The replacement of a statue of a Confederate soldier on the front lawn of the Franklin County Courthouse, which was destroyed last year when a vehicle crashed into it, has been delayed because bids received on the project were higher than the anticipated cost.

The Franklin County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to reject all bids on the statue replacement and seek new proposals.

Mike Thurman, director of county properties, said the county received three bids. Only one of bids fell within the county's budget of $162,949 for the project.

Rocky Mount plans to negotiate a contract with the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce to operate

the Community & Hospitality Center (CHC) in the old depot on Franklin Street.

Town Manager James Ervin recommended Monday that the town accept the chamber's proposal to operate the CHC as a visitors and welcome center.

Town Council's Public Facilities and Special Events Committee agreed with Ervin's recommendation. Several other council members who attended the committee meeting said they also favored the chamber.

The cost of a Thanksgiving meal has increased by nearly 13 percent during the past year.

"We are seeing higher prices for livestock than in the past, and energy costs are the big culprit," said Jonah Bowles, agricultural risk marketing coordinator.

"The average cost of the centerpiece of the meal, a turkey, has risen by more than $2 this year," Bowles said.

"Processed food prices have also increased, due to the rise rise in fuel costs, and that will be reflected in this year's cost to the consumer," he said.

A survey of the price of basic items found on Americans' Thanksgiving tables places the average meal for 10 adults this year at $45.89.