Oconee|News|
Local Barnes & Noble 'My Favorite Teacher' Award Goes to North Oconee Educator
Jeanette Phillips was nominated by a 12th grade student.

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.
Jeanette Phillips was nominated by a 12th grade student.

The man called the Oconee County Fire Department but was able to extinguish the flames himself.
Police say 47-year-old Paul Kevin Harris of Statham was paid nearly $28,000 by the victim over the course of less than one year for landscaping services that weren't performed. An arrest isn't a conviction.
At least two years of recent restaurant management experience is required.
At least two years of recent restaurant management experience is required.
A look at top stories from Patch sites across Georgia.
Police say the incidents happened on Christian Drive, Woodside Place, and Bond Drive.
An Oconee County grand jury has handed down a 21-count indictment against John David Cooper, a Georgia Department of Labor employee.
An Oconee County grand jury has handed down a 21-count indictment against John David Cooper.
A look at top stories from Patch sites across Georgia.
The following information was supplied by the Oconee County Jail. An arrest does not mean a conviction.
The drawing for the top prize -- a Colt AR-15 rifle -- will be held on May 4 at Clyde Armory.
The public is invited to attend a discussion on the history and growth of Watkinsville or an informative and in-depth examination of the Battle of Gettysburg.
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The coffee house is setting up shop next door to Barberitos on Epps Bridge Parkway.
In the Northeast Georgia region, rates have declined.
Caterpillar, Athens Tech, the Northeast Georgia Health District and others are looking for workers.
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Kindergarten art students create impressionist flower gardens and first and second graders make folk art birds.
The new law also increases penalties for those caught boating while intoxicated.