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.

Ladies remain undefeated

The fourth-ranked, Class AAA, Lady Tiger soccer team is currently 7-0 on the season after defeating three teams in Jekyll Island over the weekend. Head coach Jed Lacey's team dominated Cedar Shoals, Aquinas and Richmond Academy.

Tiger receives ‘Blue Collar’ award

Dawson County High School football player Zack Martin was one of 10 players in the state of Georgia to receive the NAPA Auto Parts/Larry Csonka "Blue Collar Player of the Year" award. The award, which was presented March 19 in Macon, is given to "hard-working" players that, according to NFL Hall of Famer Larry Csonka in a released statement, "show up for work every day and never complain, unsung heroes who spend little time in ...

Dawson man killed in Forsyth County wreck

Art showcases kids of all ages

With last week being proclaimed Exceptional Children's Week by Mayor James Grogan, Dawson County schools have gathered work from several young artists across the county to showcase their skills. The March 8 show, which was held at the Dawson County Library, displayed art and writing from special needs students ranging from elementary, middle and high school levels.

Mike Withers

Sgt. 1st Class Mike Withers, U.S. Army retired, 54, of Dawsonville, died March 7, 2013. Born Sept. 4, 1958, in Monticello, Ariz., Mr. Withers had been a resident of Dawsonville for the past 13 years.

Lannie D. Vickers

Lannie D. Vickers, 60, of Winder, died March 8, 2013. Born Dec. 7, 1952, in Atlanta, to the late Roy and Wilma Sheriff Vickers, he lived most of his life in Gwinnett County before moving to Winder six years ago.

Kenneth Webster ‘Kenny’ Stewart III

Kenneth Webster "Kenny" Stewart III, 12, of Dawsonville, died March 11, 2013. Born Dec. 7, 2000, Kenny was a native of Forsyth County, but had lived in Dawson County since 2008.

Mary Frances Rainwater

Mary Frances Rainwater, 83, of Dawsonville, died March 9, 2013. Survivors include her daughters, Patricia Moore, Belita Piper, Barbara Whetstone; sons, Bruce Rainwater, Gary Rainwater, Tony Rainwater; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother, Bill Moulder; various other relatives also survive.

Take pictures for diagnosis

We have all heard the saying "April showers bring May Flowers." Rainfall in April helps replenish our plants as they gear up for another growing season. However, this precipitation also brings unwanted consequences to our landscapes - disease.

Running with the big dogs

It had been a long time since I had a puppy and I forgot how much work they are. Middle of the night feedings and potty outings, crying incessantly. I think comparing them to a newborn would be reasonable. I was on night five of no sleep - Angel the parking lot pup would wake me up at 1 a.m., wanting to play after sleeping all day. I was exhausted.

Elementary schools begin kindergarten registration

Friday is kindergarten registration for Dawson County schools. 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 elementary schools.

‘Gold star’ squad

The Dawson County High School JROTC has a new badge to proudly display on cadets' uniforms. The program was named an "honor unit with distinction," the highest award given, during a March 28 regional formal inspection.

Perren named new president of Lanier Tech

JROTC cadets attend ball

The Lakeview Center was a sea of army green as Dawson County High School JROTC cadets gathered in formal dress for the third annual JROTC Military Ball. The March 23 event saw a turnout of more than 150 people, including cadets, students, parents and faculty.

Special Olympic Games comes to Dawson County

Athletes from both Dawson and Lumpkin counties will gather next week at Riverview Middle School to compete in this year's Special Olympics. The games will be held for the first time at the school from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. April 10 at the middle school.

Annual 4-H rabies clinic scheduled for April 13

Dawson County 4-H Club, All Animals Veterinary Hospital and Dawsonville Veterinary Hospital will be hosting an annual rabies clinic on April 13. It will be held at several locations throughout Dawson County. Because of strict vaccination laws, rabies outbreaks have become much less prevalent since vaccination programs began in the 1940s.

Once you name the puppy, it becomes yours

There was an unspoken law at my house growing up for every stray critter that managed to find its way in our yard. Once my uncle Bobby named it, it was ours. If the animal made it to day two without Bobby sticking some name on it, we were safe according to Granny. Of course, no animal made it beyond a few hours, let alone two days.

Knocking down the silos

I stood on an oil rig miles off the coast of Africa as the final pipe joints were pulled from a just completed well. The mood was somber because we had not found oil. The following week I sat in an uncomfortable meeting where our corporate vice president declared my efforts had resulted in the driest well in years. Back in my office overlooking the beautiful San Francisco hills I pondered what to do next with the project.

Proposed city sign becomes a reality

The proposed digital sign for the city's municipal complex will become a reality following Monday night's regular Dawsonville City Council meeting. The April 1 meeting saw both a variance and guideline proposal on the agenda. In order for the sign to become a reality, both of these would have to be approved by the city council.

Church continues tradition

Despite having been with New Bethel Baptist Church for only four years, Pastor Bobby Whitmire is continuing a tradition that has spanned more than 30. Whitmire and two church members, Michael Densmore, a deacon, and Yancy Savage, stood on platforms affixed to wooden crosses in front of the church March 29, off of Hwy. 136 East.

Eggs, food & fun

The football field at Veterans Memorial Park looked like it had been the victim of an Easter shower this weekend as Dawson County residents brought their children to gather chocolate prizes. Sponsored by Dawson County Parks and Recreation, K.A.R.E. for Kids and the church @ War Hill, the 27th annual Easter egg hunt at the park drew a large crowd to hunt eggs, take train rides and get their faces painted. There also was a burger-eating contest.

Skeeter not impressed with reform

When the phone rang, I knew who was on the other end: Skeeter Skates, owner of Skeeter's Tree Stump Removal and Plow Repair in Greater Metropolitan Pooler. I can't tell you exactly why but the phone always sounds more urgent when Skeeter calls. One thing about Skeeter Skates. He gets right to the point. Niceties aren't his style.

Interest in Ga. 400 continues to grow

Representatives with Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen applied for a front setback variance on a piece of property along Ga. 400 in Dawson County on Feb. 8. According to Dawson County Planning Director David McKee, the restaurant would sit on less than 1-acre just south of Kauffman Tire near Beartooth Parkway's intersection with the highway.