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Hart County Sheriff's Office Cpt. Matt Gulley helps the Lavonia Police Department retrieve a suspect out of the waters of Lake Hartwell in Gumlog following a stolen car chase May 24. Photo courtesy of the Lavonia Police Department.

Hart County Sheriff's Office Cpt. Matt Gulley helps the Lavonia Police Department retrieve a suspect out of the waters of Lake Hartwell in Gumlog following a stolen car chase May 24. Photo courtesy of the Lavonia Police Department.

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Stolen car chase leads to arrest in lake

News Staff
Thursday, May 28, 2026
By Shane ScogginsFranklin County Citizen LeaderA pursuit of a stolen vehicle ended Sunday when the vehicle wrecked on a bridge and a suspect jumped into Lake Hartwell.The suspect, Shawn Mays, 29, of Lavonia, was fished out of the lake and later arrested, press releases from area law enforcement...
Gov. Brian Kemp signed a proclamation May 13 calling the Georgia General Assembly to return to the Capital for a special legislative session to begin June 17 for two election-related issues.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed a proclamation May 13 calling the Georgia General Assembly to return to the Capital for a special legislative session to begin June 17 for two election-related issues.

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Kemp calls special session for redistricting and to resolve QR code voting issue

Ty Tagami – Capitol Beat News Service
Thursday, May 21, 2026
ATLANTA — Georgia lawmakers will return to the state Capitol on June 17 to contend with two election-related issues under an order signed May 13 by Gov. Brian Kemp.The proclamation requires the General Assembly to convene for a special session to consider redrawing legislative districts, pointing...
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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Runoff set for statewide races

News Staff
Thursday, May 21, 2026
By Rose Scogginseditor@thehartwellsun.comand Ty Tygami, Bureau ChiefCapitol Beat News ServiceATLANTA — Georgians who pulled a Democratic ballot Tuesday had a clear preference for governor, giving former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms a commanding early lead over six challengers Tuesday night...
The Franklin-Hart Regional Airport Authority announced last week that the airport has secured more than $4.9 million in state and federal funding for increase its size, rehabilitate runways and build new hangars. Photo courtesy of the Franklin County Citizen Leader.

The Franklin-Hart Regional Airport Authority announced last week that the airport has secured more than $4.9 million in state and federal funding for increase its size, rehabilitate runways and build new hangars. Photo courtesy of the Franklin County Citizen Leader.

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Airport secures nearly $5 million in state, federal funding

News Staff
Thursday, May 14, 2026
By Shane ScogginsFranklin County Citizen LeaderThe Franklin-Hart Regional Airport Authority announced last week that the airport has secured more than $4.9 million in state and federal funding for increase its size, rehabilitate runways and build new hangars.The airport authority will receive...
Gov. Brian Kemp selects a pen to sign tax legislation at the Georgia Capitol in Atlanta on Monday, with wife Marty by his side. House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington, watches to her left. Photo by Ty Tagami.

Gov. Brian Kemp selects a pen to sign tax legislation at the Georgia Capitol in Atlanta on Monday, with wife Marty by his side. House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington, watches to her left. Photo by Ty Tagami.

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Kemp signs legislation to cut income taxes and reduce homeowner property tax increases

Ty Tagami – Capitol Beat News Service
Thursday, May 14, 2026
ATLANTA — Georgia lawmakers started the year with talk of eliminating both the state income tax and the property tax for homeowners.The goal proved elusive, but they did compromise on a scaled-back income tax cut and on legislation to decelerate the rapid increases in local property tax costs for...
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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Kemp trims some proposed spending

Ty Tagami – Capitol Beat News Service
Thursday, May 14, 2026
ATLANTA — State lawmakers passed a budget that was about $1 billion larger than what Gov. Brian Kemp expects Georgia will collect in tax revenue next fiscal year, so he took a scalpel to their spending plan.The fiscal year 2027 budget he signed Tuesday trims $300 million from spending that the...