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Pictured are a type of open gate security system such as the Stephens County will be using. The board of education approved the purchase of 16 sets.

Pictured are a type of open gate security system such as the Stephens County will be using. The board of education approved the purchase of 16 sets.

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BOE approves additional security for schools

J. Todd Truelove
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Stephens County resident and parent Allen Collins was concerned about how well county schools were providing safety for its staff and students.    He attended the Tuesday, Sept. 17, meeting of the board of education to speak about his concerns.
The Rotz theater in Toccoa is slated for a new projector.

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

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City approves projects at meeting

Laura Hewell
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
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.

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Hope for a Drug Free Stephens County raises overdose awareness

Michael O'Hearn
Thursday, September 5, 2024
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.

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Indians Dominate Cedar Shoals

News Staff
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
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.

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The Great Southeast Pollinator Census

J. Todd Truelove
Thursday, August 29, 2024
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.

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Paster seeks to build Christian community

News Staff
Thursday, August 22, 2024
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.

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Softball Starts Season Strong

Laura Hewell
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
The Stephens County Lady Indians softball team opened the 2024 season with back to back wins in their first two games.
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.

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Regency Inn closes temporarily

News Staff
Friday, August 2, 2024
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.