Caring voices needed: Rape Response volunteers give survivors support

GAINESVILLE - Deidra Randolph is a former licensed practical nurse. About eight years ago, she saw an advertisement for volunteer advocate training at Rape Response Inc. in Gainesville. "I was no longer in the medical profession at the time ... and I just saw it as an opportunity to ... be that voice again for caring," Randolph said. Since then, she has taken calls two nights a ...

Unfinished house burns; 14 brush fires plague area

Fire officials said high winds reaching 31 mph and low humidity are to blame for the rash of small fires that broke out Sunday afternoon in Northeast Georgia. As a result of weather conditions, the Georgia Forestry Commission issued a red flag fire warning that remained in effect for parts of North Georgia until 9 p.m. Sunday.

Northeast Georgia Medical Center's open MRI is new and improved

Given the choice, most patients would rather undergo an "open" MRI test rather than be encased in the narrow cylinder of traditional MRI machines.

Study to evaluate water, sewer rate hike in Flowery Branch

Flowery Branch City Council has approved a nearly $3,000 study to determine when and by how much city sewer and water rates should be raised to meet the costs of the city's sewer and water treatment plant, which loses money. The council approved the study last Wednesday after auditor Dan Walker briefed the City Council and staff on the past fiscal year's budget. According to Flowery Branch City ...

Annual tech fair shows the kids are all right

Computer savvy students from across North Georgia gathered Saturday at Lakeview Academy to compete in the annual Lanier Regional Technology Fair.

Internet hot spots get boost on campus

DAHLONEGA - North Georgia College & State University plans to expand its wireless network during the next several months. The work, expected to be completed in the fall, will provide most of the campus with wireless coverage, said Bryson Payne, chief information officer.

It's all about chicken and community fun

Clyde Frederick squeezed his long-legged frame onto the small, round seat of the elementary school cafeteria table and dug into a dinner of chicken pie, slaw, green beans, cranberry sauce and roll, his grown son and four granddaughters seated beside him.

Drought repercussion: Lake Lanier Islands might limit swimming in the lake

Gov. Sonny Perdue's announcement that the state would allow limited filling of outdoor swimming pools was good news for Grier Todd.

Clergy appreciation event honors leaders

A Gainesville civic club paused Thursday to thank religious leaders in the community for their efforts. The Lanierland Civitan Club held a Clergy Appreciation Day, which coincides with a weeklong observance honoring those in the ministry.

East Hall High instructor shows others the way

GAINESVILLE - For two hours Thursday, East Hall High School biology teacher Heather Barrett's classroom doubled as a production studio.

Georgia says Gainesville High is a school of character

Gainesville High School has been named a 2008 State School of Character.

Gainesville City Council talks about priorities, finances at retreat

YOUNG HARRIS - In the first day of its planning retreat, the Gainesville City Council discussed the priorities and financial challenges the city faces in the next fiscal year.

After two-day weather delay, schools complete statewide tornado drill

With nary a cloud in the sky, Friday morning's tornado drill went off as planned.

Is this America's favorite mom?

No one ever said being a mom was easy. Donna Aldridge knows that.

Police talk man down from 260-foot crane at Northeast Georgia Medical Center

Two police negotiators were able to talk a potentially suicidal man down from atop a 260-foot construction crane Thursday night at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Boil water advisories still in effect for some

Gainesville Public Utilities issued a boil water advisory Sunday for 18 homes at the end of Trudy Drive off Lights Ferry Road in Flowery Branch.

Eyes on the Road: More feet added to Ga. 53 fix in Dawson County

An additional 500 feet of Thompson Road will be closed as part of a Georgia Department of Transportation project to rebuild the road's intersection at Ga. 53 in Dawson County.

New law to help vets get into workforce

Retired Hall County military veterans Stephen McGruder and Johnny Varner hope a new Georgia law will aid them in helping vets seamlessly transition into the civilian workforce.

Fellowship to help Gainesville student study law at Mercer

Whit Carmon was stepping off the bus after delivering his final term paper at the University of Georgia when his phone rang.

New state law to protect federal park rangers

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Ranger Ken Weiner is still suffering physically from when he was attacked last year at Burton Mill Park.

South Hall flooding causes county to declare emergency

Early Sunday storms rocked Hall County, leaving heavy flooding, collapsed roads and other damage in its wake.

Ga. water negotiator's role may be seen as conflict

Rock in the Spring concert benefits local school

Concertgoers look over items in a silent auction Saturday night at the Rock in the Spring fundraiser at Brenau University ampitheater. Proceeds benefit the local school Challenged Child and Friends, an early intervention center in Gainesville that provides special needs and typically developing children the opportunity to learn together and from each other. Local musicians Mid Life Crisis played at the event. Local musicians Mid Life Crisis perform Saturday night for the audience at the Brenau ...

Riverside Military Academy opens campus home for president

Riverside Military Academy welcomed a new addition to its campus Saturday, something it hasn't had since 2005: A home for the school president.

Powerball: Did these numbers change your life?

Winning numbers: 22-10-13-14-52

Groups gather at Lake Lanier to promote boating safety

In anticipation of the summertime increase in lake recreation, the Lake Lanier Association held a Boating Safety Awareness Day Saturday at Lake Lanier Islands resort.

Nonprofits, state agencies work to help victims of human trafficking

Jennifer Robson sits in front of her laptop computer and scrolls through a list of ads on an adult website, looking for a local woman to call.

Law agencies focus sharp eyes to spot victims

To spot victims of sex trafficking, it takes the keen eye of an expert - one like Brian Johnston, assistant special agent in charge of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Human Trafficking Unit.

Proposed left-turn ban on Green raises a stir

The potential for no left turns on Green Street has raised hackles along the busy, four-lane road, according to one of its most vocal business leaders.

Last school day a chance for partying, fun in Gainesville

With tears in her eyes, second-grade teacher Maria McConnell says goodbye to her class.