Census 2020

N.C. Residents Urged to Return 2020 Census Forms or Risk Loss of Federal Funds

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-Office of NC State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA

State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, is encouraging North Carolinians to complete their 2020 Census Bureau forms to ensure the state receives its proper share of hundreds of billions of federal dollars.

Federal funding distributions to the state and local governments are critical for everything from education and housing to public works projects and roads.

“Many local governments and utilities are struggling, especially in rural areas, and the economic lockdowns in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic have made their situations worse,” Treasurer Folwell said. The Local Government Commission housed in the Department of State Treasurer has been working to help those towns, cities, counties and municipal utilities at risk of failure and state takeover of their finances.

“If we don’t all do our part to ensure the census count is thorough and accurate, we will forfeit North Carolina’s fair share of money that could be a lifeline to those at-risk governments,” Treasurer Folwell said.

The census is constitutionally mandated to occur every 10 years. As of Sept. 1, North Carolina had a 77.1% household response. There were only eight states with lower counts. The U.S. rate was 84.1%. If you haven’t done so yet, you can fill out your census form by phone (844-330-2020), by mailing back the paper questionnaires that were sent to households, or online.

The population count determines how the 435 congressional seats are divided among the states, and how state legislative districts are drawn up. But many people are unaware that the census data are used by planners and policymakers when they are considering the need for highway planning and construction, hospitals, schools and other public works investments.

“Businesses and corporations rely on census data when choosing where to locate factories and headquarters, offices and stores. Developers review census figures to determine where to build new homes and subdivisions,” Treasurer Folwell said. “All of those activities and growth generate tax revenue and jobs, which are the lifeblood of local and state economies, and help them to meet budgetary needs to serve their communities.”

Many local public utilities and services in North Carolina are in disrepair or in need of funds. Census data are used to allocate federal funds to water and waste disposal systems for rural communities, emergency community and water assistance grants, assistance grants to firefighters and rural business enterprise grants. Local governments incorporate census numbers into public safety and emergency preparedness policies.

The decennial population count also is used in allocating unemployment insurance and Community Development Block Grants. As the nation faces the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is instructive to note that epidemiologists and public health officials rely on demographic details from the census to track disease outbreaks, improve health and more.

The publication “Uses of Census Bureau Data in Federal Funds Distribution” offers an overview of how states can benefit from accurate census figures.

Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments

‘Open for Business’ Loan Opportunity Available for Small Businesses Affected by COVID

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-Press Release, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments 

Many small and local businesses in the Kerr-Tar Region have been negatively affected by COVID-19. In an effort to provide support to those businesses, the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments is rolling out the Open for Business Loan Program.

This loan program is designed to help small to medium size businesses recover from the economic effects of this pandemic.

The Open for Business Loan is a non-forgivable interest-free loan, ranging from $10,000 – $100,000. Eligible borrowers are small to medium size (1-99 employees) businesses who have been in business for at least 12 months and must be located in Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance or Warren counties.

Documentation providing evidence of a loss of revenue since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic is required. All loans will require a personal guarantee and additional collateral. Funds can only be used for working capital and/or equipment and require an application fee of $200. Standard loan terms of 5 to 10 years.

The Open for Business Loan Program is locally administered and funded by the US Department of Commerce and Economic Development Administration with funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

To apply, visit www.kerrtarcog.org and click on the “Open for Business Loan” tab. Applications are available on the Kerr-Tar COG website at www.kerrtarcog.org or by calling Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments at (252) 436-2040. Applications should be completed as soon as possible as funding is limited.

Franklin County Logo

Untreated Wastewater Discharged From Youngsville Regional Pump Station

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Notification of Discharge of Untreated Wastewater

Franklin County Public Utilities experienced a discharge of untreated wastewater from the Youngsville Regional pump station in Youngsville. The discharge was a result of heavy rain on Monday, August 31, 2020. The discharge started at 11 p.m. and continued until Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at 2 a.m.

The discharge of wastewater was estimated to be 11,560 gallons, and approximately 6,200 gallons entered into an unnamed tributary of Richland Creek which is a tributary of the Neuse River Basin. Franklin County Public Utilities staff was dispatched to the site and started clean up after the discharge stopped.

The Division of Water Quality was notified of this event on September 1, 2020, and is reviewing the matter.

General Statute 143-215.1C requires the owner or operator of any wastewater collection or treatment works to issue a press release when an untreated wastewater discharge of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface waters.

For additional information concerning this event, please contact Franklin County Public Utilities Department at (919) 556-6177. Additional information can be obtained by visiting Franklin County’s website at www.franklincountync.us.

State Highway Patrol

Labor Day Weekend Marks the Launch of Highway Patrol’s Impaired Driving Initiative

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-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Public Safety

As Labor Day fast approaches, increased congestion across the state is expected as motorists travel to their intended vacation destinations. With this in mind, the State Highway Patrol is stressing the importance of sober driving throughout the holiday weekend.

Combining forces with the Governor’s Highway Safety Program and more than 500 law enforcement organizations statewide, the SHP is participating in the GHSP’s Booze It & Lose It campaign. Troopers throughout the two-week initiative will focus on multiple motor vehicle violations such as excessive speeding, aggressive driving and driving while distracted. A special emphasis will also be placed on removing impaired motorists, attempting to prevent needless collisions from occurring.

“Removing impaired drivers before they harm themselves or someone else is among our highest priorities throughout the holiday weekend,” said Colonel Glenn McNeill, Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. “Ensuring safe travel is a shared responsibility among both law enforcement and those who travel across our great state.”

Last year, the SHP responded to more than 1,351 collisions throughout the Labor Day weekend. Among those collisions, 402 resulted in an injury and 12 resulted in one or more fatalities. Ninety-four collisions within the same time frame occurred due to impairment of either alcohol or drugs.

Motorists can assist in reducing needless collisions by following the provided suggestions:

  • Plan ahead by ensuring a designated driver has been selected.
  • Use a ride-sharing service if no designated driver is available.
  • Prepare for delays by choosing alternate routes.
  • Monitor speed limits and avoid driving distracted.
  • Increase following distances.

The Booze It & Lose It campaign began Monday, August 31 and will conclude on Sunday, September 13, 2020.

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 8-31-20 Noon

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Local News Audio 8-31-20

  • Local Gyms Opening for People in Need of Exercise Medically
  • Voter Registration
  • Drug Arrests in Franklin Co, $135k Street Value

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Grey Harris Winn

Vehicle Accident Leads to Drug Arrest of Franklin Co. Man

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-Information and photos courtesy Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On August 28, 2020, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office arrested Grey Harris Winn, a Franklin County resident.

After deputies with C-Squad responded to a 911 call for a vehicle accident, Mr. Winn was charged with Felony PWIMSD Schedule II CS (2 counts), Felony Possession Schedule I CS, Felony Possession Stolen Firearm, Felony PWIMSD Schedule IV CS, Felony Possession of THC Isolate, Misdemeanor Possess Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor Carrying Concealed Weapon, and Misdemeanor Simple Possess Sch. VI CS (2 counts).

In addition, Mr. Winn was served with a criminal process by North Carolina Highway Patrol for Driving While Impaired and Reckless Driving-Wanton Disregard.

Mr. Winn was placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $60,000 secure bond.

Grey Harris Winn (age 32)
2671 Tarboro Road
Youngsville, NC 27596

Grey Harris Winn

Boykin, Harper, Smith

Three Ohio Residents Arrested in $135,000 Street Value Drug Seizure in Louisburg

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-Information and photos courtesy the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On August 25, 2020, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Group arrested Ohio residents, Sivad Boykin, Cadiz Harper, and Jerron Smith, on multiple drug charges.

The arrest came after the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit determined Boykin, Harper and Smith were involved in trafficking Methamphetamines in Franklin County. The investigation led detectives to the Days Inn in Louisburg, NC where a search warrant was executed on a room that was rented by Boykin.

The arrests and search warrant execution resulted in the seizure of approximately 484 grams of Methamphetamines and US Currency. The street value of the drugs seized is approximately $135,000.

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “These arrests and the seizure of this quantity of Methamphetamines, certainly make our communities safer. This investigation developed as a result of the partnerships our Special Operations Group has with other local, state and federal partners who are working together to remove these dangerous and addictive drugs from our communities.”

Charges include:

Sivad Xavier Boykin (29)
1596 Ballinger Ave. SE
Massillon, OH 44646

Trafficking in Methamphetamines (2 counts)

Sivad Brown was placed in the Franklin County Detention Facility under a $600,000 secured bond.

Cadiz Jon Harper
525 Tremont Ave. SW
Massillon, OH 44646

Trafficking in Methamphetamines
Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamines

Cadiz Harper was placed in the Franklin County Detention Facility under a $500,000 secured bond.

Jerron T. Smith
1003 Johnson St. SE
Massillon, OH 44646

Trafficking in Methamphetamines
Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamines

Jerron Smith was placed in the Franklin County Detention Facility under a $500,000 secured bond.

The Special Operations Group was assisted in this investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisburg Police Department.

For more information concerning this investigation or to report drug activity in your neighborhood, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.

Epsom Community Classic

Reminder: Epsom Community Classic Run/Walk This Weekend!

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The Epsom Community Classic Run/Walk will be held this Saturday, August 29, 2020, from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Originally scheduled for April, the coronavirus pandemic necessitated a rescheduling to this later date.

The race is run on a 3.5-mile loop starting and finishing at Epsom Fire and Rescue located at 8120 NC Highway 39 in Henderson.

This event is being held in partnership with New Bethel Baptist Church with the end goal of raising financial support for missions.

Entrants have a choice of entering as a competitive or recreational runner. Competitive entrants will receive an official time and will be eligible for awards. Recreational entrants will not receive official times, but can either time themselves or see their times on the digital clock at the finish line.

The entry fee is $25 through August 28 and $30 on race day.

To register, visit the Epsom Community Classic link on RaceReach.com (click here). 

Awards will be presented to the first three male finishers overall, to the first three female finishers overall and to the top three finishers in each of the following age groups (both genders): 19-under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60-over.

Due to the road conditions, running with a baby stroller is not recommended. Also, please no pets.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be some changes to how the race is conducted. Water will be available both at the start/finish area and once on the course. Hand sanitizer will also be available. Vendors and food trucks will be taking their own precautions by serving pre-packaged food and drinks.

Depending on the dictates of the county, there may be post-race snacks available, but just to be safe, you may want to bring your own.

Franklin County Logo

Franklin Co. Finance Celebrates 21 Years of Excellence

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Government

Franklin County’s Finance Department now holds a 21-year record of excellence in financial reporting. Once again, the team has achieved the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting.

The Finance Department was recently notified by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) that its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) was awarded the Certificate of Achievement by the GFOA of the United States and Canada. Attainment of the certificate represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including the demonstration of a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

For additional information, contact Franklin County Finance at (919) 496-3182 or visit www.franklincountync.us.

The Finance Office is staffed by Director Jamie Holtzman, Mattie May, Christy Henson, Jan Wright and Claire Fuller.

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 8-24-20 Noon

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Vance County Schools Meal Box Distribution Postponed Until Tuesday

Local Retail Sales Up, June Record Month

Granville County Teacher Arrested

Local Economic Development Grant Requests Approved

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