Rabies clinic this weekend

While cases are on the decline, rabies is still a threat to both man and animal. To help fight this threat, the county's annual rabies clinic, sponsored by 4-H, will be held Saturday morning. Veterinarians will offer the low-cost vaccinations at various locations throughout the county beginning at 8:30 a.m.

R.E.A.D. dancing for donations

R.E.A.D. will host its "Oldies but Goodies" trivia and dancing night Saturday and the community is invited to join in for food, fun and trivia. "It is a really fun evening," said R.E.A.D. Executive Director Sandy Lipkowitz. "All of the trivia will be about the oldies goldies music."

Team is UGA’s best-kept secret

They are the best University of Georgia athletic team you have likely never heard of. They have won five national titles and go into next week's national championships one of the favorites to win it all again.

Take pictures for diagnosis

We have all heard the saying "April showers bring May Flowers." Rainfall in April helps replenish our plants as they gear up for another growing season. However, this precipitation also brings unwanted consequences to our landscapes - disease.

Running with the big dogs

It had been a long time since I had a puppy and I forgot how much work they are. Middle of the night feedings and potty outings, crying incessantly. I think comparing them to a newborn would be reasonable. I was on night five of no sleep - Angel the parking lot pup would wake me up at 1 a.m., wanting to play after sleeping all day. I was exhausted.

Annual golf tournament supports local veterans

There's still time to register a team in Rotary Club of Dawson County's annual golf tournament April 29 at Crystal Falls Golf Club. Early entries for the Ft. Lauderdale scramble run through April 22. Entry fees are $125 for individuals or $500 for a four-player team.

Elementary schools begin kindergarten registration

Friday is kindergarten registration for Dawson County schools. Kindergarten registration will be held from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., April 12 at the Rock Creek Park Gym. Registration will be for Black's Mill, Kilough, Riverview and Robinson elementary schools.

‘Gold star’ squad

The Dawson County High School JROTC has a new badge to proudly display on cadets' uniforms. The program was named an "honor unit with distinction," the highest award given, during a March 28 regional formal inspection.

Manufacturer breaks ground

Five Star Architectural, an industry leader in commercial and residential cabinetry, broke ground Monday on a new 22,000-square-foot manufacturing facility off Grizzle Road in the former Grogan Business Park. "We're excited about what this groundbreaking means to all of us," said Eric Sutton, president and CEO. "And to my employees, I truly appreciate everything that you guys do to make this a successful company. It's because of you guys that people support us ... that ...

Eagles named runners-up

A talented Riverview Middle boys soccer team went into the recent championship game with a lot of confidence. Coach Patrick Johnston's team defeated Pickens 4-1 in the semi-finals to force a match-up with Clear Creek Middle School in the championship game March 28.

Golfers are 13-3

The Dawson County High School golf team is currently 13-3 on the season. The team played in a tri-match with Buford and Chestatee on March 27. The Tigers defeated Chestatee, 180-189, but lost to the Wolves, 170-180.

Girls win championship

A classic game between two equally skilled teams took place recently at Dawson County Middle School. The Mountain League Championship on March 28 between Dawson County and Riverview middle schools fares well for the future of soccer in Dawson County.

Tigers take down Fannin

While most students were enjoying spring break last week, the Dawson County High School varsity baseball team played three close Region 7-AAA games. Two games were decided by one run and a third was won in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Perren named new president of Lanier Tech

JROTC cadets attend ball

The Lakeview Center was a sea of army green as Dawson County High School JROTC cadets gathered in formal dress for the third annual JROTC Military Ball. The March 23 event saw a turnout of more than 150 people, including cadets, students, parents and faculty.

Elder to serve as acting president

Laura Elder has been chosen as acting president of Lanier Technical College following the retirement this week of Russell Vandiver, TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson announced today.

Department seeks volunteer firefighters

Dawson County Emergency Services, like many other departments across the nation, are reevaluating and refocusing its efforts to recruit new volunteer firefighters. "Take a look across the board, nationwide, volunteerism in fire service is on the downslide," said Fire Chief Lanier Swafford. "Economics is tougher, more people are working extra jobs and you've got an enormous amount of competition for volunteerism."

Kroger awarded top contributor

Kroger employees believe in giving back. For the last seven years, Dawsonville Kroger has led the way with United Way for Dawson County contributions, this year collecting nearly $20,000 for the local campaign.

Sticks, stones really not that bad after all

There are a few words that my child knows I will not tolerate being uttered. Fat. Stupid. Retarded. Hate. Ugly.

Chamber unveils new logo

Officials with the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce hope a new logo unveiled last week will change the perception of the business organization. "The chamber really turned a corner last year, not just in that we hired a new director, but also that we have a new staff that's come on," said Peter Hill, board chairman. "With the transition and renovation, it's a perfect opportunity to rebrand and put a new face with the organization."

Woman killed in wreck

A wreck on War Hill Park Road claimed the life of a Dawson County woman Saturday night. Emergency officials said Edna Gazaway, 81, was traveling alone when her 2009 Chevrolet HHR left the road before clipping a mailbox, a stop sign and landing on its right side.

Men face animal cruelty charges

A former county employee is among two men facing charges in an animal cruelty probe involving malnourished horses in northwestern Dawson. Tyler Jones of Dawsonville and Jim White of Dallas were cited last week with three counts each of animal cruelty by the Dawson County Marshal's Office.

Lasting legacy

Family members and countless friends are mourning the sudden death of a woman many called an "angel among us." Margie Weaver, who served as director of the Dawson County Senior Center for nearly three decades, died Monday at age 74.

City declares Lady Tigers Day

In the final chapter of the varsity Lady Tigers varsity basketball team's story, the city of Dawsonville decided to set aside a day just for the players. During a luncheon in honor of the 2012-13 team on Sunday at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, Dawsonville Mayor James Grogan proclaimed March 17, 2013, to be "Lady Tiger Day."

Margie Weaver

Margie Weaver, 74, of Dawsonville, died March 18, 2013. Born July 31, 1938, in Pickens County, she lived in Dawson County for the past 55 years.

Shane Michael Thurmond

Shane Michael Thurmond, 42, of Dawsonville, died March 12, 2013. Born Feb. 3, 1971, he was a lifelong resident of Dawson County.

Michele Keller Chesnut

Michele Keller Chesnut of Cumming died March 15, 2013. Michele graduated from Grissom High School in Huntsville, Ala., and obtained her pharmacy degree from Auburn University in 1982.

Lillie Jean Cagle

Lillie Jean Cagle, 88, of Cumming, died March 16, 2013. She was a member of Shady Grove Baptist church and part of the ladies Sunday school class.

Ladies remain undefeated

The fourth-ranked, Class AAA, Lady Tiger soccer team is currently 7-0 on the season after defeating three teams in Jekyll Island over the weekend. Head coach Jed Lacey's team dominated Cedar Shoals, Aquinas and Richmond Academy.

Boys take tourney

The Dawson County boys soccer team traveled to Jekyll Island over the weekend and proved why it is ranked No. 4 in Class AAA. The Tigers didn't give up a goal as the team defeated Cedar Shoals, 3-0, Brunswick, 5-0 and Richmond Academy, 6-0, at the Tournament of Champions event.