Recent Articles

HENDERSON -- Four crowns and counting -- that's the current story of the tradition-rich Kerr-Vance Academy baseball program.
The Spartans have morphed into one of the area's top high school dynasties -- regardless of sport.
And last May, Kerr-Vance claimed its fourth consecutive North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association Class 1-A State Baseball Championship.

Imagine that in order to get reservations at your favorite restaurant -- one of those posh spots that everyone wants -- you had to eat there every day.
And you'd have to buy several to-go orders.
And, most likely, you'd be forced to eat enough food for 10 people, even if it's just you -- and you're not even hungry.

Kerr-Vance Academy in Henderson recently announced the second quarter and first semester honor roll and headmaster list.

ZEBULON -- The 2022 baseball season is fast approaching, and the Carolina Mudcats are expanding ticket availability with all group options including suites, the Cattails Premium Club, picnics, birthday parties and more all on sale now at www.carolinamudcats.com, at the Five County Stadium office and by calling (919) 269-2287.

FRANKLINTON, NC-- Thomas Junious Harris, age 98, passed away on January 9, 2022. Thomas was born to the late Robert Clarence and Gertrude Dement Harris on April 20, 1923. In addition to his parents, Thomas was predeceased by a son, Robert Arthur Harris; a daughter, Teresa Gail Harris; a grandson, Matthew Thomas Harris; and brothers, H.D. Harris and Ezra "Ray" Harris.

FRANKLINTON, NC-- John Boyce Manning Jr., 33, of Franklinton, died January 5, 2022 in his home. He was born on August 20, 1988, in Edgecombe County to the late John B. and Scarlett Bailey Manning.

LOUISBURG, NC-- Shirley Jenkins Meza, 69, of Louisburg, died Wednesday morning, January 5, 2022 at her home.

John Marshall (Jack) Simmons died January 8, 2022, surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer. Jack was born April 8, 1938 to the late Albert and Agnes Simmons of St. Petersburg, Florida.

FRANKLINTON, NC--Graveside services for Maurice "Mont" Perry, age 58, who died on Monday, January 10, 2022, will be held 12 p.m., Thursday, January 13, from the Cemetery on the Hill in Louisburg.

PILOT, NC - Calvin H.(Havird) Spann, age 106, died January 9, 2022 in Zebulon, N.C. Son of the late Marion Havird and Myra Price Havird, he was born in Batesburg, S.C. in Saluda County. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Darnell P. Spann; infant daughter, Marilyn Christine Spann; sisters, May and Carrie and brothers, Lester, Jordan and Clyde.

LOUISBURG, NC-- Funeral services for Frank Hopkins, age 72, who died on Saturday, January 8, 2022, will be held 2 p.m., Sunday, January 16, from the Richardson Funeral Home Chapel in Louisburg with Dr. Carl Wardrett officiating. Burial will follow at Cemetery on the Hill.

LOUISBURG, NC-- Graveside services for Tracey Wilkins Wright, age 56, who died on Saturday, January 8, 2022, will be held 12 p.m., Friday, January 14, from the Nelson Chapel Church Cemetery in Louisburg.

LOUISBURG, NC-- Funeral services for Eleanor "Lil Bit" Perry Hardy, age 63, who died on Saturday, January 8, 2022, will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, January 15, from the Richardson Funeral Home Chapel in Louisburg. Burial will follow in the Walnut Grove Church Cemetery.

RALEIGH, NC -- Funeral services for Ricky Deshawn Cooks, age 63, formerly of Bronx, NY, who died on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, will be held on 11 a.m., Wednesday, January 12, 2022 from the Richardson Funeral Home Chapel in Louisburg with Rev. Timothy Walker officiating.

FRANKLINTON, NC--Mary Magdalene Jones Rogers, (Boot) of Franklinton, 81, died January 1, 2022 at her home.

YOUNGSVILLE, NC -- Akiah "Kiah" Denise McMillan of Youngsville, 18, died Thursday, December 30, 2021.

LOUISBURG -- Engineers rebid a new 911 center, hoping scaled back plans and a different construction environment would help them meet their budget.
The gamble failed.
On Monday night, designers presented county commissioners with bid results that were slightly higher than the ones they rejected in August.

LOUISBURG -- County commissioners said a proposed radio system upgrade gives them the best of both worlds -- ownership of a system and the ability to tap into statewide operations.
Because of that, the board agreed Monday night to move forward with a nearly $22 million contract with Florida-based Williams Communications to build them an 700/800 MHz digital simulcast trunked radio network.

IT'S 2022! There are many ways to welcome a new year and the folks in Centerville, which hosts the county's only New Year's Day Parade, always showcase a great deal of options. This year was no exception, especially given the beautiful, warm weather that brought out a lot of parade participants and area folks who just wanted to watch and celebrate a new year. Youngsville's Otha Hill, rode on a small tractor that was all decked out with flags and other holiday decorations. Hill also has some very special holiday attire, including a distinctive hat, that he showcases on events like the Centerville parade.

LOUISBURG -- Franklin County staff will be keeping an eye on the supreme court later this week to determine if or how it will abide by a vaccination mandate.
In November, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA] issued its COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard program, stating that employers with more than 100 workers are required to develop, implement and enforce a program for their staff to be fully vaccinated or submit to weekly testing.

YOUNGSVILLE -- Town commissioners approved a reworked development agreement last month that paves the way for an 85-acre, 362-unit residential development along one of the town's busiest corridors.
The new agreement addresses pedestrian traffic concerns, but the development's impact on vehicle traffic remains unchanged from a November attempt at approval.

JC Wright and Greyson Lee wait for Santa Claus

Kayla Abbott attended the Nursing Pinning Ceremony at Liberty University School of Nursing on Dec. 14, 2021. She graduated with her BSN Degree a semester early with a place on the Dean's List. She has accepted a position with WakeMed Health & Hospitals' Pediatric Unit, where she is excited to begin her career. She is preparing to take the NCLEX next month and is scheduled to start with WakeMed in February.

Wow. As this was being written we were just three days into a new year and already it's been eventful.
Unfortunately, it's likely to become even more eventful in coming days, and not in a good way!
On New Year's Day, Donna and I slipped out to Centerville for their annual New Year's Day Parade -- and were pleasantly surprised at the large turnout, not only of folks participating in the parade but also those lined up along the highway to watch it.