By: ATEET PATEL, MD, MBA | Chief of Cardiology, Vitruvian Health Care System At Vitruvian Health Care System, our vision for cardiovascular care is simple but ambitious: to deliver world-class heart and vascular care right here in our region, so patients don’t have to travel far from home to receive the advanced care they deserve. As Chief of the Heart & Vascular program, I am proud of the momentum we are building and the direction we are headed. Cardiovascular disease remain

Georgia Highlands College has launched its most comprehensive academic partnership to date with the University of West Georgia (UWG)—an agreement designed to expand access to higher education, accelerate degree completion and strengthen Georgia’s workforce pipeline by creating clear, affordable pathways from associate to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The agreement was signed by Dr. Mike Hobbs, president of Georgia Highlands College, and Dr. Michael Johnson, president of th

By: TY TAGAMI | Capitol Beat News Service ATLANTA — Georgia lawmakers are again targeting corporate landlords in a bid to address housing costs during an election year when voters are concerned about affordability. “I have a grave fear that we are becoming a nation of renters and not homeowners,” said Sen. Greg Dolezal, R-Cumming, who is running for lieutenant governor. Regular home buyers do not have the deep pockets to compete with institutional investors when trying to buy

The start of registration for Georgia’s Youth Birding Competition points to the soon-coming fun and excitement of this popular birdathon, now in its 20th year. Held by the state Department of Natural Resources and partners during the peak of spring bird migration, the 2026 Youth Birding Competition is set for April 10-18, with an awards ceremony and banquet held the last evening at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center near Mansfield. Teams of kindergarteners through high-schoolers

Hamilton Medical Center (HMC), part of Vitruvian Health, has been designated a Level I Emergency Cardiac Care Center by the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPG). The designation was awarded on Dec. 16, 2025, recognizing HMC as having the state’s highest level of emergency cardiac care. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our cardiac and emergency care teams — and our ongoing commitment to providing the highest level of care for our community,” said Ateet Patel,

Two legs or four, fur or feathers, there’s something for everyone during Tractor Supply’s February events, including Chick Days, Animal Days and local Farm Bash celebration on Saturday, February 21     Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO ), the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, announced today a dynamic lineup of animal-focused events launching in February. From everyone’s favorite Chick Days to the debut of Animal Days, pet parents and animal owners can

From left: Commissioners Kevin Cunningham and Chad Steward; Gordon County 911's Lt. Macey Silvers, Cpl. Jalynn Wyatt, Officer Kaitlyn Yancey, Sgt. Sami Jones, Officer Anna Evans, Director Angie Gillman; Commissioners Kurt Sutherland, Randy Abernathy and Bud Owens. According to Gordon County E911 Director Angie Gillman, 911 communication officers are truly the first First Responders, and she recognized four of her telecommunicators, also known as dispatchers, at Tuesday night’

Highland Rivers Foundation today announced that Whitney Spear, MPA, CNP, has been named Foundation Director. Spear brings nearly a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership to the position, as well as a deep commitment to community service across northwest Georgia.   As Foundation Director, Spear will guide the strategic direction of the Highland Rivers Foundation’s philanthropic efforts, cultivating high-impact partnerships, increasing visibility of the Foundation’s missi