SportsTalk: Former KVA Baseball Standout R.J. Johnson Returns To NC

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Rutgers University in New Jersey may seem like a long ways away from North Carolina but former Kerr Vance Academy and current Rutgers standout baseball player R. J. Johnson gets back to the area more than one might think.  “We are here almost every weekend,” Johnson said on SportsTalk.  Johnson and Rutgers were in the state this week as the school took on UNC.  The school plays a lot of teams in the south due to weather conditions during the early spring.

Johnson, an outfielder, is having a great season as a leadoff batter with a .300 batting average helping Rutgers to a 10-5 record so far this season.  Johnson, a Franklin County native and 2021 graduate of KVA, is looking forward to the rest of the season.  “We are in a rough patch right now but the future is bright,” Johnson said.

His advice for younger players?  “Always work hard and have fun everyday,” he says.  His former coach at KVA, Mike Rigsbee, had this to say about his former player: “He’s a great player and a great student.”

CLICK PLAY! 

Mar. 7 Is Social Security Administration’s “Slam The Scam” Day

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Today is the fifth annual “Slam the Scam” observance to raise awareness about protecting sensitive Social Security information from fraudsters.

The Social Security Administration and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) are partnering once again to raise public awareness about Social Security imposter scams.

“As public servants, we must use every tool at our disposal to raise awareness and protect the American people against Social Security imposter scams,” said Martin O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security. “Scammers use fear and deception to scare people out of their critical benefits. We urge everyone to protect their personal information, remain vigilant, do not give money, and report any scam attempts to oig.ssa.gov.”

Keep in mind that Social Security employees will never:

  • tell you that your Social Security number is suspended
  • contact you to demand an immediate payment
  • threaten you with arrest
  • ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone
  • request gift cards or cash
  • promise a Social Security benefit approval or increase in exchange for information or money

Social Security employees do contact the public by telephone for business purposes. Ordinarily, the agency calls people who have recently applied for a Social Security benefit, are already receiving payments and require an update to their record, or who have requested a phone call from the agency. If there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or record, Social Security will typically mail a letter.

Social Security scams–where fraudsters mislead victims into making cash, gift card, or wire transfer payments to fix alleged Social Security number problems or to avoid arrest–are an ongoing government imposter fraud scheme. Social Security impersonation scams have been one of the most common government imposter scams reported to the Federal Trade Commission. Social Security continues to make concerted efforts to address this issue, through extensive outreach and investigative initiatives.

Criminals use sophisticated tactics to trick potential victims into disclosing personal and financial information. Typically, they use these P’s – Pretend, Prize or Problem, Pressure, and Payment. For example, scammers pretend they are from Social Security in phone calls, texts, emails, and direct messages on social media, and claim there is a problem with the person’s Social Security number. The scammer’s caller ID may be spoofed to look like a legitimate government number. Scammers may also send fake documents to pressure people into complying with demands for information or money. Other common tactics include citing “badge numbers,” using fraudulent Social Security letterhead, and creating imposter social media pages to target individuals for payment or personal information.

To report a scam attempt, go to oig.ssa.gov.

“On our fifth National Slam the Scam Day, we are just as committed as we were in 2020. The scammers have not stopped, and we will not stop in our commitment to increase public awareness of these pervasive scams,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for SSA. “We are grateful for the many partnerships we have formed over the last five years in support of this initiative and the collaborative efforts that have come forth. We must continue to work together to slam the scam.”

For more information, please visit www.ssa.gov/scam and www.ssa.gov/fraud.

 

Franklin County Property Owners, Get Ready For Revaluation Notices

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

Franklin County property owners will be getting notices soon about the latest tax revaluation.

Notices will be hitting mailboxes as early as today for property assessed as of Jan. 1, 2024, according to information from Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks, III.

The notice is NOT a bill, but provides property owners the new taxable assessed value of their property as part of the tax revaluation process, which is usually undertaken every eight years, per state law.

The county contracted with Pearson’s Appraisals to conduct countywide reappraisal of property values.  The last reappraisal was conducted in 2018.

Reappraisal is a process of revaluing all real property in the county at its current market value Property owners will likely see an increase in their property value which is consistent with recent market trends.

An increase in value could result in an increased tax bill, however, the tax bill will be determined by the tax rate set annually by the board of commissioners during the approval of the fiscal year budget.

Any property owner who disagrees with the new assessed value of their property can file an informal appeal; if these results are not satisfactory, a formal appeal can be requested.

To learn more, visit https://www.franklincountync.gov/county_services/tax_gis/2024_revaluation.php

NC Forest Service

N.C. Forest Service: Safety First To Prevent Wildfires

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The N.C. Forest Service reminds everyone to use extreme caution with all outdoor fires, especially yard debris burns, as thoughts turn to spring and tidying up landscapes. And don’t forget:  You need a valid burn permit before you start a fire.

In 2023, the Forest Service responded to more than 5,300 wildfires across the state. The main culprit: Escaped burn debris, according to information from fire service officials.

“Last year, 99 percent of wildfires in our state were directly related to human activity,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This means that most of our wildfires could have been prevented. Before choosing to burn yard debris, make sure you have a valid burn permit, check the weather and avoid burning on dry, windy days. You are the first line of defense when it comes to preventing wildfires.”

Spring weather tends to draw people outdoors to work in their yards and many choose burning as a method to dispose of leaves, limbs and other yard debris.

“During the spring season, fires can spread quickly,” said State Forester David Lane. “Your N.C. Forest Service county ranger is a resource and can provide guidance about when, where and how to burn safely outdoors. Contact your local NCFS county ranger’s office before starting an outdoor fire.”

Rob Montague is the ranger for Vance and Granville counties. His email is Vance.ncfs@ncagr.gov and his phone is 919.693.3154.

Brian Champion is the ranger for Franklin County. His email is Franklin.ncfs@ncagr.gov and his phone is 919.496.3665.

Jim Short serves Warren County; reach him via Franklin.ncfs@ncar.gov or 252.257.5960.

The N.C. Forest Service also offers the following tips:

  • 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 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.
  • 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.

 

To learn more about fire safety and preventing wildfires and loss of property, refer to Fire Safety Outdoors. For information about creating defensible space and a fire-resistant landscape around your home and property, visit www.resistwildfirenc.org.

Kerr-Tar COG Schedules Info Sessions On Local Food Systems

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What do you think about when you hear or read the phrase “food chain?”

Some folks may think back to elementary school Science lessons that talked about little fish getting gobbled up by bigger and bigger fish. But the Kerr-Tar region Council of Government is scheduling a series of meetings – one in each of the five counties it represents – for regional policymakers to hear from folks in the community about what’s working and what’s needed when it comes to our local “food chain.”

One of the outcomes of the meetings is the development of a food policy council, according to information publicizing the events.

If you think about it, we’re all part of the “food chain” whether we grow and market vegetables locally or simply prepare meals for ourselves and our families.

Everyone is welcome to share experiences, successes and challenges – from the consumer to producer, as well as food pantry partners and other agencies in the community.

The meetings begin next week in Roxboro and continue through March. Each session will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  To register for one of the meetings, email crobinette@kerrtarcog.org or phone 980.389.3446.

Here’s the list of meetings:

  • Wednesday, Mar. 6 in Roxboro, Person County Cooperative Extension Center
  • Wednesday, Mar. 13 in Louisburg, Franklin County Cooperative Extension Center
  • Tuesday, Mar. 19 in Warrenton, Warren County Library
  • Tuesday, Mar. 26 in Henderson, Vance County Regional Farmers Market
  • Wednesday, Mar. 27 in Oxford, Richard Thornton Public Library

 

 

 

VGCC Logo

VGCC Set To Launch Court Reporting Program At Franklin Campus In March

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– Information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

When its new Court Reporting program launches next month, Vance-Granville Community College will become the only community college in North Carolina to offer the program to students.

The court reporting profession plays a critical role in ensuring that legal proceedings are accurately documented for future reference. Using specialized dictation equipment, court reporters produce real-time transcriptions of courtroom proceedings.

At the time of publication, there are open reporting positions in North Carolina state courts with annual starting salaries above $45,000 and maximum salaries surpassing $80,000 per year, according to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel.

The program will be part of the school’s Continuing Education program, which means it’s designed for adults who are already in the workforce; participants can successfully complete the training for their new career without the demands of a full-time class schedule.

The program consists of four courses, each of which typically lasts four to eight weeks. According to Instructor Richard Jester, students committed to an accelerated pace could potentially complete the full program in the span of a single semester. Upon completion, students will be prepared to take the career’s national certification test.

At its launch, the new program will only be offered at the VGCC Franklin Campus in Louisburg. Jester anticipates offering portions of the program online in the future.

To learn more about Court Reporting and other career-enhancing programs at Vance-Granville Community College, please contact Lisa Rodwell, Director of Occupational Extension, at rodwelle@vgcc.edu or 252-738-3276. Register for this program today at www.vgcc.edu/coned/oex.

 

 

Franklin County Reports Discharge Of 32K Gallons Of Untreated Wastewater

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

 

Franklin County Public Utilities experienced a discharge of more than 32,000 gallons of untreated wastewater at the Industrial Park Pump Station. The discharge was the result of a complete mechanical system failure. The discharge started Friday, Feb. 9 and concluded on Saturday, Feb. 10.

The discharge of wastewater was estimated to be 32,400 gallons and approximately 20,000 gallons of the 32,400 gallons discharged reached the surface waters of Brandy Creek, according to information from Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks, III.

Franklin County Public Utilities staff was dispatched to the site and started cleanup after the discharge stopped.

Residents do not need to take any action at this time.

The Division of Water Quality was notified of this event on Feb. 10, 2024, and the matter is under review. For additional information concerning this event, please contact Franklin County Public Utilities at 919.556.6177.

Visit www.franklincountync.gov to learn more.

 

SportsTalk: Louisburg College Softball Is Ranked No. 1 In The Nation

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When we think of a No. 1 ranked college athletic program, we may think of UNC, Duke or a team from a nationally known institution in other parts of the country.  Most people probably don’t think about Louisburg College.  Perhaps they should as the Louisburg College Hurricanes softball team is currently the No. 1 ranked team in the country.  Eric Lee, who took over the Hurricanes program in 2017, was Thursday’s guest on SportsTalk.  “It’s a good job,” Lee said of his position at the college.

Last year the Hurricanes led the nation in homeruns, not just at the junior college level but at every level including NCAA Division I.  That’s an impressive achievement for any school but even more so from a small junior college like Louisburg.  The college has a rich athletic history with names like Charlie “Choo Choo” Justice, baseball coach Russell Frazier, basketball coaches Enid Drake and Mike Holloman.  “I’m honored to be at the school, but I don’t think of myself as being up there with those names,” Lee said.

With the recent success the college is spending $100,000 on upgrading facilities at the school.  These upgrades will hopefully lead to more kids wanting to play at Louisburg. “You can recruit here,” Lee said.  One of Lee’s goals is to recruit locally as much as possible from not only Franklin County but the surrounding counties of Wake, Vance, Warren and Granville Counties.  “We’ve had success recruiting locally.  A lot of students want a traditional college experience,” Lee added.

 

Alyssa Blair Joins Franklin Co. Economic Development Dept.

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Alyssa Blair is joining Franklin County’s Economic Development Department as an economic development specialist.

Blair begins her new role in Franklin County on Feb. 5, following more than four years with the City of Oxford, where she had most recently worked as the city’s downtown development director.

“I am thrilled to join a strong, developing team and to not only work alongside dedicated individuals but to also serve the Franklin County community,” Blair said in a press release issued Tuesday by Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks, III.

In her role as downtown development director, Blair oversaw the NC Main Street Program in Oxford and had also been executive director of the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation. Before that, she was a communications specialist for the city.

“The diverse experience Alyssa brings will be of great value to our business community and the economic development initiatives for Franklin County,” said Franklin County Economic Development Director Barbara Fiedor. “We are excited she will be joining our team and look forward to her arrival.”

Blair has a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a dual master’s degree in public administration and conflict management from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the University of Konstanz in Germany. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in public administration from the UNC School of Government in Chapel Hill.

Annual Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards Nominations Being Accepted Now

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UPDATED: THE VANCE COUNTY DEADLINE TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS IS FEB. 16, 2024

Do you know someone who makes a difference in the community through volunteerism? Nominations for the annual Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards are being accepted now. Each year, the awards are presented to individuals who make significant contributions to the communities they live in through volunteer service.

An individual or group from the public, nonprofit and private sector may be nominated for this recognition award by a community member. For more information or to make a nomination online or download a nomination form, visit https://www.nc.gov/working/volunteer-opportunities/volunteernc/governors-volunteer-service-awards.  Use this site to locate your county’s contact person to whom you submit nominations. The nominations may be downloaded or completed online.

Some counties have designated specific individuals to receive the nominations from their county. According to information on the state government website, different counties may establish their own deadlines for submission. Vance County residents who wish to send in a nomination should do so by Feb. 16 via email to volunteernc@nc.gov.

Granville County nominations are due by Friday, Jan. 12 and should be submitted to kim@tnvlc.onmicrosoft.com.

In Franklin County, nominations should be submitted by Jan. 31 to Charles Mitchell charles_mitchell@ncsu.edu.

Warren County residents should send nominations by Feb. 1 to Crystal Smith at crystalsmith@warrencountync.gov.