Staying positive during hurricane woes

   For many of us in Toccoa, last weekend was brutal because of the wrath of Hurricane Helene as she smashed her way through Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.    Many of us were without power, access to the internet, and life was difficult as the storms did their thing in our area.

A crop of things sown in Apalachee tragedy aftermath

By Charlie Hayslett The September shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County put me in mind of Ralph McGill.   More specifically, it was The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s editorial response to the shooting that put me in mind of McGill.

Footage from body cams should be more accessible to the public

The Body Cam Scam By Lawrence Leitgeb Sept. 2024   Years ago I was stopped by a deputy.  When the deputy noticed me fumbling with my phone to record the encounter he assured me that I was safe because it was all being recorded by his body cam.

Lesson in human decency can be learned in grammar school

Making ice cream with NeSmith

By Dink NeSmith CNI co-founder      A childhood treat was going to a Howard Johnson’s restaurant, climbing on a stool and staring at the sign touting 28 flavors of ice cream.    And trying not to drool while I decided which one to ask Myrtice Warren to scoop and stack on a sugar cone.

Remembering newspaperman Troy Fore

By Dink NeSmith Troy Fore was already at 361 W. Plum St. by the time that I got there in August 1971. But the same magnetic force drew us to the Wayne County Press (WCP). On June 30, that “magnet” sat—in his seersucker suit—two pews in front of me at Troy’s funeral.

Remembering Myles

NeSmith recounts eyesight journey

By Dink NeSmith√    Quarterback Buddy Bennett and his 1954 state-championship Yellow Jackets walked the halls of Jesup High School with its squeaking, oil-soaked wood floors.

Story of Bobby Byrd, James Brown makes stop in Toccoa

BY MARIE T. COCHRAN SPECIAL TO THE TOCCOA RECORD          On July 20, 1974, the City of Toccoa hosted a significant event to celebrate its 100th anniversary. “Bobby Byrd Day” was proclaimed by then Mayor Roy Gaines and Bobby Howard Byrd received the key to the City.

Transportation needs focus in 2024 elections

By Kyle Wingfield         By rights, the 2024 election would be focused on a number of crucial challenges facing the nation. Over the coming weeks I will examine several of them. Let’s start with transportation.