Local
News Staff
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD January’s winter storm events impacted Stephens County Hospital. At the hospital authority’s Feb.
Friday, February 20, 2026
Toccoa man behind bars after being charged with kidnapping
News Staff
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORD A Toccoa man remains behind bars after being arrested on kidnapping charges.Jordan Lebron Hardesty, 20, of Terri Lane, was arrested on Sunday, Feb. 15, by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office.
Friday, February 20, 2026
Four individuals from Stephens and Franklin counties were arrested in the week following a firearm incident at Stephens County High School on Tuesday, Feb. 10. One of them was Tykerion Brown, 17, of Toccoa.
SCSO arrests four following firearm incident
News Staff
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORD Four individuals have been arrested following a firearm incident on Feb. 10 at Stephens County High School.While two sporting events were ongoing at the school, students reported a firearm had been discharged multiple times in the parking lot.
Friday, February 20, 2026
Clyde Williams, left, was one of the more than 100 Kings and Queens who attended the third annual Night to Shine event hosted by Ebenezer Baptist Church in Toccoa on Friday night, Feb. 13. His chaperone, known as a “buddy,” was Karli Cobb, right.
Shining bright
News Staff
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORD Friday night at Ebenezer Baptist made people feel like it was prom night again.That was the intent as about 395 volunteers filled the church sanctuary and parking lot ready to welcome the evening’s honored guests.
Friday, February 20, 2026
Sheerin is Stephens hospital’s new CFO
News Staff
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD Stephens County Hospital will have a new chief financial officer (CFO). On Monday, Feb. 16, the Stephens County Hospital Authority approved the hiring of Rick Sheerin as hospital CFO.
Friday, February 20, 2026
Students will not need to make up recent snow days
News Staff
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD Students and teachers are excused for the days that Stephens County schools closed due to winter storms Fern and Gianna. For students those days are Jan 26-28, and Feb. 2-3. Teachers were excused for Jan. 26-27, and Feb. 2.
Friday, February 20, 2026
Toccoa Police Department facing uptick in vehicle thefts across town
News Staff
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD Lock your car doors. Don’t leave the vehicle keys inside. Remove valuables from your vehicles.
Friday, February 13, 2026
County to host comprehensive plan meetings beginning Feb. 19
News Staff
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD The City of Toccoa and Stephens County government are seeking public input as they update their Comprehensive Plan.
Friday, February 13, 2026
Five arrested in connection with burglary
News Staff
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office arrested five suspects last month in connection with a Dec. 31, 2026, burglary at a Highway 123 residence.The sheriff’s office reported that investigators found the security cameras around the residence had been disconnected.
Friday, February 13, 2026
Work on a $3 million expansion project at the Ritz Theatre in downtown Toccoa has begun, as indicated by a portion of Doyle Street being fenced off to be used as a staging area for construction materials.
Ritz Theatre expansion begins
News Staff
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORDConstruction on the Ritz Theatre expansion began last week, as indicated by a portion of Doyle Street being closed in front of the venue.
Friday, February 13, 2026
