Will Gipson comes to the line to win the Georgia Class AA State Championship in the 1,600 meters Thursday in Athens. The win was Gipson’s third state championship in the last year. He added a fourth, in the 3,200 meters, later in the same meet. (Photos by Shane Scoggins)

Will Gipson comes to the line to win the Georgia Class AA State Championship in the 1,600 meters Thursday in Athens. The win was Gipson’s third state championship in the last year. He added a fourth, in the 3,200 meters, later in the same meet. (Photos by Shane Scoggins)

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Pair of Lions add to state championship totals

Thursday, May 21, 2026

By Shane ScogginsPublisher ATHENS – One Franklin County athlete captured his third and fourth state championships Thursday in Athens, while another claimed his second in a row.

Local

Elizabeth Busby won reelection to one seat on the Franklin County Board of Commissioners Tuesday, while Kyle Westbrook was chosen for another. And, an extension of a special purpose local option sales tax for schools was approved.

Elizabeth Busby won reelection to one seat on the Franklin County Board of Commissioners Tuesday, while Kyle Westbrook was chosen for another. And, an extension of a special purpose local option sales tax for schools was approved.

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Busby, Westbrook, SPLOST win

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
By Shane ScogginsPublisher 
On Tuesday, the Carnesville Planning and Zoning Commission gave their recommendation for approval of a request to annex and rezone additional land for a stone quarry on Highway 106 near I-85.

On Tuesday, the Carnesville Planning and Zoning Commission gave their recommendation for approval of a request to annex and rezone additional land for a stone quarry on Highway 106 near I-85.

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Carnesville zoning board OK with quarry additions

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
By Charlie EavensonStaff Writer 
The Franklin County Citizen Leader’s annual Graduation section is inside this issue.

The Franklin County Citizen Leader’s annual Graduation section is inside this issue.

FCHS to hold graduation Friday

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
CARNESVILLE – The 62nd annual Commencement Exercise for Franklin County High School will be held...
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Op/Ed

Joy and peace are rightly common themes for Christmas messages in churches and cards this time of year.

Joy and peace are rightly common themes for Christmas messages in churches and cards this time of year.

‘Fear not’ and ‘rejoice’

News Staff
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Joy and peace are rightly common themes for Christmas messages in churches and cards this time of...
A small pill bottle containing eight pieces of gravel serve as a reminder that in local journalism, you will never see it all.

A small pill bottle containing eight pieces of gravel serve as a reminder that in local journalism, you will never see it all.

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A journalism journey paved with experimental gravel

News Staff
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
By Shane ScogginsI tend to hold onto things that spark memories of cherished people or interesting...
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Sports

Will Gipson comes to the line to win the Georgia Class AA State Championship in the 1,600 meters Thursday in Athens. The win was Gipson’s third state championship in the last year. He added a fourth, in the 3,200 meters, later in the same meet. (Photos by Shane Scoggins)

Will Gipson comes to the line to win the Georgia Class AA State Championship in the 1,600 meters Thursday in Athens. The win was Gipson’s third state championship in the last year. He added a fourth, in the 3,200 meters, later in the same meet. (Photos by Shane Scoggins)

 Exclusive Subscriber Content

Pair of Lions add to state championship totals

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
By Shane ScogginsPublisher 
Nava Ware clears the bar in the high jump at the state meet. (Photo by Shane Scoggins)

Nava Ware clears the bar in the high jump at the state meet. (Photo by Shane Scoggins)

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Top 3 finish

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
By Shane ScogginsPublisher 
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Regional

With a unanimous vote Monday, the state Senate gave final approval to a bill that will distribute tax rebates worth $250 to individuals and $500 to married couples.

With a unanimous vote Monday, the state Senate gave final approval to a bill that will distribute tax rebates worth $250 to individuals and $500 to married couples.

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General Assembly approves tax rebates

News Staff
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
By Mark NiesseCapitol Beat News Service ATLANTA – Georgia taxpayers are getting some of their money...
There are many factors that affect the value of lakefront properties, including the view, year-round water depth, dock rights, dock permits, slope of the lot and Corps of Engineers restrictions.

There are many factors that affect the value of lakefront properties, including the view, year-round water depth, dock rights, dock permits, slope of the lot and Corps of Engineers restrictions.

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From Lake Living's Winter edition: A shore thing

News Staff
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
By Charlie EavensonFranklin County Citizen Leader In real estate they say the three most important...
Kim Caudell of Toccoa captured this photo of her sons, Britt and Benjamin, celebrating Independence Day at Lake Hartwell. Caudell won $100 for her photo, which was featured on the cover of the 2025 summer edition of Lake Living magazine.

Kim Caudell of Toccoa captured this photo of her sons, Britt and Benjamin, celebrating Independence Day at Lake Hartwell. Caudell won $100 for her photo, which was featured on the cover of the 2025 summer edition of Lake Living magazine.

Photo contest open for Lake Living magazine

News Staff
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Northeast Georgia lakes are beautiful any time of the year.
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Videos

Memorial Day 2020

On this Memorial Day, we remember those Franklin County citizens who have given all to protect our liberties. This video was shot at the American Legion Post in Lavonia, where crosses with the names of all fallen Franklin County soldiers are displayed on crosses. (Music by Marlie Scoggins)

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