Local

Franklin County Commissioners denied the appeal of a recent rezoning of 633 Neal Road to light industrial.

Franklin County Commissioners denied the appeal of a recent rezoning of 633 Neal Road to light industrial.

County nixes Neal Road rezone appeal

By Shane Scoggins Publisher   CARNESVILLE – The November rezoning of property on Neal Road will stand despite an attorney questioning whether the land is actually in Franklin County. Commissioners voted 3-1 Tuesday to stand by its decision on Nov.
Superintendent Chris Forrer presents the Franklin County Schools Annual Report for the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Friday. (Photo by Sinclair)

Superintendent Chris Forrer presents the Franklin County Schools Annual Report for the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Friday. (Photo by Sinclair)

Forrer shares district’s achievements with chamber

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   CARNESVILLE — Franklin County School System is heading in the right direction and “the best is yet to come,” according to information presented to the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Friday.
The number of COVID cases in Franklin County Schools has gone up and down during this school year, following the number of cases in the community as a whole. (Graphic by Sinclair)

The number of COVID cases in Franklin County Schools has gone up and down during this school year, following the number of cases in the community as a whole. (Graphic by Sinclair)

Little improvement seen in schools’ COVID numbers

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   Franklin County Schools showed little improvement in its COVID numbers after a week of no data recorded due to the holiday and inclement weather closing school.
From behind his desk, Radha Sinha can hear customers come through the squeaky front door, and enjoys bringing smiles to their faces. He opened Car Point Automotive 20 years ago. (Photo by Sinclair)

From behind his desk, Radha Sinha can hear customers come through the squeaky front door, and enjoys bringing smiles to their faces. He opened Car Point Automotive 20 years ago. (Photo by Sinclair)

Honest work makes satisfied customers

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   ROYSTON — Radha Sinha was one of those kids who enjoyed learning how things worked and was always taking things apart to find out. “It was bad, too,” Sinha said. “I always loved mechanics.
Matt Hill stands in front of Hill’s Exxon’s new state-of-the-art kitchen which will be the hub for full breakfast and lunch service in the next couple of weeks. (Photo by Scoggins)

Matt Hill stands in front of Hill’s Exxon’s new state-of-the-art kitchen which will be the hub for full breakfast and lunch service in the next couple of weeks. (Photo by Scoggins)

Hill’s Exxon takes another step

By Shane Scoggins Publisher   LAVONIA – In 1997, kindergartener Matt Hill wrote about what he wanted to be when he grew up. “Wen I gro up I will be a mechanic it is fun me and my dade are mechanic frinds I do not no how to be a mechanic I will ask my dade he will tell me,” he wrote.
Walker Hyde attempts to catch a snowflake in his mouth during a winter storm that hit Franklin County over the weekend. Walker and many others took the opportunity to have some fun in the snow. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Jones)

Walker Hyde attempts to catch a snowflake in his mouth during a winter storm that hit Franklin County over the weekend. Walker and many others took the opportunity to have some fun in the snow. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Jones)

Wintry weekend

By Shane Scoggins Publisher and Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   A large winter storm dumped mostly snow on Franklin County over the weekend, creating an opportunity for fun but also delays and closings.
The city of Franklin Springs recently completed a purchase of a large tract of land just outside the city limits.

The city of Franklin Springs recently completed a purchase of a large tract of land just outside the city limits.

Franklin Springs buys 146.25 acres

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   FRANKLIN SPRINGS — After a few delays, the city of Franklin Springs is finally the owner of a 146.25 acre property west of the current city limits. The $853,000 sale was finalized Friday.
Four housing projects that have been approved in Lavonia could double the city’s population in three to five years, city officials said.

Four housing projects that have been approved in Lavonia could double the city’s population in three to five years, city officials said.

New housing projects could double Lavonia's population

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   LAVONIA — At least four new housing projects are on the way for Lavonia in the next 12-18 months, which could double the city’s population of 2,143 in the next three to five years. “It’s going to be a big impact on Lavonia,” City Manager Charles Cawthon said.
FCHS junior Jon Erik Tripp was selected for the All-State Band after recent auditions.

FCHS junior Jon Erik Tripp was selected for the All-State Band after recent auditions.

A Tripp to All-State Band

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   LAVONIA — Jon Erik Tripp has accomplished something few have — he was selected as a member of the All-State Band. This year’s rate of acceptance across the state was 8.