Board of Commissioners Voting Session Agenda, 6 p.m. Sept. 6 in the assembly room at the Dawson Coun

A. Roll call B. Opening presentation: Jacqueline Daniels, ConnectAbility C. Pledge of Allegiance D. Announcements E. Approval of minutes: Minutes of the Aug. 16 voting session. F. Approval of the agenda G. Public comment (3 minute limit/person, 15 minutes maximum): None H. Alcohol license hearings: None I. Zoning: None J. Public hearings 1. Public hearing regarding the approval of the proposed FY2013 Budget. (Second of two hearings.) 2. Public hearing regarding an ordinance prohibiting land ...

City seeks to renew land application permit

Officials with the city of Dawsonville want to renew a land application permit in preparation for future growth in the Gold Creek area. "We're just trying to keep the permit alive," said Gary Barr, who oversees the city's water and sewer operations. "It's easier to keep it than to start all over again later on."

5 vie for posts on council

Five candidates will vie for two seats on the Dawsonville City Council this fall. Those who have qualified for the Special Election on Nov. 6 include: Frank Craft, Alan Metzel, Tom Schaide, Angie Smith and Mike Sosebee.

Budget, sludge to top commission agenda

The county's 2013 spending plan and a proposal that would ban a certain type of sewage application are top agenda items for tomorrow's county commission meeting. This will be the final chance for the public to make comments on Dawson County's proposed 2013 budget and the first opportunity to address an ordinance intended to stop the application of Class B partially treated sewage sludge.

Board to discuss tethering

Dawson County commissioners have been asked to consider an ordinance that would make it illegal to restrain a dog for longer than three hours. Carolyn Bowen, president of Dawson County Humane Society, said the need for an anti-tethering law can help address what she described as severe animal abuse cases.

LOST deal likely

Top local government officials say an agreement over the 1-cent local option sales tax, or LOST, likely will be reached soon. Representatives from the city of Dawsonville and Dawson County agreed to suspend mediation Aug. 21 after huddling with a mediator in an attempt to resolve negotiations.

Swafford to lead state association

Dawson County Fire Chief Lanier Swafford was recently elected president of the Georgia State Firefighter's Association. An installation ceremony was held Saturday night at the group's annual banquet in Dalton.

Collins defeats Zoller in 9th District U.S. House race

Hearings set on sludge ordinance

County commissioners are considering an ordinance that would ban the application of Class B sewage sludge in residential areas. According to Commission Chairman Mike Berg, the need for such an ordinance surfaced after developer Ken Curren asked the state Environmental Protection Division to amend the Hampton Creek Water Reclamation Facility sludge management plan.

City council qualifying starts Tuesday

Candidates seeking a seat on the Dawsonville City Council can begin qualifying Aug. 28 for the Nov. 6 special election. The election is required to fill the unexpired terms of former Councilmen James Grogan and Calvin Byrd, who both resigned to run for mayor following the death of Joe Lane Cox in March.

Budget limits spending

The public will get its first opportunity Thursday to comment on Dawson County's proposed 2013 budget. Commission Chair Mike Berg presented the nearly $21 million preliminary plan, which limits spending to critical capital needs, during an Aug. 9 work session.

Board of Commissioner voting session agenda

A. Roll call B. Opening presentation 1. Muscular Dystrophy Association: Leslie Cash 2. Adults Protecting Children: Steve Collins C. Pledge of Allegiance D. Announcements E. Approval of minutes: Minutes of the voting session held on Aug. 2. F. Approval of the agenda G. Public comment (Three minute limit/person, 15 minutes maximum: None H. Alcohol license hearings: None I. Zoning: None J. Public hearings: Public hearing on the approval of the proposed FY 2013 budget L. ...

Start of early voting delayed statewide

Group takes stance on sludge fields

A petition is circulating against a proposed sludge spray field in southeastern Dawson County. Distributed by the Dawson County Homeowners Civic Association, the petition aims to stop property owner Ken Curren from depositing Class B treated liquid sewage on about 65 acres near Lumpkin Campground and Harry Sosebee roads.

Grogan sworn in as mayor

James Grogan was sworn in as Dawsonville's mayor Monday night. Grogan, who has served as acting mayor since April, staked an early lead in the July 31 primary, with the final results tallying 318 votes, or about 62 percent, to former councilman Calvin Byrd's 196 votes, or about 38 percent.

City seeks funding for reservoir

The city of Dawsonville has taken another step toward making the Calhoun Creek reservoir a reality.

County mulls land swap for soccer fields

County commissioners are weighing the option of swapping a 50-acre tract of land in exchange for 33 acres engineers say would be more conducive to developing additional soccer fields near Rock Creek Park.

Revitalization plans aired during meeting

Conceptual plans to revitalize downtown Dawsonville were released during a town hall meeting last week.

BOC approves communication upgrades

The county's emergency communication capabilities will be improved following votes by commissioners last week to fund system upgrades.

BOC approves communication upgrades

The county's emergency communication capabilities will be improved following votes by commissioners last week to fund system upgrades.

Commissioners take no action against bar

County commissioners last week opted against taking action in the case of a local restaurant owner who initially filed sales tax reports showing Lorena's Food and Spirits sold more alcohol than food in 2012.

City to discuss water service

City council members on Monday said they want to renegotiate a longstanding agreement with Etowah Water and Sewer Authority involving service delivery in outlying areas of Dawsonville.

City looks to revise water deal

Dawsonville council members are contemplating service delivery changes that could impact residents in the outlying areas of the city.

Berg named ACCG president

When Mike Berg moved to Dawson County from Gwinnett years ago, he could have parked a lounge chair on a deck overlooking Lake Lanier and enjoyed retirement.

Deal, delegates gather

Dawson County was in the spotlight last weekend as Republicans from across northeast Georgia rallied at the 9th Congressional District banquet and convention.

Gooch named ‘most influential’

A local legislator was recently tapped among Georgia's most influential lawmakers.

District Republicans to rally Friday in Dawson

Gov. Nathan Deal will deliver the keynote address during the 9th Congressional District banquet Friday night at the Lakeview Center in Dawsonville. Andrew Turnage, chairman of the district GOP, said the district is fortunate the banquet falls in line with the close of the 2013 state legislative session, which Deal is expected to highlight in his remarks.

City presented alternative

A month after Dawsonville Mayor James Grogan announced the city had interest in developing a regional reservoir with Georgia Reservoir Co., a Lumpkin County resident floated what she contends is a better plan. Speaking on behalf of the Etowah Hills Corporation, Rebecca Reeves Carter urged the council Monday night to consider an alternative to Georgia Reservoir Co.'s proposed Calhoun Creek Regional Reservoir.

Proposed city sign becomes a reality

The proposed digital sign for the city's municipal complex will become a reality following Monday night's regular Dawsonville City Council meeting. The April 1 meeting saw both a variance and guideline proposal on the agenda. In order for the sign to become a reality, both of these would have to be approved by the city council.

Commercial trash fees increase

Commercial trash haulers can expect to pay more at the Dawson County Transfer Station. In a 3-0 vote Thursday, the county commission agreed to raise the rate for commercial dumping to $35 per ton. Commissioner Jimmy Hamby was absent.