Local

Franklin County Middle School staff acted immediately when students reported a student brought a gun to school.

Franklin County Middle School staff acted immediately when students reported a student brought a gun to school.

Student found with gun at FCMS

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   Carnesville — A student was found in possession of a gun at Franklin County Middle School Wednesday morning. Acting Superintendent Chuck Colquitt assured everyone at the school was safe and the school day was operating as usual after the weapon was recovered.

Franklin Springs eyes water increases for outside city users

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   Franklin Springs — Water costs may be changing for Franklin Springs customers soon. Mayor Lee Moore told the city council at its meeting last week that changes will need to be made for tap fees and for the rates for customers who live outside the city limits.

Carnesville Festival, Fair set for this weekend

CARNESVILLE –  The annual Carnesville Fair and Fall Festival will be held Sept. 2-3 at Carnesville City Park. The festival will include a full fair with rides and games both nights. Hours will be Friday from 5-10 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Tammy Pitt reaches for a return in her mixed doubles match at the Bell Family YMCA on Friday, April 8, 2022. Pickleball facilities are a possibility for Lavonia if the SPLOST is continued. (Photo by The Hartwell Sun)

Tammy Pitt reaches for a return in her mixed doubles match at the Bell Family YMCA on Friday, April 8, 2022. Pickleball facilities are a possibility for Lavonia if the SPLOST is continued. (Photo by The Hartwell Sun)

Sidewalks, rec projects on Lavonia SPLOST list

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   Lavonia — Pickleball and better sidewalks could come to Lavonia if the special purpose local option sales tax, or SPLOST, is extended. Voters will be asked to extend the tax on the Nov. 8 general election ballot.
Local Realtor Shelley Phillips will be a host and production manager for the new season of “The American Dream: Selling Atlanta.”

Local Realtor Shelley Phillips will be a host and production manager for the new season of “The American Dream: Selling Atlanta.”

Phillips chosen to host cable TV show

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   Lavonia — A local Realtor will be featuring the Lake Hartwell communities for “The American Dream: Selling Atlanta.” Shelley Phillips of REMAX Classic was recently selected to be a host and production manager for the national cable show.
Franklin County Athletic Director Jason Oliver presents Jeff Davis with a plaque Friday commemorating the naming of the football field at Ed Bryant Stadium in Davis’ honor. (Photo by Scoggins)

Franklin County Athletic Director Jason Oliver presents Jeff Davis with a plaque Friday commemorating the naming of the football field at Ed Bryant Stadium in Davis’ honor. (Photo by Scoggins)

Jeff Davis Field

By Shane Scoggins Publisher   CARNESVILLE – Jeff Davis’ goal every day of his teaching and coaching career was to “make a difference.” Some days he failed, he said, but his intent was to do something for somebody that needed it or to build relationships.
(Photo by Sinclair)

(Photo by Sinclair)

Groovin’ in the foam

Lavonia — Partly cloudy skies didn’t keep families from enjoying the fun at the 60s Block Party in downtown Lavonia. Visitors to the gazebo could enjoy tie dying shirts, playing in foam (as Ivar Cawthon did) or dancing to the Second Time Around Band or music provided by D.J. Magic Mike.
Gabrielle Beutler (second from right) was stripped of her VFW leadership positions after she was arrested last week and charged with false representation as a veteran and other charges. She now faces charges in Franklin and Hart counties as the investigation continues.

Gabrielle Beutler (second from right) was stripped of her VFW leadership positions after she was arrested last week and charged with false representation as a veteran and other charges. She now faces charges in Franklin and Hart counties as the investigation continues.

Investigators: Fake vet lied about child’s health problem

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   Lavonia — A woman arrested on charges of falsely representing herself as a veteran allegedly lied about her child’s health issues too.
The Lavonia Police Department is looking to improve in its abilities to serve the city.

The Lavonia Police Department is looking to improve in its abilities to serve the city.

Police restructuring plan aims to deal with Lavonia growth

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   Lavonia — The Lavonia Police Department is looking to improve in its abilities to serve the city. City council members heard two proposals Thursday night on restructuring and training, which they agreed would be beneficial.
Royston Police Officer Rodney Pilgrim and wife Sandi are expecting their first child in October.

Royston Police Officer Rodney Pilgrim and wife Sandi are expecting their first child in October.

Run for Rodney 5K Saturday

ROYSTON – A benefit 5K run for Royston Police Officer Rodney Pilgrim will be held Aug. 27 in downtown Royston. Pilgrim suffered a medical emergency May 27 and has been hospitalized and in rehab since then. He and wife Sandi are expecting their first child in October.