Lula Elementary polling location moves for May 19 primary
Residents who normally vote at Lula Elementary School will use a temporary location during the May 19 general primary/nonpartisan/special election.
Juvenile arrested in Flowery Branch shooting to be tried as an adult
The juvenile who was arrested in connection with a Flowery Branch drive-by shooting earlier this month that left one person wounded will be tried as an adult. Flowery Branch Police spokesman Rick Haley said Friday Fredy Interanio of Lawrenceville, who was identified as the driver of the vehicle used during the incident, is charged with five […]
Hall congressman hosts town hall meeting amid tight security
7th District Congressman Rich McCormick (R-Suwanee), whose district includes parts of Hall County, hosted a town hall meeting in Alpharetta Thursday night amid tight security. This one went off without a hitch in contrast to one in Roswell a year ago. The Roswell meeting sparked heated debate on immigration, executive power, federal spending and more […]
Hall Chamber honors local businesses, leaders at 118th annual gala
Economic growth, workforce development and community investment were highlighted Thursday, May 7, during the 118th Annual Greater Hall Chamber Gala at The Boathouse at Lake Lanier.
Franklin County man charged in child porn investigation
FRANKLIN SPRINGS — A Franklin County man was arrested Thursday following a weeks-long investigation into the alleged distribution of child pornography, according to Franklin County Sheriff Scott Andrews. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and GBI digital forensic investigators, executed a search warrant May 7 at a residence […]
Cybersecurity breach impact; Dozen injuries in I-75 pileup; Fulton Co. Jail probe; Fire the mayor demands; Ga. prison scam targets S.C. residents
(GA. NEWS NETWORK) *School districts and universities in Georgia are dealing with the fallout from a cybersecurity breach involving the Canvas learning platform. Officials say the hacking group “ShinyHunters” claimed responsibility for breaching Instructure, the parent company of Canvas. Officials also say the breach exposed names, ID numbers, and email addresses of an estimated 275 […]
New commercial developments scheduled to go before HCC
Several new commercial developments are scheduled to be considered by the Hall County Commission (HCC) later this month. They include a warehouse and distribution complex on a 15-acre tract at 866 Gainesville Highway. The applicant is asking that the property be rezoned from Agricultural-Residential 1 (AR-1) to Light Industrial (L-I). Two of the proposals involve […]
From co-workers to co-owners: UNG dining veterans open cheesesteak restaurant in Gainesville
David “Dave” Manson, 47, always dreamed of opening his own restaurant. He just didn’t know it would take a guy he used to wrangle with to make it happen.
Judge advances case against Duluth man accused of stabbing his father, rejecting defense’s timeline challenge
A Hall County magistrate judge on Wednesday, May 6, found probable cause to send the case of a Duluth man accused of stabbing his father to Superior Court,
Gainesville trolley returns with expanded weekend hours. Here are the details.
The City of Gainesville is bringing back its free downtown trolley service this weekend, offering expanded evening hours and new route options aimed at connecting more residents and visitors to the city’s nightlife and entertainment district.
Flowery Branch man arrested on home invasion, stalking charges
A Flowery Branch man was arrested Tuesday, May 5, after authorities say he forced his way into a home while armed with a knife and threatened a victim he had been ordered to avoid.
Former Gainesville High teacher accused of sexual misconduct with underage students will avoid prison. Here’s why
A former Gainesville High School teacher accused of sexually inappropriate conduct with students has pleaded guilty to reduced charges and will avoid prison time under a negotiated plea, according to court documents.
Hair salon could take the place of farm-based market in northeast Hall County
A hair salon is proposed where a farm-based gift shop was located off Ga. 365 in northeast Hall County.
Update: Johnson High student charged with threatening to shoot up school
A Johnson High School student threatened to “shoot up the school” in an emotional outburst Wednesday afternoon, but officials say the threat was deemed not credible.
Four states, but not Ga., sue feds over proposed ICE detention/processing facilities
Four of the eight states chosen by the Trump administration as future sites of the massive detention/processing immigration facilities have sued the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to keep them out, claiming the federal government has failed to perform environment reviews they require. But the AJC reports that Georgia, where Oakwood and Social Circle have […]
Data center suit; All cops fired; Freak fatal accident; Truck driver charged following train derailment
(GA. NEWS NETWORK) *Citizens who oppose a large Coweta County data center project are taking their concerns to court. A group filed a lawsuit this week to challenge the zoning of 800 acres, which will be used as a home for the $17 billion project. The suit argues that the zoning and land use plan […]
Hall Co., White Co. educators named Teach in the Peach Ambassadors
The state Department of Education (GDOE) has named its new Teach in the Peach ambassadors and one each from Hall and White counties are included this year. They are Steven McIntyre, Hall County, and Holly Witcher, White County, 2025 Georgia Teacher of the Year. The ambassadors are local educators from around the state who will […]
Partnership Habersham, school leaders push ESPLOST ahead of May 19 vote
MT. AIRY, Ga. — School officials and economic development leaders continued a countywide push for renewal of Habersham County’s education sales tax Wednesday during a town hall at Mt. Airy Town Hall ahead of a May 19 referendum. The Habersham County Board of Education and Partnership Habersham have held a series of town halls across […]
Demorest Council tables Fisk Avenue housing request amid string of delayed agenda items
DEMOREST — The Demorest City Council on Tuesday tabled a public hearing tied to a request for a special use permit for multifamily residential use at 415 Fisk Ave., setting the matter aside for reconsideration next month as the council also postponed several other agenda items during the meeting. The request, submitted by Alan Baker […]
Century-Old Courthouse Bell To Return As Part Of Habersham Preservation Project
CLARKESVILLE — A bell that once rang from Habersham County’s third courthouse is preparing to return to public view nearly a century after it was first installed. County officials, preservation specialists and local craftsmen are working together on a new monument outside the current Habersham County Courthouse that will incorporate both the historic courthouse bell […]
EXCLUSIVE: Former Lanier Christian coach filmed ‘hundreds’ of images under female students’ skirts, investigator testifies
A former Lanier Christian Academy coach accused of secretly filming under female students’ skirts used his cellphone to capture “hundreds” of images and videos — sometimes placing it at low angles or on the floor as girls walked by — an investigator testified at a probable cause hearing Wednesday, May 6.
Chick-fil-A Cornelia To Give Away Free Chicken Sandwiches Friday Evening
CORNELIA — Chick-fil-A Cornelia customers will have a chance to receive a free Original Chicken Sandwich during a special giveaway event Friday evening. According to a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page, guests who visit the drive-thru on Friday, May 8, between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. will receive a complimentary Original Chicken Sandwich with […]
West Hall principal tapped to lead Hall County Schools’ virtual program
West Hall High School Principal Ley Hathcock is leaving his eight-year post to lead Hall County Schools’ virtual program.
PHOTOS: Blue Sky Concert Series kicks off in Gainesville
Downtown Gainesville’s square came alive Wednesday as the annual Blue Sky Concert Series kicked off.
DDS pushes back on Couch attorney’s claims of ‘systemic failure’ in sheriff’s latest arrest
The Georgia Department of Driver Services is disputing claims that confusion within the agency led to a charge that suspended Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch violated the terms of his driver’s license.
Kemp signs literacy bill, high school cellphone ban
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed bills Tuesday that would place a literacy coach in every elementary school and ban high school students from bringing cellphones and other electronic devices into class.
10,000-square-foot retail coming to this area off Spout Springs Road in South Hall
Construction is well underway on a 10,000-square-foot retail building next to the Publix-anchored Friendship Springs Village shopping center in South Hall.
Three years on the run, alleged Hall Co. child molester jailed
HCSO NARRATIVE: “Isaiah Nasir Brown, 24, Buford, is now in custody in connection to a child molestation incident that occurred in Hall County nearly three years ago. Brown is accused of touching the breasts of a girl between the dates of July 8 and July 9, 2023, while the two were at a residence on […]
Buford man charged with molestation of underage girl
A Buford man has been arrested after authorities say he touched the breasts of an underage girl in July 2023.
Ted Turner dies
Ted Turner, a brash and outspoken television pioneer who raced yachts, owned huge chunks of the American West and transformed the news business by launching CNN and introducing the 24-hour news cycle, died Wednesday. He was 87. Turner died surrounded by his family, according to Turner Enterprises, the company that oversees his vast business interests […]
Cornelia Residents Voice Concerns as Short-Term Rental Debate Emerges
CORNELIA — A proposed shift toward allowing short-term rentals sparked a lengthy and passionate public discussion during Tuesday night’s Cornelia City Commission meeting, with residents voicing strong concerns about neighborhood impacts while one local business owner urged officials to consider the economic upside. City leaders stressed that no vote is imminent and that discussions remain […]
Cornelia Honors Debbie Turner During Municipal Clerks Week
CORNELIA — The Cornelia City Commission paused its meeting Tuesday night to recognize a familiar face behind the scenes, honoring Municipal Clerk Debbie Turner as part of Municipal Clerks Week. Mayor John Barrow read a formal proclamation recognizing the vital role municipal clerks play in local government, calling the position “a time-honored and vital part […]
Jackson Co. ‘therapy’ pig shot, killed
A 12-year-old Jackson County boy who has ADHD is mourning the loss of his favorite pet – a 400-pound “therapy” pig who was shot and killed recently, reportedly by a neighbor. Garrett Cox’s family brought Bootsy home about a year ago to help their son, WSB-TV reports. Garrett’s mother, Kerrie Cox, said the boy was […]
Driver arrested after GA 365 manhunt; passenger remains at large
HABERSHAM COUNTY, Ga. — One suspect is in custody and another remains at large after a multi-agency manhunt Tuesday near the Stephens-Habersham county line. According to authorities, U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officers attempted to stop a vehicle for traffic violations along GA 365/Toccoa Bypass. Officials said the vehicle fled for a short distance before […]
DOJ seeks names of 2020 election workers in Fulton Co.
The Justice Department (DOJ) is seeking the names of every person who worked in the 2020 election in Fulton County. Lawyers for the county filed a motion on Monday night to quash a grand jury subpoena that asks for the names and personal contact information of county employees and volunteer poll workers. This latest action […]
Toccoa man accused of firing shots during road rage encounter
TOCCOA, Ga. — A Toccoa man was arrested Monday after investigators said he fired multiple shots during a road rage-related confrontation on Foxglove Road. Deputies with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office responded around 3:15 p.m. May 4 to a report of shots fired in the area. According to the sheriff’s office, deputies first spoke with […]
AI errors in murder case lead to discipline for Ga. prosecutor
(SRN NEWS/REUTERS) – The Georgia Supreme Court on Tuesday disciplined a metro Atlanta prosecutor finding her misuse of artificial intelligence tools led to fake and misleading case citations appearing in a murder case ruling. The state’s high court barred Deborah Leslie, a Clayton County assistant district attorney, from appearing before the justices for six months and […]
‘I am fit and am fine’: DA Lee Darragh has been out of office due to medical issue. Here’s what we know
Northeastern Judicial Circuit District Attorney Lee Darragh has been out of the office due to a medical issue, The Times has confirmed.
She stole nearly $80K from a Gainesville special needs charity — but won’t spend any time in prison. Here’s why
A former executive director who stole $80,000 from a Gainesville special needs charity will avoid prison.
Parking deck, apartments, retail: Flowery Branch downtown plan sparks debate
A plan for developing city-owned property in downtown Flowery Branch drew mixed reviews from residents attending a “community conversation” about the project Monday night.
PHOTOS: Inland port in northeast Hall County is up and running
The Blue Ridge Connector, an inland port connecting the Port of Savannah to Hall County, opened to truck traffic on Tuesday, May 5, after getting its first rail shipment on Monday, May 4.
Gainesville woman arrested after 20-month-old son found with multiple broken bones
A Gainesville woman has been charged with multiple felonies after investigators say she physically abused her toddler son, leaving him with multiple broken bones.
Sheriff Couch arrested again
Suspended Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch was arrested Monday in Dawson County during a traffic stop and charged with failing to maintain lane and violating the conditions of his court-approved driving permit. Couch was suspended by the governor in March following his arrest on a DUI charge. He is free on bond pending trial. Kemp […]
All A’s, one B: Hall County kitchen inspections for April 28 – May 4
The following are among the food service establishments inspected by the Hall County Environmental Health Department.
Gainesville High’s baseball field to get $7.7M makeover
Ivey-Watson Field is getting a $7.7 million makeover after the Gainesville school board voted unanimously Monday to approve the renovation.
Investigation reveals ‘toxic environment’ in Demorest police civilian staff
DEMOREST, Ga. – An independent investigation into the Demorest Police Department (DPD) uncovered a toxic work environment among civilian employees. The review focused on the office handling background checks and municipal court reports. The investigation was initiated after non-law-enforcement personnel reported favoritism and an unpleasant atmosphere. Teacher’s pet, alleged touching, toxic environment According to the […]
Carter’s closing 150 stores; has 4 in immediate Gville area
Carter’s, a children’s clothier, which also operates the OshKosh and B’Gosh labels, plans to close 150 stores this year in hopes of staying in business. The Atlanta-based company, which has 26 stores in Georgia including four in the immediate Gainesville area, did not say which of the stores will be closed but said they will […]
Severe weather risk: Wed. night into Thur. morning
Stormy weather is a possibility across parts of north Georgia beginning Wednesday night and continuing into Thursday morning. The National Weather Service (NWS) says a few storms may become strong to severe. “The main hazard will be damaging winds” and “(trailing) thunderstorms may lead to locally excessive rainfall and dry soils may produce quick run-offs […]
Update: Citations reveal new details about Hall County sheriff’s latest traffic arrest
Traffic citation reports obtained in an open records request reveal further details about the Monday arrest of suspended Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch.
Mt. Airy hires James Kimsey as public works director, returns to former role
MT. AIRY — The Mt. Airy Town Council unanimously approved the hiring of James Kimsey as the city’s new public works director Tuesday night, bringing back a former department head who previously held the position from 2017 to 2019. Kimsey replaces former Public Works Director Daniel Johnson, who resigned earlier this year to accept another […]
Deaf pedestrian hit by train in Habersham County
A deaf pedestrian was seriously injured Saturday after being struck by a train in Habersham County, according to emergency officials.
Clarkesville recognizes coloring contest winners during council meeting
CLARKESVILLE — The City of Clarkesville recognized two local students during its May 4 City Council meeting as part of the Georgia Municipal Association’s Georgia Cities Week coloring contest, an annual statewide program designed to engage youth in learning about local government. William Schier won in the 3–5 age group, and Mellie Wilbanks was selected […]
‘It’s hard to think there was a time I didn’t know everyone at the hospital’: Clermont teen marks a year fighting brain cancer
A year ago, Sawyer Sistrunk didn’t know everyone at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Cornelia City Commission To Meet May 5 With Annexation, Park Fees, and Donations on Agenda
The Cornelia City Commission will hold its next regular meeting Tuesday, May 5, at 6 p.m. at City Hall, with a full agenda that includes annexation policy decisions, funding requests, and new park regulations. The meeting will open with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of the agenda and minutes from […]
Buford man accused of drawing handgun after fender-bender escalates in Texaco lot
A Buford man has been charged with pointing a handgun at another person during an argument at a Flowery Branch gas station after a fender-bender, police said.
Firehouse Subs grants go to four Gville area first responder organizations
Four Gainesville area first responder agencies are among the latest grant recipients from the Firehouse Subs Safety Foundation. The agencies and the equipment being allocated to them are: *Helen Fire Department: Extrication Equipment *Flowery Branch Police Department: Eight Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs *White County Fire Services: Twelve Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) *Nicholson Volunteer Fire and […]
Early voting off to modest start statewide, GOP turnout leads in Northeast Georgia
CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Early voting is off to a modest start across Georgia ahead of the May 19 primary, with turnout just over 2% after the first week of in-person voting. As of 5:00 p.m. Friday, 178,596 ballots had been cast statewide since early voting began Monday, April 27. That represents about 2.4% of Georgia’s […]
Opinion: Wife of DA candidate calls out office staff over social media posts
This is an open letter to the staff of the District Attorney’s office.
U.S. military rejects claims that Iran struck a U.S. Navy vessel
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S. military is rejecting claims that Iran struck a U.S. Navy vessel. The denial on Monday came as the U.S. remains active in the area near the Persian Gulf, offering to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz and dislodge Iran’s blockade on vessels that don’t receive its […]
Paper ballots roadblock; Biden endorsement; So. Ga. wildfires update
(GA. NEWS NETWORK) *An attempt to remove Georgia’s touchscreen voting machines before the November elections is hitting a roadblock. The State Board of Elections turned down a proposal that was in support of using hand-filled paper ballots. Board chair John Fervier said they didn’t have the authority to go through with the plan. State lawmakers […]
