A bear knocked down a bird feeder owned by Brenda and Phil Green.

The Republican Party of Franklin County held a forum Thursday for candidates in the runoff election.

At a special called meeting Monday, the city of Canon voted to increase the water department’s tap fee to $1,000, to be more in line with other cities in Franklin County. 

Carnesville will hold the first city Easter Egg Hunt of the season Sunday at 2 p.m. at the city park.

Life Skills for Lions Thursday featured mock interviews for seniors at Emmanuel University (top photo), activities on teamwork for freshmen (above left) and tours of college campuses for (juniors). (Photos courtesy of Emmanuel University and Franklin County High School)

Students at Carnesville Elementary stand in line to try the new “Inchy” the Bookworm’s Book Vending Machine. The machines were recently placed in Carnesville, Royston and Lavonia Elementary Schools. The schools use the program as an incentive for the children to read more. Depending on the school, the rewards are based on behavior, attendance and/or grades. The eager readers are (from left) Freya Kolton, Will Cain, Jade Johnson, Keri Taylor and McKenna Carter. Looking on are (from left) Rita Shoemaker, dire

Celebrating the presentation of the City of Lavonia as an Accredited Main Street America are (from left) Kathy Papa of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Ellen Hill of Georgia Main Street, Jessica Worthington of the Downtown Development Georgia Main Street, Lavonia DDA Director Barbara Busby, Lavonia Main Street Director Ashley Rose Dodd, Lavonia DDA Chair the Rev. Dr. Hugh Hendrickson and Lavonia Mayor Courtney Umbehant.

Franklin County Commission Chairman Jeff Jacques and District 2 Commissioner Kyle Foster each said they will not run this year to keep their seats.

Lavonia Boy Scout Troop 51 members Noah Roberson, Nathan Estrada, Kelsey Bennett and leader Greg Weaver help arborist John Sherouse plant a red Japanese maple at the Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter. The tree was planted in honor of the late Margaret Ayers. (Photos by Scoggins)

Emmanuel University President Greg Hearn was honored Thursday as the 2024 recipient of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce’s Charles E. Bradshaw Good Citizen Award at the chamber’s annual Gala and Awards at the Swails Center. Rachel Howington, the chamber’s executive director, presented the award. Hearn is a longtime active community and business leader and was named president of Emmanuel last year.