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LOUISBURG -- Interim County Manager Ryan Preble, on Monday, proposed a budget that keeps the tax rate unchanged, increases employee ranks and pay, raises utility rates and proposes to spend $9.2 million more than the current fiscal year.
The school system requested a total of $34.7 million in current and capital expense funding.
Preble proposed $32.5 million -- $30.5 million for current expenses and $2 million for capital outlay.

LOUISBURG -- Franklin County commissioners agreed to Louisburg's asking price for two pieces of property that are critical to their plans to develop its judicial complex.
The $280,000 appraised value is $154,000 more than the tax assessed value -- a proposition for which Commissioner Harry Foy expressed heartburn.
He cast the lone dissenting vote during Monday night's meeting of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners.

YOUNGSVILLE -- Youngsville hosted its big sesquicentennial blowout last Saturday, but celebrating 150 years of history was only part of the fun.
"This isn't just a celebration of time, it's a celebration of people," Mayor Fonzie Flowers said, prior to a fireworks display that capped off a day-long list of activities and festivities that were part of the town's 150-year birthday celebration.
"Today is not only a time to look back, but a time to look around," Flowers said. "It's a time to appreciate those who keep our town thriving."

LOUISBURG -- Franklin County has selected Spencer Pernell as its new Solid Waste Director, replacing Lee Bodenhamer, who is retiring.
Pernell began his Franklin County career on May 21.
"I'm excited to join Franklin County and continue the progress that Lee has been working on," Pernell said.

LOUISBURG -- Franklin County's dog park is getting some shading and more seating after all, county staff said.
The county unveiled its dog park at Pilot Lions Park in March and, immediately, folks who fought for the park lamented a lack of seating and shade -- amenities that were identified in the county's initial plans for the park.

Charmian Payne at Senior Fun Day

It may be difficult to believe but this coming Monday is Memorial Day, a time to pause for a moment and realize what we have -- and the sacrifices that have been made over more than two centuries so we can fire up the grill, chill out and, hopefully, take time to pay tribute to those who made all those sacrifices on our behalf.
So far at least, the only formal services that I know about in Franklin County this year are happening in Franklinton, courtesy of the American Legion and their ever-active Auxiliary.

The passage of time gets trickier and trickier as you get older.
Starting out, it was the little, personal things that helped you do it: Like, the first time your parents let you walk to the bus stop by yourself, or the first time you got to stay up late.
There were also the milestones, like getting out of elementary school or surviving middle school to get to high school.

We're at a crossroads in Northern Wake, Franklin, Vance, Granville and Warren counties, we have been given the option to make a hard decision to toll or U.S. 1 or not.
This isn't just a road -- it's the lifeblood of our communities, connecting hardworking families, small businesses, and visitors to the beating heart of Raleigh.
Tolling U.S. 1 threatens to choke off opportunities, burden our most vulnerable residents, and stall the economic engine that makes our region thrive.

Dear editor:
A Community Aquatic Center will improve community health, safety and economic prosperity. There's no downside.
I am a Franklin County small farmer and business owner with 24 years as a professional scuba instructor and instructor-trainer.
I have spent thousands of hours underwater in pools, lakes, rivers, oceans and on boats with a diverse customer base.

Louisburg, NC -- Funeral services for Frances "Charlene" Pollard Williams, age 68, who died on Thursday, May 15, 2025, will be held on Thursday, May 22, at 1 p.m. at the Louisburg Deliverance Church with Pastor William Jones officiating. Burial will follow in the Cemetery on the Hill.

Franklinton, NC -- Margaret Olivia Woodlief Ragan, 97, of Franklinton, entered Heavenly rest on Saturday afternoon, May 17, 2025.

Enfield, NC -- Funeral services for Mary "Bit" Richardson West, age 89, who died on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, were held Tuesday, May 20, at 2 p.m. at the Ivory Hill Baptist in Enfield with Rev. Thomas Richardson officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Grove Church Cemetery.

RALEIGH, NC -- Memorial services for Terry Turner, age 63, who died on Thursday, May 15, 2025, will be held on Saturday, May 24, at 2 p.m. at the Richardson Funeral Home Chapel in Louisburg.

CHAPEL HILL -- Bunn and Louisburg used solid regular seasons to compete in the NCHSAA 2A Mideast Regionals earlier this month in Chapel Hill.
The Preserve at Jordan Lake hosted the regional event, a course designed by legendary former Tarheel golfer Davis Love III.
Louisburg qualified as a team out of the Northern Lakes Athletic Conference (NLAC). They earned a team berth after finishing second to 3A Carrboro in the regular season, but 1st as the 2A conference representative.

Sweetpotato nutrition is off the charts, making sweetpotatoes a wholesome option for children, adults, diabetics and anyone interested in improving their health.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) lists sweetpotatoes as the healthiest food, and for good reason.
One medium sweetpotato provides about 100 calories, with 2 grams of protein, 25 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of fiber.
Sweetpotatoes provide a balance of nutrients, are absent of saturated fat and cholesterol, and are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber.

In recognition of National Mental Health Awareness Month this May, Maria Parham Franklin and the MPF Behavioral Health team are coming together to raise awareness around mental health, reduce stigma, and foster support for the needs of the local community.
The hospital will host a day of events designed to "Stomp the Stigma" surrounding mental health and encourage individuals to seek help when needed.

A number of Franklin County students were honored by the Board of Education recently for being the best examples of "honesty and integrity" at their respective schools.
The honored students were:

LOUISBURG -- A man accused of shooting three folks in a neighbor dispute is slated to have his day in court this summer.
Todd R. Rogers, who is in state custody, was slated to appear in court on March 3, but an injury prevented him from showing up in Franklin County Superior Court.
Rogers was in court in a wheelchair on April 14, with his attorney, Theresa Pressley, preparing for an Aug. 25 trial date.

LOUISBURG -- A Castalia man who, among other things, led deputies on a tractor chase, avoided more jail time.
As part of a plea reached in Franklin County Superior Court on May 16, Devin R. Brooks, 29, will have to submit to a substance abuse and mental health assessment, perform 50 hours of community service and serve 36 months of probation after pleading guilty and reaching an agreement on three separate crimes -- including breaking and entering to steal his own money back, possession of cocaine and leading deputies on a chase while on a tractor.

LOUISBURG -- Two men charged with killing an elderly woman in a drive-by shooting are next slated to appear in court next month.
A third suspect, Ny'zir Karian Miller-Stevenson, 18, of Warrenton, is also next slated to appear in court on June 5, along with Jaquan Lynch and Donavan Boyd.
Franklin County investigators allege the trio shot and killed Bernice Pender Massenger at her Bert Winston Road home on April 1.
Lynch, 23, of Durham and Boyd, 22, of Warrenton, were both arrested on April 11. Miller-Stevenson was arrested on April 22.

Town Clerk Emily Hurd, front left, leads the town of Youngsville's float during the parade.

Jason Daniels shares his love for a parade with others gathered along Main Street to witness the caravan of fun.

There were plenty of competitions that took place during Youngsville's Sesquicentennial celebration, including pickleball. The tandem of Shelby Cooper and Aubrey Cooper was a tough draw.