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-Press Release, Franklin County Government
Franklin County Manager Angela L. Harris announced today that Cindy H. Jones will begin serving as Senior Services Director on January 20, 2020.
As a lifelong Franklin County resident and 25-year public servant, Ms. Jones stated she is excited to help all seniors in the county and feels her background in social work, the insurance industry and the legal system has prepared her for the task.
Cindy H. Jones will begin serving as Franklin County’s Senior Services Director on January 20, 2020. (Photo courtesy Franklin Co. Govt.)
Ms. Jones has worked for over 10 years with the Franklin County Department of Social Services. For the last seven years as a Social Worker III, she’s worked closely with Franklin County’s seniors and local agencies to ensure protective services for vulnerable, disabled and elderly adults who are unable to reach out to get assistance for themselves.
Ms. Jones has served the community by visiting the homes of local adults to assess their needs and provide solutions to often difficult situations in their lives. Those solutions include direction in areas such as available insurance programs, medical care, transportation and food assistance.
Ms. Jones has over six years of experience with the legal system having served as Deputy Clerk of Court in Franklin County. She also brings to the table several years of experience as an Independent Insurance Agent with Aflac.
Ms. Jones is a graduate of Louisburg High School. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration through her education at both Appalachian State University and UNC Greensboro where she graduated in 1992. Ms. Jones resides in Franklin County with her husband Scott and sons Cole and Ty.
“Seniors represent one of the fastest-growing segments of our population,” commented Mrs. Harris. “It is my goal to broaden the scope of services offered by the Department of Aging both internally and within the community to address service demands associated with growth. I believe under the direction of Ms. Cindy Jones we will be well-positioned to meet this challenge. She will be a good steward of available resources while strategically focusing on bringing additional resources to the table.”
For additional information, please contact Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager, at (919) 496-5994.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Cindy-Jones-Franklin-Co..png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-01-02 16:56:232020-01-02 16:56:23County Manager Selects Cindy H. Jones as Senior Services Director
The issue of suicide is a very difficult and concerning topic to address – and, unfortunately, it is on the rise. In fact, a recent survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows suicide rates increasing by 25 percent over nearly two decades through the end of 2016. Data from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention further underscores the importance and urgency of raising awareness of suicide, as suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S. – with nearly 45,000 Americans taking their own lives each year.
Recent suicide deaths of prominent fashion designer Kate Spade and celebrated chef and author Anthony Bourdain have exposed the critical fact that suicide does not discriminate and shined a brighter light on the role that mental illness plays in suicide. Approximately 90 percent of individuals who die from suicide suffer or have suffered from some form of mental illness.
Given this, it is critically important to be proactive about recognizing the warning signs of someone who may be contemplating suicide and identifying friends and loved ones who may be at risk. According to the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI), the most recognizable signs of potential suicide are:
Threats or comments about killing themselves, which can begin with seemingly harmless thoughts like, “I wish I wasn’t here” but become more bold and dangerous.
Increased alcohol and drug use;
Aggressive behavior;
Social withdrawal from friends, loved ones and the community;
Dramatic mood swings;
Talking, writing or thinking about death; and
Impulsive or reckless behavior;
A family history of suicide;
Substance abuse;
Access to firearms;
Serious or chronic medical illness;
Gender (more women attempt suicide than men, but men are four times more likely to die from their attempt);
A history of trauma or abuse;
Prolonged stress;
Isolation;
Age (those younger than 24 years old and older than 65 years old are at higher risk);
A recent tragedy or loss;
Agitation;
Sleep deprivation
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, any other form of mental illness or any of these signs and risk factors, it’s okay to seek help. There are behavioral health providers who can help whenever you need them. And the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, offers free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Maria Parham Health currently provides a range of geriatric (ages 55+) behavioral health support services, including prevention programs, individual therapy, group therapy, inpatient therapy, emergency/crisis intervention and is staffed by a highly trained team of providers, nurses and support staff.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsresize_0000s_0049_Maria-Parham-Health-WIZS.jpg.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-12-27 16:57:382019-12-27 16:57:38MPH: With Rising Suicide Rates, Behavioral Support Important for Mental Health
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-Information courtesy Maria Parham Health
Maria Parham Health Franklin will hold a health care recruitment event on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at the Franklin location – 100 Hospital Drive in Louisburg. Two sessions will be offered: 8 – 11 a.m. and 5 – 8 p.m.
Participants will interview with the hospital’s recruitment team, have an opportunity to talk with current leaders and staff, enjoy food and refreshments and have a chance to win door prizes.
To learn more, call (919) 482-3479 or visit online at MariaParham.com.
(This is not a paid advertisement)
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/MPH-Franklin-Recruitment.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-12-23 16:54:542019-12-23 16:54:54MPH Franklin Seeking ‘High Performing Talent’ at Recruitment Event
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-Press Release, Franklin County Government
Franklin County Manager Angela L. Harris has named Lee Bodenhamer Solid Waste Director. Mr. Bodenhamer will assume the position on December 30, 2019, bringing 29 years of experience to Franklin County.
Franklin County Manager Angela L. Harris has named Lee Bodenhamer Solid Waste Director. Mr. Bodenhamer will assume the position on December 30, 2019, bringing 29 years of experience to Franklin County. (Franklin Co. Govt photo)
Bodenhamer has served as a General Manager with Waste Industries USA, Inc. for 26 years and began employment there as a Residential Manager in early 1990. In his role as General Manager, he was responsible for establishing and administering annual budgets with effective cost controls to meet financial objectives.
Bodenhamer also has a demonstrated history of working in the environmental services industry and has established long-term business relationships with municipal, industrial, commercial and residential accounts.
Bodenhamer holds a Bachelor of Arts in both Economics and Business Management from North Carolina State University and currently resides in Franklin County.
“With nearly 30 years of experience in the environmental services industry and a familiarity to our region, I believe Lee Bodenhamer will be an asset to our leadership team and to Franklin County Solid Waste,” commented Harris. “I believe he is well suited to address the challenges and opportunities associated with growth in our county.”
For additional information, please contact Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager, at (919) 496-5994.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Lee-Bodenhamer-Franklin-Co..png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-12-18 16:54:202019-12-18 16:54:20New Solid Waste Director Selected in Franklin County
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-Press Release and photos, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
Over the past three months, members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, The Lake Royale Company Police, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, State Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Administration, conducted an undercover investigation into the illegal distribution of cocaine occurring between Benson, NC and Lake Royale, NC.
Bryon Keith Lee
During this investigation, agents conducted numerous undercover operations and were able to purchase cocaine from Bryon Keith Lee in Franklin County. Agents discovered that Bryon Keith Lee was being supplied cocaine by John Allen Lee Sr. in Benson, NC.
On December 5, 2019, agents conducted an undercover operation in which 56 grams of cocaine were seized during a traffic stop on Bryon K. Lee and Amber Lee. During the traffic stop, a 5-year old minor was located inside the vehicle.
Agents executed a search warrant at a residence in Benson, NC and at the residence of Bryon and Amber Lee, in the Lake Royale Community of Franklin County. As a result of the search warrants, 347 grams of cocaine, marijuana, an undisclosed amount of US Currency and three firearms were seized. Agents discovered that one of the firearms was reported stolen.
During this investigation, a total of 484 grams of cocaine, bulk currency, marijuana and three firearms (one stolen) were seized in Franklin and Johnston Counties.
John Allen Lee Sr.
Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Anytime we are able to remove this amount of drugs from our community, it is a good day. During this investigation, we were able to coordinate with our local, state and federal partners to ensure that we disrupted this drug activity and its source. I can’t say enough about the professionalism and teamwork displayed by all of the agencies involved.”
Bryon K. Lee was placed in the Johnston County Detention Center under a $1,880,000 secured bond.
John Allen LeeSr. was placed in the Johnston County Detention Center under a $300,000 secured bond.
Charges include:
Bryon K. Lee – 42 years old – 132 Turon Drive Louisburg, NC 27549
Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (6 Counts), Sell Cocaine (6 Counts), Maintain a Vehicle for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substance (7 Counts), Trafficking in Cocaine (5 Counts), Sell Controlled Substance within 1000 feet of a park.
John Allen Lee Sr. – 62 years old – 313 N. Hall Street Benson, NC 27504
Trafficking in Cocaine (5 Counts), Possession of a Firearm by Felon, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substance.
This investigation is continuing, and more charges are expected.
If you have information regarding this case or if you would like to report drug activity in your community, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Bryon-and-John-Lee-Mug-Shot.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-12-12 16:50:042019-12-12 16:02:16Two Arrested, 484 Grams of Cocaine Seized in Multi-Agency Drug Investigation
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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit has concluded Phase III of Operation Impact. Operation Impact is an ongoing, six-month investigation, involving illegal drug activity in Franklin County.
As a result of Phase III of the investigation, 19 individuals have been arrested and charged with 134 felony drug-related charges. The individuals arrested during this phase of Operation Impact are alleged to have been involved in selling illegal drugs in and around neighborhoods in Bunn and surrounding areas.
This phase of the investigation was part of a continued and on-going effort by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office to identify and investigate illegal drug activity occurring in Franklin County. The individuals arrested during this operation were identified by citizen complaints, law enforcement complaints and other intelligence-driven information received by the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Phase III of Operation Impact was a strategic initiative that focused on individuals selling drugs in our neighborhoods throughout the Bunn area. The plan to address drug activity in all of our communities will continue.”
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in Phase III of Operation Impact by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bunn Police Department and the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division.
As of this date, Operation Impact has resulted in 55 total arrests and 311 felony charges. These arrests have occurred throughout Franklin County and more arrests are expected.
The following arrests/charges are the result of Operation Impact Phase III:
Cynthia Marie Foster – 56 years old – 15 Rogers Drive Bunn, NC 27508
David Neshorne Smith – 35 years old – 553 Arnold Road Louisburg, NC 27549
3 counts Sell Cocaine, 3 counts PWIMSD Sch II CS, 2 counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS ~ Bond $ 25,000 secured
Quincy Jamario Bolden – 32 years old – 601 Howard Tant Road Zebulon, NC 27597
2 counts Sell Marijuana, 2 counts PWIMSD Sch VI CS, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, Manufacture/Sell/Deliver/Possess with Intent CS within 1000 ft of School ~ Bond $65,000 secured
James Otis Dunston – 73 years old – 15 Queens Drive Bunn, NC 27508
4 counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Cocaine, Possess CS Prison/Jail Premises, Felony Possession of Cocaine ~ Bond $50,000 secured
Lola Veronica Jones – 51 years old – 1391 Sykes Road Spring Hope, NC 27882
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-Information courtesy the Town of Louisburg
The Town of Louisburg will host the 2019 Christmas Parade in downtown Louisburg this Sunday, December 8 from 3 until 5 p.m.
Line-up for those participating in the parade begins at 1 p.m. Entries and participants must be at their assigned space no later than 2:30 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.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Louisburg-Christmas-Parade.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-12-06 16:54:452019-12-06 16:54:45Reminder: Town of Louisburg to Host Annual Christmas Parade This Sun.
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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
On November 15, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit executed a search warrant at 114 High Rock Drive Louisburg, NC. As a result of the search warrant, Franklin County resident Daniel Casey Clark was arrested and charged with multiple felony drug offenses.
On November 15, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit executed a search warrant at 114 High Rock Drive Louisburg, NC. As a result of the search warrant, Franklin County resident Daniel Casey Clark was arrested and charged with multiple felony drug offenses. (FCSO photo)
In addition to the arrest of Mr. Clark, Narcotics Detectives seized LSD, Methamphetamines, Psilocybin (Mushrooms) and US Currency during the search.
This investigation into illegal drug activity began as a result of information provided by the Wake County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit alleging Daniel Casey Clark was involved in illegal drug activity in Franklin and surrounding counties. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit was able to validate the information provided which resulted in the arrest of Mr. Clark.
Daniel Casey Clark was charged with: Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver LSD, Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Psilocybin, Possession with Intent to Manufacture Dimethyltryptamine, Possession of Methamphetamines and Felonious Possession of THC Concentrate.
Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Partnering and sharing information with our fellow law enforcement agencies continues to be important to our overall strategy of eliminating dangerous drugs from our neighborhoods. We appreciate the assistance of the Wake County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit with this arrest and search.”
Daniel Casey Clark is currently in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $75,000 secured bond.
Daniel Casey Clark
35 years old
114 High Rock Drive Louisburg, NC 27549
If you have information regarding this case or if you would like to report drug activity in your community, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Daniel-Clark-Mug-Shot.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-11-21 16:55:272019-11-21 16:55:27Law Enforcement Partnership Results in Franklin Co. Drug Arrest
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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
On Friday, November 15, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit arrested Lisandro Gutierrez, a Franklin County resident.
Gutierrez was charged with the following: one (1) count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon With Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury.
Gutierrez was placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $20,000.00 secured bond.
Lisandro Gutierrez – 21 years old – 130 Coachmans Trail Louisburg, NC 27549
On Friday, November 15, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit arrested Lisandro Gutierrez, a Franklin County resident. Gutierrez was charged with the following: one (1) count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon With Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury. (FCSO photo)
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Lisandro-Gutierezz-Mug-Shot.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-11-20 16:53:342019-11-20 16:53:34FCSO: Gutierrez Arrested on Assault With A Deadly Weapon Charge
Six months after Chief Daren Kirts of the Youngsville Police Department announced his retirement, the Town of Youngsville announced that Lieutenant Greg Whitley of the Knightdale Police Department will be Youngsville’s next chief of police.
Town Administrator Phil Cordeiro shared, “Foremost, I’d like to express my sincerest gratitude for the department’s – and the community’s – patience and participation throughout our recruitment and selection process. I know it’s taken a bit longer than some would prefer, but this was an extremely important decision and needed to be managed with the utmost care.”
The chief of police recruitment process began in May and the town received over 60 applications for the position.
Through a process comprised of three rounds and eight separate interviews, nearly 40 assessors provided written feedback to the town administrator on candidate performance and qualifications. Assessors’ backgrounds ran the gamut, including community watch leaders, retired law enforcement professionals, neighboring town managers, current town employees, and elected officials.
Among many factors in a crowded field, Mr. Whitley was selected as chief in response to his two decades of diverse law enforcement experience and a myriad of professional law enforcement credentials – including an advanced law enforcement certificate, multiple instructor certifications, and formal training with federal agencies such as the FBI and FEMA.
In reaction to the decision, Mr. Whitley remarked, “It is an honor to be selected as chief of police. I am committed to providing the highest level of customer service to citizens through professional policing, with a focus on the training and development of officers. I believe police and community relationships are best built upon a bank of public trust and I will ensure transparency in the agency’s operations and a commitment to building community partnerships.”
Mayor Fonzie Flowers shared, “I think Mr. Whitley will bring a valuable array of skills to the department that will strengthen its ability to make Youngsville a safe and exciting place to live.” He went on to add, “And, I want to underscore my appreciation for the stalwart efforts of Interim Chief Kimball, Captain Magsi, and the entire department. Their leadership and dedication during this time of transition have propelled the department in the right direction and have forged a cohesive team of competent professionals.”
Mr. Whitley is slated to be privately sworn-in and assumes the chief role on December 2, 2019. The town will hold a public swearing-in ceremony during its regular board of commissioners meeting on Thursday, December 12, 2019, where all members of the public are welcome.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Youngsville-Police.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-11-19 16:52:442019-11-19 16:52:44After Six Month Search, Town of Youngsville Hires Chief of Police
