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The big W has been removed from the former home of Whatburger after the restaurant officially closed for good last week.

The big W has been removed from the former home of Whatburger after the restaurant officially closed for good last week.

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Whataburger closes doors after brief run in Dahlonega

Matt Aiken
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Dr. Stephen Smith has the Whataburger woes; just about 18 months after opening the Texas-based burger joint at the corner of Riley Road and Morrison Moore Parkway has closed its doors for good. “It's somewhat of a tragedy,” said the UNG Psychological Science professor jokingly.
Recent test scores at Lumpkin County Middle have allowed the school to be removed from the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act list.

Recent test scores at Lumpkin County Middle have allowed the school to be removed from the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act list.

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Middle school’s progress removes Lumpkin from 'Promise List'

Keith Murden
Thursday, December 18, 2025
For the first time since the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act was signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp in April of 2024, Lumpkin County has no public schools on the annual Promise List.
An image taken from the qPublic website highlights the Petitioner’s 9.54 acre parcel. The larger parcel adjoining it to the east would be the future site of a 240-foot cell tower.

An image taken from the qPublic website highlights the Petitioner’s 9.54 acre parcel. The larger parcel adjoining it to the east would be the future site of a 240-foot cell tower.

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County sued over cell tower location

Keith Murden
Thursday, December 18, 2025
A land developer has filed a petition for review in Superior Court, contesting the Lumpkin County Planning Commission’s approval of a recent variance request which authorized construction of a new, 240-foot cell tower on Hightower Church Road.
Sheriff Stacy Jarrard (right) looks on as Investigator Hasley Gipson reviews the evidence which led to an out-of-state suspect who is believed to be responsible for scamming Lumpkin County out of nearly $400,000.

Sheriff Stacy Jarrard (right) looks on as Investigator Hasley Gipson reviews the evidence which led to an out-of-state suspect who is believed to be responsible for scamming Lumpkin County out of nearly $400,000.

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Scammer from Florida cons Lumpkin out of $400K

News Staff
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
By Keith Murden & Matt Aiken / The Nugget  --------------  Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office investigators have been scrambling to track down nearly $400,000 worth of taxpayers’ funds that disappeared when a County administrator unknowingly sent the money to a phony contracting account earlier this...
LCSO investigators are working to track down the suspect responsible for the recent theft of Shaquille O’Neal’s new custom Range Rover.

LCSO investigators are working to track down the suspect responsible for the recent theft of Shaquille O’Neal’s new custom Range Rover.

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Arrest made in Shaq’s stolen SUV case

Matt Aiken
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
The fast-breaking case of Shaquille O’Neal’s stolen Range Rover has resulted in the apprehension of one suspected culprit over the weekend with perhaps more arrests to follow, according to officials with the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office.
The Dahlonega Nugget was honored to receive a 2025 Beacon Award from the GSBA. Pictured, from left, are Office Manager Chauna Utterback, Editor/Publisher John Bynum, Advertising Consultant Erin Riley, Sports Reporter Eligha Roper, Staff Writer Keith Murden and Executive Editor Matt Aiken.

The Dahlonega Nugget was honored to receive a 2025 Beacon Award from the GSBA. Pictured, from left, are Office Manager Chauna Utterback, Editor/Publisher John Bynum, Advertising Consultant Erin Riley, Sports Reporter Eligha Roper, Staff Writer Keith Murden and Executive Editor Matt Aiken.

The Nugget takes home GSBA Beacon Award for public education coverage

News Staff
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
The Dahlonega Nugget was recognized at last Friday’s GSBA/GSSA convention, receiving a 2025 Beacon Award for its local coverage of public education, after being nominated by the Lumpkin County BOE; the annual event, sponsored by the Georgia School Board Association and the Georgia School...
David Horton of Holly Hills Farm demonstrates tree pruning techniques.

David Horton of Holly Hills Farm demonstrates tree pruning techniques.

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Christmas tree farm ready to spread holiday cheer

Keith Murden
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Were you hoping to brighten up your home or workplace with a live Christmas tree this holiday season, but Thanksgiving obligations had you tied up like a turkey all weekend?
The 13th annual Thankful Hearts Take-N-Bake assembled a massive group of volunteers at the Lumpkin County High School cafeteria last Tuesday, which included representatives from the Lumpkin County Middle School Cheerleaders and Dahlonega Gymnastics.

The 13th annual Thankful Hearts Take-N-Bake assembled a massive group of volunteers at the Lumpkin County High School cafeteria last Tuesday, which included representatives from the Lumpkin County Middle School Cheerleaders and Dahlonega Gymnastics.

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Thankful Hearts serves helpings of holiday hope

Keith Murden
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
For the 13th consecutive year, Lumpkin County Family Connections held their annual Thankful Hearts Take-N-Bake program last Tuesday, and the popular charitable operation warmed the hearts and filled the stomachs of local families by preparing and handing out over 150 ready-to-cook Thanksgiving...
A pair of Lumpkin County Detention Center officers have been relieved of their duties after being charged with underage alcohol related offenses.

A pair of Lumpkin County Detention Center officers have been relieved of their duties after being charged with underage alcohol related offenses.

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Two Detention Center officers dismissed after alcohol allegations

Matt Aiken
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Underage consumption charges have resulted in the arrest and firing of two Lumpkin County Detention Center officers, according to officials.