Tag Archive for: #franklincountynews

‘Got To Be NC’ Festival A Great Spot To Display – And View – Antique Farm Equipment

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If that old tractor that your granddaddy used all those years ago still runs, whether it’s that special shade of green or red or blue, there may be a spot for it during the upcoming Got to Be NC Festival later this spring.

Festival organizers say there’s still space for those farm-equipment items that hobbyists and others can display during the festival, scheduled to take place May 19-21 at the N.C. State Fairgrounds.

Organizers are on the hunt for collectors of antique tractors and farm equipment to join a display of more than 1,000 pieces of machinery. Tractors in working order also can participate in the daily tractor parade through the fairgrounds. Participation is free, but pre-registration is required.

There also are booth spaces available for N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Got to Be NC members, independent vendors and concessionaires at the festival. Applications for all vendor locations are due by April 1.

The Got to Be NC Festival is a family-friendly event that highlights the best of North Carolina agriculture. Visitors can roam through the antique farm equipment, sample and purchase locally made products at the Food Lion Local Goodness Marketplace, enjoy the excitement of the carnival and relax to live music on an outdoor stage.

Registration forms and vendor applications are online at https://www.gottobencfestival.com/Vendors.htm

 

TownTalk: Purr Partners Prepares For Kitten Season

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Having a pet can be a wonderful experience – who doesn’t love the idea of a cute little furr ball greeting you when you come home after a hard day’s work?

But with pet ownership comes responsibilities, in addition to general care and trips to the vet, and Lawanna Johnson sees the consequences first-hand when pet owners don’t live up to their end of the bargain.

Johnson is president and founder of Purr Partners, a feline rescue dedicated to saving cats and kittens and finding them forever homes.

The nonprofit was established in 2009 on a shoestring budget and today thrives as a leading rescue, foster and adoption facility for cats and kittens. Johnson spoke with WIZS’s Bill Harris Thursday on a recurring segment of TownTalk called Pets and People.

“There is really an epidemic right now going on of cats being dumped everywhere,” she said. Five years ago, Johnson and others in the rescue world could identify a “kitten season,” usually in the spring, with little or no kittens in February or March. But now, “kitten season is really becoming year-round here in North Carolina,” she said.

Whether it’s because of the economy or because of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the spay/neuter clinics, there are a lot of cats and kittens making their way into shelters and rescue organizations like Purr Partners.

And they’re not in great health. “It’s heartbreaking,” Johnson said. “They’re not thriving, they’re not surviving.” It costs thousands of dollars to get them healthy, she added. Dollars that come from the generosity of regular donors and from fundraisers, like the Purr Partners “Black Cat Bash” held in October each year.

Purr Partners relies on donations and fundraisers to continue their work, which includes taking adoptable cats to three Petsmart locations in the Wake Forest/Raleigh area.

Volunteers are on hand from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. each weekend at the PetSmarts in Wake Forest, and the stores at Capital Blvd. and Millbrook Road and Six Forks and Strickland.

Adoptions begin with an application, which provides Purr Partners staff with information to help find the perfect match.

“You’re making hopefully a lifetime commitment,” Johnson said. “You want it to be happy and you want to be happy with it,” she said of the cat or kitten that you choose.

But realistically speaking, thing don’t always work out. And that’s ok. Purr Partners has a two-week trial period, so it it doesn’t work out, you can bring the cat back and either try again or get your adoption fee refunded.

Visit https://www.purrpartners.org/ to see the cats available for adoption or to sign up to volunteer.

 

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The Local Skinny! JPAC Brings A Variety Of Entertainment To The Area

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Whether it’s the glam style of Cher or the allure of rescue dogs doing comical tricks, chances are the Jones Performing Arts Center at Louisburg College has something of interest.

Robert Poole, director of the JPAC, spoke with WIZS’s Bill Harris Monday on The Local Skinny! and listed all the upcoming performances scheduled at the venue.

After almost a year and a half of interruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Poole said “now we’re kind of back up and running.”

Next up is a show by Lisa McClowry, who “looks more like Cher than Cher does,” Poole said. McClowry is a professional singer who tours across the country as Cher, including the obligatory multiple costume changes during the evening’s concert.

The doors open at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $40 for adults to $10 for children.

The “Rhythm of the Dance” is sure to delight, when the National Dance Company of Ireland takes the stage on Mar. 25 at 7:30 p.m.

Think Riverdance, Poole said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun,” he added.

The Royal National Dance Company from Tiblisi, Georgia, will perform a free concert titled “Fire of Georgia” on Mar. 30 at 7:30 p.m. The performance will combine folk music from the Repubic of Georgia with classical dance elements. The doors open at 6:30 and the show begins at 7 p.m.

And you won’t want to miss Perondi’s Stunt Dogs on Sunday afternoon, April 16, Poole said.

This group of rescue dogs has been trained to do all sorts of tricks, from jumping through rings to dancing and long jumps. Tickets are on sale now for this show, which is being presented at a family-friendly time of 3 p.m. so parents can bring the kids for a fun-filled afternoon.

Visit https://www.jpacarts.com/ for a complete list of events, as well as ticket pricing and purchase options or call the box office Monday through Friday between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. at 866.733.6354.

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VGCC Welcomes New VP Of Learning, Student Engagement And Success

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-information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Vance-Granville Community College’s new vice president of Learning, Student Engagement and Success will start her new job next week.

Dr. Kim Sepich has been named to the position, and said she pleased to be a part of VGCC.

“I am incredibly excited about serving Vance-Granville Community College and feel fortunate to have the opportunity,” Sepich said in a press release.

“The college’s dedication to student success and meeting community needs is what drew me to the position. It is clear that VGCC is indeed a catalyst for creating opportunity for individuals and employers, and I’m looking forward to contributing to its mission.”

She most recently was director of College Services at the N.C. State University Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research. Before that, she worked as a vice president of student affairs at Valencia College in Orlando, FL and has held various roles in several community colleges in Davie and Forsyth counties.

The incoming vice president has demonstrated a heart for investing back into her community. During her time at Davidson-Davie Community College, she served as a mentor and board member for Communities in Schools, an organization whose mission is to surround students with a community of support and empower their achievement in school and in life. Additionally, she currently serves as lead facilitator for the NC Community College Leadership Program. Since its establishment in 1989, NCCCLP has equipped community college leaders across the state to “connect, care, and collaborate.”

Sepich has a bachelor’s of science from East Carolina and a master’s degree in student development and a doctorate in educational leadership from Appalachian State University.

 

 

 

Class A Business Park Being Developed In Youngsville

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-information courtesy of Franklin County

A new industrial development has been announced in the southwestern side of Franklin County.

Summit Real Estate Group – a private commercial real estate company – intends to build a five-building business park near 2380 Long Mill Road in Youngsville. The multi-phase project, known as U.S.-1 North Commerce Center, brings the potential for more than $160 million in investment to the county and more than 400 jobs.

“We are excited to have a project in Franklin County located off US-1,” said Mark Billeaud, founding partner and head of investments at Summit. “We are committed to Franklin County, as they have been an exceptionally skilled and resourceful team with whom to partner on this project.”

The U.S.-1 North Commerce Center is located near the county’s existing industrial user base in Youngsville and within 30 minutes of the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Summit intends to develop a Class A business park that can accommodate a wide variety of manufacturing and distribution companies that could include light assembly, research and development, office/warehouse, and e-commerce.

“We are very excited to be a part of the first-Class A industrial development in Youngsville, NC,” said Jackson Rives, principal of industrial services at Foundry Commercial. “These traits, along with the support of a strong EDC in Franklin County, give this park the opportunity to service existing companies in the market and bring new tenants to a great county.”

The site is extremely efficient and allows for versatile designs that will be a great place for manufacturers and distributers to grow and serve the region.

“The kind of industrial development that Summit is committed to bringing to Franklin County is vital to the economic success of the region,” said representative Matthew Winslow.

The industrial buildings are estimated to range from 170,000 to 505,000 square feet and the project is expected to progress over a seven-year period.

“We are very happy to have Summit working with Franklin County on developing an industrial complex that will bring jobs and investment to Franklin County,” said Franklin County Manager Kim Denton.

 

Summit Real Estate Group has decades of experience in acquiring, developing and managing institutional-grade real estate throughout the United States in several economic cycles.  Summit is currently focused on industrial real estate development in select markets in the Southeastern U.S. including Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina.  Modern, well-located industrial real estate has become increasingly important for U.S. companies seeking competitive advantages and growth within the goods-producing and distribution industries.  For more information on Summit, visit https://summitstl.com/.

Tobacco Trust Fund Grant Cycle Open To Receive Proposals Through Mar. 3

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The Tobacco Trust Fund Commission’s grant cycle is open and is now accepting grant applications through Mar. 3, 2023. Access the application, guidelines and other information about the funding opportunity by clicking here.

Federal, state and local governments can apply for grant funding, as well as economic development groups, educational institutions and nonprofits

Individuals can also apply, but the commission’s executive director, William Upchurch, Jr. said trust fund officials encourage individuals to work with a cost-share partner: NC AgVentures at N.C. State University, AgPrime at the University of Mount Olive, and WNC AgOptions at WNC Communities. Upchurch said that the Tobacco Trust Fund is open to talking with folks who have questions about the grant cycle and its cost-share partners.

The Tobacco Trust Fund grant cycle focuses on the priorities of community economic development, skill and resource development, increasing farm profitability, diversification of crops and development of natural resources. They look for projects that support the following outcomes: farmers assisted, jobs created and retained, acreage impacted, new crops planted, funding leverage and new education opportunities.

The trust fund commission was created in 2000 to assist current and former tobacco farmers, former quota holders, persons engaged in tobacco-related businesses, individuals displaced from tobacco-related employment, and tobacco product component businesses in North Carolina that have been affected by the adverse effects of the Master Settlement Agreement.

Golden LEAF Scholarship, Internship Opportunities

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-information courtesy of the Golden LEAF Foundation

The Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship application window is now open for the 2023-2024 academic year. Applications are available at CFNC.org. A total of 215 awards will be offered to first-time recipients from qualifying rural and economically distressed counties. Applications are due March 1, 2023.

The awards are valued at $14,000 ($3,500 per year for up to four years) for North Carolina high school students attending a participating North Carolina college or university. North Carolina community college transfer students can receive $3,500 per year for up to three years.

“The Golden LEAF Scholarship Program is an important component of the Foundation’s workforce preparedness strategy,” said Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton. “Our goal is for Golden LEAF Scholars to gain the talent, knowledge and skills necessary to help North Carolina’s rural communities thrive by returning home to live, work and raise families.”

To be eligible, students must be a graduating North Carolina high school senior or a currently enrolled North Carolina community college transfer student, enrolling full-time in the fall at a participating North Carolina public or private college or university. Recipients are selected based upon multiple factors including an intent to return to a rural North Carolina county after graduation. Applicants must also fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrate financial need as determined by the application process; have a cumulative GPA of no less than 2.5; and be a resident of a rural, economically distressed North Carolina county. Click here for the full list of eligible counties.

For more than 20 years, the Golden LEAF Scholarship Program has provided more than 6,000 scholarships to help rural students attend the state’s colleges and universities.

The Golden LEAF Scholarship Program is administered by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority and funded by the Golden LEAF Foundation. A complete list of program requirements, participating campuses and qualifying counties can be viewed at CFNC.org. Call 1-800-700-1775 or send an email to information@ncseaa.edu, for more information.

Learn more about the scholarship at https://scholars.goldenleaf.org/.

 

Scholarship recipients may also apply for the Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative. The Rural Internship Initiative provides Golden LEAF Scholars with professional work experience related to their career field in a rural North Carolina community. The application window closes Jan. 31.

The Golden LEAF Foundation provides funding to pay interns $15/hour for up to 400 hours of work. Internships take place over 8-10 weeks, between June and August.

New industrial development announced in Franklin County

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— Franklin County Press Release — 

A new industrial development has been announced in the southwestern side of Franklin County.

Summit Real Estate Group – a private commercial real estate company – intends to build a five-building business park near 2380 Long Mill Road in Youngsville. The multi-phase project, known as U.S.-1 North Commerce Center, brings the potential for more than $160 million in investment to the county and more than 400 jobs.

“We are excited to have a project in Franklin County located off US-1,” said Mark Billeaud, founding partner and head of investments at Summit. “We are committed to Franklin County, as they have been an exceptionally skilled and resourceful team with whom to partner on this project.”

The U.S.-1 North Commerce Center is located near the county’s existing industrial user base in Youngsville and within 30 minutes of the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Summit intends to develop a Class A business park that can accommodate a wide variety of manufacturing and distribution companies that could include light assembly, research and development, office/warehouse, and e-commerce.

“We are very excited to be a part of the first-Class A industrial development in Youngsville, NC,” said Jackson Rives, principal of industrial services at Foundry Commercial. “These traits, along with the support of a strong EDC in Franklin County, give this park the opportunity to service existing companies in the market and bring new tenants to a great county.”

The site is extremely efficient and allows for versatile designs that will be a great place for manufacturers and distributers to grow and serve the region.

“The kind of industrial development that Summit is committed to bringing to Franklin County is vital to the economic success of the region,” said Representative Matthew Winslow.

The industrial buildings are estimated to range from 170,000 to 505,000 square feet and the project is expected to progress over a seven-year period.

“We are very happy to have Summit working with Franklin County on developing an industrial complex that will bring jobs and investment to Franklin County,” said Franklin County Manager Kim Denton.

Summit Real Estate Group has decades of experience in acquiring, developing, and managing institutional-grade real estate throughout the United States in several economic cycles.  Summit is currently focused on industrial real estate development in select markets in the Southeastern U.S. including Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina.  Modern, well-located industrial real estate has become increasingly important for U.S. companies seeking competitive advantages and growth within the goods-producing and distribution industries.  For more information on Summit, visit their website https://summitstl.com/.

Tobacco Trust Fund Grant Cycle Open Now

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The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission is accepting applications for the 2023 grant cycle. The key objectives for 2023 are supporting the agricultural industry, impacting rural communities and stimulating economic development. Funds will be awarded in the fall of 2023 for selected innovative projects, according to Jeff Camden NCTTFC program officer.

“North Carolinians are great at innovation and creating jobs. We produce outstanding agriculture products and market them to the world. Providing funds for projects in current or former tobacco-dependent regions that enhance these efforts is our 2023 priorities,” said William H. “Bill” Teague, NCTTFC chairman. Applications will be accepted online for innovative projects within North Carolina. Selected projects should expect to start in November of 2023.

 

The NCTTFC was established in 2000 by the N.C. General Assembly to help members of the tobacco community including farmers, tobacco workers and related businesses. Its original funding was established through tobacco industry annual payments as a result of the Master Settlement Agreement. Funding is now appropriated to the NCTTFC which then reviews, selects and disperses the funds to grant projects.

 

Past NCTTFC projects includes fair and farmers market improvements, cost-share grant programs for farmers, commodity marketing, researching alternative crops and support of agricultural education programs.

Qualifying organizations can access the online application here: www.tobaccotrustfund.org.

For more information, contact Jeff Camden at 919.733.2160 Ext 1. The deadline to submit application is Friday March 3, 2023.

Franklin County Creates, Fills Second Assistant County Manager Position

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Franklin County is getting a second assistant county manager in a couple of weeks.

The county commissioners approved adding the position in its 2023 budget and officials recently announced that Ryan Preble will begin his new role on Jan. 25.

Preble has more than 20 years’ management across a variety of organizations, including the private sector and local and federal government.

“I am excited to join the Franklin County team and look forward to working together to fulfill the county’s mission, vision, values and goals,” Preble said in a press statement received by WIZS News.

Preble comes to Franklin County from Wayne County where he served more than six years as chief information officer and project management director. Prior to that, he worked as enterprise project manager for Alliance One International, Inc. in Farmville for six years. He also worked as management information systems supervisor for McRae & Associates for two years as well as various roles in information technology with the U.S. Air Force and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization for more than 11 years.

“Ryan brings a wealth of management experience in both government and the private sector which will be extremely valuable to Franklin County,” said County Manager Kim Denton.

Preble graduated from the University of Mount Olive with a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems. He also obtained a master’s degree in information technology with a concentration in project management and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus. He has also completed the Municipal and County Administration course with the UNC School of Government and is a Certified Government Chief Information Officer.