North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Releases Statement on George Floyd Incident

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-Press Release, North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association

The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association stands for the protection of the rights of all citizens. The sheriffs of North Carolina expect all law enforcement officers to conduct themselves professionally and lawfully at all times. These higher standards of conduct include reserving the use of force, especially deadly force, for those times when its use is absolutely necessary and lawful.

While we are not privy to the full investigation, what we have seen in the video of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota is unacceptable. The video clearly shows unprofessional and egregious conduct by law enforcement officers. This type of law enforcement conduct cannot be tolerated and must be swiftly addressed by the law enforcement community and the criminal justice system.

Part of the mission of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association is to provide education and training to sheriffs and their personnel. The law enforcement conduct displayed in this video is inexcusable and totally contrary to the training provided to law enforcement officers in North Carolina.

As sheriffs, we strive to build relationships with everyone in our communities. These relationships are built on mutual respect between officers and their community. It is by our conduct that law enforcement officers earn the respect of the public we are sworn to serve. This type of egregious misconduct by a few officers erodes the respect citizens have for all officers. Therefore, when law enforcement officers violate laws or policy, we expect them to immediately be held accountable. We, the members of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, will tolerate nothing less.

We extend our deepest sympathies to George Floyd, his family, the citizens and businesses of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the law enforcement community that live up to their oath and creed of respect, courage, dedication, and service to protect and serve their community.

Vance County Graduation Ceremony

Details, Announcements for AdVance Academy’s June 11 Graduation Ceremony

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-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

AdVance Academy’s graduation event is set for Thursday, June 11, 2020, at 2:30 p.m. at Vance-Granville Community College. Vance County Schools released the following information for those participating in the drive-thru style event:

Program of Events

At your designated time, enter from Poplar Creek Road to the main entrance of Vance-Granville Community College.
Proceed down the main road to the parking lot of Building 7. Staff will direct you. No open-air vehicles or
passengers in truck beds are permitted. Please do not arrive before your scheduled time.

Station 1: Graduate Check-in

One vehicle per graduate | Stop at the check-in station | A paper with the graduate’s name will be placed under the
windshield wiper| Follow directives of staff for vehicle line up | Pay careful attention to the line to keep it moving smoothly | Receive graduation program

Station 2: Processional

When the graduate nears the graduation station, a runner will take the windshield wiper sign to the name reader

Graduate Preparation Zone

Pay attention to signs for directions

Station 3: Graduation

Wait for the sign to show the graduate may exit vehicle | The student will walk to the stage | The student’s name will
be called as they walk across the stage | Receive diploma cover and photo opportunity | The student will return to the vehicle immediately | The car will then join the recessional line

Station 4: Recessional

Watch for signs and move to the graduate pick up spot | All vehicles must make a right onto Poplar Creek Road upon exiting graduation

Guidelines:

No restroom facilities will be available | Cap & gowns are required to participate in graduation | The graduate should be
positioned in the vehicle to be the only person that needs to step out of the car upon arrival at the graduation point| Graduation signs can be picked up after all graduation ceremonies have concluded

Graduation Arrival Time by Graduate’s Last Name
2:30 p.m. ~ Allen – Edmonds
3:05 p.m. ~ Evans – Jones
3:45 p.m. ~ Kearney – Satterwhite
4:15 p.m. ~ Small – Yancey

Note from Vance County Schools: We are excited about graduation! It is our hope that seniors will celebrate by decorating their cap or even their vehicle. As a reminder, no open-air vehicles are permitted (convertibles, bikes, open-top jeeps, etc) and no one will be permitted to ride in the back of a pickup truck. Only one vehicle is permitted per graduate.

As you proceed through the graduation line-up, you will see signs giving instructions. We ask that you pay close attention to ensure a smooth process. Everyone must remain in their vehicle throughout. The graduate will be informed when they are able to exit the vehicle. We also ask that you avoid loud music and horn honking.

We cannot wait to celebrate the Class of 2020!

 

South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church

SHPHC, Cardinal Innovations Partner to Pay In-Need Residents’ Utility Bills

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

In partnership with Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions, South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church will be paying utility bills (water/sewer/electricity) for those families that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in our community.

The payment is limited to one bill per household and requires the presentation of an original unpaid utility bill and verification of residential address. 

The payment will be made directly to the utility and is limited to no more than $150.

The distribution will be on Friday, June 5, 2020, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Family Life Center (located behind the church) of South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church – 905 Americal Road in Henderson, NC.  

This distribution is open to the affected public and will be on a first-come/first-served basis for as long as funds are available.

GCPS 2020 Spelling Bee

‘Veteran’ Granville Speller Wins District Bee Again

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Granville County Schools held and sponsored the annual District Spelling Bee for Granville County on the evening of March 14, 2020, at Tar River Elementary School.

Ten elementary schools from around the county, both public and charter, had School Spelling Bees during the first semester of the 2019-20 school year. Each school had talented and dedicated staff that worked diligently to organize their Bee and award a top speller for their school. The District Bee allows those top spellers the chance to compete to win the trophy as best speller of the year for Granville County.

Joel Spelling Bee Champ

District Spelling Bee winner, Joel Jose, and GCPS Superintendent Alisa McLean (GCPS photo)

The ten winners, just by chance evenly divided between fourth and fifth grades, and their parents met at Tar River for a rehearsal the day before the contest. Amy Lue, Moderator, reviewed the rules and procedures with these sharp students and their families; then Dana King, Word Master, lead them through some practice words at the microphone.

“Holding a practice helps the children understand how the Spelling Bee works and gives them the confidence to perform on stage. This allows their nerves to be for spelling and not on how they need to comport themselves during the event,” commented Mrs. Lue, who was the organizer of the event.

Each contestant received a special t-shirt, provided by Granville County Schools, to wear the next night and keep as a memento of their experience. To prepare, the students studied the official Scripps National Spelling Bee word list of more than 4,000 words for several weeks ahead of the District Bee.

The students buzzed with excitement as they gathered on stage with Mrs. Lue the next night, while their families and teachers found seats in the multi-purpose room. Before the curtain rose, the judges were seated in front of the stage:  Mrs. Cathy Frizzle, community volunteer, and Dr. Michael Myrick, and Dr. Stan Winborne, both from Granville County Schools, and Dana King, retired Media Coordinator, as the Word Master. Then Dr. Tonya Thomas welcomed the audience and introduced the spellers.

Contestants were:

Cayden Middleton – fifth-grader from Butner-Stem Elementary

Joel Jiljo Jose – fourth-grader from C. G. Credle School

Belen Elizarraras – fifth-grader from Creedmoor Elementary

Payton Gary – fifth-grader from Falls Lake Academy Charter School

Jordan Hershberger – fourth-grader from Granville Academy

Aubrey Canada – fourth-grader from Mt. Energy Elementary

Jasper Luffman –  fourth-grader from Stovall-Shaw Elementary

Morgan Congleton – fifth-grader from Tar River Elementary

Dacari Burrell- fourth-grader from West Oxford Elementary

Bree Blackley – fifth-grader from Wilton Elementary

GCPS Spelling Bee Participants

District Spelling Bee participants pose for a picture with Granville County Schools leaders and staff. (GCPS photo)

Superintendent Dr. Alisa McLean greeted everyone for this annual event, praising them for already being school winners. Mrs. Lue reviewed the rules and explained that contestants would stay on stage for a practice round of spelling before the first round of the Bee began.

Each contestant approached the microphone center stage, the words were pronounced first, and the Word Master gave a definition, the part of speech, and a sentence before the student had a chance to spell. After the practice round, all ten contestants sat up straight and listened carefully as the official first round of the Bee began.

In Round One, two students missed their words, leaving the stage at the end of the round to sit with their families in the audience.  No one missed a word in the second round, so all eight contestants were still in the competition.  Two more students missed their words in Round Three, as the words became a little more difficult. One student missed in Round 4, and another missed in Round 5.

One student missed a word in each of the next two rounds, leaving Jasper Luffman, from Stovall-Shaw, and Joel Jose, from C. G. Credle, last on stage. Jasper missed his word, and Joel got his correct in Round 8. Then Joel was up for a word in Round 9 and correctly spelled, “culinary, to win the District Bee. This was his second win, as he was also Granville County Schools’ District Bee Winner in 2019 when he was in the third grade.

All contestants returned to the stage to receive certificates and medals awarded by Dr. McLean and Dr. Thomas. Joel was called back up to receive the trophy, then participants and officials posed for photographs. The evening ended with a reception in the Professional Development Room, with cupcakes and juice provided by Superintendent McLean.

Our winner, Joel, is the son of Jiljo Jose and Sema Jose. He is a current fourth-grader at C.G. Credle Elementary School. He had a large group of family and school supporters in the audience that cheered loudly for him when he won.

Sherrie Burns, principal, and the staff at C.G. Credle were very excited and proud to have the winner for the second year in a row.

Unfortunately, with the Covid-19 pandemic, the National Spelling Bee, which was to be held the last week of May in Maryland was first postponed, then the decision was made to cancel for the first time since World War II.

GCPS winner, Joel, had registered for this event to proudly represent our county for the second time. He will be recognized by the Scripps Spelling Bee organization for his accomplishment in reaching the next level. He will also receive the prizes that would have been awarded to him at the event.

GCPS is proud of Joel and of all the students that competed in our District Bee. We want to thank Granville County Schools for being the sponsor for the Granville County District Bee and providing this opportunity to all Granville County elementary students.

Oxford Logo

Downtown Oxford March to Honor George Floyd Scheduled for June 2

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-Information courtesy the City of Oxford

There will be a march in Downtown Oxford to honor George Floyd on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, beginning at 3 p.m.

The March will begin on Hunt Street, turn onto Broad Street, then onto Hillsboro Street ending at the Granville County Courthouse.

Businesses on streets along the route of the march will be impacted. Motorists are encouraged to find an alternate route.

Those desiring to participate are requested and encouraged to wear face masks and honor social distancing guidelines.

Downtown Henderson

Town Talk 06/01/20: Henderson Police Chief Discusses Sunday’s ‘Peaceful’ Downtown Protest

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Barrow discussed Sunday’s protest/walk through downtown Henderson, a response, in part, to the death of George Floyd, an African-American man who died during an incident with law enforcement in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 25.

Following days of both orderly protests and violent riots and looting throughout the country, Barrow reported that Sunday’s local gathering was both “peaceful and productive.”

Barrow estimated 30-40 Henderson residents participated in the protest, including local community leaders Kendrick Vann, director of the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department; Lt. Jessica West, Henderson Police Department; Sara Coffey, Henderson Mayor Pro Tem; and Henderson City Council Members Melissa Elliott and Marion Williams.

“These community members came out yesterday to engage with the group, to engage our youth in conversation,” said Barrow. “We walked around downtown peacefully and talked and held a conversation the entire time. I think it was very productive.”

When asked to elaborate on their discussions, Barrow said, “We talked about history and where we are today. We talked about the incident in Minnesota. We talked about the right way of doing things and the wrong way of doing things. They were receptive to what we had to say and I feel like we were open to what they wanted to talk about and their opinions. We agreed on the majority of the things we discussed.”

According to Barrow, during the protest, phone numbers were exchanged and dates were scheduled for further discussions “among some Henderson residents whose paths had never crossed before.”

Barrow said some participants asked him if there were any fundamental changes he would like to see in law enforcement. “I told them ‘absolutely,'” he said. “As a nation, I think there are some fundamental changes we need to make to our hiring process and the way we operate.”

While currently a voluntary measure, Barrow said one thing he’d like to see is more law enforcement agencies become a part of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). According to Barrow, the Henderson Police Department is a CALEA participant with the next closest accredited departments being Durham and Raleigh.

“CALEA provides police departments and sheriff’s departments alike with opportunities to have up-to-date policies and best practices,” explained Barrow.

For those planning future protests or demonstrations in Henderson, Barrow said the proper procedure is to contact the HPD at (252) 431-4141 to file the required paperwork.

To hear the interview with Barrow in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Local News Audio

Noon News 06/01/20

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

WIZS, Henderson – Your Community Voice
Protest/ Walk in downtown Henderson on Sunday, May 31
COVID 19 relief funds are now available for Vance County
Vance County courthouse reopens with social distancing guidelines
Fundraiser for Community Partners in Hope cancelled
Protective Gown Project continues

American Flag

Kerr Lake Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration Moved to Labor Day Weekend

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-Information courtesy Vance County Tourism Development Authority

Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, the Independence Day fireworks event was postponed from July 4 and has tentatively been rescheduled for Sunday, September 6, 2020. The ability to hold the event will depend entirely on local and state mandates and guidelines in place at that time.

The Labor Day Weekend Celebration will include fireworks over the water at Satterwhite Point at Kerr Lake in Henderson, NC. Events will be held from 3 until 10 p.m.

This family-friendly event will feature a DJ providing a wide variety of music, Boho the Clown, bounce houses and other activities for kids.

The NC State Parks 2020 interpretive theme is “The Year of the Fire.” Kids can learn about fire safety from Smokey the Bear.

Food vendors will be on-site, and t-shirts and glow sticks will be sold. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and a flashlight.

Enjoy music, food and fireworks under the stars! Come by boat or by car.

$7 per car gate fee charged by NC State Parks. Use of bounce house included in gate fee.

NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED!

Buyer & Cellar

McGregor Hall, Brian Westbrook to Present Virtual Presentation of ‘Buyer & Cellar’

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Brian Westbrook (“Into the Woods,” “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”) will perform in an online, one-man presentation of Jonathan Tolins’ comedy classic “Buyer & Cellar,” the first virtual performance in McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center’s history.

The one-man play follows Alex More, a struggling actor who makes ends meet by landing a job as the curator of Barbra Streisand’s basement.

Online performances will be held on Saturday, June 13 and Saturday, June 20, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket purchasers will receive a web address and password at the email address connected to their purchase no later than 10 minutes prior to showtime.

Please note: content rated ‘R’ for language.

For tickets, visit https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/11557

In order to continue its mission to “share the healing power of the arts in Henderson and beyond,” McGregor Hall asks for the help and support of the community to make this performance a success.