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LOUISBURG, NC -- Martha Freeman Davis, 88, surrounded by her loving family, peacefully passed away on November 24, 2025 at Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh. Martha was born on October 11, 1937 to the late Numa and Margaret Holden Freeman.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Maple Springs Baptist Church with the Reverend Jason Havens officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends in the church following the committal.

LOUISBURG -- Franklin County is three years into a clinical trial study to mitigate cardiac arrest, and the prognosis is positive, emergency medical services staff and leaders say.
Three years ago, Franklin County and its emergency responders began a trial called RACE CARS, Randomized Cluster Evaluation of Cardiac Arrest Systems.
Essentially, partners focused on three intervention goals:

DURHAM -- Two of Franklin County's finest were recognized for their lives of service, both earning the President's Lifetime Achievement Award.
Educator Wendell Tabb and author, motivational speaker and consultant Tensie Taylor received the President's Lifetime Achievement Award -- the highest honor within the President's Volunteer Service Award program.
The "President's Lifetime Achievement Award" is an honor given through the President's Volunteer Service Award program," explained Dr. Bobbie Richardson, who nominated them both.

FRANKLINTON -- With conditions, Franklinton officials approved a special use permit that will allow Franklin County Schools to better treat young students with mental health issues.
Already, Vine Academy, provides academics, behavior, social and emotional skills to sixth- through 12th-graders through an alternative learning program at their space on the Franklinton Middle School campus.

FRANKLIN COUNTY -- Franklin County residents and visitors will have plenty of chances to ring in the holiday season.
• Franklinton gets things started with its Christmas Tree Lighting & Christmas Market on Saturday, Nov. 29, in front of Franklinton Middle School. It runs from 4-7 p.m.
Then, on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m., the town hosts Franklin County's only nighttime Christmas parade.

LOUISBURG -- Louisburg police are investigating a shooting that left a 16-year-old injured.
Police responded to the shooting incident at about 11 p.m. on Nov. 21 on Ridley Street.
The juvenile sustained a gunshot wound, but his injuries were non-life-threatening.

YOUNGSVILLE -- Commissioners and staff were scheduled to interview two candidates, one of whom could be their next town manager.
Nathan Page announced in September that he would be resigning his post, effective at the start of January.
At the time, Mayor Fonzie Flowers said the board would work, in tandem with Page, to have the town manager post solidified by December.
Commissioners were planning to take part in a special called meeting at noon on Nov. 24 to conduct town manager interviews which came after the deadline for this edition. Full details will be in the Dec. 4 edition.

FRANKLIN COUNTY -- Both the Franklinton and Louisburg ABC stores reported thefts within the past three weeks.
On Oct. 30, the Franklinton ABC store released video footage of a man appearing to steal a bottle of liquor from their store in Franklinton Square Shopping center off U.S. 1.
The footage shows a man, wearing a white t-shirt and vest, apparently putting a bottle of liquor inside a vest pocket and leaving.

LOUISBURG -- Franklin County sheriff's deputies are investigating an apparent break-in at a corner store.
It was not immediately clear what time deputies were notified of the incident, but officers responded to 282 N.C. 56 at the corner of East River Road where a break in was believed to have occurred.

Don't look now, but Turkey Day is upon us!
In just a few hours -- even earlier in some homes where cooks prepare food well in advance -- ovens will be heated up, cooktops filled with pots and pans and everyone will be eagerly awaiting the fun, food and fellowship which comes with one of this country's favorite holidays, Thanksgiving.
It's a time for families to gather together and enjoy the fruits of their labor and continue a long-standing tradition that dates to our more agrarian roots when the feasts of fall followed a bountiful harvest period.

If you're familiar with this column, you probably understand my newfound affinity for disc golf ... and the outdoors ... and park options.
You're probably familiar with my propensity to point out missed opportunities.
I've also developed an apparent begrudging ability to shine a light of recognition where it belongs.
A few months ago, I used this column space to credit Franklin County's Parks and Recreation staff for addressing a resident's public exasperation at the unkempt state of Owens Park.

Dear editor: In his letter to The Times last week, Warren Harris let us know he would vote as his conscience sees fit. This made me wonder, not just about Harris, but anyone who supports Trump, just what exactly is their conscience telling them?
Trump just called for the arrest and execution of six elected Democratic lawmakers after they posted a video telling active duty service members they should refuse to obey illegal, unlawful orders.

EPSOM -- Franklin County officials cut the ribbon on Epsom Park, paying homage to an old community school and creating a new recreational gateway into northern Franklin County.
In 2006, the county tore down the old Epsom School and began making plans to transform the nearly 10-acre property into a park.
It took nearly two decades, but Franklin County officially opened the park to the community with a ceremony on Nov. 21.

LOUISBURG -- The Terrell Lane Middle School volleyball team capped off its undefeated regular season with a MAC-10 Conference Tournament crown.
The Tornadoes were 13-0 in the regular season and picked up wins over conference rivals Cedar Creek Middle School and Bunn Middle School in the Nov. 5 tournament championship at Granville Central Middle School.
The second-seeded Bunn Bulldogs knocked off host Granville Central in three exciting sets to start the action.

Gabriella Lundy makes a pass

Thanksgiving is a time for celebrating, gathering, and -- of course -- enjoying a table full of delicious dishes.
But behind every memorable Thanksgiving meal is a well-prepared kitchen and safe food handling practices.
Before the holiday rush begins, take time to ensure you have the right tools, a smart prep plan and safe temperatures in mind.
Here's how to set yourself up for a smooth and safe Thanksgiving feast.

Traditions are hallmarks of most holidays, but they're particularly prominent during celebrations that fall at the end of the year. The customs people hold dear are among the many factors that set the holiday season apart. It's why we eat turkey when giving thanks or kiss under the mistletoe.
Just because a holiday is associated with various established traditions doesn't mean individuals and families cannot come up with new customs. Here are some pointers for people seeking to establish new holiday traditions.

BBQ in the 'Burg organizer Tim Gupton

FRANKLINTON -- The community continued its holiday spirit, raising a glass, raising spirits and raising money for the Boys and Girls Club, which provides a safe, instructive and nurturing environment for kids in the county.
The Boys and Girls Club of North Central North Carolina opened a unit in Louisburg in the fall of 2006 -- providing after-school structure and fun for thousands of kids over the past nearly 20 years.

LOUISBURG, NC -- Barbara Ann Debnam, 89, passed away on November 22, 2025 at her home in Louisburg. Barbara was born on February 11, 1936 to the late Harold and Elsie Bailey Hudson.

LOUISBURG, NC -- Funeral services for Archie Lee Silver, age 76, who died on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 29 from the Richardson Funeral Home Chapel in Louisburg with Rev. Benjamin Jenkins officiating.

LOUISBURG - Rita Sellers Daniels, 74, of Louisburg, passed away Wednesday afternoon, November 19, 2025.

Roanoke Rapids, NC -- Joyce Evelyn Joyner Hurst, 93, of Roanoke Rapids, NC, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025.