TownTalk: Around Old Granville – Warren and Franklin County Historical Markers

Two schools, both chartered in 1787, have historical markers that underscore their longevity and importance to their respective counties. The Warrenton Male Academy – more recently known as John Graham High School and then John Graham Middle School – had a local Who’s Who on its board of trustees when it was first started.

And Louisburg College, which got its start as separate academies for males and females, is the oldest church-related coeducational two-year school in the nation.

Local historian and Thornton Library’s North Carolina Room Specialist Mark Pace joined WIZS’s Bill Harris Thursday to wrap up an Around Old Granville series about historical markers that dot the countryside in Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin counties.

There are 57 across the area, which Pace said shows just how significant the people, events and places are to the state, the nation and to the world.

Take Nathaniel Macon, whose marker is in Warren County. His family came here in the mid-1700’s, and Macon became the Speaker of the U.S. House. If you remember your Civics lesson about the legislative and executive branches of government, you will know that the Speaker of the House is second in line to be president, after the vice president, Pace explained.

But Macon was an austere sort and Pace said the only thing Macon felt the government should do was “provide for the common defense and maybe the post office –  anything else was intrusive government.”

He left strict instructions that his grave would have no tombstone – too flashy. Anyone with occasion to pass by his grave was asked to simply toss a rock on it, Pace said.

“There’s a big, giant pile of rocks on his grave,” Pace said.

John H. Kerr served 30 years in the U.S. Congress. He also was a long-time mayor of Warrenton, but it was his efforts in the U.S. Congress that got his name on the new lake that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed in the mid-1950’s.

John A. Hyman was the first African American to represent North Carolina in Congress. Born into slavery in Warren County, he was moved to Alabama but returned home after the Civil War ended. He served one term and when he came back to North Carolina, he was a delegate to the second state Freedman’s Convention and later served several terms in the State Senate.

Franklin County has fewer markers than the other three counties that originally were part of Old Granville, only seven to date.

One is Green Hill Place, the site of the first Methodist Episcopal church conference in the state, way back in 1785.

John Williamson, a former enslaved person, became a state legislator and then a well-known newspaper publisher. He established his newspaper, The Banner, when he was appointed to the state’s Industrial Commission as a way to promote educational and industrial topics related to his new role.

Moses Hopkins was the first African American to graduate from the Presbyterian Auburn Seminary in New York. After he graduated in 1877, he moved to Franklinton and established Albion Academy in 1879. He was appointed U.S. ambassador to Liberia in 1885 and he died there in 1886.

Then there’s Thomas Bickett, the only governor of the state to hail from Franklin County. Bickett was the state’s attorney general and served in the State House. He was governor from 1917-1921.

He died young, the same year he left the governor’s office.

Another Franklin County man with a promising future in literature was Edwin Wiley Fuller. He died of consumption – later known as tuberculosis – at age 28. He was author of Sea-Gift and Angel in the Cloud.

Pace said Fuller wrote an account of a plantation burning in one of his works. Margaret Mitchell was reportedly a fan of Fuller’s writing, and Pace speculates that the scene of Tara burning in her book, Gone With the Wind, may have been inspired by Fuller.

Fuller also wrote a fanciful tale about a fellow who went around the neighborhood telling tall tales that people fall for, Pace said, that another fan – none other than Mark Twain – may have used to base his famous story, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.

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Franklin County Names New Solid Waste Director

Franklin County has selected Spencer Pernell as its new Solid Waste director, replacing Lee Bodenhamer, who is retiring. Pernell is scheduled to begin his new role on Wednesday, May 21.

“I’m excited to join Franklin County and continue the progress that Lee has been working on,” Pernell said.

Pernell comes to Franklin County from Green For Life Environmental, where he has served in multiple capacities since 2013, including Facility Manager, Operation Supervisor and Lead Driver. He also worked for Harris Incorporated in a number of positions and also for the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. He also owned Pernell Tree Service for more than a decade.

“Spencer brings a lot of experience in solid waste management, and we look forward to him coming on board,” Interim County Manager Ryan Preble said.

Bodenhamer joined Franklin County in 2019 as Solid Waste director. He is set to retire on May 30, 2025.

‘Stomp The Stigma 5K Run/Walk May 31 At Maria Parham Franklin

Step out and step up to support National Mental Health Awareness Month at Maria Parham Franklin’s “Stomp the Stigma” 5K run and walk on Saturday, May 31 in Louisburg.

Check-in begins at 8 a.m. at the Maria Parham Franklin campus, 100 Hospital Dr. in Louisburg. There are three events for participants:  the 5K run/walk begins at 9 a.m.; the 1-mile family fun run/walk begins at 9:30 a.m. and the Kids’ Dash is at 10 a.m.

Maria Parham Franklin and the MPF Behavioral Health team are hosting the run/walk to raise awareness around mental health, reduce stigma and foster support for the needs of the local community.

Emilee Johnson, Maria Parham’s vice president of Operations, said this inaugural event is a great way to combine a fun activity with raising awareness to reduce the stigma that often surrounds mental health issues.

“Exercise helps a great deal with mental well-being,” Johnson said, so blending education and awareness with an event that provides physical activity just makes sense.

Vendors who provide education and treatment services will be on hand to share information about different types of mental illness and available resources for individuals.

The proceeds for the run/walk will be used to provide help to those in the four-county area, said Ashley Jarema, MPF coordinator for Marketing & Communications.

All dollars raised will go to First In Families, a local nonprofit that offers services and more to clients in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties. Whether the money is used for actual care or to help individuals get access to the care they need, the funds are meant to stay in the local area.

 

“We want to normalize seeking help when needed,” Jarema said, adding that oftentimes, people struggle silently. “We want to make everyone aware that it’s OK to seek help.”

If you want to make sure you get a t-shirt and a swag bag, you should register no later than Friday, May 16. It’s fine to register later – or even the morning of, too.

Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Louisburg/StompTheStigmaK 

 

The top three male finishers and the top three female finishers will receive prizes, and the first 100 finishers will get medals.

There are surely folks who will want to get to the finish line first, but Jarema said “You don’t have to be a runner, you don’t even have to be a walker” to come out and help. There’s a spot to sign up to be a volunteer on the registration page.

 

Johnson said the message to the community is simple: “You are not alone. We are here with you. We all fight the battle together.”

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NCDOT

Upcoming Improvements for Franklin County Roads

The N.C. Department of Transportation has awarded a $2.3 million contract to Sunrock Industries LLC to improve more than 16 miles of roadway in Franklin County.

The project will include milling, resurfacing and shoulder reconstruction.

The roads to be improved are:

  • Brantleytown Road/Old Halifax Road from the Franklin-Wake County line to N.C. 39
  • Halifax Road from North Bickett Boulevard to Justice Street
  • Vaiden Road from Schloss Road to N.C. 58
  • 11 stretches of secondary roadway

Work may begin this spring and is expected to be completed by late fall 2026.

— press release information courtesy of NCDOT

‘Stomp The Stigma’ Events At Maria Parham Franklin On May 31 To Promote Mental Health Awareness

— information courtesy of Donna Young, Maria Parham Health Public Information Officer

Step out and step up to support National Mental Health Awareness Month at ‘sMaria Parham Franklin’s “Stomp the Stigma” 5K run and walk on Saturday, May 31 in Louisburg.

Check-in begins at 8 a.m. at the Maria Parham Franklin campus, 100 Hospital Dr. in Louisburg. There are three events for participants:  the 5K run/walk begins at 9 a.m.; the 1-mile family fun run/walk begins at 9:30 a.m. and the Kids’ Dash is at 10 a.m.

Maria Parham Franklin and the MPF Behavioral Health team are coming together to raise awareness around mental health, reduce stigma and foster support for the needs of the local community.

Join others from across the community for a day of events designed to “Stomp the Stigma” surrounding mental health and encourage individuals to seek help when needed.

5K Run/Walk – Starting at 9:00 a.m., this race will begin and end at Maria Parham Franklin and wind through downtown Louisburg. The 5K is open to all participants, regardless of skill level, and encourages people to move at their own pace in support of mental health awareness.

1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk – Kicking off at 9:30 a.m., this event is perfect for families and participants of all ages. It will be a relaxed and enjoyable run/walk, emphasizing fun and inclusivity while supporting the cause.

Kids’ Dash – Beginning at 10:00 a.m., this race is designed just for the kids and will take place entirely on the hospital grounds. It’s a short, fun, and active event that allows children to get involved in raising awareness about mental health.

Event Details:

T-shirts and Swag Bags: Every registered participant will receive an event t-shirt and a swag bag filled with surprises. Be sure to register at least two weeks prior to the event to be guaranteed a t-shirt and swag bag.

Awards & Prizes: Medals will be awarded to the top 3 male and top 3 female finishers of the 5K, and medals will also be presented to the first 100 participants who finish the race.

Registration: Participants can sign up for any of the events https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Louisburg/StompTheStigmaK 

“We are excited to host these events as part of our ongoing commitment to raising awareness about mental health and encouraging people to prioritize their well-being,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Stigma around mental health can prevent people from seeking the help they need, and our goal is to help change that through these fun and meaningful events.”
The Stomp the Stigma event aims to bring the community together in a positive and supportive way while making it clear that seeking help for mental health is not only acceptable, but encouraged.
Maria Parham Franklin encourages everyone to get involved, whether by participating in one of the events, volunteering, or simply showing support for this important cause. Together, we can work to end the stigma surrounding mental health and help normalize seeking the help and support that everyone deserves.

VGCC Logo

Richmond Fed Reserve Bank President Scheduled As Keynote Speaker At VGCC Graduation

– information courtesy of Vance-Granville Community College Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Tom Barkin, president of the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at Vance-Granville Community College May 16 commencement ceremony.

The commencement begins at 6 p.m. on the grounds of the Main Campus in Henderson. The community is invited to attend, according to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel. Several hundred students are expected to be graduated, having completed requirements over the past year.

Since 2018, Barkin has been the president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond which serves the District of Columbia and five states, including North Carolina.

Barkin serves on the Fed’s chief monetary policy body, the Federal Open Market Committee and is also responsible for the Richmond Fed’s bank supervision and the Federal Reserve’s technology organization. He is “on the ground” continually in the Fed’s Fifth District, which covers South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. His engagement in the region has brought real attention to areas facing economic challenges.

Prior to joining the Richmond Fed, Barkin was a senior partner and CFO at McKinsey & Company, a worldwide management consulting firm, where he also oversaw McKinsey’s offices in the southern United States. He earned his bachelor’s, MBA, and law degrees from Harvard University.

Visit www.vgcc.edu to learn more.

Local DMV Offices To Open At 7 A.M. Beginning Monday, Apr. 7

–information courtesy of N.C. Dept. of Transportation

The N.C Division of Motor Vehicles is set to again extend service hours at its driver license offices beginning next week.

On April 7, 42 offices – including the DMV offices in Henderson, Oxford and Louisburg – will join 50 others that will be opening an hour early at 7 a.m. to offer an extra hour of appointments and service time.

“I am ecstatic that we are able to further expand our service hours,” said DMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin. “Beginning April 7, 80 percent of our 115 driver license offices will be open for 10 hours a day, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.”

NCDMV has continued to work to provide customers with more service hours to address the state’s growing population.

In September 2022, the division increased the number of offices that opened at 7 a.m. from 25 to 35. That number grew to 40 in May 2023, and then to 45 in August 2023. Five more offices were added in September 2024 to get to 50.

 

NC Coop Extension

Franklin Cooperative Extension’s Small Farm Boot Camp Begins Apr. 3

The Franklin County Cooperative Extension is hosting a regional Small Farm Boot Camp designed to provide information for new and beginning farmers and homesteaders and others who are looking for innovative ways to market farm or garden products.

The series will be held on Thursdays in April, beginning Apr. 3 and continuing on Apr. 10, 17 and 24. Each session will begin at 4 p.m. and will be held at the Franklin County Plaza Conference Room, 279 S. Bickett Blvd., in Louisburg.

A culminating activity that includes a local farm tour is planned for Sunday, May 11.

The deadline to register for the program is Wednesday, Apr. 2. The cost is $150.

Register on Eventbrite at https://go.ncsu.edu/2025smallfarmbootcamp.
For additional information, call the Franklin County Extension Office at 919.496.3344, or contact Martha Mobley Ag Agent, martha_mobley@ncsu.edu.

Learn more at https://franklin.ces.ncsu.edu/.

Franklin Co. Planning & Inspections Director Scott Hammerbacher Named Assistant County Manager

— information courtesy of Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks III

 

Franklin County has named county Planning & Inspections director Scott Hammerbacher as assistant county manager.

Hammerbacher fills a vacancy created by Will Doerfer, who resigned in October 2024. Hammerbacher has worked for the county for 19 years – 16 years as planning and inspections director.

“I am looking forward to expanding my service to Franklin County as an assistant county manager,” said Hammerbacher. “I have enjoyed my time in the Planning Department and am looking forward to bringing my knowledge and experience to the County Manager’s office.”

Previously, he served as a planner in both Holly Springs and Reading, PA and as a construction manager in Ocean City, MD. He was named Franklin County Employee of the Year in 2009.

“Scott brings a wealth of planning and project management experience to the County Manager’s office as assistant county manager,” said Ryan Preble, interim county manager.

Hammerbacher received a bachelor’s degree in geography with a concentration in environmental planning from Salisbury State University in Salisbury, MD.

 

The Local Skinny! Aviation Academies at the Henderson-Oxford Airport

The Henderson-Oxford Airport is one of a dozen airports to get state funding to host summer academies for students in grades K-12 who want to learn more about aviation and the aerospace industry.

The N.C. Dept. of Transportation’s Division of Aviation has awarded grants of up to $5,000 for these smaller airports to have programs for young people, according to information from NCDOT.

“We’re thrilled to partner with airports across the state to offer these academies,” said Nick Short, interim director of the NCDOT Division of Aviation. “Not only do students have an incredible time learning about aviation, but they also gain valuable insight into the career opportunities available in this dynamic and growing industry. It’s about sparking curiosity and showing them that the sky really is the limit.”

The academies are designed to engage students in hands-on activities, interactive lessons and behind-the-scenes experiences that bring the aviation industry to life. Participants can look forward to flight simulator sessions, airport tours, aircraft demonstrations and opportunities to connect with aviation professionals who share their passion for the skies. Triangle North Executive Airport in Louisburg is also participating in the summer academy program.

The ACE Academy Grant Program is a key component of the Division of Aviation’s mission to support aerospace and aviation workforce development. By funding these academies, the Division is helping to cultivate a pipeline of skilled professionals who will contribute to the state’s robust aviation sector.

Parents and students interested in participating in this year’s ACE Academies can learn more by visiting the NCDOT web page devoted to the academies, which contains contact information for each.

James N. Brown, Jr., director of Customized Training at Vance-Granville Community College, is the contact person for both local airports. Contact Brown at 252.738.3520 or brownj@vgcc.edu.

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