Category: News

On Saturday, November 15, the City of Toccoa and the Toccoa Fire Department laid to rest retired Assistant Fire Chief Elgar Lewallen in the Hillcrest Chapel of the Acree-Davis Funeral Home. He was 77 years old and lived his entire life in Stephens County.  Toccoa Fire Chief Jeff Haslup said he was a highly respected colleague and an asset to […]

Shortly after 8 p.m. Thursday night, November 13, Stephens County 911 received reports of a possible vehicle fire in the area of 106 and the Toccoa Bypass. Carnes Creek Fire and Stephens County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the area, explains Lee Woody, Public Information Officer and Firefighter with the Carnes Creek Fire Department.  The vehicle’s fuel line was […]

The Stephens County Development Authority presented a speaker to the Advancement Academy students on Thursday, November 13, says Sadie Hawkins, Assistant to the President and CEO of the Stephens County Development Authority. Hawkins tells why it is so important to introduce students to local businesses. One mission of the Stephens County Development Authority is to make sure that students are […]

Toccoa City Hall will be closed on Thursday, November 27, 2025, and Friday, November 28, 2025, in observance of Thanksgiving. Routes for garbage and recycling scheduled to be picked up on Thursday, November 27, will be picked up on Monday, December 1, and routes for garbage and recycling scheduled to be picked up on Friday, November 28, will be picked […]

By Bre Bardenwerper, School and Community Engagement for the Stephens County School System Stephens County School System proudly names Shantelle Grant, Regional Children’s and Youth Services Director for the Northeast Georgia Regional Library System, as the 2025 Pioneer in Education. Her leadership, compassion, and devotion to literacy have shaped generations of readers and strengthened partnerships between local libraries and schools […]

By Habersham EMC There are a wide variety of jobs performed at Habersham EMC, but none of them are exempt from the dedication to safety. From the linemen to member services and everyone in between, the over 100 employees at HEMC all play a unique role in maintaining a safe work environment. HEMC is celebrating their eighth consecutive year with […]

By the Georgia Forestry Commission A Georgia Forestry Commission wildland firefighter has earned the agency’s top award for leadership skills that bring significant protection to the state’s landowners. Will Dale of Lula, Georgia, has been named GFC’s 2025 Wildland Firefighter of the Year. The award recognizes outstanding achievements in all aspects of wildfire training and response in Georgia and on […]

By the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) Georgia school districts now have access to more than $15 million to support students in poverty, and $19.6 million to strengthen student mental health services and supports. Districts plan to use the funds – which were added to the FY26 state budget by the Georgia General Assembly – to expand access to counseling […]

By the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announces the selection of Chris Harper as the next Director of the Wildlife Resources Division (WRD), effective December 1, 2025. Harper has worked with the WRD since 1999, most recently serving as Assistant Chief of Fisheries Management Section. Over his career, he has held roles […]

A death at the Toccoa Motel is under investigation. A large police presence could be seen at the motel located at South Pond and Currahee on Thursday, November 13. Toccoa Police Chief Bruce Carlisle says that motel management called them to the scene. The incident is believed to be isolated, and there is no danger to the public. The investigation […]