Tag Archive for: #louisburgnews

Five VGCC Students Participate in Signing Ceremony for Apprenticeship Program

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Five students from Vance-Granville Community College were among a dozen who committed to participate in the North Carolina Triangle Apprenticeship Program (NCTAP) at a signing ceremony in Wake Forest on Wednesday, Aug. 16.

The students are now apprentices with eight industries in Granville, Franklin and Wake counties as they finish high school and earn their associate’s degrees at either VGCC or Wake Technical Community College. VGCC students Baylor Chapple and Sebastian Hughes, both of Louisburg, will be working at CaptiveAire in Youngsville, Xavier Durham of Warrenton with Dill Air Controls Products LLC in Oxford, and Zach Willey of Raleigh and Micah Peters of Youngsville with Revlon Inc. of Oxford.

Working through Wake Tech, the signees and the other companies were: Spencer Downing, Accu-Fab Inc. of Raleigh; Ben Elkins and Rhett Keaton, Bühler Aeroglide Corp. of Cary; Daniel Benson, Schmalz Inc. of Raleigh; Brennan Burns and Reily Rhoades, Schunk Intec Inc. of Morrisville; and Nathaniel “Nate” Corl, Superior Tooling of Wake Forest.

Parents of the apprentices and employers from the participating industries joined the students on stage for the signing ceremony as each made a commitment to follow the program. 

“We are grateful to NCTAP for providing the leadership to foster the collaboration between public and private partners that makes this effort successful,” VGCC President Dr. Stelfanie Williams shared with the students, their parents, industry representatives and guests at the dinner and ceremony in the Wake Forest Renaissance Center.

“Apprenticeship is a proven strategy to close the skills gap and meet the workforce needs of industries while at the same time making education more affordable for promising young students,” Dr. Williams added. “To our apprentices, the benefits of this wonderful program are nothing short of life-changing, and that’s why we are so excited to be an educational partner for NCTAP.”

“To our new apprentices, I want to extend congratulations and a warm Vanguard welcome, on behalf of Vance-Granville,” Dr. Williams added. “You are truly ‘Vanguards,’ because you are leaders and pioneers, and you will lead the way for many more apprentices in the future. You will also develop into leaders for your industries.”

NCTAP is a partnership that seeks to provide new opportunities for local students and to prepare a skilled workforce. Typically starting in the junior year of high school, NCTAP is a four-year program that leads to a student obtaining an associate degree at the community college and paid, on-the-job training at the participating employer. Eligible students’ tuition is covered by a waiver from the state of North Carolina. After they graduate from high school, students in the program will be employed full-time by the company.

“Apprenticeships are not exactly what people think they are,” said Marc Bertoncino of Bühler Aeroglide, chairman of NCTAP and master of ceremonies for the event. “This is a very beneficial program for the companies. This is a very beneficial program for young people starting their careers.”

Dr. Stephen Scott, president of Wake Tech, cited the importance of apprenticeships, internships and cooperative education in “bridging the skills gap,” adding, “Parents, we want to tell you that your kids are going to have a job for the next couple of years. They are going to graduate from either Wake Tech or Vance-Granville Community College. And they will have a good paying job and zero debt when they come out (of college). They will have the opportunity to further their education even beyond where this program takes them. So that is a win-win for everyone in this room.”

Bertoncino praised N.C. Sen. Chad Barefoot, R-Wake, for his help in getting legislation changed to boost the apprenticeship program. Whereas companies previously had to pay the state to have an apprentice, Barefoot helped enact legislation that now has the state providing reimbursement for tuition.

“There are apprenticeship programs across the state of North Carolina, but this particular group (NCTAP) has played a really important part in where apprenticeships are today,” Barefoot said. “This continued growth and expansion reaching into new communities will ensure that NCTAP remains the model apprenticeship program for the State of North Carolina.” He added, “Apprenticeships are the key to a successful future for the manufacturing industry of our state.”

Also speaking were Kathryn Castelloes, apprenticeship director for the N.C. Department of Commerce, and Wake Forest Mayor Vivian Jones. Robbie Earnhardt, owner of Wake Forest-based Superior Tooling and former chairman of the apprenticeship program, was recognized by Bertoncino for his vision, leadership and passion in guiding and promoting NCTAP. In attendance also were representatives of the offices of U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, R-NC, and U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-NC.

Representing VGCC’s NCTAP participating industries were Chris Clough and Cindy Walsh of CaptiveAire, Stephen Tsotsoros and Vanessia Alvarado of Dill Air Controls, Sean Anderson and Pat McKinney of Revlon, and Shaler Chewning of Glen Raven in Norlina. The latest industry to join NCTAP, Glen Raven will be taking its first interns in the coming year. Also present from the VGCC TechHire program were Ken Wilson, project manager, and Tiffani Polk, academic and career coach.

All schools participating in NCTAP can send students to the educational partner institution that best meets the needs of the industrial partner, Wilson said.

Franklin County Logo

Reports of Phone-Scam Targeting Local Seniors using Franklin County Home Heath Agency’s Phone-Number

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Franklin County, August 25, 2017: The Franklin County Health Department has learned that over the past few weeks several calls have been placed to area seniors which appear to be coming from the Franklin County Health Department’s Home Health Agency. For those with Caller-ID, the call will appear to be coming from our Home Health Agency’s phone number and will indicate “County of Franklin” as the name of the caller. Once answered the caller begins to discuss credit card offers that seem “too good to be true” and then asks for personal financial information.

Please note the Franklin County Health Department does NOT call regarding credit card or any other financial offers. Families and Caretakers are encouraged to speak with their seniors about any unusual calls they may be receiving and are strongly encouraged to call local law enforcement to report any suspicious calling activities.

The Franklin County Health Department and Information Technology Department will continue to work with local law enforcement and alert the community about this phone-scam activity targeting seniors.

For additional information, please contact Scott LaVigne, Franklin County Health Director, at (919) 496-2533.

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

VGCC offers Fall Mini-Term classes

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Although the Fall 2017 semester at Vance-Granville Community College is underway, there are still opportunities to register for a variety of classes offered during “mini-terms.” These sections start later during the semester, but end on Dec. 11, at the same time as the full 16-week courses, and they include just as many hours of instruction as under the traditional schedule.

The Fall 12-Week Mini-Term begins on Tuesday, Sept. 12. The complete list of courses is available by visiting schedules.vgcc.edu and clicking on the printable “Fall 12-Week Mini-Term” schedule.

VGCC has scheduled more than 30 curriculum classes on the 12-week schedule. Most are online, while others are offered in a hybrid format that combines online and traditional on-campus instruction. The courses include not only College Transfer general education courses in subjects such as English, Humanities, Sociology or Spanish, but also courses required for associate degrees such as Paralegal Technology.

Certain 12-week Criminal Justice courses are scheduled through the “Vanguard Online Learning through Technology,” or VOLT, initiative, which allows students to complete an entire associate degree online.

There are also a few courses offered during the Second 8-Week Mini-Term, which starts Thursday, Oct. 12.

Not only current VGCC students, but also new students are welcome to enroll. New students will need to complete a VGCC application for admission first. Financial aid is available for qualified students. For more information, contact the VGCC Financial Aid Office at fao@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3280.

For registration information, visit the Student Learning & Success Center on any VGCC campus or call (252) 738-3330.

–VGCC–

State Highway Patrol Promotes Back To School Safety

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RALEIGH – In anticipation of the upcoming school year, the State Highway Patrol is focusing on safety in and around school zones.  Motorists should be aware of an increase in school traffic and familiarize themselves with local school bus stop locations.  Teen drivers will also increase as some will be driving to and from school for the first time.  Drivers should also expect an increase in pedestrian traffic in and around school zones.

“Ensuring the safety of students as they travel to and from school is a responsibility shared by everyone”, said Col. Glenn McNeill Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol.  “Our mission is to educate the motoring public on safe driving behaviors before, during and after school.”

Troopers statewide will monitor school bus routes, attempting to ensure motorists comply with stopping for school buses as they pick up and release students. 

According to state law, motorists are required to stop when a school bus is displaying its mechanical stop signal or flashing red lights and the bus is stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers.  The driver of any other vehicle that approaches the school bus from any direction on the same street, highway, or public vehicular area shall bring that other vehicle to a full stop and shall remain stopped.

Officials also encourage students to ensure all traffic has stopped before entering the roadway when boarding or exiting their respective school bus. 

In an attempt to increase safety and awareness, SHP is using social media to highlight a “Back to School” PSA, which can be viewed by vising the Patrol’s Facebook page.  A digital copy of the PSA is available upon request. 

Boys and Girls Club Set for 2017-2018 School Year

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Vance 

As the summer program comes to an end, members are preparing to return to school and the Club staff are preparing for the start of the after-school program. The GREATEST staff and volunteers in Boys & Girls Club will take two weeks to clean, and re-energize for the 2017-2018 school year.  

Walmart Distribution volunteers will return to the Club to freshen up the walls and floors. Ms. Evelyn will be traveling to Atlanta, GA for the Unit Directors Academy. This Academy will help the Vance County staff build and sustain a high- quality Club experience for all Members. Vance unit will also be accepting applications for new team members and school aged members ages 5-18.

Granville

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL! We have had a great summer, but the Granville Unit is so excited to have an even better school year. Our staff is excited to engage with our club members on so may different levels!

Power hour will continue to be a driving force at our club, but we are focusing on exposing our youth to new activities and tasks. We are planning on having a strong focus in STEM, leadership, & creatvity. BGCNCNC cannot wait to see our youth learn & grow throughout the school!

Warren

We are looking forward to an exciting school year in Warren County.  Three of our schools are back in session and our club members are very excited about the new opportunities that will be available to them this school year.  Our last site will open at the end of this month, and we are extremely eager to meet those club members as well.

We have partnered with the school administration and staff members at each of our sites, to ensure that our students experience great academic success this school year.   We  are looking to also partner with the local high schools and community colleges to get volunteers to help out at our sites to ensure that our club members have a great club experience.  We want each club member to truly believe that “Great Futures Start Here”

Featured here our most recent visitor Lieutenant Corey Adams City of Henderson Fire Department Division of Fire Prevention.

Franklin

The Franklin Unit is excited for the first day of school, 2017!! The staff is very busy at the club working on new bulletin boards, rearranging classrooms, planning a fun and engaging schedule, and cleaning up the club!! As the age old saying goes “it takes a village to raise a child” we are fully committed to being a part of that village in Franklin County to mentor and support the children of the community we serve. While it may not be what the children want to hear, this 2017-2018 school year the Franklin Unit will be focusing on…drum roll please….homework! Yes, homework. Part of the mission of The Boys & Girls Clubs of America is to enable all young people to reach their full potential. Homework is a tool that we can use to bridge the gap between school, families, and their community.  

We’re so eager to get this year started because we will be partnering with AmeriCorps to bring a full time LiteracyCorps member to the Boys & Girls Club in Franklin County for the next 12-13 months. This member’s full focus will be on improving literacy in the youth we serve at The Boys & Girls Club! Our staff will also benefit through the relationship they build with this member by learning new and exciting ways to implement fun and engaging programming that includes an underlying academic piece. We are ready to tackle this school year and continue to grow and mentor great futures for the youth of Franklin County!

Halifax

As summer winds down and the clean up begins, we are looking forward to the exciting new school year. The staff is gearing up to make the 2017-2018 school year one of the best ever! We have been collecting back to school supplies for our annual book bag give away, that is shaping up to be a big event!

We are setting up and planning some new and exciting programs and lining up some new and engaging speakers to start the school year off right! We are looking forward to seeing all our returning members, as well as meeting all our NEW members. See you on August 28th! Let the FUN begin!

Franklin County Logo

Approval of STIP Keeps Franklin County on the Move

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Franklin County, August 17, 2017: Franklin County will see the benefit of a number of projects now that the North Carolina Board of Transportation has approved the 10-year (2018-2027) State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP).

Funding will assist with several transformational projects including the NCDOT Division of Aviation allocation of $10,890,000 to Triangle North Executive Airport (TNEA) and the widening of US 401 to a four-lane highway.

“The support from NCDOT and NCDOT Division of Aviation for Franklin County provides us with the resources to take significant steps forward for our businesses and citizens,” stated Franklin County Board Chairman Cedric K. Jones.

“The allocation to Triangle North Executive Airport will allow us to create more buildable space for additional hangars as well as be able to extend the runway and take larger aircraft to carry passengers and freight,” commented Steve Merritt, Triangle North Executive Airport Manager. The county will be required to provide some matching funds bringing the total value of this allocation plus the match to $12,200,000.

Triangle North Executive Airport has 60 jobs and the impact of this expansion is projected to grow that number to 120 for both direct and indirect jobs. TNEA houses 131 planes currently with an annual economic impact of $23,000,000.

The approved funding for widening US 401 now provides this corridor not only with improved safety, but also more direct access to multiple transportation routes important for attracting and retaining businesses. This project has been identified as Section C of US 401 and has long been a request by the citizens of Louisburg and Franklin County.

Additional commitment by NCDOT to now take US 401 widening all the way into Louisburg, named Section D of US 401, will transform access for this area of Franklin County. “With the ongoing growth of Franklin County, it is important that we plan for safe, effective transportation,” stated County Manager Angela L. Harris. “The widening of US 401 has been a project that has been important to us for many, many years and we are delighted to see it moving forward.”
Contact: Richie Duncan Economic Development Director Phone: (919) 554-1863 Fax: (919) 554-1781
228 Park Avenue Youngsville, NC 27596 www.franklincountync.us FRANKLIN COUNTY

“When completed, the US 401 expansion will provide Franklin County with another four-lane north-south thoroughfare, giving the county and region the infrastructure it needs for growth,” said Economic Development Director Richie Duncan.

In addition to these projects, several others were included in the 10-year plan including:

 US 401-39 (Bickett Blvd), NC 56/581 (Nash Street) to SR 1229 (Main Street) widening to multi-lanes  Intersection improvement from Holden Road at US 1Alt, NC 96  Access management from East Nash St to Burke Blvd to replace 5 lane facility with 4 lane facility including planted median, sidewalks and bike lane  US 98, NC 98 – upgrade existing at grade intersection to interchange  From Main St to Camille Circle at Luddy Park construct shared use path, crosswalks

For additional information, please contact Richie Duncan, Franklin County Economic Development Director, at (919) 554-1863.

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

Franklin County Logo

Franklin County Names Public Utilities Director

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Franklin County, August 8, 2017: Franklin County has selected Christopher Doherty to serve as Public Utilities Director effective August 21, 2017. Mr. Doherty has served as Superintendent for the South Florida Water Management District from May 2012 until March 2017. Prior to working for South Florida Water Management District, Mr. Doherty served as Public Works/Utilities Superintendent for the City of North Lauderdale where he supervised the daily operations of the Public Works Department. In addition, Mr. Doherty has several years of experience as a Public Works Director for the City of Clinton, North Carolina.

Mr. Doherty earned an Associates of Arts – Civil Engineering from Broward Community College and a Bachelor of Science, Professional Management/Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. He is certified in Florida as a Stormwater Management Inspector, holds a C Distribution certification in North Carolina as well as an OSHA 30 certification. His professional memberships include the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), SWANA Certified as MSW Collection Manager, American Water Works Association and FL Chapter, American Public Works Association and FL Chapter, Rural Water Association, National Fire Protection Association and American Society of Civil Engineers.

County Manager Angela L. Harris said, “It is with great optimism that I welcome Mr. Doherty to our team. He will play an important role as we update our Capital Improvements Plan for Public Utilities and plan for future growth. We are also thankful for the service of Mike Bailes who is currently serving as interim director.”

For additional information, please contact Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager, at (919) 4965994.

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

State Highway Patrol Investigates Louisburg Fatal Collision

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RALEIGH – On Friday, August 4, at approximately 9:34 a.m., the State Highway Patrol responded to a multi-vehicle collision on US 401 near NC 56 in Franklin County. A 2001 Volkswagen passenger vehicle, operated by Samar Ferd Jurdi, 20, of Raleigh, was traveling south on US 401. A 2016 Nissan passenger vehicle, operated by Chastity Calandra Stamper, 37, of Hollister, was traveling south on US 401 within a right-turn lane, parallel to the Volkswagen. As the right-turn lane ended, both vehicles struck one another while continuing to travel south.

As a result of the collision, the Volkswagen traveled left of center and struck a 2010 Honda passenger vehicle, which was traveling north on US 401. After colliding with the Honda, the Volkswagen traveled off onto the northbound shoulder of US 401 and overturned within a creek.

Volkswagen Occupants:
Driver:
Samar Ferd Jurdi was transported to Wake Medical Center with serious injuries
Passengers:
• Ryan Zavala, 14, of Louisburg was transported to Wake Medical Center with serious injuries.
• Rami Eleitar, 9, of Raleigh was transported to Wake Medical Center with serious injuries.
• Michelle Zavala, 1, of Louisburg succumbed to her injuries at Wake Medical Center.
• Kathaleen Maldanado, 4, of Louisburg was transported to Wake Medical Center with serious injuries.

Nissan Occupant:
Driver:
Chastity Calandra Stamper was not injured

Honda Occupant:
Driver:
Anna Williams Collier, 46, of Louisburg was transported to Wake Medical Center with serious injuries.

Investigators are still determining the contributing circumstances for the collision. SHP’s collision reconstruction unit is assisting with the investigation.

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Franklin County Sheriff

Operation Summer Magic Results in Six Arrests in Franklin County

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RALEIGH – Nearly 40 law enforcement and probation/parole officers, as well as support staff from state, local and federal agencies, joined forces this week for Operation Summer Magic, an enforcement operation that served outstanding criminal warrants and conducted compliance checks on high risk and violent offenders on probation and parole in Franklin County.

“Law enforcement agency partnerships are key to maintaining safe communities in Franklin County, as well as across the state,” said N.C. Department of Public Safety Community Corrections Director Tracy Lee. “We thank our partners for their hard work and collaboration on this operation.”

The one-day operation saw 27 residences searched, with six arrests. Law enforcement seized:

  • 3 firearms;
  • 1 bulletproof vest;
  • Marijuana and drug paraphernalia; and
  • 48 packets of heroin.

Participating agencies included DPS Community Corrections (Probation/Parole), DPS Special Operations Unit, federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Franklinton Police Department, Youngsville Police Department, Louisburg Police Department and N.C. Information Sharing and Analysis Center (NC ISAAC). The operation was supported by canines and handlers from DPS and the local law enforcement agencies.

Franklin County Sheriff Kent Winstead, said, “We are appreciative of our local, state and federal partners who came together in a collaborative effort to serve warrants and ensure high-risk offenders were in compliance with the terms of their probation.”

Louisburg Police Chief Jason Abbott said, “With our communities shaken by numerous recent acts of violence that have crossed several jurisdictions, I am grateful for the relationships we share with our community leaders, and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. Collectively, and with community support, we are taking a proactive approach to end the senseless violence in our neighborhoods.”

Franklinton Police Chief John Green said, “We are thankful for all local, state and federal agencies coming together in this joint operation in this county.”

Added Youngsville Police Chief Daren Kirts, “This is great when all of Franklin County law enforcement comes together for the safety of its citizens.”

For more information about Operation Summer Magic, please contact Terry Wright at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at (919) 727-0834.

*In Custody* Franklin County Sheriff’s Office looking for Armed and Dangerous Suspect

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Kevin Lea James, 44, of 375 Fishing Rock Road, Castalia NC, is wanted by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for the following charges:

Felony Assault on a Handicapped Person

Misdemeanor Assault – Inflict serious Injury

Communicating Threats

Assault by Pointing a Gun

These incidents allegedly occurred on July 25th, 2017 at 375 Fishing Rock Road, Castalia NC.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office advises you to use extreme caution as he is considered armed and dangerous.

Contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at 919-496-2186. 

Kevin Lea James

DOB: 08-21-1972

Age: 44

Height: 5’8

Weight: 190

Eyes: Brown

Hair: Brown