Ed Jamison, apparently out of frustration, resigned his position on the Franklin County School Board Monday night, but we wish he would reconsider, if at all possible.

Mr. Jamison, who has been chairman of the board, was understandably upset because, in his opinion, middle school sports programs are just as important to students both from an involvement and instructional standpoint as the Governor's School, and should be treated the same. If funding for either program must be cut, it should be done equitably, he said. That did not happen Monday night as the school board voted to discontinue funding for middle school sports but continue funding for most of the Governor's School slots. Both programs were initially on the budget chopping block as the school system is struggling to make up about $1.5 million in shortfalls.

Congratulations to Habitat for Humanity, Franklin County. The charitable organization on Monday broke ground for its 20th home in the county since its inception here in 1996.

Habitat homes provide home ownership to families that may otherwise find it very difficult to own a home.

The houses are constructed through mostly volunteer labor and donated materials, and actual costs incurred are paid back by the family. In fact, a unique aspect of Habitat is that the family members must participate in the construction of the house, providing a "sweat equity" that also gives them a sense of ownership other than simply signing some papers.

Threatening weather somehow found its way around downtown Rocky Mount Friday night and the 10th annual Strawberry Festival went off without a hitch. Some festival goers said it seemed that rain was all around, but not a drop fell at the farmers' market. They said it may have had something to do with the event's sponsor: Franklin Heights Baptist Church.

The storms did indeed stay away, and a crowd estimated at 3,000 once again enjoyed plenty of strawberries and ice cream, other treats, and great music, all courtesy of Franklin Heights Baptist Church.