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Alright class, we have roughly three more minutes of class, you may go ahead and log off the computers, place your keyboards behind your monitor and be sure to be quiet for the afternoon announcements.
The class does as instructed, the 2:45 p.m. bell rings as I sit in my chair positioned at the door to greet every step as they dismiss, "Have a great day and be sure to smile.''

March 12 changed everything when approaching one of our best softball seasons yet at Franklinton High School.
I have had the privilege of coaching at FHS for four full seasons, and moving into this season, it was OUR year!
We started the season beating some teams we had struggled to compete with in the past and walked off the field the evening of March 12 with a 4-0 record, with only anticipation and drive to continue a streak!

With the coronavirus pandemic overtaking our world, one question has continued to pop into my mind.
Why?
I have so many things that I long to know and they all ultimately come back to the question "Why?"
Why now? Why THIS team? Why in this season? Why not play?

ZEBULON -- The Carolina Mudcats have designed a new web page aimed at helping baseball fans find fun new materials and activities for their children to work on at home.
The new WakeMed Carolina Mudcats Kids Club Activities Page is available now at carolinamudcats.com and includes video tutorials, coloring pages, word searches, crossword puzzles, bingo boards and more.

CASTALIA -- Funeral services for Elias "Lias" Williams, 82, who died Tuesday, April 14, 2020, will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, 2020 from the Richardson Funeral Home Chapel in Louisburg with Rev. John Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Gillfield Church Cemetery.

RALEIGH -- Funeral services for Davion Davis, 17, who died Wednesday, April 8, 2020, will be held at 12 noon Sunday, April 19, 2020 from the Richardson Funeral Home Chapel in Louisburg with Rev. Eddie Crudup officiating. Burial will follow in the Wake Forest Cemetery.

LOUISBURG -- Hazel Burnette Haynes, 84, of Louisburg went to be with her Lord on April 12, 2020. She was born on October 4, 1935 to the late William Busbee and Fannie Morton Burnette. In addition to her parents, Hazel was preceded in death by sisters, Pearl White, Nellie Macrini, and Shirley Denny; and a brother, John Burnette.

RALEIGH -- Wake services for Lucille Williams, 91, who died Thursday, April 9, 2020, will be held from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. Thursday, April 16, 2020 from the Richardson Funeral Home Chapel in Louisburg. Private burial will follow in the Springfield Missionary Baptist Church in Littleton, NC.

LOUISBURG -- Funeral services for Phil Louis Sneed, Sr., 71, who died Saturday, April 11, 2020, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2020 from the Rocky Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Louisburg with Elder Philisa Woods officiating. Burial will follow in the Rocky Chapel Church Cemetery.

WARRENTON -- Graveside services for Sha-Ken Molik "Ken" Mills, age 18, who died Tuesday, April 7, 2020, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2020 at the Haywood Baptist Church Cemetery in Louisburg with Bishop Carl Wardrett officiating.

WARRENTON -- Graveside services for Justin Melik Mills, 19, who died on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2020 at the Haywood Baptist Church Cemetery in Louisburg with Bishop Carl Wardrett officiating.

ZEBULON--Jaquez D. Davis, 20, died April 7, 2020. Funeral services will be 12 Noon, Friday, April 17, at Cemetery on the Hill, Louisburg. Burial will follow at the Cemetery on the Hill.

LOUISBURG -- James "Jimmy" Taylor Boone 68, of Louisburg departed this earthly life on Saturday, April 11, 2020. He was born on February 16, 1952 to the late Edward Eugene and Nell Bennett Boone. In addition to his parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Matt Whitley.

When asked two years ago "Do you want to play college softball?" I would've answered with "No."
I had my mind made up that I would attend nursing school and graduate to pursue a career.
This was before I met Coach Lee and Coach Lippard from Louisburg College at a softball tournament in October of 2017.

LOUISBURG -- This past weekend's enaction of a countywide curfew lacked fluid execution.
But county officials and staff said it should alert residents to how serious they are about mitigating the pandemic.
Across the state, more than 42,900 people have been tested for the coronavirus, with more than 3,400 testing positive in 90 of North Carolina's 100 counties.
There are 17 reported cases in Franklin County.

LOUISBURG -- A team of State Highway Patrolman were piecing together the facts of a fiery, deadly, three-vehicle wreck Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities had not identified the decedents prior to deadline on Wednesday.
Authorities responded to the intersection of U.S. 401 and Flat Rock Church Road at about 4:30 p.m. to find a sport utility vehicle on fire and a passenger car spun around on the side of U.S. 401.

LOUISBURG -- A nursing home confirmed one case of COVID-19 this week, with the prospect that more could be on the way.
Louisburg Nursing Center reported to the Franklin County Health Department that one of the center's residents tested positive for the coronavirus and that several residents are exhibiting symptoms.

LOUISBURG -- Franklin County Schools are literally "taking it day by day" dealing with the multiple challenges facing the district because of the COVID-19 virus.
Although all the schools and buildings are closed, Supt. Rhonda Schuhler said one of the top challenges is continuing to feed students during this difficult time.
At the moment, the district is providing more than 4,000 meals per day to students and school officials are doing their best to keep both meal preparation and delivery as safe as possible for staff, students and families.

LOUISBURG -- The current virus pandemic has even affected the Franklin County Schools' budget request for next year.
The school system, following a unanimous vote by the Board of Education Monday night, will be seeking about $150,000 less than it was planning to ask from county commissioners a month ago.

Past and future Lady Canes Brandy Frazier, Carrigan Ewers

Ah, yes, the smell of disinfectant in the morning.
If the virus doesn't get us, we may all fall victim to chlorine poisoning!
Like a lot of places, our office is locked down and closed to the public -- but because we have employees coming and going, some of us -- mostly Donna and Sherry -- have been spritzing everything that can't get out of their way with a mixture of chlorine bleach and water.

In memory of veteran Times staff member and dedicated "hummer watcher" Asher Johnson, we can report that our first hummingbird was spotted in Mapleville shortly after noon on Monday, April 6. Spring is now officially here!

Martha Hunter has been essential to the Franklin County and Franklinton community for a long time.
So it was no surprise that in this time of duality: Where people are asked to stay home while, at the same time, there is great need, Hunter has stepped up and stepped in to help.