Kerr-Vance Academy Repeats as State Champions in Soccer and Baseball

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-Information courtesy Frank Wiggins, Headmaster, Kerr Vance Academy

The Kerr-Vance Lady Spartans defended their state title on Saturday, May 19 coming away with a 2-0 victory against Statesville Christian School.  The match was played in off and on rain, but the team controlled the ball the entire match.

Nicole Dunkley got the Spartans on the board early in the opening minutes taking a corner kick from Ashley Dickerson and driving it in past the Statesville goalie.  The score remained 1-0 until Dickerson netted a penalty kick after a handball call in the second half.  From there, the offense and defense buckled down with solid ball control and timely plays to pick up the win.  It has been a special season for the team due to the way they handled heightened expectations and strong senior leadership.

The Kerr-Vance Lady Spartans celebrate their back-to-back State Championship win. (Photo courtesy KVA)

Varsity baseball had to wait out numerous weather delays and postponements to finally get to a pressurized, one game, winner-take-all matchup against Wayne Country Day.  The original format was best of three.

The Spartans were up to the challenge with Cam Murphy pitching a complete game, giving up only 2 runs in seven innings.  Senior Wil Short, in his last game as a Spartan, went 2 for 3, two walks, 3 RBIs.  Kerr-Vance was also led by RJ Johnson’s two RBI’s.  Lane White and Shane Garrett each plated runs for the Spartans.  The final was a 9-2 victory and a back-to-back championship.

Thoughts from KVA Headmaster Frank Wiggins:

As I think about what has been significant in the back to back title runs, no doubt that senior leadership has been huge for both teams.  This year’s soccer team was led by Bonnie Evans, Caroline Hoyle, Riley Short, Holly Steg, and Nicole Dunkley.  Nicole finished as the all-time leading scorer for the Spartans in soccer.  The stingy defense was led by Stegg, Hoyle, and Evans.  Short was very instrumental in controlling the midfield.  Similarly, in baseball, Wil Short’s presence for a relatively young team was a big factor in winning the title.  Wil has a way of taking young players under his wing and keeping them focused.  He also was the team’s catcher and huge offensive presence in the lineup.

By my unofficial count, this is the 11th state title for Kerr-Vance.  Men’s soccer, Women’s Soccer (4), Baseball (4), Men’s Basketball, and Men’s Golf have all one state championships.

The Kerr-Vance Varsity Baseball Team celebrates their back-to-back State Championship win. (Photo courtesy KVA)

From the principal’s chair, it has been incredible to watch both teams perform at such high levels this year.  We are blessed to have this group of gifted student/athletes at Kerr-Vance.  They are even better people!  I am proud of the way that they have represented our school and the journey that has brought something very unique to our school.  I think I am most proud that they worked as a team to accomplish those lofty goals.  It took all of the parts working together to be back to back champs.  That is something they will take with them when they leave here – knowing that we did this together!

I think this certainly helps our school.  It creates a sense of pride, not just in our athletic programs but our school as a whole.  The KVA community really got behind both teams and shared in their accomplishments.  I think athletics are a huge aspect of our school’s brand and can help us attract students when they see the success we have had.  That coupled with the opportunity to get an incredible education are big drawing cards for KVA.   It has been my experience that when students are involved in athletics, band, the arts, and other activities they are more likely to experience higher levels of academic success as well.  They become more well-rounded people.  It works hand in hand.

Vance County NC

Vance Co. Board of Commissioners to Meet Mon., June 4

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to Board/Executive Asst., County of Vance

The Vance County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, June 4, 2018, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 122 Young Street, Henderson.

Items on the agenda include:

  • Budget Hearing FY 2018-19 Economic Development Appropriations
  • Budget Hearing FY 2018-19 Proposed Budget
  • Appointment – Porcha Brooks, Tax Administrator – Untimely Exemption Applications
  • Water District Board – FY 2018-2019 Water Budget and Monthly Operations Report
  • Committee Reports and Recommendations a. Public Safety Committee – Fire Commission Guidelines – Fire Service Restructure b. Properties Committee – Triangle Literacy Council Partnership – Courthouse Carpet Replacement – Admin Building Door Access Controls
  • Finance Director’s Report a. Surplus Property b. Authorization of Year-end Closeouts c. Auditor Engagement Letter – DSS Testing d. 2013 QZABs – School Consolidation e. Resolution – Electronic Payments
  • County Attorney’s Report a. Uniform Guidance – Conflicts of Interest and Procurement Policies
  • County Manager’s Report a. Fireworks Permit – City of Henderson b. Implementation of Salary and Classification Study c. DHHS Division of Social Services Memorandum of Understanding d. Sunday Hours at NC 39 North Convenience Site e. Budget Review and Finalization Discussion
  • Consent Agenda Items a. Tax Refunds and Releases b. Ambulance Charge-Offs c. Monthly Reports d. Minutes
  • Miscellaneous a. Appointments b. Voting Delegate and Alternate – NACO Annual Conference
  • Closed Session a. Economic Development Matter b. Contract Negotiation

June’s agenda and previous agendas may be viewed on the County’s website by clicking here.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Happenings at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market – Sat., June 2

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-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Market Manager, Vance County Regional Farmers Market

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market’s selection of vegetables has increased this week! Visit us at 210 Southpark Dr.
Henderson, NC  this Saturday from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

We will have beets, bak choi, broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, garlic, greens, kale, lettuce, onions, swiss chard, squash, turnips and zucchini.

Our meat vendors will be in attendance with beef and pork.

Don’t forget the eggs!

Check out the wonderful crafts offered by our talented artists.

Breakfast served beginning at 8 a.m.

Anticipated Vendors

Adcock Farm – Canned goods & tomatoes

Backroad Farm & Vineyard – Squash, Zucchini, Beets, Kale, Hydroponic Lettuce, Cucumbers & Wine

Donation Station – Farmer Foodshare

Faulkner Family Farms – Meat – Pork

Gavin’s Grub Hub – Serving Breakfast @ 8 a.m.

Harvey Hills Farms – Plants, flowers & herbs

JASM Farms – Onions, Lettuce, Squash, Turnips, Broccoli & Radishes

JW Creek Farm – Meat – Beef & eggs

Kelly Lynn Photography – Photos, prints & tattoo art

Laureen’s Creations – Beautiful Wreaths

LouMag Ent. – Greens, Lettuce, Bak Choi & Beets

Master Gardeners – Gardening Advice

Pretty Tough Stuff – Jewelry

Stone Bridge Farm – Eggs, Swiss Chard, Garlic, Red & Savory Cabbage

Woodwick Designs – Homemade soy wax candles

 

***Beginning June 6th: The Farmers Market will be open Wednesdays and Saturdays 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.***

 

Contacts:

Market Manager: Tracy Madigan @ 252-598-0814

Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie @ 252-438-8188

**VCRFM accepts and welcomes SNAP/EBT**

The Farmers Market building is available for rent. Contact Tracy Madigan for pricing and available dates.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Register Now for Annual Warren County Farm Tour

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-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, Vance/Warren Counties – NC Cooperative Extension

The annual Warren County Farm Tour will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2018.

This year’s tour will feature produce processing, a well-established produce farm and also an up-and-coming operation. We will also have a few minutes to shop and meet the vendors of the Warren County Farmers Market.

Aspiring and experienced farmers will see what it takes to build a successful operation, and non-farmers will get a behind-the-scenes peek into the life of a farmer. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit the farms that contribute so much to the community, and learn how they operate.

School-aged children are welcome to attend if accompanied by a supervising adult. The tour is made possible through the generous support of AgCarolina Farm Credit.

The day begins at 8 a.m. at the Warren County office of NC Cooperative Extension, concluding at 2 p.m. The cost is only $5 which includes lunch and transportation. Registration required by noon on Wednesday, June 13.

For details call 252-257-3640 or click https://go.ncsu.edu/wcfarmtour.

(Photo courtesy Paul McKenzie and NCSU)

Faith Dove

Anniversary Celebration at Holy Temple UHCA – Sun., June 3

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-Information courtesy Ola Cooper, Pastor, Holy Temple UHCA of Henderson

The Holy Temple UHCA will hold an anniversary celebration on Sunday, June 3, 2018, at 3 p.m. at the church located at 729 East Avenue in Henderson.

The Rev. Dr. George Horton, pastor of St. John UHCA in Zebulon, will preach the anniversary sermon and his choir will render the music.

The public is invited to share in this celebration.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Board of Education to Meet Mon., June 4

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-Information courtesy Dr. Stan Winborne, Public Information Officer, Granville County Public Schools

The Granville County Board of Education will meet in regular session Monday, June 4, 2018, at 6 p.m. at the Granville County Public Central Office, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina.

The board will also meet in a Closed Session for Personnel/Attorney-Client Privilege in accordance with N.C. General Statute 143.318.11 (a)(6), 143-318.11 (a)(3), 143.318.11 (a)(5) and Section 115C-321 on this evening.

The next scheduled meeting will be Monday, June 11, 2018, at 5:30 p.m.

Granville County Logo

Granville Co. Board of Commissioners to Meet Mon., June 4

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-Information courtesy Debra A. Weary, Clerk to the Board, Granville County

The Granville County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, June 4, 2018, at 7 p.m. at the Granville Expo and Convention Center, 4185 US Highway 15 South, Oxford.

Agenda items include:

– FY 2018-2019 budget matters

– Zoning Map Amendment (Rezoning) – Corner of Highway 15 and Hoerner-Waldorf Road

– Granville County Land Development Code Text Amendment Petition

– Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee – subcommittee update

Oxford Board of Commissioners to Hold Agenda Meeting Mon., June 4

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-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

The City of Oxford Board of Commissioners will hold an agenda meeting on Monday, June 4, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, City Hall.

Among the agenda items:

  • Report from the Airport Authority Chairman, David Thomas
  • Budget amendment for the final payment on the WWTP Lagoon – consider authorizing a budget amendment in the amount of $30,000 to cover the change order previously approved by the Board on April 30, 2018. Monies will be moved from the Water Fund to the Fixed Asset Over $5,000 fund. This budget amendment will allow the City to make final payment to Vance Construction for the WWTP Lagoon.
  • Set the agenda for the Tuesday, June 12, 2018, regular session

The regular monthly Board meeting will be held Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, City Hall.

Granville County Logo

Granville Co. Library System Announces Summer Programming

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-Information courtesy Angela Allen, Director, Granville County Tourism Development Authority

The Granville County Library System will sponsor several programs this summer, including:

“Master of Mayberry” the Miraculous Life of Andy Griffith at the Thornton Library in Oxford

Tuesday, June 5 from 6 to 7 p.m.

The library will host Dr. Elliott Engel to speak on Andy Griffith and his life as an actor as well as little known facts about Griffith. Using anecdotes, analysis and a large dose of humor, Engel will share the story of the immortal Hollywood actor.

GSK “Science in the Summer” at the South Branch Library in Butner/Creedmoor

June 18 – 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

GSK “Science in the Summer” at the Thornton Library in Oxford

July 30 – August 3 (Level I & II offered July 30 – August 3; Level III offered August 1 – 3)

For more information and registration CLICK HERE for South Branch and CLICK HERE for Thornton Library.

Dr. Ray Spain Appointed to Governor’s Early Childhood Advisory Council

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Dr. Ray Spain, superintendent of Warren County Schools, was appointed by Governor Roy Cooper to serve on the state’s Early Childhood Advisory Council.

Gov. Cooper issued an executive order in February to reauthorize North Carolina’s council. Federal law requires each state to establish an early childhood advisory council. North Carolina’s Early Childhood Advisory Council provides leadership in the development of a premier learning and development system for children birth to age 8.

“Investing in early learning and development is essential to building a better future for our children and our state,” Gov. Cooper said in a press release. “Quality early learning gives children the opportunity to succeed in school and life, helps produce the workforce we need to drive our state’s economic prosperity, and saves taxpayers money in the long run.”

The council will focus on creating and guiding a bold early childhood action plan that aligns with other efforts to advance the state’s early childhood system; building awareness of the importance of high-quality early childhood experiences to future education and career success to ensure young children in North Carolina are learning and thriving; and recommending and advocating for policies and funding that improve equitable access to high-quality early childhood services and better outcomes for young children and families.

Dr. Spain was appointed superintendent of Warren County Schools in 2003. He began his career as a teacher’s aide in Halifax County and served as a classroom teacher, coordinator for education-related programs, and principal before becoming superintendent.