KAREing at Easter

Santa has come and gone, but the Easter Bunny will be here soon - on Saturday as a matter of fact.

Girls’ homes offer more new beginnings

Those first few steps across the wide front porch may clop a little louder under the weight of a heavy heart.

Food drive aims to help county residents

The economy has affected the lives of many in Dawson County, and according to Doris Cook a growing need in the community has been addressed: hunger.

March 29 declared Vietnam Veterans Day

For the second year, Gov. Sonny Perdue declared March 29 Vietnam Veterans Day in Georgia.

Shoes and gold fundraiser will be at local bank Friday

A shoes and gold party on March 27 is one that Dawson County residents will not want to miss.

Poker run benefits veterans’ memorial enhancements

The local chapter of the Wingmen Motorcycle Club plans to donate proceeds from a poker run Saturday to a local veterans group.

Teen loved life, music

Those who knew Jake Fausett say he was proud of being part of the Chamber Singers at Dawson County High School.

EPD says smog levels elevated

Strict standards for measuring air quality levels have once again led Georgia's Environmental Protection Division to recommend designating Dawson County a nonattainment zone under the U.S. Clean Air Act.

Republicans honor Geeslin at convention

A man of many words when he discusses his religion or his political party, Hugh Geeslin was almost speechless Saturday morning.

Arbor Day event grows on county

Friday was a day for celebrating nature's beauty as several residents and members of Dawson County's Tree Preservation Committee observed Arbor Day at Rock Creek Park.

State funds may go for Meals on Wheels

Local Meals on Wheels volunteer Andrea Morris looks forward to the start of each week.

Ghost hunter to speak at library

If there's something strange in the neighborhood, who you gonna call?

The kids are all right

Infant and child safety seats aren't cheap.

Winds, rain signal winter’s return

Winter weather returned with a wallop last week, with winds and heavy rain toppling trees onto vehicles and power lines.

United Way at 70 percent of goal

The United Way for Dawson County is approaching the last few weeks of its $100,009 campaign drive for 2009.

Annual fundraiser aids cancer research

Dozens of volunteer teams are spending the week putting the finishing touches on cartoon-inspired festivities for Friday night's event.

Egg-themed show on display at Bowen Center

April marked the opening of an egg-themed show at the Bowen Center for the Arts. New Beginnings: the Art of the Faberge Egg and Spring Beauty Fine Art Exhibition, which will be on display at the Bowen Center for the Arts through April 27, showcases the art of the members of the International Egg Art Guild.

Jail lobby is drop-off for unused medications

Law enforcement officials are hoping a new service will play a role in keeping prescription and over the counter drugs out of the hands of children. Dawson County Sheriff Billy Carlisle recently announced the lobby of the detention center as a permanent drop-off location for the disposal of prescription and over the counter medications that are out of date or no longer needed.

Moon Shine run is Saturday

Grab your sneakers for the inaugural Moon Shine Run at Atlanta Motorsports Park on Saturday. Proceeds from the moonlit 5K and 10K run will benefit United Way for Dawson County, which provides monetary support to 14 area service agencies.

Church to screen film about crime on children

First Baptist Church of Dawsonville will be screening the new film "Finding Faith" Saturday with hopes that parents will take a new look at the dangers of Internet crimes against children. "As grandparents, it's a grave concern of ours," said Debbie Gaines, whose husband Jim pastors the church. "We were interested in alerting the community on this important message for teens and their parents."

Relay for Life holds dinner and more

Cancer survivors, their families and supporters will gather Thursday at Dawson County High School to celebrate survival. Relay for Life of Dawson County will be holding its annual Survivor Dinner Celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. at the high school. According to Andrea Shoemaker, community manager for Dawson County Relay for Life, the 12-year strong event is held to "bring cancer survivors together in celebration of their success in beating cancer."

Dance supports literacy

A fundraiser Saturday night had couples twisting the night away for literacy. The annual golden oldies trivia dinner dance collected more than $5,000 for Reading Education Association of Dawson County's mission to improve lives through literacy in the community.

DCSO offers women’s self-defense course

A free course designed to teach women basic self-defense tips will be taught at Robinson Elementary School. Dawson County Sheriff's Capt. Ray Goodie said the three-hour course, which runs from 9 a.m. to noon April 20, will give women hands-on experience to fight off attackers.

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."

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.

Perren named new president of Lanier Tech

Church continues tradition

Despite having been with New Bethel Baptist Church for only four years, Pastor Bobby Whitmire is continuing a tradition that has spanned more than 30. Whitmire and two church members, Michael Densmore, a deacon, and Yancy Savage, stood on platforms affixed to wooden crosses in front of the church March 29, off of Hwy. 136 East.

Elliott truck series debut Saturday at Martinsville

Dawsonville's Chase Elliott will make his national debut Saturday in NASCAR's Camping World Truck Series race at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia. The 1:30 p.m. race will be televised on Fox Sports and shown on the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame's 24-foot projection screen.

Eggs, food & fun

The football field at Veterans Memorial Park looked like it had been the victim of an Easter shower this weekend as Dawson County residents brought their children to gather chocolate prizes. Sponsored by Dawson County Parks and Recreation, K.A.R.E. for Kids and the church @ War Hill, the 27th annual Easter egg hunt at the park drew a large crowd to hunt eggs, take train rides and get their faces painted. There also was a burger-eating contest.