Melvin Everson, GOWD Director, Speaks to Local Industry Leaders

Melvin Everson, the Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Workforce Development, spoke to officials from Stephens, Franklin, Hart, Banks, White, and Habersham Counties at North Georgia Technical College's Currahee Campus. Everson emphasized the benefits of the Work Ready program and talked about the new emphasis on "Soft Skills" that is forthcoming. He also said that Georgia must continue to develop its workforce.

TSPLOST Projects for the GA Mountains

The latest list of projects that would fall under the proposed TSPLOST for the Georgia Mountains is out. The list recently released must now be approved by a regional transportation roundtable before it can go before voters. Stephens County has two projects on the list. Those are the northern leg of Hwy 17 and the extension of the Toccoa Parkway from Big A Road to Hwy 123 at the South Carolina line.

Stephens County Historical Society Announces Speaker

The Stephens County Historical Society has announced the speaker for this year's Currahee Military Weekend banquet Saturday October 1 at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center. Historical Society Director Brenda Carlan said "Band of Brothers" actor James Madio will speak. Currahee Military Weekend is set for September 30 - October 2.

Stephens County's Millage Rate Remains the Same

Stephens County's millage rate for 2011 will remain the same. Friday, county commissioners voted 4-0 to approve a county millage rate of 11.32 mills for 2011. The 11.32 millage rate is unchanged from last year. The Stephens County Commission also approved the Board of Education's millage rate of 18.4 mills. Pending no problems, tax bills will go out September 15.