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Dr. Patrick Hitchcock and Lavonia Animal Hospital will celebrate 50 years in business in 2024.

Dr. Patrick Hitchcock and Lavonia Animal Hospital will celebrate 50 years in business in 2024.

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A half century of service; Hitchcock, Lavonia Animal Hospital reaches goal to be ‘old vet in town’

News Staff
Thursday, January 25, 2024
By Gillian Raese Staff Writer   LAVONIA – Lavonia Animal Hospital is celebrating its 50th year in business in 2024. Owner and founder Dr. Patrick Hitchcock started the animal hospital in 1974. “It was slow when I got here, I would sit here for days and never see anybody,” Hitchcock said.
The City of Lavonia is promoting a kindness initiative during 2024, with a different emphasis each month.

The City of Lavonia is promoting a kindness initiative during 2024, with a different emphasis each month.

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Lavonia promoting kindness during 2024

News Staff
Thursday, January 25, 2024
By Gillian Raese Staff Writer   LAVONIA – The city of Lavonia is challenging everyone in the community to “choo choose kindness” in 2024. “There was so much darkness in 2023 – 2023 was a very difficult year for most people,” Lavonia Mayor Courtney Umbehant said.
The Franklin County Habitat for Humanity will celebrate 25 years of serving Franklin County in March.

The Franklin County Habitat for Humanity will celebrate 25 years of serving Franklin County in March.

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Habitat to celebrate 25 years of helping provide homes in Franklin County

News Staff
Thursday, January 25, 2024
By Gillian Raese Staff Writer   LAVONIA – The Franklin County Habitat for Humanity will celebrate 25 years of serving Franklin County in March. “[Our ninth house] is almost finished,” Director Mary Lou Jackson said. “It’s just lacking appliances, and we still lack water and sewage.
Royston Mayor Keith Turman (right) and Pastor Samuel White (left) demonstrate the strength of a chain versus a lone string in encouraging community members to unite during Monday’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. program.

Royston Mayor Keith Turman (right) and Pastor Samuel White (left) demonstrate the strength of a chain versus a lone string in encouraging community members to unite during Monday’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. program.

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Turman delivers challenge for unity at annual MLK program

News Staff
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
By Gillian Raese Staff Writer   LAVONIA – Fairview Missionary Baptist Church held its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration with Royston Mayor Keith Turman speaking on the principal “It starts with me.” “Tonight we are going to celebrate this national holiday and the official birthday of Dr.
Helena Burton is STAR Student for Franklin County High School’s class of 2024, and she has chosen Tammy Melton as STAR Teacher.

Helena Burton is STAR Student for Franklin County High School’s class of 2024, and she has chosen Tammy Melton as STAR Teacher.

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FCHS, Chamber honor Burton, who picks Melton

News Staff
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
By Gillian Raese Staff Writer   CARNESVILLE – Helena Burton is STAR Student for Franklin County High School’s class of 2024, and she has chosen Tammy Melton as STAR Teacher. The STAR Student is chosen based on having the highest SAT score in his or her graduating class.
Information on the whereabouts of Dalton Bell, 19, is being sought by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Royston Police Department.

Information on the whereabouts of Dalton Bell, 19, is being sought by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Royston Police Department.

Information sought on suspect who evaded manhunt

News Staff
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
From staff reports   ROYSTON – Local law enforcement agencies continue to search for a suspect who was the subject of a manhunt in Royston Saturday after gunshots at the scene of a complaint.
Cutting the ribbon Saturday on the new Paws & Play Dog Park are (from left) former Carnesville Council Member Patsy Watkins, former Mayor Harris Little, Kate Graham, Brooke Tate, Mayor Missy Holbrook and Council Member Wesley Dove.

Cutting the ribbon Saturday on the new Paws & Play Dog Park are (from left) former Carnesville Council Member Patsy Watkins, former Mayor Harris Little, Kate Graham, Brooke Tate, Mayor Missy Holbrook and Council Member Wesley Dove.

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Carnesville dog park dedicated

News Staff
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
By Shane Scoggins Publisher   CARNESVILLE – Franklin County’s first dog park officially opened Saturday in Carnesville. The new Paws & Play Dog Park appeared to be a hit, judging by the canine visitors who ran excitedly around the park.
FCHS junior Ethan Mealor earned a seat in the All-State Band in the saxophone section.

FCHS junior Ethan Mealor earned a seat in the All-State Band in the saxophone section.

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FCHS’ Ethan Mealor earns All-State spot

News Staff
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
By Gillian Raese Staff Writer   CARNESVILLE – Franklin County High School junior Ethan Mealor has been elected for the All-State Band. Mealor successfully passed a second audition  recently and placed as second chair for saxophone allowing him to perform in the All-State Band in March.
Seventeen-year-old Royston author Bentley Sabatini is running her own business writing books and creating artwork.

Seventeen-year-old Royston author Bentley Sabatini is running her own business writing books and creating artwork.

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Teen author, artist working on third book

News Staff
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
By Gillian Raese Staff Writer   ROYSTON—Seventeen-year-old Royston author Bentley Sabatini is running her own business writing books and creating artwork. Originally from Duluth, Sabatini started writing stories and creating art when she was very young.
Comedian Caleb Synan, a 2009 Franklin County High School graduate, will return to Carnesville Jan. 20 for a performance at the Telford Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.

Comedian Caleb Synan, a 2009 Franklin County High School graduate, will return to Carnesville Jan. 20 for a performance at the Telford Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.

Franklin native to present comedy show

News Staff
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
CARNESVILLE – Comedian Caleb Synan, a 2009 Franklin County High School graduate, will return to Carnesville Jan. 20 for a performance at the Telford Center for the Fine and Performing Arts. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show. Tickets are $10 and available at www.showtix4u.