Author: Chad Dorsett

Are you prepared and are your business and family protected in the event of a natural disaster? The Toccoa-Stephens County Public Library is hosting a presentation on preparedness strategies and financial recovery by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), says Timothy Watson, Public Affairs Specialist Team Lead for the SBA Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience. The May 13, event […]

School safety continues to be a top priority for State Senator Bo Hatchett and State Representative Chris Erwin. They each spoke about measures taken in the recent legislative session concerning school safety at the Post-Legislative Coffee hosted by the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, April 24. Senator Hatchett said $50 million was allocated in the amended fiscal year […]

By Brittany Ivey, President/CEO of the Stephens County Development Authority Maddison McGee, a senior at SCHS, was recognized as the Work-based Learning Student of the Month for April.  Maddison was surprised at Toccoa Hardware, for her outstanding achievement at work and school. Bo Dotson from Toccoa Hardware states, “We have been truly blessed to have her as part of the […]

By Brittany Ivey, President/CEO of the Stephens County Development Authority Stephens County High School Work-Based Learning March Student of the Month, Addison Colbert, was recognized at First Franklin last Tuesday surrounded by her family and fellow employees. She has been employed at First Franklin Financial Investment Center since October 2022 and has proven to be an asset to her team.  […]

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for Northeast Georgia, Piedmont North Carolina, Western North Carolina, and Upstate South Carolina for Friday, April 25, 2025. Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected into the evening. Locally heavy rainfall, especially over locations where previous heavy rain has fallen, could lead to isolated flooding.

AAA reports that National Kids and Pets Day is an opportunity to celebrate our love for our children and their furry friends. Yet it is also a critical reminder of the dangers they face in vehicles, particularly as families prepare to drive for spring or summer vacations. “It’s our responsibility to protect those who rely on us,” said Montrae Waiters, […]

On Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the direction of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services John Walk issued guidance to all State agencies directing them to enhance identity and immigration verification practices when determining eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This guidance is one of many steps […]

Tim Quick, Clerk of Superior Court in Stephens County, says jurors will need to report for duty on Monday, April 28. Jury duty is a civic obligation, not a job, and does not come with a salary.

On Thursday, April 24, the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce presented a Post-Legislative Coffee with State Senator Bo Hatchett and State Representative Chris Erwin at the Currahee Club. Julie Paysen, President of the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce, was pleased with the turnout and interaction between the community and the state legislators. Representative Erwin said it is important to meet […]

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announces that the application deadline for physical damage suffered from Hurricane Helene is April 27, 2025, says Monica Miles, Public Affairs Specialists with the SBA. For information, visit www.sba.gov.