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The Lavonia Police Department plans to reinstitute public programs in 2022.

The Lavonia Police Department plans to reinstitute public programs in 2022.

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Lavonia Police to host community programs in 2022

News Staff
Thursday, January 6, 2022
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   LAVONIA – The Lavonia Police Department plans to reinstitute public programs in 2022. “I do want to get out and not be a recluse again like we have been the last couple of years,” Chief Bruce Carlisle said. The department plans to hold one program each month.
Director of Donor Relations and Fundraising Lucy Floyd, Founder and Executive Director Beverly Oxley, and Program Director Tanya Hipp show the progress made on the construction of the new facility for The Ark Family Preservation Center. Utilities were set, and lumber was waiting to start framing when weather permits. (Photo by Sinclair)

Director of Donor Relations and Fundraising Lucy Floyd, Founder and Executive Director Beverly Oxley, and Program Director Tanya Hipp show the progress made on the construction of the new facility for The Ark Family Preservation Center. Utilities were set, and lumber was waiting to start framing when weather permits. (Photo by Sinclair)

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The Ark nears facility fundraising goal

News Staff
Thursday, January 6, 2022
By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   FRANKLIN SPRINGS  — In just six months, The Ark Family Preservation Center raised more than $450,000 — $277,000 of which came in the last two weeks of the year — and is just shy of its goal to raise $1 million for its new facility.
Jerry “Scoot” Rice and Scott Bailey are donating x-ray machine equipment left in the former medical building they turning into a storage facility. (Photo by Sinclair)

Jerry “Scoot” Rice and Scott Bailey are donating x-ray machine equipment left in the former medical building they turning into a storage facility. (Photo by Sinclair)

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Businessmen donate x-ray machine

News Staff
Thursday, January 6, 2022
By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   LAVONIA — Since his team is working to turn the former Lavonia Medical Offices on Augusta Road into a climate-controlled storage facility, Scott Bailey and his business partners had no need for the x-ray machine left in the building.
Royston Mayor David Jordan will leave office Dec. 31 after 12 years leading the city. (Photo by Scoggins)

Royston Mayor David Jordan will leave office Dec. 31 after 12 years leading the city. (Photo by Scoggins)

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'An honor and pleasure'

News Staff
Thursday, December 30, 2021
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   ROYSTON – When David Jordan ran for mayor, he won by one vote. The result ended with a court challenge that cost him $5,100 in legal fees for the $5,000 per year salary to lead the city. “It cost me $100 to be mayor that year,” Jordan said.
The former Lavonia Methodist Church was a brick building built in 1907. It was destroyed by a fire in 1946. The new church was built on the same land, and the sanctuary was ready for its first service in August 1949.

The former Lavonia Methodist Church was a brick building built in 1907. It was destroyed by a fire in 1946. The new church was built on the same land, and the sanctuary was ready for its first service in August 1949.

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Lavonia church burned 75 years ago

News Staff
Thursday, December 30, 2021
By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   LAVONIA — A focal point of Lavonia United Methodist Church is the Christmas scene stained glass window above the altar. The Rev. Hugh Hendrickson believes there’s reason for that.
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Health officials expect variant to affect area

News Staff
Thursday, December 30, 2021
By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   State cases of COVID-19 nearly doubled over the holiday weekend due to the Omicron variant, reflecting the spike in cases seen a year ago. But Franklin County didn’t see the same increases as a year ago.
Vivian Young answers a phone call in her office during one of her last days as DDA director. (Photo by Sinclair)

Vivian Young answers a phone call in her office during one of her last days as DDA director. (Photo by Sinclair)

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Young plans to continue work for city in retirement

News Staff
Thursday, December 30, 2021
By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   LAVONIA — Just because Vivian Young is retiring from the city at the end of the year doesn’t mean she won’t be around. “I’m not going to quit working for the city,” Young said.
Larry Bowen's third and final term on the Royston City Council ends Friday.

Larry Bowen's third and final term on the Royston City Council ends Friday.

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Bowen leaving Royston council after three terms

News Staff
Thursday, December 30, 2021
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   ROYSTON – Larry Bowen is proud of what the city of Royston accomplished during his 12 years on the council. The councils he served on accomplished “probably as much as any 12-year group ever,” he said.
Janet Claytor did not run for reelection to the Carnesville City Council after her and husband Bob decided to move to Perry to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Janet Claytor did not run for reelection to the Carnesville City Council after her and husband Bob decided to move to Perry to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

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Claytor: 'I'm going to miss the town'

News Staff
Thursday, December 30, 2021
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   CARNESVILLE – As the days ticked down for Janet Claytor’s time on the Carnesville city council – and her lifetime living in her hometown, her emotions were hard to hold back.