Local

Four people – Ja’Nareon Riley of Lavonia, Kyairre Thomas of Royston, Jalashe Gray of Lavonia and Tykerion Brown of Toccoa – face charges following an investigation into gunshots outside of Stephens County High School Feb. 10. (Photo courtesy of The Toccoa Record)

Four people – Ja’Nareon Riley of Lavonia, Kyairre Thomas of Royston, Jalashe Gray of Lavonia and Tykerion Brown of Toccoa – face charges following an investigation into gunshots outside of Stephens County High School Feb. 10. (Photo courtesy of The Toccoa Record)

Local residents face charges after gunfire at Stephens Co. High

By Michael O’HearnThe Toccoa Record TOCCO – Four individuals have been arrested following a firearm incident Feb. 10 at Stephens County High School.While two sporting events were ongoing at the school, students reported a firearm had been discharged multiple times in the parking lot.
Millie Saddler Pass

Millie Saddler Pass

America 250: The lasting legacy of Millie Saddler Pass

By Charlie EavensonStaff Writer LAVONIA – When discussing influential members of Franklin County’s Black community, the name Millie Saddler Pass was mentioned by several people.  She was born in Hart County in 1897 and moved to Washington St. in Lavonia in 1925.
The Franklin County Board of Education voted Tuesday to place a referendum on the May 19 primary ballot to extend a sales tax to fund school system projects.

The Franklin County Board of Education voted Tuesday to place a referendum on the May 19 primary ballot to extend a sales tax to fund school system projects.

Tax vote coming

By Charlie EavensonStaff Writer CARNESVILLE – The Franklin County Board of Education voted Tuesday to place a referendum on the May 19 primary ballot to extend a sales tax to fund school system projects.
Bill and Carole Stewart of Royston celebrated 69 years of marriage in December. The couple began dating at Norcross High School more than 70 years ago. (Photo by Charlie Eavenson)

Bill and Carole Stewart of Royston celebrated 69 years of marriage in December. The couple began dating at Norcross High School more than 70 years ago. (Photo by Charlie Eavenson)

High school meeting leads to 70 happy years together

By Charlie EavensonStaff Writer ROYSTON – It took just one date in the fall of 1955 for Bill and Carole Stewart  to become high school sweethearts. And in December, they celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.
The Franklin County Board of Education voted Tuesday to buy 22.13 acres (outlined in blue) to expand the FCHS campus for future parking or athletic facilities. (Map courtesy of Franklin County qpublic website)

The Franklin County Board of Education voted Tuesday to buy 22.13 acres (outlined in blue) to expand the FCHS campus for future parking or athletic facilities. (Map courtesy of Franklin County qpublic website)

BOE votes to buy land to expand FCHS campus

By Charlie EavensonStaff Writer CARNESVILLE – The campus of Franklin County High School is expanding.The Franklin County Board of Education voted Tuesday to purchase 22.13 acres next to the FCHS athletic complex.
A case of “highly pathogenic avian influenza” has been detected in a commercial poultry flock in Hart County near Lavonia.

A case of “highly pathogenic avian influenza” has been detected in a commercial poultry flock in Hart County near Lavonia.

Bird flu returns

By Rose ScogginsThe Hartwell Sun LAVONIA – A case of “highly pathogenic avian influenza,” commonly known as bird flu, has been detected in a commercial poultry flock in Hart County.The Georgia Department of Agriculture  made the announcement Jan. 28.
The Franklin Springs Fire Department responded Wednesday to help the Royston Fire Department battle a house fire in Royston. (Photo courtesy of the Franklin Springs Fire Department Facebook page)

The Franklin Springs Fire Department responded Wednesday to help the Royston Fire Department battle a house fire in Royston. (Photo courtesy of the Franklin Springs Fire Department Facebook page)

Royston officer lauded after pulling resident from fire

From staff reports ROYSTON – A Royston Police officer is being honored for saving a person from a house fire early Wednesday.The Royston Police Department and Royston Fire Department were called to a house fire Wednesday around 2:20 a.m.
Franklin County commissioners voted Monday to opt in to a cap property tax assessments at the rate of inflation.

Franklin County commissioners voted Monday to opt in to a cap property tax assessments at the rate of inflation.

Commissioners opt in to assessment cap

By Shane ScogginsPublisher CARNESVILLE – Franklin County commissioners voted Monday to opt in to a cap property tax assessments at the rate of inflation.Commissioners voted unanimously to opt in to the provisions of House Bill 581, known as the Save Our Homes Act.
Franklin County commissioners said Tuesday that they are now in support of adopting a state law that caps increases in property tax assessments.

Franklin County commissioners said Tuesday that they are now in support of adopting a state law that caps increases in property tax assessments.

Out, but opting in

By Shane ScogginsPublisher CARNESVILLE – Franklin County commissioners said Tuesday that they are now in support of adopting a state law that caps increases in property tax assessments.
Roy Holland of Lavonia stands with some of his awards and honors he garnered as a basketball letterman for the University of Georgia Bulldogs. (Photo by Charlie Eavenson)

Roy Holland of Lavonia stands with some of his awards and honors he garnered as a basketball letterman for the University of Georgia Bulldogs. (Photo by Charlie Eavenson)

Holland ‘a gift’ to family, friends, community

By Charlie EavensonStaff Writer LAVONIA – “The Lord is good and faithful, no doubt about it,” says Northeast Georgia basketball legend Roy Holland of Lavonia. That’s coming from a man who has survived three different forms of cancer and a stroke.