Walmart Inc. plans to build a high-tech, next-generation fulfillment center in Carnesville, creating 1,000 new jobs and bringing $1.3 billion in investment to Franklin County.

Walmart Inc. plans to build a high-tech, next-generation fulfillment center in Carnesville, creating 1,000 new jobs and bringing $1.3 billion in investment to Franklin County.

BREAKING NEWS: Kemp announces $1.3 billion Walmart distribution center to be built in Franklin County

Thursday, August 27, 2026

LIMA, PERU – Gov. Brian P. Kemp today, while continuing an economic development mission in South America, announced that Walmart Inc. plans to build a high-tech, next-generation fulfillment center in Carnesville, creating 1,000 new jobs and bringing $1.3 billion in investment to Franklin County.

Local

The Franklin County Board of Education increased its property tax millage rate, while Franklin County Commissioners rolled theirs back.

The Franklin County Board of Education increased its property tax millage rate, while Franklin County Commissioners rolled theirs back.

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Taxes set

News Staff
Thursday, August 27, 2026
By Shane ScogginsPublisherand Charlie EavensonStaff Writer 
Lavonia Mayor Courtney Umbehant (left), Downtown Development Director Ashley Rose Umbehant (center) and City Manager Robert Ogburn (right) accepted the Outstanding Downtown Promotion Award during the Georgia Downtown Conference in Rome last week. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lavonia)

Lavonia Mayor Courtney Umbehant (left), Downtown Development Director Ashley Rose Umbehant (center) and City Manager Robert Ogburn (right) accepted the Outstanding Downtown Promotion Award during the Georgia Downtown Conference in Rome last week. (Photo courtesy of the City of Lavonia)

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Listen up! Lavonia wins state award

News Staff
Thursday, August 27, 2026
ROME – The City of Lavonia Downtown Development Authority has been awarded the Outstanding Downtown...
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Op/Ed

Dill’s Food City will be missed.

Dill’s Food City will be missed.

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Dill’s will be missed

News Staff
Thursday, August 6, 2026
The report late last month that Dill’s Food City was being sold to Food Lion came as a surprise to...
In honor of our nation’s 250th birthday Saturday, we offer excerpts from the Declaration of Independence.

In honor of our nation’s 250th birthday Saturday, we offer excerpts from the Declaration of Independence.

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In Congress, 250 years ago

News Staff
Thursday, July 2, 2026
In honor of our nation’s 250th birthday Saturday, we offer ex-cerpts from the Declaration of...
Of the three major symbols that represent our nation – the bald eagle, the Liberty Bell and the flag, the Liberty Bell is perhaps the least understood.

Of the three major symbols that represent our nation – the bald eagle, the Liberty Bell and the flag, the Liberty Bell is perhaps the least understood.

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Bell a major symbol of our liberty

News Staff
Thursday, July 2, 2026
By Charlie Eavenson Of the three major symbols that represent our nation – the bald eagle, the...
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Sports

The Franklin County Lions opened the 2026 season with a record-setting 64-0 win over Chestatee at Jeff Davis Field at Ed Bryant Stadium. The Lions entered through a tunnel of recreation department players.

The Franklin County Lions opened the 2026 season with a record-setting 64-0 win over Chestatee at Jeff Davis Field at Ed Bryant Stadium. The Lions entered through a tunnel of recreation department players.

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Hall of records

News Staff
Thursday, August 27, 2026
By Shane ScogginsPublisher 
Lady Lions Avery Burton (left) and Sydney Carson (right) stuff a Madison County shot Thursday in non-region action in The Lion’s Den. (Photos by Shane Scoggins)

Lady Lions Avery Burton (left) and Sydney Carson (right) stuff a Madison County shot Thursday in non-region action in The Lion’s Den. (Photos by Shane Scoggins)

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Rolling at home

News Staff
Thursday, August 27, 2026
By Shane ScogginsPublisher 
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Regional

Franklin County native Dr. Linda Purvis is excited about the new poultry science education center being built at UNG’s Gainesville Campus where she is an associate professor of biology and poultry science. She has been a major proponent of the school having a designated facility to provide hands-on training with equipment students will be using in the industry. Purvis said she still enjoys teaching and having direct contact with the students. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Linda Purvis)

Franklin County native Dr. Linda Purvis is excited about the new poultry science education center being built at UNG’s Gainesville Campus where she is an associate professor of biology and poultry science. She has been a major proponent of the school having a designated facility to provide hands-on training with equipment students will be using in the industry. Purvis said she still enjoys teaching and having direct contact with the students. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Linda Purvis)

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Franklin native driving force behind UNG poultry science facility

News Staff
Thursday, August 27, 2026
By Charlie EavensonStaff Writer 
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Videos

Memorial Day 2020

On this Memorial Day, we remember those Franklin County citizens who have given all to protect our liberties. This video was shot at the American Legion Post in Lavonia, where crosses with the names of all fallen Franklin County soldiers are displayed on crosses. (Music by Marlie Scoggins)

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