At the recent City Council meeting, Faith Mihok, of Faithfully Testify, reiterated that she had done everything that was asked of her to secure the Hancock Park pavilion on Halloween night. Sabrina Walker (left) of Spirits Tavern has hosted an event in the park for two years on the same evening.

At the recent City Council meeting, Faith Mihok, of Faithfully Testify, reiterated that she had done everything that was asked of her to secure the Hancock Park pavilion on Halloween night. Sabrina Walker (left) of Spirits Tavern has hosted an event in the park for two years on the same evening.

City makes decision on Halloween event dilemma

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Big changes are on the way to a wooded stretch of land that borders Pinetree Recreation Center and Cottrell Elementary School after the Dahlonega City Council unanimously approved a measure last Monday that will pave the way for a new 125-unit housing development between Pinetree Way and...

Local

Lumpkin County Schools Finance Director Dr. Whittney McPherson delivers a presentation during the first of two FY ’27 budget review hearings held at the Central Office on Indian Drive. The second meeting will take place on June 15 at 4:30 p.m.

Lumpkin County Schools Finance Director Dr. Whittney McPherson delivers a presentation during the first of two FY ’27 budget review hearings held at the Central Office on Indian Drive. The second meeting will take place on June 15 at 4:30 p.m.

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School system unveils new $60 million budget

Keith Murden
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Summer may be here, but it’s not all about vacations and outdoor fun for local elected officials...
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Op/Ed

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Sports

The local R-Ranch hosted the 37th annual Mountain Top Rodeo last weekend. Fans packed the stands and top riders from all over attended the event. Pictured: Tate Minor competes in the saddle bronc event.

The local R-Ranch hosted the 37th annual Mountain Top Rodeo last weekend. Fans packed the stands and top riders from all over attended the event. Pictured: Tate Minor competes in the saddle bronc event.

Exclusive Content

Mountain Top Rodeo returns to R-Ranch

Eligha Roper
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Once every year, the local hills at the R-Ranch awake with the sound of cheers as The Mountain Top...
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Regional

Jonathon, Sarah, and Jonathon Barge Jr., who goes by “J,” are all smiles having learned that Jonathon Barge won the Winter 2022 Lake Living cover contest for the picture of “J” in the family’s 1972 Alumacraft fishing boat “catching snowflakes instead of fish” on Lake Burton in January 2022. Enoch Autry, publisher of The Clayton Tribune in Rabun County, right, hands the family the $100 prize for winning the contest. (Photo by Megan Broome)

Jonathon, Sarah, and Jonathon Barge Jr., who goes by “J,” are all smiles having learned that Jonathon Barge won the Winter 2022 Lake Living cover contest for the picture of “J” in the family’s 1972 Alumacraft fishing boat “catching snowflakes instead of fish” on Lake Burton in January 2022. Enoch Autry, publisher of The Clayton Tribune in Rabun County, right, hands the family the $100 prize for winning the contest. (Photo by Megan Broome)

Snowflakes instead of fish leads to Lake Living Winter 2022 cover

News Staff
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
By Megan Broome / CNI News Service  ---------------  Northeast Georgia offers many picture-perfect...
Cornelia resident Donna Shirley receives her $100 prize money from Alan NeSmith, Community Newspapers Inc. chairman. Shirley’s photograph of the double waterfalls that make up Anna Ruby Falls graces the cover of the 2023 summer edition of The Mountain Traveler magazine. (Photo/Kimberly Brown)

Cornelia resident Donna Shirley receives her $100 prize money from Alan NeSmith, Community Newspapers Inc. chairman. Shirley’s photograph of the double waterfalls that make up Anna Ruby Falls graces the cover of the 2023 summer edition of The Mountain Traveler magazine. (Photo/Kimberly Brown)

Chasing waterfalls leads to winning Mountain Traveler cover photo

News Staff
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
By Kimberly Brown  ----------  One of the things Donna Shirley of Cornelia loves most is traveling...
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At the recent City Council meeting, Faith Mihok, of Faithfully Testify, reiterated that she had done everything that was asked of her to secure the Hancock Park pavilion on Halloween night. Sabrina Walker (left) of Spirits Tavern has hosted an event in the park for two years on the same evening.

At the recent City Council meeting, Faith Mihok, of Faithfully Testify, reiterated that she had done everything that was asked of her to secure the Hancock Park pavilion on Halloween night. Sabrina Walker (left) of Spirits Tavern has hosted an event in the park for two years on the same evening.

City makes decision on Halloween event dilemma

Matt Aiken
Big changes are on the way to a wooded stretch of land that borders Pinetree Recreation Center and Cottrell Elementary School after the Dahlonega City Council unanimously approved a measure last Monday that will pave the way for a new 125-unit housing development between Pinetree Way and…
Lumpkin County Schools Finance Director Dr. Whittney McPherson delivers a presentation during the first of two FY ’27 budget review hearings held at the Central Office on Indian Drive. The second meeting will take place on June 15 at 4:30 p.m.

Lumpkin County Schools Finance Director Dr. Whittney McPherson delivers a presentation during the first of two FY ’27 budget review hearings held at the Central Office on Indian Drive. The second meeting will take place on June 15 at 4:30 p.m.

School system unveils new $60 million budget

Keith Murden
Summer may be here, but it’s not all about vacations and outdoor fun for local elected officials wrestling with annual budget concerns. During the first of two public hearings for Lumpkin County Schools, Finance Director Dr. Whittney McPherson previewed a preliminary Fiscal Year 2027 General Fund…
The Lumpkin County varsity athletes of today and future stars of tomorrow gather together for a photo during last week’s basketball camp.

The Lumpkin County varsity athletes of today and future stars of tomorrow gather together for a photo during last week’s basketball camp.

Sports summer camp brings current and future stars together

Eligha Roper
Lumpkin County High School’s annual summer basketball camp once again brought strong participation and steady energy to the gym. Assistant Coach Matthew Chisholm said this year’s turnout reflected the community’s interest in the sport and the program’s continued growth.“We honestly had a great…
Chauna Utterback has officially stepped up as the newest Nugget leader after being named General Manager last week.

Chauna Utterback has officially stepped up as the newest Nugget leader after being named General Manager last week.

Utterback named General Manager at The Dahlonega Nugget

News Staff
It’s a promotion that should come as no surprise for those who are familiar with The Nugget office. But there’s now a new newspaper leader in the ranks, as Chauna Utterback has officially been named General Manager of The Dahlonega Nugget.“It just makes sense,” said Executive Editor Matt Aiken…
The local R-Ranch hosted the 37th annual Mountain Top Rodeo last weekend. Fans packed the stands and top riders from all over attended the event. Pictured: Tate Minor competes in the saddle bronc event.

The local R-Ranch hosted the 37th annual Mountain Top Rodeo last weekend. Fans packed the stands and top riders from all over attended the event. Pictured: Tate Minor competes in the saddle bronc event.

Mountain Top Rodeo returns to R-Ranch

Eligha Roper
Once every year, the local hills at the R-Ranch awake with the sound of cheers as The Mountain Top Rodeo rolls into town. Against the beautiful back drop of the mountains, aspiring cowboys and cowgirls attempt to stake claim to the top spot across several different events including bull riding,…
The Dahlonega City Council unanimously approved of a measure that will pave the way for a new 125-unit neighborhood off Pinetree Way.

The Dahlonega City Council unanimously approved of a measure that will pave the way for a new 125-unit neighborhood off Pinetree Way.

125-unit housing development approved for Pinetree Way

Matt Aiken
Big changes are on the way to a wooded stretch of land that borders Pinetree Recreation Center and Cottrell Elementary School after the Dahlonega City Council unanimously approved a measure last Monday that will pave the way for a new 125-unit housing development between Pinetree Way and…
The aging Field 5 concession stand at Parks & Rec will be getting a facelift in the coming months.

The aging Field 5 concession stand at Parks & Rec will be getting a facelift in the coming months.

Concession stand set for new $234K renovation

Keith Murden
There will be a spiffy new spot to purchase peanuts and Cracker Jack at Yahoola Creek Park, that’s because plans to refurbish an aging concession stand next to baseball Field 5 are finally ready to proceed to the construction phase.During their May regular session, the Lumpkin County Board of…
Lumpkin County wrestlers Natalie (left) and Mathiel Mendoza share a fun moment ahead of one of their matches.

Lumpkin County wrestlers Natalie (left) and Mathiel Mendoza share a fun moment ahead of one of their matches.

Wrestling sisters compete at National Duals

Eligha Roper
Two local sisters and Lumpkin County High School wrestlers Mathiel and Natalie Mendoza recently traveled with their club team MF Angles to compete at the NHSCA National Duals in Virginia Beach from May 23 to 25. The tournament is known for its intensity and deep talent pool, yet it also offers…
Local lifeguards like Summer Smith are ready to keep attendees safe at the Pinetree Recreation Center, as families are ready to dive into the pool this summer.

Local lifeguards like Summer Smith are ready to keep attendees safe at the Pinetree Recreation Center, as families are ready to dive into the pool this summer.

Pool patrol is ready at Pinetree Rec Center

Eligha Roper
With summertime just getting underway, people are eager to get back in the water as the long days start to heat up; for the lifeguards at the Pinetree Recreation Center, the season brings excitement but also a renewed sense of responsibility. Before any guard can take on the job of protecting…
Bowen Aiken’s pet lizard Jumpy stares down Nugget reporter Eligha Roper as he prepares to feed him.

Bowen Aiken’s pet lizard Jumpy stares down Nugget reporter Eligha Roper as he prepares to feed him.

Sports reporter branches out for a wild week

Eligha Roper
It all started with a text message. That’s how most questionable life choices begin.“Hey would you be able to dog/house/cat sit our place May 26 to 31?”I replied with the confidence of a man who had no idea what he was agreeing to: “Shouldn’t be a problem.”A day later came Text No. 2.“Hey also…
Lumpkin County School Nutrition staff recommendations included increasing paid meal prices, transferring money from the General Fund for the first time since 2022 and making some minor tweaks to the service delivery model.

Lumpkin County School Nutrition staff recommendations included increasing paid meal prices, transferring money from the General Fund for the first time since 2022 and making some minor tweaks to the service delivery model.

School meals to increase in cost after summer

Keith Murden
As the cost of food continues to spike nationwide, students and their parents will also be facing an increased financial burden for school meals in the 2026/2027 school year. At their regular session on May 11, the Lumpkin County Board of Education voted to approve a quarter increase in the…