Ronnie and Marie Loftis reminisce and laugh with Habitat for Humanity board members before their retirement party Thursday. The Loftises served almost 25 years on the board and were the driving force behind the construction of 10 homes built for needy families in Franklin County. (Photo by Charlie Eavenson)

Franklin County attorney Ken Jarrard speaks to commissioners during a debate Monday over a variance request made by Chairman Courtney Long and her family. (Photo by Shane Scoggins)

Qualifying for two Franklin County Commission seats and three school board seats began Monday.

FCHS teacher Brandie Thomas consults with student Charlize Smith during her physical science class. Thomes is one of about one million Americans diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). She is sponsoring a fundraising Walk for MS on March 14 at Ed Bryant Stadium. The money raised will go to the National MS Society, which funds research to find a cure. (Photo by Charlie Eavenson)

Qualifying will be held March 2-6 at the Franklin County Board of Elections Office in Carnesville.

Hudson Huff (right photo), an FCHS student, demonstrates how the Yondr system works in one of the classrooms testing the program this year. (Photo by Charlie Eavenson)

Members of the Northern Judicial Support Task Force Board of Directors are (from left) Doug Forrester, Ike Boyette, Kevin Thompson and Kyle Dodson. (Photo by Charlie Eavenson)

Sid Ginn hugs Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Director Rachel Howington after receiving the Charles E. Bradshaw Citizen of the Year Award.

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)

Millie Saddler Pass