Category: News

Authorities have released the name of the driver of a pick-up truck that drove off the  Broken Bridges in Stephens County and plunged into Lake Hartwell on New Year’s Eve. Tuesday evening, Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley identified the driver as 49-year old William Norton of Royston. Shirley said Norton was often seen at Stephens County park. “A retired deputy […]

As we continue our look back at the local events of 2018, the level of violent crime seemed to rise in Toccoa- Stephens County this year with what autorities believe were gang and drug-related shootings. One of those shootings resulted in a death. In February, two suspects allegedly involved in an early morning shooting in January were arrested by Toccoa […]

If you missed them the first time they were here, you will want to make your plans to see the Malpas Brothers this Friday night. The North Carolina-based duo will be in concert at the Ritz Theatre as part of the Night at the Ritz series. Christopher and Taylor Malpass have toured with the late Don Helms, former steel guitarist […]

As the New year approached last night WNEG News received reports that a truck crashed in the area known as Broken Bridges into Lake Hartwell, and possibly could result in multiple deaths. According to Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley eyewitnesses on the South Carolina side of the lake saw a truck ran through the wooden bollards at the Old Georgia […]

Despite rumors circulating around Toccoa-Stephens County the Toccoa Police Department confirmed on Friday, that they suspected no foul play in the recent death of a Toccoa man. According to Toccoa Police Chief Jimmy Mize, his officers responded to a call at 8 Argo Street, the night of December 23, in reference to an unresponsive person. EMS and Fire Units were […]

New Year’s Eve is a time when many in our area will welcome 2019 with fireworks. While it is now legal to set off fireworks in Georgia, there are some restrictions. Georgia law allows fireworks to be set off until 1a New Year’s Day. But the law also allows local municipalities to set their own guidelines under their noise or nuisance […]

Hollywood came to Toccoa-Stephens County in a big way in 2018. Three movies were shot here this past year, featuring major stars.  In all, Toccoa-Stephens County has had six movies filmed here in the past two years. The fourth, an unnamed, western-themed film wrapped production here in March. At the time, Chamber Executive Director Julie Paysen said production companies like to […]

2018 was the year Stephens and surrounding counties petitioned the Federal Communications Commission to allow satellite TV customers to access Atlanta TV stations. Stephens, Franklin, Hart and Elbert counties have long been considered “orphan counties” because residents with satellite dishes were forced to have Greenville, SC TV stations. This year, all four counties submitted their applications to the FCC to […]

Officers with the Toccoa Police Department recently responded to a call regarding stolen property; however, once on scene, they locate a marijuana plant growing inside a closet. According to Toccoa Police Chief Jimmy Mize, his officers were dispatched to 83 Crestlawn Drive, in reference to stolen property. Upon their arrival, officers were greeted by Redda Earls Holland, 54, of Toccoa […]