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Motorists will notice new signage saying “Welcome to Wellstar Mountain Lakes Medical Center” as the local hospital was officially acquired by Wellstar Health System. Wellstar Health System and Mountain Lakes Medical Center announced on Monday, Aug. 10, Wellstar has completed its acquisition of the hospital.

Motorists will notice new signage saying “Welcome to Wellstar Mountain Lakes Medical Center” as the local hospital was officially acquired by Wellstar Health System. Wellstar Health System and Mountain Lakes Medical Center announced on Monday, Aug. 10, Wellstar has completed its acquisition of the hospital.

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Mountain Lakes Medical Center officially acquired by Wellstar

News Staff
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
By Megan Horn, CNI News Service Mountain Lakes Medical Center is now officially Wellstar Mountain Lakes Medical Center. Wellstar Health System and Mountain Lakes Medical Center announced on Monday, Aug.
Matthew Cook said he didn’t disagree with the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s remarks about the efficacy of the Flock camera system. “It’s a great tool, and he told you about the policies for how it’s supposed to be used. The problem is, ‘supposed to’ doesn’t always work,” Cook said, as townhall host Anita Anderson Spangler looked on. KEITH MURDEN/CNI

Matthew Cook said he didn’t disagree with the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s remarks about the efficacy of the Flock camera system. “It’s a great tool, and he told you about the policies for how it’s supposed to be used. The problem is, ‘supposed to’ doesn’t always work,” Cook said, as townhall host Anita Anderson Spangler looked on. KEITH MURDEN/CNI

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Flock camera controversy rolls on

News Staff
Thursday, August 6, 2026
By Keith Murden, CNI News Service A basketball superstar’s SUV is stolen, a brazen gun store heist crosses state lines, a vehicle punches through the front of Moore’s Hardware and flees the scene, copper and materials worth $50,000 are stolen from Windstream.
A dining room and kitchen is shown in one of the presidential penthouses, which are now long-term rentals at the Apple Mountain Golf Club and Resort, recently purchased by BQA 4 LLC. HANNAH CAUDELL/CNI

A dining room and kitchen is shown in one of the presidential penthouses, which are now long-term rentals at the Apple Mountain Golf Club and Resort, recently purchased by BQA 4 LLC. HANNAH CAUDELL/CNI

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Apple Mountain becoming apartments

News Staff
Friday, July 24, 2026
By Hannah CaudellCNI News Service The Apple Mountain Golf Club and Resort in Clarkesville has new owners.The club was once owned by Silverleaf Resorts LLC and overseen by Holiday Inn Club Vacations according to public tax records. That company bought much of the property for at least $3.
Construction vehicles and equipment can be seen at the future site of the Lumpkin County Veterans Cemetery on Blackburn Road.

Construction vehicles and equipment can be seen at the future site of the Lumpkin County Veterans Cemetery on Blackburn Road.

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Veterans Cemetery project is breaking new ground

News Staff
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
By Keith MurdenCNI News Service Local veterans are one step closer to being able to choose their hometown (of Dahlonega) as their final resting place, after earth-moving equipment was deployed to the future 11.1-acre site of the County’s Veterans Cemetery for the first time last week.
Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Brian Young smiles as he stands on the property that will be the new build site for eight or nine new Habitat homes. HANNAH CAUDELL/CNI

Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Brian Young smiles as he stands on the property that will be the new build site for eight or nine new Habitat homes. HANNAH CAUDELL/CNI

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Habitat for Humanity buys 16 acres for houses

News Staff
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
By Hannah CaudellCNI News Service Tucked away on a dirt road in Demorest, a 16-acre tract of land sits virtually untouched as it now waits for new Habitat for Humanity houses to be constructed.
Mud Creek Falls and the Mud Creek Trail are among the properties listed part of the $18.5 million sale through Poss Realty. Merrill Trust Group owns over 500 acres of property in Sky Valley. MEGAN HORN/CNI

Mud Creek Falls and the Mud Creek Trail are among the properties listed part of the $18.5 million sale through Poss Realty. Merrill Trust Group owns over 500 acres of property in Sky Valley. MEGAN HORN/CNI

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Sky Valley acreage lists at $18.5 million

News Staff
Thursday, July 9, 2026
By Megan Horn and Enoch Autry CNI News Service Over 573 acres are up for sale at 696 Sky Valley Way, Sky Valley, with an $18.5 million price tag, according to a July 5 listing by Poss Realty. The posting for 573.
Owner Kim Chapman stands in front of a breathtaking view at KC Bison Ranch as a herd of bison settle into the pasture below. KEITH MURDEN/CNI

Owner Kim Chapman stands in front of a breathtaking view at KC Bison Ranch as a herd of bison settle into the pasture below. KEITH MURDEN/CNI

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Bison ranch in Lumpkin ready for fundraising concert

News Staff
Thursday, July 9, 2026
By Keith MurdenCNI News Service The hills are alive with the sound of music, according to Rodgers & Hammerstein.
The inside of the old Crow building in Cornelia is vast, and perhaps perfect for a wine tasting room that is currently planned for the building. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

The inside of the old Crow building in Cornelia is vast, and perhaps perfect for a wine tasting room that is currently planned for the building. (Hannah Caudell/Staff)

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Renovations stall at future winery

News Staff
Thursday, July 9, 2026
By Hannah CaudellCNI News ServiceMore time will likely pass before renovations on the old brick building next to Donald Anderson Park begin.Matt and Lindsey Vrahiotes of Sweet Acre Farms lease the property, and had plans of opening a wine tasting room.
The Afternoon Delight was docked in the parking lot of Lake Zwerner last week as Duke Neslen and Beau Donner prepared to launch their newly-purchased 25-foot sailboat into the reservoir waters. SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Afternoon Delight was docked in the parking lot of Lake Zwerner last week as Duke Neslen and Beau Donner prepared to launch their newly-purchased 25-foot sailboat into the reservoir waters. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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University students sharpen sailing skills on local lake

News Staff
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
By Matt AikenCNI News Service It began with an Instagram reel, the short video featured a group of college students setting sail across the Atlantic on their newly purchased boat. University of North Georgia student Duke Neslen liked the looks of it. And he knew just where to forward it.
Motorists passing through on Highway 441 and visitors to the City of Dillard should use caution as there is ongoing road construction in the area. MEGAN HORN/CNI

Motorists passing through on Highway 441 and visitors to the City of Dillard should use caution as there is ongoing road construction in the area. MEGAN HORN/CNI

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Highway 441 project impacts traffic, events

News Staff
Thursday, June 11, 2026
By Megan HornCNI News Service Anyone traveling on Highway 441 from Clayton to the North Carolina line can see that construction is ongoing for the Highway 441 widening project.Various areas of the highway are lined with orange safety barrels, construction equipment, workers and lane merge signs.