Health report: Grown-ups need vaccinations as well

When you were a kid, you dreaded going to the doctor because you were afraid you'd have to get a shot. Now, you don't have to worry about that anymore. But medical experts say maybe you should.

Murrayville fire may have been started by wood-burning stove

From staff reports A fire officials believe was started by a wood-burning stove caused about $100,000 in damage Friday morning to a mechanic's workshop in Murrayville. No one was hurt. Hall County Fire Marshal Scott Cagle said the 30-foot-by-48-foot workshop at 5434 Marlowe Road was owned by Jack Gilreath. A fire call came in at 11:15 a.m. When Hall County firefighters arrived, heavy smoke was ...

NGCSU Professor awarded Fulbright

DAHLONEGA - An English professor at North Georgia College & State University has been awarded a Fulbright grant to travel to Ukraine in April to teach a seminar on American literature.

Gainesville's plan to link parks under way

GAINESVILLE -- Step by step, Gainesville is gaining ground on becoming a more pedestrian-friendly community.

Mountain Judicial Circuit gets new DA

Brian M. Rickman was sworn in Jan. 2 as the new district attorney for the Mountain Judicial Circuit by Gov. Sonny Perdue at the Capitol in Atlanta. Rickman replaced Michael H. Crawford, who retired at the end of 2007. "I am honored and thrilled to be allowed the opportunity to succeed Mike Crawford in this position and work for the citizens of the Mountain Judicial Circuit," ...

Iraqi general will speak at church

Gen. Georges Sada, a former military adviser to Saddam Hussein and second in command of the Iraqi Air Force, will speak next month at the House of Prayer Church Family Life Center in Blairsville.

Dahlonega Rangers arrested

Four soldiers, including three Army Rangers, stationed at Dahlonega's Camp Frank D. Merrill face federal charges of conspiring to rob drug dealers at gunpoint.

Group home owners haven’t moved out yet

GAINESVILLE - Owners of two different group homes in Gainesville face criminal charges for not heeding orders to cease and desist operations of their residential drug and alcohol recovery programs.

Fight over Bethel Park may be resolved soon

The long-simmering debate over who should take over management of a Lake Lanier park could reach a resolution this spring. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released a draft environmental assessment for 62-acre Bethel Park in Forsyth County and is accepting public comments until Feb. 19.

Snow possible overnight across the region

For the third time in two weeks, weather forecasters are telling North Georgians to get ready for winter precipitation.

Dahlonega man killed, brother hurt in Murrayville wreck

A Dahlonega man was killed and his brother remains in critical condition at an Atlanta hospital after a Tuesday night wreck in Murrayville. Dirk Ruthardt, 27, died in the 8 p.m. wreck on Pony Lake Road, Hall County Deputy Coroner John Abernathy said.

New vital records system reduces time

The Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health, Office of Vital Records has implemented a new system that will significantly reduce the length of time it takes Georgians to obtain official copies of birth and death certificates.

Gainesville woman named DOT district administrative officer

GAINESVILLE - The Georgia Department of Transportation recently announced the appointment of a Gainesville woman to the position of District Administrative Officer.

Public schools are recruiting teachers

TeachGeorgia.org, the official teacher recruitment Web site for Georgia's public schools, plans to hold a free information session 6-7 p.m. Tuesday.

Hall commission approves Portofino site

Following five Hall County residents' vehement opposition to a 261-home development on Lake Lanier, Hall County Commissioners approved the 217-acre venture at Thursday's board meeting with a 4-1 vote.

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.

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.