Jones Arrested on First Degree Burglary Charge

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On June 18, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division with assistance from the Community Action Team arrested Demetrius Edward Jones, age 25, a resident of 455 Loblolly Circle, Louisburg.

On June 18, 2019, at approximately 1 a.m. deputies were dispatched to 320 Loblolly Circle, Louisburg after the resident heard someone forcing open her back door. Based on the description of the suspect and the assistance of the Sheriff’s Office K-9, Demetrius Edward Jones was taken into custody.

Demetrius Edward Jones was charged with one (1) count of First Degree Burglary and was placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $70,000 secured bond.

Terry M. Wright, Chief of Staff

On June 18, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division with assistance from the Community Action Team arrested Demetrius Edward Jones, age 25, a resident of 455 Loblolly Circle, Louisburg. Jones was charged with one (1) count of First Degree Burglary and was placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $70,000 secured bond. (FCSO photo)

Franklin Co. Schools Offering Free Summer Lunches!

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-Information courtesy the Franklin County Schools’ Facebook page

Franklin County Schools is offering free summer lunches to students age 5-18, Monday – Thursday through June 27, 2019.

Lunches will be provided from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. inside the Franklinton Middle School cafeteria. The school is located at 3 N. Main St. in Franklinton, NC.

Wiggins, Former KVA Headmaster, and Wilkerson Named FCS Principals

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-Press Release, Franklin County Schools

Franklin County Schools is proud to announce that two new principals have been hired for District elementary schools for the 2019-2020 school year.

Frank Wiggins Jr. is the new principal of Youngsville Elementary School; and, Jamie Wilkerson is the new principal of Franklinton Elementary School.

Franklin County Schools is proud to announce that two new principals have been hired for District elementary schools for the 2019-2020 school year. Frank Wiggins Jr. is the new principal of Youngsville Elementary School; and, Jamie Wilkerson is the new principal of Franklinton Elementary School. (Photos courtesy Franklin Co. Schools)

“We are excited to welcome Mr. Wiggins and Ms. Wilkerson to their new leadership positions within our District,” said Dr. Rhonda Schuhler, Superintendent of Franklin County Schools. “Both new principals bring a wealth of unique experiences and many achievements to their new schools. We anticipate they will also convey new energy, ideas and focus to create environments that are conducive to excellence in learning and teaching.”

Wiggins is a veteran principal who has worked in both public and private schools for the past 27 years. He earned a Master’s of School Administration from East Carolina University in 1992. Most recently, Wiggins was the Head of School at Kerr-Vance Academy in Henderson. He previously served as an elementary and middle school principal with Granville County Schools at Wilton Elementary and G.C. Hawley Middle School in addition to other positions in education. Wiggins is a native of Kinston and currently resides in Henderson. He is married to Sandra Allen Wiggins, who teaches at Franklinton High School.

Wilkerson is a veteran teacher who holds a Master’s of School Administration from Campbell University. She has most recently been serving as assistant principal in FCS’ Terrell Lane Middle School. She previously taught mathematics for Johnston County Schools, Harnett County Schools and Cumberland County Schools. She also served as an elementary math specialist and instructional coach in Durham. In addition, she taught as an adjunct for Campbell University and is working toward her terminal degree through Liberty University.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to continue to build a positive school culture along with the staff, students, parents and community of Franklinton Elementary School,” Wilkerson said. “I will work with all stakeholders to ensure student learning continues in a high-quality, instructional learning environment.”

Vendor Applications, Sponsorships Available for Upcoming BBQ Competition

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-Press Release, Helping All People Excel (HAPE)

Mark your calendars and get ready for the Tri County BBQ Competition on Saturday, August 10, 2019, at the Kerr Lake Country Club, hosted by Helping All People Excel – HAPE, a 501c3.

This fun-filled, family-friendly event will feature 10 – 15 teams competing in the BBQ Competition, along with vendors, raffles and lots of fun for the residents of Vance County and surrounding areas.

Through this event, we want to help build a stronger community while also giving back to the community. Proceeds from the Tri County BBQ Competition will be used to provide college essentials to twenty-five (25) recent high school graduates from Vance County and surrounding areas.

These items will include laundry detergent, soap, toothpaste and twin extra-long sheet – items that are essential for college but in most cases not covered by financial aid or scholarships. As we all know, getting to college is a major accomplishment. We cannot allow this accomplishment to be overshadowed by the struggle of not having what’s needed to survive while living on a college campus.

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend. If you would like more information on this event, sponsorship opportunities, a vendor application or how to make a donation, please contact Tracy Mosley at 252-432-1131 or email tmosley@helpingallpeopleexcel.com.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy Progress Wants To Pass Fuel Savings On To NC Customers

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-Press release and additional information courtesy Tanya Evans, District Manager, Duke Energy

In an email to WIZS News and other media outlets, Evans said, “I am sharing a bit of good news regarding electric rates. Due to fuel savings achieved from the joint dispatch of our generation fleet (one of the advantages of the merger several years ago), we are proposing an adjustment to our fuel rate in order to pass those savings along to our customers.”

Duke Energy Progress files annual adjustments with North Carolina Utilities Commission for customers in North Carolina

If approved, typical residential customers will see their monthly bills go down $4.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Duke Energy Progress today made its annual filings with the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) for costs associated with fuel, compliance with the state’s renewable energy portfolio standard (REPS), cost recovery under the Joint Agency Asset Rider (JAAR), and implementation of energy efficiency (EE) and demand-side management (DSM) programs.

In its filing, Duke Energy Progress is proposing a decrease in monthly fuel costs as part of an annual adjustment of the actual cost of fuel used to power North Carolina homes and businesses through renewable, natural gas, nuclear and coal-fired generation. By law, the company makes no profit from the fuel component of rates.

The fuel rate is based on the projected cost of fuel used to provide electric service to the company’s customers, plus a true-up of the prior year’s projection. The NCUC is responsible for reviewing the actual fuel costs required to serve customers to ensure an accurate adjustment is made each year.

The percentage change on a typical bill would be an average decrease of 3.3 percent for residential customers, 4.4 percent for commercial customers and 1.9 percent for industrial customers. The total monthly impact of all rate changes for a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month would be a decrease of $4, from $120.95 to $116.95.

The new fuel, REPS and JAAR rates would go into effect Dec. 1, 2019, and the new EE and DSM rates would go into effect Jan. 1, 2020.

Helping customers save

Duke Energy Progress works to actively manage its fuel contracts to keep fuel costs as low as possible for customers. Savings achieved from the joint dispatch of Duke Energy’s generation fleet in the Carolinas also help to minimize the company’s fuel costs.

Duke Energy Progress is also committed to helping customers take control of their energy use and manage their bills. The company offers energy-saving tips and innovative efficiency programs for every budget to help customers realize additional savings.

For example, the Home Energy House Call is a free in-home energy assessment, valued at $180, designed to give Duke Energy customers more information about how they use energy in their home and strategies to save money on their monthly bill.

To learn more about these programs, visit duke-energy.com/savings.

Duke Energy Progress

Duke Energy Progress, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns nuclear, coal, natural gas, renewables and hydroelectric generation. That diverse fuel mix provides about 12,700 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 1.6 million customers in a 32,000-square-mile service area of North Carolina and South Carolina.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S. It employs 30,000 people and has an electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts through its regulated utilities, and 3,000 megawatts through its nonregulated Duke Energy Renewables unit.

Duke Energy is transforming its customers’ experience, modernizing the energy grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding natural gas infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves. The Electric Utilities and Infrastructure unit’s regulated utilities serve approximately 7.7 million retail electric customers in six states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. The Gas Utilities and Infrastructure unit distributes natural gas to more than 1.6 million customers in five states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The Duke Energy Renewables unit operates wind and solar generation facilities across the U.S., as well as energy storage and microgrid projects.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune’s 2019 “World’s Most Admired Companies” list, and Forbes’ 2019 “America’s Best Employers” list. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy’s illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

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Triangle North Healthcare Foundation Buys Garnett Street Station

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— press release from Triangle North Healthcare Foundation

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation Announces Community Investment

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation’s Board of Directors has announced the acquisition of the historic Henderson landmark, Garnett Street Station.

Through its newly formed limited liability company, Garnett Street Station, LLC, the Foundation closed on the property purchase on June 10. The property was purchased from Restoration Associates.

“We consider this an excellent investment for the Foundation, since it is an income-producing property,” said Val Short, Executive Director for the Foundation. “We can also ensure this important historic treasure will be maintained and preserved for future generations,” she added.

Current tenants at Garnett Street Station will continue to lease office and parking spaces. The Foundation is planning some renovations and improvements to the building, including replacing the platform at the back of the building, painting the exterior trim, and repairing mortar on the brick.

Built around 1885 as a railroad freight station and depot, the building stands on land that was originally deeded to the Raleigh & Gaston Rail Road Company by Lewis Reavis in 1837. The depot building was restored and converted to an office building in 1989 by Restoration Associates.

The Foundation will occupy the office on the south end of the building, according to Short. She expects the Foundation will be able to relocate to Garnett Street Station by the end of the summer. “We are very excited about having a permanent home for the Foundation, especially in this iconic symbol of Henderson’s history and development,” said Short.

Located in Henderson, Triangle North Healthcare Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, and schools in Vance, Warren, Granville, and Franklin counties. The Foundation’s grant funding mission has been made possible by the endowment that was established after Maria Parham Health merged with the for-profit Duke-Lifepoint in 2011. For more information about the Foundation, call 252-598-0763 or visit the website: www.tnhfoundation.org

Town Talk: June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month; #ENDALZ

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More than 5 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s, but less than half are ever diagnosed.  Acknowledging why your loved one is acting differently is hard, but early detection and care can make a significant difference, according to a public service announcement recently received at WIZS.

Today’s edition of Town Talk featured Lisa Roberts, Executive Director, of the Alzheimer’s Association of Eastern North Carolina and Bethany Wood, Manager, Walk to End Alzheimer’s of the Eastern NC Chapter.

Click here or on the WIZS logo below to listen to the show.

6 Tips for Approaching Alzheimer’s

If you notice any of the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s in yourself or someone you know, don’t ignore them. Early detection makes a world of difference, and so does the way you approach the conversation with a family member or a friend. If you notice a pattern of memory loss or behavioral issues that are affecting one’s ability to function, it’s essential to talk about it so they can be evaluated. The Alzheimer’s Association offers these tips:

1. Have the conversation as early as possible – Ideally, it’s best to talk about the Alzheimer’s warning signs with a family member or friend before they even occur, so that you can understand how someone would want you to approach them about it. However, many people aren’t planning for Alzheimer’s before it happens. If you’re noticing signs of dementia, start a conversation as soon as possible, while mental functioning is at its highest and before a crisis occurs.

2. Think about who’s best suited to initiate the conversation – There might be a certain family member, friend or trusted advisor who holds sway. Consider asking this person to step in and plan around how to have the most supportive and productive conversation.

3. Practice conversation starters – The following phrases can help broach the conversation.
a. “Would you want me to say something if I ever noticed any changes in your behavior that worried me?”
b. “I’ve noticed a few changes in your behavior lately, and I wanted to see if you’ve noticed these changes as well?”
c. “Lately I’ve been considering my own long-term care plans, and I wanted to see if you’ve done any advance planning you can share with me?”

4. Offer your support and companionship – Seeing a doctor to discuss observed warning signs of Alzheimer’s may create anxiety. Let your family member or friend know that you’re willing to accompany them to the appointment and any follow-up assessments. Offer your continuous support throughout the diagnosis process.

5. Anticipate gaps in self-awareness – It can be the case that someone showing the warning signs of Alzheimer’s is unable to recognize those signs in themselves. Be prepared to navigate confusion, denial and withdrawal, as people may not want to accept that their mental functioning is declining.

6. Recognize the conversation may not go as planned – Despite your best intentions, a family member may not be open to discussing memory or cognitive concerns. They may get angry, upset, and defensive or simply refuse to talk about it. Unless it’s a crisis situation, don’t force the conversation. Take a step back, regroup and revisit the subject in a week or two. If they still refuse to get help, consult their physician or the Alzheimer’s Association for strategies that may help.

10 WAYS TO LOVE YOUR BRAIN
START NOW. It’s never too late or too early to incorporate healthy habits.

BUTT OUT: Smoking increases risk of cognitive decline. Quitting smoking can reduce risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.

FOLLOW YOUR HEART: Risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke – obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes – negatively impact your cognitive health.

HEADS UP: Brain injury can raise risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seat belt and use a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike.

FUEL UP RIGHT: Eat a balanced diet that is higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

CATCH SOME ZZZ’S: Not getting enough sleep may result in problems with memory and thinking.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH: Some studies link depression with cognitive decline, so seek treatment if you have depression, anxiety or stress.

BUDDY UP: Staying socially engaged may support brain health. Find ways to be part of your local community or share activities with friends and family.

STUMP YOURSELF: Challenge your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Play games of strategy, like bridge.

BREAK A SWEAT: Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates heart rate and increases blood flow. Studies have found that physical activity reduces risk of cognitive decline.

HIT THE BOOKS: Formal education will help reduce risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Take a class at a local college, community center or online. Growing evidence indicates that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits. When possible, combine these habits to achieve maximum benefit for the brain and body. Visit alz.org/10ways to learn more.

VGCC Nursing degree propelled Jeannie Adcock to Duke Hospital

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— press release courtesy VGCC

Restarting a career is never easy. It takes persistence and, often, a leap of faith, to change course, which is what many students come to Vance-Granville Community College to do. That was the case with Jeannie Adcock.

A Vance County native, Adcock completed a bachelor’s degree at East Carolina University and went into the working world. From 2009-2015, she worked at Maria Parham Medical Center in Henderson in administrative roles, with stints in marketing, as the physician liaison and as the development coordinator with the hospital foundation (today known as Triangle North Healthcare Foundation).

But after several years working in the health care field, she felt drawn to pursue a career on the clinical side. She decided she wanted to obtain an associate degree in Nursing and headed to her hometown college, VGCC. There, she found supportive faculty and staff members who helped guide her through the Nurse Aide I program and courses like Biology, before she could officially enter the Associate Degree Nursing program.
“I started the ADN program in August 2016,” Adcock recalled. “To say it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done might still be an understatement!”

Adcock said she was able to succeed, at least in part, by making some amazing friends. “You really can’t place a value on how important these bonds are to help you make it through, because no one else understands what you’re going through,” she said. Adcock also found excellent, experienced Nursing faculty members. “I was known as the ‘outspoken’ one in our class, and I’m sure my instructors ‘appreciated’ it,” she reflected with a laugh.

Adcock excelled in the rigorous, challenging program, earning President’s List honors and a pair of academic scholarships from the VGCC Endowment Fund. She later spoke at the annual Endowment Fund Golf Tournament to thank the community for supporting the college.

In 2018, she not only graduated but completed the program with among the highest grade point averages in her class. “Every curve ball that was thrown at me, I found a way to knock it out of the park,” Adcock recalled. “I was so proud to receive my degree on stage from Dr. Stelfanie Williams (then the college president), as she had been a very supportive and influential part of my journey.”

Adcock had set clear career goals from the beginning of her time at VGCC. “All of my instructors knew from the start that my plan was to go to work in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), so thankfully, I was one of the few members of our class to receive the ICU preceptorship in our last semester of school,” she said. That preceptorship was part of her invaluable clinical training which takes students to various health care facilities that partner with the college. “I completed clinical rotations at Granville Medical Center, Maria Parham, Central Regional Hospital, UNC and Duke,” she said. “When it was time to apply for jobs, I only applied to ICU’s, landed four ICU interviews/offers and accepted a job offer at Duke.”

Today, she is a registered nurse in the Neurosciences ICU at Duke University Hospital, which is ranked as the top hospital in North Carolina. “I couldn’t be happier with my decision,” Adcock said. “I have the best co-workers, and our providers are all amazing!” She even helps to train the nurses of tomorrow, including VGCC students who come to her unit for their own clinical rotations.

Her advice to those considering following in her footsteps as a student: “Don’t ever let someone tell you that you’re not capable of doing something! Never accept ‘no’ for an answer and don’t expect results without dedication!”

Franklin County Logo

Rain Water Causes Franklin County Wastewater Discharge June 8, 2019

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PRESS RELEASE:

Franklin County Public Utilities experienced a discharge of untreated wastewater from the Youngsville Regional pump station in Youngsville. The spill was a result of rain on Saturday, June 8, 2019. The spill occurred at 11:45 AM and discharged until 3:20 PM. The discharge of wastewater was estimated to be 5,700 gallons and it 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 overflow stopped.

The division of Water Quality was notified of this event on June 8, 2019 and is reviewing the matter. For additional information concerning this event, please contact Chris Doherty, Franklin County Public Utilities Director at (919) 556-6711. Additional information can be obtained by visiting Franklin County’s website at www.franklincountync.us and our Facebook Page, search Franklin County Public Utilities.

Franklin County Government is committed to effective and innovative public services for all Franklin County citizens and businesses.

Strickland, 26, Arrested on Breaking/Entering, Firearm Charges

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On June 5, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit arrested Amanda Lynn Strickland, age 26, a Rocky Mount resident.

Amanda Lynn Strickland was charged with one (1) count of Breaking/Entering, one (1) count of Larceny After Breaking/Entering and one (1) count of Possession of Firearm by Felon.

Amanda Lynn Strickland was placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $75,000 secured bond.

Terry M. Wright, Chief of Staff

On June 5, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit arrested Amanda Lynn Strickland, age 26, a Rocky Mount resident. Amanda Lynn Strickland was charged with one (1) count of Breaking/Entering, one (1) count of Larceny After Breaking/Entering and one (1) count of Possession of Firearm by Felon. (FCSO Photo)