Among those taking part in a groundbreaking for the new Walmart fulfillment center off of Exit 160 on I-85 are (from left) former Franklin County Industrial Building Authority (IBA) President Tonya Powers, Georgia Department of Economic Development Assistant Director of Statewide Projects Elizabeth McLean, Carnesville Mayor Missy Holbrook, Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson, IBA Chairman Lee Moore and Walmart Vice President of NextGen Fulfillment Operations Barat Smith. (Phot

Among those taking part in a groundbreaking for the new Walmart fulfillment center off of Exit 160 on I-85 are (from left) former Franklin County Industrial Building Authority (IBA) President Tonya Powers, Georgia Department of Economic Development Assistant Director of Statewide Projects Elizabeth McLean, Carnesville Mayor Missy Holbrook, Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson, IBA Chairman Lee Moore and Walmart Vice President of NextGen Fulfillment Operations Barat Smith. (Phot

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Turning dirt

Wednesday, October 28, 2026

By Shane ScogginsPublisherand Charlie EavensonStaff Writer CARNESVILLE – “An exciting new chapter” for Franklin County and Walmart got its symbolic beginning Tuesday as a ground breaking ceremony was held for a new $1.3 billion fulfillment center on Old Federal Road.“Today marks the beginning of an...

Local

Among those taking part in a groundbreaking for the new Walmart fulfillment center off of Exit 160 on I-85 are (from left) former Franklin County Industrial Building Authority (IBA) President Tonya Powers, Georgia Department of Economic Development Assistant Director of Statewide Projects Elizabeth McLean, Carnesville Mayor Missy Holbrook, Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson, IBA Chairman Lee Moore and Walmart Vice President of NextGen Fulfillment Operations Barat Smith. (Phot

Among those taking part in a groundbreaking for the new Walmart fulfillment center off of Exit 160 on I-85 are (from left) former Franklin County Industrial Building Authority (IBA) President Tonya Powers, Georgia Department of Economic Development Assistant Director of Statewide Projects Elizabeth McLean, Carnesville Mayor Missy Holbrook, Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson, IBA Chairman Lee Moore and Walmart Vice President of NextGen Fulfillment Operations Barat Smith. (Phot

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Turning dirt

News Staff
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
By Shane ScogginsPublisherand Charlie EavensonStaff Writer 
Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Consumption of its leaves or products made from its leaves produces both stimulant effects (in low doses) and sedative effects (in high doses), and can lead to psychotic symptoms, and psychological and physiological dependence, according to the DEA.

Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Consumption of its leaves or products made from its leaves produces both stimulant effects (in low doses) and sedative effects (in high doses), and can lead to psychotic symptoms, and psychological and physiological dependence, according to the DEA.

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County to consider ban on all kratom products

News Staff
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
By Shane ScogginsPublisherand Ty TagamiCapitol Beat News Service 
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Op/Ed

Dill’s Food City will be missed.

Dill’s Food City will be missed.

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Dill’s will be missed

News Staff
Thursday, August 6, 2026
The report late last month that Dill’s Food City was being sold to Food Lion came as a surprise to...
In honor of our nation’s 250th birthday Saturday, we offer excerpts from the Declaration of Independence.

In honor of our nation’s 250th birthday Saturday, we offer excerpts from the Declaration of Independence.

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In Congress, 250 years ago

News Staff
Thursday, July 2, 2026
In honor of our nation’s 250th birthday Saturday, we offer ex-cerpts from the Declaration of...
Of the three major symbols that represent our nation – the bald eagle, the Liberty Bell and the flag, the Liberty Bell is perhaps the least understood.

Of the three major symbols that represent our nation – the bald eagle, the Liberty Bell and the flag, the Liberty Bell is perhaps the least understood.

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Bell a major symbol of our liberty

News Staff
Thursday, July 2, 2026
By Charlie Eavenson Of the three major symbols that represent our nation – the bald eagle, the...
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Sports

Kate Finger goes up for a catch against BASA in an area flag football game Thursday at Jeff Davis Field at Ed Bryant Stadium. (Photos by Shane Scoggins)

Kate Finger goes up for a catch against BASA in an area flag football game Thursday at Jeff Davis Field at Ed Bryant Stadium. (Photos by Shane Scoggins)

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In command

News Staff
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
By Shane ScogginsPublisher Just one Division 1 Area 9 flag football team is still undefeated: the...
Seniors Avery Burton (No. 22), Kallie Thrift and Sydney Carson went down swinging and blocking in a state quarterfinal loss to Union County in Blairsville Saturday. (Photos by Shane Scoggins)

Seniors Avery Burton (No. 22), Kallie Thrift and Sydney Carson went down swinging and blocking in a state quarterfinal loss to Union County in Blairsville Saturday. (Photos by Shane Scoggins)

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Franklin volleyball falls in tight Elite 8 match

News Staff
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
By Shane ScogginsPublisher 
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Regional

Jeff and Katie Wallin started The Grace Foundation in 2022 in Martin, but recently moved their recovery ministry for women to Bear Creek Road (above) In Lavonia. Their mission statement says, “We believe every woman deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and discover the life she was created to live.”

Jeff and Katie Wallin started The Grace Foundation in 2022 in Martin, but recently moved their recovery ministry for women to Bear Creek Road (above) In Lavonia. Their mission statement says, “We believe every woman deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and discover the life she was created to live.”

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A foundation for recovery

News Staff
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
By Charlie EavensonStaff Writer 
Franklin County native Dr. Linda Purvis is excited about the new poultry science education center being built at UNG’s Gainesville Campus where she is an associate professor of biology and poultry science. She has been a major proponent of the school having a designated facility to provide hands-on training with equipment students will be using in the industry. Purvis said she still enjoys teaching and having direct contact with the students. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Linda Purvis)

Franklin County native Dr. Linda Purvis is excited about the new poultry science education center being built at UNG’s Gainesville Campus where she is an associate professor of biology and poultry science. She has been a major proponent of the school having a designated facility to provide hands-on training with equipment students will be using in the industry. Purvis said she still enjoys teaching and having direct contact with the students. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Linda Purvis)

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Franklin native driving force behind UNG poultry science facility

News Staff
Thursday, August 27, 2026
By Charlie EavensonStaff Writer 
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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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