News

Voters can vote at the elections office on June 21 from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. and may vote early at the same location June 13-17 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Voters can vote at the elections office on June 21 from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. and may vote early at the same location June 13-17 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

One poll to be open for June 21 primary runoff

By Shane Scoggins Publisher   CARNESVILLE – Franklin County Democrats will vote June 21 in a primary runoff to decide candidates in several state races. There will be only one place for them to cast their ballots.
School board members will review the proposed $40.7 million budget — which includes a fix to the local salary schedule — during its meeting tonight at 5 p.m., and will have its first public hearing on the budget at 6 p.m.

School board members will review the proposed $40.7 million budget — which includes a fix to the local salary schedule — during its meeting tonight at 5 p.m., and will have its first public hearing on the budget at 6 p.m.

BOE to review $40.7 million budget

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   CARNESVILLE — Superintendent Chris Forrer had three goals for the Franklin County School System budget to be discussed tonight – maintain the millage rate at 17 mills, be balanced and include raises for teachers and staff.

Man drowns after jumping in lake after chase

By Shane Scoggins Publisher   A South Carolina man drowned in Lake Hartwell Monday after he jumped into the lake from a bridge at the Hart County/South Carolina line while eluding sheriff’s deputies. The body of Akeem O. Lukie, 31, of Greenwood, S.C.
Scott Appling of GDP Investments shows an image of a unit recently built in Newnan, which is similar to what he plans to build in Lavonia. (Photo by Sinclair)

Scott Appling of GDP Investments shows an image of a unit recently built in Newnan, which is similar to what he plans to build in Lavonia. (Photo by Sinclair)

Lavonia approves rezoning for townhome development

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   LAVONIA — Zoning for a new housing development received initial approval from the Lavonia City Council Monday night.
The Canon Police Department’s Dodge Charger will become its part-time vehicle once a new  Ford F-150 is on duty.

The Canon Police Department’s Dodge Charger will become its part-time vehicle once a new Ford F-150 is on duty.

Canon to get new police truck

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   CANON — City council members approved the purchase of a new vehicle for the Canon Police Department Monday night. Police Chief Josh Akins planned to purchase a 2023 Ford F-150 Police Responder for $36,000 from Wade Ford.
The Georgia Department of Transportation is taking comments on its plan to four-lane Highway 17 from just outside Bowman to the Royston bypass.

The Georgia Department of Transportation is taking comments on its plan to four-lane Highway 17 from just outside Bowman to the Royston bypass.

DOT seeks comments on Highway 17 widening

By Shane Scoggins Publisher   ROYSTON – The Georgia Department of Transportation is taking comments on its plan to four-lane Highway 17 from just outside Bowman to the Royston bypass. Postcards were mailed to residents in the area of the proposed project last week.
The Carnesville City Council turned down applications Tuesday for what would be the city’s first liquor stores.

The Carnesville City Council turned down applications Tuesday for what would be the city’s first liquor stores.

Carnesville council denies licenses for liquor stores

By Shane Scoggins Publisher   CARNESVILLE – There will be no liquor stores in Franklin County’s seat for a while longer. The Carnesville City Council turned down applications Tuesday for what would be the city’s first liquor stores.
Franklin County School Improvement Director Kelly Akin will retire this summer after a career as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and administrator. (Photo by Sinclair)

Franklin County School Improvement Director Kelly Akin will retire this summer after a career as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and administrator. (Photo by Sinclair)

Akin’s retirement plans center on family time

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   CARNESVILLE — For 30 years, Kelly Akin has been solving problems, either in math classrooms or as an administrator. She is retiring from her position as school improvement director for Franklin County Schools this summer.
Planning and Zoning Director Scott DeLozier presents information about the UDC to a large crowd at a recent meeting.

Planning and Zoning Director Scott DeLozier presents information about the UDC to a large crowd at a recent meeting.

DeLozier leaving planning post by end of month

By Shane Scoggins Publisher   CARNESVILLE – Franklin County Assistant County Manager and Planning and Zoning Director Scott DeLozier will be leaving the county by the end of June. The county is currently taking applications for DeLozier’s position.

Citizen Leader honored in state press awards

The Franklin County Citizen Leader won seven awards in the annual Georgia Press Association’s 2022 Better Newspaper Contest. The winners were announced Friday at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel during the group's 135th annual convention. The Citizen Leader placed in a variety of categories.