Sheriff’s citizens academy graduates 39

Some 39 people graduated from the spring 2008 session of the Hall County Sheriff's Office Citizens Academy. The graduates were addressed and praised by Sheriff Steve Cronic as well as the keynote speaker, C. Andrew Fuller, senior judge, Hall County Superior Court.

Giles knows he has big shoes to fill

Mike Giles, 46, has served as senior vice president of the Georgia Poultry Federation since 2000. He will assume the post of president at the beginning of 2009, succeeding Abit Massey, who will become president-emeritus.

Families help break ground on new Habitat for Humanity homes

Five local church groups joined families in a groundbreaking ceremony Sunday for two new Habitat for Humanity homes.

Renamed effort is still on the march for babies

It may have a new name, but the purpose of the March for Babies remains the same: Helping to save premature infants.

A new role for Mr. Poultry

In 1960, Gainesville attorney W.L. Norton was helping his client, the Georgia Poultry Federation, look for a new executive. He saw his friend, Abit Massey, who was then head of the state Department of Commerce.

Trojan Trotters dodge rain to help Court Appointed Special Advocates

Some 50 runners braved the rainy weather Sunday afternoon to take part in the sixth annual Trojan Trot for Children at North Hall High School.

Jailbirds to aid Muscular Dystrophy Association

Some leaders of Gainesville will be locked up on Tuesday, but not for any wrongdoing; they will be taking part in the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Gainesville Lock-Up.

Weekend fires destroy vacant residences

Two vacant homes were deemed total losses this weekend after separate fires engulfed the buildings.

Hall County Humane Society needs cat, kitten food

The Humane Society of Hall County has an immediate need for donations of cat and kitten food.

Schools reach out to drug offenders

The Hall County school system has a program in place, educators hope, that stops student drug use in its tracks.

Many have helped shape Hall, Gainesville into what it is today

One hundred years ago, a group of business leaders, all men of course, gathered to form the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce.

Hall venue is set for Canadians’ time trials

Hall County's Olympic rowing and paddling venue is getting a visit from some elite athletes from north of the border this week.

McDonald will seek PSC seat

Lauren "Bubba" McDonald, Jr. announced Saturday that he will attempt to reclaim his seat on the Georgia Public Service Commission in November's election.

Work to close lanes on 2 roads this week

Continuing work on U.S. 129 as well as Interstate 985 at Exit 16 in Oakwood will close lanes this week.

Hall teachers may get retirement boost

The Hall County school system is proposing a payroll change that, officials say, will boost employees' retirement income.

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.

Recent heavy rains delay summer crops for local farmers

On a sunny, steamy Friday morning, Glen Cook harvests kale while his wife, Caroline, picks beets in a nearby field.

Gainesville pushes ahead with ‘island’ annexations

Pet shop owner Kenneth Neidenbach said he thinks Gainesville's plan to annex 115 "island" properties in Hall County is a tax grab that could put him out of business.

Man indicted on charges of stealing bronze eagle in Forsyth County

A Forsyth County man found in possession of a stolen bronze eagle statue was indicted this week on one count of theft by receiving.

Local boy scouts honor America on Flag Day

Local Boy Scouts of America Troop 3 scouts ceremoniously cut the stripes from a worn American flag Friday evening at a flag retirement ceremony behind First Presbyterian Church before burning each stripe as the local Col. William Candler Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution looked on.

Citizens' Academy alumni unite to support sheriff’s office

Gainesville resident Luis Santos-Rivas took the Hall County Sheriff's Citizens' Academy as a curious new resident.

Lake level holds up Hall County culvert project

A full Lake Lanier has put the brakes on a major culvert repair project in West Hall.

Most drownings can be silent and difficult to notice

Like the undisturbed surface of Lake Lanier, sometimes drowning can be calm and quiet.

Gainesville OKs reducing required notifications of annexation

Gainesville City Council unanimously approved amending land development code at a called council meeting Thursday morning.

Hall County formally presents 2014 budget

Hall County formally presented its proposed budget at Thursday's board of commissioners meeting.

Local student wins scholarship to study abroad

In the heat of the summer, 17-year-old Kelsey Kirkpatrick hangs out in the living room with her cat, Rosie.

17-year-old arrested after Wednesday crash in Forsyth County

Strong storms fell trees, knock out power in North Ga.

A strong line of thunderstorms that moved through Northeast Georgia on Thursday evening left about 8,000 homes without power.

Teen injured after being hit by vehicle while jogging

A teenager who jogged into the path of an automobile Thursday morning in Clermont was treated at Northeast Georgia Medical Center and released, authorities said.