E-SPLOST vote coming in May

BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD Stephens County School System has had its Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax in place since 1998 and this May will be asking for voters’ approval to renew it.

Stepping down

BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORDToccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President Julie Paysen is resigning, effective at the end of June.On Tuesday, Jan. 20, Chamber board chair Cassandra Wilkins made the announcement that Paysen is stepping down as of June 30.

Traffic stop turns into three drug arrests

BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORDA damaged equipment traffic stop near Broken Bridges last week turned into finding illegal narcotics and three individuals being arrested.The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office made the traffic stop in the early morning hours of Sunday, Jan. 4, on Hwy. 123.

Toccoa’s budget showing positive mid-year totals

BY TOM LAWTHE TOCCOA RECORD    Halfway through the current fiscal year, all five City of Toccoa’s financial funds show positive totals, city financial director Becky Bohannon told commissioners Monday afternoon.

Wheeler reappointed as city manager

BY TOM LAWTHE TOCCOA RECORD   City commissioners on Monday approved appointments to three positions for 2026.    Fredda Wheeler as city manager, Beth Rider as city clerk and Paul Garrison as city chaplain were each unanimously approved to their respective positions.

Toccoa police arrest gang member

FROM STAFF REPORTSThe Toccoa Police Department assisted the GBI ARDEO Drug Task Force in the arrest of Nicholas Alexander this week on a confirmed felony probation warrant issued out of Baldwin County.

Sheriff’s Office captures wanted fugitive

FROM STAFF REPORTSOn Wednesday, Jan. 7, the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit conducted a follow-up investigation at a residence on Waters Edge Drive in Martin.During the investigation, CSU deputies located and arrested wanted fugitive Tracy Holbrook, 58, of Carnesville.

Elections board sets meeting schedule

The Stephens County Board of Elections has set its meetings schedule for 2026.During its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 6, the board approved its meeting calendar and is expected to reconvene on April 6, July 7, and Oct. 6.

Open Arms clinic hosting fundraiser

The Open Arms Clinic on Big A Road will be having a fundraiser in February seeking donations that will help keep its doors open.  Executive director Sherry Beavers said that it costs some $18,000 a month to keep Open Arms operating.

SCDA welcomes Hellenga, Rickman to board

FROM STAFF REPORTSThe Stephens County Development Authority recognized Toccoa city commissioner Terry Carter for his service on the SCDA board as his term concluded this year.