The 2025 Fact Book of Franklin County, published by the Franklin County Citizen Leader Find It In Franklin
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Franklin County 2025 3 Plenty to ģnd in Franklin What can you ģnd in Franklin? Farms and gardens. Chickens and cows. Industries and business. New homes, old neighborhoods and historic buildings. Five unique cities and numerous communities. Volunteers and professionals who protect and serve. Future farmers and top-level thespians. Renaissance festivals, fair rides, country concerts and Christmas tree lightings. Old soldiers planting Ĥags on the graves and memorials of fallen heroes. Young Scouts contributing projects to better the community. Generations of families who never want to leave and new neighbors who are glad they found home. Young people learning the latest technologies and the old ways of doing things. People of diħerent backgrounds, races and nationalities working together to make a life and leave a mark. Churches full on Sundays and actively helping others the rest of the week. Disagreements on some issues, unity on others. The natural beauty of lakes, rivers, streams and state parks. Active young people, families and senior citizens. It can all be found right here: in Franklin County! – Shane Scoggins
4 Franklin County 2025 About Franklin CountyFacts at a glance The 261.35 acres of Franklin County house some interesting geographic and demographic quirks. But most importantly, the county is home to a diverse and historic community. The county’s area ranks 116th out of Georgia’s 159 counties in size. County lines stretch from Royston to the outskirts of Commerce to near Toccoa. The county is bounded on the north by Stephens County, on the west by Banks County, to the south by Madison County and to the east by Hart County and South Carolina. The county’s northeast corner is on Lake Hartwell. A portion of the county – Foxy Lane – can only be accessed by water or by car by travelling through Stephens County. Another small section juts out between Banks County and Madison County just outside Commerce in Jackson County. Franklin was the ninth county to be established in Georgia – on Feb. 25, 1784 – and the ģrst established aĨer the American Revolution. Before being established, the area was home to the Lower Cherokee Indian tribe and a portion of it was explored by William Bartram. The county is one of 24 counties or parishes in the U.S. named for Founding Father Benjamin Franklin. At one time, the county encompassed an area that now makes up Stephens, Banks, Barrow, Oconee, Jackson, Clarke, Hart, Hall, Gwinnett and Madison counties in Georgia and a piece of South Carolina as well. According to 2024 population estimates by the U.S. Census, 25,208 people live in Franklin County, showing 7.6 percent growth over the 23,424 county done by the 2020 Census. The population per square mile is 96.5. Franklin County’s ģve cities – Royston, Lavonia, Franklin Springs, Carnesville and Canon – have a signiģcant impact on the culture, traditions and identity of the county. Four of the cities are located on or near county boundaries. Two, Royston and Canon, are located in other counties. Royston has land in Franklin, Hart and Madison counties, while Canon’s boundaries are in Franklin and Hart. Latest population estimates show that 7,412 people combined live within the ģve cities. Most of Franklin’s people – a tad more than 70 percent – live in a number of small, unincorporated areas. Those include Bold Spring, Sandy Cross, Red Hill, Ashland, Fairview and Plainview. Gumlog, located around Lake
lavoniaga.gov Lavonia LORE Hey Yall Ce WHERE SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY ALWAY ARTS WITH ‘HEY Y’ALL’ Hey Y on Lavo L y lavonia nia aga.gov Franklin County 2025 5 Hartwell, is the largest unincoporated area of the county, with an estimated 2,212 people reported living in the community. That would make Gumlog the second-largest city in Franklin County, if it were incorporated. Gumlog is home to Tugaloo State Park, one of two state parks in Franklin County, along with Victoria Bryant State Park in Franklin Springs, that bring visitors to the area. An estimated 19.2 percent of Franklin County’s people are age 65 or older, with 22.2 percent under age 18 and 5.9 percent under age 5. An estimated 85.6 percent of the people in Franklin County are white, with 9.6 percent African-American and 5.7 percent Hispanic. Some 2.1 percent of the population is of Asian descent. The median household income for Franklin County is $52,264, with 16.9 percent of the county population in poverty. The per capita income is $41,656, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Tugaloo State Park on Lake Hartwell (above) and Victoria Bryant State Park draw visitors to Franklin County.
6 Franklin County 2025 Franklin County is expected to be among the fastest-growing counties in the area in the next 15 years. Taylor HaĤey, a demographer from the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, said that state estimates show Franklin County will grow by 22.9 percent to a population of 31,102 by 2040. Franklin currently has a population of 25,312, according to the latest estimate released by the U.S. Census Bureau on Thursday. The projected rate of growth is expected to rank behind only Jackson County in an eight-county area that also includes Banks, Clarke, Elbert, Hart, Madison and Stephens counties. If all the counties grow as expected, Franklin’s population would rank ģĨh among those counties, behind Clarke, Jackson, Madison and Hart counties, respectively. Franklin would have a higher population than Stephens, Banks and Elbert. The future growth is expected aĨer Franklin has seen a steady increase in population over the last decade. The county’s oĥcial population in 2020 was 23,424, up from 22,084 in 2010. Franklin’s population was estimated at 22,056 in 2013 and increased to 24,867 in 2023. That 12.7 percent increase ranked third among the eight-county area. Jackson County was Population growth expected to be steady Plans for housing developments are popping up in several areas of Franklin County as steady growth adds to the county’s population.
DO YOU SMELL NATURAL GAS! MOST COMMON SIGNS OF A GAS LEAK! WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A GAS LEAK! K! NATURAL GAS NATURALLY HAS NO SCENT TO IT. However, gas companies add a harmless chemical called mercaptan to give it its distinctive smell. This often can be described as smelling like sulfur or rotten eggs. Immediately Evacuate to a Safe distance, at least 350 feet away. (This is just over the length of a football eld.) Do not do anything to create a spark such as turning electrical switches on or o, ringing doorbells, plugging anything in, or simply touching any form of electricity. Once you’re at a safe distance, call your gas company so they can come inspect and repair the leakage. CALL YOUR LOCAL GAS PROVIDER, 706-245-7232, Royston Police Dept. 706-245-6195, or 911. • Seeing bubbling water • Dirt or dust blowing from the ground • Hearing a hissing or blowing sound from a pipeline or appliance • Dead or discolored vegetation in an otherwise green area • Smell of rotten eggs City of Royston Natural Gas Dept. Franklin County 2025 7 the clear leader in growth, with the number of people there ballooning 43.3 percent in the 10year period. Madison County saw 14.4 percent growth to rank second. Banks County, at 11.9 percent, was the only other county with growth of more than 10 percent. By 2040, the population is expected to have 46.9 percent between the ages of 25-64, 28.3 percent from birth to age 24 and 24.8 percent 65 and over. UGA demographer Taylor Hafley outlines population ģgures for F r a nk l i n County and surrounding counties from 20132023.
The Franklin County School System includes ģve schools to serve about 3,600 students from preKindergarten through 12th grade, according to the oĥcial fall student count conducted by the Georgia Department of Education. The school system is one of the largest employers in the county, with roughly 500 employees. An elected board of education of ģve members sets policies, budgets, tax rates and goals for the system and appoints a school superintendent who directs the day-to-day operations of the system. The Franklin County Board of Education has three members who must live in designated districts and two at-large members. All members are elected county wide. Franklin County Board of Education members are • Jason Oliver, Post 1 (Term expires 2028); • Kent Hall, Post 2 (Term expires 2028); • Randall Gailey, Post 3 (Term expires 2026); • Alan Mitchell, vice chairman, Post 4 (Term expires 2026); • Robin Cato, chairman, Post 5 (Term expires 2026). Melanie Burton-Brown is school superintendent. Franklin County is a charter system. Charter systems have a charter, or contract, with the state. The state allows charter systems to have increased Ĥexibility in exchange for higher accountability. Charter systems are also allowed to use leading-edge educational programs and are given resources from the state to implement the ideas. This means that the state allocates additional funds for charter systems. The school system is funded by a combination of local property taxes, state funding and some federal funding, along with special purpose local option sales taxes for capital expenditures. The school board sets its own budget and millage rate. Property taxes are collected through a combined bill with the county government, but the two budgets and tax rates are separate. Each school in a charter system has a school governance team to work with the principal of the school to impact student achievement, though the operation of each school remains the responsibility of the school system and school personnel. All Franklin County schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Franklin County School System FCSS at a glance Board of Education: Jason Oliver, Kent Hall, Randall Gailey, Alan Mitchell and Robin Cato Superintendent: Melanie Burton-Brown Address: 280 Busha Road in Carnesville Phone: 706-384-4554 Website: www.franklin.k12.ga.us Enrollment: 3,577 Meetings: Work session and regular meeting schedule available at www.franklin.k12.ga.us/ about-fcs/fc-board-of-education/ meetings 8 Franklin County 2025 Education County schools & Emmanuel University Members of the Franklin County Board of Education are (from leĨ) Jason Oliver, Alan Mitchell, Robin Cato, Randall Gailey and Kent Hall.
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South Franklin Elementary School is currently home to about 520 students from Royston and the surrounding communities. The school opened in January on its new campus at 5670 Georgia Highway 145, about a mile south of Franklin County High School in Carnesville. The new school is 94,000 square foot building cost roughly $28 million. It replaced Royston Elementary School. Jamie Hammock is principal. SFES at a glance Principal: Jamie Hammock Assistant Principal: Natalie Erskine Drop-oħ time: 7:30 a.m. School day: 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Address: 5670 Georgia Highway 145 in Carnesville Phone: 706-245-9252 Enrollment: 517 South Franklin Elementary School 10 Franklin County 2025 South Franklin Elementary Principal Jamie Hammock (center) stands with Franklin County Board of Education Chair Robin Cato (leĨ) and School Superintendent Melanie Burton-Brown (right). The new 94,000 squarefoot South Franklin Elementary School opened in January and replaced Royston Elementary School. New school zones The Franklin County Board of Education adopted a new elementary school attendance zone map for the 2025-26 school year aĨer the opening of South Franklin Elementary School. The student attendance target for each school is Carnesville Elementary, 650-700; South Franklin Elementary, 650-700; and Lavonia Elementary, 425-450. About 247 students are expected to be transferred to a diħerent school under the new maps. Some 122 are expected to be moved from Lavonia Elementary to Carnesville Elementary, 92 from Carnesville to South Franklin, 16 from Carnesville to Lavonia, 13 from Lavonia to South Franklin and one from South Franklin to Carnesville.
LES at a glance Principal: Kasey Haley Assistant Principal: Le Anna Cuevas Drop-oħ time: 7:30 a.m. School day: 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Address: 818 Hartwell Road in Lavonia Phone: 706-356-8209 Enrollment: 575 Lavonia Elementary School serves grades Kindergarten through ģĨh grade and has an enrollment of about 575 students. Located at 818 Hartwell Road, the school building is dedicated in honor of former Gov. Ernest Vandiver. Kasey Haley is principal. Franklin County 2025 11 CES at a glance Principal: Delina Wester Assistant Principal: Robin Pittman Drop-oħ time: 7:30 a.m. School day: 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Address: 11555 Georgia Highway 59 in Carnesville Phone: 706-384-7326 Enrollment: 637 Carnesville Elementary School, at 11555 Highway 59 in Carnesville, has about 640 students in pre-Kindergarten through ģĨh grades. The school currently has the highest enrollment of any elementary school in the county. Delina Wester is the school’s principal. Carnesville Elementary School Lavonia Elementary School Lavonia Elementary Principal Kasey Haley (right) walks down a hall of the school with mascot Boyd the Bulldog during a Veterans Day celebration. Carnesville Elementary Principal Delina Wester (leĨ) and Assistant Principal Robin Pittman welcome students back to class on the ģrst day of school.
FCMS has an enrollment of about 800 students in sixth through eighth grades. The school’s mission is to create and maintain an environment that will educate and empower all students to become contributing members in a dynamic, global society. We are committed to providing a comprehensive system of support to ensure that every student has the opportunity to meet or exceed state and national standards. David Cawthon is the principal. He leads a school that oħers a full academic load, along with classes that focus on careers, technology, the arts, physical education and health. Athletic opportunities include football, soĨball, basketball, cross-country, baseball, soccer, track, golf and tennis, along with auxiliary. Other extracurricular activities include a variety of clubs and band. Once known as Franklin County Junior High School, the school became a middle school in the mid-1990s when sixth graders were added to the school’s enrollment. FCMS at a glance Principal: David Cawthon Assistant Principals: Meredith Kilgore and John David Drop-oħ time: 7:30 a.m. School day: 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Address: 485 Turkey Creek Road in Carnesville Phone: 706-384-4581 Enrollment: 805 Franklin County Middle School Car Point Automotive 74 Hartwell Street • Downtown Royston 706-245-7809 EXCELLENCE IN AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR Major & Minor Tune-ups • Complete Suspension Repair Computer Diagnostics • Air Conditioning Air Bag & ABS Systems • Timing Belt Replacement Water Pumps • Axles • Brakes Engine & Transmission Repair and Replacement Complete Vehicle Electrical Systems Repair Mary Lou Jackson, Exe. Direc. fchabitat@windstream.net www.franklinhabitat.org Office 706-356-5479 11927 Augusta Road Lavonia, GA 30553 Hours: Tues., Wed. & Sat. 9am - 2:30pm; Thurs. & Fri. 11am - 5:30pm Donation Drop-off closes 30 minutes before store closes Franklin County 12 Franklin County 2025 FCMS Principal Dr. David Cawthon (right) speaks during a ceremony for middle school students selected as REACH Scholars for the Class of 2029.
FCHS has roughly 1,050 students in ninth through 12th grades. FCHS students are oħered a diverse curriculum. Students may choose a variety of graduation pathways that ģt their individual goals. Courses – including at the honors and college preparatory level – are oħered in traditional subjects like science, mathematics, language arts, social sciences and foreign language. The school also oħers dual enrollment to students at Emmanuel University and other area colleges. The school’s College and Career Academy oħers a variety of expanded vocational and business classes in agriculture, transportation, audiovisual technology and communication, education, business management and architecture and construction. Traditional physical education classes and weight training are also oħered. The school has a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs, theatre, athletics and band. Principal Matt Stowers leads the school at 6570 Georgia Highway 145 in Carnesville. FCHS at a glance Principal: Matt Stowers Assistant Principals: Tammy Hart, Brandy Reid and Kevin Compton Drop-oħ time: 7:30 a.m. School day: 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Address: 6570 Georgia Highway 145 in Carnesville Phone: 706-384-4525 Enrollment: 1,043 Franklin County 2025 13 Franklin County High School The annual Franklin County High School graduation ceremony is one of the highlights of the year for the community, drawing familes and friends to Jeħ Davis Field at Ed Bryant Stadium to celebrate that year’s senior class. Franklin County High School Principal Matt Stowers speaks to parents and students in the Telford Center for the Fine and Performing Arts during the school’s open house.
706.245.1900 545 Cook Street • Royston, Georgia 30662 | brownhealthrehabilitation.org 14 Franklin County 2025 EU at a glance President: Greg Hearn Enrollment: 896 Tuition: $26,190 Address: 139 Lions Place in Royston Phone: 800-860-8800 Website: www.eu.edu Enrollment: 896 Emmanuel University Established in 1919, Emmanuel University is a foundational institution in Franklin County that oħers two-and-four-year programs of study, as well as master’s degree programs, in a variety of ģelds. Emmanuel is a Christcentered liberal arts institution which strives to prepare students to become Christ-like disciples who integrate faith, learning and living for eħective careers, scholarship and service. Emmanuel is regularly ranked as one of the top regional colleges in the country by U.S. News and World Report. The university awards master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees and also provides dual-enrollment classes for high school students. The campus is in Franklin Springs. It includes buildings used for classrooms and administration, a dining hall, residence halls, the Shaw Leslie Library, playing ģelds and the Shaw Athletic Center. The Swails Center, which includes the Dr. Charles F. Stanley Chapel, is an auditorium used by both the college and community for chapel services, concerts, large meetings and plays. It is located across U.S. Highway 29 from the main part of campus. Emmanuel is fully accredited by The Rev. Greg Hearn was inaugurated as the 10th president of Emmanuel University in November 2024.
PICTURE PERFECT HEALTH, ONE VISIT AT A TIME. Uninsured? Ask about our sliding fee scale! Nutrition Counseling Behavioral Health Diabetes Education Family Medicine Pharmacy Delivery Available to Office MedLink Royston Family Medicine 930 Franklin Springs St, Suite A Royston, GA 30662 Franklin County 2025 15 the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Bachelor’s degrees are awarded in English, mathematics, music, worship music, biology, pre-pharmacy, pre-med, pre-dental, other pre-professional disciplines, pre-veterinary, criminal justice, history, pre-law, psychology, diversiģed agriculture, business administration, digital media production, organizational communication, graphic design, sports communication, kinesiology, pre-occupational therapy, pre-physical therapy, sports management, Christian ministries, worship ministry, elementary education, middle grades education, business education, dual elementary/special education, agricultural education, health and physical education, history education, math education, English education, music education (choral and instrumental), child studies and sports and ģtness. Associate degrees are oħered in general education, business administration and allied health. Minors are oħered in many of the baccalaureate disciplines. The college oħers online graduate programs with the opportunity to earn a Master of Education in Elementary Education, Master of Science in Exercise Science, Master of Divinity and Master of Ministry. Emmanuel participates in intercollegiate sports in NCAA Division II. Information on Emmanuel Lion athletics is available at goeulions.com. The college also hosts concerts, plays, speakers and special events that are open to the public. For more information on the college, visit www. eu.edu. Emmanuel University awards associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in multiple disciplines.
Protect YOUR INVESTMENT CARROLL’S QUICK LUBE 706-356-5361 23 Brookwood Dr., Lavonia, GA • Oil Changes • NEW Tires • Brakes Technicians With Know-How. People Who Know You. A Refreshing Place to Live!! Franklin Springs 565201 The City of 706-245-6957 16 Franklin County 2025 Local Governments County and cities The Franklin County government provides a wide range of services to citizens. Among the county’s responsibilities are roads, law enforcement, ģre protection, ambulance service, recreation, court functions, water and sewer utilities, property appraisal, elections, taxation, planning and zoning, emergency management and solid waste. The county government is led by a combination of elected oĥcials and appointed department heads. The ģve-member board of commissioners act as legislators by writing and passing local ordinances and setting the budget for all of the county’s departments, including those led by other elected oĥcials. Commissioners are also the ģnal decision-makers on all planning and zoning applications in the unincorpoThe Franklin County Board of Commissioners lead the Franklin County government. Commissioners are (from leĨ) Josh Smith, Elizabeth Busby, Chairman Courtney Long, Cory Pulliam and Wanda Thompson. Franklin County
9975 Royston Hwy., Royston, GA • 706-245-9216 • 706-245-0136 • 706-245-4012 • 706-245-5379 “Scoot Rice” Come See Us For All Your Poultry Needs Franklin County 2025 17 rated areas of the county. Four commissioners must live in designated districts but are elected in a county-wide vote. District 1 is made up of the rural areas in the northern and western parts of the county. District 2 includes the City of Lavonia and the Gumlog area. District 3 encompasses the middle of the county, along with the cities of Carnesville and Canon. District 4 includes the cities of Royston and Franklin Springs and the Sandy Cross area. The ģĨh commissioner is an elected chairperson who may live anywhere in the county and is elected county-wide. Commissioners are • Chairman Courtney Long (term expires in 2028), • Wanda Thompson in District 1 (term expires in 2028), • Cory Pulliam in District 2 (term expires in 2028), • Elizabeth Busby in District 3 (term expires in 2026) and • Josh Smith in District 4 (term expires in 2026). The county manager is hired to oversee the day-to-day operations of the government. The county clerk handles record-keeping, which includes maintaining the minutes of all meetings of the board of commissioners. Commissioners hire a county attorney who gives the county legal advice, draĨs legal documents, reviews proposed laws and represents the county in court. The board of commissioners has the power to hire and ģre the county manager, clerk and attorney. Terry Harris is county manager, Kandy Bond is county clerk and Dale “Bubba” Samuels is county attorney. County government at a glance Board of Commissioners: Courtney Long, Josh Smith, Elizabeth Busby, Cory Pulliam, Wanda Thompson County manager: Terry Harris Address: 141 Athens St. in Carnesville Phone: 706-384-2483 Web: www.franklincountyga.gov Regular meetings: First Monday of month at 6 p.m. Work sessions: Last Tuesday of month at 6 p.m. County Manager Terry Harris
CITY OF ROYSTON OFFERS: Natural Gas Services Public Water & Wastewater Service Sanitation Services Royston Wellness & Community Park Tony Jones Community Park Historic Depot City Park Police and Fire Protection Library Services City Maintained Cemetery Baseball/SoftballFields Great Shopping & Dining Live Here Play Here Small Town Treasures Royston, Georgia *Dates subject to change, contact: Royston MainStreet www.CityofRoyston.com • Oce 706-245-7577 2025 MAIN STREET CALENDAR OF EVENTS Cut a Block .........................April 4 5:00 – 9:00 Easter Egg Hunt ...................April 19 10:30am The Tams in Concert .............................May 10 Royston Cruise-In and The Glowband Concert .......................................... May 17 2:00 – 9:00 Historic Preservation Month ......................May Fall Festival................October 11 10:00 – 4:00 Halloween....................October 31 4:00 – 6:00 Christmas in Royston........ Nov. 24 5:00 – 8:00 Small Business Saturday/Holiday Market ........................................Nov. 29 10:00 – 3:00 Christmas Market ........... Dec. 13 10:00 – 4:00 Christmas Parade ................... Dec. 14 3:00pm Artisan Walk................ April – September TBD 18 Franklin County 2025 The Georgia Constitution and state law divides the management of the county departments among commissioners and four diħerent oĥces – the sheriħ, the clerk of court, the probate judge and the tax commissioner. Constitutional oĥcers are elected every four years and are paid based on a scale set by the state. • Sheriħ Scott Andrews is the sheriħ of Franklin County. Andrews is in his ģrst term, which will end in 2028. The Franklin County Sheriħ’s Department employs dozens deputies, investigators and detention oĥcers. The sheriħ is the chief law enforcement oĥcer of the county. His oĥce is also responsible for serving court papers – criminal and civil, providing courthouse and courtroom security, operating the county jail and transporting prisoners to other jails and mental health facilities. School resource oĥcers are also provided by the department to each Franklin County school. The sheriħ’s oĥce is at 1 James Little St. in Carnesville. To reach the oĥce of the sheriħ, call 706-3842525. In case of emergency, call 911. Other elected oĥcials Franklin County Sheriħ Scott Andrews (right) stands with Chief Deputy Jimmy Motes aĨer being sworn in.
Franklin County 2025 19 • Probate judge Ken Eavenson serves as Franklin County probate judge. His current term will end in 2028. Among the probate judge’s oĥce duties are probating wills; grant and repeal letters of testamentary and administration of an estate; settle controversies on the right of executorship or administration of an estate; sell and distribute property of deceased persons’ estates; appoint and remove guardians for minors and the mentally incompetent; handle all other matters relating to the estates of deceased persons and the mentally incompetent; ģll vacancies in public oĥces; administer oaths to public oĥcers; register and permit certain enterprises; issue marriage licenses; hear traĥc cases; hold criminal commitment hearings; and issue weapons carry and renewal licenses. The Probate Judge’s oĥce is in the Franklin County Justice Center on Highway 145 in Carnesville. The number to the oĥce is 706384-2403. • Tax commissioner The Franklin County Tax Commissioner’s Oĥce is led by Bobby Martin, whose current term ends in 2028. The oĥce serves as an agent of the state revenue commissioner for the registration and taxation of motor vehicles and billing, collecting, disbursing and accounting for ad valorem taxes collected in the county. The basis for ad valorem taxation, more commonly known as property tax, is the fair market value of the property, which is established by the Board of Tax Assessors, a separate department. The property tax is levied on the assessed value of the property which, by law, is established at 40 percent of the fair market value. The amount of tax is determined by the tax rate (mill rate) levied by the various government entities. The tax commissioner’s oĥce, located next door to the tax assessor’s oĥce, is on the square in downtown Carnesville. The oĥce has a website at www. taxes.franklincountyga.com/ that contains information about the ofģce as well as links to search and pay tax bills. The oĥce can be reached at 706384-3455. • Clerk of court Heather Vaughn Hill is Franklin County Clerk of Court. Her current term will expire in 2028. The job is much more than attending trials and hearings. Among the clerk’s duties are to record the ģnal record of every part of the pleading in every case, including garnishments, aĥdavits, bonds and attachments in any judicial proceeding, referencing the location of any subsequent paper in the original record of the case and issuing and signing every summons, writ, execution, order or other paper under authority of the court. Jurors’ lists and summons are handled by the clerk’s oĥce. The oĥce oħers online access to its index of records of deeds and land records at www.koģlequicklinks.com/FranklinGA/. The information can then be used to look up images of the deed books at www. gsccca.org/. The Filing Activity Notiģcation System (FANS) is a free service provided by the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA). The service allows property owners to receive alerts – either by email or text – anytime a legal document is ģled concerning the owner’s property. Signing up for FANS does not prevent fraud, but it allows property owners to know if something has been ģled so that they can get more information from the clerk’s oĥce. To sign up, visit https://fans. gsccca.org and follow the steps to be notiģed. Property owners can be alerted for ģlings based on their names and multiple properties in any county in the state. Only property-related ģlings like liens, deed changes and UCC will be included in alerts. The clerk of court’s oĥce is located in the historic Franklin County Courthouse in downtown Carnesville. The oĥce can be reached at 706384-2514. Clerk of Court Heather Hill (leĨ photo) was sworn in for her second term earlier this year. Tax Commissioner Bobby Martin (leĨ in center photo) was joined by wife Marie when being sworn in earlier this year by Probate Judge Ken Eavenson. Eavenson (leĨ in right photo), joined by wife Lisa, was sworn in by Northern Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Chris Phelps.
20 Franklin County 2025 In addition to the constitutional oĥcers, two other departments have elected leadership. They are: • Magistrate judge The Magistrate Court is headed by Judge Cody Grizzle. Freddy Pulliam serves as assistant magistrate. The judgeship is a fouryear elected post. Grizzle’s current term expires in 2028. The Magistrate Court is authorized to hear a variety of civil cases, as long as the claim does not exceed the $15,000 limit, including suits on accounts or contracts where a debtor has failed to pay a debt, damages or personal injury claims involving accidents or wrongful conduct, failure to perform on written contracts, personal property foreclosures, garnishments, levies on property to satisfy a judgment and abandoned motor vehicles. Landlord-tenant cases, referred to as dispossessory actions and in some cases distress warrants, are ģled against individuals or corporations who remain on a property without the right to do so. These landlord-tenant actions are usually ģled for non-payment of rent. Dispossessory actions represent an exception in Magistrate Court where the jurisdictional limit of $15,000 does not apply. Magistrate Courts also have the authority to issue criminal arrest warrants for both felony and misdemeanor oħenses; and upon the sworn testimony of a law enforcement oĥcer, are authorized to issue search warrants. They are empowered to issue good behavior warrants to ensure that a person’s conduct will not cause another individual emotional or physical harm. This court also serves to hold ģrst appearance hearings, preliminary hearings and waivers of extradition hearings which are conducted aĨer an arrest. The Magistrate Court also has the jurisdiction to hold trials for defendants charged with violating county ordinances and certain misdemeanor oħenses, such as deposit account fraud, shopliĨing, possession of marijuana, trespassing and alcohol oħenses by persons under 21. The Magistrate Oĥce is in the Franklin County Justice Center on Highway 145 in Carnesville. The oĥce number is 706-3847473. • Coroner The coroner’s post, currently held by Scott O’Barr, is also a four-year elected position. O’Barr’s current term ends in 2028. The coroner’s oĥce provides investigations into all deaths requiring a public inquiry and determines and records the cause and manner of death in order to aĥx responsibility and protect public health and safety. The coroner has an oĥce at 25 Roberts St. in Lavonia. The building includes an oĥce, meeting room and a complete morgue to store bodies and evidence. The coroner is a parttime position. The contact number for the oĥce is 706-384-7119. Hydraulic Hoses Steel Tubes Air Conditioning Brake Lines Power Steering Lines Hydraulic Adapters Your One Stop, Full Service, Fluid Line Provider Steve Barry & Jordan Peppers 706-244-8199 Industrial •Agricultural •Automotive 12104 East Augusta Road, Lavonia, GA 30553 HOSE & HYDRAULICS Chief Magistrate Judge Cody Grizzle (top photo), joined by wife Taylor, was sworn in for his latest term earlier this year by Probate Judge Ken Eavenson. Eavenson also swore in Coroner Scott O’Barr (bottom photo), who was joined for the ceremony by County Manager Terry Harris.
Franklin County 2025 21 ELECTRICALSERVICE.COM 706-245-6925 WWW.EARLSELECTRICALSERVICE.COM Affordable & Reliable HOME GENERATOR SALES 1448 Campbell Ridge Road, Royston, GA 706-245-6925 • 706-245-4924 Fax Established 1968 “The Heart of Franklin County” e community center is available to rent! 919 Hull Avenue • Carnesville, GA 30521 706-384-3905 cityofcarnesville.com Follow us on Facebook @ City Of Carnesville • Marshal’s oĥce The Marshal’s Oĥce is responsible for enforcement of nuisance, solid waste, occupational tax certiģcates for businesses in the unincorporated parts of the county, decals and inspection of manufactured homes and signs on the roadside. The oĥce also provides an animal classiģcation oĥcer for “dangerous and vicious dog classiģcation” and community service work center on Saturdays for persons on active probation. A form for citizens to ģle zoning or code enforcement complaints is available at www. franklincountyga.gov/marshal-codeenforcement/webforms/zoningcode-enforcement-complaint-form. The marshal’s oĥce is at 4542 Harrison Bridge Road in Carnesville. • Health department The Franklin County Health Department provides health, environmental and nutritional services. The department is at 6955 Highway 145 South in Carnesville. The Franklin County department is part of the 13-county District 2 Public Health district based in Gainesville. Services include immunizations; child and adolescent health checks; child dental care; communicable disease testing and screening; environmental health issues including food inspections, well water testing and septic system permitting; nutritional services and women’s health, including prenatal case managements; and cancer screening and prevention. The oĥce is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and from 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays. Information on the department is available by calling 706-384-5575 or by visiting www.phdistrict2.org. Doug Forrester (right) was named Franklin County’s chief marshal in 2024. He was sworn in by County Manager Terry Harris. Departments
22 Franklin County 2025 “We Do It Right The First Time” 706-498-4310 • CARPET CLEANING • FLOOR STRIPPING & WAXING • WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION • TILE AND GROUT CLEANING • OFFICE AND JANITORIAL CLEANING • UPHOLSTERY CLEANING • AREA RUGS • HARDWOOD FLOOR CLEANING • RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL SERVICES Keith & LaShona Turman - Owners • 609 Cook St., Royston, GA • 706-498-4310 www.turmancleaning.com OVER 26 YEARS EXPERIENCE! • CARPET CLEANING • FLOOR STRIPPING & WAXING • WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION • TILE AND GROUT CLEANING • OFFICE AND JANITORIAL CLEANING • UPHOLSTERY CLEANING • AREA RUGS • HARDWOOD FLOOR CLEANING OVER 27 YEARS RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL SERVICES • Recreation department The mission of the Franklin County Recreation Department is to provide quality public recreation activities and opportunities for the citizens of Franklin County. The department operates Rocky Ford Park in Carnesville, which includes football, baseball and soccer ģelds as well as the Michael Mayģeld Sr. Gymnasium for basketball, volleyball and classes. The oĥce is at Rocky Ford Park in Carnesville. The phone number is 706-384-7275. • 911 Center The Franklin County 911 Center provides communication between citizens and public safety agencies. The Franklin County 911 Center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is responsible for answering emergency and nonemergency calls for service within Franklin County and the cities of Carnesville, Lavonia, Royston, Canon and Franklin Springs. • Senior Center The mission of the Senior Center is to promote and provide, in a comfortable and friendly setting, social, educational, nutritional and recreational programs that will enrich the lives and overall well-being of senior citizens. Services include congregate meals, home-delivered meals, transportation, nutrition programs, exercise classes, blood pressure checks, free legal services, craĨs, bingo and other games and trips. The senior center is at 6885 Highway 145 in Carnesville. The phone number is 706-384-2500. The Franklin County Senior Center oħers a variety of activities and fellowship opportunities for local senior citizens.
Franklin County 2025 23 Restaurants · Hotels · Concessions · Healthcare · Chains · Schools · Country Clubs · Bakeries · Food Carts · Churches · Catering · Daycare · Kiosks · Universities · Resorts · Amateur Chefs REBUILDING OR REMODELING PUBLIC WELCOME: BROWSE OUR SHOWROOM @ MANNINGBROTHERS.COM 210 SANDY CREEK RD., ATHENS, GA OPEN MON.-FRI. 8:30 AM - 5 PM Toll-free: 1-800-554-3004 • 706-549-7088 BROWSE OUR SHOWROOM @ MANNINGBROTHERS COM One-stop shopping for all of your food service needs! With over 30,000 square feet and more than 1 million in inventory, we’re positioned to respond quickly to meet your specic need today. Since 1946 Food Equipment Co., Inc. Over 75 Years of Supplying the Food Service Industry • Extension oĥce The Extension Oĥce’s mission is to extend lifelong learning to Georgia citizens through unbiased, research-based education in agriculture, the environment, communities, youth and families. The oĥce also oversees the Franklin County 4-H program. The extension program is conducted through the University of Georgia. Visit www.caes.uga.edu/extension/franklin/ for more information. • Water department The county water department maintains and reads meters along 261 miles of county water lines, which move 3.6 million gallons of water at any given time to 2,034 customers. The water system is fed by groundwater wells that produce about 900,000 gallons of water each day. The department also installs lines and water mains. The water department maintains the county’s sewer system, which includes a wastewater treatment plant in Carnesville. The plant treats sewage from the county’s system and the city of Carnesville. • Road department The road department is responsible for maintaining 447 miles of county roads – 172 miles of gravel roads and 275 miles of paved roads. Among the services provided are mowing, scraping roads, putting gravel on roads, ģxing potholes with asphalt and cleaning driveway pipes. The Franklin County Extension Oĥce provides the 4-H program, which gives youth a variety of opportunities to learn and compete. One of the competition is livestock judging (leĨ photo).
24 Franklin County 2025 READY TO BUY OR SELL? CALL ME! Royston Animal Hospital 2888 West Main Street, Royston, GA 30662 706.245.6650 www.roystonanimal.com Compassionate, progressive, and comprehensive veterinary care for Large and Small Animals We provide Medical, Surgical, Dental, Boarding and Grooming Services. • Elections and registration The Franklin County Elections and Registration Oĥce registers citizens of Franklin County to vote; ensures that elections are free, impartial, fair, accurate, convenient and accessible to all voters; encourages voter participation; provides customer service to voters, candidates and the media; and helps the public understand and follow all laws, rules and regulations set by federal, state and local laws, as well as the State Election Board. The county elections oĥce conducts all federal, state and county elections and contracts with Franklin County’s ģve cities to conduct their elections. The Franklin County Board of Elections and Registrations collectively serves as the superintendent of elections and the chief registrar for the county. They are appointed and serve two-year terms. Two members are appointed by the Franklin County Democratic Party, two by the Franklin County Republican Party and the ģĨh member and chairman is appointed by the Superior Court Judge. This year, the department will conduct elections for Franklin County’s ģve cities and a special statewide election for Public Service Commission. The phone number to the elections oĥce is 706-384-4390. • Planning and zoning The Planning and Zoning staħ promotes sound development and growth management concepts in accordance with a comprehensive plan for the development and conservation of Franklin County. The county’s development laws are included in its Uniģed Development Code (UDC). The UDC and county zoning map are available at https://www.franklincountyga.gov/ planning-zoning. Applications for rezoning and conditional use permits may be applied for online at https://www. franklincountyga.gov/planning-zoning/pages/checklists-applicationsfees. The Franklin County Planning Commission holds public hearings on applications for rezoning and conditional use permits and makes recommendations to the board of commissioners on what actions to take. The Planning Commission meets the third Thursday of each month. The Franklin County planning director oversees the department and assists the planning commission and board of commissioners during meetings. • Emergency Management Agency Franklin County EMA’s mission is to provide a comprehensive and aggressive all-hazards approach to homeland security initiatives, mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery and special events in order to protect life and property and prevent and/or reduce negative impacts of terrorism and natural disasters in Franklin County.
Franklin County 2025 25 • Building department The Franklin County Building Department is responsible for issuing, maintaining and tracking permits for all new construction, alterations and additions, along with reviewing plans, and inspecting residential and commercial construction. Franklin County Building Inspections enforce the International Building Codes as prescribed by the International Code Council, mandated by the State of Georgia. Inspectors also enforce erosion and sediment controls for new developments. The department is located in the commissioners’ oĥce at 141 Athens St. in Carnesville. The Franklin County Planning Director oversees the building department. • Tax assessors’ oĥce The Board of Tax Assessors, appointed for ģxed terms by county commissioners, is responsible for determining taxability, value and equalization of all assessments within the county. The County Board of Tax Assessors notiģes taxpayers when changes are made to the value of the property; receive and review all appeals ģled; and ensures that the appeal process proceeds properly. In addition, they approve all exemptions claimed by the taxpayer. The oĥce maintains a website where property records can be searched. It can be accessed at http:// qpublic.net/ga/franklin/search.html. The oĥce on the square in Carnesville may be reached at 706-3844896. The board of assessors oversees assessments and holds regular meetings at the assessors’ oĥce on the ģrst and third Wednesdays of each month. • Solid waste The county solid waste and recycling department takes in trash and recyclables at its location at 4542 Harrison Bridge Road in Carnesville Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (closed from noon until 1 p.m.) and Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon. Recycling centers are open at 33 Allen Farm Road in Lavonia and 781 Bowers St. in Royston. The solid waste department is overseen by the county’s public works department. • Emergency Medical Service Franklin County EMS employs full-time employees to respond and render emergency medical care for health crises and transportation to health care facilities. Each shiĨ consists of one paramedic supervisor operating a Quick Response Vehicle located at the Carnesville EMS Station and eight EMS personnel manning four ALS units 24 hours per day, seven days a week. Franklin County EMS consists of four EMS stations located in Carnesville, Franklin Springs, Lavonia and the Double Churches community. ALL ARE WELCOME! 579 Fairview Ave., Hartwell 706-376-4986 www.standrewshartwell.org standrews.episcopal.hartwell@gmail.com The Rev. Reid Hamilton Funeral preplanning will save your loved ones the stress and expense of making important decisions in their time of grief. Call today for more information or to arrange your preplanning consultation, and ensure your final arrangements are carried out according to your wishes. Serving Northeast Georgia since 1975, with many different Traditional, Cremation and Pre-Arrangements options. Strickland Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Hartwell e Family Owned & Operated Funeral Preplanning for Peace of Mind 355 Bear Creek Road, | Lavonia, GA 30553 706-356-1110 | www.stricklandfh.com
26 Franklin County 2025 • Franklin County Fire Service Franklin County citizens have 12 ģre departments that protect homes and businesses and serve during natural disasters. The departments are made up of more than 200 volunteers – ordinary citizens who meet, train and respond to ģres, accidents and disasters – that help their neighbors. The departments are funded by the community through donations and fundraisers, by county and city governments through contracted payments and special purpose local option sales tax funds and through government grants. Each department is equipped with ģretrucks, service trucks and personal protective equipment for ģreģghters. Departments meet weekly for training. The 12 Franklin County Fire Service departments are • Bold Spring Fire Department, at 44 Bold Spring Church Road in Carnesville; • Canon Fire Department, at 199 Depot St. in Canon; • Carnesville Fire Department, at 9265 Lavonia Road in Carnesville; • Double Churches Fire Department, at 4747 Highway 198 in Carnesville; • Five Area Fire Department, at 10 Burroughs Road in Canon; • Franklin Springs Fire Department, at 2525 West Main St. in Franklin Springs; • Gumlog Fire Department, at 4434 Gumlog Road in Lavonia; • Lavonia Fire Department, at 12221 Augusta Road in Lavonia; • Line Fire Department, at 545 Pleasant Hill Circle in Martin; • Red Hill Fire Department, at 13730 Highway 106 in Carnesville; • Royston Fire Department, at 435 Bowers St. in Royston; and • Sandy Cross Fire Department, at 3058 Sandy Cross Road in Royston. Each department has its own service area but works with neighboring departments – in and out of Franklin County – in cases of emergency. The departments also form the Franklin County Volunteer Fireģghters Association. The association provides all Franklin County ģre departments the resources they need while ensuring a safe and secure environment for all through educational development, coordination and hands-on training resources. Twelve volunteer ģre departments serve to protect Franklin County during ģres, aĨer storms and in many other areas. Fireģghters take part in regular training. Emergency services
Franklin County 2025 27 • Law enforcement Professional law enforcement oĥcers representing a variety of state, city and county agencies serve and protect Franklin County 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. Georgia State Patrol Post 52 patrols Franklin, Hart and Elbert counties from its post at 1529 Knox Bridge Crossing Road in Lavonia, just across the Hart County line. The GSP does traĥc enforcement and accident investigation, as well as helping local departments when needed. The Franklin County Sheriħ’s Oĥce patrols the unincorporated parts of Franklin County and also serves as Carnesville’s law enforcement agency. Lavonia has the only law enforcement agency in the Northern Judicial Circuit to be state certiģed. The police department is led by Chief Shane Edmisten. The Royston Police Department is led by Chief Brooks Moorhead and provides police patrols and protection throughout the city. The Canon Police Department patrols Canon and is led by Chief Brad Cook. The Franklin Springs Police Department provides protection for the City of Franklin Springs. Kevin Thompson is chief. Each local department ģles incident reports, investigates crimes and accidents and patrols its designated area. Cases move forward to a variety of courts. Royston, Lavonia, Canon and Franklin Springs each has a municipal court. Depending on the crime and where it was committed, cases are also heard by the Franklin County Probate Court and Magistrate Court and the Northern Judicial Circuit Superior Court. Along with the Franklin County Sheriħ’s Oĥce, (clockwise from top) police departments in Lavonia, Canon, Franklin Springs and Royston help protect Franklin County.
• Canon Canon has an estimated population of 690, according to the Georgia Municipal Association, after an official population of 643 reported by the 2020 U.S. Census. That count was down from 804 in 2010. The city relies on its staff and mayor to run the day-to-day operations of the city. Canon has a mayor and four council members elected at large. Members of the Canon City Council are • Mayor Annie Rice Wallace (term expires 2025), • Dale Garner (term expires 2025), • Cullen Morgan (term expires 2025), • Eli Brown (term expires 2027) and • Bobby Locke (term expires 2027). The mayor and council meet the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Canon City Hall. Canon offers its citizens police protection through the Canon Police Department, led by Chief Brad Cook, and fire protection by the Canon Fire Department. The city also offers water service and garbage pickup. Other services include the city park and a Downtown Development Authority that organizes a variety of events each year. Big events each year in Canon include an Easter egg hunt, Halloween trick-or-treating, a fall festival, a Christmas tree lighting and a Christmas Parade. Holly Elrod is the city clerk. Canon at a glance Mayor: Annie Wallace City Council: Bobby Locke, Cullen Morgan, Dale Garner and Eli Brown Address: 5071 Highway 17 in Canon Phone: 706-245-8155 Web: www.cityofcanon.com Regular meetings: First Monday of month at 6 p.m. Canon City Council members are (top row, from leĨ) Bobby Locke, Cullen Morgan, (bottom row) Dale Garner and Eli Brown. Annie Wallace (right in right photo, swearing in City Judge David Jordan) is mayor. The Canon Christmas Parade is one of the biggest events for the city each year, with citizens and visitors lining the parade route from the city park through town to city hall. Franklin’s ģve cities 28 Franklin County 2025
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