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Former Lumpkin County officials Rhonda and Jim Sheppard showed up at the courthouse last Wednesday where they pleaded guilty to their involvement in a series of thefts that deprived St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital of donated funds.

Former Lumpkin County officials Rhonda and Jim Sheppard showed up at the courthouse last Wednesday where they pleaded guilty to their involvement in a series of thefts that deprived St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital of donated funds.

Donation thefts lead to jail time

Two former Lumpkin County officials entered the courtroom of Judge Albert Collier last Wednesday morning and pleaded guilty to their shared involvement in a series of thefts that deprived St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital of nearly $700,000 worth of donated funds over multiple years.
Sonja Heisinger is the owner of the Sips at Bleu wine bar. The venue is managed by her sister-in-law, Ashley Stringer.

Sonja Heisinger is the owner of the Sips at Bleu wine bar. The venue is managed by her sister-in-law, Ashley Stringer.

Local artist ready for Bleu business on the Square

Artist, author and wine enthusiast Sonja Heisinger wants to help forge new personal connections in downtown Dahlonega, one sip at a time.
A dive into The Nugget archives shows plenty of appearances by Jimmy Carter during his days as Georgia's governor. (Photo courtesy of Chris Worick)

A dive into The Nugget archives shows plenty of appearances by Jimmy Carter during his days as Georgia's governor. (Photo courtesy of Chris Worick)

President Carter’s six-day celebration begins with Georgia flavor

By Dave Williams and Matt Aiken / Capitol Beat News & The Nugget  --------------  Former President Jimmy Carter’s contributions to his country will be remembered this week at a national funeral in Washington, D.C.
A driver who led deputies on a high-speed chase from Dahlonega to Murrayville was arrested and transported to Lumpkin County Detention Center where he faces a long list of charges.

A driver who led deputies on a high-speed chase from Dahlonega to Murrayville was arrested and transported to Lumpkin County Detention Center where he faces a long list of charges.

Fleeing driver tops 125 mph during chase, say officials

A fleeing suspect in a Hyundai reached speeds of over 125 miles per hour in a harrowing chase that started in Dahlonega, crossed through Murrayville and ended just outside Gainesville, according to Capt. Alan Roach of the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office.
Lumpkin County Special Projects Manager Charles Trammell stands at the intersection of Castleberry Bridge Rd. and Auraria Rd., next to one of 11 flashing stop signs in the county.

Lumpkin County Special Projects Manager Charles Trammell stands at the intersection of Castleberry Bridge Rd. and Auraria Rd., next to one of 11 flashing stop signs in the county.

Road project list aims to improve safety in county

As 2024 draws to a close, Lumpkin County Special Project Manager Charles Trammell is excited to share a number of critical road improvements with the community.
Assistant County Manager Rebecca Mincey reviews the latest County plan to enhance access to the Lake Zwerner/Yahoola Creek Reservoir property.

Assistant County Manager Rebecca Mincey reviews the latest County plan to enhance access to the Lake Zwerner/Yahoola Creek Reservoir property.

Reservoir park plan near Rock House is reworked

Last month the Yahoola Creek Reservoir Committee met to discuss plans for a new park set to occupy 9.67 acres of County-owned property on Rock House Road.
A U.S. flag formerly flown at Dahlonega City Hall will be carried by Zane Phlegar to Millinocket, Maine during his attempt to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in 2025.

A U.S. flag formerly flown at Dahlonega City Hall will be carried by Zane Phlegar to Millinocket, Maine during his attempt to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in 2025.

AT hiker helps to honor sacrifices of fellow soldiers

Every year, an estimated 3,000 people attempt to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, with only around 750 people completing it. 2025 looks to be no different, aside from one more hiker hoping to join that exclusive club.
Both the City of Dahlonega and Lumpkin County have said they will sign off on House Bill 581, which establishes a new statewide homestead property tax exemption.

Both the City of Dahlonega and Lumpkin County have said they will sign off on House Bill 581, which establishes a new statewide homestead property tax exemption.

City and County ready to sign off on new homestead property tax exemption

By Keith Murden and Hunter Mauldin / The Nugget  --------------------  Lumpkin County and the City of Dahlonega have both declared their support for House Bill 581, a law that takes effect January 1, 2025 and establishes a new homestead property tax exemption statewide.
Andrew Lee’s quilt “United We Stand” will be displayed at the 9/11 Museum in New York City.

Andrew Lee’s quilt “United We Stand” will be displayed at the 9/11 Museum in New York City.

Combat Quilter salutes service through stitching

Veteran Andrew Lee, also known as the “Combat Quilter,” brought two of his most well-known creations to local quilt shop The Common Thread this month as part of a nationwide promotional tour.
Dahlonega Walking Tours has received a special permit which will allow tour groups to walk through Mount Hope Cemetery after hours while abiding by specific guidelines.

Dahlonega Walking Tours has received a special permit which will allow tour groups to walk through Mount Hope Cemetery after hours while abiding by specific guidelines.

Graveyard ghost tour is reapproved by City Council

The ghostly business of an after-dark paranormal tour in Mount Hope Cemetery was officially reapproved for the year by a split vote of Dahlonega City Council members on a recent Monday, but not before a spirited debate broke out in City Hall.