Tag Archive for: #franklincountynews

Epsom Park Closer To Reality With $434K Grant Award

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-information courtesy of Franklin County Public Information Officer James Hicks

 

The future of Epsom Park became clearer after crucial funding was announced last week.

The North Carolina Parks and Recreation Authority awarded more than $17 million in grant funding to provide support to 39 local parks and recreation projects through N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF). Franklin County will receive $434,625 for Epsom Park.

The county’s board of commissioners adopted the Epsom Park Master Plan, approved the application and matching funds for PARTF grant, and added the project to the county’s Capital Improvement Plan at the Mar. 21, 2022 board meeting.

“The development of this park will enrich the lives of the residents of the Epsom community by offering a safe facility that encourages creative learning while promoting physical activities for healthy living,” said Franklin County Parks & Recreation Director Oliver Greene.

Epsom Park’s master plan includes a playground, a picnic shelter, a large multipurpose field, and a paved walking path – all to be included in the PARTF fund project. An outdoor fitness area and a 9-hole disc golf course are included on the master plan as future facilities.

PARTF grants require a 50/50 match from the requesting local government. Franklin County’s match is $434,625.

With outdoor recreational opportunities like V.E. & Lydia F. Owens Park and the future Epsom Park along with revitalized downtowns and a robust expansion of rural broadband internet, it’s no surprise that Franklin County is ranked as the state’s fourth fastest-growing county over the next two decades.

“Our parks and recreation areas are so valuable to our communities and they’ve become more popular than ever,” Governor Roy Cooper said in a press release earlier this week announcing the grant awards. “These projects we’re funding…will give people even more opportunities in North Carolina to build healthier and happier lives.”

Stay updated with information from Franklin County by visiting www.franklincountync.gov;  signup for email updates using the “Get Email Updates” button on the homepage.

State Highway Patrol

Booze It & Lose It Campaign Aimed At Reducing Alcohol-Related Car Crashes

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State and local officials have a simple message – never drink and drive.

Doing so over the long holiday weekend could mean a trip to jail rather than to the beach or pool.

Through Sept. 11, law enforcement statewide will be stepping up patrols to stop impaired drivers during the annual Labor Day Booze It & Lose It campaign.

Driving while impaired is against the law and could be deadly, not to mention expensive. People charged with DWI can lose their license and pay thousands of dollars in court fees.

“By finding a sober ride home, you can prevent a fun summer night from turning tragic,” said Mark Ezzell, director of the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program. “More than 400 North Carolina families lost loved ones last year in alcohol-related crashes, and if we can stop even one family from experiencing this kind of loss, it will have been worth it.”

In 2021, 423 people died on North Carolina roads due to alcohol-related crashes, including 15 during the Labor Day Booze It & Lose It enforcement campaign period.

Increased enforcement during specific campaign periods year-round is a key part of making North Carolina roads safer. That’s especially important this year, as officials seek to reduce the number of traffic fatalities, which in 2021 marked the most traffic deaths in North Carolina since 1973.

September Is National Preparedness Month – Be Ready For Emergencies

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-Information courtesy of American Red Cross, Eastern North Carolina Region

People everywhere are feeling the impacts of climate change with more frequent and intense weather events threatening our communities. September is National Preparedness Month and the American Red Cross Eastern North Carolina Region urges everyone to get ready for these emergencies now.

In 2021 more than 40 percent of Americans — some 130 million people — were living in a county struck by a climate disaster. Recent deadly flooding in Kentucky and Missouri, fast-moving wildfires in California and multiple heat waves nationwide are clear examples of how more intense climate-related disasters are happening more often and devastating communities. You can get prepared by visiting redcross.org/prepare.

The Red Cross suggests three steps to keep your family safe during disasters: 1- Get a Kit, 2- Make a Plan and 3- Be Informed.

  1. Build your emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight and a battery-powered radio. Also include a first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multi-purpose tool and personal hygiene items. And don’t forget to add copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.
  2. Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and what to do if you have to evacuate. Make sure to coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans.
  3. Stay informed by finding out what emergency situations may occur where you live, work and go to school, how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.

Include your pets in your emergency plans. Remember, if you and your family need to evacuate, so does your pet. It’s important to plan in advance to know which pet-friendly hotels are in your area, and where your pets can stay in an emergency situation.

Take any special considerations into account as part of your emergency planning. Older adults or people with mobility, hearing, learning or seeing disabilities may need to create a support network of people that can help during an emergency. Create a plan that takes into account your capabilities, any help you may need and who can provide it, especially if you need to evacuate or if the power goes out for several days.

You can help ensure your community is ready for an emergency by volunteering, donating blood or learning lifesaving skills. Visit redcross.org to learn more.

Red Cross volunteers play critical roles in their local communities, including helping families affected by home fires and other disasters get back on their feet. Join us as a Disaster Action Team volunteer to help make sure that families don’t have to face tough times alone.

Learn lifesaving skills so you can help people in a crisis until medical professionals arrive. Sign up for first aid, CPR or other classes available online or in-person.

A strong blood supply is key to preparedness for disasters and medical emergencies, and donors can ensure blood is on the shelves the moment it’s needed. As a thank-you, all who come to give Sept. 1-18 will get a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Plus, those who race to give Sept. 1-30 will automatically be entered for a chance to win a VIP NASCAR experience, including two tickets to a 2023 race, and will also receive a coupon for a free haircut by email, all thanks to Sport Clips Haircuts.* Donors can schedule an appointment to donate using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). If you are unable to give blood you can volunteer to support blood collections. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more.

Area Unemployment Rates Fall Slightly In July 2022, Follow State Trends

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Vance County’s unemployment rate stands at 6.4 percent for July 2022, slightly lower than the rate so far for 2022, which is 6.8 percent. However, these rates remain well below the state averages of 3.7 percent and 4.1 percent, respectively.

According to data released yesterday by the N.C. Department of Commerce, Vance joins the other 99 counties in the state which experienced a decrease in the unemployment rate.

In Granville County for July, the rate is 3.2 percent. In Warren County, the number is 6.6 percent and in Franklin County the rate is 3.6 percent.

August figures are scheduled to be released in mid-September.

Henderson and Oxford are categorized as “micropolitan statistical areas,” a term coined in the 1990’s to describe growing population centers that are not near larger cities, and that draw workers and shoppers from a wide local area.

Henderson’s unemployment rates dropped 2 full percentage points from July 2021 to July 22 – from 8.4 percent to 6.4 percent, according to the data. Oxford also saw its unemployment rate drop over the same period, from 4.3 percent to 3.2 percent.

The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in July to 4,966,822 – up by 31,277 – according to the data and unemployed individuals decreased by 18,851 to 190,340. Since July 2021, the number of workers employed statewide increased by 214,946, while those unemployed decreased by 65,092.

Vance and Warren counties are among 14 counties with unemployment rates between 5 percent and 10 percent; Granville joins 85 other counties with rates 5 percent or lower. None of the state’s 100 counties has a rate that exceeds 10 percent.

According to data from the Commerce Department, Franklin County has the largest labor force – or number of employed individuals – with 33,966. There are 1,218 who are unemployed for a rate of 3.6 percent.

Granville County follows with 30,571 people in the labor force. There are 991 unemployed for a rate of 3.2 percent. Vance has a labor force of 16,770, with 1,069 unemployed, which makes a 6.4 percent unemployment rate. And Warren County has the smallest labor force – 6,558 – with 436 unemployed for a rate of 6.6 percent.

Franklin, CenturyLink Continue Broadband Project To Unserved Areas

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 High-speed fiber internet will soon be available to almost 2,000 homes currently in unserved areas throughout Franklin County.

Through a $3.9 million Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) Grant, Lumen – the parent company of CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber – will be providing high-speed fiber internet to 1,978 homes across Franklin County. The project makes available broadband fiber internet in areas previously unserved by that service, according to a press statement from Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks, III.

The project will bring broadband to the unincorporated areas of Franklinton, Centerville, Wood, Justice, Bunn, Green Hill, Laurel Mill, Montgomery, Firetower, NC 561, NC 56 East, Alert and Perry. Work is expected to finish in July 2023.

The company has already completed access to 584 homes and is accepting new customers in the areas of Montgomery, NC 581, Green Hill and Laurel Mill.

Officials from Lumen met recently with Franklin County Board of Commissioners Chairman Michael Schriver and Commissioner Harry Foy along with Assistant County Manager Will Doerfer at one of the completed sites of the project along Ronald Tharrington Road.

“This broadband GREAT Grant program is a wonderful example of public-private partnerships that work for people, communities, and their businesses,” said Steve Brewer, Lumen’s director of state regulatory and legislative affairs. “Families and businesses have shifted to living more of life online. We know broadband brings many benefits to communities—this expansion will improve access to the online applications being used every day.”

GREAT grants, established by N.C. legislature and awarded by N.C. Broadband Infrastructure Office, are provided to private broadband service providers to “facilitate the deployment of broadband service to unserved areas of North Carolina,” according to the Broadband Office’s website. Visit https://www.ncbroadband.gov/grants/great-grant to learn more.

Franklin County’s Board of Commissioners approved a letter of support and local match for CenturyLink to receive this GREAT Grant of $3,899,638 to install high-speed fiber internet to nearly 2,000 homes throughout the county. Commissioners also supported the application with a promised local match of $116,990. In February 2021, CenturyLink signed a five-year service agreement with NC Broadband Infrastructure Office. At the July 2021 meeting, commissioners approved a contract for CenturyLink to provide fiber-to-the-home service for 1,978 homes in Franklin County in exchange for the county’s match.

County leadership is awaiting a decision on additional Phase II GREAT Grant funding and will be pursuing additional grant programs to further expand broadband access in Franklin County.

“Franklin County is excited about this opportunity for residents to access life-changing service,” said County Manager Kim Denton. “Access to high-speed internet expands opportunities for education, healthcare, and personal enrichment.”

Residents can find out about service and rate information in their area by visiting www.Q.com or www.centurylink.com. Residents can also find service availability information by clicking the “Check Availability” button and supplying their addresses.

Attention, Farm Families! Apply For A Chance To Be Featured During 2022 N.C. State Fair

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– Information courtesy of N.C. State Press Office

 

Has your farm family got what it takes to be one of the 11 families recognized this year at the N.C. State Fair as a Farm Family of the Day?

If you are proud to be an N.C. farmer, work hard to contribute to the state’s No. 1 industry and love both farming and the N.C. State Fair, you could be one of the lucky ones selected.

The “Farm Family of the Day” program, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company, is returning for its second year to recognize and celebrate more of our state’s rich agricultural heritage and the farm families that are behind our $92.9 billion agriculture and agribusiness industry.

Applications can be found at https://ncstatefair.org/2022/Attractions/FarmFamilyOfTheDay.htm The deadline to apply is Sept. 16.

“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 they enjoy is one of our top missions at the NCDA&CS each year,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

“Thanks to Tractor Supply Company, this program can help tell the story of and celebrate our farm families. Farmers are out there every day working to grow the food, fiber and fuel that we need to survive.”

Families recognized as Farm Family of the Day honorees will be awarded an N.C. State Fair gift basket including fair tickets to use on any day of their choice during the 2022 N.C. State Fair, ride passes and additional swag from Tractor Supply Company and the N.C. State Fair. Families will be chosen by both nomination and application.

The 2022 N.C. State Fair is set for Oct. 13-23 at the North Carolina 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 https://www.ncstatefair.org/2022/index.htm.

NCDOT

Volunteers Needed For NC DOT Fall Litter Sweep

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The N.C. Department of Transportation is looking for volunteers for the Adopt-A-Highway Fall Litter Sweep, which runs Sept. 10 – 24.

Each April and September, the department calls on volunteers to help remove litter from roadsides. Volunteers from local businesses, schools, non-profits, churches and community groups play an important role in keeping North Carolina’s roads clean.

“The Litter Sweep is a great opportunity to get outdoors with family and friends and work alongside NCDOT to ensure North Carolina remains a beautiful place to live and work.” says David Harris, a state DOT roadside environmental engineer.

Volunteers can request gloves, safety vests and bags from their local county maintenance office to prepare for the cleanup event. DOT maintenance crews devote one week of their time to pick up litter and collect the orange bags that dot roadsides after volunteers have finished their work.

Cleanup supplies, such as reversible orange/blue trash bags, gloves and orange safety vests, are available from the local NCDOT county maintenance yard office.
​The following link contains contact information for each county’s local litter management coordinator.
Visit the Litter Sweep webpage for more information.

Aug. 25 SBA Webinar Focuses On Rural Entrepreneurs

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The U.S. Small Business Administration announces another in its series of webinars “Elevating Small Business” designed for rural entrepreneurs. The hourlong program will begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25 and will feature a panel of experts who will speak on topics including the importance of financial wellness, creating generational wealth through business ownership and uplifting and supporting rural-owned small businesses.

Panelists are Allen Thomas, regional administrator for SBA Region IV, Terri Billups, senior advisor to acting director/deputy director of the Office of Affairs and Morgan Beavers, co-owner of Graylee Construction and Demolition in Austin, AR.

The panel will also discuss SBA initiatives and resources that support small business recovery, new rural startups seeking to launch, and existing rural-owned small businesses as they pivot and grow in a post-COVID world.

Register for the webinar here or visit    https://SBArural.eventbrite.com.

SportsTalk: Louisburg Hopes To Beat Them All

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Dante Lassiter, head football coach at Louisburg High School, feels good about his team this season.  Of course every coach feels good before the first game but with a turn out of fifty kids perhaps Lassiter is correct. “It’s the biggest turnout we’ve had in years,” Lassiter said.  Louisburg lost five seniors from last year’s team and boasts 12 seniors this year. That’s experience that could mean a return trip to the playoffs this season for the Warriors.  Lassiter did lose a couple of assistant coaches to Vance County High School. These are issues all coaches face year in year out. The concern for Lassiter is that the offensive line took a hit with senior losses.

Lassiter and the Warriors had a brief scrimmage recently against Warren County before storms rolled through and cut the evening short. Still, Lassiter feels that having seen his team in action helped him learn a few things. “Defense is a strength,” Lassister stated on Thursday’s SportsTalk with George Hoyle and Bill Harris.  Louisburg plays in a modified Big East conference that mixes 2A and 3A teams.  The only 3A team Louisburg faces in the conference is county rival Franklinton. The conference also includes Bunn, Northern and Southern Nash and Roanoke Rapids.  Roanoke Rapids is the favorite to win the conference this year with the two Nash County schools projected to finish two and three.

Lassiter may have something to say about all of that before it’s over. His goal for the season?  “Beat everybody and win the conference,” Lassiter said of his idea of success for Louisburg this season.  They will scrimmage against JF Webb this weekend and open the season on August 26th.

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Aug. 13 Franklin Freedom Fest Features Dave Bray USA

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Franklin Freedom Fest, a fundraiser for Congressional candidate Sandy Smith, is scheduled for Saturday and participants can take part in a full range of activities through the afternoon and into the evening – from a pig pickin’ to cannon shooting and an open gun range.

The event begins at 3 p.m. at 1770 Seven Paths Rd., Louisburg. Music by Dave Bray USA will begin at 7 p.m.

“We’re hoping to pump up the audience in Louisburg,” Bray told John C. Rose on Thursday’s The Local Skinny!

Smith, a Republican, is running for the seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield. She faces Donald Davis in the November election. Tickets for the Aug. 13 Freedom Fest are $25.

Bray is a military veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. He said he’d love to see “some uniforms out there,” referring to the concert audience.

His love for singing and music began early, with church choirs as a child and then garage bands in high school. Even when he was active duty, he said he continued to write music.

He said music can help veterans struggling with emotional scars like post-traumatic stress through creative expression. He said he considers his music career, through which he pays tribute to those who are or were in the military, to be a continuation of his own service to his country.

“Bring your flags, bring your guns…let’s have a good time,” Bray said.

Visit https://www.davebrayusa.com/ to learn more.

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