Recent Articles

Franklinton and Youngsville hosted Christmas parades last Thursday and Saturday, respectively. Franklinton continued its tradition of hosting Franklin County's only nighttime Christmas Parade as more than a hundred floats made their way through downtown Franklinton. Above, a sesquicentennial float made its way along the parade as the town of Youngsville celebrated 150 years of its charter this year.

Upper Marlboro, MD -- Funeral services for Roslynn Perry, age 57, formerly of Louisburg, NC who died on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, will be held on Friday, December 12, at 1 p.m. from the Allen Chapel Baptist Church in Louisburg with Rev. Stanley Dunston, officiating.

Pittsburgh, PA -- Funeral services for Tenielle S. Spruill, age 48, formerly of Louisburg, NC, who died on Thursday, November 27, 2025, were held on Sunday, December 7, at 2 p.m. from the Richardson Funeral Home Chapel in Louisburg.

Rocky Mount, NC -- Viewing for James E. Alston, age 56, who died on Friday, December 5, 2025 will be held on Saturday, December 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Richardson Funeral Home Chapel in Louisburg, NC.

Formerly of Nashville, NC -- Graveside Services for Nelson Lee "Flute" Cooper, age 83, who died on Monday, November 24, 2025, will be held on Saturday, December 13, at 2 p.m. from the Oakland Cemetery in Nashville, NC.

Louisburg, NC -- Funeral services for Patricia Ann Bumpers, age 52, who died on Sunday, December 7, 2025, will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 2 p.m. from the Richardson Funeral Home Chapel in Louisburg.

Doris Roberson Andrews, 83, peacefully slipped into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 4, 2025. She was born in 1942 in Franklin County to the late Vera Joyner and Marion Lee Roberson and grew up as the oldest of five children. In addition to her parents, Doris was preceded in death by her husband of almost 58 years, William G. Andrews, and her sister Detra R Floyd.

LOUISBURG, NC -- Alma Marks Gupton, 85, of Louisburg, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Franklin Oaks Nursing on Monday, December 8, 2025.

FRANKLINTON, NC -- Sammy Dunn, 41, of Franklinton passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 7, 2025.

OFF TO PITT COMMUNITY. Bunn High School's Mely Baez, front, second from left, signs to play softball at Pitt Community College. Joining Baes are, front row, left to right, her mother, Mely Baez, father Javier Baez, and brother, Javi Baez. In the back row, left to right, are Athletic Director Chris Lewis, Assistant Softball Coach Dale Murphy, and Baez's sisters, Emily and Daisy Baez; Head Softball Coach Matt Keith and Principal Tyler Morris.

LAKE ROYALE -- Louisburg police arrested a man who was wanted by Lake Royale police for assault charges.
Police arrested Joseph Bradford Kiker at Maria Parham Franklin on Nov. 27 after authorities in Lake Royale allege he assaulted a woman with whom he had a relationship.

The streets of Franklinton were filled with revelers on Saturday during the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

onny Gamez, Andry Gamez, Mildre Moreno and Fidel Delgado used the colorful Franklinton Middle School as the perfect backdrop for a Christmas-time photo.

Brittney Ocasio takes a picture of Luca and Derek Ocasio with Santa Claus following the lighting of the Franklinton Christmas Tree. The afternoon and evening event featured food and craft vendors and an opportunity for folks to explore a vibrant downtown. That continues this Thursday as the town hosts Franklin County's only nighttime Christmas parade, which begins at 7 p.m. in downtown Franklinton.

NEW BERN -- The first domino fell for local prosecutors looking to close the book on a multi-defendant armed robbery crime spree case.
On Nov. 24, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced that a federal judge sentenced 22-year-old Achontay Malik Cotten to 11 years in federal prison for multiple armed robberies.
"Armed robbers terrorize employees and patrons alike, endangering the community," U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle said in a press release.

GIVE AND GO. The first Louisburg Turkey Trot was a success. Above, organizer Cory Thornton runs with his daughter, Eliza.

BUNN -- Bunn greeted some new faces, and said goodbye to an experienced one on Monday.
Superior Court Judge Craig Croom swore in newly elected and high-vote getter Ebony Hartsfield Thorne as the newest member of the board, along with returning incumbents, Mayor Marsha Strawbridge and Don Mitchell.
The board also said goodbye to long-time Commissioner Sherry Mercer.

Above, Mayor Marsha Strawbridge takes the oath from Special Superior Court Judge Craig Croom.

BUNN -- Town commissioners denied a property owner's petition to join the town, saying it would have been satellite annexation and establish a precedent they don't want to set.
But, they opened the door for a more contiguous expansion if in-between property owners consider joining the town.
Two property owners at 240, 250 and 260 Bunn Elementary School Road petitioned the town for voluntary annexation.

Louisburg College dining hall supervisor Rodney Davis (left) chats with Rob Woodin during the Thanksgiving Community Dinner, held on Thanksgiving Day at the Louisburg College Dining Hall. The event was organized by the Franklin County Interfaith Council. Several organizations and volunteers made this event a huge success, feeding more than 250 people.

Kelly Gould & Savanna Rocco at the Louisburg Turkey Trot

BUNN ­-- Bunn police are looking for suspect who broke into and vandalized a church.
The pastor of World Overcomers Christian Church reported the morning of Nov. 19 that someone broke into the church in the 700 block of Main Street.
Suspects are alleged to have discharged fire extinguishers inside the church, as well as dumped paint on the floor.

LOUISBURG -- Within days of opening the mid-term election filing period, local candidates learned they will be challenged -- including a county commissioner entering the state representative fray.
The filing period for the March 2026 primary began on Monday, featuring races for the sheriff's office, county commission, school board and judge seats, as well as state and federal posts.

LOUISBURG -- A Norlina man was killed this past weekend in a single-vehicle wreck.
Authorities said Daryl Alston, 48, died at the scene after he was ejected from the truck he was driving the evening of Nov. 29.
According to Trooper C.A. Allen, Alston was driving south on Ferrells Bridge Road near Gardenbrook Lane when he ran off the road to the right and hit some mailboxes.

LOUISBURG -- Police arrested a Louisburg woman they allege tried to defraud a local big box store.
According to authorities, Anita Ann O'Neal used receipts from other people to 'return' merchandise to customer service for cash refunds.
The offense date is listed at Nov. 23, and Nov. 28 -- the day authorities issued a warrant for her her arrest was issued. The 51-year-old is next slated to appear in court on Feb. 2.