BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
AND
Thanks for Voting us Dawson’s Best Family Restaurant, Best Place to Work, Best Breakfast and Best American Food. “We love and appreciate our customers. It is a pleasure to serve you and make your experience at Papa’s enjoyable and satisfying.” -Dawn Powell
GATHERING TOGETHER AROUND THE TABLE FOR A
Home Cooked Meal • Family Friendly Atmosphere • Homemade Desserts • Country Cooking Favorites • Fresh Made Biscuits Serving breakfast, lunch & dinner seven days a week
DAILY SPECIAL Still ONLY $8.99 includes 1 meat, 2 sides, bread & dessert
CALL IN TO-GO ORDERING (With Drive Thru Window)
3651 Dawson Forest Road • 706-265-6194 Located behind outLet MaLL at round about www.papasplacedawsonville.com
OPEN 7 Days a Week 6:30am to 9:00pm
Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge offers: 56 Room Hotel • 14 Cabins 24 RV/Tent Sites with Water & Electricity • 5 Covered Picnic Shelters Fine Dining at The Maple Restaurant • Miles of Hiking Trails 45’ Vertical Climbing Wall • 2 Unique Gift Shops Weddings, receptions and rehearsal dinners (Both indoors or outdoors)
Thank you Dawson County for Voting us “Best Hotel in Dawson County” It is an honor to be part of this community!
Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge 15 Miles from Dawsonville or 19 Miles West of Dahlonega on Hwy. 52 in Dawsonville, GA. For Lodge and Restaurant Information Call 706-265-8888
Your nominations. Your votes.
Best of Dawson is a publication of Dawson County News, 30 Shoal Creek Rd., Dawsonville GA. A Swartz-Morris Media Inc. property. 706-265-3384
Stephanie Woody Publisher swoody@dawsonnews.com Jennifer Lyness Advertising Director jlyness@dawsonnews.com Allie Dean Staff Writer adean@dawsonnews.com Amy French Staff Writer afrench@dawsonnews.com Kerri Ivie Creative Services Manager kivie@gainesvilletimes.com
Now we have the Best of Dawson Readers’ Choice awards winners for 2017. The competition took place in the public arena online. Anyone could nominate their favorite companies and service providers and anyone could vote. The second annual event was a success with more than 100,0000 votes cast online at dawsonnews.com. Winners now have bragging rights for the rest of the year. But next year’s awards are coming. So if you are a business in Dawson, it’s time to start positioning yourself for the 2018 nominations and voting. You control whether you get nominated and there’s lots you can do in print, online and in social media to increase your chances of claiming next year’s honors. Our team at Dawson County News stands ready to help you do that.
Mark Hall Production Director mhall@gainesvilletimes.com
In the meantime, it’s time to celebrate this year’s winners who have claimed the Best of Dawson accolades.
Scott Whitworth Packaging & Distribution Director swhitworth@gainesvilletimes.com
Congratulations to all who were nominated and to those who came out on top!
CONTENT From the Publisher..................................................................................................................................... 6 Complete 2017 Best of Dawson WINNERS List............................................................................................ 8 John Megel: Your Local Chevrolet Dealer................................................................................................... 11 Amicalola Falls and Lodge Offers Best View in Town................................................................................... 17 Winners’ Award Presentation Photos start.................................................................................................. 19 Northeast Georgia Continues to Improve Medical Services in Dawson County............................................... 29 Cold Creek Farm: The Perfect Venue for Any Occasion................................................................................ 46 No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by an information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Swartz-Morris Media Inc.
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dawsonnews.com
We want to sincerely thank Dawsonville and all the people who voted for Big D’s BBQ as your favorite Catering, Takeout & BBQ in Dawson!
Our family and the families of all our employees take great pride striving each and every day to prepare great food and provide great customer service. Without you, we are nothing! Thanks to all of you and your families for supporting us for 8 years in Dawsonville. It is truly an honor to be part of Dawsonville!
ORDER ONLINE TO SKIP THE LINE & FOR SPECIAL DISCOUNTS! Get our online ordering app, Big D’s BBQ To Go, in the app store! TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU:
GA 400 & Hwy. 53 E Intersection 706-216-6706
Downtown Dawsonville: Hwy. 53 W, just west of Square 706-429-0069
WWW.MYBIGDSBBQ.COM
WE CATER!
On-Site Catering for...
Weddings Corporate Events Reunions Breakfast Events
Best of Dawson For the second year, the Dawson County News put the power in the hands of the people to determine the best of what Dawson County has to offer. And the people have spoken. From services, to charities, to food, to individuals, locals say you can’t go wrong with those on this list. What an honor to be included in this magazine and to be looked upon as an example of the standard your field or industry should provide. With well over 100,000 votes cast at dawsonnews.com/BestOf, those included in this magazine can rightfully claim to be THE BEST of Dawson County. Take a look inside – see if your favorites made the cut, and be sure to check out some of the businesses and places in these pages that, maybe, you haven’t visited before. I’ve been told you won’t be disappointed. As a community newspaper that prides itself on keeping you up to date with accurate and trustworthy information, it is our pleasure to present to you the 2017 BEST OF DAWSON. We are grateful to do business in a community that shines so brightly in all industries and fields, and hope that you enjoy the process each year as much as we do! Wishing you all the best, Stephanie Woody, Publisher
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dawsonnews.com
Thank you for voting us #1
VISION Our vision is for all people to live in peace and with purpose.
MISSION Our mission is to glorify God and serve our community by assisting people in finding freedom from their past, peace in their present, and hope for their future.
STRATEGY Our strategy is to create a safe place where people can experience Discipleship Counseling, Professional Coaching, Spiritual Direction, and Effective Training.
200 OLD DAWSON VILLAGE ROAD, SUITE 120, DAWSONVILLE, GA 30534 706-265-8128
www.newname.com
COMMUNITY Best Art Gallery Outside the Lines! Art Studio
WINNERS
Honorable Mention The Bowen Center for the Arts
Randy Harkness
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention Jeff Johnson
Around Back at Rocky’s Place Best Charity Event
Best Non-Profit Organization
Mountain Moonshine Festival Honorable Mention Relay for Life Pups in the Park Best Church Grace Presbyterian Honorable Mention Liberty Baptist Set Free
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 970 Honorable Mention Rotary Club of Dawson Dawson County Womans Club
2017
Best Auto Repair
Eric Johnson
Best Civic Club
8
Best Law Enforcement Officer
K.A.R.E. for Kids Honorable Mention Good Shepherd Clinic RIC-Rack
Disharoon Automotive Tower Automotive War Hill Tire & Auto Best Towing Service Gober Inc. Towing Service & Garage Honorable Mention Berry & Sons Wrecker & Tire Service K&C Towing
Best Paramedic/EMT Taylor Rowan
Best Used Car Dealer
Honorable Mention
John Megel Chevrolet
Eli Kesting
Honorable Mention
Robbie Lee
Primary Auto Group
Best Place to Volunteer Dawson County Humane Society Honorable Mention Meals by Grace RIC-Rack
EDUCATION Best Principal Kim Bennett Honorable Mention Julia Mashburn Cindy Kinney
Best Community Event
Best Volunteer
Mountain Moonshine Festival
Nicole Stewart
Best Private School
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Dawson Christian Academy
Veterans Day Parade
Ken Goines
Honorable Mention
Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Georgann Schmalz
War Hill Christian Academy
Relay for Life
AUTO & TRANSPORTATION
Best Public School
Best Elected Official
Best Auto Body Shop
Nicole Stewart
Disharoon Automotive
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Jeff Johnson
Tower Auto Repair
Kevin Tanner
War Hill Tire & Auto
Best Firefighter
Best Auto Parts Store
Best Secretary/ Bookkeeper
Taylor Rowan
Advance Auto Parts
Glenda Brandt
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Tim Cameron
AutoZone
Kim Porter
Jeff Banks
Slack Auto Parts
Ann Welling
Robinson Elementary Honorable Mention Black’s Mill Elementary Dawson County High School
dawsonnews.com
A high-end salon experience without the high-end prices We are honored to be voted Best Hair Salon & Best Barber Shop in Dawson County for 2017 A special congratulations to our own Alyssa Pittman for being voted Best Hair Stylist
M-Th 10-6 Fri 10-5 Sat 10-3 Extended hours available with appointment
706-265-8074 • refugehairsalon@gmail.com 258 Beartooth Pkwy, Suite 120 • Dawsonville (Located off 53 East across from Sonic)
refugehairsalon.com dawsonnews.com
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Best Teacher
Best Hospital Presence
PROFESSIONAL
Spencer Wright
Northeast Georgia Health System
Best Accountant/CPA
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
WINNERS
Kevin Grigsby Kevin Woody MEDICAL Best Children’s Dentist Dentistry for Children Honorable Mention Dawsonville Distinctive Dentistry
Best Massage Therapy A Touch of Hope Honorable Mention Relax Massage Best Optometrist
Annis Family Chiropractic Center
Dawson Vision
Honorable Mention
Dawson Eye Group
Tompkins Family Chiropractic
Spec-Takular Boutique
Nature’s Way Chiropractic Center
Lanier Dental Partners Honorable Mention Harris Family Dentistry Dawsonville Distinctive Dentistry
2017
Chestatee Hospital
Best Chiropractor
Best Cosmetic Dentistry
Honorable Mention
Best Orthodontist Field Wilson Orthodontics Honorable Mention Family Orthodontics Dawson Orthodontist Best Pediatrics Practice Ivy Ridge Pediatrics
Best Ear, Nose, Throat Specialty
Honorable Mention
ENT Institute
Dawson Pediatrics
Best Family Practice
Best Pharmacy
Anderson Family Medicine
Kroger Pharmacy
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Northeast Georgia Physicians Group
CVS Pharmacy
Keating Family Medicine Best General Dentistry
Dr. Ashley O’Shields
Goodson’s Pharmacy Best Urgent Care
Tammy Loggins Kathy Fuller Best Artist (nonmusical) Cornbread Honorable Mention Christy Beasley Mary Ann Sheehy Best Auto Mechanic David Gee Honorable Mention Brent Tower Danny Disharoon Best Bank Teller Oksana Shirley Honorable Mention Pamela Pilcher Paige Blackstock Amanda Gibson Best Boss Nicole Stewart Honorable Mention Dawn Pruett Bob Bolz Best Civil Attorney Joey Homans Honorable Mention Amanda Yenerall Zack Tumlin
Lanier Dental Partners
Medical Plaza 400 Urgent Care
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Brian Westbrook
Harris Family Dentistry
Northside/Dawson Urgent Care
Honorable Mention Johnny Glass
Chestatee Emergent Care
Carl Pruitt
Dawsonville Distinctive Dentistry 10
Northside Hospital Dawson Campus
Wanda Goodson
Best Contractor
dawsonnews.com
Your Local Chevrolet Dealer John Megel Chevrolet in Dawsonville has been serving the Ga. 400 corridor for more than two decades. Boasting one of the largest inventories of Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trucks, John Megel is not part of a corporate franchise, but rather a family-owned business dedicated to nothing short of superb customer service. “I am proud to say that John Megel Chevrolet is owned by one person not by a group or a mega car franchise organization,” said Owner John Megel. “It’s my opinion that every potential customer should feel appreciated. We believe in the personal touch and giving every potential customer the service we should all be looking for.” In the automobile business for more than 60 years, John Megel’s staff has more than 400 years of combined automobile sales experience.
dawsonnews.com
A state-of-the-art facility on Ga. 400, the dealership is just south of Dawson County’s bustling retail district. The facility houses John Megel’s sales and management offices and a beautiful reception area for customers. The facility is also home to John Megel’s Chevrolet Service Department. They can handle any level of Chevrolet and GM maintenance from routine maintenance and warranty work to extensive vehicle systems maintenance. The maintenance area has lounge where customers can relax while waiting for their cars during routine maintenance. The lounge includes wireless internet service and free coffee for customers. John Megel Used Cars has been ranked among the top Chevrolet dealerships in the southeast.
This distinction highlights John Megel Chevrolet as one of the premier Chevrolet Dealerships in the state of Georgia. John Megel Used Cars is second to none, carrying a huge selection of GM Certified Used Vehicles and other low mileage used cars and trucks. As a used car dealer, John Megel Chevrolet is proud to offer a wide selection of used Chevrolet vehicles and other brands of used cars, trucks and SUVs that are like new. “John Megel Chevrolet has an outstanding reputation because we put our customers first,” Megel said. “We have the best deals on Chevy vehicles in the Atlanta Chevrolet market. We have the latest Chevrolet models near Cumming and a vehicle to meet your transportation needs.” For more information, call (877) 869-0847.
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Best Counselor Jason Glaze Honorable Mention
WINNERS
Vance Wood Mike Fowler
Joey Homans Honorable Mention Clint Bearden AJ Richman Best Estate Planning/Attorney Shelly Martin
DCHS Chamber Singers
Rita Sosebee
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Kevin Woody
Terri Watson
Shaky Willow Best Real Estate Agent Best Nurse Jessica Martin Honorable Mention Katie Tatum Sandy Sawyer Best Pediatrician Renee Waters
Best Family Physician
Honorable Mention
Dr. Larry Anderson
Ashley O’Shields
Honorable Mention
Honorio Bulos
Dr. Ramzi Ghosn
Best Hair Stylist Alyssa Pittman Honorable Mention Alicia Sexton Nikki Holbrook Best Insurance Agent Phillip Turk Honorable Mention Sharon Hall Roger Slaton Best Mail Carrier Amanda Sheffield
2017
Best Professional Adult Caregiver
Best Criminal Attorney
Dr. William Keating
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Best Musical Artist or Group
Honorable Mention Amanda Anderson Thomas
Best Personal Trainer Robert Bolz Honorable Mention Sierra Nobles Tiffany Bryson
Warren Welch Honorable Mention Robin Parker Sandra Glass Best Store Clerk Anna Torres, Kroger Honorable Mention Ron Brooks Aseem Khan, Chevron Best Veterinarian Dr. Ed Holton Honorable Mention Dr. Ray Haberman Best Waiter/ Waitress Shannon Spry Honorable Mention
Best Pet Groomer
Stacey Stephenson
Tracey Barrett
Melissa Bruhn
Honorable Mention Samantha Turner
BUSINESS
Country Home Kennels
Best Accounting/ Tax Prep
Best Photographer
Wanda Goodson
Paige Sweany Honorable Mention Michelle Voyles
Cory Gee
Cait Carr Photography
Best Massage Therapist
Best Plumber
Hope Chism
Jackie Townley
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Terri Gilleland
Greg Brock
Mary Jane Simpson
Eddie Treadaway
Honorable Mention H&R Block KC Fuller & Associates, LLC Best Antique Store Dawsonville Antiques Honorable Mention Soul Sisters Antiques & Home DĂŠcor Humane Society Resale Shop & Boutique dawsonnews.com
We are honored to be voted
BEST AUTO BODY SHOP & BEST AUTO REPAIR SHOP of DAWSON COUNTY!
Thank you for your support and patronage.
706-265-2118
Trained
1680 Highway 53 East - Dawsonville, GA 30534 • www.disharoonautomotive.com
2017 Best of Dawson
&
AndersonFamilyMedicine.com
“Best Family Practice” “Best Family Physician”
“I would like to thank the exceptional staff of Anderson Family Medicine, as it is through their dedication and commitment that we have been able to treat you and your loved ones over the years. I would also like to thank the Dawsonville Community; it is an honor to serve you, and I remain devoted to providing you with the best possible care.”
- Dr. Larry Anderson
At Anderson Family Medicine, all of our patients are extremely important and dear to us, and we look forward to keeping you and your family healthy by providing a lifetime of care.
Call (706) 265-1335 to schedule an appointment today. 81 Northside Dawson Drive, Suite 205 Dawsonville, GA 30534
dawsonnews.com
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Best Cellular Dealer
Keith Chester
Best Beer/ Spirits Selection Dawson Fine Wine and Spirits
Honorable Mention
Best Architect
Honorable Mention
WINNERS
Best Appliance Repair
HDA Architects
City Liquor of Dawsonville
Best Assisted Living Community
Best Wine Selection
Premium Package Outlet
AT&T Verizon Sprint Best Child Care Center
North Georgia Assisted Living and Memory Care
Dawson Fine Wine and Spirits
White Oak Learning Academy
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Kroger
Head Start Center
Premium Package Outlet
Jan’s Family Daycare Center
Best Boat Services
Best Cleaning Company
Lanier Marine Liquidators
KG Cleaning Service, Inc.
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Aristocraft
Two Sisters Cleaning Service
Aubrey Long
Sureclean
Best Boutique
Best Commercial Real Estate Company
Tanglewood Commmunity Best Bail Bond Company Liberty Bonding Honorable Mention Dawsonville Bonding 24/7 Fly Free Best Bank United Community Bank Honorable Mention BB&T Bank of the Ozarks
The Blue Barn Honorable Mention Carly Etta’s Boutique Soul Sisters Antiques & Home Décor
Best Banquet
The Welch Team-Keller Williams Realty, Community Partners Honorable Mention The Norton Agency Walden & Co. Realty
Facilities
Best Car Wash
Cold Creek Farm, LLC
Premium Car Wash
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Best Computer Repair/Services
Georgia Racing Hall of Fame
Auto Craze Car & Pet Wash
Syclone Designs Inc.
Atlanta Motorsports Park
Shades-O-Gray
Honorable Mention AML Computer Services, LLC
Best Barber Shop Refuge Hair Salon
2017
Honorable Mention
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Sage Hair Studio Old School Barber Shop
Best Carpet Cleaning
Graphics by Hurricane
KG Cleaning Service, Inc.
Best Dance Studio
Honorable Mention Sureclean
Cumming Dance Academy—Dawsonville
Get a Clene Start
Honorable Mention Dawsonville Dance
Best Beauty and Hair Salon
Best Catering
Refuge Hair Salon
Big D’s BBQ
Best Dry Cleaners
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Dawson Cleaners
Sage Hair Studio
Dawsonville Pool Room
Honorable Mention
Creative Visions Salon
Chick-fil-A
Top Cleaners dawsonnews.com
Congratulations to our
Private advisor, dvisor, aPril Clark for such an outstanding achievement, and tHaNk k YoU dawson County, for awarding April with this distinct honor! At BB&T, we value our community, and April and her team of specialists reflect our values by being advocates for our clients. April has a customized approach with each client and education, and bringing in the appropriate specialist from our various resources, which include; banking services, multiple investment platforms, financial planning, risk management, strategic credit, and trust and estate services.
136 Hwy 400 South Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-216-5050
Thank You
DAWSON COUNTY
for voting me Best Veterinarian It is an honor and privilege to serve this wonderful community for 20 years. - Dr. Ed Holton
639 Auraria Road, Dawsonville 706-216-8387 • allanimalsvet.com dawsonnews.com
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Best Electrical Contractor Carl Pruitt
Simmons Heating and Air Service
Elite Heating & Air, LLC
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
RaceTrac
Elite Heating & Air
Best Feed & Seed Store
Chevron
Dawson Heat ‘n’ Air
Brooksher Feed & Farm Supply
Best Golf Course
Best Hobby Store
Honorable Mention
Chestatee Golf Club
Hobby Lobby
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Crystal Falls Golf Club
Wild Birds Unlimited
WINNERS
Tractor Supply Best Financial Planner April Clark, BB&T Honorable Mention Matt McGrath, Edward Jones Reliastar Capital Management Best Fitness
Northstar Bicycle Best Grading & Hauling Bolton Grading Inc. Honorable Mention Brooksher Hauling
Center/Gym
Chipper’s Landscape Supply and Grading
Dawsonville Fit Body Bootcamp
Best Grocery Store
Honorable Mention Kinetix Health Club Dawson Crossfit Best Florist Dawsonville Florist Honorable Mention Balloons ‘N Stuff Florist Sonrise Plants Flowers Best Funeral Home Bearden Funeral Home Best Furniture Store
2017
Best Heating/Air Service
Kroger Fuel Center
Honorable Mention
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Best Gas/ Convenience Store
Soul Sisters Antiques and Home Décor
Kroger Marketplace Honorable Mention Publix
Best Home Décor/ Furniture Soul Sisters Antiques & Home Décor Honorable Mention Kirklands Hobby Lobby Best Home Repair/ Handyman Brian Dean, HomeRite of North Georgia
Ingles Best Hotel/Motel Best Gun Store Dawsonville Gun & Pawn Honorable Mention Appalachian Armory
Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge Honorable Mention Racer’s Retreat
City Pawn of Dawsonville
Dawson Village Inn
Best Hardware Store
Best Insurance Company
Dawsonville Hardware Honorable Mention Tractor Supply
VanKeith Insurance Agency Honorable Mention Roger Slaton, State Farm
Shoal Creek Supply Inc.
Dawson Insurance
Best Health Food/ Vitamin Store
Best Jewelry Store
Nature’s Health Store
Honorable Mention
Best Garage
Honorable Mention
Kay Jewelers Outlet
Door Company
Kroger Marketplace
The Blue Barn
Cox Overhead Doors
Publix
Zales Outlet
Honorable Mention Chocolate Moose Humane Society Resale Shop & Boutique
Frank Kunkel & Sons Jewelers
dawsonnews.com
Amicalola Falls and Lodge offers best view in town Finding a room with a view is a relatively simple prospect for a guest at the Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge. Gorgeous views of the mountains are accessible from most of the lodge. Situated just beyond the top of the Southeast’s largest waterfall, Amicalola Lodge gives visitors a fantastic backdrop for the great outdoors while maintaining modern comforts. The lodge has 57 rooms that include everything from executive and junior suites to loft rooms with space for the kids. The Maple Restaurant inside the lodge is considered a local favorite and offers generous buffets that feature American and classic southern cuisine—all with amazing views. Though the lodge is a popular getaway for locals and out-of-state visitors alike, it is also equipped to handle professional meetings and conferences. Available packages include catering and meeting room options. The lodge can also provide the perfect backdrop for wedding parties and events. The variety of options mean that every event can be equally special and unique. Amicalola State Park and Lodge is centrally located and convenient to Atlanta.
dawsonnews.com
Private patios, an overlook area and the lodge restaurant all maintain the connection to nature that visitors seek, but the amenities on the mountain top ensure they aren’t disconnected—unless they want to be. The 729-foot tall waterfall is accessible by a challenging staircase and trail or there is a parking area and pathway if you want to take the less vigorous route. The 8.5 mile trail within the park takes hikers to Springer Mountain which is at the southern end of the over 2,100 mile long Appalachian Trail. All kinds of outdoor activities and adventures are available including zip lines, climbing walls and GPS scavenger hunts. The visitor’s center at the park offers live regional reptile exhibits, bird of prey demonstrations and area trail maps. For those who want to explore popular des-
tinations off site there are plenty of options between Dawsonville and Dahlonega. Within just a few miles guests can find winery tours, water rafting, horseback riding, outlet shopping and even racing. Whether visitors want to get away from it all or just get away, Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge has a way to make it happen.
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Best Junk
Best Paint Store
Best Place to Work Out
Removal
Sherwin-Williams Paint Store
400 Waste and Scrap LLC
Honorable Mention
Dawsonville Fit Body Boot Camp
WINNERS
Home Depot Best Landscaping/ Lawn Care All Green Outdoor Center Honorable Mention
Shoal Creek Supply Inc. Best Pawn Shop Dawsonville Gun & Pawn
Bennett Landscape Inc.
Honorable Mention
Daniel Pritchett Landscaping
City Pawn of Dawsonville
Best Lawn Care/ Maintenance
Dawson Crossfit Best Printing & Graphics Company McEver Signs and Graphics Honorable Mention
Best Pest Control
BK Sports
Duncan Exterminating
Bradley’s Landscaping
Honorable Mention
Best Propane Company
Honorable Mention
Gilstrap Exterminating
Amicalola Propane
Atlanta Landscape and Fertilization
Xpert Pest Control
Honorable Mention
Grey Dove
Best Pet Care
I Can Help Home Repair, Bill Ledbetter Best Mattress Store Mattress Firm Best Nail Salon Angel’s Nails & Spa Honorable Mention Moon Nails & Tan TP Nails & Spa Best Nursery/
Mark Heard Fuel Company Dawsonville Veterinary Hospital All Animals Veterinary Hospital Country Home Kennels Best Place for a Wedding Cold Creek Farm Honorable Mention Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge Gibbs Gardens
Greenery
2017
Kinetix Health Club
400 Ink
Honorable Mention
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Honorable Mention
Leilani’s Farm and Nursery
Best Place to Buy Gas
Honorable Mention
Kroger Fuel Center
All Green Outdoor Center Abbott Creek Nursery
Honorable Mention RaceTrac
Mills Fuel Service Inc. Best Residential Real Estate Company The Welch Team-Keller Williams Realty, Community Partners Honorable Mention The Norton Agency Power Realty Partners Best Self Storage Facility Byrd’s Mini Storage Honorable Mention Dawsonville Mini Storage Securlock Storage Best Septic Services Townley Construction Company Inc. Honorable Mention
Chevron
Brock Plumbing Contractors
Specialty Store
Best Place to Work
Best Spa Services
Outside World Outfitters
Papa’s Place
A Touch of Hope
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Wild Birds Unlimited
United Community Bank
Deborah’s Nails & Spa
Northstar Bicycle
Margie Weaver Senior Center
Serenity Medical Spa
Best Outdoor
dawsonnews.com
Oksana Shirley Voted Best... Bank Teller
Whatever the reason ...We have the perfect gift! Musee Bath Balms, Napa Home and Garden Decor, Boutique Apparel, Inspire Jewelry, Catherine Popesco Jewelry, Canoe Handbags, My Saint My Hero Jewelry, Greenwich Bay Bath Collection, Finchberry Soaps, Duke Cannon for Men, Swan Creek Candles, Designer Bedding!
The Blue Barn Boutique 678-897-9573 Mon-Thurs 10-5, Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 11-4 @TheBlueBarn @Thebluebarnchicks
We appreciate all of our great customers and we will always be here to help you with your insurance needs.
Disharoon Automotive Voted Best... Body Shop & Best Auto Repair
Randy Jarrard, Nancy Carpenter, Shana Norrell, Ann Grizzle, Jessica Cambron, Rita Edge, Sydney Landry & Phillip Turk randy@vankeith.com • nancycarpenter@vankeith.com • shana@vankeith.com • anngrizzle@vankeith.com jessicacambron@vankeith.com • ritaedge@vankeith.com • sydney@vankeith.com • phillipturk@vankeith.com
AUTO • HOME • CLASSIC CAR • MOTORCYCLE • RV • BOAT • CONDO RENTERS • LANDLORD PROTECTION • UMBRELLA
VANKEITH
Nicole Stewart Voted Best... Boss, Best Volunteer & Best Elected Official dawsonnews.com
Congrats to our own Phillip Insurance Agency Turk, voted Best Insurance 706-429-0172 • Fax: 877-795-1406 131 Prominence Court, Suite 110 Agent of Dawsonville, GA. 30534 Dawson! www.vankeith.com
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WINNERS
Best Specialty Shop
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Best Dessert
Soul Sisters Antiques & Home Décor
Best American Food
Dairy Queen
Honorable Mention
Papa’s Place
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Papa’s Place
Chick-fil-A
Cold Stone Creamery
Carly Etta’s Humane Society Thrift Store and Boutique
Best Dinner Best Sporting Goods Retail Outside World Outfitters Honorable Mention Nike Outlet BK Sports Best Tanning Salon Sun Tan Honorable Mention Deborah’s Nails & Spa Daffodil Salon and Day Spa Best Thrift Store
LongHorn Steakhouse Honorable Mention Applebee’s
LongHorn Steakhouse Honorable Mention Papa’s Place Kani House
Dawsonville Tavern Best Drive Through Best Asian Food
Chick-fil-A
Kani House
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Dairy Queen
Osaka Steak & Sushi
Panera Bread
Little Peking Best Family Restaurant
Dawsonville Tavern
Papa’s Place
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Friends American Grill
Chick-fil-A
El Campesino
Brooklyn Joe’s
Best Barbeque
Best Fast Food
Big D’s BBQ
Chick-fil-A
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Papa’s Place
Culver’s
J & S Kitchen
Arby’s
Best Breakfast
Best Fine Dining
Papa’s Place
LongHorn Steakhouse
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
J&S Kitchen
The Blue Bicycle
Big D’s Barbecue
Kani House
Clothing Store
Best Coffee
Best French Fries
Carly Etta’s
Dunkin’ Donuts
McDonald’s
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Ross Dress for Less
Starbucks
Chick-fil-A
The Purple Corn Boutique
Papa’s Place
Five Guys
Honorable Mention RIC-Rack Goodwill Best Travel Agency Misty Wilkie Honorable Mention Accent Travel Inc. American Dream Vacations Best Window Tinting Shades-O-Gray Honorable Mention
2017
Best Appetizer
Best Bar
Abba House
20
Dawsonville Tavern
Matt Hughes Dented Autosports Best Women’s
dawsonnews.com
United Community Bank Voted Best... Bank (Downtown Branch)
Liberty Bonding Voted Best... Bail Bonds Company
Grace Presbyterian Church Voted Best... Church
Papa’s Place Voted Best...Breakfast, Best Place to Work, Best Family Restaurant & Best American Food dawsonnews.com
United Community Bank Voted Best... Bank (400 Branch)
Brian Westbrook Voted Best... Contractor
KG Cleaning Voted Best... Carpet Cleaning & Best Cleaning Company 21
WINNERS
Best Fun Atmosphere Dawsonville Tavern Honorable Mention Chick-fil-A Friends American Grill
Best Lunch Chick-fil-A Honorable Mention Papa’s Place Dawsonville Pool Room
Best Soup Panera Bread Honorable Mention Papa’s Place Publix
Best Hamburger Dawsonville Pool Room Honorable Mention Five Guys Lucy’s Burger and Shake
Best Mexican Food Fajita Grill Honorable Mention El Campesino La Hacienda
Best Sports Bar Dawsonville Tavern Honorable Mention Friends American Grill Applebee’s
Best Happy Hour Dawsonville Tavern Honorable Mention Friends American Grill Sonic
Best Pizza Old Towne Pizza Honorable Mention Brooklyn Joe’s Johnny’s New York Style Pizza
2017
Best Health Food Panera Bread Honorable Mention Publix Deli Chick-fil-A
22
Best Place to Buy Meat Kroger Marketplace Honorable Mention Ingles Publix
Best Hot Dog The Varsity Jr. Honorable Mention Dairy Queen Dawsonville Pool Room
Best Place to Eat with Children Chick-fil-A Honorable Mention McDonald’s Papa’s Place
Best Ice Cream Dairy Queen Honorable Mention Cold Stone Creamery Culver’s
Best Sandwiches Firehouse Subs Honorable Mention Publix Panera Bread
Best Italian Food Brooklyn Joe’s Honorable Mention Johnny’s New York Style Pizza Old Towne Pizza
Best Seafood Captain D’s Honorable Mention Kani House Osaka
Best Steak LongHorn Steakhouse Honorable Mention Kani House Dawsonville Tavern Best Sushi Osaka Honorable Mention Kani House Best Sweet Tea Chick-fil-A Honorable Mention Dawsonville Pool Room McDonald’s Best Takeout Big D’s BBQ Honorable Mention Chick-fil-A Little Peking Best Wings Zaxby’s Honorable Mention Friends Sports Grill Fajita Grill
Want to see your business listed here? It’s time to start positioning yourself for the Best of Dawson 2018 nominations and voting!
dawsonnews.com
All of us here at Dawsonville Veterinary Hospital are tremendously honored to have been voted Best Pet Care in Dawson County!
Dentistry for Children Voted Best... Children’s Dentist
From our friendly front office staff and veterinary care employees to our amazing groomer and kennel staff, we all have the care of our clients’ pets as our primary and driving concern. To have our clients pick us as the best in this category is a phenomenal award, and we are most appreciative of it and the opportunity to continue to serve Dawson County in the future.
2399 Highway 53, Dawsonville, GA Mon - Fri 7:30am- 6:00pm • Sat 7:30am - 1:00pm 706-265-8381 • dawsonvillevet.com
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 970 Voted Best... Civic Club
Grace Presbyterian church is Grateful to receive the best church award for 2017. We are blessed to worship, serve, and minister in a community where every church, congregation, and place of worship is the very best that it can possibly be for the glory of God. We are humbled to be recognized as one of the many wonderful churches working to glorify Jesus Christ and expand the kingdom of God in our community.
Jason Glaze Voted Best... Counselor dawsonnews.com
Come see us Sunday mornings at 11 Grace to you. 23
Thank you!
With more than 100,000 votes cast by Dawson County News readers, we’ve been named 2017 Best of Dawson!
To learn more about Northeast Georgia Medical Center, visit nghs.com
BEST HOSPITAL PRESENCE Northeast Georgia Medical Center
BEST URGENT CARE
BEST NURSE Jessica Martin
Urgent Care Dawsonville For more information about Urgent Care, call 706-344-6940 or visit ngpg.org/urgent-care
For more information about NGPG Dawsonville, call 706-216-3238 or visit ngpg.org/Dawsonville
www.nghs.com
Thank you Dawson County for voting us
Best Pizza For
SIX YEARS Thank you to our loyal customers!
AwArd winning PizzA And CAlzones several Pasta entrées, Hot subs, wings, Tenders and specialty salads
Joey Homans Voted Best... Criminal Attorney & Best Civil Attorney
open 7 days per week Mon-Thurs 11-10, Fri & sat 11-11, sun 11-9 delivery AvAilAble! Great ratings on Yelp and Google.
706-265-1520 • 109 Hwy 9 North, Dawsonville (Located at Hwy 5 3East and Hwy 9 North intersection in downtown Dawsonville)
A SPECIAL ...to Dawson County for voting Kare for Kids BEST NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION of Dawson County, and for voting Mountain Moonshine Festival BEST COMMUNITY EVENT and BEST CHARITY EVENT of Dawson County.
Chick-fil-A Voted Best...Drive Through, Best Fast Food, Best Lunch, Best Place to Eat with Children & Best Sweet Tea
It gives us so much pride in being elected for these four categories. We succeed because of your kindness and generosity.
Kare for Kids, Inc. “One Child At A Time” 26
Shelly Martin Voted Best... Estate Planning Attorney dawsonnews.com
Thank you for voting us
BEST SELF STORAGE of DAWSON COUNTY!
We love our community and appreciate our customers. It is an honor to serve Dawson county. “WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON EXCELLENT SERVICE” LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU: 135 Jack Heard Rd. Dawsonville 706-216-4470 5040 Hwy 53 East, Dawsonville 706-216-4470 7342 Hwy 53 East, Dawsonville, 706408-4345 6362 Hwy 52 East, Murrayville, 706-864-8672 319 Linwood Dr., Gainesville, 770-884-8137
AUTHORIZED DEALER
706-216-4470
www.byrdsministorage.com
We are so humbled to have the opportunity to serve our community and we are looking forward to showing our gratefulness for many years to come by giving back more to our friends and neighbors! We will never stop doing good works for our community because that’s what we started our dream for. We pray daily for God to bless us so we can continue to bless others! When we took that leap of faith to start our small business we wanted to represent Dawsonville and we will never let you down. It’s a huge honor to us and we don’t take it lightly! We will continue to change the service industry and raise the bar of what service is truly all about and ALWAYS making sure every client gets a great value! From our family to yours Thank you very much and may God bless Dawsonville always!
"Thank you very much from ALL of us on the KG Team for choosing us to be the best of Dawsonville again! We would also like to give a special thanks to two outstanding men, Chris Gaines and Sammy Loggins for being our mentors and giving their undivided support for us and our business. You have made this challenge a great experience and we are so grateful for both you in our lives.
WE LOVE OUR VETERANS
SERVING YOU SINCE 2011
dawsonnews.com
Cleaning Service, Inc. Expert Carpet Cleaning
www.kgcleaningservice.com /kgcleaningserviceinc 706.525.9102
#ServiceBeyondYourExpectations #SmallFamilyBusiness #GodFirst #HelpingToKeepDawsonvilleClean 27
Brooksher Feed Voted Best... Feed and Seed Store
Thank you Dawson County for voting us Best Florist of 2017!
We would like to congratulate our son, Spencer Wright who was voted Best Teacher of Dawson
We truly appreciate each one of our valued customers & love being a part of this community since 1969.
Dawsonville Florist Gail and Wayne Wright
1131 Hwy 9 South, Dawsonville 706-265-3162 28
April Clark Voted Best... Financial Planner
Fitbody Boot Camp Voted Best... Fitness Center or Gym, Best Place to Work Out dawsonnews.com
Northeast Georgia continues to improve medical services in Dawson County Northeast Georgia Health System has been a committed healthcare partner with the residents of the 400 corridor for decades. Medical Plaza 400, which opened in April 2013, expanded our commitment to the Dawsonville community and allowed Northeast Georgia Health System to bring even more needed outpatient services and advanced physician specialties closer to home. With more than 25,000 square feet, Medical Plaza 400’s services currently include urgent care, imaging, outpatient labs, family medicine, internal medicine, cardiology, sports medicine and numerous other specialty physicians. Northeast Georgia Physicians Group’s family and internal medicine board certified physicians serve Dawsonville and its surrounding communities with the highest quality patient care in acute and chronic diseases, minor procedures, spider vein sclerotherapy, occupational medicine and physicals. Our physicians focus on better access to care, greater patient satisfaction and improved
dawsonnews.com
clinical outcomes – particularly for chronic conditions. Their affiliation with Northeast Georgia Medical Center ensures patients have access to the latest technology and receive top quality care. Medical Plaza 400 offers patients convenient access to imaging and clinical lab diagnostics, with same-day appointment availability. Our Imaging Center offers patient amenities such as warm robes, gourmet refreshments and private waiting areas for men and women in a spa-like atmosphere that has earned national recognition. In-house MRI and CT, with an onsite ACR board certified radiologist, is also available at Medical Plaza 400. Northeast Georgia Health System recently purchased the vacant restaurant adjacent to Medical Plaza 400 last spring with future plans to expand
services. “We are honored to serve the people of this region and excited about the possibility of expanding our services at Medical Plaza 400 as the region grows,” said Executive Director Jo Brewer.
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Thank You
FOR VOTING ME BEST PERSONAL TRAINER I appreciate being nominated & voted best personal trainer of Dawson County.
I am grateful for all of my clients and love my profession Please call us to discuss your fitness goals! - Robert Bolz
Dawsonville Florist Voted Best... Florist
678-507-8706
www.123totalfitness.com Thank you for voting us Best Heating & Air Service in Dawson County!
Bearden’s Funeral Home Voted Best... Funeral Home
We appreciate our customers and look forward to serving our community in the future.
706-974-8021 30
Lanier Dental Partners Voted Best... General Dentistry dawsonnews.com
Thank you Dawson County for Voting Us Best Dinner, Best Steak, Best Fine Dining & Best Appetizer in Dawson County! Congrats to our own Shannon Spry for being voted Best Server of Dawson County!
Refuge Hair Salon Voted Best... hair salon, Best Barber Shop & Best Stylist
Bring your appetite to LongHorn Steakhouse®. We believe in doing things the right way, the LongHorn® way, serving steaks, chicken and fish that are always fresh, never frozen. And our steaks are legendary, perfectly seasoned and expertly grilled to your liking. We’re fired up about bringing you a better steakhouse experience. 795 Hwy 400 South Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-2007 Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm Fri & Sat 11am-11pm
www.LongHornSteakhouse.com
LongHorn Steakhouse®, LongHorn® and You Can’t Fake Steaktm are owned by RARE Hospitality Management, Inc. 2013
Dawsonville Tavern Voted Best...Happy Hour, Best Sports Bar, Best Fun Atmosphere & Best Bar
Simmons Heating and Air Voted Best... Heating and Air Service dawsonnews.com
Thank you for trusting us and helping us grow. We love our clients and Dawson County!
LAW OFFICE OF SHELLY TOWNLEY MARTIN, LLC 133 Prominence Court, Suite 110 Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-265-1430 Telephone | 706-265-1411 Facsimile 31
Thank you Dawson County for voting us Best Landscape Products/Design
Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge Voted Best... Hotel/Motel
1797 GA-400 DAWSONVILLE, GA 30534 • 706-216-1936
Thank you Dawson County for voting us Best Propane Company!
VanKeith Insurance Voted Best... Insurance Company
Milita & Seniory r DiS i coun tS
AMICALOLA PROPANE your hometown propane company
amicalolapropane.com | amicalolapropane@windstream.net
383 Highway 53 West, Dawsonville, GA
706-344-1GAS 32
400 Waste and Scrap Voted Best... Junk Removal dawsonnews.com
Thank You Dawson County! —Joey Joey Homans
Voted Best Voted Best Criminal Civil Attorney Attorney
Fox Chandler homans hiCks & mCkinnon, llp ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Joseph a. homans 706-265-3090 - 272 Highway 9 South, Dawsonville
dawsonnews.com
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Thank you Dawson County for voting us
BEST GRADING AND HAULING OF DAWSON COUNTY! We are honored to be a part of Dawson County!
BOLTON GRADING, INC.
All Green Landscape Center Voted Best... Landscaping Products and Design
John and Blake Bolton
GRADING, HAULING AND CLEARING
Over 35 Years Experience
Call 678-776-9313 or 678-283-0360 WE ARE HONORED TO BE VOTED
Best Beer/Spirits Selection & Best Wine Selection in Dawson County!
A Touch of Hope Voted Best...Massage Therapy, Best Spa Service & Best Massage Therapist
Thank you for our fabulous customers! We could not have won this without you.
FINE WINE & SPIRITS WE STRIVE TO BE YOUR ONE STOP FOR BEER, WINE & SPIRITS Located in Dawson County on Hwy 400 just past the Forsyth/Dawson line
706.265.2065
www.dawsonfinewines.com
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KARE for Kids Voted Best...NonproďŹ t Organization, Best Charity Event & Best Community Event dawsonnews.com
Thank you again Dawson County for voting us 2017 Best Sports Bar, Best Fun Atmosphere, Best Happy Hour & Best BAr
Live Music Friday & Saturday Nights!
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am - 10pm Fri & Sat 11am-1am 706-531-0050 29 Main St., Dawsonville Located in strip mall of Food Lion/City Municipal Complex Kids Eat Free on Mondays (1 child per each purchased adult entrée)
Free Fried Pickles* *With Purchase of Entrée. Dine in only.
Not eligible with other offers, does not include tax & gratuity.
Comprehensive Eye Care Center MODERN TECHNOLOGY – CLASSIC CARE
Schedule your appointment today! Extended weekday and Saturday appointments available Pediatric vision care | Adult vision care Senior vision care | Diabetic eye care Contact lens fitting & evaluation Ophthalmology referrals Macular Degeneration Care | Cataract care Treatment of eye infections & eye injuries Dry eye treatment & care | Glaucoma care Serving the area since 2003 Voted Best of Dawson County since 2012 We look forward to seeing you in our newly constructed 5,000 square foot facility offering complete vision services
Still conveniently located on GA 400, behind Applebee’s & Jr Varsity 76 Bethel Road Dawsonville, GA • 706-531-9900 dawsonnews.com
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Thank you Dawson County for voting me Best Bail Bond Company “WE UNDERSTAND ... BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE”
Liberty Bail Bonds SERVING DAHLONEGA & DAWSONVILLE For Over 20 Years “Giving You Immediate, Professional, Dependable & Confedential Service”
OPEN 24 HOURS
Immediate Friendly Service
FINANCING AVAILABLE
No Bond Too Small No Bond Too Large
Dawson Vision Voted Best... Optometrist
706-216-3733 www.libertybonding.org Dahlonega • 706-864-0122
With Thanks My family and I would like to thank Dawson County for allowing us to be a part of this community.
Robert Bolz Voted Best... Personal Trainer
We are compassionate of the service we offer to you and want to continue to strive to relieve the burden upon you during a time of sorrow. Ted, James and Wesley Bearden
Bearden Funeral Home 344 Highway 53 East, Dawsonville
706-265-2557 • Obituary Line 706-254-4444 www.beardenfuneralhome.com beardenfuneralhome@windstream.net 36
Dawsonville Veterinary Hospital Voted Best... Pet Care dawsonnews.com
Anderson Family Medical Voted Best... Physician & Best family Practice
Thank you Dawson County for your votes for making us the 2017 Best Civic Club/ Serving Veterans
Olde Town Pizza Voted Best... Pizza
ALL ~ ALL GAV
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dawsonnews.com
★ DA
Cold Creek Farm Voted Best... Place for a Wedding, & Best Banquest Facility
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We also want to thank you for your support. We are honored to be a part of this great community.
ILL
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VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA CHAPTER 970 37
Thank you for voting us
BesT AuTo MechAnic
It is our pleasure to serve our customers and we are honored to be chosen as Dawson’s Best.
call us for your “GeneRAL AuToMoTiVe RePAiRs”
DAViD Gee AnD TuRTLe
Located on henry Grady Rd, Dawsonville, GA David 678-776-6263 • Turtle 404-406-2634
Thank you for your patronage. Serving you for 25 Years. Voted Best Health Food/Vitamin Store Hours Mon-Thur 10-6, Fri 10-5 Sat 11-3 54 Lumpkin Campground Rd S, Ste 130 Dawsonville, GA • 706-216-1035 Melodie Cunningham
Thank you Dawson County for voting us BesT ConTraCTor! Custom built cabinetry, since 1989. We build to suit, never prefab! Serving all of North Georgia and surrounding counties.
Call for a free estimate today!
Bowen Cen juried art ter hosting show
Dawson boy hoops sea s start son with win
LOCAL, 5A
SPORTS, 1B
WEDNES DAY | NOV EMBER
23, 2016 DAWSON
VILLE, GEO
RGIA
Apartmen ts on Hwy. 53 move forw ar d Elliott Roa d dev
50 CENT
S
elopm stalled by planning ents board
By Allie Dean
adean@dawson news.com
From left, Rosb eth retired store associate MarketplacLoPre sti atten Chuck Satty d the grand e locate , d on Ga. Photos by open ing long time pharm 400 just and ribbo acist Jack Allie Dean Dawson County south of n-cut Burre the North News Georgia ting cerem ony ll and co-manag Premium of the new Krog er Outlets. “This is er like a party,
Kroger M arketplace opens location
New Ga. 40 0
By Allie Dean
adean@dawson news.com
is one of sta te’s largest
Last week Kroger superm, one of the Georgia opene arkets in the larges t zens of Dawso d its doors to state of the citiThe new nville. from its old store, which has tion of Ga. location at the moved Nov. 16 400 and Hwy. 53,intersecat 6 a.m. location closed The old opened Kroge for good at 6 p.m. on Nov. 15r A ribbon cuttin g ceremony a.m. on Nov. new place 16 cemented the at 10 in the retail store’s Dawsonville’ center More than s Ga. 400 corridor. that is front of the 100 people gather manager store to welcome ed in opening. and celebrate thethe new grand Attending resentatives the ceremony were A Murra y’s Chee including from local govern rep- perfe Dawso ment, ct chees se Shop aficio nville Grogan, e durin nado helps County CommMayor James Marketplac Mike Berg, ission Chair olive bar e on Nov. g the grand open a customer 16. Also choose of comm members of the and wine ing of located the the new steward. in the groce Schools, erce, Daws on chamber Gooch Krog er Homestead Coun and ry sectio Bell and Creamery, ty also in attendRep. Kevin Tanne n is an many others Blue r were . Sen. Steve Jeff Wojtk ance. comed the crowd and operations owiak, vice presid County the Daws for Kroge ent High Schoo on r Atlanta, of l Tiger Pride wel- See Kroger | 10A By Allie Dean
During their meeting, Nov. 15 unanim the planni ously ng comm the rezoni ission on ng for 95 voted to recommend mercial busine planned apartm approval of ent units recommend ss on Hwy. 53 East, as well and a combehind the denial of the rezoni as voted Tractor Supply ng to family homes that wouldof a plot of land hold 177 Planning . singlerecommenda of commissione tions will rs during go which time the Dec. 13 before the board they will voting rezoning approve or reques deny the session, at The rezoni ts. developer’s residential ng requests were who owns real estate develo made by Bill Evans Jr., a tions were the three propertiesper from Dekalb County times by filed on July 8 but in question. The applicathe planni ng comm have been tabled ission to several allow more See Plann time ing | 9A
Dawson dr celebrates ug court 10 years
Your Town. Your Trusted News Team. By Allie Dean
adean@dawson news.com
This year marks the County Treatm 10th annive ent Court rsary for Hall Count and Dawso two counti y Drug Court, and the 15th anniversary n for last week. es hosted a celebr treatment services ation and for joint gradua the The Nov. tion Baptist Churc18 ceremony was Founding h in Gainesville. held at 1 p.m. at First were in attendJudges John Girard In 2001, ance to deliver speciaeau and Jason Deal Girardeau criminal calend said drug l remarks. cases domin ar. “After a ated his that weren while, I came to shoplifting,’t drug cases — learn that even the property cases burglary, offenses crimes such theft — as cause,” the often had addict and even some violen ion to drugs judge Some would said. as a majort be sent to prison, and See Court others would | 9A
Call now to order your subscription Gov. Dea l issues lev el 2 drough t response
adean@dawso nnews.com
Lump kin, Counties. Forsy th and A recen Hall across Nathan Dealt edict by Gov. have been Fifty-eight count the state,” ies Deal said. 1, accord designated as Level dentia l water means that Durin g ing to a resi- from Sunday betwe use in Daws Respo nse, a Level 2 Drou County will press releas the ght en 4 p.m. the region now be restricted on Nov. 17. governor’s office e watering is outdo or lands cape a.m. and 10 on days only as The droug Some outdo to affect the’s drought has begun “We urge a week and allowed two ht or water prohibited, by odd is determ to act accorthese communitie Last Thurswater supply. uses are restrictions will respo nse and and ined and day, Deal likely last long as the judgm ent dingl y, use goods addre sses. even numb ered hard surfaces include washi Level 2 issued as Drou ght and avoid Even numb sidewalks, such as streets ng such severe state is experiencing addresses Designation Resp onsea burning and outdo ered and water drought. conti nue watering while or out numb and properties with- purposes, such for ornamental said Northeast the state, for 52 counties The EPD ered addre we to work includ ing Georg in as founta sses may use of fire hydra with the wate r on Wedn ins, the 21st week of droug ia is in its Daws on, Envi ronm ental ht. firefig And ac Divis ion esday and Prote ction Saturday betwe hting and nts except for cordi and pray en for rain a.m. Odd numb 4 p.m. and 10 non-c omme rcialpublic safety, National Weather n g t o t h e Gainesville ered addre vehicles, Service, may wate wash ing the non-comme of less area has r Thur sday sses sure and car washing and rcial pres- Sept.than 2 inches of received fundraising rain since washes. 1. Church Events See Droug ht | 8A 3B Classifieds 9B Dear Abby Volume 2, Number 7B Deaths © 2016, Dawson 8 County News Dawsonville, 2A Legals Georgia 9B Opinion 7A Sports 1B
Inside
3A
Our cance
in 52 coun ties
Kilough’s top teacher connects with her students
4A
Shoppers, businesses ready for Black Frid ay
r center
Brian Westbrook Cabinets 383 A T Moore Rd Dawsonvillle, GA 706-974-1202
We appreciate Your Business!! 38
706-265-3384 Northside providers Hospital Cance r Institu National in the Southe ast. Norths te is one of Cancer the larges gives you Institute ide Community leads the statew access t cancer to the latest care Oncology ide netwo research Using the and treatmResearch Progra rk of the latest techno m which ents. possible, logy our team dedicated of physic to provide the to your health and ians, nurses, resear most effecti well-being. chers and ve treatment support staff is northside.co m/cancerins titute
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30 Shoal Creek Road • Dawsonville, Ga 30534 706-265-3384 • www.dawsonnews.com dawsonnews.com
Thank you Dawsonville for voting us Best Massage Therapist Best Massage Therapy & Best Spa Service We take great pride in caring for our clients. We love and appreciate our community. A Touch of Hope Day Spa is an organic day spa. Our therapists are highly trained in their scope of practice and customize each session to thier clients needs. A Touch of Hope uses the purest organic products. We take great pride in being The Best of the South. Bringing all the most driven health and beauty modalities with a sweet touch of Georgia.
Amicalola Propane Voted Best... Propane Company
706-216-6031 • www.dawsonmassage.com 3651 Dawson Forest Rd, Ste 100, Dawsonville, GA
The Welch Team Voted Best...Real Estate Agent, Best Commercial Real Estate Company & Best Residential Real Estate Company
Thank you Dawson County for voting us BEST FEED AND SEED STORE OF 2017 We love our customers and are honored to receive this award.
We also offer:
Byrd’s Mini Storage Voted Best... Self Storage Facility dawsonnews.com
Puppy Shots • Yearly dog vaccines • Cat & Dog De-wormer Pine straw • Wheat straw • Mulches • Grass seed • Fertilizers Lime • Fence post • Wire • Gates •Wild Bird Feed • Feeders
706-344-1431 • 647 Hwy 136 East, Dawsonville, GA Hours: M-F 8am-6pm • Sat. 8am-3pm • Closed Sunday
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Thank you, Dawsonville for voting us the best art studio in Dawson County We feel honored to serve the area with a place to create fun art and meet new friends. • WALK-INS WELCOME! • LADIES NIGHT / DATE NIGHT • CANVAS CLASSES • PARTIES
• SPECIAL GROUPS • TEAM BUILDING • Book a PORT-A-PARTY!!! • FUNDRAISERS • FIELDTRIPS
Big and tall, short and small, 98 or 4, we love everyone who comes in the door. Anyone can create a work of art to forever cherish in your heart!
LongHorn Steakhouse Voted Best... Steak, Best Apetizer, Best Fine Dining & Best Dinner
31 Jack Heard Rd. • Dawsonville, GA 706-265-2738 • www.claycanvascreate.com
THANK YOU for VOTING US
BEST JUNK REMOVAL
Metal Recycling
We appreciate all your votes for the 2017 Best of Dawson! We pledge to provide a customer-friendly & efficient recycling service for our customers to make it easy to recycle rather than placing these items in a landfill.
Waste Disposal
Big D’s BBQ Voted Best... Takeout, Barbecue & Best Catering
Roll Off Dumpsters
Located just off Lumpkin Campground Road, behind the outlet mall. 63 Daisy Drive, Dawsonville
706-216-1485 40
Spencer Wright Voted Best... Teacher dawsonnews.com
Thank you to my awesome members & Dawson County for voting us
Best Fitness Center/Gym & Best Place to Work Out
We are humbled and honored to have won Best of Dawson in 2 categories as a brand new business in this area. We have every intention of living up to the expectation with our members and within the community that we serve. We have been so blessed with an amazing team, a supportive community, and inspiring members. Thank you so much to those who voted for us. We would like to extend a warm invitation to the community to come give us a try for free! We look forward to having our Fit Family here grow, thrive, & crush their fitness goals!
Please visit our website at www.fitbodydawsonville.com to see our full schedule & to register for your free trial! 706.216.8672 • Located in Publix Center, Cross Roads, Dawsonville www.fitbodydawsonville.com • dawsonvillefbbc@gmail.com
Dr. Leslie McGuinn Davis | Dr. Lauren Palmer Freitag Thanks for Voting us BEST Cosmetic Dentistry and BEST General Dentistry in Dawson!
Our Services
• Preventive Care • Crowns & Bridges • Whitening • Root Canals • Porcelain Veneers • Dental Implants
Pictured Left to Right: Dr. Lauren Palmer Freitag and Dr. Leslie McGuinn Davis
Smile with Confidence
Call us today to schedule your appointment 706.265.1399 Dawsonville | 770.889.6370 Cumming 2390 Thompson Road, Suite 200, Dawsonville, GA 30534 smiles@lanierdentalpartners.com | info@lanierdentalpartners.com
www.lanierdentalpartners.com
dawsonnews.com
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All Animals Veterinary Hospital Voted Best... Veterinarian: Dr. Ed Holton
Abba House Voted Best... Thrift Store
Bolton Grading Voted Best... Grading & Hauling
John Megel Chevrolet Voted Best... Used Car Dealer
Want your business advertised here? It’s time to start positioning yourself for the Best of 2018 nominations and voting! Call Jennifer Lyness today at 706-265-3384 and find out how we help you make the most out of advertising & multimedia marketing to keep you and your business top of mind with both new and returning loyal customers!
30 Shoal Creek Rd., Dawsonville GA 30534 www.dawsonnews.com 42
dawsonnews.com
THANK YOU DAWSON COUNTY RESIDENTS FOR VOTING ME BEST BOSS, BEST ELECTED OFFICIAL & BEST VOLUNTEER Dawson Fine Wine and Spirits Voted Best... Wine Selection & Best Beer and Spirit Selection
“I’m truly humbled and blessed to be part of this community.”
Thank You Dawson County for voting us
The Blue Barn Boutique Voted Best... Boutique
Nature’s Health Store Voted Best... Health Food & Vitamin Store dawsonnews.com
BEST PEST CONTROL We are very blessed to have such wonderful customers!
3510 Thompson Bridge Rd. 256 Beartooth Pkwy. Also offering Dawsonville, GA 30534 Wildlife & Mosquito Gainesville, GA 30506
706-216-1906
Services
770-536-6734
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Duncan Exterminating Voted Best... Pest Control
Alyssa Pittman Voted Best... Hair Stylist
Outside the Lines Art Studio Voted Best... Art Gallery 44
Townley Construction Voted Best... Plumber & Best Septic Service
David Gee Voted Best... Mechanic
Jessica Martin Voted Best... Nurse
Northeast Georgia Medical Center Voted Best... Hospital Presence dawsonnews.com
Thank you for voting The Abba House Thrift Store The Best of Dawson County Transforms Lives Restores Hope Rebuilds Families The Largest Thrift Store in North Georgia 243 Stowers Road • Dawsonville, Ga
We Pick up large Furniture Items Shop our Boutique Store at 6800 Dahlonega Hwy • Cumming Hours Mon. - Sat. 9:00-5:30 678-208-2000
Abba House is a local ministry helping local women and their children with recovery. Proceeds from your purchases give women and their children a chance at a new life. See our Weekly Specials on
at Abba House Thrift Store
Thank You
to our customers who chose us as
BEST PLUMBER AND BEST SEPTIC SERVICES OF DAWSON COUNTY. Locally Owned & Operated Since 1987 e We specializ IG D O N in er Water & Setiwon a Rehabilit
We appreciate your patronage! We are honored to be part of Dawson County!
Commercial & Residential Plumbing
Clean, Dependable High-Quality, Service
Daily, Weekly & Monthly Portable Toilet Rentals • Standard & Handicap Units Hand Wash Stations • Now Offering Roll-Off Dumpster Rentals
1061 War Hill Park Rd., Dawsonville, GA • 706-216-2387 www.TownleyConstruction.com • www.townleyportabletoilets.com dawsonnews.com
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The Perfect Venue for Any Occasion Cold Creek Farm is a family owned venue, operated by Jeff and Susan Buffington. Located in the North Georgia mountains, it was originally purchased in 2011 to be a working farm with animals and all! A few years and a great deal of hard work later, it is now a place where love is celebrated almost every weekend of the year. Born and raised in the south, Jeff has grown up living life as a city fella from Marietta. After graduating from UGA in ’87, Jeff owned and worked for various companies in the corporate world. In 1998 Susan and her family moved to Georgia from northern Indiana. Growing up on her grandparent’s farm in a small mid-western town taught her all about country living. Currently Susan works in the public school system with special needs children while Jeff runs the venue full time with his office assistants Carla, and Kay. They handle Brides Services and Vendors Services, respectively. Fate brought Susan and Jeff together in 2009, and luck landed them at Cold Creek Farm in 2011. The road to this point has not been
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easy; but staying true to each other, with God’s guidance, pieces of their lives have fallen into place. Much work has been done at Cold Creek Farm; when the property was purchased it had been sitting vacant for over two years. Grading machines, fence building, construction expansion, and of course getting all the animals to their new home are just a few of the projects taken on. Not only do many different animals live at CCF, so do Susan, Jeff and a random hand full of the 9 kids they collectively have together. Their home just happens to be the upper level of the barn. Horses in the front pasture greet you on the drive in through the large front gate spelling out the property’s name. Oak trees, pine trees and a rolling hill stand as the backdrop for the barn. Inside the barn you will find a warm, rustic environment decorated especially for your event. The ceremony space at the far end of the barn is the previous riding ring; now
outfitted with a large white arbor that frames the space, and a rustic altar where you’ll say your vows. Our Mission Statement: We are dedicated to sharing our beautiful venue in an atmosphere where guest feel the sense of His spirit while celebrating milestones in their lives. We are truly blessed to be the keepers of this land and it is an honor to be selected as your venue of choice to gather with your family, friends, or co-workers. It is our responsibility to maintain the most enjoyable, appealing, and safe location for your special event.
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We are proud to be a part of Dawson County and we are honored to be your hometown Chevy dealer.
1392 Hwy 400 South • Dawsonville, GA 30534 Authorized
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706-265-5400 Sales: MON-FRI 9am-8pm • Sat 9am-7pm
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visit us online at: www.
Thank you to our Community
For voting us Best Place For a Wedding & Best Banquet Facility
It is a pleasure to be a part of this beautiful county! Cold Creek Farm is dedicated to sharing our beautiful venue in an atmosphere where guest feel the sense of His spirit while celebrating milestones in their lives. We provide premiere and smaller wedding packages that include absolutely everything to accommodate up to 250 guests.
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weddinGS Corporate eventS private partieS piCniCS muCh more
1491 Shoal Creek road, dawSonville, Ga • 404-580-3484 info@ColdCreekfarm.Com • www.ColdCreekfarm.Com