Local

Afzal Kutty of the local “Disco” Marathon gas station was recently recognized by Lumpkin County Fire Chief David Wimpy (left) and Fire Marshal Chris Maloney. Kutty acted quickly on the night of January 15 to extinguish a blaze that occurred after a driver of a Jeep lost control and collided with the gas pump.

Afzal Kutty of the local “Disco” Marathon gas station was recently recognized by Lumpkin County Fire Chief David Wimpy (left) and Fire Marshal Chris Maloney. Kutty acted quickly on the night of January 15 to extinguish a blaze that occurred after a driver of a Jeep lost control and collided with the gas pump.

Exclusive Content

Station manager praised for fire response

Keith Murden
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
By Keith Murden The Nugget Store Manager Afzal Kutty had to act fast when an out-of-control Jeep barreled into a gas pump at the Marathon convenience store on the evening of January 15.
The Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Visitors Bureau supported the County’s decision to recommend an increase in the hotel/motel tax, noting that the additional revenue could be utilized for future tourism development.

The Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Visitors Bureau supported the County’s decision to recommend an increase in the hotel/motel tax, noting that the additional revenue could be utilized for future tourism development.

Exclusive Content

Hotel tax increase in the works for County

Keith Murden
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
The Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners has taken the first step towards an increase in the hotel/motel tax from five to eight percent for overnight accommodations in the unincorporated areas of the county.
LCHS Guidance Counselor Kate Jarrard works to facilitate a peaceful and productive educational environment for students.

LCHS Guidance Counselor Kate Jarrard works to facilitate a peaceful and productive educational environment for students.

Exclusive Content

Jarrard helps guide students to success

Keith Murden
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Lumpkin County High School Guidance Counselor Kate Jarrard may be new to the Dahlonega area, but the first-year administrator knows a thing or two about helping students through tough times.
The Board of Commissioners hinted that there could be revisions to the Lumpkin County Recycling and Transfer Station’s lease agreement in the coming months, as the County looks to recommendations from its newly-formed Recycling and Litter Committee.

The Board of Commissioners hinted that there could be revisions to the Lumpkin County Recycling and Transfer Station’s lease agreement in the coming months, as the County looks to recommendations from its newly-formed Recycling and Litter Committee.

Exclusive Content

Recycling committee hopes to revamp program

Keith Murden
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
The Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners is searching for a way to salvage the local recycling program by forming a nine-person Recycling and Litter Committee.
The Dahlonega City Council and the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners remain locked in a legal dispute over the percentage split of the LOST tax.

The Dahlonega City Council and the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners remain locked in a legal dispute over the percentage split of the LOST tax.

Exclusive Content

Legal bills add up in county-city clash

News Staff
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
By Matt Aiken & Keith Murden / The Nugget                 As the ongoing lawsuit between the Lumpkin County government and the City of Dahlonega has stretched into its fourth month, the legal bills are starting to show it.
Construction vehicles mobilize in front of Cottrell Elementary, near the future site of the new recreation center.

Construction vehicles mobilize in front of Cottrell Elementary, near the future site of the new recreation center.

Exclusive Content

New pool and school construction progressing

Keith Murden
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
There’s plenty of progress to be seen at the end of Pinetree Way these days as construction rolls along at the new elementary school and the upcoming aquatic center.
A search of a Lewis School Road residence turned up a sizable amount of illegal drugs last week, according to officials from the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office.

A search of a Lewis School Road residence turned up a sizable amount of illegal drugs last week, according to officials from the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office.

Exclusive Content

Drug bust results in trafficking charges

Matt Aiken
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
A drug bust at a Lewis School Road residence reportedly turned up an ammo can filled with a significant amount of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl last Tuesday.
It’s the time of year for local runners and walkers to hit the pavement for many fundraising events.

It’s the time of year for local runners and walkers to hit the pavement for many fundraising events.

Exclusive Content

OUR VIEW: It’s time for some fit fundraising

News Staff
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
The Wimpy Mile is Dahlonega’s most aptly named footrace. And we don’t think the Sunrise Rotary Club race organizers would take offense to that. It’s what they were going for when they came up with the clever idea to create a fundraising event that’s open to even the most novice of racers.
Robert Edmondson, a Blackburn Elementary driver for 12 years, brings his shiny school bus in for routine inspection.

Robert Edmondson, a Blackburn Elementary driver for 12 years, brings his shiny school bus in for routine inspection.

Exclusive Content

Lumpkin school bus department earns high marks

Keith Murden
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
The Lumpkin County School System’s Transportation Department has once again earned high marks from state inspectors for the organization and cleanliness of its school bus maintenance facility.
A chase across county lines resulted in a collision on Highway 52 when suspect Jody Shea allegedly struck a Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office patrol car. (Photo courtesy of LCSO)

A chase across county lines resulted in a collision on Highway 52 when suspect Jody Shea allegedly struck a Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office patrol car. (Photo courtesy of LCSO)

Exclusive Content

Elusive suspect caught after car chase

Matt Aiken
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
A wild chase across county lines resulted in minor injuries and major charges for a Chatsworth man last Monday.