Dawson County Schools closed Friday

Woman shot at gun store

A 58-year-old employee was shot in the upper leg this morning when a firearm discharged at Dawsonville Gun and Pawn, near Ga. 400.

Ninth District keeps those in need warm

While the winter weather may not be shutting down roads and businesses in Dawson County, it is still a danger to those who are unable to keep necessary heating arrangements. Ninth District Opportunity, a private, nonprofit organization, is there to help those in Dawson that need heat with its Low Income Heating Assistance Program.

Super Bowl raffle tickets for sale

Even with the Falcons out of Super Bowl contention, fans still have the opportunity to cash in on football's biggest game of the year. The Rotary Club of Dawson County's annual Super Bowl Squares contest gives players the chance to win between $500 and $2,000 in raffles that are held at the end of each quarter and then at the end of the game.

Snow no show

Area kids were hoping for their first snow day of the season with reports of winter weather rolling into the state last week. What they got instead was a two-hour delayed start for school on Jan. 18.

Winter storm watch issued for North Georgia

Relay kicks off

Smurfs, super heroes, fairies and the Flintstones were the stars of the show Jan. 8 as Dawson County Relay for Life kicked off the 2013 fundraising campaign in an effort to "toon out" cancer. Last year, 30 local teams joined together to raise more than $83,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Dawson County ‘Soldier Boy’ rises in ranks

After a long process and much paperwork, Kenneth "Kenny" Stewart III has been promoted to lieutenant colonel. The honorary rank was conferred Friday on the 11-year-old in an official proclamation signed by Gov. Nathan Deal.

Christmas for Critters first year a success

The inaugural run of Shannon Porter's charity Christmas for Critters held its final supply pick up Friday. Shannon, 11, and her mother, Cindy Lord, tallied the results and were pleased, according to Lord.

Changes are many

There was an abundance of excitement in Dawsonville and Dawson County in 2012. From the community seeing stars when Hollywood greats Clint Eastwood and Justin Timberlake were in town to film scenes for "Trouble with the Curve," to the local distillery receiving the green light to offer tastings of the first legal moonshine in Georgia, Dawson County was abuzz and poised to open new doors in 2013.

Training with Tasers

A recent training class gave several Dawson County Sheriff's deputies a new line of defense. Taught by Jail Commander Maj. Jeff Johnson, the one-day course went over how to use Tasers, an alternative to other uses of force when suspects are combative and pose a threat to law enforcement officers, themselves or others.

Society ‘toons’ up for kickoff

The kickoff for the 2013 American Cancer Society Relay for Life is set for 6 p.m. Jan. 8 at Dawson County High School. "The kickoff is our first event of the year," said Tasha Hamil, event chairwoman. "It's mainly to help get the teams and donors excited for the upcoming year."

Seniors grateful for elevator

Rachel Padgett's eyes lit up Thursday as the door of the new elevator at the Dawson County Senior Center opened and welcomed her to an activity area she had never seen. "Oh, look at that," she said pointing to a corner filled with workout equipment and a row of tables set up for a watercolor class in the center of the room. "Now I can do some painting and exercise."

Tire shop fire considered suspicious

Officials are calling a fire that destroyed a tire shop in eastern Dawson County suspicious. Sheriff's Lt. Ray Goodie said investigators are working with the fire marshal's office to determine what caused the blaze.

Tree recycling effort under way

Keep Dawson County Beautiful volunteers are asking the community to go green this holiday season by recycling real Christmas trees that will be chipped into mulch. Bring One for the Chipper, the annual recycling program, has collected and recycled more than 5.9 million Christmas trees statewide since 1991.

Pruett promoted to lead senior center

A county native with more than two decades of local government experience has been selected to lead the Dawson County Senior Center.

Bible debate at state park rages on

A national atheist group wants to place books alongside Bibles at Georgia State Park lodge rooms and cabins.

Memorial Day service Monday

A service Monday at Veterans Memorial Park will honor local military men and women who served their country honorably.

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.