Forestry study says branch out

GAINESVILLE - A recently released forestry management plan includes both accolades and advice for local government's tree ordinances.

Iraqi girl released from Tenn. hospital

A 2-year-old Iraqi girl who underwent open-heart surgery on Monday left the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center to continue her recuperation with a host family in suburban Nashville. Amenah Al-Bayati is said to doing well after doctors repaired a hole in her heart and redirected the blood flow to her lungs. Both her mother and doctors have noted the improvement in her color. Prior to ...

Arson blamed in house fire

A fire that destroyed an unoccupied home early Tuesday in Clermont was intentionally set, fire officials said Friday.

'Trees are terrific:' Arbor Day marked at history center

GAINESVILLE - Arbor Day got an official nod from two governmental bodies Friday and area students picked up awards for their drawings of trees.

Feds move deadline for states' water deal

Georgia, Florida and Alabama have been given at least an additional week to reach a settlement on their 18-year water dispute, which largely centers on water from Lake Lanier.

Ex-teacher charged with molestation allegedly flees with daughter

A former Gainesville Elementary School teacher charged with molesting students in the classroom is considered a fugitive after violating conditions of his bond, authorities said Saturday. Jerry Norman Jones, 51, was visiting his 4-year-old daughter Friday morning in Cumming when he left with the girl, in violation of bond conditions that prohibited unsupervised contact, Gainesville Police Lt. Brian Kelly said. Hall County Sheriff's Sgt. Kiley Sargent said officials ...

Two charged in motorcycle shop blaze

Authorities believe Alan Kilgore nearly lost his life for a $1,000 fee.

Jackson County: U.S. 129 traffic to shift Monday

The Georgia Department of Transportation plans to shift traffic on U.S. 129 Monday as it widens the highway from the Jefferson Bypass to Ga. 330 in Jackson County.

Jackson County student gets 3 years for bomb plot

JEFFERSON - Saying he didn't believe Andrew Criswell intended to hurt anyone when he brought a homemade bomb fashioned from black powder and wires into Jackson County Comprehensive High School, a judge sentenced the emotionally troubled teen to three years in prison Thursday.

Mansion fire remains under investigation

Gainesville fire officials are asking for the public's help in the probe of a fire that severely damaged an unfinished $2 million home on Riverside Drive Sunday.

Hall County Humane Society to hold contest

The Humane Society of Hall County has announced a Be Kind to Animals Week art contest for kindergartners through 12th-graders. Themes for the artwork can include kindness to animals, pet adoptions, wildlife conservation or protecting endangered animals.

Atlanta Highway’s new traffic light gets turned on next week

State and local officials say a new signal that will be turned on next week at Hilton Drive and Atlanta Highway will improve traffic at the intersection.

Court ruling throws big wrench into Gainesville's plans for Midtown

Gainesville officials will have to take their plans to use school property taxes on the Midtown redevelopment back to the drawing board following a state Supreme Court ruling Monday.

Memorial set for Medal of Honor recipient

A memorial service in honor of Cpt. Hilliard A. Wilbanks will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 23 at the Cornelia Community House, which is located at 601 Wyly St. in Cornelia.

Schofield: Education reform needed now

OAKWOOD - Hall County schools Superintendent Will Schofield spoke to South Hall business leaders Thursday morning about the urgency for school reforms.

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.

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.