China Company Set To Make Hemp Food Products In Louisburg

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

 

Franklin County is the site for a new plant that will produce hemp food products, representing a $10 million investment and the creation of dozens of jobs.

China-based Q-power Inc. is in the final phase before it begins operation at 3959 NC-39 S in Louisburg, according to a press release from Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks III. The plan is to begin production before the end of the year. The project, initiated in 2018, was slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Company Chairwoman Zhiyi Zhang led a tour of the facility Thursday. The company is investing in this new plant in Louisburg to produce hemp food locally.

“I am excited about Q-power opening its operations here in the county,” said Franklin County Manager Kim Denton.  “Franklin County continues to grow and is well positioned for companies like Q-power to thrive.”

Q-power has been in business for more than 20 years and is an industry leader in hemp food production, including hemp seed, oil and protein.

“Q-power is committed to investing and exploring the market in the United States to meet our American customers’ needs,” said Zhiyi Zhang, Chairwoman at Q-power. “We are excited about opening this plant in Franklin County.”

 

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VGCC To Offer Students Access To Virtual Textbooks, Course Materials Beginning Spring 2024

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-information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Vance-Granville Community College is making course materials more affordable and accessible for students. November 3 the college announced the launch of the new VGCC Textbook+ initiative, which lowers the cost of learning materials through a partnership with textbook publisher Cengage. Beginning in the spring 2024 semester, students will be able to access digital Cengage course materials through the Moodle platform starting on the first day of class.

“With textbook prices rising every year, VGCC wants to help students with the cost as much as possible,” said Dr. Kim Sepich, vice president of Learning, Student Engagement & Success at Vance-Granville. “We want our students to have what they need as quickly and as economically as possible, and VGCC Textbook+ makes this happen.”

VGCC’s Textbook+ initiative provides Cengage Unlimited Institutional subscriptions to students, which allows first-day access to a virtual library of thousands of e-books, online learning platforms and study materials covering hundreds of college-level subject areas in one place at a single price. Vance-Granville is helping its students save hundreds of dollars per semester on textbooks and course materials with the addition of the Cengage Unlimited Institutional program.

“Cengage has made a significant commitment to lowering course materials costs for students,” said Edwin Robles, senior vice president and general manager of U.S. Higher Education and Canada at Cengage. “Vance-Granville Community College shares this commitment. Working together, we will support VGCC students by making education more affordable and accessible for all.”

Since its August 2018 launch, Cengage Unlimited has helped more than 5.2 million students save nearly $630 million on the cost of course materials, with $230 million of that savings coming directly from institutional partnerships. For more information on institutional partnerships for Cengage Unlimited, visit www.cengage.com/institutions.

 

 

Franklin Animal Shelter Expands Adoption Hours, Adds Part-Time Staff

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In a response to community interest and concerns, Franklin County Animal Services is implementing several changes at the county’s animal shelter, including more adoption hours for the public to come to see the available dogs and cats who need homes.

The new hours begin Saturday, Nov. 4, according to information from Franklin County Public Information Officer James Hicks.

The extended hours will be Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 12 noon to 4 p.m., and Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be no adoption hours on Thursdays and Sundays.

The Franklin County board of commissioners have approved pay raises for animal services staff and two new part-time shelter attendant positions. Additional pet introduction areas are also being designed for installation at the shelter, Hicks stated.

Animal Services staff also will resume posting animal photos to Facebook Albums located on the Franklin County Animal Shelter Facebook page. Other updates have been made recently to the Animal Services page on the Franklin County website (www.franklincountync.gov) to allow for viewing and sorting available animals, associated fees, programs and resources, along with how to become a rescue partner.

During public adoption hours, the public can view the dogs and cats available for adoption. Approved animal rescue partners can work with shelter staff to visit and view animals by appointment during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and at other times as specifically deemed necessary.

Changes were announced at the Oct. 30 Animal Services Advisory Board meeting in addition to a presentation about the volunteer programs at the Animal Shelter.  Those interested in helping the animal shelter can participate in the Kitten Foster Team or donate to the Pet Pantry – which provides food and supplies to those who cannot afford it. Start dates for additional volunteer programs including a Community Outreach Team, Dog team, Cat team and a trap-neuter-vaccinate-release program will be announced as resources are identified.

Find the Oct. 30 presentation at 103023 Advisory Board Presentation.pdf (revize.com)

State Retirees Get One-Time Bump In This Month’s Check

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Retired state employees may have noticed a slight bump in their retirement checks that hit their bank accounts today. It’s not an error; rather, it’s a one-time supplement to benefit recipients who retired on or before Oct. 1, 2023, and who are members of the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System, Consolidated Judicial Retirement System and the Legislative Retirement System.

For most retired state employees and teachers, the Oct. 25 payment includes an additional 4 percent of their annual benefit – that amounts to $40 for a $1,000 retirement check.

These funds did not come from the Plan itself, N.C. Treasurer Dale Folwell said in a press statement. The money was appropriated by the General Assembly as a part of the budget passed earlier this month. The one-time payments will not reduce the funded ratio of the State System, Folwell noted.

This one-time supplement does not apply to benefit recipients of the Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System, where a benefit increase may be granted by the LGERS Board of Trustees within certain statutory limitations.

The Local Skinny! Oakwood Cemetery To Host ‘Sip And Stroll With Souls’

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The second annual “Sip and Stroll With Souls” in Louisburg’s historic Oakwood Cemetery promises to shed some light on some of the dearly departed who find their eternal rest there.

Dorothy Cooper is one of the event organizers, and she told WIZS’s Bill Harris on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny! that the Oct. 29 tour is shaping up to be another success.

There’s an online registration on the Louisburg Historic District’s website, Cooper said. Find the link here: https://www.louisburghistoricdistrict.com/ and click on Events/Tickets.

A $10 donation per person helps the group with its ongoing efforts to clean, restore and repair gravestones in the cemetery, one of two owned by the Town of Louisburg.

From 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., participants will have the opportunity to visit a dozen or so different gravesites, with docents on hand to provide some history on the person buried there.

In some cases, the docent is a relative of the deceased; expect to see some docents in period dress and others with family portraits on display.

“We had a really great time last year,” Cooper said, adding that a good number of participants were from outside Franklin County. She said it’s always interesting to uncover new family connections and learn more about distant relatives.

“Some people are find out about family that they didn’t know before,” she said.

CLICK PLAY!

 

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Online 911 Telecommunicator Program A New Option For VGCC Students

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Information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

 

Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) has teamed up with Richmond Community College to offer a new 911 telecommunications program to residents of Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties.

The two community colleges recently signed an agreement which allows VGCC students to enroll in RichmondCC’s online associate degree program in 911 Communications & Operations. VGCC students will complete a majority of the core courses and the work-based learning portion of the program through RichmondCC while completing other general education requirements at VGCC.

“VGCC is pleased to partner with Richmond Community College to offer the 911 operator degree. Collaborations like these allow us to offer needed training and credentials to our community while being fiscally responsible,” said VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais.

The online degree program provides a pathway for individuals who are interested in starting a career in this field, as well as providing skills enhancement for those already working as 911 telecommunicators.

The college curriculum program was developed when the NC 911 Board reached out to RichmondCC about a need for standardization in training 911 telecommunicators, plus a need to help elevate this career field. The college worked closely with the NC 911 Board and the NC Department of Information Technology to construct the online program.

“We appreciate Vance-Granville coming on board in this collaborative career training partnership to give 911 telecommunicators, who are true public servants, better educational opportunities and career growth,” said Dr. Dale McInnis, president of RichmondCC. “We look forward to working with our neighbors in the Piedmont.”

Unique in the state of North Carolina, RichmondCC’s 911 Communications & Operations program welcomed its first class of students during the fall 2023 semester.

 

RichmondCC has been reaching out to other community colleges in the state to make the 911 telecommunications program and its resources available to more students. VGCC is the fourth NC community college to create such a partnership with RichmondCC; Bladen Community College, Gaston College, and Stanly Community College will also be extending the program to their students.

Richmond County is located near the South Carolina border; RichmondCC’s main campus is located in Hamlet, located roughly between Fayetteville and Charlotte.

For more information about the online 911 Communications & Operations associate degree, call RichmondCC at 910.410.1700. For more information about VGCC, visit https://www.vgcc.edu/.

Franklin Manager Kim Denton Receives Kerr-Tar COG ‘Outstanding Manager’ Award

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Information courtesy of Franklin County Public Information Officer James Hicks III

Franklin County Manager Kim Denton received the Outstanding Manager award from the Kerr-Tar Council of Governments during their recent awards banquet.

Last year’s recipient, Henderson City Manager Terrell Blackmon, presented Denton with the award during the Sept. 28 event at Carlee Farms in Granville County.

 “Kim embodies the qualities of a visionary leader with unwavering dedication, exemplifying what it takes to steer Franklin County towards a prosperous future,” Blackmon said.

 Blackmon said Denton has brought innovation, jobs and investments to the region while overseeing responsible growth and infrastructure enhancements. Spearheading the expansion of broadband internet to previously unserved areas, securing a $160 million economic investment from private industry along U.S. 1 and executing a massive overhaul of the county’s public safety radio system were among the successes noted in the nomination.

 “Additionally, she played a key role in securing substantial grant funds for essential improvements to Triangle North Executive Airport, Triangle North Franklin Business Park, and Public Utilities projects,” Blackmon said.

 Denton’s commitment to education was also noted as she has served in various roles supporting the Louisburg Athletic Booster Club, Edward Best Elementary School Parent Teacher Association, and many years as yearbook coordinator.

 “Denton’s genuine concern for the county’s employees led her to advocate for the implementation of a pay-for-performance system, rewarding hard work and encouraging goal setting among County staff,” Blackmon said.

Denton – who was surprised and admittedly overwhelmed by the honor – said things have been busy in Franklin County.

 “I have to say you can’t be that busy without having the right kind of team behind you,” said Denton. “I can’t say thank you enough to all of the team at Franklin County that works so hard to make things happen.”

 Quoting Franklin County’s mission – adopted in 2022 by the board of commissioners, Denton reaffirmed the county’s commitment to exemplary public service and “expanding economic opportunities.”

She also represents the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners on the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s P7 workgroup for Strategic Transportation Prioritization (SPOT).

 “Her active participation in the work group reflects her commitment to advocating for vital transportation projects across the state and region,” Blackmon said.

 Denton said success in one part of the region benefits the entire region.

 “When good things happen in one county, good things happen throughout our region,” Denton said.

 The criteria for Kerr-Tar COG’s outstanding manager award includes contributions to local government, special accomplishments in the job, innovation and leadership in management or administration, professional skills and expertise, and service on regional, state or national committees or commissions representing local government.

 Kerr-Tar Council of Governments, consisting of Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin and Person counties, is an association of local governments that exists to lead regional planning in the five-county area.

TownTalk: Purr Partners Preps Black Cat Bash Fundraiser

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Purr Partners, a Franklin County-based feline rescue and foster organization, is hosting its Black Cat Bash on Saturday, Oct. 14 to raise money for its ongoing efforts to provide medical treatment and homes to sick and adoptable cats.

Founder and president Lawanna Johnson said the nonprofit has been “absolutely swamped” with sick and injured animals. Johnson points to the COVID-19 pandemic for the surge in unwanted kittens and cats. Spay/neuter clinics were adversely affected by the pandemic, she said. “We’re still feeling the effects – we got set back about 20 years,” Johnson said on Tuesday’s TownTalk.

The Black Cat Bash is the group’s largest fundraiser of the year, and Johnson said Purr Partners will need every penny it can get to further its efforts. This is the third year for the fundraiser, which Johnson said was interrupted by COVID and then resumed in 2022. The fundraiser will be held at Campbell Lodge, part of the Durant Nature Center, located at 3237 Spottswood Street off Gresham Lake Road in Raleigh.

Tickets are $50 and include a catered dinner from Milton’s, a full dessert bar and one drink ticket.

Johnson said she hopes folks decide to wear costumes and be in a costume contest during the event. There will be a selfie booth for snapping silly photos and the band Reelin’ in the Years will provide music for dancing. And WIZS’s own Bill Harris will emcee the event, which will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

There’s an online auction open now through Oct. 14; visit https://www.purrpartners.org/black-cat-bash-2023/ and click on the Black Cat Bash tab for details about buying tickets and signing up to bid on auction items.

The kitten “season” usually runs from April through November or December, Johnson said, and Purr Partners can have between 200 and 250 cats in its care. During that time. “Once kitten season slows down, our number will drop to 100 or 120,” she said.

She said she gets about 100 phone calls or emails each week from people “begging for help. Sometimes, there’s just not an answer,” Johnson said.

The Black Cat Bash proceeds will go to pay vet bills and “to save cats and kittens that come to us in varying forms of distress,” Johnson said.

 

 

Tar River Land Conservancy Seeks Re-Accreditation

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Franklin County-based Tar River Land Conservancy has protected more than 23,000 acres of land and almost 200 miles of streams since 2000. As a nationally-accredited land trust working to preserve natural resources in eight counties, including Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren, the organization participates in a review process to retain its credentials.

“The Land Trust Accreditation Commission administers an accreditation program to recognize land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever,” according to a statement from Derek Halberg of the Tar River Land Conservancy. TRLC  was accredited in 2013, re-accredited in 2018, and currently is in process of another renewal.

The commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance,  will conduct an extensive review of Tar River Land Conservancy’s policies and programs. The  commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending  applications.

According to Halberg, comments must relate to how Tar River Land Conservancy complies with national  quality standards, which address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. It would be most helpful, he said, if comments to support the TRLC application could be made by Dec. 9, 2023.

For the full list of standards, visit http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/help-and resources/indicator-practices.

To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org, or email your comment to info@landtrustaccreditation.org.

Comments may also be mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public  Comments, 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

To learn more about TRLC, visit https://www.tarriver.org/

 

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VGCC “Empower Her” Event Saturday, Oct. 7 In Main Campus Courtyard

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Information courtesy of Courtney Cissel, VGCC Public Information Officer

Vance-Granville Community College Foundation is hosting an event titled “Empower Her,” and invites the community to come out to the Main Campus Courtyard on Saturday, Oct. 7 to learn what it’s all about.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature a variety of information from local community partners, according to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel.

In addition to free activities for children, food and giveaways, participants can learn about financial counseling and career advice, as well as meal planning on a dime, makeup tips and more. The Dress for Success Mobile Boutique also will be present.

In addition to providing scholarships to deserving students, the VGCC Foundation supports a broad range of special projects involving education, training and economic development in our community. Tax-deductible donations to VGCCF have often been used to honor a person, group, business or industry with a lasting gift to education.

For more information about Empower Her or the VGCC Foundation, contact 252.738.3264 or foundation@vgcc.edu.