More than 55 officers from 12 different agencies across Northeast Georgia took part in a one-day Governor’s Initiative Training Course hosted by the Franklin Springs Police Department and the Northern Judicial Circuit.

Gov. Brian Kemp has established a state commission to promote the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence next year.

On Jan. 8, a raccoon in Franklin County tested positive for rabies after a dog was exposed.

Three of the many great independently owned restaurants in Franklin County were recently named by the Georgia Business Journal as “Best of Georgia” in their respective categories. Jennifer and Adam Saddoris of Bubba’s Biscuit Barn (top photo) said they were “blown away by their community and their support.”

The General Assembly gaveled into session Monday with the usual pageantry and little of the heavy lifting that will be required to make it through the 40-day session. 

New Orleans Police Department along with other agencies are involved in an ongoing investigation regarding the attack that killed 15 people and injured dozens more on Bourbon Street on the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 2. WADE CHEEK/CNI NEWS SERVICE

Incoming Northern Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Christopher NeSmith (left), with wife Melissa holding the Bible, is sworn in by Senior Judge John H. Bailey Friday at the Hart County Courthouse. (Photo courtesy of Patrick Fargason of The Hartwell Sun)

Georgia energy regulators have signed off on a 3.5 percent rate increase for customers of Georgia Power.