Local

Lumpkin County voters will choose between incumbent Stacy Jarrard and challenger Matt Cook in the race for sheriff.

Lumpkin County voters will choose between incumbent Stacy Jarrard and challenger Matt Cook in the race for sheriff.

Sheriff’s race heats up as early voting is underway

Who will be the next sheriff of Lumpkin County? That will be determined in the coming weeks, as early voting is currently underway in the race between incumbent Stacy Jarrard and challenger Matt Cook.
A fire team of Rangers from the U.S. Army’s 5th Ranger Training Battalion demonstrate a “fast rope” insertion from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Camp Frank D. Merrill on Saturday.

A fire team of Rangers from the U.S. Army’s 5th Ranger Training Battalion demonstrate a “fast rope” insertion from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Camp Frank D. Merrill on Saturday.

Army Rangers wow visitors at annual open house

Mountain training is an essential part of becoming an Army Ranger.  And for decades that training has occurred right here in Dahlonega. Each year, the U.S.
This year’s BOC chairman race is between incumbent Chris Dockery and challenger Steve Shaw.

This year’s BOC chairman race is between incumbent Chris Dockery and challenger Steve Shaw.

BOC Chairman candidate discusses future of county

It’s a two-man race for the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners Chair as incumbent Chris Dockery is currently facing off against challenger Steve Shaw this election cycle.
UNG President Michael Shannon and First Lady Jessica Shannon lead the way through the new gates on the drill field in Dahlonega. (Photo courtesy of UNG)

UNG President Michael Shannon and First Lady Jessica Shannon lead the way through the new gates on the drill field in Dahlonega. (Photo courtesy of UNG)

UNG drill field gets new gate & enhancements

An all-star group of University of North Georgia alumni marked the beginning of a new era for the Gen. William "Lipp" Livsey Drill Field last week. A total of 25 retired and active duty U.S.
A proposed Watershed Protection Area depicts the 400 Corridor shaded in light blue. Bodies of water in the overlapping “Minimum Sewer Service Area” must be monitored to comply with permitting requirements for the Cane Branch Wastewater Treatment Plant.

A proposed Watershed Protection Area depicts the 400 Corridor shaded in light blue. Bodies of water in the overlapping “Minimum Sewer Service Area” must be monitored to comply with permitting requirements for the Cane Branch Wastewater Treatment Plant.

New wastewater treatment plant in development for 400 Corridor

Plans for a new Cane Branch Wastewater Treatment Plant in the 400 Corridor came into focus this month during a special joint meeting of the Lumpkin County Water & Sewer Authority and the Board of Commissioners.
Matthew Cootware, incumbent Bobby Mayfield, and Jeramy Nye are all vying for the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners District 2 seat.  The Nugget caught up with each candidate for a Q&A.

Matthew Cootware, incumbent Bobby Mayfield, and Jeramy Nye are all vying for the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners District 2 seat. The Nugget caught up with each candidate for a Q&A.

Candidates to face off in County Commission District 2 election

The three-way race for the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners is well underway as Matthew Cootware, Jeramy Nye and incumbent Bobby Mayfield are all vying for the District 2 seat. This week The Nugget caught up with each candidate for a round of election-related questions.
A public hearing was held on Courthouse Hill last week to amend Chapter 27, Sec. 2.2.3 of the County Code of Ordinances to allow hotel/motel activity in restricted development areas.

A public hearing was held on Courthouse Hill last week to amend Chapter 27, Sec. 2.2.3 of the County Code of Ordinances to allow hotel/motel activity in restricted development areas.

County changes restrictions for hotels in Code of Ordinances

The Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners approved significant changes to the Code of Ordinances regarding hotels and motels during a sparsely-attended public hearing last week.
Pictured, from left, Lumpkin Literacy Chair Emeritus Geoffrey Kridel, UNG First Lady Jessica Shannon, UNG President Michael Shannon, Lumpkin Literacy Chair Caroline Smith, and Dr. Brian Corrigan were all smiles as UNG presented a check for $5,000 to Lumpkin Literacy. (Photo by Keith Murden / The Nugget)

Pictured, from left, Lumpkin Literacy Chair Emeritus Geoffrey Kridel, UNG First Lady Jessica Shannon, UNG President Michael Shannon, Lumpkin Literacy Chair Caroline Smith, and Dr. Brian Corrigan were all smiles as UNG presented a check for $5,000 to Lumpkin Literacy. (Photo by Keith Murden / The Nugget)

Professor conjures magic at literacy fundraiser

Long-time University of North Georigia professor Dr. Brian Jay Corrigan cast a spell on the audience last Monday during a dinner and show to benefit Lumpkin Literacy. The event was presented by University of North Georgia First Lady Jessica Shannon.
City Attorney Doug Parks explains an unusual voting procedure to members of the Dahlonega Planning Commission.

City Attorney Doug Parks explains an unusual voting procedure to members of the Dahlonega Planning Commission.

Future of City murals still up for discussion

The Dahlonega Planning Commission met once again last Tuesday to discuss possible changes to the City’s signage ordinance.
The blue circled area in this aerial photo shows a possible site for a new recycling and household garbage center near the Transfer Station. The dark line represents the boundary of the capped landfill area.

The blue circled area in this aerial photo shows a possible site for a new recycling and household garbage center near the Transfer Station. The dark line represents the boundary of the capped landfill area.

Recycling plan reworked again by County

At their April 2 work session, the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners unveiled changes to the recycling plan that, if implemented, will diverge from the original recommendations of the County Recycling Committee.