Local

Through her writing, Dr. Laurie Hyatt wants to help people discover true happiness in themselves.

Through her writing, Dr. Laurie Hyatt wants to help people discover true happiness in themselves.

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Local author is helping others to find happiness

Keith Murden
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Dr. Laurie Hyatt has already had a prolific career that has included years of practicing counseling and teaching psychology at the college level.
ConnectAbility board member Sarah Snyder (left) and Director of Innovation & Operations Jessica “Bird” Brown are ready for a brand new season of Race for a Reason. The program provides custom equipment and group transportation as needed, and is looking for volunteers and participants of all ability levels.

ConnectAbility board member Sarah Snyder (left) and Director of Innovation & Operations Jessica “Bird” Brown are ready for a brand new season of Race for a Reason. The program provides custom equipment and group transportation as needed, and is looking for volunteers and participants of all ability levels.

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ConnectAbility is ready to ‘Race for a Reason’

Keith Murden
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
With spring weather right around the corner, most folks have a natural impulse to get out and get fit, but so often those good intentions gradually erode under the weight of everyday excuses.
Mayor Sam Norton points to a large map highlighting Dahlonega’s Planned Unit Development zones during last month’s City Retreat.

Mayor Sam Norton points to a large map highlighting Dahlonega’s Planned Unit Development zones during last month’s City Retreat.

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City seeks housing shortage fix

Keith Murden
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Establishing a clear vision for housing was a key theme of the Dahlonega City Council’s recent two-day annual retreat in Rome, Ga as the Council discussed various methods of attracting attainable starter housing to Dahlonega, while City staff touted the recent acceptance of Dahlonega into the...
Dr. Joe Chapman will perform on March 16 at 7:30 in the Hoag Auditorium on the UNG campus. Admission is free and all are welcomed.

Dr. Joe Chapman will perform on March 16 at 7:30 in the Hoag Auditorium on the UNG campus. Admission is free and all are welcomed.

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UNG’s piano man ready for March 16 concert

News Staff
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
By Natalee Schiffhauer / The Nugget  --------------  Where does inspiration come from?  Many will say they find it in family members and teachers. For Dr. Joe Chapman, senior lecturer and piano professor at the University of North Georgia (UNG), this was certainly true.
A list of qualified candidates was posted at the Lumpkin County Election & Registration Office shortly after deadline last Friday.

A list of qualified candidates was posted at the Lumpkin County Election & Registration Office shortly after deadline last Friday.

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Crowd of local candidates vie for elected office

Matt Aiken
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
The qualifying deadline was at noon on Friday. Less than two hours later, all the names were printed and posted on the outside of the Lumpkin County Election & Registration Office. And that list was lengthy. All in all, more than a dozen candidates signed on to run for local offices.
The Lumpkin County Board of Education approved the acquisition of two new school buses during their March meeting.

The Lumpkin County Board of Education approved the acquisition of two new school buses during their March meeting.

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School system considers solutions for bus driver shortage

Keith Murden
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
The ride is about to get less heated for some school bus riders—and drivers—thanks to the use of some state funds. On Monday night, the Lumpkin County Board of Education voted to add two new school buses to the local fleet using money from the state’s 2026 pupil transportation allotment.
Lumpkin County High School Athletics Director Steve Horton has been named the new principal of White County High School for the 2026/2027 school year.

Lumpkin County High School Athletics Director Steve Horton has been named the new principal of White County High School for the 2026/2027 school year.

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LCHS Athletics Director Horton will become new principal in White County

News Staff
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
By Eligha Roper & Keith Murden / The Nugget  ---------------  It has been five years since Steve Horton stepped into the role of Athletics Director at Lumpkin County High School, in that time school records have been set, local athletic programs have been rebuilt, and the hope of a win on gameday...
Mayor Sam Norton (pictured from left), City Council members Ross Shirley and Dan Brown discuss topics at last week’s off-site retreat, which was held in Rome. One topic was the proposal of a convention center that could attract new business and tourists during off-peak days and seasons.

Mayor Sam Norton (pictured from left), City Council members Ross Shirley and Dan Brown discuss topics at last week’s off-site retreat, which was held in Rome. One topic was the proposal of a convention center that could attract new business and tourists during off-peak days and seasons.

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City leaders discuss possible convention center during retreat

Keith Murden
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
The possibility of a new convention center coming to the former hospital building on Crown Mountain was one of the more interesting ideas floated during the Dahlonega City Council’s recent “Off-Site Retreat.
Lumpkin County’s Landon Pierce goes up for a basket against Chestatee.

Lumpkin County’s Landon Pierce goes up for a basket against Chestatee.

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LCHS basketball teams had a great season

Eligha Roper
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
This season was something special as both of our local high school basketball teams put together impressive runs. I honestly think these were the best combined seasons for both teams since I’ve worked at The Nugget.