The Local Agenda: Commissioners to consider changing employee policies

The Hall County Board of Commissioners is expected to consider approving a revised county employee handbook at its meeting Thursday evening.

Jury deliberations to begin today in child sex abuse case

After eight days of testimony and closing arguments from the state and defense, the case of a Gainesville man charged with child molestation and exploitation went to the jury.

Officials dedicate 'E-House' at Elachee Nature Science Center

The 240-square-foot building off the parking lot and near the woods may look like a shed, but the Elachee Nature Science Center in Gainesville is using it to showcase an eco-friendly style of housing construction.

New Oakwood principal could be named tonight

A White County elementary principal could become Oakwood Elementary School's new principal.

Oakwood looking at road project in public-private effort

Nearly nine months after starting a public-private industrial venture, Oakwood is moving toward a road project that would connect its fledgling industrial park to Tanners Creek Business Park.

Eyes on the Road: Traffic study identifies five goals

The Gainesville Transportation Master Plan, underway now, has five major goals and numerous objectives embedded in those.

Gainesville receives no bids yet for convention study

Gainesville hadn't received any bid responses as of midday Friday on a feasibility study the city wants for a convention center and hotel, but an official said that's not uncommon.

Georgia ranks high in armed robbery rate

Georgia was ranked 10th overall in gun violence, according to a new study by the Center for American Progress.

New state car tax creating confusion

AUGUSTA - Georgia's new automotive tax law is creating confusion in car deals, with companies, private sellers and courthouse officials all struggling to understand the requirements.

Rain slows progress of Don Carter State Park

Don't consider making any reservations yet. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' website for Don Carter State Park says officials hope to open the new recreation area in late spring. But rainy weather this year has held up construction. "Sometime this year is the most definite thing I can say" about an estimated completion date, said Kim Hatcher, spokeswoman for the DNR's Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites, during a tour of the site last ...

Gainesville couple comes face to face with terror in Boston

In the moments after the blast, everyone responded. People knelt to apply pressure to others' wounds. They jerked the dress belts from their pants to use as tourniquets. Allan Panter of Gainesville was about 30 feet from the explosion Monday at the Boston Marathon, waiting for his wife Theresa to cross the finish line. "When it goes off, it's so loud. And the smoke and stuff - you kind of throw your shoulder up like ...

New rule will let students earn class credit with test

Next school year, high school and some middle school students will find they have a few more options when it comes to earning credit for required courses.

Glades Reservoir's costs are adding up

A draft environmental impact document on the proposed Glades Reservoir project has been delayed again, this time until fall. Meanwhile, consulting and engineering fees continue to rise.

March for Babies walkers raise money to help premature children

Chelsie Stinson's daughter, Kennadie, is almost 1 year old, but she was born more than three months premature and spent about four months in the neonatal intensive care unit on a ventilator.

Gainesville fire hero ‘honored’ by award, community support

Hall County firefighter in-training Tray Ross already is a hero to Rev. Victor Lamar Johnson. When Ross was 20, he entered a burning house to save his father, Harold Johnson Jr., who at 76, was legally blind and trapped in the kitchen. "I know who a hero is. It's somebody who gives up his life for somebody else's life. This young man was willing to give his life for someone he didn't know," Johnson said. ...

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.

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.