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FRANKLIN COUNTY -- Days of extreme heat and intermittent, often sporadic rainfall that's been far less than normal are adding up to a potential catastrophe for local farmers.
On the Friday after the July 4th holiday, three local farmers -- Jon Pearce, Steve Nelms and Ed Wheeler -- gathered with Bob Etheridge, executive director of the North Carolina Farm Service Agency, to take a quick look at how local crops are faring and the results were stunning.

LOUISBURG -- Christian David Webster told investigators that he wanted to kill someone before he died.
After pleading guilty to killing William Hulme and Matthew Johnson, the 31-year-old was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison. Prosecutors removed the death penalty as punishment in exchange for the guilty plea.
During Monday's hearing, Hulme's father, Tom Hulme, said Webster's end should come lethally, not at the end of a natural life.

ALL AROUND FUN. Andrea Wackerle and family enjoy the fireworks at Louisburg Magnet High.

ALL AROUND FUN. Charles White tries his hand at Jenga during the county's fun.

LOUISBURG -- The Louisburg Town Council finalized its newly created Economic Development Committee during its Tuesday night meeting, about the only action that didn't get postponed for more study.
The EDC concept was approved some time ago but on Tuesday an ordinance was adopted that formally spells out how it will be formed and its task.

LOUISBURG -- The Louisburg police department said goodbye to nearly 100 years of law enforcement experience.
Louisburg Police Chief Jason Abbott led a celebration for officers Joe Sherrill, Greg Alston and Shari Brinkley during a retirement ceremony last month.
"This is a sad and happy occasion for the town of Louisburg," said Mayor Christopher Neal. "It's happy because these three have served their time in service to the public.

Payton Stephens at the Alert parade

Here's a tidbit of non-news: It's hot! And it's very dry in most places around Franklin County!
It's really hot and it's only the second week of July with August waiting in the wings.
I guess we shouldn't be surprised, but Mother Nature could have given us a bit more of a transition period from the beautiful spring we enjoyed and the high 90s and even a few 100s the last several days have brought us.

Earlier this year, I promised that I'd use this column to let folks know about opportunities to assist the community through volunteer efforts.
And, since permanent ink is pretty permanent, here I am following through on that promise.
During Monday's Franklin County Board of Commissioners meeting, Franklin County Emergency Management Director Nicholas Thorpe told officials that they'll be hosting a Community Emergency Response basic training session in August.

Dear editor: I am writing on behalf of The League of Women Voters, a non-partisan group.
In our state, 78% of students are educated in public schools.
NC taxpayer money is spread out over the state for school funding according to population.

LOUISBURG -- The Town and Country Stingrays are 66 members strong this summer as they take to the pool for another swimming season under the direction of returning head coach Jessica Weathers -- a former Stingray herself before competing in the sport at Louisburg High School.
The deep, talented Stingrays opened their schedule on June 20 with a home showdown against the Stone Creek Tsunamis out of Raleigh at the TC Pool in Louisburg.

NASH COUNTY -- A former Nash Central High School and Big East Conference superstar and current North Carolina State Univrsity swimmer took his talents to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis in June as Lance Norris competed in the second Olympic Swimming Trials of his young career.
Norris, who spent his younger years competing in the pool for Nash Rec's swim team and under head coach Kyle Bain's tutelage while at Nash Central, competed in the 400, 800 and 1,500-meter freestyle events, recording a trio of personal-best marks and registering a first-place best finish in the 1,500-meter free.

FRANKLINTON -- Franklinton High School has huge expectations for yet another elite-level volleyball season this fall -- and for good reason.
The Lady Rams have built an area dynasty in recent years under veteran coach Tom Harris -- and have established themselves year-in and year-out as the team to beat in the competitive Big East Conference.

STANHOPE -- Melanie Hicks' long-term volleyball building project at Southern Nash reached its biggest ascent yet in 2023 as the Ladybirds went 14-9 overall to go with a 7-6 record in the strong Big East Conference.
Most important, the Ladybirds gained a berth in the Class 3-A State Playoffs -- and even won a set in its match on the road against a solid First Flight club.

HENDERSON -- The annual Vance County Football Jamboree will be held August 9 at the Vance County High School Football Field in Henderson.
Four teams will participate -- the host Vance County Vipers, the Wakefield Wolverines, the Bunn Wildcats and the Franklinton Red Rams.
Action will start at 6 p.m. Tickets will be available at the gate, and a concession stand will be opened.

FUN ALERT. Lucy Lloyd makes a dash for candy.

FUN ALERT. The Hayes family enjoyed the parade, front row from left; Kimberly Hayes, Pamela Anderson, and Pauline Anderson, back row, from left: John Hayes, Larry Hayes, Paul Hawkins and Mary Hawkins.

FUN ALERT. Steve Burnette has a fun time at the parade from the bed of a pickup truck.

FUN ALERT. Commissioner Mark Speed tosses candy along the parade route.

FRANKLINTON -- Town officials and staff are hosting a dedication ceremony for its upgraded Veterans Memorial Park.
The park offers folks an opportunities to have bricks engraved and dedicated to loved ones.
As more folks purchase new bricks to be engraved, they will be switched out with blank ones that have been laid as place holders.
Forms for that purpose can be picked up at town hall, 101 N. Main Street. Interested folks can also contact Chris Smith with American Legion Post 52.

DAZZLING. A fantastic light display filled the sky above Louisburg Magnet High during Franklin County's Independence Day festivities.

DAZZLING. Antoine Veal plays Jenga.

DAZZLING. James Lastinger and M.J. Epps play cornhole.