

Vitruvian Health: When a second opinion matters
A former high school sports coach and a longtime farmer, Samuel Young has always been physically active. What he hasn’t been until recent years is a cardiac patient. With serious medical issues to address, Young wanted more than just a doctor to write prescriptions. He needed a medical team with skill, expertise and – most importantly – a willingness to listen and understand. That journey eventually led him to Vineet Dua, MD, of Vitruvian Health – Heart & Vascular at Hami


Calhoun Police officers deemed heroes after saving person from jumping off bridge
A couple of Calhoun Police officers are being deemed heroes this week after saving a woman who tried to jump off a bridge. According to the Calhoun Police Department, around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, Officer Andrew Hooker was parked on Oothcalooga Street near Pine Street when a concerned person approached his patrol vehicle, reporting that another female was sitting on the bridge just south of the location and that she might fall. Officer Hooker immediately respon


A vision for excellence in cardiovascular care – close to home
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 Expands Student Pathways Through New Academic Partnership with the University of West Georgia
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


Lawmakers seek restraints on corporate home ownership
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


Sign Up Now for 20th Youth Birding Competition
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 designated Level I Emergency Cardiac Care Center
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,


Tractor Supply to Host Animal Days Event at all Georgia Locations
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






