Oconee|News|
Black Boxes in Cars, Rejecting the Common Core and More
Check out what had Oconee Patch readers buzzing this week and weigh in on these hot topics.

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.
Check out what had Oconee Patch readers buzzing this week and weigh in on these hot topics.

Stay connected with your community, find local events, read announcements, keep up with school sports and more.
Hugh Jackman reprises his role in the latest comic book-based film to hit the big screen.
Miss a job opportunity last week on Patch? Here's your chance to check them out one more time before the new week begins.
Have something to buy, sell or trade? Post it for free on our Oconee Patch buy/sell/trade board.
Stay connected with your community, find local events, read announcements, keep up with school sports and more.
A look at strange crime news from around the area.
The 9/10 Georgia champions next go up against Alabama at 2 p.m. on July 28.
A look at top stories from Patch sites across Georgia.
A look at top stories from Patch sites across Georgia.
Police say there was also an outstanding warrant for the 35 year old.
Police say the woman fled her home on June 27 after an argument with a neighbor and was jailed in Oconee County last week after appearing in an Athens court on unrelated charges.
Take a look at what's happening this weekend and add your events to the Patch calendar.
Take a look at what's happening this weekend in and around Oconee County and add your events to the Patch calendar.