Oconee|News|
Regional Roundup: Mayor Pleads Guilty in Child Sex Sting, Cotton Mill Destroyed by Fire and Man Shoots Himself in the Foot
A look at top Patch stories from around Georgia.

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.
A look at top Patch stories from around Georgia.

Applications are being accepted for the commission-based position offering flexible hours and the ability to work remotely.
A poster on the website UFO Stalker describes having seen a "diamond flasher" in the sky over Watkinsville on May 4 and May 8.
Authorities say a pre-teen girl was molested while in Oconee County multiple times over the last year.
This bird food thief was caught red handed by the camera lens of a Patch reader. Have you taken any interesting photos lately?
Watkinsville is in the running in the 2012 Best Small Towns in America contest, sponsored by USA Today and Rand McNally.
Authorities say a pre-teen girl was molested multiple times over the last year in Oconee County. An arrest does not mean a conviction.
The following information was supplied by the Oconee County Sheriff's Office. An arrest does not mean a conviction.
Take a look back at images from around northeast Georgia taken by readers and featured on Patch this past week. What photos will be highlighted next week? Share yours today!
At a school board meeting tonight, the Oconee County Board of Education will consider taking action on the FY13 tentative budget. See what else there is to know.
Here are some of the most-read stories, blogs, and announcements on Oconee Patch this past week.
The 73-year-old Oconee County woman who was beaten in her home late Thursday night is improving and no longer in intensive care, according to Sheriff Scott Berry.
The Johnny Depp and Tim Burton collaboration, based on a 1960s gothic soap opera, opened this weekend.
More than $400 was raised during this school year's Penny Wars competition.
Thanks to Marijke Tromp for sharing this beautiful photo with Patch and the community! Upload your photos today and one of them might just be the next one featured.
Authorities say the 73-year-old victim is in the intensive care unit at Athens Regional Medical Center after being struck repeatedly with a blunt object while she was in bed at her Peacock Drive home Thursday night.
A list of locally-grown produce and handmade products vendors will be selling at this week's Oconee Farmers Market.
After 25 years with Oconee County Schools, Judy Marable is ready to retire.