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There are two Fourth of July events coming up during the next week, starting with the Toccoa Symphony Orchestra's Patriotic Pops concert on Sunday night at Lake Toccoa. Submitted photo.

There are two Fourth of July events coming up during the next week, starting with the Toccoa Symphony Orchestra's Patriotic Pops concert on Sunday night at Lake Toccoa. Submitted photo.

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Fourth of July events kick off with patriotic concert

News Staff
Thursday, June 26, 2025
The Fourth of July is around the corner, and there are two ways Stephens County residents can celebrate this year.On Sunday night, the Toccoa Symphony Orchestra will host its annual outdoor Patriotic Pops concert at Lake Toccoa, home of the Links and Reflections Event Center on Black Mountain Road.
This is the team behind the summer meals program this year through Stephens County Schools. Pictured are Jessica Mata, Schools Nutritional Director Kim Caudell, Janet Charles, Chaley Hayes, Kristi Harmon, Monica Saldana, Vickie Burns, Heidi Hickey, Denise Simmons, Tangie Burks, and Janine Henning. Submitted photo.

This is the team behind the summer meals program this year through Stephens County Schools. Pictured are Jessica Mata, Schools Nutritional Director Kim Caudell, Janet Charles, Chaley Hayes, Kristi Harmon, Monica Saldana, Vickie Burns, Heidi Hickey, Denise Simmons, Tangie Burks, and Janine Henning. Submitted photo.

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Summer meals program ensures children get fed

News Staff
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Stephens County Schools wants to make sure no children go hungry during the summer months out of school.To accomplish this endeavor, the free summer kids’ meals program is underway this summer through July 18.
The Stephens County Planning Commission recommended denial of a proposed men's sober living home during its meeting on Tuesday night.

The Stephens County Planning Commission recommended denial of a proposed men's sober living home during its meeting on Tuesday night.

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Residents speak out against proposed men's sober living home

News Staff
Friday, May 9, 2025
The Stephens County Planning Commission has unanimously recommended the denial of a proposed men’s sober living residence on E. Silver Shoals Road.Forever Faithful Investments would like to use a former restaurant, which used to be The Cove at 3023 E. Silver Shoals Road, for the residence.
L.J. Harrison during a speaking engagement.

L.J. Harrison during a speaking engagement.

L.J. Harrison Living Here Feature

Laura Hewell
Friday, April 4, 2025
        Toccoa’s L.J. Harrison has severed this community in many ways since first moving here in 1977, including working as an educator and being the first black city commissioner and Mayor of Toccoa.     Harrison started clubs at Stephens County High School to encourage better race relations.
New facility coming to Tugaloo Bend.

New facility coming to Tugaloo Bend.

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Discovery Center coming to Tugalo Bend.

News Staff
Thursday, March 13, 2025
By Michael O'HearnEditorA dream to provide a multi-purpose facility to the community 25 years in the making is on its way to becoming a reality at Tugaloo Bend.
City of Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish

City of Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish

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Homeless Huddle

J. Todd Truelove
Thursday, March 6, 2025
  A shelter for the homeless doesn’t appear to be in the cards for Stephens County.   That’s because the likelihood that having such a structure would exacerbate the situation, said one Toccoa resident at last week’s forum on the issue of homelessness.
Richard Johnson working on canning at the Eastanollee Cannery.

Richard Johnson working on canning at the Eastanollee Cannery.

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Cannery halts retail sales temporarily

News Staff
Thursday, February 20, 2025
The Eastanollee Cannery cannot sell its retail, at least temporarily.The Georgia Department of Agriculture sent an inspector to the cannery on Feb. 6. During the visit, the inspector asked cannery supervisor Richard Johnson if he possessed a retail license.
JROTC senior instructor LTC (Ret) David Priatko presented a $21,250 check to his West Point classmate and Gary Sinise Foundation board member Col. (Ret) Greg Gadson at the SCHS African American History Program.

JROTC senior instructor LTC (Ret) David Priatko presented a $21,250 check to his West Point classmate and Gary Sinise Foundation board member Col. (Ret) Greg Gadson at the SCHS African American History Program.

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JROTC presents check to Sinise Foundation

News Staff
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Stephens County High School Army JROTC senior instructor LTC (Ret) David Priatko presented a $21,250 check to his West Point classmate and Gary Sinise Foundation board member Col. (Ret) Greg Gadson at the SCHS African American History Program.
Jack WIlhoit (left) and Claudia Markham are Stephens County High School's STAR student and teacher.

Jack WIlhoit (left) and Claudia Markham are Stephens County High School's STAR student and teacher.

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Chamber names Wilhoit STAR student; Markham STAR teacher

J. Todd Truelove
Friday, January 24, 2025
   Jack Murray Wilhoit is the Stephens County High School 2025 STAR Student.   Wilhoit selected Claudia Markham, who taught him in 3rd and 4th grade at Toccoa Elementary School, as his STAR teacher.   The announcement was made Tuesday, Jan.