April showers of snow? Rain, ice mix on today’s forecast

Near freezing temperatures could mean snow flurries for Northeast Georgia early today. National Weather Service meteorologists are calling for a 38-degree low for today and a high of only 53 degrees. Frigid temperatures come on the heels of a warm weekend with highs in the upper 60s.

Hall County officials review budget requests

BY JESSICA JORDAN jjordan@gainesvilletimes.com Hall County finance officials began reviewing department heads' budget requests for the upcoming year on Monday. The county is calling for a flat budget of $94.6 million for fiscal year 2009 in an effort to maintain property tax rates. Projections of little or no revenue growth in the upcoming year are hindering rising operational costs for each department. As ...

Health Care Decisions Day: A time to write down your final wishes

In the old days, you didn't have to explain to anyone how you wanted to die. When your time came, you stopped breathing and that was it. But with modern medical technology, a person can be kept alive almost indefinitely with no hope of recovery. And doctors will continue to maintain that life unless they're instructed otherwise.

Gainesville post office won't stay open today for late income tax filers

It once was the time for pots of black coffee, lots of sharpened pencils and a trusty adding machine.

New director takes charge of Hall County sewer project

Sewer is a dirty business, but a lucrative one. Now that Hall County is armed with new Public Works and Utilities Director Ken Rearden and his 35 years of experience in wastewater utilities, the county is ready to explore the possibility of creating its own public utilities department.

5K race benefits Friends of Recovery

The drizzle on Saturday morning didn't keep dozens of runners from taking part in the inaugural Run For Recovery 5K put on by local attorneys.

Many forced to cut corners to fill up gas tank

Record gas prices haven't pushed Hall Countians to adopt drastic routine changes, but some have resorted to logging time behind the wheel in a more gas-efficient ride to conserve spending.

Fuel costs are determined far from Gainesville

Gainesville motorists are paying about $3.35 per gallon for gasoline, but who's to blame?

Lake Lanier makes way for the Canadians

The first signs of preparation for the upcoming Canadian canoe/kayak Olympic Team Trials were taking shape Saturday at the Lake Lanier's Clarks Bridge rowing venue, as course builders pressure-washed buoys and laid down steel cables for the upcoming May 3-4 event.

This is only a test of the emergency response team

It may have looked like the scene of a terrible tragedy, but it was only practice if the real thing ever happens.

Pumped up: Surging fuel prices trickle down to form higher costs for just about everything

When gasoline prices first began to climb about three years ago, people were mainly concerned about the cost of driving. They compensated by eliminating unnecessary trips or switching to more fuel-efficient cars.

Former parks director's job reviews were good until 2007

Annual job performance reviews dating back to 2003 indicate that Deborah Mockus, former director of Hall County Parks and Leisure Services, generally performed well as a department head until 2007. Mockus said she left her position with Hall County in March after Jim Shuler, county administrator, suggested she "look for a job" elsewhere. But Shuler said he recommended Mockus explore her job options in January due to her poor job ...

Dahlonega congregation celebrates donation of Torah

DAHLONEGA - The blowing of a ram's horn heralded the arrival of a milestone in the seven-year history of Dahlonega's Shalom B'harim Jewish congregation Saturday.

Helen fire chief indicted

Helen Fire Chief Bert Smith was indicted by the White County grand jury earlier this week on charges of reckless driving and failure to obey an authorized person directing traffic.

Trojan Trot to raise money for CASA, drama club

A benefit run will be held April 27 at North Hall High School, with proceeds going to the Court Appointed Special Advocate Program and the North Hall Drama Boosters' Club.

Enota named family-friendly school

Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy has been named a winner of the state Department of Education's Family-Friendly School Partnership School Award.

The Times raises $2,158 for Relay for Life

The Times held a fundraising event Thursday in Gainesville where community members were welcomed to bring documents to shred, with all proceeds benefiting Relay for Life. The "Team Times" Relay for Life Committee collected $2,158 Thursday for the fight against cancer. In addition to people bringing documents to shred, hamburgers and hot dogs were on sale to benefit the cause.

Kids learn lake safety tips before summer ‘trauma season’ begins

Four children sat in a boat on their school's gym floor Thursday as Department of Natural Resources officers shook it and a crowd of their classmates loudly counted down.

4 Gainesville schools went on lockdown Thursday afternoon

Four Gainesville City schools were temporarily locked down Thursday afternoon.

2 Forsyth men charged in $1.6 million theft of 91-year-old

Recharged waters threat to low lying areas during upcoming hurricane season

The rain has been good, but the approaching hurricane season could put Georgia at risk for flooding and other trouble if it continues to rain, weather experts say.

Standoff suspect makes first appearance in court

A Gainesville man charged with terroristic threats, criminal damage to property and reckless conduct had his first appearance before a Hall County magistrate judge on Wednesday.

State to privatize its lodge parks by July 1

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is moving to privatize lodge parks in the state, as part of fulfilling a state mandate to become, among other things, more self-sufficient.

Red Rabbit to continue operating

The saga of the Red Rabbit fixed-route bus service ended Wednesday with the Hall County Board of Commissioners approving an agreement with Gainesville, but it didn't end quietly.

Army Rangers in training perform safety exercises on Lake Lanier

About 100 Rangers in training from Camp Frank D. Merrill in Dahlonega parachuted into Lake Lanier at War Hill Park in Dawsonville on Wednesday.

Residents speak out against city’s at-large voting system during council meeting

Two Gainesville residents spoke against the city's at-large voting system at Tuesday's City Council meeting.

City holds first transportation public meeting

Upon moving to Gainesville in February, Tricia Terrell soon discovered that in-town travel - at least by foot or bicycle - was more than a little tricky.

Lumpkin County Superintendent: Prayer encouraged as long as it doesn’t disrupt class

A week after a student-led prayer resulted in more than 50 Lumpkin County High School students skipping classes, the system's superintendent said no action will be taken other than working to educate teachers and students about the law pertaining to prayer in school.

Dawson County chief tax assessor facing drug charges

Dawson County's chief tax appraiser was arrested at his office Tuesday afternoon on misdemeanor drug charges.

Shred Away Cancer event set for today

The Times and Document Destruction Services Inc. are teaming up for a document shredding event today to benefit Relay for Life.