Archives

LOUISBURG -- The Louisburg Town Council tasked consultants with updating its water shortage response plan -- updating the criteria for what triggers conservation measures to avoid emergencies.
But, the governing board spent more time discussing and adopting new fines and fees for development, figuring out how to deal with an unsafe home, and amending its food stipend for employees who travel for training and educational purposes.

FRANKLINTON -- Air Force veteran, and American Legion Post 52 and Franklinton historian Samuel Brodie Green Sr. had himself a day.
He celebrated his 97th birthday on Saturday, was the keynote speaker at the American Legion Post 52's Veterans Ceremony, and received the key to the city.
"He's quite a treasure," American Legion Post 52 Commander Chris Smith said of Green's military service, his recall and willingness to share his stories.

LOUISBURG -- A speaker provided the Franklin County Board of Education a three-minute "snapshot" of the situation facing an alarming number of vulnerable students Monday night -- and it was not a pretty picture.
Lena Robertson of Franklinton, who is the district's Mckinny Vento liaison, reminded the school board that November is national hunger and homelessness awareness month as well as national youth homelessness awareness month.

LOUISBURG -- Franklin County commissioners helped clear a path that would allow alcohol sales at a property in front of Franklinton Middle School.
The 1 N. Main Street building essentially sits at the southeast corner of Franklinton Middle School and, for years, had been used as office space for the school system.
The county sold the property to Joe Farrell's Franklinton Development LLC in December 2021 and he initially proposed using the three-story building as a performing arts center through a public/private partnership with the town of Franklinton.

Local businessman Glenn Murphy

Franklin County is a fascinating place -- and just when you think you know all of its "secrets," you stumble on something new.
Our latest discovery was last Saturday morning when Donna and I set out to ramble around the county and attend to a few chores.
It turned out that Donna had talked to a subscriber on Friday who said he missed his second-straight week of his Franklin Times, probably because of a post office issue.

If you've been here for a while, you should already know that I take a particular interest in elections -- particularly municipal elections.
Sure, it's easy to get the electorate hot and bothered about even-year elections, particularly every four years.
Those are the big-boy and big-girl elections, when presidents are chosen, congressmen get elected, county commissioners earn their seats and sheriffs take their posts.

Dear editor: For those of you who are still shocked, as I am, by the speed at which American democracy is being dismantled and the nation given over to autocrats, I'd like to offer a few considerations.
One of the most disturbing features of this mad rush over the cliff has been the ease with which many of our friends and neighbors have not only accepted, but positively embraced this new fascism.

Dear editor: There is a saying in acting that there are no small parts. Musical and visual arts and crafts took center stage on our Sunset Avenue last weekend here in Louisburg, binding our community together. You cannot simply think your way into being transformational. You must be a participant and certainly that took place with both artisans and patrons alike in our usually quiet historical neighborhood.

Louisburg, NC --Funeral services for Norman Sills, age 89, who died on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, will be held on Saturday, November 15, at 1 p.m. from the Pilot Missionary Baptist Church in Zebulon, NC with Pastor Stephen Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in the Pilot Missionary Church Cemetery.

Louisburg, NC -- Funeral services for Shonda C. Yarborough, age 51, who died on Saturday, November 8, 2025, will be held on Saturday, November 15, at 11 a.m. from the New Hope Freedom & Deliverance Cathedral in Louisburg, NC with Pastor Warren McKnight, Eulogist. Burial will follow in the Faith Church Cemetery.

A gardener's biggest challenge when planting trees and shrubs in this part of North Carolina is the soil.
Most often, plants suffer from improper soil preparation and planting techniques.
A properly planted tree or shrub will be more tolerant of adverse conditions and require less management than one planted improperly.
Very often I see trees and shrubs planted in compacted soil with a hole just big enough for the plant's root-ball to fit in.

A student from each Franklin County school was saluted by the board of education Monday night after being nominated by their school for best demonstrating the October character traits of self-discipline and self-control.
The honored students were:

LOUISBURG -- The government shutdown forced county staff to scramble for their veterans program, but it gave other folks time to shine -- including Veterans Services Director Brenda Wilkins.
"I've been the Veterans Services Officer now going on 11 years and this is the first time that I've actually had words to say," Wilkins said.
"I don't do much public speaking, but I wanted to do this today," she said.

HENDERSON -- The Oxford-Henderson Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has announced its Jabberwock 2026 interest meeting, scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 16, from 3 until 5 p.m. at Perry Memorial Library, 205 Breckenridge Street, Henderson.
Families of eligible youth are encouraged to attend and learn more about this enriching youth development and scholarship program.
Jabberwock is a longstanding Delta Sigma Theta tradition designed to foster growth, leadership, cultural enrichment, and community service among young ladies.

LOUISBURG -- The Franklin County Library System's staff is inviting the community to celebrate the 50th birthday of the Louisburg Central Library Building with a day of activities and a floating reception on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 3 until 5 p.m.
While the current building has served the community since 1975, the Louisburg Library's roots reach back much further. The library has existed in some form since 1937, first operating from a location on Main Street near the post office and later Justice Street before finding its current home on North Main Street.

LOUISBURG -- The counting of provisional ballots changed election numbers only slightly.
And, heading into Friday's canvass -- which makes the election official -- folks should not expect a challenge in Bunn as Commissioner Sherry Mercer has conceded, and will not request a recount.
Mercer is one vote back from Commissioner Don Mitchell, as he and political newcomer Ebony Hartsfield Thorne secured the two top spots with 58 and 78 votes, respectively.