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Forecasters are warning of a winter storm to hit Franklin County and Northeast Georgia this weekend.

Forecasters are warning of a winter storm to hit Franklin County and Northeast Georgia this weekend.

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Forecasts call for winter storm this weekend

News Staff
Thursday, January 22, 2026
By Charlie EavensonStaff Writer The forecast for severe winter weather this weekend means that Franklin County residents should “prepare for the worst and hope for the best.” That’s the advice of Ryan Parks, the director of Franklin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and 911 Center.
School speed zone signs for South Franklin Elementary School, which has been open a year, have still not been installed.

School speed zone signs for South Franklin Elementary School, which has been open a year, have still not been installed.

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Year-old SFES still waiting on signs for school zone

News Staff
Thursday, January 22, 2026
By Charlie EavensonStaff Writer CARNESVILLE – South Franklin Elementary School has been open for more than a year, but there are no school zone signs to indicate a reduced speed limit.
The law firm of Jarrard and Davis in Cumming has been hired as the new Franklin County attorney.

The law firm of Jarrard and Davis in Cumming has been hired as the new Franklin County attorney.

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New counsel

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
By Shane ScogginsPublisher CARNESVILLE – The law firm of Jarrard and Davis in Cumming has been hired as the new Franklin County attorney.Commissioners voted 3-0 Monday to hire the firm, after long-time county attorney Dale “Bubba” Samuels withdrew his representation in December.
A chart provided by the Franklin County School System shows the proposed spending breakdown for E-SPLOST VII, an extension of the current special purpose local option sales tax for Franklin County Schools.

A chart provided by the Franklin County School System shows the proposed spending breakdown for E-SPLOST VII, an extension of the current special purpose local option sales tax for Franklin County Schools.

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School board moves toward next E-SPLOST vote

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
By Charlie EavensonStaff Writer CARNESVILLE – The Franklin County Board of Education took the next step Tuesday toward putting a proposed $52 million extension of its special purpose local option sales tax on a referendum ballot in May.
Royston Mayor Jason Phillips (left), presiding over his first meeting as mayor, swore in new Council Member Bob Adamson (right) as well as re-elected members Matt Fields and David Pressley (not pictured) during the Royston City Council’s meeting Tuesday at Royston City Hall. (Photo by Shane Scoggins)

Royston Mayor Jason Phillips (left), presiding over his first meeting as mayor, swore in new Council Member Bob Adamson (right) as well as re-elected members Matt Fields and David Pressley (not pictured) during the Royston City Council’s meeting Tuesday at Royston City Hall. (Photo by Shane Scoggins)

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Development issues greet new Royston council

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
By Shane ScogginsPublisher ROYSTON – A new Royston City Council got the ball rolling on a couple of new development Tuesday night while also instituting a limited moratorium to give itself time to address some loopholes in its zoning law.
An appeal filed to stop the construction of a poultry house by Franklin County Commission Chairman Courtney Long and her husband Jeremy is improper, an attorney hired to represent three other commissioners said Monday.

An appeal filed to stop the construction of a poultry house by Franklin County Commission Chairman Courtney Long and her husband Jeremy is improper, an attorney hired to represent three other commissioners said Monday.

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‘Improper appeal’

News Staff
Thursday, January 8, 2026
By Shane ScogginsPublisher CARNESVILLE – An appeal filed to stop the construction of a poultry house by Franklin County Commission Chairman Courtney Long and her husband Jeremy is improper, an attorney hired to represent three other commissioners said Monday.
New Canon Mayor Eli Brown (right) takes the oath of office Monday from Municipal Court Judge David Jordan prior to the Canon City Council’s regular meeting. (Photo by Charlie Eavenson)

New Canon Mayor Eli Brown (right) takes the oath of office Monday from Municipal Court Judge David Jordan prior to the Canon City Council’s regular meeting. (Photo by Charlie Eavenson)

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Mayor Brown takes charge in Canon

News Staff
Thursday, January 8, 2026
By Charlie EavensonStaff Writer CANON – Canon’s new mayor, Eli Brown, was sworn in immediately before Monday’s meeting by Municipal Judge David Jordan.Brown took his seat and presided over a very brief meeting that had only routine matters to be handled.
Jason Phillips will gavel his first city council meeting as Royston mayor Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at Royston City Hall.

Jason Phillips will gavel his first city council meeting as Royston mayor Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at Royston City Hall.

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Phillips takes reins in Royston

News Staff
Thursday, January 8, 2026
By Shane ScogginsPublisher ROYSTON – Jason Phillips will gavel his first city council meeting as Royston mayor Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at Royston City Hall.Phillips took office Jan. 1 after winning election to the office in November.
Jason Phillips was sworn in Monday as the next mayor of Royston in a ceremony with his family at City Hall.

Jason Phillips was sworn in Monday as the next mayor of Royston in a ceremony with his family at City Hall.

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New mayor takes oath

News Staff
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
ROYSTON – Jason Phillips was sworn in Monday as the next mayor of Royston in a ceremony with his family at City Hall. Phillips was sworn in by Municipal Court Judge Mayes Davison. Phillips resigned from the Post 2 seat on the Royston City Council to run for mayor.

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Bubba bows out

News Staff
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
By Shane ScogginsPublisher CARNESVILLE – Longtime Franklin County Attorney Dale “Bubba” Samuels will no longer represent the county.Samuels withdrew from serving as county attorney with a letter Dec. 18 to the Franklin County Board of Commissioners.