Young Life celebrates 10 years in Dawson

Young Life Dawson County, a Christian organization focused on sharing "the truth of God's love" with local adolescents, celebrated 10 years of service on Sept. 23. Hosting a banquet at First Baptist Church of Dawsonville, nearly 100 people were served dinner while hearing about the organization's decade of local growth and expansion.

Hiker rescued, expected to recover

The Cumming man that fell about 25 feet Friday while hiking at Cochran Falls in northwestern Dawson County is expected to make a full recovery. Dawson County Emergency Services Chief Lanier Swafford said the 22-year-old man, whose name has not been released, was in stable condition Monday afternoon at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. He could be released within a few days.

Rescued Cochran Falls hiker in stable condition

Civic leader remembered

An engaged civic leader whose legacy will continue through his efforts to improve life in Dawson County died Thursday. Edgar George David Jr., 84, will be remembered for his dedication to the community.

Adults take on youth for fundraiser

For the sixth consecutive year, adults from across Dawson County will gather Thursday to prove they are indeed smarter than a 10-year-old. The "Are You Smarter Than a 10-year-old" competition, which benefits the Reading Education Association of Dawson County, is set up much like Jeff Foxworthy's game show, "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader," asking questions taught at the elementary school level.

Giving goes glam Saturday

Fall fashions will take the runway Saturday at the Dawson County Woman's Club's "Giving goes Glam" fashion show and luncheon. Residents are invited to enjoy a stylish afternoon reviewing the season's hottest fashion trends along with a silent auction and other activities.

Superintendent speaks to Democratic Party

Dawson County Schools Superintendent Keith Porter spoke to the Dawson County Democratic Party on Aug. 13 about the state charter school amendment that will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot. Ballots will ask voters in November if they would like the Georgia Legislature to amend the constitution to allow the state to approve and provide funding for charter schools.

Stars of upcoming ‘Hunger Games’ sequel spotted

The rumors started a few weeks ago that scenes for the popular "Hunger Games" sequel, "Catching Fire," would be filmed in Dawsonville. While a press release distributed by Lionsgate entertainment last week listed "only existing locations in and near Atlanta" as the film's primary shooting sites, locals are hopeful after seeing a few of the film's stars at area shops in recent days.

GOP headquarters opening downtown

The Dawson County Republican Party will kick-off the 2012 election campaign at its new headquarters in downtown Dawsonville. The group leased the historic Harben Brothers Service Station off the town square through the fall.

Service honors missing soldiers

A remembrance service will pay respect to soldiers who remain missing or were once prisoners of war. Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 970 invite the community to gather at 5 p.m. Friday at Veterans Memorial Park in honor of POW/MIA Recognition Day. The national remembrance honors the commitments and the sacrifices made by the nation's prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action. "What it comes down to is they are not ...

Day of Caring

United Way for Dawson County announced its fundraising goal at a breakfast Friday morning before volunteers set out into the community for a day of service. The organization plans to raise $100,013 over the next few months to benefit partner agencies such as Rape Response, 4-H, Reading Education Association of Dawson County and the American Red Cross, among others.

Day of Caring set for Friday

United Way for Dawson County will announce its 2012 fundraising goal during a breakfast Friday morning. Afterward, dozens of volunteers will head out in to the community for the organization's annual Day of Caring.

District governor visits local club

Rotary International District 6910 Gov. Margie Eddy-Forbes paid a visit to the Rotary Club of Dawson County on Sept. 6 to talk about plans, goals and initiatives for the year ahead. As in years past, the worldwide eradication of polio remains Rotary's top philanthropic goal.

Custom fit career

Eight-hour days in a cubicle may be tough. But Shane Stephens of Dawsonville may have it tougher. His clients bite, kick, stomp and may throw him into a wall.

Work set to begin at intersection

Tracey Burnette was brought to tears late last month when she arrived home from work to see a clearing in her front yard. "I knew we were in line to have these trees taken down, and I was not sure what kind of an emotional impact it would have on me," she said. "My mom, Betty Anne Bagley, used to climb those trees when she was growing up and they have always been a part of my yard ever since we built the house in 1970. It was so sad."

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.