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The owners of Dill’s Food City announced Thursday that the Franklin County-owned grocery business is being sold to Food Lion.

The owners of Dill’s Food City announced Thursday that the Franklin County-owned grocery business is being sold to Food Lion.

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Dill's announces sale to Food Lion

News Staff
Thursday, July 23, 2026
By Shane ScogginsPublisher The owners of Dill’s Food City announced Thursday that the Franklin County-owned grocery business is being sold to Food Lion.The Dilworth family issued a letter announcing the sale and held a meeting to inform employees of Dill’s Food City employees Thursday...
With the 2026-27 school year one week away, Franklin County Schools will hold open houses Tuesday.

With the 2026-27 school year one week away, Franklin County Schools will hold open houses Tuesday.

Open houses

News Staff
Thursday, July 23, 2026
By Shane ScogginsPublisher With the 2026-27 school year one week away, Franklin County Schools will hold open houses Tuesday.Open houses will be held Tuesday at Franklin County High School from 1-5 p.m.; Franklin County Middle School from 2-6 p.m.; and Lavonia Elementary School, Carnesville...
Lavonia Police Chief Shane Edmisten (left) and State Certification Manager Lt. Wayne Mitchum (right) show off the department’s recertification plaques the department earned.

Lavonia Police Chief Shane Edmisten (left) and State Certification Manager Lt. Wayne Mitchum (right) show off the department’s recertification plaques the department earned.

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Lavonia Police Dept. earns recertification

News Staff
Thursday, July 23, 2026
From staff reports LAVONIA – The Lavonia Police Department has been re-certified through the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program (GLECP).The department first earned state certification in 2001 and has continuously maintained that distinction for the...
Franklin County High School Principal Curtis Chitwood shows off the school’s YONDR Pouch system to prevent the use of electronic devices during the school day. (Photo by Charlie Eavenson)

Franklin County High School Principal Curtis Chitwood shows off the school’s YONDR Pouch system to prevent the use of electronic devices during the school day. (Photo by Charlie Eavenson)

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FCHS prepared for school-day phone bans

News Staff
Thursday, July 23, 2026
By Charlie EavensonStaff Writer CARNESVILLE – New Franklin County High School Principal Curtis  Chitwood says his school is fully prepared to implement a bell-to-bell ban on electronic devices, including cell phones, ear buds and smart watches.“We have all the pouches that the phones will be...
Attending a press conference to introduce the Lavonia Police Department’s new K9 Lobo are (from left) Lavonia City Council Member Jeremy Madden, Andrew Murphy, K9 handler Corporal Justin Parten, Richard Roberts, Police Chief Shane Edmisten and Mayor Courtney Umbehant. (Photos by Charlie Eavenson)

Attending a press conference to introduce the Lavonia Police Department’s new K9 Lobo are (from left) Lavonia City Council Member Jeremy Madden, Andrew Murphy, K9 handler Corporal Justin Parten, Richard Roberts, Police Chief Shane Edmisten and Mayor Courtney Umbehant. (Photos by Charlie Eavenson)

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Lavonia P.D. introduces K9 Lobo

News Staff
Thursday, July 16, 2026
From staff reports LAVONIA – The Lavonia Police Department introduced its newest team member, K-9 Lobo, Monday.K-9 Lobo is specially trained in narcotics detection and tracking and has been assigned to his handler, Corporal Justin Parten.Over the past five weeks, Parten and Lobo successfully...
The Franklin County Board of Education voted Thursday to buy 21.54 acres to add to the campus at FCHS.

The Franklin County Board of Education voted Thursday to buy 21.54 acres to add to the campus at FCHS.

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20 more acres added to FCHS campus

News Staff
Thursday, July 16, 2026
By Charlie EavensonStaff Writer CARNESVILLE – The home of the Lions is growing again.For the second time in less than six months, the Franklin County Board of Education has voted to purchase additional land for the high school campus.At Thursday’s called meeting, the board took action to purchase...
Franklin Community Players’ Youth Summer Theater camp will present Disney’s “Alice In Wonderland Jr.” this weekend at the Lavonia Cultural Center. (Photo by Charlie Eavenson)

Franklin Community Players’ Youth Summer Theater camp will present Disney’s “Alice In Wonderland Jr.” this weekend at the Lavonia Cultural Center. (Photo by Charlie Eavenson)

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YST to present ‘Alice in Wonderland Jr.’

News Staff
Thursday, July 16, 2026
By Charlie EavensonStaff Writer LAVONIA – Don’t be late for these very important dates: July 17, 18 and 19. That’s when Franklin Community Players’ Summer Youth Theater (YST) will present Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” at the Lavonia Cultural Center.
A graphic from the National League of Cities explains the components of data centers.

A graphic from the National League of Cities explains the components of data centers.

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Data center shut down

News Staff
Thursday, July 9, 2026
By Shane ScogginsPublisher CARNESVILLE – There will be no data centers coming to Franklin County.At least not anytime soon.Franklin County Commissioners voted Monday to ban consideration of a data center until at least December.The language for the moratorium was drafted by Priya Patel, an attorney...
For the first time in several years, the Canon City Council is exploring the possibility of providing a public sewer system for its residents.

For the first time in several years, the Canon City Council is exploring the possibility of providing a public sewer system for its residents.

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Canon discusses sewer options

News Staff
Thursday, July 9, 2026
By Charlie EavensonStaff Writer CANON – For the first time in several years, the Canon City Council is exploring the possibility of providing a public sewer system for its residents.“We’re just discussing it to see who is interested and what our next steps would be,” said Mayor Eli Brown Tuesday.
Franklin County commissioners approved nearly $49,000 in repairs and painting for the clock tower at the historic Franklin County Courthouse.

Franklin County commissioners approved nearly $49,000 in repairs and painting for the clock tower at the historic Franklin County Courthouse.

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Courthouse to get clock tower repairs

News Staff
Thursday, July 9, 2026
By Shane ScogginsPublisher CARNESVILLE – The clock tower at the historic Franklin County Courthouse will soon get some repairs and a refreshed look.Franklin County commissioners approved bids totaling $48,398.27 for the work.Franklin County Manager Terry Harris said that there have been ongoing...