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LOUISBURG -- Architects are getting closer to the point where they can present commissioners with definitive plans for a new judicial complex and administration facility -- having a preliminary price tag of more than $40 million.
It was back in 2019 that Rocky Mount- and Raleigh-based Oakley Collier Architects began evaluating the county's space needs, which revealed the need for new judicial space, as well a new administrative complex.

LOUISBURG -- During a special-called session, Franklin County Commissioners approved a broad set of goals, ranging from bolstering public safety to maintaining and retaining a dedicated workforce to expanding cultural and leisure options.
They also want to do those things while committing to lowering the county's tax rate.

Above, Bailey Lester and Sherry Mercer prepare the pieces for a snowman. About three inches of the white stuff fell across Franklin County over the weekend, enough for snowmen and sledding.

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is still making its presence known in Franklin County -- especially in the county schools.
But there was some good news this week as the number of students experiencing new infections dropped from the 283 recorded last week to 211 new cases this week.
But school staff members aren't faring as well. The number of infected staff members jumped from 53 recorded last week to 66 this week, a 25 percent increase.

LOUISBURG -- Franklin County residents can provide input into the future of the county's emergency medical services.
County commissioners approved $53,000 to hire the Center for Public Safety Management to assess the program and develop recommendations for the future.
The consulting firm -- staffed by former and current EMS practitioners -- have distributed a survey to gauge public input on the program.

LOUISBURG -- A stalwart Youngsville businessman and founder of Thales Academy in Wake County has bought property in Franklin County.
According to Franklin County's Register of Deeds, on Dec. 15, Thales Academy bought 15 acres at the southwest corner of U.S. 401 and Flat Rock Church Road for $1,050,000, according to the excise stamp.

Will Burton, his sons Zach Brame and Riley Burton, far right, dog Stark and John Seibel

At the risk of over-celebrating small victories, I just managed to type 2022 correctly -- and since we're less than a month into this new year, I'm going to consider that a victory.
That said, here's a prediction about one topic that likely will be center stage for most of this new year -- disputes over land use, zoning and special exemption permits that, if you read last week's edition, are becoming regular features at local government meetings.

It wasn't so much a request for a resolution, but, in January 2019, animal advocates showed up at a meeting of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, asking for changes.
They asked the county to dedicate more staff, more resources and more adoption efforts at its animal shelter, all in an effort to bolster adoptions and cut down or eliminate the need for euthanasia.

Dear editor:
I was fortunate enough to view the highlights of the speech that President Biden delivered in Atlanta promoting a federal takeover of our elections. Never mind that this measure would be unconstitutional.

Dear editor:
"Nearly half (48 percent) of Democratic voters think federal and state governments should be able to fine or imprison individuals who publicly question the efficacy of the existing COVID-19 vaccines on social media, television, radio, or in online or digital publications.

FRANKLINTON, NC--John Frederick Townsend, 81, of Franklinton, died January 24, 2022. He was born on July 21, 1940, in Dutchess County, New York to the late Theodore and Elfriede Kluge Townsend. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his wife, Annie Williamson Townsend.

LOUISBURG, NC-- Graveside services for Lamar Hicks, age 29, who died on Saturday, January 22, 2022, will be held 12 p.m., Monday, January 31, 2022 from the Mary Helen Jones Cemetery in Louisburg with Rev. Jacqueline Wood officiating.

LOUISBURG, NC--Robert Wowkanyn, 74 , of Louisburg died Monday, January 17, 2022. He was born on July 4, 1947 to the late Harry Donald and Rose Polewczak Wowkanyn. In addition to his parents, Robert was predeceased by a brother, Ronald Wowkanyn.

LOUISBURG, NC--Vallerie Cursi, 69, of Louisburg died Saturday, January 22, 2022 . She was born on February 17, 1952 to the late Arthur and Lucy Fenandes Mesce. In addition to her parents, Vallerie was predeceased by her husband, Robert Wowkanyn.

RED OAK -- Given the way their initial meeting of the season went, Northern Nash and Bunn were destined to once again go down to the wire Tuesday in Big East Conference girls basketball action.
Earlier in the year, Bunn built a substantial lead over the Knights, only to see Northern Nash rally in the closing minutes before falling just short.

RED OAK -- After his club's slow start to the season, Northern Nash boys basketball coach Henry Drake has pushed all the right buttons to bring his Fighting Knights back into contention in the always-tough Big East Conference.
Northern Nash started with a 1-4 record -- albeit with two of those losses coming to state powerhouse Farmville Central -- before finding its groove.

LOUISBURG -- Louisburg College boasts a rich tradition of sending baseball standouts on to four-year schools -- and the Hurricanes got a jump on this year's class during the recent National Signing Day.
That's when a trio of current Hurricanes signed deals to join four-year, Division I programs as part of a ceremony at the Billy Godwin Clubhouse at historic Frazier Field on the LC campus.

FRANKLIN COUNTY -- Henry Bibby is in.
Finally.
After years of waiting, Franklinton legend Henry Bibby has earned a well-deserved spot in the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.
Bibby, who has been on the nomination list for at least 15 years, will be inducted into the prestigious HOF as part of the 2022 Class on April 22 at the Raleigh Convention Center.

Bunn High School's Jay'von Perry (with ball) drives toward the basket for the Wildcats during Tuesday's road defeat at Northern Nash in Big East Conference boys basketball action.

CROCHET TIME! Senior center members were treated to a crochet class at the Louisburg Senior Center. Above, instructor Pattie Collins shows off her hand-made scarf to the class. Over the next few weeks the class will be learning how to make their own.

Tammie Piper (left) and Cindy Jones pose for a selfie near the Franklin County Library's newest bookmobile, "Franklin Voyager."

Nidina Pee poses just outside the bookmobile.

Tax laws are complicated but the most common tax return errors are surprising simple. Many mistakes can be avoided by filing electronically. Tax software does the math, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information. It can also help taxpayers claim valuable credits and deductions.
Using a reputable tax preparer - including certified public accountants, enrolled agents or other knowledgeable tax professionals - can also help avoid errors.

Taxpayers have two options when completing a tax return, take the standard deduction or itemize their deductions. Most taxpayers use the option that gives them the lowest overall tax.
Due to all the tax law changes in the recent years, including increases to the standard deduction, people who itemized in the past might want to switch to the standard deduction.

Tax season isn't something most people look forward to, particularly if they suspect they owe money. However, a few tax prep tips can make the process of filing a return and, if necessary, paying back taxes as pain-free as possible.
1. Call your tax preparer early. If you use an accountant or another tax preparer, be sure to book the appointment as soon as possible because slots fill up quickly.

LOUISBURG -- Local agencies combined to arrest a Franklin County man on child sex charges.
Alexander Christopher Swearingen, 29, of Louisburg, was arrested Jan. 20 and charged with three counts of second degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
Charges stemmed from an extensive investigation conducted by the Franklin County Sheriffs Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the State Bureau of Investigations Computer Crimes Unit.

YOUNGSVILLE -- Against the objections of nearly a dozen residents, commissioners unanimously approved a development agreement on Jan. 13 that would bring nearly 300 new residential dwellings along a budding town corridor.
Youngsville and Franklinton residents David G. Harney and Steven D. Hayes, company officials with Fleming LLC, intend to build 127 single family homes and 164 town homes at the northwest corner of Bert Winston and Fleming roads.

It's not often that an employee chalks up 50 years of service to an employer but Charlie Dowtin of Spring Hope did just that ... and more. In this photo Dowtin (left) received a plaque from B.B. Pruitt for 54 years of "dedicated service" with Pruitt Lumber Co. of Louisburg. Dowtin was hired as the planer mill foreman in April of 1968 and had previous work history with Mitchell Lumber Co. and Edwards Millwork Co., both in Spring Hope.