Local

When elementary school students return to class this fall, they will learn the skill of handwriting, after changes to the state standards for English Language Arts.

When elementary school students return to class this fall, they will learn the skill of handwriting, after changes to the state standards for English Language Arts.

Exclusive Content

Handwriting will return as an elementary school area of focus

News Staff
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
By Matt Aiken & Ty Tagami / The Nugget & Capitol Beat News    -------------    Call it a cursive comeback.  When younger students return to schools across the state this fall, they will also learn an old-school skill: handwriting.
A truck hauls a load of garbage towards the Lumpkin County Transfer Station’s main building.

A truck hauls a load of garbage towards the Lumpkin County Transfer Station’s main building.

Exclusive Content

Trash fees to jump at County Transfer Station

Keith Murden
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Residents planning to deposit a large amount of trash at the Lumpkin County Transfer Station this year should prepare for higher prices.
Senior Center Manager Marc Bottoms wants to emphasize that the facility is not a residence hall; it is an activity center available to all seniors 55 and older.

Senior Center Manager Marc Bottoms wants to emphasize that the facility is not a residence hall; it is an activity center available to all seniors 55 and older.

Exclusive Content

Senior center expanding with additional programs

Keith Murden
Thursday, July 10, 2025
Starting this summer, local seniors have even more opportunities to beat the heat and socialize with their peers at the same time.
The City of Dahlonega recently announced a suspension of boat traffic in a specific area of Lake Zwerner that will last about 18 months as construction gets underway on the new Morrison Moore Pedestrian Bridge and sidewalk.

The City of Dahlonega recently announced a suspension of boat traffic in a specific area of Lake Zwerner that will last about 18 months as construction gets underway on the new Morrison Moore Pedestrian Bridge and sidewalk.

Exclusive Content

Boaters to steer clear of reservoir bridgework

JOHN BYNUM
Thursday, July 10, 2025
Reservoir boaters will need to paddle around a specific stretch of Lake Zwerner for a while as construction will soon be getting underway on the much anticipated Morrison Moore Pedestrian Bridge.  That means aquatic traffic will need to float carefully in the area.
Tony Nunley, pictured at a local reception at Chestatee Real Estate in Dahlonega on June 23, is now officially a member of the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame.

Tony Nunley, pictured at a local reception at Chestatee Real Estate in Dahlonega on June 23, is now officially a member of the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame.

Exclusive Content

Nunley inducted into Ranger Hall of Fame

Keith Murden
Thursday, July 10, 2025
Even after his recent induction into the 2025 Ranger Hall of Fame, Master Sergeant (Ret.) Anthony Nunley is the portrait of a humble soldier. “It’s almost embarrassing for me to say I’m in the Hall of Fame, to compare myself with those Rangers I’ve respected for so many years.
Chestatee Regional Library Director Leslie Clark and Business Manager Jonathan Smith (pictured on right) discuss library operations with the Board of Commissioners during a special session on the 2026 budget.

Chestatee Regional Library Director Leslie Clark and Business Manager Jonathan Smith (pictured on right) discuss library operations with the Board of Commissioners during a special session on the 2026 budget.

Exclusive Content

Lumpkin Library cuts back on full-time employees

Keith Murden
Thursday, July 3, 2025
The skyrocketing price of State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) coverage for government employees continues to wreak havoc on local budgets. The latest unlucky victim is the local library.
Officials from the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office said Flock surveillance cameras were able to find the suspect’s vehicle near the scene at the time of the burglary.

Officials from the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office said Flock surveillance cameras were able to find the suspect’s vehicle near the scene at the time of the burglary.

Exclusive Content

Drug store burglary suspect is arrested

Matt Aiken
Thursday, July 3, 2025
A suspected drug store burglar was caught by authorities less than 48 hours after allegedly tunneling through the back of a local pharmacy and escaping into the night with thousands of prescription pills in hand, according to officials with the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office.
Lumpkin County Commissioner Rhett Stringer and former Lumpkin Republican Party Chair Katherine James have announced their candidacy for the position of Lumpkin County Commission Chair in the 2026 election.

Lumpkin County Commissioner Rhett Stringer and former Lumpkin Republican Party Chair Katherine James have announced their candidacy for the position of Lumpkin County Commission Chair in the 2026 election.

Exclusive Content

ELECTION: County commission chair race unfolds

Keith Murden
Thursday, July 3, 2025
July is ushering in a whole new round of political fireworks.  In exclusive interviews with The Nugget, former Lumpkin County Republican Party Chair Katherine James and current Lumpkin County Commissioner Rhett Stringer have both announced their intentions to compete for County Chair next year.
The Nugget staff returned from the GPA convention with awards for journalism and advertising. Pictured, from left, are Matt Aiken, Keith Murden, John Bynum, Carrie Bennett, Chauna Utterback and Eligha Roper.

The Nugget staff returned from the GPA convention with awards for journalism and advertising. Pictured, from left, are Matt Aiken, Keith Murden, John Bynum, Carrie Bennett, Chauna Utterback and Eligha Roper.

The Nugget takes top honors at Georgia Press Awards

News Staff
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Call it a journalistic two-peat. For the second year in a row The Dahlonega Nugget took top honors at the Georgia Press Association banquet, netting first place for General Excellence while also coming away with 17 individual awards during a well-attended ceremony on Jekyll Island Friday night.
Lumpkin County Middle School students are now eligible for $6,500 in state funds that would assist in the switch to private school.

Lumpkin County Middle School students are now eligible for $6,500 in state funds that would assist in the switch to private school.

Exclusive Content

School voucher program could give LCMS students $6.5K for switching

News Staff
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
By Ty Tagami & Matt Aiken  /  Capitol Beat News & The Nugget  -----------------  This fall, thousands of Georgia students will attend a private school or study at home, and state government will help them pay for it.