Gainesville’s Micah Massey credits higher power for his Grammy-winning song

"Music itself is such a powerful thing," Micah Massey said. "Music has the power to do a lot of things. It engages us mentally, physically, spiritually. I don't think it's just something that exists like any other creation. It's something that has a lot of power ... it is a great way for people to be taught about God and to engage with God." Massey, worship leader at Free Chapel Church in Gainesville, said he ...

2-day lecture series features world-renowned theologian

Marcus Borg will present three lectures at Brenau University on Friday and Saturday, March 1-2 as part of a newly formed partnership of North Georgia churches and academic institutions.

Bible study turns into ministry support group for young mothers

A group of Hall County women are learning that you don't have to walk a mile in someone's shoes to be compassionate about their struggles.

Low, slow rosemary goat recipe only takes 10 minutes, with prior planning

When is a recipe that takes many hours a fast and easy recipe? When it takes just 10 minutes of your time to prepare.

Vets' cookbook is a recipe for revenue

Local woman tries to bolster the image of shelter pets, increase volunteerism

After bringing a stray dog to the Hall County Animal Shelter, Mary Thompson realized she might be able to help the animals find permanent homes using her skills as a real estate appraiser.

Pruning is easy if you follow the rules

That bush obscuring your view as you back down the driveway. Those limbs scratching the window pane with every breeze. The roses taking over your front porch. These are just some of the many reasons to learn how to prune.

Not going out? Make a Valentine’s at home special

Not planning to go out for Valentine's Day? Time to start planning a special menu for a romantic night in.

Local MOMS Club offers an ear and a heart

Sure, they don't punch a time clock but don't say being a stay-at-home mom isn't hard work.

Wayne Dempsey starts Brenau on its Steinway quest

Wayne Dempsey started taking piano lessons in the first grade, 59 years ago. That first lesson ignited a love of music that will inspire generations of musicians at Brenau University in Gainesville. Brenau's first Steinway piano, a No. 481 handmade Steinway and Son's Model D Concert Grand, has been dubbed "The Dempsey Steinway." The piano currently sits in the university's Pearce Auditorium. Dempsey retired for health reasons at the end of 2012 from his post ...

Actor Cameron, musician Barfield come to North Ga. on mission to save marriage

For anyone who has ever been a fan of actor Kirk Cameron or the movie "Fireproof," this message may be for you.

Real chocolate can be healthy (and romantic)

Love is always sweeter when expressed with chocolate! Especially on Valentine's Day. Yes, chocolate ... And the more ooey-gooey deeply chocolaty, the better. Still, there's no sense overdoing it. I've always believed that when it comes to dessert, a little bit can go a long way. That's why this chocolate dream of a recipe takes the form of smallish individual cakes rather than a single, family-sized gut-buster. It's also why I've replaced the butter usually ...

Fun Run helps students and their classrooms

Students at Centennial Arts Academy recently participated in a Boosterthon Fun Run to help put an iPad in every classroom.

Lake Lanier home is featured in Schwarzenegger movie

Few people get the opportunity to make money from having an A-list star in their home. Fewer still would use that opportunity to help raise money for a rare skin disorder. But when a scouting crew approached Mike Briggs asking to use his home on Lake Lanier for an upcoming movie, he saw a golden opportunity for the Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types Inc. Briggs is the president of FIRST, the only nonprofit ...

Keeping history alive

If you keep your eyes and ears open this month, you're sure to learn something new about Hall County's past.

Gainesville minister pens book

When David Glover's grandson Zachariah Kyle Emerson was born in 1998, the Gainesville man felt blessed.

Banking fresh food

The recent rain has been very good for the Georgia Mountain Food Bank as the seeds from its first community garden begin to grow and flourish.

Winners of Brenau barbecue contests will advance to world finals

Two teams competing in this year's Brenau Barbecue Championship will also be selling their pork to hungry visitors at the event. But it's almost by accident that either team exists.

Student council collects books for community library

Fifth-grader Heartley Twiggs loves to read fiction books and thinks kids are better off when they read books they enjoy.

Wedding bells, blues and venues

Brittany Evans wanted a storybook wedding but what she got was something more like a movie.

Couple conquers 70 years together

In 1940, C.W. Davis hitched a ride from a driver in a red Ford, ultimately securing a movie date with the woman behind the wheel.

Jehovah’s Witness experiences an influx of hope

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - On the day the Boston Marathon bombing transfixed the world, Mark Watkins of suburban Kansas City, Mo., lay face to face with a crisis of life, death and faith.

Better-for-you BBQ chicken

Barbecue chicken is one of my favorite summertime dishes. I like every part of it - the tomato-based sauce (the spicier the better), the crispy skin, even the bones.

Properly preparing a picnic

The school year is winding down and Memorial Day is just around the corner. Activities such as boating, camping and picnicking are fun ways to experience the great outdoors.

Ask cook: Correct way to cut lettuce

Question: It used to be forbidden to cut lettuce with a knife. Only tearing by hand or cutting with a plastic knife was acceptable. But now I see TV chefs regularly chopping lettuce with a regular knife. What is responsible for this change in thinking?

Singles meet and mingle

For 52-year-old Gina Sweet, it had been awhile since she hit the dating scene. Luckily for her, family members gave her the Cinderella treatment before she ventured out to Cocktails & Conversations, a brand-new speed-dating venture in Gainesville.

Racing to the front

JEFFERSON - It was anything but a regular school day for the 15 local middle schools students who participated in the Jackson Electric Membership Corporation Junior Solar Sprint competition May 3. Using one of the Earth's brightest resources, the sun, students put their hand-built solar sprinters to the test in a fast-paced race competition at Road Atlanta in Braselton.

Perfect pink present for mom

Editor's note: North Hall High School junior Catherine Sartain, 16, wrote this column for her journalism class about Mother's Day.

Her husband is her 'hero'

"It will be a blessed Mother's Day for my kids, my granddaughter, my wife," Grady Nolan said, his voice cracking slightly. "And for me."

Lay leaders lend a loving ear

BATH TOWNSHIP, Ohio - The Stephen Ministry is looking for compassionate men and women who want to help people who are hurting.