Thanks for help during hard time

The family of Glendon Cook would like to express their appreciation for all of your gifts and kind words or for just being near.

We are fixing the wrong thing

George Bush, Ben Bernanke, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reed and Henry Paulson went out for an afternoon sail on the ship of state. Ben, who is a highly trained observer of things, noted that the boat had a hole in it and water was coming in and fast.

Concerns over Motorsports Park

My name is James Thurmond. I have recently heard about the proposed motorsports project on Duck Thurmond Road in Dawsonville and I must say that I am very, very concerned and extremely opposed to this idea.

Ready or not, digital television is on the way in February

Are you ready for Broadcast Digital Television?

Good economic news for Georgia's rural communities

Atlanta - During these tough economic times, I'm pleased to deliver some good economic news for the counties within the 51st District.

Fiber optic technology is coming to North Georgia

Last week I wrote that "Lumpkin, Dawson and Forsyth counties have joined with White and Union counties to explore bringing high-speed, fiber optics up Ga. 400," and that, "We need high technology companies to provide jobs for those living in our community."

What is a ‘virtual world,’ why is it important?

Last Thursday I spent most of the day at the Georgia Tech Research Institute, starting with a morning forum and ending with a tour of the Food Processing Technology Division.

Letter to the editor

As a resident on Sweetwater Juno Road, I am concerned about the Motorsports Park.

Pay tribute to those who answered the call of duty

Nov. 11 is a day of remembrance for the veterans who fought for our country.

Thank you

We would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude to all those who provided flowers, food, donations or other wise expressed their love and sympathy during the loss of our mother, Louise Tinsley Inklebarger.

Education system has come a long way

Despite the doom and gloom being expressed about the election and the economy, Georgia's education system continues to improve.

Emergency services deserves recognition

I have been on the job as your county manager for six months now.

When a vote for is a vote against

Occasionally over the last year or two I have written a column titled the "Crisis of Common Sense" or "The Continuing Crisis."

Back to basics in budgeting

Recently the State Senate began its exploration of Georgia's budget woes by kicking off a series of joint appropriations subcommittee meetings.

The ‘real’ impact of the tax relief referendums

Candidates at last Tuesday's Lumpkin County School Board Forum were asked how they would handle a $1 million budget shortfall caused by passage of the senior/disabled tax relief referendum on Nov. 4. Because the question assumed a budget shortfall that cannot be caused by homestead exemptions, they struggled with their answers.

Mayor mulls run against Gov. Deal

David Pennington, the mayor of Dalton, is making noises about challenging incumbent Gov. Nathan Deal in the 2014 Republican primary. Say what?

Session has ended

The legislative session has ended, and Gov. Nathan Deal has now either signed or vetoed every bill that passed the General Assembly.

What’s next for Georgia?

The debate surrounding second amendment rights received national attention a few weeks ago as the U.S. Senate voted down a bill that would require expanded background checks for firearm purchases.

Senior triumphs, inspires

Thankful for the community support

We just wanted to say thank you to everyone who supported the Lady Tigers basketball team this season.

The continued budget cuts

Senator Gooch recently wrote about the final budget for Georgia for fiscal year 2014.

Concert supports recovery

Relay for Life is a stunning example of what the caring, compassionate and hard-working people who live in Dawson County can accomplish.

Nothing to do but dress as Big Bird

RING! RING!

Ensuring returns on state’s transportation investment

When I was named chair of the Senate Transportation Committee in January, it was becoming clear that there could be some struggles with producing a balanced FY 2014 budget for Georgia.

Brings back memories of Atlanta attack

When the terrorist attacks occurred in Boston during the running of the Boston Marathon, memories came flooding back of our own dark days in Atlanta. It was 17 years ago, July 27, 1996, when those of us who were a part of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games had our worst fears realized. A pipe bomb detonated in the Centennial Olympic Park during the middle weekend of that worldwide celebration, killing two people and ...

You never really get back home

A friend and I met up in the massive Frankfurt airport's central lobby just by coincidence.

Education, Medicaid are areas of concern

One of the most challenging tasks the Georgia General Assembly takes on each year is sorting through the state's finances. Unlike legislation, the budget isn't something that can be carried over to the next biennial year.

Does this column sound familiar?

Has it really been 43 years since the first "Earth Day?" I remember it well; that's when I became an environmentalist.

Legislators need a push

It turns out that you can go home again. I recently established a chair in crisis communications leadership at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communi­cations at my beloved University of Georgia. UGA President-elect Jere Morehead, along with Dink NeSmith, chairman of the Board of Regents came for the ceremony and both made my family and me feel warmly welcomed on campus. That is something we haven't felt at my alma mater for a long time.

Team is UGA’s best-kept secret

They are the best University of Georgia athletic team you have likely never heard of. They have won five national titles and go into next week's national championships one of the favorites to win it all again.