Oconee|News|
Regional Roundup: Store Owner Beaten With Sledgehammer, Football Coach Accused of Public Indecency, and NBA Star's Mansion for Sale
A look at top stories from Patch sites across 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 stories from Patch sites across Georgia.

The following information was supplied by the Oconee County Jail. An arrest does not mean a conviction.
Stolen instruments, jewelry and paper towels were among items found in the man's possession, police say. An arrest doesn't mean a conviction.
Catherine Householder bought the winning scratch-off ticket at a convenience store on Atlanta Highway.
The Chamber President Search Committee has set a March 6, 2013, application deadline.
A look at top stories from Patch sites across Georgia.
Tickets are going fast for Saturday's marriage conference at Prince Avenue Baptist Church.
The information in this story comes from the ACC Police Department.
The company plans to hire 80,000 workers for the bustling spring season. Apply to work at the Oconee County, Ga., store.
School officials expect to receive $1.67 million less in funding for federal school programs over the next nine years if sequestration goes into effect on March 1, 2013.
A look at top stories from Patch sites across Georgia.
A summary of calls Oconee County Fire Rescue answered during the week ending on Feb. 4, 2013.
The move will reportedly save about $2 billion and will not affect package delivery.
An external review team will visit Feb. 24-27.
Police say they learned the moped was stolen out of South Carolina after stopping the unlicensed driver for a traffic violation. An arrest doesn't mean a conviction.
The woman told police on Monday that she was sitting in her car on Commerce Road when a man known to her snatched her purse and prescription medications.
IHOP restaurants nationwide will celebrate free pancake day with a Children's Miracle Network fundraiser.
A look at top stories from Patch sites across Georgia.
Employers will be on-site at six location recruiting workers for professional, warehouse and retail positions.
A Washington Post blog and ABC News have weighed in on the Super Bowl commercials. Now tell us what you thought about ads for Taco Bell, Tide, Go Daddy and others.