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Andrea Walters, who trains at Owens Gym on Big A Road in Toccoa, recently set a world record in deadlifting.

Andrea Walters, who trains at Owens Gym on Big A Road in Toccoa, recently set a world record in deadlifting.

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Franklin County resident sets weightlifting world record

News Staff
Thursday, January 8, 2026
BY SHANE SCOGGINSCNI NEWS SERVICE CARNESVILLE – A desire to get in better shape to play with her grandchildren has led one Franklin County woman to become a world-record-setting weightlifter.Andrea Walters, who turns 63 in March, has set both state and world records after beginning weightlifting...
Kim Randall has been announced as Stephens County Hospital's new operation room manager.

Kim Randall has been announced as Stephens County Hospital's new operation room manager.

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Randall to lead hospital’s operating room

News Staff
Thursday, January 8, 2026
BY JOLEY STRICKLANDFOR THE TOCCOA RECORDStephens County Hospital has introduced Kim Randall, MSN, BSN, RN, as its new peri-operative surgical services manager (operating room manager). She brings decades of experience, deep clinical knowledge, and a genuine passion for patient care to her role.
Travis Kruger, Fritz Koch, and Regina Kruger are in charge of the new Sage Street Aleworks in downtown Toccoa, a brewery that inhabits the historic Stewarts Drugs building. The Krugers have kept the Stewarts Drugs sign hanging above the entrance, and the pharmacy cabinet has been converted into the brewery’s beer wall.

Travis Kruger, Fritz Koch, and Regina Kruger are in charge of the new Sage Street Aleworks in downtown Toccoa, a brewery that inhabits the historic Stewarts Drugs building. The Krugers have kept the Stewarts Drugs sign hanging above the entrance, and the pharmacy cabinet has been converted into the brewery’s beer wall.

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Brewing a community

News Staff
Thursday, January 8, 2026
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORDA new microbrewery that has been fermenting for more than a year has opened its doors, and the owners are enjoying its early success.Travis Kruger and his wife, Regina, recently opened Sage Street Aleworks in the former Stewarts Drugs building in downtown Toccoa...
The Stephens County School System has announced that Stephens County Middle School eighth graders Silas Johns, Zadie Mack, Keeley Mote, and Hudson Purser are this year’s REACH scholars.

The Stephens County School System has announced that Stephens County Middle School eighth graders Silas Johns, Zadie Mack, Keeley Mote, and Hudson Purser are this year’s REACH scholars.

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School system announces SCMS REACH scholars

News Staff
Thursday, January 8, 2026
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD    Four eighth grade students at Stephens County Middle School were recognized last month for committing to the REACH Georgia program.
A brush fire on the afternoon of Wednesday, Dec. 31, shut down a section of Hwy. 123 in Toccoa as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.

A brush fire on the afternoon of Wednesday, Dec. 31, shut down a section of Hwy. 123 in Toccoa as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.

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Firefighters battle blaze on Hwy. 123

News Staff
Thursday, January 8, 2026
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORDWhile there may not have been smoke on the water in Toccoa on Wednesday, Dec. 31, there was a fire in the sky off Hwy. 123 due to a brush fire.Firefighters in Stephens County have been busy responding to incidents throughout the county due primarily to dry...
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

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Land use ordinance could be updated

News Staff
Thursday, January 8, 2026
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD    The Stephens County Government is considering amending its land use ordinance in relation to accessory structures on properties.   Currently, a property owner needs to apply for a variance to allow for an accessory structure in their front yard.
Stephens County Sheriff Rusty Fulbright has had a successful first year in office, and he thanked his team for being the foundation of everything the Sheriff's Office does.

Stephens County Sheriff Rusty Fulbright has had a successful first year in office, and he thanked his team for being the foundation of everything the Sheriff's Office does.

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Fulbright reflects on successful first year

News Staff
Friday, January 2, 2026
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD     Stephens County Sheriff Rusty Fulbright said that his first year in office was a team effort, praising the work of his staff.
Lorraine Haygood, Clay Young, and Rex Patterson recently took a trip with Jubal Ministries to Cuba. The trip included gospel singing and giving essential needs to the people there.

Lorraine Haygood, Clay Young, and Rex Patterson recently took a trip with Jubal Ministries to Cuba. The trip included gospel singing and giving essential needs to the people there.

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Toccoa trio visits Cuba to spread gospel

News Staff
Friday, January 2, 2026
BY MICHAEL O’HEARNTHE TOCCOA RECORDA group of three Toccoa residents recently visited Cuba to provide essential items and sing as part of their church group.Rex Patterson, a retired dentist who previously owned Toccoa Family Dentistry, Toccoa First Baptist Church Minister of Music Clay Young, and...
The Toccoa Record

The Toccoa Record

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Stephens leaders set goals for new year

News Staff
Friday, January 2, 2026
BY J. TODD TRUELOVETHE TOCCOA RECORD    Ahead of the first week of the new year, The Toccoa Record connected with the leaders of Stephens County to preview their goals for 2026.