LOCAL Section

By family, for family

By family, for family
It may not be the official happiest place on Earth, but the children bouncing, climbing and jumping throughout Midway Family Festival on Tuesday didn’t know that.
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Man gets long stay in prison
A Forsyth County man sentenced to prison this week on drug charges said he found God while awaiting trial.

Explorers program earns top marks

Explorers program earns top marks
A Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office program aimed at training young people for careers in law enforcement has won top honors for the third year in a row.
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Furry crime fighter retires

Furry crime fighter retires
Another four-legged member of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office has retired. Blade, an 8-year-old Beauceron and member of the sheriff’s K-9 unit, will enjoy his free time at home with partner Sgt. Scott Wilson and his family. According to a news release from the sheriff’s office, Wilson bought Blade when he was a puppy and trained him in drug detection. At 18 months old, the sheriff’s office bought Blade with drug seizure funds for $1, ...
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Band invitational this weekend
Forsyth Central High School band boosters will again play host to dozens of winter guards and indoor drumlines this weekend during the Sawnee Mountain Invitational.

North's top deputy hailed for service

North's top deputy hailed for service
The diligent efforts of Deputy Victor Porter helped the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office close three unrelated cases last year.
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Branch debut dimmed by tight funding

Branch debut dimmed by tight funding
Members of Forsyth County's library board had nothing but good things to say about the new and busy Hampton Park branch Tuesday.
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Hearing on cell tower March 26
A public information meeting about a plan to put a cell tower at Sawnee Mountain Park has been set for 7 p.m. March 26.

Morning blaze displaces family

Morning blaze displaces family
Michele Norris was at work Thursday morning when a fire broke out in her west Forsyth home. No injuries were reported as a result of the blaze, which drew firefighters to 2449 Pittman Circle about 8:30 a.m. Forsyth County Fire Capt. Jason Shivers said the interior of the house had significant smoke and water damage. “The family is obviously going to be displaced,” he said, adding that the American Red Cross and two local churches ...
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Work begins on aquatic center
Just hours after breaking ground on a long awaited aquatic center Tuesday, Cumming officials decided which firms will be handling the bulk of the early work on the facility.




Effort targets water waste
The average American household can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water a year from leaks. That's enough to fill up a backyard swimming pool, said Tim Perkins, Forsyth County's director of water and sewer. To raise awareness about simple maintenance for water conservation, the county is participating for the first time in the national Fix a Leak Week program. Sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program, the March 15-21 campaign serves as an ...




State CFO sees some progress
Few were surprised when Thomas Hills told local Rotarians the state of the Georgia’s finances is not as good as it was a few years ago.




Suitor scoffs at golf offer
The principals of a company that operates a local golf course warn that Forsyth County is about to pay $9 million too much for Lanier Golf Course and are doing so, in part, to settle a lawsuit.




Investigator's suspension extended
It could be next month before any resolution is reached in the ongoing probe of Forsyth County's chief fire investigator.




Official tapped for international summit
Gary J. Smith’s work to improve overseas voting has taken him to Munich, Germany. The chairman of the Forsyth County Board of Registrations and Elections is serving on a panel during the Overseas Vote Foundation’s fourth annual Uniformed and Overseas Citizen Absentee Voting Act, UOCAVA, Summit. The event features discussions on technology, research and initiatives in overseas voting, as well as debate on the pros and cons of Internet voting. Smith said he will serve ...




Corps readies campgrounds for the spring
Higher lake levels and improved camping sites are expected to draw more campers this upcoming season at Lake Lanier.




Engineers praise greenway's design
Forsyth County's Big Creek Greenway has received an award for engineering excellence from the Georgia Engineering Alliance.




Wreck kills 1 on Tribble Gap
A 21-year-old man was killed Monday night when his vehicle collided with a tree on Tribble Gap Road, authorities said.




E911 reports busy year
Forsyth County's 911 Center dispatched more calls and handled a higher daily call volume in 2009, but did so while posting a quicker response time.




Plan offers flexibility with sales tax
A measure under consideration in the state House could give school systems another way to fund their operations.

Bills target conservation

Bills target conservation
Within an hour of each other last week, the state House and Senate passed the same bill for the same reason.
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‘Team Martin’ shines at event

‘Team Martin’ shines at event
The school bus slid on any icy patch and into some parked cars. With smoke rising from the engine, two drivers had precious time to get their special needs students off the bus. Thankfully for these Forsyth County drivers, the scenario was just a skills test, part of the 13th National Special Needs Team Safety Roadeo. Louise and Becky Martin, recently dubbed “Team Martin,” were the first to represent the county at nationals after placing ...
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Local arts alliance will award grants
An old ally has resurfaced for local arts organizations. Following a one-year hiatus, the Forsyth County Arts Alliance plans to award $50,000 in grants this spring. “The board is extremely excited to have this opportunity, in this day and time, to pretty much give away $50,000,” said Brett Berto, alliance president. The alliance was created from the $2 million sale of the Sawnee Cultural Arts Center to county government in 2005. While the center was ...

Prosperity keeps pace

Prosperity keeps pace
Forsyth County appears to have a permanent place in Forbes Magazine. The most recent mention is as one of America’s richest 25 counties.   At 20th on the list, Forsyth is the only county in the state and one of just two in the Southeast to garner a mention. “When you’re among the top 25, you’re specific ranking is far less important than being among that very top, elite group,” said James McCoy, president and ...
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Program encourages shorter work weeks
The Clean Air Campaign is looking for employers to take part in an alternative work scheduling program aimed at curbing costs, as well as traffic and emissions.




New challenge awaits McCoy
From the local arts alliance to Rotary Clubs, there aren’t many organizations in Forsyth County that don’t involve James McCoy.

Rain will let up

Rain will let up
About 3 inches of rain had fallen across Forsyth County by the end of what was without a doubt a soggy week.
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Ex-attorney sentenced to federal prison
A Forsyth County man who kept a law practice in Sugar Hill will spend nearly two years behind bars on a federal mail fraud conviction.

FCSO bids farewell to deputy

FCSO bids farewell to deputy
Retiring at age 20 may seem early, but not for a horse with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office.
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Leader class seeks recruits
A local leadership development program is looking for new members. Leadership Forsyth, a nonprofit organization, is designed to develop leadership skills in those interested in serving and learning more about the county. The program will offer two information sessions, on March 17 and 23, for anyone interested in joining the class of 2010-11. “We are excited to continue to train community leaders with the formation of the class of 2011,” said Tammi Bramblett, executive director. ...




Board close to restarting water talks
Forsyth County appears close to reviving water talks with the city of Cumming. Barring any changes, the commission could give second and final approval to its latest proposal March 16. The plan got preliminary support from the commissioners Tuesday in a 3-2 vote, with Brian Tam and Patrick Bell opposed. Thanks to a recent county policy change, intergovernmental agreements like the water contract no longer require a super majority, or 4-1, vote. The existing water ...




Spring ahead this weekend
With the upcoming time change, the Forsyth County Fire Department is reminding residents to change a few other things in addition to their clocks.

Daughter showed courage

Daughter showed courage
The family of a 24-year-old slain Peace Corps volunteer is still searching for closure and answers one year after her death in the west African nation of Benin.
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County may add official

County may add official
Forsyth County could soon fill a long empty position. Tim Merritt, a former assistant city manager in Gainesville, has been named the sole finalist for deputy county manager. No one has filled the position since September 2008, when Doug Derrer was promoted to interim county manager to replace Rhonda Poston-O’Connor, who was fired. Derrer became county manager in March 2009. The salary range for the deputy county manager is between about $89,000 and $139,000, county ...
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Lectures offer global view
A six-week lecture and discussion series is encouraging residents of Forsyth and Hall counties to think globally and speak locally.




Park may get cell tower
Forsyth County is considering a plan to allow a cell tower at Sawnee Mountain Park on Watson Road.

Haitian troupe performs at Cumming Elementary

Haitian troupe performs at Cumming Elementary
Nine-year-old Didi Samlouius spent his first night indoors in nearly two months last week. Samlouius, who was missing for a day and a half following the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, arrived Thursday in Georgia with the rest of his dance troupe. Back in January, the boy had just finished learning a Michael Jackson dance from his teacher, Dieu Lifet, when the ground began to shake.   When the shaking stopped, the ...
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