Tag Archive for: #youngsvillencnews

Five VGCC Students Participate in Signing Ceremony for Apprenticeship Program

/by

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.

Mark Speed Unanimously Appointed County Commissioner

/by

Franklin County June 27, 2017: Franklin County Commissioners made a unanimous decision last evening to appoint James M. Speed (Mark) to fill the unexpired District 3 seat formerly served by the late John M. May.

Commissioner Speed was appointed following the District 3 Executive Committee’s nomination on July 20, 2017 and will serve the Epsom/Centerville area. Commissioner Speed comes from a family of public servants. His grandfather served as Franklin County Commissioner in the 1920’s. His father, the late James D. Speed served the North Carolina House of Representatives for 12 years and the North Carolina Senate for 20 years until his passing in 2006.

Commissioner Speed says he is thankful to all those who have encouraged him to serve through the years and to continue his family’s legacy. He said he looks forward to learning and working with fellow board members in serving the citizens of Franklin County.

Board Chairman Cedric Jones welcomes Commissioner Speed to the board and said he looks forward to working together for the betterment of Franklin County.

Commissioner Speed was sworn under oath by County Attorney Aubrey S. Tomlinson, Jr. and accompanied by his wife Camille Speed and nephew Davis Speed.

Following the appointment, Commissioner John M. May was honored posthumously with a standing ovation. His wife Vickie was in attendance.

Commissioner Speed will attend his first board meeting on July 17, 2017.

For additional information, please contact Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager, at (919) 496-5994.

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

Boil Water Advisory in Effect in Franklin County

/by

Franklin County, June 6, 2017: Franklin County Public Utilities has issued a boil water advisory until further notice. Franklin County’s main water supplier, the City of Henderson, has experienced pump failures which has led to low water pressure in their system.

Customers and the general public will be notified when the boil water advisory has been lifted.

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

Franklin County Citizens are advised to boil all water used for human consumption

Franklin County Finance Team achieves another honor

/by

Franklin County, NC May 25, 2017: For eighteen years, Franklin County’s Finance Department has been recognized nationally for their excellence in financial reporting. Once again, the team has achieved the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting.

The Finance Department was recently notified by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) that its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report was awarded the Certificate of Achievement.

The Certificate of Achievement is awarded by the GFOA of the United States and Canada for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).

Attainment of the certificate of the achievement represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

For additional information, contact Franklin County Finance at (919) 496-3182 or visit www.franklincountync.us. The Finance Office is staffed by Interim Director Chuck Murray, Mattie May, Lisa Medlin, Tracy Stevenson and Samantha Sanchez.

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

Franklin County Commissioners Fully Fund District Request

/by

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.

###

 

Patrick Glace

Director of Communications

Franklin County Schools

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

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

 

Franklin County Man Allegedly Shoots Two in Stolen Gun Argument

/by

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.