Gwinnett Daily Post

SUWANEE - Mayor Nick Masino announced Thursday that Suwanee will be one of the host venues for the 2008 Tour de Georgia bike race.

Suwanee is one of 5 new cities to be named as host cities for the event, now in its sixth year.

Race participants will ride from Suwanee to Dahlonega on April 25. The 7-day race will begin in Tybee Island April 21.

Hardin Watkins wins

Suwanee Star award

Suwanee Events Coordinator Amy Doherty was awarded the Hardin Watkins Suwanee Star Award Thursday. Doherty is the second recipient of the award, named for Suwanee's former city manager Hardin Watkins.

Doherty, a part-time employee, coordinates events such as Suwanee Day, Town Center concerts and the annual Lighting of the Caboose at Christmas. In 2007, she put together 34 total events for both the city and for private individuals.

"She works tireless hours for the city," said Masino.

Tire center denied

City council members voted to deny zoning and special use for an automobile rental facility and a tire store Thursday.

In denying the tire store, the planning department cited an inconsistency with the city's long-term use of the land located at the intersection of Old Peachtree Road and Horizon Drive.

Council members also voted 5-1 to deny a permit for Hertz.