Signs of attraction: Bill would let DOT point way to agri-tourism sites

A bill passed by the Georgia House on Wednesday would allow the Department of Transportation to erect directional signs pointing to the state's agricultural tourism attractions.

Items found in Hilton’s van revealing

The white Astro van where Meredith Emerson was held captive was stuffed with a wardrobe of high-end outdoors clothing, as well as a sling blade, duct tape, air pistols and a hacksaw blade, according to documents filed in DeKalb County Magistrate Court this week.

2-year-old Iraqi girl improves following surgery

A 2-year-old Iraqi girl who underwent open-heart surgery Monday has shown improvement in a Nashville, Tenn., hospital. Amenah Al-Bayati, whose life-threatening plight drew the attention of a Gainesville Marine, has been removed from a ventilator and continues her recovery in an intensive care unit.

Gainesville planning board backs rezoning bid for industrial park

GAINESVILLE - The president of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce told Gainesville's Planning and Appeals Board the city needs more industrial park space because more industrial park space means more jobs for the community.

Woman gives bulk of assets to Humane Society

Henrietta Wilson was a woman of modest means. She lived a quiet life in North Hall, restricted by a disability, and didn't have much social interaction with people.

Pilot car to be used during Ga. 136 work

The Georgia Department of Transportation Monday began resurfacing parts of Ga. 136 from Ga. 400 in Dawson County to Ga. 60 in Hall County.

Hilton made plans for dog as part of plea deal

Authorities say the drifter who pleaded guilty to killing 24-year-old hiker Meredith Emerson made plans for his dog's future as part of his plea agreement. Dandy, the reddish golden retriever that belonged to 61-year-old Gary Michael Hilton, has been adopted into a new home. The Northern Judicial Public Defender, H. Bradford Morris, says Hilton was concerned that his dog have a good home.

Living history: War veterans meet with students from Gainesville Middle School

GAINESVILLE - They brought old photographs and memorabilia. One veteran brought a model of the bomber he flew during World War II. But most of all, the veterans brought memories of their time spent in the military, during war and peace. "We need to let these kids know what it was like back when," said Van Peeples, a second-class petty officer during the Vietnam War era. "There was a ...

Students, teachers face off in dodgeball

It's not every day that an eighth-grader gets the chance to peg his science teacher with a big white ball; although, he might imagine it on a daily basis. But that's the scenario 11 faculty members at Chestatee Middle School arranged Tuesday afternoon in the form of a student versus faculty dodgeball game. Nearly 250 Chestatee Middle School students filled the school gym stands to watch the competition between 60 student players and Team Ocho, ...

Teens ‘have a lot to tell’ to anti-drug group

"Just say no" just won't cut it anymore. As Hall County volunteers met Tuesday to talk about attacking the problem of teen drug use, several said the simplistic 1980s-era slogan is not enough in the age of text messaging and YouTube.

Brenau receives $200,000 from Regions

Regions Financial Corp. has donated $200,000 to Brenau University, with one of its executives saying that women's business education is central to the company's charitable giving programs.

Jackson, Forsyth schools pull possibly tainted meat from menus

Jackson and Forsyth county school systems are among Georgia school districts that have been ordered to stop serving beef supplied by a California slaughterhouse under federal investigation for mistreating animals.

Snow flurries could fall in Hall tonight

GAINESVILLE - The Hall County area can expect snow flurries tonight, but nothing more, the National Weather Service is reporting.

Hall considers increasing landfill fees, landscaping interstate exits

County commissioners discussed funding the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce's Centennial Gateway Initiative and the possibility of increasing county landfill rates from $34.50 per ton to $40 per ton at Monday's work session. Vice Commissioner Steve Gailey said the proposed hike comes after an eight-year period in which landfill rates remained constant, and the rate increase is needed to bring Hall County landfill rates up to market standards in surrounding ...

Toccoa Falls dorm set for August completion

Toccoa Falls College is building a $500,000 dormitory that is set to finished by August. Donations from two alumni paid for the two-story dormitory, which will house 24 students. The building will replace two mobile units and add additional beds. The project will complete a dorm expansion project consisting of four two-story and three one-story buildings housing 132 students. It also marks ...

Wreck on Howard Road injures 1

One person was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center after a wreck Sunday afternoon on Howard Road in Gainesville.

Hall County considers alcohol code changes

The Hall County Board of Commissioners is considering new regulations for businesses that want to allow customers to buy or consume alcohol on their premises.

Hall County Schools to present information session before millage hearings

Prior to today's first public hearing on the Hall County school budget and proposed millage rate increase, Deputy Superintendent Lee Lovett will host a budget seminar.

Supreme Court’s DNA ruling could alter state law

In 2011, citing Fourth Amendment concerns, the Georgia legislature gutted a Senate bill that would have allowed collection of DNA evidence upon arrest for those charged with felonies.

Bicyclist suffers serious head injury in crash

Georgia State Patrol is investigating a crash that resulted in serious injury to a bicycle rider on Bryant Quarter Road near Cobb Griffin on Sunday.

Possible body spotted in lake

A possible body was spotted late Sunday afternoon at Clarks Bridge Park in Gainesville.

Three injured in boat fire at Lake Lanier park

Three people were injured today in a boat fire on Lake Lanier near Buford Dam Park.

Light program spotlights troubled waters

An effort to put solar-powered lights on navigation markers and buoys on Lake Lanier is moving forward with agreement from the previously resistant U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

New Hall fire stations set to open next year

Hall County has taken another step toward relief for North Hall homeowners suffering from skyrocketing insurance rates.

Man found guilty of statutory rape in Forsyth County

Storms likely to hold off for Father’s Day

After what should be a nice Father's Day today, more showers and thunderstorms are likely to greet the last full week of spring.

Black History Society celebrates Emancipation Day

The first celebration of Juneteenth Day in Gainesville, sponsored by the Gainesville-Hall County Black History Society, was held Saturday afternoon at Midtown Greenway & Park in Gainesville.

Hall County needs more foster homes for kids in need

Shawn Russell and his foster daughter have "Daddy Daughter Days," a special time when they hang out and talk or watch movies.

Brenau University in early stages of accepting free online course credits

Online education isn't new, but there has been a recent spike in interest in online college courses - especially free ones.

Campers learn how to handle loss of loved ones at Camp Braveheart

Campers at Camp Braveheart in Gainesville celebrated with plenty of cake and soda on Friday as they finished their week.