Tag Archive for: #franklincountynews

Education Veteran to Address VGCC Basic Skills Grads

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College will hold commencement exercises dedicated exclusively to new graduates of Adult Basic Skills programs on Thursday, May 2, 2019.

The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County. Those being honored will include students who have completed either the Adult High School Diploma program or the High School Equivalency program in the past year.

Rev. Dannie T. Williams, a longtime leader in education, will deliver the principal commencement address at VGCC’s Adult Basic Skills graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 2, 2019. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

Rev. Dannie T. Williams, a longtime leader in education, will deliver the principal commencement address. Williams is a Franklin County native and a GED High School Equivalency graduate himself. He went on to graduate from Shaw University with a B.A. in Criminal Justice, along with a minor in Sociology and Public Administration, from Christian Bible College in Rocky Mount with a Master of Theology, and from North Carolina State University with both a Master’s in School Administration and an Ed.S. in School Supervision and Administration.

Most recently, he has completed all required coursework for his doctoral degree (Ed.D.) and is currently working on his dissertation.

Williams has had numerous experiences in the field of public education. He began his career as a teacher assistant/bus driver. After receiving his Lateral Entry teacher certification, he taught the subjects of Social Studies, Science, Mathematics and English, and served at times as a basketball coach and coordinator of character education. He has served as a member of the Board of Education in Franklin County.

In administration, he was an assistant principal, principal, executive director for human resources and auxiliary services and is currently the chief of human resources with the Franklin County Schools.

Rev. Roberta Egerton will speak on behalf of graduating students at VGCC’s Adult Basic Skills graduation. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

In addition, Williams is a Christian educator. He served as the Minister for Church Life and Education for the Southern Conference, United Church of Christ (UCC), and currently is the President of the Board of Directors of the Southern Conference, UCC. He has been the Senior Pastor and Teacher of the Melfield UCC in Haw River, N.C., for 23 years and has over 43 years of ministry experience.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating students during the ceremony will be Rev. Roberta Egerton of Louisburg. She completed her High School Equivalency earlier this year after attending classes on VGCC’s Franklin County Campus. She is also a Monmouth Bible Institute graduate and an ordained Baptist minister.

Egerton has enrolled in curriculum classes at VGCC with plans to obtain an Associate’s Degree in Nursing.

Franklin Co. Sheriff’s Office Arrests Accused Sex Offender

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On November 16, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division issued a warrant for the arrest of Terry Jermaine Johnson, a Franklin County resident.

Charges consisted of the following: one (1) count of Felony Statutory Sexual Offense with a Child <= 15 Years Old and one (1) count of Felony Indecent Liberties with a Child.

On Thursday, April 18, 2019, with the assistance of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, Terry Jermaine Johnson was taken into custody during a vehicle stop, without incident.

Terry Jermaine Johnson is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Facility under a $350,000.00 secured bond.

Terry Jermaine Johnson DOB: 05/30/1977, 335 Wilders Lane Louisburg, NC 27549.

On Thursday, April 18, 2019, with the assistance of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, Terry Jermaine Johnson was taken into custody during a vehicle stop, without incident. Charges consisted of the following: one (1) count of Felony Statutory Sexual Offense with a Child <= 15 Years Old and one (1) count of Felony Indecent Liberties with a Child. (Photo courtesy FCSO)

 

LaRocca, New Director of Communications, Encouraged by VGCC’s ‘Fresh Approach’

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Christopher LaRocca, director of communications for Vance-Granville Community College, was the guest of honor on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program.

LaRocca, who joined the college in March after 15 years with Duke University, said his own experience as a graduate of North Country Community College in Saranac Lake, New York made the possibility of working for VGCC appealing.

“Vance-Granville is giving me another opportunity to give back to the community college system that gave so much to me,” LaRocca said. “I gained valuable tools learning how to manage my time, learning how to focus academically, and then using those skills at a four-year college and in my career.”

In addition to Duke University, LaRocca’s career includes stints with the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team and USA Basketball Men’s National Team.

While LaRocca believes his educational path was the key to success in his career, he agrees that everyone must define success in their own terms – an opportunity readily offered by the community college system.

“I’m a big proponent of education. I’m a big advocate of getting a four-year degree and even going on to get a master’s degree; however, I’m also aware that college isn’t for everyone. Sometimes getting a two-year degree in a skill or trade is enough to be successful,” stated LaRocca.

While less than two months into his new position, LaRocca said he is encouraged by the positive growth he has already witnessed under the leadership of VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. Desmarais, who previously served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, joined VGCC as the institution’s seventh president in January.

“I love the new, fresh approach at the college. Dr. Desmarais has some wonderful ideas in terms of restructuring and her view on where the college could be in the next few years.”

In a recent Town Talk interview with WIZS, Desmarais explained her vision promoted economic turnaround by helping the four-county area transition “from tobacco and old-style manufacturing into healthcare and biotech innovation.”

Part of that vision, according to LaRocca, is promoting new programs at the college to ensure students have the skills needed to be eligible for emerging career opportunities in the local area.

Two of VGCC’s newest programs – Healthcare Informatics and Cyber Security – will be offered as certificate and associate degree programs through the Information Technology Department beginning fall 2019.

“We are making strides to create new programs so there is something available for everyone. I encourage the community to check out our website frequently (www.vgcc.edu) for updates,” said LaRocca.

LaRocca also invites the community to attend upcoming events at VGCC, including:

To hear the Town Talk interview with LaRocca in its entirety, click here. LaRocca’s portion of the interview begins at the 10:00 mark.

VGCC Names 134 Students to Fall Semester Dean’s List

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 134 students earned Dean’s List academic honors for the fall 2018 semester.

To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student had to earn a GPA that was at least 3.5 but less than 4.0, and have no grade lower than “B,” while carrying a “full load” (at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses.

*WIZS posted the list of VGCC fall President’s List recipients on Thursday, April 18 (click here).

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

Accounting & Finance:

Jason A. Murphy of Franklinton;

Trina M. Leapley of Louisburg.

 

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:

Ernest F. Hill, III, and Tyrell Terry, both of Henderson;

Zavious D. Oakley of Oxford.

 

Associate in Arts:

Clay T. Boyd, Christyn M. Campbell, Sarah J. Jones and Brandi M. Umstead, all of Creedmoor;

Rebecca K. Middleton and Kimberly Ross, both of Franklinton;

Viridiana Chavez, Emani’ D. Foster, Viviana Hernandez, Sarah E. Howarth, Henry Huynh, Kristyn M. Medlin, Josie M. Roberson, Daquan M. Southerland, William A. Strickland, Hannah D. Wells, Corey K. Williams, Jr., Haley L. Williams and Al-Leain I. Young, all of Henderson;

Tiffany M. Frank, Rebekah L. Varker and Gracey R. Vaught, all of Kittrell;

Robert J. Holovnia of Louisburg;

Christy L. Beasley, Sherman I. Booker, Savannah L. Brogden, Laci A. Davidson, U’lia K. Hargrove, Asmaa Kassim, Kristie Lumpkin, Erin P. Whitt and Alexander C. Wilkinson, all of Oxford;

Kamiyah E. Wiggins of Townsville;

Josiah A. Trotter of Youngsville.

 

Associate in General Education – General Science:

Dakota M. Chabala of Franklinton;

Carly M. West of Littleton;

Vlada Balalova of Louisburg;

Kylie M. Blackwell of Timberlake;

Robyn N. Perry of Zebulon.

 

Associate in Science:

Astrid Portillo-Granado of Creedmoor;

Jacklyn C. Stanley of Durham;

James Geary and Kayla D. Romig, both of Franklinton;

William Z. Egerton, Shawn A. Faulkner and Evin F. Swilley, all of Henderson;

Maggie E. Dickerson and Brooklyn F. Fuller, both of Oxford;

Lindsay Fenlason of Wake Forest;

Quavion C. Basyden of Willard;

MacKenzie S. Clifford of Youngsville.

 

Automotive Systems Technology:

Brandon M. Sparrow of Creedmoor;

Justin T. Reavis of Henderson.

 

Business Administration:

Syreeta D. Scott-Jernigan of Franklinton;

Jennifer S. Crabtree of Kittrell;

Adero B. Bullock of Louisburg.

 

Cosmetology:

Megan L. Sandell of Creedmoor;

Hunter M. Boykin and Bridgett N. King, both of Franklinton;

Shelly C. Benson, Angel N. Bradford and Irina Z. Letts, all of Henderson;

Megan L. Twisdale of Kittrell;

Ashley J. Bennett of Louisburg;

Logan B. Breedlove of Oxford;

Jazmin L. King of Rougemont;

Rachel A. Savage of Wake Forest;

Danielle K. Hargrove and Brittney Wray, both of Warrenton;

Sydney G. Sakoman of Youngsville.

 

Criminal Justice:

Carly J. Minor of Butner;

Salvador I. Manjarrez Moli of Creedmoor;

Amali N. Elayah, Kalin D. Jackson, Keyla Lewis and Dylan Sanford, all of Henderson;

Brooke T. Bendel of Louisburg;

Sherese L. Hicks of Macon;

Abdon A. Silva and Matthew A. Smith, both of Oxford;

Addison U. Dinglasan of Youngsville.

 

Early Childhood Education:

Courtney Crute of Bullock;

Milena F. Nelsen of Franklinton;

Rochelle D. Williams of Henderson;

Melissa C. Ayscue and Ellen M. Young, both of Louisburg.

 

Electrical Systems Technology:

Jacob I. Mitchell of Oxford.

 

Electronics Engineering Technology:

Dakota L. Hodnett of Oxford.

 

Histotechnology:

Rawia Dafalla of Raleigh.

 

Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:

Gloria J. Chavis of Butner;

Grace A. Ohlandt of Franklinton.

 

Information Technology:

Christian E. Colon and Cody R. Hassell, both of Creedmoor;

Koty R. Glover, Colin Hope and Andrew M. Watkins, all of Henderson;

Spencer B. Duncan of Louisburg;

Emily Durling of Oxford;

Courtney L. Faison of Wake Forest.

 

Medical Assisting:

Ashley R. Hill of Henderson;

Crystal C. Williams of Louisburg.

 

Medical Office Administration:

Caroline P. Williamson of Bullock;

Savannah N. Jones, Kaitlyn T. Pojman and Galesia E. Williams, all of Durham;

Margaret Avery, Anna D. Davis, Cassidy J. Grissom, Raeann Johnson, Maryjo M. Parks and Shirley B. Spivey, all of Henderson;

Holly R. Heston of Louisburg;

Lisha T. Harris and Keshonda A. McMannen, both of Oxford;

Amy C. Hildebran of Warrenton.

 

Paralegal Technology:

Emari N. Ragland of Henderson;

Evelyn Nolasco of Louisburg.

 

Pharmacy Technology:

Jane M. Jones of Franklinton;

Fnu Monika of Roanoke Rapids.

 

Radiography:

Frantz Alexis of Chapel Hill;

Matthew S. Battistel, Dwayne D. Huneycutt and Paige D. Snider, all of Creedmoor;

Brooklyn Rooker of Henderson;

Rubi J. Coyote Baizabal of Roxboro;

Sabrina E. Bedard of Wake Forest;

Megan T. Whitman of Youngsville.

 

Welding Technology:

Michael D. Perry of Bunn;

Edmund M. Goulet of Oxford.

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.