News

Members of the Native American Committee met last week inside The Venue at 223 to make some design choices for a new County park on Rock House Road.

Members of the Native American Committee met last week inside The Venue at 223 to make some design choices for a new County park on Rock House Road.

New reservoir park to have Native American heritage

The Lumpkin County Native American Advisory Committee met last Thursday to develop a recommendation on the aesthetics of the new County park set to be built on Rock House Road next year.
“No trespassing” signs delineate private property near the Etowah River bridge on Ga. Hwy. 52, a popular put-in spot for local floaters and paddlers. The Etowah is not technically considered navigable, so its waters could be restricted if the property on both sides is marked private.

“No trespassing” signs delineate private property near the Etowah River bridge on Ga. Hwy. 52, a popular put-in spot for local floaters and paddlers. The Etowah is not technically considered navigable, so its waters could be restricted if the property on both sides is marked private.

River rights regulations remain murky

North Georgia area paddlers and fishermen concerned about losing future access to outdoor recreation were provided with no additional clarity after a December 2 final report of the Georgia House Study Committee on Navigable Streams and Related Matters.
UNG student Vaughan Duncan assisted Dahlonega City Engineer Mark Buchanan and City Manager Allison Martin by creating a rendering of a pedestrian bridge that will be built soon.

UNG student Vaughan Duncan assisted Dahlonega City Engineer Mark Buchanan and City Manager Allison Martin by creating a rendering of a pedestrian bridge that will be built soon.

Pedestrian bridge is on the way for reservoir

The City is working hard to build new bridges in the community, and not just in a metaphorical sense.
The Board of Education has authorized a special election on March 18, 2025 to decide whether a one percent Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax will replace the current expiring tax.

The Board of Education has authorized a special election on March 18, 2025 to decide whether a one percent Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax will replace the current expiring tax.

Schools gear up for next big E-SPLOST vote

At the same time the school system is preparing to deal with the ramifications of House Bill 581 on January 1, they are also engaging with another tax-related issue that comes into play in the new year.
Sharon Hall passed away in her sleep Sunday night. The popular and longtime Nugget staff writer had a reputation for using her reporting talents to promote local non-profits.

Sharon Hall passed away in her sleep Sunday night. The popular and longtime Nugget staff writer had a reputation for using her reporting talents to promote local non-profits.

Remembering Sharon Hall, a longtime reporter who made a difference

Sharon Hall, beloved mother, grandmother, longtime Nugget reporter and champion of local non-profits, died Sunday night. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 74 in her home in Jacksonville, Fla. She leaves behind a town full of friends, adopted family members and admirers.
ABOVE: This year, Santa and Mrs. Claus provided just the right amount of holiday magic to illuminate the lights on the tree in front of the Visitors Center and all around the downtown Dahlonega area.  BELOW: Bells and Whistles perform at the lighting of the Festival of Tress in Hancock Park.

ABOVE: This year, Santa and Mrs. Claus provided just the right amount of holiday magic to illuminate the lights on the tree in front of the Visitors Center and all around the downtown Dahlonega area. BELOW: Bells and Whistles perform at the lighting of the Festival of Tress in Hancock Park.

Dahlonega celebrates arrival of Christmas with Lighting of the Square

The joy of the Christmas season was in the air last Friday as thousands of visitors and locals gathered to celebrate the annual lighting of the Public Square.
Ashley Letendre has taught second, third, fourth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades. This is her first Teacher of the Year win.

Ashley Letendre has taught second, third, fourth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades. This is her first Teacher of the Year win.

Letendre named top teacher at Long Branch

Third grade teacher Ashley Letendre has been named the 2025 Teacher of the Year representing Long Branch Elementary School. Letendre brings to the table a combined 17 years of elementary and middle school teaching expertise, including in other states with significantly larger school systems.
Barn Hill Tree Farm in Dahlonega is participating in the annual Trees for Troops charity program for the second year in a row. Pictured from left are Ed and Linda Mannino with their son, Matthew.

Barn Hill Tree Farm in Dahlonega is participating in the annual Trees for Troops charity program for the second year in a row. Pictured from left are Ed and Linda Mannino with their son, Matthew.

Tree farm in Dahlonega is branching out

Giving back to the men and women of the U.S. military is a priority for local husband and wife entrepreneurs Ed and Linda Mannino.
Local residents salute the Blue Ridge Rifles and the cadets from the University of North Georgia during last week’s Veterans Day parade in Dahlonega. (Photo by John Bynum)

Local residents salute the Blue Ridge Rifles and the cadets from the University of North Georgia during last week’s Veterans Day parade in Dahlonega. (Photo by John Bynum)

The Nugget salutes Veterans in special section

A star-spangled salute is in order for Dahlonega’s veterans this week. Your hometown newspaper is joining with local businesses and organizations to salute the contributions and sacrifices of Lumpkin County residents who have proudly served their country in the Armed Forces!