Thirteen counties gather in Stephens County.

The Georgia Mountains Regional Development Center Board of Directors met Thursday at the Currahee Club. The RDC as it is known covers thirteen counties in northeast Georgia from Blairsville to Toccoa and Lavonia.

At the dinner meeting, Georgia Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Mike Beatty spoke to the audience.

He said the DCA wants to work with regions and communities to develop local economies throughout Georgia.

Beatty said leadership and infrastructure remain important. However, he emphasized the need to have a fully trained workforce ready, willing, and able.

“We have to be sure that our young folks and folks like me have the right work skills to take advantage of that,” said Beatty. “We are really working with the Technical Colleges and local school boards to make sure that happens.”

As part of his visit, Beatty visited downtown Toccoa Thursday afternoon with city officials, including Mayor Andy Pavliscsak.

“We strolled all over Doyle Street and showed him the project and the work that has been completed,” said the mayor. “He was just super impressed with everything and DCA has been so important in helping us renovate that downtown and making sure everything we needed was there.”

Beatty confirmed what Mayor Pavliscsak says, calling the progress in downtown Toccoa “astounding.”

“I am in Atlanta in my office of course, but I get to travel,” he said. “It is so important to me to come out and look at the great progress different communities are making, so I was very impressed with it.”

The City of Toccoa and Stephens County co-hosted the RDC meeting. Stephens County Commissioners’ Chairman Kenneth Peeples welcomed the attendees, along with Mayor Pavliscsak and Vice-Mayor Ron Seib.

Stephens County Administrator John Rutan said the county enjoyed co-hosting the event.

“It was great,” said Rutan. “It was very informative. It is great to work the RDC’s and we look forward to a long, productive relationship with them that has many benefits for the county and the region.”

Other than Beatty’s appearance, the board received its monthly reports and heard a preservation from the RDC’s Historic Preservation Planner, Chip Wright. Wright spoke of the importance of historic preservation to planning and downtown development. He used Toccoa as an example of successful historic preservation.

The RDC will meet in Habersham County next month.

Stephens County voters wanting to cast ballots before Tuesday must go to the Registrar’s Office.

Early voting concludes today at the Stephens County Registrar’s Office. The office will conduct voting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, according to Stephens County Registrar Theresa Kelley.

Kelley went on to say that her office is the only location in Stephens County for early voting.

“The only place that we have for early voting is at the government building or the courthouse, some people call it the courthouse,” said Kelley. “We are in the basement, across the hall from car tags. That is the only place that you can do early voting at this point in time.”

Many have already cast their ballots early. Kelley said over 5000 people have voted early or turned in a paper absentee ballot. That makes the current turnout 37.5 percent.

Kelley said despite the heavy turnout, things have gone well.

“People are not waiting in line long,” said Kelley. “You might have to wait maybe five or ten minutes. However, when you come in, you are going to check in, show your photo ID, and you are going to fill out your certificates so that you can vote. We are going to mark you in the books. You are going to get your voter access card to the machines and you might have to wait just a couple of minutes to get a machine. We have got eight machines going and they are staying full all day long.”

Kelley reminded people coming to vote that a valid photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport, is required.

If a voter forgets their ID and cannot return, or another problem comes up during the process, Kelley said measures are in place to ensure voters get a chance to cast their ballots.

“At that point in time, we will let them do what is called a provisional ballot, which is a paper ballot and I will do the investigating and get back to them and let them know,” explained Kelley. “I do not want anybody to not think they voted. We will investigate everything and make sure they at least get that right to vote.”

Today is also the last day to request absentee paper ballots. That request must be in by 5 p.m. today and the ballot must go out today in the mail. Paper absentee ballots must be returned to the Registrar’s Office by the close of business on Election Day.

For more information on voting, call the Stephens County Registrar’s Office at 706-886-8954.

One of the new races people are voting for is Post Five on the Stephens County Board of Commissioners.

Post Five is one of the two new posts. Running for the seat are two candidates, Dean Scarborough and Kathleen Jordan.

At WNEG’s recent candidate forum, both Scarborough and Jordan talked about a number of issues.

One of the foremost was, as it was with all of the previous candidates, economic development.

Jordan said she believes the high millage rate causes businesses to look elsewhere.

“This is an impact to any business, whether it is small or large,” said Jordan. “Any business that has to get tags for their vehicles, every business that has to pay personal property tax at the end of the year is affected. When we have a very high millage rate, we have watched, year after year, new growth going to the next county. We have to get a handle on this.”

She also called for a need for strong leadership and communication, and a solution to the blight issue.

Meanwhile, Scarborough said economic development takes both a plan and heavy promotion.

Furthermore, Scarborough said existing business hold a key to continued growth.

“We need to do everything we possibly can to support our existing businesses and industries,” said Scarborough. “If it is retail, we can have a ‘shop at home’ program. If it is our local industry, we should do anything we can, whatever they might need that the county could possibly do, a curb cut, something we could help with regarding Georgia Power or Hart EMC. We should do any of these issues that we could help local business with.”

Regarding the recent tax increase by Stephens County Commissioners, Scarborough called it a “tough decision,” while Jordan said it would have been an easy one for her as she said she did not agree with it at all.

Do not forget. Tune in Tuesday night beginning at 7 p.m. for live election coverage right here on AM 630 WNEG and online at wnegradio.com.

This weekend the streets of Downtown Toccoa will come alive with the sounds of kids’ laughter, the sites of handcrafted art, and the irresistible smell of funnel cakes.

The annual Toccoa Harvest Festival is Saturday and Sunday in Downtown Toccoa.

Toccoa Main Street Coordinator Sharon Crosby said the variety of crafts give visitors much to admire.

“Vendors who have been there for many years will be back again as well with some crocheted things and some quilts,” said Crosby. “I believe we have one or two that are doing wood turning, which is beautiful. Their products are just amazing, like the bowls they make. There is just a lot to see.”

The event offers fun for the whole family and includes activities for kids both big and small. There will be a climbing wall and “choo-choo” train, as well as bounce houses.

Several different kinds of entertainment will take place on the stage at Sage Street and Crosby said there is even a free activity.

“We also have free buggy rides with a mule and a wagon,” she said. “Jimmy Mathis has been here for many years and everyone just enjoys him. He is quite a storyteller.”

And of course, no festival would be complete without food. Crosby said the dining options will be wide and plentiful.

“A lot of good food will be there,” exclaimed Crosby. “I think that is one of the favorites of everyone. Of course, for any festival you have to have funnel cake. We will have some funnel cake vendors. We will also have corn dogs and some of your traditional festival foods. However, we will also have some Thai food and some Greek food. There is just going to be a wide variety.”

The Harvest Festival runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and then Sunday noon to 4 p.m.

AM 630 WNEG will broadcast live from the Harvest Festival on Saturday.

Tonight is the night the little ghosts and goblins will hit the streets asking for treats and dreaming up tricks.

And tonight is the night the adults have to be extra careful to keep these little ones safe.

Toccoa Police Chief Jackie Whitmire said having Halloween fall on a Friday makes it a little more dangerous.

“I urge all the citizens in Toccoa to please drive carefully and be aware, watch for children and parents crossing the streets and out trick-or-treating,” said the chief. “Parents, guard your children and make sure they have on some reflective clothing. Stay in well-lit areas and as usual, check the candy and that sort of thing. We are really concerned about the amount of traffic on a Friday night, combined with trick-or-treating.”

Whitmire said he will have extra policemen out watching the roads and neighborhoods.

Toccoa police are still investigating a multi-car accident at the intersection of Collier Road and Highway 145.

It happened around 11 a.m. Thursday morning.

Reports said 3 or 4 cars were involved and several people were taken to the hospital.

We will bring you more information as it becomes available.

It is time to change your clocks.

Early Sunday morning marks the end of Daylight Savings Time. As a result, everyone gets the chance for an extra hour sleep as clocks go back one hour.

State Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John Oxendine advised everyone to turn back the clocks one hour before going to bed Saturday night.

Oxendine said though, people should not stop there. He says this marks a great time to change your smoke detector battery.

“The working smoke detector is your number one defense against a home fire,” he said. “However, it may not be there when you need it if you do not change the batteries twice a year, so please put a fresh battery in that smoke detector.”

Oxendine said though, just doing those two things are not enough.

“Especially if you have kids or grandkids around the house, please do a family fire drill,” he urged. “We would never send our children to a school that did not do fire drills, but children do not die in school fires. They die in home fires.”

Again, remember; turn the clocks back Saturday before going to bed.

A Martin man remains in the Franklin County Detention Center after his arrest during a joint operation in Franklin County.

According to Franklin County Sheriff Steve Thomas, early Wednesday on Watson Road in Franklin County, authorities from both Franklin and Hall counties went searching for a suspected kidnapper, 49-year-old Dwayne Ray Grizzle of Gainesville.

While serving the search warrant, they arrested multiple other people, including 37-year-old Jeff Robert Mosley, whom Thomas said has a Martin address on Watson Road. Watson Road sits near the county line between Stephens and Franklin counties.

He is charged with possession of meth with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to Thomas, Mosley has a criminal history in both Stephens and Franklin counties.

Downtown Toccoa will become the local haunt for area children tomorrow morning.

The Toccoa Main Street Program will once again host the eighteenth annual Main Street Costume Parade tomorrow at 10 a.m.

The parade route lines up at the intersection of Doyle and Alexander streets in Toccoa. It begins at Whiten’s Footwear and continues down Doyle Street to Family Eye Care. The kids will then cross the street and continue to Sage Street.

Toccoa Main Street Events Coordinator Sharon Crosby said there will be a lot going on as part of the parade.

“Many of the merchants and downtown businesses will be dressed up in costume as well and giving treats to the children as they go past,” said Crosby. “Each one of the children will receive a Halloween bag. At the end of it, there will be judging. We have three judges who will judge the costumes, according to creativity and being homemade as much as possible. Then, at the end of it, we will have an awards program and give out prizes to each of the winners.”

Crosby said the event is a highlight for not just parents and children, but downtown businesses as well.

“We look forward to a beautiful day,” said Crosby. “According to the weather, it looks like it will be a pretty day. We are anxious for all of the moms and their kids to come out.”

About 400 children, age 5 and under, are expected to participate in the parade.

Meanwhile, in a related note, the Stephens County High School Varsity Football Team will hold a “trunk-or-treat” in the high school parking lot today from 5 to 5:30 p.m.

A new citizens’ committee will look to keep the fight against litter and blight in Stephens County at the front of people’s minds.

The Citizens’ Advisory Panel was introduced to both Stephens County Commissioners and Toccoa City Commissioners at their joint dinner meeting Monday night.

The committee’s Tim Hale spoke to the boards about the progress made in finding ways to clean up the county.

Hale said litter does more than just serve as an eyesore.

“Clean and beautiful often translates into tourist dollars and small companies saying they want to bring their family here and their employees here and settle down,” said Hale. “So, we are looking and believe strongly that this is the right thing to do for all sorts of reasons and part of it is economic.”

A survey released by Hale showed that over three-quarters of respondents think there is a litter problem and more than half feel more needs to be done.

With many saying a problem exists, the question now becomes how to fix it.

Everyone, including Hale, said people must take the initiative to clean up the county.

“The county and the city cannot do it for us,” said Hale. “It is going to take people saying that they will clean up their front yard.”

City and county commissioners called on Keep Toccoa-Stephens County Beautiful to organize the panel. The panel’s job is to raise awareness about litter and blight and recommend actions.

According to Hale, the panel plans to find ways to measure the amount of litter out there, review regulations, track government efforts, and report its findings.

Stephens County Administrator John Rutan said the panel will make recommendations to the city and county for measures to help combat litter and blight.

The panel grew out of a litter initiative group established in September 2007 to provide recommendations on how to defeat litter and blight.

Voters in Stephens County will elect two additional commissioners to the county board this year.

Stephens County’s Board of Commissioners will transition from a three-person board to a five-person board. The two new posts have been labeled Posts Four and Five.

In Post Four, Stanley London and Henry Fields are running to fill the seat.

The two spoke at WNEG’s recent candidate forum. One of the main topics of conversation was economic development.

London said the economy makes it hard right now for an area to attract jobs.

“There are not that many jobs available,” said London. “With a county that has a high millage rate, those are usually the lowest ones on the totem pole to get looked at, so we might need to look at making the situation more attractive to them in order to recruit them.”

Meanwhile, Fields said the county should work with schools and other agencies to help make the county more appealing to employers.

“Work with these people and do what we can to create an atmosphere that will not only bring a business in, but provide workers who can step into the position they need to step into in order to run that business,” said Fields.

The two men also spoke on the budget, with both saying the county must live within its means. Also, both said it is important to continue building more relationships between the county government and the city of Toccoa government, with both men pointing out that city residents are also county residents and the two sides mutually benefit from a number of projects.

The work of local artists will be on display this weekend as the Currahee Arts Festival runs in conjunction with the Toccoa Harvest Festival.

This annual art competition features work from local artists in a wide variety of mediums.

Organizer Debra Hartley said there are nine categories.

“Categories include oil and acrylic, drawing category, mixed media, photography, fine crafts, watercolor, pastels, pottery, and computer-enhanced photography,” said Hartley. “Oil and acrylic is a rather large category. Fine crafts is kind of an umbrella for people who do stained glass, baskets, quilts, and jewelry. Since we do not have many artists who do this sort of craft, we put it together and the judge can pick from that.”

The judge will be John Roberts from Bob Jones University.

The show will run Saturday and Sunday, with the judged art show taking place in the Studio and Frame Shop on Doyle Street and other artwork being displayed on the street.

Hartley said this show is good for local artists because it is for all artists.

“We make it a point to say artists are everybody who wants to participate, so we do not jury ahead of time. If you want to be a part of it, you can be a part of it. We are very encouraging. We really try to help the artists improve and get better.”

Hartley said about 50 artists will be taking part.

Toccoa Police are still investigating two thefts, and charging two people in a third incident.

According the Toccoa Police Department, on October 17, the owner of an exterminating company reported that a black, 12 x 5 utility trailer was taken from behind his business.

Police valued the trailer at $1,000.

Meanwhile, police continue to investigate a theft at Prather Park Apartments in Toccoa. Authorities said someone took two air conditioning units and two stoves from two separate apartments.

The items are worth $6,800.

And finally, a Toccoa woman reported a couple had taken a go-cart worth $700 from her yard.

According to police reports, when police responded to the scene, a witness told officers he had seen a man and a woman dragging the go-cart down the side of the road and stashing it behind some duplex apartments.

Police searched the area and found the go-cart.

Authorities said later that evening, the couple the witness had identified, Michael Justin Comeau and Gina May Wells, both of Toccoa, were arrested and charged with theft by taking.

The go-cart was returned to its owner.

One person is taken to Stephens County Hospital after a morning accident on Brookhaven Circle near White Valley Road.

Around 7:30 a.m., Stephens County Sheriff's deputies responded to an accident in which the car was on its side with the driver inside. It appears the car went off the road, hit a ditch and slid on its side until it came to rest against a cedar tree.

Deputies said the woman inside was injured and taken to the hospital.

One Stephens County Commissioner wants the board of commissioners to give up its health insurance to cut the county budget.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioner Harold Andrews proposed that county commissioners no longer be eligible for health benefits under the category of county employees.

Commissioner Rex Anderson opposed making this move right now.

“I think you need to wait and give the new commission an opportunity to look at this and make a decision on how they want to do this,” said Anderson. “I have no objection to some of these things except that it is all new. You just have presented it this morning as something none of us had been made aware of.”

Andrews said the county must move as fast as it can.

“I do not believe that we have the choice of waiting to curtail and reduce expenses,” said Andrews. “We are in the middle of the toughest times we have run into. I do not think we have the luxury of waiting for the new commission. If the new commission comes in and they so desire to lay expenditures out on the table, then it is the individual vote of the commission to reinstate it.”

Under the Stephens County personnel policy, county commissioners are considered employees and receive access to the same benefits as paid, hired county staff.

Andrews’ proposal would not affect benefits for full-time county staff and employees. He said many commissioners have health insurance access through other means, so it would not be “a big deal.”

Andrews said he feels this would be one of many ways to cut the budget. He also called for a close look at travel expenses for the county and a cut of all non-essential travel.

Commissioners’ Chairman Kenneth Peeples said he would support cutting out the county’s contribution into a retirement fund for commissioners.

Andrews agreed to put the issue aside until the next commissioners’ meeting. Commissioners did instruct county staff to bring information back to the next meeting on how much each of these steps could save in the county budget.

The budget and cutting costs also remains a hot topic on the campaign trail.

It came up at the recent candidate forum between the two candidates for Post Three on the Stephens County Commission.

Democrat Steve Tilley and Republican Jonesy Haygood are squaring off to replace current Commissioner Kenneth Peeples.

Tilley said Stephens County needs to look seriously at the budget and examine every expense closely.

“It is almost like we need to go to a zero-based budgeting, where we start over every year and say what do we need next year,” said Tilley. “It is not that you are going to get $20,000 for this next year. You do not have it next year. You have to prove to me that you need it. So, we go to what is called zero-based budgeting, and build our budget every year.”

Tilley said it may not be possible to do exact zero-based budgeting. However, it is important, he said, to make department heads account for their yearly requests.

Meanwhile, Haygood pointed to past projects like the jail and E-911, where he said proper planning was not done, causing additional expense later.

He said that proper planning would go a long way.

“If we start and plan today for tomorrow, we can make ends meet, but if we wait until tomorrow to plan, then we are in the same situation we are in today,” said Haygood. “So, working with all departments, we must make sure that we understand what is coming.”

As for where certain issues, like blight and animal control, would fall, both candidates pointed to the public. Haygood focused on animal control, while Tilley talked about blight. Both said people need to step up and take responsibility to help solve problems in these areas.

Both candidates also discussed economic development. Haygood said the county commission, Chamber of Commerce, and Development Authority must work together to save existing jobs. Tilley said that is important. He added people must be positive and sell what he calls the county’s biggest asset, people.

The general election is now less than a week away. WNEG will be live Election Night next Tuesday to bring you all the results.

The city of Toccoa is planning for a rainy day, and is concerned the storm clouds are gathering.

In an effort to be prepared for effects of the nation-wide economic crisis, a Toccoa city commissioner has called on city management to create a financial contingency plan.

At the City Commission Meeting Monday, Commissioner Janice English read a prepared statement calling on City Manager Billy Morse to ask the city’s department heads to prepare plans for each department should the city’s revenue fall to unplanned levels.

She pointed to recent news reports about a dip in sales tax at the county level.

“Our revenues are dropping,” said English. “Our expenses are escalating, just like the homefolks. So, we have got to be able to manage and get things on an even balance without having to go borrow money, which I am against, or worse than that, raise the utility and service costs to our citizens.”

English said the world is living in a “history making time” and the city needs to be proactive in planning, rather than be forced to react to shortfalls.

“We would rather have a plan in place, never to have to use it, then to let the tsunami-like economic crisis hit us, and we do not have a plan,” she added.

City Finance Director Emory Stephens argued that across the board cuts are not always possible and that reductions should be prioritized.

“I am not saying that expenses cannot be cut,” said Stephens. “I am not saying the budget cannot be amended. What I do believe is they cannot cut across the board. I do not think it can be cut everywhere. I think there are places where it cannot be cut. If an edict comes down to every department that says you have to cut expenses 10 percent, I do not think that is possible. It may be possible to cut some departments 10 percent and others 20 percent. However, some might not be able to be cut at all. I think we have to prioritize.”

Commissioners agreed to have department heads begin making contingency plans and decided to revisit the topic at their next work session.

Old Man Winter pulls up a chair and sits down in Stephens County.

Stephens County was under a freeze warning from the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg this morning. The freeze warning went into effect at midnight and is scheduled to go through 9 a.m. today.

A freeze warning means sub-freezing temperatures are imminent or highly likely. These conditions could kill crops and other sensitive vegetation.

According to the report from the National Weather Service, cold air associated with a high pressure system coming in from the west could cause temperatures this morning to drop into the upper 20s and lower 30s.

Franklin, Hart, and Elbert counties in Georgia are also under the freeze warning. Oconee County, South Carolina is as well.

Some areas have already gone below 32 degrees overnight. Therefore, officials with the National Weather Service said a widespread freeze will eliminate the need for future freeze warnings.

Temperatures should warm up nicely later today, getting as high as around 60 degrees.

Toccoa City Commissioners decide to use Hartford Insurance for long-term disability insurance for city employees.

City Manager Billy Morse said the city recently changed the benefit package increasing the amount an employee pays for health insurance, while at the same time, giving employees an additional benefit of long-term disability insurance.

“With the budget preparation for this year, one of the things the city commission wanted staff to look at was benefits,” said Morse. “We looked at all of the benefits and one of the recommendations was that city employees participate in paying more for their health coverage. However, one of the things we felt was necessary that we did not have as a benefit was long-term disability insurance.”

At the meeting, Monday, Commissioners heard from Matt Bidwell of MSI Benefits Company, who suggested the city used Hartford to administer the long-term insurance.

The cost came to less then $10 per employee for a total annual cost of $17,800.

Commissioners approved the recommendation unanimously

Out on Yonah Dam Road Saturday, the Tour de Tugalo will be a tour de force.

For the 6^th year, almost 150 bicyclists will come together to raise money for the Tugalo Corridor. Local cyclist Herbert Cooper will be the Grand Marshal for the event and will start the ride.

Organizer Duane Mahon said riders will ride in both Georgia and South Carolina.

“The ride starts at Yonah Dam Park and it rides along Yonah Dam Road and it rides up into some back roads, crosses over into the Currahee Club, and then up from there, it rides over into South Carolina,” said Mahon.

Riders will have three different course lengths to choose from with the longest being 62 miles.

In addition to the regular ride, Mahon said, there will be a Family Fun ride that is only 5 miles and good for younger riders.

Whichever length participants decide to pedal along, the course promises to be quite scenic.

“The roads all along Yonah Dam Road and River Road in South Carolina are all very flat and very scenic,” he added. “They do go along the river, which used to be a lake, but now it is just the Tugalo River, but it is very beautiful.”

The money raised goes to the Tugalo Corridor Project, which focuses on the preservation of the river corridor from Yonah Dam to the Currahee Club.

Mahon said the ride has gained in popularity over the years so much that a year-round cycling club has been formed.

If you are interested in the Tour de Tugalo or the bicycling club you can call Duane Mahon at 886-8614.

If you would like to participate in the Tour de Tugalo or just cheer on the cyclist, you should be at Yonah Dam Park at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

For one thief, Sunday is not a day of rest.

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Department reported that six residents of Nub Garland Road said that someone broke into their cars early Sunday morning.

Stolen was $550 worth of items including a bottle of prescription medicine, ½ a tank of gas, a 20-gauge shotgun, and two handguns.

The investigation continues.

Meanwhile, a West Currahee Street man reported someone took two guns out of his truck while it was parked in his garage Friday morning.

They were valued at $4500.

Additionally, the thief ransacked the glove box of both his truck and his wife’s car.

That investigation also continues.

Fifth-Grader Jake Murray has the anti-drug message of “Red Ribbon Week” down cold.

“If you take drugs, it can make you sick and you might not be able to get as many jobs as normal people can,” said Murray.

A student at Eastanollee Elementary School, Jake was on hand Monday to hear the Stephens County Indian Marching Band, cheerleaders, and football players deliver the message that staying away from drugs is the best choice.

The high school students led the kids in a special “let’s be, drug free” cheer as well as played the Indian football song “Indian Reservation.”

Principal Susan Crawford said the event was the kick-off of a week of fun activities.

“The rest of the week, we are going to have a ‘Socks Day,’ where we are wearing crazy socks,” said Crawford. “We are going to have a ‘Red Day,’ where everybody wears as much red as they can. We have something special planned each day, like ‘Hat Day’ and things like that. However, this is our kick-off.”

“Red Ribbon Week” first began in 1988 as a way to bring a nationwide effort to teaching children to avoid drugs.

Stephens County Middle School celebrated “Red Ribbon Week” last week.

The City of Toccoa finances are looking good, but commissioners should carefully monitor expenses in tight economic times.

That statement came from Kent Murray of Amos and Company, who presented the yearly audit to Toccoa City Commissioners Monday.

He told commissioners the audit of Fiscal Year 2008 showed the city was handling its money well by paying cash for capital expenses such as police cars or road resurfacing, as well as meeting all of its debt reduction requirements.

In addition, Murray said, the city ended its fiscal year with cash in the bank.

However, that information came with a warning.

Murray pointed out that as of June 30, the last day of the fiscal year, the city had less then two weeks worth of expenses in cash.

He warned that only a small dip in revenues could hurt the city’s coffers.

Organizers plan to re-dedicate the newly restored historic Stephens County Courthouse next month.

According to Dale Moseley with the Courthouse Restoration Authority, they decided at a meeting last week to hold the official ceremony on Sunday, November 23. Moseley said they will release more information in the coming weeks about the ceremony.

With that date approaching, crews are putting the final touches on the historic courthouse in downtown Toccoa.

Moseley said the interior is almost finished and continues to come together nicely.

“This past two weeks, we have been laying ceramic tile downstairs, which included the big county seal in the floor downstairs in the center of the entrance,” said Moseley. “Everything looks good as far as the ceramic tile is going. Everything looks great.”

On the outside, Moseley said they have almost completed all of the landscaping work.

“The Confederate monument has been cleaned and we have the sidewalks going up to the Confederate monument,” she added. “We are also having a planter built in front of the Confederate monument on the sidewalk up to the Courthouse. That is being done at the present time.”

According to Moseley, workers must also finish some of the concrete work around the structure. Areas remaining include the sidewalk on Tugalo and the courthouse entrance.

Moseley said the Authority plans to meet again in the next couple of weeks to finalize everything for the re-dedication ceremony on November 23.

Meetings will continue this week between the architect for the new Stephens County High School and the Stephens County Board of Education.

Last Thursday, the school board met with architect Greg Smith and went over revised plans for the new Stephens County High School, hoping to find cost-saving avenues while maintaining the unique design plan.

Then, on Friday, Smith met with all the department heads at the school so the teachers could understand and comment on revisions made to the plans.

Smith is the Executive Vice President of James W. Buckley and Associates, the firm hired to plan the school.

One of the issues discussed and debated involved hallway and common area widths.

Smith explained to board members that the cost of leaving the wide areas was minimal in the overall budget and said, “circulation cannot be redone.”

Board member George Payne, a former teacher, agreed, saying the area needed to allow for good movement of large crowds.

“It cannot be big enough,” said Payne.

After Friday’s meeting with the department heads, Systems Director Brenda Kelley said minor adjustments were made to the large commons areas, the gymnasium, administrative offices, and media center.

The board plans to meet again on Thursday to discuss the drawings some more.

Four Stephens County Commissioner posts are up for grabs in this November’s election.

All of the candidates spoke at a candidate forum sponsored by AM 630 WNEG, the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce, and the Toccoa Record held last week at the Schaefer Center in Toccoa.

Today, we look at the race for Post Two on the Stephens County Commission. In this race, Democratic incumbent Rex Anderson is running against Republican challenger J.B. Hudgins.

Anderson is the only current commissioner up for re-election next month.

In the candidate forum, the two candidates spoke about the budget, economic development, and property taxes.

The two candidates were asked about how to avoid future property tax increases, such as the one enacted for this past budget year.

Anderson, who voted against the tax increase, said good management will help keep that from happening in the future.

“When you surround yourself with good management and surround yourself with good commissioners that can sit down together, communicate, talk things out, and come to reasonable decisions, it makes all the difference in the world in how the results are,” said Anderson.

Meanwhile, Hudgins said a tax increase like the one enacted was too much, and should have been enacted more gradually.

“It ought to be in proportion to the income of the individual,” he explained. “We should be doing well as far as revenues before we have any tax increase. However, the big thing I would look at is the possibility of a three or four percent cap on property taxes to avoid that.”

On economic development, Hudgins said the key is to keep graduates in Stephens County, instead of watching them leave to work elsewhere. Anderson said that it is hard to attract industry right now, but he is working hard to try and create jobs in the area.

Tomorrow, WNEG will look at Post Three. On Thursday, we will look at Post Four. Finally, on Friday, WNEG will look at Post Five.

The general election is next Tuesday.

The move into fall results in a relatively stable month for Stephens County on the unemployment front.

The overall preliminary rate for Stephens County in September was 6.7 percent. That comes from statistics released by the Georgia Department of Labor. The September rate marks an increase of just one-tenth of a percent from the final numbers for August. It does reflect an increase of 2.1 percent from September 2007.

The rate increase in Stephens County mirrors the Georgia Mountains region as a whole. The unemployment rate for the Georgia Mountains region came in at 5.9 percent for September, also a hike of one-tenth of a percent.

Stephens County’s unemployment rate also falls close to the state rate of 6.5 percent for September.

Around the region, Habersham, Banks, Franklin, Hart, and Rabun counties all saw unemployment rate increases in September.

Stephens County residents wanting to cast their votes early have one more week to do so.

Advance voting continues in-person through 5 p.m. Friday at the Stephens County Registrar’s Office in Toccoa.

The registrar’s office is open today through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Stephens County Government Building.

Stephens County Registrar Theresa Kelley said voters wanting to cast ballots this week will join a large group of early voters.

“We have been busy,” said Kelley. “We have voted close to 3,000 people. Starting Monday, I expect us to do another 3,000 to 4,000 people that week. We have been busy.”

Officials in Georgia said hundreds of thousands of voters have already cast their ballots through early and absentee voting.

Kelley said anyone voting this week should remain patient because she expects lines all week long to vote early on the machines.

So, with so many voting early, will it ease the stress on Election Day?

“I am hoping it will,” she explained. “However, I am still expecting long lines on Election Day for the ones that do not get in here and get voted. You will just have to be patient with us and wait in line.”

Friday is also the last day the registrar’s office can mail out paper absentee ballots. Those ballots must be back in the registrar’s office by the close of business on Election Day.

Election Day is November 4.

Kelley reminded those voting early or on Election Day to remember a valid form of photo identification. Driver’s licenses and passports would qualify as a valid photo ID.

For more information on voting, call the Stephens County Registrar’s Office at 706-886-8954.

Tim Martin likes goals.

The Executive Director of the Stephens County Development Authority sets multiple goals for himself, and Saturday, he hit a big one.

On the Stephens County track, with family and friends in attendance, Martin ran the last 4 miles of a 25,000-mile stretch.

25,000 miles is just over the number of miles that circumnavigate the earth. In essence, Martin has run around the world.

Martin said since 1983, he has run everyday and marked the miles in a simple calendar. Those calendars now sit six inches tall when piled up.

In addition, Martin has run in all 50 states, run on every date, such as October 24, and on every hour of the day.

He said goals give order.

“I think the world lines up with a settled mind,” said Martin. “By having goals, you just work on it a little bit today and a little bit tomorrow, a little bit the next day, and then you look back over time and you have something that you have achieved.”

As for the act of running, Martin said it lets him order his mind as well as take care of his body.

“Number one, there are the physical benefits of it,” said Martin. “Number two is the mental benefit. It is a marvelous way to get up, get out of the house, get your day going, check the neighborhood, enjoy the early morning by doing something, and it helps you order your mind for the day or if you run in the evening, order your mind from the day to go on.”

Over the years, Martin’s running has been a family affair. He told of running while his children rode bicycles along side him, and running while visiting far away places like Africa or Mexico. In addition, he said his wife, Ester, has been an invaluable support system for his unusual hobby.

He remembered one run in Meridian, Mississippi where he was trying to work his daily run in during a driving trip and asked Ester for some help.

“I told Ester, ‘If we could stop right here, let me out, and if you drive, you can go get gasoline and you can go get lunch and I am just going to run straight down this road, and whenever you finish, you can pick me up and we can go on,’” he said. “Well, in riding along in a car in air conditioning, you do not know how hot it is outside. As it turned out, it was over 100 degrees and I was in some trouble. So, I got off the road and got up into some shade and was trying to cool off, and Ester drove by.”

Fortunately, Ester turned around and eventually found her husband.

Now, with 25,000 miles and over 100 pairs of running shoes behind him, Martin said he is looking for his next goal.

Two men are vying for an open seat on the Stephens County Board of Education.

In the only contested school board race on the ballot, Ed Mills is taking on Scott Morgan.

Morgan is a local business owner who says he would take a business approach to education. Meanwhile, Mills once served as superintendent when it was an elected position.

Both men commented on the future of the superintendent’s position. Current Superintendent Gary Steppe is retiring at the end of the school year.

Mills said he would prefer a local candidate if possible to fill the post.

“I believe a person should know the community or be familiar with the type of community that Toccoa-Stephens County really is,” said Mills. “I would like to see people in that position that are very visible. I would personally like to see the superintendent when I go shopping at Ingles’ or go to the drug store or Wal-Mart. I like to see them walking around in there. I like to see people that are comfortable with the community. I think we should look very carefully at the local pool that we have because we have some excellent people that could serve as superintendent.”

Mills did say the county should hire the best person it can.

Morgan agreed that a local candidate would be great, but it is more important to get the best man for the job.

“As a business practice, I have always tried to promote from within,” said Morgan. “It is good for morale and good for the employees, I believe we have good teachers and administrators here in the county. However, the most important thing for this next superintendent because he has to be the CEO of our school system is to get the right person, the most qualified person for this job. Hopefully, that will be a local person, but if it ends up not being the case, then you have to hire the best person for that job.”

Both men also said that the budget needs to be looked at and spending prioritized. Both said the administrative budget and the transportation budget are two areas that could be looked at.

Mills pointed to his past experience. Meanwhile, Morgan said his knowledge of construction could help with the new high school and his business experience could help with the budget.

Tomorrow, WNEG will begin looking at the races for Stephens County Commissioner.

Toccoa City Commissioners will consider several issues and review the city’s annual audit tonight before moving into a joint meeting with the Stephens County Commission.

On the agenda for the city’s regular meeting this evening is a presentation of the annual financial report for fiscal year 2008 by Amos and Company.

City Manager Billy Morse said the company has conducted the city’s audit for years and this year’s appears to be clean and in good order.

Meanwhile, commissioners will also consider hiring a collection agency to handle delinquent utility accounts.

Morse said the accounts in question are those that are beyond 90 days late. He added that hiring such a company is normal business and not a sign of the struggling economy.

Finally, commissioners are expected to discuss an agreement between the city and the Stephens County Commission in which the city accepts the waste from the Hayestone-Brady Industrial Park into the city sewer system.

The city commission meets at 5 p.m. in City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.

After their regular meeting, city commissioners will hold a joint meeting with the Stephens County Commission on the campus of Toccoa Falls College.

Boat-owners wishing to use a Corps-managed boat ramp will now be met with a “closed” sign.

Friday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that it was closing all its boat ramps on Lake Hartwell due to low water levels.

However, Park Operations Manager Kenneth Bedenbaugh said five ramps have been given temporary measures to keep them somewhat operational.

Big Oaks and Crawford Ferry in Hart County, Green Pond and Hattons Ford in Anderson, S.C., and Martin Creek in Oconee County, South Carolina have had gravel added to the end of them.

Bedenbaugh said Corps officials will continue monitoring lake levels to see if those sites should be fully closed as well.

There are no suspects in an alleged attempted robbery in Toccoa last week.

According to the report with Toccoa Police, A Lavonia man told police someone tried to rob him by force on South Sage Street in Toccoa on October 22. The robbery was unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, a Davis Avenue man did fall victim to thieves last week. On October 19, the man told Toccoa Police that someone broke into his shed and stole some of his tools. The total value of the tools is at $800.

In addition, Toccoa Police are investigating a shoplifting incident last Thursday at the Rite-Aid Pharmacy.

According to the report, someone ran out the door with a yellow bag full of items in it. Upon further investigation, it was found that seven prepaid cell phones had gone missing.

The value of the phones is listed as $370.

All of these cases remain under investigation.

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office is also investigating a burglary in Martin. A woman told deputies on October 22 that while she had been away from her property and out of the country, the garage door had been opened to her house and the dead bolt lock was damaged. A tool box and tools were missing, valued at thousands of dollars.

Building a $45 million school is not an easy task, as the Stephens County Board of Education noted at a called meeting on Thursday.

The school board met with architect Greg Smith and went over revised plans for the new Stephens County High School, hoping to find cost-saving avenues while maintaining the unique design plan.

Smith is the Executive Vice President of James W. Buckley and Associates, the firm hired to plan the school.

Among other issues, the group discussed hallway widths and the details of the planned new gymnasium.

Will Rite Aid come right back?

Just after land clearing began, construction activities were stopped at the site slated to be a new Rite Aid Pharmacy at the corner of Big A Road and Skyline Drive.

Toccoa City Planner Kay Morgan said her office received notice of the change this week.

“We have recently learned that the project has been put on hold,” said Morgan. “However, the landowner has assured the city that any provisions the city may have for the land disturbance will be satisfied.”

Morgan said the site is permitted to be a Rite Aid, but U.S. General is the company doing the construction.

She said she has not been informed when or if construction will begin again.

The two candidates for the 10^th Congressional District will meet less then 10 days before the election.

Republican Paul Broun and Democrat Bobby Saxon are scheduled to debate this Sunday, October 26, 2008, at Georgia Public Broadcasting in front of a live audience.

The debate is sponsored by the Atlanta Press Club, which has sponsored several debates through the primary and general election.

Executive Director Laurie Strauss said journalists will be asking the questions.

“We have a moderator and three panelists,” said Strauss. “All are journalists and we have invited the two candidates together, just so they can debate the issues important to the voters in their area.”

Listed as moderators are: Brandon Larrabee of Morris News, Blake Aeud of the Athens-Banner Herald, and Bridget Williams of WAGT-TV in Augusta.

Strauss said the specific questions are left up to the journalists.

“We leave the questioning up to the panelists,” said Strauss. “The Atlanta Press Club has no control over what questions will be asked. We invite panelists that are knowledgeable on the issues that are important in the district and leave the questioning up to them.”

That debate can be seen on Georgia Public Television at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.

AM 630 WNEG sponsored a forum recently in which both candidates were invited, but only Saxon was able to come.

Strauss said both candidates have confirmed they will be attending.

Toccoa Police want to arm women in order to defend themselves. The ammunition they plan to provide is knowledge.

The Police Department will host a Female Self Defense Awareness Class on November 8 at the Police Department’s training facility behind the Alewine Soccer Complex in Toccoa.

Toccoa Police Assistant Chief Tim Jarrell said it will consist of a classroom presentation of female safety and awareness.

“What we are going to be doing is we are going to be teaching the ladies in the community how to be aware of their surroundings and how to better defend themselves against possible identity theft, purse snatchings, and how to approach and be aware of their surroundings while going to and from their vehicle while shopping and some other things,” said Jarrell.

Police Chief Jackie Whitmire said the class is in response to inquiries from the community to provide this information.

“Assistant Chief Jarrell is heading this up and we have got some other instructors that are going to help,” the chief explained. “I think this is going to benefit a lot of people as far as safety issues and protecting their valuables and so forth. If this class fills up and we anticipate it being full rather quick, then we will schedule another class. We are looking forward to it. It is a lot of fun and very informative.”

The class will also include an introduction on handgun safety and its use.

All participants need to be a minimum of 21 years of age. Ladies wishing to participate in the class are required to bring their own unloaded handgun with 50 rounds of ammunition. The class size is limited to the first 20 ladies. There is no charge to attend the class.

Jarrell said it will begin at 9 a.m. and expected to conclude at 4 p.m.

Anyone wishing to attend or find out more information should contact Jarrell at 706-282-3287.

Two men are vying this November to become the next Stephens County Coroner.

Chris Stephens and Charlie Harris are vying to replace long-time coroner Buck Addington.

Stephens, a Democrat, works for Stephens County EMS, while Harris, the Republican candidate, works for Stephens County Hospital.

The two men both spoke at a forum sponsored by AM 630 WNEG, the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce, and the Toccoa Record held Tuesday night at the Schaefer Center in Toccoa.

Both said they have the necessary training and experience to perform the job of coroner.

Stephens said it is crucial that a coroner maintain positive communications with all area law enforcement agencies.

“It is up to the coroner to establish the manner and cause of death,” said Stephens. “We do leave the investigation part up to the local law enforcement. It is very imperative that the coroner work very closely with all of these agencies because we must work together to determine that cause and that need. To do so, we must have that working relationship, be on a first-name basis. Again, we are all in here for the same cause and that is for the people of this county and being dedicated to the residents of this county.”

Harris agreed on that point. He also said the coroner must partner with the Sheriff’s Office and police to get out in the community.

“When I was coming along in high school, the police department, sheriff’s office, and coroner’s office got together before Prom Night and staged a car accident,” he said. “There needs to be more programs like this in Stephens County. It would be more beneficial, not only to the students, but the parents as well, who feel like there is nobody to back them up while they are preaching this stuff at home. So, I would get together with some of the law enforcement and see if they would be willing to go with me to get some more of these programs out into the community.”

Both said they would make use of deputy coroners and both added they have worked out arrangements with their employers to perform the necessary duties of coroners. Coroner is a part-time position and both men are employed full-time.

Next week, WNEG News will look at the races for the contested school board post and the four contested county commissioner posts.

The general election is November 4.

Lake Hartwell is lower than ever before.

That is according to measurements posted on the Army Corps’ of Engineers’ website.

According to those statistics, as of Wednesday, Lake Hartwell was at 642.185 feet above sea level. That is now listed as the minimum pool elevation recorded at Hartwell.

Officials with the Army Corps of Engineers go on to predict further drops in lake levels in the coming days and weeks.

In fact, long range projections issued by the Corps of Engineers indicate the lake levels may drop below 640 feet by the end of this year.

However, some help could be on the way. Forecasts are calling for a very good chance of rain on both Friday and Saturday.

“Well, we should get a pretty good amount of widespread rain over northeast Georgia and the western Carolinas,” said National Weather Service forecaster Jeffrey Taylor. “The best chances for rain right now are going to be late Friday into early Saturday. The total rain amounts forecast right now are around two inches for the northeast Georgia area. That could be a little bit higher or lower as we get closer to the onset. We think the onset of rain is most likely to start early Friday afternoon into early evening with the heaviest rain being late Friday into early Saturday morning.”

Taylor added the rain should taper off as Saturday progresses and move completely out of the area by late Saturday into Sunday.

BY MJ KNEISER, WLHR NEWS, LAVONIA

Three days after he is first sighted in Franklin County, the search continues for Johnny Mack Brown.

The 52-year old Brown has been on the run for over a week.

According to Franklin County Sheriff Stevie Thomas, the search began Monday night after a woman called to say she had been kidnapped and dropped off in Franklin County.

Brown and fellow inmate 48-year old Michael Tweedel escaped from Hays State Prison in Chattooga County on October 15.

However, the victim told authorities, Brown was alone when he kidnapped her.

Sheriff Thomas confirmed Johnny Mack Brown has visited the home of his brother in Franklin County

After denying it when first questioned, Tony Brown admitted to authorities he had given Johnny Mack a bag of food, according to Thomas.

Tony Brown was arrested and charged with obstruction.

Johnny Mack is serving a life sentence for armed robbery, hijacking, theft, and aggravated battery and assault.

He is described as a white male, 5/8", 160lbs, 52-year old, salt and pepper short hair, wearing glasses with gray sweat pants, red shirt, and gray overcoat.

Brown is armed and considered dangerous.

Anyone with information on Brown's whereabouts is asked to call 9-1-1.

The Board of Education holds an old-fashion mortgage burning, sort of.

At its meeting Tuesday, Stephens County School Superintendent Gary Steppe told Board of Education members the system had paid off the bond for the construction cost of Stephens County Middle School.

“We had issued bonds for building the middle school, which was $10 million we borrowed to do that and we did that in 2004 and we were able to pay that off within five years,” said Steppe. “We feel really good about being able to take care of that indebtedness.”

Steppe said the payoff came earlier than expected with a change in the formula used to calculate how much money the state gives the system for facilities.

“By changing the formula for the new high school, that determined how much money the state would give us on a yearly basis for facilities,” he added. “We did that several years ago. It has made a real difference.”

The bond paid off was $10 million.

Stephens County Middle School celebrates Red Ribbon Week.

The school is holding an entire week of activities at the school to mark the nationwide event, which sets out to encourage kids to say “no” to drugs.

Shay Locke is a counselor at Stephens County Middle School and is a co-coordinator of Red Ribbon Week. She said activities began Monday and will continue all week long.

“We had big banners, one for each grade, in the lunchroom that all of the students signed saying that they are going to be drug-free,” said Locke. “We also had red pieces of paper that we made into chains and we have the students sign them and they say why they want to be drug-free and we have those that we are going to be hanging in the lunchroom.”

Other activities have included a talk from Stephens County high school graduation coach Kentrell Curry and a visit from the Toccoa Police Department.

The main symbol of “red ribbon week” is, of course, the red ribbons the kids wear.

Locke said the kids have enjoyed that, along with all of the other things going on.

“Throughout the week, if they are caught wearing their red ribbons, they get put in a drawing for a prize and we give out prizes every day as well,” she added. “We are also reaching out to others. We are collecting canned goods all week to try and donate to a local food pantry. The first period who gets the most can get a pizza party.”

Red Ribbon Week continues through Friday. It takes place nationwide over the course of two weeks, with each school picking which week it will celebrate the occasion.

This year’s theme is “Step Up! A Call To Action.”

Red Ribbon Week started in the 1980s. According to the Red Ribbon Coalition, it brings millions of people together around the country to call for drug intervention, treatment, and prevention services.

Democratic U.S. House of Representatives candidate Bobby Saxon said Washington needs to work together, and not separately, in order to get things done.

Saxon appeared at a candidate forum sponsored by WNEG, the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce, and the Toccoa Record this week at the Schaefer Center in Toccoa.

The Democratic challenger to incumbent Republican Paul Broun, who did not appear at the forum, talked about the economy, energy, and a host of other issues.

On the economy, Saxon said he supported the second bailout package proposal, which Broun opposed, because it tightened restrictions on CEO pay and alleviated other concerns the Democrat had.

Saxon went further. He said Congress needs to work for small business and he proposed creating “small business development centers.”

“With my small business development centers, we are going to go out there and we are going to help small business owners by helping them find good accountants, helping them find good salespeople, good marketing people, help them find ways to get small business loans, to get inexpensive financing, and also to go find a new market,” said Saxon.

On the topic of energy, Saxon said fossil fuels may serve our short-term purpose, but sustainable energy is the long-term goal.

“Whether it is wind, whether it is solar, whether it is nuclear, tidal, or biofuels, we as a country have got to come together in a bipartisan way and come up with a solution and move forward,” he added. “In the short term, if that means we have to drill off the coast or in ANWR (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge), I am not opposed to it.”

Saxon also called out Broun for not attending. Representative Broun sent a statement that was read during the forum. In that statement, Broun said he was meeting with small business owners and wanted the opportunity to continue to work for the district as its representative in Washington, D.C.

A Toccoa man is facing charges and a woman is recovering from injuries after a case of what Toccoa police called “car surfing.”

According to a police report, on Saturday October 18, a Toccoa Police officer spotted a car on Collier Road with some unusual passengers.

The report reads “standing out of the car’s sunroof was a male. Perched upon and clinging to the top of the car were two females.”

When the car turned right on to Hilltop Lane, one of the women was thrown from the roof and landed in the roadway. She was taken to Stephens County Hospital.

The driver, Matthew Ryan Morgan of Yow Mill Road, was charged with reckless driving.

Thieves target residents and a local business.

Authorities said a Demorest man told police that while his truck was parked at the Black Mountain Express Sunday night someone broke into it and stole a chain saw valued at $300.

In addition, the lock box it was in was damaged in the incident.

Meanwhile, a Toccoa woman reported that she is missing $225 worth of cash and jewelry. Authorities said they have no suspects.

And finally, authorities are on the lookout for a thief looking to stay warm.

The loss prevention officer at Wal-Mart told police that a woman walked out of the Big A Road with 3 comforters without paying for them. The officer was able to give police the tag number of the car the suspect drove away in.

The investigation into all three cases continues.

Georgia State Troopers are still investigating a one-car accident Wednesday morning that tied up traffic on Hwy. 17 for over an hour.

Authorities say it appears the driver lost control while headed south on Highway 17, went off the road and overturned.

The car came to rest on its side in the southbound lane just in front of Stephens County EMS station.

The driver was injured and taken to Stephens County Hospital.

Mark While, Assistant Chief of the Eastanollee Volunteer Fire Department, say firefighters stood watch as a precaution because the car was leaking gasoline and the electrical system was still live.

Stephens County Sheriff’s deputies routed traffic around the site for about an hour until the wreck could be cleared.

The two men running to become the next Stephens County Sheriff face off in a forum on AM 630 WNEG.

Democrat Randy Shirley and Republican Jimmy Mize spoke at the Schaefer Center last night as part of forums put on by AM 630 WNEG, the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce, and the Toccoa Record.

Both cited drugs as one of the major problems in Toccoa and Stephens County. Both candidates said they would hire someone to work specifically on that issue, along with maintaining and increasing presence and drug education in the school system.

On the issue of a backlog of warrants, Mize said there is a problem.

“One problem that we have had is that we have had nowhere to put them,” said Mize. “It is not that they are not getting served, just right now, we have nowhere to put them. There is also a chance where we would have a warrants and civil team that would be beneficial in helping to serve those.”

According to Mize, the new jail will help alleviate that problem somewhat.

Shirley also said something needs to be done.

“The judicial system cannot work or do anything about those warrants until they are arrested,” said Shirley. “Whether there is room or not (in the new jail), I do not know. But, I can tell you this, they can be arrested and they can bond out.”

Also, both candidates said they would work on communication with county commissioners. Shirley said he would submit a list of goals and objectives upon taking over to the commissioners’ office. Mize said he would work with staff and the new five-person county commission, adding that would help.

At last night’s forum at the Schaefer Center in Toccoa, voters also heard from the candidates for coroner, school board, and Democratic U.S. House candidate Bobby Saxon.

We will have more on those forums, as well as the county commission forums, coming up throughout the rest of this week and next.

The general election is November 4.

While drugs continue to plague the community, the Toccoa Police Chief said ongoing investigations are chipping away at the problem.

Chief Jackie Whitmire announced this week that nine people had been arrested for various drug charges during the last two months.

“There are still a lot of drugs in this community and we are continuing here at the Police Department to target the illegal drugs in this community,” said Whitmire. “We need the citizens’ help on this. Anyone that has seen anything should call, 911, dispatch, or the Police Department, and we will start to work on it.”

According to Toccoa Police, a traffic stop led to the September 17 arrest of 30-year-old Joslin A. Martin of Toccoa.

Two other people were arrested after traffic stops revealed alleged drug activity. Police said on September 25, 19-year-old Andrew Brent Fuller of Lula was stopped and a search revealed a number of “unlawful pills.”

On September 30, 18-year-old Chanin E. Mayfield, of Toccoa, was pulled over for suspicion of driving under the influence. Authorities said he was charged with possession of crack cocaine and driving under the influence.

Two other people were arrested after officers were called to South Tallulah Street to investigate a call of gunfire in the area.

Officials said 20-year-old Richard Agustus Jones, of Toccoa, was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, discharging a firearm from a public roadway and giving a false name. In addition, 19-year-old Stephanie Gail Crowe from South Carolina was charged with possession of marijuana and carrying a concealed weapon.

And finally, four people were charged with selling drugs: 21-year-old Darious Tukes, 39-year-old Charles William Dooley, 22-year-old Hafeezah Dunbar, all of Toccoa, were charged with selling cocaine, while 47-year-old Lamar Cordell, also of Toccoa, was charged with selling methamphetamine.

This report comes from the police department three days after hundreds of people gathered for an anti-drug march through the streets of Toccoa.

Hospital authority members get a shot of illness prevention at their monthly meeting.

At the Stephens County Hospital Authority meeting Monday, authority members literally rolled up their sleeves and got their annual flu shots.

“Mainly, the reason our board gets flu shots is because they want to,” said Hospital Administrator Ed Gambrell. “They know the importance of flu shots and we really have a push here at the hospital to get as many employees a flu shot as will take them.”

Gambrell said for the hospital it is just good business to get everyone inoculated.

“It is just smart,” he added. “It helps us as an employer to not have employees out who are sick. Then, of course, they come into contact with sick patients and so it protects them and of course, it protects our patients, too.”

With flu season just beginning, Gambrell added that for anyone, the flu shot is a good idea.

“The statistics are so much slanted towards people that get flu shots,” he explained. “They either do not get the flu that year, or if they do get it, they have a much milder case.”

Flu shots are available at the Stephens County Health Department.

The drought continues to cause problems for boaters on Lake Hartwell. Not only are low lake levels making it harder to boat, but now the Army Corps of Engineers will only mark hazards within some navigational channels.

Hartwell Lake Park Ranger Tanya Grant said that as the lake drops, more haza