News

Cities, Historical Society plan events for Halloween

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   Halloween falls on a Monday this year, creating a weekend full of events in local cities. The 100th anniversary of the silent film “Nosferatu” — the oldest surviving adaption of Bram Stoker’s Dracula — will be celebrated Oct. 28 from 5-9 p.m.

Gospel show, fireworks set to open Royston amphitheater

By Shane Scoggins Publisher   ROYSTON – The new amphitheater at the Royston Wellness and Community Park will be dedicated with a gospel show, community event and fireworks display Nov. 6. The amphitheater is located in the large lawn near the entrance to the park.
Firefighters from a number of Franklin County and neighboring departments conducted live burn training Saturday at the Lavonia Fire Department Training Center. (Photo by Scoggins)

Firefighters from a number of Franklin County and neighboring departments conducted live burn training Saturday at the Lavonia Fire Department Training Center. (Photo by Scoggins)

Firefighters' class holds live burn training

By Shane Scoggins Publisher   LAVONIA – Firefighters from several Franklin County and neighboring departments trained Saturday as part of a level one certification class. The firefighters took part in live burn training at the Lavonia Fire Department Training Center off of Lucille Street.
Acting Superintendent Chuck Colquitt wears a microphone around his neck to demonstrate a new audio system that has been installed in classrooms. Together with new cameras, the system allows teachers to video lessons for students unable to attend, and the microphones amplify voices so students can hear better. (Photo by Sinclair)

Acting Superintendent Chuck Colquitt wears a microphone around his neck to demonstrate a new audio system that has been installed in classrooms. Together with new cameras, the system allows teachers to video lessons for students unable to attend, and the microphones amplify voices so students can hear better. (Photo by Sinclair)

Schools install new audio, cameras in classrooms for instruction

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   Carnesville — Starting Monday, classrooms across the county will be using an upgrade that will allow all students to hear their teachers better.
Assistant Superintendent Melanie Burton-Brown was named acting deputy superintendent and Dr. Andrew Fowler was named acting director of business operations.

Assistant Superintendent Melanie Burton-Brown was named acting deputy superintendent and Dr. Andrew Fowler was named acting director of business operations.

School officials take on new roles

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   Carnesville — Some changes were made in the administration of the Franklin County School System to allow work to continue moving forward in Superintendent Chris Forrer’s absence.
Marie Loftis credits mammograms for saving her life and urges all women to get one yearly. (Photo by Sinclair)

Marie Loftis credits mammograms for saving her life and urges all women to get one yearly. (Photo by Sinclair)

Annual mammograms a life saver for Loftis

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   LAVONIA — Every year since her 40s, Marie Loftis got a mammogram. She always got a little a nervous when she went, but otherwise never thought of it.
Franklin is one of 107 school districts in the state with graduation rates above 90 percent and is in the top third of the state.

Franklin is one of 107 school districts in the state with graduation rates above 90 percent and is in the top third of the state.

Graduation rate holds course

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   Carnesville — Franklin County Schools’ graduation rate showed little change in 2022, staying at 90.3 percent, according to data from the state Department of Education.
Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy Drew McAdams and his K-9 partner Max were honored by MADD for their efforts against drunk and drugged driving.

Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy Drew McAdams and his K-9 partner Max were honored by MADD for their efforts against drunk and drugged driving.

Sheriff K-9 unit honored by MADD

CARNESVILLE – Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Georgia recently honored Franklin County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Max and his handler, Deputy Drew McAdams. MADD recognized law enforcement personnel from across the Georgia Traffic Enforcement Networks during the inaugural MADD Quad Awards. On Sept.
The Sept. 21, 1972, issue of the Franklin County Citizen reports on the opening of the new Lavonia City Hall, with a photo of Margaret Ayers, then Mayor Herman Ayers and former Gov. Ernest Vandiver taking part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Sept. 21, 1972, issue of the Franklin County Citizen reports on the opening of the new Lavonia City Hall, with a photo of Margaret Ayers, then Mayor Herman Ayers and former Gov. Ernest Vandiver taking part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Ayers shares city hall history

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   Lavonia — Margaret Ayers presented historical information Monday about Lavonia City Hall to celebrate the building’s 50th anniversary. “This facility is 50 years old, and none of you all know anything about it,” she said at the city’s council meeting.
(Photo by Sinclair)

(Photo by Sinclair)

Banker and the bagpiper

Lavonia — A bagpiper visited North Georgia Bank Monday morning to honor Margaret Ayers. “Margaret has been my banker for 25 or more years,” said Michael Scott, wearing traditional Scottish dress. “And she’s never made a mistake.