Local

Charles Edward Cates Jr. pleaded guilty to the shooting death of his brother Tony Lamar Cates.

Charles Edward Cates Jr. pleaded guilty to the shooting death of his brother Tony Lamar Cates.

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Plea deal concludes case of brother’s shooting death

Matt Aiken
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
A shackled Charles Edward Cates Jr. stood before Judge James Cornwell on Friday afternoon and pleaded guilty to the shooting death of his brother Tony Lamar Cates nearly four years ago.
Holly Performance Academy students who competed at the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta included (top row, from left) Briana Conway, Sadie Wallace, Catherine Boyd, Jacob Parker, Lily Blackston, Gillian Day, Olivia Reed and Rose Reed. Pictured (bottom row, from left) are: Arin Singla, Lilah Boyle, Peytonrose Bunch, Freya Yavaliollah, Ailey Smith and Ellie Wilson. Not pictured is Olathe Potter.

Holly Performance Academy students who competed at the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta included (top row, from left) Briana Conway, Sadie Wallace, Catherine Boyd, Jacob Parker, Lily Blackston, Gillian Day, Olivia Reed and Rose Reed. Pictured (bottom row, from left) are: Arin Singla, Lilah Boyle, Peytonrose Bunch, Freya Yavaliollah, Ailey Smith and Ellie Wilson. Not pictured is Olathe Potter.

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Holly students honored at Junior Theater Festival

Keith Murden
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Several local members of the Holly Performance Academy, a year-round performance organization that offers after-school productions and summer camps for youth ages three to 18, were recently recognized at the 2025 Junior Theater Festival held at the Cobb Convention Center in Atlanta.
Mayor JoAnne Taylor presents a proclamation from the Dahlonega City Council on Margaret Owen’s 100th Birthday recognizing her for years of contributions to the local community.

Mayor JoAnne Taylor presents a proclamation from the Dahlonega City Council on Margaret Owen’s 100th Birthday recognizing her for years of contributions to the local community.

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Owen celebrates 100th birthday with friends

JOHN BYNUM
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Friends and admirers filled the reception room last week as Margaret Owen smiled and soaked in the well-wishes from those who had come to mark a very important birthday celebration.  As the former First Lady of North Georgia College, Owen has earned many admirers over the years.
Members of the Dahlonega City Council gathered last Tuesday to discuss a variety of topics including the possibility of issuing a second liquor store license.

Members of the Dahlonega City Council gathered last Tuesday to discuss a variety of topics including the possibility of issuing a second liquor store license.

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City debates need for additional liquor store

Matt Aiken
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Is the City of Dahlonega ready to serve up another liquor store license?  That was the question posed to council members at last week’s work session.
The Dahlonega City Council discussed a new Code of Conduct at this month’s meeting.

The Dahlonega City Council discussed a new Code of Conduct at this month’s meeting.

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New Code of Conduct up for debate by City Council

Matt Aiken
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Some said it could be helpful. Others worried it could stifle free speech. Either way, the possibility of a new City Council Code of Conduct was met with a wide range of opinions from Dahlonega City Council members at this month’s meeting.
Plans have been approved for a new subdivision on Captain McDonald Road, bordering the popular Yahoola Creek Park.

Plans have been approved for a new subdivision on Captain McDonald Road, bordering the popular Yahoola Creek Park.

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New subdivision to border park

Keith Murden
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
A new Class VII subdivision that borders the back of Yahoola Creek Park appears to have the green light, following a successful final plat approval last week by the Lumpkin County Planning Commission. Turner Estates will feature 12 lots on two parcels spread across 125.25 acres.
Board of Education member Mera Turner shares her thoughts on the testing methodology with the rest of the Lumpkin County BOE.

Board of Education member Mera Turner shares her thoughts on the testing methodology with the rest of the Lumpkin County BOE.

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Private school voucher list looms large for Lumpkin

Keith Murden
Thursday, January 16, 2025
The impending re-release of a state list of under-performing Georgia schools is likely looming large on the minds of school administrators.
A Night at the Movies will return January 24 to The Holly Theater with a new lineup of independent short films. (Photo courtesy of Sozo Bear Films)

A Night at the Movies will return January 24 to The Holly Theater with a new lineup of independent short films. (Photo courtesy of Sozo Bear Films)

Film fest to return to The Holly Theater

JOHN BYNUM
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Filmmaking fans are getting ready for the latest rendition of the popular local film festival at The Holly Theater in Dahlonega. The January 24 event, known as “A Night at the Movies” will feature another unique collection of short films curated by the local team that makes up Sozo Bear Films.
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.

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Donation thefts lead to jail time

Matt Aiken
Thursday, January 16, 2025
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.