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For the Franklin-Southampton community, 2024 was both a challenge and a show of resilience. From a devastating storm that canceled the fair just days before it opened, to acts of heartwarming generosity as the community banded together to help Ed’s Repair aid victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, to a major renovation project at the courthouse were just some of the events that helped shape 2024.

As we begin 2025, we take a look back at some of the most read and talked about news stories of the year. 

JANUARY

All contracted positions with SCPS receive 2% raise

At the Southampton County School Board meeting on Jan. 8, 2024, the board approved a 2% salary increase for all contracted positions in the school division, effective Jan. 2024. This raise was initially proposed by Superintendent Dr. Gwendolyn P. Shannon to ensure that all employees received the same increase, regardless of their funding source. Board Chair Dr. Deborah Goodwyn explained to the newly elected board members that the school division’s practice has been to extend any state-funded raises to all employees, not just those in state-funded positions. Finance Director Joy Carr clarified that the proposed raise would cover all employees under a teacher contract or appointed by the school board, including part-time workers. Carr further explained that the budget had already been approved with a 7% increase to accommodate potential state funding variations. The board ultimately approved the 2% raise with no opposition.

FEBRUARY

Jarratt to resign as Franklin city manager

Amanda C. Jarratt resigned from her position as Franklin city manager on Feb. 1, 2024, effective March 26. Jarratt accepted a position as deputy city manager for Virginia Beach. In this new role, she will be responsible for overseeing the Agriculture, Convention & Visitors Bureau, Economic Development, and Planning and Community Development departments. Jarratt expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve the city of Franklin and excitement for the new challenges and growth opportunities in Virginia Beach. She plans to remain actively involved in Franklin’s affairs until her departure, particularly focusing on the upcoming budget season. Mayor Robert Cutchins expressed his appreciation for Jarratt’s leadership and contributions to the city over the past 10–12 years, wishing her well in her future endeavors. Jarratt’s career in the Franklin community spans from 2006-24, including various roles with the city and Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. (FSEDI). Her roles have included city planner, deputy director of Community Development, FSEDI’s manager of marketing, and president and CEO of FSEDI before becoming city manager. Jarratt emphasized the strong relationships and teamwork among the city’s 240 employees as highlights of her tenure. She also acknowledged the collective effort in navigating various challenges, including a global pandemic, a microburst, an explosion, hurricanes, and a plane crash. The Franklin City Council will convene soon to discuss the next steps in filling the city manager position.

MARCH

Franklin selects interim city manager

The Franklin City Council interviewed two candidates, Darlene Burcham and Michael Rodgers, for the interim city manager position on March 11, 2024. The council voted 5-1 to hire Burcham, with Councilman Gregory McLemore casting the sole dissenting vote. Councilman Ray Smith was absent. The decision to hire Burcham stemmed from her experience working in similar-sized cities in the Hampton Roads area, including Roanoke and Pulaski. Councilman Dr. Linwood Johnson highlighted Burcham’s plan to meet regularly with city staff to ensure alignment with council’s goals and noted her competitive pricing compared to Rodgers. Councilwoman Jessica G. Banks expressed her support for the hire, while also advocating for the inclusion of Police Chief Steve Patterson and Parks and Recreation Director Sammara Green to assist Burcham. City Attorney Heather Hays Lockerman advised the council to address this matter separately. McLemore opposed the immediate hiring, citing concerns about the limited candidate pool and the need to involve the city’s human resources director in the process. He believed a more thorough search and interview process was necessary. Mayor Robert “Bobby” Cutchins emphasized the urgency of filling the position due to the upcoming budget season and the need for continued leadership following City Manager Amanda C. Jarratt’s resignation. Jarratt’s last day was March 26, and Burcham assumed the interim role on March 27. 

Chamber honors Belmont Peanuts

The Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce named Belmont Peanuts its 2023 Business of the Year at its 70th Annual Meeting on March 14, 2024. Chamber President Marshall Rabil praised Belmont Peanuts and the Marks family for representing the community well and highlighted the company’s success in selling Virginia-type peanuts across the country. Rabil also noted the cultural impact of Belmont’s deli and summer concert series in Southampton County. He further commended the “coopetition” between Belmont Peanuts and his own company, Hubbard Peanut Company, which resulted in a local partnership for chocolate-covered peanuts. Belmont Peanuts co-owner and founder Patsy Marks expressed gratitude for the award and reflected on the company’s 30-year journey, noting the pride she and her husband Bob feel as their children have returned home to join the business. Patsy recognized the contributions of the Belmont team and acknowledged the company’s growth from a small mailing list to a thriving business. Will Holt was introduced as the new president of the chamber at the conclusion of the meeting.

APRIL

Fire at Hampton Farms causes $20M-plus in damage

On Apr. 13, 2024, a fire broke out in a roaster at the Hampton Farms peanut facility in Franklin, Virginia. The fire, which started around 12:11 p.m., required the response of 12 different fire and rescue agencies to extinguish. The building was filled with smoke, which made it difficult for firefighters to put out the fire. One employee was injured and later released from the hospital. The cause of the fire is unknown, but high winds of 50-70 mph contributed to the extensive damage, estimated at over $20 million. A Hampton Farms representative, R.P. Watson, said he does not expect the fire to impact service to customers, as other plants across the U.S. will be able to make up for the lost production. Fire personnel remained on-site until 7 p.m. to monitor the situation and assist facility personnel.

MAY

Board proposes 71-cent real estate tax rate

The Southampton County Board of Supervisors proposed a real estate tax rate of 71 cents per $100 of assessed value on May 21, 2024. This rate is significantly lower than the active rate of 89 cents and the originally proposed rate of 86 cents. To achieve this reduction, the board proposed a decrease in local funding to Southampton County Public Schools by $633,000 and an increase in the personal property tax rate to $5 per $100 of assessed value. While this lowers the real estate tax rate, some supervisors noted that the school division’s total budget will still see an increase due to increases in state and federal funding. The board’s decision to decrease school funding comes after a series of reductions in the proposed real estate tax rate during the FY 2024-25 budget development process. Supervisor William Hart Gillette proposed the additional $633,000 decrease, noting the unpredictability of the current year and the county’s historical generosity in exceeding the state-mandated minimum funding for schools. Supervisor Robert T. White suggested increasing the personal property tax rate, arguing that it is a “voluntary tax” based on consumer choices, while land ownership is not. 

The Southampton County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 on Tuesday, June 4, to adopt the $83.66 million fiscal year 2025 county budget, which features real estate and personal property tax rates of 71 cents and $5, respectively, per $100 of assessed value.

JUNE

First responders fight fire at Enviva’s Southampton plant

On June 24, a fire broke out at the Enviva wood pellet plant in Southampton County. The fire started in the main wood chip storage area and spread to other machinery. Five area fire departments responded to the scene, with a total of 53 personnel working to extinguish the blaze. One firefighter sustained a minor injury. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

JULY

Keurig Dr. Pepper facility in Windsor to close

Keurig Dr. Pepper announced on July 17, 2024, that it will be closing its roasting plant in Isle of Wight County, impacting 379 employees. The closure is attributed to the company’s efforts to rebalance production capacity and operate more efficiently, aligning with the production ramp-up at their Spartanburg, South Carolina facility. The company plans to provide severance packages and career planning assistance to affected employees. The closure will impact Isle of Wight County, as Keurig is the third-largest machinery and tools taxpayer and sixth-highest real estate taxpayer.The plant’s closure comes after Keurig fell short of its initial job creation goals in 2016, resulting in a reduction of local incentives. This is not the first plant closure for Keurig, as they also announced the closure of their Williston, Vermont plant earlier this year.

AUGUST

Fair canceled after storm damage

The 2024 Franklin-Southampton County Fair was canceled after a severe thunderstorm on Aug. 4 caused significant damage to the fairgrounds. The storm, which brought straight-line winds estimated at 80-90 mph, ripped through the fairgrounds, leaving several outbuildings and the food court area in ruins. Trees were uprooted, debris was scattered, and a large roll-up door on the largest building was ripped out and thrown a considerable distance. Despite the widespread destruction, no injuries were reported. Fair President Glenn Joyner described the scene as devastating and said the decision to cancel the fair, which was scheduled to begin on Aug. 7, was made quickly after assessing the damage. While the cancellation disappointed many who were looking forward to the event, the community rallied in support. Many sponsors told the fair to keep their contributions to help with the rebuilding efforts, and a local business owner even organized a fundraiser to help cover costs. Joyner expressed confidence that the fair would be able to recover financially and return stronger in 2025.

SEPTEMBER

Board of Supervisors and SCPS clash over forensic audit

The Southampton County Board of Supervisors clashed with the Southampton County School Board in Sept. 2024 over a requested forensic audit of the school system’s finances. The Board of Supervisors had voted unanimously on Aug. 27 to pursue the audit, citing concerns about the appropriation of state, federal and local tax funds and a lack of transparency from the school division. The supervisors sent a letter to the school board on Sept. 5 requesting their full cooperation with the audit. However, the school board did not take any public action on the request at their Sept. 9 meeting. Instead, they discussed the Board of Supervisor’s letter in closed session, stating it was a legal matter. When they returned to open session, they simply announced that they had discussed a legal matter that needed no action. The Board of Supervisors Chair, Dr. Alan W. Edwards, emphasized the taxpayers’ right to transparency, particularly given the perceived decline of the school system.

The Southampton County Board of Supervisors hired a law firm in November to investigate the management and finances of Southampton County Public Schools.

OCTOBER

Barnes named city’s new finance director

Franklin welcomed a new finance director in Oct. 2024. Constance “Connie” Barnes, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in government and 15 years in local government, was introduced as the city’s new financial leader. Barnes expressed enthusiasm for serving the Franklin community and collaborating with city officials to foster positive growth and support for its citizens.

Randolph new planning director in Southampton

Southampton County welcomed a new planning director in Oct. 2024. James “Jay” Randolph returned to Southampton County, having previously served as assistant county administrator from 2005-10. Randolph replaced Beth Lewis, who retired in May after 14 years as developer/planning director. 

NOVEMBER

Franklin election brings new mayor

Paul E. Kaplan was elected as the new mayor of Franklin in Nov. 2024. He ran unopposed on the ballot and received over 80% of the vote. Kaplan, a 70-year-old retired Southampton County deputy sheriff and Franklin police officer, brought with him a wealth of experience in local government and community involvement. Kaplan expressed his eagerness to serve the city and work with various stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for Franklin.

FCPS christens new Career and Technical Academy

Franklin City Public Schools celebrated the grand opening of its new Joseph P. King Jr. Career and Technical Academy on Nov. 14, 2024. The academy, formerly J.P. King Jr. Middle School, was repurposed following the relocation of sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students to other schools in the district. The academy offers a wide range of vocational programs designed to prepare students for the workforce or further education at a community college. Students can study subjects like business, graphic design, American Sign Language, culinary arts, robotics, nursing, criminal justice, and early childhood education. 

DECEMBER

Patterson to retire as Franklin police chief

After more than three decades in law enforcement, Steve Patterson retired as chief of the Franklin Police Department on Jan. 1, 2025. Patterson, who had served as chief since Aug. 2019, felt it was time for a new chapter in his life. He expressed pride in the department’s accomplishments during his tenure, including improvements in staffing, the fleet of police vehicles, and technological advancements like the addition of license plate readers and surveillance cameras. Patterson also commended his officers for their commitment to community policing and building positive relationships with citizens and businesses. While Patterson is retiring as chief, he is not leaving the workforce, as he said he has accepted a position as a police captain at the Port of Virginia. Deputy Chief Robert Porti will serve as interim chief of police during the transition.