Town of Louisburg Logo

Town of Louisburg to Hold Emergency Meeting on Confederate Monument

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-Information courtesy the Town of Louisburg

A Louisburg Town Council emergency meeting will be held Monday, June 22, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. online via Zoom for discussion on the Louisburg Confederate Monument.

If you have questions regarding this meeting, please contact Town Hall at (919) 496-3406 or visit the Town of Louisburg website www.townoflouisburg.org.

Zoom Meeting link: https://buff.ly/2V5Ox5k  Webinar ID: 835 1370 9458

Franklin County Logo

Franklin Co. Manager Announces New Structure for Office of Emergency Services

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

The Franklin County Office of Emergency Services is committed to its mission of providing for the public’s safety in our County. County Manager Angela L. Harris recently announced plans to restructure the department to ensure accomplishing the department’s mission remains uninterrupted in the face of the growth that has occurred in Franklin County. 

The department will be headed by an Emergency Services Director who will be responsible for a number of duties including the County’s Emergency Management responsibilities and will supervise an Emergency Medical Services Director. The Emergency Medical Services Director will be responsible for direct supervision of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff and manage EMS quality assurance and training requirements.

A Logistics Technician position and an Administrative Support Specialist III position will continue to report to the Emergency Services Director and assist with all departmental functions.

A Franklin County Fire Marshal position has been requested as part of the FY 2021 budget to become part of the Department beginning in January 2021. The Franklin County Fire Marshal will be responsible for conducting investigations, coordinating with other agencies and performing periodic inspections in occupied facilities as required by applicable State law. 

“The COVID-19 Crisis continues to illustrate the excellent job being done by Franklin County’s Emergency Services employees,” Harris said. “Ensuring departmental leadership is in place to meet the needs of our county’s growing population will ensure continued delivery of excellent services.” 

Postings for the positions of Emergency Services Director and Emergency Medical Services Director can be found on the Franklin County website at www.franklincountync.us.

NC Governor Logo

Local Health Departments to Receive Combined $1+ Million in COVID-19 Funding

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is allocating $35 million in federal funding to local health departments to support the COVID-19 response. Per federal guidelines, counties will be able to use these funds to support COVID-19 staffing, infection controls, testing and tracing, IT infrastructure and data sharing and visualization.

“Our local health departments are critical partners with the state as we fight this virus, and this funding will help them continue and expand their important work,” said Governor Roy Cooper.

“Since the start of the pandemic, our local health departments have been working around the clock to protect their communities and slow the spread of the virus. These funds continue to support their ability to address the overwhelming demands they are facing,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D.

North Carolina’s local health departments are on the frontlines supporting people in getting tested for COVID-19 and knowing if they have been exposed. Testing and contact tracing are core public health activities and key components of North Carolina’s strategy to responsibly ease restrictions while continuing to slow the spread of COVID-19. These responsibilities are in addition to their ongoing work to promote health and prevent disease.

Local health departments will receive a base allocation of $90,000 per county with additional funding based on population size and their cumulative positive COVID-19 caseload. Some local health departments represent multiple counties. CLICK HERE to see how much each health department will receive.

Local health district allocations include:

Granville-Vance (two counties) – $650,568

Franklin – $242,158

Warren – $149,803

This one-time, non-recurring funding is part of NCDHHS’ cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC), which awards annual funding to state, local and territorial health departments to support vector-borne disease surveillance and response. The coverage period runs from the beginning of the 2020 calendar year through the end of FY 2021-22.

Visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov to learn more about testing and contact tracing in North Carolina. For more information about the state’s response to COVID-19, go to nc.gov/covid19.

Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health CEO Thanks Community, Encourages Continued Support

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Op-Ed: Thank You Vance and Franklin Counties – Bert Beard CEO, Maria Parham Health

For the past several months, Maria Parham Health (MPH) has been facing the impact of COVID-19 with our community. We have built upon our robust emergency operations plan that we have in place year-round by updating policies, implementing new protocol, educating our staff, and working with our community partners in ways we never have before. But in all this preparation, MPH has never been alone.

Today, I write to share my appreciation for our community. Thank you to the countless individuals and organizations who have generously donated critically important supplies and resources and offered inspiring words of encouragement to our team. In this crisis, the true meaning of community has never been more apparent or appreciated. Patients, board members, staff, community providers, our sister facilities – all segments of the communities we serve and partner with have shown their support during this pandemic

Community members have brought in surgical masks and N95 respirators to add to the resources we are working to preserve. Local restaurants and businesses have sent food to treat our folks as they work. Many people have donated homemade cloth masks to our hospital and local EMS – an incredible labor of love. Posted signage, sidewalk chalk messages and decorated rocks cheer on our heroes and have infused our campuses with pride. And these are just a few of the many examples that exist.

The outpouring of love and encouragement from our community has been overwhelming, and it makes us so proud to call Vance and Franklin Counties our home and to serve the northern triangle. MPH stands ready to serve you – our neighbors, family and friends. Please continue to keep our community safe and prevent further spread of this disease:

  • Practice social distancing.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • If you must go out in public, wear masks to protect those around you.

To learn more about Maria Parham Health’s COVID-19 preparedness and what you can do to help stay well, visit Mariaparham.com.

Franklin County Schools

Franklin Co. Schools Offering Free Summer Meal Service

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Schools

Franklin County Schools is offering a free summer meal service for students on Mondays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

Meals will be available for curbside pick up at Bunn High School, Franklinton Elementary School, Laurel Mill Elementary School, Louisburg High School and Youngsville Elementary School.

Breakfast and lunch for three days will be included at each pickup; please bring a large bag or box for meals.

FCS is now offering curbside pre-order for pick up on Mondays and Thursdays. Please contact the FCS Child Nutrition Services staff for more details (click here).

For more information, visit www.fcschools.net or https://www.fcschools.net/domain/1376.

Franklin County Logo

Franklin County Public Utilities Addresses May/June Water Billing Cycle

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Franklin County Public Utilities has received some questions regarding the May and June billing cycles. Due to COVID-19 safety procedures and Executive Order 124 issued by Governor Roy Cooper, Franklin County Public Utilities did not read water meters for the May billing cycle.

Most customers were only billed the base fee for the May billing and any usage above the minimum was included on the June billing. The base fee for water-only accounts is $30 and the base fee for accounts with both water and sewer is $65. 

The May billing cycle included service for the period from March 16, 2020, through April 15, 2020. Franklin County Public Utilities only billed for the base fee of 0-2,000 gallons, even if your usage was more than 2,000 gallons. A flyer was included with the billing to notify customers of this change. 

Franklin County Public Utilities staff read water meters for the June billing cycle which included service from April 15, 2020, through May 14, 2020, and any usage in excess of 2,000 gallons from the May billing was detected with this reading and included on the June billing. 

If you have any questions, please contact customer service at (919) 556-6177. Franklin County Public Utilities Department apologizes for any confusion that this may have caused.

VGCC Logo

Enrollment Numbers Up for VGCC’s Summer Term

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Vance-Granville Community College has been working diligently to educate more students this summer. The hard work is paying off.

As of the beginning of the summer semester in late May, VGCC had 1,228 students enrolled in credit programs. That represents an estimated 11% increase compared to the beginning of the summer 2019 semester when enrollment stood at 1,101. The college is likewise experiencing an estimated 30% increase in the number of student hours completed, typically known as Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) enrollment.  

A significant source of enrollment for this summer is in both the college transfer and technical and trades credit program areas. VGCC also has a healthy number of special credit students from four-year universities taking classes. 

“We are pleased to see the trend for increased enrollment at VGCC continue into this summer semester,” VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais stated. “We are here to serve our community and are rising to the challenge of providing increased access to quality online learning during the pandemic. We look forward to offering more in-person instruction this fall as we help our community members pivot during this uncertain economy.”

“The college’s Student Engagement & Success team, faculty, marketing and many people have contributed to this effort. We are glad to see the college educating more students in the four-county area and the wider region. Our team is committed to being innovative and thinking about the best ways to provide quality instruction and support services to those who choose Vance-Granville. When students learn with us, they are ready for the workforce and/or success at a senior institution,” said Dr. Levy Brown, the college’s vice president of learning, student engagement and success. “Student access, retention, success and career preparation are embedded in our mindset, and it continues to show!”

Students are encouraged to apply and register for Fall 2020 now.

Established in 1969, VGCC offers more than 40 credit programs, in which students work toward certificates, diplomas and degrees. Area residents and businesses can also take advantage of a variety of continuing education/job training opportunities, as well as the High School Equivalency and Adult High School Diploma programs. High school students can get a step ahead by starting their college education early with VGCC courses.

The college has four campuses – one each in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties – and offers online programs, as well. The new “Vanguard Flex” program is offering flexible, hybrid schedules in the evenings and weekends on the Franklin Campus in Louisburg, to accommodate schedules for adult learners. 

For more information about the college, visit www.vgcc.edu.

Buyer & Cellar

McGregor Hall, Brian Westbrook to Present Virtual Presentation of ‘Buyer & Cellar’

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Brian Westbrook (“Into the Woods,” “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”) will perform in an online, one-man presentation of Jonathan Tolins’ comedy classic “Buyer & Cellar,” the first virtual performance in McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center’s history.

The one-man play follows Alex More, a struggling actor who makes ends meet by landing a job as the curator of Barbra Streisand’s basement.

Online performances will be held on Saturday, June 13 and Saturday, June 20, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket purchasers will receive a web address and password at the email address connected to their purchase no later than 10 minutes prior to showtime.

Please note: content rated ‘R’ for language.

For tickets, visit https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/11557

In order to continue its mission to “share the healing power of the arts in Henderson and beyond,” McGregor Hall asks for the help and support of the community to make this performance a success.

Franklin Co. Health Department to Offer Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Government

Drive-thru COVID-19 testing will be available at the Franklin County Health Department beginning Tuesday, June 2, 2020.

Testing will be available on Tuesdays from 1 – 2 p.m. by appointment only. No walk-ins will be accepted.

Appointments will be available to patients without insurance first. If multiple people need testing, each person will need to schedule their own appointment time.

Non-insured patients will receive a free test sent to the State lab; insured patients will have their insurance billed.

Please bring your photo ID and insurance card, if applicable, and wear a face mask or covering to your appointment.

To make an appointment, call (919) 496-2533. The Franklin County Health Department is located at 107 Industrial Drive, Suite C in Louisburg, NC.

VGCC Reopening Business Seminars

VGCC Small Business Center Presents ‘Reopening Your Business’ Webinar Series

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-Information courtesy the VGCC Small Business Center 

As local businesses begin to reopen, the Small Business Center of Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) has scheduled a six-part series of online seminars intended to assist businesses in navigating these uncharted waters.

Sessions include:

June 4 – Understanding Phases 1, 2 and 3 of Reopening

June 9 – Reopening Your Business Without Opening Liability

June 11 – Best Social Media Practices as You Reopen

June 16 – The Latest CDC Health & Safety Guidelines Broken Down for Your Business

June 17 – Connecting With Customers as you Reopen

June 19 – Managing Finances During Reopening & Beyond

All sessions are from 10 – 11 a.m. Please register no later than twenty-four hours prior to each session at www.ncsbc.net.

In these one-hour sessions, subject matter experts will look at the various phases of reopening along with potential liability, communicating with customers and employees, CDC guidelines and managing finances. There will also be time allowed for questions and answers.

Participants will need a valid email address in order to receive the webinar login information. After registering, the link will be sent the evening before the event, and a reminder email will also be sent approximately one hour before the start time.

With additional questions, please contact the VGCC Small Business Center via email at smallbusiness@vgcc.edu.