Tag Archive for: #franklincountynews

Wire And Cable Maker Expanding Operations In Franklin County

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An electrical wire and cable company is expanding its operations by relocating to a building at the US 1 North Commerce Center in Franklin County.

Southwire, North America’s leading manufacturer of wire and cables used in transmission and distribution of electricity, is relocating to a new 170,000 square foot facility to enable the company to increase production and provide continued employment for more than 200 current team members as part of the company’s overall modernization strategy, according to information from Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks III.

“Southwire is committed to a multi-year modernization investment of more than $1.5 billon across our footprint,” said Norman Adkins, Southwire’s president and chief operating officer. “We are integrating newer and better equipment, systems and technology into our operations to increase efficiency, enhance competitiveness and ensure the operational capability and capacity to support our strategic growth. We are incredibly proud of the growth our business has shown in Youngsville. This new facility will not only accommodate our ever-expanding operations but will also allow us to innovate and enhance our production capabilities for the future.”

The Franklin County facility supports the company’s Engineered Solutions business through the production and assembly of both made-to-stock and custom-ordered products for some of the company’s largest customers.

“We are thrilled by Southwire’s decision to remain in Franklin County,” said Barbara Fiedor, Franklin County’s economic development director. “The company’s presence here is highly valued as both an employer and community partner. Southwire’s decision demonstrates the county’s dedication to working with Summit Real Estate Group to construct the US 1 North Commerce Center, which has provided the much-needed new industrial space, allowing companies like Southwire to stay in Franklin County and continue to make significant positive economic development impacts.”

Southwire is another business to join US 1 North Commerce Center’s portfolio of businesses which saw the addition of PlanITROI last year.

“Southwire’s decision to remain in Franklin County validates the thriving business environment we have created here,” said Ryan Preble, Franklin County’s interim county manager. “Their investment not only retains existing jobs but also strengthens our community. Having a major employer renew their commitment provides increased economic benefits.”

The grand opening and ribbon-cutting of the facility is anticipated to take place in April 2025. For more news or information on Southwire, visit www.southwire.com.

Franklin County To Hold Mar. 14 Event To Discuss Processes To Work With Animal Rescue Groups

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

Franklin County will host an event to collaborate on future Animal Services processes related to rescue partner organizations at the Franklin County Animal Shelter.

The event will take place on Mar. 14 in the Training Room at Franklin Plaza, located at 279 S. Bickett Blvd. in Louisburg and will feature a discussion of future procedures related to animal rescues led by Franklin County management.

Current, former and prospective animal rescue partner organizations can update their contact information by emailing animalservicesoutreach@franklincountync.gov. Invitations will be sent out to animal rescue organizations.

District 7 Rep. Matthew Winslow Begins Third Term In N.C. House

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N.C. Rep. Matthew Winslow was sworn in Wednesday to begin the 2025-26 legislative session as District 7 representative in the N.C. House. District 7 includes parts of Vance County and all of Franklin County.

Wednesday’s swearing-in ceremony marks the beginning of Winslow’s third term in the House. “It is always an honor to serve my state, and I am very thankful for the opportunity once again to do just that. My family and I truly appreciate all the support from family, friends, and colleagues and I look forward to a productive legislative session,” he said in a written statement released Friday.

The oath of office was administered by the newly installed Speaker of the House, Destin Hall.

Brad Knott Sworn In As Congressman Representing N.C. District 13

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Brad Knott took the oath of office last week to become North Carolina’s congressman representing the 13th Congressional District, comprised of eight counties, including Granville and Franklin counties.

“It is an honor to now serve as the representative for North Carolina’s 13th District. I am both excited and eager to begin working for stronger law enforcement, a secure border, safer communities and a prosperous future for North Carolina and the United States,”  Knott said in a written statement released Monday, Jan. 6.

Knott, a Republican, will serve on the House Judiciary, Transportation & Infrastructure and Homeland Security committees.

Constituents may contact Knott’s office for assistance with service requests at knott.house.gov or by calling 202.225.4531.

Kerr-Tar COG Seeks Sponsors For 2025 N.C. Senior Games

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Local businesses and individuals still have time to become sponsors for the 2025 Kerr-Tar Regional Senior Games, held each spring across the five counties that comprise the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments.

Sponsorship levels include:

Gold – $1,500

Silver – $1,000

Bronze – $500

Family – $250

Friend – $100

Sponsors can choose to provide regionwide support or a specific county, according to information from KTCOG officials. Make checks payable to Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments to provide regionwide support or to your local Senior Center to support a particular county.

The Senior Games holds events in all five counties and involves adults 50 years and older in a variety of athletic events, as well as Silver Arts, which includes creative and performing arts.

In 2024, more than 223 local athletes participated in more than 50 sporting events and Silver Arts categories. Even more participants are expected for the 2025 games. First- and second-place winners qualify for the state finals, and state finals winners advance to the National Senior Games, held every two years.

For more information, contact local coordinator Michael Patterson or local co-coordinator Crystal Allen at 252.436.2040 or by email at mpatterson@kerrtarcog.org or callen@kerrtarcog.org.

Man Gets 8-Year Prison Term For Armed Drug Trafficking

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–information courtesy of Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. District Attorney, Eastern District of North Carolina

A 29-year-old man was sentenced to 8 years in prison for armed drug trafficking following an incident in July that occurred in Franklin County.

Talvin Lamar Brandon pled guilty in September to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and with possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

According to court documents and other information presented in U.S. District Court, Brandon was identified as a kilogram level source of cocaine supply in the Franklin County area. In July 2024, law enforcement attempted a traffic stop of Brandon’s vehicle after a suspected drug transaction. However, as the officer exited the vehicle to conduct the stop, Brandon fled, hitting the officer’s patrol car as he sped away. Officers pursued Brandon, who eventually lost control of the vehicle and ran off the road. Brandon then exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. While fleeing, Brandon dropped two kilograms of cocaine. From his vehicle, law enforcement seized a firearm and a loaded magazine.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launders, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case.

 

IRS Reminder About Deadlines For RMDs From Certain Retirement Accounts

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If you’re 73 years or older, the Internal Revenue Service reminds you of important deadlines regarding required minimum distributions for those with certain retirement accounts.

An RMD is an amount that an account owner must withdraw annually. The withdrawals are considered taxable income and may incur penalties if they aren’t taken on time, according to information from IRS officials.

The IRS.gov Retirement Plan and IRA Required Minimum Distributions FAQs webpage provides detailed information regarding the new provisions in the law.

If you turned 73 in 2024:

  • Your first RMD is due by April 1, 2025, based on your account balance on Dec. 31, 2023, and
  • Your second RMD is due by Dec. 31, 2025, based on your account balance on Dec. 31, 2024.

 

A new law called the Secure 2.0 Act raised the age that account owners must begin taking RMDs, while eliminating RMDs for Designated Roth accounts in 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plans.

The minimum distribution rules generally apply to original account holders and their beneficiaries in these types of plans:

 

  • IRAs: IRA withdrawals from traditional IRAs and IRA-based plans occur every year once people reach age 73, even if they’re still employed.
  • Retirement plans:The RMD rules apply to employer-sponsored plans, with delays allowed until retirement unless the participants own more than 5% of the sponsoring business.
  • Roth IRAs:Roth IRA owners are not required to take withdrawals during their lifetime, however beneficiaries are subject to the RMD rules after the account owner’s death.

 

Designated Roth accounts in a 401(k) or 403(b) plan will not be subject to the RMD rules while the account owner is still alive for 2024. The RMD Comparison Chart outlines key RMD rules for IRAs and defined contribution plans.

 

Taxpayers can find easy-to-use tools such as forms, instructions and publications at IRS.gov.

Keep Safety In Mind When Decorating This Holiday Season

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Some folks have had their homes – inside and out – decorated for weeks, and others have taken a slower approach to decking the halls to create a festive Christmas look.

No matter how far along you are in your holiday decorating, however, the American Red Cross has some timely reminders about safety this time of year.

“Many people are getting ready for holiday celebrations and time with loved ones and we want everyone to be safe while doing so,” said Sharonne Hayes, communications manager with Red Cross North Carolina Region. “This time of year is a peak time for home fires involving things like candles and holiday decorations. You can help help keep things safe and fun for your family by practicing some extra safety — using battery-operated candles, checking your cords, and even practicing a two-minute escape plan with everyone in your household.”

Here are a few tips to keep in mind as Christmas and New Year’s approach:

  • If you must use candles, keep them away from anything that could burn, and place them out of reach of pets and children. Never leave burning candles unattended.
  • Check all holiday light cords to ensure they aren’t frayed or broken. Don’t string too many strands of lights together — no more than three per extension cord.
  • Ensure outside decorations are for outdoor use and fasten lights securely to your home or trees. If using hooks or nails outside, make sure they are insulated to avoid an electrocution or fire hazard.
  • If buying an artificial tree, look for a fire-resistant label.When putting it up, keep it away from fireplaces, radiators and other sources of heat. Never use electric lights on metallic trees.
  • If getting a live tree, make sure it’s fresh and keep it watered. To test if the tree is fresh, bend the needles up and down to make sure no needles fall off.
  • Don’t light the fireplace if hanging stockings or other decorations on the mantel.

Visit redcross.org/fire to learn more.

The Local Skinny! Groundbreaking at Epsom Park

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Franklin County Parks and Recreation Director K.P. Kilpatrick has been in his role just since April of this year, but he’s already been able to check one big item off the to-do list: witness the groundbreaking of Epsom Park.

The park will be located on the site of the former Epsom School, and plans have been in place for a while – almost 20 years, in fact – to construct a park for residents to enjoy, whether they live in Franklin County or Vance County.

County officials and community leaders joined Kilpatrick at the recent groundbreaking  for Phase 1 of the project, which is scheduled to be completed in fall of 2025.

It includes a walking loop, sand volleyball court, playground, multipurpose field and a picnic shelter, as well as a spot for cornhole.

“We’re happy to get it started,” Kilpatrick told WIZS’s Scout Hughes on Thursday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

The 7.62 acre property practically straddles the Franklin/Vance County line, and will be the fourth park that Franklin County is responsible for.

It’ll be a place where the community can come for recreation as well as athletic events and other organized programs, Kilpatrick said. There could be a movie night at the park, for example, volleyball and cornhole tournaments in addition to the more traditional types of sports played on the multipurpose field.

Kilpatrick envisions Epsom Park as a place for “great leisure opportunities” and a “great place to create memories.”

 

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Franklin County Lands Two Companies That Focus On Reducing Single-Use Plastics

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— Courtesy of Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks, III

Two new companies are set to establish their first pilot facility and future manufacturing center in Franklin County.

TerraSafe Materials, Inc. and its sister company, DisSolves, Inc., are establishing a facility that will create 20 new full-time jobs – with an average annual salary of $100,000 – with more than  $10 million invested between the combined companies. The new facility will be located at 35 Weathers St. in Youngsville, N.C.

“We are thrilled to welcome TerraSafe Materials and DisSolves to Franklin County,” said Economic Development Director Barbara Fiedor. “The companies’ commitment to developing innovative sustainable technologies will have a significant positive impact on reducing plastic single-use packaging. The companies’ decision to locate here adds to Franklin County’s growing clean technology industry cluster and demonstrates the county’s dedication to attracting forward-thinking businesses aiming to enhance economic development and new job creation.”

TerraSafe Materials is a materials science company developing new materials, coatings and applications for truly sustainable packaging. TerraSafe Materials specializes in the development of biopolymer compounds to displace traditional petroleum-based packaging.

DisSolves produces the first edible, dissolvable packaging made from all-natural ingredients. With a team of seasoned entrepreneurs and materials scientists, DisSolves and its patented technology is positioned to seize on the increased demand for PVA-alternative plastic-free films from consumers, brands and new legislative bans.

COO of both companies, Jeff Veltkamp, said he looks forward to working in Franklin County.

“The location serves us well in so many ways – from access to exceptional scientific talent and an excellent workforce to the cooperative relationships with local government and our industrial neighbors,” Veltkamp said, adding that they’ve received a warm welcome.

“The decision by TerraSafe Materials and DisSolves to establish their facility in Franklin County validates the thriving business environment we have created here,” said Interim County Manager Ryan Preble. “Their investment not only brings new high paying jobs, but also strengthens our community by diversifying our economic industry sectors.”

The grand opening and ribbon-cutting of the facility is anticipated to take place in March 2025. For more information about the grand opening event or to learn more about employment opportunities, contact info@terrasafematerials.com or visit terrasafematerials.com and dissolves.com.