ROYSTON – Fireworks lit up the night and downtown Royston Thursday as part of the city’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday. A concert by Alabama tribute group The Boys In The Band preceded the fireworks show. For more photos, see Page 9. (Photo by Shane Scoggins)

ROYSTON – Fireworks lit up the night and downtown Royston Thursday as part of the city’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday. A concert by Alabama tribute group The Boys In The Band preceded the fireworks show. For more photos, see Page 9. (Photo by Shane Scoggins)

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Fire in the night

Thursday, July 9, 2026

ROYSTON – The City of Royston celebrated America’s 250th birthday Thursday with a concert and fireworks downtown. Residents and visitors packed downtown to hear and dance to Boys In The Band, an Alabama tribute band, that performed a full concert after a brief weather delay.

Local

A graphic from the National League of Cities explains the components of data centers.

A graphic from the National League of Cities explains the components of data centers.

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Data center shut down

News Staff
Thursday, July 9, 2026
By Shane ScogginsPublisher CARNESVILLE – There will be no data centers coming to Franklin County.
For the first time in several years, the Canon City Council is exploring the possibility of providing a public sewer system for its residents.

For the first time in several years, the Canon City Council is exploring the possibility of providing a public sewer system for its residents.

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Canon discusses sewer options

News Staff
Thursday, July 9, 2026
By Charlie EavensonStaff Writer 
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Op/Ed

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...
After months of complaint and work, the Franklin County Commissioners passed the county’s first animal control ordinance.

After months of complaint and work, the Franklin County Commissioners passed the county’s first animal control ordinance.

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Animal control begins at home

News Staff
Thursday, June 4, 2026
After months of complaint and work, the Franklin County Commissioners passed the county’s first...
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Sports

Members of the team are Karson Adams, Dank Crane, Rhett Davison, Gavin Harris, Hayden Harvey, C.J. McLendon, Gavin McGuire, Will Oliver, Teller Cabe, Zayden Stevenson, Grayson Stovall and Wyatt Veal. The team is managed by Cody Oliver, with coaches Galen Adams, Will Cabe and Derrick Harvey. (Photo courtesy of Franklin County Little League)

Members of the team are Karson Adams, Dank Crane, Rhett Davison, Gavin Harris, Hayden Harvey, C.J. McLendon, Gavin McGuire, Will Oliver, Teller Cabe, Zayden Stevenson, Grayson Stovall and Wyatt Veal. The team is managed by Cody Oliver, with coaches Galen Adams, Will Cabe and Derrick Harvey. (Photo courtesy of Franklin County Little League)

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Franklin Little League team wins district

News Staff
Thursday, July 9, 2026
The Franklin County Little League Little League All Start team won the District 7 championship last...
Members of the team are Deegan Anglin, Davis Dutton, Emmett Delozier, Bryce Finger, Nolan Foster, Hudson Griffin, Bennett Grizzle, Drew Hall, Matthew Kennedy, Grayson Cole, Logan Taylor and Chance Thornton. (Photo courtesy of Franklin County Little League)

Members of the team are Deegan Anglin, Davis Dutton, Emmett Delozier, Bryce Finger, Nolan Foster, Hudson Griffin, Bennett Grizzle, Drew Hall, Matthew Kennedy, Grayson Cole, Logan Taylor and Chance Thornton. (Photo courtesy of Franklin County Little League)

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Franklin 11U team to play at state

News Staff
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Franklin County Little League’s 11 and under baseball team, the Distict 7 champions, will begin...
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Regional

Taking part in a scrapbooking retreat on Lake Hartwell earlier this year were (front, from left) Helena Barfield, Emma Barfield, Nancy Rowland, Darlene Eades, Michelle Covel, (back) Kelly Barfield, Karen Turner, Tonya Bunch, Donna Ialungo, Debbie Tardella, Donna Goenner, Cheyney Morgan, Andrea Raphael, Victoria Richardson and Audrey Covel.

Taking part in a scrapbooking retreat on Lake Hartwell earlier this year were (front, from left) Helena Barfield, Emma Barfield, Nancy Rowland, Darlene Eades, Michelle Covel, (back) Kelly Barfield, Karen Turner, Tonya Bunch, Donna Ialungo, Debbie Tardella, Donna Goenner, Cheyney Morgan, Andrea Raphael, Victoria Richardson and Audrey Covel.

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Lake draws groups for weekends of quilting, scrapbooking, more

News Staff
Thursday, July 9, 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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