FRONT PAGE
By:
CAREY JOHNSON, Times Staff Writer
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners agreed to move forward with plans that could provide the county with up to 7 million more gallons of water per day.
County officials and staff began exploring water options a few years ago after a 20-year water survey revealed that the county’s demand for water would exceed its supply, possibly as early as 2010 — although recent demand has waned.
By:
CAREY JOHNSON, Times Staff Writer
The last time commissioners spoke about the budget, the grey skies outside matched the dim outlook on county finances.
On Monday, clouds made way for the sun as county staff presented commissioners with budget estimates that painted a bit better financial climate.
During the board’s first work session on Jan. 5, County Manager Angela Harris and Finance Director Chuck Murray said that if county government remained status quo, the board would have to raise taxes by 13.25 cents per $100 of valuation to maintain current service levels.
By:
CAREY JOHNSON, Times Staff Writer
FRANKLINTON — Police are investigating claims that a Rocky Mount man and his partner scammed at least three elderly people last week.
According to investigators, a man identified as Randall Scott Weeks, 36, of Rocky Mount, and another man visited at least three elderly people beginning on Thursday afternoon, promising to do roof work.
By:
CAREY JOHNSON, Times Staff Writer
Franklin County responders should expect a delay in improvements to the county’s emergency communications.
Following a closed session on Monday night, the county’s Board of Commissioners directed County Manager Angela Harris, County Attorney Darnell Batton and Emergency Communications Director Christy Shearin to meet with the county’s first responders to discuss the matter.
OBITUARIES
ROCKY MOUNT - Emma Frances Wheeler Gardner, 95, died peacefully on Thursday, January 29, 2009 surrounded by her family. “Miss Emma” was born September 12, 1913 to Knox Hunter and Patty Layton Wheeler. She was the youngest of six children and the only daughter.
NASHVILLE - William “Bill” Ellis, 75, a native of Louisburg, died Friday, Jan. 30, 2009.
LOUISBURG - Sallie Lloyd Dail, 84, died Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009 at Franklin Regional Medical Center. Funeral service was at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, at Faith Baptist Church, with Rev. Richard Mills officiating. Burial was in Harris Chapel Baptist Church cemetery.
LOUISBURG - Delilie Keith Tinnin, 92 died Friday, Jan. 30, 2009.
ZEBULON - Kevin “Pee Wee” Fussell, 32, died Friday, Jan. 30, 2009.
ZEBULON - Lucille Baker Burchette, 92, died Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009 at the Coventry House in Zebulon.
KITTRELL - Lenis Moss Hardison, 82, died Friday, Jan. 30, 2009 in a local nursing home. Graveside services were Sunday, Feb. 1, at Oakridge Baptist Church cemetery, with the Rev. Fred McGhee officiating.
SPORTS
By:
Geoff Neville, Times Sportswriter
ROANOKE RAPIDS - One goal down, one still to be accomplished for the Franklinton High School wrestling squad.
Last year, the Red Rams rolled to the Northern Carolina Conference regular season crown, only to be bested by Southern Vance in the NCC Tournament.
Shortly after that setback, Franklinton dropped a first-round match in the Class 2-A State Team Duals -- after the Red Rams had built a substantial advantage.
By:
Geoff Neville, Times Sportswriter
LOUISBURG -- Chris Lee was in no hurry to leave his position as an assistant football coach at Rocky Mount High School.
After all, the Gryphons’ program has been built into an area powerhouse under legendary mentor B.W. Holt, and Lee was thrilled to play a key role in that success.
Every time I published his picture in the newspaper, I had to look up Pee Wee’s real name. Most of the many people who knew him well didn’t even know his name.
Kevin Fussell.
Better known as Pee Wee.
If ever there was a person not known by his real name, it was him. But if you said Pee Wee, eyes would light up -- just at the mention of the two magic words.
Pee Wee was beloved.
By:
Geoff Neville, Times Sportswriter
TILLERY -- A dwindling number of dates remaining on the schedule meant a rare matinee game was slated between Louisburg High School and host Southeast Halifax.
The contest had been switched from earlier in the season because of snow. Both schools had difficulty finding a date to reschedule, so they decided to hold the event last Saturday afternoon at the SEH Gymnasium.
AURELIAN SPRINGS -- Bunn went to three overtimes Monday night but was unable to leave Northwest Halifax with a much-needed boys basketball victory.
Instead, the host Vikings got a stickback from Brian McGee in the final minute of the third overtime to secure a tough 51-49 decision over the Wildcats.
FRANKLINTON -- Pairings have been finalized for the annual Brassfield Commercial Shamrock Classic, hosted by Franklinton High School.
The prep girls soccer showcase, scheduled for March 11-14, will feature host and defending champion Franklinton, along with Franklin County rivals Bunn and Louisburg.
Rounding out the eight-team field will be Nash Central, Northern Vance, Kerr-Vance Academy, North Johnston and Northern Nash.
By:
Geoff Neville, Times Sportswriter
BUNN -- Even in the land of big-time college football, it’s a small world after all.
Take the exploits of Bunn’s Kerry Neal as a glowing example. On Christmas Day, while stuck at the Honolulu International Airport during a power outage, Neal heard someone call his name.
At first, Neal thought it was one of the never-ending string of Notre Dame fans he encounters -- all wanting to get his assessment of the future of Irish football.
Or maybe it was someone wanting an autograph.
By:
Geoff Neville, Times Sportswriter
BUNN -- All along, Chris Miller knew he would encounter a challenge if he was given the opportunity to succeed long-time legend David Howle as the head coach at Bunn High School.
But the task promises to be even tougher for Miller in his initial campaign as the Wildcats will lose 21 seniors, including the entire offensive line, off last year’s club.
By:
Geoff Neville, Times Sportswriter
LOUISBURG -- Any break from the rigors of Region X play is good this late in the season for the Louisburg College women’s basketball squad.
Not only can the Lady Hurricanes exhale a bit, they can also use non-league games as an opportunity to work on things that will be needed in order for LC to enjoy a strong finish to its region campaign.
HENDERSON -- Southern Vance’s girls and Roanoke Rapids’ boys were the winners at the Northern Carolina Conference Swim Championships, which were held last Wednesday at the Aycock Center.
The Lady Raiders closed with 89 points to edge second-place Roanoke Rapids (86). Franklinton was third at 72, followed by Bunn with 42.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Keep Franklin County Beautiful received the Keep America Beautiful President’s Circle Award at the President’s Circle Award luncheon, which took place during Keep America Beautiful’s 55th Annual National Conference in Washington, D.C.
The President’s Circle Award recognizes exemplary performance made by certified affiliates of the national nonprofit to reduce litter, minimize waste, and beautify and improve their local communities.
Nathan Moreschi, Franklin County Schools public information officer, usually writes stories about the accomplishments of others.
This time, however, it is Moreschi’s turn for recognition.
The Franklin County African American Cultural Club will present “A Celebration of Black History” on Friday, Feb. 13.
The public is invited to attend the celebration, which includes blessing of the food and a light repast.
Beginning at 7 p.m., the event will be at Terrell Lane Middle School on Ronald Tharrington Road in Louisburg.
Franklin County is among the North Carolina counties where eligible farmers may qualify for FSA EM loans for physical and production losses as the result of drought and extreme heat that occurred from Jan. 1, 2008 and continuing. The deadline for filing an application is July 1, 2009.
The N.C. Department of Labor is accepting applications from businesses that qualify for a workplace safety award.
Safety awards are given to companies that have above-average worker safety and health programs.
Businesses that qualify for the award must meet two requirements.
By:
CAREY JOHNSON, Times Staff Writer
A court hearing last month provided the first public record documenting allegations that a sexual relationship between a former Louisburg High School coach and teacher and a 17-year-old student resulted in her pregnancy.
It also revealed the deliberations Superior Court Judge Michael Morgan went through before issuing an order allowing the 17-year-old student to have a monitored phone call with her alleged offender, James Collier, for one hour each week.
