Fall Festival Saturday October 1st at Epworth Community Club with Speaker of the House Rep David Ralston and US Senate Candidate Herschel Walker
News September 25, 2022Election Results for 2022 Primary
Election May 24, 2022LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga.- Today, May 24, is election day and the citizens of Lumpkin County have voted, and these are the results for the 2022 primary election.
The Board of Education Chairperson is Bobby Self. The Board of Education District 2 is Craig Poore. The Board of Education District 4 is the incumbent Lynn Sylvestor.
The Board of Commissioner Chair for District 3 is the incumbent Rhett Stringer. The Board of Commissioner Chair for District 4 is Jeff Moran.
These officials will begin their new term in Jan. of 2023. No candidate was present to recieve the election results.
Election Reminder
Election May 23, 2022LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga.- Tuesday, May 24 is election day and the last day for citizens to vote.
The polls will open at 7:00 a.m. and stay open until 7:00 p.m. Voting will be held at the Lumpkin County Park and Rec Community Center, 365 Riley Road, Dahlonega.
The county positions that are up for election are Board of Education Chair Person, Board of Education District 2 and 4, and County Commissioners District 3 and 4. To review the candidates for these positions visit https://lumpkin.fetchyournews.com/2022/04/25/last-day-for-voter-registration/.
There are also state positions on the ballot and those are for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Agriculture Commissioner, Labor Commissioner, Insurance Commissioner, and Public Servicer Commissioner (2 seats). For more information on whose running for those positions visit https://ballotpedia.org/Georgia_state_executive_official_elections,_2022.
There are also four bills on the ballot. They are Suspend Compensation for Public Officers Indicted for a Felony Amendment, Temporary Property Tax Change for Disaster Damaged Properties Amendment, Merged Family-Owned Farms and Dairy and Eggs Tax Exemption Measure, and Timber Equipment Exempt from property Taxes Measure. To read more about these bills visit https://ballotpedia.org/Georgia_2022_ballot_measures.
Fetch Your News will have the latest updates on the election as the results come in on Tuesday Night.
Last Day for Voter Registration
Election, Feature News, Politics April 25, 2022LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga.- Today Apr. 25 is the last day for voter registration for the May 24 primary election.
To register to vote or for early voting, you can go to 56 Short Street Dahlonega, GA 30533. For registration information visit https://www.lumpkincounty.gov/183/Elections-Registration.
Early voting will begin on May 2 and be 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through May 6. On May 7 the voting will be 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This will be the schedule every week through May 20. Friday, May 13 will be the last day to request an absentee ballot. Election day voting will be 7:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m.
The positions up for election are County Commissioner District 3 and 4, Board of Education Chairperson, and Board of Education District 2 and 4. The incumbents for all positions have qualified to run again for their positions.
The incumbents are Rhett Stringer Commissioner District 3 he is running unopposed. Jeff Moran Commissioner District 4, and is being challenged by R.L. “Wade” Niles.
The chairperson incumbent is Bobby Self he is running unopposed. Board of Education District 4 is Lynn Sylvester. The district 2 incumbent is Craig Poore, and he is being challenged by Jeramy Nye.
For more information on the candidates that are qualified for election visit https://sos.ga.gov/page/qualifying-candidate-information.
Next Round of Qualified Candidates
Election March 14, 2022LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga.- The next round of qualified candidates for the 2022 election cycle has been announced.
The positions that are up for election are County Commissioner District 3 and 4, the Board of Education chairperson, and the Board of Education District 2 and 4. The incumbents for the commissioner positions are Rhett Stringer and Jeff Moran. The incumbents for the board of education positions are Chairperson Bobby Self, District 2 Craig Poore, and District 4 Lynn Sylvester.
All incumbents have announced that they are running for re-election. There is an additional candidate for commissioner district 4 and board of education district 2.
The commissioner candidate is R.L. “Wade” Niles. The board of education candidate is Jeramy Nye. For more information about the upcoming elections and the candidates that have qualified for not only county but state and federal visit https://sos.ga.gov/qualifying-candidate-information. Stay up to date with Fetch Your News as well.
County Commissioner’s Election Results
Election, Feature News November 2, 2021LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. – The results are in for the Lumpkin County District 1 County Commissioner’s seat Tucker Greene is the new commissioner.
The race for the County Commissioner’s seat was between Tucker Greene and Mitchell Ridley. Ridley is a former city council member until he stepped down in September to run for the commissioner position, and he owns his own salon.
Greene is currently a project manager at H.E. Hodge Company. He has lived in Dahlonega since 2007. Both candidates participated in the debate held on Oct. 14, to view that debate please go to https://lumpkin.fetchyournews.com/2021/10/18/candidates-for-commissioner-seat-participate-forum/
This is a special election due to the untimely passing of Dr. David J. Miller. He passed back in May. The current Commissioners recently dedicated their boardroom in memory of his service to the community.
The results are not yet certified.
Candidates for Commissioner Seat Participate in Forum
Community, Election October 18, 2021LUMPKIN, GA. – The two candidates running for the County Commissioner District 1 seat participated in a forum on October 14 hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.
Mitchell Ridley and Tucker Greene the two candidates for the seat met on Thursday, October 14 for a forum that was an opportunity for the community to hear their positions on the issues. The event was moderated by Chuck Jones Chairman of the Government Affairs Committee for the Dahlonega Chamber of Commerce.
The forum was held in the same manner as the city forum on October 12. Each candidate had a two-minute opening, and two minutes each to answer the 11 questions presented to them, and they were able to close out with a two-minute closing statement.
There were some similar questions to the city forum such as the question of combing the City and County government, what their visions for the future looked like, the question over short-term rentals, their experience, and who they viewed are the partners in the community.
Another example of the types of questions that the candidates had to answered dealt with current issues the Commissioners are dealing with at present. These questions were about the noise ordinance that was tabled due to the vacancy of seat 1 and was brought back to the attention at the previous work session, the issue about land use, and the example of this one was the gun range that the Commissioners just voted down.
“Again I’m a small government guy but within that small government we have to protect the citizens of Lumpkin County, in regards to the gun range I believe if things had been done properly if things had been approached how they should have then maybe there could have been some concessions made in that particular case the business owner did not approach the business properly with not requesting a business license. I do believe there is an opportunity, and the time is now for us to begin to look at some of those zoning potentials on how to create some safe spaces for those moving in and those wanting to develop,” explained Greene.
They were also asked about the recycling issue that is due to be voted on at the next meeting on October 19, COVID restrictions, what they would do differently than previous commissioners, and what they believe needs to change in on the board, and the growth around the new hospital.
“Exactly what we’ve been talking about tonight quality of life. If you don’t have the quality of life and you don’t have the peace and quiet of your own sanctuary at home then you don’t have much. So we need to look at the quality of life and protect it for the people who’s been here all their life and protect it for the people who’s just moved here because everyone is seeking something that came to this town and we’ve been blessed to have a wonderful town and I would like to cut some of the wasteful spendings and I see some of those areas that can be cut,” answered Ridley
Ridley had the first opening statement and first chance at the first question. They took turns on who answered first after that. Greene had the first closing statement with Ridley ending the night. To view the full forum please visit http://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/310440?autoplay=0
Reminder that early voting has begun and will continue from October 18-22 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., October 23 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., and October 25-29 8:00 a.m -5:00 p.m. You can go to 56 Short Street, Dahlonega Ga, 30533. For more voting information visit https://www.lumpkincounty.gov/412/Where-Do-I-Vote
City of Dahlonega Candidate Forum October 12th LIVE on FYNTv.com
Election, News October 12, 2021Agenda for October 12 City of Dahlonega
5:00 Post 3: Forum with Tammi Scales and Ryan Reagin
5:30 Post 1: Roman Gaddis
5:40 Post 2: William Ross Shirley
5:50 10– minute intermission –
6:00 Mayoral Forum with JoAnne Taylor, Doug Sherrill and Catherine Casey Alexander
Commissioners Discuss Recycling
Community October 6, 2021LUMPKIN, GA.- The commissioners began discussions about reevaluating the recycling program at the work session on October 5.
Commissioner Bobby Mayfield reintroduced the need for a noise ordinance in the county at the session as well. The board announced that there will be two public opportunities for the public to comment on the Comprehensive Plan on October 21, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on November 9, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Community Center.
The commissioners in their July meetings asked Public Works Director Larry Reiter and the public for new ideas for the recycling program before the contract renews in December. For more information about that meeting visit https://lumpkin.fetchyournews.com/2021/07/21/commissioners-approve-new-hospital/
Reiter came before the board with his suggestions for the Recycling program at the work session. Those sessions include raising the price of recycling to that of the regular garbage disposal, doing away with the program, or making no changes to the program. The board wanted more information on how many people recycle before they considered the options.
“It could offset the cost of property tax owners and those that wish to recycle can participate in the program can pay to recycle. I think it’s important to know how many people recycle before making an informed decision,” commented Chairman of the Board Chris Dockery.
The board tasked Reiter with trying to come up with a ballpark number before the regular meeting on October 19. The meeting will be proceeded by a public hearing at 5:15 p.m. and another work session at 5:30 p.m. the meeting itself will take place at 6:00 p.m.
Commissioner Bobby Mayfield added an item to the agenda in the form of a noise ordinance. The board had previously formed a committee to look into a noise ordinance but due to the untimely death of Commissioner David J. Miller, they tabled the decision until they once again had a full board.
Mayfield told the board that it seems due to the lack of action taken on the matter some citizens seem to view it as not going to happen and have been abusing the system. He found an ordinance that was upheld in another jurisdiction by the Supreme Court and that was what he presented to the board.
The board reviewed the ordinance and proposed changes to County Attorney Joy Edelberg. Once Edelberg has had time to make the necessary changes to the document the board will vote on the matter.
“Unfortunately it would seem as some of the folks who are violators of this noise thing have taken our inaction over the last few months to mean Nah we just forgot about it. Well let me tell you right we haven’t forgotten about it, it’s still on the agenda, it’s still on our minds, and we still have a committee and we will have some more meetings,” stated Mayfield.
On a related note on October 14 at 6:00 p.m. the Chamber of Commerce is hosting a forum between the candidates for the empty Commissioner District 1 seat. For more information on this visit https://members.dlcchamber.org/events/details/2021-board-of-commissioners-district-1-forum-66329
Candidate Mitchell Ridley was present at the meeting and did voice his opinions on the matters discussed at the meeting.
City Council Approves Summit Planned Unit Development
Community, Election October 6, 2021LUMPKIN, GA.- The Dahlonega City Council voted to approve the Summit Planned Unit Development Phase 2with conditions at the meeting on October 4.
The council also appointed a new member to the Downtown Development Authority. City Manager Bill Schmid gave an update on the Head House Project.
The Summit Planned Unit Development or the PUD Phase 2 was discussed at length during a public hearing held before the last city council work session. The developer was able to explain to the council and community what the project entailed. The residents of The Summit also had a chance to voice their opinions on the project. For more information on that visit https://lumpkin.fetchyournews.com/2021/09/21/council-approves-2022-employee-benefits-program/
The PUD was approved with conditions for the developer and future residents. The important conditions where the current residents of The Summitt are concerned are thus, short-term rentals as defined by the code of the city are prohibited, and the buildings will be set back 20ft. For the full list of the conditions visit https://mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/dahlonega-pubu/MEET-Packet-bcb52c98d80a4de585d83f401273504b.pdf
“There is strength in numbers, we don’t represent ourselves we represent you all, you coming out here, you did have an impact and we do appreciate what you did,” commented Councilman Johnny Ariemma.
The next item of business at the meeting was the appointment of a new member to the Downtown Development Authority. The council appointed Ms. Wendi Huguley to the authority.
Huguley is currently the Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving at the University of North Georgia. She has lived in Dahlonega for ten years.
City Manager Bill Schmid gave an update on the Head House project. After a meeting with potential contractors to answer any questions they have, there are currently mix responses to the project.
There will be a bid on October 15 for the contractors. After that, it will go before the council for a vote with the hope of being completed by Spring of 2022.
City Clerk Mary Csukas reminds the community that the first day of early voting also takes place on the first day of the Gold Rush. There will be a detour set up with signs pointing the way and also citizens will be able to vote at the Parks and Rec.
“I encourage everyone to get out and vote. It seems like the City of Dahlonega’s average is somewhere around 20 to 25% of the eligible voters going to the polls. It’s too important a principle to not take it seriously so I just encourage everyone to go out and vote,” stated Councilmen Ron Larson.
The Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a city forum for the candidates on October 12 beginning at 5:00 p.m. At this time not all candidates have said they are attending. For more information visit https://members.dlcchamber.org/events/details/2021-city-council-and-mayoral-forum-66328
Trump endorses Burt Jones for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia
Election, Politics, Press Release September 2, 2021JACKSON – Today, September 2, 2021, President Donald J. Trump endorsed conservative candidate Burt Jones for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia.
Both Trump and Jones have shared and forwarded the endorsement to numerous media outlets. Jones’ campaign also attached a statement saying, “In 2016 and 2020, Burt served as President Trump’s campaign co-chair in Georgia, and he was the first elected official in Georgia to endorse the President. As President Trump’s endorsement proves, Burt is the only candidate in the race for Lieutenant Governor who will safeguard and advance the America First agenda, fight for election integrity, and deliver results for hardworking Georgians.”
Trump’s endorsement stated: “State Senator Burt Jones is a Conservative warrior running for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia. No on has fought harder for Election Integrity than Burt, and no state needs it more. A businessman and Patriot, Burt will always stand for America First, and will help bring back Energy Independence, a Stronger Border, Low Taxes, Great Education, and Safe Cities. He will also get to the bottom of the Nov. 3 Presidential Election Scam. Burt Jones has my Complete and Total Endorsement. He will not let the great people of Georgia down!”
In an email statement today, Burt Jones responded by saying, “I am honored and humbled to receive the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump in my campaign for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia. I am the only person in my race who has had the President’s back from day one, and it’s an honor to have his full support. As Lieutenant Governor, I will work to advance the President’s America First agenda and continue to grow our economy, improve our schools, secure our elections, and keep Georgia safe. I look forward to traveling the state and meeting with the good people of Georgia as we work toward a big win in November 2022.”
Council discusses ARPA funds, approves millage rate
Community, Election, News August 17, 2021Dahlonega, Ga. – During a special called meeting, the council approved an additional American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) application, proposed the fiscal year 2022 budget and the 2021 tax digest, and the millage rate for the fiscal year 2021.
During the Board of Zoning Appeals, the council approved one application and tabled another. The mayor also addressed the recent rise in COVID-19 at the end of the work session.
City Manager Bill Schmid presented the council with an additional application for more funds from the ARPA. The city already has been given $2.7 million but the state still has $30 million left to distribute. The application is for an additional $5 million in conjunction with an application the county plans to submit.
The council approved the proposed the fiscal year 2022 budget. This budget has been talked about at both meetings and work sessions and is available online for the community to see. To view the budget please visit https://dahlonega.gov/document/public-notice-fy2022-budget-hearing/
2021 Millage Rate
Finance Director Allison Martin presented the 2021 Tax Digest and Millage rate. The calculated rollback rate for the 2021 tax digest is 5.633 mills. The millage rate for 2021 is 5.508 which is lower than the rollback rate. The council approved the rollback rate and the millage rate that was presented to them.
“I just wanted to thank the city staff for working so hard with this budget not only is it clear and understandable also achieved a goal many of us on council share and that is to reduce the millage rate and it comes not only from doing a good job on the budget but increasing productivity and taking advantage of the new software we have,” stated Councilwoman Taylor.
At the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting application, BZA-21-6 was approved. The application, BZA-21-7 was tabled due to the applicant having COVID and not being able to attend the meeting.
COVID-19, the Delta Variant
Before adjourning the work session Mayor Norton addressed the recent rise in COVID numbers. Lumpkin County is currently 30% fully vaccinated and 34% have had at least one dose. Between July 31 and August 6 there have been 83 confirmed cases in Lumpkin county.
“Covid is running wild again, the virus is back with a vengeance. I’m not going to preach on you to get your vaccine or not to get it but I will simply state the fact that more people are dying of Covid without the vaccine than with it. In fact, 86% more I think,” commented Norton.
City Council Qualifying
A reminder that qualifying for the November election begins August 17 and goes through August 19. There is a table set up by the entrance to City Hall with all the paperwork needed for qualifying.
Downtown Development Authority Appointment
The council appointed A.C. Moore II to the Downtown Development Authority.
Moore currently works at Altitude Benefits and Constulating, LLC. Moore lives in the city of Dahlonega.
“I feel like this is the highest level of civic duty is to serve on these boards and committees, some people think it jury duty but in jury duty if you don’t show up the judge can compel you to be there but on the city boards and committees you are there of your own free will,” commented Mayor Sam Norton.