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A traffic stop on Ga. 365 on Tuesday, May 8, near the Habersham-Stephens county line escalated to a multi-agency manhunt that involved the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Forest Service Commission. A work truck was pulled over and two men hopped out and fled into the nearby woods.

A traffic stop on Ga. 365 on Tuesday, May 8, near the Habersham-Stephens county line escalated to a multi-agency manhunt that involved the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Forest Service Commission. A work truck was pulled over and two men hopped out and fled into the nearby woods.

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Multi-agency manhunt leads to one arrest, another fled

News Staff
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Multiple law enforcement agencies participated in an operation to deter criminal activities on national forest lands in three states earlier this month.One suspect is in custody and another at large following a traffic stop on Ga. 365 South near the Habersham/Stephens County line last week.U.S.
The Stephens County Board of Commissioners and Stephens County Sheriff’s Office held a groundbreaking on Friday, May 8, for the SCSO’s new Criminal Investigations Division building. Lt. Investigator Adam Shirley, Maj. Jimmy Mize, Maj. Bill Zigan, Sheriff Rusty Fulbright, BOC chair Chris Rickman, county commissioner Chuck Wright, BOC vice chair Craig Oglesby, county commissioner Tara Simmons, and county administrator Christian Hamilton were at the groundbreaking.

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners and Stephens County Sheriff’s Office held a groundbreaking on Friday, May 8, for the SCSO’s new Criminal Investigations Division building. Lt. Investigator Adam Shirley, Maj. Jimmy Mize, Maj. Bill Zigan, Sheriff Rusty Fulbright, BOC chair Chris Rickman, county commissioner Chuck Wright, BOC vice chair Craig Oglesby, county commissioner Tara Simmons, and county administrator Christian Hamilton were at the groundbreaking.

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County leaders break ground on sheriff’s office’s CID building

News Staff
Thursday, May 14, 2026
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORDA groundbreaking was held on Friday, May 8, for the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office’s new Criminal Investigations Division building.In April, the Stephens County Board of Commissioners approved the construction of the building.
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

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City passes first reading of FY27 budget

News Staff
Thursday, May 14, 2026
BY TOM LAWTHE TOCCOA RECORD    Toccoa city commissioners Monday gave first reading approval to the proposed fiscal 2026-2027 budget that reflects a 17.4 percent drop in spending.
On Tuesday, May 5, the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce hosted a meet and greet at the Venue at the Star Theatre in downtown Toccoa for president-elect Tessa Reavis, right. Julie Paysen, left, current Chamber president, is stepping down at the end of June after 11 years in the role. Reavis, who has been training with Paysen since April 6, will take on the role on July 1.

On Tuesday, May 5, the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce hosted a meet and greet at the Venue at the Star Theatre in downtown Toccoa for president-elect Tessa Reavis, right. Julie Paysen, left, current Chamber president, is stepping down at the end of June after 11 years in the role. Reavis, who has been training with Paysen since April 6, will take on the role on July 1.

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Chamber hosts meet and greet with Reavis

News Staff
Thursday, May 7, 2026
John Wilkinson is retiring as president of North Georgia Technical College.

John Wilkinson is retiring as president of North Georgia Technical College.

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Wilkinson retiring from North Georgia Technical College

News Staff
Thursday, May 7, 2026
BY SAMANTHA SINCLAIRCNI NEWS SERVICE John Wilkinson is retiring as president of North Georgia Technical College.He formally made the announcement April 28. His last day will be June 30.
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

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Prank call leads to two arrests

News Staff
Thursday, May 7, 2026
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORD Multiple arrests were made in Martin after a prank call led to shots fired at a Tower Road residence.At approximately 12:26 a.m.
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

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Discover Toccoa coming Saturday

News Staff
Thursday, April 30, 2026
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORDThe City of Toccoa is putting on a revamped version of the former Taste of Toccoa festival this Saturday.
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

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County postpones vote on proposed data center rules

News Staff
Thursday, April 30, 2026
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD No data centers will be in Stephens County’s immediate future.No entity has applied to build one in the county yet, but commissioners intend to adopt regulations on the centers in its land use plan before that happens.They were poised to do so Tuesday.