Local

Kathy Whitmire

Kathy Whitmire

Candlelight Memorial Service Aug. 31

News Staff
Friday, August 26, 2022
     The community will light candles to honor victims of drug overdose on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at the 1st Annual Candlelight Memorial Service.      This service will commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day and will be held in downtown Toccoa between Sage Street and Pond Street from 7-8:30 p.
Abby Burkhart of Stephens County (right) won two competitions staged during an Explorers Academy held in Royston. Burkhart won for the written exam and the driving course.

Abby Burkhart of Stephens County (right) won two competitions staged during an Explorers Academy held in Royston. Burkhart won for the written exam and the driving course.

Burkhart wins two awards from Royston Explorers Post Academy

News Staff
Monday, August 1, 2022
     ROYSTON – The Royston Explorers Post Academy taught and tested the next generation of area law officers last week in a 40-hour course.        The academy, hosted by Royston Explorer Post 103, also included posts sponsored by the Stephens County and Elbert County sheriff’s offices.
The logo for the Stephens County school system received a slight update.

The logo for the Stephens County school system received a slight update.

School system prepared for new year

J. Todd Truelove
Friday, July 29, 2022
     Stephens County schools are ramping up for the start of the 2022-2023 academic year next week.      Pre-kindergarten will get the new year  started on Monday, Aug. 1 and then have Tuesday, Aug. 2 off.     Kindergarten through 12th grade students will start the new year on Tuesday, Aug. 2.
Judge Brian Rickman.

Judge Brian Rickman.

Rickman receives honoary degree

News Staff
Friday, July 22, 2022
     Sixty-three students will graduate from Piedmont University on Friday, July 22, during a ceremony that will include the conferring of an honorary degree on Chief Judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals and Piedmont trustee Brian Rickman.
Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter staff member Sonya Loudermilk seems to be covered up in cats. In reality, these felines are just a few of the cats now residing at the humane shelter. Shelter director Jeff Roberts said this week there are more than 200 animals currently housed at the shelter – a building and program designed to care for only 150 animals.

Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter staff member Sonya Loudermilk seems to be covered up in cats. In reality, these felines are just a few of the cats now residing at the humane shelter. Shelter director Jeff Roberts said this week there are more than 200 animals currently housed at the shelter – a building and program designed to care for only 150 animals.

Shelter waives adoption fees for adult dogs

J. Todd Truelove
Thursday, July 21, 2022
     For the first time in its more than 12-year history, the Toccoa-Stephens County Animal Shelter has waived the $100 adoption fee for adult dogs.      The reason for the waiver is the result of too many dogs.
The Geogia Stones in Elbert County were demolished after a July 6 explosion at the site caused significant damage.

The Geogia Stones in Elbert County were demolished after a July 6 explosion at the site caused significant damage.

The Georgis Guidestones Special Edition

News Staff
Friday, July 8, 2022
Despite the granite plaque at the Georgia Guidestones advertising a time capsule was allegedly buried at the site, there was no evidence of any buried history when digging occurred Friday morning.
Fireworks will follow Sunday’s concert.

Fireworks will follow Sunday’s concert.

Patrotic Pops at Lake Toccoa Sunday

News Staff
Friday, June 24, 2022
     The Toccoa Symphony Orchestra will perform its Patriotic Pops Concert on Sunday, June 26, at Lake Toccoa.       The gate will open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m.     The concert will feature the full-sized orchestra performing uplifting and inspiring patriotic music.
Governor Brian Kemp won his primary reelection campaign by more than 70 percent.

Governor Brian Kemp won his primary reelection campaign by more than 70 percent.

Kemp wins big in Stephens and Georgia

J. Todd Truelove
Thursday, May 26, 2022
      Stephens County followed the rest of Georgia in most statewide primary races Tuesday.    Stephens voters favored incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp by 63.31 percent and 2,666 votes in the Republican primary.