Tag Archive for: #franklincountynews

Open Broadband

Community Meeting Planned for Broadband Expansion in Franklin Co.

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Franklin County citizens will have an opportunity this fall to learn more about Open Broadband’s plans to expand broadband internet service in Franklin County.

On October 22, a Community Information Meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room at Franklin County’s Vance-Granville Community College Campus, 8100 Hwy 56 West in Louisburg. Citizens will hear about the plans Open Broadband has to address areas within the county which lack sufficient broadband service to meet the needs of residences, businesses and government. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions as they learn about how they can sign up, the initial areas where service will be introduced and how other areas will be selected for service deployment.

Open Broadband’s expansion into Franklin County is the result of an agreement County Commissioners approved June 17, 2019. The seven-year agreement provides funds of up to $188,000 per year for a four-year time period to Open Broadband to assist in bringing internet service to unserved and underserved areas of Franklin County.

The agreement is the result of the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Government’s effort with Franklin, Granville and Vance counties that began in late 2017. The three counties were guided by consultant Joe Freddoso of Mighty River LLC. Broadband Action Teams in each county conducted citizen surveys, developed an RFP and ultimately selected Open Broadband LLC to bring their service to the region.

Information about the Franklin County Broadband Initiative is available at www.franklincountync.us along with links to the Open Broadband website and Frequently Asked Questions. Please attend the Community Information Meeting on October 22 to learn more about how service can be expanded into your area.

Open Broadband provides hybrid fiber and fixed-wireless internet service, up to gigabit speed, to many communities across North Carolina. Service is provided to residents, small and medium sized businesses, technology incubators, universities, and government locations including police, fire, town hall, and airport facilities. Open Broadband also provides free public Wi-Fi zones in downtown areas, parks, and campuses.

Network deployment in Franklin County will take place in phases over the next four years. The first customer service activation is planned for the end of 2019.

Open Broadband is now accepting waitlist signups on the Franklin County tab of the website: https://openbb.net/franklinco/. Those on the waitlist will receive regular updates on the progress of the network build and will be contacted once service is made available in their area.

Open Broadband is North Carolina owned and operated. Visit the company at https://openbb.net or follow them on LinkedIn and Twitter @OpenBBNet. For questions, email info@openbb.net or call 919-205-5400.

Franklin County Schools

Franklin County Schools Closed Thursday

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Schools

Due to the unpredictability of Hurricane Dorian, and out of an abundance of caution, all Franklin County Schools will be closed on Thursday, September 5, 2019, for students and staff.

All school-related events, activities, athletics and rentals are canceled on Thursday.

FCS will send out additional updates as necessary. Please monitor the District website, social media and your local news outlets.

Be safe!

Franklin County Logo

Franklin Co. Finance Team Achieves Excellence in Reporting

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Franklin County’s Finance Department now holds a 20-year record of excellence in financial reporting. Once again, the team has achieved the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting.

The Finance Department was recently notified by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) that its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report was awarded the Certificate of Achievement. The Certificate of Achievement is awarded by the GFOA of the United States and Canada for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).

Attainment of the certificate represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

The Finance Office is staffed by Director Jamie Holtzman, Tracy Stevenson, Samantha Sanchez, Regina House and Christy Henson.

Franklin County Government is committed to effective and innovative public services for all Franklin County citizens and businesses. For additional information, contact Franklin County Finance at (919) 496-3182 or visit www.franklincountync.us.

Two Louisburg Residents Arrested on Narcotics Charges

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Special Response Team, arrested Franklin County residents, Rodney Antwan Allen and Disherea Mattquie Forrest on August 22, 2019. The arrest took place during a search warrant at their residence located at 350 Wilders Lane, Louisburg, NC.

Rodney Antwan Allen, 31 years old, resident of 350 Wilders Lane Louisburg, was arrested August 22, 2019, on 21 felony charges. (FCSO photo)

This investigation into illegal drug activity began as a result of citizen complaints alleging Mr. Allen was involved in selling illegal narcotics throughout Franklin County. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit validated Mr. Allen’s illegal activities and began an investigation. As a result of this investigation, the Drug Unit determined Ms. Forrest was also engaged in illegal drug activity. Mr. Allen was ultimately charged with 21 Felony charges and Ms. Forrest was charged with 7 Felony charges.

In addition to the original charges, Narcotics Detectives also seized Cocaine, Marijuana, pills, US Currency, drug scales and other drug paraphernalia during the search.

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “We encourage the public to be observant and report drug activity when they observe it occurring in their neighborhood. We continue to use the information our citizens provide to actively pursue those who sell drugs in our communities”.

Disherea Mattquie Forrest, 29 years old, resident of 350 Wilders Lane Louisburg, was arrested August 22, 2019, on seven felony charges. (FCSO photo)

Rodney Antwan Allen is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $250,000 secured bond.

Disherea Mattquie Forrest is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $150,000 secured bond.

Rodney Antwan Allen, 31 years old, 350 Wilders Lane Louisburg, NC 27549

Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance (6 Counts)

Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance (4 Counts)

Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling for the purpose of Storing/Selling a Controlled Substance (7 Counts)

Trafficking Opiates (3 Counts)

Conspire to Sell Cocaine

Disherea Mattquie Forrest, 29 years old, 350 Wilders Lane Louisburg, NC 27549

Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance

Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance

Trafficking Opiates (4 Counts)

Conspire to Sell Cocaine

If you have information regarding this case or you would like to report drug activity in your area, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186, a criminal defense lawyer has already been assigned to the case.

Smith, Louisburg Resident, Arrested on Multiple Drug, Firearm Charges

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Community Action Team, arrested Franklin County resident, David Sidney Smith, on August 21, 2019. Shortly after Mr. Smith’s arrest, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team executed a search warrant at his residence located at 130 Smooth Rider Road, Louisburg, NC before sending him off to one of the drug rehab centers Delray Beach.

This investigation into illegal drug activity began as a result of multiple citizen complaints alleging Mr. Smith was involved in selling illegal narcotics throughout Franklin County. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit validated Mr. Smith’s illegal activities and began an investigation.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Community Action Team, arrested Franklin County resident, David Sidney Smith, on August 21, 2019. This investigation into illegal drug activity began as a result of multiple citizen complaints alleging Mr. Smith was involved in selling illegal narcotics throughout Franklin County. (FCSO photo)

As a result of this investigation, Mr. Smith was charged with three (3) counts of Possess with Intent to Sell/Deliver a Schedule I Controlled Substance, (Heroin), one (1) count of Possess with Intent to Sell/Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance, (Pills), two (2) counts of Sell and Deliver Controlled Substance (Heroin), two (2) counts of Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for storing controlled substances, two (2) counts of Conspiracy to Sell and Deliver a controlled Substance (Heroin), two (2) counts of Trafficking Opiates, and Possession of a Firearm by Felon. 

In addition to the original charges, Narcotics Detectives also seized Heroin, various pills, a Smith & Wesson firearm, US Currency, drug scales and other drug paraphernalia during the search. 

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “This is another great example of taking the information we received and responding in a way that makes our communities safer. The partnerships between the agencies involved with this case prove that working together is an effective way of truly making a difference.”

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in this investigation by the District Attorney‘s Office, the US Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Agents with North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement. 

David Sidney Smith is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $540,000 secured bond. 

David Sidney Smith, 24 years old, 130 Smooth Rider Road Louisburg, NC 27549. 

For more information regarding this investigation, or to provide information regarding drug activity in your community, please contact Sergeant Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.

Terry M. Wright, Chief of Staff

Search On for Man Charged With 70 Counts of Vehicle B&E, Larceny

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Youngsville Police Department, is seeking the public’s help in locating Kedrick Derrell Jones, age 29, of Wake County.

Jones frequents the Rolesville, Wake Forest, Youngsville and Zebulon areas.

Mr. Jones has been charged with approximately 70 criminal offenses to include Breaking and Entering of Motor Vehicles and Felony Larceny.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Crime Stoppers at (919) 496-7867.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Youngsville Police Department, is seeking the public’s help in locating Kedrick Derrell Jones, age 29, of Wake County. Jones has been charged with approximately 70 criminal offenses to include Breaking and Entering of Motor Vehicles and Felony Larceny. (Photo courtesy FCSO)

Help Needed Identifying Person of Interest in Recent Vehicle B&E Cases

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Youngsville Police Department are seeking your assistance in identifying the individual photographed below.

The individual in the photos is a person of interest in the recent motor vehicle breaking and enterings that have been plaguing local subdivisions since July 1.

If you have any information on the identity of the individual pictured below, please call Crime Stoppers at (919) 496-7867.

 

NC MedAssist

NC MedAssist’s Health Care Resources Coming to Franklin County

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Press Release, NC MedAssist

NC MedAssist is holding a Mobile Free Pharmacy Event in Franklin County, NC on Friday, August 30, 2019. The event is open to any individual or family needing over-the-counter medications.

The event will be held at Louisburg Senior Citizens Center (127 Shannon Village, Louisburg, NC 27549). Participants must be at least 18 years old to receive medicine. Everyone will receive up to eight items free of charge. No identification is required.

Val Short, Executive Director of Triangle North Healthcare Foundation, said, “We are pleased that the NC MedAssist Mobile Free Pharmacy is coming to Franklin County. The Foundation is a funder for this event, which provides much-needed over-the-counter medications that can be unaffordable to many in our region.”

“NC MedAssist is excited to host a Mobile Free Pharmacy event in Franklin County,” said NC MedAssist CEO, Lori Giang. She shared: “Together with our community partners, we are bringing free over-the-counter medications, like Tylenol and Band-Aids, to area residents. No one should ever go without medicine and the Mobile Free Pharmacy Program enables us to reach those who are unaware of our free resources.”

The Mobile Free Pharmacy events have served upwards of 800 people, at times. To ensure the event runs smoothly and that all participants are served by the end, many volunteers are needed. NC MedAssist is partnered with other safety-net organizations to recruit community members to serve in volunteer roles such as pharmacy consultation, client ‘personal shoppers’, and sorters. However, the charitable organization is still actively seeking volunteers for the Mobile Free Pharmacy Event from the community. Any available individuals can sign up at www.medassist.org/volunteer.

At the event, information will also be available about enrolling in the NC MedAssist Free Pharmacy Program, which mails free prescription medications directly to a patient’s home.

NC MedAssist’s overall goal is to help ease the burden for those in need; it is aiding people who are making the choice between buying food and purchasing life-saving medication. Over the last fiscal year, NC MedAssist distributed over $68.5 million in free prescriptions and over-the-counter medications statewide. Of course, this would not be possible without the numerous, dedicated volunteers.

In the region served by Triangle North Healthcare Foundation, over 600 individuals have been served by NC MedAssist through grants from the Foundation.

NC MedAssist is a statewide non-profit pharmacy, founded in 1997. The organization provides free prescription medication to low-income, uninsured North Carolinians. NC MedAssist offers three programs that address the needs of children and adults: the Free Pharmacy Program, the Mobile Free Pharmacy, and the Senior Care Program.

Franklin County Schools Appoints New CTE, Alternative Programs Directors

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Schools

Dr. Danyelle Parker

Franklin County Schools is proud to announce the hiring of a veteran school administrator as the new Executive Director of Secondary and Career & Technical Education (CTE).

Dr. Danyelle Parker has served as CTE Program Manager for Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools since 2016. In addition to her district office experience, she has school administration experience as a middle school principal and high school principal, as well as assistant principal.

Dr. Parker began her career in education as a middle school business education teacher and later a high school business education teacher. She has 22 years of combined experience as a CTE teacher and school administrator during which time she worked in Nash-Rocky Mount Schools, Wake County Public Schools, Yadkin County Schools and Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools.

“Dr. Parker’s expertise in career and technical education will help ensure that all of our students are career-ready and college prepared by designing innovative and engaging learning opportunities,” said Dr. Rhonda Schuhler, Superintendent of Franklin County Schools.

Parker earned a bachelor of arts degree in business administration from Winston-Salem State University, a master of education degree from East Carolina University (ECU), a master of school administration degree from North Carolina State University, an educational specialist (EdS) degree in administration and supervision from ECU, and a doctorate of education from Gardner-Webb University.

Cleo Evans

Franklin County Schools is also proud to announce that a veteran alternative learning administrator has been hired as its new Director of Alternative Programs.

Cleo Evans, of Rocky Mount, will be responsible for implementing and maintaining alternative student programs and services in accordance with District and State of North Carolina objectives. The director serves as the administrator of Vine Academy in Franklinton.

“We are excited to welcome Ms. Evans to her new leadership position,” said Dr. Rhonda Schuhler, Superintendent of Franklin County Schools. “Her passion and commitment to the success of all students made her a clear choice for the position. This passion and commitment will translate into her new role, which has the ultimate goal of promoting a supportive environment with high expectations for students who participate in alternative programming.”

Evans has been the Hope Alternative Learning Administrator for Edgecombe County Schools since 2014. She has also served as a classroom teacher, literacy coach, member of the North Carolina Alternative Learning Board and Vice President of the North Carolina Association of Alternative Learning. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount, as well as a master of education degree from Cambridge College in Chesapeake, VA.

The Director of Alternative Programs position will allow Evans to build upon her previous experiences to create a culture in which every student will learn and experience success that will prepare them for the world beyond the classroom.

Franklin County Logo

Franklin Utility Committee to Meet on Proposed Residential Developments

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-Information courtesy Kristen King, Clerk to the Board, Franklin County

SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE 

The Franklin County Utility Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday, August 29, 2019, at 8 a.m. in the Franklin County Commissioners Meeting Room, 113 Market Street, Louisburg, NC 27549.

The topic of discussion will be proposed residential developments in the County.