Tag Archive for: #franklincountynews

TownTalk: Franklin County Requests Reallocation Of Water From Kerr Lake

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in response to a request from Franklin County, has started the process to consider a reallocation of water from Kerr Lake to address the county’s future water needs.

Among first steps in this process was a scoping meeting, which was held Mar. 26 in Warren County. USACE representatives fielded questions from the public at the meeting, which included an explanation of the process, which is expected to take years to complete.

The comment period remains open through April 10. Anyone interested in commenting can send an email to:

cesaw-jhkerr-reallocation-franklin@usace.army.mil

Speaking at the meeting, USACE’s David Connolly of the Wilmington District said he knew people were interested in impacts, including how docks would be affected, as well as hydroelectric power.

Connolly said these issues are among those that will be addressed throughout the study.

Franklin County wants to get 16.7 million gallons of water per day from Kerr Lake; with the anticipated growth in the area predicted to continue, county leaders want to take steps now to anticipate what they feel will be a water shortage in the next 50 years.

The goal of the scoping meeting is to inform the public about the process and to share information that will be considered.

With reservoirs and dams like Kerr Lake, the water is divided into three “pools” or areas – the sediment pool is at the bottom of the lake, the conservation storage pool is in the middle (that’s where the drinking water comes from) and the flood control storage pool is at the top (that’s what gets released to keep the Roanoke River basin regulated).

From the middle pool – the conservation storage pool – comes both drinking water and water that supplies hydro power and recreation uses.

Water customers like the Kerr Lake Regional Water System would most likely be concerned about water availability; the Corps of Engineers is most concerned about how hydroelectric power would be affected.

The KLRWS is building up to a 20-million-gallon a day draw; Franklin County has asked for 16.7 million gallons a day. Franklin County also is a KLRWS customer.

Right now, about 3 percent of the lake’s middle layer conservation storage pool is being used.

These topics and more will be considered in the study process. Connolly said the study will help to confirm that the allocation request is a reasonable one and would identify possible alternatives that would have less impact.

A draft report is scheduled to be ready by September 2027 – a year and a half from now.

Connolly reiterated that part of the process is to look at other measures that could work, compare it with the reallocation to determine feasibility.

In addition to providing an environmental impact analysis, the study will include a hydroelectric power analysis and a demand analysis. Once the draft report is completed, the Corps will have another 30-day comment period and a meeting similar to the one held last week.

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NC Forest Service

State Under Burn Ban Until Further Notice Because Of Dry, Windy Conditions

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The whole state of North Carolina is under a burn ban until further notice because of the increase risk of wildfire because of drought conditions and windy weather.

“With drought severity across the state, forecast fire weather and the potential for limited rainfall, it is critical to reduce the number of new fire starts,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Vegetative fuels will dry rapidly, and with the amount of fuel loading in the mountains and drought impacts statewide, a burn ban for all 100 counties is necessary to reduce the number of wildfires across our landscape. Please follow this burn ban to help reduce the risk for everyone.”

Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning statewide, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted. Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 court costs. Any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.

The burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The local fire marshal has authority to issue a burn ban within those 100 feet.

Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting the N.C. Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban.

The N.C. Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions. Residents with questions regarding a specific county can contact their N.C. Forest Service county ranger or their county fire marshal’s office. 

 

FAQ’s

Q: What is open burning? 

A: Open burning includes burning leaves, branches or other plant material. In all cases, burning trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other nonvegetative material is illegal.

 

Q: May I still use my grill or barbecue? 

A: Yes, if no other local ordinances prohibit their use.

 

Q: Can I still use my fire pit or fireplace outdoors?

A: More than 100 feet from an occupied dwelling, fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and burning barrels are considered open burning and are subject to the burn ban. Within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling, local government agencies have jurisdiction over open burning. All local outdoor burning bans are set independently. The N.C. Forest Service has advised county fire marshals of this ban, and they have been asked to also consider implementing a burn ban. Check with county fire marshals about local restrictions.

 

Q: Can I have a campfire when I go camping? 

A: Campfires would be considered open burning and are not exempt from the burn ban. During a burn ban, portable gas stoves or grills are alternate methods for cooking food while camping.

 

Q: Can I use fireworks during a burn ban?

A: Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are prohibited during a burn ban and are not allowed in any county while the burn ban is in effect.

 

Q: How should I report a wildfire? 

A: Call 911 to report a wildfire.

 

Q: How should I report a person who intentionally starts a wildfire? 

A: Call 911 to report a wildfire.

 

Q: My local fire marshal has also issued a burn ban for my county. What does this mean?

A: The burn ban issued by the N.C. Forest service does not apply to a fire within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Local government agencies have jurisdiction over open burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The N.C. Forest Service has advised county fire marshals of the burning ban and has asked for their consideration of also implementing a burning ban. If a fire within a 100-foot area of a dwelling escapes containment, a North Carolina forest ranger may take reasonable steps to extinguish or control it. The person responsible for setting the fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.

 

Q: Are there other instances which impact open burning?

A: Local ordinances and air quality regulations may impact open burning. For instance, outdoor burning is prohibited in areas covered by Code Orange or Code Red air quality forecasts. Learn more about air quality forecasts on the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s website.

 

Q: What can I do to protect my house against the risk of wildfire?

A: Learn about wildfire risk assessments, preparedness and prevention plans on the following N.C. Forest Service webpages: Wildland Urban Interface and Resist Wildfire.

VGCC Foundation Wine Gala Supports Students Facing Barriers To Education

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The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation wine gala is scheduled for Saturday, April 11 at High Rock Farm on Enon Road in Oxford. Proceeds from the event will help students facing financial emergencies.

Attendees will get a souvenir wine glass and the chance to sample wines from different wineries while enjoying foods that pair well with each variety.

There’s a silent auction – bidding is done online – with auction items that include vacation packages, as well as cornhole boards and chairs from the VGCC carpentry classes and other items from the school’s culinary and cosmetology departments, just to name a few.

Tickets are $75 each and may be purchased through The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation office. Only 150 tickets will be sold, so get yours now! Purchase tickets online at https://www.vgcc.edu/the-vgcc-foundation-online-gifts/. Put “gala” in the comments section and indicate how you would like to receive your tickets, said Angela Douglas, food pantry assistant administrative assistant for the Foundation.

VGCC Foundation Director Tanya Weary and Associate Director Sheri Jones say it’s important to be able to assist students when things come up that prove to be barriers to their education. In addition to administering more than 350 scholarships each year, students also have access to a food pantry, a clothing closet and can ask for help to cover unforeseen costs that pose barriers to attending class.

There’s even a program with KARTS to provide transportation to and from campus if transportation is needed.

“It’s a great night for a great cause,” Weary said. Current VGCC students will be on hand to share their stories about how these extra resources have helped them along the way.

Email foundation@vgcc.edu or call 252.738.3264 to purchase tickets or to learn more.

SportsTalk: Coach Myers Looks to Lead Canes Baseball to Strong End of March

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Louisburg College Interim Head Baseball Coach Bryce Meyers, joins SportsTalk with Scout Hughes and Steve Lewis to speak about his team and his upcoming games with Wake Tech and with Southwest VA CC.

High School Baseball on Monday

  • J.F. Webb 21 Vance County 9
  • Crossroads Christian 8 Rocky Mount Academy 3
  • Falls Lake 11 South Granville 1
  • Franklinton 11 Rolesville 4

High School Baseball on Tuesday

  • Vance Charter vs. Eno River
  • Crossroads Christian @ Brunswick Academy, VA
  • J.F. Webb vs. South Granville
  • Oxford Prep @ Excelsior
  • Warren County vs. Northampton County
  • Franklinton @ Heritage
  • Louisburg vs. ALA-Johnston
  • Bunn vs. Wake Prep
  • Mecklenburg County, VA @ Dinwiddie, VA

College Baseball on Tuesday

  • NC State vs. Campbell
  • North Carolina vs. South Carolina – Charlotte
  • Duke vs. East Carolina
  • Wake Forest vs. Elon

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Triple P – Helping Families One Child at a Time

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(This Presentation of WIZS is a Paid Advertisement)

If you want to become a better dancer, you take dance classes. Want to improve your moves on the basketball court? You’ve got to be consistent with practice to get those reps in at the free-throw line or from behind the arc.

Dancers and basketball players aren’t bad at dancing or playing ball, but they take classes or hit the gym regularly because they want to be better at something that’s important to them.

That’s the philosophy behind Positive Parenting Program – Triple P, as Kimiko Williams calls it.

Williams is a public health educator in Franklin County who administers Triple P in the four-county area.

She wants to break the stigma that the people who take parenting classes must be “bad” parents.

Triple P is for those who want to become even better parents.

She spoke with WIZS’s Steve Lewis on Thursday’s segment of The Local Skinny! and shared program goals and how parents can participate.

The Middle “P” in Triple P stands for parenting, and Williams said the program is designed for people who are in a parenting role – you don’t have to be a child’s biological parent.

“It’s for anyone who wants to help better understand how to work on behavioral issues with children,” Williams explained. Maybe you’re a grandparent who is raising grandchildren. Or perhaps you’re the guardian of a niece or nephew. Whatever the relationship, Triple P can help grownups come up with a set of tools, tips and strategies to de-escalate undesirable behaviors or to keep them from arising in the first place.

“Triple P is designed to help families figure out ways to discipline, enforce discipline,” Williams said. It helps people identify and understand which ways are useful for their own set of circumstances “to allow families to have a healthy loving environment.”

The Triple P concept began in the late 1970’s in Australia and later made its way to the U.S. Researchers worked with families in individual training sessions, making home visits and then offering suggestions for addressing particular problem behavior areas.

It’s all about working with families on ways to manage their child’s behavior effectively and confidently, she said.

“We all want children to grow to be healthy, well -rounded people,” Williams said. “The goal is to do it in a way that we’re not threatening our children, that we feel comfortable and confident as a parent…making sure that we’re raising them in a way that is conducive to that particular family.”

Consistency is a key component, she explained. So is understanding about natural development. She wants to make sure that parents have realistic expectations of their children, too.

Parenting can be a lot – with work, home and all the day-to-day things, it can be overwhelming.

Triple P helps parents realize that parenting isn’t an impossible task and works to break down the problem to figure out what’s triggering the issue.

“If you want them to be respectful, you have to teach them,” Williams said. “Children are not born knowing what to do.”

It may take some time – more than once, twice, three times or more – for children to understand what it is you need and require of them.

Triple P helps parents manage those certain situations without becoming overwhelmed…having a specific strategy or strategies can help a parent remain calm and help them to think through the situation before it even happens, she added.

Want to learn more about being a participant or about becoming a Triple P practitioner? Contact Williams at 919.496.2533 ext 2335 or klwilliams@franklincountync.gov.

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SportsTalk: Louisburg College Men’s Hoops in Conference Tournament

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Bryan Bagwell, Head Men’s Basketball Coach for Louisburg College, joins SportsTalk with Scout Hughes and Doc Ayscue to discuss how this Canes team plans to continue their success in the Region 10 Conference Tournament.

Games on Wednesday – Boys

NCHSAA Basketball Playoffs – Boys Semifinal Round

1A

  • Vance Charter 56 Southern Wake 52

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Franklin, Warren County Extension Offices Host Pesticide Trainings, Collection Day To Drop Off Unwanted Pesticides

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The Franklin and Warren County Cooperative Extension offices are providing several opportunities for individuals to complete pesticide training in the coming months.

There’s also going to be a Pesticide Collection Day on Thursday, Mar. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Louisburg.

The collection site is Edwards and Foster Farm, 5008 U.S. Hwy. 401 Hwy. North in Louisburg. Bring any old pesticides you need to dispose of. There is no charge for this event. Containers smaller than 55-gallon drums will be accepted.

A Mar. 17 pesticide training begins at 6 p.m. at the Franklin County Cooperative Extension Annex, 103 S. Bickett Blvd., Louisburg. This required EPA C&T training is for all commercial license holders and all private applicators whose license renews in 2026.

The same training will be offered in Warrenton on Mar. 30 at the Warren County Extension Office, 158 Rafters Lane. The EPA C&T training will begin at 5 p.m. and V Credit training will begin at 6 p.m.

Another V Credit training will take place on Apr. 16 at the Warren County Extension office beginning at 6 p.m.

To learn more about the trainings or the pesticide collection event, contact Matthew Place by phone at 919.496.3344, or by email at  matthew_place@ncsu.edu.

NC Forest Service

N.C. Forest Service Offers Advice To Cut Chance Of Springtime Wildfires

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– Information courtesy of the N.C. Department of Agriculture

Yes, it’s been rainy and wet lately, but the spring wildfire season is arriving at a time when much of the state is still in a moderate to severe drought, and the N.C. Forest Service is reminding the public to be careful and use common sense – especially when it comes to burning yard debris.

Escaped yard debris burns, largely due to carelessness, continue to be the leading cause of wildfires across the state, accounting for nearly half of all wildfires in North Carolina. In general, human activity is responsible for 99 percent of wildfires, and spring weather tends to draw people outdoors to work in their yards with many choosing to burn as a method to dispose of leaves, limbs and other yard debris.

“A fire can escape in a matter of seconds, especially on warm days when winds are gusty,” said N.C. Dept. of Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This means you never leave a fire unattended until it is completely out and cold.”

Other forms of human-caused wildfires stem from machine and vehicle use, dragging tow chains, arson and escaped campfires.

Before starting an outdoor fire, contact your local NCFS county ranger’s office. For safe burning practices to help prevent wildfire, the NCFS offers the following guidance:

  • Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
  • Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any N.C. Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at www.ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit.
  • Keep an eye on the weather. Don’t burn on dry, windy days.
  • Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris. Don’t pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle away from overhead branches and wires.
  • Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
  • Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up debris burning.
  • Stay with your fire until it is completely out. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
  • These same tips apply to campfires and grills as well. Douse burning charcoal briquettes or campfires thoroughly with water. Drown all embers, not just the red ones. When soaked, stir the coals and soak them again. Make sure everything is wet and that embers are cold to the touch. If you do not have water, mix enough dirt or sand with the embers to extinguish the fire, being careful not to bury the fire. Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area.

The public is reminded to never fly a drone near, around or over a wildfire. Firefighting aircraft that respond to wildfires fly low in support of ground personnel. Drones can pose a serious threat to pilots and public safety. A drone that disrupts air operations also puts firefighters, residents and property at risk of loss to wildfire.

Where there’s fire, there’s smoke, and if you live in an area where wildfire risk is high, staying smoke-ready can be critical to personal health and well-being. Take steps now to prepare for wildfire smoke. This is especially important for smoke sensitive individuals including children, active people, older adults and people with heart or lung disease such as asthma. Being prepared means knowing where to find information about air quality and utilizing the air quality index. Use resources like www.ncair.org, https://airquality.climate.ncsu.edu/ and www.airnow.gov.

To learn more about preparing for and preventing wildfires, visit www.preventwildfirenc.org.

SportsTalk: Louisburg College Lady Hoops Looking to Finish Strong

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Dennis Gaskins, Head Coach for Women’s Basketball at Louisburg College, joins SportsTalk to discuss their last week of games in the regular season and how the 16-ranked Lady Canes can finish strong.

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Games on Tuesday – Boys

NCISAA State Semifinals – 1A

  • Crossroads Christian 85 Albemarle School 42

NCHSAA First Round 

1A

  • Falls Lake 85 North East Carolina Prep 67
  • Mattamuskeet 61 Oxford Prep 40

3A

  • Trask 80 Louisburg 71
  • Wake Prep 76 Hertford County 54

5A

  • Havelock 66 J.F. Webb 54
  • Rocky Mount 75 South Granville 64

6A

  • South View 63 Franklinton 59

Games from Tuesday – Girls

NCHSAA First Round

1A

  • Oxford Prep 48 Weldon 35

3A

  • Louisburg 67 West Bladen 44

4A

  • Bunn 44 Carver 32

5A

  • South Granville 65 Southern Wayne 37
  • Western Alamance 49 J.F. Webb 29

NCHSAA Basketball Playoffs – Boys 2nd Round Games on Thursday

1A

  • 1Vance Charter vs. 17Cape Hatteras 
  • 13Falls Lake @ 4North Edgecombe

2A

  • 8Warren County vs. 9Camden Co.

3A

  • 12Wake Prep @ 5Goldsboro 

4A

  • 8Bunn vs. 9Randleman

NCHSAA Basketball Playoffs – Girls 2nd Round Games on Thursday

1A

  • 1Falls Lake vs. 16Southern Wake 
  • 3Vance Charter vs. 14Columbia
  • 10Oxford Prep @ 7Washington

2A

  • 4Warren County vs. 13Camden Co.

3A

  • 6Wake Prep vs. 11Louisburg

4A

  • 12Bunn @ 5Fairmont

5A

  • 12South Granville @ 5Seaforth

6A

  • 4Vance County vs. 13Western Harnett
  • 7Franklinton vs. 10Jacksonville

ALL 2nd Round Games are on Thursday

Games on Wednesday – Girls

VHSL Region Tournament

  • Mecklenburg County, VA @ Salem, VA

College Games on Wednesday – Women

  • 16Louisburg College @ 20Bryant & Stratton

College Games on Thursday – Women

  • 16Louisburg College vs. Fayetteville Tech CC

College Games on Thursday – Men

  • Louisburg College vs. Fayetteville Tech CC

Games on Friday – Boys

NCISAA 1A State Championship

  • 4Crossroads Christian vs. 3New Garden

SportsTalk: Louisburg College Men’s Hoops Get Ready for the Final Stretch

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Bryan Bagwell, Head Coach of the Louisburg College Men’s Basketball Team, joins SportsTalk with Scout Hughes and Steve Lewis to discuss their remaining games as the regular season winds down. Scout and Steve also talk about High School Basketball in our area and how LaNautica Johnson is the first women’s regional wrestling champion in Vance County High School history.

Games on Monday – Boys

  • Wake Forest 79 Vance County 49 
  • South Granville 76 Carrboro 41
    • Big 7 Conference Tournament
  • Roanoke Rapids 62 Wake Prep 35

Games on Monday – Girls

  • Vance County 44 Wake Forest 40
  • South Granville 71 J.F. Webb 50
    • Big 7 Conference Tournament
  • Wake Prep 53 Roanoke Rapids 39

College Games on Monday – Women

  • Louisburg College 83 Cape Fear CC 75

Games on Tuesday – Boys

  • Vance Charter vs. Eno River
  • Louisburg @ Wake Prep
  • Bunn @ Roanoke Rapids

Games on Tuesday – Girls

  • Vance Charter vs. Eno River
  • Louisburg @ Wake Prep
  • Bunn @ Roanoke Rapids

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