Ruth Ward: Obituary
Obituaries May 23, 2019
Ruth Ward
June 05, 1930 – May 17, 2019
Mrs. Ruth Ward, age 88, of Dahlonega passed away Friday, May 17, 2019.
Mrs. Ward was born in Fannin County on June 5, 1930 to the late William and Nancy Kendall Hughes. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Freeman Ward, sisters Chloe Culley, Odell Hicks, Dean Dean, and Owa Allen. Mrs. Ward retired from Pinetree/Burlington Industries with 36 years of dedicated work. She was a member of Sugar Hill Baptist Church in Fannin County and she attended Philippi Baptist Church. Mrs. Ward was deeply loved by her family and her grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Granny Ruth”. She loved quilting and bird watching. When her health allowed, Mrs. Ward loved gardening.
Survivors include her children Roger and Shirley Ward, and Charles Randall “Randy” and Joanne Ward, all of Dahlonega; grandchildren Lisa and Clark Rider and Michelle and Shane Whitehead; great-grandchildren Chelseay and Chris Frith, and Avery Whitehead; great-great-grandson Austin Frith; and brother Clyde Hughes.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. The Rev. Jason Fuller will officiate. Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday at the funeral home.
To share a memory of Mrs. Ward or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.
Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega
Cora Kathleen Fitts: Obituary
Obituaries May 23, 2019
Cora Kathleen Fitts
January 09, 1928 – May 09, 2019
Mrs. Cora Kathleen Fitts, age 91, of Dahlonega passed away May 9, 2019.
Mrs. Fitts was born in Union County on January 9, 1928 to the late Homer and Mabel Wilkins Gooch. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Fitts; sister Blondene Bryan; brothers Glen Gooch, William Gooch, Tom Gooch, Ervin Gooch, and Ned Gooch.
Mrs. Fitts retired from Burlington Pine Tree Plant after thirty years of service as a spinner operator. She was a volunteer at the Lumpkin County Senior Center and enjoyed gardening, quilting and canning. Mrs. Fitts was a member of The Fountain Church of God of Prophecy in Dahlonega. She was affectionately known as “Mema”.
Mrs. Fitts is survived by her daughter Betty Fitts, Dahlonega; son Ralph E. “Buzz” Fitts, Dahlonega; sisters Inez Crook of Jackson, Clara Kidd of Gainesville, Mary Ann Mayfield of Buckhead, and Sandra Bailey of McDonough.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 14, 2019 in the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. The Reverend Bo Robinson will officiate. Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM.
To share a memory of Kathleen or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.
Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega
John Henry Lee Jr.: Obituary
Obituaries May 23, 2019
John Henry Lee Jr.
April 12, 1943 – May 04, 2019
Mr. John Henry Lee, Jr., age 76, of Villa Rica, GA passed away Saturday, May 4, 2019.
John was born in Opelika, AL on April 12, 1943 to the late John Henry Lee, Sr. and Montine Harrington Lee Day. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his step-father Olin Day, son-in-law Jim Freeman and granddaughter Courtney Rose Anderson.
John was a successful businessman and entrepreneur. His work career started early in his dad’s hardware store in Lanett, AL. He then served his country honorably in the United States Army as a medic and medical assistant. After completing his military service, John opened a wholesale merchandise business. Later he changed to a retail business opening Lee’s Clothing and Discount Store in Douglasville, GA. His business flourished and remained successful until he closed it to retire in January of 2019. John and his wife Janice worked side-by-side every day during the entire life of the business.
John was a loving husband and father. Although he had a strong work ethic, he never sacrificed quality time with his children. That quality time included long days on the lake and four-wheeling in the mud. Following the birth of his first grandchild, John’s name quickly changed to “Granddaddy” – a name which he proudly accepted.
Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Janice Harrison Lee, Villa Rica, GA; daughter and son-in-law Tania and Kevin Lightsey, Cleveland, GA; son and daughter-in-law John and Leanne Lee, Colleyville, TX; daughter and son-in-law Jenny and Chris Anderson, Cleveland, GA; son Jason Lee, Villa Rica, GA; step-sister and brother-in-law Barb and Brian Niccum, Durango, CO; grandchildren Ryan and Chelsea Freeman, Alex and Brandon Ward, Jessica Lee, John Henry Lee, IV, Bailey Anderson, Jacob Anderson, Tyler Anderson, Chesnee Freeman, Emma Lightsey, Davin Lightsey, and Sydney Lee; great-grandchildren Brayden Freeman, Skip Freeman, Zane Ward, and Sawyer Ward; and several other relatives.
Funeral services are scheduled for 7:00 PM Friday, May 10, 2019 at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. The Rev. Chris Anderson and John’s eldest son John Henry Lee, III will officiate. He will be laid to rest at 2:00 PM Saturday in West Point, GA at West Point Cemetery with full military honors. John’s family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday at the funeral home.
To share a memory of John or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.
Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega
Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 05/06 to 05/13
Arrest Reports May 14, 2019
Arrest report and photos provided by the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 35-01-18) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Lumpkin County. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Offices locates runaway juveniles
Community, News March 22, 2019
LUMPKIN CO., GA
According to the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Michael Gravely met with two complainants at the LCSO, regarding two runaway juveniles on March 3.
Complainant one explained that his fourteen-year-old daughter had her fifteen-year-old-friend staying with her for a sleepover at his Dahlonega residence. Sometime between 8:00PM and 11:30PM, they left the residence, and the complainant was unaware of where they had gone, since the two juveniles did not have permission to leave. After the information was confirmed by complainant two, they both told police that they had spent the night/early morning looking for the missing teens.
Officials searched the known areas and people who might know the juveniles, in an attempt to locate them. A Missing/Lost Persons Report was filed for both teens, and a BOLO was sent out for the local area/surrounding counties. The juveniles were also put on the LCSO media page, with guardian permission.
Investigators learned from an informant, who was the boyfriend of the runaways, that both girls were at the birthday party around midnight and were in good spirits during the party. About 15 minutes after their arrival, both girls left, (presumingly on foot), but returned to the party after some time, in a gray, four-door, passenger vehicle, (possibly a Honda Civic), with a Georgia tag.
They were with two white males, whom he had never met. He noticed the males acting suspicious, by hiding every time a car drove by. The informant further explained that the two males had revealed that they were on probation and had warrants out for their arrests.
The white males also stated that the juveniles had told him that they had run away, and were scared of getting caught, due to the potentiality of juvenile court.
Further questioning led investigators to a Dawson County residence, where the missing juveniles were possibly hiding. Deputy Gravely reports seeing a gray, four-door, passenger sedan with a Georgia tag at the residence, but they could not locate any individuals at the residence.
On March 3, at exactly 8:00PM, Deputy Gravely received text messages from the original complainants, stating that they both believe they had new information on the teen’s whereabouts, and at 8:22PM on March 3, the LCSO posted on their Facebook page that the missing teens had been found, “Both teenage girls have been found safe. I would like to thank everyone for your assistance and prayers during the search. Thanks! Sheriff Stacy M. Jarrard”
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NGHS opening new emergency room and building new hospital in Lumpkin County
Community, Featured March 20, 2019
LUMPKIN CO., GA
Northeast Georgia Health System announced in February that they were opening an emergency room in Lumpkin County, in the facility that was formerly Chestatee Regional Hospital. The new facility will open July 1, 2019 and will offer emergency services, as well as some inpatient beds, imaging equipment and other services; however, the emergency room will be open temporarily. NGHS is also currently developing plans for a new hospital facility that will be located along GA-400, near the intersection with Hwy 60. It is expected to be designed in the same fashion as the NGHS Braselton hospital, and will be called Northeast Georgia Medical Center Lumpkin, or NGMC Lumpkin for short.
Offering services at the existing hospital site will preserve the Certificate of Need authority to operate a hospital in Lumpkin County, while also meeting the healthcare needs of Lumpkin and surrounding counties. The anticipated open date for the new hospital is 2022, and it will provide emergency services, inpatient medical/surgical care, imaging services and a focus on outpatient surgery.
NGHS President and CEO, Carol Burrell, expressed her excitement over the upcoming changes, “We’re thrilled to share this exciting news, which ensures people in and around Lumpkin County will have local access to the high-quality health care they need for generations to come,” says Carol Burrell, president and CEO of NGHS. “We appreciate the patience of the community as we’ve worked to create solutions that are high-quality, sustainable, and deliver on our mission to improve the health of the community in all we do.”
NGHS currently leases the former Chestatee Regional Hospital property from The University System of Georgia Board of Regents, so once NGMC Lumpkin is in full operation, the University of North Georgia (UNG) will utilize the former Chestatee Regional Hospital facility for their highly competitive nursing program, as well as other educational purposes. “These positive changes in our local healthcare landscape create exciting opportunities to enhance the way we teach and prepare our students,” says Dr. Bonita Jacobs, president of the University of North Georgia (UNG). “We look forward to the potential to collaborate with NGHS and other local providers.” Dahlonega resident and former executive director of Lumpkin County’s Development Authority. According to Dahlonega resident, former executive director of Lumpkin County’s Development Authority, and former Georgia Senator, Steve Gooch, “I’ve driven and supported efforts to establish a new hospital in Lumpkin County and expand UNG’s healthcare programs on the Dahlonega campus, in large part because of the role healthcare plays in today’s economics. We’ve all seen the growth and prosperity of a new hospital and associated development can bring, and we look forward to working alongside NGHS to build a better future for our community.”
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Arrests are made after motor-vehicle pursuit
Business March 19, 2019LUMPKIN CO., GA
According to a press release from the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, LC deputies were involved in a motor vehicle pursuit, starting in Lumpkin County and ending in Hall County.
The pursuit occurred after an LC deputy attempted to perform a traffic stop on a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee that contained four occupants, for defective equipment. The Cherokee failed to stop after the deputy initiated their emergency equipment, and the occupants appeared to be trying to hide items within the interior of the vehicle.
The pursuit ended in Hall County on the block of 5800 Cool Springs Road after the driver lost control of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, leaving the roadway and striking a wooden fence. The occupants all fled on foot, but Hall County deputies apprehended two of the suspects. A Lumpkin County Deputy, along with his K-9, caught the other two suspects, after engaging in foot pursuit.
The suspects arrested were Samantha Woody, Brandon Flanagan, Herman Dover, John Rodgers II. They have been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Related Objects. The driver, Samantha Woody, was also charged with traffic violations.
LCSO released a statement of gratitude for help in apprehending the suspects, “The Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Hall County and the Georgia State Patrol, for their assistance in the pursuit and capture.”
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GBI investigates officer involved shooting in Lumpkin County
News March 16, 2019
DAHLONEGA, GA
According to the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office:
On Friday, March 15, 2019, the GBI was requested by the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office to conduct an Officer Involved Shooting (OIS)investigation involving a Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Deputy. The initial investigation revealed that the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office was called to 155 Pecks Mill Creek Road, Dahlonega, Lumpkin County, Georgia, at 7:19 p.m. concerning a report of a residential alarm.
Upon arrival, a deputy located a subject, identified as Valery Michelle Barron, age 33, of Cleveland, GA, at the residence found to be in the process of burglarizing the residence. As the deputy attempted to arrest Barron, she resisted and entered a vehicle she drove to the residence. While trying to flee the scene, Barron struck the deputy with her vehicle. The deputy fired on the vehicle during the incident. Barron was able to flee the scene, driving in an erratic manner. She was subsequently arrested at her residence by the Lumpkin and White County Sheriff’s Offices. It was determined that Barron was not injured as a result of the incident.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Once complete, the investigation will be provided to the Enotah Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.
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Jason “Biscuit” Holubitsky: Obituary
Obituaries March 14, 2019
Jason “Biscuit” Holubitsky
July 18, 1978 – March 10, 2019
Jason “Biscuit” Holubitsky, age 40, of Cumming, Georgia passed away Sunday, March 10, 2019. Family will receive friends Thursday, March 14 from 6 to 9 PM and Friday, March 15 from 11 – 2 PM with a service following at 2PM in the Chapel of Dahlonega Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Dahlonega Memorial Park. Jason was a fanatic super sports fan. His favorite teams were the Georgia Bulldogs, the Atlanta Falcons, and the Atlanta Braves. He is survived by his life partner Andrea Dochnal, of Cumming, Georgia; children Kelton Holubitsky; Marley Holubitsky; Hendrix Holubitsky; parents Dr. and Mrs. Todd Holubitsky, of Dahlonega, Georgia; sister and brother-in-law Savannah and Caleb Poole, of Dahlonega, Georgia; maternal grandparents Loyce and Cloyse Hicks, of Cumming, Georgia; paternal grandparents George and Sally Holubitsky, of Winnipeg, Canada; maternal uncles and their spouses Eddie and Rhonda Hicks, Cumming, Georgia; Steve and Linda Hicks, of Monroe, Georgia; paternal aunt and her husband Marcie and Doug Baird, of Calgary, Canada; Andrea’s parents Lana Dochnal, San Antonio, Texas; Alfred Dochnal, of California. Care and trust place in the professional staff of Dahlonega Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 20 Gibson Road, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533 706-864-DOVE (3683) www.dahlonegafuneralhome.com
Kenneth Gordon Carnes Jr.: Obituary
Obituaries March 14, 2019
Kenneth Gordon Carnes Jr.
March 15, 1927 – February 23, 2019
Full obit to follow
Dennis Lee Blackwell: Obituary
Obituaries March 14, 2019
Dennis Lee Blackwell
May 17, 1953 – March 13, 2019
Mr. Dennis Lee Blackwell, age 65, of Dahlonega passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2019.
Mr. Blackwell was a native and lifelong resident of Lumpkin County. He was born on May 17, 1953 to the late Carl and Margaret Sullens Blackwell. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his grandson Tylor Massey, brother James Blackwell, and niece Jill Tolbert. Mr. Blackwell drove many miles to provide for his family as a truck driver and he was a member of Living Waters Church.
Survivors include his wife Janice Blackwell; daughters and sons-in-law Shelia and Brian Groves, Pendergrass, and Sirena and Clint George, Dahlonega; sisters and brothers-in-law Barbara and Randy Zidler, Savannah, and Patsy and Lewis Ford, Homer; grandchildren Tiffany Savage, Jacie George, and Keli George; niece Crystal Stephens and nephew Victor Ledford.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2:30 PM Saturday, March 16, 2019 at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. The Rev. Tim Sullens will officiate. Interment will follow in Philippi Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until the service hour on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers the family requests, because of Dennis’ love for science, that contributions be made to the Lumpkin County High School Science Department.
To share a memory of Dennis or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.
Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega, formerly Banister Funeral Home
Timothy Wayne Wyatt: Obituary
Obituaries March 14, 2019Timothy Wayne Wyatt
August 29, 1964 – March 09, 2019
Timothy Wayne Wyatt, age 54, of Dahlonega was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 9, 2019. Tim was born August 29, 1964 in Bristol, Tennessee and had lived in Lumpkin County for the past seventeen years. He was a graduate of Etowah High School and was employed by Global Electronic Services as an Electronics Technician. Tim served his country honorably in the United States Army. He was a member of Concord at Dahlonega Baptist Church.
Tim is survived by his wife of eighteen years, Carin O’Donnell Wyatt; children Kayla Wyatt, Noah Wyatt, Emily Wyatt, Sara Wyatt and Micah Wyatt, all of Dahlonega; parents Herbert P. and Karen Kirk Wyatt, Woodstock, GA; and sister Tracy Wyatt Cole, Acworth, GA. Other relatives also survive.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Dahlonega with Rev. Jeff Pulliam officiating. No visitation is planned.
In lieu of flowers memorials in Tim’s name may be made to Concord at Dahlonega Baptist Church, P.O. Box 190, Clermont, GA 30528.
To share a memory of Tim or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.
Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega, formerly Banister Funeral Home, is in charge of arrangements.
Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 02/10 to 02/17
Arrest Reports February 18, 2019
Arrest report and photos provided by the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 35-01-18) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Lumpkin County. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
UNG sophomore named PBC pitcher of the week
UNG Baseball February 12, 2019
LUMPKIN, GA
According to the University of North Georgia Athletics Department, UNG sophomore, Nick Clarno, was named the Peach Belt Conference Player of the Week on Tuesday afternoon. The announcement came after Clarno hit a homerun all three games against Palm Beach Atlantic.
Clarno his .455 against Palm Beach Atlantic over the weekend, driving in six runs as the Nighthawks ran their record to 6-0. Clarno had a 1.364 batting percentage, and he opened with a solo shot in the first game before going for 2-for-4 in the second and third games. He also added a double during the finale, scoring a total of four runs and striking out only once in 11 at-bats.
Clarno leads the PBC in slugging percentage, is tied for second in home runs and is seventh in total bases. This is his first weekly honor of his career.
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Lumpkin County BOC meets Tuesday
News February 11, 2019
DAHLONEGA, Ga. – The Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners will meet in a work session Tuesday (Feb. 12) at 4 p.m. in the Lumpkin County Administration Building, 99 Courthouse Hill. That work session will be followed by a public hearing at 4:30 and a special called meeting at 5 p.m.
The purpose of the special called meeting will be to vote on a revision to the Water & Sewerage Authority Enabling Legislation and adopt revisions to the Lumpkin County Future Land Use Map.
Items to be discussed during the work session include:
- A presentation to the Fowler Family;
- A presentation to the American Red Cross to honor Lumpkin County Emergency Services;
- A presentation in recognition of the Lumpkin County Employee of the Year and Sheriff’s Office Employee of the Year;
Resolutions to be discussed include:
- A revision to the Water and Sewer Authority enabling legislation;
- Revisions to the Lumpkin County Future Land Use Map;
- Reactivation of and appointment of members to the Audit Committee;
- Reappoint of members to the Development Authority;
- Appoint Water & Sewer Authority Designee;
- List of February Surplus Property;
- Acceptance of Nimblecrest Subdivison Road Acceptance into the county road maintenance program;
- Acceptance of West Woods Subdivision into the county road maintenance program;
- Cannery Building.
Contracts to be discussed include:
- Mauldin & Jenkins – Audit Engagement Letter;
- UNG Swimming Pool Agreement;
- Legacy Link Addendum;
- Senior Center Bid Approval;
- Inmate Food Services;
Other items to be discussed include;
- City of Dahlonega Annexation of James G. Cambron Property;
- Building Modification Request – Emergency Operations Center;
- 2014 SPLOST – 2019 Work Plan;
- Collection of Delinquent Park and Rec Accounts;
- Recycle Agreement (Public Works Director Larry Reiter) 31. Boundary Line Agreement.
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 Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 01/28 to 02/03
Arrest Reports February 4, 2019
Arrest report and photos provided by the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 35-01-18) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Lumpkin County. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.