Local

Ryan Swails and Eddie Wester will not seek reelection.

Ryan Swails and Eddie Wester will not seek reelection.

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Swails joins Wester in not seeking reelection

News Staff
Thursday, February 24, 2022
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   CARNESVILLE – A second sitting Franklin County commissioner has announced that he will not seek reelection this year. Ryan Swails told his fellow board members Tuesday that he won’t run for reelection to the Post 3 seat in the board.
Tyler Ertzberger was honored at the 94th National FFA Convention and Expo with an American Star in Agribusiness award.

Tyler Ertzberger was honored at the 94th National FFA Convention and Expo with an American Star in Agribusiness award.

Honoring FFA Week

News Staff
Thursday, February 24, 2022
Inside today’s issue is our annual Salute to FFA section, including the following story:   Tyler Ertzberger honored as American Star at National Convention By Chloe Pulliam FCHS Reporter and National FFA Marketing and Communications   While raising crops and livestock has always been the...

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Franklin Springs to poll residents about Sunday alcohol sales

News Staff
Thursday, February 24, 2022
By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   FRANKLIN SPRINGS — The city will be polling residents using the One Call system to see if there is an interest in allowing Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages. Under the city’s ordinance, alcoholic beverage sales are allowed 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Football legend Herschel Walker brought his campaign for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate to the Swails Center in Franklin Springs Saturday. (Photos by Scoggins)

Football legend Herschel Walker brought his campaign for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate to the Swails Center in Franklin Springs Saturday. (Photos by Scoggins)

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Senate candidates headline GOP event

News Staff
Thursday, February 24, 2022
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   FRANKLIN SPRINGS – Four of the leading candidates for the Republican nomination for Georgia’s U.S. Senate seat this year spoke Saturday morning at the Swails Center.
Diane Holmes reacts in shock as she reaches the podium after being announced as Citizen of the Year at the Lavonia Chamber of Commerce Banquet Thursday at the Depot downtown. (Photo by Sinclair)

Diane Holmes reacts in shock as she reaches the podium after being announced as Citizen of the Year at the Lavonia Chamber of Commerce Banquet Thursday at the Depot downtown. (Photo by Sinclair)

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Lavonia Chamber celebrates 100th anniversary at banquet

News Staff
Thursday, February 24, 2022
By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   LAVONIA — One hundred business and community leaders filled the Depot Thursday night to celebrate the Lavonia Chamber of Commerce’s 100th anniversary at its dinner and awards banquet. “The chamber has seen many changes.
The Franklin County Board of Education is said to be nearing a decision on a location of a new school to replace Royston Elementary. The school system has looked closely at six different locations. For a detailed look at the proposed sites, see Page 16A.

The Franklin County Board of Education is said to be nearing a decision on a location of a new school to replace Royston Elementary. The school system has looked closely at six different locations. For a detailed look at the proposed sites, see Page 16A.

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Nearing a choice

News Staff
Thursday, February 17, 2022
By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   CARNESVILLE — Nearly every Franklin County Board of Education meeting in the past six months has included an executive session to discuss property.
City election workers hand count ballots cast in Royston's city elections in November.

City election workers hand count ballots cast in Royston's city elections in November.

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Royston turns to county to run elections

News Staff
Thursday, February 17, 2022
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   ROYSTON – The city of Royston and Franklin County Board of Elections are working on an agreement for the county to run city elections. Both the Royston City Council and county elections board have voted to move ahead with county-run elections in the city.
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.