City council qualifying starts Tuesday

Candidates seeking a seat on the Dawsonville City Council can begin qualifying Aug. 28 for the Nov. 6 special election. The election is required to fill the unexpired terms of former Councilmen James Grogan and Calvin Byrd, who both resigned to run for mayor following the death of Joe Lane Cox in March.

Budget limits spending

The public will get its first opportunity Thursday to comment on Dawson County's proposed 2013 budget. Commission Chair Mike Berg presented the nearly $21 million preliminary plan, which limits spending to critical capital needs, during an Aug. 9 work session.

Board of Commissioner voting session agenda

A. Roll call B. Opening presentation 1. Muscular Dystrophy Association: Leslie Cash 2. Adults Protecting Children: Steve Collins C. Pledge of Allegiance D. Announcements E. Approval of minutes: Minutes of the voting session held on Aug. 2. F. Approval of the agenda G. Public comment (Three minute limit/person, 15 minutes maximum: None H. Alcohol license hearings: None I. Zoning: None J. Public hearings: Public hearing on the approval of the proposed FY 2013 budget L. ...

Start of early voting delayed statewide

Group takes stance on sludge fields

A petition is circulating against a proposed sludge spray field in southeastern Dawson County. Distributed by the Dawson County Homeowners Civic Association, the petition aims to stop property owner Ken Curren from depositing Class B treated liquid sewage on about 65 acres near Lumpkin Campground and Harry Sosebee roads.

Grogan sworn in as mayor

James Grogan was sworn in as Dawsonville's mayor Monday night. Grogan, who has served as acting mayor since April, staked an early lead in the July 31 primary, with the final results tallying 318 votes, or about 62 percent, to former councilman Calvin Byrd's 196 votes, or about 38 percent.

Board of commissioners voting session agenda

6 p.m. Aug. 2, Government Center Assembly Room A. Roll call B. Opening presentation: Valerie Winship, Muscular Dystrophy Association C. Pledge of Allegiance D. Announcements E. Approval of minutes 1. Minutes of the planning commission retreat and training held on June 15. 2. Minutes of the voting session on July 5. F. Approval of the agenda G. Public comment: None H. Alcohol license hearings: None I. Zoning: None J. Public hearings: None K. Old business: ...

Incumbents carry the day

The returns from the primary election were slow coming in Tuesday night. But with all votes counted from each precinct, it was clear Billy Carlisle would remain Dawson County's sheriff and Kevin Tanner would represent District 9 in the state House of Representatives.

Judge denies motion

A judge on Friday denied a motion for emergency injunction in the pending civil case against a candidate for Dawson County tax commissioner. Attorney Chris Conowal filed the application July 17 on behalf of Shelly Townley Martin after Karin McKee refused to heed a cease-and-desist letter.

GOP approves list of poll watchers

The executive committee of the Dawson County Republican Party has approved a list of seven people to observe Tuesday's election process. Republican candidates Mike Connor, who is running for county commission chairman, and District 9 state House hopeful Clint Smith each presented a list of nominees to serve as poll watchers.

Candidates requesting monitors

Two candidates vying for local elected office want poll watchers appointed to monitor precincts in the upcoming July 31 general primary. Last week, Mike Connor, who is running for county commission chairman, and 9th District State House candidate Clint Smith each presented a list of individuals they want appointed as official poll watchers to observe the election process.

Board approves tax digest without millage increase

Meetings continue this week to determine the county's spending plan for 2013 following the county commission's vote on July 5 to adopt the tax digest without raising the millage rate. This is the eighth year the board hasn't raised the county's portion of the millage rate, which remains at 8.138 mills.

Mix up with ballots resolved

A mix up at the polls in which seven county voters cast ballots in the city's special election for mayor has been resolved. Election Supervisor Glenda Ferguson said she learned of the mistake shortly before noon July 9, the first day of early voting for the July 31 general primary.

City, county divided

Top leaders in county and city government hope mediation will help them resolve negotiations over the 1-cent local option sales tax, or LOST. According to Cindy Campbell, chief financial officer and interim Dawson County manager, LOST funds go into the county's general fund to pay for government services "to keep property taxes down."

Campaign claims disputed

A political newcomer plans to continue her run to be Dawson County's next tax commissioner despite the threat of a lawsuit from her opponent's daughter over statements in her campaign literature. "It was just an intimidation tactic. It's a ploy to try to intimidate and threaten me and it's not going to work," said Karin McKee, who is challenging incumbent Linda Townley for the post.

City to discuss water service

City council members on Monday said they want to renegotiate a longstanding agreement with Etowah Water and Sewer Authority involving service delivery in outlying areas of Dawsonville.

City looks to revise water deal

Dawsonville council members are contemplating service delivery changes that could impact residents in the outlying areas of the city.

Berg named ACCG president

When Mike Berg moved to Dawson County from Gwinnett years ago, he could have parked a lounge chair on a deck overlooking Lake Lanier and enjoyed retirement.

Deal, delegates gather

Dawson County was in the spotlight last weekend as Republicans from across northeast Georgia rallied at the 9th Congressional District banquet and convention.

Gooch named ‘most influential’

A local legislator was recently tapped among Georgia's most influential lawmakers.