Stars of upcoming ‘Hunger Games’ sequel spotted

The rumors started a few weeks ago that scenes for the popular "Hunger Games" sequel, "Catching Fire," would be filmed in Dawsonville. While a press release distributed by Lionsgate entertainment last week listed "only existing locations in and near Atlanta" as the film's primary shooting sites, locals are hopeful after seeing a few of the film's stars at area shops in recent days.

GOP headquarters opening downtown

The Dawson County Republican Party will kick-off the 2012 election campaign at its new headquarters in downtown Dawsonville. The group leased the historic Harben Brothers Service Station off the town square through the fall.

Service honors missing soldiers

A remembrance service will pay respect to soldiers who remain missing or were once prisoners of war. Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 970 invite the community to gather at 5 p.m. Friday at Veterans Memorial Park in honor of POW/MIA Recognition Day. The national remembrance honors the commitments and the sacrifices made by the nation's prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action. "What it comes down to is they are not ...

Day of Caring

United Way for Dawson County announced its fundraising goal at a breakfast Friday morning before volunteers set out into the community for a day of service. The organization plans to raise $100,013 over the next few months to benefit partner agencies such as Rape Response, 4-H, Reading Education Association of Dawson County and the American Red Cross, among others.

Day of Caring set for Friday

United Way for Dawson County will announce its 2012 fundraising goal during a breakfast Friday morning. Afterward, dozens of volunteers will head out in to the community for the organization's annual Day of Caring.

District governor visits local club

Rotary International District 6910 Gov. Margie Eddy-Forbes paid a visit to the Rotary Club of Dawson County on Sept. 6 to talk about plans, goals and initiatives for the year ahead. As in years past, the worldwide eradication of polio remains Rotary's top philanthropic goal.

Custom fit career

Eight-hour days in a cubicle may be tough. But Shane Stephens of Dawsonville may have it tougher. His clients bite, kick, stomp and may throw him into a wall.

Work set to begin at intersection

Tracey Burnette was brought to tears late last month when she arrived home from work to see a clearing in her front yard. "I knew we were in line to have these trees taken down, and I was not sure what kind of an emotional impact it would have on me," she said. "My mom, Betty Anne Bagley, used to climb those trees when she was growing up and they have always been a part of my yard ever since we built the house in 1970. It was so sad."

Miss KARE for Kids set to be crowned at Riverview MS

Miss KARE for Kids 2012 will be crowned Sept. 15 at Riverview Middle School. Now in its fourth year, the pageant is one of several fundraisers for KARE for Kids, a local nonprofit organization that provides Christmas presents to local children in need.

Trailer for movie filmed in Dawsonville released

Praven Patel plans to be among the first in line when the movie filmed earlier this year at his Dawsonville motel hits the big screen next month. Warner Brothers recently released the first trailer for "Trouble with the Curve" starring Clint Eastwood with several scenes featuring Amicalola Lodge, the motel Patel has owned for the last 20 years.

Secret family history surfaces

Dozens of local residents gathered last week to hear the unpublicized, long-kept-secret history of a 1920s Dawsonville murder. The Dawson County Historical and Genealogical Society met at the local library on Aug. 21 to hear David Wallace, a great-grandson of Etna Parks, share his family's story on how Parks shot the county sheriff.

Bowen Center hosts food-focused festivities

While paintbrushes and canvases were absent, food of all shapes, colors, smells and tastes was aplenty at Bowen Center for the Arts. The "Let's Decorate with Food" workshop held Thursday by the Dawson County Arts Council offered art enthusiasts and culinary connoisseurs a chance to mix their mediums.

Laura Vandiver remembered for impact on community

Ga. 53 bridge in Dawson County reopens

Log truck overturns on Hwy. 53 West

An overturned log truck closed Hwy. 53 West about a mile and a half outside of Dawsonville just east of Elliott Family Parkway early Monday evening.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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."