Author: Chad Dorsett

By Stephens County Elections Supervisor Isaac Overstreet Stephens County Elections Supervisor Isaac Overstreet reports that the state-mandated Risk Limiting Audit for elections with state or federal offices was conducted on Friday, May 29, 2026. The Georgia Secretary of State’s Office randomly selects the ballot batches to be audited by the actual rolling of the dice, which was done on Thursday, […]

If you or someone you know is in or seeking recovery from substance use disorder, the CARES Warm Line offers help, explains Melissa VanHall, Direct Service Coordinator of Self-Discovery 24 in Stephens County. You can call or text the CARES Warm Line every day of the year between 8:30 a.m. and 11 p.m. at 1-844-326-5400.

By Rebekah Smith, Public Information Officer for the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office In early May 2026, task force agents with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Narcotics Division began receiving tips concerning Joseph Lee Williams, 23, of Toccoa, using and distributing illegal drugs—specifically methamphetamine—in and around Stephens County.  The SCSO Narcotics Division was previously aware of Williams and that he […]

Self-Discovery 24 is dedicated to providing hope and support to those who need it the most. It believes that everyone deserves a chance to live a fulfilling life, free from addiction, explains Johnna Anderson, executive director of Self-Discovery 24. All services are free. Self-Discovery 24 is located at 602 Big A Road, Suite 140, in Toccoa. Learn more at selfdiscovery24.org. […]

By the SC Department of Environmental Services On Friday, May 29, 2026, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) issued a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Recreational Watch for portions of Lake Hartwell.  On May 27, SCDES Aquatic Science staff conducted a survey of Lake Hartwell including the Coneross Creek lake arm following multiple reports of an algal bloom. Field […]

By the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) On Friday, May 29, 2026, the Georgia Department of Education launched a Top State for Talent map highlighting pockets of innovation and strong education/industry partnerships aligned with high-demand careers across the state. The map spotlights areas of excellence and shows where students are gaining strong, hands-on experience through regional work-based learning and Career, […]

By the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) Charm Mapp, an eighth-grade math teacher at Clifton Ridge Middle School in Jones County, is the 2027 Georgia Teacher of the Year. State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced the selection at a banquet held Friday night, May 29, at the Georgia Aquarium to celebrate all District Teachers of the Year. Mapp was selected […]

By the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) On Friday, May 29, 2026, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced payment rates and the enrollment period for the Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers (ASCF) program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will issue $1.625 billion in payments to eligible specialty crop producers in response to elevated input costs and market […]

The Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter, Inc. will hold an adoption event on Saturday, May 30, at Tractor Supply Company, says Executive Director Rylee Mercer.   The adoption event is Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tractor Supply Company, which is located at 998 Big A Road in Toccoa.   If you can’t find a dog there, check the […]

The US National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC now offers a one-stop place for information on all the weather hazards for the next week, says Trisha Palmer, Warning Coordination Meteorologist. Check it out at www.weather.gov/erh/ghwo?wfo=gsp.