Lawyer of suspect in fatal I-85 wreck says client will be proven innocent

LAWRENCEVILLE - The family of a Gainesville man facing felony charges in connection with a Monday night wreck on Interstate 85 that killed four people, including three members of another family, said he will be cleared.

Immigration patrol: New program will let deputies check status of county jail inmates

Hall County Sheriff's officials say a program that will allow deputies to begin deportation proceedings for illegal immigrants who are booked into the county jail is closer to starting, after technicians began hooking up computer equipment this week.

Legislature OKs Hall's third state court judge; now it's up to Gov. Perdue

The state Senate has passed a bill creating a third judgeship for the State Court of Hall County. The measure, already passed by the House, now awaits the signature of Gov. Sonny Perdue.

Supreme Court ruling won't stop Flowery Branch's tax allocation district

Despite the recent Georgia Supreme Court ruling disqualifying school tax revenues as a source of funding for tax allocation districts, Flowery Branch officials said Wednesday they will continue plans to implement a tax district for the city.

New superintendent named for Habersham schools

CLARKESVILLE - A Hart County school administrator has been named superintendent of the Habersham County school system.

Ex-councilman gets prison sentence

A former Dawsonville city councilman was sentenced to three years in prison Tuesday for selling prescription morphine tablets in his car during last October's Moonshine Festival.

Out with the old: History Center holds antique show

It is time again for the Northeast Georgia History Center's Antiques Show and Estate Sale, and this year's promises to be bigger and better than in years past.

Rabid skunk caught in North Hall

The Georgia Public Health Lab in Decatur confirmed Monday that a skunk captured in the Wiley Road area of North Hall tested positive for rabies.

More wheels mean more meals

Every weekday, Meals on Wheels delivers some 400 meals to Hall County seniors, but the program's coordinator said more meals could be delivered with more volunteers.

Gainesville, Hall County high school graduation rates are solid

With a 2007 graduation rate of 81 percent, or 10 points above the state average, Gainesville High School has become a destination for some 40 school districts statewide "to learn more about our success," said campus principal Mike Kemp.

Habersham County's new superintendent could start July 1

Application documents are available for viewing for Robert Costley, who has been given the Habersham County school board's OK as its new superintendent.

Parents, students, educators worry that new HOPE rules can leave behind ‘best and the brightest’

Students, parents and educators complained Tuesday night about last year's eligibility changes in the much-coveted HOPE Scholarship and its effects on students taking challenging courses.

Gas station at Seasons on Lanier still a no-go

In the tussle between Seasons on Lanier residents and the bankrupt neighborhood's potential new developer, Easlan Capital of Atlanta Inc. has been granted a timeout.

Former county parks director works in Arcade

Deborah Mockus, who served for five years as director of Hall County Parks and Leisure Services, is now city administrator for the Jackson County town of Arcade. Mockus left Hall County's employment in mid-March. "She was not asked to leave," said County Administrator Jim Shuler, calling her departure "mutually agreed upon." Mockus was given a six-month severance package. Shuler did not elaborate on the reason for the ...

Northeast Georgia Health System says Barrow hospital's lawsuit has no merit

Northeast Georgia Health System officials have denied allegations that they did not follow Georgia's certificate-of-need rules when applying to build a new hospital in Braselton.

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.

Judge to decide best tax distribution between cities and county based on filings

Hall County and Gainesville, on behalf of all the county's municipalities, each submitted their offers on the distribution of local option sales tax revenue Friday morning to visiting Superior Court Judge Frank Mills.

Federal courthouse ceremony welcomes 52 new Americans

Fifty-two foreign nationals from more than 25 countries walked into the federal court in Gainesville at 11 a.m. Friday and walked out as citizens of the United States at noon.

BBQ cooks fire up for Laurel Park competition

Crowds came by both car and by boat Friday to the kickoff for the second annual Hawgin' on Lanier barbecue competition at Laurel Park.

Rove to speak at Republican convention in Athens

As the state GOP convention officially came to order Friday, a small group of tea party and other activists stood outside to announce a large-scale voter outreach effort this year in part because they feel they can't depend on national Republicans to win elections.