Local

Mens World Barber Shop in Royston is celebrating 50 years in business. Founder Gayle Fields (above right) has retired but son Matt (above center) carries on the business with fellow barber Jame Lewis (above left).

Mens World Barber Shop in Royston is celebrating 50 years in business. Founder Gayle Fields (above right) has retired but son Matt (above center) carries on the business with fellow barber Jame Lewis (above left).

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After 50 years, people still focus at barber shop

News Staff
Thursday, November 18, 2021
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   ROYSTON – Until his retirement, Gayle Fields supported his family by cutting hair. His son, Matt, is doing the same. “You won’t get rich but you’ll make a living,” Gayle said of the profession.
Mia Patterson as Annie and Zelda as Sandy the Dog will be on stage this weekend at the Lavonia Cultural Center for Franklin Community Player's production of "Annie."

Mia Patterson as Annie and Zelda as Sandy the Dog will be on stage this weekend at the Lavonia Cultural Center for Franklin Community Player's production of "Annie."

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Annie returns for Christmas show

News Staff
Thursday, November 18, 2021
By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   LAVONIA — Nine years ago, Judah Bowers was on the stage at the Lavonia Cultural Center performing as a newsboy while his father, Don, commanded the stage as Oliver Warbucks in “Annie.
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Salute to Veterans

News Staff
Friday, November 12, 2021
The Franklin County Citizen Leader honored those who served our country with a special Salute to Veterans in the Nov. 11 edition.
Gen. Eugene Phillips

Gen. Eugene Phillips

'Somewhere at Sea,' Bound for Battle!

News Staff
Friday, November 12, 2021
Editor’s note: The following is a story written by Gen. Eugene Phillips of Royston on the eve of battle in World War II. It has been called “one of the best pre-battle accounts” written. It was submitted by Paul Crawford.   By Lt.
Paul Crawford (right) is pictured with Gen. Eugene Phillips (left) at a dinner in Phillips’ honor before the general moved away from Royston for the last time.

Paul Crawford (right) is pictured with Gen. Eugene Phillips (left) at a dinner in Phillips’ honor before the general moved away from Royston for the last time.

Remembering the General, one of Franklin's greatest

News Staff
Friday, November 12, 2021
By Paul Crawford Special to the Citizen Leader   The day before Christmas 2014 was a sad day for me. I was visting my brother in North Carolina when I received a phone call from Tom Phillips, Gen. Eugene Phillips’ son, informing me that the General had passed in Fairfax, Va.
The day will begin at 9 a.m. with a dedication ceremony for the Franklin County Veterans Memorial, Public Safety Memorial and the unveiling of Blue and Gold Star Memorial markers.

The day will begin at 9 a.m. with a dedication ceremony for the Franklin County Veterans Memorial, Public Safety Memorial and the unveiling of Blue and Gold Star Memorial markers.

Hometown Heroes

News Staff
Thursday, November 11, 2021
From staff reports   CARNESVILLE – Franklin County will honor and celebrate its heroes Saturday with a free, all-day event. The county’s Hometown Heroes event will honor veterans and public safety personnel. The day will begin at 9 a.m.
Lavonia’s Jonathan Merck (right) served in Iraq with the U.S. Army and is still in the Army Reserves. His family has a long history of military service dating to the American Revolution and including grandfathers Jim Sapp and Milton Merck and great-great uncles Joseph Gunnells and Clarence Payne (all pictured at left).

Lavonia’s Jonathan Merck (right) served in Iraq with the U.S. Army and is still in the Army Reserves. His family has a long history of military service dating to the American Revolution and including grandfathers Jim Sapp and Milton Merck and great-great uncles Joseph Gunnells and Clarence Payne (all pictured at left).

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Military service a Merck family tradition dating to Revolution

News Staff
Thursday, November 11, 2021
By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   LAVONIA — Jonathan Merck grew up listening to his grandfather tell war stories. “At a very young age, I was fascinated by the military,” Merck said. Jim Sapp, his mother’s father, served in the Korean War as a medic.

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IBA approves contract for land for new lab

News Staff
Thursday, November 11, 2021
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   CARNESVILLE – The Industrial Building Authority voted Monday to sell six acres in the Central Franklin Industrial Park to a lab services company that plans to bring 100 jobs to the county. The IBA approved a contract with Business Development Associates JS Inc.
Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots

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Toys for Tots expects greater need this year

News Staff
Thursday, November 11, 2021
By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   Last year, Toys for Tots made sure 2,156 kids in Franklin, Hart and Elbert counties received a toy on Christmas morning. Local coordinator Mike Prather thinks the need is going to be even greater this year.