State gives OK to Habersham Career Academy

The Georgia Board of Education has approved the Habersham County school system's request to start the Habersham Career Academy in the fall.

Videos say 'thank you' to Hall teachers

To commemorate Teacher Appreciation Week, the Hall County school system has produced videos of teachers in action throughout the district. Teachers from North Hall Middle School, West Hall High School, Lula Elementary School, Friendship Elementary School and Chicopee Woods Elementary School have been profiled so far, and additional schools will be featured as the week continues.

Independent audit wanted of assessors office

Hall County Commissioner Deborah Mack said Thursday that she wants to see the appointed board of tax assessors expanded from three members to five and have an independent audit of the tax assessors office in light of recent accusations of possible financial improprieties.

Let the shopping begin: Some retailers open in Forsyth’s outdoor mall

When they held the grand opening for Chocolaterie last week, co-founders Elizabeth and Michael Ashworth thought they would have plenty of promotional truffles for what they anticipated would be a small crowd. After all, The Avenue Forsyth's grand opening isn't until May 17. "We only opened with about 10 other stores," Michael Ashworth said. "It has been going very well, and we're very fortunate to be in The Avenue community." ...

Gainesville presents balanced budget for 2008-09

A slowing economy and rising health insurance costs have pounded Gainesville's budget, but residents may not feel the hurt in their tax bills.

Oldest bowler, 106, dies

In 2007, at 106 years old, Bill Hargrove was honored by the U.S. Bowling Congress as the oldest active bowler in the history of the game. Despite suffering from deteriorating eyesight, he continued participating in the sport he loved. Hargrove of Clermont kept bowling up until last week, just before he was hospitalized and died Monday of congestive heart failure at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Today would have been Hargrove's ...

City could begin saying ‘yes’ to developers

The city of Gainesville will resume issuing water availability letters to developers after a suggestion from the city's utilities director that some restrictions could be eased.

Post office to fight hunger

The National Association of Letter Carriers will conduct its 16th annual nationwide Stamp Out Hunger! food drive Saturday. The program is the nation's largest single-day food drive and has netted more than 836 million pounds of food since 1992.

Hall County administrator to resign

Hall County Administrator Jim Shuler is resigning his post effective June 30 after reaching an agreement to cut short his current one-year contract by three months, officials announced during a regular county commission meeting Thursday.

Chunks of the past: Murrayville man seeks new home for old cannonball

He's not positive exactly what it is, but John McCracken of Murrayville knows he wants to get rid of it. He hopes his junk is indeed another man's treasure.

Jogger stable after being struck by car

A Gainesville youth minister was in critical but stable condition Thursday after being struck by a drunken driver while jogging, officials and family members said. Vester Lewis, 56, was jogging north alongside Tanners Mill Road off the roadway near its intersection with Jones Lane shortly before 1:30 p.m. Wednesday when he was struck by a southbound 1996 Pontiac Trans Am driven by 46-year-old Annette Jackson of Gainesville, the Georgia State ...

20 rabies cases now confirmed in Hall County

The number of confirmed rabies cases in Hall County has increased to 20.

Wal-Mart sweetens drug plan

Every cloud has a silver lining.

Search to resume Friday for possible drowning victim

Authorities have suspended the search for a man believed to have drowned Sunday and will resume searching Lake Lanier on Friday.

The Medical Center Auxiliary honors volunteers

The Medical Center Auxiliary Inc. honored three long-time volunteers at its annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Wednesday.

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.

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.

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.

Hall planning board members narrowly deny commercial zoning request

Hall County commissioners will determine the ability of LL Farms to use its barn for special events after Hall County Planning Commission members narrowly denied the commercial zoning request.

Gender-based classes seem to be effective at Lyman Hall Elementary

Fifth-graders Brandon Murillo and Emilio Ochoa prefer not having girls around while they learn in class.

Work moving ahead for poultry lab in North Hall

Area and state officials, including Gov. Nathan Deal, gathered Monday in drizzle and cold to mark the start of construction on the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network headquarters in North Hall.