Local

On Sunday night, June 28, the Toccoa Symphony Orchestra performed its annual Patriotic Pops concert at Reflections at Lake Toccoa. There were some surprises, such as John Williams’ “Superman” theme and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing,” thrown into the setlist. Below, conductor Benji Stegner is leading the orchestra.

On Sunday night, June 28, the Toccoa Symphony Orchestra performed its annual Patriotic Pops concert at Reflections at Lake Toccoa. There were some surprises, such as John Williams’ “Superman” theme and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing,” thrown into the setlist. Below, conductor Benji Stegner is leading the orchestra.

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America turns 250

News Staff
Thursday, July 2, 2026
The Edgar Loudermilk Band will be the headlining performer at the Ida Cox concert on Saturday night at 8 p.m. to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Before them will be Ron Hartzog at 6 p.m., who will sing patriotic tunes, and Hotel Street at 7 p.m. performing a variety of light rock hits.

The Edgar Loudermilk Band will be the headlining performer at the Ida Cox concert on Saturday night at 8 p.m. to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Before them will be Ron Hartzog at 6 p.m., who will sing patriotic tunes, and Hotel Street at 7 p.m. performing a variety of light rock hits.

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Stephens County celebrating America's 250th

News Staff
Thursday, July 2, 2026
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORD    Stephens County residents will have two chances to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary tonight and Saturday.Stephens County    The Stephens County Recreation Department will host its annual fireworks show at the recreation department beginning at 5 p.m.
The Toccoa City Commission on Monday approved a proclamation recognizing the work of the local chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) in promoting the upcoming 250th birthday of the United States of America. Toccoa Mayor Evan Hellenga, on the left end, presented the proclamation to DAR members in attendance at Monday’s meeting.

The Toccoa City Commission on Monday approved a proclamation recognizing the work of the local chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) in promoting the upcoming 250th birthday of the United States of America. Toccoa Mayor Evan Hellenga, on the left end, presented the proclamation to DAR members in attendance at Monday’s meeting.

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City thanks DAR for celebrating 250th birthday

News Staff
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Teresa and Dave Bill have written a book about their missionary trips to Africa.

Teresa and Dave Bill have written a book about their missionary trips to Africa.

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Retired Eastanollee couple pens book about African mission trips

News Staff
Thursday, June 25, 2026
 BY TOM LAWTHE TOCCOA RECORD     A retired Eastanollee couple has written a book about their lives as missionaries in equatorial Africa.    Dave and Teresa Bill are retired from the mission field but spent 38 years as missionaries to the countries of Gabon and the Republic of Congo next door.
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

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County approves FY27 budget

News Staff
Thursday, June 25, 2026
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD    The budget for the Stephens County government for 2026-2027 includes a General Fund totaling $24.67 million with $14.88 million of that coming from property taxes.   That’s 3.
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

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LHOST bill faces loss

News Staff
Thursday, June 25, 2026
BY MICHAEL O’HEARN AND TY TAGAMITHE TOCCOA RECORD AND CAPITOL BEAT NEWS SERVICEProperty tax relief for Stephens County residents will have to wait a little longer.
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

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City seeks moratorium on data centers

News Staff
Thursday, June 25, 2026
BY TOM LAWTHE TOCCOA RECORD    Toccoa will seek a six-month moratorium on any effort to locate a data center within the city limits.   That decision was made during a commission work session held Monday at City Hall.
Stacey Simmons, left, and Roy English, right, participated in the Toccoa Elks Lodge's Flag Day ceremony on June 14.

Stacey Simmons, left, and Roy English, right, participated in the Toccoa Elks Lodge's Flag Day ceremony on June 14.

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Woodmen Life holds flag ceremony

News Staff
Thursday, June 18, 2026
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORD A new flag is flying at the Toccoa-Stephens County Public Library thanks to a local insurance company.The flag is significant because of America’s 250th birthday next month.