Vance County Schools Partners with Perry Memorial Library

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools and Perry Memorial Library are partnering to support students’ ongoing education. We share the belief that a love of books and learning is a strong foundation for student success and we are working together to provide every Vance County Schools student access to books and resources found at their public library.

Beginning March 1, 2020, all Vance County Schools students will be able to use their Student ID number to access and borrow public library books and resources. We are calling this initiative StudentAccess. There is additional information available on our website at www.vcs.k12.nc.us, as well as the opt-out form if you wish for your child to not participate.

Next No Charge Food Distribution Scheduled for Thurs., Feb. 13

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-Information courtesy Betty Boyd, First Baptist Church

The Second Thursday No Charge Food Distribution will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2020, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market, off Beckford Drive in Henderson.

Participants remain in their vehicles and volunteers place a box of fresh fruits and vegetables inside the car at no cost to the recipient. No identification is required, and no information is collected.

An area partnership of St. James Missionary Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, NC Cooperative Extension Office, Vance County Social Services and the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC, the monthly distribution supplements the food resources of the Vance County community.

Granville County Logo

Granville Commissioners’ Retreat Scheduled for Jan. 30-31

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

The Granville County Board of Commissioners will hold a retreat on Thursday, January 30 and Friday, January 31, 2020, at the Granville Expo & Convention Center – 4185 Highway 15, Oxford.

The January 30 session will be a dinner meeting held from 4:30 – 9 p.m. The January 31 session will be an all-day meeting from 8:15 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Retreat Agenda includes:

Thursday, January 30, 2020

1. 4:30 p.m. – Call to Order, Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance

2. 4:35 p.m. – Welcome and Comments from Board Members

3. 5:00 p.m. – Dinner and Presentation by Fred Johnson (during dinner starting @ 5:15 p.m.)

4. 6:25 p.m. – Break

5. 6:40 p.m. – Update from Municipalities

A. Mayor Bobby Wheeler & City Manager Korena Weichel

B. Mayor Casey Dover & Mayor Pro-Tem Susan Cope

C. Mayor Janet Parrott

D. Mayor Jackie Sergent & City Manager Alan Thornton

E. Mayor Terry Turner & Town Manager Tommy Marrow

6. 7:40 p.m. – School System Update on School Social Workers or Other Matters

7. 8:00 p.m. – Break

8. 8:15 p.m. – Legislative Issues & Update

A. Senator Mike Woodard

B. Representative Larry Yarborough

C. Representative Terry Garrison

9. 9:00 p.m. – Recess

Friday, January 31, 2020

1. 8:15 a.m. – Breakfast & Networking Opportunity

2. 8:45 a.m. – Call to Order

3. 8:50 a.m. – Presentation from Masonic Home for Children Oxford

4. 9:00 a.m. – Economic and Development Services

A. Economic Development (10 minutes)

B. Planning & Zoning (15 minutes)

C. Building Inspections (10 minutes)

D. Construction Administration (15 minutes)

5. 9:50 a.m. – Break

6. 10:00 a.m. – Law Enforcement Center Project Update

7. 10:35 a.m. – Animal Management Update

8. 11:00 a.m. – Social Services Update

9. 11:25 a.m. – Senior Services Update

10. 11:50 a.m. – Lunch, Discussion & Break

11. 12:45 p.m. – Board Comments from Lunch with Department Heads

12. 1:15 p.m. – County Administration Update

A. Budget Calendar Review & Review of Process

B. Review of Financial Condition & Debt

C. Local Economic Trends & Conditions

D. Review & Discussion of Open Projects

E. Strategic Plan Update

13. 2:35 p.m. – Break

14. 2:45 p.m. – Follow-Up Discussions from Retreat Items and Key Take Away Items

15. 3:15 p.m. – County Manager Recap

16. 4:00 p.m. – Adjourn

Yancey Shares Family’s Cancer Journey With New Book

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County’s own Brenda Yancey is the first author scheduled for a series of book discussions at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford during the month of February. This book signing and special program will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 1.

Author Brenda Yancey with her recently-published book “After Cancer: A Family’s Journey to Normalcy.” (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

Yancey’s book, “After Cancer: A Family’s Journey to Normalcy,” describes how her family depended on their faith to guide them through one of the darkest times in their lives. After her husband Larry received a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer in 2008, the Yanceys’ world was turned upside down. The life her family once knew, she said, was over – and a “new normal” was expected as family members struggled to accept the diagnosis and the impact it made on each of their lives.

“Every person has to make the decision to do what he (or she) feels is best, and what they feel God is leading them to do,” Yancey says in her book. “Every person is different, and each has to do what it takes to handle the situation.”

When the couple received the diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Yancey describes their reaction on hearing the news. While she fought back tears she had promised would not come, her husband was quiet as he carefully listened. “Okay,” she wrote. “We are going to trust God and take him at his Word.”

Through this newly-released book, Yancey tells the touching story of the support of her close-knit family and friends, the perseverance of her husband as he fought his battle with cancer and survived, and the choices she had to make concerning her own health. The book was written, she says, to encourage and help build up the faith of others who may be facing their own health battles. On Saturday, she will be sharing her own family’s experiences and signing copies of her work after the discussion.

“Life is good for us because we wake up every morning having a new appreciation for life,” she concludes. “When you come out of an experience like this, you see life totally different, and you understand that life is precious.”

A second local author discussion is scheduled for Saturday, February 16 with special guest Dr. Jason Miller. Miller will be introducing his latest novel, “Langston Hughes,” and will be providing insight into Hughes’ life as the first black author in America. This program will also begin at 2 p.m.

The Richard H. Thornton Library is located at 210 Main Street in Oxford and is one of four branches of the Granville County Library System. For more details about the Local Author Discussion series, contact Stefani Perry, Adult Librarian at 919-693-1121. To learn more about upcoming events scheduled at all four library branches, visit https://granville.lib.nc.us.

Filming Opportunity Available for Warren County’s Small Businesses 

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-Press Release, Warren County Government

Warren County Economic Development will be filming local businesses in Warren County on Wednesday, February 12, 2020. The footage will be used to market the companies within Warren County and to attract new businesses.

If you would like your business included, please email StacyWoodhouse@WarrenCountyNC.gov and put “filming” in the subject line. Please provide the name and address of your business and a phone number where you can be reached. If you do not hear from the EDC office within two business days, please call 252-257-3114 to confirm we have received your email.

For more information, contact Stacy Woodhouse, Director of Warren County Economic Development, at 252-257-3114 or at StacyWoodhouse@warrencountync.gov.

NC Coop Extension

Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 01/28/20

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News 01/28/20

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Town Talk 01/27/20: District 3 School Board Incumbent Dorothy Gooche On-Air

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Dorothy Gooche, the incumbent candidate for Vance County Schools Board of Education, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Serving on the school board since 2010, Gooche faces challenger Sean A. Alston, Sr. for the District 3 seat in the March 3, 2020 primary. Gooche also currently serves on the Board’s Curriculum Committee, Building & Grounds Committee and Community & Business Relations Committee.

Graduating from the Henderson Institute in 1965 and working at Vance-Granville Community College for 32 years before retiring in 2006, Gooche said her ten-year service to the school board has allowed her to continue her passion – helping young people.

“My greatest interest is the students and their academic achievements,” said Gooche. “I believe the children come first, and I strive to make sure that the decisions that are made for the students by the Board are in the best interest of the child.”

Gooche said the positive atmosphere created by VCS Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson, his administrative staff and school board members has led to a cohesive team. “I like working with the team that we have; we work well together and have gotten a lot accomplished.”

In fact, Gooche explained that the Board is working together right now to consider the cost and feasibility of moving the current STEM Middle School program. Board members were recently given a tour of the former Henderson Middle School (HMS) facility and later discussed the possibility of relocating the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program from its current location inside Vance County High School to the former HMS building.

“It is anticipated that both the high school’s enrollment and STEM’s enrollment will grow,” said Gooche. “This move could give the STEM program more space to set up its own labs and have its own cafeteria.”

At its recent meeting, with a unanimous vote of 7-0, the Board approved a motion to proceed with a cost study of moving the STEM program to the former HMS building.

The winner of the March election will undoubtedly be involved in further discussions about the relocation of the STEM program as well as the future of the former HMS building.

The only other school board position that faces opposition is the District 5 seat, where incumbent Linda Cobb faces challenger Clementine Hunter. Hunter previously resigned from the District 5 position and Cobb was appointed to the Board.

For the 2020 election, Cobb is running as incumbent and Hunter filed to re-enter the race as the challenger. WIZS has invited Cobb and Hunter to participate in similar Town Talk interviews.

To hear the interview with Gooche in its entirety, including discussion on recent events involving the school system, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

(This is not a paid political advertisement. Challenger Sean A. Alston, Sr. participated in an interview of equal time with WIZS on January 9, 2020.)

VCS: ‘Innovative School Options’ Application Process Begins Next Week

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools “Innovative School Options” will open its application process beginning February 3, 2020. The applications will be available from the district office at 1724 Graham Avenue, Henderson, online at www.vcs.k12.nc.us, as well as at the individual schools.

VCS’ Innovative School Options are different by design, with a focused pathway of learning defined for each. There are four available options, all of which require an application and admission process.

EM Rollins STEAM Academy, a K-5 year-round school, focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math. The goal is to inspire the students today through dynamic, innovative and personalized learning opportunities.

STEM Early High School, a 6-8 traditional calendar school, focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. STEM students are innovative scholars with a goal to have high academic results, collaborate effectively, think critically and build future pathways through modern learning.

Vance County Early College High School, a 9-12+ school, follows the early start calendar, aligning with Vance- Granville Community College. The school is a rigorous educational opportunity, focused on having students obtain a high school diploma and Associate Degree within 4-5 years, saving parents up to two years of college tuition!

Advance Academy, a 9-12 school, follows the traditional calendar with a flex schedule. There are three sessions available for students each day, allowing time for other obligations that students are faced with.

The application deadline is February 28, 2020, at 5 p.m. All applications must be turned in to Vance County Schools District Office at 1724 Graham Avenue, Henderson.

STEM Early High School and Vance County Early College will have a two-phase application process, with all applicants being mailed a status update on March 9. Final decisions for all Innovative Option Schools will be mailed on March 30.

Granville County Tourism

Granville Tourism Development Authority Offers Grant Opportunities

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The Granville Tourism Development Authority (GTDA) is now accepting grant applications for the upcoming fiscal year.

The primary purpose of the GTDA’s mini-grant program is to assist Granville County organizations and agencies in the promotion and marketing of events and activities that encourage tourism and create an economic impact from visitor spending. The goal is to help stimulate events/activities that can grow and eventually thrive on their own merit, without direct funding. Any approved funding should be considered as a supplemental resource only.

Applicants eligible for grant funding must be a Granville County-based community group, nonprofit organization, county municipality or recognized community within the county lines. For-profit groups cannot apply for grant funding unless the event’s proceeds will go to a community-supported event.

Projects to be considered should encourage out-of-county visitors, with primary consideration given to those that promote the GTDA’s mission of marketing the area as a travel destination. (The tourism industry’s definition of a “visitor” is an individual trekking outside of 50 miles to attend an event or activity.) Events planned for off-peak times may receive higher priority.

Total funding of any event, project or program will not be greater than 25 percent of the total project budget and will not exceed $5,000. Included with the request can be a one-time artist/entertainment allowance of up to $1,000.

Grants applications will be accepted until April 3, 2020, for inclusion in the upcoming fiscal year (July 2020 through June 2021). The GTDA Board will review applications and will be prepared to make recommendations for approval during their May board meeting. Award recipients will be notified after July 1, 2020, when the new fiscal year begins.

Applications are available online or through the Granville County Tourism Development Office, 124 Hillsboro Street in Oxford. Visit www.granvillecounty.org/visitors/ to access the application or to learn more about grant requirements and/or the review process. Those interested may also contact Angela Allen, Tourism Director, at 919-693-6125 or angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.