Tag Archive for: #franklincountynews

Two FCS Elementary Schools Welcome New Principals

/by

Louisburg, N. C. — On Monday evening, the Franklin County Board of Education named two new principals for the upcoming 2017 – 2018 school year. Caroline Linker has been selected as Principal of Youngsville Elementary School and Melissa Richardson has been named Principal of Franklinton Elementary School. Both will begin their new posts on July 1st.

Linker currently serves as the Assistant Principal of Bunn High School, where she has worked with the school’s administrative team to build a culture of trust and advocacy. Prior to working for Franklin County Schools, Linker worked as a School Director for Teach for America in Northampton County Public Schools and as a High School Math Teacher for Halifax County Schools. She also served as a Transition Team Leader for Teach for America throughout eastern North Carolina.

Superintendent Dr. Pascal Mubenga is confident that Linker has what it takes to build upon the success of Youngsville Elementary School for years to come, saying he worked with her during his time at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and he’s been very impressed with her work this year at Bunn High School.

“Ms. Linker is a strong and ambitious instructional leader,” he says, adding “I’m confident that she will work together with the community, teachers, and students to continue to improve Youngsville Elementary as we tackle new challenges.”

Linker is a product of North Carolina State University’s prestigious Northeast Leadership Academy (NELA), where she graduated with a Master’s of School Administration. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Organizational Communication from NCSU. She received her Teaching Certificate in Secondary Mathematics from East Carolina University.

Linker looks forward to the new opportunity, saying “I can’t wait to begin building partnerships and positive working relationships with teachers, staff, students and community members as we work together to ensure that all students succeed.

“Our future is so bright and it will take us all working together to achieve our goals of high student achievement, a dynamic culture of high expectations, and a strong community in and outside of our school,” she added.

FES Welcomes a New Leader

Melissa Richardson currently works as the Principal of Hollister Elementary School in Halifax County. When she began working as the Principal of Hollister Elementary in 2013, the school was designated as low-performing by state officials. In just three years and under her leadership, Richardson has seen 44% growth in student achievement – a 33.5-point increase in the school’s proficiency composite – and the school has gone from an “F” designation on the North Carolina School Report Card to a “C.”

Richardson says she is excited to start her new journey with Franklin County Schools and she looks forward to the community’s support in providing a world-class education for her students.

“Together we will continue to develop an academic program that is challenging and rewarding for students, staff and community,” she says.

Superintendent Mubenga rests assured that Richardson’s experience at Hollister Elementary will prove to be a vital component in the success of Franklinton Elementary School, a school that’s been working its way out of low-performing status throughout the year.

“Our district staff has provided a tremendous amount of support to Franklinton Elementary this year, and I’m very excited to welcome Mrs. Richardson to the team so that we can maintain this momentum,” he said.

Prior to serving as Principal at Hollister Elementary, Richardson worked as an Assistant Principal, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Site Coordinator, and as an Elementary School Teacher in Halifax County Schools. In 2012, she also completed her Master’s of School Administration through North Carolina State University’s NELA Program and was recently recognized as Halifax County Schools’ Principal of the Year. Richardson holds her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Shaw University.

###

Patrick Glace

Director of Communications

Franklin County Schools

H/V Chamber to host ribbon cutting for Cook Shack Catering

/by

Monday, May 22, 2017

Ribbon Cutting at 10:00 am

Cook Shack Catering Company

3778 NC Hwy 39 S, Louisburg, NC 27549

Phone: (919) 497-0669

Web: www.cookshackcatering.com

Please be advised that a Ribbon Cutting will be held for Cook Shack Catering Company at their location in Louisburg on Monday, May 22nd at 10:00 a.m.  to celebrate their membership with the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce.

Please join the Chamber Board and staff in this celebration to help support and formally welcome this new business into the Chamber.  The celebration is open for all to attend. 

Cook Shack Catering was established in 2004 by Austin Murray. Over the years, Cook Shack has grown to be “one of the area’s premier caterers”. They cater from the mountains of NC to the coast of NC. Cook Shack caters to events large and small and offer and have a wide variety of catering menu options.

For more information, please contact them at (919) 497-0669 or check them out on the web at www.cookshackcatering.com

Two VGCC campuses to host Mini-Medical School summer camps

/by

High school students from throughout the region are invited to learn about health sciences and careers in medicine by participating in the 2017 “Mini-Medical School” Summer Camp, conducted by the Wake Area Health Education Center (AHEC) in partnership with Vance-Granville Community College.

The intensive, week-long day camp is being offered twice: June 12-16, at VGCC’s South Campus, located between Butner and Creedmoor, and July 24-28, at VGCC’s Franklin County Campus, just outside Louisburg. At either location, students will be on campus from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

This will be VGCC’s fourth summer hosting a Mini-Medical School, which uses computational science (computer simulation) and hands-on activities to study key aspects of medicine. Topics include anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, cardiology, epidemiology, medical genetics and genomics. Becky Brady, a registered nurse and chemical engineer, will serve as the lead instructor.

Participants will not only learn about training for careers in the medical field, but they will also have opportunities to become certified in CPR and Youth Mental Health First Aid (for students aged 16 and over) during the course of the camp.

Campers will be able to learn more about VGCC programs that prepare students for medical careers, including Histotechnology, Nursing, Medical Assisting, Radiography, Pharmacy Technology, Human Services Technology, Emergency Medical Services and Occupational Healthcare.

Wake AHEC serves nine counties in central North Carolina from its office in Raleigh: Durham, Franklin, Granville, Johnston, Lee, Person, Vance, Wake, and Warren counties. AHECs are located throughout North Carolina and are affiliated with the North Carolina Area Health Education Centers Program at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill School of Medicine. The mission of the statewide AHEC Program is to meet the state’s health and health workforce needs. NC AHEC provides educational programs and services that bridge academic institutions and communities to improve the health of the people of North Carolina with a focus on underserved populations.

The registration fee for the camp is $200, which includes materials, CPR and Youth Mental Health

First Aid Certifications, catered lunches and snacks.

For more information and to register, visit www.wakeahec.org/hchome.htm or contact Heather Schafer at hschafer@wakeahec.org or 919-350-0468.

 

–VGCC–

Franklin County Approves Incentives for Palziv North America Manufacturer to create 40 jobs and invest $5.7 million in Louisburg

/by

Franklin County, N.C. – April 26, 2017: Franklin County welcomes the expansion of Palziv North America (Palziv) at 7966 NC 56 Highway in Louisburg. Palziv is a leading manufacturer of polyethylene foam-based products used in packaging, automotive, construction, orthopedic and the leisure industries.

Palziv is expanding its capacity with the relocation of its Canadian manufacturing division at its North American headquarters in Louisburg. This $5.7 million expansion will increase its production with new manufacturing lines.

Palziv North America’s Louisburg facility serves as the North American headquarters for Israel-based Palziv, Inc. The company is one of Franklin County’s largest employers with 157 full-time employees. This expansion will create 40 new jobs over the next four years in the advance manufacturing sector that include machine operators and technicians.

“Franklin County continues to offer an attractive location for advanced manufacturing industries to thrive,” stated Richie Duncan, Director of Franklin County Economic Development. “Palziv’s continued investment further demonstrates our strength in having a skilled workforce to meet the demands of industry within the Research Triangle region.”

Palziv’s Louisburg facility opened in 2010 and serves the company’s North American, South American and Canadian markets for chemically cross-linked foam. Palziv continues to experience tremendous growth over the past six years that has led to this expansion.

“We are excited to grow our manufacturing presence at our North American headquarters in Louisburg in Franklin County,” said Paul Robertson, Chief Operating Officer of Palziv North America. “Due to the growing demand for our products, this expansion will allow Palziv to serve our markets and meet the demands for new foam-based products in the future. We are grateful to Franklin County and the state of North Carolina for their support for our operation.”

Contact: Richie Duncan Economic Development Director Phone: (919) 554-1863 Fax: (919) 496-2683
228 Park Avenue Youngsville, NC 27596 www.franklinedc.com rduncan@franklincountync.us @FrankliNCoEDC
FRANKLIN COUNTY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 25, 2017 END

Palziv’s expansion will be facilitated, in part, by a local Franklin County cash grant incentive of $131,982 paid over a four-year period after taxes are paid and requirements are fulfilled. Palziv also has been recently awarded $40,000 from the Governor’s One North Carolina Fund as well as a customized training grant through the North Carolina Community College System. “This is a great day for Franklin County,” said Cedric Jones, Chairman of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners. “We are excited to see Palziv’s continued growth in jobs and tax base for our citizens and county as it expands its manufacturing capacity.”

Franklin County was joined by numerous partners in supporting Palziv’s expansion. They include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, and the North Carolina Community College System.
About Palziv North America: Located in Louisburg, NC, Palziv North America (Palziv) is the North American headquarters for Israelibased Palziv, Inc. Palziv supplies the North American markets with chemical Cross-Linked bun (Vizion™) and chemical Cross-Linked roll (Fuzion™). These Cross-Linked foams are produced with the latest technological advancements and offer superior product performance. Visit www.palzivna.com for more information.

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

Franklin County Schools Receives $192,000 Golden LEAF Technology Grant

/by

 

Louisburg, N. C. – Earlier this month, Franklin County School officials received word that the district was awarded a $192,000 technology grant from the Golden LEAF foundation. The grant will build on the district’s current technology initiatives by providing additional Google Chromebooks, compact web-based laptops, for high school students during the 2017-18 school year.

At the County School Board’s April meeting, Superintendent Dr. Pascal Mubenga commended Dr. Rhonda Schuhler, Associate Superintendent, and the team who worked on this project, saying that technology skills are a big part of the District’s strategic plan.

“In order to be competitive, our students need to have access to technology so that they can gain the skills they need to be successful in school and beyond,” Mubenga said, adding “Thank you to Dr. Schuhler and our team that worked diligently on this proposal – we’re excited to continue to work towards a one to one initiative in our district.”

The grant will allow the district to purchase 700 Lenovo Chromebooks and 28 Laptop Management Carts in total. Devices and carts will be distributed using a formula that takes each high school’s enrollment into consideration to ensure that devices are distributed equitably based on student population.

As the largest high school in the district, Franklinton High School will receive 11 management carts housing 308 devices. Bunn High School will receive 252 devices and nine management carts; Louisburg High School will receive 168 devices and six management carts. Franklin County Early College High School, which houses just 185 students, will receive 56 devices and two management carts.

According to Schuhler, even though the grant will be used to purchase devices, the project, which is entitled T3 – Technology, Teaching, and Transformation, is focused on student achievement.

“The scope and impact of the T3 project is directly focused on increasing student proficiency in core content areas, increasing digital skills and competencies, and creating more well-rounded, competitive students,” says Schuhler. “Our hope is to use this experience to better prepare for the implementation of a complete one to one initiative across the district,” she added.

Heavy Rain and Inflow of Stormwater into Sewer System Cause Wastewater Bypass

/by

Youngsville, North Carolina April 25, 2017: Franklin County Public Utilities experienced a bypass of untreated wastewater at two separate locations, one in the Youngsville District and the other in the Franklinton District. The spills occurred after receiving heavy rainfall over the course of 56 hours. The main cause of both bypasses is attributable to the direct inflow of stormwater into the sewer collection system. The spill in the Youngsville District (sewer main off of Railroad St) is estimated to have released 20,000 gallons into an unnamed tributary of Richland Creek and in the Franklinton District (manhole at lift station off Chavis St) is estimated to have released 19,000 gallons.

Franklin County staff was notified of the spill by electronic monitoring equipment and appropriate staff responded to the incident. All operating equipment was found to be in working order but was unable to handle the inflow of stormwater.

As required by North Carolina State Law, the spill was reported to the North Carolina Division of Water Quality and is currently under review.

For additional information concerning this event, please contact Mike Bailes, Franklin County Public Utilities Interim Director at (919) 556-6177. Additional contact numbers can be obtained by visiting Franklin County’s website at www.franklincountync.us.

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

Missing Person Reported in Franklin County

/by

The Following is a Press Release from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

Rebecca Ann Jamason was last seen in the area of Nipper Lane, Youngsville, NC on 03/23/2017.

Her last clothing description was blue jeans, white shirt, and black boots.

Last known direction of travel was towards Louisburg, NC operating a 1999 silver Volkswagen Jetta.

North Carolina License Plate EEL-5518.

Anyone having contact or information regarding Rebecca Ann Jamason is asked to contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at 919-496-2186.

Rebecca Ann Jamason

Age: 49

Height : 5 Feet 

Weight: 107 Pounds

Hair: Strawberry Blonde

Eyes: Blue

 

Longtime Local Leader David Averette Named Principal of FMS

/by

Louisburg, N. C. —  As school officials prepare for the 2017-18 school year, the local board of education named David Averette Principal of Franklinton Middle School at its regular meeting on Monday evening. Averette, who has served as Assistant Principal of Franklinton High School since 2007, says he’s excited for the opportunity to build on the growth that Franklinton Middle School has seen in the last few years.
“I hope to bring a level of confidence that Franklinton Middle School is a tremendous ship and we just need to reset the sail, enhance what already is working and not change for the sake of it,” he says adding “We’re going to address the culture of the school to build trust with our community and the students will be reminded that we are successful and we can continue to be successful.”

Averette has invested his life in Franklin County and his family is deeply vested in public education in this community. Averette’s wife, Dottie, will be retiring this year after spending her career teaching in Franklin County Schools. Their children, Whitney and Kaitlyn, have also dedicated their careers to teaching in Franklin County Schools.

“It’s great to see our children working in education,” says Averette, adding that both he and Dottie are proud to see their careers have had a positive impact on their own children’s lives and careers.

Before his current role as Assistant Principal at Franklinton High School, Averette worked as an AP at Louisburg Elementary School and Cedar Creek Middle School. However, he started his near 20-year education career in Franklin County Schools as an Exceptional Children’s Teacher at Cedar Creek Middle School.

Averette holds a Master’s of School Administration and a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration from North Carolina State University. He received his teaching certification from North Carolina Central University. In addition to his work as a school leader, Averette is the Pastor of Franklinton Baptist Church and holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Religion and Christian Ministries from Campbell University and an Associate’s Degree in Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

As a leader characterized by his service to the community, Averette is looking forward to leading Franklinton Middle School and says this is the right opportunity for him. “We’re in the business of making people’s lives better – Franklinton Middle School is a good option for our students,” he says adding “Come see what it feels like.”

Retirements and Transfers Confirmed
On Monday evening, the board also approved the retirement of Youngsville Elementary School Principal Marylin Newkirk. Newkirk stepped down earlier this month as students at the year-round school tracked-out. Retired FCS administrator Jewel Eason began as Interim-Principal of the school on April 3 after working in an administrative support role at YES that began in March.

Additionally, the board confirmed the transfer of Franklinton Elementary School Principal Dr. Claire King to Laurel Mill Elementary School, where she will serve as an Assistant Principal beginning in August 2017. Both administrative vacancies have been posted on the district website.

###

Patrick Glace

Director of Communications

Franklin County Schools

Granville Chamber Requests Nominations for Small Business of the Year Award

/by

The four area Chambers of Commerce – Granville, Franklin, Vance and Warren, along with Vance-Granville Community College’s Small Business Center, are sponsoring the annual Small Business Award Luncheon May 3rd at Henderson Country Club.

The criteria is as follows:

  • Employs a maximum of 50 people
  • Member of the Chamber and located in the county
  • Viable, on-going business for three or more years
  • Provides critical service or product
  • May have overcome diverse or extraordinary circumstances to remain in business
  • Business is supportive of community growth sustainability
  • Is not a governmental agency or municipality

Anyone may nominate a business they feel deserves recognition and meets the criteria.

Companies may nominate themselves.  Past Granville County recipients are:  Cardiovascular Care; Stovall’s Gifts;  Preferred Communications; Royster, Cross and Hensley; House of Ribeyes; Lewis Electric of Oxford; The School of Graphic Arts,  Express Employment Professionals, Oxford Ace Hardware, Creedmoor Drug Company, Whitco Termite and Pest Control, F. O. Finch Insurance Agency and Floyd Management and Realty.

Nomination forms are available from a Chamber office or from the website, www.granville-chamber.com and are to be returned to the Chamber by April 13th.

 

Middlesex Police Chief Arrested for Alleged Assault

/by

Chief William D. Murray of the Middlesex Police Department was arrested on Wednesday March 15, 2017 by the Nash County Sheriff’s Office and was turned over to Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Personnel. Chief Murray was arrested after warrants were obtained by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend and communicating threats.

Mr. Murray is facing the following charges: Misdemeanor Assault on a Female and Misdemeanor Communicating Threats.

William Dennis Murray

3128 Prophecy Road

Middlesex, North Carolina

DOB: 07-06-1973

Mr. Murray is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center with no bond.

 

Terry M. Wright

Chief of Staff