ing and she'ing started in Pre-K and a beautiful little angelic looking blonde announced to me she and Cole were to be married. "You have plenty of time to worry about getting married, Miss Mo," I told her. "You both have college, he has vet school to attend. This is a long way off."

Leap for Literacy

Dawson County residents didn't let 40-degree weather or stormy skies dampen their spirits for a good cause Saturday as WEE Books held its third annual Leap for Literacy. According to organizers, the fundraiser at War Hill Park has grown more successful each year.

Teachers make more than money

My recent observations on the lack of respect given public school teachers in Georgia engendered a lot of responses but none better than this story sent to me by my friend, David Egan, co-director of the Initiative to Protect Jekyll Island and a former educator himself. I commend it to those members of the General Assembly who seem to spend more time and effort these days trying to starve public schools to death financially and ...

Murder, moonshine on tap

During the March meeting of the Dawson County Historical and Genealogical Society, Ray Rensi will present a program called "Murder and Moonshine in the Mountains." The meeting will be March 19 at the Dawson County Library on Allen Street.

Rome Confluence

I often write adventures from the past, but today I am writing about an event that is occurring this very moment - the Rome Confluence.

Start spring with sale

I often get asked when the best time to plant is. Of course, the answer varies from plant to plant, but as a general rule, late-winter and early-spring are the best planting times for most. This timing gives the new plants time to build a strong root system before the harsh heat of summer sets in. This also happens to coincide with sunny days and warmer temperatures that drive gardeners back outside for a new season.

Schools gear up for registration

Dawson County elementary schools are gearing up for a new year of kindergarteners. Kindergarten registration will be held from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. April 12 at the Rock Creek Park Gym. Registration will be for Black's Mill, Kilough, Riverview and Robinson elementaries.

Agriculture teacher makes Hall of Fame

Local long-time agriculture teacher now has the "cherry on top" of his career. Dawson County High School Agriculture teacher Reggie Stowers was inducted into the Georgia Agriculture Education Hall of Fame on Jan. 22 during the Future Farmers of America Farm Career and Community Leader's Center in Covington.

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.