Recent Articles

LOUISBURG -- A Sanford man sentenced by a Franklin County judge to life in prison nearly 10 years ago is set to take part in an evidentiary hearing next week -- part of a process that could lead to an overturning of his conviction as an habitual offender.
A jury in April 2014 found Walter Eugene Spinks guilty of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Dear editor: THE PYRAMID
When you hear the word "pyramid," Egypt immediately comes to mind, and its form implies stability, power and mystery.
For me, the image conveys the essence of our Democracy. Stability originates from the people at the base, while power is relinquished to the Congress, and ultimately the President at the peak.

Louisburg, NC--James Curtis Gupton, 60, of Louisburg, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. He was born on November 13, 1962, to Grace Elizabeth May Gupton and the late Douglas F. Gupton.

Zebulon, NC--Odie Branch Perry Jr., 90, of Zebulon, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023. He was born on September 13, 1932, to the late Odie Branch and Stancey Pearce Perry. In addition to his parents, O.B. was predeceased by his wife, Sylvia Perry; and his brother, Zane Perry.

Knightdale, NC-- Byron Keith Harris, 68, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2023. He was born December 8, 1954, in Franklin County to the late Robert Rudd Harris and Elaine Opal Sykes Harris. He graduated from Frederick Military Academy as a Cadet Lt. Col., and was awarded an academic scholarship to Duke University, where he received a B.S. in Accounting. Byron began his North Carolina state government career with the State Auditor's Office, and then continued in the Governor's Office of State Budget and Management. After 32 years of public service, he retired from the former N.C. Department of Correction, where he oversaw a billion-dollar budget. In 2011, Byron was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine for his significant contributions to the state of North Carolina and its communities, through exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.

LOUISBURG, NC - Mary Louise Turnberg Farmer, 81, of Louisburg, passed away Friday evening at her home.

Warrenton, NC--Funeral services for Minnie H. Manning, age 81, who died on Sunday, April 2, 2023, will be held 2 p.m., Friday, April 7, 2023 from the Mount Bethel Baptist Church in Warrenton with Rev. MacArthur Mills officiating. Burial will follow in the Manning Family Cemetery.

Zebulon, NC--Carolyn Pearce Perry, 82, of Zebulon died Tuesday, April 4, 2023 She was born May 25, 1940 in Franklin County to the late Gideon Russell and Mae Rue Bachelor Pearce.

HENDERSON, NC--Ralph Darnel Wester, 62 of Henderson died at Durham Regional Hospital Tuesday morning, March 28, 2023, after a long-term illness.
He was born and raised in Franklin County.

Wilson, NC--Funeral services for Ester M. Evans, age 84, who died on Friday, March 31, 2023, will be held 12 p.m., Saturday, April 8, from the Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville with Pastor Paul Davis officiating. Burial will follow in the Philadelphia Church Cemetery.

Louisburg, NC--Tray Perry, age 37, died Monday, March 20, 2023. He was born February 19, 1987.

LOUISBURG, NC--Dale Wayne Tharrington, 62, of Louisburg went to be with the Lord March 27, 2023.

LOUISBURG -- For the second time in three years, a Franklin County agriculturalist is a finalist for the state's Small Farmer of the Year award.
For the past decade or so, Julius Griffin has been working about 180 acres along N.C. 39, converting organic offerings into cold-pressed juices and wellness shots.
His main crop is watermelon.

LOUISBURG -- Franklin County sheriff's deputies arrested three people that led them on a short pursuit, resulting in gun and drug charges.
Franklin County authorities charged the driver, Tony Thomas, 18, of Selma with possession of firearm by felon, possession of a stolen firearm, felony flee to elude arrest, resisting a public officer, aggressive driving, no operators license, fail to heed blue lights/siren, following too closely, driving left of center, failure to maintain lane control, fail to stop at stop sign, fail to stop at red light, exceeding posted speed limit, improper passing and failure to wear seatbelt

LOUISBURG -- Two suspects in a Franklin County murder were slated to appear in court this week, but the case was continued until another superior court session.
Franklin County sheriff's deputies arrested Gavin Miller and Dillon Piper on Jan. 29, shortly after investigators allege the duo was responsible for the death of 19-year-old Hamilton Woods Jr.

CHAPEL HILL -- Bunn's Anna Dodson was among the nearly 200 Carolina medical students who matched for their residency programs, signifying the end of their time in medical school and the start of a new chapter in their careers.
But Dodson hasn't always seen herself as a doctor.

LOUISBURG -- Friends, family and Franklin County staff said goodbye to its economic development director during a retirement event that celebrated Richie Duncan's nearly 20 years of service.
Her last official day is March 31.

Franklin County Relay for Life held the Cancer Survivor Drive-through dinner Saturday, March 25, at Maria Parham Franklin, Louisburg. The main Franklin County Relay Event will be 6 - 10 p.m., Friday, April 28, at the Bunn High School football stadium. (Above) Armenta Eaton and Danette Cheatham take a quick break from volunteering.

The Franklin County Arts Council is accepting applications for North Carolina Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program ARPA Funding subgrants through April 15.
This is not the annual Grassroots Grants funds received annually from the State of North Carolina. The North Carolina General Assembly allocated additional American Rescue Plan Act Funding over and above the yearly Grassroots Grant allocation for each NC county for 2023 and 2024.

FRANKLINTON -- The American Legion Post 52 in Franklinton held its annual awards banquet on Saturday, March 11, to honor and recognize Franklin County first responders, community service volunteers, the county Veterans Service director, and their own Legionnaire of the Year.
During the banquet, the American Legion celebrated its 104th birthday as the foremost organization advocating for the American Veteran honoring our nation and being proud of what it stands for.

LOUISBURG -- Louisburg police are investigating allegations of a sexual battery.
The matter was reported to authorities on March 27.
According to Louisburg Police Chief Jason Abbott, the matter involves a six-year-old victim.

LOUISBURG -- A Raleigh woman was charged with driving left of center after causing a head-on collision that sent three people to the hospital, including one via helicopter.
According to the report by Trooper I.H. Alwadei, Alyssa Bunn was driving a Ford Escape south on N.C. 39 near Julie Pearce Road when she ran across the center line the morning of March 24.

Old Mill Printing and Design, 113 N. Main Street, in downtown Louisburg, held their ribbon cutting and grand opening on March 22.
The local chamber, above, was on hand to help with the festivities.
Old Mill is a locally owned and operated family business, providing all types of printing, as well as fax, notary, scanning and email services.

ZEBULON -- Franklin County sheriff's deputies arrested a South Carolina man on fugitive murder charges.
Deputies with the department's Special Operations Group arrested Robert Don Peoples Jr. on March 28, after receiving a request for assistance from the Wake County Sheriff's Office and the State Law Enforcement Division of South Carolina.

LOUISBURG -- Officers with the Louisburg Police Department arrested a man they allege led them on a chase.
Andrea Rogers, 40, was charged with fleeing to elude arrest, reckless and dangerous driving, failing to stop for a steady red light, unsafe passing, failing to maintain lane control and not having an operator's license.