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The University of North Georgia plans to probe the cause of unusually high thyroid cancer cases in the northeastern portion of the state, with the help of North Georgia Health Systems. Pictured is the UNG Health & Natural Sciences building in Dahlonega.

The University of North Georgia plans to probe the cause of unusually high thyroid cancer cases in the northeastern portion of the state, with the help of North Georgia Health Systems. Pictured is the UNG Health & Natural Sciences building in Dahlonega.

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Local cancer rate leads to further research

Keith Murden
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
A collaborative effort between the University of North Georgia and North Georgia Health Systems is set to explore possible causes of a higher-than-average rate of thyroid cancer in six counties across the northeast Georgia region, including Lumpkin.
Zeke Perkins holds his ground as Aiden Hawkins practices a thunderous kick during Hapkido practice.

Zeke Perkins holds his ground as Aiden Hawkins practices a thunderous kick during Hapkido practice.

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Hapkido is a martial art meant to benefit everyone

Eligha Roper
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
There’s a new martial arts gym on the rise in Dahlonega: Choe’s HapKiDo. Led by instructor Jim Haven, the dojang aims to improve mental and physical toughness while also teaching self-defense.   The Nugget caught up with Instructor Haven to learn more.
Participants in Saturday’s “No Kings” protest included (from left) Lumpkin County Democratic Party Chair Roger Smith, Bobbi Martin, Katherine Russell and Destiny Phagan.

Participants in Saturday’s “No Kings” protest included (from left) Lumpkin County Democratic Party Chair Roger Smith, Bobbi Martin, Katherine Russell and Destiny Phagan.

‘No Kings’ protestors spend day on the square

Keith Murden
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
By Keith Murden The Nugget The designated “Free Speech Zone” in the center of Dahlonega’s historic square was home to a controversial, but peaceful, protest Saturday.
Iraq War veterans Zac Chamblee (left) and Andrew Goldsmith reunited in Dahlonega before Goldsmith, a California native, embarked on a 220-mile, state-spanning trek.

Iraq War veterans Zac Chamblee (left) and Andrew Goldsmith reunited in Dahlonega before Goldsmith, a California native, embarked on a 220-mile, state-spanning trek.

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Veteran’s trek across state departs from Dahlonega

Keith Murden
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
If the only forms of transportation you had available to you were a skateboard and a kayak, where would you choose to travel? Dahlonega was the destination of choice for U.S. Army Ranger and Iraq War veteran Andrew Goldsmith, who decided to make the Peach State the site of his next big adventure.
Rhonda Bennett, Council Chair of the Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee, stands next to a flag representing her tribe.

Rhonda Bennett, Council Chair of the Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee, stands next to a flag representing her tribe.

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Cherokee Tribe heritage center now in the works

Keith Murden
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Woody’s General Store, a local historical landmark and one of the last remaining remnants of the abandoned gold mining town of Auraria, is finally set to receive a much-needed facelift thanks to the efforts of former property owner Floyd Wimpy and its new proprietors: the Georgia Tribe of Eastern...
The Dahlonega Nugget Publisher John Bynum (left) presents the $100 prize to local resident Bill Perdue for his winning photo. Perdue captured the photo for the cover of the summer edition of The Mountain Traveler magazine.

The Dahlonega Nugget Publisher John Bynum (left) presents the $100 prize to local resident Bill Perdue for his winning photo. Perdue captured the photo for the cover of the summer edition of The Mountain Traveler magazine.

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Mountain Traveler cover photo captured by Dahlonega resident

JOHN BYNUM
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
The northeast Georgia area is full of beautiful scenery that includes mountains, waterfalls, wildlife, waterways and more. And Dahlonega photographer Bill Perdue captured one of these scenes in a photo that is featured on the cover of the new summer Mountain Traveler magazine.
LEFT: LCHS Valedictorian for the Class of 2025 is Jaedyn Gerrells. She plans to attend the University of Georgia. RIGHT: Jack Fox is the LCHS Salutatorian for the Class of 2025. He looks forward to being a part of the marching band at Georgia Tech.

LEFT: LCHS Valedictorian for the Class of 2025 is Jaedyn Gerrells. She plans to attend the University of Georgia. RIGHT: Jack Fox is the LCHS Salutatorian for the Class of 2025. He looks forward to being a part of the marching band at Georgia Tech.

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Valedictorian and Salutatorian are ready for the future

Keith Murden
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Graduation is a time for wistful reflection on the hard work, fond memories and notable achievements that bring students to an inflection point in their life journeys.  This is especially true for the 2025 Valedictorian and Salutatorian of Lumpkin County High School, Jaedyn Gerrells and Jack Fox.
Iron Mountain Resort representative Hunter Stansberry clarifies his company’s obligations under the 2019 Special Land Use Agreement with the County.

Iron Mountain Resort representative Hunter Stansberry clarifies his company’s obligations under the 2019 Special Land Use Agreement with the County.

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ATV-park ruckus angers neighbors

Keith Murden
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
“Who wants to go first?” That was the question Lumpkin County Chairman Chris Dockery posed to start the public comments portion of the Board of Commissioners meeting.
State House Representative Will Wade (R-District 9) has announced he will pursue the empty seat vacated by Senator Steve Gooch (R-51st District) when both men’s terms expire in 2026.

State House Representative Will Wade (R-District 9) has announced he will pursue the empty seat vacated by Senator Steve Gooch (R-51st District) when both men’s terms expire in 2026.

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Rep. Wade enters race for vacant Senate seat

Keith Murden
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Republican State Representative Will Wade has thrown his hat into the ring in the race for the Georgia’s District 51 Senate Seat, following Majority Leader and Dahlonega resident Steve Gooch’s decision to run for Lieutenant Governor.