Author: Charlie Bauder

Local and state law enforcement are also ready for the Memorial Day travel weekend. Georgia Department of Public Safety Commissioner Colonel Mark McDonough said troopers and motor carrier officers will be out conducting road checks, high visibility patrols, and concentrated patrols across the state, strictly enforcing seat belt laws and watching for impaired drivers. Last year during Memorial Day weekend, […]

Stephens County Commissioners hope to look at a proposed budget that would include a slight millage rate decrease. County commissioners met with staff for a two-day budget retreat earlier this week at the Kimsey Environmental Center. Administrator Phyllis Ayers said that following budget discussions, the commission has asked her to put together a proposed budget based of a decrease in […]

Stephens County is working without a Public Works Director. County Administrator Phyllis Ayers said that Tim Mitchem resigned from the post last week. Ayers said she did not have any specifics regarding reasons for his resignation. Mitchem had served as Stephens County’s Public Works Director since January 2012. Ayers said that the road crew is doing an excellent job. “I […]

The Mountain Education Charter High School in Stephens County will move out to Eastanollee Elementary in the coming months. Tuesday, the Stephens County Board of Education approved an agreement with Mountain Ed for it to use Eastanollee Elementary for its program. Previously, Mountain Ed has been located in the old Big A Elementary School. Stephens County School Superintendent Bryan Dorsey […]

Health and animal control officials are confirming that a rabid raccoon was found over the weekend in Stephens County. Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter Director Jeff Roberts said that the raccoon was found on Mize Road in an area between the Toccoa By-pass and the Stephens County line on Saturday. “The raccoon was acting strangely and the couple of kids basically […]

Two people face charges after an alleged burglary. The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residential burglary call on Cheek Smith Road on May 12. Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley said that the victim advised deputies that two rifles and some household electronics were taken between May 11 and May 12. Shirley said that the investigation led authorities to […]

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia When St. Mary’s Healthcare closes on the purchase of Ty Cobb Regional Medical Center in Lavonia, one of the first changes will be the facility’s name and its leadership. Late Friday, St. Mary’s Healthcare announced on its Web site it plans to change Ty Cobb Regional’s name to St.Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital. Additionally, current […]

Toccoa city officials declare another motel in the city unfit for human habitation. Last week, the city inspected the Relax Inn on Currahee Street and said it found that the facility was unsafe, unsanitary, and not in compliance with the basic minimum housing standards required by the city and the state. As a result, the property was condemned. Toccoa City […]

Part of an area road in the southern half of Stephens County will close today for a time in connection to the Highway 17 construction project. Georgia Department of Transportation Spokesperson Teri Pope said that Anderson Thomas Road, at its intersection with Georgia Highway 17, will close beginning today. “The detour will actually close about 1000 feet of Anderson Thomas […]

The Stephens County Board of Education approves some of its supplements for next school year. School board members discussed supplements for athletics and activities at the high school and middle school at their meeting Tuesday. Stephens County High School Athletic Director Frank Barden first presented the proposed supplements on Thursday. Barden said that he is wanting to change how athletic […]