Local

Millage hearings tonight

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer and Shane Scoggins Publisher   Two local governments will hold the first of three hearings tonight in order to maintain their current millage rates. The Franklin County School System and the City of Lavonia will each hold hearings tonight at 6 p.m.
The Franklin County School System closed Monday on property on Highway 145 that will be the home of a new elementary school.

The Franklin County School System closed Monday on property on Highway 145 that will be the home of a new elementary school.

Land deal done for new school

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   Carnesville — The Franklin County Board of Education officially owns the 124.73 acres of undeveloped land destined to become  the site for a new elementary school. Closing on the property was held Monday afternoon at the board offices on Busha Road.
Makuia Dondre Williams

Makuia Dondre Williams

Man guilty of 2021 Royston murder

By Shane Scoggins Publisher   ROYSTON – A Franklin County jury convicted a man last week for shooting and killing a Royston man in September. Northern Judicial Circuit District Attorney Parks White announced on Facebook that the jury convicted Makuia Dondre Williams of murder.
The Ark Family Preservation Center is being built on property adjacent to Wellsprings Psychological Resources, Dr. Beverly Oxley’s for profit counseling center.

The Ark Family Preservation Center is being built on property adjacent to Wellsprings Psychological Resources, Dr. Beverly Oxley’s for profit counseling center.

Work progressing on The Ark family center

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   Franklin Springs — As she stands in the sunshine-filled foyer of the future Ark Family Preservation Center, Dr. Beverly Oxley sees her plan, her gift to the community powered by God, coming together. “It’s very gratifying,” Oxley said.
The settlement cuts the size and number of units in the development from 399 units on 47.48 acres (shown above) to a maximum of 226 units on 30.149 acres.

The settlement cuts the size and number of units in the development from 399 units on 47.48 acres (shown above) to a maximum of 226 units on 30.149 acres.

Commissioners to decide on settlement Friday

By Shane Scoggins Publisher   CARNESVILLE – Franklin County commissioners will meet Friday at 6 p.m. at the Justice Center to decide whether or not to settle a lawsuit brought by a developer whose application for 399 townhomes was denied earlier this year.
Royston Mayor Keith Turman presents the helmet badge to new Royston Fire Chief Matt Elrod. (Photos by Scoggins)

Royston Mayor Keith Turman presents the helmet badge to new Royston Fire Chief Matt Elrod. (Photos by Scoggins)

Royston mayor recognizes new fire chief, assistant

By Shane Scoggins Publisher   ROYSTON – Mayor Keith Turman officially recognized the new chief and assistant chief of the Royston Fire Department. Turman presented Chief Matt Elrod and Assistant Chief Jon Lorentson with new helmet badges Tuesday at Royston’s weekly fire meeting.
The Franklin County Public Safety Memorial was dedicated last year. The sheriff’s office has received $1,000 to help maintain the monument.

The Franklin County Public Safety Memorial was dedicated last year. The sheriff’s office has received $1,000 to help maintain the monument.

Sheriff receives grant to maintain officer memorial

CARNESVILLE – The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was recently awarded a $1,000 grant from The Officer Down Memorial Page. The grant will be used to help fund the Public Safety Memorial located on the Courthouse Square in Carnesville.
The Franklin County Christian Learning Center will start its first year offering Bible courses to local eighth graders.

The Franklin County Christian Learning Center will start its first year offering Bible courses to local eighth graders.

New center provides Christian learning for school students

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   Carnesville — Middle school students will have the opportunity to study the Bible during the school day this year.
Acting Superintendent Chuck Colquitt talks with Lavonia Elementary Assistant Principal Jamie Hammock during a visit to the school Tuesday. (Photo by Sinclair)

Acting Superintendent Chuck Colquitt talks with Lavonia Elementary Assistant Principal Jamie Hammock during a visit to the school Tuesday. (Photo by Sinclair)

Colquitt serving as acting school superintendent

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   Carnesville — Chuck Colquitt is once again serving as acting superintendent of Franklin County Schools.
Alondra Arevalo carefully paints over the red around the white letters on the mural on West Main Street. (Photo by Sinclair)

Alondra Arevalo carefully paints over the red around the white letters on the mural on West Main Street. (Photo by Sinclair)

Painting Lavonia a Coke

Lavonia — The two Coca-Cola murals in downtown Lavonia — the other on Grogan Street — were repainted Tuesday by Color the World Bright from the University of Georgia as part of the Lavonia Downtown Development Authority’s streetscape project.