FRONT PAGE

LOUISBURG -- County commissioners committed to an agreement that streamlines a 609-acre, mixed use development that could nearly triple the size of Franklinton in 15 years.
"We're real excited about this project," Franklinton Town Manager Zach Steffey told county commissioners during a public hearing on the matter during Monday's special called meeting.

LOUISBURG -- Deliberating for less than a lunch break, a jury found a Youngsville man guilty of killing his roommate in the fall of 2021.
On Monday afternoon, Superior Court Judge Shamieka Rhinehart sentenced Michael David Barnes to life in prison without the possibility of parole -- his punishment for killing James McLeod.
"The jury's verdict holds the defendant accountable for the deliberate taking of the life of James McLeod," the district attorney's office said in a statement.

YOUNGSVILLE -- Town commissioners urged staff to look more keenly at Youngsville Elementary school's gym floor before committing to necessary repairs.
That discussion took place during the board's Aug. 13 meeting.
In January, Youngsville commissioners and the Board of Education approved an agreement that would give the town access to Youngsville Elementary School's gym and ballfields.

Above, Scott Strickland and Jerry Jones manned the grill during National Night Out festivities in Louisburg on Aug. 4.

YOUNGSVILLE -- Town commissioners adjusted their spending plan to keep the police department's vehicle fleet on track.
Town Manager Will Doerfer admitted that he forgot to account for the annual expense the board has agreed to include in its budget to get two new police vehicles -- a fleet management practice that began with the 2022-23 budget.
"This is just something that was missed," Doerfer said. "It's critical to keep the vehicle fleet fresh.

Mason H at Bunn's National Night Out