New superintendent named for Habersham schools

CLARKESVILLE - A Hart County school administrator has been named superintendent of the Habersham County school system.

Ex-councilman gets prison sentence

A former Dawsonville city councilman was sentenced to three years in prison Tuesday for selling prescription morphine tablets in his car during last October's Moonshine Festival.

Out with the old: History Center holds antique show

It is time again for the Northeast Georgia History Center's Antiques Show and Estate Sale, and this year's promises to be bigger and better than in years past.

Rabid skunk caught in North Hall

The Georgia Public Health Lab in Decatur confirmed Monday that a skunk captured in the Wiley Road area of North Hall tested positive for rabies.

More wheels mean more meals

Every weekday, Meals on Wheels delivers some 400 meals to Hall County seniors, but the program's coordinator said more meals could be delivered with more volunteers.

Gainesville, Hall County high school graduation rates are solid

With a 2007 graduation rate of 81 percent, or 10 points above the state average, Gainesville High School has become a destination for some 40 school districts statewide "to learn more about our success," said campus principal Mike Kemp.

Habersham County's new superintendent could start July 1

Application documents are available for viewing for Robert Costley, who has been given the Habersham County school board's OK as its new superintendent.

Parents, students, educators worry that new HOPE rules can leave behind ‘best and the brightest’

Students, parents and educators complained Tuesday night about last year's eligibility changes in the much-coveted HOPE Scholarship and its effects on students taking challenging courses.

Gas station at Seasons on Lanier still a no-go

In the tussle between Seasons on Lanier residents and the bankrupt neighborhood's potential new developer, Easlan Capital of Atlanta Inc. has been granted a timeout.

Former county parks director works in Arcade

Deborah Mockus, who served for five years as director of Hall County Parks and Leisure Services, is now city administrator for the Jackson County town of Arcade. Mockus left Hall County's employment in mid-March. "She was not asked to leave," said County Administrator Jim Shuler, calling her departure "mutually agreed upon." Mockus was given a six-month severance package. Shuler did not elaborate on the reason for the ...

Northeast Georgia Health System says Barrow hospital's lawsuit has no merit

Northeast Georgia Health System officials have denied allegations that they did not follow Georgia's certificate-of-need rules when applying to build a new hospital in Braselton.

Gainesville City Council, school board hold joint meeting

The Gainesville City Council and the Gainesville school board met Monday to discuss matters that affect both.

Church hopes to buy building to house mission

St. Michael Catholic Church has signed a contract to purchase the current building of Emmanuel Baptist Church as a mission. The $1.3 million contract is contingent upon the church's ability to raise $300,000 in donations and pledges by the end of April. Emmanuel Baptist, located at 177 Atlanta Highway, is in a business district that is dominated by businesses owned by or catering to Latino clientele. It backs up to ...

Residents give ideas to improve libraries

A group of nearly 20 Hall County residents and elected officials gathered Monday at Blackshear Place Library in Oakwood to brainstorm improvement ideas for Hall County libraries. Adrian Mixson, Hall County Library System director, said the purpose of the focus group was to determine how library patrons' needs regarding facilities, services and programs might change during the next five years. "This is a growing county. We're asking our ...

Holly tree pruning will block off lane of downtown traffic

GAINESVILLE- It's not Christmas, but they'll still be trimming the holly tree. Gainesville motorists should be advised that the Green Street lane that turns right onto E.E. Butler will be blocked off this afternoon while Jackson EMC prunes the Green Street holly tree.

County commissioners hear budget requests

Hall County commissioners heard two budget requests for 2014 at their meeting Wednesday afternoon from the Hall County Library System director and Superior Court clerk.

Veterans killed in action remembered

Members of the American Legion Post 7, Unit 7, in Gainesville, along with area Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, were busy Wednesday ahead of the Memorial Day holiday. Legion members and scouts were placing flowers on veterans' graves in observance of the holiday, celebrated on the last Monday in May to recognize Americans who have died while serving.

Gainesville pedestrian bridge to close temporarily

The pedestrian bridge in downtown Gainesville will close Tuesday through May 31 for sidewalk repairs on the City Hall side.

Buford: Burglaries reported in county’s flooded areas

The Hall County Sheriff's Office is checking out reports of burglaries and entering auto incidents near flooded areas in the area of the Hall and Gwinnett county line in Buford.

Driver succumbs to injuries in wreck

Covington: Fox bites students attending school

Principal Coleman says goodbye to friends and school

Mark Coleman and the late Chris Mance spent the last few years preparing for retirement.

Hall County schools looking at new visitor identification system

Visitors to Hall County schools could have a new security checkpoint to go through beginning next school year.

German tourists learn about diversity

A Wednesday visit to Hall County by several German tourists served to illuminate a reality prominent in the U.S., and increasingly in the forefront of modern Europe - the tide of immigration.

Ex-bank manager from Murrayville charged in theft

Class Notes: Uzbekistanis visit Lanier Tech

A group of 11 Uzbekistanis, including farmers, businessmen and a representative of the country's Ministry of Agriculture and Water Management recently visited Lanier Technical College to learn about its refrigeration program.

Local political group protests IRS focus

Area residents took to the sidewalk in front of the local Internal Revenue Service office, waving signs and encouraging people driving by to honk in protest of the agency and revelations that some conservative groups have been targeted by IRS agents.

Graduation rates up in local schools

Hall County graduation rates increased in 2012 from 2011.

Fire destroys home; one treated for smoke inhalation

Gene Jones was outside his Commander Drive home cutting his grass when he saw smoke pouring out to the road.

Gainesville awards bid for convention center study

Gainesville City Council approved awarding the bid for the convention center and hotel feasibility study to consulting firms Key Advisors Inc. and the Bleakly Advisory Group on Tuesday evening.