A request to rezone the former Vandiver estate in Lavonia was voted down Monday after the property was listed for sale by current owner Sonya Kay Legg.

CARNESVILLE – The annual Franklin County Special Olympics was held Thursday at Jeff Davis Field at Ed Bryant Stadium. The special athletes were the stars and focus of the day, as they competed in events with the help of their Buddies from Franklin County High School. For more photos from the day, see Page 11A. (Photo by Charlie Eavenson)

Franklin County’s Unified Development Code (UDC) was the major topic of discussion at Tuesday night’s Board of Commissioners work session.

Swedish exchange student Fredrik Lundin (left) is spending the school year at FCHS and begin hosted by CTAE Director Brent Lemond (right) and his family. (Photo by Charlie Eavenson)

A new Royston ordinance allowing areas where open containers of alcohol can be carried outside during special events established an entertainment district downtown and for all of the Royston Wellness and Community Park.

Royston MainStreet Manager Kelly King calls out a number during a dry run of the City of Royston’s new Bingo game that will begin April 2 at the Depot. (Photo by Shane Scoggins)

Retired pastor, and former Plainview School student, Isaac McDuffie takes a seat where he attended first grade in 1941. The 90-year-old said he had lots of fond memories from Plainview where he completed all seven grades. He stopped by during a planned work day Saturday. (Photo by Charlie Eavenson)

Franklin County commissioners want to know what questions and concerns citizens have about its work to find more water for the county.

A clean up day is set for Saturday at the historic Plainview School. The school was the last “country” school in the county. For more on the history of the school, see America 250 on Page 2.

With a unanimous vote Monday, the state Senate gave final approval to a bill that will distribute tax rebates worth $250 to individuals and $500 to married couples.