Tag Archive for: #franklincountynews

Marsha Overby 2025 Recipient Of VGCC Distinguished Alumni Award

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— information courtesy of Vance-Granville Community College

The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation named Marsha Overby of Franklin County as its 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award as part of the annual Scholarship awards luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 25.

“Each year, we are honored to recognize one of our outstanding alumni whose journey began right here at VGCC,” said Tanya Weary, VGCCF Executive Director. “This award not only celebrates individual achievement but also inspires current students to pursue their goals with confidence and purpose.”

Overby graduated from VGCC with an associate degree in Computer Information Technology.  She has since demonstrated outstanding leadership and character throughout every facet of her life and career. Currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer of the State Highway Patrol, she is known for her professionalism, integrity and visionary leadership—qualities that inspire those around her and uphold the highest standards of public service. Beyond her professional achievements, Overby remains a passionate advocate for her community. She actively supports youth and community programs through her church, 4-H initiatives and the Oxford Preparatory School Board Finance Committee. Her involvement reflects a strong dedication to empowering young people, fostering creativity, and promoting leadership and service.

The VGCC Foundation hosts the scholarship luncheon annually to connect scholarship recipients with the donors who support their educational dreams. The Distinguished Alumni Award has become a highlight of the event, shining a spotlight on the lasting impact of a VGCC education.

For more information about The VGCC Foundation and its programs, visit www.vgcc.edu/foundation.

VGCC Foundation’s ‘Fill The Pantry’ Craft Fair Set For Friday, Oct. 10 At Civic Center

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— Information courtesy of Vance-Granville Community College Foundation

The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation is planning its third annual Fill the Pantry Craft Fair on Friday, Oct. 10 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the College’s Civic Center in Henderson.   The event supports the VGCC food pantry, which provides essential resources to students in need.  This indoor craft fair is open to the public.

Cost of admission will be three (3) canned goods, nonperishable food items, or paper goods at the door.

Join in for a day of shopping, community, food, raffles and giving back. Local vendors will offer a variety of handmade goods—perfect for early holiday shopping—while helping to stock the pantry shelves.  In addition, grab a bite to eat from Bun on the Run or enjoy a coffee and/or treat from The Double Shot.

“With the holiday season quickly approaching, this show is a fantastic way to celebrate our local crafters while also supporting the community,” said Angela Douglas, VGCC Food Pantry Assistant. “We are excited to host this family-friendly event and help our students at the same time.”

Sheri Jones, VGCC Foundation associate director, said, “We are supported by donations from The Food Bank of North Central NC as well as one of the local Food Lion stores.  We also do a weekly donation pick-up from Strong Arm Baking Company in Oxford and have employees who make monetary donations and product donations.  Since we are able to do our event indoors, we have moved it to Friday afternoon and early evening this year so that it doesn’t compete with numerous other events – most outdoors – that take place on Saturdays in October.”

The VGCC Foundation is still accepting craft vendors to participate in this indoor community event, but spaces are limited. Craft vendors who would like to participate should complete the online Craft Show Interest Form. Vendor fees will be $25 for a 10 x 10 space plus a donated item to be used for raffles. For more information, please contact the Vance-Granville Community College Food Pantry at 252-738-3323 or douglasa@vgcc.edu.

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Granville County Crime Stoppers Establishes Scholarship For VGCC Criminal Justice Students

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–       Information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation (VGCCF) is proud to announce the establishment of a new academic achievement scholarship for Criminal Justice students, made possible by a generous $10,000 donation from Granville County Crime Stoppers.

The newly created Granville County Crime Stoppers Criminal Justice Academic Achievement Scholarship will support and encourage students pursuing careers in criminal justice. This contribution reflects Crime Stoppers’ ongoing commitment to crime prevention and community development through education.

“We are deeply grateful to Granville County Crime Stoppers for investing in the future of our students and our community,” said VGCC Foundation Executive Director Tanya Weary. “This scholarship will help remove financial barriers and empower students who are passionate about making a positive impact through criminal justice.”

The scholarship is available to qualified students currently enrolled in VGCC’s Criminal Justice Technology program who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to public service. Interested students may apply now at vgcc.academicworks.com.

 

Granville County Crime Stoppers continues to be a vital partner in making our community a safer place to live and work. This scholarship further strengthens their mission by supporting the next generation of criminal justice professionals.

 

For more information about The VGCC Foundation, contact 252.738.3264 or foundation@vgcc.edu.

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Kerr-Tar COG Regional Housing Summit Sept. 11 At VGCC Civic Center

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Regional leaders, housing experts and community partners will come together on Thursday, Sept. 11 for the Kerr-Tar Regional Housing Summit, an event designed to address current housing challenges and explore opportunities for collaboration.

The summit will bring together local officials, planners, developers, nonprofit organizations, financial institutions and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening housing availability, affordability and accessibility throughout the region.

“Access to safe, attainable housing is central to our region’s long-term growth and quality of life,” said Kerr-Tar COG Executive Director Diane Cox. “This summit is an opportunity to share knowledge, identify common challenges, and work toward solutions.”

The summit will feature subject matter experts including Tyler Mulligan, professor of Public Law and Government at the UNC School of Government. He advises state and local officials as well as partner organizations on community economic development, affordable housing, public-private development partnerships, and revitalization initiatives. Also presenting will be Chris Allen, director of Events and Partnerships at Strong Towns, a national nonprofit that helps communities strengthen their housing markets and expand access to homes at prices residents can afford.

The event will take place at Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center, 200 Community College Rd.  from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Registration is open to the public, with particular emphasis on participation from government officials, housing professionals, business leaders and community advocates.

For more information or to register, please visit kerrtarcog.org  or contact Desiree Brooks at 252.436.2040 or dbrooks@kerrtarcog.org.

NC State Board of Elections

State Board Of Elections Registration Repair Project Underway To Update Voter Info

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The first wave of mailings is now going out to North Carolina voters who need to provide their driver’s license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number as part of the State Board of Elections “Registration Repair Project.”

The SSBE is sending letters to about 82,700 individuals whose voter registration records lack one of these numbers, as required by state and federal laws.

According to the SBE database, which is updated daily, Vance County has 451 voters who need to provide the additional information to keep their voter registration current. Granville County has 384, Warren County has 133 and Franklin County has 649.

Individuals who receive the letter requesting the additional information can provide their driver license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number either by completing and returning the form at the bottom of the letter and returning it in the mail, in person at their local Board of Elections office or online through the NCDMV secure website at to payments.ncdot.gov.

There is no cost to make the registration update using the NCDMV website.

Updating the voter registration may not be done by phone.

“It’s quick. It’s easy. It’s free,” said Sam Hayes, State Board executive director. “We strongly encourage all voters on the Registration Repair list to take action now and avoid any issues the next time they show up to vote.”

North Carolinians can search whether they are on the list via the Registration Repair Search Tool, which is updated daily.

The Registration Repair Project launched on July 17, and already, the registrations of more than 20,000 voters have been fixed through a combination of research by the county boards of elections and the response of individual voters to update their registration records. As of Monday, Aug. 18, 82,540 registrants remained on the repair list, down 20 percent from 103,270 on the original list.

In future elections, in-person voters who still have not provided the required information to update their registration must vote provisional ballots and provide the information when they vote. That process is easy — the application for voting a provisional ballot includes prompts for DL# or SSN4.

The State Board is creating a flag to appear on these voters’ records in the electronic or paper poll books used at voting sites to alert poll workers that these voters must vote provisional ballots and provide the missing information for their ballot to count. Once a voter provides their DL# or SSN4 and that number is validated, the provisional ballot will count. County boards of elections will train poll workers accordingly.

For more information, go to ncsbe.gov/registrationrepair.

Rabies Alert

Franklin County Reports 10th Animal Rabies Case

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

 

Franklin County recorded its 10th confirmed animal rabies case of the year on Wednesday.

Franklin County Animal Services staff continue to work to make sure infected animals and any animals that may have had contact with an infected animal are managed safely. Staff have been working to distribute printed materials in areas surrounding positive cases and working closely with the Franklin County Health Department to make sure rules for quarantining and isolation of animals are being closely followed.

“We’ve already doubled the number of confirmed rabies cases in Franklin County this year, more than all of 2024, and this season is not even close to being over,” said Franklin County Health Director Scott LaVigne.

Six of the ten cases involved skunks — which has been consistent with previous years; however, this year’s cases have also included two raccoons, one fox and a bat.

If you have come into contact with an infected animal and believe that you have been exposed, seek immediate medical attention.

“Rabies is nearly 100% fatal in humans once you show symptoms of infection, so we strictly follow the guidelines,” LaVigne said. “Today, a series of 4-5 shots is sufficient to prevent rabies in people.”

Additionally, the best way to protect your pets is to make sure they are up to date with their rabies vaccine.

“In nearly every rabies case this year, where domestic animals were exposed, some pets had never had a rabies shot,” Interim Animal Services Manager Jerry Jones said. “That’s a conversation no one wants to have with a family.”

If you observe an animal showing rabies symptoms, please call 911 to contact Animal Services immediately. Keep a safe distance from the animal, but monitor where the animal is until an Animal Services Officer arrives.

Below is helpful information to minimize your pet’s exposure to rabies:

  • Vaccinate your pets against rabies and keep the vaccinations current.
  • Keep pets inside. Supervise pets outside and keep dogs on a leash.
  • Do not feed pets outside. Pet food and mulch attract wildlife.
  • Do not feed wildlife, feral cats, or feral dogs.
  • Secure garbage cans with wildlife-proof lids.

All dogs and cats are required to have a current rabies vaccination. If your pet is not currently vaccinated or is due for a vaccine, please contact your veterinarian or attend the vaccine event on August 23, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Franklin County Animal Shelter at 351 T Kemp Road, Louisburg, N.C. 27549. The cost for a rabies vaccine is $15.

If you own livestock or pets of other species, please contact your veterinarian for rabies vaccination information and prevention.

You may see healthy wildlife roaming during daylight hours. This does not necessarily mean they have rabies. For more information about rabies visit:

https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/rabies/control.html

https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/rabies.html

 

N.C. State Fair Accepting Applications For ‘Farm Family Of The Day’ Program

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Do you know a farm family deserving of recognition? The N.C. State Fair is accepting applications for the Farm Family of the Day program, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company.

Nominations and applications are being accepted through Sept. 5.

If you are a proud N.C. farmer who works hard to contribute to our state’s No. 1 industry, and loves both farming and the N.C. State Fair, your family could be one of the 11 lucky ones selected to represent the industry at the fair.

The Farm Family of the Day program is returning for its fifth year to recognize and celebrate more of the state’s rich agricultural heritage and the farm families that are behind our $111.1 billion agriculture and agribusiness industry.

Families recognized as Farm Family of the Day honorees will receive an N.C. State Fair gift basket, including fair tickets to use on any day of their choice during the 2025 N.C. State Fair, ride passes and additional swag from both Tractor Supply Company and the N.C. State Fair.

Families will be chosen by both nomination and application forms. Applications can be found online at https://www.ncagr.gov/public-affairs/tractor-supply-farm-family-day-app…or nomination forms can be found online at https://www.ncagr.gov/public-affairs/tractor-supply-farm-family-day-nomination-form/download?attachment.

 

“The State Fair’s earliest beginnings sought to elevate the understanding of new agricultural practices and technology. Helping people make the connection between farming and the food that they enjoy is one of our top missions at the N.C. State Fair each year,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Thanks to Tractor Supply Company, we can help tell the story of our farmers because they are out there every day working to grow the food, fiber and fuel that we need to survive.”

 

The 2025 N.C. State Fair will run Oct. 16-26 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. The fair offers an experience unique to North Carolina for all who attend, and is an unparalleled value with free entertainment, thrilling rides and games, thousands of animals, endless family activities, competitions, vendors and creative deep-fried delights. For more information, visit www.ncstatefair.org.

 

American Red Cross Blood Drives In August

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August is National Wellness Month, and the American Red Cross is encouraging people to prioritize their personal health and well-being while helping to save lives with a blood or platelet donation.

Donors of all blood types – especially those with type O positive or B negative blood – are asked to make an appointment now to prevent a further drop in donor turnout.

This month, the Red Cross will provide free A1C screening – a test commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes – for all donors who make a successful blood, platelet or plasma donation. Fasting is not required for this test, and donors will be able to view their confidential results one to two weeks after their donation in the Blood Donor App or their donor account at RedCrossBlood.org. Donors will receive one A1C test result in a 12-month period.

Schedule a time to give now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Those who come to give Aug. 1-28, 2025, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. For details on both offers, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Test.

Upcoming blood drives in the area:

Granville

Butner

8/20/2025: 12 noon – 4:30 p.m., Butner Town Hall, 415 Central Ave.

 

Oxford

8/23/2025: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Richard Thornton Library, 210 Main St.

8/28/2025: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Ernest F. Hart American Legion Post 90, 914 Williamsboro St.

Franklin

Youngsville

8/18/2025: 12 noon – 5 p.m., Youngsville Fire Department, 803 Wheaton Ave.

State Auditor Discloses Details Of DMV Audit As Long Wait Times, Lines Continue Across State

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— information courtesy of the N.C. Office of the State Auditor

 

The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor has released two audits of North Carolina’s Division of Motor Vehicles. The reports – including a performance audit and information systems audit – were conducted to examine the current operational challenges affecting the most forward-facing agency in state government.

“I pledged to audit the DMV to get to the root cause of its failure, and the reports dealing with licensing procedures and information systems are now complete,” said State Auditor Dave Boliek. “Our audit team has worked hard to find opportunities where the DMV can course correct and effectively serve North Carolina citizens.”

OSA’s performance audit shows the DMV experience for both customers and employees has gotten worse over the years, and that the relationship between the DMV and the N.C. Department of Transportation is a contributing factor.

Customer service has been declining, with wait times on the rise:

  • Average DMV wait times stand at 1 hour and 15 minutes, up 15.5 percent since 2019.
  • Data shows nearly 14 percent of visits exceeded 2.5 hours in fiscal year 2025, up about 79 percent since 2019.

Employees are struggling with workload and burnout:

  • Only 47 percent of DMV workers believed the DMV fostered open communication.
  • 43 percent expressed negative views of prior leadership support.
  • Employees cited low salary, burnout, security concerns, lack of support and inadequate training.
  • Average salaries are below $50,000 for examiners in both rural and urban areas.

Staffing levels are unsustainable:

  • North Carolina’s population has grown by 2.5 million (29 percent) in the last 20 years, but driver license examiner positions have only increased by 52 positions (10 percent).
  • Only 505 of the 710 driver license examiner positions are filled, roughly 160 vacancies remain.
  • In Harnett County, there is only one examiner serving over 56,000 residents.

To address the structural challenges identified in the performance audit, and ensure DMV can deliver timely, effective, and citizen-centered services, OSA makes five recommendations:

  • Policymakers should consider establishing DMV as an autonomous agency or authority with direct control over its budget, strategic planning and operations.
  • DMV leadership should adopt a comprehensive strategic plan independent of DOT.
  • DMV should conduct an in-depth staffing analysis to inform a multi-year, phased staffing plan that addresses examiner shortages and ensures service equity statewide.
  • DMV should build and maintain a centralized performance dashboard to track and report key service metrics.
  • DMV should partner with an industry expert to develop and implement evidence-based improvements to customer experience and service delivery.

The findings in the performance audit point toward a dysfunctional relationship between DMV and DOT. There are four systemic challenges stemming from the DMV’s governance structure as a division of DOT, including limited strategic input, restricted budget autonomy, insufficient performance data and exclusion from key process modernization initiatives.

Examples include:

  • DMV generates 30 percent of DOT’s overall revenue, but accounts for only 2.8 percent of DOT’s expenditures.
  • Of the 45 performance milestones in the DOT strategic plan for the 2023-2025 biennium, only two directly pertained to DMV operations.
  • Only 31 percent of DMV’s staffing requests were included in DOT’s budget requests.
  • DOT left out DMV customer satisfaction data in its performance report.
  • DMV was excluded from planning and procurement phases of improvement efforts led by DOT.

“It’s time to solve the DMV problem. North Carolina has the will and the tools to make our DMV better. Our audit lays out some concrete steps to begin the process to fix the DMV,” Boliek said.

Each recommendation includes specific timelines for impacted parties to follow. OSA will be following up on each recommendation to ensure progress is being made.

In addition to the performance audit, OSA conducted an information systems audit of DMV. The information systems audit found that since 2014, the DMV and Department of Information Technology – Transportation initiated 46 projects that resulted in a cost of approximately $42 million. However, even with all the projects, IT modernization efforts have not produced meaningful customer service improvements, and the current DMV mainframe systems are outdated and overdue for replacement.

OSA made four recommendations for the DMV and DIT-T to take to improve operations.

The audit process for the DMV involved on-site visits to multiple locations, interviews with DMV and DOT personnel, and a thorough review of current strategic plans, general statutes and employee engagement surveys. OSA analyzed key data, including budget expansion requests, wait times, transaction volumes, ZIP code transaction data, service time data, and dwell time data, to assess operational efficiency and service delivery.

Auditors and specialists also engaged external experts from the Institute for Transportation Research and Education, the Bryan School of Business and Economics at UNC-Greensboro, and the UNC School of Government.

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VGCC Logo

VGCC To Host Applied Technology Programs Open Houses July 30, Aug. 5

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— information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Vance-Granville Community College is hosting two Applied Technology Program Open Houses for new and prospective students. Stop by on Wednesday, July 30, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. or Tuesday, August 5, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. to explore VGCC’s Applied Technology programs in person before the new semester begins in August.

Meet instructors and program directors and tour lab facilities to get a close-up look at the latest equipment during the open house opportunities. College staff will be on hand to share information about admission, program pathways and other support services the college offers, as well as information about financial aid and registration, according to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel.

Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a working professional, or someone considering a career change, VGCC has a variety of programs designed to meet you where you are and help you build a successful future. Visit just one program if you already know what skills you want to pursue,  or you can explore all five to see which one fits your career goals.

Visit the Main Campus in Henderson to learn about Automotive Systems Technology, Electrical Systems Technology and HVAC Technology. The South Campus in Creedmoor will host the Mechatronics & Electronics Engineering Technology tour and the Franklin Campus will host the Welding Technology tour.

Visit https://www.vgcc.edu/ to learn more.

Please note the tours listed below take place at various Vance-Granville campuses. Addresses and directions to all campuses may be found at www.vgcc.edu/about-us/campuses.

Main Campus, Henderson

Automotive Systems Technology

Location: Building 4, Room 4104
Contact: Program Head James Gibbs
gibbsj@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3204

Electrical Systems Technology

Location: Building 8, Room 8110-B
Contact: Instructor Alvin Durham
durhama@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3211

Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Technology (HVAC)

Location: Building 5, Room 5103
Contact: Program Head Mark Tillotson
tillotsonm@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3214

 

South Campus, Creedmoor

Mechatronics & Electronics Engineering Technology

Location: Building 1, Room G1124
Contact: Department Chair David Bullock
bullockd@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3541

 

Franklin Campus, Louisburg

Welding Technology

Location: Building 3, Room 3101-1
Contact: Program Head Luke Gravel
gravelc@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3338

 

(This news item was originally posted July 24, 2025.  This is not a paid ad.)