Local

New University of North Georgia cadets congratulate their peers on the successful completion of a team-building challenge on Radar Ridge during FROG Week.

New University of North Georgia cadets congratulate their peers on the successful completion of a team-building challenge on Radar Ridge during FROG Week.

Exclusive Content

FROG Week marks beginning of journey for new UNG cadets

JOHN BYNUM
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
On an overcast morning before most students arrived on the University of North Georgia’s Dahlonega campus, hundreds of new Boars Head Brigade freshman recruits grouped together with their peers to push themselves to the limit.
A rendering of Nordika Thermal Experience shows the early plans for an expansive spa complex that's slated for opening in 2028.

A rendering of Nordika Thermal Experience shows the early plans for an expansive spa complex that's slated for opening in 2028.

Exclusive Content

Nordic spa complex is approved for Summit Drive

Matt Aiken
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
A noteworthy Nordic development is on its way to Dahlonega.  That much became official last Monday as City Council members unanimously approved a rezoning request which will pave the way for the multi-building spa complex just off Summit Drive.
Mayor JoAnne Taylor receives an appreciative standing ovation from City Council members and attendees at last Monday's meeting.

Mayor JoAnne Taylor receives an appreciative standing ovation from City Council members and attendees at last Monday's meeting.

Exclusive Content

Mayor not seeking reelection as City qualifying approaches

Matt Aiken
Saturday, August 9, 2025
A familiar name won’t be on the ballot for the upcoming Dahlonega City elections this year. At the end of Monday’s meeting, Mayor JoAnne Taylor closed out the proceedings by making the official announcement that she would not seek reelection for the office she’s held since 2022.
Deputy Chief Tony Kent celebrated 16 years with Lumpkin County Emergency Services during a retirement party Thursday afternoon at Fire Station #1. Below: Kent was gifted a commemorative axe by his peers.

Deputy Chief Tony Kent celebrated 16 years with Lumpkin County Emergency Services during a retirement party Thursday afternoon at Fire Station #1. Below: Kent was gifted a commemorative axe by his peers.

Exclusive Content

Kent retires after years of County EMS service

Keith Murden
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
For many years at Lumpkin County Emergency Services, Tony Kent has been responsible for overseeing the training program for new personnel, operational aspects of the EMS system “and anything else I could pawn off on him,” Chief David Wimpy told The Nugget.
Lumpkin County High School Principal Brian Matthews said he is concerned about the proliferation of increasingly concealable vape devices and edible drugs designed to appeal to children.

Lumpkin County High School Principal Brian Matthews said he is concerned about the proliferation of increasingly concealable vape devices and edible drugs designed to appeal to children.

Exclusive Content

High school on the alert for vapes and THC gummies

Keith Murden
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Last week, parents of incoming high school freshmen received a stark warning from Lumpkin County High School Principal Brian Matthews: possession, use or distribution of vape products or edibles containing THC will not be tolerated on campus.
After years of work, local author Matt Nielsen has completed his epic swashbuckling novel Hand of the Reaper: Islands of the Cursed Seas.

After years of work, local author Matt Nielsen has completed his epic swashbuckling novel Hand of the Reaper: Islands of the Cursed Seas.

Exclusive Content

Nielsen pens pirate epic with historical twist

Matt Aiken
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
The character had no lines. He stood in the background of Captain Blood, a black-and-white film from 1935. And he only appeared on screen for a few minutes. But Matt Nielsen took notice. “It’s an old Errol Flynn swashbuckling classic,” said the Dahlonega author.
The Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners met with County Manager Alan Ours and Finance Director Abby Branan last week to establish the annual millage rate. However, a delay in receiving needed digest information from the Tax Commissioner’s office scuttled those plans.

The Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners met with County Manager Alan Ours and Finance Director Abby Branan last week to establish the annual millage rate. However, a delay in receiving needed digest information from the Tax Commissioner’s office scuttled those plans.

Exclusive Content

Tax digest delay dampens County budget decision

Keith Murden
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
When the County Board of Commissioners met for a special work session last Wednesday, Chairman Chris Dockery said they “anticipated having the [tax] digest all ironed out” before the meeting began.
As of Sunday, July 27, the Georgia Lottery website reported that 17 of the 19 top prizes for the “100X The Money” scratch-off ticket have been claimed thus far. One of those $3 million prizes was recently won in Dahlonega.

As of Sunday, July 27, the Georgia Lottery website reported that 17 of the 19 top prizes for the “100X The Money” scratch-off ticket have been claimed thus far. One of those $3 million prizes was recently won in Dahlonega.

Exclusive Content

Local lottery player nets $3 million scratch-off

Keith Murden
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
A lucky lottery player in Dahlonega likely got more than he or she bargained for when scratching off a $20 ticket purchased from a local convenience store earlier this month.
Dahlonega resident Lisa Raber proudly displays the cover of an upcoming self-help book she co-authored.

Dahlonega resident Lisa Raber proudly displays the cover of an upcoming self-help book she co-authored.

Exclusive Content

Raber shares her story as a ‘warrior mom’

Keith Murden
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
A ‘warrior mom’ is known for her courage, strength and resolve in the face of adversity, particularly as it relates to meeting the challenges of parenthood.