News

Butterflies, such as the one in the upper center right, and other pollinator were attracted to this mountain mint at The Learning Tree Academy.

Butterflies, such as the one in the upper center right, and other pollinator were attracted to this mountain mint at The Learning Tree Academy.

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census

  Butterflies, bees, and flies, oh my.   On Aug. 23 and 24, Stephens County schools and other entities participated in the 2024 Great Southeast Pollinator Census.
Regency Inn has shuttered its doors under court order as security measures are added to the business.

Regency Inn has shuttered its doors under court order as security measures are added to the business.

Regency Inn closes temporarily

   The Regency Inn on the outskirts of downtown Toccoa is shutting down, at least temporarily. On Thursday, the City of Toccoa took steps to deal with the hotel that has been the scene of some of Toccoa’s recent crime.
A retirement celebration for Leon Osborne was held July 11.

A retirement celebration for Leon Osborne was held July 11.

Osborne founder retires

By Laura Shaw The Toccoa Record     After 45 years Osborne Wood Products founder Leon Osborne is retiring. He started the company in July of 1979 building furniture for a local co-op out of his garage and grew the company from there.
Parking in downtown Toccoa isn't a problem but providing more information such as signage could assist visitors according to a recent downtown study. Photo taken on a Thursday afternoon.

Parking in downtown Toccoa isn't a problem but providing more information such as signage could assist visitors according to a recent downtown study. Photo taken on a Thursday afternoon.

Study finds parking in downtown Toccoa OK

By Laura Shaw Staff Writer      Over the last several months, Toccoa’s leaders have been working on a downtown parking study to address the concerns brought up recently by the community.
Pictured, left to right,are city commissioners Evan Hellenga, Terry Carter, Ron Matheson, city manager Fredda Wheeler, mayor Gail Fry, Rev. Paul Garrison and commissioner Michelle Jamieson.

Pictured, left to right,are city commissioners Evan Hellenga, Terry Carter, Ron Matheson, city manager Fredda Wheeler, mayor Gail Fry, Rev. Paul Garrison and commissioner Michelle Jamieson.

Toccoa Greenspace

On Saturday night, the City of Toccoa hosted an opening ceremony for the new Tugalo Greenspace downtown. The event was well attended, and Toccoa Mayor Gail Fry was joined by city commissioners, Historic Preservation Commission members, city leaders, and U.S. Rep.
The Ferman Gregory Agriculture Center as of Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

The Ferman Gregory Agriculture Center as of Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

BOE approves security measures for ag center

   Stephens County School System’s new agriculture center, school lunches, security officers, and a tax increase public hearing were among items addressed Tuesday by the board of education.
Brad Goss

Brad Goss

Tax assessments to be adjusted in coming years

   Assessed rates of properties for Stephens County’s tax digest are undervalued.    That’s what the county’s new chief appraiser Brad Goss said in conversation with Toccoa Record.    “There are some things we (his staff and himself) need to address,”  Goss said.
An architectural stuay recommended Stephens County demolitsh the annex building (pictured) that's located across Tugalo Street from the Stephens County Historical Courthouse. The annex is currently vacant.

An architectural stuay recommended Stephens County demolitsh the annex building (pictured) that's located across Tugalo Street from the Stephens County Historical Courthouse. The annex is currently vacant.

Report recommends demolition of old annex

   An architectural firm has recommended the Stephens County government keep the courthouse annex property but demolish the building on Tugalo Street.    The building is across the road from the historic courthouse and neighbors the Toccoa-Stephens County Library.