CARY — The Wake County Public School System will offer a virtual academy program for the 2021-22 school year.

The district plans to send out information to families Friday to explain the registration window, which will most likely begin in late April and end in early May, it said Tuesday.

“While a registration window ending in early May will seem early for some families, the information is needed to ensure schools have time to create master schedules and hire the appropriate staff,” a district email said. “A later registration date means student schedules could be delayed and class changes would be unavailable.”

The earlier window will also help separate virtual instruction from in-person instruction. Several teachers teach both in-person and virtual students simultaneously. Virtual Academy teachers will just offer online instruction, according to the district.

It’ll also offer a virtual open house for parents to learn more about the program details and offerings, the district said.

Evans named Franklin County fire marshal

LOUISBURG — Franklin County named Arthur Lee “Trey” Evans III as county fire marshal, starting April 19.

Evans started his public safety career with Littleton Volunteer Fire Department before moving to the Weldon Fire Department in 2012. He spent six years there and was promoted to assistant chief.

He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from N.C. Wesleyan College and an associate degree in Fire Protect Technology from Coastal Carolina Community College. He has multiple firefighter and technical rescue certifications, including fire arson investigator. Evans and his wife are longtime Franklin County residents.

“We are excited to have the position of the county fire marshal filled,” said Hendrix Valenzuela, emergency services director. “Mr. Evans bring a lot of attributes and qualities that align well with the overall mission and services provided by the Office of Emergency Services.”

The position is important for the continued growth of the county, according to County Manager Kim Denton. The fire marshal conducts investigations, coordinates with other agencies and performs periodic inspections as required by state law.

Wake Commissioners approve 10-year growth plan

RALEIGH — The Wake County Board of Commissioners approved a new plan to guide growth and development in Wake County over the next 10 years Monday.

PLANWake is the result of more than two years worth of work, including discussions with the county’s municipalities, research into best practices and public surveys. More than 9,000 people completed surveys, and the community advisory committee consisted of 50 people throughout Wake County.

The plan updates the county’s current land use plan and development policies. It applies to unincorporated parts of the county, not municipalities.

County planning staff focused on planning for growth, which citizens wanted directed toward towns and already developed areas; on protecting open space and natural areas, including creating parks and wildlife preserves; and on creating walkable environments for both pleasure and transportation.

PLANWake can be viewed at planwake.org.

Association to invest $1.5M in Falls Lake water quality projects

BUTNER — The board of Upper Neuse River Basin Association voted unanimously to invest a combined $1.5 million each year in water quality projects to protect the Falls Lake watershed’s ability to provide safe drinking water.

The agreement will reduce nutrient contribution from developed land in the watershed. It will also help provide wildlife habitat and recreation, officials said.

The agreement expands the list of eligible options for managing nutrient pollution, allows local government to cooperate with others and focuses on financial investments.

The board said it is a step along the way to long-term, collaborative, science-based nutrient management. It will inform recommendations for a new set of Falls Lake Nutrient Mangement Rules set to be adopted in 2025.

Government Notebook is a roundup of local government news from reporter Amber Revels-Stocks. Contact her at arevels@wakeweekly.com.