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.

Lumpkin County Superintendent: Prayer encouraged as long as it doesn’t disrupt class

A week after a student-led prayer resulted in more than 50 Lumpkin County High School students skipping classes, the system's superintendent said no action will be taken other than working to educate teachers and students about the law pertaining to prayer in school.

Dawson County chief tax assessor facing drug charges

Dawson County's chief tax appraiser was arrested at his office Tuesday afternoon on misdemeanor drug charges.

Shred Away Cancer event set for today

The Times and Document Destruction Services Inc. are teaming up for a document shredding event today to benefit Relay for Life.

Ridgewood, Green Street intersection to close today

Ridgewood Avenue will be closed at its intersection with Green Street from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today.

Aguilar sentenced to 25 years in prison

A Gainesville man was sentenced Wednesday in Hall County Superior Court to 25 years in prison by Judge Andrew Fuller.

Ridgewood, Green Street intersection will be closed Thursday

Ridgewood Avenue will be closed at its intersection with Green Street from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today.

Dawson County tax official arrested on drug charges

Braselton hospital on pace to open in spring 2015

FLOWERY BRANCH - The beam from Anthony Williamson's laser pointer danced across a map of the planned Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton and the area beyond.

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.