Local

LCSO investigators are working to track down the suspect responsible for the recent theft of Shaquille O’Neal’s new custom Range Rover.

LCSO investigators are working to track down the suspect responsible for the recent theft of Shaquille O’Neal’s new custom Range Rover.

Arrest made in Shaq’s stolen SUV case

The fast-breaking case of Shaquille O’Neal’s stolen Range Rover has resulted in the apprehension of one suspected culprit over the weekend with perhaps more arrests to follow, according to officials with the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office.
The Dahlonega Nugget was honored to receive a 2025 Beacon Award from the GSBA. Pictured, from left, are Office Manager Chauna Utterback, Editor/Publisher John Bynum, Advertising Consultant Erin Riley, Sports Reporter Eligha Roper, Staff Writer Keith Murden and Executive Editor Matt Aiken.

The Dahlonega Nugget was honored to receive a 2025 Beacon Award from the GSBA. Pictured, from left, are Office Manager Chauna Utterback, Editor/Publisher John Bynum, Advertising Consultant Erin Riley, Sports Reporter Eligha Roper, Staff Writer Keith Murden and Executive Editor Matt Aiken.

The Nugget takes home GSBA Beacon Award for public education coverage

The Dahlonega Nugget was recognized at last Friday’s GSBA/GSSA convention, receiving a 2025 Beacon Award for its local coverage of public education, after being nominated by the Lumpkin County BOE; the annual event, sponsored by the Georgia School Board Association and the Georgia School...
David Horton of Holly Hills Farm demonstrates tree pruning techniques.

David Horton of Holly Hills Farm demonstrates tree pruning techniques.

Christmas tree farm ready to spread holiday cheer

Were you hoping to brighten up your home or workplace with a live Christmas tree this holiday season, but Thanksgiving obligations had you tied up like a turkey all weekend?
The 13th annual Thankful Hearts Take-N-Bake assembled a massive group of volunteers at the Lumpkin County High School cafeteria last Tuesday, which included representatives from the Lumpkin County Middle School Cheerleaders and Dahlonega Gymnastics.

The 13th annual Thankful Hearts Take-N-Bake assembled a massive group of volunteers at the Lumpkin County High School cafeteria last Tuesday, which included representatives from the Lumpkin County Middle School Cheerleaders and Dahlonega Gymnastics.

Thankful Hearts serves helpings of holiday hope

For the 13th consecutive year, Lumpkin County Family Connections held their annual Thankful Hearts Take-N-Bake program last Tuesday, and the popular charitable operation warmed the hearts and filled the stomachs of local families by preparing and handing out over 150 ready-to-cook Thanksgiving...
A pair of Lumpkin County Detention Center officers have been relieved of their duties after being charged with underage alcohol related offenses.

A pair of Lumpkin County Detention Center officers have been relieved of their duties after being charged with underage alcohol related offenses.

Two Detention Center officers dismissed after alcohol allegations

Underage consumption charges have resulted in the arrest and firing of two Lumpkin County Detention Center officers, according to officials.
A team of volunteers from the Old Fashioned Christmas Committee, along with City of Dahlonega employees, adorned the downtown tree with homemade decorations. Big crowds are expected in downtown Dahlonega for the annual Lighting of the Square this Friday. Local activities will last throughout the Christmas season.

A team of volunteers from the Old Fashioned Christmas Committee, along with City of Dahlonega employees, adorned the downtown tree with homemade decorations. Big crowds are expected in downtown Dahlonega for the annual Lighting of the Square this Friday. Local activities will last throughout the Christmas season.

Holiday festivities returning to downtown Dahlonega

It’s that special time of year again as the annual lighting of Dahlonega’s Square and downtown Christmas tree is just days away; with more than 15,000 visitors expected for the festivities, the tree on the Visitors Center plaza will be lit this Friday.
More and more listeners are catching on to Crime to Burn, a true crime podcast hosted by Dahlonega residents Leland Brand and April Musser.

More and more listeners are catching on to Crime to Burn, a true crime podcast hosted by Dahlonega residents Leland Brand and April Musser.

Crime to Burn podcast catches on for local couple

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and where there’s a particularly suspicious fire, there’s usually Dahlonega residents April Musser and Leland Brand. But don’t worry, they’re just looking for clues. As an experienced fire protection engineer, that’s just what Musser does.
Blue 42 Market and Blue 42 Organics co-owner Henry Ostaszewski inspects a cannabis bud outside his business on South Chestatee Street. The facility is licensed for growing and storage under current state law, and he hopes to obtain a processing license in the future.

Blue 42 Market and Blue 42 Organics co-owner Henry Ostaszewski inspects a cannabis bud outside his business on South Chestatee Street. The facility is licensed for growing and storage under current state law, and he hopes to obtain a processing license in the future.

Hemp ban could hit local businesses

By Keith Murden & Ty Tagami / The Nugget & Capitol Beat  -----------  A year from now, some hemp industry experts predict explosive growth in the black market for marijuana and illicit hemp consumables, that is when beverages, gummies and other consumable products containing hemp-derived THC are...
The team of Well Made Dahlonega affiliated "elves" making the Children of All Ages Tree possible include, from left, Thomas Scanlin, Tommye Scanlin, Diana Robles, Lily Vander Veen, Megan Noble, Leah Basso, Lucy Basso, Levi Hansard, Charlotte Sessions and Baymax Sessions.

The team of Well Made Dahlonega affiliated "elves" making the Children of All Ages Tree possible include, from left, Thomas Scanlin, Tommye Scanlin, Diana Robles, Lily Vander Veen, Megan Noble, Leah Basso, Lucy Basso, Levi Hansard, Charlotte Sessions and Baymax Sessions.

Crafty tree decorating making a comeback on Square

All that glitters in downtown Dahlonega on November 28 is not gold, it’s probably just actual glitter, in fact, you could say a full-on Glitter Alert is in effect for the north side of the square between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m. that evening.
It was standing-room only in City Hall on Monday as local residents expressed their concerns about a proposed townhome development off Highway 60.

It was standing-room only in City Hall on Monday as local residents expressed their concerns about a proposed townhome development off Highway 60.

Townhome development draws mixed City reaction

By Keith Murden & Matt Aiken / The Nugget  -----------  It was a tale of two public hearings for a newly proposed townhome development that may be headed to Highway 60 next to the River Knoll Community and St. Peter Lutheran Church.