Local

Last Wednesday, representatives of the Vernon Jones campaign for Secretary of State filed a written request for a hand recount of the June 16 runoff election in Lumpkin County, citing unspecified “irregularities.” By Monday, that request had been formally withdrawn.

Last Wednesday, representatives of the Vernon Jones campaign for Secretary of State filed a written request for a hand recount of the June 16 runoff election in Lumpkin County, citing unspecified “irregularities.” By Monday, that request had been formally withdrawn.

Exclusive Content

Vote recount request withdrawn by candidate

Keith Murden
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
The campaign of Secretary of State candidate Vernon Jones filed a number of requests for hand recounts in the state following the recent General Primary Runoff election.One of the counties hit with that petition was Lumpkin.
Recent improvements on the private property located at Castleberry Bridge include a renovated “beach” area featuring picnic tables and paid tube rentals.

Recent improvements on the private property located at Castleberry Bridge include a renovated “beach” area featuring picnic tables and paid tube rentals.

Exclusive Content

River rights debate continues over Etowah park

Keith Murden
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
A tug-of-war between private property rights and recreational use of Georgia’s waterways continues to play out across the state, with no clear winners in sight.
The Nugget has included a special section in this week’s print edition and the E-edition to recognize local First Responders.

The Nugget has included a special section in this week’s print edition and the E-edition to recognize local First Responders.

Exclusive Content

Special section recognizes local First Responders

News Staff
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
In this week’s special section we salute the brave men and women who work every day to keep Dahlonega and Lumpkin County safe and secure.
An overturned off-road vehicle led to the recent drowning death of a Lawrenceville man at Iron Mountain Park, according to law enforcement reports.

An overturned off-road vehicle led to the recent drowning death of a Lawrenceville man at Iron Mountain Park, according to law enforcement reports.

Exclusive Content

Drowning reported at ATV park

Matt Aiken
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
An overturned off-road vehicle tumbled into a retention pond and resulted in the tragic drowning of a Lawrenceville man at Iron Mountain Park on a recent Saturday afternoon, according to officials with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Members of the Dahlonega City Council discuss the ins-and-outs of a possible new sales tax at Monday's special called meeting.

Members of the Dahlonega City Council discuss the ins-and-outs of a possible new sales tax at Monday's special called meeting.

Exclusive Content

New local sales tax in the works

News Staff
Thursday, June 18, 2026
By Matt Aiken & Keith Murden  /  The Nugget  ---------------  It’s called the LHOST (or Local Homestead Option Sales Tax) and it could be coming to a cash register near you. But first, it will need to go to the ballot.
A graph provided by Finance Director Abby Branan shows the County budget has steadily increased over the last decade, by around $15 million in total.

A graph provided by Finance Director Abby Branan shows the County budget has steadily increased over the last decade, by around $15 million in total.

Exclusive Content

County’s upcoming budget tops $35 million

Keith Murden
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Accelerating inflation nationwide continues to affect local governments as much or more than individual consumers; that was one of the takeaways as Lumpkin County recently announced its Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2027: The $35.3 million in anticipated expenditures marks a 6.
LTC Colonel (RET) Lewis “Lew” M. Houser is currently featured in a rotating exhibit at the Lumpkin County Library called “Outpost Alpha,” which honors local veterans. Here, he stands next to a glass case displaying Vietnam-era military memorabilia, including his Air Force flight jacket, helmet, gloves and service medals.

LTC Colonel (RET) Lewis “Lew” M. Houser is currently featured in a rotating exhibit at the Lumpkin County Library called “Outpost Alpha,” which honors local veterans. Here, he stands next to a glass case displaying Vietnam-era military memorabilia, including his Air Force flight jacket, helmet, gloves and service medals.

Exclusive Content

Air Force veteran saluted for his high flying service

Keith Murden
Thursday, June 18, 2026
From a very young age, LTC (Ret.) Lewis “Lew” M. Houser, Jr. knew that flying was his calling in life. He was right.Over a 23-year career in the United States Air Force, the Vietnam veteran proudly served two tours and amassed an impressive total of 320 combat missions.
Lumpkin County Schools Finance Director Dr. Whittney McPherson delivers a presentation during the first of two FY ’27 budget review hearings held at the Central Office on Indian Drive. The second meeting will take place on June 15 at 4:30 p.m.

Lumpkin County Schools Finance Director Dr. Whittney McPherson delivers a presentation during the first of two FY ’27 budget review hearings held at the Central Office on Indian Drive. The second meeting will take place on June 15 at 4:30 p.m.

Exclusive Content

School system unveils new $60 million budget

Keith Murden
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
NOTE: The online edition of this article has been revised to include a corrected millage rate for the local school system.Summer may be here, but it’s not all about vacations and outdoor fun for local elected officials wrestling with annual budget concerns.
Chauna Utterback has officially stepped up as the newest Nugget leader after being named General Manager last week.

Chauna Utterback has officially stepped up as the newest Nugget leader after being named General Manager last week.

Exclusive Content

Utterback named General Manager at The Dahlonega Nugget

News Staff
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
It’s a promotion that should come as no surprise for those who are familiar with The Nugget office. But there’s now a new newspaper leader in the ranks, as Chauna Utterback has officially been named General Manager of The Dahlonega Nugget.
The Dahlonega City Council unanimously approved of a measure that will pave the way for a new 125-unit neighborhood off Pinetree Way.

The Dahlonega City Council unanimously approved of a measure that will pave the way for a new 125-unit neighborhood off Pinetree Way.

Exclusive Content

125-unit housing development approved for Pinetree Way

Matt Aiken
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Big changes are on the way to a wooded stretch of land that borders Pinetree Recreation Center and Cottrell Elementary School after the Dahlonega City Council unanimously approved a measure last Monday that will pave the way for a new 125-unit housing development between Pinetree Way and...