About Dawson County news. (Dawsonville, Georgia) 2015-current | View Entire Issue (June 5, 2019)
North Georgia wine tour, tasting launches June 27 LOCAL, 4A Kristi Creegan discusses her effect on student athletes SPORTS, IB WEDNESDAY I June 5,2019 Dawson News ► com dawsonville, GEORGIA $1.00 Deputies arrest 5 in drug bust Anonymous tip led to apprehension of manufacturing, distribution ring at home on Lula Garrett Road By Joshua Demarest jdemarest@dawsonnews.com Investigators with the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit made five arrests last Thursday when they busted a drug manu facturing and distribution ring based on an anonymous tip. Upon arrival, investigators immediately recognized a strong odor of marijuana com ing from the residence on Lula Garrett Road. After securing the residence and occupants, the Sheriff’s Office applied for and received a search warrant for the premises. The search netted a large amount of illegal drugs, pills, packaging materials, processing equipment, ledgers, cash and a firearm. Officers seized 29.7 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 94 grams of suspected psilocy bin mushrooms, over a pound of suspected THC gummies and suckers, suspected LSD, suspected THC dab, approxi mately one-and-a-half pounds of suspected marijuana, 11 sus pected marijuana plants, over 200 suspected THC vape car tridges, and various other drug- related items. The investigation resulted in See Bust 15A A splashing good time Food, family and fun mark opening of Rotary Island By Bob Christian bchristian@dawsonnews.com The Rotary Club of Dawson County officially opened the Rotary Island splash pad at Rock Creek Park on June 1 with the annual Rotary Day event that included live entertain ment, free food and, of course, an absolute ton of water-based fun. The goal in building the splash pad was two-fold, according to Rotary Club President Bob Alman. In addition to providing a no- cost, safe place for kids and families to play and hang out, Rotary Island also served to establish a con nection with the communi ty. “Rotary is the oldest ser vice organization in the country and Rotary Island is a great way to introduce our selves to people and really build a permanent foot print,” Alman said. “Rotary Island is our gift to every body, and it is always free.” In addition to the five interactive water sculptures already in the park, opening day featured a bouncy slide, a dunk pool, a variety of games and activities and a free lunch provided by Northeast Georgia Medical Center who has sponsored the event for all five years according to hospital spokeswoman Jo Brewer. “Service above self is See Splash 13A Above: Madison Cole, 3, reacts after being doused with water June 1 at the Rotary Island Splash Pad as the park officially opened for the summer. Left: Children make use ful fun climbing up a bouncy slide. Photos by Bob Christian Dawson County News 'Rotary is the oldest service organization in the country and Rotary Island is a great way to introduce our selves to people and really build a permanent footprint. Rotary Island is our gift to everybody, and it is always free.' Bob Alman Rotary Club President Former gubernatorial candidate pleads in insurance fraud case By Nick Watson DCN Regional Staff Former gubernatorial candidate Michael Williams was sentenced to probation after fraudulently claiming computers were sto len from his office in Gainesville. Williams took a plea deal under the First Offender Act last week for four years of probation in the insurance fraud case, Northeastern Judicial Circuit District Attorney Lee Darragh said. Williams was given four years of proba tion each on the insurance fraud and false statements charges and 12 months of pro bation on the false report of a crime charge. Those sentences will run concurrently, meaning Williams serves four years proba tion. Williams was sentenced under the First Offender Act by Superior Court Judge Clint Bearden, who also imposed a $5,000 fine and 120 hours of community service, Darragh said. Darragh did not comment any further on the case. If Williams fulfills the terms of the sen tence, he will be exonerated under the First Offender Act. Williams, a former state senator from Cumming, was charged by a Hall County grand jury Dec. 18 after an investigation by See Williams 12A Arrest made in relation to escaped convict By Joshua Demarest jdemarest@dawsonnews.com Donny Cooper Akins of Cumming was arrested May 30 in connection with the recent escape of Jeremy Pruitt-Akins. Donny, who is reported to be the uncle of Jeremy, was charged with one count of Aiding Escape, which is a felony under Georgia law. Akins was the authorized driver respon sible for transporting Jeremy Pruitt-Akins to his place of employment and returning him back to custody after his shift was over. According to warrants issued for his arrest, Akins did not return his nephew to police custody, instead transporting him to Gainesville so he could leave the state. This arrest is the latest step in the hunt for Pruitt-Akins after he fled over Memorial Day weekend. Donny was released May 31 after post ing a $5,000 bond. 0 9 0 9 9 Inside Volume 4, Number 37 © 2019, Dawson County News Dawsonville, Georgia Church Events 3B Classifieds 7B Dear Abby 6B Deaths 2A Legals 8B Opinion 9A Sports 1B Public Works employee of the month named 7A Georgia Laws of Life essay: “My Passion” At Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, we've treated more prostate cancer cases than any other community hospital in Georgia. Our experience and expertise equips us to provide elite cancer care at 50 cancer centers across the state. Backed by board-certified medical oncologists and leading treatment options, we're built to beat prostate cancer. Learn more at builttobeatcancer.com m NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL CANCER INSTITUTE
