Tag Archive for: #franklincountynews

VGCC Plans Science Camp for Middle School Students

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Registration ends on Friday, May 18, for the 2018 edition of Vance-Granville Community College’s Science Camp for local middle school students. The camp will be held Monday through Friday, June 11-15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County.

Rising sixth, seventh and eighth-graders from Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren counties are invited to participate in the week-long camp, now in its eighth year.

Sessions will be taught by faculty members from the VGCC Science Department and other college programs.

Above: Middle School students who attended the 2017 Science Camp work with VGCC Science Department Chair Steve McGrady to conduct an experiment using red cabbage during a session on chemistry. (VGCC photo)

“We encourage young people in our service area to take advantage of this great opportunity to explore the world of science,” said VGCC Science Department Chair Steve McGrady. “We will have fun, hands-on activities that involve various sciences and allow campers to explore STEM career fields such as biotechnology, electronics and pharmacy. Our outstanding VGCC faculty members collaborate each year to make this a learning experience that is unlike anything available in our four-county area.”

The cost to attend the camp is $125, which includes lunch each day and a camp T-shirt.

Parents can now register their campers online at www.vgcc.edu/camps. For more information, contact Steve McGrady at (252) 738-3339 or mcgradys@vgcc.edu.

National Weather Service

Hurricane Season Begins June 1 – Are You Prepared?

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-Press Release, Brian K. Short, Director of Emergency Operations, Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations

The week of May 13 through May 19 has been designated as Hurricane Preparedness Week in North Carolina for 2018.

The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 of each year and ends on November 30. Though the official start of the season has not yet arrived, we already have activity in the Caribbean. The Vance County Office of Emergency Operations wants to make sure that you and your family are prepared for whatever this season brings our way.

Each year, Dr. William Gray and his team at Colorado State University produce a report that contains information on the projected outlook for the upcoming season. This year is forecast to be an average to slightly above average year according to Hurricane Experts.

The Atlantic Basin Seasonal Hurricane Forecast for 2018 is as follows:

Number of Named Storms: 14

Number of Hurricanes: 7

Number of Major Hurricanes (Category 3 or higher): 3

“The time to prepare is now, well out in front of peak hurricane season.” Keep in mind that communities and individuals are expected to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours (3 days) following the impact of a hurricane. “If the impact is severe enough, it may potentially take outside help three (3) days to get here,” Short said. “By taking the time to gather up a few basic necessities now, you will enable your family to weather the storm and the aftermath until help can arrive.”

For more information about how you and your family can prepare for severe weather visit the National Weather Service website at https://www.erh.noaa.gov/rah/ or visit our state site for emergency information including severe weather preparedness: https://readync.org/EN/Index.html.

2018 Tropical Storm names for the Atlantic Region include Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon, Helene, Issac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Michael, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sara, Tony, Valerie and William.

Recommended Family Preparedness Items

The best time to assemble a three-day emergency supply 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.

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  Water – 1 gallon per person per day (a week’s supply of water is preferable)  Water purification kit or bleach  First aid kit and first aid book  Pre-cooked, non-perishable foods, such as canned meats, granola bars, instant soup & cereals, etc.  Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, soap, baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices  Non-electric can opener  Anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel  Blanket or sleeping bag per person  Portable radio or portable TV and extra batteries  Flashlight and extra batteries  Essential medications  Extra pair of eyeglasses  Extra house and car keys  Fire extinguisher – ABC-type  Food, water, leash and carrier for pets  Cash and change  Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes  Large plastic trash bags for waste, tarps and rain ponchos  Large trash cans  Bar soap and liquid detergent  Shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes  Feminine hygiene supplies  Toilet paper  Household bleach  Rubber gloves

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.

Franklin County Sheriff

Vehicle Stop in Epsom Leads to Drug Trafficking Arrest

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On May 11, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Community Action Team assisted by the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Branch of the SBI, arrested Mario Jamal Steed of 129 N. Elizabeth Street Henderson, NC and Victor Joseph Gill of 280 George Floyd Road Henderson, NC on various drug trafficking charges. These charges stemmed from a vehicle stop in the Epsom Community in Franklin County.

Mario Jamal Steed

This investigation began as a result of Franklin County detectives receiving information that Mario Steed was involved in the illegal distribution of controlled substances in the Epsom Community. Franklin County detectives and agents with North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement began an investigation which led to a vehicle stop on Fletcher Fuller Road in Franklin County. The stop of the vehicle led to the seizure of 250 bundles of Heroin, Marijuana, a .40 caliber handgun, US Currency and a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. 

Mario Jamal Steed was charged with: Trafficking of Heroin by Possession (2 counts), Conspiracy to Traffic Heroin, Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Heroin (2 counts), Sell Heroin (2 counts), Deliver Heroin (2 counts) and Maintain a Vehicle for the Purpose of Selling/Storing a Controlled Substance (2 counts).

Victor Joseph Gill

Victor Joseph Gill was charged with Trafficking Heroin (2 Counts) and Conspiracy to Traffic Heroin.

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Our communities are benefiting from the consistent efforts of our high impact enforcement of drug violations throughout the county. Our partnerships with outside agencies and our focus on investigations that make a difference will continue.”

Mario Jamal Steed is currently in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $750,000 secured bond.

Victor Joseph Gill is currently in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $300,000 secured bond.

For more information pertaining to this investigation please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.

-Terry M. Wright, Chief of Staff

Franklin County Schools

Franklin Co. Schools Will Close May 16 for Teachers’ Rally

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-Information from an email sent to parents of Franklin County School students

Good Afternoon Parents and Guardians,

We closely monitored the number of anticipated teacher and support staff absences in light of the rally that will take place on Wednesday.

This rally in Raleigh was established in support of improving teacher working conditions and classroom opportunities for students.

We reached a point at which scheduled absences of teachers and support staff will not allow us to safely and effectively operate that day. Therefore, all schools are closed for students.

May 16th will be an optional teacher workday, the central office will be open and students will not make up the day. All school activities on May 16th are canceled with exception of Advanced Placement (AP) testing at our high schools. Impacted students will receive additional guidance regarding testing directly from their respective schools.

We apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause and appreciate your understanding.

Thank you and have a great rest of your day.

Franklin County Sheriff and ALE Target Alcohol, Gambling, Drug Activity

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— courtesy NC SBI and North Carolina Department of Public Safety

LOUISBURG – The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Alcohol Law Enforcement arrested eight people on drug, alcohol and gambling charges in two Franklin County locations Dec. 15.

Operation Clean Sweep, a three-month undercover investigation, began after the agencies received complaints alleging illegal activities occurring at an illegal video poker establishment in Castalia (near Louisburg) and at Flat Top Bar in Bunn. The Franklin County Narcotics Enforcement Team and ALE coordinated their efforts to address these illegal activities.

During the first phase of the joint operation, agents discovered illegal video poker machines at 5344 Highway 56 East, Castalia. Undercover agents playing these machines received illegal cash payouts on multiple occasions. Eight video gaming machines and $2,700 were seized. The investigation is on-going and charges are pending.

An investigation was then conducted at Flat Top Bar where agents made multiple purchases of cocaine, marijuana and prescription pills from numerous individuals. Undercover agents also detected multiple illegal sales and use of controlled substances, underage possession of alcohol and other illegal drug and alcohol activities on the premises.

“This is a great example of what teamwork between state and local law enforcement can produce,” said Franklin County Sheriff Kent Winstead. “We are committed to addressing illegal activity throughout our county and will continue these partnerships to make our communities safer.”

Terrance Merriweather, head of ALE, said, “ALE’s goal is to address illegal activity occurring at ABC outlets, both legal and illegal. Problem locations such as these plague our communities and ALE agents will continue to do their part to address these illegal activities throughout North Carolina.”

During the operation, the following individuals were arrested on 38 total counts:

Zachary Wade Smith, 24, of Zebulon
Possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine (5 counts)
Sell/deliver cocaine (5 counts)
Conspire to sell/deliver cocaine (2 counts)
Possession with intent to sell/deliver marijuana (3 counts)
Sell/deliver marijuana (3 counts)
Give malt beverage to underage
Give spirituous liquor to underage
Transport open spirituous liquor in passenger area of a vehicle
Smith was placed on a $360,000 bond

Alyssa Wells, 20, of Lousiburg
Underage possession of alcoholic beverage (2 counts)

Ethan Dale Sims, 26, of Zebulon
Conspire to sell/deliver cocaine
Maintain a vehicle to keep/sell drugs
Possession drug paraphernalia
$40,000 bond

Lindon Otis Porter, Jr., 29, of Youngsville
Maintain a vehicle to keep drugs (3 counts)
Possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine (3 counts)
Conspire to sell/deliver cocaine (2 counts)
Sell/deliver cocaine (2 counts)
Drive while license revoked
$181,000 bond

Tabitha Faulkner, 30 of Youngsville
Possession of cocaine
Possession of drug paraphernalia
$10,000 bond

Warrants have been issued and the following individuals are wanted on charges:

Logan John Smith, 24, of Youngsville
Possession with intent to sell/deliver schedule IV
Sell/deliver schedule IV
Conspire to Sell/deliver schedule IV

David Steele Richardson, 24, of Zebulon
Possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine
Sell/deliver cocaine
Conspire to sell/deliver cocaine

Dexter Deangelo Perry, 21, of Louisburg
Conspire to sell/deliver schedule IV

ALE’s 109 specially-trained agents have the authority to arrest and take investigatory action for any criminal offense. Their primary responsibility is the enforcement of Alcoholic Beverage Control laws and state lottery laws. ALE is a branch of the State Bureau of Investigation.

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Franklin County Logo

Franklin County Announces Expansion of Atlantic Packaging

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— Press Release

Franklin County welcomes the expansion of Atlantic Corporation of Wilmington Inc. (Atlantic Packaging) at 165 Weathers Street in Youngsville. Atlantic Packaging is one of the most technically advanced packaging resource in North America, with capabilities in manufacturing, distribution, consulting and technical service.

Atlantic Packaging is expanding its 45,008-square foot warehouse and logistical operation with plans to construct a new 33,000 square foot facility off U.S. Highway 1. This $1.65 million expansion will increase its logistical capacity with new space for distribution.

The company is one of Franklin County’s largest logistical employers with 38 full-time employees. This expansion will create at least four new jobs with an average hourly wage of $17.53 plus benefits.

“Franklin County continues to offer an attractive location for logistical companies with our proximity to main distribution routes,” stated Richie Duncan, Director of Franklin County Economic Development. “Atlantic Packaging’s continued investment further demonstrates our strength in meeting the demands of industry within the Research Triangle region.”

Atlantic Packaging’s Youngsville facility opened in 2008 and serves the east coast United States by providing packaged product solutions for the pharmaceutical, automotive, food, cosmetics and various other industries. Youngsville’s operation is one of Atlantic Packaging’s 20 locations across the United States, Dominican Republic and Honduras.

“We are excited to continue to grow our industrial packaging presence at our Youngsville location in Franklin County,” said Steve Rafferty, Vice President and General Manager of Atlantic Packaging. “Market demand for our products is creating this expansion opportunity for our location to better serve our key industrial markets. We extend our appreciation to Franklin County for their support for our operation.”

Atlantic Packaging’s expansion will be facilitated by a local Franklin County cash grant incentive of $49,500 paid over a four-year period after taxes are paid and requirements are fulfilled.

“Great things are continuing to happen in Franklin County,” said Cedric Jones, Chairman of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners. “We are excited Atlantic Packaging is continuing to grow their presence here with jobs and tax base for our citizens and county.”

About Atlantic Corporation of Wilmington Inc:

Atlantic Corporation of Wilmington Inc. was founded over 70 years ago and has evolved as the market leader in industrial packaging and in customized converted products, always guided by our customers’ needs. Visit www.atlanticpkg.com for more information.

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

Franklin County Logo

New Solid Waste Director Selected in Franklin

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— courtesy Franklin County

Brian Haynesworth will join the team in January, 2018

Franklin County, November 30, 2017: Franklin County Manager Angela L. Harris has named Brian Haynesworth Solid Waste Director. Mr. Haynesworth will assume the position January 2, 2018 following the retirement of current director John Faulkner. Mr. Faulkner retires today after 30 years of service in Franklin, 25 years as director.

Mr. Haynesworth has served as Solid Waste Program Manager for Durham County since 2007. In that role, he oversees solid waste and recycling collection programs that include recycling collection of 14,000 households and four solid waste and recycling convenient sites that receive over 250,000 visitors a year. He has managed litter control and investigation programs and county surplus property management as well. Mr. Haynesworth has also worked with the City of Durham as a Waste Reduction Coordinator and Environmental Specialist with the State of North Carolina.

Brian Haynesworth – Franklin County Photo

Mr. Haynesworth holds a Bachelor’s of Arts from Lincoln University and has pursued advanced studies in Public Health from the University of Tennessee. Additional certifications and training include SWANA Manager of Landfill Operations (NC), Carolina Recycling Association Annual Conference, FEMA-National Incident Management System and Certified Transfer Station Operator.

Mr. Haynesworth and his family currently reside in the Wake Forest area.

“We welcome Brian Haynesworth to our leadership team,” commented Mrs. Harris. “In his role as director, Brian will work in partnership with staff and the community to promote recycling, litter prevention, waste reduction and environmental stewardship.”

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

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

Voluntary Dismissal With Leave in Franklin Co. Murder Case

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— courtesy of The Office of DA Mike Waters

Louisburg, NC – On Wednesday, October 11, 2017, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Robert H. Hobgood presided over an administrative session of Franklin County Criminal Superior Court which was set by the District Attorney’s Office specifically to address the pending murder cases in Franklin County. The State of North Carolina vs. Oliver M. Funes Machada was among the cases heard before the Court. Prior to today, the Defendant was committed to Central Regional Hospital to evaluate his capacity to proceed in the criminal case against him. The Court sought guidance regarding his ability to understand the nature of the proceedings against him, and his ability to assist in his defense. The Court, after reviewing the report prepared by mental health professionals at Central Regional Hospital, determined that the Defendant did not have the capacity to proceed. Therefore, the State of North Carolina will take a voluntary dismissal with leave in this case. Oliver M. Funes Machada will be committed to Central Regional Hospital for mental health treatment and further evaluation. Should the Defendant’s capacity
to proceed be restored, he would be returned to the custody of Franklin County Sheriff Kent Winstead, and the District Attorney’s Office will reinstate the charges against the Mr. Machada.

Franklin County Man charged with Second Degree Murder

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On Thursday, September 21st the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit arrested Ricky Barlow Weese Jr., a Franklin County Resident. Ricky Barlow Weese Jr. was charged with the following: Second Degree Murder and Felony Child Abuse-Inflicting Serious Physical Injury.

This incident is alleged to have occurred on March 11th involving the death of an eight (8) week old infant.

Mr. Weese is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $500,000 secure bond.

Ricky Barlow Weese Jr.

964 Hicks Road

Youngsville, NC 27596

DOB: 11-02-1983

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 Garrett at 919-340-4311.

Terry M. Wright

Chief of Staff

 

Franklin County and Maria Parham Health Reach Lease Agreement for Franklin Medical Center

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Louisburg, NC (September 18, 2017) – The Franklin County Board of Commissioners and Maria Parham Health, which is part of Duke LifePoint Healthcare, today announced that they have agreed to move forward with a lease agreement for Maria Parham to reopen Franklin Medical Center in Louisburg. This agreement is a significant milestone in efforts to bring vital healthcare services back to Franklin County and surrounding communities following the closure of the hospital in 2015.

“We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Maria Parham and very pleased that initiatives to bring healthcare back to Franklin County can move ahead,” said C. Boyd Sturges, III, Franklin County’s Attorney and member of the Louisburg Town Council.

According to Franklin County Commissioner and Chairman of the Commissioner’s Hospital Committee Sidney E. Dunston, this announcement couldn’t have come at a better time. He shared, “This community has been without access to local care for too long. Maria Parham has exciting plans for the Franklin Medical Center site, and we look forward to working with its team to relaunch crucial medical services here and advance efforts to ensure the health of everyone who lives in this region.”

In 2016, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners reviewed potential strategic partners interested in taking over services at the shuttered Franklin Medical Center. In October, the board unanimously voted to accept a proposal from Duke LifePoint that involved operating Franklin Medical Center as part of Duke LifePoint’s Henderson hospital, Maria Parham Health, and turning the Franklin County facility into a freestanding emergency department with 24/7 emergency care, diagnostic services and behavioral health services.

“We are pleased by the bi-partisan cooperation of this endeavor,” commented N.C. Senator Chad Barefoot. “The entire Franklin County family and Town of Louisburg, as well as our colleagues at Maria Parham and Duke LifePoint, have worked together to make this possible.”

With the signed lease agreement, Maria Parham will begin the process to reopen Franklin Medical Center as a freestanding emergency department that is part of the hospital, and re-establish the behavioral health unit, subject to receipt of appropriate regulatory approvals. This project is supported by $10.1 million in funding from the state’s Dorothea Dix Hospital Property Fund grant, as well as an additional $750,000 state grant for job creation. We also continue to work with the state, Golden Leaf Foundation and other charitable and governmental entities for additional funding.

“Our team is excited to become part of the Franklin County community and partner with the people here to bring needed quality care close to home as well as encourage new job growth and economic development,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “We will begin by re-launching emergency services so those in need of immediate care do not have to risk traveling long distances.
Then, we will focus on better serving the behavioral health needs in the community, which we know is needed.”

It is expected that the Franklin emergency department will open in mid to late 2018, following needed renovations and hiring of staff. The next phases of the project will involve re-establishing and expanding behavioral health services in the community, including re-opening the hospital’s 13-bed geriatric behavioral health unit and expanding the number of available beds and services to include inpatient adult behavioral health. This is expected to be completed by late 2018. According to the most recent community health needs assessment and current population statistics, this is a crucial area of need in Franklin and surrounding counties.

“Teamwork and cooperation helped this project move forward,” stated Louisburg Mayor, Karl Pernell. “The renovations of the facility will provide all of us with a first-class emergency department as well as behavioral health beds.”

In addition to developments planned by Maria Parham Health at the Franklin Medical Center site, Duke Primary Care has plans to establish a primary care practice in Louisburg and Duke Raleigh Hospital has plans to establish an ambulatory surgery center in Youngsville.

Re-establishing healthcare services at Franklin Medical Center is expected to bring a minimum of 65 new jobs to Franklin County in the coming years.

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About Franklin County

Fitch Ratings upgraded Franklin County December 19, 2016 from ‘AA’ to ‘AA+’ on its outstanding general obligation (GO) bonds. The Fitch credit rating system has 10 levels of credit ranking. The ‘AA+’ rating is only one level from the top of its credit rating system. The upgrade reflects the county’s stable economic base. The higher rating (AA+) will ultimately translate to lower interest rates on any new debt the County incurs when compared to the lower (AA) ranking. Better ratings mean lower interest costs for taxpayers. The full press release can be found at: https://www.fitchratings.com/site/pr/1016735.

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

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

About Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health, a Duke LifePoint hospital, is a regional hospital in Henderson, North Carolina, serving the people of north central North Carolina and Southside Virginia. As a part of Duke LifePoint Healthcare, Maria Parham offers a combination of Duke University Health System’s world-renowned leadership in clinical excellence and quality care, and LifePoint Health’s extensive resources, knowledge and experience in operating community hospitals. Maria Parham offers a wide range of services and the latest technology to meet the healthcare needs of the community. It is fully accredited by The Joint Commission and CMS. For more information about Maria Parham Health, please call (252) 4384143 or visit mariaparham.com.

About Duke LifePoint Healthcare

Duke LifePoint Healthcare, a joint venture of Duke University Health System, Inc. and LifePoint Health (NASDAQ: LPNT), was established to build a dynamic network of hospitals and health care providers. The joint venture, which brings together LifePoint’s experience in community-based hospital management and Duke’s world-renowned leadership in patient safety and clinical quality systems, is strengthening and improving health care delivery by providing community hospitals the clinical, quality and operational resources they need to grow and prosper. www.dukelifepointhealthcare.com