Class Notes: Focus group meeting to help find Dyer’s replacement

A focus group composed mostly of community members met Tuesday to talk about what the Gainesville school system should look for in its next superintendent.

Two picked for Florida A&M scholarships

A difficult decision of choosing the right college might be a little bit easier for two Gainesville High School students.

Rained-out First Friday concert rescheduled

The Southern Gentlemen Dixieland Jazz Band will perform a free concert Friday on the downtown square in Gainesville from 5-9 p.m.

Open house set at Gainesville water treatment plant Friday

The Gainesville Public Utilities Department will host an open house Friday from noon to 4 p.m. at Riverside Water Treatment Plant.

Man charged with felony murder in fatal wreck

A Gainesville man has been charged with felony murder in connection with his alleged role in a car crash that left a woman and toddler dead.

Man killed while crossing Ga. 53 on four-wheeler

A 73-year-old Dawson County man was killed Tuesday afternoon when he attempted to cross Ga. 53 on a four-wheeler and was hit by an oncoming pickup truck near Perimeter Road.

City to take over Red Rabbit bus service July 1

The Gainesville City Council unanimously approved Tuesday taking over the Red Rabbit fixed-route bus service starting July 1, while expressing disappointment with Hall County commissioners for putting it in that position.

Man in custody after police standoff at Motel 6 off US 129

A Tuesday standoff with police at the Motel 6 off U.S. 129 attracted dozens of law enforcement responders and bystanders but ended peacefully after about three hours.

New scores released for area schools

School leaders said they are glad more factors are being considered in rating schools, but the scores released Tuesday still don't paint an accurate picture of what's going on in schools with high numbers of students learning the English language.

Mayor: Ban on left turns could be good for Green Street

Gainesville Mayor Danny Dunagan said Tuesday he wants the Georgia Department of Transportation to look at banning left turns on Green Street.

Man killed crossing Ga. 53 on 4-wheeler

Arrest made in Oakwood rape case

A Gainesville man was arrested Friday on rape charges by Oakwood police. Ramon Morgan, 32, is charged with rape, sodomy, aggravated sodomy, sexual battery and abuse, neglect or exploitation of a disabled or older adult, Oakwood Police Chief Randall Moon said. Morgan had his first appearance in Hall County Magistrate Court on Saturday before Judge Margaret S. Gregory. He asked for representation from the public defender's office, and chose to forgo a probable cause hearing. ...

The Local Agenda: Gainesville to hold budget hearing for 2014

The Gainesville City Council is scheduled to hold a hearing on its 2014 proposed budget during tonight's City Council meeting.

Frozen food giveaway happening Wednesday

Caring Hands Ministries will hold a frozen food give away Wednesday in Clermont. The event is 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the ministry's multipurpose center at 6483 Cleveland Highway and is available to anyone in Northeast Georgia who needs food. Those in need should bring a grocery bag to hold the food. The food is being sent by Americans Helping Americans, a partner of Caring Hands Ministries.

Gainesville City Schools projects increases in both revenue, spending

The Gainesville City School Board heard the final departmental budget presentations for fiscal year 2014 at its work session Monday night.

Drug Free Coalition tackling overdoses of prescription medications

A presentation by the Drug Free Coalition of Hall County at the Hall County Schools District Office on Thursday night in Gainesville focused on preventing overdoses of prescription drugs.

Deal orders Bibles back to lodges after complaint

Gov. Nathan Deal ordered Bibles be returned to rooms at state parks Wednesday after the books were removed following a complaint from a guest.

Gainesville Planning and Appeals Board OKs 2 measures

Two measures passed unanimously at a brief city of Gainesville Planning and Appeals Board meeting on Tuesday evening at the Public Safety Complex.

11-year-old injured in four-wheeler accident identified

The Georgia State Patrol on Tuesday identified the 11-year-old boy who was injured Sunday afternoon in a four-wheeler accident in West Hall as Lanny Charles Dunagan.

22-year-old airlifted from four-wheeler accident

A 22-year-old man was airlifted for treatment Tuesday after the Gator or similar vehicle he was riding in the woods overturned, authorities said.

Siren, notification system will be tested today

Hall County will test its outdoor weather siren at 10 a.m. today.

Boating enforcement to focus on education

Today's remarks at Laurel Park by Gov. Nathan Deal are expected to focus on the boating under the influence portion of the boating safety reforms passed by the legislature and signed into law April 23.

WomenSource members visit Milton Martin Honda

WomenSource, an organization dedicated to "encouraging personal and professional success for all women in Northeast Georgia through a variety of educational programs," according to program coordinator Laura Haynes, visited Milton Martin Honda on Tuesday. The organization has partnered with the car dealership before, but members wanted to do it again and take the auto lessons, learning things from when to service vehicles to how to jump- start a car.

Class Notes: Hall County Schools office event puts focus on prescription drugs

Prescription drug addiction will be the topic of the night at a presentation Thursday at the Hall County Schools office.

Hall schools launch new summer reading initiatives

Even though children aren't going to be able to visit their school library over the summer, there are still plenty of opportunities to hone their reading skills.

City schools present budget figures at hearings

The few people who showed at the hearings got to see the thinking behind the math in the Gainesville school system's crafting a budget for fiscal 2013-14.

Man sentenced to life in prison in home invasions

A man was sentenced to life in prison without parole Tuesday after a jury convicted him on Monday of several violent felonies and property crimes, the Northeastern Judicial Circuit's district attorney's office said.

Alleged election violations won't be referred to attorney general

The Georgia State Election Board declined to send alleged election violations by Hall County to the state Attorney General's Office Tuesday.

3 students suspected in Gainesville High graffiti incident

Gainesville school officials said Tuesday that three students are responsible for overnight vandalism at Gainesville High School.

11-year-old hurt in four-wheeler accident identified

The Georgia State Patrol has identified the 11-year-old boy who was injured Sunday afternoon in a four-wheeler accident in West Hall as Lanny Charles Dunagan.