Tag Archive for: #franklincountynews

VGCC Health Sciences Clubs Conducting Second ‘Prom Attire’ Drive

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

The Vance-Granville Community College Health Sciences clubs are collecting donations at all four VGCC campuses for a “Prom Attire” collection drive through February 28, 2019.

All donations will be collected for a giveaway event to provide local high school students free attire to fulfill their prom dreams, according to Stacey Soles, VGCC’s program head for Medical Assisting and clinical coordinator for Radiography.

The drive is the second for the Health Sciences Clubs in Radiography, Human Services, Pharmacy, Histotechnology, Medical Assisting and Nursing.

Dozens of prom dresses were donated for the first “Prom Attire” collection drive held earlier this year on Vance-Granville Community College’s four campuses. A drive is now underway through February 2019 to collect suits, shirts, dresses, shoes and accessories to be donated to high school students for free to fulfill their prom dreams. Donations can be dropped off at any VGCC campus. (Photo Credit: VGCC)

The club leaders are asking that only clean, gently-used or new items be donated. All sizes will be accepted. The clubs also request that no dated items be donated.

Items that will be accepted are:
• Suits & Shirts: Tuxedos, suits, suit separates, dress shirts, slacks, vests;
• Ties & Shoes: Neck ties, bow ties, dress shoes;
• Dressy Dresses: Gowns, prom, party, formal; and
• Accessories & Shoes: Jewelry/hair accessories, handbags/clutches.

Soles said that the clubs could use more items for males. “In our initial drive, we received a good number of dresses that are available for distribution next year,” she said. “We are especially in need of suits, dress shirts and slacks for men.”

Drop-off locations are located at:
• Main Campus, Building 5, Room 5225: Audrey Stainback;
• South Campus, Building 2, Room G2212: Stacey Soles;
• Franklin Campus, Building 1, Room F1101: Priscilla Lewis; and
• Warren Campus, Building 1, Room W1101: Ruthie Davis.

For more information, donors should contact Stacey Soles at (252) 738-3515 or soless@vgcc.edu.

Franklin Co. Sheriff’s Office Arrests Lynch for Multiple Drug Violations

-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Terry M. Wright – Chief of Staff

On September 20, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit, Community Action Team, Special Response Team and US Drug Enforcement Administration, arrested Franklin County resident, Hayward Therbert Lynch for multiple drug violations. In addition to the arrest, a search warrant was executed at 520 Earlie Collins Road, Castalia, NC.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit received information that Hayward Therbert Lynch was involved in the illegal sell of controlled substances in and around Franklin County. An investigation into these allegations led Detectives to 520 Earlie Collins Road where a search warrant resulted in the seizure of Crack Cocaine, Prescription Pills, US Currency and other items related to drug activity.

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “The focus of our Drug Unit continues to be on making a difference in our communities. This arrest is another example of how our drug enforcement strategies and priorities are paying off.”

On September 20, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit, Community Action Team, Special Response Team and US Drug Enforcement Administration, arrested Franklin County resident, Hayward Therbert Lynch for multiple drug violations.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit was assisted in this investigation by the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Branch of the State Bureau of Investigation.

Hayward Therbert Lynch

520 Earlie Collins Road

Castalia, NC 27816

Hayward Therbert Lynch was charged with the following:

Possession of Crack Cocaine

Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance

Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance

Possess with the intent to Sell and Deliver Crack Cocaine (4 Counts)

Sell and Deliver Crack Cocaine (4 Counts)

Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substances (5 Counts)

Hayward Therbert Lynch is currently in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $100,000 secured bond.

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.

Drug Activity Complaints Lead to Arrest of Franklin Co. Man

-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Terry M. Wright – Chief of Staff

On September 19, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Community Action Team arrested Franklin County resident, Mark Thomas Kemmerzell, Jr. for multiple drug offenses.

This investigation was the result of citizen complaints alleging that Mark Thomas Kemmerzell, Jr. was involved in illegal drug activity throughout Franklin and surrounding counties. As a result of these complaints, Narcotics Detectives initiated an investigation and was able to validate the information provided.

During the investigation, multiple purchases of Controlled Substances were made from Mark Thomas Kemmerzell, Jr.

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is committed to aggressively pursuing illegal drug activity and we will continue to make these investigations a priority. The citizens of our county continue to be proactive in providing information that is useful to our investigators and their tips are paying off.”

On September 19, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Community Action Team arrested Franklin County resident, Mark Thomas Kemmerzell, Jr. for multiple drug offenses. This investigation was the result of citizen complaints alleging that Kemmerzell, Jr. was involved in illegal drug activity throughout Franklin and surrounding counties.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit was assisted in this investigation by the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Branch of the State Bureau of Investigation.

Mark Thomas Kemmerzell, Jr.

52 Wilson Fuller Road

Louisburg, NC 27549

DOB: 03/09/1988

Mark Thomas Kemmerzell, Jr. was charged with the following: Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Heroin (2 Counts), Sell and Deliver Heroin (2 Counts), Maintain a Vehicle for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substances (2 Counts), Possession of a Schedule Ill Controlled Substance.

Mark Thomas Kemmerzell, Jr. is currently in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $100,000 secured bond.

For more information regarding this investigation, or to provide information regarding drug activity in your community, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 340-3432.

Red Cross: Blood, Platelet Donations Needed in Wake of Florence

-Press Release, American Red Cross

As the American Red Cross responds to Hurricane Florence, providing food, shelter and comfort to those affected, blood and platelet donors are urged to give when it’s safe to travel to care for patients in the storm’s path and across the country. People can also help by making a financial donation to support relief efforts.

Hurricane’s impact on blood and platelet donations

Hurricane Florence’s wrath left catastrophic damage behind and also took a toll on blood and platelet donations. Nearly 200 Red Cross blood drives in the Southeast were forced to cancel, resulting in more than 5,200 uncollected blood and platelet donations. In North Carolina, 57 blood drives were called off due to the storm, causing nearly 2,100 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected.

“Natural disasters like hurricanes can disrupt blood drives and prevent donors from giving, but hospital patients still depend on lifesaving transfusions,” said Cliff Numark, senior vice president, Red Cross Blood Services. “There is an especially critical need for platelets to help cancer patients and type O blood donations for ongoing patient care and emergencies. Every donation can be a lifeline for patients.”

How to help

As conditions improve, donors of all blood types are urged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets and replenish the blood supply. Appointments can be made by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS  (1-800-733-2767).

Financial donations are also needed and allow the Red Cross to provide disaster relief immediately. Help people affected by Hurricane Florence by visiting RedCross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word FLORENCE to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Up-to-date information about how the Red Cross is responding to Hurricane Florence is available at RedCross.org.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in your area:

Franklin County

Louisburg

9/22/2018: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Rock Spring Baptist Church, 34 Rock Springs Church Rd.

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Granville County

Creedmoor

9/28/2018: 2  – 6:30 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Avenue

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Warren County

Norlina

10/13/2018: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Zion United Methodist Church, 141 Zion Church Rd.

How to donate blood

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Franklin County Logo

Tar River Below Flood Levels; No Road Closures in Franklin Co.

-Information and chart courtesy Kristen G. King, Clerk to the Board, County of Franklin

According to Franklin County Emergency Services Director Jeff Lewis, there are no reports of road closures in Franklin County due to flooding at this time.

As of 9 a.m. Thursday morning, the Tar River in Louisburg was below minor flood levels.

VGCC Trustees Approve Firm For Presidential Search, Adopt 2018-19 Budget

 -Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

The Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees approved a firm to assist in the search for a new president, adopted a budget for the current fiscal year, and welcomed a trustee who is returning to the board after being away for two years. The actions came at the bi-monthly meeting on Monday, Sept. 17, on the college’s Main Campus.

The Trustees selected the firm of Executive Leadership Associates (ELA) LLC of Emerald Isle to assist in the search for a replacement for Dr. Stelfanie Williams who left the college in August to take a job with Duke University.

ELA describes itself as “a consortium of former North Carolina community college presidents who are committed to ensuring that our internationally recognized community college system continues its proud tradition of excellence — one community college at a time.”

VGCC’s newest Trustee, Dr. Doris Terry Williams, was sworn in for a four-year appointment on the college board by retired District Court Judge J. Henry Banks. From left are Judge Banks, Dr. Williams and Jerry Stainback, the attorney for the Board of Trustees, who assisted with the swearing in. (Photo Credit: VGCC)

The firm will help the VGCC Board of Trustees by guiding the search process, creating a presidential profile of the ideal candidate needed, and recruiting and screening applicants as needed. The search will begin in October with plans to have the new president in place in March 2019. The trustees are expected to present finalists to the State Board of Community Colleges for evaluation early in 2019, according to Dr. Gordon Burns who is serving as interim president for the college. Dr. Burns served as president of Wilkes Community College in North Wilkesboro for 18 years before retiring in 2014.

Six firms responded to the requests for proposals, according to Trustee Deborah Brown, chair of the Trustees’ presidential search committee. Serving with Brown are Trustees Herb Gregory, vice chair; N. Annette P. Myers, Abdul Sm Rasheed, Donald C. Seifert, Sr., and Sara C. Wester.

Budget Adopted

The Trustees adopted a budget of $33,166,414 for the new fiscal year, approving VGCC’s budget resolution for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 on a recommendation from the Budget Committee of the board, chaired by Trustee Abdul Sm Rasheed.

On the Current Expense side of the budget, $19,438,484 comes from the State of North Carolina, $2,587,868 from the four counties served by the college, and $9,273,716 from institutional funds. In the Capital Outlay budget, $1,726,846 comes from the State and $139,500 from the counties.

At the county level, Vance County is contributing $1,151,597 to the current operating funds; Granville, $752,184; Franklin, $369,168; and Warren, $225,625, with an additional $89,294 coming from institutional funds. Among capital improvement funds from the counties, Vance is contributing $73,874; Granville, $39,626; Franklin, $20,000; and Warren, $6,000.

The 2018-2019 budget is allocated as follows: institutional support: $5,433,372; curriculum instruction: $10,362,152; continuing education: $2,705,504; academic support: $1,368,526; student support: $2,075,516; plant operations and maintenance: $2,018,035; proprietary/other: $2,272,851; student aid: $5,064,112; capital outlay, excluding capital improvements: $786,141; and capital improvement projects: $1,080,205.

Dr. Doris Terry Williams Appointed To Board

Dr. Doris Terry Williams was sworn in to a four-year term on the VGCC Board of Trustees after being selected by the Vance County Board of Education to fill the vacancy created when long-time Trustee L. Opie Frazier, Jr., retired.

Dr. Williams, a retired educator and administrator, returns to the Board of Trustees after being off the board for two years. She was previously appointed to the board by the Governor’s Office in 2010 to fill an unexpired term and was reappointed in 2012 for a full four-year term.

As the owner and chief executive officer of EdComm, LLC, her own consulting group, Dr. Williams provides consultation regionally and nationally on education and community development issues.

A Vance County resident, she lived in Warren County and served on the Warren County Board of Education for 12 years, including five as the board chair. She has served as executive director of the Rural School and Community Trust and director of the Trust’s Capacity Building Program. She is now a senior fellow with the Rural Trust, which is a national non-profit dedicated to addressing the crucial relationship between good rural schools and thriving rural communities. She also has served as assistant dean and associate professor in the School of Education and director of University-School Partnerships at North Carolina Central University.

In other action:

  • The Trustees voted to close the Child Care Center on the Franklin Campus no later than June 1, 2019. The decision comes after an extended evaluation leading to the conclusion that the center is not financially sustainable, Dr. Burns told the board. Information packets that list other options for child care in the Franklin County area have been prepared for parents who currently have children at the center. The center, which currently has nine children, was originally created to provide Vance-Granville’s curriculum students with an environment to advance their Early Childhood experiences and to provide child care services for our students and staff. The center has been used mostly by the public in the past several years, Dr. Burns said.
  • In an update on capital projects, Trustee Donald C. Seifert, Sr., said a design contract was executed in August for $320,400 for fire alarm replacements and renovations to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems on the Main Campus. Fire alarm replacement work will be bid out in February 2019 with work expected to begin the following May. The HVAC renovations will begin in the summer of 2020. Meanwhile, renovation work is scheduled to start this month on the second phase of renovations to Building 10. Space is being renovated to add a Practical Simulation Lab for Law Enforcement, Fire/Rescue and Emergency Medical Services programs.
  • Steve Graham, VGCC’s vice president of finance and operations, reported for the Investment Committee, citing a 12 percent growth in the college’s investments since the beginning of 2017.
  • Trustee Sara Wester, chair of the board’s Personnel Committee, provided an informational report on new employees, retirements, resignations and changes in positions.
  • The Curriculum Committee, chaired by Trustee Barbara Cates Harris, presented new appointments to the Advisory Committees for college programs for the 2018-2019 academic year. The appointments were approved by the Trustees.

Presiding over the meeting was Board of Trustees Chair Danny Wright.

The Board of Trustees will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, November 19 at the Main Campus.

Forecast for Tar River in Louisburg Changes; Minor Flood Stage Reached

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

UPDATE: Wednesday, September 19 at 9:30 a.m.

The latest forecast indicates that the Tar River in Louisburg will peak at 21.1 ft tonight, Wednesday, September 19 at 6 p.m. Minor flood stage for the Tar River in Louisburg is 20.0 ft. Moderate flood stage is 22 ft.

Tar River in Louisburg Expected to Peak Just Below Minor Flood Stage

-Information and chart courtesy Kristen G. King, Clerk to the Board, County of Franklin

As of Tuesday, September 18, the latest forecast is that the Tar River in Louisburg will peak at 19.05 ft tomorrow, Wednesday, September 19, 2018, at 6 p.m.

Minor flood stage for the Tar River in Louisburg is 20.0 ft.

Franklin County Logo

US-1 River Basin Near Franklin/Vance Co. Line Flooded; Tar River Rising

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

Emergency Services Director Jeff Lewis has issued the information below following a recent update on roadways from the North Carolina Department of Transportation:

  • There is approximately two feet of water flowing over the one-lane bridge on Green Hill Road near the Franklin/Granville County line.
  • The US-1 river basin is flooded near the Franklin/Vance County line.
  • The Tar River is approximately five to six feet below flood stage in Louisburg and continues to rise.

Citizens are encouraged to move any property you may have located in an early flood-prone area. Emergency Management will continue to monitor the river gauge located in Louisburg.

Franklin County Logo

Shelters Open at Louisburg Senior Center, Franklinton High School

Update – Friday, September 14 – 11 a.m.

Shelters are currently open at the Louisburg Senior Center (127 Shannon Village) and Franklinton High School (910 Cedar Creek Road). For information about NC shelters, visit ReadyNC.org. You may also monitor https://www.franklincountync.us/alerts/hurricane-florence.

Franklin County residents are urged to sign up for Code Red alerts at https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/76FC03E45CDF.