Local

The discovery of a "chopped" stolen van led to multiple arrests last week.

The discovery of a "chopped" stolen van led to multiple arrests last week.

Stolen van leads to 'chop-shop'

It’s been a while since Sheriff Stacy Jarrard has seen an active chop shop. But that’s the best way to describe the garage of Wendell Patrick, according to deputies with the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office.
Lumpkin County Administration Building

Lumpkin County Administration Building

Planning commission 'conflict' creates debate

By Matt Aiken & Jake Cantrell The Nugget A closely-watched variance request and a questionable recusal by a board member has resulted in a sudden change of procedure for the Lumpkin County Planning Commission.
The Georgia Power contracted helicopter has been hovering all around Lumpkin County lately. Officials say clean up crews are one or two weeks behind.

The Georgia Power contracted helicopter has been hovering all around Lumpkin County lately. Officials say clean up crews are one or two weeks behind.

Limb chopping copter trims around power-lines

A Georgia Power contracted helicopter has been doing a bit of high-flying pruning lately. And it has not gone unnoticed by local residents.
A search last week turned up an estimated $30,000 worth of methamphetamine, which was reportedly ready for distribution.

A search last week turned up an estimated $30,000 worth of methamphetamine, which was reportedly ready for distribution.

Trafficking drug bust results in four arrests

A sweeping search of a Lewis School Road home last Tuesday morning turned up 295 grams of packaged methamphetamine, totaling an estimated $30,000 and reportedly ready for distribution, according to officials from the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office.
Lumpkin County Midde School

Lumpkin County Midde School

Parent presents political concerns to school board

For a third month in a row, tensions were high at the Lumpkin County Schools’ monthly Board of Education meeting due to public comments made during the Community Engagement portion of the meeting, held on April 12.
South Enotah Child Advocacy Center members are, from left, Executive Director Rebekah Perethian, Forensic Interviewer Kylee Martin, Family Advocate Carlyn Hearn, Facility Dog Jake Martin and, front, Family Advocate Megan Holcombe.

South Enotah Child Advocacy Center members are, from left, Executive Director Rebekah Perethian, Forensic Interviewer Kylee Martin, Family Advocate Carlyn Hearn, Facility Dog Jake Martin and, front, Family Advocate Megan Holcombe.

Local groups team up to bring awareness to Child Abuse Prevention

Lumpkin County Family Connection, Enotah CASA and South Enotah Child Advocacy Center have joined forces this April to bring community awareness to National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Prevent Child Abuse Georgia adds its support and voice to the mix as well.
During the April 5 meeting, the Dahlonega city council approved revisions to the Reservoir Management Plan and now it will be sent back to the state EPD director for approval.

During the April 5 meeting, the Dahlonega city council approved revisions to the Reservoir Management Plan and now it will be sent back to the state EPD director for approval.

Reservoir swimming proposed by city, awaits EPD approval

By Jennifer Ramsay & John Bynum / The Nugget The City of Dahlonega is diving into a plan that could eventually lead to recreational swimming at Lake Zwerner and Yahoola Creek Reservoir. The idea is part of the overall long-term plan for the local reservoir.
UNG will host four town halls on its Dahlonega, Blue Ridge and Gainesville campuses and online to provide information about the COVID-19 vaccine.  (Photo by PEGGY COZART/UNG)

UNG will host four town halls on its Dahlonega, Blue Ridge and Gainesville campuses and online to provide information about the COVID-19 vaccine. (Photo by PEGGY COZART/UNG)

UNG town halls will explore science behind COVID-19 vaccines

The University of North Georgia will host a town hall meeting on April 19 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. with  UNG biology lecturer Dr. Amy Anderson in the Hoag Student Center Room 342 on the Dahlonega campus. Up to 42 people can take part in person due to social distancing.
Cicadas

Cicadas

Cicada invasion may swarm this way

They’re big. They’re loud. And if things go according to plan, they could be swarming our way this spring. Though, in a way, the cicada invasion has been here for years. “They’re sort of underground,” said Clark McAllister of the UGA Cooperative Extension. “They stay in the soil and feed off roots.
The Lumpkin County Swiftwater Rescue Team, including, from left, Chris Maloney, Derrick Haney, Eric Wimpy and Brennan Powell prepare to launch into the flood swollen waters at Golden Avenue. (Photo courtesy of David Wimpy)

The Lumpkin County Swiftwater Rescue Team, including, from left, Chris Maloney, Derrick Haney, Eric Wimpy and Brennan Powell prepare to launch into the flood swollen waters at Golden Avenue. (Photo courtesy of David Wimpy)

River rescue required after flash flooding

Chief David Wimpy has seen a lot of floods in his days as head of Lumpkin County Emergency Services, but nothing like last week. “I’ve been here all my life and that is the most rain I’ve seen that quick,” he said. “Ever. It was something.