First, join me in welcoming David Headley, our new County Manager.  Please take the opportunity to meet with David as he transitions from City to County Government.

As you may have heard, ACCG, our state county association, has awarded Dawson County with a one-time payout for health and safety initiatives. Human Resources is formulating a plan to use these funds to benefit both personnel and Dawson County citizens.

Citizens’ Government Academy is in full swing and has 23 participants. The program is a great way for citizens to get the inside scoop on how county government operates.

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to deliver this message as your new County Manager.

Over the past week, I have had the pleasure of working with senior staff, departmental staff, and several constitutional officers in order to discuss the direction that we would like to see Dawson County move toward. Our common goals unite us in assisting the Board of Commissioners to better serve the citizens of the county.

Throughout my interactions with the staff and leadership of the county, I have been amazed by their knowledge, dedication, and commitment to excellence. All of these attributes compel me to join their efforts in the pursuit of continued success.

A common denominator in all of our meetings was “together everyone achieves more.” There is an old saying that “if you want to run fast, you run alone; but if you want to run far, you run together.” I look forward to running together as we achieve great advancements for the future of Dawson County. In order to do this, we must set goals that are specific, realistic, and measurable. Additionally, all projects should be attainable, practical, and completed in a timely manner.

I commit to serve you as your representative as we move forward. We have an exciting journey ahead of us, and I am eager to work with all of you as we accomplish great things for Dawson County.

15 Years

Tamara Chester, Probate Court

5 Years

Margaret Honn, Planning and Development
 

 

New Hires

Alexa Bruce, Administrative Assistant, Public Works

Jason Streetman, Director, Planning & Development

Joshua Rogers, Deputy- SRO, Sheriff's Office

Peter Geier, FF/Paramedic, Emergency Services

David Headley, County Manager

Rebecca Rainey, Personal Property Appraiser, Tax Assessor

Promotions

Stan Harrison, Corporal, Sheriff's Office

Steven Swofford, Sergeant, Sheriff's Office

• Moonshine Run on Friday, October 21st, leaving the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame at approximately 10:00AM, registration to begin at 9:00AM.
   
• See the parade of moonshine and revenue cars at 9:00AM Saturday, October 22nd
   
• Many great vendors – something for everyone
   
• Two stages with live entertainment around the square in downtown Dawsonville
   
• Car Show, Cruise-In and Swap Meet held at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, formerly known as "Thunder Road USA"
   
• Meet many legendary race car drivers
   
• See vintage race cars and more authentic moonshine-hauling cars than you’ll ever see gathered in one place anywhere in the US!

Help out with a very worthy cause, KARE for Kids, Inc.

Visit KARE for Kids for more information.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” represents the final year of our three-year effort to educate the public about basic but essential elements of smoke alarm safety.

Why focus on smoke alarms three years in a row? Because NFPA’s survey data shows that the public has many misconceptions about smoke alarms. Those misconceptions may put them at increased risk in the event of a home fire. For example, only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced.

As a result of those and related findings, we’re addressing smoke alarm replacement this year with a focus on these key messages:

• Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

• Know how old the smoke alarms are in your home by looking at the date of manufacture on the back of the alarm. The alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date.

Dawson County Emergency Services will be presenting fire safety programs in all elementary, pre-school, and daycares during the month of October, as well as other fire prevention programs in the community. For more information concerning Fire Prevention Week or any of the services offered by Dawson County Emergency Services, please call (706) 344-3666 or contact Dawson County Emergency Services.

The Georgia EPD imposed summer burning restrictions were lifted on October 1, 2016. This means that you are once again allowed to burn small piles of natural vegetation. Remember, you must first obtain a burn permit from Georgia Forestry by calling 1-877-OK2-BURN (652-2876) or visiting www.gatrees.org. Permits are only good for a single day. You are responsible for your fire and its smoke. All of Dawson County is currently experiencing a severe drought. These conditions make burning even more dangerous. Please click here for some tips for safe outdoor burning.

For more information, please contact Emergency Services.

Voting Schedule for the General/Special Election of November 8, 2016

Voter Registration Deadline:  October 11, 2016 (new and changes)

Advance Voting: **   October 17 - November 4, 2016 ~ Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm
                                 Saturday - October 29, 2016 - 9am to 4pm                         
                                 At Board of Elections office - 96 Academy Ave

**Note: Advance Voting; includes one Saturday vote when there are Federal or State candidates
on the ballot.  The 45 days of absentee request by mail remains in effect.
(No voting on Monday prior to all elections).

All Polls will be open Election Day from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm

1. WEST precinct – at Fire Station #6 on Hubbard Rd
2. CENTRAL precinct – at Board of Elections office, 96 Academy Avenue
3. EAST precinct - at Fire Station #2 on Liberty Drive (next to Tractor Supply)

If in question about your voting location, and/or to view a sample ballot you may visit “My Voter Page” at http://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp  or call the Elections & Registration office at 706-344-3640.

Due to heavy voting history and uncontrolled construction around precincts, it is highly suggested
to Advance Vote. Also, familiarize yourself with a sample ballot; there are several races/amendments for vote. All information is located on our website and in the office for voter convenience. Call with any questions .         

    ~ Come out and Advance Vote!

The Margie Weaver Senior Center enjoyed a special music presentation by Bill Cain on Friday, September 9th in honor of 9/11. Bill is a very talented artist who enjoys singing and playing the guitar in his spare time and for his church. He is also a Meals on Wheels driver. Special thanks to Bill for his service to our community!

On Thursday, September 22nd, clients of the Margie Weaver Senior Center enjoyed a "Bucket List Trip" to the University of North Georgia Planetarium in Dahlonega. For most of them, it was their first time visiting a planetarium. They ended their trip with lunch at Steak 'n Shake.

Sponsors are still needed. For more information, download the Trunk or Treat Sponsor Application or contact Buffie Hamil.

Back row: HELP Program Coordinator Alice Geier, Treatment Court Coordinator Heather Herrington, Judge Jason Deal, Sgt. Jennifer Wright; Front row: Chloe McClain and Cayla McClain

Recognizing the societal benefits of recovery for Dawson County and to promote the widespread observance of National Recovery Month, Dawson County Friends of Recovery (D-FOR) hosted its inaugural Recovery Fest, which featured speakers, musical entertainment, a cookout, and area vendor displays. The event, which took place on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at Veterans Park, was intended to support people in recovery and draw attention to critical prevention, treatment, and recovery support services.

“Friends of Recovery wants to increase the community's awareness of the programs and benefits of Drug Court, DUI Court, and HELP Court in Dawson County,” said Carla Turner, D-FOR Chair. “We want to let the community know who we are, what we do, why we care, and how they can become involved. Everyone knows someone who has been affected by the drug epidemic in our country, and we want to let people know that the Treatment Courts are working. The programs combat addiction, reduce crime, ensure compliance, restore families, and save the taxpayers a lot of money.”

In existence for six years, D-FOR continues to strive to increase public awareness of programs and benefits of Dawson County’s accountability court programs. D-FOR aims to facilitate long-term sustainability for Treatment Court and the HELP Program, strategically sponsor services, and provide financial assistance to strengthen the stability of these programs.

Recovery Fest was part of Recovery Month, a national observance sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The observance raises awareness of mental and/or substance use disorders, celebrates individuals in long-term recovery, and acknowledges the work of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services.

Campfire Storytelling Concert
Dawson County Public Library
Saturday, October 8th at 7:30PM

Join us Saturday, October 8th at 7:30PM for a night of spine-tingling, goose-pimpling fun at the Dawson County Public Library! Some of Georgia’s best storytellers will be on hand to share spooky stories. After the tales, join us around the campfire for good, old-fashioned s’mores! Because our stories are of the spooky variety, this event is recommended for ages 8 and up. This FREE event is made possible through generous sponsorships from the Friends of the Dawson County Public Library, Southern Order of Storytellers, Dawson County Woman’s Club, Amicalola State Park and Lodge, The Home Depot Dawsonville, and The Outside World. We hope to see you there!!

Pumpkin Decorating
Dawson County Public Library
Saturday, October 15th at 11:00AM

Create a pumpkin masterpiece! Bring your imagination and the library will provide everything else-- including the pumpkins! Space is limited! Sign up at the circulation desk or call 706-344-3690. This FREE event is made possible by the Friends of the Dawson County Library and The Kinsey Family Farm. For ages 3-15.

For more information, download the Dawson County Library Newsletter or visit the Dawson County Library website.

For more informatin, contact Tonya Corbett.

Click here for information regarding meetings across Dawson County, or visit Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 970.

You may also contact:

Wayne Watkins, Chapter President
Dawson Co. Chapter 970
706-429-5002

New Commercial Business Licensing

Durall Capital Holdings - Medical Services35 Lumpkin Campground Road North

Love Me Wright Gourmet Desserts - Cupcake Sales
800 Highway 400 South Kiosk

Next Star communications - Cellular Sales
391 Quill Drive #140

New Home-Based Business Licensing

A Woman’s Touch - Cleaning Services
146 Hunters Drive

Alliance EMS Billing - Medical Billing/Collections
102 Vandiviere Road

Dawson Tree Experts - Tree Services
460 Diane Circle

Ironclad Firearms Training - Firearm Safety Education
215 Garden Lane

North Georgia Family Trades - Cabinet Refinishing/Installation
51 Huckleberry Way

T & M Farm - Poultry Farm
4120 Sweetwater Juno Road