Dawson assistant DA found dead

The supervising prosecutor of the Dawson County office of the Northeastern Judicial Circuit's District Attorney's office was found dead last week. John G. Wilbanks Jr., who spent more than three decades as a prosecutor in north Georgia, died Dec. 13 in Florida. He was 57.

Man involved in explosion dies

A Newnan man critically injured in an explosion at Amicalola Propane earlier this month has died from his injuries. Jimmy Lassetter, 45, died Thursday at the Grady Memorial Hospital Burn Unit, according to an obituary released by the Higgins Hillcrest Chapel Funeral Home in Newnan.

Dawson assistant DA found dead

2 injured in blast at center

A 26-year-old Dawson County man is recovering after a propane explosion last week left him with second- and third-degree burns over half his body. Casey Rickett is in stable condition at Grady Memorial Hospital's burn ward, according to spokeswoman at the hospital in Atlanta.

‘Magical’ experience

The reason for the season was showcased Friday and Saturday night as the congregation at Bethel Baptist Church presented an elaborate, full-scale production depicting the story of Christ. Kelly Crane and her 6-year-old son Hayden were among the first in line Friday night for the hayride through about 40 acres behind the church, where the 13-scene production was staged.

Woman hurt in wreck dies

A Dawsonville woman hospitalized last month after a head-on collision on Hwy. 53 near the Dawson-Forsyth County line has died. Funeral services for Fredina Marie Elrod were held Sunday in the chapel of Bearden Funeral Home.

Wednesday night explosion injures two

Two Dawson County workers were injured Wednesday night after an explosion at a propane tank refurbishment company on Easy Street off Ga. 53 just west of Ga. 400.

Countdown begins

Arriving by fire engine, Santa and Mrs. Claus rolled into Dawsonville on Friday night to help Mayor James Grogan light the city's Christmas tree. "Ho, Ho, Ho," Santa said waving to the crowd of hundreds waiting for his arrival in the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame's Winner's Circle outside the Dawsonville Municipal Complex.

Church presents live nativity

The congregation at Bethel Baptist Church will present its annual holiday production this weekend. Now in its 25th year, the 13-scene live nativity will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Visitors will board tractor-drawn wagons to embark on a trip to a time when shepherds watched over the flocks by night and angels spread the news of Christ's birth.

Churches serve up Thanksgiving feast

Dozens of volunteers from areas churches, civic groups and youth organizations served up several hundred meals Nov. 21 during the Alliance of Church's annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Lakeview Center. "There are so many people in this day and age that need help, that need things, so we're here to help," said Rob Weischedel, bishop at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Road closed for work

A busy stretch of Thompson Road will close Thursday as crews rebuild its intersection with Hwy. 53. The closure is scheduled to last two months if there are no weather setbacks, according to state Department of Transportation officials.

Santa Claus is coming to town

Santa Claus is coming to town Friday night to help the city of Dawsonville light its grand Christmas tree. Festivities, including carolers and dancers, are set for 5:30 p.m. at the Dawsonville Municipal Complex, followed later by the lighting of the 26-foot tree.

Boot drive raises funds for Christmas

Local firefighters, paramedics and EMTs plan to hit the streets this weekend for an annual boot drive to raise Christmas funds for local families. Dawson County Emergency Services hopes to provide some Christmas cheer to several families in the area by collecting donations.

Groups collecting toys

Several local groups are collecting toys to give out this holiday season. Georgia State Patrol has donation boxes set up that benefit the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program.

Falcons surprise young fan with room makeover

A Riverview Middle School student found the surprise of a lifetime when he arrived home from school Nov. 13: Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner. Erikson Sieber, 11, was among a handful of young fans selected to receive a room makeover by Rooms to Go, which partners every year with the Falcons to award deserving student athletes who also excel academically.

Taking the plunge

DAWSONVILLE - About 100 Rangers in training from Camp Frank D. Merrill in Dahlonega parachuted into Lake Lanier at War Hill Park near Dawsonville last week.

Man killed crossing Hwy. 53 on 4-wheeler

A 73-year-old Guyton man was killed Tuesday afternoon when he attempted to cross Hwy. 53 on a 4-wheeler and was hit by an oncoming pick-up truck near Perimeter Road in Dawsonville.

Amnesty offered for old tires

In an effort to decrease the number of scrap tires in the area, Keep Dawson County Beautiful is offering Dawson County residents a Tire Amnesty Day from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at the Dawson County Transfer Station, located at 946 Burt Creek Road.

Battle for reservoir continues

After a back-and-forth round of presentations vying over plans for a reservoir for Dawsonville, two sides have made their case before the city council in open meetings.

Officials concerned with changes

A move to take certified rangers out of state parks has drawn concern from local officials.

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.

‘A big celebration’

Shirley Hawkins has a long list of reasons to support Relay for Life.

Bluegrass concert aids in recovery program

There will be an evening of picking and grinning Saturday night when local bluegrass and gospel entertainers Little Mountain perform live at New Life Church.

Clinic moving to new location

After years of occupying the basement of Grace Presbyterian Church, the Good Shephard Clinic is moving to a new home.

Movie warns teens of Internet predators

Parents who screened a movie Saturday hope the intended message hits home with their teenagers.

Dancing for donations

Dawson County residents are being invited to a special dance in support of a local charity's goal of bringing books to preschool-aged children each month.

Annual fundraiser aids cancer research

Dozens of volunteer teams are spending the week putting the finishing touches on cartoon-inspired festivities for Friday night's event.

Egg-themed show on display at Bowen Center

April marked the opening of an egg-themed show at the Bowen Center for the Arts. New Beginnings: the Art of the Faberge Egg and Spring Beauty Fine Art Exhibition, which will be on display at the Bowen Center for the Arts through April 27, showcases the art of the members of the International Egg Art Guild.

Jail lobby is drop-off for unused medications

Law enforcement officials are hoping a new service will play a role in keeping prescription and over the counter drugs out of the hands of children. Dawson County Sheriff Billy Carlisle recently announced the lobby of the detention center as a permanent drop-off location for the disposal of prescription and over the counter medications that are out of date or no longer needed.

Moon Shine run is Saturday

Grab your sneakers for the inaugural Moon Shine Run at Atlanta Motorsports Park on Saturday. Proceeds from the moonlit 5K and 10K run will benefit United Way for Dawson County, which provides monetary support to 14 area service agencies.