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Franklin County High School Principal Matt Stowers (left) joins students in reading for 20 minutes a day, four days a week at FCHS. (Photo by Eavenson)

Franklin County High School Principal Matt Stowers (left) joins students in reading for 20 minutes a day, four days a week at FCHS. (Photo by Eavenson)

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Dedicated reading time aims to improve literacy

News Staff
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
By Charlie Eavenson Staff Writer   CARNESVILLE – Reading is fundamental to all education.  But making it “fun,” so that everyone enjoys reading, is another matter.  Principal Matt Stowers and his leadership team at Franklin County High School have a plan to meet that challenge.
LAVONIA – A contractor for the City of Lavonia demolished the city-owned Ford Theatre building on Vickery Street Tuesday. Most recently, the old rock building had housed Lavonia Masonic Lodge No. 241. Mayor Courtney Umbehant said that plans are under way to expand the Downtown Weldon Park where the gazebo is located. (Photo by Eavenson)

LAVONIA – A contractor for the City of Lavonia demolished the city-owned Ford Theatre building on Vickery Street Tuesday. Most recently, the old rock building had housed Lavonia Masonic Lodge No. 241. Mayor Courtney Umbehant said that plans are under way to expand the Downtown Weldon Park where the gazebo is located. (Photo by Eavenson)

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Former theater, Masonic Lodge torn down

News Staff
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
LAVONIA – A contractor for the City of Lavonia demolished the city-owned Ford Theatre building on Vickery Street Tuesday. Most recently, the old rock building had housed Lavonia Masonic Lodge No. 241.
The Franklin County Lions football team defeated host Johnson High School 68-7 Friday night in Gainesville.

The Franklin County Lions football team defeated host Johnson High School 68-7 Friday night in Gainesville.

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Lions win in historic fashion

News Staff
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   GAINESVILLE – To say that the Franklin County Lions’ victory over the Johnson Knights Friday night was historic is not hype or hyperbole, just truth. Franklin County won 68-7.
Those attending an open house Monday about the Franklin County Comprehensive Plan – including Franklin County Planning Director Robert Ogburn – were asked to visit stations to give opinions on a variety of issues.

Those attending an open house Monday about the Franklin County Comprehensive Plan – including Franklin County Planning Director Robert Ogburn – were asked to visit stations to give opinions on a variety of issues.

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Nearly done

News Staff
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   CARNESVILLE – Franklin County residents got another chance Monday to have their views heard on a state-mandated plan that will help shape the direction of the county and its cities over the next five years.
Royston Mayor Keith Turman (right) presents retiring Police Chief Donnie Bolemon (left) with a gift and his service weapon Tuesday during a reception. (Photo by Scoggins)

Royston Mayor Keith Turman (right) presents retiring Police Chief Donnie Bolemon (left) with a gift and his service weapon Tuesday during a reception. (Photo by Scoggins)

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Royston honors retiring chief

News Staff
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   ROYSTON – Royston said goodbye Tuesday to Donnie Bolemon after his 15 years of service as chief of the city’s police department.
The next step in the process to finalize the 2024 Franklin County Comprehensive Plan will come Monday, with a drop-in open house forum from 4-8 p.m. at the Carnesville Community Center.

The next step in the process to finalize the 2024 Franklin County Comprehensive Plan will come Monday, with a drop-in open house forum from 4-8 p.m. at the Carnesville Community Center.

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Comprehensive next step

News Staff
Thursday, August 22, 2024
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   CARNESVILLE – As work on the 2024 update of the Franklin County Comprehensive Plan nears completion, the general them of the new plan has become clear.  “We’re not trying to attract growth, but we want to make sure if and when it comes ...
The landmark Roystonian Restaurant, which closed in May after almost 70 years in operation, could be replaced by a Mexican restaurant. But that will only happen if the City of Franklin Springs decides to allow sales of alcohol by the drink. 

The landmark Roystonian Restaurant, which closed in May after almost 70 years in operation, could be replaced by a Mexican restaurant. But that will only happen if the City of Franklin Springs decides to allow sales of alcohol by the drink. 

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Restaurateur seeks change in Franklin Springs alcohol law

News Staff
Thursday, August 22, 2024
By Charlie Eavenson Staff Writer   FRANKLIN SPRINGS – The landmark Roystonian Restaurant, which closed in May after almost 70 years in operation, could be replaced by a Mexican restaurant. But that will only happen if the City of Franklin Springs decides to allow sales of alcohol by the drink.
Franklin County High School Director of Bands Chris Sampson travelled to Washington, D.C., over the summer with a group of teachers from throughout the state as part of a fellowship sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education.

Franklin County High School Director of Bands Chris Sampson travelled to Washington, D.C., over the summer with a group of teachers from throughout the state as part of a fellowship sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education.

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Director working to get band, athletics a P.E. credit

News Staff
Thursday, August 22, 2024
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   CARNESVILLE – Every Friday night, 60 or 70 players take the field to physically perform what they have spent hours practicing. And it happens at halftime.
Whitney Jordan will sponsor the TAPS 5K in Lavonia Sept. 14 to benefit the families of fallen soldiers. She will run in the New York City Marathon Nov. 3 and will honor fallen Franklin County soldiers Daniel Allman and Ryen King during the race by wearing their photos on her bib.

Whitney Jordan will sponsor the TAPS 5K in Lavonia Sept. 14 to benefit the families of fallen soldiers. She will run in the New York City Marathon Nov. 3 and will honor fallen Franklin County soldiers Daniel Allman and Ryen King during the race by wearing their photos on her bib.

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Upcoming 5K to benefit families of fallen soldiers

News Staff
Thursday, August 22, 2024
By Charlie Eavenson Staff Writer   Running is good for you. Running for a good cause is better for everyone.  On Sept.
The Ed Bryant Foundation announced last week that it will be making a $42,000 donation to the fine arts programs – art, music and drama – at all of Franklin County’s schools. The foundation plans to make the donation an annual gift.

The Ed Bryant Foundation announced last week that it will be making a $42,000 donation to the fine arts programs – art, music and drama – at all of Franklin County’s schools. The foundation plans to make the donation an annual gift.

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Arts allotment

News Staff
Thursday, August 15, 2024
By Charlie Eavenson Staff Writer   CARNESVILLE – The Ed Bryant Foundation will be donating $42,000 this year to Franklin County Schools’ Fine Arts programs.  All five of the county’s schools will benefit from the gift.