Local

The Rotz theater in Toccoa is slated for a new projector.

The Rotz theater in Toccoa is slated for a new projector.

City approves projects at meeting

The City of Toccoa approved several items at its recent meeting. Among these was a contract to update the lighting at the Toccoa-Stephens County Airport. The lights were last replaced in 1992. According to City Manager Fredda Wheeler, they are only supposed to have a 10- to 15-year shelf life.
Kathy Whitmire, left, executive director for the Hope for a Drug Free Stephens oganization, and guest speaker Julie Russell, right, led a drug overdose awareness event on Thursday, Aug. 29, in downtown Toccoa.

Kathy Whitmire, left, executive director for the Hope for a Drug Free Stephens oganization, and guest speaker Julie Russell, right, led a drug overdose awareness event on Thursday, Aug. 29, in downtown Toccoa.

Hope for a Drug Free Stephens County raises overdose awareness

Hope for a Drug Free Stephens held its third annual overdose awareness event on Thursday night, Aug. 29, in front of [ash-ling] Booksellers in downtown Toccoa. The event was attended by a small crowd that gathered on Doyle Street to remember those they have lost to drug overdoses.
Senior Running Back Javin Gordon looks for a hole to run through in Friday night's game against Cedar Shoals.

Senior Running Back Javin Gordon looks for a hole to run through in Friday night's game against Cedar Shoals.

Indians Dominate Cedar Shoals

The Stephens County Indians were on the road last week to Cedar Shoals in Athens, where they dominated the Jaguars 52-3. The triumph puts the Indians at 3-0 so far for the season as they prepare to travel to Jefferson County tomorrow (Sept. 6).
Butterflies, such as the one in the upper center right, and other pollinator were attracted to this mountain mint at The Learning Tree Academy.

Butterflies, such as the one in the upper center right, and other pollinator were attracted to this mountain mint at The Learning Tree Academy.

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census

  Butterflies, bees, and flies, oh my.   On Aug. 23 and 24, Stephens County schools and other entities participated in the 2024 Great Southeast Pollinator Census.
David McCord hopes to build a new Christian community in Toccoa-Stephens County.

David McCord hopes to build a new Christian community in Toccoa-Stephens County.

Paster seeks to build Christian community

Pastor David McCord said when he arrives at the pearly gates of Heaven, he doesn’t want to miss anything. And he’s hoping no one misses anything either, such as a fulfilling church experience. McCord, of Demorest, is undertaking a mission from God.
Senior Riley Walker winding up for the pitch at the home opener against Elbert.

Senior Riley Walker winding up for the pitch at the home opener against Elbert.

Softball Starts Season Strong

The Stephens County Lady Indians softball team opened the 2024 season with back to back wins in their first two games. The first game played on the road against Commerce on Aug. 1 was a 12-3 domination by the Indians, the first home game was played on Aug.
The rebels were running drills last week in preparation for the start of the 2024 season.

The rebels were running drills last week in preparation for the start of the 2024 season.

Rebels Football Season Launches Next Week

   On Wednesday, Aug. 7 the Rebels take the field for their first game of the 2024 season. The game is a scrimmage against Jefferson at The Reservation starting at 5:30 p.m.
Regency Inn has shuttered its doors under court order as security measures are added to the business.

Regency Inn has shuttered its doors under court order as security measures are added to the business.

Regency Inn closes temporarily

   The Regency Inn on the outskirts of downtown Toccoa is shutting down, at least temporarily. On Thursday, the City of Toccoa took steps to deal with the hotel that has been the scene of some of Toccoa’s recent crime.
A retirement celebration for Leon Osborne was held July 11.

A retirement celebration for Leon Osborne was held July 11.

Osborne founder retires

By Laura Shaw The Toccoa Record     After 45 years Osborne Wood Products founder Leon Osborne is retiring. He started the company in July of 1979 building furniture for a local co-op out of his garage and grew the company from there.