High court dismisses appeal

Georgia's highest court has dismissed appeals filed by a local couple against the city of Dawsonville over a motorsports park in western Dawson County. According to Tuesday's unanimous opinion written by Supreme Court Justice David Nahmias, West and Helen Hamryka failed to follow the correct procedure when filing their appeals.

Sheriff: State certification on track

Top officials at the Dawson County Sheriff's Office are confident the agency will receive state certification in the near future. Assessors with the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police spent two days last week reviewing protocol and analyzing data the sheriff's office compiled for the certification process. "At the end of their visit, we were 100 percent compliant," said Lt. Col. John Cagle. "We feel like we're in very good shape for the certification." ...

Sign case treated as arson

On April 23, emergency officials responded to reports of a fire on Hwy. 9 near Dawson Forest Road. "I got the call about 11:45 p.m. from someone who was driving by and saw the sign on fire," said Sheriff Billy Carlisle, who is seeking a fourth term.

Paving scam suspect arrested in Indiana

Local authorities are awaiting the extradition of a suspect who reportedly swindled an elderly Dawson County man out of more than $8,000. Johnny Shane Wells, 21, of North Augusta, S.C., was arrested in Shelbyville, Ind., in mid-March after a bank employee alerted police to a possible suspicious check.

Man pleads guilty in assault case

A man accused of attempted rape during a New Year's Eve party in Big Canoe has pleaded guilty to the charges. Jose Alfredo Delafuente, 49, was sentenced as a first offender and received a 14-year sentence with a year to be served in jail and the remainder on probation.

Residents take to the range

Samantha Moulder admits firing a gun for the first time was scary, but also exciting. Moulder, 16, was one of about three dozen participants that drove to a gun range in Cumming in late February to take a firearms training course offered through the Dawson County Sheriff's Citizens Law Enforcement Academy.

Teen detains alleged burglar

Authorities are praising the efforts of a teenager who caught a burglary suspect at his family's Grizzle Road home Friday. Dawson County Sheriff's Capt. Tony Wooten said the 17-year-old arrived home from school to find the basement window open.

Ex-deputy pleads guilty

A former longtime Dawson County Sheriff's deputy accused of inappropriate sexual conduct while on duty has pleaded guilty to the charges against him. Mark Louis Caruana, 48, of Lumpkin County admitted Feb. 16 that he had lied to investigators when questioned about an incident reported by a 24-year-old Dawson County woman in September.

Forsyth candidate cited for going 103

A candidate for sheriff in neighboring Forsyth County was cited earlier this month in Dawson County for driving nearly 40 mph over the posted speed limit on Ga. 400. According to the Dawson County Sheriff's Office, deputies clocked Duane K. Piper traveling north at 103 mph in a 2011 BMW 325I at about 10 a.m. Feb. 4.

Dog breeder arrested in drug sweep

A local dog breeder and businessman was one of four people arrested last week in a multi-agency drug sweep. Authorities said the operation also uncovered nearly 12 pounds of suspected marijuana, three indoor grow houses and 106 marijuana plants in several counties.

Residents urged to use caution

Reports of a police impersonator in neighboring Lumpkin County have drawn the attention of local authorities. "We've had no incidents here in Dawson County, but Sheriff [Billy] Carlisle wanted to make sure our citizens are aware of the reports," said Capt. Tony Wooten.

Officers warn of possible police impersonator

An incident in neighboring Lumpkin County involving an apparent police impersonator has prompted local officials to urge the community to use caution when being pulled over by unmarked vehicles. "We've had no incidents here in Dawson County, but Sheriff (Billy) Carlisle wanted to make sure our citizens are aware of the reports," said Capt. Tony Wooten.

Crash nets goods

Thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise was recovered Thursday after shoplifting suspects crashed on Dawson Forest Road as they attempted to flee authorities. Carl Anthony McCrady, 23, of St. Louis, Mo., was arrested at the scene of the single-vehicle wreck. He is being held at the Dawson County jail on $12,000 bond.

County resident charged with trafficking meth

A Dawson County man who authorities say they had been watching for more than two years was charged with trafficking methamphetamine earlier this month. Daniel Jeffrey Thompson, 46, is being held without bond at the Dawson County jail.

Jury convicts driver

A Dawsonville man awaits sentencing after a jury found him guilty in connection with an incident that claimed the life of a 24-year-old Gainesville woman in 2010. The jury took less than four hours Feb. 3 to reach its verdict against Colon Louis Hartzler, who authorities said was driving under the influence of alcohol when passenger Jenna Fitzgerald fell from his Jeep and was struck by a minivan on Ga. 400.

Family disputes state patrol reports

Family members of the teen who died last week in what has been dubbed a "car surfing" accident are convinced the police report is inaccurate.

Man charged with child molestation

A Dawsonville man arrested last week is accused of sexually abusing two girls.

Ex-bank manager charged in theft

Man charged in attempted arson

A Dawsonville man was arrested Monday morning after he reportedly attempted to set fire to his home on Duck Thurmond Road last week.

Tax official resigns after drug arrest

Dawson County's chief tax appraiser has resigned following his arrest last week on misdemeanor drug charges.

Chief tax appraiser facing drug charges

Dawson County's Chief Tax Appraiser was arrested at his office Tuesday afternoon on misdemeanor drug charges.

Hilton gets life for murders of N.C. couple

Convicted serial killer Gary Michael Hilton received four more life sentences last week for the kidnapping and slaying of an elderly couple in North Carolina.