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Shop workers at Stephens County High School have been battling the heat to get school buses ready for the start of the school year tomorrow. Pictured are technician Bruce Watts, left, and shop supervisor Brian Pulliam, right. Photo by J. Todd Truelove

Shop workers at Stephens County High School have been battling the heat to get school buses ready for the start of the school year tomorrow. Pictured are technician Bruce Watts, left, and shop supervisor Brian Pulliam, right. Photo by J. Todd Truelove

Students return to school tomorrow

BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD     School buses will be rolling out tomorrow (Aug. 1) for the first day of the 2025-2026 school year.   School superintendent Connie Franklin said that the student body this year totals 3,884 enrollees but cautioned the number remained in flux.
On Tuesday night, the Stephens County Board of Commissioners approved a $411,000 ambulance purchase using SPLOST funds. Submitted photo

On Tuesday night, the Stephens County Board of Commissioners approved a $411,000 ambulance purchase using SPLOST funds. Submitted photo

County BOC OKs vehicle purchases

BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD      The Stephens County Government on Tuesday approved more than half a million dollars in vehicle purchases.
A group of 16 Stephens County residents participated in the seventh annual Bible reading on July 14 at the historic courthouse on Tugalo Street. Each participant read a different verse from the Bible during the event. Pictured are Ritz Theatre manager Tim Mullen, Jackie Whitmire, James Myerholtz, Danny Yearwood, Craig Hanscomb, Brandon Isbell, Tony Smith, Jackie Whitmire, David Semones, Burt Holmes, Lori Duke Jones, Daniel Simmons, Trudi Kannenburg and Danette Smith. Submitted photo

A group of 16 Stephens County residents participated in the seventh annual Bible reading on July 14 at the historic courthouse on Tugalo Street. Each participant read a different verse from the Bible during the event. Pictured are Ritz Theatre manager Tim Mullen, Jackie Whitmire, James Myerholtz, Danny Yearwood, Craig Hanscomb, Brandon Isbell, Tony Smith, Jackie Whitmire, David Semones, Burt Holmes, Lori Duke Jones, Daniel Simmons, Trudi Kannenburg and Danette Smith. Submitted photo

The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

Toccoa Main Street hires marketing assistant

BY LAURA SHAW AND MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORD    The City of Toccoa Main Street program has hired a new Special Events and Marketing Specialist.     Emrie Canen is now working part-time, but after August 1, she will be a full-time employee.
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

School system releases info about cellphone policy

BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORD The Stephens County school system has released information about upcoming open houses next week to help prepare parents for the upcoming school year and its updated cellphone policy for students.
On Thursday, July 17, the Toccoa Police Department converted the intersection at S. Pond Street and Collins Road to a three-way intersection. Photo by Laura Shaw

On Thursday, July 17, the Toccoa Police Department converted the intersection at S. Pond Street and Collins Road to a three-way intersection. Photo by Laura Shaw

Stop signs set up at busy Toccoa crossing

BY LAURA SHAWTHE TOCCOA RECORD   On Thursday, July 17, the intersection at South Pond Street and Collins Road was converted to a three-way stop from a one-way stop on Collins.
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

County, school system propose tax increases

BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD The Stephens County government and school system are each reporting an increase in property taxes.That increase is due to not rolling back their millage rates to compensate for increased property values.
On Monday afternoon, children played in Toccoa Creek as part of their summer camp activities at Camp Mikell. Photo by Michael O’Hearn

On Monday afternoon, children played in Toccoa Creek as part of their summer camp activities at Camp Mikell. Photo by Michael O’Hearn

Camp Mikell open to kids for summer activities

BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORD Summer is synonymous with outdoor activities such as summer camps, and children across Northeast and Middle Georgia have been going to one such camp in Stephens County for decades.
The Toccoa Police Department will be collecting school supplies to distribute to the county’s elementary schools July 21-31 using this trailer, which will be set up at Walmart. Submitted photo

The Toccoa Police Department will be collecting school supplies to distribute to the county’s elementary schools July 21-31 using this trailer, which will be set up at Walmart. Submitted photo

Police department collecting school supplies

BY J. TODD TRUELOVE THE TOCCOA RECORD   Toccoa Police Department Police Chief Bruce Carlisle reported last week that the police department seeks to assist county schools as the first day of school approaches.