Tag Archive for: #franklincountynews

National Weather Service

Severe Weather Predicted for Thursday Evening, All Day Friday

/by

-Information and weather charts courtesy Brian K. Short, Director of Emergency Operations, Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations 

According to the National Weather Service, there is a marginal risk for severe weather Thursday evening through Friday evening.

Severe weather may include isolated thunderstorms that develop late tonight and toward daybreak on Friday across the Coastal Plain and the eastern Piedmont. A strong to severe storm is possible with a primary threat of wind gusts in excess of 50 MPH, which may produce downed trees and power outages.

U.S. Department of Justice

2018 Eastern District Election Officer Appointed

/by

-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Robin Pendergraft, Chief of the Criminal Division will lead the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 6, 2018, general elections. AUSA Pendergraft has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of North Carolina, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of any complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud,” said United Staes Attorney Higdon. “The Department of Justice is dedicated to protecting the integrity of the election process.”

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.

Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.

The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise may exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt the voting process are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 6, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Higdon stated that AUSA/DEO Pendergraft will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 919-856-4530.

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The Raleigh FBI field office can be reached by the public at 919-380-4500.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to voting.section@usdoj.gov or by complaint form at https://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.

United States Attorney Higdon said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”

News releases are available on the U.S. Attorney’s webpage at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce. Follow us on twitter @USAO_EDNC.

Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments

Kerr-Tar Releases Proposed Transportation Projects for 2020-2029

/by

-Information courtesy Michael Kelly, Regional Planning Director, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments

The KTRPO has proposed the following division needs transportation projects to be considered for inclusion in the 2020-2029 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Aerial maps of the projects are available for public viewing at the websites below.

The points assigned by the KTRPO were done in accordance with the adopted Local Input Methodology. Public comments will be open for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days. Comments may be sent to the following: info@kerrtarcog.org with the phrase ‘KTRPO Division Needs Project Comments‘ in the subject line. Alternatively, comments may be mailed to the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments at P.O. Box 709 Henderson, NC 27536

https://www.kerrtarcog.org/

https://www.kerrtarcog.org/departments/transportation/meetings/announcements/

VGCC Honors 10 In Emergency Medical Tech-Paramedic Program

/by

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College honored 10 students who completed the college’s Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic program in August.

The graduates included Kaylee Bradsher of Roxboro, Joseph Carpunky of Henderson, Reginald Collins of Henderson, Paul Currin of Norlina, Lawrence Green of Wake Forest, Kaylelynn Grindstaff of Louisburg, William Holder of Roxboro, Abigail Milton of Henderson, Aaron Porterfield of Wake Forest, and Mario Wright of Henderson.

The class, which began in August 2017, was instructed by Vivian Loyd, a Registered Nurse and Paramedic Level II instructor.

Above: Seated, from left, are Mario Wright, Paul Currin, Kaylelynn Grindstaff, Abigail Milton, and William Holder; standing, from left, instructor Vivian Loyd, Aaron Porterfield, Lawrence Green, Kaylee Bradsher, Reginald Collins, Joseph Carpunky, and EMS Coordinator Stephen Barney. (VGCC photo)

EMT-Paramedic instruction includes 660 hours of didactic (classroom) training and 400 hours of clinical education, or field internship. To be eligible to take the EMT-P course, students had to have already completed a 203-hour EMT-Basic course and passed a state exam.

An EMT-Paramedic has enhanced skills beyond the EMT-Basic level, including being able to administer additional interventions and medications. The EMT-P delivers the highest level of pre-hospital medical care in North Carolina.

Students had to pass several different exams, including a “scope of practice” exam, in order to successfully complete the EMT-P course. The scenario-based evaluation tested the hands-on and critical thinking skills of students as they delivered the appropriate treatment to multiple trauma patients and dealt with pediatric, environmental, and mental illness situations. Each student also had to complete an 80-hour Anatomy and Physiology course.

With the completion of the EMT-P course, the students take the 100-question North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services credentialing exam to become state-certified.

VGCC offers Emergency Medical Services training from the basic to the Paramedic level, in addition to continuing education, with most of the classes being taught in Building 10, the new home for Emergency Medical Services training, located on Main Campus across from the main entrance to the college. For more information on enrolling in these courses, call EMS Coordinator/instructor Stephen Barney at (252) 738-3273.

CALEA Assessors To Review N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement for National Accreditation

/by

-Press Release, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation

A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. will be visiting the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Branch of the State Bureau of Investigation on Tues., Nov. 13, to inspect aspects of the agency’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.

The purpose of the assessment is to ensure ALE meets approximately 180 CALEA standards to achieve accredited status.

“By undergoing this voluntary submittal of intense scrutiny and peer review from the commission, ALE will demonstrate to the citizens of North Carolina that their state law enforcement agency is among the finest in the nation, exemplifying professionalism, accountability and transparency,” said Kelton Brown, ALE Branch Head.

As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the public are invited to offer comments directly to the assessment team during a public information session. They will be also focusing on providing addicts with options for rehab by finding the best christian drug rehab facilities near me and other centers for the ones who are interested in a different environment for detoxification. The event will be held on Tues., Nov.13, at 4 p.m. at the State Bureau of Investigation auditorium, 3320 Garner Road, Raleigh. Anyone unable to attend the public information session may address the assessors by calling (919) 582-8403 on Tues., Nov. 13, between 2 and 4 p.m. Comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with CALEA’s standards.

Persons wishing to offer written comments about the ALE Branch’s ability to meet the standards for accreditation are requested to write: Commission for Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., 13575 Heathcote Blvd., Suite 320, Gainesville, Virginia 20155, or call (703) 352-4225.

For more information regarding the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., the public may write the Commission at the above address, call, or visit their website at https://www.calea.org.

For more information on the ALE Branch’s accreditation process, please contact Assistant Special Agent in Charge for Professional Standards Angela Hayes at (919) 662-4500.

American Flag

Franklin County to Celebrate Veterans in Annual Celebration

/by

-Press Release, Franklin County

The spotlight will focus on local veterans on Monday, November 12, 2018, as Franklin County conducts its annual Veteran’s Day Program at the Louisburg National Guard Armory, located at 600 South Bickett Boulevard, Louisburg, NC. The official program will begin at 11 a.m. Guest Speaker for the event will be Ret. Colonel Archie Taylor, Jr. (US Army) of Vance County.

Musical selections for the program will be rendered by the Louisburg High School Band, members of American Legion Posts and several talented citizens. A meal of local favorites, prepared by the Justice Volunteer Fire Department, will be served after the official program.

Citizens are encouraged to attend and share their appreciation for the Veterans of our county, state and nation who have bravely served our armed forces. This event is sponsored by Franklin County with support from a number of local sponsors.

For more information, contact Franklin County Veterans Services at 919-496-1939 or visit www.franklincountync.us. The office provides support to veterans and their families in researching and understanding resources available to aid in their welfare.

Maria Parham Health Launches Helpline to Assist Medicare Beneficiaries

/by

-Information courtesy the Maria Parham Health website 

Maria Parham Health announced the launch of a toll-free helpline designed to help Medicare beneficiaries select a health plan that fits their needs and budget while also keeping in-network access to the doctors and hospital services they trust.

The new toll-free helpline, run by MedicareCompareUSA, connects callers with local licensed agents who can assist in comparing Medicare Advantage, Supplement and Prescription plans and then facilitate enrollment in the plan selected. Through this program, it will be easier for Medicare beneficiaries to find a plan that is in-network with Maria Parham Health and its affiliated doctors. Patients can access the helpline through a link on the hospital’s website mariaparham.com.

“Seniors are bombarded with confusing messages from competing health plans and options, and this is especially true for those just turning 65 and becoming eligible for Medicare for the first time,” said Bert Beard, Chief Executive Officer. “This helpline is a one-stop resource for insurance information, so seniors can be confident in the selections they make.”

In addition to providing assistance throughout the plan application and enrollment process, agents of MedicareCompareUSA can provide an annual review of an enrollee’s Medicare coverage during Medicare’s annual enrollment period. This often includes assisting members affected by Medicare plan network changes that frequently occur on an annual basis. Doing so assures that beneficiaries have the information they need to proactively select a plan that best meets their specific needs, preferences and budget while retaining continuity of care with their providers.

Beard points out that Maria Parham Health is not in-network with all insurance options or health plans, and contractual relationships may change on an annual basis. If a patient enrolls with a health plan with which Maria Parham Health does not have a contract, they may experience increased out-of-pocket expenses for receiving care from the doctors they know and trust.

“Our patients trust us to be their healthcare partner,” said Beard “This helpline will assist Medicare patients in making an informed decision regarding their insurance options at this important time in their life. We urge all local seniors to take advantage of this free service.”

Franklin County Selects Finance Director Jamie Ross Holtzman

/by

-Press Release, Franklin County

Franklin County Manager Angela L. Harris named Jamie Ross Holtzman as Finance Director today. Ms. Holtzman will assume the position November 26, 2018.

Ms. Holtzman currently serves Warren County as Finance Director. She began her career in Warren County in 2014 and has served there as both Interim Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director.

Jamie Ross Holtzman has been named Finance Director for Franklin County. Ms. Holtzman will assume the position November 26, 2018.

Ms. Holtzman is a Certified Finance Officer, having obtained her certification from the UNC School of Government in January 2017 and is a member of the North Carolina Government Finance Officer Association. She graduated from Vance-Granville Community College and holds Associate Degrees in both Accounting and Business Administration.

County Manager Harris stated, “Ms. Holtzman has a demonstrated track record in fiscal controls and management. I feel Ms. Holtzman is a proven leader with excellent financial credentials. She has 4 ½ years of local government experience and desires to lead and be a member of a progressive team.”

County Manager Harris went on to say, “I appreciate the continued service and leadership of Interim Finance Director Chuck Murray. He has been an invaluable member of the team and ensured a seamless transition during the time in which the position was vacant.”

For additional information, please contact Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager, at (919) 496 – 5994.

Beard: Maria Parham is Committed to ‘Making Communities Healthier’

/by

-Press Release, Maria Parham Health. Editorial by Bert Beard, CEO, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health’s mission is Making Communities Healthier. We are proud to partner with the communities we serve to achieve this mission. Our physicians, employees, volunteers, and board members work hard every day to provide the highest quality care possible for our community, collaborating with patients and family members, employers, community leaders and others to create a legacy of care that will last for generations to come.

Because of the strength of our partnership with our region, we have been able to support our shared communities in many ways. The most important contribution we make is providing high-quality care close to home. Quality and service are at the center of how we care for our patients, and we continually invest in our facility to ensure we can meet the healthcare needs of our community.

In 2017, we made $3,594,560 in capital improvements, including new entrance canopies for our cancer and heart and vascular centers, a new telemetry monitoring system for expanded coverage in the hospital, and the addition of Maria Parham Franklin – an emergency department and psychiatric care facility in Franklin County.

Recruiting talented physicians into our community and supporting them also is a key driver of our efforts to ensure that our communities have access to high-quality care and service. During the past year, Maria Parham Health added 50 new providers in interventional cardiology, emergency medicine, anesthesiology, telepsychiatry, wound care, radiation oncology and more.

To create places where physicians want to practice and employees want to work, we strive to create an environment where talent is recognized, job satisfaction is valued and our 700 employees can effectively use their skills in providing high-quality care and service. We provided more than $47,044,014 in salaries, wages and benefits so that our employees and their families can live, play and grow in the place they call home.

Supporting local organizations and delivering healthcare to all of our neighbors, regardless of their ability to pay, are foundational to our commitment to the overall well-being of our communities. In addition to numerous sponsorships and charitable gifts to organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, American Cancer Society, United Way, American Red Cross and many more, we delivered more than $7.74 million in healthcare to those in our community who were in need. And as a fiscally responsible member of our community, we paid a total of $ $5,961,113 in taxes.

It is our honor to serve our communities. We are proud that, in a constantly changing – and increasingly challenging – healthcare landscape, we have been able to continue to expand the many ways we contribute to and serve our communities. This is only possible with your support, and we need your partnership now more than ever to continue the important work that we do in collaboration with you each day.

Healthcare involves many choices, and when you choose a local healthcare provider like Maria Parham Health for your care, you help us to do more for our community. Choosing our hospital over one of the many regional facilities vying for your attention helps us to ensure access to quality care locally, provide care for those in need, ensure local jobs and create opportunities for professional growth regionally, fuel economic development and contribute to the prosperity of our region, and boost support for regional organizations.

On behalf of our dedicated staff, board members and volunteers, thank you for your partnership and for entrusting us with your healthcare, and thank you for your continued support as we seek new ways to work with you to make our community healthier in 2018 and beyond.

VGCC Franklin Campus Hosting Education Night For Adult Learners

/by

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College’s Franklin County Campus is hosting a special event for new and returning adult learners to learn more about its plans for Evening & Weekend College.

Education Night for Adult Learners will be held on Thursday, November 1, at 6 p.m. at the campus located at 8100 N.C. Highway 56 in Louisburg.

“The Evening & Weekend College will serve all learners at Vance-Granville, with an emphasis on the adult learner,” said Bobbie Jo May, dean of the Franklin Campus. “Our campus will provide placement testing and counseling services on some evenings and weekends, and we’ll offer hybrid sections of courses with classes on campus once per week or even once per month to meet the busy schedules of adult learners. The college is strategically planning to meet the diverse needs of this population.”

As a part of the Evening & Weekend College, Franklin Campus will offer many courses for the upcoming Spring Semester through the College Transfer program, including English, Math, Biology, Introduction to Computers and Psychology. The Career and Technical Division will offer courses in the Welding, Paralegal, Medical Office Administration, Business Management, Biotechnology, Medical Assisting and Early Childhood Education curriculum programs.

VGCC’s Franklin Campus also offers a robust selection of courses through the Continuing Education division during the day, evenings and weekends for the Spring Semester and the Summer Terms in 2019: among them, Nursing Assistant, Medication Technician, Phlebotomist, Notary Public, Biotechnology, Human Resource Specialist, and Healthcare Administration.

“We encourage those who are interested in how the Evening & Weekend College can accommodate their schedules to come to the Franklin Campus on November 1 so that we can help them achieve professional and personal success in their lives,” said May.