Tag Archive for: #franklincountynews

VGCC Names 79 Students to Fall Semester President’s List

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 79 students earned President’s List academic honors for the fall 2018 semester.

The President’s List recognizes students who achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) while carrying a “full load” (at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses.

*WIZS will post the list of VGCC fall Dean’s List recipients on Friday, April 19.

Fall Semester President’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.

 

Accounting & Finance:

Alicia D. Hinton of Castalia;

Abigail S. Pruitt of Oxford.

 

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:

Christian A. Dockum and Ethan D. Hughes, both of Creedmoor.

 

Associate in Arts:

Austin M. Councilman of Creedmoor;

Joshua I. Horton of Franklinton;

Kaitlyn M. Harris, Dylan T. Jackson, Jadyn M. Jones, Josiah Jones and Caroline A. Nutt, all of Henderson;

Wesley T. Beach and Matthew D. Varker, both of Kittrell;

Pamela R. Campbell of Littleton;

Jacob N. Carver, Ker’Telian S. Fields and Calli S. Massey, all of Oxford;

Lily R. Averette of Rougemont;

Conner G. Bryant of Warrenton;

Taylor N. Wagaman of Youngsville.

 

Associate in General Education – General Science:

Victoria K. Swain of Durham;

Kyra E. Corrigan of Wake Forest.

 

Associate in Science:

Shadi M. Nagi of Henderson;

Rewees A. Ebrahim of Oxford;

Kayla M. Blue of Stem;

Heather L. Gwin and Heidy Labra-Franco, both of Warrenton;

Emily J. Bauer of Youngsville.

 

Automotive Systems Technology:

David D. Bragg of Franklinton;

Toby J. Bradsher, III, of Henderson;

Branden S. Lilley of Louisburg;

Cesar L. Vazquez of Oxford;

Xavier Durham of Warrenton.

 

Business Administration:

Charlene A. Kearney of Creedmoor;

Holly R. Buchanan of Henderson.

 

Cosmetology:

Kandace N. Rutter of Creedmoor;

Jennifer H. Bruner, Jamie L. Moody and Samantha B. Williamson, all of Franklinton;

MacKenzie D. Hutson, Chelsea L. Jones, Dasha S. Kearney and Skylar N. Mulhollen, all of Henderson;

Anna M. Wood of Louisburg;

Monet L. Faucett of Norlina;

Kathleen R. Feinman of Rolesville;

Samantha J. Tackema of Wake Forest;

Janice P. Shehata of Warrenton;

Kelley R. Oakley of Youngsville.

 

Criminal Justice:

Tanya Beal Smith of Butner;

Adrianna M. De Nuzzia of Creedmoor;

Alexis R. Lincoln of Franklinton;

Gricel Arroyo and Kimberly R. Smith, both of Louisburg;

Andrew L. Ayscue of Youngsville.

 

Culinary Arts:

Dominique A. Winters of Creedmoor;

Sonya K. Jackson of Franklinton.

 

Early Childhood Education:

Brittaniana M. Channell and Stephanie L. Griffin, both of Creedmoor;

Lakee’ D. Steed of Henderson;

Catherine A. Mendell of Oxford.

 

Histotechnology:

Melissa B. Anderson of Butner.

 

Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:

Allyson D. Dellea of Kittrell;

Kelly F. Yarborough of McLeansville;

Tiffiney Whitt of Roxboro.

 

Information Technology:

Douglas Boulia of Creedmoor;

Joseph T. Hedgepeth of Henderson;

Ebony Thomas of Kittrell;

Brandon Vestweber of Wake Forest.

 

Mechatronics Engineering Technology:

Herbert H. Davis of Henderson.

 

Medical Office Administration:

Kimberly C. Cagney of Creedmoor;

Kelsey B. Ivey of Henderson;

Danielle N. Enright and Elizabeth L. Wiggins, both of Louisburg.

 

Office Administration:

Mia N. Wireman of Creedmoor.

 

Practical Nursing:

Mary W. Wanjiku of Cary.

 

Radiography:

Kacie L. Gann of Durham.

 

Welding Technology:

Lacy E. Hidalgo-Gato of Franklinton;

Matthew K. Hamilton of Louisburg.

 

 

NC Dept of Agriculture

Troxler Encourages Horse Owners to Vaccinate Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is encouraging horse owners to have their animals vaccinated against Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis and West Nile Virus.

“April until November is prime mosquito-breeding season in North Carolina and when horses are at risk if not properly vaccinated,” Troxler said. “EEE is fatal 90 percent of the time in horses and WNV has a fatality rate of 30 percent. Both diseases are preventable by vaccination.”

Last year, North Carolina saw its first case of EEE in July. There were seven recorded cases of EEE and five cases of WNV in horses in North Carolina in 2018, but the mild winter could cause that number to go up this year, State Veterinarian Doug Meckes said. Meckes recommends that equine owners talk to their veterinarians about an effective vaccination protocol to protect horses from mosquito-borne diseases. The combination vaccination initially requires multiple injections for horses, mules and donkeys that have no prior vaccination history.

Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts for more than four days, so removing any source of standing water can reduce the chance of exposing animals to WNV or EEE. Keeping horses in stalls at night, using insect screens and fans and turning off lights after dusk can also help reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Insect repellants can be effective if used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Symptoms of EEE include impaired vision, aimless wandering, head pressing, circling, inability to swallow, irregular staggering gait, paralysis, convulsions and death. Once a horse has been bitten by an infected mosquito, it may take three to 10 days for symptoms to appear.

Symptoms of WNV include fever, weakness or paralysis of hind limbs, impaired vision, head pressing, seizures and aimless wandering.

“If your horses or other equine animals exhibit any symptoms of EEE or WNV, contact your veterinarian immediately,” Meckes said.

People, horses and birds can become infected from a bite by a mosquito carrying the diseases, but there is no evidence that horses can transmit the viruses to other horses, birds or people through direct contact.

“It’s also a great time to make sure your animal is current on its rabies vaccination,” Troxler said. “In North Carolina, we see about five cases of rabies in livestock each year. Horses are naturally curious animals, which puts them at risk for a bite if a rabid animal gets through their fence line.”

NC SBI

Franklin Co. Sheriff Partners With ALE to Make Drug Arrests, Seizures

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-Press Release, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation

On Tuesday, state and local authorities raided two houses and seized over 26 ounces of methamphetamines valued at more than $218,000 following an operation in Franklin County. Over the last three months, ALE special agents and Franklin County Sheriff’s deputies partnered with a reputed orlando drug trafficking lawyer to address ongoing illegal drug activity at ABC-licensed establishments. In addition to the methamphetamine, a 2015 Mercedes E350, a 1996 Lincoln Town Car, two handguns, Ecstasy, Valium pills and cash were seized.

“Criminals use popular businesses as locations to discretely sell drugs and commit other crimes in the presence of innocent families every day throughout North Carolina. Over the past three months, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and our special agents partnered together to address this issue in Franklin County.” said Bryan House, acting head of NC Alcohol Law Enforcement “We discovered people from out of the county were traveling in to sell substantial amounts of drugs in the parking lots of ABC permitted stores. These arrests should make Franklin County safer.”

The following individuals were charged:

· Nicholas Paul Estes of Wendell, NC: Trafficking in Methamphetamine (five counts); Sell Methamphetamine; Possess with the intent to manufacture, sell, and deliver (PWIMSD) Methamphetamine; Maintain a vehicle used for keeping and selling controlled substance (two counts)

· Jay Windle Parker of Clayton, NC:  Felony possession Schedule I Controlled Substance (MDMA); PWIMSD Schedule IV controlled substance; Trafficking in Methamphetamine; Maintain a vehicle used for keeping and selling controlled substance; Conspire to Traffic Methamphetamine; Possess drug paraphernalia

· Zachary David Wilson Jr. of Spring Hope, NC: Trafficking in Methamphetamine (three counts); PWIMSD Methamphetamine; Sell Methamphetamine; Maintain a vehicle used for keeping and selling controlled substance; Possess Methamphetamine; Conspire to Traffic Methamphetamine (two counts); Possess drug paraphernalia

“Our partnerships with State and Federal agencies allow us to continue the strong commitment we have made to address illegal drug sales in our communities. The results from this case allowed us to remove highly addictive and dangerous drugs from our community, and put those responsible for distributing them in jail,” said Franklin County Sheriff Kent Winstead.

The NC National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and NC Department of Public Safety assisted in the investigation.

Altec Industries Sponsors VGCC Golf Tournament’s Afternoon Round

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Altec Industries of Creedmoor recently made a contribution to the Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund to serve as the afternoon round sponsor for the upcoming 35th Annual Endowment Fund Golf Tournament.

The company is a longtime supporter of the golf tournament and partners with VGCC training programs related to advanced manufacturing, including Welding and Mechatronics Engineering Technology.

Altec is a leading provider of products and services to the electric utility, telecommunications, tree care, lights and signs, and contractor markets.

The Golf Tournament is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at the Henderson Country Club, and is among a series of events celebrating the community college’s 50th anniversary. Businesses and individuals can still take advantage of sponsorship opportunities at various levels. For golfers, the afternoon round is sold out, but there are openings to play in the morning round.

For more information, contact Kay Currin at currink@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3409.

Pictured, from left, are Altec Human Resources Manager Jeff Tingen and Patrick Wooten, General Manager for the Creedmoor location, symbolically presenting the sponsorship donation to VGCC Endowment Director Eddie Ferguson. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

State Highway Patrol Concludes ‘Operation Drive To Live’

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-Press Release, North Carolina Dept. of Public Safety

The State Highway Patrol has concluded a week-long campaign held annually each year to combat fatal collisions involving teen drivers. During the week of April 8 through April 12, troopers participated in Operation Drive to Live, placing emphasis on education and enforcement across the state.

Troopers were out in full force monitoring driver behavior in and around school zones while offering educational programs to local high schools. The operation is conducted in proximity to spring break and prom season, in hopes teen drivers will gain an understanding of the dangers associated with driving.

In 2018, the Highway Patrol investigated over 55,261 motor vehicle collisions involving drivers and passengers who were between the ages of 15 – 19. Of those collisions, 10,287 injuries were reported and 94 resulted in one or more fatalities.

This year, SHP performed 179 traffic safety presentations and patrolled 540 school zones throughout the week. The following statistics also reflect the efforts of SHP during the campaign.

Speeding 3,973
License Violations 1,248
Seatbelt Violations 1,180
Child Seat Violations 127
DWI Under 21 34
Warnings 1,535

While the operation has concluded, the efforts of reducing teenage driver collisions will continue throughout the year.

For stats related to a specific county, please contact your local SHP office. A contact list can be obtained by visiting the following link: https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/law-enforcement/state-highway-patrol/troop-offices

 

Maria Parham Health Reaches Agreement with UnitedHealthcare

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-Information courtesy Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health is pleased to announce that we have reached a new agreement with UnitedHealthcare. This is a win for our patients who deserve access to quality healthcare here at home, and we appreciate your patience as we worked through this process.

With this new agreement, our hospital* and employed physician* services will be back “in-network” with UnitedHealthcare. You will have “in-network” access to care beginning:

April 25 for hospital services; and

May 1 for employed physician services.

Both commercial and Medicare Advantage insurance plans are included in the agreement.

From the outset, we have been committed to ensuring your healthcare needs would continue to be met, and we are pleased to continue this commitment. Our new contract gives us the ability to continue reinvesting in patient care by recruiting new physicians and caregivers and enhancing the services we provide.

Thank you for the trust you place in Maria Parham Health and our team of caregivers. We look forward to meeting your healthcare needs for generations to come.

*Please note, the contract is between UnitedHealthcare’s insurance plans and Maria Parham Health, its employed physicians, and select Duke LifePoint Healthcare facilities. It does not affect Duke University Health System hospitals or clinics.

VGCC Alumnus: Acting in Dinner Theater ‘Feels Like Coming Home’

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College holds a special place in the heart of Spencer Nunn, who has returned to his alma mater as a member of the cast of the college’s upcoming Dinner Theater production of Stephen Sondheim’s musical comedy, “Company.”

When the former Warrenton resident first enrolled at VGCC, he planned to complete an Associate in Science degree and transfer to a four-year university to study Marine Biology. As it turned out, his experience at the community college changed his career plans and, in fact, his life – dramatically.

“When I got to Vance-Granville, I was already into acting, since finding theater in my freshman year of high school,” Nunn recalled. “But I thought of theater as a hobby.”

Vance-Granville Community College holds a special place in the heart of Spencer Nunn, who has returned to his alma mater as a member of the cast of the college’s upcoming Dinner Theater production of Stephen Sondheim’s musical comedy, “Company” on April 25 & 26. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

One semester, he considered auditioning for VGCC’s production of “The Importance of Being Earnest,” but a Biology lab session conflicted with the audition time, so he missed it. “Fortunately, I knew one of the cast members and found out that somebody had dropped out of the play,” Nunn said. “I was just in the right place at the right time. I auditioned and got the part.”

Many more VGCC productions followed, including the first four Dinner Theaters. Nunn attended school part-time, while also working part-time. That meant he was enrolled for more semesters than some students, and he had more chances to appear in VGCC plays. “I might be the most prolific actor in Vance-Granville history,” he reflected with a laugh.

Along the way, after spending time studying with VGCC Theatre Arts instructor Betsy Henderson, something clicked for him. “I thought after a while, ‘this makes me happy,’ and I decided to pursue the theatre as a career,” Nunn said. His new plan was to transfer to a four-year university to complete a degree that would allow him to teach drama.

Nunn graduated from VGCC in 2016 and enrolled at William Peace University in Raleigh, where his professors marveled at the amount of college-level stage experience he had. He is set to graduate from WPU with his bachelor’s degree in Theatre Education, and a minor in English, on May 4, not long after the VGCC Dinner Theater. “Later, I’d like to get my master’s and teach at the college level,” Nunn said. “I was not on that course when I started at VGCC.”

There is another significant aspect to Nunn’s experience at the community college: the lasting relationships he formed. In addition to making many friends and gaining a mentor in Betsy Henderson, Nunn started dating one of his fellow student actors, Rachel Pottern, after they appeared together in “Zara Spook and Other Lures.” He proposed marriage to her in front of an awe-struck VGCC Civic Center audience at the conclusion of a Dinner Theater production, “Smoke on the Mountain.” She said “yes,” and they eventually wed in 2016. “So that’s something else I owe to Betsy Henderson and the college,” Nunn remarked. They even had their wedding on the VGCC campus. Originally set to take place in the gazebo outside, the ceremony moved into the Civic Center because of Hurricane Matthew.

His wife is an accomplished thespian herself and graduated from William Peace University right before he enrolled there. Among the four plays in which Nunn has acted at WPU, one was directed by Rachel. He has submitted a proposal to direct a play at the university after he graduates, just as she did.

Appropriately enough, in the new production of “Company,” Nunn plays “Paul,” a young man who is about to get married to “Amy,” played by Rachel. Nunn describes Paul as “a young banker in New York City; he’s very optimistic and overly affectionate at times, but he’s genuine, kind-hearted and loving.”

Spencer and Rachel Nunn are the only cast members in this year’s seventh annual Dinner Theater who were also in VGCC’s first such production (“Our Town”) back in 2013. Their involvement in the show as alumni is in keeping with the celebration of the community college’s 50th anniversary.

“The cast of this show is a lot of fun,” Nunn said. “The music is really challenging. Sondheim is known for complex music. If the cast was not so determined and ego-free, it could be frustrating, but we are all so supportive of each other.” In addition to Betsy Henderson directing and co-starring, Nunn noted that the production benefits from “a fantastic music director, Joanna Li; I feel I understand musical theater so much better after working with her.”

“Coming back to do this show feels like coming home,” Nunn added. “I never regretted going the community college route. I am 100% positive I would not be in the position I am, mentally, emotionally or in terms of maturity if it wasn’t for Vance-Granville.”

His heart, he said, “is at peace knowing I am doing theater because I realized how much it meant to me at Vance-Granville, and now, I want to get on a career path to be able to give that back. Going to the college is one of the best things I ever chose to do, and so many blessings have come from it.”

The dinner theater is scheduled for the evenings of Thursday, April 25, and Friday, April 26. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. each evening in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus near Henderson. Tickets are available for $30 each through the VGCC website at www.vgcc.edu/dinnertheater.

NCDOT

‘Swat-A-Litterbug’ Program Simple Way for Public to Help Keep NC Clean

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-Information courtesy the Vance County Government’s Facebook Page

The N.C. Department of Transportation’s “Swat-A-Litterbug” program encourages the public to report people who litter in an effort to help make North Carolina roadways cleaner. The program provides every individual an opportunity to be an active participant in reducing litter on NC roadways.

The public can report those who litter to NCDOT’s Litter Management Section by filling out an online form or calling NCDOT’s Customer Service Office at (877) 368-4968.

Upon receipt of the reported information, NCDOT will mail the registered owner of the vehicle that was reported a formal notification, signed by the N.C. State Highway Patrol, that informs them of the littering offense, the penalties of littering and urges them to help keep North Carolina clean.

Information that is needed to report a “litterbug” includes the date, time, plate number, county, city, street and violation description (cup, napkin, cigarette butt, etc.).

Please do your part to help keep NC, and our local communities, litter-free!

 

VGCC Announces Changes to Public Cosmetology Services

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

The Main Campus (Henderson, NC) Vance-Granville Cosmetology Department will no longer offer services to the public effective April 11, 2019. 

Beginning May 21, 2019, services will be offered at our Franklin Campus, located at 8100 Hwy. 56, Louisburg, NC.

Services will resume at our South Campus, located in Creedmoor, NC on May 29, 2019, and Warren Campus, located in Warrenton, NC on August 15, 2019.

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause you. Thank you for your continued support of the VGCC Cosmetology Department and we look forward to continuing to serve you.

Franklin County Logo

NC 39 Water Main Break in Franklin Co. Now Repaired

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-Press Release, County of Franklin

Update – April 12, 2019, @ 4 p.m.

The water main break on NC 39 between Ferrells Bridge Road and Alford Mill Road has been repaired and service has been restored.

Customers that were without water will have some air in their water lines. Please run faucets for 5 – 10 minutes to flush out any remaining air.

For additional information concerning this event, please contact Christopher Doherty, Franklin County Public Utilities Director at (919) 556-6177. Additional contact numbers can be obtained by visiting Franklin County’s website at www.franklincountync.us.

April 12, 2019, @ 10:15 a.m.

Franklin County Public Utilities experienced a water main break on NC 39 between Ferrells Bridge Road and Alford Mill Road this morning at approximately 5 a.m. Customers would have experienced low pressure or some without water.

Public Utilities crews have isolated the leak and are repairing. At this time there is no estimated time when water will be restored.

For additional information concerning this event, please contact Christopher Doherty, Franklin County Public Utilities Director at (919) 556-6177.

Additional contact numbers can be obtained by visiting Franklin County’s website at www.franklincountync.us.