The race for sheriff in Dawson County has become a three-man contest. Last week, lifelong resident Johnny Glass said he has been encouraged to run and, if elected, plans to focus on the community. Read More

Dawson County's chief magistrate judge has announced she will seek a second term. "I care about magistrate court, I care about the citizens in this county, and I want to represent them for another four years," said Lisa Thurmond, who was elected in 2008 after serving as associate magistrate judge for four years. Read More

A bill that would allow free tastings of distilled spirits at distilleries for educational and promotional tours topped the discussion Saturday morning when State Rep. Amos Amerson sat down to breakfast with voters in Dawson County. Dawsonville City Councilman James Grogan said he attended the breakfast to gauge Amerson's interest in House Bill 514, which would allow free tastings of distilled spirits at distilleries. The bill could have a direct impact on one that is ... Read More

Commissioners will have their first meeting in the new Dawson County Government Center tomorrow. The 6 p.m. voting session will be held in the assembly room on the second floor. Read More

Qualifying fees have been set for the upcoming 2012 countywide elections. The Dawson County Board of Commissioners voted Jan. 19 to set the fees candidates seeking election must pay to qualify to run for office. Fees range from $10 to run for county surveyor to $1,779.87 for sheriff. Read More

State Rep. Amos Amerson will host a breakfast meeting Saturday for local residents. The event will be at Ryan's restaurant near the intersection of Ga. 400 and Hwy. 53. Read More

4 p.m. Thursday 1. Presentation of the 2012 Public Defender Contract with the State of Georgia. Read More

Four months after being appointed to the panel that reviews the state's sex offender registry, a local victims' advocate has been selected to lead it. Katie Strayhorn was elected chairwoman of the Sexual Offender Registration Board on Jan. 18. Read More

Dawson County's manager has announced his intention to seek the new District 9 post in the state House of Representatives. "I am excited to announce my campaign ... and I am truly honored by the tremendous outpouring of support I have received so far," said Kevin Tanner, who'll run as a Republican. Read More

A former state lawmaker from Dawson County aims to return to the Georgia General Assembly. Clint Smith has announced he will seek the 9th District seat in the state House of Representatives. Read More

In the wake of separate fires over a two-day span last week, officials are reminding residents to take precautions when heating homes and buildings this winter. Firefighters put out a blaze Thursday morning after a passer-by reported smoke billowing from the ceiling of a vacant building at Hwy. 53 and Warhill Park Road. Read More

A 25-year veteran of law enforcement has announced plans to run for Dawson County sheriff this year. Kevin Ellison issued his challenge to four-term Sheriff Billy Carlisle, saying his experience as commander of the DeKalb County Police Department's North Precinct has given him the knowledge necessary to lead the local agency. Read More

Dawson County Emergency Services recently recognized its top employees of 2011 and paid special tribute to five individuals who made significant contributions to the department over the last three decades. Capt. Jason Dooley was named Career Employee of the Year, while Capt. Douglas Wofford received recognition for his volunteer work with the department during a ceremony Dec. 3. Read More

The Dawsonville City Council welcomed two new members Monday night as political newcomers Chris Gaines and Jason Power were sworn into office. "I have always had a passion for helping others and wanting to better the place that I live," Gaines said. "This was a good opportunity for me to do that, to give back to the city in which I live and work." Read More

A high-ranking member of Dawson County's legislative delegation was recently named to a power list of the most influential leaders in Georgia. House Speaker David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, was selected as one of the state's 100 most influential leaders in an annual directory composed by Georgia Trend magazine. Read More

James Swafford has announced his intention to seek a second term on the Dawson County commission. "My goal today is the same as it was three years ago - to make decisions that will be best for all citizens of Dawson County," said Swafford, a retired accountant and lifelong county resident. Read More

State and local dignitaries gathered with hundreds of residents Tuesday for the dedication and grand opening of the new Dawson County Government Center. Delivering the keynote address, Gov. Nathan Deal called the building in downtown Dawsonville a testament to a progressive community and one that is going to continue to prosper. Read More

There will be a changing of the guard Monday night as two new members take their seats on the Dawsonville City Council. Political newcomers Chris Gaines and Jason Power were elected to the council in November, unseating incumbents Mike Sosebee and Mike Wilson. Read More

Dawson County Sheriff Billy Carlisle has announced he will seek re-election for a fifth term in 2012. A certified officer since 1988, Carlisle began his law enforcement career as a 911 dispatcher before transferring to the patrol division, where he rose to lieutenant and later division commander. Read More

The Dawson County Sheriff's Office honored its top employees last week during the department's annual Christmas luncheon at the law enforcement center. In a time when budgets are tight, Sheriff Billy Carlisle opted to give gift cards and commendations to the winners instead of plaques. Read More

After years of planning and nearly 24 months of construction, the new Dawson County Government Center will open next week. A ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration is set for 10 a.m. Tuesday, with Gov. Nathan Deal delivering the keynote address. Read More

District 51 state Sen. Steve Gooch has been named ex-officio of the Senate Natural Resources and the Environment Committee for the upcoming session. Gooch, a Dahlonega Republican, said in a statement that he considers the appointment "a great privilege." Read More

The coordinator for Dawson County Treatment Court was recently appointed to serve on the state's Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists. Gov. Nathan Deal appointed Robert "Bob" C. King to the 10-member regulatory practice board in November. Read More

A proposal to update the county's parks and recreation master plan has been tabled until February. Dawson County commissioners on Thursday said postponing discussion would give park staff enough time to determine a concise list of needed improvements and additions. Read More

Mike Owens believes he met the spirit of Christmas at Walmart. "Her name is Amy and she is the spirit of Christmas personified," said Owens, chaplain with the Dawson County Sheriff's Office. Read More

A longtime employee has been appointed clerk for the Dawson County commission. Danielle Yarbrough will assume the position previously held by Davida Simpson, who has accepted a role with the county's finance department. Read More

Many service organizations tend to honor their own at end of the year banquets. But with a motto of "service above self," Dawson County Rotary chooses instead to pay tribute in December to individuals who serve the community as county and city government workers. Read More

A consultant hired to review the parks situation in Dawson County has been directed to come back with a list of realistic projects. The initial proposal, presented last week to the county commission, recommended acquiring land for new parks and updating existing ones. Read More

Through a recent boot drive, Dawson County Emergency Services raised nearly $9,000 to fulfill Christmas wishes this season. Capt. Jamerson Kerby organized the campaign, which raised money for KARE for Kids. Read More

After 14 years on the Dawson County Tax Assessor's Board of Directors, Sara Halstead is retiring at the end of this year. She reported for her last board meeting Monday morning unaware her colleagues had planned a retirement party to follow the meeting. Read More

Officers of the Grand Lodge of Georgia Free and Accepted Masons joined members of the Etowah Lodge on Sunday to lay a cornerstone at the new Dawson County Government Center. Etowah Lodge donated the 12-by-24-inch stone that was placed in the front right corner of the building and includes the names of Georgia's Grand Master Jerry Moss and Worshipful Master Woodrow Harvey II of the local lodge. Read More

A referendum on Sunday package alcohol sales in Dawson County is set for the March 6 presidential preference primary. The ballot will also ask voters whether restaurants in unincorporated areas of the county should be allowed to serve distilled spirits on Sundays. Read More