Tax rebate checks begin appearing today

It's almost like Christmas in July.

Official says bus driver at fault in wreck

Two elementary school students were treated for minor injuries Monday evening after their school bus driver caused a wreck on Atlanta Highway, officials said. Hall County School bus 9827 was carrying 28 students from Martin Elementary at about 3 p.m. Monday when it struck a vehicle that had stopped in front of the bus on Atlanta Highway, according to Gordon Higgins, director of community relations for Hall County Schools. <p ...

Modular home lawsuit still unresolved

After three years, there has been no final decision on whether Gainesville officials violated Grant Smereczynsky's civil rights by not allowing him to complete construction on a modular home within the city limits. In the three years since Smereczynsky was ordered to stop construction on a home in the Waters Edge subdivision, a lawsuit he filed against the city has made an interesting journey, appearing in Hall County Superior Court ...

Gainesville plant will build for Nissan

ZF Transmissions has been selected to produce an automatic transmission for a 2010 Nissan vehicle and will expand its Gainesville operations to produce the new product. "The order from Nissan is a major success for ZF and confirms our strategy to intensify business with Japanese automakers," said Wolfgang Vogel, member of the board of management of ZF and group executive of the commercial vehicle and special driveline technology division. "This ...

Residents recall ‘good, bad and ugly’ history of Southern heritage on Confederate Memorial Day

Hoop skirts and Confederate soldier garb was the fashion Sunday at Redwine United Methodist Church.

Mars to pay $23 billion for Wrigley; gum maker's biggest plant is in Flowery Branch

The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., which has the largest gum-making plant in the company's worldwide empire in Flowery Branch, has accepted a $23 billion buyout offer from privately held Mars Inc.

Chicken cook-off heats up Gainesville afternoon

"It's events like this that make us want to live in Gainesville," said Robb Owens, a member of the North American Chicken Grillers Association International cook team.

The Titans: 25 people who helped build Gainesville, Hall County

Rafe Banks Sr. Rafe Banks Sr. served for many years as a director of the county's largest bank, First National Bank of Gainesville, and was a key player in the postwar growth of the community. Banks served as president of First National from 1932 to 1947 and was a director from 1916 to 1964. After serving as president, he was the bank's chairman of the board. At one time, ...

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.

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.

Gainesville forms nonprofit to promote city

Gainesville City Council members heard a presentation on the Hotel Motel Tax Fund and information on forming a nonprofit corporation at their Thursday work session.

Rain threat moves Arts Council concert indoors

Tonight's planned concert at the Smithgall Arts Center has been moved inside due to a forecast of rain, and the "Top Gun" movie screening has been canceled.

Schools look to renovate, build as local population grows

Local school systems were no different than many businesses during the economic sluggishness over the recession.

Hundreds swabbed at Be The Match donor drive

More than 400 people swabbed their cheeks Wednesday at East Hall High School during the Be The Match donor drive for Kelsey Bishop, 23, who has acute myeloid leukemia.

Car crashes after going airborne in Forsyth County

Deputies are looking for at least two people who were believed to be in a Saturn Aura that crashed on Sanders Road sometime after 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

Area Southern Baptists agree with church's denouncement of new Scouts policy

Delegates at the Southern Baptist Convention approved a resolution Wednesday opposing a new Boy Scouts of America policy to allow gay youths to join the troops.

Elderly beating the heat with fans

With temperatures climbing to the low 90s Wednesday and a heat index reaching the mid-90s, it appears it is officially that time of year again in Northeast Georgia, when sweltering heat and high humidity are the norm. Until recently, soaring temperatures have been kept at bay thanks to the area's surplus of steady rain and overcast skies.

College loan rates set to double in July

Subsidized federal student loan rates are set to double in July, increasing monthly payments for thousands of students across the state, possibly making post-secondary education less of a reality for many.

Jaemor growing more than food

Jaemor Farms is growing, and not just peaches.

Hall County may raise property taxes to improve fire services

Hall County may increase residents' property taxes to fund improvements in fire services, including a new fire station, personnel and equipment.

Gainesville Middle School "at-risk" students get chance at a better future

"At-risk" middle school students are now the targets of a program developed with tactics to increase academic performance and high school graduation rates.

Police seeking woman in use of stolen credit cards

Gainesville police are looking for a woman who is believed to have used stolen credit cards at Publix on Thompson Bridge Road.