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-Press Release, Franklin County Government
Franklin County Manager Angela L. Harris has named Lee Bodenhamer Solid Waste Director. Mr. Bodenhamer will assume the position on December 30, 2019, bringing 29 years of experience to Franklin County.
Franklin County Manager Angela L. Harris has named Lee Bodenhamer Solid Waste Director. Mr. Bodenhamer will assume the position on December 30, 2019, bringing 29 years of experience to Franklin County. (Franklin Co. Govt photo)
Bodenhamer has served as a General Manager with Waste Industries USA, Inc. for 26 years and began employment there as a Residential Manager in early 1990. In his role as General Manager, he was responsible for establishing and administering annual budgets with effective cost controls to meet financial objectives.
Bodenhamer also has a demonstrated history of working in the environmental services industry and has established long-term business relationships with municipal, industrial, commercial and residential accounts.
Bodenhamer holds a Bachelor of Arts in both Economics and Business Management from North Carolina State University and currently resides in Franklin County.
“With nearly 30 years of experience in the environmental services industry and a familiarity to our region, I believe Lee Bodenhamer will be an asset to our leadership team and to Franklin County Solid Waste,” commented Harris. “I believe he is well suited to address the challenges and opportunities associated with growth in our county.”
For additional information, please contact Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager, at (919) 496-5994.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Lee-Bodenhamer-Franklin-Co..png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-12-18 16:54:202019-12-18 16:54:20New Solid Waste Director Selected in Franklin County
Vance-Granville Community College’s Kenneth Wilson (Project Manager – TechHire Grant) won the Glen Raven award on Thursday, December 12, 2019. He was presented with the award by VGCC President Rachel Desmarais, Ph.D.
VGCC and Glen Raven are longtime partners. The college serves the company by providing training programs for employees on subjects including management, leadership, safety and technical skills such as industrial maintenance.
A strong corporate supporter of VGCC’s Endowment Fund, Glen Raven has endowed scholarships for students as well as awards that recognize faculty and staff excellence.
Vance-Granville Community College’s Kenneth Wilson (Project Manager – TechHire Grant) won the Glen Raven award on Thursday, December 12, 2019. He was presented with the award by VGCC President Rachel Desmarais, Ph.D. (VGCC photo)
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Kenneth-Wilson-Glen-Raven-Award.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-12-13 17:01:362019-12-13 17:01:36VGCC’s Kenneth Wilson Receives Glen Raven Award
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-Press Release and photos, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
Over the past three months, members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, The Lake Royale Company Police, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, State Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Administration, conducted an undercover investigation into the illegal distribution of cocaine occurring between Benson, NC and Lake Royale, NC.
Bryon Keith Lee
During this investigation, agents conducted numerous undercover operations and were able to purchase cocaine from Bryon Keith Lee in Franklin County. Agents discovered that Bryon Keith Lee was being supplied cocaine by John Allen Lee Sr. in Benson, NC.
On December 5, 2019, agents conducted an undercover operation in which 56 grams of cocaine were seized during a traffic stop on Bryon K. Lee and Amber Lee. During the traffic stop, a 5-year old minor was located inside the vehicle.
Agents executed a search warrant at a residence in Benson, NC and at the residence of Bryon and Amber Lee, in the Lake Royale Community of Franklin County. As a result of the search warrants, 347 grams of cocaine, marijuana, an undisclosed amount of US Currency and three firearms were seized. Agents discovered that one of the firearms was reported stolen.
During this investigation, a total of 484 grams of cocaine, bulk currency, marijuana and three firearms (one stolen) were seized in Franklin and Johnston Counties.
John Allen Lee Sr.
Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Anytime we are able to remove this amount of drugs from our community, it is a good day. During this investigation, we were able to coordinate with our local, state and federal partners to ensure that we disrupted this drug activity and its source. I can’t say enough about the professionalism and teamwork displayed by all of the agencies involved.”
Bryon K. Lee was placed in the Johnston County Detention Center under a $1,880,000 secured bond.
John Allen LeeSr. was placed in the Johnston County Detention Center under a $300,000 secured bond.
Charges include:
Bryon K. Lee – 42 years old – 132 Turon Drive Louisburg, NC 27549
Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (6 Counts), Sell Cocaine (6 Counts), Maintain a Vehicle for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substance (7 Counts), Trafficking in Cocaine (5 Counts), Sell Controlled Substance within 1000 feet of a park.
John Allen Lee Sr. – 62 years old – 313 N. Hall Street Benson, NC 27504
Trafficking in Cocaine (5 Counts), Possession of a Firearm by Felon, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substance.
This investigation is continuing, and more charges are expected.
If you have information regarding this case or if you would like to report drug activity in your community, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Bryon-and-John-Lee-Mug-Shot.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-12-12 16:50:042019-12-12 16:02:16Two Arrested, 484 Grams of Cocaine Seized in Multi-Agency Drug Investigation
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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit has concluded Phase III of Operation Impact. Operation Impact is an ongoing, six-month investigation, involving illegal drug activity in Franklin County.
As a result of Phase III of the investigation, 19 individuals have been arrested and charged with 134 felony drug-related charges. The individuals arrested during this phase of Operation Impact are alleged to have been involved in selling illegal drugs in and around neighborhoods in Bunn and surrounding areas.
This phase of the investigation was part of a continued and on-going effort by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office to identify and investigate illegal drug activity occurring in Franklin County. The individuals arrested during this operation were identified by citizen complaints, law enforcement complaints and other intelligence-driven information received by the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Phase III of Operation Impact was a strategic initiative that focused on individuals selling drugs in our neighborhoods throughout the Bunn area. The plan to address drug activity in all of our communities will continue.”
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in Phase III of Operation Impact by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bunn Police Department and the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division.
As of this date, Operation Impact has resulted in 55 total arrests and 311 felony charges. These arrests have occurred throughout Franklin County and more arrests are expected.
The following arrests/charges are the result of Operation Impact Phase III:
Cynthia Marie Foster – 56 years old – 15 Rogers Drive Bunn, NC 27508
David Neshorne Smith – 35 years old – 553 Arnold Road Louisburg, NC 27549
3 counts Sell Cocaine, 3 counts PWIMSD Sch II CS, 2 counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS ~ Bond $ 25,000 secured
Quincy Jamario Bolden – 32 years old – 601 Howard Tant Road Zebulon, NC 27597
2 counts Sell Marijuana, 2 counts PWIMSD Sch VI CS, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, Manufacture/Sell/Deliver/Possess with Intent CS within 1000 ft of School ~ Bond $65,000 secured
James Otis Dunston – 73 years old – 15 Queens Drive Bunn, NC 27508
4 counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Cocaine, Possess CS Prison/Jail Premises, Felony Possession of Cocaine ~ Bond $50,000 secured
Lola Veronica Jones – 51 years old – 1391 Sykes Road Spring Hope, NC 27882
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-Information courtesy Greater New Life Ministries
Greater New Life Ministries will celebrate Elder Jerry Perry’s birthday and 31 years of preaching God’s word on Sunday, December 15, 2019, at 5 p.m.
Elder Jerry Perry & the Gospel Believers will be performing along with Christland Singers, Chosen, Heavenly Voices, God Praisers and the Inspirators of Henderson.
Greater New Life is located at 86 Pocomoke Road in Franklinton, NC.
For more information, please call (252) 767-3524.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Faith-Cross-Graphic.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-12-10 16:48:232019-12-10 15:56:37Greater New Life Ministries to Celebrate Elder Jerry Perry
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-Press Release, NCDA&CS
Winter weather is fast approaching, and that means paying special attention to keeping your home heated. Many people across North Carolina rely on propane to stay warm, but there are some general safety tips you should observe to say safe.
Winter Storms
NEVER use outdoor propane appliances indoors or in enclosed areas. This can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death. These include outdoor portable heaters, barbecue grills, and portable generators. Only use appliances indoors that are designed and approved for indoor use.
NEVER store or place a propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent. Cylinders must be outdoors and supply the heater through a hose if it is a temporary setup, or through piping or tubing if it is a permanent setup.
NEVER use a gas oven or range-top burners to provide space heating.
DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO MODIFY OR REPAIR VALVES, REGULATORS, OR OTHER APPLIANCE PARTS.
If melting snow or ice floods any part of your home or farm, NEVER turn on a light switch, use any power source, or inspect your household appliances while standing in water. This can result in electrocution.
DO inspect chimneys, flue pipes, and vent connectors for damage, blockage, or debris.
DO inspect your propane appliances for water or other damage, if it is safe to do so. If the appliances have electric components and have been exposed to water, they can create a fire hazard.
Space heaters usage increases during cold weather. While the tools can be helpful, there are also some rules you should follow when using one.
Space Heaters
Space heaters come in fixed-location and portable types. Also, some are for outdoor use only and some are for indoor use only. Read the container and instructions carefully to determine if the heater is appropriate for the use you intend.
All combustion produces some amount of carbon monoxide, so be careful when using propane or kerosene space heaters indoors. NEVER use a space heater indoors if the unit is specified for outdoors. If you use a propane heater indoors in a tight or poorly ventilated location, you put yourself at risk of carbon monoxide buildup. Heaters specified for outdoor use will cause a more rapid build-up of carbon monoxide than one rated for indoor use.
If you must use a space heater indoors, a carbon monoxide detector can help you avoid poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, scentless, tasteless gas that kills in high enough concentrations, so a detector is the best way to warn you when concentrations get too high.
Space heaters can also cause suffocation when used indoors, as they use up oxygen to produce heat. Any heater used indoors should be equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor, which will shut the unit down before it uses too much of the oxygen. However, be warned that it will still generate a higher concentration of carbon monoxide as it decreases the oxygen level in the room.
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-Information courtesy the Town of Louisburg
The Town of Louisburg will host the 2019 Christmas Parade in downtown Louisburg this Sunday, December 8 from 3 until 5 p.m.
Line-up for those participating in the parade begins at 1 p.m. Entries and participants must be at their assigned space no later than 2:30 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.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Louisburg-Christmas-Parade.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-12-06 16:54:452019-12-06 16:54:45Reminder: Town of Louisburg to Host Annual Christmas Parade This Sun.
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-Information courtesy Sheriff Curtis Brame
The Vance County Sheriff’s Office has received credible reports that someone hanging around Walmart in Louisburg is attempting to sell gift cards to shoppers by stating that they are associated with Sheriff Curtis Brame and the VCSO.
In a phone call to WIZS, Sheriff Brame stated that this is a scam and neither he or the VCSO are associated with the sell of any gift cards.
During the holiday season, scams are rampant and the public is urged to use caution when purchasing gift cards from anyone other than a reputable merchant.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsresize_0000s_0081_vancesheriff.png.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-12-05 16:57:302019-12-05 16:57:30VCSO: Beware of Gift Card Scam Using Sheriff Brame’s Name
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-Press Release, Duke Energy
Vance-Granville Community College today announced a $194,160 investment from Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas. The funds will help connect students with hands-on training and career development opportunities.
The investment will be used to expand apprenticeships in the fields of Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance and Welding, as part of VGCC’s “Business & Industry Connect” program. The college will be able to purchase new equipment, provide tuition supports for students and implement additional training, including the nationally-known “Tooling U-SME” program.
From Left to Right: Kenneth Wilson, Tanya Evans (district manager, Duke Energy), VGCC President Rachel Desmarais, Ken Lewis, Eddie Ferguson. (VGCC photo)
“This grant represents a huge boost to our local industry partners and to students who are looking to energize their careers,” said VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. “We appreciate the continuing support of Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas because apprenticeships are part of VGCC’s multi-pronged approach to addressing workforce shortages so that our economy can grow.”
“We are proud to partner with Vance-Granville Community College to connect students with apprenticeship and workforce training opportunities,” said Tanya Evans, district manager, Duke Energy. “These students will help meet the growing and evolving needs of the region’s manufacturing industry.”
This grant is part of Duke Energy’s $35 million investment in North Carolina’s Community Colleges’ focus on technical education and support of business and industry. Individual community colleges could apply for funds through the North Carolina Community Foundation and the Foundation for the Carolinas.
Applications were reviewed by a committee of representatives from Duke Energy, NC Community College System and NC Department of Commerce.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/VGCC-Duke-Energy-Grant.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-12-05 16:56:522019-12-05 16:56:52VGCC Receives $194K Grant From Duke Energy & Piedmont Natural Gas
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The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will begin accepting applications through county social services departments for the state’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program on Monday, Dec. 2, 2019.
Households including a person aged 60 or older, or disabled individuals receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services who have a life-threatening or health-related emergency due to a lack of heating, are eligible to sign up for assistance Dec. 2 – 31, 2019.
All eligible households may apply from Jan. 2 – March 31, 2020 — or until funds are exhausted.
“This funding can help assist eligible individuals and families with their heating expenses during the winter months,” said David Locklear, Deputy Director of Economic and Family Services in the Division of Social Services. “We want to ensure families are healthy and safe during some of the most difficult times of the year.”
The federally funded program helps households with low incomes with a one-time payment made directly to their heating vendor to offset the high cost of keeping their homes warm.
