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Steve Paysen announced last month he would resign as director of the Hope Center of Toccoa effective Aug. 31. His successor is Cherri Shaw. Submitted

Steve Paysen announced last month he would resign as director of the Hope Center of Toccoa effective Aug. 31. His successor is Cherri Shaw. Submitted

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Paysen resigns as Hope Center director

News Staff
Friday, September 12, 2025
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORD Former Hope Center executive director Steve Paysen is turning his attention to focusing more on evangelism after seven years.On Aug. 26, he announced his intent to resign as director as of Aug. 31 so that he could fully dedicate himself back to his P230...
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

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City elections canceled in Toccoa, Avalon

News Staff
Friday, September 12, 2025
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORD The elections in the Cities of Toccoa and Avalon have been canceled, Stephens County elections supervisor Isaac Overstreet said.Candidates with no opposition will effectively be re-elected and begin a new term starting Jan. 1, 2026.In the City of Toccoa,...
A group of concerned residents packed the Stephens County Senior Center on Sept. 9 to listen to information about a potential rock quarry off Hwy. 123 in Stephens County. Michael O'Hearn/The Toccoa Record

A group of concerned residents packed the Stephens County Senior Center on Sept. 9 to listen to information about a potential rock quarry off Hwy. 123 in Stephens County. Michael O'Hearn/The Toccoa Record

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"No quarry"

News Staff
Friday, September 12, 2025
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORD A community meeting held to present information related to a potential quarry off Hwy. 123 drew in a roomful of people at the Stephens County Senior Center on Tuesday night.The meeting’s attendance was standing room only with 50-75 residents at the senior center,...
The 2025 Ida Cox summer concert series concluded on Saturday, Aug. 30, with a performance by Lara Smith and Local Honey, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band. This year’s Ida Cox series had an eclectic mix of bands perform downtown, ranging from ‘90s cover band Better than Better than Ezra to local favorites Milkshake Mayfield and Scoot Teasley. Smith and the band can be seen next at the Fall Festival in Carnesville on Saturday, Sept. 13, for a free concert from 7-9 p.m.

The 2025 Ida Cox summer concert series concluded on Saturday, Aug. 30, with a performance by Lara Smith and Local Honey, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band. This year’s Ida Cox series had an eclectic mix of bands perform downtown, ranging from ‘90s cover band Better than Better than Ezra to local favorites Milkshake Mayfield and Scoot Teasley. Smith and the band can be seen next at the Fall Festival in Carnesville on Saturday, Sept. 13, for a free concert from 7-9 p.m.

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Ida Cox wraps up

News Staff
Thursday, September 4, 2025
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

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Safe driving summit returns to Stephens

News Staff
Thursday, September 4, 2025
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD    Stephens County High School students received lessons last week about how, when driving or riding in a vehicle, to arrive at their destinations alive.   The school held its Safe Driving Summit on Thursday, Aug. 28, which was led by the Lutzie 43 Foundation.
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

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School system outlines accomplishments

News Staff
Thursday, September 4, 2025
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORDThe Stephens County School System provided The Record with a seven page document outlining its accomplishments during superintendent Dr. Connie Franklin’s tenure.Franklin has been superintendent of the school system for three years.Among the highlights are...
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

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A joint water partnership?

News Staff
Thursday, September 4, 2025
BY SHANE SCOGGINSCNI NEWS SHARE SERVICE CARNESVILLE – Franklin County Commissioners are considering joining with other area counties to apply for a grant to study a regional water partnership.County Commission Chairman Courtney Long said last week that she and Commissioner Elizabeth Busby met with...
This is a map of the 499-acre Crunkleton property near Toccoa. It is flanked by Fern Valley Drive, Brookdale Road, and Oak Valley Road, and could be the site of a future rock quarry. Submitted by Donna Smith

This is a map of the 499-acre Crunkleton property near Toccoa. It is flanked by Fern Valley Drive, Brookdale Road, and Oak Valley Road, and could be the site of a future rock quarry. Submitted by Donna Smith

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No applicants for potential rock quarry

News Staff
Thursday, September 4, 2025
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORD There have been no zoning applicants related to a potential rock quarry off Hwy. 123, according to Stephens County’s administrator.On Thursday, Aug. 28, The Toccoa Record asked Stephens County Administrator Christian Hamilton if the county had received any zoning...
Seen here is the future site of the Stephens County Hospital's future orthopedic clinic, located near Planet Fitness on Big A Road. Michael O'Hearn/The Toccoa Record

Seen here is the future site of the Stephens County Hospital's future orthopedic clinic, located near Planet Fitness on Big A Road. Michael O'Hearn/The Toccoa Record

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Hospital could receive SPLOST upgrade funding

News Staff
Thursday, September 4, 2025
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD     Stephens County Hospital, for the first time in its history, will be receiving funding for infrastructure upgrades from the county government’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST).