Evans: Relationship with Abraham began after vote

ATLANTA - Nearly three months after he survived one of the toughest political battles in state history, State Transportation Board Chairman Mike Evans resigned Thursday over another battle, this one of the heart.

Act 3: Lanier Centre has become a Holiday Inn

For the third time in its history, a downtown Gainesville hotel has assumed a new franchise.

Fuel, health insurance costs plague Hall County budget

Hall County budget reviews consistently revealed one problem Tuesday - rising fuel and health insurance costs are forcing county departments to cut costs elsewhere, which may result in smaller raises for employees in the upcoming year.

Recycling firm nabs industrial land deal

After more than a month of discussion, the Gainesville City Council chose to sell its final 28 acres of Industrial Park West property to the owner of Cowart Mulch Products, but the decision may cause one existing industry to leave Gainesville.

Habersham schools OK Robert Costley as new chief

The Habersham County Board of Education voted Monday night to officially approve Robert Costley as its new superintendent starting July 1. He has an initial three-year contract that includes an annual salary of $120,000.

Warmer temperatures keep crops safe overnight

Warmer than expected temperatures had growers with tender fruit crops breathing a sigh of relief on Wednesday. A freeze warning had been issued for most of the Northern half of the state for 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday. However, the low temperature at Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport in Gainesville was 39 degrees at 6 a.m. By 9 a.m., the temperature had risen to 51 degrees, the same temperature recorded at midnight.

Oakwood receives transportation funds

The Georgia Department of Transportation awarded the city of Oakwood $100,000 for phase two of its downtown sidewalk improvement program.

Georgia poultry plants not among those raided

Nearly 300 people were arrested Wednesday in immigration and identity theft raids at Pilgrim's Pride poultry plants in five states.

Apartment fire victims still critical

A young girl and her 61-year-old grandfather remained in critical condition Tuesday at an Atlanta hospital, more than a day after being severely burned in a fire at Spring Street Apartments, a fire official said.

Sheriff says competition, inmate transfers will curb revenues from Hall County Jail

Bed space, bodies and some unwanted competition may lead Hall County Sheriff's officials to revise their initial revenue estimates for the new $54 million jail.

Homeowners unhurt in Flowery Branch blaze

A log cabin near Flowery Branch was destroyed after a fire broke out at about 8 a.m. Tuesday. No one was hurt.

One year after Va. Tech massacre, local campuses have improved security

With the shock not completely worn off, colleges nationwide are operating or putting in place security measures to help prevent a repeat of the Virginia Tech massacre, which happened a year ago today.

Man gets 7 years for exploitation

A 49-year-old man who sexually exploited his teenage wife must serve seven years in prison and can't contact her when he gets out, a Hall County judge ruled Tuesday.

Advocates encourage reporting of elder abuse

In observance of National Victims' Rights Week, the Georgia Department of Human Resources is urging people to report suspected cases of elder abuse.

North Hall soccer teams escape injury in I-85 bus wreck; games canceled

No one was injured aboard a Hall County school bus that was involved in a wreck on Interstate 85 while carrying members of the North Hall High School boys and girls soccer teams, officials said.

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.

Flood damage costs start to emerge

Flowery Branch officials are estimating $1.4 million in expenses related to Sunday's historic rainfall, and so far it appears that most of the financial burden is falling on the beleaguered South Hall city.

Norfolk Southern says heavy rains overwhelmed Flowery Branch culverts

Norfolk Southern officials said Tuesday that culverts in Flowery Branch were overwhelmed Sunday by the heavy rains that fell overnight.