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.

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.

Gala honors business leaders

In order to develop and strengthen the local economy, businesses and the community work together for the benefit of each other.

Officials warn motorcyclists to be wary as weather warms

As part of efforts to keep drivers and motorcyclists safe, law enforcement officials and highway safety advocates gathered Thursday in Buford to promote motorcycle safety awareness.

Rabies clinic set for 9 a.m. on Saturday

The Humane Society of Northeast Georgia is putting on a rabies clinic Saturday at the Gainesville Walmart.

Enota named family-friendly school

Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy has been named a winner of the state Department of Education's Family-Friendly School Partnership School Award.

The Times raises $2,158 for Relay for Life

The Times held a fundraising event Thursday in Gainesville where community members were welcomed to bring documents to shred, with all proceeds benefiting Relay for Life. The "Team Times" Relay for Life Committee collected $2,158 Thursday for the fight against cancer. In addition to people bringing documents to shred, hamburgers and hot dogs were on sale to benefit the cause.

Kids learn lake safety tips before summer ‘trauma season’ begins

Four children sat in a boat on their school's gym floor Thursday as Department of Natural Resources officers shook it and a crowd of their classmates loudly counted down.

4 Gainesville schools went on lockdown Thursday afternoon

Four Gainesville City schools were temporarily locked down Thursday afternoon.

2 Forsyth men charged in $1.6 million theft of 91-year-old

Recharged waters threat to low lying areas during upcoming hurricane season

The rain has been good, but the approaching hurricane season could put Georgia at risk for flooding and other trouble if it continues to rain, weather experts say.

Standoff suspect makes first appearance in court

A Gainesville man charged with terroristic threats, criminal damage to property and reckless conduct had his first appearance before a Hall County magistrate judge on Wednesday.

State to privatize its lodge parks by July 1

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is moving to privatize lodge parks in the state, as part of fulfilling a state mandate to become, among other things, more self-sufficient.

Red Rabbit to continue operating

The saga of the Red Rabbit fixed-route bus service ended Wednesday with the Hall County Board of Commissioners approving an agreement with Gainesville, but it didn't end quietly.

Army Rangers in training perform safety exercises on Lake Lanier

About 100 Rangers in training from Camp Frank D. Merrill in Dahlonega parachuted into Lake Lanier at War Hill Park in Dawsonville on Wednesday.

Residents speak out against city’s at-large voting system during council meeting

Two Gainesville residents spoke against the city's at-large voting system at Tuesday's City Council meeting.

City holds first transportation public meeting

Upon moving to Gainesville in February, Tricia Terrell soon discovered that in-town travel - at least by foot or bicycle - was more than a little tricky.