‘Into the Woods’ to Bring Modern Fairy Tale Twist to McGregor Hall

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center is gearing up for its presentation of “Into the Woods,” a fully staged Broadway-style musical presented with a live, professional orchestra.

Evening performances include Sat., February 1, Fri., February 7 and Sat., February 8 at 8 p.m. Matinee performances will be offered at 2 p.m. on Sun., February 2 and Sun., February 9, 2020.

Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece “Into the Woods” is a modern twist on the beloved fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm, entwining the classic stories of Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, and Little Red Riding Hood with an original story about a baker and his wife wishing to start a family and live a more wonderful life. The moral of this story? Be careful what you wish for!

Tickets for this event may be purchased by:

DROP-IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

County Manager Selects Cindy H. Jones as Senior Services Director

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Franklin County Manager Angela L. Harris announced today that Cindy H. Jones will begin serving as Senior Services Director on January 20, 2020.

As a lifelong Franklin County resident and 25-year public servant, Ms. Jones stated she is excited to help all seniors in the county and feels her background in social work, the insurance industry and the legal system has prepared her for the task.

Cindy H. Jones will begin serving as Franklin County’s Senior Services Director on January 20, 2020. (Photo courtesy Franklin Co. Govt.)

Ms. Jones has worked for over 10 years with the Franklin County Department of Social Services. For the last seven years as a Social Worker III, she’s worked closely with Franklin County’s seniors and local agencies to ensure protective services for vulnerable, disabled and elderly adults who are unable to reach out to get assistance for themselves.

Ms. Jones has served the community by visiting the homes of local adults to assess their needs and provide solutions to often difficult situations in their lives. Those solutions include direction in areas such as available insurance programs, medical care, transportation and food assistance.

Ms. Jones has over six years of experience with the legal system having served as Deputy Clerk of Court in Franklin County. She also brings to the table several years of experience as an Independent Insurance Agent with Aflac.

Ms. Jones is a graduate of Louisburg High School. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration through her education at both Appalachian State University and UNC Greensboro where she graduated in 1992. Ms. Jones resides in Franklin County with her husband Scott and sons Cole and Ty.

“Seniors represent one of the fastest-growing segments of our population,” commented Mrs. Harris. “It is my goal to broaden the scope of services offered by the Department of Aging both internally and within the community to address service demands associated with growth. I believe under the direction of Ms. Cindy Jones we will be well-positioned to meet this challenge. She will be a good steward of available resources while strategically focusing on bringing additional resources to the table.”

For additional information, please contact Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager, at (919) 496-5994.

MPH: With Rising Suicide Rates, Behavioral Support Important for Mental Health

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-Information courtesy Maria Parham Health

The issue of suicide is a very difficult and concerning topic to address – and, unfortunately, it is on the rise. In fact, a recent survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows suicide rates increasing by 25 percent over nearly two decades through the end of 2016. Data from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention further underscores the importance and urgency of raising awareness of suicide, as suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S. – with nearly 45,000 Americans taking their own lives each year.

Recent suicide deaths of prominent fashion designer Kate Spade and celebrated chef and author Anthony Bourdain have exposed the critical fact that suicide does not discriminate and shined a brighter light on the role that mental illness plays in suicide. Approximately 90 percent of individuals who die from suicide suffer or have suffered from some form of mental illness.

Given this, it is critically important to be proactive about recognizing the warning signs of someone who may be contemplating suicide and identifying friends and loved ones who may be at risk. According to the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI), the most recognizable signs of potential suicide are:

Threats or comments about killing themselves, which can begin with seemingly harmless thoughts like, “I wish I wasn’t here” but become more bold and dangerous.

  • Increased alcohol and drug use;
  • Aggressive behavior;
  • Social withdrawal from friends, loved ones and the community;
  • Dramatic mood swings;
  • Talking, writing or thinking about death; and
  • Impulsive or reckless behavior;
  • A family history of suicide;
  • Substance abuse;
  • Access to firearms;
  • Serious or chronic medical illness;
  • Gender (more women attempt suicide than men, but men are four times more likely to die from their attempt);
  • A history of trauma or abuse;
  • Prolonged stress;
  • Isolation;
  • Age (those younger than 24 years old and older than 65 years old are at higher risk);
  • A recent tragedy or loss;
  • Agitation;
  • Sleep deprivation

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, any other form of mental illness or any of these signs and risk factors, it’s okay to seek help. There are behavioral health providers who can help whenever you need them. And the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, offers free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Maria Parham Health currently provides a range of geriatric (ages 55+) behavioral health support services, including prevention programs, individual therapy, group therapy, inpatient therapy, emergency/crisis intervention and is staffed by a highly trained team of providers, nurses and support staff.

A new adult behavioral health unit will be opening in 2020 and will serve adults ages 18 and older. To learn more about the services provided, 800.424.DOCS or visit https://www.mariaparhamfranklin.com/services/behavioral-health.

MPH Franklin Seeking ‘High Performing Talent’ at Recruitment Event

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-Information courtesy Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health Franklin will hold a health care recruitment event on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at the Franklin location – 100 Hospital Drive in Louisburg. Two sessions will be offered: 8 – 11 a.m. and 5 – 8 p.m.

Participants will interview with the hospital’s recruitment team, have an opportunity to talk with current leaders and staff, enjoy food and refreshments and have a chance to win door prizes.

To learn more, call (919) 482-3479 or visit online at MariaParham.com.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

 

NC AgVentures Grants Up to $8K Available for Innovative Farm Ideas

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-Information courtesy Warren County Cooperative Extension Center

Farmers with innovative ideas to increase farm profits are encouraged to submit a proposal to the NC AgVentures Grant Program.

NC AgVentures is an Extension program that provides grants to NC independent family farms for new and innovative agricultural project ideas which will increase farm profits. This is a great opportunity for any producer who is thinking of diversifying, improving, or expanding their operation.

The deadline for applications is January 14, 2020. Grant awards up to $8,000 are available.

The program offers two grant options – an individual farm grant or a community grant. Both grant options are available in the following counties: Alamance, Alexander, Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Cabarrus, Caswell, Catawba, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Forsyth, Gaston, Granville, Greene, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Iredell, Johnson, Lincoln, Martin, Mecklenburg, Nash, Northhampton, Orange, Person, Pitt, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Sampson, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Union, Vance, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, Wilkes, Warren and Yadkin.

Click here for Sample Application for Farmers, Sample Application for Community Agricultural Project Grants and Application Workshops for Producers.

Program Administration

The NC AgVentures program is being administered by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at North Carolina State University. Technical assistance for the NC AgVentures grant program is provided by N.C. Cooperative Extension Agents.

Funding

NC AgVentures is supported exclusively by a grant from the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. To learn more about the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission please visit: https://www.tobaccotrustfund.org/

Read more at https://agventures.ces.ncsu.edu/grant-program/

Please contact your local NC Cooperative Extension Center if you have any questions about creating a proposal or filling out the application (Vance – (252) 438-8188, Warren – (252) 257-3640).

New Solid Waste Director Selected in Franklin County

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Franklin County Manager Angela L. Harris has named Lee Bodenhamer Solid Waste Director. Mr. Bodenhamer will assume the position on December 30, 2019, bringing 29 years of experience to Franklin County.

Franklin County Manager Angela L. Harris has named Lee Bodenhamer Solid Waste Director. Mr. Bodenhamer will assume the position on December 30, 2019, bringing 29 years of experience to Franklin County. (Franklin Co. Govt photo)

Bodenhamer has served as a General Manager with Waste Industries USA, Inc. for 26 years and began employment there as a Residential Manager in early 1990. In his role as General Manager, he was responsible for establishing and administering annual budgets with effective cost controls to meet financial objectives.

Bodenhamer also has a demonstrated history of working in the environmental services industry and has established long-term business relationships with municipal, industrial, commercial and residential accounts.

Bodenhamer holds a Bachelor of Arts in both Economics and Business Management from North Carolina State University and currently resides in Franklin County.

“With nearly 30 years of experience in the environmental services industry and a familiarity to our region, I believe Lee Bodenhamer will be an asset to our leadership team and to Franklin County Solid Waste,” commented Harris. “I believe he is well suited to address the challenges and opportunities associated with growth in our county.”

For additional information, please contact Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager, at (919) 496-5994.

VGCC’s Kenneth Wilson Receives Glen Raven Award

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-Information courtesy Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College’s Kenneth Wilson (Project Manager –  TechHire Grant) won the Glen Raven award on Thursday, December 12, 2019. He was presented with the award by VGCC President Rachel Desmarais, Ph.D.

VGCC and Glen Raven are longtime partners. The college serves the company by providing training programs for employees on subjects including management, leadership, safety and technical skills such as industrial maintenance.

A strong corporate supporter of VGCC’s Endowment Fund, Glen Raven has endowed scholarships for students as well as awards that recognize faculty and staff excellence.

Vance-Granville Community College’s Kenneth Wilson (Project Manager –  TechHire Grant) won the Glen Raven award on Thursday, December 12, 2019. He was presented with the award by VGCC President Rachel Desmarais, Ph.D. (VGCC photo)

Two Arrested, 484 Grams of Cocaine Seized in Multi-Agency Drug Investigation

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-Press Release and photos, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

Over the past three months, members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, The Lake Royale Company Police, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, State Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Administration, conducted an undercover investigation into the illegal distribution of cocaine occurring between Benson, NC and Lake Royale, NC. 

Bryon Keith Lee

During this investigation, agents conducted numerous undercover operations and were able to purchase cocaine from Bryon Keith Lee in Franklin County. Agents discovered that Bryon Keith Lee was being supplied cocaine by John Allen Lee Sr. in Benson, NC. 

On December 5, 2019, agents conducted an undercover operation in which 56 grams of cocaine were seized during a traffic stop on Bryon K. Lee and Amber Lee. During the traffic stop, a 5-year old minor was located inside the vehicle.

Agents executed a search warrant at a residence in Benson, NC and at the residence of Bryon and Amber Lee, in the Lake Royale Community of Franklin County. As a result of the search warrants, 347 grams of cocaine, marijuana, an undisclosed amount of US Currency and three firearms were seized. Agents discovered that one of the firearms was reported stolen. 

During this investigation, a total of 484 grams of cocaine, bulk currency, marijuana and three firearms (one stolen) were seized in Franklin and Johnston Counties. 

John Allen Lee Sr.

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Anytime we are able to remove this amount of drugs from our community, it is a good day. During this investigation, we were able to coordinate with our local, state and federal partners to ensure that we disrupted this drug activity and its source. I can’t say enough about the professionalism and teamwork displayed by all of the agencies involved.” 

Bryon K. Lee was placed in the Johnston County Detention Center under a $1,880,000 secured bond.

John Allen Lee Sr. was placed in the Johnston County Detention Center under a $300,000 secured bond. 

Charges include: 

Bryon K. Lee – 42 years old – 132 Turon Drive Louisburg, NC 27549

Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (6 Counts), Sell Cocaine (6 Counts), Maintain a Vehicle for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substance (7 Counts), Trafficking in Cocaine (5 Counts), Sell Controlled Substance within 1000 feet of a park.

John Allen Lee Sr. – 62 years old – 313 N. Hall Street Benson, NC 27504

Trafficking in Cocaine (5 Counts), Possession of a Firearm by Felon, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substance. 

This investigation is continuing, and more charges are expected.

If you have information regarding this case or if you would like to report drug activity in your community, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.

Franklin County Sheriff

Operation Impact Phase III Results in 19 Arrests, 134 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 III of Operation Impact. Operation Impact is an ongoing, six-month investigation, involving illegal drug activity in Franklin County.

As a result of Phase III of the investigation, 19 individuals have been arrested and charged with 134 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 Bunn and surrounding areas. 

This phase of the 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, law enforcement complaints and other intelligence-driven information received by the Sheriff’s Office. 

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Phase III of Operation Impact was a strategic initiative that focused on individuals selling drugs in our neighborhoods throughout the Bunn area. The plan to address drug activity in all of our communities will continue.” 

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in Phase III of Operation Impact by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bunn Police Department and the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division. 

As of this date, Operation Impact has resulted in 55 total arrests and 311 felony charges. These arrests have occurred throughout Franklin County and more arrests are expected.

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

Cynthia Marie Foster – 56 years old – 15 Rogers Drive Bunn, NC 27508

2 counts PWIMSD Cocaine, 2 counts Sell Cocaine, 2 counts Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, PWISD Cocaine ~ Bond $20,000 secured 

Schyler Don Quarrious Williams – 21 years old – 917 Sledge Road Louisburg, NC 27549

2 counts PWIMSD Cocaine, 2 counts Sell Cocaine, PWIMSD Marijuana ~ Bond $72,000 secured 

Kevin Dunston – 49 years old – 25 Queens Drive Louisburg, NC 27549

Sell Cocaine ~ Bond $5,000 secured 

Jerome Usher Jr. – 34 years old – 1010 Alford Mill Road Bunn, NC 27508

Sell Schedule II CS, PWISD Marijuana, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS ~ Bond $20,000 secured 

William Jamel Andrews – 35 years old – 7612 Sunny Slope Street Zebulon, NC 27597 

2 counts PWISD Marijuana, 2 counts Sell Marijuana, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS ~ Bond $30,000 secured 

Trevon Alton Knight – 24 years old – 7433 Little River Circle Zebulon, NC 27597

Sell Marijuana, PWIMSD Marijuana, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS ~ Bond $20,000 secured 

David Neshorne Smith – 35 years old – 553 Arnold Road Louisburg, NC 27549

3 counts Sell Cocaine, 3 counts PWIMSD Sch II CS, 2 counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS ~ Bond $ 25,000 secured 

Quincy Jamario Bolden – 32 years old – 601 Howard Tant Road Zebulon, NC 27597

2 counts Sell Marijuana, 2 counts PWIMSD Sch VI CS, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, Manufacture/Sell/Deliver/Possess with Intent CS within 1000 ft of School ~ Bond $65,000 secured 

James Otis Dunston – 73 years old – 15 Queens Drive Bunn, NC 27508

4 counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Cocaine, Possess CS Prison/Jail Premises, Felony Possession of Cocaine ~ Bond $50,000 secured 

Lola Veronica Jones – 51 years old – 1391 Sykes Road Spring Hope, NC 27882

PWIMSD Cocaine, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, Sell Cocaine ~ Bond $25,000 unsecured

Joseph Bettis Jr. – 34 years old – 1120 Ridge Haven Drive Wendell, NC 27591

2 counts PWIMSD Cocaine, 2 counts Sell Cocaine, 2 counts Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS 

Jeremy Alexander Hicks – 32 years old – 35 Chickenhouse Drive Louisburg, NC 27549

PWIMSD Marijuana, Sell Marijuana, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS ~ Bond $25,000 secured 

Robert Cequon Fletcher – 62 years old – 121 W. Barbee Street Zebulon, NC 27597

2 counts Trafficking Opium or Heroin, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, PWIMSD Sch II CS ~ Bond $25,000 secured

Justin Deon Richardson – 29 years old – 69 Dykes Way Louisburg, NC 27549

PWIMSD Heroin, Sell Heroin, 2 counts Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, PWISD Marijuana, Sell Marijuana, PWISD Cocaine, Sell Cocaine ~ Bond $100,000 secured 

Jo Ann Clemonts – 49 years old – 25 Cambridge Drive Franklinton, NC 27525

3 counts Trafficking Opium or Heroin ~ Bond $100,000 secured 

Andrew Zayquawn Cates – 21 years old – 15 Marless Drive Apt. B Franklinton, NC 27525

PWISD Marijuana, Sell/Deliver Marijuana ~ Bond $30,000 secured 

Rico Dashawn Brooks – 33 years old – 1345 Walter Grissom Road Kittrell, NC 27544

2 counts PWISD Cocaine, 2 counts Sell/Deliver Cocaine, 2 counts Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, Possession of Firearm by Felon, Possess Stolen Firearm ~ Bond $100,000 secured 

Michael Junior Harris – 39 years old – 5542 Vicksboro Road Henderson, NC 27536

PWIMSD Sch II CS, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, Sell Cocaine ~ Bond $50,000 secured 

Christopher Quatrell Hodge – 29 years old – 812 Shepard School Road Zebulon, NC 27597

Sell Cocaine, PWIMSD Sch II CS, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS ~ Bond $80,000 secured 

If you have information regarding drug activity occurring in your neighborhood, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at 919-496-2186.

Cynthia Marie Foster

Schyler Don Quarrious Williams

Kevin Dunston

Jerome Usher Jr.

William Jamel Andrews

Trevon Alton Knight

David Neshorne Smith

Quincy Jamario Bolden

James Otis Dunston

Lola Veronica Jones

Joseph Bettis Jr.

Jeremy Alexander Hicks

Robert Cequon Fletcher

Justin Deon Richardson

Jo Ann Clemonts

Andrew Zayquawn Cates

Rico Dashawn Brook

Michael Junior Harris

Christopher Quatrell Hodge

Greater New Life Ministries to Celebrate Elder Jerry Perry

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-Information courtesy Greater New Life Ministries

Greater New Life Ministries will celebrate Elder Jerry Perry’s birthday and 31 years of preaching God’s word on Sunday, December 15, 2019, at 5 p.m.

Elder Jerry Perry & the Gospel Believers will be performing along with Christland Singers, Chosen, Heavenly Voices, God Praisers and the Inspirators of Henderson.

Greater New Life is located at 86 Pocomoke Road in Franklinton, NC.

For more information, please call (252) 767-3524.