FRONT PAGE

County officials fail to defend water request

2026-04-01T22:27:10T

WARRENTON -- In prepared remarks, Franklin County staff said it can't meet development demand, which is why it's asking the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to free up more than 15 million gallons per day of water.
However, when staring down a Warren County Armory Civic Center full of residents who opposed the measure, Franklin County leaders were silent.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hosted a community engagement meeting last week, giving residents, property owners and other interested parties surrounded and served by the lake an opportunity to express their concerns and ask questions.

Louisburg rezoning clears path for senior apartments

2026-04-01T22:27:10T

LOUISBURG -- The Louisburg Town Council approved a rezoning request that helps clear the way for a proposed Senior Living apartment complex adjacent to Shannon Village Shopping Center.
The action came Monday after a two-hour special called meeting that began with a public hearing and quickly spiraled into a debate that included not only the senior apartments but also a proposed townhouse development nearby.

"LOOK MOM, I FOUND IT!"

2026-04-01T22:27:10T

A very happy Leo Ramirez, 3, who was all decked out in a Fire Chief's coat, shows his mother, Kaeli, the golden egg he found Sunday afternoon at Bunn's Easter Egg Hunt. Other egg hunt photos from Youngsville, Bunn and Franklinton appear on Page 12 in this edition. By the way, Leo won a special prize for being one child who found a golden egg.

Six Franklin County men among 16 arrested on child sex charges

2026-04-01T22:27:10T

NASHVILLE -- Sixteen area men -- including six from Franklin County -- allegedly came to Nashville in February, looking to sexually exploit children, but instead found themselves in the long arm of the law.
'Operation Cursed Cupid," a multi-agency collaborative undercover operation spearheaded by the Nashville Police Department involved more than 150 officers and thousands of man hours.

HELPING BATTLE CANCER

2026-04-01T22:27:10T

Kinsley Hockaday, 3, digs deep for a winning door prize ticket at Saturday night's Cancer Survivor's Dinner. Holding the jar of tickets is Danette Cheatham, Relay for Life chair. The Relay for Life fund-raising and spirit-lifting event is slated for April 24 at Franklinton High School's track. More photos of various Relay events will appear later this month in the Relay for Life section

Gun stealing assailant nabbed after long chase

2026-04-01T22:27:10T

LOUISBURG -- A Hollister man is awaiting a court date after leading authorities on a two-county chase after he assaulted a bail bondsman.
Jorge Perez, 29, was charged with a litany of crimes, including going armed to the terror of the public and felony speeding to elude arrest and assault.
According to Louisburg Police Chief Travis Lincoln and court documents, bail bondsman Terrence Reynolds had gone to the Taco Bell/KFC on Bickett Boulevard to apprehend Perez the afternoon of March 26.

THE THIRD 'NO KINGS' RALLY

2026-04-01T22:27:10T

Marchers walk along Bickett Boulevard on Saturday on their way to the county courthouse, many holding signs protesting President's trump of handling the economy, the war in Iran, immigration and a host of other topics. On Saturday crowds estimated at more than eight million gathered across the nation in similar protests.

FRANKLIN FACE

2026-04-01T22:27:10T

Elizabeth Coleman inhabits the Easter spirit