Category: News

Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced the following appointments: the Honorable Judge Nichole Carswell to the Mountain Circuit Superior Court, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Chan Caudell; the Honorable Judge Carlton “Hobbie” Jones III to the Mountain Circuit Superior Court, filling the vacancy created by the passing of Judge Rusty Smith; James “Jay” Crowe, Jr. to […]

The Stephens County School System has named Carla Smith the new Principal of the Stephens County Fifth Grade Academy, effective July 1, 2025. A Stephens County native and graduate, Mrs. Smith has served as the Assistant Principal of Liberty Elementary School for three years. Her experience includes six years as a teacher at Eastanollee Elementary School and seven years as […]

The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) announced today that Georgia’s January unemployment rate was 3.6 percent, unchanged from a revised 3.6 percent in December. The unemployment rate was four-tenths lower than the national unemployment rate. “Georgia’s economy is built for the future, but to maintain our competitive edge, we must remain committed to making Georgia the top choice for businesses […]

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for Northeast Georgia and the Western Carolinas. A powerful storm system will impact the region Saturday evening into Sunday bringing heavy rain and severe storms. The main hazards with any severe storms that develop are damaging wind gusts, tornadoes, and large hail. A strong tornado cannot be ruled out. Additionally, […]

Thursday, March 13, was Stephens County Day at the Georgia State Capitol. Local dignitaries boarded a bus at 6 a.m. to travel to Atlanta, says Julie Paysen, President of the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce. After touring the capitol, the group of local dignitaries boarded a bus and returned to Toccoa at 4 p.m.

Georgia Power is tracking predictions for severe weather, including high winds, heavy rain, and the potential for tornadoes, across the state this weekend, and crews are prepared to respond to issues quickly, and as conditions are safe to work. Heavy rain, which can saturate ground or create localized flooding, combined with high wind conditions, can cause trees to fall and […]

Natalie Johnston-Russell, the Executive Director of the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation made a presentation to Keep Toccoa-Stephens County Beautiful at their monthly meeting on Thursday, March 13. Keep Toccoa-Stephens County Beautiful Executive Director James Addison was glad to have her speak. Keeping the county beautiful is everyone’s responsibility and Addison is grateful to the people that make the effort. To […]

Stephens County Schools Deputy Superintendent John Stith presented the Five-Year Facility Plan to the Board of Education at their work session on Thursday, March 13. These were some of the major projects discussed in the Five-Year Facility Plan, which is much more comprehensive. The Stephens County Board of Education will vote on the Five-Year Facility Plan at their regular meeting […]

New Stephens County Hospital EMS Manager Bryon Bennett was a guest on Wellness Wednesday on March 12th and spoke about his experience.  Bennett hopes to bring change to the department. Improving EMS accessibility is one of Bennett’s goals. Bennett feels confident in improving ambulance response times in Stephens County. You can listen to Wellness Wednesday after the Noon Report every […]

The Stephens County 5th Grade Academy held a Title 1 Wax Museum Family Night on Thursday, March 13. This was an exciting way to bring history to life, explains Andrea Dalrymple, History Teacher at the Fifth Grade Academy. Title I is the largest federally funded program for elementary, middle, and high schools. Through Title I, money is given to school […]