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

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— 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.

NCDOT

Upcoming Improvements for Franklin County Roads

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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

VGCC Logo

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

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–– 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

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–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

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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

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— 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

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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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41st Annual VGCC Golf Tournament Set To Tee Off May 5,6

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The 41st annual Vance-Granville Community College Foundation’s Golf Tournament for Scholarships is set for Monday, May 5 and Tuesday, May 6 at the Henderson Country Club.

The four-member team Super Ball tournament begins with lunch and registration at 11:30 a.m. and shotgun start at 1 p.m., according to information from Sheri Jones, The VGCC Foundation’s associate director.

Find registration forms and sponsorship information here:

The VGCC Foundation Golf Tournament – Vance Granville Community College.

The golf tournament is one of VGCC’S primary fundraisers for The Foundation. Money raised will be used for scholarships to help eligible students with the cost of tuition and books, as well as emergency grants.

The golf tournament provides resources for the College to remove barriers in order to enhance and expand its efforts to address need-based aid for students and promote equitable outcomes for all learners.

Sponsors, please note that payment must be received to guarantee your sponsorship. Please make checks payable to The VGCC Foundation. Online payments can be made at The VGCC Foundation Online Gifts Page.

For more information, contact foundation@vgcc.edu.

NC Forest Service

N.C. Forest Service: Statewide Open Burning Ban In Effect Until Further Notice

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A statewide open burning ban is currently in effect, and the N.C. Forest Service has cancelled all burning permits until further notice because of the increased risk of wildfires.

The ban prohibits all open burning in all 100 counties, even if a permit previously had been issued. New permits will not be granted until the ban is lifted. Anyone who violates the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 in court costs and anyone responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire, according to information from the N.C. Forest Service.

Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting the N.C. Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban.

Although the burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling, local fire marshals have the authority to suspend permits for those fires as well. Earlier Friday, WIZS News received information from Warren County Fire Marshal Greg Henry and Franklin County Fire Marshal Trey Evans stating that all burn permits issued for open burns within 100 feet of a residence also are suspended for as long as the state burning ban is in effect.

“It is spring wildfire season in North Carolina, and we are seeing wildfire activity increase due to dry conditions,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “With these ongoing conditions, a statewide burn ban is necessary to reduce the risk of wildfires starting and spreading quickly. Our top priority is always to protect lives, property and forestland across the state. It is imperative that folks adhere to this burn ban until further notice.”

The N.C. Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions.

Contact your county’s fire marshal or N.C. Forest Service ranger for more information

 

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is open burning? 

A: Open burning includes burning leaves, branches or other plant material. In all cases, burning trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other nonvegetative material is illegal.

Q: May I still use my grill or barbecue? 

A: Yes, if no other local ordinances prohibit their use.

Q: How should I report a wildfire? 

A: Call 911 to report a wildfire.

Q: How should I report a person who intentionally starts a wildfire? 

A: Call 911 to report a wildfire.

Q: My local fire marshal has also issued a burn ban for my county. What does this mean?

A: The burn ban issued by the N.C. Forest service does not apply to a fire within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Local government agencies have jurisdiction over open burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The N.C. Forest Service has advised county fire marshals of the burning ban and has asked for their consideration of also implementing a burning ban. If a fire within a 100-foot area of a dwelling escapes containment, a North Carolina forest ranger may take reasonable steps to extinguish or control it. The person responsible for setting the fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.

Q: Are there other instances which impact open burning?

A: Local ordinances and air quality regulations may impact open burning. For instance, outdoor burning is prohibited in areas covered by Code Orange or Code Red air quality forecasts. Learn more about air quality forecasts at https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/air-quality/air-qualityoutreach-education/air-quality-forecasts.

Q: Can I have a campfire when I go camping? 

A: Campfires would be considered open burning and are not exempt from the burn ban. During a burn ban, portable gas stoves or grills are alternate methods for cooking food while camping.

Q: What can I do to protect my house against the risk of wildfire?

A: Learn about wildfire risk assessments and preparedness and prevention plans on the N.C. Forest Service website at https://www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/fc_wui.htm or https://www.resistwildfirenc.org/.

The Local Skinny! VGCC Foundation Fundraiser Saturday, April 5 At HighRock Farms

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Join The VGCC Foundation at the second annual wine tasting gala and silent auction fundraiser on Saturday, April 5, from 6 – 9 p.m. to help support students facing unforeseen financial crises.

The event’s theme is  “Unlocking Possibilities: You Are Key,” and will take place at HighRock Farms in Granville County.

Unexpected burdens can easily derail some students. Through initiatives like a food pantry, emergency assistance, transportation vouchers and career closet, The VGCC Foundation steps in to meet students’ basic needs when the unexpected gets in the way of their academic progress, according to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel.

Now in its second year, the wine tasting gala and silent auction features an array of wineries showcasing their signature wines including reds, whites, bubbly and more. Guests will enjoy a buffet of foods including chicken, beef, and more (as well as tea and water), while The Hub will offer a variety of beer and wine for purchase by the glass.

Attendees will receive a souvenir wine glass and have the option to purchase their favorite finds. In addition, a variety of silent auction items will be on display for bidding throughout the evening. Also added this year is a Wine Pull and various raffle opportunities. A short program showcasing students who have benefited from donor contributions will open the evening, and local students will provide the event’s entertainment.

HighRock Farms, located at 2317 Enon Road outside Oxford, is owned by Beth and Dave Hollister.

Dress for the evening is business attire.

Tickets are $75 each and may be purchased through The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation office. Only 150 tickets will be sold, so be sure to get yours early! To purchase tickets online, visit www.vgcc.edu/the-vgcc-foundation-online-gifts and enter “Gala” in the Designation box. To purchase tickets using any other method, please email foundation@vgcc.edu or call 252.738.3264.

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