FRONT PAGE

'Falsified' reports discovered in Burg Fire Department

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 22:08:12 -0500

LOUISBURG -- Town Fire Chief Russell Fuller informed the Town Council that some past transgressions could affect its future fire rating.
During the council's June 4 budget session, officials discussed the prospect of raising the town's fire tax to help cover the purchase of land for a new fire station south of town.
That discussion prompted a question about the state of the department and its upcoming review by the Office of the State Fire Marshal -- whose rating reflects a department's capability and determines what property owners pay for fire insurance premiums.

State's highest honor recognizes Beverly Kegley's stellar service

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 22:08:12 -0500

LOUISBURG -- Beverly Kegley was born upon the soil of Kentucky.
But, last week, she solidified her roots in North Carolina when she received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine -- among the most prestigious awards presented by the governor of North Carolina.
"To be recognized in this way by the State of North Carolina is something I never expected and will treasure for the rest of my life," Kegley said, noting that she never would have gotten this achievement without the support of family and friends who have supported her and her community service.

FHS bullying allegations resurface

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 22:08:12 -0500

LOUISBURG -- Long-simmering allegations of disciplinary problems at Franklinton High School again came to the forefront at a Board of Education meeting when two parents demanded answers and data about the situation at the school.
The requests came from Gary and Jennie Tober -- and their requests were met with stoney silence from the school board which is the usual greeting those using the "public speaks" portion of the meeting receive.

One more volunteer to save historic panel

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 22:08:12 -0500

LOUISBURG -- Earlier this year, the Franklin County commissioners considered disbanding the Franklin County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), but after a large group of citizens attended its April 6 meeting in support of maintaining the HPC, the board gave them 120 days to find seven new members and to develop a plan of action for the future.

Future improvements focus of Louisburg's council

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 22:08:12 -0500

LOUISBURG -- The Louisburg Town Council took at peek at the future -- and decided to endorse one project and then learned more about efforts to improve town economic development efforts.
The council endorsed the Oasis Protect that has been months in development, according to Beverly Kegley, one of the principals.
She, Rev. Chris Fair and Carlos Geyer gave the council an overview of what Oasis is and how it is developing.

FRANKLIN FACE

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 22:08:12 -0500

Shirley Hicks at the most recent Relay for Life

Proposed Louisburg budget will hike property tax 10%

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 22:08:00 -0500

LOUISBURG -- Town management streamlined the town's budget process, presenting the council -- and, ultimately, the public -- with a balanced budget that proposes to raise the tax rate by 5 cents.
When the council met for its second budget session on May 28, the council took on the responsibility of cutting the $1.65 million gap between department head requests and projected revenues.