Tag Archive for: #franklincountyncnews

Franklin County Logo

Approval of STIP Keeps Franklin County on the Move

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Franklin County, August 17, 2017: Franklin County will see the benefit of a number of projects now that the North Carolina Board of Transportation has approved the 10-year (2018-2027) State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP).

Funding will assist with several transformational projects including the NCDOT Division of Aviation allocation of $10,890,000 to Triangle North Executive Airport (TNEA) and the widening of US 401 to a four-lane highway.

“The support from NCDOT and NCDOT Division of Aviation for Franklin County provides us with the resources to take significant steps forward for our businesses and citizens,” stated Franklin County Board Chairman Cedric K. Jones.

“The allocation to Triangle North Executive Airport will allow us to create more buildable space for additional hangars as well as be able to extend the runway and take larger aircraft to carry passengers and freight,” commented Steve Merritt, Triangle North Executive Airport Manager. The county will be required to provide some matching funds bringing the total value of this allocation plus the match to $12,200,000.

Triangle North Executive Airport has 60 jobs and the impact of this expansion is projected to grow that number to 120 for both direct and indirect jobs. TNEA houses 131 planes currently with an annual economic impact of $23,000,000.

The approved funding for widening US 401 now provides this corridor not only with improved safety, but also more direct access to multiple transportation routes important for attracting and retaining businesses. This project has been identified as Section C of US 401 and has long been a request by the citizens of Louisburg and Franklin County.

Additional commitment by NCDOT to now take US 401 widening all the way into Louisburg, named Section D of US 401, will transform access for this area of Franklin County. “With the ongoing growth of Franklin County, it is important that we plan for safe, effective transportation,” stated County Manager Angela L. Harris. “The widening of US 401 has been a project that has been important to us for many, many years and we are delighted to see it moving forward.”
Contact: Richie Duncan Economic Development Director Phone: (919) 554-1863 Fax: (919) 554-1781
228 Park Avenue Youngsville, NC 27596 www.franklincountync.us FRANKLIN COUNTY

“When completed, the US 401 expansion will provide Franklin County with another four-lane north-south thoroughfare, giving the county and region the infrastructure it needs for growth,” said Economic Development Director Richie Duncan.

In addition to these projects, several others were included in the 10-year plan including:

 US 401-39 (Bickett Blvd), NC 56/581 (Nash Street) to SR 1229 (Main Street) widening to multi-lanes  Intersection improvement from Holden Road at US 1Alt, NC 96  Access management from East Nash St to Burke Blvd to replace 5 lane facility with 4 lane facility including planted median, sidewalks and bike lane  US 98, NC 98 – upgrade existing at grade intersection to interchange  From Main St to Camille Circle at Luddy Park construct shared use path, crosswalks

For additional information, please contact Richie Duncan, Franklin County Economic Development Director, at (919) 554-1863.

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

Franklin County Logo

Franklin County Names Public Utilities Director

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Franklin County, August 8, 2017: Franklin County has selected Christopher Doherty to serve as Public Utilities Director effective August 21, 2017. Mr. Doherty has served as Superintendent for the South Florida Water Management District from May 2012 until March 2017. Prior to working for South Florida Water Management District, Mr. Doherty served as Public Works/Utilities Superintendent for the City of North Lauderdale where he supervised the daily operations of the Public Works Department. In addition, Mr. Doherty has several years of experience as a Public Works Director for the City of Clinton, North Carolina.

Mr. Doherty earned an Associates of Arts – Civil Engineering from Broward Community College and a Bachelor of Science, Professional Management/Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. He is certified in Florida as a Stormwater Management Inspector, holds a C Distribution certification in North Carolina as well as an OSHA 30 certification. His professional memberships include the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), SWANA Certified as MSW Collection Manager, American Water Works Association and FL Chapter, American Public Works Association and FL Chapter, Rural Water Association, National Fire Protection Association and American Society of Civil Engineers.

County Manager Angela L. Harris said, “It is with great optimism that I welcome Mr. Doherty to our team. He will play an important role as we update our Capital Improvements Plan for Public Utilities and plan for future growth. We are also thankful for the service of Mike Bailes who is currently serving as interim director.”

For additional information, please contact Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager, at (919) 4965994.

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

State Highway Patrol Investigates Louisburg Fatal Collision

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RALEIGH – On Friday, August 4, at approximately 9:34 a.m., the State Highway Patrol responded to a multi-vehicle collision on US 401 near NC 56 in Franklin County. A 2001 Volkswagen passenger vehicle, operated by Samar Ferd Jurdi, 20, of Raleigh, was traveling south on US 401. A 2016 Nissan passenger vehicle, operated by Chastity Calandra Stamper, 37, of Hollister, was traveling south on US 401 within a right-turn lane, parallel to the Volkswagen. As the right-turn lane ended, both vehicles struck one another while continuing to travel south.

As a result of the collision, the Volkswagen traveled left of center and struck a 2010 Honda passenger vehicle, which was traveling north on US 401. After colliding with the Honda, the Volkswagen traveled off onto the northbound shoulder of US 401 and overturned within a creek.

Volkswagen Occupants:
Driver:
Samar Ferd Jurdi was transported to Wake Medical Center with serious injuries
Passengers:
• Ryan Zavala, 14, of Louisburg was transported to Wake Medical Center with serious injuries.
• Rami Eleitar, 9, of Raleigh was transported to Wake Medical Center with serious injuries.
• Michelle Zavala, 1, of Louisburg succumbed to her injuries at Wake Medical Center.
• Kathaleen Maldanado, 4, of Louisburg was transported to Wake Medical Center with serious injuries.

Nissan Occupant:
Driver:
Chastity Calandra Stamper was not injured

Honda Occupant:
Driver:
Anna Williams Collier, 46, of Louisburg was transported to Wake Medical Center with serious injuries.

Investigators are still determining the contributing circumstances for the collision. SHP’s collision reconstruction unit is assisting with the investigation.

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Franklin County Sheriff

Operation Summer Magic Results in Six Arrests in Franklin County

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RALEIGH – Nearly 40 law enforcement and probation/parole officers, as well as support staff from state, local and federal agencies, joined forces this week for Operation Summer Magic, an enforcement operation that served outstanding criminal warrants and conducted compliance checks on high risk and violent offenders on probation and parole in Franklin County.

“Law enforcement agency partnerships are key to maintaining safe communities in Franklin County, as well as across the state,” said N.C. Department of Public Safety Community Corrections Director Tracy Lee. “We thank our partners for their hard work and collaboration on this operation.”

The one-day operation saw 27 residences searched, with six arrests. Law enforcement seized:

  • 3 firearms;
  • 1 bulletproof vest;
  • Marijuana and drug paraphernalia; and
  • 48 packets of heroin.

Participating agencies included DPS Community Corrections (Probation/Parole), DPS Special Operations Unit, federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Franklinton Police Department, Youngsville Police Department, Louisburg Police Department and N.C. Information Sharing and Analysis Center (NC ISAAC). The operation was supported by canines and handlers from DPS and the local law enforcement agencies.

Franklin County Sheriff Kent Winstead, said, “We are appreciative of our local, state and federal partners who came together in a collaborative effort to serve warrants and ensure high-risk offenders were in compliance with the terms of their probation.”

Louisburg Police Chief Jason Abbott said, “With our communities shaken by numerous recent acts of violence that have crossed several jurisdictions, I am grateful for the relationships we share with our community leaders, and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. Collectively, and with community support, we are taking a proactive approach to end the senseless violence in our neighborhoods.”

Franklinton Police Chief John Green said, “We are thankful for all local, state and federal agencies coming together in this joint operation in this county.”

Added Youngsville Police Chief Daren Kirts, “This is great when all of Franklin County law enforcement comes together for the safety of its citizens.”

For more information about Operation Summer Magic, please contact Terry Wright at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at (919) 727-0834.

VGCC offers Medical Office Administrative Assistant certificate at Franklin Campus

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Area residents will have a new opportunity to gain a credential for jobs in medical offices when the fall semester begins at Vance-Granville Community College on Aug. 14.

The college is scheduling courses to allow students to complete the entire 17-credit-hour “Medical Office Administrative Assistant I” certificate in two semesters at VGCC’s Franklin County Campus near Louisburg. This program provides entry-level skills and knowledge for employment as a health-care team member in an office setting.

Six courses are required for the certificate. Students will take the first three courses during the fall semester, back-to-back, on Tuesdays and Thursdays: Medical Office Terms I (OST 141) from 9-9:50 a.m., Office Procedures (OST 181) from 10-10:50 a.m. and Keyboarding (OST 131) from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

In the spring, students would take the remaining courses: Introduction to Computers (CIS 110), Medical Office Terms II (OST 142) and Medical Insurance & Billing (OST 148).

Once students complete the certificate, they can also apply those credits to the Associate in Applied Science degree in Medical Office Administration.

Orientation, advising and registration for fall are currently ongoing, through Aug. 10. Financial aid for this certificate program is available to those who qualify.

For more information, contact Tammy Ball at (252) 738-3248 or ballt@vgcc.edu.

–VGCC–

Boys and Girls Club Offers Summer Update

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Vance County

According to the Old Chinese Proverb “Tell me, I’ll forget. Show me, I may remember. But involve me, and I’ll understand.” The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central NC Vance Unit are delighted to share that our  2017 Summer Program participants have had a visit from a slew of community representatives  that range from Nutritionist , Military (Army & Navy), Youth of the Year, and Henderson Fire Department.

Anticipating that the Members will be inspired at this young and hoping that some may remember down the road and get involved. Members are looking forward to meeting and talking with our remaining line up of guest.

Featured here our most recent visitor Lieutenant Corey Adams City of Henderson Fire Department Division of Fire Prevention.

Granville County

Summer is always a blast & our members love a wide array of activities. Swimming & dodgeball top their lists, but BGCNCNC wanted to focus on leadership among our older youth this summer.

One of the highlights of our summer has been our partnership with the Penn Ave Soup Kitchen. At the BGC, we are teaching our middle schoolers & high schoolers that they are role models for our younger youth & our community. It has been so exciting to see our teens step up & serve the community. We are so proud to be a place for them to learn & grow. Below, you will see our youth preparing plates & assisting the soup kitchen with their set up.

Warren County

The club kids at Warren County enjoyed our “Around the World” Summer Camp.  We studied France, Mexico, South Africa and Japan! We learned about the culture, landmarks, food, currency, and language of each country.

Each student received a Camp Passport to virtually travel to each country.

Students also enjoyed various field trips.  We visited Aycock Recreation Center for swimming, Market Place Cinema, the Skateeum, and Galaxy Fun Park in Raleigh.

Franklin County

The Franklin Club has been busy this summer! With ages ranging from 5 to 16 all members have been actively participating in Summer Brain Gain each day.

Members participating in hands on activities focusing on leadership, decision making, innovators, and the invention of bubble gum!! Members also enjoyed field trips to swim at Aycock Recreation Center, Brooks St. Bowl, and Jellybeans Skatteum! Members have also enjoyed water relay races, water balloon fights,
and water contests!

Halifax County

We have learned how to stay safe this summer; we have learned how important it is to keep moving.

We have traveled the world, China, Italy, Fiji, France and Mexico only to discover how proud we are to be Americans.

Even with all that we still have plenty of adventures left ahead of us this summer;  more visits to the pool, more art, learning to cook and so much more!!

The 28th Annual Tar River Festival Coming to Louisburg

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The Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce will host the 28th Annual Tar River Festival on Saturday, October 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in downtown Louisburg and Riverbend Park. A time-honored tradition, this year’s festival promises to be better than ever. The festival is a family event with free admission and is held rain or shine.

Live entertainment throughout the day will be provided by the band Big Love. Be sure to sign up for the 2nd annual 5K Tar River Run/Walk. The race circuit is a USATF certified course. Interested participants can register for the race at runsignup.com or at the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce office.

A new featured event this year will be the Tar River Festival BBQ cook-off. BBQ masters from all across North Carolina will compete for prizes. Pulled pork BBQ and BBQ chicken plates will be sold after the judging is completed.

Craft breweries and wineries throughout North Carolina are invited to participate at the festival.

Again, this year, the River of Yesteryear will provide demonstrations of cultural and heritage-based events including more history and learning experiences for the entire family. There will also be a Kid Zone, which will include interactive games, inflatables, rides, face painting, and a cast of characters from Enchanted Wishes – Cinderella, Belle, Tiana, Doc McStuffins, Batman and Robin, Captain America and Spiderman.

For more information contact the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce at 919-496-3056.

VGCC names 234 students to President’s and Dean’s Lists

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Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 115 students earned President’s List and another 119 earned Dean’s List academic honors for the spring semester that ended in May.

The President’s List recognizes students who achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) while carrying a “full load” (of at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student had to earn a GPA that was at least 3.5 but less than 4.0, and have no grade lower than “B,” while carrying a “full load” of such courses.

Spring Semester President’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.

 

Accounting:

Jacob H. Daniel of Oxford.

 

Associate in Arts:

Marisol Galvan Romo and Alma L. Ramirez Cortes, both of Butner;

Caitlyn A. Good of Creedmoor;

Joshua Jacobs of Durham;

Gavin C. Hardin and Destiny M. Quesenberry, both of Franklinton;

Cristin D. Abbott, Jasmine N. Allen, Kourtney J. Cockrell, Ashlyn K. Collier, Tim Jiang, Caroline M. Oakley, Brian J. Stevenson and Jakayla M. Thorpe, all of Henderson;

Allie R. Beach and Leslie A. Leake, both of Kittrell;

Loganne S. Driver and Blake A. Massengill, both of Louisburg;

Alana W. Towles, Anautica D. Wilson and Hailey T. Woodlief, all of Oxford;

Maria L. Govea of Roxboro;

Lindsay C. Henry of Youngsville.

 

Associate in General Education – General Science:

Yuliana R. Carranza and Jolina Anne V. Chiong, both of Henderson;

Joel E. Canada of Stem.

 

Associate in Science:

Kaleb S. Williamson of Bullock;

Lindsey R. Perry of Henderson;

Kia S. Brodie and Sovanny Taylor, both of Louisburg;

Elizabeth K. Fallon of Wake Forest.

 

Automotive Systems Technology:

Howard W. Haley of Bullock;

Michael L. Wright of Durham;

Jeremy D. Lemay, Kenneth S. McConnell and Jacob F. Mosley, all of Henderson;

Jordan A. Alston and Hadden C. Justice, both of Louisburg;

Stephen B. Ray of Wake Forest.

 

Business Administration:

Holly A. Waddell of Henderson;

Kinequa W. Lassiter of Manson;

Jason D. Hester, Stacy T. Hicks and Latosha C. Hunt, all of Oxford;

Jason L. Thompson of Stem;

Ashley M. Kinton of Youngsville.

 

Computer Technology Integration:

Tristin McClay and Christina D. Manz, both of Creedmoor;

Angelica M. Garcia-Avelar of Durham;

Zachary T. Stevenson of Oxford;

Rowan M. Morris of Warrenton.

 

Cosmetology:

Christianne Combs of Durham;

Davis B. Moore of Franklinton;

Micaela B. Crowder and Zataria M. Marrow, both of Henderson;

Alexa J. Clayton of Rougemont.

 

Criminal Justice:

Christopher L. Davis of Bullock;

Brenda G. Ellis of Durham;

Rebecka R. Paul of Henderson;

Benjamin B. Layton of Kittrell;

Leonte D. Parker of Oxford;

Martin A. Spencer of Roxboro.

 

Culinary Arts:

Taylor M. Abel of Manson;

Randy D. Bullock of Stem;

Ethel C. Fogg of Warrenton.

 

Early Childhood Education:

Makala West of Henderson.

 

Global Logistics and Distribution Management Technology:

Charles Braswell of Wilson.

 

Human Services Technology:

Fredesvinda C. Euceda-Col of Creedmoor.

 

Human Services Technology/Gerontology:

Sonya J. Barnes of Henderson;

Pamela R. Campbell of Littleton.

 

Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:

Jawanda L. Burchette of Warrenton.

 

Information Technology:

Adam Burns and Andrew M. Watkins, both of Henderson;

Cody R. Parrott of Kittrell;

Michael A. Gokee of Louisburg.

 

Mechatronics Engineering Technology:

Charles J. Nordcliff of Creedmoor.

 

Medical Assisting:

Michelle D. Beckwith of Kittrell;

Laketa D. Bumpers of Louisburg.

 

Medical Office Administration:

Tammy Heller of Butner;

Cassidy B. Lucas and Jessica M. Noll, both of Franklinton;

Jessica C. Allgood, Tranita N. Brown, Tamara F. Glover, Cassidy J. Grissom, Raven K. Kay, Melissa O. Simmons and Timmara D. Smith, all of Henderson;

Brianna N. Lynch of Hollister;

Beverly K. Ellis of Kittrell;

Misty R. Grabowski of Louisburg;

Amanda S. Aiken of Rougemont;

Kaitlyn F. Wilson of Roxboro;

Amber S. Carey of Stem;

Rebecca T. George of Warrenton;

Thomas M. King, Jr., of Wise;

Julia A. Rhodes of Youngsville.

 

Office Administration:

Betsy M. Mason of Macon.

 

Paralegal Technology:

Celene Acuna of Henderson;

Holly H. Cashwell of Wake Forest.

 

Pharmacy Technology:

Malissa S. Chandler of Durham;

Tommy L. Hicks of Franklinton.

 

Practical Nursing:

Frank T. McGhee, Jr., of Henderson.

 

Radiography:

Katie A. Weary of Bullock;

Marco A. Carmen-Vazquez and Aaron J. McNeill, both of Oxford;

Ashley M. Rhew of Timberlake.

 

Welding Technology:

Cameron M. Brown of Creedmoor;

Joshua C. Pfohl and Cedric J. Rodebaugh, II, both of Franklinton;

Robert L. Mallory of Oxford;

Galen D. Wilds of Stem;

Quentin T. Tully of Wake Forest;

Andrew Lynam of Youngsville.

 

Spring Semester Dean’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.

 

Accounting:

Wannapha N. Robinson of Louisburg;

Shiquita Evans of Townsville.

 

Associate Degree Nursing:

Valerie J. Strange of Bullock;

Kaylan C. Hoyle of Henderson;

Jeannie S. Adcock and Jodie D. Carroll, both of Oxford;

Halie C. Brooks of Raleigh.

 

Associate in Arts:

Farrah B. Foster, Samantha J. Shannon, Kaylin D. Smith and Jocelyn S. Williams, all of Creedmoor;

Karen T. Graves of Durham;

Rebekah H. Glasheen of Franklinton;

Ke’ Moni M. Champion, Chadstity V. Copeland, Lehman R. Ford, Luke M. Frazier, Alayna B. Gallagher, Brandon J. Hughes, Samuel B. Newman, Fatima A. Saleh, Bailee E. Tippett and Kianna A. Wills, all of Henderson;

Caleb R. Brauer and Matthew White, both of Norlina;

Kristy R. Ball, Erica J. Evans, Robin L. Hill  and Emely K. Ovando, all of Oxford;

Osvaldo Hernandez Martinez, Jessica M. Shelton and Caitlynn A. Taylor, all of Stem;

Seth N. Moody of Townsville;

Elizabeth N. Durand of Wake Forest;

Brian S. Restrepo of Youngsville.

 

Associate in General Education – General Science:

Melissa B. Anderson of Butner;

Tuesday N. Mathews of Fuquay-Varina;

Brittney Hawkins and Olivia Williamson, both of Oxford;

Matthew A. Fuller of Rougemont.

 

Associate in Science:

Christopher A. Plumley of Franklinton;

Alegra A. Bass and Michael T. O’Donoghue, both of Henderson;

Jamal Algathi, Nicole F. Bowman and Zakaria I. Kassim, all of Oxford;

Lucas T. Thompson of Wake Forest.

 

Automotive Systems Technology:

Trey Johnson of Franklinton.

 

Business Administration:

Bobbie J. Wilkerson of Creedmoor;

Crystal R. Thomerson of Franklinton;

Tanya Fields and Amber M. Layton, both of Oxford;

Dar-Neshia S. Williams of Warrenton;

Elizabeth D. Elliott of Youngsville.

 

Computer Technology Integration:

Thomas B. Grob of Bullock;

Ashley R. Healey of Raleigh.

 

Cosmetology:

Eillah Spivey of Bunn;

Cassie A. Shaffer of Butner;

Ashley M. Holden of Franklinton;

Nitianndra G. Boyd of Henderson;

Kristina M. Brantley of Louisburg;

Tonisha C. Chavis of Oxford;

Britney N. Bollinger of Wake Forest.

 

Criminal Justice:

Tyler L. Hughes of Bullock;

Adrianna M. De Nuzzia of Creedmoor;

Heather L. Taylor and Monica A. Williams, both of Franklinton;

Jose A. De Leon and Morgan T. Lawhorne, both of Henderson;

Jacob A. Quirk of Kittrell;

Charmaine A. Sutton of Louisburg;

Landon J. Hall, Daniel T. Reece and Harold T. Todd, all of Oxford;

Andrew L. Ayscue of Youngsville.

 

Culinary Arts:

Rebecca N. Groover of Franklinton;

Hayya A. Wright of Henderson;

Sara C. Cheek of Louisburg;

Dejah Davis of Stem.

 

Early Childhood Education:

Anita M. Fuller of Franklinton;

Jacquella S. Jones of Henderson;

Hayley A. Fox of Kittrell;

Brooklyn E. Mason of Louisburg;

Tomekia M. Rainey of Pinetops;

Shirolyn B. Ball of Rougemont.

 

Entrepreneurship:

Austin R. Lovegrove of Franklinton.

 

Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:

Jennifer S. Bennett of Henderson;

Melissa A. Jackson of Oxford;

Mary A. Collins of Wendell.

 

Information Technology:

Randall S. Howard and Robert C. Hurt, both of Creedmoor;

Jerry Lizaire of Henderson;

Alisha M. Prevette of Oxford.

 

Mechatronics Engineering Technology:

Charles P. Deese of Henderson;

Jerome T. Edmonds of Oxford.

 

Medical Office Administration:

Hannah N. Scurto of Creedmoor;

Raeann Johnson and April B. Peoples, both of Henderson;

Kristie L. Brough of Oxford;

Jenese N. Caldwell of Wake Forest.

 

Paralegal Technology:

Kelly D. Persinger and Katie S. Rogers, both of Louisburg;

Jalissa M. Franklin of Sanford;

Anne D. Genest of Wake Forest.

 

Pharmacy Technology:

Tamika Everett of Creedmoor;

Kaylyn Anderson of Oxford.

 

Radiography:

Yamile A. Chavarin of Henderson;

Mark J. Meinhart of Louisburg;

Bethany Murphy of Youngsville.

 

Welding Technology:

Nicholas Keeton of Bullock;

Hernan J. Hernandez of Castalia;

Cristian J. Contreras of Creedmoor;

Donnie S. Ayscue, Andrew S. Hamrick and Eduardo Ibarra-Renteria, all of Henderson;

Ismael Trejo Labra of Norlina;

Eric L. Clayton of Oxford;

Ryan Abraham of Raleigh;

Jared Q. Siemers of Wake Forest.

 

–VGCC–

Critical Red Cross blood shortage prompts emergency call for donations

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RALEIGH, N.C. (July 5, 2017) — The American Red Cross is facing a critical blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for eligible blood and platelet donors of all blood types to give now and help save lives.

Blood donations have fallen short of expectations for the past two months, resulting in about 61,000 fewer donations than needed and causing a significant draw down of the Red Cross blood supply. The shortfall is the equivalent of the Red Cross not collecting any blood donations for more than four days.

“It’s crucial that people donate now to meet the needs of patients every day and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood,” said Nick Gehrig, communications director, Red Cross Blood Services. “Every day, blood and platelet donors can help save lives, and right now these heroes are needed to give as soon as possible.”

How to Help

To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Red Cross has added more than 25,000 additional appointment slots at donation centers and community blood drives across the country over the next few weeks to accommodate more donors. Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce the time it takes to donate.

Summer Months Lead to Shortage

Blood shortages often worsen around Independence Day due to many fewer volunteer-hosted blood drives at places of work, worship or community gathering, and this year is no exception. Nearly 700 fewer blood drives are scheduled during the Independence Day week than the weeks before and after the holiday.

Overall, the summer months are among the most challenging times of the year for blood and platelet donations as regular donors delay giving while they vacation and participate in summer activities. In a recent survey of Red Cross blood donors, more than 73 percent indicated vacation plans this summer, many of them occurring the weeks before and after Independence Day.

New donors and those who haven’t given in a while are especially encouraged to roll up a sleeve and help save lives. Nearly one-third fewer new blood donors came out to give last summer than during the rest of the year due in part to schools – where blood drives are held and where new donors give – being out of session during the summer months.

Who Blood Donations Help

Every two seconds in the United States blood and platelets are needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant procedures, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect nearly 14,000 blood donations every day for patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals across the country.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities July 5-25

 

 

 

Franklin

Louisburg

7/15/2017: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Maple Springs Baptist Church, 1938 NC 56 Hwy E

Person

Roxboro

7/16/2017: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Theresa Baptist, 3919 Chublake Rd

7/18/2017: 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Person Memorial Hospital, 615 Ridge Rd.

Semora

7/21/2017: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Semora Ruritan Club, Hwy. 119 N

 

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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Mark Speed Unanimously Appointed County Commissioner

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Franklin County June 27, 2017: Franklin County Commissioners made a unanimous decision last evening to appoint James M. Speed (Mark) to fill the unexpired District 3 seat formerly served by the late John M. May.

Commissioner Speed was appointed following the District 3 Executive Committee’s nomination on July 20, 2017 and will serve the Epsom/Centerville area. Commissioner Speed comes from a family of public servants. His grandfather served as Franklin County Commissioner in the 1920’s. His father, the late James D. Speed served the North Carolina House of Representatives for 12 years and the North Carolina Senate for 20 years until his passing in 2006.

Commissioner Speed says he is thankful to all those who have encouraged him to serve through the years and to continue his family’s legacy. He said he looks forward to learning and working with fellow board members in serving the citizens of Franklin County.

Board Chairman Cedric Jones welcomes Commissioner Speed to the board and said he looks forward to working together for the betterment of Franklin County.

Commissioner Speed was sworn under oath by County Attorney Aubrey S. Tomlinson, Jr. and accompanied by his wife Camille Speed and nephew Davis Speed.

Following the appointment, Commissioner John M. May was honored posthumously with a standing ovation. His wife Vickie was in attendance.

Commissioner Speed will attend his first board meeting on July 17, 2017.

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

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