Commissioners to Vote on New Employee Pay Plan
News March 1, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — A new county employee pay plan could get an up or down vote when the Dawson County Board of Commissioners meets Thursday at 6 p.m.
A recent study by the Archer Company found that more than 400 employees have left the county for greener pastures in the last six years, costing taxpayers $1.5 million to hire and train their replacements.
The study compared Dawson County’s pay scale to Forsyth, Hall, Gwinnett, Cherokee, Gilmer, Lumpkin and Pickens counties and the cities of Gainesville, Canton and Cumming.
Commissioners are considering several options, including a 2 percent, across-the-board pay raise for all employees, bringing everyone up to the average minimum, bringing everyone up to time in service and class or all of those.
Commission Chairman Billy Thurmond has said, “The plan would bring stability to the workforce, increase productivity and be more cost-efficient for taxpayers.”
The Board tabled the issue two weeks ago but are expected to vote on the issue Thursday.
The station operates six days a week from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.The current fee schedule has been in place since 2013 and is between $5 and $22 lower than surrounding transfer stations and landfills for bulk garbage and .50 to $1 lower on bagged garbage. Staff has proposed the bulk garbage rate be increased to $44 per ton and a minimum fee of $5 per load weighed. Bagged garbage rates would remain the same.
Other issues to be considered include:
- Renewal of the contract with Northeast Georgia Probation Services, Inc;
- A request to place Little Lending Libraries on County Government Property;
- A request for a budget increase for the Legacy Link Local Match;
- Board of Commissioners Expenses and
- Training funds for new members of the Development Authority.
Dawson County Economy is Booming in 2017
News May 19, 2017
Charlie Auvermann
DAWSONVILLE Ga. – The economic doldrums of the past 10 years appear to be over in Dawson County.
Charlie Auvermann, executive director of the Development Authority of Dawson County, says the 400 corridor is bustling with new business development, jobs are available for anyone who wants to work and sales tax revenue has experienced a dramatic uptick during the first quarter of 2017
The most recent figures show the unemployment has dropped to just 4 percent, the lowest level since the recession began in 2007.
The strong need for workers, particularly in both the retail and construction sectors has driven the unemployment rate down dramatically.
“With all of the new businesses opening in Dawson County and commercial and residential construction returning, the number of job openings has exploded,” he added.
Basic sales tax revenue is up almost 9 percent for the first quarter, which is typically the slowest quarter of the year because it comes right after the Christmas holiday.
“These numbers suggest we are a very vibrant economy,” Auvermann said in a press release this week.
March LOST/SPLOST collections alone are up 8.35 percent over March 2016. The combined collection was $1.14 million in March. February saw an increase of 8.4% and January was 9.47% better than last year. The March collections were the highest since 2009 and the second highest in the last decade.
The total LOST/SPLOST tax collections for the first three months of 2017 were just over $3.05 million and that does not include the education local option sales tax revenue which is reported separately.
“These LOST and SPLOST increases are important for our county,” Auvermann said. “The LOST funds help pay county salaries, keep the lights on and pay for a host of services provided to our citizens. The SPLOST funds help build roads, bridges and new buildings.”
The Authority has done studies that indicate most of the SPLOST and LOST taxes collected are from shoppers who live outside the county. At the same time, with all the new stores opening in Dawson County, local shoppers can spend their dollars at home instead of traveling to Hall and Forsyth counties.
Auvermann said as stores and businesses continue to be attracted to Dawson County the economy will continue to be robust.
Dawson County upcoming events
Community April 26, 2017
Dawson County 2017 Events:
Contact Dawson County Welcome Center for all the latest events
44 Commerce Drive, 706-265-6278 or http://www.dawson.org/Calendar.html
2017 Events:
8th Annual Memorial Day Weekend Car Show & Heritage Days Festival
May 27, 2017
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Georgia Racing Hall of Fame
Website: georgiaracinghof.com
Email:
Phone: 706-216-7223
Information:
(rain date 5/28 or 5/29/2017)
REGISTRATION STARTS 8:00am – $20 (Must be registered to be judged).
SET UP FOR CRAFTERS BEGINS 7:30am BOOTH SPACE $20
Trophies/Awards given for Top 15, Top Ford, Top GM, Top Mopar, Farthest Traveled, and GRHOF Best in Show. Additional trophies include Top Truck, Street Rod and Most Original.
Heritage craft vendors and demonstrations will be on site as well. We will have a kiddie tractor pull contest bring your own tractor for the race, pie eating contest, Antique tractor and gas engine displays.
Sparks in the Motorsports Park Independence Day Celebration
July 4, 2017
Location: Atlanta Motorsports Park, 20 Duck Thurmond Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534
Website: atlantamotorsportspark.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 678-381-8527
Information:
Sparks at the Motorsports Park Independence Day Celebration in Dawsonville, GA is the place to be to get your fill of family fun, get a variety of food and see an excellent firework display. No charge for general admission and parking.
‘Shine Pedalers Metric Bike Ride
July 29, 2017
Location: The Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, 415 Highway 53 East, Dawsonville, GA 30534
Website: business.dawson.org/events/details/shine-pedalers-bike-ride-2017-11113
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 706-265-6278
Information:
Shine Pedalers will start and finish at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame in Dawsonville, Georgia.
‘Shine Pedalers Ride offers two rolling routes through the beautiful hills Dawson County.
Download PDF of Ride Information
Metric Century – 62 miles, 5261′ of climb https://ridewithgps.com/routes/5487186
Half Metric – 31miles, 2076′ of climb https://ridewithgps.com/routes/5487187
Ride rain or shine! Helmets required
The Ride:
- Metric riders will climb Burnt Mountain (experienced riders only)
- Half Metric is for all experience levels
- Plenty of rolling hills and beautiful scenery to keep riders interested
- Complimentary continental breakfast, coffee and snacks
- Well placed SAG stops with snacks, drinks and support
- Complimentary lunch at the GRHOF (indoors)
- Complimentary cooling towels at end of ride
- Friendly and helpful SAG support
- Goody bag and T-shirt (guaranteed if registered by July 20th)
- Register Early! Ride capacity is 300 riders.
Address: Dawsonville Municipal Complex
415 Highway 53 East
Dawsonville, Georgia 30534
Ride Day:
6:30 am to 7:15 am—Registration, breakfast and packet pick-up
7:30 am— Metric starts (62 miles 5261’ of elevation gain)
7:45 am— Half-Metric starts (31 miles 2076’ elevation gain)
10:45 am— lunch begins
2:00 pm— all support ends for ride
Questions? contact us at 706-265-6278
2017 Concert in the Hall
August 19, 2017
Time: 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Location: Georgia Racing Hall of Fame
Website: georgiaracinghof.com
Email:
Phone: 678-622-0460 for reservations and information
Information:
Hits from the 50’s to 70’s
Featuring Mark Pitt’s Tribute to Elvis
Family Friendly
Tickets $15
Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch Opens for the Season
| Location: 4520 Highway 53 East
Website: http://www.uncleshucks.com Phone: 770-772-6223 Information •Explore the Corn Maze •Find Your Perfect Pumpkins •Shoot the Corn Cannon •Great Food and Fun •Fall Decorations •Goat Walk
September Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch |
|
| Fridays | 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. |
| Saturdays | 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. |
| Sundays | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| October – Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch | |
| Sunday – Thursday | 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| Friday & Saturday | 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. |
September TBD
Pups in the Park
Location: Rock Creek Park, Dawsonville, GA
Website:
Contact:
Information: Pups in the Park is a day devoted to dogs and their people families and their devotion to one another. The event is open and free to the public. There is a fee for competitions. Proceeds benefit the Dawson County Humane Society.
9 a.m. – 5K fun run
10 a.m. – Dog registration begins
11:30 a.m. – Pup Parade (free to enter)
12 – 2 p.m. – Competitions & Demonstrations
2 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Cow Patty Bingo
October 27-29, 2017
50th Annual Mountain Moonshine Festival
Hosted by: Kare for Kids
Place: Downtown Dawsonville
Information: kareforkids.org
Phone: 706-216-5273
Information: Moonshine Run, Parade of Authentic Moonshine and Race Cars, Vintage Race Cars, Car Show, Arts & Crafts, Great Food, Souvenirs, Swap Meet and Live Entertainment.
Friday:
Moonshine Run check-in 9 am
Registration 8 am – 8 pm
Car Show 10 am – 8 pm
Swap meet all-day
50/50 Raffle at Kare Booths
Saturday:
8 a.m. – Festival Opening, Car Show and Registration Opens
9 a.m. – Parade begins at Georgia Racing Hall of Fame
10 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies & Live Music Begins ***Autograph session begins directly after
10 a.m. -Live music
2 p.m. – Moonshine Car Awards (at Castleberry Stage)
4 p.m. – Car Show Awards
50/50 Raffle at Kare Booths (Friday/Saturday drawing at 4 p.m.)
7 p.m. – Festival Closes
Sunday:
8 a.m. – Festival Opening & Car Show Registration
50/50 Raffle at Kare Booths
10 a.m. – 5 pm Car Show
12 p.m. – Live Music Begins
3 p.m. – Top 25 Car Show Awards
4 p.m. – Sunday 50/50 Raffle Drawing
5 p.m. – Festival Closes
October 31, 2017
Trunk or Treat
Where: Rock Creek Park
When: October 31, 2017
Time: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Contact: Dawson County Parks & Recreation
Phone: 706-344-3646
Information:
Dawson County Parks & Recreation hosts an annual Trunk or Treat event on October 31st at Rock Creek. The fun begins at 4:00pm and ends at7:00pm. The purpose of this event is to provide the children in the community with a safe place to trick-or-treat and enjoy the festivities of Halloween. Rock Creek is a well-lit area that provides plenty of parking, restrooms, and easy access! The event will be in a designated area in the park that is sectioned off from vehicle traffic, providing a traffic-free area for the children.
Admission is free and so are most of the activities; concessions will be available for purchase.
November 11, 2017
Veteran’s Day Parade
Where: Downtown Dawsonville
When: November 11, 2017
Time: TBA
Contact:
Phone:
Information:
In honor and with respect to veterans and active military, both in Dawsonville, Dawson County, and around the country, an annual Memorial Day Service is held at Veterans Memorial Park in Dawsonville. On Veterans Day, a ceremony and parade honor veterans of all ages and each military branch as part of Dawsonville’s annual Veterans Day celebration. Lunch is held The Veterans Affairs of Dawson County is dedicated to their goals of increasing recognition, honor, respect, and support of Dawson County’s veterans and active military, and to preserve the memory of veterans that paid the ultimate price.
December 2, 2017
Dawsonville Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Hosted by: City of Dawsonville, Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and Office of Tourism Development
Parade Time: 5:00 pm
Tree Lighting and Festivities: 5:30 pm (Tree lighting will be at dark)
Place: Downtown Dawsonville
Phone: 706-265-6278
Information: http://business.dawson.org/events/details/dawsonville-christmas-parade-2064
Details: Parade will run through Downtown Dawsonville with starting line-up at the Historic Cemetery on Academy Street, proceeding onto Route 53 and ending at the Dawsonville Municipal Complex. Following the parade, City Hall will hold the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony with lots of fun activities for the family. Music, dancing, pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, face painting, crafts for kids and more.
Dawsonville Jingle Market
December 2, 2017
Time: 3 pm – 8 pm
Place: Georgia Racing Hall of Fame
Contact: 706-265-6278
Details: Arts, Crafts vendors
For vendor information contact: [email protected]
December 2, 2017
Breakfast with Santa / Christmas Bazaar
Time: 8 am – 11 am
Place: Rock Creek Park, Dawsonville, GA
Contact: Rock Creek Park
Details: Breakfast with Santa, Christmas Bazaar, Activities and vendors.
Dawson County’s Satterfield & Pichon Recognized by Congressman Collins
Press Release September 26, 2017
‘Shine Pedalers Metric enters fifth year
Community July 10, 2017DAWSONVILLE, Ga.- July 6, 2017: Unique ride offers tremendous views of Dawson County this summer. The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and Office of Tourism Development is hosting its 5 th Annual Shine Pedalers bicycle ride July 29.
“We look forward to hosting this ride every year,” Dawson County Chamber President Christie Haynes said. “This event offers a wonderful opportunity to showcase our community in a whole new light. The scenery and views along this ride are breath-taking.”
The metric and half-metric rides
start and finish at
the Georgia Racing
Hall of Fame in
downtown
Dawsonville. The
rides begin at 7:30
and 7:45 a.m. Each
ride takes cyclists
through scenic and
rural areas of
Dawson County.
The metric ride
offers a challenging
climb up Burnt
Mountain.
“Each year we
strive to make the ride better than the year before. This year, the route has been adapted to
make it even more enjoyable for the riders by keeping the ride off main roads as much as
possible” Haynes said.
The ride features plenty of SAG (support and gear) stops to keep riders energized and hydrated throughout the ride. New to the ride this year is a competition between themed SAG stops. Cyclists will vote for their favorite stop at the end of the ride. King and Queen of the Mountain will be awarded to the first male and female to reach the top of Burnt Mountain.
After the ride, cyclists will be treated to a BBQ lunch,
refreshments and an opportunity to tour the Georgia
Racing Hall of Fame as well as the Dawsonville
Moonshine Distillery.
To register, visit active.com and search ‘Shine
Pedaler Ride. Cost is $35 if registered before July
20 th and $45 thereafter. Riders are guaranteed a t-
shirt and swag bag if registered by July 20th. Riders are encouraged to register early since the
event is capped at 300 riders. For more information visit dawson.org or call 706-265- 6278.
Halloween Safe Zones ~ Have a FaBOOulous Halloween
Community October 28, 2016
Trunk-or-Treat
Come out to Rock Creek on Halloween 4:00-7:00PM to trunk-or-treat with your family! The purpose of this event is to provide the children in the community with a safe place to trick-or-treat. Rock Creek is a well-lit area that provides plenty of parking, restrooms, and easy access! We will designate a specific area in the park for the trunk-or-treat and have it sectioned off so that vehicle traffic will not be permitted, providing a traffic-free area for the children.
Come out for an afternoon of fun for the whole family!! Admission is free and so are most of the activities; concessions/dinner will be available for purchase.
- Last day in October When: October 31, 2016
- 4:00-7:00PM
- at Rock Creek
- CANDY, treats/toys, promotional items/freebies, miniature horses, carnival games, bounce house, hay rides, obstacle course, face painting, MORE CANDY!
- FREE Admission
Sorry, no pets (service animals only, please).
Dawson County Partners with Northeast Georgia Medical Center to Improve Cardiac Arrest Survival
News August 12, 2016
New Preliminary Flood Maps Issued
News June 22, 2016
NEWS RELEASE: Dawson County Planning & Development Dept. @ 706-344-3604
NEW PRELIMINARY FLOOD MAPS ISSUED Updated Maps Show Flood Risks Have Changed June 22, 2016 – Dawson County is releasing updated, digital flood hazard maps for public review and comment prior to their final adoption. The maps, known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), show the extent to which areas recently re-mapped in the northern Upper Chattahoochee River Watershed in Dawson County are at risk for flooding. Used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements, the new maps replace maps that were based on outdated studies, which some were performed more than 30 years ago. Residents and business owners can use the maps to obtain reliable information about their flood risk on a property-by-property basis. The maps also provide flood zone and elevation data to help community planners, engineers, builders and others decide where and how new structures, developments, and remodeling projects should be built. The preliminary maps can be viewed online at www.GeorgiaDFIRM.com, including highlighted changes since the last flood map. They also can be viewed in person at the Dawson County Planning and Development Department, 25 Justice Way, Suite 2322, Dawsonville, GA 30534, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, or at the public Open House mentioned below. The maps were developed by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) under the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Dawson County. The process included an extensive, multi-year review of the changes brought about by environmental, land use and other forces, use of state-of-the-art aerial mapping and risk modeling techniques, and a comprehensive pre-release review. In reviewing the new Dawson County maps, many property owners may find that their risk is higher or lower than they thought. If the risk level for a property changes, flood insurance, lender and building standards requirements can change as well. A public Open House is being held June 30, 2016 at the Gordon Pirkle Room (Georgia Racing Hall of Fame), 415 Highway 53 East, Dawsonville, GA 30534 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. No formal presentation will be made so residents and business owners can visit at their convenience to view the new preliminary maps, understand how their properties may be affected, review options that they have and learn more about financial and material steps that they may need to take to protect their investment. The updated flood maps are still preliminary and have not yet been officially adopted. In addition to the public meetings, there will be a Public Comment Period during which property owners can submit technical or scientific-based appeals and comments if they feel they are in error. Once all appeals and comments are received and addressed, the maps are expected to become effective in mid-late 2017. At that time, the new flood insurance requirements will take effect. Residents can learn more about the re-mapping project, view the new preliminary flood maps and find a schedule of upcoming meetings at www.GeorgiaDFIRM.com. Individuals with general questions about the local map update efforts can also call the Dawson County Planning and Development Department at 706-344-3604, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For information about flood insurance, contact your local insurance agent or visit www.FloodSmart.gov.
Robert Wiley, County Commission Candidate Dist. 2
News, Politics June 10, 2016
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. — Dawson County is among the reddest of red counties in Georgia, if not the nation. Few can remember the last time a Democrat or independent was bold enough to even run for county commission here, much less win.
So, you might say that Robert J. Wiley, who is attempting to run as an independent against Republican Chris Gaines in the November General Election for Board of Commissioners in District 2, will have an uphill battle on his hands.
First, he will have to obtain more than 600 signatures on a nomination petition in the next three weeks to even become eligible to run. Then he will have to defeat a popular former Dawsonville City Councilman who has strong name recognition, a history of public service and who is battle tested.
But then, Wiley is no stranger to combat. He is a retired U.S. Army Major and a combat veteran with two tours of duty in Iraq and one in Afghanistan under his belt. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Indiana, a Masters Degree in Public Administration From Weber University and is working on his PhD in Public Policy and Administration. He is currently a junior ROTC instructor at Dawson County High School.
Wiley says he is a Republican and would have run in the Republican Primary had he not missed the deadline due to working on his PhD.
He and his wife and three daughters have only lived in Dawson County for two years, but he says the people he has talked to feel they have been disenfranchised and want to have a strong voice in county government.
If he’s elected Wiley says his top priority is to oversee a healthy budget. “If the budget is out of whack you can’t do anything,” he said.
Another priority for Wiley is employee retention. “I believe our county employees are underpaid,” he said. “We can do better than what we’re doing. Also, the infrastructure must be maintained. New developments coming to the 400 corridor. I don’t want us to bring in retail businesses that put old established businesses out of business and leave us with a bunch of empty buildings. I’d like to see most of the retail businesses stay in the 400 cooridor. There are a lot of farms on the north side I dont want to see their farming way of life change.”
Bearden, Sosebee Wrap Up Qualifying in Dawson Co.
News, Politics March 8, 2016
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Qualifying closed Friday in Dawson County with two more candidates tossing their hats in the ring. Incumbent Ted Bearden qualified to run for County Coroner and Frank Sosebee became the fourth candidate to qualify to run for Sheriff.
Ted Bearden Coroner
Sheriff Candidate
Tony Wooten
Jeff Perry
Jeff Johnson
Frank Sosebee
School Board Dist. 1
Doris Cook
School Board District 2 Candidate
Elaine Wilson
School Board Dist. 4
Roger Slaton
Tax Commissioner Candidate
Johnny Glass
Karin McKee
Tony Stewart
Probate Judge Candidate
Jennifer Burt
County Commissioner Dist. 2 Candidate
Chris Gaines
Tim Davis
County Commissioner Dist. 4
Heather Hulsebus
Julie Hughes Nix
Magistrate Judge Candidate
Lisa Thurmond
County Commission Chairman Candidate
Billy Thurmond
Peter Hill
Tax Commissioner Candidate
Andi Henson Juliette
Coroner
Ted Bearden
Candidate Qualifying Begins Monday in Dawsonville
News, Politics March 6, 2016
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. –It’s qualifying week for political hopefuls in Dawson County and all across Georgia.
Election Superintendent Glenda Ferguson said incumbents and newcomers seeking public office must officially declare their candidacy between Monday, March 7 and Friday, March 11. Qualifying will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Friday when qualifying ends at noon.
Dist. 4 County Commissioner Julie Nix will seek a fifth term in office but two familiar faces will be leaving the Board of Commissioners. After 12 years in office, Commission Chairman Mike Berg said he will not seek reelection. and Dist. 2 Commissioner James Swafford, who served two terms, has announced he is stepping down also.
The county will also lose a veteran law enforcement officer in Billy Carlisle, who is retiring after 18-years of service as Sheriff. Jeff Johnson, Tony Wooten, Frank Sosebee and Jeff Perry have announced they will campaign for the open position.
Other county offices up for election this year include: Clerk of Court, Coroner, Surveyor, Magistrate Judge and Probate Judge. Both State Senator Steve Gooch, who represents the 51st District, and State Rep. Kevin Tanner who represents Dist. 9 are also up for reelection.
Body Found in Dawson Co. Is That of Missing Atlanta Woman
News March 4, 2016
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. — Dawson County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tony Wooten confirmed today the body found inside an abandoned car on Lumpkin Campground Road is that of 29-year-old Jillian Hudson a woman reported missing from Atlanta.
Hudson’s body was found Thursday morning after the owner of a business and medical office building notified deputies the car had been in the parking lot for several days. When they arrived on the scene, officers located the body of the woman inside the vehicle.
The death is being investigated by the Sheriff’s Office and the Dawson County District Attorney’s Office who spent Thursday collecting evidence and working to obtain a search warrant.
Wooten said an autopsy is being performed at this time and declined to speculate on the cause of death.
Sosebee Announces Run for Dawson Sheriff
Politics March 3, 2016
Frank Sosebee is a candidate seeking the Office of Sheriff in Dawson County. Sheriff Billy Carlisle is retiring after serving five terms.
Frank is a 32-year law enforcement professional who has a broad range of experience. In 1983 he began his career with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office and transferred to Dawson County Sheriff’s Office in 1998. He currently serves as the Chief of Security at the Hall County Correctional Institute.
He has working experience in all facets of law enforcement and the Georgia Department of
Corrections. He will graduate from Reinhardt University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal
Justice and pursue his Masters in Public Administration. He attended Columbus State
University Command College, the National Institute of Corrections Executive Excellence training
in Aurora, Colorado, and has over 20 years of Executive, Management and Supervisory
experience.
Frank has a New Vision and New Direction approach to lead the Sheriff’s Office into the future. He has taken numerous advanced training courses to include Accident Reconstruction, Drug Recognition Expert, Criminal Investigations, Terminal Agency Coordinator, Domestic Terrorism, Gang Investigation, Domestic Violence and has acquired over 3000 training hours. Frank is affiliated with the Republican Party, Women’s Foothill Republican Party, Etowah Masonic Lodge, and numerous other professional organizations across Georgia.
He has been honored to coach baseball and basketball from t-ball up to the junior American Legion baseball team at Post 247 in Dawsonville. Over the past 20 years he has worked with children and young adults. He has mentored the youth at the Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Homes, coordinated numerous fund raisers for children, coordinated fund raisers for Relay for Life, and helped organize gifts for those children that are in need at Christmas.
What is most gratifying, he said, is to see how these young men and women have matured and now they are reaching out to our youth. This is in itself, a blessing. I’m not seeking the Office of Sheriff for personal gain, or to have power, this election is about our community, the officers who serve with pride and dignity, our senior citizens, business owners, and especially our children who are the future of our great community.
I have a vision for the future, I have the right experience, I’ve prepared myself for 32 years to become the Sheriff, a person who cares about the community he serves and protects. I have always worked hand in hand with my employees exhibiting a strong work ethic and the willingness to do what is right.
My top priority is to assign an officer to all our schools, currently we have schools without an assigned SRO leaving our children and teachers in harm’s way. My vision is to retain our employees who are leaving for higher pay and benefits, establish a drug suppression unit to fight the major drug problem we have, unite with surrounding counties by creating a joint criminal apprehension unit to fight burglary, thefts, and other criminal activity in our county and
work toward a reentry program for our county offenders.
I have plans of implementing new programs for our youth to young adults, create a senior citizens police academy, police academy for grades 9 through 12, advanced defensive driving training for our young adults, and design an avenue for our children to text information to our 911 center of drugs, gangs and bullying in our school systems.
We must prepare for such an attack. By uniting and working collectively together with all viable resources in our county we can provide safety for our children and teachers. I am asking for your prayers, support and vote as the next Sheriff of Dawson County. Please contact me at, ww.teamsosebee2016.com or [email protected] or contact me at 678-682-5953.
Trump Easily Defeats Cruz in Dawson County
News, Politics March 2, 2016
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — A bitterly divisive presidential primary, particularly among Republican candidates, has led to massive voter turnout all across the nation and Dawson County was no exception.
More than half the county’s 12,637 registered voters turned out yesterday and carried New York billionaire Donald Trump to a landslide victory.
Trump, who won seven of the 11 states that conducted primaries on SEC Tuesday, towered above the five-man field, receiving 2,649 votes or 45.4 percent. His nearest rival was Texas Senator Ted Cruz who posted victories in his home state of Texas, Oklahoma and Alaska. Cruz on 1,465 votes or 25.12 percent. Florida’s Senator Marco Rubio finished third with 1,094 followed by Dr. Ben Carson 311 and former Ohio Governor John Kasich with 266.
Glenda Ferguson said this was the largest voter turnout for a presidential election since she became the county’s election superintendent in 2007. Ferguson said she was surprised but not too surprised.
“We had been warned by Michael Barnes, Director of the Center for Elections Systems at Kennesaw State University to not take the day lightly and he was right,” she said. “The lines were full and steady all day long.”
Vehicle drives into Walmart – Arrest Made in early morning incident
News February 21, 2016
The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call Sunday morning, February 21st, at approximately 5:00 am in reference to a vehicle that drove into Wal-Mart. Officers arrived on scene to find the vehicle abandoned in the rear of the store. Officers were advised the subject fled on foot. The officers immediately began investigating potential leads to the identity of the driver.
An arrest was made in reference to this incident that occurred this morning at Wal-Mart located in Dawsonville. No additional information is available at this time. We will release additional details as they become available. If you have any information regarding this incident or any other incidents, please contact the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office at 706-344-3636. Thank you for your assistance!