Local

Local athlete Tommy England storms out of the dugout and onto the field ahead of the Heroes game.

Local athlete Tommy England storms out of the dugout and onto the field ahead of the Heroes game.

Heroes Team is all smiles at annual game

The Lumpkin County Heroes special needs baseball team held its annual game against White County last week at the University of North Georgia softball complex. It was a day full of smiles, laughter, and home runs.
After a rough patch, Clifford Griffin found himself homeless and sleeping on a park bench in nearby Cleveland. But thanks to the team at Community Helping Place, he now has a place to call his own.

After a rough patch, Clifford Griffin found himself homeless and sleeping on a park bench in nearby Cleveland. But thanks to the team at Community Helping Place, he now has a place to call his own.

Homeless veteran finds help from local ‘Community’

Homelessness came suddenly for Clifford Griffin.  A rough divorce, some health problems, a gap between Social Security checks and the 72 year old Air Force veteran found himself spending the night on a park bench in nearby Cleveland’s Freedom Park. It was a chilly night in March of last year.
University of North Georgia students held up signs and chanted slogans on the patio of the Hoag Student Center last Thursday to oppose rumored changes to the Multicultural Student Affairs program.

University of North Georgia students held up signs and chanted slogans on the patio of the Hoag Student Center last Thursday to oppose rumored changes to the Multicultural Student Affairs program.

Students protest change to Multicultural program

Last Thursday, students from a wide variety of backgrounds gathered outside the Hoag Student Center on the University of North Georgia’s Dahlonega Campus.  Their purpose?
Pictured, from left, City Councilman Ross Shirley, Councilman Lance Bagley, Mayor JoAnne Taylor, Councilman Ryan Reagin, Councilman Dan Brown and Lumpkin County Commissioner Rhett Stringer celebrate the groundbreaking of the new pedestrian bridge project.

Pictured, from left, City Councilman Ross Shirley, Councilman Lance Bagley, Mayor JoAnne Taylor, Councilman Ryan Reagin, Councilman Dan Brown and Lumpkin County Commissioner Rhett Stringer celebrate the groundbreaking of the new pedestrian bridge project.

Reservoir pedestrian bridge project expected to begin soon

It’s a trail that has been enjoyed for years. But there has always been an element of risk involved for many folks who hike around Lake Zwerner—not because of the trail, but because of where there isn’t a trail.
On March 29, a small army of local volunteers turned out for a Community Helping Day to assist with repairs at the future site of the non-profit Mosaic Bakery & Pizzeria on North Grove Street. A second volunteer day will be held on May 17. (Photo submitted)

On March 29, a small army of local volunteers turned out for a Community Helping Day to assist with repairs at the future site of the non-profit Mosaic Bakery & Pizzeria on North Grove Street. A second volunteer day will be held on May 17. (Photo submitted)

Non-profit bakery offers more than meals

A mosaic refers to an art form in which a combination of small, diverse elements forms a larger picture. That definition applies perfectly to Mosaic Bakery & Pizzeria, a local non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that was recently incorporated in January of this year.
A final ruling was issued April 8 by Senior Superior Court Judge G. Grant Brantley in the case of City of Dahlonega v. Lumpkin County.

A final ruling was issued April 8 by Senior Superior Court Judge G. Grant Brantley in the case of City of Dahlonega v. Lumpkin County.

Lawsuit is over for City and County

It was a roughly two-year legal battle, with origins dating back more than 20 years. It has cost local taxpayers in both jurisdictions a total of $327,613.17. And all of those invoices haven’t arrived yet.
Senator Steve Gooch (left) answers audience questions during the Q&A portion of the State of the State luncheon. Representative Will Wade also participated in the annual event, which summarized legislative action from this year’s General Assembly session.

Senator Steve Gooch (left) answers audience questions during the Q&A portion of the State of the State luncheon. Representative Will Wade also participated in the annual event, which summarized legislative action from this year’s General Assembly session.

Representatives review legislative session at State of the State

Folks didn’t have to travel to the Capitol last week to find out about all the recent bills that will affect local residents. They got to hear it right from the source—Dahlonega’s own Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch and State Representative Will Wade.
The University of North Georgia recently released a more detailed report of a weapons-related arrest that occurred on campus earlier this month.

The University of North Georgia recently released a more detailed report of a weapons-related arrest that occurred on campus earlier this month.

College releases weapons arrest info

The call went out on the morning of April 8 that a man with a rifle case had been spotted on the University of North Georgia campus, according to a recently released report from school officials.
Instructor Gail Blankenship leads her class during a morning session of Tai Chi for Health at the Lumpkin County Senior Center.

Instructor Gail Blankenship leads her class during a morning session of Tai Chi for Health at the Lumpkin County Senior Center.

Tai Chi class offers mindful meditation for seniors

A former nurse is one of several local instructors bringing balance to Lumpkin County. The local Senior Center is currently offering inexpensive fitness classes aimed at reducing the need for costly doctor and hospital visits.
The Lumpkin County High School field house is set for an expansion over the summer, with a new portion being added in the open area between the main building and the outdoor pavilion.

The Lumpkin County High School field house is set for an expansion over the summer, with a new portion being added in the open area between the main building and the outdoor pavilion.

Football field house upgrade gains ground

The high school football team’s success in recent years has caused a good problem—more participation and the need for more space. And by the time the Indians kick off their next football season, an expansion of the existing field house at the Lumpkin County High School is expected to be completed.