Gainesville Planning and Appeals Board hears zoning request

In what may have been the world's shortest government meeting, Gainesville's planning and appeals board voted "yes" to a rezoning request and adjourned within 10 minutes. In a unanimous decision, the board voted Tuesday to recommend approval of Danny Allen's request to rezone nearly an acre of land on Thompson Bridge Road in order to be able to "market" the property for residential or office uses. Allen's property ...

Child hospitalized after soup burn

A 6-year-old boy was flown to Grady Memorial Hospital Monday after he was badly burned at a Gainesville restaurant, according to the Gainesville Fire Department. The child received second-degree burns on his face, neck and chest when soup was spilled on him at Kiku Japanese Steak and Sushi on Dawsonville Highway.

Gainesville fined $1,000 for sewage spills

The city of Gainesville has agreed to pay the Georgia Environmental Protection Division $1,000 for two minor sewage spills that occurred last year.

Lumpkin deputies arrest man in burglary

Lumpkin County Sheriff's deputies arrested Seth Stephen Thompson, 20, of Dahlonega on Sunday in connection with a burglary of a home on Crabapple Road.

Piedmont College to explore ‘Faces of War’

The effect of war on veterans and their families will be the topic of a panel discussion at Piedmont College in Demorest at 7 tonight.

Fewer houses, more businesses going up

Recently released building permit figures indicate residential building is down 63 percent in unincorporated Hall County so far this year, while commercial building is on a slight upswing. Last year, 339 residential building permits were obtained from Hall County government from January through March, but only 125 were granted in that same time period this year, according to Hall County Building Inspection Services. According to a report released ...

Medical Center Foundation wants to make Hall healthier

If you've got an idea for improving the health of Hall County residents, the Medical Center Foundation wants to hear from you.

Carpet maker's closing puts Dahlonega in 'crisis'

DAHLONEGA - Less than six months ago, Dahlonega Mayor Gary McCullough met with representatives of Mohawk Carpets to discuss a $3 million to $5 million expansion of their carpet yarn plant in Dahlonega.

Businesses, road reopen after smoke detector in trash can triggers bomb scare

A bomb scare at the Dawsonville branch of the U.S. post office Monday afternoon ended when authorities discovered that a smoke detector was the source of a suspicious beeping from a trash can. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation's bomb disposal unit had responded to the scene, along with the Gainesville police and fire departments. Authorities arrived at about 1:30 p.m. after the manager ...

Teen arrested near Skelton Road

A 17-year-old Gainesville man was arrested Monday after allegedly spray-painting gang graffiti on Victory Baptist Church. Hall County sheriff's officers saw Victoriano Lopez-Hernandez fighting with two individuals who bound his arms and legs and carried him into a residence on Skelton Road. The individuals were Lopez-Hernandez' brothers, who were trying to keep him from continuing to vandalize the church, officers said. Officers found that Lopez-Hernandez had been drinking, and charged ...

US 129 construction closes inside lanes

The inside shoulders and inside lanes of U.S. 129 will be closed in each direction from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday. The closures will start at Ridge Road and run to Athens Street for construction of the new curb and gutter.

Officials release sketch of robbery suspect

The Gainesville Police Department is continuing its investigation into the armed robbery that occurred March 12 at the Waffle House on Pentee Drive. During the robbery, three black males entered the business. One of them brandished a handgun and demanded cash from the clerk.

Georgia budget leaves Gainesville State College pleased, Lanier Tech 'cautiously optimistic'

Pardon Michael Moye for not getting overly excited about the state legislature's approval of funding for two needed construction projects.

Amicalola, Unicoi go green to save money

Georgia's state parks already have a reputation for being "green," but now they're taking it a step further.

UGA student claims he was profiled

Jim Diffly says he was questioned by the FBI for taking pictures of a Gainesville poultry plant because of how he looks. Local and federal authorities say Diffly was questioned because of what he was doing.

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.

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.