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The Royston City Council has begun discussions on how to deal with blighted properties and vacant downtown buildings.

The Royston City Council has begun discussions on how to deal with blighted properties and vacant downtown buildings.

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Blight, vacant buildings laws eyed in Royston

News Staff
Thursday, August 15, 2024
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   ROYSTON – The Royston City Council has begun discussions on how to deal with blighted properties and vacant downtown buildings. The council held a called meeting Aug. 6 mainly to discuss ordinances passed by other cities to deal with the issues.
Eighty percent of the money spent by the Franklin County Board of Education goes toward the instruction of students.

Eighty percent of the money spent by the Franklin County Board of Education goes toward the instruction of students.

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School board holds first hearing on $51 million budget

News Staff
Thursday, August 15, 2024
By Charlie Eavenson Staff Writer   CARNESVILLE – Assistant Superintendent of Operations Carl Dekker presented an overview of the Franklin County School System’s fiscal year 2025 budget Thursday during the board of education’s first budget hearing.
Royston Police Chief Donnie Bolemon has turned in his resignation.

Royston Police Chief Donnie Bolemon has turned in his resignation.

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Bolemon retires

News Staff
Thursday, August 8, 2024
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   ROYSTON – Royston Police Chief Donnie Bolemon has turned in his resignation. Mayor Keith Turman said Wednesday that Bolemon submitted his resignation Tuesday, effective Aug. 29. “I certainly hate to see him leave,” Turman said.
The Lavonia City Council voted unanimously Monday to roll back the city’s millage rate to 8.533 from last year’s millage of 8.750.

The Lavonia City Council voted unanimously Monday to roll back the city’s millage rate to 8.533 from last year’s millage of 8.750.

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Millage cuts will mean lower Lavonia tax bills

News Staff
Thursday, August 8, 2024
By Charlie Eavenson Staff Writer   LAVONIA – Most Lavonia taxpayers will see lower property tax bills later this year. The Lavonia City Council voted unanimously Monday to roll back the city’s millage rate to 8.533 from last year’s millage of 8.750.
Canon Police Chief Brad Cook (right) presents Officer Austen Carey with a commendation for helping save a life after a recent accident.

Canon Police Chief Brad Cook (right) presents Officer Austen Carey with a commendation for helping save a life after a recent accident.

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Canon honors heroic officer

News Staff
Thursday, August 8, 2024
By Charlie Eavenson Staff Writer   CANON – Canon Police officer Austen Carey was recognized at Monday night’s meeting of the Canon City Council for his recent life-saving actions in response to a motorcycle accident.
New Franklin County Middle School principal, Dr. David Cawthon, assists a family during the school’s open house on Tuesday. They are (from left) Paris Woulard, Xavier Ellis, Shamira Ellis and Zariah Woulard. (Photos by Eavenson)

New Franklin County Middle School principal, Dr. David Cawthon, assists a family during the school’s open house on Tuesday. They are (from left) Paris Woulard, Xavier Ellis, Shamira Ellis and Zariah Woulard. (Photos by Eavenson)

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Back to class

News Staff
Thursday, August 1, 2024
By Charlie Eavenson Staff Writer   CARNESVILLE – For Franklin County Schools students, classes begin Friday.
Support Person of the Year honorees were (from left) Phyllis King of FCHS, Hollie Duncan of FCMS, district winner Anthony Hart of the transportation department, Paula Malia of South Franklin Elementary, Elizabeth Potter of Carnesville Elementary and Jamie Simpson of Lavonia Elementary.

Support Person of the Year honorees were (from left) Phyllis King of FCHS, Hollie Duncan of FCMS, district winner Anthony Hart of the transportation department, Paula Malia of South Franklin Elementary, Elizabeth Potter of Carnesville Elementary and Jamie Simpson of Lavonia Elementary.

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Smith, Hart named Teacher, Support Person of Year for school system

News Staff
Thursday, August 1, 2024
By Charlie Eavenson Staff Writer   CARNESVILLE – Josh Smith and Anthony Hart were named Franklin County Schools’ Teacher and Support Person of the Year, respectively, Monday at the district’s annual Convocation ceremony.
Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to set the county’s millage rate at 8.636 mills for the entire county.

Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to set the county’s millage rate at 8.636 mills for the entire county.

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County sets same tax rate for cities, rural areas

News Staff
Thursday, August 1, 2024
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   CARNESVILLE – A year after a heated debate on an equal millage for all of Franklin County, commissioners voted Tuesday to set the same property tax rate for cities and unincorporated areas.
Following a third and final millage rate hearing Thursday, the Franklin County Board of Education voted unanimously to maintain its millage rate at 14.471, the same as in 2023. 

Following a third and final millage rate hearing Thursday, the Franklin County Board of Education voted unanimously to maintain its millage rate at 14.471, the same as in 2023. 

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BOE maintains millage rate

News Staff
Thursday, August 1, 2024
By Charlie Eavenson Staff Writer   Following a third and final millage rate hearing Thursday, the Franklin County Board of Education voted unanimously to maintain its millage rate at 14.471, the same as in 2023.
Contractors hope to soon get started with paving the parking lots at the new South Franklin Elementary School. (Photos courtesy of Franklin County School System)

Contractors hope to soon get started with paving the parking lots at the new South Franklin Elementary School. (Photos courtesy of Franklin County School System)

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New school on track to be finished by Oct. 1

News Staff
Thursday, August 1, 2024
By Charlie Eavenson Staff Writer   CARNESVILLE – Construction of the new South Franklin Elementary School is making progress and is expected to be finished Oct. 1. Allen Mauney, project manager for Charles Black Construction, presented interior pictures of the $25.