Archives

LOUISBURG -- Louisburg's former fire chief has filed a lawsuit against Louisburg, its mayor and town administrator, arguing he was wrongfully terminated.
Raleigh attorney Taylor C. Rosbrook filed a complaint on behalf of Randy Lanham in Franklin County Superior Court on May 20, alleging, among other things:
• Lanham's Nov. 13 termination was retaliation for his calling out Mayor Christopher Neal and Town Administrator Sean Medlin for not properly acknowledging the passing of long-time fireman and town supervisor, Ray Patterson;

FRANKLINTON -- A day after decorating the graves of more than 700 veterans, American Legion Post 52 held its annual Memorial Day service, recognizing the service and sacrifice of those who gave all.
"We're here," Post 52 Commander Chris Smith said while standing in the center of the Franklinton Veterans Memorial Park, "to honor our fallen and remember their sacrifice for our freedom."

FRANKLINTON -- Without any feedback, town commissioners approved a new spending plan the lowers the tax rate, increases spending, better compensates employees and better positions the town for growth, management said.
"... I'm excited to see what what fiscal year 2025-26 will hold for the town of Franklinton," Town Manager Zach Steffey said during the board's May 20 meeting.
"We have a great team, a great board of commissioners and we're excited to see what we'll accomplish in the next year."

LOUISBURG -- The case against a Youngsville man accused of killing his eight-week-old daughter was expected to be with the jury.
Prosecutors began their case against Ricky Barlow Weese Jr. last week, alleging that he was responsible for abusing the child, which included broken ribs, a broken bone near the ankle and, ultimately, a fractured skull that medical examiners said was the cause of Alexa Weese's death on March 15, 2017 death.

BUNN -- A self-imposed homework assignment essentially turned into a book report that Franklin County's Early College High School principal gave to her graduating class.
Principal Laura Wilson said she picked up the book, "By You," after completing a yearlong professional development program and, quite frankly, nearly cast the book aside.

Evelyn Blackwell Senior Spring Day

With Memorial Day behind us and summer now, unofficially at least, in full swing, there is a lot to talk about this week.
The topics range from recreation to an apparently unpopular decision by the Board of Education about a county budget plan which takes care of a few but leaves unfunded items that local folks believe are important.
For discussion sake, let's start with the Board of Education and its agreement with the county commissioners which slashed the schools' request for capital expense money yet again.

It's not amazing to me that, as I get older, the prescription strength on my spectacles gets stronger as my vision gets poorer.
What has been eye-opening, though, is that as my vision fades, I see things much more clearer than I did before the need for glasses.
While my absolute favorite time of year is spring/summer and when this edition hits the streets, there will be 22 days until Summer 2025 officially kicks off.
But, let's be honest, for most folks, summer begins with the Memorial Day holiday.

Franklin County Schools is proud to introduce "Blueprint 2030," our draft strategic plan to move our district forward over the next five years.
This plan was created over the course of the 2024-25 academic year through engaging a group of vital stakeholders -- parents, staff, students, and community, business and faith-based leaders -- to develop a blueprint for our work as a district to best serve the needs of our students as we prepare them for life beyond the classroom.

Dear editor: Once again it has been proposed to the Franklin County Commissioners to cut Franklin County Schools' capital outlay budget request by 50%. Given their past track record they will most likely vote for that cut. This decision is not only short-sighted, it's fiscally irresponsible and deeply disappointing.
K-12 public education funding in North Carolina is a shared responsibility. The state funds day-to-day operations, while local counties are responsible for maintaining and improving school facilities.

HENDERSON - Claude William Harrison, 88, of Henderson, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Sunday afternoon, May 25, 2025.

Raleigh, NC -- Rachel Darden Hall Stone, a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and lifelong educator, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Monday, May 19, at the age of 97.

Louisburg, NC -- Ruth Tillotson Smith, 87, of Louisburg, passed on May 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family one day before her 88th birthday.

Mrs. Sarah Frances Murray Hagwood, 89, formerly of Franklinton, NC, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

LOUISBURG, NC -- Sarah Copeland Harris Bethune passed away peacefully in Louisburg, North Carolina on May 7, 2025, at the age of 82.

From left, Aubrey Campbell, Allison Sandell and Caitlyn Lister pose for a photo during the Franklin County Early College High School commencement activities on May 22.

American Legion Post 52 Chaplain Todd McPhetridge, left, and Post Commander Chris Smith lay a wreath during the Memorial Day ceremony, remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

This display and festive balloons were a centerpiece of the Franklin County Early College High School graduation last week. More celebrations are planned for the coming weeks and the hope is they serve as the start of the good times, not bad news.