Top Story of 2007: The Drought

Georgia was already in a drought when 2007 began. But last winter and spring passed without the usual rains, and by mid-summer, the situation reached a tipping point, rapidly going from bad to worse to unimaginable. Also, this year, the 17-year tri-state water wars remained behind the scenes until the worst drought in the region's history exacerbated both the problems and the tempers of those involved.

Forsyth County woman dies in wreck

Gwinnett County authorities are investigating a two-vehicle wreck that killed a Cumming woman Thursday night.

Top Story No. 7: Lake Lanier turns 50

The lingering drought and dropping lake levels seemed like just a blip on the radar this summer as everyone celebrated Lake Lanier's 50th year.

Top Story No. 10: A new hospital in Braselton

Northeast Georgia Health System took a major step toward expansion on May 1, when the Georgia Department of Community Health granted approval for a new hospital in South Hall.

Drug, gun charges dropped against Dawson County High School student

A Dawson County High School student arrested earlier this month for drug and weapon possession has been cleared of all charges, authorities said Friday.

Boat ramp salvation: Bait shop owner wants watercraft back on Lake Lanier

Though Gov. Sonny Perdue has proposed creating a bass tournament venue with a "megaramp" on Lake Lanier at Laurel Park, some fishing enthusiasts aren't waiting for the state to take action. They want to get their boats back into the water now.

Top Story No. 5: Easter weekend freeze

With record-breaking high temperatures in August, it was easy to forget that there had been record-breaking lows on April 7 and 8. Temps dropped into the 20s in the Northeast Georgia mountains over Easter weekend, killing blooms and foliage that had emerged early during spring-like weather.

Arrest costs Forsyth County deputy his job

A Forsyth County Sheriff's deputy arrested for domestic violence on Thanksgiving Day has lost his job with the department.

Top Story No. 6: Brenau begins study for medical school

Brenau University is trying to determine whether it - as well as the Gainesville-Hall County area - can support a medical school.

Solemn farewell for a respected lawman

Hall Sheriff's officials said goodbye to one of the old guard Friday with full honors, as Sgt. Stan Bullock, a longtime veteran of the department, was laid to rest.

New bank, old name

OAKWOOD - An application has been filed for the first new thrift institution in Hall County in half a century. The new entity would be known as Home Federal Bank, which is the same name of a previous savings and loan association dating back to 1957. The new Home Federal's applications are currently pending with the Office of Thrift Supervision and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. While ...

Showers raise lake, but year still may be driest

Though it rained more than an inch in Gainesville for the first time in months, it won't be enough to keep Gainesville from recording its driest year in almost 50 years.

Rabbit fleet gets a makeover; city’s buses now really are red

Since 2001, Hall Area Transit Red Rabbit buses have traversed Gainesville roadways sporting two shades of blue. But as of this month, four new predominantly red-painted Red Rabbit buses will operate three bus routes in the city. "We've frequently been asked 'Why are your buses blue if you're called the Red Rabbit?'" said Janice Crow, general manager for Hall Area Transit. Finally, after six years, bus riders can ...

Professor gets national award

DAHLONEGA - Two national education groups have named North Georgia College & State University's Linda Williams their 2007 Georgia Professor of the Year. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education selected her from more than 300 professors in the United States. The award is based on a professor's dedication to undergraduate teaching. It is determined ...

New 'mega-ramp' could lure fishing events to Lanier

Laurel Park on Lake Lanier was named Friday as a site for one of 10 "mega-ramps" to accommodate large fishing tournaments.

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.

Ridgewood, Green Street intersection to close today

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

Hot weather health tips

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

Winter weather tips

Braving winter weather