Local

Shirley Burch was one of the first black students at Royston Elementary School.

Shirley Burch was one of the first black students at Royston Elementary School.

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Burch recalls desegragation as a struggle

News Staff
Thursday, February 17, 2022
By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   ROYSTON — One day, two white men went into Gilmohudsan School and said they wanted four students to go to Royston Elementary School. One boy and three girls were chosen — Oneal Holmes Jr., Clifford Sandra Jones, Aldonia Brawner, and Shirley Gray.
Jab Sa Korean BBQ is coming soon to the former Shoney’s restaurant near the interstate in Lavonia. (Photo by Sinclair)

Jab Sa Korean BBQ is coming soon to the former Shoney’s restaurant near the interstate in Lavonia. (Photo by Sinclair)

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Lavonia set for good year for business

News Staff
Thursday, February 17, 2022
By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   LAVONIA — Lavonia is getting two new restaurants near the interstate, and more businesses are expected to be coming downtown.

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Qualifying opens March 7 for local races

News Staff
Thursday, February 17, 2022
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   CARNESVILLE – Candidate qualifying for local elections in May will begin in less than three weeks. Candidates for two seats on the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and three posts on the board of education may sign up beginning March 7.
SkillsUSA Region Winners are (from left) First place winner Brant Roberts from Franklin County High School, second place winner Jay Grice from White County High School and third place winner Garrett Pless from Stephens County High School.

SkillsUSA Region Winners are (from left) First place winner Brant Roberts from Franklin County High School, second place winner Jay Grice from White County High School and third place winner Garrett Pless from Stephens County High School.

FCHS welder wins at region SkillsUSA

News Staff
Thursday, February 17, 2022
CLARKESVILLE – North Georgia Technical College’s welding program recently awarded three area high school student SkillsUSA region winners with various welding supplies. The prizes were donated by local companies and individuals following a record-breaking competition with 14 students participating.
Franklin County School System leaders listen as Jean Davison shares information about Connection for Special Parents. (Photo by Sinclair)

Franklin County School System leaders listen as Jean Davison shares information about Connection for Special Parents. (Photo by Sinclair)

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School system pledges to work with CSP

News Staff
Thursday, February 17, 2022
By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   ROYSTON — It soon may be easier for parents to access services for students with special needs.

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School system finances in good shape

News Staff
Thursday, February 17, 2022
By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   CARNESVILLE — Franklin County Schools is doing well financially according to recent reports from Finance Director Chez Maxwell.
The Lavonia Police Department's February Community Outreach program will focus on scams.

The Lavonia Police Department's February Community Outreach program will focus on scams.

Police program to focus on scams

News Staff
Thursday, February 17, 2022
LAVONIA – The Lavonia Police Department will hold its second community outreach program of the year Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. at the Lavonia Train Depot. The subject of the program will be scams. A speaker will teach attendees how to protect themselves and loved ones from scams and how to spot scams.
Derrick Turner brought the experience of growing up in small town and working in a city that saw great growth to Franklin County last year when he became the first black person to serve as county manager. He’s worked to build relationships throughout the community.

Derrick Turner brought the experience of growing up in small town and working in a city that saw great growth to Franklin County last year when he became the first black person to serve as county manager. He’s worked to build relationships throughout the community.

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Turner '100 percent committed to do best for county'

News Staff
Thursday, February 17, 2022
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   CARNESVILLE – Derrick Turner made history March 1 of last year when he walked into the Franklin County Commissioners’ Office for his first day of work. Turner took the reins as county manager that day. He is the first black person to ever serve in that role.
Sarah Pinkston takes a moment to look out her window to see what’s happening in the neighborhood. She has lived in the Springview Heights neighborhood all her life. (Photo by Sinclair)

Sarah Pinkston takes a moment to look out her window to see what’s happening in the neighborhood. She has lived in the Springview Heights neighborhood all her life. (Photo by Sinclair)

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Sarah Pinkston reflects on a life in Springview Heights

News Staff
Thursday, February 10, 2022
By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   SPRINGVIEW HEIGHTS — Up until about six months ago, 86-year-old Sarah Pinkston could be seen chopping wood or making repairs on her house. She’s always been a hard worker, doing what needs to be done, and her only set back has been a back injury.
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Managing the boom

News Staff
Thursday, February 10, 2022
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   CARNESVILLE – Franklin County officials will be looking at ways to manage and possibly slow a surge of housing developments in the unincorporated parts of the county.