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Franklin Co. Announces New Convenience Site Hours

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

With the ending of Daylight Savings Time on November 1, 2020, Franklin County Convenience Sites will close at 6 p.m. beginning Monday, November 2, 2020.

All sites are open during these hours on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, with the exception of the Timberlake Road site, which is open on Thursday as well.

The updated schedule of 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. will be observed until Monday, March 15, 2021, when Daylight Savings Time resumes. For reference, the schedule can be located online at https://www.franklincountync.us/services/solid-waste.

For additional information, please contact Lee Bodenhamer, Solid Waste Director, at (919) 496-5002.

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Kim Denton Appointed Franklin County Manager

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners appointed Kim Denton as County Manager at their October 19 meeting. Denton has served as Assistant County Manager since December 2017 and will take the lead as County Manager November 1, 2020, upon the retirement of long-time County Manager Angela L. Harris.

“I appreciate the confidence the Board of Commissioners has placed in me,” Denton said. “My knowledge of the County’s important objectives will help ensure continuity.”

As Assistant County Manager, Denton has led the County’s Broadband Action Team, as well as directly supervised several departments and worked with Department Heads on accomplishing a number of Departmental projects. She has worked with the County Manager as a member of the Budget Team and helped interpret and shape policy. Denton directed the Facilities Review and Space Assessment Study to assess the condition and future objectives for County facilities.

“I look forward to working with the Board of Commissioners and County staff to address the opportunities and challenges ahead,” said Denton.

Prior to service with Franklin County Government, Denton served over six years in the Franklin County Clerk of Court’s Office as Assistant Clerk working in the Estates and Civil Departments. Her previous experience includes over ten years in the telecommunications industry working with the company now known as CenturyLink, holding positions in Accounting, Marketing and Regulatory departments. She is also an avid supporter of a number of volunteer organizations in Franklin County.

Denton graduated from Peace College in Raleigh, North Carolina and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from East Carolina University. She is a native of Franklin County where she currently resides with her husband, Thomas. She has two sons, Mark and Edward.

For additional information, please contact Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager, at (919) 496-5994.

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C. Boyd Sturges, III Appointed Lead Franklin County Attorney

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners unanimously appointed C. Boyd Sturges, III as lead County Attorney from the firm of Davis, Sturges & Tomlinson Attorneys at Law of Louisburg on October 19, 2020.

Mr. Sturges’ experience with the County includes work on special projects, most notably Maria Parham’s expansion into Franklin County after the unexpected closing of Novant Health in 2015. As a result of negotiations, Maria Parham Franklin opened in October 2018 to serve Franklin County residents.

In addition to his private law practice, he is currently serving his fourth term on the Louisburg Town Council. Mr. Sturges has been lead counsel for the Franklin County Board of Education since 2005 and also serves on the Board of Trustees of Louisburg College and the Tar River Land Conservancy.

Mr. Sturges received a B.A. from Wake Forest University in 1991 and graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1995 with a Juris Doctor Degree. He is a native of Franklin County where he currently resides with his wife, Cindy Sturges, North Carolina Superior Court Judge. He has one daughter, Olivia.

For additional information, please contact Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager, at (919) 496-5994.

NCDOT

Resurfacing Projects Awarded for Vance, Franklin and Warren Counties

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-Press Release, N.C. Department of Transportation

Thanks to five new contracts awarded by the N.C. Department of Transportation, totaling more than $17 million, nearly 120 miles of area roadway will be resurfaced.

  • Under a $3.5 million contract, Carolina Sunrock of Raleigh will mill and resurface pavement and improve shoulders along 17.7 miles of state-maintained roads throughout Durham County.
  • Under a $2.8 million contract, Carolina Sunrock will mill and resurface pavement and improve shoulders along 29.7 miles of state-maintained roads throughout Franklin County.
  • Under a $3.8 million contract, Carolina Sunrock will mill and resurface pavement and improve shoulders along 29.4 miles of state-maintained roads throughout Vance and Warren counties.
  • Under a $3 million contract, Carolina Sunrock will mill and resurface pavement and improve shoulders along 11.6 miles of state-maintained roads throughout western Wake County.
  • Under a $4.1 million contract, Fred Smith Company of Raleigh will mill and resurface pavement and improve shoulders along 30.4 miles of state-maintained roads throughout southern Wake County.

This work can start as soon as March 15, 2021, with most of the projects completed before the unofficial end of the paving season in mid-November, and all roads done by the end of July 2022.

For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.

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Franklin Co. Plans Drive-Through Veteran’s Day Celebration

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Franklin County will soon honor the men and women who served and sacrificed for our country at the county’s annual Veteran’s Day celebration. Due to social distancing measures related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the celebratory event will look a bit different this year. A drive-through meal is scheduled from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, at Crosscreek Charter School, 100 East River Road in Louisburg.

This year Veterans will enjoy prizes and a packed lunch for two as they drive through, courtesy of the Justice Volunteer Fire Department and many other sponsors. Please note social distancing will be practiced and masks and gloves will be used in serving our Veterans. No one will need to leave their vehicle to receive their meal and prizes.

The events of 2020 have presented us with challenges, however, Franklin County still intends to celebrate the men and women who served along with their spouses who stood with them.

For additional information, please contact Brenda L. Wilkins, Veterans Services Officer, at (919) 496-1939.

Cardinal Innovations Goes Pink

‘Cardinal Innovations Goes Pink’ for Breast Cancer, Mental Heath Awareness

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-Information courtesy Cardinal Innovations Healthcare

Join us on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, for Cardinal Innovations Goes Pink, a two-session virtual event to increase awareness around breast cancer and mental health in Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Vance and Warren counties.

Session One: Community Presentation & Panel Discussion

Learn information about Breast Cancer and ways to increase awareness from Guest Speaker, Estena Bradley, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified. Immediately following the presentation, learn about available resources from local agencies, health providers, and regional influencers.

Session Two: Secondary Trauma & Self-Care

Individuals who work in various helping fields often do not recognize their potential to experience secondhand trauma. This training is designed to help those working in the field recognize the symptoms of secondary trauma and how to take care of themselves during times of stress.

To Register:

Session One: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Community Presentation & Panel Discussion (Click here)

Session Two: 2 to 3 p.m.
Secondary Trauma & Self-Care (Click here)

For more information or to submit questions for the panel, contact Monae Davis at monae.davis@cardinalinnovations.org

Louisburg Christmas Parade

Louisburg Christmas Parade Set for Dec. 6

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy the Town of Louisburg

The Town of Louisburg will host the 2020 Christmas Parade in downtown Louisburg on Sunday, December 6 beginning at 3 p.m.

Parade entry begins at the intersection of North Main Street and Smoketree Way. The parade will move south on Main Street, continue past Louisburg College, and turn onto Wade Avenue/Johnson Street for disbandment.

Applications (click here) to participate in the parade are now being accepted. Interested participants should submit their application by mail or drop off at the Town of Louisburg at 110 West Nash Street, Louisburg, NC 27549.

Entries postmarked by November 20 will be considered for inclusion based on the number of entries needed for each category. Accepted entrants will be notified prior to the parade.

For additional information on the parade, including cost, float requirements and drop off/unloading instructions, please click here.

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Franklin County Library Update

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Franklin County Libraries are currently and indefinitely closed inside to the public in order to ensure materials are properly quarantined before release.

Staff is making every effort to ensure materials are disinfected, quarantined and handled appropriately before and during any transaction. Doing so requires storing items in quarantine for 72 hours which puts a premium on available space that circumvents browsing by the public.

Hands-on acquisitions from the shelves by appropriately masked and gloved library personnel are safe, however, so we offer curbside delivery of materials to meet your needs. Patrons may select and put items on hold via the online catalog or by calling Franklin County libraries to request specific material or ask that personnel curate selections.

Items are also available through the NC Cardinal consortium, and many additions to online resources for all ages have been made. Online resources require the barcode number from the patron’s card and the patron’s PIN. If you are unsure about your information, call your library for assistance.

Franklin County Public School students have access to online resources using their Department of Public Instruction issued student identification numbers and a PIN. Content appropriate collections are available at e-inc and NC Kids as well as NC Live.org. Libraries are working with the Charter schools to assist students with access.

One of the services provided by libraries is making copies for patrons. Patrons may email documents or bring a USB and have copies made from its contents. Staff will also scan and email documents for patrons or send a fax.

Other useful services available include mail-in voter registration forms. Wi-Fi is available on the premises from 6 a.m. through midnight and item return via Book Drop is available near the entrance to each building. Standard check-out of material is handled at the curbside.

Exact change and personal checks are accepted tender for transactions requiring payments. Appointments are required for curbside item pick up and strongly encouraged for copy, print and fax services.

Visit http://franklin.nccardinal.org/eg/opac/home to reserve items online and for direct web access to the Library Catalog.

Email materials for print services to:

Louisburg: franklinlibraryprints@gmail.com

Youngsville: youngsvillebook@yahoo.com

Bunn: bunnbook@yahoo.com

Franklinton: franklib@yahoo.com

Curbside services:

Louisburg: Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 3 – 5:45 p.m. Call (919) 496-2111 for an appointment.

Youngsville: Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 3 – 5:45 p.m. Call (919) 556-1612 for an appointment.

Bunn: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 12 – 5:45 p.m. Call (919) 496-6764 for an appointment.

Franklinton: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 12 – 5:45 p.m. Call (919) 494-2736 for an appointment.

For additional information, please contact Director Holt Kornegay at (919) 496-2111.

COVID T-Shirt Contest

F-G-V-W Opportunity Holding COVID-19 Awareness T-Shirt Design Contest

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department

Franklin-Granville-Vance-Warren Opportunity presents a COVID-19 Awareness T-Shirt Design Contest for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Students must live in Franklin, Granville, Vance or Warren County to be eligible.

Participants are asked to design a t-shirt with a message that will encourage more individuals (youth in particular) to wear masks, wash their hands, stay six feet apart and get tested if exposed.

Prize categories include elementary school (K – 5th grade), middle school (6th – 8th grade) and high school (9th – 12th grade).

Prizes:

Grand Prize: PS4 Gaming System

First Place: $100

Second Place: $50

Third Place: $25

Each first-place winner’s school will also receive $200.

Rules:

  • Complete Student Entry Form (click here). Please fill out the entry form completely.
  • Artwork should express the importance of wearing a mask, washing hands, etc.
  • Must include a catchphrase for artwork (ex. Be safe, Wear your mask, etc.).
  • Clearly label your artwork on the back with the student’s name, school name and grade level.
  • Securely attach entry form to artwork.
  • No frames.
  • No multidimensional work.
  • Artwork size should be no larger than 8.5 x 11.
  • Entries should be a drawing or a painting done in pencil, markers, colored pencils or acrylic.

Submission Deadline:

All submissions must be postmarked by Wednesday, October 7, 2020. Mail completed entry form and artwork to:

Franklin-Granville-Vance-Warren Opportunity

COVID-19 Awareness Art Contest C/O Felecia Coleman

PO Box 1453

Henderson, NC 27536

Green Rural Redevelopment (GRRO)

GRRO Hires 25 Community Health Workers to Fight COVID-19 in Rural NC

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-Press Release, Green Rural Redevelopment, Inc. 

On Friday, September 25, 2020, 25 community health workers will complete their training and be deployed into communities in Granville, Vance, Franklin, Warren, Nash, Pitt, Halifax and Wake Counties.

Green Rural Redevelopment, Inc. (GRRO) a non-profit organization, has been focused on providing access to healthy food and meals to people in the Kerr-Tar region. Henry Crews, the Executive Director of GRRO notes, “We saw the devastation that the pandemic has brought to our community, and we used our organizational flexibility to expand our programming and grow our team, to reach the ever-increasing numbers of rural residents who have been impacted by the Coronavirus.”

In a partnership with Curamericas Global, Duke Family Medicine & Community Health and the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services, GRRO will join a statewide network of agencies that provide frontline support services, resources and help for residents impacted by the Coronavirus. These efforts are made possible by funding from The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Federal funding made available to the State for pandemic relief services.

Working with local county Health Departments, the trained CHW teams will work with families and individuals who have been directly and indirectly impacted by COVID-19.

On Friday, area Medical Directors and others from the health department will meet with the new support teams to coordinate referrals and service delivery to area residents.

Green Rural Redevelopment, Inc. (GRRO) is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to positively impacting our community by providing avenues of economic development using food agriculture and food supply chain economics in the face of persistent poverty; access to fresh, healthy foods for vulnerable members of the community; and support for health providers to reduce certain chronic diseases through patient access to better, fresh foods.

If you would like more information about this topic, please call Lucette Mercer at (303) 912-2520 or email lucettem@grronc.org.