Lowe’s Supports the LCHS Carpentry Program

Community, Education

Mr. Bearinger and his students are grateful to Lowe’s Home Improvement for their support of the LCHS Carpentry Program. Thanks to these grant funds, students are using new tools this school year!

School Nutrition Update

Board of Education, Community

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga.- School Nutrition Director Julie Knight-Brown gave the Board of Education an update on school nutrition at the work session on Apr. 13.

Chief Operations Officers Greg Trammell gave the board the most recent updates on Lumpkin County Elementary School. Trammell in addition gave the board the timelines for phase two of the high school renovations project set for this summer.

Knight-Brown started her nutrition update with a highlight of the past few years dating back to 2019. The system is on track to return to students paying for breakfast and lunch in the next school year. This means that families will again be required to fill out the free and reduced meal forms.

Due to the forms being used for funding opportunities such as Title 1 for elementary and middle schools it is necessary for all families to fill out the paperwork. Knight-Brown is currently waiting on a prototype to come down before sending it home through the use of the Infinite Campus system.

The meal prices for next school year.

Meal prices will not increase when they are reinstated. The requirements that were in place for the type of food served will be going back in place. These were loosened during the pandemic, one of those is the grain requirement of 80% of the grains served most be 51% or more whole grain.

However, the school system is having the same issues as the local stores with the supply chain and getting in the food. The vendor they are currently using has said that they will not be renewing their contract so Knight-Brown is putting out a bid on Apr. 25 for new vendors. For more information on school nutrition, visit https://www.lumpkinschools.com/page/school-nutrition.

“I don’t think I’ll have trouble with it because I’m a dietician I can navigate the dietary requirements,” stated Knight-Brown.

The update on Lumpkin Elementary School for the site work the grading is 92% complete, the curb and cutter are 80%, and the base and binder are 65% complete. The concrete for the foundations is at 90%, and for the slab on grade is 70%. The foundation block is complete.

The information about the groundbreaking ceremony.

The steel is being laid down in three sections A is 95% complete, B is 80%, and C is 60%. The asphalt will not be complete until all other work is completed. Carroll Daniel Construction will host a groundbreaking ceremony with the board of education on Monday, Apr. 18 at 4:30 p.m.

Trammell on top of that update gave one for the High school renovation project for this summer. During spring break they were able to replace the hot water heaters and pain most of the hallways and restrooms. The rest of the work is set to begin on May 27. Dr. Brown offered school clubs an opportunity to help move out any furniture for funds that would go to the construction company to go back into that club or organization.

Board of Education Reviews Technology Updates

Board of Education, Community

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga.- Director of Technology Sean Mullins brought the board of education the technology update from 2021 and where the system is going in the future at the work session on Feb. 9.

Chief Operations Officer Greg Trammell gave the board updates on Lumpkin County Elementary school. He also presented the bid for the Lumpkin County High School renovations project that will be voted on Monday, Feb. 14 at 6:00 p.m.

The technology updates for 2021 included classroom and infrastructure improvements. The classroom updates were adding cleartouch boards to some rooms, classroom cameras, and adding new Chromebooks.

Sean Mullins while delivering his technology plans to the board.

The infrastructure improvements included new bells/intercoms at the middle school, security cameras, AD server, and external WIFI units. The external WIFI gives families that need internet access a place to come if there was another reason for learning to go online such as another COVID shutdown.

In 2022 there is going to be a switch in account management to OneSync due to the company that has been previously used going out of business. There will also be an additional four cameras added to the special ed classrooms, and additional Chromebooks added.

Currently, the school system has 4,600 Chromebooks, 3,317 of those still have testing capabilities. However, after May that number will drop to 2,484. These Chromebooks are still able to be used in the school in classrooms such as Art and Music for instruction purposes due to not being able to support the testing systems.

Going forward Mullins would like to replace the facility laptops and add 1,300 Chromebooks over the next two years. This will keep the system having testing capable Chromebooks until 2028. To learn more about what the technology department has to offer visit https://www.lumpkinschools.com/page/technology.

“Sean is always on top of things in technology and we certainly appreciate him, he’s a tremendous asset for us,” explained Superintendent Dr. Brown.

Greg Trammell while delivering his updates to the board.

Trammell gave the board an update on Lumpkin County Elementary School’s progress. 90% of the grading is complete, curb and cutters are 65%, the foundation is 3%. The board will be visiting the site before the regular meeting Monday to see how far the process has come.

Charles Black Construction has bid $2,145,440.00 for the High School renovations. This comes in below the original budget of $2.7 million but still gives room for unexpected things that come up.

The renovations will take place over the summer and include new epoxy on the bathroom floors, a new upper gym floor, flooring throughout, painting the entire right half including the gym, plumbing, electrical including a new fire alarm system, and a new display case. The board will vote on this bid at the regular meeting Monday.

LCHS One-Act Play Team wins state title will be honored at City Council meeting

Business

DAHLONEGA, Ga. – The Lumpkin County High School One-Act Play Team that became the first in school history to win the AAA State Championship will be honored with a joint city/county proclamation when the Dahlonega City Council meets April 5 at 6 p.m.

The team performed “John Lennon and Me.” Dani Bodney was named Best Actress for her performance.

A joint city/county proclamation will also declare the month of April to be Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Finance Director Melody Marlowe will present the monthly financial report and City Manager Bill Schmid will present the solid waste exemption requests for Council’s consideration.

Capital Projects Manager Vince Hunsinger will present updates on the 147 North Park Street and Oliver Drive Storm Drain projects.

Public Works Director and City Engineer Mark Buchanan will discuss Park Street Utilities Funding.

Schmid will address Council on the need for a part-time assistant city clerk and John Jarrard will update Council on the Yahoola Creek Reservoir Management Plan.

Lumpkin Co. volleyball wins both matches on senior night

Community, Team FYN Sports

Senior #2 Isabel Davenport sets the ball aganst Rabun Co.

On Thursday, August 27th, the Lumpkin Co. Lady Indians (12-1, 1-0 Region 7-3A) celebrated their senior volleyball players. The athletes that were celebrated were:

#2 Isabel Davenport

#3 Savannah Phines

#8 Makenzie Caldwell

#18 Victoria Crotzer

The Lady Indians’ first match of the day was against the Rabun Co. Lady Tigers. The first set of the match was a back and forth affair. After trading points for most of the set, Lumpkin Co. took over. Tied at 15, the Lady Indians scored four straight points and outscored the Lady Tigers 10-3 to win the set 25-18.

The Lady Tigers came out firing in the second set. They jumped out to a quick 5-1 win. Lumpkin Co. responded with a 12-2 run to take a 13-7 lead. The Lady Indians followed that with a second 12-2 run to win the set 25-9 and win the match in a dominant fashion.

Lumpkin Co.’s second match of their senior night was against the Fannin Co. Lady Rebels. Both sets were full of runs from both teams. The Lady Indians struck first by jumping out to a 5-1 lead. The Lady Rebels nearly took the lead as they cut the Lumpkin Co. lead to only one. The Lady Indians responded with a 7-2 run to take a 15-9 lead. Fannin Co. stormed back again to make the score 17-15 before Lumpkin Co. scored the final eight points of the set to win it 25-15.

Senior #18 Victoria Crotzer setting the ball against Fannin Co.

The Lady Indians picked up where they left off in the first set by starting the second set with a 8-0 run. Lumpkin Co. remained in control as they took a 20-10 lead. Fannin Co. made one final push with an 8-1 run as they forced the Lady Indians to take a timeout. The timeout proved to be effective as Lumpkin Co. finished out the set by scoring 4 of the final 5 points to win the set 25-19 and the match 2-0.

The Lady Indians’ next matches will be next Tuesday, as they take on West Hall and North Hall at North Hall high school.

Indians battle cold and Rebels; fall short 35-14

Sports, Team FYN Sports
battle

The Lumpkin County Indians football team faced a battle with several factors working against them on Friday night. First of all, the temperature dropped to a bitter cold. Second, the game was located a hour north in Blue Ridge. Finally, the opponent in Blue Ridge was the Fannin County Rebels football team, who had a playoff shot and several other records on the line.

But despite the uphill battle, the Indians ran onto the field Friday night with the same determined look they wear each Friday night. And although the scoreboard read 35-14 Fannin at the end, the Indians still had plenty of reasons to celebrate.

It took a bit for the Indians offense to warm up, but the momentum shifted when Drew Allison crossed the line for a first down. Tucker Kirk completed a pair of passes to Caleb Norrell and Ryan Burkhardt to inch closer to the goal line. Then came the trick play, the “Philly Special”, that has become common for the Indians. Except for this time, different people were responsible.

BoJack Dowdy (No. 35) hands off to Trey Wilkes (No. 15) for the “Philly Special” play.

The three players were BoJack Dowdy, Trey Wilkes and Tucker Kirk. Dowdy handed off to Wilkes, who passed to Kirk in the endzone. Before anyone really knew what happened, the Indians had shortened the Rebels’ lead 14-7.

As the Rebels regained possession and drove down the field, the Indians worked hard to make stops. Ethan Kline and Luke Mundy did just that, before a chop block call on the Indians led into another Rebel touchdown.

Lumpkin County came out of the half firing on all cylinders. Between Dowdy’s rushing and the Kirk to Norrell connection, the Indians were picking up first downs left and right. Unfortunately it ended with a fumble recovered by the Rebels.

Trey Wilkes (No. 15) receives a pass from Tucker Kirk for the second Lumpkin County touchdown.

The Indians struggled against a high-powered Rebel offense and defense, but continued to battle nonetheless. For one of their last possessions, Drew Allison carried and picked up yards for first downs. Kirk threw to Wilkes for a first down, then again for one more touchdown. The game ended shortly after, and the Indians had gotten the last word.

For their final game of the regular season, Lumpkin County will battle East Hall. The two teams have the same overall record of 1-8, and 0-5 in the region. East Hall is coming off of a loss to North Hall. Game time is 7:30 p.m. on November 8th.

LCHS announces upcoming REACH Adult Field Day event

Community, Education

DAHLONEGA, GA

Leadership Lumpkin Class of 2019 and Lumpkin County High School will host the second annual REACH Adult Field Day event on March 28, 2020.

Leadership Lumpkin Class of 2019, partnered with Lumpkin County Schools, hosts the event and according to LLC’s social media page, “The mission of the Leadership Lumpkin County Class of 2019 is to have an indelible and positive impact on the Lumpkin County community by advancing the post-secondary educational opportunities for these local students…We believe that by seeking collaboration with local businesses, community members, and sponsors, we will have a progressive impact on the future of our children. held each year to raise money in order to help underprivileged Lumpkin County students excel academically and reach their future goals.”

Last year, over 53% of  LC students received free or reduced lunches, 150 students were homeless, and Lumpkin County had approximately 25% of their students receive a college or technical college post-secondary education. LCHS assistant principal, Jason Lemley, told FYN, “We have a goal to raise $20,000 this year!  We raised over $15,000 last year, and we are confident we can get to 20K.  We already have our first sponsor, and we will be reaching out to many others soon.  Last year was a great first year, and we want this to grow year after year.  Even if you don’t participate on a team, come out and enjoy the hilarious “talent” and join us for a day of fun!”

The event will be at the Lumpkin County High School. For more information, contact Mr. Lemley at LCHS.

 

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Dahlonega man faces charges of aggravated child molestation

News

DAHLONEGA, Ga. — A 36-year-old Dahlonega man is in the Lumpkin County Detention Center today, facing charges of child molestation and aggravated child molestation.

A female student at Lumpkin County High School told Alan Hogan, a counselor and tennis coach at the school, that Jason Bittinger had molested her and her sister for years, starting when they were five years old until the time they reached the age of 13.

The counselor brought the information to School Resource Officer Nichols Parrish who conducted an interview. The girl said Bittinger lived in the same home and that when she told her mother, they argued about it.

She said she didn’t come forward because she feared retaliation. Hogan also made a referral to the Department of Family and Children’s Services.

The incident was turned over to Lumpkin County CID and after an investigation, Bittinger was arrested Sept. 29.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

LCSS names Vulcan Materials as November Partner in Education

Community, News

LUMPKIN, GA

According to a press release from Lumpkin County School System PR Coordinator, Jason Lemley, the Lumpkin County Board of Education and Superintendent, Dr. Rob Brown, recognized Vulcan Materials Company as the October Partner in Education.

Lemley stated that the Partner in Education program, “welcomes the involvement of all of our stakeholders, (students, faculty, staff, parents, and community). A partnership is a mutually agreed upon arrangement where both the school and the business, individual or organization is intended to benefit our schools, our students, our faculty, staff and families.”

Lemley also explained that Vulcan Materials was recognized this month due to their “recent donation, delivery and placement of a spirit rock for Long Branch Elementary School.” The LBES spirit rock will allow the school to show their school spirit and “encourage pride in the tribe!”

Plant Manager, Bill Wilson, and company mechanic and LBES parent, Josh Kilpatrick, are representing Vulcan Materials during this recognition.

FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and has between 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected]

 

Lumpkin County Teachers Arrested in Separate Incidents

News

COLUNGADAHLONEGA, Ga. – The Lumpkin County teachers were arrested this week.

Flavio Colunga, a teacher at Lumpkin County High School, was arrested Tuesday and charged with child molestation, sexual battery and sexual assault.

Timothy Garner, 59, a teacher at the Alternative School and assistant baseball coach at the middle school, turned himself in at the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office Monday. He is charged with felony cruelty to children in the 1st degree and misdemeanor simple battery.

Lt. Chris Pfrogner said the charges against Colunga are the result of an investigation initiated by the Lumpkin County School System into an allegation that Mr. Colunga touched a 14-year-old female student inappropriately. The school system subsequently turned the investigation to the sheriff’s office.

“Currently, two additional female students have come forward with allegations against Mr. Colunga as well,” Pfrogner said Wednesday. “The investigation is still ongoing, and more details will be available at a later date.”

Colunga is being held at the Lumpkin County Detention Center.  Bond has not been set.

GARNERIn a press release, Pfrogner said Garner was allegedly involved in an altercation with a 17-year-old student at Lumpkin County Alternative School last month.

“The physical altercation occurred on April 21st around lunchtime in the lunchroom of the school,” Progner said.  “The warrants for Mr. Garner stipulate that he shoved the student and grabbed him by the throat during the altercation.”

Garner’s bond was set at $7,700 for both charges.

 

Tough loss for Indians in road game against Jackson

Sports, Team FYN Sports

The Lumpkin County Indians football team fell in a tough loss to the Jackson County Panthers on Friday night. But there was one bright spot. In a game that was hosted at Jackson County, a hour away from the Indians home in Dahlonega, the stands were filled with loyal Indians fans. No matter what, the Lumpkin County football team will always have family and friends there to support them.

The Lumpkin County offense lining up for a play.

Lumpkin County started the game on a high note- a fumble by the Panthers recovered by the Indians. A combination of carries by Drew Allison and BoJack Dowdy, along with a completed pass from Tucker Kirk to Brian Cunane, almost got the Indians into Panther territory until a fumble was recovered by the Panthers. Jackson County was set up in scoring position in Indian territory, which they took advantage of for their first touchdown of the night. The extra point attempt was no good, but during the Indians next drive a snap was recovered in the endzone to score a safety for the Panthers. With 4:37 left in the first, the Panthers held a lead of 8-0.

Jackson County scored again during their next drive to extend their lead 14-0. The Indians were able to gain some yardage on their next drive, but another bad snap forced them to punt on fourth down.

The Indians defense was able to hold the Panthers offense for the remainder of the first quarter, but the Panthers scored again to open the second quarter. Jackson County scored again on their next drive, but a penalty for an ineligible receiver down field negated their touchdown. The Indians Roy Bennett helped to further prevent a Panther touchdown for his coverage of the receiver on third down.

Jackson County scored once more to finish the half with a 28-0 lead.

The Lumpkin County defense with a stop.

Coming out of the half, the Indians were ready to play harder. They were forced to punt after their next drive, but the ball was fumbled by the Panthers receiver and recovered by Jared Hoch for an Indians first down. Unfortunately the Indians offense was unable to move the ball very far before an interception by the Panthers.

The Lumpkin County defense played a great game in the second half; they held the Panthers to a field goal in their drive after the interception. Furthermore the Panthers were unable to score for the remainder of the game up against the Indians defense.

At the final buzzer, the Panthers were ahead 31-0. After a tough series on the road, the Indians will have the home field advantage during next week’s game against Gilmer County.

Lumpkin County prepares for first day of school

Community, Education

LUMPKIN CO., GA

Lumpkin County Students prepare to head back to school, while school faculty and staff have already begun preparations. The pre-planning period for teachers begins on Thursday,  (August 1) and will go through Monday, (August 5). The first day of school the 2019-20 school year will begin on Tuesday, August 6th. Open house for all Lumpkin County Elementary Schools is scheduled for Friday, August 2, from 3p.m. until 5p.m.

Lumpkin County Middle School will hold open house for all 6th graders and new students only, on Thursday, August 1, from 3p.m. until 5p.m., and open house for all other LCMS students will be held on Tuesday, August 13, from 3:30p.m. until 5:30p.m.

Lumpkin County High School will hold their open house for freshman, called Freshman Focus, on Thursday, August 1, from 1p.m. until 3p.m, and open house for all other LCHS students will be on Thursday, August 1, from 3p.m. until 5p.m.

School hours for students are as follows:

All elementary schools: 7:50a.m. until 2:50p.m.

LCMS: 7:50a.m. until 2:50p.m.

LCHS: 7:45a.m. until 2:30p.m.

May 22 is the last day of the school year, and students will enjoy early release at 11:30a.m.

LCSS Superintendent, Rob Brown, has taken extra precautions to ensure student safety for elementary school parents who wish to escort their child(ren) to their classrooms the morning of their first day of school. In a press release, Dr. Brown explained, “The safety of our students and staff will always remain our top priority! As a precaution, we will have district level staff on hand to help monitor the comings and going of our visitors during this time.”

A charter school system is a local school district that operates under the terms of a charter contract between the State Board of Education and the local Board of Education. The system receives broad flexibility in the form of waivers of certain state laws, rules, and guidelines in exchange for greater accountability for increased student performance and an emphasis on school-based leadership and decision-making.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

 

Lumpkin County Schools lands top 10 finalist for inaugural Governance Team of the Year Award

Community, Education

LUMPKIN, GA

The Lumpkin County School System has been named one of the top ten finalists for the inaugural Governance Team of the Year Award, presented by the Georgia School Boards Association.

Lumpkin County Schools named top 10 for GSBA Governance Team of the Year

Lumpkin County Superintendent Dr. Rob Brown, told Fetch that, “We are proud for the Lumpkin County School System to be selected as a Finalist for this award. To be recognized in the Top 10 out of 180 school systems for any award is an honor. While always keeping the best interests and needs of our students in mind, our school board and our leadership team are always working to support our incredibly talented group of educators in Lumpkin County. This recognition is a small reflection of the many great things happening in Lumpkin County Schools.”

Lumpkin County Board of Education member, Mera Turner, also expressed her excitement over receiving the honor, “Proud that we were 1 of the 10 systems in Georgia selected for this award.  I want to thanks all the Governance teams for their hard work and dedication to the students of Lumpkin County Schools.”

GSBA President and Rockdale County Board of Education member explains that, “This group of ten school districts from all over Georgia exemplify what it means to achieve at the highest levels. We are very pleased with this inaugural class for the Governance Team of the Year.”

According to the GSBA website, the award will be presented on December 6, 2018, during the banquet at the 2018 GSBA/GSSA Annual Conference in Atlanta, “To one Georgia public school district’s board of education and superintendent who have achieved all-around success in their district.”

 

FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and has between 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected]

LCHS seniors clean up trash in Adopt-A-Road initiative

Business

LUMPKIN CO., GA

Lumpkin County High School class of 2019, along with LCHS principle Billy Kirk, participated in an Adopt-A-Mile initiative on Wednesday, May 22. They chose a one-mile stretch of roadway in front of the high school to ‘adopt’ and collected over 200 pounds of “miscellaneous trash and debris,” according to the LCHS Facebook page.

Photo courtesy of LCHS

Kirk explained to FYN, “The students wanted an opportunity to leave a legacy and we bounced ideas and the Adopt a Road initiative was born.” He also stated that the LCHS seniors wanted to give back through community service work since the community had done so much for them, “We decided cleaning the road in front of our school to beautify our community would be a great way to accomplish this. Today, we took the senior class on a journey that resulted in 62 bags of garbage and debris from the roadway and close to 200 pounds.”

Photo courtesy of LCHS

 

According to Kirk, “It is amazing the amount of trash people throw out on our streets and we are hoping this act of service will be replicated all over our community.”

 

 

 

 

 

FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and has between 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected]

LCHS students plan walk-out to support their principal

Community, News

LUMPKIN CO., GA
Lumpkin County High School students are planning a walk-out at 12:30pm on Wednesday, March 13, to protest the resignation of the LCHS principal, Billy Kirk, according to the #weneedbilly social media page.
It was announced on Monday, March 11 that Kirk had resigned. School officials are remaining quiet in regards to the reason for Kirk’s resignation. Angry students are planning to walk out of the school, in a peaceful protest against the Board of Education’s decision.

This is an ongoing story; please follow Fetch Your News for updated information.

LCHS students hold a peaceful walk-in to show support for the principal

Feature News, News

LUMPKIN CO., GA

Several students at Lumpkin County High School held a peaceful walk-in on Wednesday, to show their support for the LCHS principal, Billy Kirk.

Students at LCHS give cheer on orator in support of principal

The Lumpkin County Board of Education announced to employees on Monday, March 11, that Kirk had resigned without revealing the cause of his resignation. Once this news went public, LCHS students, parents, and staff began sending emails, letters, and phone calls to the Board of Education advocating for Kirk to be reinstated. Other Lumpkin County residents have even begun a petition titled, “Prevent Principal Billy Kirk From Leaving,” which has collected almost 400 signatures in the few hours since it has gone live.

Students at LCHS give cheer on orator in support of principal

Students at LCHS decided to hold a peaceful walk-out to show their support for Kirk. LCHS officials required that students host a walk-in, held in the LCHS gym, for the safety of the students. According to LCSS Chief Financial Officer, Shannon Christian, “We are allowing the students to hold a peaceful protest in the gym, but it is the desire of the principal for no press to be in attendance.” Although all press was denied access to the event, Fetch Your News was able to obtain a video and images of the event.

There were a number of students who spoke out, in support of Kirk, and the crowd erupted when one orator stated, “There are a lot of people at this school who look up to Mr. Kirk as a father figure.”

Lumpkin County Sheriff, Stacy Jarrard, stationed himself outside the LCHS entrance to further ensure the safety of any student that may have decided against going to the gym. Jarrard also told the press, “Let it go on the record that it is not the decision of LCSO to deny media access to this event.”

 

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