October 2025 Meeting Minutes

Franklin County Republican Party
Executive Committee Meeting
October 9, 2025

Opening: Chairman Strickland opened the meeting. There were 42 members in attendance.

A light meal of hot dogs, barbeque, sides, cream puffs and drinks were provided by members of the
party. Sheriff White brought his Sheriff cake to share with us.

Invocation: Reverend Harry Upchurch.

Pledge of Allegiance: Howard Lasher.

Secretary’s Report: Secretary, Opie Pearce gave highlights from the September 11th meeting. She paid tribute to
Reverend Harry Upchurch for his honor and praises on behalf of 9/11 and the untimely murder
of Charlie Kirk. She also gave thanks to Rose Holmes and her team for arraigning to have The
Pavement Education Project coordinators at the meeting to speak on “Your Child, Your Faith, Your Rights”.
Secretary Pearce reminded everyone that the minutes for our meetings are posted monthly on our
Republican Website. A motion was made to accept the minutes as given. Motion was seconded and
carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Chairman Strickland gave the treasurer’s report for treasurer, Sidney Reynolds. 

Announcements:
It was reported we have 758 Facebook followers, which is up 20 from last month with 27,606 views.
1.8 thousand engaged. Twitter has 364 followers. The big topic was the Government
Shutdown. The Franklin County Patriots group has 388 members with 345 reactions to 117
posts.

Rose Holmes announced the need is strong for GOP growth leaders. People are stepping up. We need help
organizing precincts. Donations are also needed for our I-360 computer program.

Jerry Gentle needs a couple more people to work on the Plan of
Organization Committee.

Scott Yeakey is handling the Voter Registration Committee. People have to get registered before they can be a candidate. Candidate filing begins Monday, December 1st and runs through Friday, December 19th .

Melissa Cogliati and Sidney Reynolds are handling the committee for the 250th Year Anniversary project.

Wyatt McGee spoke on the documentary “Truth Rising”. It is a family call to action to choose
courage over fear. For more info go to truthrising.com.

Harry Barrick, Board of Elections representative, announced early voting runs October 16
through October 31. 

Chairman Strickland announced Marsha Strawbridge is running for Mayor of Bunn. 

Elected Officials:
Commissioner Roxanne Bragg attended the meeting and provided a county activity/project update.

Sheriff Kevin White was given a huge reception as speaker at the meeting and he brought a cake.
We called it the “Sheriff’s Cake” and everybody got a piece.

Some of his updates
included:

  • 20,436 calls so far this year with 25,000 calls last year at this time;
  • Franklin County currently has 110 sworn deputies;
  • Safe schools are a priority. Deputies have access to all county schools;
  • Doing more training hours;
  • Has seen a reduction in fentanyl overdoses;
  • Jail ministry is going strong – Rev. Harry has played a significant role;
  • Having their first GED Program for the inmates;
  • Has offered a class for inmates on How To Be A Better Father;
  • An FBI Task Force Officer has been assigned to the FBI;
  • A DEA Task Force Officer has been assigned;
  • New phone system, HVAC Units and a new dishwasher have been installed;
  • New tactical supplies have been purchased;
  • The jail has a capacity to hold 200 inmates. Generally they have 140-150.

Sheriff White thanked everyone for having him and for our support.


Chairman’s Comments:

Chairman Strickland announced our next Exec. Mtg. will be
November 13, 2025.

Being no further business, Chairman Strickland adjourned the meeting.


Respectfully submitted,
Opie Pearce, Secretary