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Heavy machinery and crews have begun the work to make Lumpkin's new aquatic center, estimated to cost upwards of $6 million. County officials estimate the interior pools of the aquatic center could open as early as April 2022, with the exterior area welcoming its first guests later that summer.

Heavy machinery and crews have begun the work to make Lumpkin's new aquatic center, estimated to cost upwards of $6 million. County officials estimate the interior pools of the aquatic center could open as early as April 2022, with the exterior area welcoming its first guests later that summer.

Pool plan makes Olympic-size splash

Jake Cantrell
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
People in the swimming community call it “new water.” Lumpkin County Manager Stan Kelley calls it a huge opportunity.
Lumpkin County Sheriff Stacy Jarrard speaks to the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners meeting on March 16 about a proposed sound ordinance.

Lumpkin County Sheriff Stacy Jarrard speaks to the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners meeting on March 16 about a proposed sound ordinance.

Noise law proposal stirs up debate

Jake Cantrell
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Local pastor Lyman Caldwell asked his congregation to help him pray for a solution to his unrest regarding some noisy neighbors at the conclusion of a recent sermon.
COVID

COVID

COVID cases slow as vaccine availability picks up speed

Matt Aiken
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
A rare notice went out from District 2 health departments Monday afternoon alerting residents that vaccine appointments were ready and waiting for those eligible. “Recent shipments have given us enough vaccine to open up more appointments for residents,” said Alan Satterfield, Director of Nursing.
Dr. Lesley Simanton-Coogan, director of UNG's George E. Coleman Sr. Planetarium, will present a pre-recorded show called "Wonder Women of Astrophysics" for the Dahlonega Science Festival. It will be shown on the planetarium's YouTube page. The festival will be March 5-6.

Dr. Lesley Simanton-Coogan, director of UNG's George E. Coleman Sr. Planetarium, will present a pre-recorded show called "Wonder Women of Astrophysics" for the Dahlonega Science Festival. It will be shown on the planetarium's YouTube page. The festival will be March 5-6.

Dahlonega Science Festival flips to virtually interactive event March 5-6

News Staff
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
By J.K. Devine / UNG Reports Interactive is the key phrase for this year's Dahlonega Science Festival on March 5-6, as organizers transition to a virtual platform because of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Our goal is to bring science education opportunities to the community," said Dr.
The Garnto’s new home is ready to roll out at any moment as Matt and JoAnna and their children recently made the move into a converted Gillig bus.

The Garnto’s new home is ready to roll out at any moment as Matt and JoAnna and their children recently made the move into a converted Gillig bus.

Family turns big bus into tiny home

Matt Aiken
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Alistair Garnto had one major concern when he found out his family was making a big move into a tiny home bus. “He regretted not having a place to wrestle,” said his mother JoAnna. Not to worry, seven year old Alistair and his five year old brother Laine quickly found a workable solution.
Long Branch SRO Nick Parrish was slimed in celebration of exceeding the school's original fundraising goal, much to the pleasure of LBES students (from left) Ellie Flynt, Micah Smith and Briley Seabolt.

Long Branch SRO Nick Parrish was slimed in celebration of exceeding the school's original fundraising goal, much to the pleasure of LBES students (from left) Ellie Flynt, Micah Smith and Briley Seabolt.

Deputy is a good sport for kids fundraiser

Jake Cantrell
Thursday, February 11, 2021
It started with water, flour, green Jello powder and some baby shampoo. And an $8,000 proposition. “We were told if the kids raised $8,000 we would do slime and I said ‘Heck yeah, I’m all about that,’” said Long Branch Elementary School Resource Officer Nick Parrish.
TLC Humane Society's lead caregiver Christine Sheppard shares a moment with Annie (left) and Buckle, a pair of bonded dogs at the shelter. Bonded pairs tend to be overlooked when it comes to adopting a new pet, as most applicants only plan on adopting one animal at a time, causing animals like Annie and Buckle to spend a longer than average time at the shelter.

TLC Humane Society's lead caregiver Christine Sheppard shares a moment with Annie (left) and Buckle, a pair of bonded dogs at the shelter. Bonded pairs tend to be overlooked when it comes to adopting a new pet, as most applicants only plan on adopting one animal at a time, causing animals like Annie and Buckle to spend a longer than average time at the shelter.

TLC looking for loving homes for pets

Jake Cantrell
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
For many local pets, TLC Humane Society is little more than a rest stop on the way to finding a “forever home.
Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners approved the first round of designs, which consisted of the outdoor water park portion of the aquatic center including a splash pad, lazy river and water slide.

Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners approved the first round of designs, which consisted of the outdoor water park portion of the aquatic center including a splash pad, lazy river and water slide.

Exclusive Content

County plunges into new pool planning

Jake Cantrell
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
Plans to begin the Cottrell Aquatic Center were passed by Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners in early November, putting an end to a two year chase to secure funding for the project and starting a new journey: actually building it.