Regional

The Georgia General Assembly passed on a chance to redraw the state’s U.S. House of Representative districts during a special session that began last week.

The Georgia General Assembly passed on a chance to redraw the state’s U.S. House of Representative districts during a special session that began last week.

Republicans decline chance to redraw U.S. House districts

By Ty TagamiCapitol Beat News Service ATLANTA — Republican lawmakers in Georgia will not redraw election maps as suggested by Gov. Brian Kemp, leaders of the House and Senate said last week, less than an hour before gaveling in for their special session.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has released tips to be Bear Wise. Black bears have been spotted recently in several places in Franklin and nearby counties.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has released tips to be Bear Wise. Black bears have been spotted recently in several places in Franklin and nearby counties.

Georgia DNR issues tips to be BearWise

Bear sightings have become a much more regular feature on social media in the Franklin County area recently.Bears have been spotted in Franklin Springs  and in the southern part of the county, and there have been reports of bears being hit on I-85 and other area roads nearby.
With a unanimous vote Monday, the state Senate gave final approval to a bill that will distribute tax rebates worth $250 to individuals and $500 to married couples.

With a unanimous vote Monday, the state Senate gave final approval to a bill that will distribute tax rebates worth $250 to individuals and $500 to married couples.

General Assembly approves tax rebates

By Mark NiesseCapitol Beat News Service ATLANTA – Georgia taxpayers are getting some of their money back.With a unanimous vote Monday, the state Senate gave final approval to a bill that will distribute tax rebates worth $250 to individuals and $500 to married couples.Gov.
There are many factors that affect the value of lakefront properties, including the view, year-round water depth, dock rights, dock permits, slope of the lot and Corps of Engineers restrictions.

There are many factors that affect the value of lakefront properties, including the view, year-round water depth, dock rights, dock permits, slope of the lot and Corps of Engineers restrictions.

From Lake Living's Winter edition: A shore thing

By Charlie EavensonFranklin County Citizen Leader In real estate they say the three most important factors are location, location and location.But with lakefront property there’s a lot more to it.Year-round water depth, the view, dock rights, dock permits, type of dock, slope of the lot, U.S.
Kim Caudell of Toccoa captured this photo of her sons, Britt and Benjamin, celebrating Independence Day at Lake Hartwell. Caudell won $100 for her photo, which was featured on the cover of the 2025 summer edition of Lake Living magazine.

Kim Caudell of Toccoa captured this photo of her sons, Britt and Benjamin, celebrating Independence Day at Lake Hartwell. Caudell won $100 for her photo, which was featured on the cover of the 2025 summer edition of Lake Living magazine.

Photo contest open for Lake Living magazine

Northeast Georgia lakes are beautiful any time of the year. Winter’s clear skies, sparkling cold waters and frosty trees make this time of year on the lake especially beautiful.

Rep. Collins joins race to unseat Sen. Ossoff

By Ty TagamiCapitol Beat News Service ATLANTA — A second Republican congressman has joined the race to unseat U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff next year.In a brief announcement on social media Monday, U.S. Rep. Mike Collins joined fellow GOP Rep.
A leading food company will build a plant to produce prepared foods in Northwest Georgia, a $400 million investment expected to create more than 630 jobs when at full capacity, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Thursday.

A leading food company will build a plant to produce prepared foods in Northwest Georgia, a $400 million investment expected to create more than 630 jobs when at full capacity, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Thursday.

Pilgrim’s to build $400 million plant in Northwest Georgia

By Dave WilliamsCapitol Beat News Service ATLANTA - A leading food company will build a plant to produce prepared foods in Northwest Georgia, a $400 million investment expected to create more than 630 jobs when at full capacity, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Thursday.
George Bennett (above photo, right) talks with State Rep. Alan Powell (left) and Tim Kennedy during a ceremony Sunday at the Franklin-Hart County Airport.

George Bennett (above photo, right) talks with State Rep. Alan Powell (left) and Tim Kennedy during a ceremony Sunday at the Franklin-Hart County Airport.

Bennett honored for airport service

CANON – George Bennett (above photo, right) talks with State Rep. Alan Powell (left) and Tim Kennedy during a ceremony Sunday at the Franklin-Hart County Airport.
Election Day is Tuesday for a special election for two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC).

Election Day is Tuesday for a special election for two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC).

Election Day Tuesday for two state PSC seats

From staff reports CARNESVILLE – Election Day is Tuesday for a special election for two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC).Regular polling places will be open Tuesday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.Early voting is open through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Greata Nichole Mobley, 26, of Royston has been arrested on murder charges following a fatal shooting on Barton Road and ensuing multi-jurisdictional search for her whereabouts over the weekend.

Greata Nichole Mobley, 26, of Royston has been arrested on murder charges following a fatal shooting on Barton Road and ensuing multi-jurisdictional search for her whereabouts over the weekend.

Royston woman faces murder charge

By Rose ScogginsThe Hartwell Sun A Royston woman has been arrested on murder charges following a fatal shooting on Barton Road and ensuing multi-jurisdictional search for her whereabouts over the weekend.