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Toccoa's fire chief Jeff Haslup announced his retirement after 44 years of service. A reception in his honor was held on Thursday, Sept. 3, at Toccoa City Hall.

Toccoa's fire chief Jeff Haslup announced his retirement after 44 years of service. A reception in his honor was held on Thursday, Sept. 3, at Toccoa City Hall.

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Toccoa fire chief Haslup announces retirement

News Staff
Thursday, September 3, 2026
BY TOM LAW AND J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD    One Toccoa first responder was recognized for his lengthy career and pending retirement while another saw his role with the city extended for about two weeks until some legal matters are resolved.
Stephens County Hospital is partnering with Wellstar Health System. The two healthcare providers made the announcement Wednesday morning, Sept. 2, and the transaction is expected to be done by the end of the year.

Stephens County Hospital is partnering with Wellstar Health System. The two healthcare providers made the announcement Wednesday morning, Sept. 2, and the transaction is expected to be done by the end of the year.

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Hospital partners with Wellstar

News Staff
Thursday, September 3, 2026
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORD Stephens County Hospital is partnering with Wellstar Health System, the two healthcare providers announced Wednesday morning.Wellstar Health System and Stephens County Hospital have reached an agreement for Stephens County Hospital and related entities to become...
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

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SCSO hosting toy drive kickoff Saturday

News Staff
Thursday, August 27, 2026
The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office is getting a head start on Christmas this Saturday.   Preparation for the fourth annual food and toy drive will be held Saturday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m. at the Toccoa Raceway on Big A Road.
The Stephens County Hospital Authority honored Aaron Wilkinson at its monthly meeting on Thursday, Aug. 20. Pictured from left to right are Phyllis Ayers, Mak McAllister, Bo Dotson, Wilkinson, Clay Fisher, Hospital Authority chair Rick Phillips, and Stephens County Hospital CEO Van Loskoski.

The Stephens County Hospital Authority honored Aaron Wilkinson at its monthly meeting on Thursday, Aug. 20. Pictured from left to right are Phyllis Ayers, Mak McAllister, Bo Dotson, Wilkinson, Clay Fisher, Hospital Authority chair Rick Phillips, and Stephens County Hospital CEO Van Loskoski.

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Celebrating 50 years of service

News Staff
Thursday, August 27, 2026
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD    Aaron Wilkinson, former director of Stephens County’s Emergency Medical Service (EMS), was honored last week for his 50 year tenure at EMS.   Wilkinson was recognized during the Aug. 20 meeting of the Stephens County Hospital Authority.
The Stephens County Board of Commissioners honored former Chamber of Commerce president Julie Paysen at its meeting on Tuesday night for her work. She was the president of the Chamber for 11 years. Pictured are BOC chair Chris Rickman, BOC vice chair Craig Oglesby, commissioner Debbie Whitlock, commissioner Tara Simmons, Paysen, and commissioner Chuck Wright.

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners honored former Chamber of Commerce president Julie Paysen at its meeting on Tuesday night for her work. She was the president of the Chamber for 11 years. Pictured are BOC chair Chris Rickman, BOC vice chair Craig Oglesby, commissioner Debbie Whitlock, commissioner Tara Simmons, Paysen, and commissioner Chuck Wright.

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County BOC holds first reading of roads and bridges rule changes

News Staff
Thursday, August 27, 2026
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD    Stephens County government is considering code change requirements for developers before the county will accept new roads for county maintenance.   On Tuesday, Aug. 25, the county had a first public hearing on the proposed changes.
Lynn Walton, left, and Toccoa police chief Bruce Carlisle, right, are spearheading an effort to get the Toccoa Police Department state certified.

Lynn Walton, left, and Toccoa police chief Bruce Carlisle, right, are spearheading an effort to get the Toccoa Police Department state certified.

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Police seeking state certification

News Staff
Thursday, August 27, 2026
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD      There are 141 state standards for law enforcement.   Those include policies such as administrative reviews when officers use force and officer training.    The Toccoa Police Department (TPD) seeks to have them all included in its departmental policies.
A vintage airplane with pilot George Harrison at the helm lands at the Toccoa-Stephens County Airport.

A vintage airplane with pilot George Harrison at the helm lands at the Toccoa-Stephens County Airport.

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Going airborne

News Staff
Thursday, August 20, 2026
BY TOM LAWTHE TOCCOA RECORD    National Airborne Day was celebrated Saturday at the Toccoa Airport with recognition of Army airborne troops who trained at Camp Toccoa in World War II, plane rides, memorabilia and a film about the nation’s airborne military forces.
The Stephens County Sheriff's Office has retired its K-9, Reba, after six years of service. Reba will live with Cpl. Ryan Brown and his wife, Jordyn.

The Stephens County Sheriff's Office has retired its K-9, Reba, after six years of service. Reba will live with Cpl. Ryan Brown and his wife, Jordyn.

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Sheriff’s Office retires K-9 Reba

News Staff
Thursday, August 20, 2026
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORD The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office has retired one of its K-9s after six years of service.On Friday, Aug. 14, the law enforcement agency bid farewell to K-9 Reba, who was handled by Cpl.
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

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Student assessment scores improve

News Staff
Thursday, August 20, 2026
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD    The Stephens County School System reports gains were made during the last year in Advanced Placement (AP) exams, Georgia Milestones assessments, and early literacy and math measurements.