Tykayla Livingston

25 Years Later, Franklin County Remembers 9/11 and Honors Those Who Answered the Call

Twenty-five years after September 11, 2001, Franklin County residents, first responders and community leaders gathered at the Franklin County Courthouse to remember the lives lost, honor those who ran toward danger and recognize local firefighters who also gave their lives in service. The September 11 Remembrance Ceremony was held

Who Built Franklin County? The Forgotten Workers Behind Labor Day

Before Labor Day became all about cookouts, store sales and three-day weekends, it was first about something much simpler: the people who worked. So when we celebrate Labor Day in Franklin County, who exactly are we honoring? To answer that question we first have learned the history behind it.

Labor Day Is More Than a Day Off: The Workers Who Built Granville County

For many families across North Carolina, Labor Day means a day away from work, one last summer cookout or simply a chance to rest before returning to work Tuesday morning. Here in Granville County, it's also a reminder of a history that can be found in the tobacco

Medicaid Cuts Aren’t Just a Health Care Issue: What They Could Mean Inside Franklin and Granville County Schools

When you hear the word Medicaid, what do you think of? Is it doctor's appointments, prescriptions or hospital bills? All of that is true, but with Medicaid cuts on the way thanks to Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill, one Franklin County resident is sounding the alarm

Franklin County

School Bus Crash Sparks Questions in Franklin County

Update: Franklin County Schools released a statement on Wednesday, Sept. 2, with the following information: * There were 19 students on baord the bus, not 22 as previously reported * Thirteen students and the bus driver were transported to area hospitals for further evaluation. They have all been discharged. Six students were

Know a Franklin County Teen Who Loves Agriculture? A $1,000 Scholarship Is Up for Grabs

If you are a Franklin County teenager who spends most of your free time raising livestock, preparing for competitions and learning the world of agriculture, there is a $1,000 opportunity just for you. The Senator James D. Speed Achievement Scholarship, funded through an endowment in the NC State Ag

What’s Happening in September: Your Guide to Local Government Meetings in Franklin & Granville Counties

September is when many local government boards move from summer planning into action.  With new budgets now in effect, boards begin reviewing projects, approving contracts, addressing community needs, and making decisions that can shape the rest of the fiscal year.  It is also a month when discussions around schools, infrastructure,

Education

Granville County Leads The Way In Reducing Tech in Schools.

As the new school year kicks off, Granville County Public Schools is leading the movement to reduce screen time at school with a new “Skills Before Screens” initiative. District leaders say the goal is not to remove technology, but to create better balance among digital learning, hands-on skills and

Education

Beyond the School Supply List: 5 Things Franklin and Granville County Families Can Do NOW To Make This School Year Great

It’s officially back-to-school season, and families across Franklin and Granville Counties are busy gathering supplies, attending open houses and gearing up for fall sports. But there’s more to back-to-school than shopping and basking in Friday Night Lights. Allow me to present County Beacon’s

Education

What Could North Carolina's Proposed Constitutional Amendments Mean for Franklin County Schools?

This November, North Carolina voters are being asked to decide on two constitutional amendments that could shape how public schools and local governments are funded in the future. Read more about the proposed amendments here. These proposals may sound simple, but they have become a hot topic among education advocates

Franklin County

What Proposed Changes To Bickett Boulevard Mean For You

Have you ever sat in traffic on Bickett Boulevard (U.S. 401/N.C. 39) and wondered why it takes so long to get across town? If you have, you’re not alone. Whether you're trying to get your children to school, make it to work on time

Granville County

Granville County's Next Generation of Leaders: Four Students Who Spent Their Summer Serving Their Community

Instead of spending their summer with friends or at the beach, four Granville County high school students experienced what it's like to be a leader and completed 120 hours of hands-on public service as part of the 2026 Granville County Summer Civic Leadership Program. Zaniyah Crutcher, Tyler

Franklin County

Franklin County Honors Keith Smith for 13 Years of Economic Development Leadership

After more than a decade of helping guide Franklin County's economic future, Keith Smith was recognized by the Franklin County Board of Commissioners for his 13 years of service on the Franklin County Economic Development Commission, including his leadership as chairman since 2023.  During the August 3 Board

Franklin County

Sweet & Savory Is The Place To Go In Louisburg

When I arrived at Sweet & Savory by Chef Tandra, I was just expecting to taste some dessert. But after walking into the shop, I quickly realized that I would be carrying away something much greater than a slice of lemon cheesecake.  After speaking with the chef and owner, Tandra

National Night Out Returns to Franklin and Granville Counties:

Every year, neighborhoods across the country come together for one evening with a simple goal: building stronger, safer communities. The message behind National Night Out is simple: strong relationships between neighbors and first responders help create stronger, safer communities. National Night Out, which began in 1984 and is celebrated in

Franklin County

What I Learned About Hunger and the People Feeding Franklin County

On Wednesday, July 29, I attended the Franklin County Food Pantries Meeting at the Franklin County Cooperative Extension Annex in Louisburg.  The meeting was convened by the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments and brought together local pantry leaders, churches, the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina and

What Do Proposed Tax Cap Amendments Mean For Our Communities?

More specifically, what happens to our schools, public safety, and everyday services if our counties continue to grow but the money flow doesn't keep up? I found myself asking this question as I started reading about two proposed constitutional amendments that would cap the state income tax rate

Despite Residents' Concerns, Granville County Commissioners Consider Land Use Amendment Regulating Data Centers

On Monday, August 3, the Granville County Board of Commissioners will consider an amendment to the county’s Unified Development Ordinance to regulate data center development in the county.

Elections

Granville County Early Voting Plan Heads to State Board of Elections

Granville County’s ongoing dispute over early voting locations is now heading to the state. On August 20, the State Board of Elections will meet in Raleigh to consider and adopt early voting plans for North Carolina counties that did not pass a unanimous plan.  This comes after weeks of

Taking Root: Trinity Mack Turns Her Story of Survival Into a Mission of Resilience

Plenty of us here in Franklin County see the struggles around us. What’s harder to see are the solutions - especially ones that don’t exist yet. But Trinity Mack has a vision and a plan to build solutions for people struggling like she once did.  Trinity’s story starts

What’s Happening in August: Your Guide to Local Government Meetings in Franklin & Granville Counties

August in North Carolina signals a shift into a new season, with a school year beginning and local government meetings back in full swing. School boards, county commissioners, and town councils use this time to make key decisions on budgets, staffing, and services that affect everyday life. What is decided

Franklin County Tourism Development Authority Launches Marketing & Branding Initiative

The Franklin County Tourism Development Authority is starting a new effort to shape how Franklin County is seen by visitors, and they say the first step is hearing directly from the people who live here. In a press release issued Tuesday, the Tourism Development Authority announced it is launching a

Franklin County Updates Data Center Regulations

During their regular meeting on July 13, 2026, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance to regulate data centers. The vote was unanimous among the five commissioners who were present. Commissioners Michael Schriver and Harry Foy were not present and did not vote

YES IT WAS APPROVED BUT IT WASN'T EASY: Funding the Fourth Early Voting Site

For many people who are just reading the headlines, you will think that the vote was simple, quick, and done. But to be honest the vote was not simple at all.  What really happened was an hour of confusion, legal questioning, conflicting statements, and procedural debates.  Because at the end

Flock Cameras in Granville County: Safety Tool or Surveillance Concern? What We Know and What Comes Next

Community members in Granville County are asking questions about the cameras popping up along roadways. Some see them as a step in the right direction towards a safer community, while others see them as a step too far and a violation of privacy.  Now, with a town hall scheduled for