Local

Toddler killed in ATV accident on Bear Creek Road

From staff reports   CANON – A 3-year-old girl was killed Monday in an ATV accident on Bear Creek Road in Canon. The girl died at the scene when a Polaris Ranger ATV driven by a 9-year-old boy struck a tree and overturned, a report from the Georgia State Patrol said.
(Photo by Scoggins)

(Photo by Scoggins)

Putting down the carpet

CARNESVILLE — Crews began installing the FieldTurf system over the weekend as part of the renovation of Ed Bryant Stadium. The new artificial turf field will be ready for Franklin County Lions football this fall. A new video scoreboard and track are also part of the renovation plans.
The Carnesville City Council voted Tuesday to reverse previous votes and issue alcohol and business licenses to the first two liquor stores in the city.

The Carnesville City Council voted Tuesday to reverse previous votes and issue alcohol and business licenses to the first two liquor stores in the city.

Liquor licensed

By Shane Scoggins Publisher   CARNESVILLE – Two liquor stores are coming to Carnesville after all. The Carnesville City Council voted Tuesday to reverse previous votes and issue alcohol and business licenses to the first two liquor stores in the city.
Sharleen Ayers (left) was officially named Royston’s new city manager last week, and long-time city employee Tonya Allen (right) was named city clerk. (Photo by Scoggins)

Sharleen Ayers (left) was officially named Royston’s new city manager last week, and long-time city employee Tonya Allen (right) was named city clerk. (Photo by Scoggins)

Royston names manager, clerk

By Shane Scoggins Publisher   ROYSTON – Sharleen Ayers is officially Royston’s new city manager. Ayers was officially appointed to the position in a called meeting of the Royston City Council June 29. The vote was unanimous.
The City of Lavonia has identified Highway 328 from Highway 59 to Gerrard Road,  Gerrard Road from Highway 328 to Pleasant Hill Road, Pleasant Hill Road from Gerrard Road to Highway 17, Concrete Road (highlighted in photo) and Tiger Tail Road for possible annexation to the city limits.

The City of Lavonia has identified Highway 328 from Highway 59 to Gerrard Road, Gerrard Road from Highway 328 to Pleasant Hill Road, Pleasant Hill Road from Gerrard Road to Highway 17, Concrete Road (highlighted in photo) and Tiger Tail Road for possible annexation to the city limits.

Lavonia eyes roads to annex

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   Lavonia – City council members took the first steps to officially bring more roads into city limits Tuesday night.
The Lavonia City Council approved a $31,800 streetscape proposal from Studio Main from Pelzer, S.C., to work with the Lavonia Downtown Development Authority.

The Lavonia City Council approved a $31,800 streetscape proposal from Studio Main from Pelzer, S.C., to work with the Lavonia Downtown Development Authority.

Lavonia hires firm for streetscape

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   Lavonia – A landscape architecture company with experience in 40 states will help make the Lavonia’s downtown more attractive for locals and tourists. The Lavonia City Council approved a $31,800 streetscape proposal from Studio Main from Pelzer, S.C.
Grading is complete for an addition to the Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter as fundraising for the new building is ongoing.

Grading is complete for an addition to the Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter as fundraising for the new building is ongoing.

Fundraiser brings shelter closer to building goal

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   Lavonia — The Steak and Eggs Breakfast at LongHorn Steakhouse June 25 raised about $3,000 for the Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter.
Franklin County commissioners voted June 28 to extend and enhance the contract of County Manager Derrick Turner. The contract was lengthened to end in 2025 and Turner was given a raise, a higher travel allowance and extended severance pay.

Franklin County commissioners voted June 28 to extend and enhance the contract of County Manager Derrick Turner. The contract was lengthened to end in 2025 and Turner was given a raise, a higher travel allowance and extended severance pay.

Commissioners extend, enhance manager's contract

By Shane Scoggins Publisher   CARNESVILLE – Franklin County Manager Derrick Turner now has more job security. Franklin County commissioners voted June 28 to extend Turner’s contract and give him a raise. Commissioners voted to extend Turner’s contract to Dec. 31, 2025, give him a 2.
The first day of school is Aug. 5.

The first day of school is Aug. 5.

Schools preparing for new school year

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   Local schools are preparing to welcome students back to classrooms next month. The first day of school is Aug. 5. All elementary schools and Franklin County Middle School have posted supply lists for each grade and subject.

Census reports increase in local population

By Shane Scoggins Publisher and Rebecca Grapevine Capitol Beat News Service   Franklin County’s population has gone up about 1.5 percent in the past year, new estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau show.