-Information courtesy Kristen King, Clerk to the Board, Franklin County
ReadyNC.org has information about planning and preparing for emergencies plus specifics on the types of disasters and what to do during recovery. The app will also include shelter information if/when they are opened.
To locate the app, search ReadyNC or visit https://readync.org/EN/index.html.
Updated Monday, Sept. 10 at 11 a.m.
WIZS will be bringing you updates on Hurricane Florence as new information is received. Please check the WIZS website, Facebook page and listen live to WIZS 1450 AM and 100.1 FM for updates throughout the week. Information is provided courtesy Brian K. Short, director of Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations.
Confidence continues to increase that Hurricane Florence will have a significant impact on NC.
Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations continues to monitor the storm very closely and we are actively making plans to implement emergency protective measures such as sheltering and the issuance of a local State of Emergency should it become necessary.
We are continuing to coordinate with local and State response partners and will be participating in a series of conference calls with State Emergency Management over the coming days.
Make no mistake, this is a storm that all of us should take VERY seriously. The time to prepare for this storm is at hand if you have not already begun. Below is a list of recommended family preparedness items that we strongly recommend everyone has on hand prior to the storm’s impact. Remember, it could take as long as 72 hours for help to reach you if our impact is significant and damage is widespread.
Remember to monitor the storm’s progress closely as it heads our way and do not take its approach lightly. We will continue to forward along additional updates as they are received.
Recommended Family Preparedness Items
The best time to assemble a three-day emergency supplies kit is well before you will ever need it. Most people already have these items around the house and it is a matter of assembling them now before an evacuation or State of Emergency order is issued. Stocking up now on emergency supplies can add to your family’s safety and comfort during and after a disaster. Store enough supplies for at least three days, preferably seven days, in one place.
Start with an easy to carry, watertight container – a large plastic trash can will do, or line a sturdy cardboard box with a couple of trash bags. Next, gather up the following items and place them in your kit:
Essentials
Sanitation Supplies
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Updated Monday, Sept. 10 at 10 a.m.
As most of you are aware, Tropical Storm Florence is making its way across the Atlantic with the overwhelming majority of the forecast models bringing it in our direction the middle of the week. Additionally, it is forecast to be a major Hurricane at the time of landfall. Normally at this stage of a tropical system’s approach, we are largely watching it and will begin making decisions and initiating our preparedness activities as it gets a little closer. However, with the models essentially lining up as they are it only makes sense to accelerate some of our efforts.
NC Emergency Management will begin conducting conference calls on Monday with all the counties in our area if our situation does not improve prior to that point.
Our office will also begin our planning efforts on Monday and will be coordinating with our local and state response partners as the week goes on. Even as far away as the storm currently is, given the relative certainty of the forecast tracks, we are advising everyone to begin some basic preparedness activities of their own.
Remember, even if Florence does not pay us a visit, the Atlantic basin is alive with activity at present with system after system lining up. The National Weather Service will be issuing storm updates through the day and every day until the storm is no longer a threat. We will forward those updates along as they are received. Remember the time to prepare is now.
Updated Friday, Sept. 7 at 5 p.m.
Florence, churning out in the Atlantic, has weakened to tropical storm status but is expected to gain strength again over the weekend.
According to Brian K. Short, director of Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations, local residents need to keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared for inclement weather.
“Some of the current models are showing Tropical Storm Florence could have an Eastern US impact towards the end of next week, but it is still too early to call,” said Short. “We will keep an eye on it moving forward and will continue to push out additional updates as they are received.”
The National Weather Service has released a list of five things that you need to know now:
1) It’s too early to predict exactly where Florence will move beyond early next week.
2) Concerns for at least some effects on the U.S. are growing, but it is far too early to give specifics.
3) It is never too early to PREPARE! What should be in your hurricane kit? https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
4) Know your risk! Find out if you live in a flood zone or if your home would be unsafe during a hurricane.
5) Be cautious of the information you see on social media. Avoid sources that create hype or promise forecasts beyond the limits of current science.
-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College
The Pope Foundation has created a new Academic Achievement Scholarship at Vance-Granville Community College in honor of retired Variety Wholesalers, Inc., President Wilson Sawyer of Raleigh.
The scholarship will award $500 per year to a deserving student enrolled at Vance-Granville. Priority will be given to students who are employees of Variety Wholesalers (home store, distribution center or retail stores) and members of the families of those employees. Preference will be given to students who are pursuing a degree in Business Administration.
“Our business roots in the area go back many years and we are proud to call Henderson and Vance County ‘home,’” said James Arthur “Art” Pope, chairman of Variety Wholesalers. “Wilson never lost sight of our customers and our promise to deliver great value and prices. We’re grateful for his friendship and dedication over these many years. We hope this scholarship inspires a new generation of leaders who share Wilson’s commitment to service.”
Wilson Sawyer, center, the retired president of Variety Wholesalers, Inc., in Henderson, has been honored by the Pope Foundation with the creation of an Academic Achievement Scholarship to benefit students of Vance-Granville Community College. With him, from left, are Eddie Ferguson, director of the VGCC Endowment Fund, and Kay Currin, endowment specialist. (VGCC Photo)
“There are two reasons I’m excited about this scholarship,” said the honoree, Sawyer. “Number 1, if it helps folks in the company that helped me for many years, that’s a plus. Number 2, I’m a big supporter of the community college program and I think it’s important to encourage folks to start their education here.”
Sawyer knows about the community college experience first-hand, he said. His daughter was a student at Central Carolina Community College in Sanford before transferring to a four-year institution when the family moved to Raleigh. “She excelled in college and I think it’s because of the basis that she got at the community college.” His daughter is now a school teacher, he said.
Following a lifelong career in retail, Sawyer retired as president of Variety Wholesalers in February. He started his career in the Maxway store management program, rising to hold various roles. When Variety Wholesalers acquired Maxway in 1990, Sawyer stayed with the company as president of the Maxway division. After years of leading multiple store brand divisions, he was named president and chief operating officer of Variety Wholesalers Stores in 2003. When Bruce Efird joined Variety Wholesalers Stores as president in 2017, Saywer moved to holding company leadership. He remains on Variety’s board of directors and is assisting the company in an advisory capacity.
“We are excited that the Pope Foundation and Variety Wholesalers have chosen to honor Mr. Sawyer with this new scholarship,” said Eddie Ferguson, director of the VGCC Endowment Fund. “Both have been stalwart supporters of our students and the college through contributions to scholarships and activities such as our golf tournament which also benefit students.”
“I’ve been so impressed with the community support that has come to my attention since becoming Vance-Granville’s interim president,” added Dr. Gordon Burns, who assumed the new role in mid-August while VGCC searches for a permanent president. “This gift from the Pope Foundation will continue to honor Mr. Sawyer and help students each and every year, serving as a reminder of the importance of a community and its institutions getting involved in the education of our citizens. We are so grateful.”
Founded in 1986 and located in Raleigh, the Pope Foundation makes grants to advance individual freedom, personal responsibility and encourage opportunity for all North Carolinians. The Pope Foundation’s lifetime giving totals more than $145 million directed to over 400 nonprofits. The Pope Foundation receives its support from the Pope family, owner and operator of the Henderson-based Variety Wholesalers, Inc.
The new scholarship will add to the more than 9,000 scholarships that have been awarded to students since 1982, funded by interest earned on the Endowment Fund and Scholarship Program. Scholarships have been established by individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff to assist deserving students. Tax-deductible donations to the VGCC Endowment Fund have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business, industry or organization with a lasting gift to education. In the Fall of 2017, Vance-Granville awarded scholarships to 306 students.
For more information, the Office of the Endowment can be reached by calling Endowment Specialist Kay Currin at (252) 738-3409.
-Information courtesy Franklin County Schools
Franklin County Schools continue to make gains in performance grades with six schools making an “A” or a “B” during the 2017-2018 academic year. That is up from two “B” schools just three years ago.
Nine schools earned a “C” and 14 out of the 16 schools met or exceeded growth. Within three years’ time, the district went from seven low performing schools in 2014-2015 to one low performing school in 2017-2018.
School grades are based on an 80/20 formula. 80 percent of the mark comes from proficiency of end-of-year tests, 20 percent of the grade is based on student growth.
Franklin County Schools’ composite score is nine percentage points ahead of where the district was three years ago. The score is 57.5, or up 8.7 points from the 2014-2015 school year.
“We meet every student where they are and strive for growth. 87% of our schools met or exceeded a year’s worth of growth for a year’s worth of instruction. Our staff demonstrated a commitment to excellence, which contributed to the moving from seven low performing schools to just one, over three academic years. We are proud of our accomplishments and will continue to build upon these through fostering relationships and setting high standards for instruction in the classroom,” says Superintendent, Dr. Rhonda Schuhler.
Most schools maintained or increased their letter grade. There was also a significant improvement in school growth in comparison from last academic year—to the current one.
When it comes to individual school performance, the Early College High School earned an “A” for the second year and exceeded growth for the third straight year.
Bunn Middle School exceeded growth for the second straight year and Royal Elementary exceeded growth for the first time ever.
Franklinton Elementary School is no longer a low performing school, earning a “C”.
Youngsville Elementary is a “B” school for the first time since the 2014-2015 school year.
Laurel Mill Elementary is a “B” school… going from a 54 or “D “low performing school to a 71 or “B” in just three years. It is only one of four North Carolina schools to see that type of increase in a three-year period.
All high schools met or exceeded growth with Louisburg High School increasing by 2.5 composite points. The Early College High School went up 2.8 composite points.
Results also show our graduates are career and college ready.
Franklin County’s graduation rate came in at the highest ranking since the state started to keep track of the figure. 86% of high school seniors graduated in the last academic school year, up one percentage point from the previous year. It is also right in line with the state average of 86.3%
80% of the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) graduates received a certificate or credential and 25% of graduates earned at least one post-secondary credit.
Superintendent, Dr. Rhonda Schuhler credits a change in school culture for the marked success, especially at the elementary school level. School leaders are holding teachers accountable and teachers are holding parents and students accountable. It is a culture where learning is possible.
“Our staff is focused on the right thing which is student achievement. Our teachers are going to do what is right for our kids and because of that, we are going to get positive results. When principals build strong relationships with teachers, teacher vitality improves. Teachers are happier to come to work and they, in turn, give our students the best possible education.”
-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce’s “Focus” newsletter – July/August 2018
September is National Preparedness Month. For small business owners, being prepared can mean the difference between staying in business or not following a disaster. The Small Business Administration can assist your business from the planning stages to recovery. Below are the steps they list for Emergency Preparedness. These are each covered at a more in-depth level on the SBA website at www.SBA.gov.
Disaster Planning
Small business owners invest a tremendous amount of time, money and resources to make their ventures successful, yet many owners fail to properly plan and prepare for disaster situations. According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, an estimated 25 percent of businesses do not reopen following a major disaster. You can protect your business by identifying the risks associated with natural and man-made disasters, and by creating a plan for action should a disaster strike. By keeping those plans updated, you can help ensure the survival of your business. A great place to start is the SBA’s Small Business Disaster Preparedness Guide on the web.
Disaster Assistance
Disaster can strike at any time, and even the most prepared businesses can be adversely impacted. If your business has been impacted by a disaster, the SBA can help by providing disaster assistance.
Disaster Cleanup
Taking the proper cleanup precautions means you can get back to business sooner. Explore some important tips and advice to help you get back on your feet safely.
SBA’s Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Plan
This plan lays out an overall plan for the Disaster Loan Program, both for smaller scale events when ODA resources easily meet demand and for larger scale ones requiring greater participation from all agency resources.
State Government Information
State governments relay pertinent information to businesses affected by disasters and offer a number of services to help businesses prepare and recover from disasters. Learn more about your state.
-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Terry M. Wright – Chief of Staff
On August 30, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Community Action Team, arrested two Franklin County residents: Timmie Lee Richardson and Gerretta Harrison Richardson of 885 Tollie Weldon Road, Henderson, NC on a variety of drug offenses.
Timmie Lee Richardson
This investigation into illegal narcotics trafficking began as a result of citizen complaints alleging that drug activity was occurring at 885 Tollie Weldon Road, Henderson, NC. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit was able to confirm the information provided and began an investigation which led to fourteen (14) felony drug charges against Timmie Lee Richardson and three (3) felony drug charges against Gerretta Harrison Richardson.
In addition to the arrests, a search warrant was executed at 885 Tollie Weldon Road which resulted in the seizure of Cocaine, Marijuana, four (4) firearms, US Currency and two (2) vehicles. The street value of the drugs seized is $11,764.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in the investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Branch (ALE), Henderson Police Department and the NC National Guard Counter Drug Task Force.
Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Our Drug Unit continues to put an emphasis on making cases that make a difference in our communities. These arrests were the direct result of concerned citizens providing valuable information that we were able to use in our investigation and teamwork among several agencies. We will continue to aggressively investigate and pursue drug activity in our county.”
Gerretta Harrison Richardson
Timmie Lee Richardson – 885 Tollie Weldon Road Henderson, NC 27537 DOB: 01/20/1973
Trafficking Cocaine, Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (4 Counts), Sell Cocaine (3 Counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Cocaine (4 Counts), Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana, Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm by Felon.
Timmie Lee Richardson is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $250,000 secured bond.
Gerretta Harrison Richardson 885 Tollie Weldon Road Henderson, NC 27537 DOB: 05/06/1973
Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine, Sell Cocaine, Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Cocaine.
Gerretta Harrison Richardson was placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $40,000 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) 496-2186.
-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Terry M. Wright – Chief of Staff
On August 28, 2018, The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit arrested Daniel Lee Sneed Jr. of 413 Ridley Street, Louisburg, NC on nine (9) felony drug charges.
This investigation was the result of citizen complaints alleging that Mr. Sneed was involved in illegal drug activity within Franklin County. As a result of these complaints, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit verified the information and coordinated an enforcement strategy with the Louisburg Police Department which ultimately led to Mr. Sneed’s arrest.
On August 28, 2018, The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit arrested Daniel Lee Sneed Jr. of 413 Ridley Street, Louisburg, NC on nine (9) felony drug charges.
In addition to the arrest of Mr. Sneed, a search warrant was conducted by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Louisburg Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Marijuana and drug paraphernalia were located during the search.
Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “When alert and concerned citizens see what they believe to be drug activity in their neighborhood and they contact our office with the information, we will respond. This is another example of how partnering with our police departments within the county is making our citizens safer.”
Louisburg Police Chief Jason Abbot stated, “Our partnership with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is vital to the success of our drug initiative. Sheriff Winstead and I are committed to working together for safer communities”.
Daniel Lee Sneed Jr. was placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $50,000 bond.
Daniel Lee Sneed Jr. 09/16/1989
Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (3 Counts) Sell Cocaine (3 Counts) Maintain a Dwelling place for the purpose of Selling Cocaine (3 Counts)
For more information regarding this arrest or to provide information to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at 919-496-2186.
-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Terry M. Wright – Chief of Staff
On August 24, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit issued warrants for the arrest of Austin Patrick Wells and Timothy Hunter Duke both Franklin County residents. Austin Patrick Wells and Timothy Hunter Duke were charged with the following: one (1) count of Felony Break and Enter Place of Worship and one (1) count of Larceny after Breaking and Entering. The alleged incident stemmed from a Breaking and Entering and Larceny at New Hope Christian Church, 2779 NC 98 Hwy W. Louisburg, NC. Both subjects are currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center.
Timothy Hunter Duke 205 Pine Ridge RD Louisburg, NC 27549 DOB: 12-26-1996
Austin Patrick Wells 2620 Hwy 98 Louisburg, NC 27549 DOB: 10-16-2000
This matter remains under investigation and no further information will be released at this time. If anyone should have any additional information pertaining to this investigation, please call Detective W. Daniels at 919-340-4343.
Austin Patrick Wells
Timothy Hunter Duke
-Press Release, Franklin County
SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE
Utilities Advisory Committee
The Franklin County Utility Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday, August 30, 2018, at 8 a.m. in the Franklin County Administration Building, 113 Market Street, Louisburg, North Carolina.
-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Terry M. Wright – Chief of Staff
On August 22, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Patrol, Investigation Units, and Bunn Police Department arrested Michael Dustin Ellis and Colton Tyler Bullock both Vance County residents. Michael Dustin Ellis and Colton Tyler Bullock were charged with the following: two (2) counts of Felony Breaking and Entering, one (1) count of Larceny After Breaking and Entering and one (1) count of Attempted Larceny. The alleged incident stemmed from a Breaking and Entering and Larceny at Rowland Chapel Christian Church, 2293 Epsom Rocky Ford Road Henderson, NC.
Michael Dustin Ellis was also served with one outstanding (1) felony Larceny warrant and one (1) misdemeanor Larceny warrant.
Colton Tyler Bullock was also served with one (1) felony warrant for Identity Theft and two (2) Orders for Arrest to Include Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
Michael Dustin Ellis is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a
$102,000.00 secured bond.
Colton Tyler Bullock is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $165,000.00 secured bond.
Michael Dustin Ellis
1291 Faulkner Town Road Henderson, NC 27536 DOB: 12-07-1990
Colton Tyler Bullock
5973 Satterwhite Point Road Lot 9 Henderson, NC 27536 DOB: 05-21-1989
This matter remains under investigation and no further information will be released at this time. If anyone should have any additional information pertaining to this investigation, please call Detective B. Garrett at 919-340-4311 or Detective N. Kapl at 919-340-4344.
Michael Dustin Ellis
Colton Tyler Bullock
