VGCC Customer Service Excellence

VGCC to Offer New Customer Service Excellence Program

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College has scheduled a new, mostly-online program designed to equip area residents with the customer service skills that are critical to the success of all businesses and organizations. The “Customer Service Excellence” program is set to be offered four times this fall.

In each case, students will only attend the first class in person at one of VGCC’s campuses. The rest of the program (totaling 24 hours) will be completed online from the comfort and safety of students’ homes or offices.

The class that begins at the college’s Main Campus (near Henderson) will be held August 24 – September 13; at the Franklin County Campus (Louisburg), September 14 – October 4; at South Campus (Creedmoor/Butner), October 5-25; and at the Warren County Campus (Warrenton), October 26 – November 15. Students are reminded that masks or face coverings are now required for everyone while indoors on campus.

The first few classes within the program will introduce the basic concepts of customer service, including how to handle difficult customer interactions; enhance participants’ communication skills; and examine customer relationship management (CRM), which can lead to growing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Next, students will learn critical problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, as well as basic computer skills for the workplace. Then, participants will gain skills that can help them secure employment, including career/resume development, and job interview techniques. A section on financial literacy will help students learn strategies for managing money, budgeting and saving.

Finally, students will prepare for the National Career Readiness Certification exam.

“This program is designed to equip employees with the skills needed to provide outstanding customer service by building and maintaining mutually-beneficial relationships,” said VGCC Dean of Business & Industry Solutions Tanya Weary. “These classes teach participants how to achieve customer service excellence while building a robust, skilled workforce for our local employers in any number of sectors.”

The instructor for the program is Alex Madrigal.

The program costs $70 but will be free of charge to participants who qualify through a Human Resources Development (HRD) waiver.

For more information, contact Kyle Burwell, Director of Occupational Extension, at (252) 738-3276 or burwellk@vgcc.edu.

To register, visit https://www.vgcc.edu/coned/hrd/.

Vance County NC

Hurricane Isaias Prompts Vance Co. Officials to Proclaim State of Emergency

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-Information courtesy the City of Henderson

Due to the current track of Hurricane Isaias and its anticipated impact on Vance County, the Mayor of the City of Henderson and the Chairman of the Vance County Board of Commissioners have declared a State of Emergency for Henderson, NC.

Of note in the proclamation, a vehicle curfew may be enacted in the event of significant power outages, fallen power lines, and road blockage(s), due to fallen trees and flooding. Such a curfew would be in effect from 8 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2020, until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The curfew will not be officially enacted until/if public safety officials and the delegated authority(s) find that such conditions exist. The time frame may be extended pursuant to the authority delegated. 

As of the time of this posting (approximately 2:30 p.m. on August 3, 2020), a vehicle curfew is not in effect.

Below is the proclamation in its entirety:

PROCLAMATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY 

The following Proclamation is issued by the Mayor of the City of Henderson and the Chairman of the Vance County Board of Commissioners: 

WHEREAS, information from the National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other sources indicate that Hurricane Isaias is tracking towards the State of NC; and 

WHEREAS, there is a high probability that the storm will track inland very close to Vance County, and 

WHEREAS, Vance County is likely to receive heavy rain and strong winds associated with this tropical event, and 

WHEREAS, these conditions could potentially cause travel and other hazards, power outages and present a clear and present danger to life and property, and 

WHEREAS, Article 1A of Chapter 166A of the North Carolina General Statutes, and more specifically N.C. Gen. Stat. 166A-19.22, authorizes counties and municipalities to declare a state of emergency and exercise the powers and duties set forth therein to direct and aid in the response to and mitigation against emergencies; and 

WHEREAS, the undersigned, in accordance with and on the basis of the foregoing, finds that an emergency exists within Vance County, North Carolina, and its municipalities, due to the threat of Hurricane Isaias, and further finds that it is necessary and appropriate to exercise the authority cited hereinabove by issuing this Declaration in order to address said emergency and to protect the health and wellbeing of the citizens of Vance County. 

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority contained in Article 1 of N.C.G.S. Chapter 166A, Article 36A of N.C.G.S. Chapter 14, Title II Chapter 10-8 of the City of Henderson Code of Ordinances and Vance County Ordinance #17, State of Emergency, I, Eddie Ellington, Mayor of the City of Henderson, and I, Gordon Wilder, Chairman of the Vance County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim that a State of Emergency exists within the County of Vance, the City of Henderson, and all other municipalities and townships located within Vance County. 

I further proclaim that the restrictions set forth below, pursuant to Article 1 of NCGS Chapter 166A, Title II Chapter 10–8 of the City of Henderson Code of Ordinances, and the Vance County Ordinance #17, State of Emergency, are necessary in order to maintain an acceptable level of public order, services, and protection of lives, safety and property during this emergency, and that the same shall be in effect within the City of Henderson, County of Vance and all municipalities and townships, until this Proclamation is rescinded. I hereby order all City and County law enforcement officers and employees and all other emergency management personnel subject to my control to cooperate in the enforcement and implementation of the emergency ordinances set forth below. 

  1. A. 

General Emergency Protective and Control Measures and operations to support the same shall be implemented as determined to be necessary for the health, safety and protection of our citizens. 

Vehicle Curfew: In the event of significant power outages, fallen power lines, and road blockage(s), due to fallen trees and flooding, a curfew will be in effect from 8:00 p.m. Monday the 3rd day of August until 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, the 4th day of August, 2020 for the City of Henderson only. The curfew will not be enacted until public safety officials and the delegated authority(s) find the conditions in this section exist. This time frame may be extended pursuant to the authority delegated. General Recommendations: All persons residing or present within the jurisdiction are highly encouraged to comply with all recommendations issued by local officials during the state of emergency. 

All law enforcement officers and employees and all other departments, officers, agents, employees, and personnel employed by or subject to the control of the City of Henderson and/or Vance County are directed to cooperate in the enforcement and implementation of the provisions of this Declaration and of all applicable provisions of local ordinances, state and federal laws and emergency declarations, and the Vance County Emergency Operations Plan. 

The City of Henderson and Vance County recognize and acknowledge that it is likely to incur substantial economic damage from the issuance of this Declaration and does hereby request that they receive any and all available federal and state financial aid and other assistance for which they may be eligible in connection with the same. 

I further proclaim that the Emergency Operations Plan adopted by the City of Henderson and County of Vance, and all applicable mutual assistance compacts and agreements are in effect and shall remain in effect until this proclamation expires or is rescinded. All emergency personnel are hereby ordered to cooperate in the implementation of the provisions of the Emergency Operations Plan and all applicable mutual assistance compacts and agreements, and to furnish assistance thereunder. 

I direct that copies of this Proclamation be disseminated to the mass communications media for publication and broadcast, and that a copy of this Proclamation be posted in City Hall as well as the Vance County Courthouse and other public buildings as appropriate. 

This Proclamation shall be effective immediately and shall remain in effect until rescinded. 

Proclaimed this the 3rd day of August 2020.

Eddie Ellington, Mayor of Henderson

Gordon Wilder, Chairman of the Vance County Board of Commissioners

VGCC Logo

Town Talk 08/03/20: VGCC Receives CARES Act Funding, Readies for Fall Semester

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of Vance-Granville Community College, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Desmarais announced that VGCC recently received $363,000 as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was signed into law in March to assist American workers, families and businesses.

Funding of $500-$1,500 is available to VGCC students who were registered for in-person classes during the spring semester, received some form of financial aid and were adversely affected by COVID-19. If the pandemic negatively impacted a student’s work schedule, finances, childcare availability and/or personal health, among other areas, Desmarais said they are considered adversely affected.

The amount of funding an eligible VGCC student receives depends on the number of credit hours they were registered for in the spring. Desmarais reported the college has distributed $188,000 in federal CARES Act funding to date.

Desmarais also said that after “a high volume online summer semester that exceeded enrollment compared to last summer,” VGCC is turning its attention to the beginning of its fall semester on August 17.

For the fall, many courses will continue to be taught in an online format, with trade classes such as welding, carpentry and automotive returning for at least partial in-person instruction. “We are teaching what we can in an online format to reduce the number of people on campus at this time,” explained Desmarais.

Drive-up internet Wi-Fi hotspots will be available in VGCC’s parking lots, with access to college internet labs and devices available for registered students.

In addition to in-person tutoring by appointment, online tutoring and assistance with online learning will also be available.

As a safety precaution, the college will require the following measures:

  • Masks are required to be worn in buildings and outside when around other people.
  • A quick health screen will be required each day when arriving on campus.
  • While on campus, keep at least six feet away from others to comply with social distancing.
  • Please do not come to campus if you are feeling unwell, and let your advisor or faculty member know so you can stay caught up with assignments.

To learn more about VGCC, or to register for the fall semester, please visit the college’s official website at www.vgcc.edu.

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

Vance County Sheriff's Office

Local Business Offers Free Lunch to Law Enforcement, First Responders

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-Information courtesy Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

Local business Tony’s Auto & Tire is providing lunch for on or off duty law enforcement officers, medical workers and first responders on Saturday, August 8, 2020.

The free lunch will be served drive-thru style starting at 11:30 a.m. at 415 Raleigh Road in Henderson. The meal includes chicken and fixings.

Eligible participants include:

  • Law Enforcement
  • 911 Communicators
  • Medical Personnel
  • Fire/Rescue – Volunteer/Full-time
  • First Responders

Sheriff Brame said the meal is a thank you from the business for all that these individuals do for the community.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

National Weather Service

Latest on Isaias for WIZS Area

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* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for Franklin, Harnett, Hoke, Wake, and Warren Counties.  — Click For The Latest

WEATHER.GOV/RALEIGH – https://www.weather.gov/raleigh

NWS RALEIGH – https://www.facebook.com/NWSRaleigh

NWS RALEIGH – https://twitter.com/NWSRaleigh

The latest on Isaias for the WIZS listening area – 1450 AM / 100.1 FM / Live Stream

THE LATEST NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BRIEFING WILL ALWAYS BE AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK:

https://www.weather.gov/media/rah/briefing/NWSRaleighLatestBriefing.pdf

____________________________________________________________________________________

(Update 9:30 a.m. – 8/3/2020) — update written and provided by Brian Short, Henderson-Vance Director of Emergency Operations

Click here for the Isaias briefing as of 9:30 a.m. on August 3. Overall, the local situation remains the same as in previous updates.

Presently, we remain under a Flood Watch and are just outside the boundary of counties who are under a Tropical Storm Watch (though that will likely change to include us).

We are forecast to receive wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph, with rainfall estimated between three and six inches. We should begin feeling the effects late this evening and in the overnight hours into Tuesday. With this much rain and gusty winds, we could certainly have downed trees and power outages.

As of today at 8 a.m., we have activated our Emergency Operations Center in a monitoring capacity and have escalated to a Level 2 status. We will be issuing a local Proclamation of a State of Emergency later this morning just to be on the safe side.

One particular emergency protective measure that could be implemented would be a vehicle curfew. If enacted, this would apply only to the municipal city limits of Henderson and not all of Vance County. Additionally, this limitation would only be imposed if power is lost due to the storm and would only be for the overnight hours beginning at 8 p.m. and lasting until 6 a.m.

Beginning this evening, we will be overstaffing the 911 center, and it will remain overstaffed throughout the day on Tuesday.

At this point, we do not plan to open any shelters as we do not believe they will be needed. However, we remain ready to do so if the situation worsens.

We will be coordinating our preparedness activities with our local and state response partners, and we are encouraging our citizens to continue their own local preparedness efforts.

____________________________________________________________________________________

(Update 12 Noon – 8/2/2020) — update written and provided by Brian Short, Henderson-Vance Director of Emergency Operations

Attached (above links) is the morning forecast from the National Weather Service for Tropical Storm Isaias. (Those links above will stay current with subsequent updates.)  The storm continues to shift west with each update, and the current track continues to bring it inland through our state following the I-95 corridor. At present, we are forecast to receive some pretty strong wind gusts that at times could reach tropical storm strength as well as between 4 and 6 inches of rain. The rainfall will occur over a relatively short period of time, so localized flooding and flash flooding is certainly possible as are downed trees and power lines.

H-V Emergency Operations

Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations

Our office is continuing to monitor the storm closely. We will make a decision early tomorrow (Monday) about declaring a local state of emergency for this event. We will also decide early tomorrow (Monday) regarding the implementation of any additional emergency protective measures.

Remember it is still not too late to work on your emergency supply kit (on Sunday and early Monday) and begin some basic preparedness activities if you have not done so already.

We will continue to forward along additional information as it is received.

The National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a Flash Flood Watch for a portion of central North Carolina, including the following areas: Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Granville, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Orange, Person, Richmond, Scotland, Vance, Wake, and Warren.  The watch presently is in effect from Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon.

In an earlier statement from Brian Short, he said:

Keep in mind that we are now entering peak hurricane season, and the tropics have already been very active. The time to prepare is now and not when the winds begin to blow.

In addition to non-perishable food and water, hurricane emergency supply kits should include:

• First-aid kit
• Weather radio and batteries
• Prescription medicines
• Sleeping bag or blankets
• Changes of clothes
• Hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant
• Cash
• Pet supplies including food, water, bedding, leashes, muzzle and vaccination records.

If you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if you’re in a home that would be unsafe during a hurricane, figure out where you’d go and how you’d get there if told to evacuate.

We will continue to issue additional updates as they are received or our situation changes.

Please follow Vance County Emergency Operations on Facebook to stay informed on current preparedness efforts and other storm-related information.

More information on severe weather and hurricane preparedness is located at www.ReadyNC.org.

U.S. Department of Justice

Guns & Drug Conviction Gets Oxford Man 15 Years in Federal Prison

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

An Oxford man was sentenced on Friday to 180 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack) and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

According to court documents, the Oxford Police Department (OPD) received complaints of drug distribution activity at the residence of Thurston Darius Bobbitt, 37, in Oxford. As a result, OPD utilized a confidential informant to purchase crack cocaine from Bobbitt at the residence. A search warrant executed at Bobbitt’s residence and vehicle yielded a quantity of crack cocaine, digital scales, two firearms, ammunition, cell phones, and U.S. currency.

In total, Bobbitt was held accountable for possession and/or distribution of over a kilogram of crack cocaine. Bobbitt had previously been convicted of a felony for which he received a term of imprisonment exceeding one year.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Oxford Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case.

City of Henderson Logo

Failure at Sandy Creek Lift Station Results in Release of Untreated Water

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-Press Release, City of Henderson

The City of Henderson’s Sewer Collection System bypassed approximately 5,000 gallons of untreated water on July 30, 2020, due to a control system failure at Sandy Creek Lift Station. The overflow was approximately 5,000 gallons of untreated water that entered a tributary to Sandy Creek, and 500 gallons were contained on the ground.

North Carolina General Statutes Article 21 Chapter 143.215.1c requires a press release for all bypasses of 1,000 gallons or more that enter surface waters.

Questions concerning this matter should be directed to the Public Works Collection ORC Joey Long Jr at (252) 226-4492 or HWRF ORC Christy Lipscomb at (252) 430-9387.

Granville County Logo

Granville Commissioners To Hold Zoom Meeting This Evening

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

NOTICE of REMOTE MEETING

The Granville County Board of Commissioners will meet remotely by Zoom conference call on Monday, August 3, 2020, at 7 p.m. for the regular scheduled meeting.

Public comments will be accepted in written format and must be received by Monday, August 3 at 12 p.m. by mail to P.O. Box 906, Oxford, NC 27565 or email to grancomrs@granvillecounty.org

In order to adhere to the COVID-19 restrictions, the meeting may be accessed by utilizing the Zoom link and/or phone number included below.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://granvillecounty.zoom.us/j/93731114470?pwd=Skd4UnFzUGtSQU9MK1hESlhTYUtXZz09

Meeting ID: 937 3111 4470

Passcode: 162360

Dial by your location

877 853 5247 US Toll-free

888 788 0099 US Toll-free

Meeting ID: 937 3111 4470

Find your local number: https://granvillecounty.zoom.us/u/adAbOx8sWH

To view Granville Co. Board of Commissioner meeting agendas and minutes, click here.