Elder to serve as acting president

Laura Elder has been chosen as acting president of Lanier Technical College following the retirement this week of Russell Vandiver, TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson announced today.

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.

‘Whole town was proud’

Dawson County turned out in droves to support the Lady Tigers in the team's road through the state basketball playoffs. And while the title eluded them, they will always be winners in the eyes of the community.

School board in talks to purchase buildings

The Dawson County school system's central office may soon relocate downtown. The local school board came out of executive session Monday night and announced its interest in buying 2.5 acres at 28 Main St., the former home of Community & Southern Bank.

Finalists named for next Lanier Tech president

A technical college president and two vice presidents are the finalists to become the next president of Lanier Technical College.

School budget anticipates another hit

The budget was at the forefront of the many topics the Dawson County Board of Education discussed during its annual retreat last week. While the 2014 fiscal year budget has not been set, it's expected to total about $32 million, which would be a drop of about $3 million from the current year's budget.

Student ticketed for driving safely

Kelly Maradiaga was caught by the Dawson County Sheriff's Office driving safe on Feb. 25 at the local high school. Maradiaga received a driving "citation" for driving a safe speed and for always wearing her seatbelt.

Slaton to lead search committee

A local businessman has been selected to lead the search committee for Lanier Technical College's next president. Roger Slaton, chairman of Lanier Tech's board of directors and a member of the Dawson County Board of Education, said he is proud to be asked to serve in such an "important role."

Schools gear up for registration

Dawson County elementary schools are gearing up for a new year of kindergarteners. Kindergarten registration will be held from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. April 12 at the Rock Creek Park Gym. Registration will be for Black's Mill, Kilough, Riverview and Robinson elementaries.

Agriculture teacher makes Hall of Fame

Local long-time agriculture teacher now has the "cherry on top" of his career. Dawson County High School Agriculture teacher Reggie Stowers was inducted into the Georgia Agriculture Education Hall of Fame on Jan. 22 during the Future Farmers of America Farm Career and Community Leader's Center in Covington.

Riverview students 100 days smarter

Last month, teachers and students at Riverview Elementary gathered to celebrate being 100 days older and smarter. The Riverview Elementary 100th Day parade began in 2010 when the school first opened and has happened every year since.

Students send shoes to Africa

Dawson County High School students are sending their old shoes to Ghana, West Africa. What may seem like a strange gesture or different way of getting rid of old shoes could make a huge difference to Third World children thanks to the help of Martin Kumi and The Soul Project.

Kilough Elementary hosts night of science

Kilough Elementary School saw an invasion of young learners last month for Mad Scientist Night. The Jan. 24 event was designed to show students different fields of science and give them a hands-on approach to learning.

Big ‘achievement’

After 15 rounds and dictionary-proof spellings, Dawson County school system's spelling bee Jan. 30 came down to "achievement" and "tobacco." Luke Ellis of Riverview Middle School correctly spelled both words to edge Hayley Burt from Dawson County Middle to claim the 2013 title.

Lanier Tech student achieves GOAL

‘Gold star’ squad

The Dawson County High School JROTC has a new badge to proudly display on cadets' uniforms. The program was named an "honor unit with distinction," the highest award given, during a March 28 regional formal inspection.

JROTC cadets attend ball

The Lakeview Center was a sea of army green as Dawson County High School JROTC cadets gathered in formal dress for the third annual JROTC Military Ball. The March 23 event saw a turnout of more than 150 people, including cadets, students, parents and faculty.

Special Olympic Games comes to Dawson County

Athletes from both Dawson and Lumpkin counties will gather next week at Riverview Middle School to compete in this year's Special Olympics. The games will be held for the first time at the school from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. April 10 at the middle school.

High school chorus named ‘superior’

Not many people are fond of being judged by professionals, but the Dawson County High School Chorus had nothing to worry about last week in Habersham County. According to director Spencer Wright, the results at the state evaluation "couldn't have gone any better," with all three judges giving the chorus "superior" ratings in every area they were judged.

Vandiver exits Lanier Tech after 37 years

OAKWOOD - Telling stories and giving gifts, friends, colleagues and former bosses of Lanier Technical College President Russell Vandiver paid homage March 22 to the longtime campus leader and economic development guru. Kenneth Breeden, who led the school from 1975 to 1984, said that when he heard that Vandiver had been named president in September 2010, he thought "lucky Lanier Tech."