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.

Senior triumphs, inspires

Tigers season ends

Playing arguably the best team in Class AAA, the Dawson County Tigers saw their season come to an end with a first round sweep by the Blessed Trinity Titans, 15-0 and 4-2.

Boys team eliminated

The Dawson County High School varsity boys soccer teams was eliminated from the Class AAA state playoffs by St. Pius X, 5-0, on Friday at Stadium Field in Atlanta.

Chester signs with Georgia Highlands

Dawson County High School senior Tiger baseball player David Chester signed an athletic scholarship Monday to continue his career at Georgia Highlands College.

Ladies fall to Eagles

The Dawson County High School varsity girls' soccer team played host to visiting Woodward Academy on May 2 in the first round of the Class AAA state playoffs.

Two to compete at state event

Two Dawson County Lady Tigers will compete in the 2013 GHSA Girls State Meet at Hugh Mills Stadium in Albany Thursday through Saturday.

Art in the Garden is this weekend

The Dawson County Art Council's 12th annual Art in the Garden event is this weekend and, according to Bowen Center for the Arts Executive Director Marcia Chelf, it's going to be a lot of fun for everyone.

Nancy Louise Jordan

Nancy Louise Jordan, 77, of Cumming, died April 28, 2013.

Thankful for the community support

We just wanted to say thank you to everyone who supported the Lady Tigers basketball team this season.

Media center dedicated to late historian

Members of the local education and historic communities gathered last week as Robinson Elementary dedicated its media center to the memory and life's work of a late friend.

The continued budget cuts

Senator Gooch recently wrote about the final budget for Georgia for fiscal year 2014.

Concert supports recovery

Relay for Life is a stunning example of what the caring, compassionate and hard-working people who live in Dawson County can accomplish.

Thomas P. “Tommy” Winters

Thomas P. "Tommy" Winters, 59, of Dahlonega, died April 23, 2013.

Mama in Wonderland

One of my biggest pet peeves is someone being late. So why I am constantly late getting my child to school, I have no idea.

City looks to revise water deal

Dawsonville council members are contemplating service delivery changes that could impact residents in the outlying areas of the city.