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Showing 55 articles from April 23, 2014.

FRONT PAGE

Courthouse remodel project out for bids; details not revealed

LOUISBURG — Franklin County commissioners agreed to the next step in a process that would bolster the courthouse.
The venerable Franklin County Courthouse has been plagued by a leaky roof, which has created collateral damage, including ceiling and wall damage.
Once the county began plans to renovate the county jail, which had similar problems, officials and staff solicited the same architect — Surapon Sujjavanich — to explore repairs to the courthouse.


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Selma man facing charges involving juvenile girl, drugs

BUNN — A Selma man was jailed on sexual exploitation, drug and other charges after leading deputies on a chase last week.
By the time officers took Gilbert Vega into custody, they had charged him with two counts of statutory rape, two counts of indecent liberties with a minor, possession of marijuana, driving while impaired, aggressive driving,


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<i>Camping platform created</i>
Workmen craft a camping platform along the Tar River near Bunn
Camping platform created

BUNN — With the aid of volunteers, the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation is wrapping up work on a camping platform that’s part of a 170-mile blue trail.
When completed, the Tar-Pamlico River Blue Trail will run for 170 miles, starting at Wilton Slopes Park near Oxford, and ending at Blounts Bay Boy Scout Camp on the Pamlico River near Washington.


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Officials decide ‘political concerns’ not to be aired at a public meeting

LOUISBURG — County commissioners shut off a woman who took a commissioner to task over politics during their Monday night meeting.
But, they didn’t shut her up.
Youngsville resident Christine Washington told the board that she had an issue with a letter and sample ballot sent out by the Franklin County Political Action Committee, led by County Commission Chair Sidney Dunston.


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A ‘berry-good’ festival!

It’s spring -- and in Franklin County that gets people thinking about strawberries.
To highlight that thought, the annual Franklin County Strawberry Festival has been scheduled for Friday, May 9.
The event runs from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Franklin County Farmers’ Market in Shannon Village Shopping Center, Louisburg.


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Franklin Face
Franklin Face

County legend Newell Pender


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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Editorial Cartoon: Common Ground
Editorial Cartoon: Common Ground

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When is a ‘little’ poison in your water too much?
When is a ‘little’ poison in your water too much?

There are two ways of understanding a recent report on the effects of coal ash in Kerr Lake, depending on whether you’re the eternal optimist or, like me, a bit of a pessimist. (Okay, I’m a cynic who usually expects the worst and is seldom disappointed.)
The report from the state’s environmental regulatory agency says that the results from sediment samples taken from Kerr Lake are below screening levels concerning human health.


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Dan River coal ash spill; your choice, your water

The facts about the Dan River coal ash spill by Duke Energy keep seeping out, unfortunately at a much slower rate than the utility’s storage pond spewed pollution into a river that provides drinking water for much of southern Franklin County.
But the damage is done — and now we have to find ways to mitigate its effects because a total cleanup is impossible.


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Not a “hole” lot of progress made with new county park
Not a “hole” lot of progress made with new county park

A few weeks ago, we had what I believe was the first caught fish photo op of the season.
You know the picture, right?
Either a proud man or woman strikes a pose with their prized catch.
Sometimes, the sports person even has a colorful nickname, like the Fisher King, Bass Man, Hooker Line & Sinker, or something.


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<i>Ex-Duke Energy employees common on McCrory’s team</i>
Ex-Duke Energy employees common on McCrory’s team

Last week, North Carolina’s de jure Republican Governor Pat McCrory announced he will ask the North Carolina General Assembly to give him statutory authority to regulate coal ash disposal from Duke Energy’s 33 storage sites, including the Dan River facility which began leaking into the Dan River on Super Bowl Sunday.
When I first saw the report, I thought it was the work of a parody news site.


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<i>Tough question: Is it time to move on?</i>
Tough question: Is it time to move on?

There are consequences to standing at the tip of the spear in any battle, and there are also casualties. You must being willing to fall if you stand for anything.
It is better to go off the field with honor, carried by warriors on your shield, than to cower behind it, letting others suffer the slings and arrows.


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‘Good ole boys’ trying to control election

Dear editor:
I am writing this letter out of complete disgust over the present election.
First, let me make it clear, this is not intended to be for or against any candidate or party or race. I am not a Democrat, Republican, Tea Party Patriot or a racist. I love my country, county and state.


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Unfortunate ‘leak’ timing

Dear editor:
In response to Carey Johnson’s news article “Year-old allegations surface: just ‘politics’?” on April 17, I think it’s unfortunate to have a story like this “leaked” at this point in the campaign.


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Editorial Cartoon: Checks
Editorial Cartoon: Checks

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OBITUARIES

JESSIE THOMAS

LOUISBURG - Funeral services for Jessie Thomas, 88, who died Tuesday, April 22, 2014, will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 11 a.m. at Perry’s Missionary Baptist Church, with the Rev. Thomas Richardson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.


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LEROY TISDALE

LOUISBURG - Funeral services for Leroy Tisdale, 51, who died Sunday, April 20, 2014, will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Mitchell Baptist Church, with the Rev. Dan Lilly officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.


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MYRNA S. AYSCUE

HENDERSON - Myrna Schuster Ayscue, 57, of Franklinton, died Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at her home. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 25, at 2 p.m. at Flowers Funeral Chapel, conducted by the Rev. David Barnett. Burial will follow in Sunset Gardens.


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WILMA W. BLACKBURN

LOUISBURG - Wilma Winifred (Wolff) Blackburn, 90, died Friday, April 18, 2014 at Louisburg Nursing Center. She was born the daughter of the late Elmer and Myrtle Coons Wolff and was the widow of Jason Albert Blackburn.


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SPORTS

Diamond Race On In The NCC
BIG CUT. Bunn’s Nicholas Sanders takes a powerful swing for the Wildcats during Tuesday’s evening’s road baseball victory against rival Franklinton.
Diamond Race On In The NCC

FRANKLINTON -- Heading down the stretch, the Northern Carolina Conference baseball standings show a three-team race between South Granville, Roanoke Rapids -- and the Bunn Wildcats.
Bunn, coached by Chris Cullom, has dropped just one NCC game to date -- a streak that continued Tuesday on the road against backyard rival Franklinton High School.


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PREP WORK FOR LC
STRAIGHT UP. Louisburg College’s Logan Mummert fouls off a pitch for the Hurricanes during last Friday’s home diamond doubleheader against Region X foe University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie at Frazier Field.
PREP WORK FOR LC

LOUISBURG -- Last weekend offered one final series tune-up for the Louisburg College Hurricanes in preparation for the upcoming Region X Baseball Tournament.
It was an opportunity the Hurricanes weren’t about to squander as they secured three of four victories against the University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie as part of league doubleheaders that were played last Friday and Saturday at Frazier Field.


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Region X tourney is targeted
Region X tourney is targeted

LOUISBURG -- With only five teams in town, Louisburg College softball coach Don Stopa thinks it’s anybody’s game at the Region X Softball Tournament.
The event will begin Friday morning and run through Sunday at Sheilah R. Cotten Field on the LC campus. Tickets will be available at the gate.


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DAVIS DELIVERS
FULL EXTENSION. Bunn’s Erica Davis sends an offering toward home plate during Tuesday night’s road triumph against softball rival Franklinton.
DAVIS DELIVERS

FRANKLINTON -- Bunn still has the luxury of its two-pronged softball pitching arsenal, but sophomore Erica Davis appears to have taken over the role as the Ladycats’ ace.
Davis did nothing to disrupt that notion on Tuesday as she tossed a no-hitter as BHS remained in a tie atop the Northern Carolina Conference standings following an 11-0 road victory against backyard rival Franklinton.


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Rawls, Mullins saluted by LC
Rawls, Mullins saluted by LC

LOUISBURG -- Louisburg College held its annual Awards Day last Tuesday, and a host of students were honored for their various accomplishments through the fall 2013 and spring 2014 semesters.
LC Director of Athletics Mike Holloman honored two Hurricanes as Female and Male Student Athletes of the Year, with Kiara Rawls and Cedric Mullins taking home the hardware.


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Rams Quickly Rebuild
Rams Quickly Rebuild

FRANKLINTON -- Coming into the season, veteran coach Nathan Moreschi didn’t know what to expect from his youthful Franklinton Red Rams in the competitive Northern Carolina Conference boys tennis standings.
Franklinton, with no seniors in its starting lineup, exceeded its coach’s expectations by winning six league matches, which was good enough for fifth place in the NCC.


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Louisburg clinches conference net crown
Louisburg clinches conference net crown

LOUISBURG -- Louisburg’s Warriors are the Tar-Roanoke Athletic Conference boys tennis champions after finishing off a season sweep against Southeast Halifax.
In the most recent contest, Louisburg rolled 8-1 over the Trojans to wrap up the TRAC title -- and earn a spot in the Class 1-A State Playoffs.


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Bolton wins for Pirates
Bolton wins for Pirates

GREENVILLE -- Former Louisburg College standout Zach Houchins belted his second home run of the season, while East Carolina University hurlers Tyler Bolton (a Louisburg native) and Ryan Williams allowed one run in a 5-1 series win in game two of last Friday’s diamond doubleheader against Middle Tennessee at Lewis Field inside Clark-LeClair Stadium.


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Mudcats split a home twinbill vs. Frederick
Mudcats split a home twinbill vs. Frederick

ZEBULON -- The Carolina Mudcats split a doubleheader with the Frederick Keys on Monday night at Five County Stadium in a Class A Carolina League baseball event.
The Keys (8-10) edged out a 4-3 win in game one before the Mudcats (10-8) received a sterling effort from Ryan Merritt to win game two, 2-1.


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Wild week for Wildcats

BUNN -- Bunn High School experienced an unbelievable range of emotions in a 48-hour span last week on the baseball diamond.
Last Wednesday, the Wildcats saw West Johnston score four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to swipe away the championship in the Johnston County Easter Invitational Tournament in Four Oaks.


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LC gridiron sked released
LC gridiron sked released

LOUISBURG -- Louisburg College’s 2014 football season will begin Aug. 30 with a home game against Jireh Prep Academy from Charlotte.
Sites for LC’s home outings have yet to be finalized. The Hurricanes will play at home five times and be on the road for four games under veteran head coach John Sala.


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LCC The Pick This Time
LCC The Pick This Time

LOUISBURG -- In the strangest of ironies, Jack Edgerton helped arrange a visit to the Lenoir Community College campus for former Wake Forest High School basketball standout Jerrod Walker.
Back in the day, Edgerton drove Mo Walker -- Jerrod’s father -- to LCC for a visit with long-time Lancers’ hoops coach Bobby Dawson.


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Louisburg wins versus USC-S

ALLENDALE, S.C. -- The Louisburg College Lady Canes softball team picked up a much needed conference win, Friday afternoon, as they knocked off the Indians of USC Salkehatchie, 5-2.
But as they got off to 6-1 start in game two, rain shut down the Lady Canes, and the game, in the third inning.


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A FIRST FOR EVERYTHING
A FIRST FOR EVERYTHING

Competing in its first-ever tournament, the Franklin County Royal Knights Middle School Girls Basketball Team nabbed second place at the United States Basketball Association Youth Sports Athletics League On The Court Classic, which was held recently in Durham. The Royal Knights went 2-2 overall at the event.


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HOMER HEROICS
HOMER HEROICS

Bunn’s Stephanie Williams (right) slides home to complete an inside-the-park home run as FHS catcher Jala Perry tries to retrieve the throw.


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LUCKY 13 FOR THE ROYAL KNIGHTS
LUCKY 13 FOR THE ROYAL KNIGHTS

The Franklin County Royal Knights 8th-Grade Basketball Team pushed its winning streak to 13 by claiming the championship recently at the Team Jefferson Adidas Classic Championship, which was held in Martinsburg, W.V. Coaches for the squad are Stanley Yarborough, Dave Burnham and Ricky Person.


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SHUMATE IS SAFE
SHUMATE IS SAFE

Louisburg College’s Kory Shumate (6) makes his way to second base during last Friday’s games.


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SPENCER SCORES
SPENCER SCORES

Bunn’s Spencer Brickhouse comes across for another run for the Wildcats against Franklinton.


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STRONG IN SECOND
STRONG IN SECOND

The Franklin County Royal Knights 6th-Grade Basketball Team earned the second spot at the United States Basketball Association Youth Sports Athletics League On The Court Classic, which was held recently in Durham The Royal Knights went 3-1 overall.


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SUMMER TIME
SUMMER TIME

Summer Jacobs sends a pitch toward home plate for the Franklinton Lady Rams their during conference matchup on Tuesday against rival Bunn.


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TAKING ONE FOR THE TEAM
TAKING ONE FOR THE TEAM

Louisburg College batter Markel Jones is hit by a pitch during his club’s home doubleheader last Friday against the University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie.


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THOMAS TAKES CHARGE
THOMAS TAKES CHARGE

Thomas Dean (right) was effective for Bunn during Tuesday’s triumph at Franklinton HS.


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LIFESTYLES

<i>Wedding ceremony unites couple with local ties</i>
Wedding ceremony unites couple with local ties

Sara Fathi-Nejad and Brandon S. Atwater recently exchanged wedding vows in Cabrera, Dominican Republic.
About 50 family members and friends of the couple shared in the celebration.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abdollah Fathi-Nejad. The groom is the son of Dr. Marcella Massenburg Atwater of Durham and the late Oliver E. Atwater.


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<i>Two public concerts planned by Northeast Piedmont Chorale</i>
Two public concerts planned by Northeast Piedmont Chorale

The Northeast Piedmont Chorale will present two public concerts during the first weekend in May. The first concert will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at Louisburg Baptist Church, 302 N. Main St., Louisburg.
The second concert will be 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4 at First Presbyterian Church, 222 Young St., Henderson.
The Chorale is directed by Sue Crocker from Wake Forest and accompanied by Alan Davis of Louisburg.


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<i>Ralph retires!</i>
Ralph retires!

HE’S RETIRED!. Ralph Davis, who has worked as a salesman at Rustic Building Supply for the past 29 years has retired effective March 27. To mark his retirement, he was given a surprise party by fellow employees, complete with food and balloons. Davis previously worked at Murphy’s Grocery for 12 years then H.C. Taylor Hardware and Furniture for 12 years before coming to work at rustic in 1985.


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SENIOR CITIZENS CALENDAR OF EVENTS (April 28-May 2)

LOUISBURG SENIOR CENTER
Telephone: 496-1131 • Meals Daily: 11:30 a.m.
* Exercise Room: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon. - Fri.*
*Billiards: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.*


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SCHOOLS/EDUCATION

LHS band to perform turn-of-century concert

The residents of Louisburg and surrounding areas will be serenaded at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 26, when the Louisburg High School Band program, under the direction of veteran conductor Brian D. Miller, performs the 19th annual “Turn Of The Century” concert in historic downtown Louisburg.
Louisburg will have bleachers set up on Main Street in front of the courthouse blocked off for the event, and residents are welcome to bring lawn chairs if they prefer.


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COMMUNITY NEWS

’77 grad returns as L C’s commencement speaker
’77 grad returns as L C’s commencement speaker

Louisburg College has announced that Dr. Randy Bridges, a 1977 graduate of the college and who was most recently interim superintendent of Franklin County schools, will deliver this year’s commencement address 5 p.m. Friday, May 2, in the Frances Boyette Dickson Auditorium of the Seby B. Jones Performing Arts Center (JPAC).
Bridges served for two years as the superintendent of the Stafford County Public Schools in Stafford, Va., and was the first African American to hold that position in the county.


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EAGER EASTER PARTICIPANTS
EAGER EASTER PARTICIPANTS

The Miracle League of Franklin County held an Easter Egg Hunt for children with special needs at the Long Mill Elementary School gym on April 19. Above, Miracle League baller Laci Wade, center, is surrounded by Miracle League Divas, from left Rachel Kennedy, Meagan King, Tiffany Hicks and Megan Arnold.


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Early voting is underway

LOUISBURG — Early voting for the primary begins today.
Elections staff prepared to open four early voting sites on April 24.
This early voting period, though, is a bit of give and take.
While there will be a new location, the Bunn Library, the early voting period is two weeks, compared to the usual three.


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Louisburg joins demands for Dan River cleanup

Topics ranging from water pollution to bad debt collection to support for a Louisburg College entity kept the Louisburg Council busy for a little over a half hour Monday night.
Up first was unanimous passage of a resolution supporting remediation of coal ash waste in the Dan River basin.
Although the town draws its water from the Tar River, which was unaffected by the spill of coal ash into the Dan River, the town supported clean up efforts there as part of a resolution presented by the Kerr Tar Council of Governments.


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Two Democrats in running for district attorney: Cindy Pulley Bostic
Two Democrats in running for district attorney: Cindy Pulley Bostic

Name: Cindy Pulley Bostic
Age: 43
Occupation: Assistant District Attorney
Marital Status: Married to Mark Bostic for 15 years
Children: Twin daughters, Erin and Meri, age 12


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Two Democrats in running for district attorney: Mike Waters
Two Democrats in running for district attorney: Mike Waters

Full name: Mike Waters
Age: 39
Occupation: Attorney at Law
Marital status: Married; Bridget Waters, DVM
Children: One, Ben, age 4


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<i>Louisburg native retires after a lengthy Park Service career</i>
Louisburg native retires after a lengthy Park Service career

After nearly 37 years with the National Park Service (NPS), Park Ranger Warren Wrenn retired Dec. 27, 2013.
Wrenn has held a variety of positions within the Outer Banks Group of national parks, which includes Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial.
A native of Louisburg, Wrenn began his career in federal service while a student at East Carolina University in the late 1970’s, working summers as a cave guide at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky.


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2 Democrats square off for Clerk of Court: Patricia Burnette Chastain
2 Democrats square off for Clerk of Court: Patricia Burnette Chastain

Full name: Patricia Burnette Chastain
Age: 54
Occupation: Franklin County Clerk of Superior Court
Marital status: Widowed
Children: One daughter


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2 Democrats square off for Clerk of Court: Shelley Dickerson
2 Democrats square off for Clerk of Court: Shelley Dickerson

Full name: Shelley Dickerson
Age: 39
Occupation: Former Assistant Clerk of Court
Marital status: Married
Children: 3 children: Spencer (12), Logan (10), and Emily (4 months)


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