Tag Archive for: #franklincountynews

Davis-Royster Funeral Service Endows VGCC Scholarship

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Davis-Royster Funeral Service, Inc., of Henderson has endowed a new Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund scholarship to help area students pursue an education.

The Davis-Royster Funeral Service Academic Achievement Scholarship is named for the family-owned and operated funeral service that has been operating in Vance County since 1991. The company, founded by James H. Royster and owned by Mary Davis-Royster, provides a variety of funeral and memorial services and resources customized to meet the needs of families.

“We have demonstrated through our funeral business a commitment to service based on sensitivity and integrity,” said Mary Davis-Royster. “The people of our service area have been so supportive of us for nearly three decades. We want to give something back to these communities through this educational opportunity to show our appreciation.”

Members of the staff of Davis-Royster Funeral Service, Inc., celebrate their new scholarship with representatives from Vance-Granville Community College. From left are James H. Royster, founder of Davis-Royster Funeral Service; Mary Davis-Royster, owner; Paul Crews Jr., director’s assistant; Robert L. Wright II, funeral director; Dr. Stelfanie Williams, Vance-Granville’s president; the Rev. Richard Henderson, member of the VGCC Endowment Fund Board of Directors; and Eddie Ferguson, director of VGCC’s Endowment Fund. (Photo VGCC)

Through the new scholarship, preference will be given to students enrolled for nine credit hours or more in the Business Administration curriculum program at Vance-Granville. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 will be required.

“The leaders of tomorrow for our community are turning to Vance-Granville today and will be doing so for years to come to secure the education and skills training they need to run area businesses. Our scholarship will serve as an encouragement and a valuable means of support,” Mrs. Davis-Royster added.

Mrs. Davis-Royster also serves as the licensed mortician for the company, and Mr. Royster is the funeral service assistant. Also leading the staff are Paul Crews, Jr., who is the director’s assistant, and Robert L. Wright II, licensed funeral director and embalmer.

“We are appreciative of the extended Davis-Royster Funeral Service family for their support of Vance-Granville’s students,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, VGCC’s president. “Their gift today will be meeting the needs of future business leaders for generations to come.”

Eddie Ferguson, the director of the VGCC Endowment Fund, added, “The funeral service has chosen a meaningful way to honor their legacy of decades of service to the community. We are proud they have chosen to partner with us to help our students succeed.”

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.

Franklin County Logo

Untreated Wastewater Enters Richland Creek in Franklin Co.

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-Press Release, Franklin County Public Utilities

Notification of Discharge of Untreated Wastewater

General Statute 143-215.1C requires that the owner or operator of any wastewater collection or treatment works to issue a press release when an untreated wastewater discharge of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface waters.

In accordance with that regulation, the following news release has been prepared and issued to media in the affected county: Franklin

Franklin County Public Utilities experienced a discharge of untreated wastewater from the pump station on Holden Road in Youngsville. The spill was a result of an electrical control malfunction. The spill occurred at 7:35 p.m. on August 7, 2018, and discharged until 11:50 p.m. The discharge of wastewater was estimated to be 5,025 gallons and it entered into Richland Creek which is a tributary of the Neuse River Basin. Franklin County Public Utilities staff was dispatched to the site and contact sewer hauling companies to pump out the pump station to begin the repair of the pump station.

The division of Water Quality was notified of this event on August 8, 2018, and is reviewing the matter. For additional information concerning this event, please contact Chris Doherty, Franklin County Public Utilities Director at (919) 556-6711. Additional information can be obtained by visiting Franklin County’s website at www.franklincountync.us and our Facebook Page, search Franklin County Public Utilities.

Franklin County Government is committed to effective and innovative public services for all Franklin County citizens and businesses.

Dunlow Honored by Guardian ad Litem Program for 9th Judicial District

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-Information courtesy Melanie Griggs, program supervisor for Guardian ad Litem 

Attorney John Dunlow was honored by the Guardian ad Litem program for the 9th Judicial District which includes Granville, Franklin, Person, Vance and Warren Counties on August 7, 2018.

At the lunch event attended by his peers, District 9 Guardians and GAL staff, Mr. Dunlow was recognized for faithfully serving as the GAL Attorney Advocate in Granville County for over twenty years.

Mary Jo Van Horne, GAL District Supervisor, shared a message from North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper commending Mr. Dunlow:

Attorney John Dunlow was honored by the Guardian ad Litem program for the 9th Judicial District at a lunch event on August 7, 2018.

“On behalf of the State of North Carolina, it is a pleasure to congratulate you on your 20th anniversary of service as attorney advocate to the Guardian ad Litem Program of Judicial District 9.   This is certainly a special occasion, and I know that the entire community appreciates your many contributions over the years.

I join your family, friends and colleagues in wishing you an outstanding anniversary celebration.  You have my best wishes for continued success and happiness in all your future endeavors.”

A commendation for Attorney Advocate Longevity from Cindy Bizzell, North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Administrator, was also presented to Mr. Dunlow.

The Guardian ad Litem program’s mission is to provide trained independent advocates to represent and promote the best interests of abused, neglected and dependent children in the state court system and to work expediently toward a plan that ensures these children are in a safe, permanent home. For more information about joining this crucial organization, visit  www.volunteerforgal.org.

Yarborough Sentenced to Life Without Parole for First Degree Murder

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-Press Release, Office of District Attorney Mike Waters

The session of Franklin County Criminal Superior Trial Court which began on July 9, 2018, concluded this week. Superior Court Judge David Lambeth presided over the four-week-long session. The State of North Carolina was represented by District Attorney Mike Waters and Assistant District Attorney Allison Capps.

The session was devoted to the First Degree Murder trial of Garry A. Yarborough, who was charged with First Degree Murder, Possession of Firearm by Felon, First Degree Kidnapping, Breaking and/or Entering, Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury, Assault With a Deadly Weapon Intent to Kill, Discharging Weapon into an Occupied Dwelling/Moving Vehicle, and Attempted First Degree Murder. Mr. Yarborough shot the victim, Tracy Williams, in the Food Lion parking lot in Franklinton, on July 26, 2015. After shooting and killing Ms. Williams, Mr. Yarborough fled to a nearby residence where he forced his way in, assaulted the resident, Kim Elmore, and demanded medical treatment. Mr. Yarborough tried to force Ms. Elmore to leave her residence with him. Fortunately, Ms. Elmore was able to lock Mr. Yarborough outside her residence, at which point Mr. Yarborough shot into her home before fleeing.

A Franklin County jury deliberated approximately three hours before returning guilty verdicts on all counts. Judge Lambeth sentenced Mr. Yarborough to life in prison without parole for the First Degree Murder conviction, plus 40 years for the other offenses.

This matter was investigated by the Franklinton Police Department and the Franklin County Sheriffs Office.

McKnight Arrested on 19 Felony Drug-Related Charges

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

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit arrested Franklin County resident, Gregory Bruce McKnight on August 1, 2018, for a variety of drug-related offenses.

This investigation into illegal narcotics trafficking began as a result of citizen complaints and concluded with a total of 19 felony drug charges against Mr. Mcknight. Greg McKnight was charged with: Four (4) counts of Trafficking Heroin, Three (3) counts of Sell and Deliver Heroin, Three (3) Counts of Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Heroin, Three (3) Counts of Sell Cocaine, Three (3) counts of Possess with the intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine, One (1) count of Deliver Cocaine, One (1) Count of Sell Marijuana and One (1) Count of Possess with the intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit arrested Franklin County resident, Gregory Bruce McKnight on August 1, 2018. McKnight was charged with a total of 19 felony drug charges.

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Our continued efforts to address illegal drug sales and the crimes associated with drug activity, continues to be a priority within the Sheriff’s Office. Our Narcotics Unit continues to diligently pursue those individuals who choose to poison our community with these illegal narcotics. Thank you to the citizens who continue to report these individuals that plaque our neighborhoods with their illegal drug activity.”

Gregory B. McKnight is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $500,000 secured bond.

Gregory B. McKnight – 107 Middle Street Louisburg, NC 27549 DOB: 10/12/1987

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.

F-G-V Smart Start Seeking Sponsors for 9th Annual Ducky Derby Fundraiser

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-Information courtesy Sandra Wilkerson, Director of Admin and Events, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start, Inc. will hold its 9th annual Ducky Derby fundraiser in downtown Henderson on Saturday, September 15 at 2 p.m.

Garnett Street will be filled with a river of rubber ducks and a fun time for everyone. Tickets will be sold to purchase ducks and the chance to win the Grand Prize – $1,000; 2nd Prize – $500; 3rd Prize – $250. Even the last duck wins a $100 prize!

There will also be a drawing at the end of the race for Chick-fil-A for a year (must be present to win this prize).

FGV Smart Start needs sponsors to assist with the cost of our event. Sponsorship levels are: Super Duck – $500; Top Duck – $250; Feathered Friend – $100; Quacker Backer – $50.

All sponsors for this year’s event will be recognized on Ducky Derby posters throughout the three-county area, radio advertisements, newspaper articles, the FGV Smart Start website and Facebook page and the Smart Ducky Derby website. We hope that you will consider being a sponsor for our newest event. Together, we are “Building Brighter Futures for Children.”

For information about being a sponsor, please call Garry Daeke at 252-433-9110, extension 227.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Franklin County Sheriff

Operation ‘Tip Line’ Nets 10 Arrests on Felony Drug-Related Charges

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

On July 27, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Team concluded Operation “Tip Line” with the arrests of 10 individuals on 62 felony drug-related charges. This operation and arrests were the direct result of information provided by the citizens of Franklin County. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Branch of the SBI (ALE), Louisburg Police Department and Henderson Police Department assisted the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit during this operation.

Operation “Tip Line” began as a result of numerous complaints received by the Sheriff’s Office on individuals who were allegedly involved in the sale of controlled substances throughout the county. Over the past few months, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit substantiated the information and made purchases of controlled substances from these individuals. During Operation “Tip Line” Heroin, Crack Cocaine, Powder Cocaine, Marijuana and Prescription Pills were purchased and seized.

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Operation Tip Line” is a great example of how information is received from the public, analyzed and then used in intelligence-driven investigations. These arrests complement our drug enforcement strategy of addressing both short-term and long-term investigations that meet the needs of particular communities within our county. Citizen-provided information continues to be instrumental to our overall drug enforcement strategy in Franklin County.”

The following individuals were arrested during Operation Tip Line:

Kamia Oshea Jones 6625 Dealous Drive Zebulon, NC 27597 DOB: 7/14/1997

Charged with the following: Sell Cocaine (3 counts), Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (3 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Cocaine (3 counts).

Placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.

Travis Wesley Jones 55 Scarboro Drive Bunn, NC 27508 DOB: 12/8/1979

Charged with the following: Sell Cocaine (2 counts), Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (2 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Cocaine (2 counts).

Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.

Jerrick Lemont Ellis. 86 Buddys Way Zebulon, NC 27597 DOB: 07/18/1979

Charged with the following: Sell Cocaine (3 counts), Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (3 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Cocaine (3 counts), Possession of Cocaine.

Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.

David Sidney Smith 130 Smooth Rider Road Louisburg, NC 27549 DOB: 09/01/1994

Charged with the following: Sell Heroin (1 count), Possess with the intent to Sell and Deliver Heroin (1 count), Maintain a Vehicle for the purpose of Selling Heroin (1 count).

Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.

Anthony Callie Proctor 140 Cattle Drive Zebulon, NC 27597 DOB: 01/13/1979

Charged with the following: Sell Marijuana (3 counts), Possess with the intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana (3 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Marijuana (3 counts).

Placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under $35,000 secured bond.

Thomas Joseph Wilkins 142 Bridle Trail Youngsville, NC 27596 DOB: 07/14/1996

Charged with the following: Sell Marijuana (2 counts), Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana (2 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Marijuana (1 count).

Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $40,000 secured bond.

Shawn Andre Alston 195 Baileys Creek Kittrell, NC 27544 DOB: 02/02/1973

Charged with the following: Sell Cocaine (3 counts), Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (3 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Cocaine (3 counts), Possess Heroin (1 count), Possess Cocaine (1 count), Resist, Delay and Obstruct, Simple Possession of Marijuana.

Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $155,000 secured bond.

Julia Jones Tharrington 137 Rice Drive Wake Forest, NC 27587 DOB: 05/14/1960

Charged with the following: Sell and Deliver Heroin (1 count), Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Heroin (1 count), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Heroin (1 count).

Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.

Timothy Mark Shearin 394 Moulton Road Louisburg, NC 27549 DOB: 05/26/1970

Charged with the following: Trafficking, Opium or Heroin (3 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substance (1 count).

Placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $20,000 secured bond.

Donathan Domica Perry 161 Happy Valley Trail Franklinton, NC 27525 DOB: 10/27/1976

Charged with the following: Trafficking, Opium or Heroin (4 counts), Maintain a Vehicle for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substance (1 count).

Placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $100,000 secured bond.

For more information regarding this operation or to provide information to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at 919-496-2186.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VGCC Graduates 17 Cadets in 106th BLET Class

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Seventeen new cadets graduated from the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program at Vance-Granville Community College in a ceremony held in the Civic Center on Main Campus. After passing the state certification exam, all are authorized to work in any law enforcement agency in North Carolina.

Honored during the May 15 ceremony in VGCC’s 106th BLET class were Tyima Barbara Johnson, William Gant Sipfle and Dylan Blake Wilson of the Henderson Police Department; Lauren Elizabeth Matthews and David Alan Watson of the Granville County Sheriff’s Department; Jonathan Cameron Burnette, Alan Gregory Mitchell and Devin Antonio Younger of the Oxford Police Department; Michael Patrick Burns and Torrance Danyel Terry of the Vance County Sheriff’s Department; Dontravious Marques Harrison, Darnell Anthony Powell and Kenneth Latrel Richardson of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office; Brice Anthony Warren of the Roxboro Police Department; Randy Dale Parrott of the Crabtree Special Police Department; and Margaret Alyssa Bailey and Brian Nicholas Vermilya, VGCC students.

Shown above are the latest graduates of the VGCC Basic Law Enforcement Training program with the program administrators: front row, from left, Andrea Hyson, VGCC Law Enforcement/BLET director and graduates William Douglas, Torrance Terry, Margaret Bailey, Michael Burns, Lauren Matthews, and VGCC Law Enforcement/BLET coordinator/instructor Glen Boyd: second row: graduates Tyima Johnson, Devin Younger, Johnathan Burnette, Alan Mitchell, Randy Parrott, Brian Vermilya, and Dylan Wilson; and back row, graduates Dontravious Harrison, Darnell Powell, Kenneth Richardson, David Watson, William Sipfle, and Brice Warren. (VGCC Photo)

Also recognized were graduates of VGCC’s 105th BLET class: William Furman Douglas of the Henderson Police Department; and Stephanie Paige Covell and Angel Rosemaria Tanner, VGCC students.

In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of academic affairs, applauded the graduates and thanked their families for providing support during the 16-week program. Dr. Brown expressed his appreciation to the faculty and staff who had instructed Class 106 and thanked the area law enforcement agencies who sponsor and hire the cadets.

“These cadets of Class 106 vary in age, background and experience, but they are united by their common desire to protect and serve their respective communities,” said Dr. Brown. “They now join the ranks of the 105 classes before them who have given this program its excellent reputation for preparing law enforcement professionals.”

Speaking as leader of the class, Cadet Devin Younger added his thanks to the instructors and introduced Capt. James Champion of Butner Public Safety, representing the instructors of the program, who was chosen by the cadets as the keynote speaker for the graduation.

“We cannot change the past, but we can affect the future,” Capt. Champion told the cadets. “One way we can affect the future is to maintain and protect our own integrity. Building trust with the community is fundamental to effective policing. Sound conduct by law enforcement officers such as yourself improves community interaction and enhances communications. No matter how much good you do, people will only remember the bad.”

Citing a variety of synonyms for the word “integrity” — honesty, honor, good characters, strong morals, among them — Capt. Champion said, “Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Your personal choices in your life and in your career are the only things that can make you lose your integrity.”

“Please remember, it’s OK to fail,” he said. “When you make a mistake, admit to the mistake, learn from it and get better.”

Citing Proverbs 10:9, Capt. Champion concluded, “People with integrity walk securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”

In recognition of National Police Week, May 13-19, and Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, being observed on the day of the cadets’ graduation, the Butner Public Safety captain led a moment of silence for 129 officers who were killed in the line of duty in 2017.

Glen Boyd, coordinator and instructor of Law Enforcement programs and BLET at VGCC, presented awards to several students. Lauren Matthews took home the Academic Achievement Award for having the top grade average in the written tests each cadet must pass. Torrance Terry earned the Physical Fitness Award for scoring highest in the various fitness tests the cadets undergo during physical training.  David Watson won the “Top Gun” Award for having the highest accuracy score in firearms qualification.

Certificates were presented to the graduates by Andrea Hyson, the director of Law Enforcement programs and BLET at VGCC, and Boyd. Abidan Shah, pastor of Clearview Church, provided the invocation and the benediction for the ceremony.

For more information on the BLET program, contact Hyson at hysona@vgcc.edu.

More photos: Check out the VGCC album on Flickr.

Franklin County Sheriff

Franklin Co. Resident Arrested for Armed Robbery of Triangle Dry Cleaners

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-Information courtesy the Town of Wake Forest -Police website

Antonio Devonlee Diggs, 58 Cureton Dr., Youngsville, NC, has been arrested by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for warrants obtained by the Wake Forest Police Department in connection with the armed robbery that occurred early Wednesday evening at Triangle Dry Cleaners.

Diggs, 18, was arrested without incident at the Franklin County Courthouse and charged with Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon.

At approximately 6:20 p.m. on Wednesday, officers responded to a robbery call at the Triangle Dry Cleaners, 3325 Rogers Road, Suite 118. An employee reported that a black male displaying a knife forced her to hand over an undisclosed amount of money. The employee, who was not harmed, called 9-1-1 after the suspect fled on foot.

Anyone who believes they may have information concerning this is encouraged to call the Police Department Tip Line at 919-435-9610. All calls are confidential.

Henderson Police Department

Four Local K9 Officers to Receive Bullet-Proof Vests

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-Information courtesy Franklin Co. Sheriff Kent Winstead’s Facebook page

The Mona Pants Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit dog rescue group, is donating bullet-proof vests to four K9 Officers – two from the Henderson Police Department and two from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department.

The lucky recipients of the “vestification” project, started by the Mona Pants Foundation in 2016, include Franklin Co. K9 Officer Ace (Corporal A. Barrett), Franklin Co. K9 Officer Oli (Corporal K. Gunter), Henderson K9 Officer Deli (Sergeant J. Thomas) and Henderson K9 Officer Nero (Officer Machelick).

These bullet-proof and stab-proof vests are in the process of being made and should be ready for the K9 Officers in a few weeks.

For more information, including pictures of the officers, please click here.