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LOUISBURG -- Residents, county staff and officials have been presented with three distinct proposals for health care in Franklin County.
Duke Lifepoint, WakeMed and a new, doctor-based entity, Franklin County Healthcare Hospital and Practice Accountable Group, each presented proposals last week that outline how they would provide medical care in Franklin County.
The proposals are available through the county manager's office and will be the subject of an Oct. 6 public hearing on the matter. (They are also on The Franklin Times' website.)

LOUISBURG -- After exploring its options and its budget, the Franklin County Board of Education adopted a five-project, $11,292,500 capital improvement project list during a special Thursday night meeting last week.
Early in the meeting, the board was presented with longer-range capital expenditure needs that included 10 projects with a total estimated cost of about $19.2 million.

LOUISBURG -- Although she's spent most of her lifetime in and around schools as a daughter of educators, student, teacher and principal, Wednesday, Sept. 21, will be one day Genie Faulkner will never forget.
That's the day she got the surprise of her life -- and was named Franklin County Principal of the Year for 2016.
But while the Laurel Mill Elementary School principal's day may have begun well and ended on a high note, there were a few minutes in the middle that were, well, memorable!

LOUISBURG -- The Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a candidates forum, giving residents a chance to meet those running for elected offices, three of which sort of came out of the blue.
Candidates in commission Districts 1, 3 and 5 all mounted successful petitions to appear on the November ballot as write-in candidates when it appeared after the primary that incumbents Sidney Dunston, John May and newcomer Michael Schriver would have no competition.

Zula Walker at Senior Fun Day in the Park

It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who hasn't been out of the country for the last several months, but it appears that Louisburg and Franklin County will soon enjoy vastly improved medical care.
As we have reported extensively, the county sought out proposals to re-open an emergency room and offer other medical services in the former Franklin Regional Medical Center and, lo and behold, three proposals are in hand.

Years ago there was a popular song that advised mothers not to let your sons grow up to be cowboys.
We can all debate whether that was good advice, but today's version might be more like "mothers don't let your sons (or daughters) grow up in law enforcement or any of the emergency services jobs that are so important to our safety!
For a moment, let's just focus on one aspect of law enforcement that, a decade ago, couldn't even be imagined.

I'm sure the ratings for the presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump can be found somewhere.
I have not searched for them, but I suspect they will probably approach Super Bowl level numbers.
Based upon social media trends, such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, the responses to the debates were overwhelming.
And based on the arm-chair quarterbacking that takes place via pundits on news stations after the fact, and based upon the headlines generated via traditional news sites, the mania surrounding this debate must have been epic.

Every close and suspenseful political race seems to have an October surprise.
This is the last edition of The Franklin Times for September and the October surprise in the Chad Barefoot-Gil Johnson race to represent Franklin County in the North Carolina State Senate appears as obvious as a 3-0 fastball in a baseball game of yesteryear.
Barefoot is going to claim credit for bringing a hospital back to Franklin County.

Dear editor:
I appreciate the supportive comments in your September 22, 2016, edition concerning the River of Yesteryear.
I wish to point out that this is a project of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, not the Tar River Center for History and Culture at Louisburg College.

ROCKY MOUNT -- With time beginning to run short -- Louisburg turned to Quamon Person to do the heavy offensive lifting during last Friday's non-league home football contest against Southern Vance at Patterson Field.
Person delivered a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns as the Warriors rallied for a 33-18 triumph over the Runnin' Raiders.

BUNN - Last season, Omar Rosa was a novelty third-down fullback for the Bunn Wildcats -- and quite an effective one at that.
But when injuries depleted the fullback position this fall, BHS coach David Howle bestowed increased responsibilities for Rosa, who was previously more known for his work along the line.
Rosa just keeps getting better and better at his new craft -- a fact that was in evidence during last Friday's 52-36 home decision over non-league opponent Nash Central.

FRANKLINTON -- Coach Erica Wammock still doesn't think her Louisburg High School volleyball squad has played to its overall capability.
But it's hard to argue with the Lady Warriors' results to date as Wammock's crew is now 15-0 after securing a road decision Monday against backyard rival Franklinton.
The young, feisty Lady Rams made things interesting, but Louisburg showed its veteran savvy during crucial points as part of a 25-16, 18-25, 25-21 and 25-22 decision at the FHS Gymnasium.

LOUISBURG -- One of the most important intangibles of being a championship team is the ability to bounce back from defeat -- and Louisburg College displayed that savvy last Saturday during a Region X home men's soccer matchup versus Cape Fear Community College.
Just three days after a tough loss at Spartanburg Methodist College, the Hurricanes rebounded with a 9-0 runaway decision at Ronald May Field on the LC campus.

FRANKLINTON -- Dale Byrns' enjoyed a successful stretch in the 1980s as a tennis coach at Franklinton High School -- and then spent nearly three decades away from the sport before returning last fall to coach FHS' girls squad.
After a rebuilding campaign that year, the Lady Rams have shown some promise in 2016, going 3-3 overall and 2-2 in the Northern Carolina Conference to date.

STEM -- Even without seven starters unavailable due to injury, Franklinton found a way to get past Granville Central last Friday in a non-conference football matchup.
The Red Rams, who were competing without starting quarterback Kyeon Spencer and running back Tyreese Williams -- among others -- rallied with 14 points in the third period to defeat the host Panthers by a 14-9 margin.

LOUISBURG -- Louisburg College's 2016-17 men's basketball season will begin Nov. 5 with a home game against Southside Community College at Taylor Center on the LC campus.
The Hurricanes, coached by Neil Dixon, will play their first seven outings at home.
LC's complete ledger is as follows, with home events listed in CAPS:

COURT QUEENS. Bunn High School is enjoying a solid 2016 girls tennis season, thanks in part to the effective play of several standouts, including Carlye Wegenast (pictured). For more on the Ladycats, see next week's edition of The Franklin Times.

The Jeff Fields Scholarship Memorial Golf Tournament was held recently at Olde Liberty Golf Course in Youngsville. The Farm Bureau Team of Mike Rigsbee, Ben Britt, William Mitchell and Wayne Champion captured first place. At the conclusion of the event, Champion donated the $500 first prize back to members of the Fields family. Pictured are (l to r) Wayne Champion, Lisa Fields, Emily Fields, Dawn Jones and Cameron McGhee, the tournament organizer and member of the Youngsville Fire Department, which sponsored the tournament.

The Franklinton High School girls tennis squad is enjoying a solid campaign in 2016 under Coach Dale Byrns. Pictured are (back, l to r) Lydia Henry, Gabrielle Christos, Brook Pearce, Carter Gilliam, Rachel McDonald and Taiya Cox; (front, l to r) Geena Vondrand, Amy Nunnery, Olivia Wilson, Casey Alford and Emma Allbright.

Louisburg High School quarterback Max Jones (left) receives a play call from Coach Dontae Lassiter during last Friday's home football decision against non-conference opponent Southern Vance.

Franklinton's Lizzy Tuton sends down a kill as part of her club's home volleyball meeting Monday evening against county rival Louisburg High School.

Several members of the Kerr-Vance Academy volleyball team recently spent time with author Nicholas Sparks during a match in New Bern. Pictured are (back, l to r) Emily Carr, Mr. Sparks, Bonnie Evans and Alexis Reese; (front, l to r) Abbey Boyd, Annie Wiggins, Ashley Dickerson and Sydney Tippett.

The Franklin County Farm Bureau Insurance Agents presented the Game balls to Omar Rosa (64) and Xavier Clifton (34) of the Bunn Wildcats football team for their outstanding performance on the field during the first two home games of the season against Northwest Halifax and Southern Nash High School. The Farm Bureau agents who visited the Wildcats during a recent practice were (l to r) Wayne Champion, Chris Slack and Jessica Cochran.

Louisburg High School's Mackenzie Wood (right) elevates for a kill during the Lady Warriors' road volleyball decision Monday evening against the Franklinton Lady Rams.

Kaylee Saunders served out the final handful of points for the Louisburg Lady Warriors in the first set of Monday's four-set road victory against the Franklinton Lady Rams. With the decision, the Lady Warriors remained undefeated for the season at 15-0 under veteran head coach Erica Wammock.

Louisburg College now has a fitness walking program that is instructed by cross country coach Jay Koloseus. Several members of the class have donated their time by walking dogs at the Franklin County Animal Shelter. Basketball player Johnnie Harrison (left) and football quarterback Terrance Ervin (right) are shown walking an energetic dog named Xavier.

During the early 19th century, travelers in the Upper Tar River region sought shelter at night in taverns of varying quality. Many of these establishments also served the local population, offering food, spirits, and the opportunity to socialize.
Rural taverns often were housed in the owner's one- or two-room log or frame house, but those in towns usually offered more sophisticated accommodations.
Towns such as Louisburg, Warrenton, and Williamsboro (in present-day Vance County) were located on roads leading from Richmond and Petersburg to points south.

"Missions," what a wonderful word of peace, well-being, and hope for a better future. Many people from this country have that special heart that it takes to help others live a better life and open their hearts and spirits.
We know of many churches in this area who are constantly giving to contribute to the well-being of our fellow man.
There is a special mission trip that I would like to share with you, where three churches came together and made a difference in the lives of many people, especially children on the continent of Africa.

Commander Dennis Mecum of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post Wake Forest Memorial Post 8466, announced the kick-off of the VFW's annual Patriot's Pen youth essay competition. Middle school students in grades 6-8 in this area have the opportunity to compete and win thousands of dollars in national awards.
The VFW enacted the Patriot's Pen competition in 1995 to encourage young minds to examine America's history, along with their own experiences in modern American society by composing a 300- to 400-word patriotic-themed essay. The theme for the 2015-2016 competition is "The America I Believe In."

YOUNGSVILLE -- During his trek across the state, Michael Boncek has told the tragic story of veterans suicides to anyone who would listen.
Midway through his second yo-yo trek along the Mountains to Sea trail, he decided to listen to his body.
A gimpy knee ended his trip -- but just this one.
"... Today is a bittersweet day as I announce I'm going home," Boncek said Monday. "My knee is injured and it's time I listened to my body.

LOUISBURG -- The county's Board of Health is closing in on its next director.
The board held a special called meeting on Aug. 31 to discuss potential applicants.
Board of Health Chair Eddie White said members left that meeting agreeing to offer the post to one of the candidates.
White did not disclose the candidate as the offer had not been made or accepted by press time.

LOUISBURG -- A Selma man who prosecutors called a sexual predator was sent to prison last week, his punishment for arranging a sexual encounter with an underage girl.
Gilbert Vega, 40, pled guilty on Sept. 13 to a handful of inappropriate sex charges in Franklin County Superior Court, the result of an investigation by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, said District Attorney Mike Waters.

Franklin County sheriff's deputies are investigating two separate allegations of child abuse.
The first was reported to authorities by representatives from Child Protective Services.
According to authorities, the 15-month-old child was taken to WakeMed on Sept. 10 and doctors discovered the child sustained a leg fracture.

Franklin County sheriff's deputies are investigating allegations of sexual abuse, perpetrated by one child against another.
According to authorities, the matter involves allegations of a child less than 13 against a child less than 10.
The matter was first reported to authorities through Child Protective Services.

Louisburg police arrested a teenager accused of streaking at a high school football game.
According to a report by Officer D.J. Moore, he was providing security for a game at Louisburg High School on Sept. 23 when someone in the stands, later identified as Naji Hezam Pleasants Al Wadei, removed his clothing, stripping down to his underwear.

Louisburg police arrested a teenager on drug charges at a local park.
According to a report by Officer D. Bowden, he was at Riverbend Park the evening of Sept. 24 when he saw a vehicle leaving the back picnic area with only its parking lights on.
Bowden stopped the vehicle and, according to the report, when he approached, there was a strong odor of marijuana.

Commander Dennis Mecum of the Wake Forest Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post 8466 announced the kick-off of this year's VFW's Voice of Democracy Scholarship competition.
Local high school students have the opportunity to compete for thousands of dollars in scholarships and a trip to Washington, D.C.

UNDER THE HOOD. Kirk Stafford and his daughter, Leah, came in from Garner to get view entrants in the Classic Car Show. Leah, who has her own eyes set on a '67 Super Sport, convinced her dad to make the trip. The car show, food truck rodeo and arts and craft vendors drew impressive crowds to Youngsville on Sept. 24 for the 12th annual Youngsville Fall Festival, held on the grounds of the Youngsville Elementary School and the National Guard Armory.

Vendors drew a big crowd inside the Armory

LOUISBURG -- The United Way has moved forward with its mission to unite people and resources to build a strong community for the people of Franklin County.
The United Way community collected more than 2,000 school supplies for students in Franklin County to help each child succeed throughout the school year.
The United Way partnered with local businesses to raise and collect funds and supplies for the children.

In August, the Nu Epsilon Chapter took part in and gave a financial donation to the St. Paul Presbyterian Church Vacation Bible School and Back to School Community Day.
Vacation Bible School was held nightly, Monday through Thursday, Aug. 9-12, beginning at 6 p.m.
On Friday, the youth in attendance were given a presentation from the Louisburg Police Department.