Author: Chad Dorsett

By the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office – Georgia On Monday, January 5, 2026, the Stephens County Jail will begin utilizing a new commissary for inmates and their families. The new commissary company, The Store Call by Hard Time Products, will be available online and through the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office app, making it easier for inmates and their families to […]

North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) reports to register now for the upcoming Continuing Education Wastewater Workshop at NGTC! This full-day workshop for wastewater professionals will provide valuable insights, hands-on training, and the latest updates in wastewater management. Visit https://bit.ly/4pIQsch for more information or to reserve your spot today!

Teachers and students across the state are invited to celebrate wildlife through art by participating in the 36th annual Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest. The goal of this competition for grades K-5 is to generate knowledge of and appreciation for Georgia’s biological diversity.  The popular initiative is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the State Botanical Garden […]

By Better Business Bureau.  The loss of money, personal information, and perseverance of scammers continues with online purchase scams as the fourth riskiest of scams. BBB recommends adding a few precautionary steps to the New Year’s resolution list and the weight loss and financial goals to help make the upcoming days and months fraud-free. Resolutions for smart shopping and online […]

The Carnes Creek Fire Department reports that around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, Stephens County 911 received reports of a brush fire in the 1600 block of Liberty Hill Road. Carnes Creek Fire, Eastanollee Fire, Stephens County Sheriff’s Office deputies, and the Georgia State Patrol responded to the area. Once the first units arrived on the scene, they found […]

Established in 1965, the Stephens County Development Authority’s goal is to achieve continued, sustainable economic growth in the county. In 2025, local industries experienced positive growth, says Stephens County Development Authority President and CEO Brittany Ivey. The Stephens County Development Authority works tirelessly to encourage business retention and expansion to improve the lives of residents. Part of that business retention […]

2025 was a very busy year for the Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter. Executive Director Rylee Mercer gives some numbers for the shelter in 2025. Established in August 2010, the Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter is a 501c3 non-profit organization with the mission to improve the lives of animals, alleviate their suffering, and elevate their status in the community. It is located […]

It was a prosperous year for the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce in 2025, says Chamber President Julie Paysen. The Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce’s vision is to cultivate a positive business climate, facilitate tourism, and develop the local economy to promote the outstanding quality of life in the community. As such, it focused on growing new business leaders in […]

More and more people are starting to get sick from the flu. Sydney Caudell, a Nurse Practitioner at Stephens County Hospital, says the flu is very contagious. Caudell gives the common symptoms of the flu. During an average flu season, 36,000 Americans die, and more than 200,000 are hospitalized. Some people are more likely to have complications related to the […]

Volunteers are a vital part of the Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter, and they are always needed, says Executive Director Rylee Mercer.          If you are interested in volunteering at the Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter, visit https://tschs.org/ and click on the volunteer tab to learn more.