Tag Archive for: #franklincountynews

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COVID-19 Outbreak Reported at the Franklin County Detention Center

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

The Franklin County Health Department (FCHD) reports that as of Friday afternoon two (2) staff–members and thirty (30) inmates have tested positive for COVID–19 at the Franklin County Detention Center in Louisburg, NC. 

Staff from the Franklin County Health Department and the Franklin County Sheriff‘s Office are working together to address this outbreak for the safety of inmates and staff. 

Working in consultation with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), the FCHD and the Sheriff‘s Office quickly implemented testing of inmates and Detention Center staff, contact tracing, quarantine/isolation measures and enhanced cleaning protocols. 

The FCHD will continue regular testing of inmates and staff, contact tracing and the use of quarantine and isolation protocols in response to this outbreak. 

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated that “the safety of our staff and inmates are our top priority and we will continue to work with the Health Department and follow CDC guidelines and all safety protocols as we move forward.” 

Local Health Director, Scott Lavigne, stated that “the early testing of inmates and staff, contact tracing, the use of quarantine/isolation measures and the wearing of face coverings and other personal protective equipment (PPE), will greatly assist us in resolving this outbreak.” 

The Franklin County COVID–19 Emergency Operations Center will issue additional statements as more information becomes available.

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Franklin Co. Announces New Convenience Site Hours

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

With the ending of Daylight Savings Time on November 1, 2020, Franklin County Convenience Sites will close at 6 p.m. beginning Monday, November 2, 2020.

All sites are open during these hours on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, with the exception of the Timberlake Road site, which is open on Thursday as well.

The updated schedule of 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. will be observed until Monday, March 15, 2021, when Daylight Savings Time resumes. For reference, the schedule can be located online at https://www.franklincountync.us/services/solid-waste.

For additional information, please contact Lee Bodenhamer, Solid Waste Director, at (919) 496-5002.

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Kim Denton Appointed Franklin County Manager

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners appointed Kim Denton as County Manager at their October 19 meeting. Denton has served as Assistant County Manager since December 2017 and will take the lead as County Manager November 1, 2020, upon the retirement of long-time County Manager Angela L. Harris.

“I appreciate the confidence the Board of Commissioners has placed in me,” Denton said. “My knowledge of the County’s important objectives will help ensure continuity.”

As Assistant County Manager, Denton has led the County’s Broadband Action Team, as well as directly supervised several departments and worked with Department Heads on accomplishing a number of Departmental projects. She has worked with the County Manager as a member of the Budget Team and helped interpret and shape policy. Denton directed the Facilities Review and Space Assessment Study to assess the condition and future objectives for County facilities.

“I look forward to working with the Board of Commissioners and County staff to address the opportunities and challenges ahead,” said Denton.

Prior to service with Franklin County Government, Denton served over six years in the Franklin County Clerk of Court’s Office as Assistant Clerk working in the Estates and Civil Departments. Her previous experience includes over ten years in the telecommunications industry working with the company now known as CenturyLink, holding positions in Accounting, Marketing and Regulatory departments. She is also an avid supporter of a number of volunteer organizations in Franklin County.

Denton graduated from Peace College in Raleigh, North Carolina and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from East Carolina University. She is a native of Franklin County where she currently resides with her husband, Thomas. She has two sons, Mark and Edward.

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

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C. Boyd Sturges, III Appointed Lead Franklin County Attorney

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners unanimously appointed C. Boyd Sturges, III as lead County Attorney from the firm of Davis, Sturges & Tomlinson Attorneys at Law of Louisburg on October 19, 2020.

Mr. Sturges’ experience with the County includes work on special projects, most notably Maria Parham’s expansion into Franklin County after the unexpected closing of Novant Health in 2015. As a result of negotiations, Maria Parham Franklin opened in October 2018 to serve Franklin County residents.

In addition to his private law practice, he is currently serving his fourth term on the Louisburg Town Council. Mr. Sturges has been lead counsel for the Franklin County Board of Education since 2005 and also serves on the Board of Trustees of Louisburg College and the Tar River Land Conservancy.

Mr. Sturges received a B.A. from Wake Forest University in 1991 and graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1995 with a Juris Doctor Degree. He is a native of Franklin County where he currently resides with his wife, Cindy Sturges, North Carolina Superior Court Judge. He has one daughter, Olivia.

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

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Franklin Co. Plans Drive-Through Veteran’s Day Celebration

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Franklin County will soon honor the men and women who served and sacrificed for our country at the county’s annual Veteran’s Day celebration. Due to social distancing measures related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the celebratory event will look a bit different this year. A drive-through meal is scheduled from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, at Crosscreek Charter School, 100 East River Road in Louisburg.

This year Veterans will enjoy prizes and a packed lunch for two as they drive through, courtesy of the Justice Volunteer Fire Department and many other sponsors. Please note social distancing will be practiced and masks and gloves will be used in serving our Veterans. No one will need to leave their vehicle to receive their meal and prizes.

The events of 2020 have presented us with challenges, however, Franklin County still intends to celebrate the men and women who served along with their spouses who stood with them.

For additional information, please contact Brenda L. Wilkins, Veterans Services Officer, at (919) 496-1939.

Louisburg Christmas Parade

Louisburg Christmas Parade Set for Dec. 6

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy the Town of Louisburg

The Town of Louisburg will host the 2020 Christmas Parade in downtown Louisburg on Sunday, December 6 beginning at 3 p.m.

Parade entry begins at the intersection of North Main Street and Smoketree Way. The parade will move south on Main Street, continue past Louisburg College, and turn onto Wade Avenue/Johnson Street for disbandment.

Applications (click here) to participate in the parade are now being accepted. Interested participants should submit their application by mail or drop off at the Town of Louisburg at 110 West Nash Street, Louisburg, NC 27549.

Entries postmarked by November 20 will be considered for inclusion based on the number of entries needed for each category. Accepted entrants will be notified prior to the parade.

For additional information on the parade, including cost, float requirements and drop off/unloading instructions, please click here.

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Franklin County Library Update

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Franklin County Libraries are currently and indefinitely closed inside to the public in order to ensure materials are properly quarantined before release.

Staff is making every effort to ensure materials are disinfected, quarantined and handled appropriately before and during any transaction. Doing so requires storing items in quarantine for 72 hours which puts a premium on available space that circumvents browsing by the public.

Hands-on acquisitions from the shelves by appropriately masked and gloved library personnel are safe, however, so we offer curbside delivery of materials to meet your needs. Patrons may select and put items on hold via the online catalog or by calling Franklin County libraries to request specific material or ask that personnel curate selections.

Items are also available through the NC Cardinal consortium, and many additions to online resources for all ages have been made. Online resources require the barcode number from the patron’s card and the patron’s PIN. If you are unsure about your information, call your library for assistance.

Franklin County Public School students have access to online resources using their Department of Public Instruction issued student identification numbers and a PIN. Content appropriate collections are available at e-inc and NC Kids as well as NC Live.org. Libraries are working with the Charter schools to assist students with access.

One of the services provided by libraries is making copies for patrons. Patrons may email documents or bring a USB and have copies made from its contents. Staff will also scan and email documents for patrons or send a fax.

Other useful services available include mail-in voter registration forms. Wi-Fi is available on the premises from 6 a.m. through midnight and item return via Book Drop is available near the entrance to each building. Standard check-out of material is handled at the curbside.

Exact change and personal checks are accepted tender for transactions requiring payments. Appointments are required for curbside item pick up and strongly encouraged for copy, print and fax services.

Visit http://franklin.nccardinal.org/eg/opac/home to reserve items online and for direct web access to the Library Catalog.

Email materials for print services to:

Louisburg: franklinlibraryprints@gmail.com

Youngsville: youngsvillebook@yahoo.com

Bunn: bunnbook@yahoo.com

Franklinton: franklib@yahoo.com

Curbside services:

Louisburg: Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 3 – 5:45 p.m. Call (919) 496-2111 for an appointment.

Youngsville: Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 3 – 5:45 p.m. Call (919) 556-1612 for an appointment.

Bunn: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 12 – 5:45 p.m. Call (919) 496-6764 for an appointment.

Franklinton: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 12 – 5:45 p.m. Call (919) 494-2736 for an appointment.

For additional information, please contact Director Holt Kornegay at (919) 496-2111.

Farm Business Webinar Series

Cooperative Extension to Hold Four-Part Farm Business Webinar Series

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-Information courtesy Warren County Cooperative Extension

Franklin and Warren County Cooperative Extension will host a four-part Farm Business Webinar Series for interested participants.

Sessions Include:

  • September 24, 2020 – Farm Estates with Andrew Branan
  • October 1, 2020 – Present Use Values with Mark Megalos
  • October 8, 2020 – Record-Keeping/Quickbooks with Nate Converse
  • October 15, 2020 – Risk Management with Rodrick Rejesus

All meetings begin at 10 a.m. To register, go to www.nccefarmbusiness.eventbrite.com. Once registered, the link to the Zoom meeting will be emailed to you.

Franklin County Sheriff

Louisburg Man Chokes, Kills Father

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On September 18, 2020, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responded to 26 William Perry Road, Louisburg regarding a male subject assaulting his father by choking him. Upon arrival, deputies were unable to locate a pulse on the victim, who was identified as Darren Hobgood. 

The Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team made entry into the residence and the suspect, Xavier Vishal Billups, was taken into custody without incident. 

Mr. Billups was transported to Wake Medical Hospital and upon his release will be charged with Second Degree Murder. 

Xavier Vishal Billups – 26 William Perry Road, Louisburg – 27 years of age 

This matter remains under investigation and no further information will be released at this time. If anyone should have any additional information pertaining to this investigation, please call Detective Brian Jacobson at (919) 340–3285.

COVID Rapid Response Testing

St. Paul Presbyterian Church to Hold COVID-19 ‘Rapid-Response’ Drive-Thru Testing

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department

St. Paul Presbyterian Church will hold a COVID-19 “rapid-response” testing drive-thru on Saturday, September 19, 2020, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The church is located at 928 South Main St. in Louisburg, NC.

Participants must pre-register by calling (919) 632-6495 to schedule an appointment time. There are no out-of-pocket costs to be tested.