Department seeks volunteer firefighters

Dawson County Emergency Services, like many other departments across the nation, are reevaluating and refocusing its efforts to recruit new volunteer firefighters. "Take a look across the board, nationwide, volunteerism in fire service is on the downslide," said Fire Chief Lanier Swafford. "Economics is tougher, more people are working extra jobs and you've got an enormous amount of competition for volunteerism."

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.

Boys take tourney

The Dawson County boys soccer team traveled to Jekyll Island over the weekend and proved why it is ranked No. 4 in Class AAA. The Tigers didn't give up a goal as the team defeated Cedar Shoals, 3-0, Brunswick, 5-0 and Richmond Academy, 6-0, at the Tournament of Champions event.

On the right track

The Dawson County track team picked up two huge wins last week with a tri-match against Forsyth Central and Fannin County in Dawsonville. The Lady Tigers scored 101 points to capture first place. Central tallied 35 points and Fannin scored 25 points.

Eagles roll over Clear Creek

The Riverview Middle School Lady Eagle soccer team defeated Clear Creek Middle 9-0 last week. The Lady Eagles scored just 14 second into the game to take the quick 1-0 lead.

Middle school girls are 7-0

Coach Jessi Crane's Dawson County Middle School soccer team remains perfect with a 7-0 record following a thrashing of Pickens County Middle on Thursday. The Lady Tigers defeated Pickens by a score of 8-0.

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.

Sandy Bascome Ford

Sandy Bascome Ford, 57, of Dawsonville, died March 9, 2013. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, who loved to hunt and be outdoors.

Alesia ‘Lisa’ Blanton

Alesia "Lisa" Blanton, 52, of Dawsonville, died March 6, 2013. Born Nov. 20, 1960, she was a lifelong resident of Dawson County. A homemaker at her death, Lisa was formerly employed at the Dawsonville Pool Room.

Lesia Elaine Bennett

Lesia Elaine Bennett, 43, of Cumming, died March 7, 2013. Lesia was a lifelong resident of Forsyth County and was employed by the Forsyth County School System and worked at Kelly Mill Elementary School.