Franklin County Sheriff

‘Operation Impact: Phase II’ Ends in 16 Arrests, 88 Drug Charges (Pics)

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office 

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit has concluded Phase II of “Operation Impact,” a six-month joint investigation with JC’s Recovery Baltimore involving illegal drug activity in Franklin County. This operation focused on illegal drug sales in and around the Louisburg area of Franklin County.

As a result of this investigation, 16 individuals have been arrested and charged with 88 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 the Louisburg area. 

This 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, and other intelligence-driven information received by the Sheriff’s Office. 

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Phase II of Operation Impact was conducted as part of our overall strategy to address illegal drug sales in every part of our county. Working with our law enforcement partners has proven to be a valuable resource in combating illegal drug activities within our communities.” 

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in this investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisburg Police Department and the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division. 

As a result of “Operation Impact,” 31 individuals have been arrested and charged with 174 felony drug-related charges. The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected. 

The following arrests/charges are the result of Operation Impact: Phase II –

Eric Lamont Joyner, 38 years old, 25 Eagle Nest Lane Kittrell, NC 27544 – Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Heroin (2 Counts), Sell Heroin (2 Counts), Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling for Selling Controlled Substances. 

Bond $25,000 secured 

Ashley Suri, 24 years old, 40 Richards Way Zebulon, NC 27597 – Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance (2 Counts), Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance (2 Counts), Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling for Selling Controlled Substances (2 Counts).

Bond $25,000 secured 

Wilbert Stewart Jr., 52 years old, 286 Dupree Drive Louisburg, NC 27549 – Sell Cocaine (3 Counts), PWIMSD Schedule Il Controlled Substance (3 Counts), Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substance (2 Counts).

Bond $50,000 secured 

Dennis Earl Fennell Jr., 29 years old, 71 Dupree Drive Louisburg, NC 27549 – Sell Cocaine, PWIMSD Schedule Il Controlled Substance, Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substance, Manufacture/Sell/Deliver/Possess with Intent, Controlled Substance within 1000 ft of School.

Bond $100,000 secured 

Joseph Albert Fowler Jr., 30 years old, 196 Dupree Drive Louisburg, NC 27549 – PWIMSD Cocaine, Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substance (4 Counts), Sell Cocaine (3 Counts), PWIMSD Sch II Controlled Substance (3 Counts), Manufacture/Sell/Deliver/Possess with Intent Controlled Substance within 1000 ft of School.

Bond $175,000 secured

Ricky Patrick Hill Jr., 23 years old, 265 Otis Burrows Road Louisburg, NC 27549 – Sell Marijuana (2 Counts), PWIMSD Marijuana (2 Counts), Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substance (2 Counts).

Bond $20,000 secured 

Walter Emanuel Epps, 59 years old, 302 Mineral Springs Rd. Louisburg, NC 27549 – Sell Cocaine (2 Counts), PWIMSD Cocaine (2 Counts), Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substance (2 Counts), PWISD Cocaine.

Bond $100,000 secured 

Jess Lee Althiser, 37 years old, 73 Whites Lane Louisburg, NC 27549 – PWISD Marijuana, Sell Marijuana, Maintain a Vehicle/Dwell/Place for Controlled Substance.

Bond $15,000 secured 

James Franklin Priest, 35 years old, 305 Ridley Street Louisburg, NC 27549 – PWISD Cocaine (2 Counts), Sell Cocaine (2 Counts), Maintain a Vehicle/Dwell/Place for Controlled Substance (2 Counts).

Bond $25,000 secured 

Reo Perry, 27 years old, 871 Walter Grissom Road Kittrell, NC 27544 – PWISD Marijuana, Sell Marijuana, Maintain a Vehicle/Dwell/Place for Controlled Substance, Conspire Sell Marijuana.

Bond $15,000 secured 

Justina Webb, 29 years old, 871 Walter Grissom Road Kittrell, NC 27544 – Deliver Marijuana, PWISD Marijuana.

Bond $15,000 secured 

Justin Lane Williams, 24 years old, 118 Rex Place Louisburg, NC 27549 – PWISD Cocaine, Sell Cocaine, Maintain a Vehicle/Dwell/Place for Controlled Substance, Manufacture/Sell/Deliver/Possess with Intent Controlled Substance within 1000 ft of School. 

Bond $40,000 secured 

Dequon Seward, 25 years old, 150 Rough Lane Louisburg, NC 27549 – PWISD Marijuana, Sell Marijuana.

Bond $10,000 secured 

Antonie Perry, 34 years old, 275 Cripple Creek Road Louisburg, NC 27549 – PWIMSD Cocaine, Sell Cocaine.

Bond $5,000 secured 

Dennis Godwin, 44 years old, 113 Hopi Drive Louisburg, NC 27549 – Sell Heroin (2 Counts), PWIMSD Heroin (2 Counts), Conspire Sell/Deliver Schedule I Controlled Substance.

Bond $75,000 secured 

Melissa Murphy, 46 years old, 216 MC Wilder Road Louisburg, NC 27549 – Sell Schedule II Controlled Substance (3 Counts), PWIMSD Schedule II Controlled Substance (3 Counts), Maintain a Vehicle/Dwell/Place for Controlled Substance (2 Counts), Trafficking, Opium or Heroin (3 Counts), Manufacture/Sell/Deliver/Possess with Intent Controlled Substance within 1000 ft of School.

Bond $150,000 secured 

If you have information regarding Operation Impact or you would like to report drug activity in your area, please contact Sgt. Ken Pikę at (919) 496-2186. 

Eric Lamont Joyner

Ashley Suri

Wilbert Stewart Jr.

Dennis Earl Fennell Jr

Joseph Albert Fowler Jr.

Ricky Patrick Hill Jr

Walter Emanuel Epps

Jess Lee Althiser

James Franklin Priest

Reo Perry

Justina Webb

Justin Lane Williams

Dequon Seward

Antonie Perry

Dennis Godwin

Melissa Murphy

Maria Parham to Host Free Breast Cancer Awareness Lunch & Learn Event

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-Information courtesy Maria Parham Health

To celebrate October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Maria Parham will host a free lunch and learn event on Thursday, October 24, 2019, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. This event will be offered at Maria Parham Multispecialty Clinic located at 1501 N. Bickett Blvd., Suite E, Louisburg, NC.

Topics will cover:
• Breast cancer resources
• Follow up resources if needed
• Prevention education
• Wellness information

For more information, call 252.436.1605

Franklin County Logo

Franklin County’s Annual Veterans Day Program Set for Nov. 11

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-Press Release, County of Franklin

Local veterans will be honored Monday, November 11, 2019, as Franklin County conducts its annual Veterans Day Program at the Louisburg National Guard Armory, located at 600 South Bickett Boulevard, Louisburg, NC. The official program will begin at 11 a.m.

Guest Speaker for the event will be Col. Kelly Jackson, US Army (Ret.), of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, where she serves as Service Member and Family Coordinator. Musical selections for the program will be rendered by the Louisburg High School Band and several talented citizens.

A meal of local favorites, prepared by the Justice Fire Department & Justice Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, will be served after the official program.

Citizens are encouraged to attend and share their appreciation for the Veterans of our county, state and nation who have bravely served our armed forces. This event is sponsored by Franklin County with support from a number of local sponsors.

For more information, contact Franklin County Veterans Services at 919-496-1939 or visit www.franklincountync.us.

VGCC Nursing Students, Faculty Wear Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

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-Information courtesy Vance-Granville Community College

On Tuesday, October 15, 2019, the students and faculty of Vance-Granville Community College’s Nursing Programs wore pink to show support for breast cancer awareness.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Please visit Wear It Pink (https://www.wearitpink.org/about/breast-cancer-awareness-month) or the National Breast Cancer Foundation website (https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month) to learn more about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

On Tuesday, October 15, 2019, the students and faculty of the VGCC Nursing Programs wore pink to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. (VGCC photo)

 

Reminder: Tour de Vance Registration Runs Through Fri.; Bike Ride Set for Sat.

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Registration is now underway for the Seventh Annual Tour de Vance bike ride, scheduled for Saturday, October 19, 2019. The ride has been growing steadily since its inception, drawing families and first-timers in addition to the most seasoned of cyclists for four separate cycling events.

This year’s ride will help VGCC’s Endowment Fund to support scholarships for students enrolled in Health Sciences programs at the college. Programs include Associate Degree Nursing, Radiography, Practical Nursing, Histotechnology, Medical Assisting and Pharmacy Technology.

Proceeds from this year’s ride will also go to the Vance County United Way. The organization’s goal is to support the work of local public service agencies such as the Addition Recovery Center for Men, Community Partners of Hope, Smart Start, Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, LifeLine Outreach and the Harold Sherman Adult Day Center.

Several different options are available for cyclists. The 9-mile “fun ride” is ideal for youth, families and beginners. A 20-mile course suits riders ready for a bit more distance. Experienced cyclists can choose a 31-mile “Forest and Farmland” circle route through the country or a 62-mile “metric century” that adds to that 31-mile circle route an out-and-back spur to the Kerr Lake area.

The rides will start and finish at VGCC’s Main Campus, located off Interstate 85 and Poplar Creek Road at 200 Community College Road in Henderson.

All riders can register through the Vance-Granville Community College website at vgcc.edu/tourdevance. Online registration will end at 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18. On-site registration will be an option at 7:30 a.m. on the day of the event.

The 9-mile ride will cost $10 for each rider. The 20-mile ride will cost $20 for those who register by Sept. 9, increasing to $25 thereafter. The 31-mile and 62-mile (or “metric century”) rides will cost $30 for those who register by Sept. 9, increasing to $40 thereafter.

“Vance-Granville is honored to once again be associated with an event that has become such a success and a symbol of our college’s 50-year history of community involvement,” said Eddie Ferguson, director of the VGCC Endowment Fund. “Joining forces with the United Way means that we can make an even bigger impact, raising funds for good causes while promoting the importance of exercise and good health.”

Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 19. The 62-mile ride starts at 8:30 a.m., the 31-mile ride at 9:30, the 20-mile ride at 10 a.m., and the 9-mile ride at 10:30 a.m. Law enforcement will accompany riders on the 9-mile route.

Lunch will be provided.

Participating sponsors include Granville-Vance Public Health, Carolina GI Associates PC, Joel Goodwin MD, Barnett Properties, Henderson Fruit & Produce, Prim Rentals, T&T Laundries, Inc., AAA Gas, College Station, Ted’s Catering, and Bearpond Market.

For more information, contact Eddie Ferguson at (252) 738-3264 or tourdevance@vgcc.edu.

VGCC to Hold Open House, Vanguard Flex Information Session

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College will hold Open House at all four campus locations on Saturday, October 19, 2019, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

At Open House, prospective students and their families will have the opportunity to take campus tours, learn more about the enrollment process and explore academic programs in VGCC’s Continuing Education and curriculum divisions.

In addition, the Franklin Campus in Louisburg will hold a Vanguard Flex Information Session on Saturday, October 19 at 10 a.m. in Room F1208.

Vanguard Flex provides adult learners with hybrid courses offered in the evenings and some Saturdays with flexible scheduling. Scheduling options include 8-week sessions with 2-3 on-campus meetings, one Saturday per month class meetings, weekly Live Webinars and more!

More information regarding Open House can be found at www.vgcc.edu/open-house.

NC Dept of Agriculture

Farmland Preservation Grants Available Through NCDA&CS

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-Press Release, USDA&CS

Starting Monday, Oct. 14, county governments and nonprofit groups may apply for funding assistance from the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund for farmland preservation projects.

This year’s request for proposals includes statewide funding for conservation easements, agricultural development projects and agricultural plans. Applicants have until Dec. 13 to apply.

“With the new changes to the application, especially those involving donated easements, we can partner with our applicants to do even more to preserve farm and forestland in North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

This cycle, applicant organizations may submit up to a total of six proposals regardless of category (perpetual easements, term easements, agricultural development projects/agricultural plans). A maximum of three applications per category per applicant may be awarded during this funding cycle.

Applications for donated easement proposals requesting only transaction cost assistance are not considered as one of the six proposals per funding cycle or as part of the maximum limit. Each organization or agency may submit up to four donated easement proposals per funding cycle.

The trust fund’s purpose is to support projects that encourage the preservation of qualifying agricultural, horticultural and forest lands to foster the growth, development and sustainability of family farms.

The grant application and guidelines are available at www.ncadfp.org/CycleXIII.htm. Call 919-707-3071 with questions.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13.

Mitchell Missionary Baptist Church to Celebrate Young Adult Day

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-Information courtesy Alecia Cooke, Mitchell Missionary Baptist Church

The family of Mitchell Missionary Baptist Church most cordially invites you to join us for the morning worship service celebrating Young Adult Emphasis Day on Sunday, October 13, 2019.

Morning worship at 11 a.m. will feature Vanessa “Preacher Girl” Mitchell and Preacher Girl Ministry of 1 Dance Praise Academy and the Youth Pastor of God House of Deliverance, Oxford, NC.

Our desire is to glorify God in our celebration. We would love to have you join us in praising the Lord for all He has done and is going to do in the future at Mitchell Missionary Baptist Church.

If you have any questions, please contact (919) 358-9403 or (252) 548-7453.

The church is located at 243 Lakeview Road in Louisburg, NC. Reverend Thelma McClean is Interim Pastor.

NC Dept of Agriculture

Fire Officials Urge Caution Ahead of Expected Busy Fall Wildfire Season

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-Press Release, USDA&CS

As we enter the start of the fall wildfire season, the N.C. Forest Service and the USDA Forest Service urge visitors and North Carolinians to be cautious with campfires and when burning yard debris. This reminder coincides with National Fire Prevention Week, which runs October 6 – 12.

The fall wildfire season typically lasts from mid-October until mid-December, the time of year when people do a lot of yard work that may include burning leaves and yard debris. The leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina is debris burning. When left unattended, debris fires can escape and start wildfires.

“We will not forget the 2016 fall wildfire season that burned more than 59,511 acres across North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “As we head into this fall fire season facing similarly dry weather conditions, let’s remember that each of us can do our part to prevent wildfires. It is important to exercise extreme caution while burning debris of any kind.”

There are many factors to consider before burning debris. The N.C. Forest Service encourages residents to contact their local county forest ranger before burning debris. The ranger can offer technical advice and explain the best options to help ensure the safety of people, property and the forest. To find contact information for your local county ranger, visit www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts.

For people who choose to burn debris, the N.C. Forest Service offers the following tips to protect property and prevent wildfires:

  • Consider alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass and stubble, may be of more value if they are not burned, but used for mulch instead.
  • Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
  • Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any N.C. Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at www.ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit.
  • Keep an eye on the weather. Don’t burn on dry, windy days.
  • Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris. Don’t pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle away from overhead branches and wires.
  • Household trash should be hauled away to a trash or recycling station. It is illegal to burn anything other than yard debris.
  • Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
  • Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up debris burning.
  • Stay with your fire until it is completely out.
  • Burning agricultural residue and forestland litter: In addition to the rules above, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time. Before doing any burning in a wooded area, contact your county ranger, who will weigh all factors, explain them and offer technical advice.

The USDA Forest Service also reminds campers to be cautious when burning campfires. Use existing fire rings if possible and clear a safe area around them of at least 15 feet. Never leave campfires unattended, and ensure they are completely out before leaving.

The U.S. Forest Service offers the following guidelines for safely extinguishing campfires and helping to prevent wildfires:

  • Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible.
  • Pour lots of water on the fire, drown ALL embers, not just the red ones.
  • Pour until the hissing sound stops.
  • Stir campfire ashes and embers with a shovel.
  • Scrape the sticks and logs to remove any embers.
  • Stir and make sure everything is wet and that embers are cold to the touch.
  • If you do not have water, use dirt. Pour dirt or sand on the fire, mixing enough dirt or sand with the embers to extinguish the fire.
  • Continue adding or stirring until all remaining material is cool.
  • Do NOT bury the fire as the fire will continue to smolder and could catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire.

Always exercise caution with any outdoor burning. Even when burn bans are not in effect, weather conditions may not be favorable for outdoor fires. Outdoor burning is discouraged during periods of low humidity or high winds.

Studies have shown that taking these and other measures can reduce the possibility of wildfires. To learn more about fire safety and preventing wildfires and loss of property, visit www.ncforestservice.gov and www.smokeythebear.com.

VGCC, Granville Vance Health Dept. to Host Community Health Fair

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-Information courtesy Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College’s School of Health Sciences has partnered with the Granville Vance Health Department to offer a Fall Campus/Community Health Fair on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. The event will be held from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. in the Civic Center on VGCC’s Main Campus in Henderson.

Annual flu shots will be available for all ages, bring your insurance card. No insurance, no problem…see if you qualify for a free or reduced-fee vaccine.

Free screening and education on various health and wellness topics.

Information will be available related to VGCC programs.

With questions, please contact Dr. Anna Seaman at (252) 738-3483 or seamana@vgcc.edu.