THE CLAIBORNE BUILDING- located at 200 Claiborne Street in Rocky Mount will close it's doors during the week of July 29th due to the cleaning or replacement of air conditioning ducts. There have been minor air quality issues which were possibly related to dust, mold, or penicillin in the air. If you're planning to visit the United Way of Franklin County, the Franklin County Perinatal Education Center, or the Children's Advocacy Programs of the Blue Ridge this week, it looks like you'll have to postpone that visit. However, your sinuses will thank you when you breathe in the clean air.

SALES TAX HOLIDAYS ARE COMING!

August 3-5, 2007: School Supplies and Clothing. During this three-day period, purchases of certain school supplies, clothing and footwear will be exempt from the Virginia sales tax. Each eligible school supply item must be priced at $20 or less, and each eligible article of clothing and footwear must be priced at $100 or less.

October 5-8, 2007: New! Energy Star Qualified Products. During this four-day holiday, purchases of products meeting the Energy Star qualifications, such as certain energy-efficient appliances, will be exempt from the Virginia sales tax. Eligible products must be priced at $2,500 or less for each item, and be purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.

May 25-31, 2008: New! Hurricane Preparedness Equipment. During this seven-day period, purchases of items designated by the Department of Taxation as hurricane preparedness equipment, including portable generators, will be exempt from the Virginia sales tax. Portable generators must be priced at $1,000 or less, and other eligible items must be priced at $60 or less for each item

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN!-  W.Q. "Quint" Overton has held the title of Sheriff since 1976 and announced his retirement in March. There are 4 men with their names in the running: Republican Lt. Ewell Hunt, Democrat Capt. W.Q. "Billy" Overton, and two independent candidates- Wayne Hodges, and Lynn Frith.

THE FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE- held it's 2007 Business Expo on Friday, June 15. Many local and regional businesses showed off their services, while many locals stopped at booth after booth to see what Franklin County has to offer. Many booths held raffles for items ranging from gift baskets, to laptops, to a kayak. Click here to view photos of this event.

MACEDONIA MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH HAS RECEIVED A NEW LOOK- this week with the addition of a new steeple from Gabriel Church Services.  Crews installed the steeple in about an hour to the church on Highland Hills Road in Rocky Mount.  The church was built in 1989 by Founder Rev Charles H. Hancock, Jr.  Currently, the Pastor is Rev. James Pearson and Church Deacon is Derrick Simmons.  Gabriel Church Services is located on Rt. 40 W near Randy’s Auto Sales. Click here to view more photos.

AEP RATE HIKE REDUCED - The rate increase imposed on local customers of Appalachian Power has been reduced by the State Corporation Commission from 25.4% to 3.1%.  Customers will receive refunds as credits on their upcoming statements.

Class of 2007 Graduates - Congratulations Graduates!

Summer Weather Forecast Announced:  From today until September 15th - Mostly sunny, highs in the upper 80's to mid 90's, with a chance of showers or thunderstorms.

Old News