Pumped up: Surging fuel prices trickle down to form higher costs for just about everything

When gasoline prices first began to climb about three years ago, people were mainly concerned about the cost of driving. They compensated by eliminating unnecessary trips or switching to more fuel-efficient cars.

Former parks director's job reviews were good until 2007

Annual job performance reviews dating back to 2003 indicate that Deborah Mockus, former director of Hall County Parks and Leisure Services, generally performed well as a department head until 2007. Mockus said she left her position with Hall County in March after Jim Shuler, county administrator, suggested she "look for a job" elsewhere. But Shuler said he recommended Mockus explore her job options in January due to her poor job ...

Dahlonega congregation celebrates donation of Torah

DAHLONEGA - The blowing of a ram's horn heralded the arrival of a milestone in the seven-year history of Dahlonega's Shalom B'harim Jewish congregation Saturday.

Helen fire chief indicted

Helen Fire Chief Bert Smith was indicted by the White County grand jury earlier this week on charges of reckless driving and failure to obey an authorized person directing traffic.

Trojan Trot to raise money for CASA, drama club

A benefit run will be held April 27 at North Hall High School, with proceeds going to the Court Appointed Special Advocate Program and the North Hall Drama Boosters' Club.

The Times honored by the Associated Press

The Times' ongoing coverage of the drought has won first place for community service in the Georgia Associated Press Association awards competition, one of 16 awards won by the newspaper. The Times took home more awards than any newspaper of any size in Georgia, including six first-place awards for writing and photography. The winners were honored Saturday at a luncheon in Atlanta.

Free estimates for book repairs will be given at library next week

Book lovers who want to bring new life to their favorite dog-eared copies can get free estimates for repairs at Bible and Old Book Repair Day set for Tuesday at the Hall County Library System's headquarters.

Neighbor: Elderly neglect reported

A neighbor and a relative of Gladys Smallwood both insist they called social service agencies to get help for the 79-year-old woman prior to her death from suspected neglect, but officials with both the state Division of Family and Children Services and Division of Aging Services say they could find no record of those calls.

Stray Pet Strut is Sunday

The Humane Society of Hall County presents its 17th annual Stray Pet Strut and 5K Run on Sunday, with all of the proceeds going to benefit the organization.

GSC pays tribute to students and faculty at Honors Day

At its annual Honors Day event Wednesday, Gainesville State College honored more than 200 students who were nominated for various academic and service awards.

National Geographic travel magazine to publish maps of North Georgia driving tours

SAUTEE - State and regional officials unveiled a collection of specialized maps for self-guided driving tours of mountain and regional destinations.

Saving the environment via the Bible

Do we have a moral obligation to protect the Earth?

Storm rips roof off of mobile home

A line of strong storms that moved across Hall County at about 8 p.m. ripped the roof off a mobile home on Clarks Bridge Road and knocked down trees in several areas.

Woman injured in grease fire

A Buford woman was airlifted to an Atlanta hospital Friday with serious burns after a grease fire erupted at her home on Thompson Mill Road.

Forsyth woman killed in collision with logging truck

CUMMING - Authorities are still trying to determine what caused a log truck to collide with a pickup Thursday in Dawson County, killing a 33-year-old Forsyth County woman.

Dial-A-Ride bus system serves county residents

Gainesville resident Gloria Carruth depends on the Dial-A-Ride bus service since she nearly severed her ankle three years ago.

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.