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James Lamar "Lumpy" Norris, who was a respected paramedic in Stephens County, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 8.

James Lamar "Lumpy" Norris, who was a respected paramedic in Stephens County, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 8.

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Norris remembered as steadfast, caring presence

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORD Before he was elected a probate court judge, Chris Stephens spent a lot of time with his friend, James ‘Lumpy’ Norris in the back of ambulances.Nearly three decades working together as paramedics at Stephens County Hospital, to be exact.
The Pre-Legislative Coffee event on Thursday, Jan. 8, at Currahee Club was emceed by Stephens County Hospital CEO Van Loskoski, left, and sponsored by Rick and Letha Phillips of the Phillips Group, middle. With them are Phillips Group Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Cody Cobb, Georgia Rep. Chris Erwin, Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President Julie Paysen, and Chamber board chair Cassandra Wilkins.

The Pre-Legislative Coffee event on Thursday, Jan. 8, at Currahee Club was emceed by Stephens County Hospital CEO Van Loskoski, left, and sponsored by Rick and Letha Phillips of the Phillips Group, middle. With them are Phillips Group Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Cody Cobb, Georgia Rep. Chris Erwin, Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President Julie Paysen, and Chamber board chair Cassandra Wilkins.

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Legislation presentation

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD   Affordability for Georgian pocketbooks is a top priority for the state legislature this year.   That’s a message that northeast Georgia state legislators presented last week at a pre-legislative forum.   Rep. Chris Erwin and Sen.
Four different law enforcement agencies arrived at a home on Hwy. 123 in reference to a hostage call. When they arrived, they found nothing but a male inside the home.

Four different law enforcement agencies arrived at a home on Hwy. 123 in reference to a hostage call. When they arrived, they found nothing but a male inside the home.

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Law enforcement respond to swatting incident

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD   A bevy of law enforcement personnel from local and state agencies responded last week to a hostage crisis at a residence on West Currahee Street near Orlando Drive.   But there was no crisis, no hostages, and no — as reported to 911 — sniper rifle.
Andrea Walters, who trains at Owens Gym on Big A Road in Toccoa, recently set a world record in deadlifting.

Andrea Walters, who trains at Owens Gym on Big A Road in Toccoa, recently set a world record in deadlifting.

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Franklin County resident sets weightlifting world record

News Staff
Thursday, January 8, 2026
BY SHANE SCOGGINSCNI NEWS SERVICE CARNESVILLE – A desire to get in better shape to play with her grandchildren has led one Franklin County woman to become a world-record-setting weightlifter.
Kim Randall has been announced as Stephens County Hospital's new operation room manager.

Kim Randall has been announced as Stephens County Hospital's new operation room manager.

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Randall to lead hospital’s operating room

News Staff
Thursday, January 8, 2026
BY JOLEY STRICKLANDFOR THE TOCCOA RECORDStephens County Hospital has introduced Kim Randall, MSN, BSN, RN, as its new peri-operative surgical services manager (operating room manager). She brings decades of experience, deep clinical knowledge, and a genuine passion for patient care to her role.
Travis Kruger, Fritz Koch, and Regina Kruger are in charge of the new Sage Street Aleworks in downtown Toccoa, a brewery that inhabits the historic Stewarts Drugs building. The Krugers have kept the Stewarts Drugs sign hanging above the entrance, and the pharmacy cabinet has been converted into the brewery’s beer wall.

Travis Kruger, Fritz Koch, and Regina Kruger are in charge of the new Sage Street Aleworks in downtown Toccoa, a brewery that inhabits the historic Stewarts Drugs building. The Krugers have kept the Stewarts Drugs sign hanging above the entrance, and the pharmacy cabinet has been converted into the brewery’s beer wall.

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Brewing a community

News Staff
Thursday, January 8, 2026
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORDA new microbrewery that has been fermenting for more than a year has opened its doors, and the owners are enjoying its early success.
The Stephens County School System has announced that Stephens County Middle School eighth graders Silas Johns, Zadie Mack, Keeley Mote, and Hudson Purser are this year’s REACH scholars.

The Stephens County School System has announced that Stephens County Middle School eighth graders Silas Johns, Zadie Mack, Keeley Mote, and Hudson Purser are this year’s REACH scholars.

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School system announces SCMS REACH scholars

News Staff
Thursday, January 8, 2026
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD    Four eighth grade students at Stephens County Middle School were recognized last month for committing to the REACH Georgia program.
A brush fire on the afternoon of Wednesday, Dec. 31, shut down a section of Hwy. 123 in Toccoa as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.

A brush fire on the afternoon of Wednesday, Dec. 31, shut down a section of Hwy. 123 in Toccoa as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.

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Firefighters battle blaze on Hwy. 123

News Staff
Thursday, January 8, 2026
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORDWhile there may not have been smoke on the water in Toccoa on Wednesday, Dec. 31, there was a fire in the sky off Hwy. 123 due to a brush fire.
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

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Land use ordinance could be updated

News Staff
Thursday, January 8, 2026
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD    The Stephens County Government is considering amending its land use ordinance in relation to accessory structures on properties.   Currently, a property owner needs to apply for a variance to allow for an accessory structure in their front yard.