Local

Pictured inside the Parks & Rec kitchen are (from left) Front Desk Associates Cali Timms and Cody Jackson, Chef Steve Hewins and Administrative Coordinator Scarlet Shumate.

Pictured inside the Parks & Rec kitchen are (from left) Front Desk Associates Cali Timms and Cody Jackson, Chef Steve Hewins and Administrative Coordinator Scarlet Shumate.

Exclusive Content

Chef Hewins cooks up new flavor-filled event for Senior Center

Keith Murden
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Have you ever wondered what the real differences are between “American Italian” food and authentic Italian cuisine?  It is a question that all 63 members of the Lumpkin County Senior Center will get to discover for themselves, and in the best way possible: by getting to sample the real thing.
On stage in the new Holly Theater production are (from left) Kate Keller, played by Lindsey Guest; Captain Keller, played by Joe Goode; Helen Keller, played by Peytonrose McLarrin; Annie Sullivan, played by Ana Cordero; Aunt Ev, played by Anne Hallum; and James Keller, played by Colin Lamons.

On stage in the new Holly Theater production are (from left) Kate Keller, played by Lindsey Guest; Captain Keller, played by Joe Goode; Helen Keller, played by Peytonrose McLarrin; Annie Sullivan, played by Ana Cordero; Aunt Ev, played by Anne Hallum; and James Keller, played by Colin Lamons.

Exclusive Content

Miracle Worker shares compelling story of Helen Keller

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
By David Zunker / Theater Writer  -------------  No one knows a theatre production better than its director, and by the time a play is ready for an audience, it has had months of preparation—from production planning to auditions, casting, rehearsals, and the anxiety-laden lead-up to opening night.
A design schematic shown at the recent County retreat illustrates what different sides of the new animal shelter facility on Red Oak Flats Road will look like.

A design schematic shown at the recent County retreat illustrates what different sides of the new animal shelter facility on Red Oak Flats Road will look like.

Exclusive Content

County projects include new animal shelter and more

Keith Murden
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
A new $2.5 million County animal shelter is one of several large capital projects for 2026, according to a presentation made during the Board of Commissioners’ recent out-of-town retreat in Helen.
One wartime letter by Marion Hatcher included a French bank note, presumably intended for a younger sibling. “By the way I’m sending you two Francs to put in Junior’s penny bank (That’s four cents to you!),” Hatcher wrote to his parents.

One wartime letter by Marion Hatcher included a French bank note, presumably intended for a younger sibling. “By the way I’m sending you two Francs to put in Junior’s penny bank (That’s four cents to you!),” Hatcher wrote to his parents.

Exclusive Content

Local cadet and WWII hero remembered for sacrifice

Keith Murden
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
University of North Georgia Cadet Marion “Shrimp” Hatcher made the ultimate sacrifice while defending the free world from Nazi aggression during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.
Cottrell Elementary School teacher Samantha Cochenour and her son Gabe co-authored one of her new children’s books together: Earth’s Best Friend: The Tiny Tale of Salamander Sam.

Cottrell Elementary School teacher Samantha Cochenour and her son Gabe co-authored one of her new children’s books together: Earth’s Best Friend: The Tiny Tale of Salamander Sam.

Exclusive Content

Salamander Sam stars in local teacher’s new book

Keith Murden
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Cottrell Elementary Teacher of the Year Samantha Cochenour can add another exciting accomplishment to her resumé, as of this January, the successful second grade educator is now a children’s author as well.
Pictured at last week’s pinning ceremony are (from left) Deputy Chief Tim Stowers, Sergeant Stephen Lively, Sergeant Frank Colinet, Sergeant Jeremy Boldin, Sergeant Paul Walthrop, Sergeant Joseph Solomon and Chief David Wimpy.

Pictured at last week’s pinning ceremony are (from left) Deputy Chief Tim Stowers, Sergeant Stephen Lively, Sergeant Frank Colinet, Sergeant Jeremy Boldin, Sergeant Paul Walthrop, Sergeant Joseph Solomon and Chief David Wimpy.

Exclusive Content

Fire Department celebrates new sergeants

Keith Murden
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
It was a celebratory scene inside the garage of Dahlonega’s Fire Station 1 last Thursday, as a group of five dedicated men, surrounded by friends and family, accepted the new rank of sergeant within Lumpkin County Fire/EMS services.
Commissioner Dr. Bobby Mayfield shares his thoughts during a recent working retreat at Unicoi State Park Lodge in Helen. Additional folding tables and chairs were brought in to accommodate Lumpkin residents who traveled to attend the meeting.

Commissioner Dr. Bobby Mayfield shares his thoughts during a recent working retreat at Unicoi State Park Lodge in Helen. Additional folding tables and chairs were brought in to accommodate Lumpkin residents who traveled to attend the meeting.

Exclusive Content

Ordinance overhaul considered by County

Keith Murden
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
It was technically labeled a “retreat” on the official announcement, but the Board of Commissioners probably didn’t feel like they had been on vacation after a marathon five-hour-long meeting at Unicoi State Park Lodge on Friday.
James Brady from North Georgia Today records the action during this month’s regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Ironically, a staff proposal to livestream County meetings was on the agenda the same evening.

James Brady from North Georgia Today records the action during this month’s regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Ironically, a staff proposal to livestream County meetings was on the agenda the same evening.

Exclusive Content

Debate over video streaming for County meetings is on hold

Keith Murden
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
A proposal put forward earlier this month to stream video of local Board of Commissioners meetings online remains stuck in development limbo for at least another month.
Students at the University of North Georgia made the most of the snow and ice mix over the weekend as they turned the hill in front of the library into a sledding zone. (Photo by Natalee Schiffhauer)

Students at the University of North Georgia made the most of the snow and ice mix over the weekend as they turned the hill in front of the library into a sledding zone. (Photo by Natalee Schiffhauer)

Exclusive Content

Wintry weekend puts town on ice

Matt Aiken
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
A few frigid, frozen days left Dahlonega and Lumpkin County encased in a layer of glistening ice that made travel treacherous and left many in the dark over the weekend, while also providing plenty of slippery sledding for cold weather thrill seekers.
This spring, local voters will go to the polls to decide a special election and other races for the Lumpkin County Commission.

This spring, local voters will go to the polls to decide a special election and other races for the Lumpkin County Commission.

Exclusive Content

Upcoming election year could prove pivotal for Lumpkin

Keith Murden
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
An expected reshuffling of the Board of Commissioners in 2026 will usher in a slightly unusual election year in Lumpkin County, in May of 2025 State Senator Steve Gooch announced he would not seek re-election and instead would pursue a bid for Lieutenant Governor. That same month, District 9 Rep.