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Laura Shaw/The Toccoa Record

Laura Shaw/The Toccoa Record

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Verdell crowned homecoming queen

News Staff
Friday, September 12, 2025
On Friday night, Sept. 5, Stephens County High School crowned its 2025 homecoming queen during the Jefferson-Stephens County football game at The Reservation. High school senior Lanesia Verdell was crowned homecoming queen, while Je’reese Ware was later named homecoming king. 
Steve Paysen announced last month he would resign as director of the Hope Center of Toccoa effective Aug. 31. His successor is Cherri Shaw. Submitted

Steve Paysen announced last month he would resign as director of the Hope Center of Toccoa effective Aug. 31. His successor is Cherri Shaw. Submitted

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Paysen resigns as Hope Center director

News Staff
Friday, September 12, 2025
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORD Former Hope Center executive director Steve Paysen is turning his attention to focusing more on evangelism after seven years.On Aug. 26, he announced his intent to resign as director as of Aug.
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

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City elections canceled in Toccoa, Avalon

News Staff
Friday, September 12, 2025
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORD The elections in the Cities of Toccoa and Avalon have been canceled, Stephens County elections supervisor Isaac Overstreet said.Candidates with no opposition will effectively be re-elected and begin a new term starting Jan. 1, 2026.
A group of concerned residents packed the Stephens County Senior Center on Sept. 9 to listen to information about a potential rock quarry off Hwy. 123 in Stephens County. Michael O'Hearn/The Toccoa Record

A group of concerned residents packed the Stephens County Senior Center on Sept. 9 to listen to information about a potential rock quarry off Hwy. 123 in Stephens County. Michael O'Hearn/The Toccoa Record

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"No quarry"

News Staff
Friday, September 12, 2025
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORD A community meeting held to present information related to a potential quarry off Hwy. 123 drew in a roomful of people at the Stephens County Senior Center on Tuesday night.
The 2025 Ida Cox summer concert series concluded on Saturday, Aug. 30, with a performance by Lara Smith and Local Honey, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band. This year’s Ida Cox series had an eclectic mix of bands perform downtown, ranging from ‘90s cover band Better than Better than Ezra to local favorites Milkshake Mayfield and Scoot Teasley. Smith and the band can be seen next at the Fall Festival in Carnesville on Saturday, Sept. 13, for a free concert from 7-9 p.m.

The 2025 Ida Cox summer concert series concluded on Saturday, Aug. 30, with a performance by Lara Smith and Local Honey, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band. This year’s Ida Cox series had an eclectic mix of bands perform downtown, ranging from ‘90s cover band Better than Better than Ezra to local favorites Milkshake Mayfield and Scoot Teasley. Smith and the band can be seen next at the Fall Festival in Carnesville on Saturday, Sept. 13, for a free concert from 7-9 p.m.

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Ida Cox wraps up

News Staff
Thursday, September 4, 2025
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

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Rebels football falls to Madison County

News Staff
Thursday, September 4, 2025
BY LAURA SHAWTHE TOCCOA RECORD    The Stephens County Rebels football team was on the road to Madison County last week. This week, they have an open schedule before traveling to Elbert County on Sept. 11 with a 5:30 p.m. kickoff. The Rebels fell 13-8 to the Red Raiders on Wednesday night.
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

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Safe driving summit returns to Stephens

News Staff
Thursday, September 4, 2025
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD    Stephens County High School students received lessons last week about how, when driving or riding in a vehicle, to arrive at their destinations alive.   The school held its Safe Driving Summit on Thursday, Aug. 28, which was led by the Lutzie 43 Foundation.
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

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School system outlines accomplishments

News Staff
Thursday, September 4, 2025
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORDThe Stephens County School System provided The Record with a seven page document outlining its accomplishments during superintendent Dr. Connie Franklin’s tenure.Franklin has been superintendent of the school system for three years.
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

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A joint water partnership?

News Staff
Thursday, September 4, 2025
BY SHANE SCOGGINSCNI NEWS SHARE SERVICE CARNESVILLE – Franklin County Commissioners are considering joining with other area counties to apply for a grant to study a regional water partnership.