Forsyth County soldier laid to rest

They came from all over to pay their respects.

Reviving faith

Lumpkin Campground held its annual summer revival last week.

Youth ballpark rezoning denied

In a unanimous vote, the Dawson County Board of Commissioners struck down a proposed youth ballpark rezoning last week.

Board postpones condemnation vote

After two public hearings on land proposed to be condemned for a new courthouse and administrative building, the Dawson County Board of Commissioners postponed the vote to move forward with condemning the property last Thursday.

Forsyth County considering reservoir on Etowah River

Forsyth County's consideration to pursue funding for an Etowah River fed reservoir would not impact Dawson County's water flow, officials say.

County applying for grant to improve lake park

The board of commissioners voted last Thursday to move forward in applying for grant generated funds to upgrade War Hill Park.

Soldier’s funeral set for Saturday

U.S. Army Cpl. Matthew Phillips of Cumming was just weeks from completing his 15-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Fight night

Dawson County's Lakeview Center held the second annual Night of the Gladiators mixed martial arts amateur tournament Saturday.

Ralston to challenge Richardson for top post in the House

A Republican representing the west side of Dawson County will challenge House Speaker Glenn Richardson for the top post in the Georgia House.

County building official mourned

Friends and family are mourning the weekend death of Dawson County Building Official Wayne Elledge.

Lower than expected turnout for primary

Voter turnout was not what poll workers were anticipating in last Tuesday's primary election.

Local CPA surrenders to authorities

A local accountant accused of stealing more than $60,000 from a client's escrow account has surrendered to authorities.

Connecting past to present

The state's oldest working courthouse recently received a much-needed facelift as Dawson County enlisted more than 290 man-hours to preserve the historic building.

Training class bridges the gap

Members of the 2008 Management Development Program class constructed a bridge and accompanying pathway from Rock Creek Park to the Dawson County Humane Society animal shelter, July 11.

CPA faces theft charges

Just two weeks after a former employee was arrested on charges of stealing more than $93,000 from a local accounting firm, the Dawson County Sheriff's Office has secured a warrant for the arrest of the owner of the business.

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.

Egg hunt is Saturday

Easter is this weekend and K.A.R.E. for Kids is ready for its annual egg hunt. The hunt begins at 11:30 a.m. on March 30 at Veterans Memorial Park. The organization invites the community to come out for a lunch of hotdogs and more.

Game benefits cause

A longstanding county rivalry deepened Saturday night when the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office topped the Dawson County Sheriff's Office in a charity basketball game. After the 51-37 win in Dahlonega, Lumpkin County Sheriff Stacy Jarrard said he was proud to take home the coveted pig-shaped trophy.

R.E.A.D. director honored

Each year, one Certified Literate Community Program director is selected among every other in the state to win the Georgia Press Association Award of Excellence in CLCP award. R.E.A.D. executive director Sandy Lipkowitz has been named the 2013 award recipient.

Charity basketball game benefits Relay for Life

The rivalry between Dawson and Lumpkin counties is expected to heat up Saturday night when sheriff's deputies from each county face off in a charity basketball game. "We've always had kind of a rivalry with the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office, so this is going to be interesting," said Dawson County Sheriff Billy Carlisle. "It's definitely going to be a competition."