Local

The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Sheriff’s Office captures wanted fugitive

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
FROM STAFF REPORTSOn Wednesday, Jan. 7, the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit conducted a follow-up investigation at a residence on Waters Edge Drive in Martin.During the investigation, CSU deputies located and arrested wanted fugitive Tracy Holbrook, 58, of Carnesville.
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Elections board sets meeting schedule

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
The Stephens County Board of Elections has set its meetings schedule for 2026.During its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 6, the board approved its meeting calendar and is expected to reconvene on April 6, July 7, and Oct. 6.
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Open Arms clinic hosting fundraiser

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
The Open Arms Clinic on Big A Road will be having a fundraiser in February seeking donations that will help keep its doors open.  Executive director Sherry Beavers said that it costs some $18,000 a month to keep Open Arms operating.
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

Exclusive Subscriber Content

SCDA welcomes Hellenga, Rickman to board

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
FROM STAFF REPORTSThe Stephens County Development Authority recognized Toccoa city commissioner Terry Carter for his service on the SCDA board as his term concluded this year.
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Sheriff’s Office curbing Hwy. 17 speeders

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD   Drag racers and speeders on Historic Highway 17 are going to be receiving some radar love.   Speeds on Historic Highway 17 have become a problem, said Stephens County Sheriff Rusty Fulbright.
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.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

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.