Local

Members of the Yahoola Creek Reservoir Study Committee listen in as Planning Director Rebecca Mincey outlines the key priorities of the 2020 Reservoir Master Plan.

Members of the Yahoola Creek Reservoir Study Committee listen in as Planning Director Rebecca Mincey outlines the key priorities of the 2020 Reservoir Master Plan.

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Reservoir road plan is nearly ready to roll

Keith Murden
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
A revised “plan B” that would provide much-needed parking and access to the rear of the Yahoola Creek Reservoir property at Lake Zwerner is coming into sharper focus after the Yahoola Creek Reservoir Study Committee met last week.
The long-debated issue of river rights took a turn last week as a new law governing navigable streams went into effect, sending ripples throughout the state. (Photo courtesy of Zach Porter)

The long-debated issue of river rights took a turn last week as a new law governing navigable streams went into effect, sending ripples throughout the state. (Photo courtesy of Zach Porter)

State law limits local river access

News Staff
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
By Matt Aiken & David Williams / The Nugget & Capitol Beat  --------------  If you’re hoping to paddle, float or fish in local rivers this summer you might want to consult property lines before shoving off into the Etowah or Chestatee.
Jim Guy and his son Beau march their way towards the square in the Veterans Day parade. This July 4, Jim will return to the Public Square, in colonial attire, to read the Declaration of Independence.

Jim Guy and his son Beau march their way towards the square in the Veterans Day parade. This July 4, Jim will return to the Public Square, in colonial attire, to read the Declaration of Independence.

Declaration to be read in Dahlonega on 4th

News Staff
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
By Dylan Henschen / The Nugget  ---------------  “That would have been something to be alive for,” says Jim Guy.  The ‘something’ he refers to is hearing the first time the Declaration of Independence was read aloud in the streets of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in July of 1776.
Lumpkin County Department of Family and Children Services Director April Arnold (right) explains her 2025 budget priorities to the Board of Commissioners during a recent special work session.

Lumpkin County Department of Family and Children Services Director April Arnold (right) explains her 2025 budget priorities to the Board of Commissioners during a recent special work session.

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County Commission continues to hear budget concerns

Keith Murden
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Soaring inflation and a shortage of qualified workers were common complaints heard during a packed session of County meetings last week.
Currently, Satellite Industries has a facility (pictured) off of Ben Higgins Road in Dahlonega. Their new plant will be located on Fannie Russell Road, near Burnt Stand.

Currently, Satellite Industries has a facility (pictured) off of Ben Higgins Road in Dahlonega. Their new plant will be located on Fannie Russell Road, near Burnt Stand.

Local manufacturer Satellite Industries to add 80 jobs

Keith Murden
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Satellite Industries, a portable restroom manufacturer formerly known as PolyPortables, is looking to expand its operations in Lumpkin County, and the local Development Authority has agreed to lend a helping hand.
Chestatee Regional Library Director Leslie Clark and Business Manager Jonathan Smith present the local library's 2025 budget outlook to the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners.

Chestatee Regional Library Director Leslie Clark and Business Manager Jonathan Smith present the local library's 2025 budget outlook to the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners.

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Library seeks $37K boost in budget for upcoming year

Keith Murden
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
The Lumpkin County Library has requested five spending increases for fiscal year 2025, totaling $75,249. However, it appears that the County will appropriate only half of that amount.
New LCMS Assistant Principal Josh Chatham is excited to re-join the Lumpkin County school system.

New LCMS Assistant Principal Josh Chatham is excited to re-join the Lumpkin County school system.

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Middle school announces Chatham as new Assistant Principal

Keith Murden
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
The Lumpkin County School System welcomed back a familiar face recently as the middle school has announced the addition of Josh Chatham as their new Assistant Principal. Chatham will replace Brian Matthews, who recently became the new Lumpkin County High School principal.
27 on Park Boutique Hotel and Venue owner Dustin Kennedy is hoping for a variance that would allow for his sign to remain on the edge of this South Park Street property.

27 on Park Boutique Hotel and Venue owner Dustin Kennedy is hoping for a variance that would allow for his sign to remain on the edge of this South Park Street property.

Hotel sign could lead to fines from City

Matt Aiken
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
It all comes down to a matter of three feet and two inches for the owner of a recently renovated hotel in downtown Dahlonega. Last month, Dustin Kennedy was served notice that the sign in front of 27 on Park Boutique Hotel and Venue was too tall and out of compliance with City sign laws.
An image from the qPublic.net website shows parcel 064 065, where the new kayak takeout will be located. Heritage Drive cuts through the center of the property, with Chestatee River access visible on the south end.

An image from the qPublic.net website shows parcel 064 065, where the new kayak takeout will be located. Heritage Drive cuts through the center of the property, with Chestatee River access visible on the south end.

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Riverfront business site approved for Commissioner

Keith Murden
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Commissioner Rhett Stringer made a voluntary appearance before the County Planning Commission last Monday to hear any public concerns with a proposed expansion of his business Chestatee River Adventures.  Stringer plans to add an auxiliary kayak take-out and parking area on a separate 4.
Parks & Rec Manager Tim Towe (center) reviews summer sports registration with members of the Citizens Advisory Committee at Pinetree Recreation Center.

Parks & Rec Manager Tim Towe (center) reviews summer sports registration with members of the Citizens Advisory Committee at Pinetree Recreation Center.

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Parks & Rec surge in signups a ‘good problem’

Keith Murden
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
The Lumpkin County Parks & Recreation department has experienced a surge in sign-ups for its athletic programs in the wake of recent sports successes within the school system.