The Southwestern Watercolor Society has selected Mount Vernon / Franklin County as the site of its Spring Paint Out March 27-29.

Rusty Rutledge was named the 2008 Man of the Year by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce at their banquet on Saturday, March 21.

Reliable, honest, and compassionate were just a few words used to describe Marilyn Elbert as she was named by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce as their 2008 Woman of the Year at their annual banquet on Saturday, March 21. Mrs. Elbert was joined by her husband, Bobby, and her parents, M. P. and Nolene Long in receiving her award. For more information about Mrs. Elbert, see the March 26 edition of the Optic-Herald.

Charles Cannon was named Agriculturalist of the Year for 2008 by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, March 27. Mr. Cannon was joined by his wife, Peggy, son, Randy, and grandaughter Kellee as he received his award.