Tag Archive for: #franklincountynews

NC Forest Service

N.C. Forest Service Set To Begin Annual Tree Seedling Sale

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 – information courtesy of the N.C. Forest Service

The N.C. Forest Service will begin accepting orders Monday, July 1, for its annual tree seedling sale. With an average annual production of 16 million seedlings, the NCFS Nursery Program produces enough native and genetically improved tree seedlings to plant roughly 30,000 acres of land, equivalent to nearly 23,000 football fields, each year.

“Having healthy trees and forests provides many benefits to our state, including helping to clean our air and water and sequestering carbon,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “I encourage residents to take advantage of the high-quality trees produced through the North Carolina Forest Service nursery program. Seedlings go quick so you’ll want to purchase them early.”

Quality conifer and hardwood seedlings are available for purchase in a range of quantities. Genetically improved stock is available for Fraser fir, loblolly, longleaf, shortleaf, Eastern white pine and Virginia pine. These seedlings offer better volume growth, tree form, disease resistance, straightness, and other characteristics needed to produce beautiful Christmas trees, healthy woodlands and quality forest products.

Customers interested in learning more about specific tree species and available inventory can speak with NCFS Nursery staff, as well as reference the ordering website or seedling catalogs.

There are several options for purchasing seedlings:

  • Tree seedlings can be ordered from the online seedling store at buynctrees.com.
  • Tree seedlings can also be ordered by phone at 1-888-NCTREES (1-888-628-7337) or 919-731-7988.
  • Tree seedlings can be ordered using the order form in our FY24-25 Nursery Seedling Catalog. Complete the form and mail to Seedling Coordinator, 762 Claridge Nursery Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530.
  • A user-friendly online catalog will soon beavailable at https://www.ncforestservice.gov/nursery/NurseryandTreeImprovement.htm. Seedling catalogs will also be available at local NCFS offices beginning in July. Within the catalog, landowners can find information about the types of tree species, quantities and cost to order. Each species description includes information about ideal planting locations and whether a species is typically used to benefit wildlife, restore forest habitats or as marketable timber.
  • Accepted methods of payment are check, money order, Mastercard and Visa.

Most containerized seedlings are available and used October through March while most bare root seedlings are available and used January through March. Seedling orders can be shipped to one of 13 distribution centers statewide for a small fee or via UPS for a charge. Seedling orders are also available for pickup from the NCFS Claridge Nursery in Goldsboro or the Linville River Nursery near Crossnore.

For information on planting trees, customers are encouraged to contact their local NCFS county ranger.

Rob Montague serves Vance and Granville counties. The office is located at 911 Hillsboro St., Oxford. Phone 919.693.3154 or email Vance.ncfs@ncagr.gov

Learn more at www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts.

Franklin Co. Approves $125M Budget

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– information courtesy of Franklin Co. Public Information Officer James F. Hicks III

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved a $125 million budget earlier this month that includes a tax rate of 50.5 cents per $100 valuation and a capital improvement plan for the general fund, public utilities and solid waste.

The previous tax rate had been 78.5 cents per $100 valuation, so the new tax rate represents a 28-cent drop. The new rate is just a shade over the revenue-neutral rate of 49.91 cents per $100 valuation.

County Manager Kim Denton presented the recommended budget to commissioners on May 20.

The new budget provides for more staffing in areas that provide direct services to residents, provides for purchase of vehicles to accomplish service delivery and maintains a competitive employee compensation and benefits for county employees, as well as provides funding to complete infrastructure and economic expansion projects, according to information from Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks III.

County Attorney Gena McCray reported to commissioners at the June 10 meeting that the Franklin County Board of Education had met earlier that day and had amended its FY25 budget request to $30,541,812 for local expenses and $1,890,611 for capital outlay expenses for a total of $32,432,423. Support for education represents 30.8 percent of the county’s FY25 General Fund budget.

 

Highlights from the FY25 Budget include:

  • $125,346,271 General Fund budget
  • Tax rate set at 50.5 cents per $100 valuation of property (reduced from 78.5 cents)
  • 13 new county positions to address growth and the expanding need for services
  • 23 new vehicles (including 10 for Sheriff’s Office)
  • Public Utilities water and sewer rate increases
  • $32,432,423 to Franklin County Schools for Local Current Expense and Capital Outlay

The county’s annual Fee Schedule was adopted by Board resolution. The complete Fee Schedule can be found at https://www.franklincountync.gov/county_services/budget___finance/index.php

Maria Parham Franklin’s Hope Benton Receives 2024 Mercy Award

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Information from Donna Young, MPH Marketing & Communications Coordinator 

A CNA II/Nurse Tech based at Maria Parham Franklin in Louisburg has received the 2024 Mercy Award for her exceptional dedication to healthcare, community service and advocacy.

Hope Benton is this year’s recipient of The Mercy Award, given to one employee at each of Lifepoint Health’s facilities who touches the lives of others in profound ways and represents the spirit and values upon which the company was founded, according to information from Maria Parham’s Marketing & Communications Coordinator Donna Young.

 The Mercy Award is an annual recognition program that honors the life and contributions of Scott Mercy, Lifepoint’s founding chairman and chief executive officer. The award is considered the highest honor a Lifepoint employee can receive.

Benton’s selection as the Mercy Award winner holds particular significance as she becomes the first Maria Parham Franklin-based recipient since the hospital’s reopening nearly six years ago as part of Maria Parham Health. Her commitment to restoring vital emergency services and addressing the region’s mental health crisis underscores her unwavering dedication to the community’s well-being.

From a young age, Benton said she felt a calling to healthcare, inspired by her family’s visits to local nursing homes. Her passion for helping others led to a 22-year career at a local assisted living facility, where she discovered her true vocation in healthcare.

As a highly skilled paramedic and now a nurse tech/CNA, Benton serves as a mentor and guide to her colleagues, earning a reputation as a go-to team member at Maria Parham Franklin. Known for her approachable demeanor and willingness to assist, she embodies the values of a star employee and Mercy Award recipient.

Beyond her clinical duties, Benton is an advocate for the hospital’s mission in the community, actively engaging in volunteer activities with organizations such as the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life. Her efforts have been instrumental in fostering partnerships and making a positive impact on community health initiatives.

Benton’s exceptional care extends to behavioral health patients in the Emergency Department, where she demonstrates uncommon empathy and compassion. Her dedication to preserving their dignity and well-being sets a standard for excellence in patient care.

“With such positive energy to serve our community and her home, Hope is making a difference in our health system daily,” said Bert Beard, CEO at Maria Parham Health. “Her unwavering commitment to compassionate care embodies the legacy of Scott Mercy, and we are proud to recognize her as our 2024 Mercy Award recipient.”

Franklin Commissioners Considering $180 Million Total Budget; Public Hearing June 3

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Franklin County commissioners are considering a total budget of more than $180 million, which includes adding more than a dozen new county employees, calling for new fees and increases in others, and setting the property tax rate at .505 per $100 valuation.

Franklin County Manager Kim Denton’s May 20 budget presentation calls for just slightly more

than the revenue-neutral rate of .4991 per $100.

And although the budget includes taking more than $4.1 million from the fund balance – $2.3 million of which will be used for capital purchases – it’s still $1.3 million less than was taken last year.

As part of her presentation, Denton shared data about the county’s overall growth – with a 4.1 percent annual growth rate, Franklin is the fastest growing county in the Triangle area, the 3rd fastest growing in the state and the 61st fastest growing county in the nation, according to Census data.

On the expense side of things, $873,193 will be spent to add 13 new full-time employees, including an animal cruelty investigator, as well as staff in IT and facilities management. The county’s departments requested a total of 34 new vehicles during the budget process, and the budget includes more than $1.6 million to purchase 23 vehicles.

Franklin County Schools requested $33 million and the proposed budget includes $29,259,067.

On the revenue side, new fees – several of which are for storage, towing and more at the airport – will be introduced effective July 1.

Animal adoption fees are going up, but fees will be waived for TNVR feral cat adoptions.

It’ll cost $30 to revoke membership in the county’s Voluntary Ag District program and the $5 fee for gun permits has been dropped – residents will be able to get gun permits free of charge.

Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 3 at regular scheduled board meeting. Residents are invited to view the livestream broadcast of the meeting and to submit comments about the budget via a public portal found on the county’s website www.franklincountync.gov.

The budget may be adopted at the end of the June 3 meeting or at the June 17 commissioners’ meeting.

View the complete budget document at  www.franklincountync.gov.

VGCC Logo

VGCC Hosting FAFSA Nights To Help Parents, Students Navigate Federal Aid Application

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Vance-Granville Community College’s Financial Aid Office is hosting a series of FAFSA Night meetings to help families with students in college or headed to college – as well as adult learners – understand the federal financial aid application.

The first FAFSA Night was scheduled for Tuesday, May 21 at VGCC’s Main Campus in Henderson. The next event is set for Thursday, May 23 at the Warren Campus, followed by Tuesday, May 28 at the Franklin Campus and Thursday, May 30 at South Campus in Creedmoor.

If you plan to use financial aid for Fall 2024–Summer 2025, you will need to complete the 2024–2025 FAFSA application to determine your eligibility for Title IV Aid.

VGCC’s Financial Aid team will be available to provide assistance with the FAFSA application on the dates and times below:

VGCC Warren County Campus

May 23, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Building 1, Room W1107
210 West Ridgeway St.
Warrenton, NC 27589

VGCC Franklin County Campus

May 28, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Building 1, Room F1124
8100 NC 56 Highway
Louisburg, NC 27549

VGCC South Campus

May 30, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Room G1103
1547 South Campus Dr.
Creedmoor, NC 27522

Red Cross: Take A Minute Now To Prepare For Hurricane Season That Runs June-November

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– Information courtesy of the American Red Cross

The week of May 5-11 is National Hurricane Preparedness Week and disaster relief agencies like the American Red Cross encourage residents to take a few minutes now to get ready before the hurricane season blows in. The Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 through November 30, but it’s never too early to be thinking about how to prepare to weather a storm and its aftermath.

“The American Red Cross is taking this year’s forecast for an above average hurricane season very seriously,” said Allison Taylor, Regional CEO of Humanitarian Services, Red Cross North Carolina region. “The American Red Cross works closely with local, state, and federal officials, along with partner community organizations, to respond to disasters and meet basic emergency needs before, during, and after disasters. With our disaster volunteers and partners ready to meet the needs of our communities, the North Carolina Region is ready to respond this season.”

Early forecasts indicate there could be a near-record number of storms this year and experts even warn that the first named storm could form before the season begins. They are calling for as many as 25 named storms with up to a half dozen having a direct impact on the U.S.

“We encourage everyone to take time now to get ready for potential disasters this spring and summer,” said Taylor. “You can do so by updating your emergency supply kit, building a plan, and staying informed of weather risks in your area.”

If you live in areas prone to hurricanes, now is the perfect time to get prepared. Here are some simple steps you can take to be prepared:

  1. Create an evacuation plan. Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and if you have to evacuate. Coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans. Plan multiple routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for pets. If you already have an emergency plan, update it and review with household members so everyone knows what to do if an emergency occurs.
  2. Build an emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for an infant and pets if applicable, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information. If you already have a disaster kit, make sure the food and water is still okay to consume and that copies of important documents are up to date.
  3. Be informed. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.

Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

In addition to taking these preparedness steps, we also have important safety information available for you on hurricanes.

Equines Need Annual Vaccines To Prevent Mosquito-Borne Diseases

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-information courtesy of the N.C. Department of Agriculture

Horse, donkey and mule owners, it’s time to get your animals vaccinated against Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis and West Nile Virus.

“Mosquito-breeding season in North Carolina lasts from spring until the first frost and horses are at risk if not properly vaccinated,” said N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “EEE is fatal 90 percent of the time in horses and WNV has a fatality rate of 30 percent. However, both diseases are preventable by vaccination.”

So far this year we have had no cases of EEE or WNV, but last year there were seven cases of EEE, Troxler added.

State Veterinarian Dr. Mike Martin recommends that equine owners talk to their veterinarians about an effective vaccination protocol to protect horses from mosquito-borne diseases. The combination vaccination initially requires multiple injections for horses, mules and donkeys that have no prior vaccination history.

Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts for more than four days, so removing any source of standing water can reduce the chance of exposing animals to WNV or EEE. Keeping horses in stalls at night, using insect screens and fans, and turning off lights after dusk can also help reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Insect repellants can be effective if used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Symptoms of EEE include impaired vision, aimless wandering, head pressing, circling, inability to swallow, irregular staggering gait, paralysis, convulsions and death. Once a horse has been bitten by an infected mosquito, it may take three to 10 days for symptoms to appear.

Symptoms of WNV include fever, weakness or paralysis of hind limbs, impaired vision, head pressing, seizures and aimless wandering.

People, horses and birds can become infected from a bite by a mosquito carrying these diseases, but there is no evidence that horses can transmit the viruses to other horses, birds or people through direct contact.

Equine care also includes keeping up to date on equine infectious anemia (EIA) testing, commonly referred to as the Coggins test. “Since January there have been three cases of EIA in North Carolina. There is no vaccine and no cure for this disease so testing annually is important,” Troxler added.

“It’s also a great time to make sure your animal is current on its rabies vaccination,” Troxler said. “So far this year we have had two positive cases of rabies in livestock. All livestock are naturally curious animals, which puts them at risk for a bite if a rabid animal gets through their fence line.”

Vance County Logo

Counties Weigh Revenue Needs Against Tax Rate Levels As June 30 Deadline Approaches

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As counties and municipalities continue to hammer out details for next year’s budgets that are set for adoption by the end of June, residents are awaiting news about whether their tax bills are going to go up. And if so, by how much.

The recent change in value notifications noted spikes in property values since the last revaluation in 2016, which city and county leaders in Vance and other neighboring counties had been quick to point out.

In simple terms, if property values go up (and they did, almost across the board), then the overall tax rate could go down and the amount of tax needed to fund budgets could stay at existing levels.

However, if there are additional projects above and beyond the routine expenditures, then the tax rate may need to be adjusted.

Vance County Manager C. Renee Perry said there have been 329 informal appeals made by property owners, and seven would be continuing on for further review by the Board of Review & Equalization – which is the board of commissioners – on Monday, May 6.

Upcoming budget work sessions would be the time and place to talk about revenue neutrality, she said.

Perry said she expects to send out this week details about an information session that will be held in the county to talk about the revaluation process.

Granville County held a similar event in early April and the Granville County Board of Commissioners is holding budget work sessions at the Granville Convention & Expo Center Monday, May 13, and Wednesday, May 15, and if necessary on Thursday, May 16. Each session begins at 9 a.m.

Granville County Tax Administrator Jennifer Short told WIZS News Wednesday that 1,013 informal appeals were fielded before the April 29 deadline; of those, only one so far will continue to the Board of Equalization and Review.  The deadline for formal appeals is June 3, Short said.

“We are recommending anyone that wants to appeal to contact our office for an appointment date and time to ensure everyone is heard,” Short said in an email. “I would hate to chance someone having to come back because of the possible number of formal appeals and running out of time.”

Counties are scheduled to adopt the new tax rate in June and it would go into effect at the beginning of the new fiscal year, July 1.

According to information contained in a brochure explaining the process in Granville County, until the tax rate is set, it’s not clear how the revaluation numbers will affect individual tax bills.

In Franklin County, property owners have until May 20 to file a formal appeal. According to Franklin County’s Public Information Officer James F. Hicks, III, the vendor contracted to complete appraisals has indicated that “large tracts of land and any assessment that showed more than 100 percent increase would be reviewed again.”

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners will likely receive the proposed budget on May 20 and a public hearing will be in likely in early June., Hicks said.

Franklin Judicial Complex Expansion Could Begin As Early As October 2024

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The Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved the next steps in the judicial complex expansion project

Oakley Collier Architects presented the updated site plan and building layouts for a renovated Courthouse Annex and a three-story addition to commissioners at their April meeting.

Construction could begin as early as October.

Back in October 2019, county leaders made the project a priority and commissioners approved funding for initial surveys and designs in November 2021. A few months after that, commissioners got a judicial update which provided options for placement of the judicial complex on the site. Ultimately, locating expanded facilities adjacent to the current Courthouse Annex in Louisburg minimized the need for more new construction.

This project is brought about by the population growth the county has experiences in recent years, which brings with it increased demands to the courts system and other offices housed in the facility, including the clerk of court’s office.

Dockets for District Court and Superior Court have grown as the County population has increased which has expanded District Attorney staff numbers.

According to N.C. General Statute 7A-302, “each county in which a district court has been established, courtrooms, office space for juvenile court counselors and support staff…shall be provided by the county….”

Legislators granted $15 million in the new state budget to be used for the construction of judicial facilities in Franklin County – taking some of the financial burden off of Franklin County and its taxpayers. The funds must be used by October 2025 per the FY23 State Budget.

 

“Franklin County leadership appreciates the support for this identified need from our state legislators,” said Franklin County Manager Kim Denton.

Franklin County Historic Courthouse (Historic Courthouse) was built in the mid-1800s and has served for nearly 200 years. It was last renovated in 2014. The building houses the Clerk of Superior Court offices, Superior Court Courtroom and the Resident Superior Court Judge and supporting staff.

The Judge Hamilton H. Hobgood Courthouse Annex (Courthouse Annex) was built in 1995 – the last judicial construction in Franklin County – after the County renovated a hardware store to expand judicial facilities.  The Courthouse Annex contains the District Courtroom, a portion of the Clerk of Superior Court’s office, and the Resident District Court Judge and supporting staff offices. The Register of Deeds is also located in the Courthouse Annex.

Both buildings house portions of the District Attorney’s office, Guardian ad Litem and Juvenile Justice offices.

SportsTalk: Lee Dreams Of National Title For Louisburg College Softball

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Louisburg College Softball Coach Eric Lee has a dream.  “I’ve always dreamed of bringing a national title to Louisburg College,” Lee said.  Lee was a guest on Thursday’s SportsTalk.  Sometimes dreams can be funny things though and this year those dreams have almost become a nightmare.  “It’s been the most challenging season of my career,” Lee said.

Starting off the pre-season as the #1 team in the country, Lee found himself immediately dealing with a variety of on and off the field problems.  Injuries to key players have been a part of the challenges but off the field family issues for some of his players has meant that backups have been pressed into service.  “We have had players in games who I never thought would be on the field at all this year,” Lee said.

Nonetheless, Louisburg remains a top 5 team in the country and has compiled at 39-6 record.   The challenges have been beneficial to some degree.  “We are more prepared for the tournament this year than last year,” Lee stated.

The Hurricanes will host the regional and divisional tournaments and, if successful, will move on the World Series.  “I like our chances,” Lee said as a summation.

Louisburg faces Brunswick in a two game series, Friday at 4pm and Saturday at 1pm on the college campus in Louisburg.