BY STEPHEN H. COWLES/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Playback58@gmail.com

FRANKLIN—At least six area businesses are helping with events that will benefit veterans and their families.

Bobby’s Muffler, ACE Hardware, Walmart, The Peanut Patch, photographer Alan Boyton and Palm Tree Inn have donated money, products and services, said Franklin native Betty Drake Beard.

Colton James, a renowned country singer from Courtland, has organized Fishin’ 4 Heroes, a fishing trip on the Get ‘Er Done yacht at 7 a.m. today at Rudee Inlet in Virginia Beach. Work on this inaugural event started two months ago.

“All the people I’ve worked with — military families, kids’ organizations, etc. — they’re all heroes fighting for lives and freedom,” said James.

He’ll perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, at Blue Pete’s Restaurant in Pungo for Truckin’ 4 Troops.

There is no cover for the event, which begins at 5.

For more information, go to the Facebook pages for either Colton James or Blue Pete Restaurant.