Homecoming fit for a hero

Dawsonville will welcome back one of its own Friday afternoon in a celebration fit for a hero.

Dawsonville farmer grows giant tomato

It's not the biggest he's ever grown, but the 2.75- pound tomato Kenneth Allison plucked from his garden on New Hope Road is one of the biggest local Extension Agent Clark Beusse has seen this season.

Local author to sign newest book Saturday

Even as a child, Larry Pirkle wrote about the "old times" and the life lessons he learned from his mother and her parents growing up near the Etowah River.

Bricks of honor

Being in the military requires much of those enlisted, which includes sacrificing many things that people at home enjoy on a daily basis.

Habitat still in planning stages

According to Mark Weaver, there are many people and families who currently live in substandard housing conditions within Dawson County. An issue that he has been aware of for quite some time.

Food, fun set the tone for holiday

Before James Tolbert could begin celebrating the nation's birthday, he got soaking wet in a dunk tank.

Fireworks to light up park

From live music and children's activities to food and fireworks, Rock Creek Park is the place to be Friday night for one of the most festive Independence Day celebrations in North Georgia.

Deputy on road to recovery

For nearly two years, Dep. Mickey Gilbertson of the Dawson County Sheriff's Office has been suffering from kidney problems and is in the process of receiving a much-need transplant.

For Men Only

On June 6, the Bowen Center for the Arts in downtown Dawsonville held a reception for its current exhibit, "For Men Only."

Arthritis sufferer lobbies for healthcare reform

American families -both insured and uninsured - are struggling with rising health care costs, and as the economy declines, the number of uninsured is expected to rise.

Local fireworks show planned for July 3

Dawson Community News and the Dawson County Board of Commissioners invite the community to the inaugural Dawson Day Thunder in the Sky Fireworks Extravaganza Independence Day Celebration July 3 at Rock Creek Park.

Reeling in the 'big one'

Arriving from Dalton with his family before sunrise Saturday morning, Christian Gillespie planned to hook "the big one" during the annual Kids Fishing Rodeo at Amicalola Falls State Park.

Local teen saved from drowning

Two men are being hailed as heroes after they rescued a teenager from drowning in Lake Lanier over the Memorial Day weekend.

Cars, trucks outnumber Dawson residents

A lot of folks in Dawson County like their cars.

‘An important day’

A large crowd gathered Monday in Veterans Memorial Park to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to the country.

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.

Church to screen film about crime on children

First Baptist Church of Dawsonville will be screening the new film "Finding Faith" Saturday with hopes that parents will take a new look at the dangers of Internet crimes against children. "As grandparents, it's a grave concern of ours," said Debbie Gaines, whose husband Jim pastors the church. "We were interested in alerting the community on this important message for teens and their parents."

Relay for Life holds dinner and more

Cancer survivors, their families and supporters will gather Thursday at Dawson County High School to celebrate survival. Relay for Life of Dawson County will be holding its annual Survivor Dinner Celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. at the high school. According to Andrea Shoemaker, community manager for Dawson County Relay for Life, the 12-year strong event is held to "bring cancer survivors together in celebration of their success in beating cancer."

Dance supports literacy

A fundraiser Saturday night had couples twisting the night away for literacy. The annual golden oldies trivia dinner dance collected more than $5,000 for Reading Education Association of Dawson County's mission to improve lives through literacy in the community.

DCSO offers women’s self-defense course

A free course designed to teach women basic self-defense tips will be taught at Robinson Elementary School. Dawson County Sheriff's Capt. Ray Goodie said the three-hour course, which runs from 9 a.m. to noon April 20, will give women hands-on experience to fight off attackers.

Rabies clinic this weekend

While cases are on the decline, rabies is still a threat to both man and animal. To help fight this threat, the county's annual rabies clinic, sponsored by 4-H, will be held Saturday morning. Veterinarians will offer the low-cost vaccinations at various locations throughout the county beginning at 8:30 a.m.

R.E.A.D. dancing for donations

R.E.A.D. will host its "Oldies but Goodies" trivia and dancing night Saturday and the community is invited to join in for food, fun and trivia. "It is a really fun evening," said R.E.A.D. Executive Director Sandy Lipkowitz. "All of the trivia will be about the oldies goldies music."

Annual golf tournament supports local veterans

There's still time to register a team in Rotary Club of Dawson County's annual golf tournament April 29 at Crystal Falls Golf Club. Early entries for the Ft. Lauderdale scramble run through April 22. Entry fees are $125 for individuals or $500 for a four-player team.

Perren named new president of Lanier Tech

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.

Elliott truck series debut Saturday at Martinsville

Dawsonville's Chase Elliott will make his national debut Saturday in NASCAR's Camping World Truck Series race at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia. The 1:30 p.m. race will be televised on Fox Sports and shown on the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame's 24-foot projection screen.

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.