Recent Articles

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Shirley Hicks at the most recent Relay for Life

Slipped out of the office for a couple of days last week -- and driving past Falls Lake a couple of times was a real eye-opener.
Anyone who gardens, has a lawn, grows flowers or just spends a little time outside knows that it is dry out there.
In fact, those who keep such records say that this year's rainfall since January is at least a foot below normal.
Hopefully, by the time you are reading this -- and if the weather prognosticators are at least partially correct -- we'll have gotten a bit of much-needed rain.

A few weeks ago, I wrote a column about a recent, testy Franklin County Board of Commissioners meeting where the prospect of removal arose.
I also noted that something similar happened in 2023.
My takeaway was that it was weird that government meetings could elicit such passions.
But, then again, I'm not surprised.

Transparency in local government is not merely a democratic ideal; it is the bedrock of fiscal responsibility.
Having recently attended the Louisburg Town Council special meeting regarding the 2026-2027 budget, I found myself compelled to share my findings. With a 32-year Naval career -- including serving as Commanding Officer of a floating city -- and over 20 years of experience in high-level budget analysis and review, I do not make these observations lightly.

Dear editor: During the June 1st commissioner's meeting, Vice Chair Michael Shriver requested the Finance Manager provide a comprehensive overview of the budget amendment to ensure transparency.
After discussing general accounting adjustments, an unmentioned budget item was a $70,000 allocation for additional legal and professional fees.

Wyatt Pearce, a senior at Millbrook High School, signs a scholarship grant in aid with East Carolina University where he plans to run track next year. In his four years running track and cross county at Millbrook, Wyatt holds several school and conference records, has garnered all tournament, all region and all state honors, was named conference runner of the year and has won a state championship. Shown here at the signing (above) are (left to right) his sister Alice Jane, mom Kelly, Wyatt, his dad Jason, and his sister, Lucy.

Thirteen Franklin County students were honored by the county Board of Education Monday night for exemplifying "courage and determination" last month.
Honored students were:
•De'Marco Alston, a Bunn High School senior.
•Analy Francisco Ramirez, a Franklinton Elementary third grader.

Franklin County Home Builder's Association recently held their Parade of Homes kick-off celebration in Franklinton. During the event, they signed up over 25 entries in the Parade of Homes event to be held later in the year. The large crowd enjoyed food and fellowship, and a cook-off competition was held. Pictured above are Home Builder's board members, left to right: Dan Tingen, Sharon Andrews, Juana Martinez, Becky Abplanalp, Steven Hayes, Gerald Lloyd, Dave Harney, Dan Cunningham, Carrie Gilliam, Kelly Dickerson, Matt Cyrus, and Michael Keith.

FRANKLINTON -- Joe Cutchins, whose father had a key role in a former heavyweight champion's life and death, recognized John Arthur "Jack" Johnson this week.
He placed a wreath on "the pole," the site of the fatal crash on June 10, 1946 just south of Franklinton, on US 1-A, that claimed Johnson's life.
Johnson was boxing's first black world heavyweight champion.

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.

SIMS, NC -- William Albert "Bill" Pendergraft Sr., 74, of Sims, died Thursday evening, June 4, 2026 at WakeMed.

Nashville, NC -- Funeral services for Sonnie Lee Whitehead, age 80, who died on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, will be held Saturday, June 13, at 3 p.m. from the Union Hill Baptist Church, Nashville, NC.

HOLLISTER - Annora Yvonne Lynch Hedgepeth, 74, died on June 8, 2026.

FRANKLINTON, NC -- Callie Ann Wheeler, passed away peacefully at Duke University Medical Center on May 16, 2026 while surrounded by her family. Callie was born on January 9, 2026 to John Cary Wheeler and Kortni Michelle Woody. Callie was preceded in death by Peter Wheeler, James Daughtery, and James Turnage.

LOUISBURG, NC -- Mary Duke Patterson Radford, 90, died May 29, 2026 at Rocky Mount Rehab in NC. Mary was born on September 2, 1935 to the late William and Bessie Belle Roberson Patterson.

LOUISBURG, NC -- Brenda Denton Wrenn died Sunday, June 7, 2026 at Maria Parham Hospital.

Hollister, NC -- Funeral services for Lizzie Richardson Burgess, age 103, who died on Friday, June 5, 2026, will be held on Friday, June 12, at 2 p.m. from the Pine Chapel Baptist Church in Hollister, NC with Rev. Thomas Richardson, officiating. Burial will follow in the Lynch Cemetery.

Enfield, NC -- Funeral services for Regina S. Fisher, age 91, who died on Thursday, June 3, 2026, will be held Saturday, June 13, at 11 a.m. from the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Hollister, NC. Burial will follow in the Silver Hill Cemetery.