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Patch's Most Popular
Here are some of the most-read stories, blogs, and announcements on Oconee Patch this past week.

Email: Stephanie.Gross@patch.com
Phone: 706-206-1946
Hometown: Watkinsville, Georgia
Birthday: January 24
Bio: Stephanie comes to Patch with experience as news director at WRBN and WGHC radio stations in Clayton, Georgia. While working for GA-CA Radiocasting, she further developed a passion for local news and made lasting professional connections to many members of the community.
Stephanie received bachelor's degrees at the University of Georgia in Telecommunications Arts and Spanish. While at UGA, she danced as a Georgette with the Redcoat Marching Band (Go Dawgs!). She grew up near Cleveland, Ohio, but has lived in northeast Georgia for over 17 years.
Stephanie enjoys volunteering as an interpreter at local school systems. In her free time--which is few and far between thanks to a vibrant three-year-old daughter -- she enjoys Latin ballroom dancing with her husband and playing with her black lab and two cats (all rescues!).
Beliefs:
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable.
This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know. Politics:
How would you describe your political beliefs?
I am not affiliated with any particular political party, and I describe myself as a moderate. I prefer to look at candidates as individuals and not vote based on party lines. Religion:
How religious would you consider yourself? Casual, observant, devout, non-religious?
Observant. I joined the Catholic Church on the 2011 Easter vigil and am a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Athens.
I grew up in the Lutheran Church, and have a strong faith in God. I respect other faiths and am always interested in learning about them.
Here are some of the most-read stories, blogs, and announcements on Oconee Patch this past week.

The time has come to announce the winner of our random drawing. Share your photos now for a chance at next week's prize.
Miss a job opportunity last week on Patch? Here's your chance to check them out one more time before the new week begins.
Costume-clad children enjoyed trick-or-treating and exploring emergency vehicles Saturday evening.
Several Home Depot stores looking for sales associates.
This would-be comedy follows two high school girls for one screwball night as they try to find a missing little brother--and perhaps attend the coolest Halloween party ever.
The event, Sunday from 2-5 p.m., is in celebration of Hispanic heritage month.
Adorable! Do you have photos of your pets enjoying autumn? Share them now for a chance to win.
A look at top Patch stories from around Georgia.
Over 4,400 Oconee County, Ga. voters have already cast ballots ahead of the Nov. 6 general election.
One of two men detained on the campus of Oconee County Middle School Thursday on a theft charge had been working on a small landscaping project, according to Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Brook Whitmire.
The theft reportedly occurred at a Bishop shop overnight Wednesday to Thursday. An arrest does not mean a conviction.
The victim says he paid $200 over the phone to someone he thought was a representative of a utility company after being threatened with disconnection of service.
A Patch reader shares another incredible photo. Upload your pictures now for a chance to win.
The following information was supplied by the Oconee County Sheriff's Office. An arrest does not mean a conviction.
Applications are being accepted through Nov, 22, 2012.
A look at top Patch stories from around Georgia.
This bride took a moment out of her big day to spend time with a special guest. Check out the photo and see how you can share pictures for a chance to win a prize pack.
Health inspectors pay visits to school cafeterias and a popular farm.