In third year of drought, water park is proposed in Buford

Environmentalists say they're dumbfounded about a real estate company's proposal to build a 200,000-square-foot water park in Buford while the state remains in a drought.

Water restrictions eased for public utilities, not residents

Gainesville and Hall County will remain under level four drought restrictions as they have been since last October, state officials said at Tuesday's meeting of the state drought response committee.

Gas prices pose budget problems for Hall County schools

Fearing the price of fuel could go higher, the Hall County Board of Education is discussing whether to increase the proposed fuel budget for fiscal year 2009. Jewel Armour, executive director of operations for the school system, told board members Monday night that he had budgeted between $3.90 and $4 per gallon for the coming year's purchase of 480,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 60,000 gallons of gasoline. <font ...

City schools at least $1.7 million short for next fiscal year

Though still early in the Gainesville school system budgeting process, the projected spending for fiscal year 2008-09 exceeds the income by $3.3 million. Janet Allison, finance chief for the district, told the City Board of Education Monday night that expenses are estimated at $52.9 million and revenues at $49.6 million.

Hearing set for proposed drug-testing expansion

A public hearing is set for 7 p.m. May 19 on a proposal plans to expand the Hall County school system's random drug-testing program.

Hikers want to recognize Appalachian Trail with new car tag

If you're a bicyclist in Georgia, you can get a license plate for your car reminding others to "Share the road." You can also get specialty plates proclaiming your love for NASCAR or for your alma mater. But if you're a hiker, there is no plate that depicts your favorite pastime. That could soon change, however.

Hall's future life aquatic coming via Frances Meadows Center

It won't be long before the Frances Meadows Center will be all wet.

Sergeant wants to help other Hispanic people to achieve

Sgt. Jose Rogerio Tapia quietly made history last month. Tapia, an 18-year veteran of the Hall County Sheriff's Office, became the first person of Hispanic ethnicity to reach the rank of sergeant in local law enforcement history. Neither the sheriff's office nor Gainesville Police Department has had a Latino reach that supervisory rank before. As Hall County's booming Hispanic population continues to grow, Tapia hopes his will be ...

Developer, residents gearing up for final fight over gas station

In what may be the final round between an Atlanta developer and the residents from a community for those 55 and older, the Gainesville City Council is set to decide if it is appropriate to allow a RaceTrac gas station on the edge of a neighborhood that originally barred all auto-related businesses.

Georgia aims to defend drought plan against Florida's attacks

The director of the state Environmental Protection Division said Tuesday that the state is readying a response to Florida's allegations that Georgia is using more than its fair share of water from the Chattahoochee River.

Some speak out against development at Hall planning meeting

A developer's proposal to construct nine office warehouses on Old Winder Highway drew about 20 protesters to the Hall County Planning Commission meeting Monday. The voices of opposition succeeded in convincing the planning commission to recommend Hall County Commissioners deny the developers' rezoning request when it comes before the commission on May 22 for final action. Before Monday's meeting, the planning commission had delayed the developer's rezoning request ...

Gainesville votes for RaceTrac gas station; resident says they were betrayed by City Council, mayor

Seasons on Lanier residents won the first battle against the Atlanta developer trying to change their neighborhood, but it was Easlan Capital of Atlanta Inc. who won the war.

GHS 9th-graders get new principal

Gainesville High School's Freshman Academy has a new principal.

Colleges, hospital team up to train lab techs

Most people have heard that Georgia needs more doctors and nurses. But they may not be aware that there's also a serious shortage of allied health workers.

Hall sets public hearing on school drug tests

A public hearing is set for 7 p.m. May 19 on a proposal plans to expand the Hall County school system's random drug-testing program.

Aguilar sentenced to 25 years in prison

A Gainesville man was sentenced Wednesday in Hall County Superior Court to 25 years in prison by Judge Andrew Fuller.

Ridgewood, Green Street intersection will be closed Thursday

Ridgewood Avenue will be closed at its intersection with Green Street from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today.

Dawson County tax official arrested on drug charges

Braselton hospital on pace to open in spring 2015

FLOWERY BRANCH - The beam from Anthony Williamson's laser pointer danced across a map of the planned Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton and the area beyond.

Class Notes: Focus group meeting to help find Dyer’s replacement

A focus group composed mostly of community members met Tuesday to talk about what the Gainesville school system should look for in its next superintendent.

Two picked for Florida A&M scholarships

A difficult decision of choosing the right college might be a little bit easier for two Gainesville High School students.

Rained-out First Friday concert rescheduled

The Southern Gentlemen Dixieland Jazz Band will perform a free concert Friday on the downtown square in Gainesville from 5-9 p.m.

Open house set at Gainesville water treatment plant Friday

The Gainesville Public Utilities Department will host an open house Friday from noon to 4 p.m. at Riverside Water Treatment Plant.

Man charged with felony murder in fatal wreck

A Gainesville man has been charged with felony murder in connection with his alleged role in a car crash that left a woman and toddler dead.

Man killed while crossing Ga. 53 on four-wheeler

A 73-year-old Dawson County man was killed Tuesday afternoon when he attempted to cross Ga. 53 on a four-wheeler and was hit by an oncoming pickup truck near Perimeter Road.

City to take over Red Rabbit bus service July 1

The Gainesville City Council unanimously approved Tuesday taking over the Red Rabbit fixed-route bus service starting July 1, while expressing disappointment with Hall County commissioners for putting it in that position.

Man in custody after police standoff at Motel 6 off US 129

A Tuesday standoff with police at the Motel 6 off U.S. 129 attracted dozens of law enforcement responders and bystanders but ended peacefully after about three hours.

New scores released for area schools

School leaders said they are glad more factors are being considered in rating schools, but the scores released Tuesday still don't paint an accurate picture of what's going on in schools with high numbers of students learning the English language.

Mayor: Ban on left turns could be good for Green Street

Gainesville Mayor Danny Dunagan said Tuesday he wants the Georgia Department of Transportation to look at banning left turns on Green Street.

Hot weather health tips

Here are some tips to help you deal with the summer heat wave.