Author: Porkchop Branch

The Lavonia Police Department has received  a $10,000 public safety grant from the Georgia Department of Highway Safety. Called an incentive grant, it’s designed for smaller law enforcement agencies that have partnered with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety initiatives, such as the Click or Ticket program, participating in network meetings, and submitting applications to the State’s annual law enforcement […]

A Hart County Commissioner is calling on all committees and groups in the county to be properly trained and versed in the Georgia Sunshine Law. At their meeting earlier this month, Commissioner Joey Dorsey commended said it’s important members of boards and committees know the State law regarding what is public information and what is not. ”I want to make […]

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District announces changes in camping fees charged at Corps-managed campgrounds at Hartwell Lake (Hartwell, Ga.) and J. Strom Thurmond Lake (Clarks Hill, S.C.). Effective with the fiscal year which began Oct. 1, all camping fees for sites with electricity service have increased $2 per night. All other campsite fees remain the same. At Thurmond Lake, camping fees remain $6 -$18 […]

The Stephens County Land Use Regulations Committee has completed its work. Committee Spokesperson Cynthia Brown said the committee has settled on a draft land use plan that will be given to the county commission for its consideration. Brown said the regulations are simple and easy to understand. She said they cover every aspect of business, industry, agricultural, and residential issues […]

In Toccoa, Stephens county hospital announces cost-cutting measures that will affect the hospital’s employees.   Hospital Administrator Ed Gambrell announced  that effective December 1, employees making over $10 per hour will see a 5-percent decrease in pay.   In addition, Gambrell said the hospital will eliminate seven positions.   Gambrell says the decision comes as a result of continued financial challenges at the hospital […]