Tag Archive for: #franklintonncnews

Two VGCC students awarded Mike Bradley memorial scholarships

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Brady, a company that provides energy-efficient HVAC systems and comprehensive building solutions for commercial and industrial facilities across North Carolina, recently awarded the annual Mike Bradley Memorial Scholarships to Vance-Granville Community College students Michael Hall of Creedmoor and Cedric Rodebaugh of Franklinton.

Both students, who are studying Welding Technology at VGCC, received a $500 scholarship to help fund their education.

Established by the Association of Community College Facility Operations (ACCFO) in 2014, the Bradley Memorial Scholarship was named in honor of Mike Bradley by his long-time employer, Brady Services. Bradley served as an outspoken supporter of and advocate for ACCFO and was passionate about the North Carolina Community College System, as a graduate of Wake Technical Community College. He passed away suddenly in 2014 after working with Brady for more than 30 years. In his memory, Brady funds the scholarship to be given annually to students at one member college. This was the first year that VGCC has been selected as the recipient school.

ACCFO members are employed as maintenance directors, managers, supervisors, physical plant managers and foremen employed by North Carolina Community Colleges to oversee physical plant operations and buildings and grounds maintenance.

Representatives of Brady recently made a visit to VGCC’s Main Campus to meet the two scholarship recipients and hold a luncheon in their honor. The officials from the company included Brady Vice President of Direct Sales Brad Resler of Greensboro, Account Services Representative Lina Lindberg of Morrisville and Director of Business and Leadership Development Phil Kirk of Raleigh, who is also a former member of the State Board of Community Colleges.

“Brady is a North Carolina company, and one of our missions is to be supportive of our associates and our community,” Resler told college officials and the students at the luncheon. “We had a tragedy strike us about two and a half years ago, with the passing of one of our associates, Mike Bradley. Through this scholarship, we remember him and carry on his legacy in a way that gives back to our community colleges and helps grow the vocational trades in North Carolina.”

Resler added that the scholarship is important not only to the individual students who receive it but also to the company, because it allows them to “reinvest in the workforce of North Carolina, the purpose of the community colleges, and the skilled trades that Brady and other contractors across the state rely upon.”

He noted that nationwide, many more skilled technicians in areas such as HVAC and welding are retiring than are entering those professions. “It’s vitally important that we get qualified, hard-working folks like Michael and Cedric to make the choice to train for these careers, so we’re just thrilled to support what VGCC is doing to develop a knowledgeable workforce. Congratulations, Michael and Cedric, on being selected as the recipients. We look forward to seeing the great things that are ahead of you both!”

Hall, who was accompanied by his mother, Lynn, and Rodebaugh, who was joined by his wife, Tamara, expressed their appreciation to Brady and to the college. Both students have completed the first year of VGCC’s two-year Welding degree program. Hall is already employed in the welding field, at MGM Products in Kittrell.

“We feel very honored and fortunate to have you here to present these scholarships,” Rusty Pace, the head of the VGCC Welding program, said. “I love to see our students and industry come together, whether through employment or scholarships. Cedric and Michael are quickly becoming leaders as students in the Welding program. They are highly motivated, dedicated and set an excellent example for their classmates.”

  1. Keith Shearon, who oversees Welding and other programs as the Applied Technologies department chair at VGCC, added, “It’s always encouraging to have people in the community, especially employers, make an investment in our students.”

“The Mike Bradley Memorial Scholarship makes a significant difference in our community college system, and we are grateful to Brady and ACCFO for selecting a pair of outstanding Vance-Granville students as the recipients this year,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, VGCC’s president. “We can’t wait to see Michael’s and Cedric’s bright futures as they prepare for personal and professional success.”

About Brady

Brady is headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, with locations in Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville, and Wilmington. Founded in 1962 by Chairman Don Brady, the company remains a family owned enterprise, today employing over 420 associates. The company works with building owners, facility managers, developers, architects, engineers and contractors providing sustainable, comprehensive building solutions for commercial and industrial facilities. Brady provides customers with a diverse range of HVAC and building solutions including building automation, energy conservation, green design, performance contracts, access controls, security, mechanical systems, parts and supplies, as well as world-class technical support. Brady is a Trane franchise. For more information, visit www.bradyservices.com.

About Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College, one of the 58 institutions of the North Carolina Community College System, is the local source for higher education and training in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, north of the Research Triangle. Established in 1969, VGCC today serves students at four campuses (one in each county of the service area) and online. The college offers more than 40 curriculum programs, as well as occupational certifications, continuing education, adult education, customized training for employers and the first two years of a four-year degree. For more information, visit www.vgcc.edu.

–VGCC–

Franklin County Commissioners Fully Fund District Request

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Louisburg, N. C. —  At their meeting on Monday, May 15th, 2017, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners agreed to fully fund Franklin County Schools’ 2017-18 current local budget request. The total request for more than $16.3 million dollars is a $1.1 million dollar increase over the District’s 2016-17 local funding allocation.

Throughout the year, Franklin County school officials have been working to offer competitive salaries for some of the most critical positions within the district. With increased pressure from charter schools and neighboring districts, competitive pay for principals and certified staff members is a top priority and, according to school leaders, this local funding increase will provide Franklin County Schools with more financial flexibility as they seek to increase student proficiency and school performance grades.

“This is a breath of fresh air amidst a difficult budget year,” says Superintendent Dr. Pascal Mubenga. “We are incredibly grateful for this funding opportunity and we will continue to work diligently to provide the best education possible for our students.”

School Board Chair, Dr. Elizabeth S. Keith, said that the local allocation for the upcoming school year is the most generous she’s seen in more than 30 years of public education service in Franklin County.

“On behalf of the school board, we are truly appreciative of our Commissioner’s dedication to education in Franklin County,” she says, adding, “Our stewardship of these resources will be evident in the continued success of our schools.”

Franklin County Schools’ total locally allocated current expense budget for the 2017-18 school year is $17,056,554.00. The District’s capital outlay budget, which is also locally funded, remained the same at $1.4 million.

The school board is scheduled to approve a complete 2017-18 school budget at its annual year-end budget meeting on June 29th.

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Patrick Glace

Director of Communications

Franklin County Schools

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

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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

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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

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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.

Longtime Local Leader David Averette Named Principal of FMS

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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.

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Patrick Glace

Director of Communications

Franklin County Schools

Franklin County Sheriff: Suspect Arrested in the Death of his Mother

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On March 6, 2017 at approximately 12:47 p.m., the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responded to 90 Morgan Drive, Zebulon after receiving a call from the alleged suspect that he had killed his mother with a knife.

Upon arriving on the scene a deputy encountered the suspect who was taken into custody without incident.

As a result of the investigation, the following individual was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder and Placed in the Franklin County Detention Center with no bond:

 

 

Oliver Mauricio Funes Machada

90 Morgan Drive

Zebulon, North Carolina 27597

DOB: 06/15/1998

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terry M. Wright

Chief of Staff

Franklin County Man Allegedly Shoots Two in Stolen Gun Argument

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Press Release

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit issued warrants on a Franklin County resident. On 02/10/2017, warrants were issued on Jon Edward Check with Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury. On 02/10/2017, Jon Edward Check was arrested by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit. He is under a $40,000 bond.

This incident is alleged to have occurred on 02/09/2017.

Mr. Check is alleged to have shot two victims at his home.

This incident was alleged to been an ongoing dispute over a gun someone had stolen from Mr. Check.

Four individuals came to Mr. Check’s home, an apparent fight ensued and the end result was Mr. Check shooting two victims. One in the legs and the other in the arm.

Both victims were transported by private vehicle to WakeMed North.

Suspect:

Jon Edward Check

136 Elsie Marie Drive

Youngsville, NC 27596

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 contact Detective JC Senter at 919-340-4344.

Franklinton Man Allegedly Pours Gas/Sets Fire to Victim

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Press Release:

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Unit arrested William Thomas Hester, a Franklin County resident on February 5, 2017 and charged him with: First Degree Arson and Felony Assault Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury.

The incident is alleged to have occurred on February 5, 2017 at 17 Highland Way, Franklinton. The suspect, William Hester, is alleged to have thrown gasoline on the victim (Adrian Mayo) and set him on fire. Mr. Mayo is currently in the Burn Center at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Mr. Hester is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $503,000 secured bond.

William Thomas Hester

17 Highland Way, Franklinton

11-07-1971

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terry M. Wright

Chief of Staff

Red Cross critically needs donors after winter weather adds to severe blood shortage

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RALEIGH, N.C. (Jan. 18, 2017) – Following several rounds of severe winter weather in many parts of the country, the American Red Cross urges eligible blood and platelet donors to help restock its shelves to overcome a shortage.

Since Dec. 1, about 300 blood drives across 27 states have been forced to cancel due to inclement winter weather, resulting in more than 10,500 blood and platelet donations going uncollected. Despite the weather, hospital patients still rely on transfusions.

Blood donor Jim Taylor knows how it feels to have a loved one waiting for a transfusion. His son Aaron was born with a rare liver condition. In the short two months of his life, he received 115 blood products. Taylor said each transfusion gave his family more time with Aaron, so he encourages others to give.

“When the Red Cross says there is a shortage, they are not exaggerating,” said Taylor. “I now know from experience that what they are saying is somewhere there is a father waiting on the donation that will save his son’s life. When the Red Cross asks for help, what that means is a new dad is praying for a miracle.”

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to save time when donating.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Franklin

Franklinton

1/28/2017: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Franklinton Baptist Church, 102 West Mason St.

Granville

Creedmoor

1/27/2017: 2:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Avenue

Oxford

2/10/2017: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Granville County Shrine Club, 706 Roxboro Road

Stem

2/7/2017: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Granville Central High School, 2043 Sanders Rd

Person

Roxboro

1/26/2017: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., National Guard Armory, 605 Burlington Rd

1/29/2017: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Theresa Baptist, 3919 Chublake Rd

2/10/2017: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Roxboro Police Department, 109 Lamar St.

Vance

Henderson

1/28/2017: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., St. James Catholic Church, 3275 US 158 Bypass

2/14/2017: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Vance Granville Community College, 200 Community College Road

Warren

Norlina

1/25/2017: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., St. Pauls Lutheran Church, 438 Ridgeway Drewry Road

How to help

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

 

(Press Release)