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.

Art showcases kids of all ages

With last week being proclaimed Exceptional Children's Week by Mayor James Grogan, Dawson County schools have gathered work from several young artists across the county to showcase their skills. The March 8 show, which was held at the Dawson County Library, displayed art and writing from special needs students ranging from elementary, middle and high school levels.

‘Whole town was proud’

Dawson County turned out in droves to support the Lady Tigers in the team's road through the state basketball playoffs. And while the title eluded them, they will always be winners in the eyes of the community.

School board in talks to purchase buildings

The Dawson County school system's central office may soon relocate downtown. The local school board came out of executive session Monday night and announced its interest in buying 2.5 acres at 28 Main St., the former home of Community & Southern Bank.

Finalists named for next Lanier Tech president

A technical college president and two vice presidents are the finalists to become the next president of Lanier Technical College.

School budget anticipates another hit

The budget was at the forefront of the many topics the Dawson County Board of Education discussed during its annual retreat last week. While the 2014 fiscal year budget has not been set, it's expected to total about $32 million, which would be a drop of about $3 million from the current year's budget.

Student ticketed for driving safely

Kelly Maradiaga was caught by the Dawson County Sheriff's Office driving safe on Feb. 25 at the local high school. Maradiaga received a driving "citation" for driving a safe speed and for always wearing her seatbelt.

Slaton to lead search committee

A local businessman has been selected to lead the search committee for Lanier Technical College's next president. Roger Slaton, chairman of Lanier Tech's board of directors and a member of the Dawson County Board of Education, said he is proud to be asked to serve in such an "important role."

Schools gear up for registration

Dawson County elementary schools are gearing up for a new year of kindergarteners. 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 elementaries.

Agriculture teacher makes Hall of Fame

Local long-time agriculture teacher now has the "cherry on top" of his career. Dawson County High School Agriculture teacher Reggie Stowers was inducted into the Georgia Agriculture Education Hall of Fame on Jan. 22 during the Future Farmers of America Farm Career and Community Leader's Center in Covington.

Riverview students 100 days smarter

Last month, teachers and students at Riverview Elementary gathered to celebrate being 100 days older and smarter. The Riverview Elementary 100th Day parade began in 2010 when the school first opened and has happened every year since.

Students send shoes to Africa

Dawson County High School students are sending their old shoes to Ghana, West Africa. What may seem like a strange gesture or different way of getting rid of old shoes could make a huge difference to Third World children thanks to the help of Martin Kumi and The Soul Project.

Kilough Elementary hosts night of science

Kilough Elementary School saw an invasion of young learners last month for Mad Scientist Night. The Jan. 24 event was designed to show students different fields of science and give them a hands-on approach to learning.

Big ‘achievement’

After 15 rounds and dictionary-proof spellings, Dawson County school system's spelling bee Jan. 30 came down to "achievement" and "tobacco." Luke Ellis of Riverview Middle School correctly spelled both words to edge Hayley Burt from Dawson County Middle to claim the 2013 title.

Lanier Tech student achieves GOAL

Tentative ’14 budget approved

The Dawson County Board of Education on Monday approved a tentative $32.3 million budget for fiscal year 2014, which represents a drop of about $3 million from 2013.

Junior police academy accepting applications

Spaces are quickly filling for Dawson County Sheriff Billy Carlisle's annual junior law enforcement academy.

Fifth-graders graduate as C.H.A.M.P.S.

Fifth graders from across the county graduated as C.H.A.M.P.S. during a ceremony and celebration May 6 at Dawson County Middle School.

Dance raises money for childrens books

The weather may have been chilly on April 27, but the dancing and barbeque helped keep everyone warm.

Local high school seniors honored

It was a night of checks, medals and chords for Dawson County High School seniors as students attended an event in their honor.

Stars head of class

Two Dawson County stars - one on the basketball court and the other on standardized testing - finished a close race for head of the class after three years of competing.

Media center dedicated to late historian

Members of the local education and historic communities gathered last week as Robinson Elementary dedicated its media center to the memory and life's work of a late friend.

Honor given to teacher

Dawson County High School chemistry teacher Laura Hendrix was recently named 2012-2013 Chemistry Teacher of the Year by the Northeast Georgia Section of the American Chemical Society.

School board one step closer to new home

A deal to relocate the Dawson County Board of Education's central office to downtown Dawsonville could close next month. During its meeting Monday night, the school board voted 3-0 to approve a contract with Community & Southern bank for the two vacant buildings at 28 Main St.

Monthly luncheon recognizes educators

Each year, staff from Dawson County public schools nominate a teacher they feel exemplifies that special "teaching spirit." At the monthly Dawson County Chamber of Commerce luncheon on April 11 at the Lakeview Center, seven local teachers were presented to attendees and their peers.

Focus is the kids

The track at Riverview Middle School was awash in a sea of bright blue shirts Thursday as the 2013 Dawson County Special Olympics got under way. "We are part of a group called Connectability that's a partnership between Lumpkin and Dawson counties," said Tricia Owenby, a special education teacher at Riverview and the school's Special Olympics coordinator.

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.

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.

Special Olympic Games comes to Dawson County

Athletes from both Dawson and Lumpkin counties will gather next week at Riverview Middle School to compete in this year's Special Olympics. The games will be held for the first time at the school from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. April 10 at the middle school.