NC Governor Logo

Vacant Building, Industrial Development Grants to Bring Jobs, Infrastructure to Vance Co.

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 18 grant requests to local governments totaling $4,847,243, Governor Roy Cooper announced this week. The requests include commitments to create a total of 590 jobs, 296 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $103 million in private investment.

“North Carolina’s rural communities need support to upgrade their infrastructure to attract good jobs and build a stronger future. Investments like Rural Infrastructure grants signal to businesses and communities that our state is ready for economic development despite the challenges of the pandemic,” Governor Cooper said.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce’s team of rural economic development professionals supports the RIA’s work. RIA members review and approve funding requests from local communities. Funding comes from a variety of specialized grant and loan programs offered and managed by N.C. Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division, led by Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Kenny Flowers. Grants can support a variety of activities, including infrastructure development, building renovation, expansion and demolition, and site improvements.

The RIA approved grant requests locally for:

Vacant Building Category 

  • Vance County: A $500,000 grant will support the reuse of a 197,000-square-foot building in Henderson. Select Products Holdings, LLC, a manufacturer of tissue products that supply a wide range of leading consumer retailers, plans to locate operations at the facility. The company expects to create 73 jobs and invest $4 million in the overall project, while 53 jobs and a $577,901 investment are tied to this grant.

Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account Program

  • Vance County: A $190,260 grant will assist the County in the completion of sewer and road infrastructure at the County’s premier industrial park. These infrastructure improvements will help make the 84-acre site a viable economic development target.

The Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account provides grants to local governments located in the 80 most economically distressed counties of the state, which are classified as either Tier 1 or Tier 2. Funds may be used for publicly-owned infrastructure projects that are reasonably expected to result in new job creation.

The IDF – Utility Account is funded through a process tied to the state’s signature Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) program. When JDIG-awarded companies choose to locate or expand in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 county, a portion of that JDIG award is channeled into the Utility Account.

For additional information about N.C. Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division, visit www.nccommerce.com/rd.

Click here to read the press release in its entirety. 

Vance County NC

Vance County Retail Sales Up for 2019-2020

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance County Economic Development Commission

According to the most recent reports of county retail sales by the North Carolina Department of Revenue, Vance County had just over $468 million in retail sales for the Fiscal Year 2019-2020. Retail sales were up four percent over 2018-2019.

June 2020 had the highest sales figures at $53.2 million, well above the monthly average of $39 million. Benny Finch, EDC Director, noted 2019-2020 was the fifth consecutive year Vance County has topped the $400 million mark in retail sales.

“I’m very pleased to hear about the strong retail sales numbers in Vance County,” commented Vance County Economic Development Commission Chairman Tommy Hester. “Vance County continues to strengthen itself as a growing retail, manufacturing and tourism location in the region.”

Warren County Logo

Warren County EDC Lists Local Commercial, Industrial Properties

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-Press Release, Warren County Government

Warren County Economic Development is now listing commercial and industrial buildings, as well as land that is zoned for commercial and industrial development, on its website at warrencountync.org.

Property owners that have eligible property and are interested in listing their property that is for sale and/or lease should contact the Warren County Economic Development office. The property search platform is paid for by Warren County and provided through the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC).

Listing eligible property is free of charge, but property owners are expected to work in partnership with Economic Development staff to submit, collect, and update the appropriate and required information. Not all property will be eligible for listing; eligibility is determined at the discretion of Warren County Economic Development staff.

Information collected for listings includes, but is not limited to size, property description, sale price or lease rate, ceiling height, and utility information.

Property owners interested in listing their property should contact Charla Duncan, Economic Development Director (Interim), at (252) 257-3114 or by email at WCGOV@warrencountync.gov.

Any questions related to Planning/Zoning and how property is zoned should be directed to Ken Krulik at (252) 257-7027 or by email at KenKrulik@warrencountync.gov.

Antavian Yancey Vehicle

Murder Suspect Antavian C. Yancey Still at Large, Considered Armed & Dangerous

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-Information and photos courtesy Vance County Sheriff’s Office

Update on 8/21/20:

Murder suspect Antavian Cornelius Yancey is still at large. The Vance County Sheriff’s Office is seeking any and all assistance in locating Yancey. He is considered armed and dangerous. If seen, please contact the Vance County Sheriff‘s Office at (252) 738–2200.

Aliases: Cornelius Yancey and Antavian Yancey

Update on 7/31/20:

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office, along with other state and local authorities, continues to look for Antavian Cornelius Yancey for the murder of Charisma Robinson. It is believed that Yancey has family and friends in Durham, Burlington and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Yancey is considered to be armed and dangerous. If you have seen or have any knowledge about Antavian C. Yancey’s location, please contact your local law enforcement agency.

Original Press Release Issued July 24, 2020:

On Thursday, July 16, 2020, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division received a call referencing smoke in a wooded area. Upon the arrival of Deputies and the Vance County Fire Department on the scene, a vehicle was fully engulfed.

Members of the Vance County Sheriff‘s Office Criminal Investigation Division responded to investigate the vehicle fire along with North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s Arson unit. On July 17, 2020, the Vance County Sheriff‘s Office Criminal Investigation Division received a phone call from the Burlington Police Department in reference to the Burlington Police Department locating the body of a black female that was believed to be from Henderson, North Carolina. The female was identified as Charisma Robinson, age 35.

Investigator began to investigate these incidents and developed that the two cases were connected. Participating agencies from the Vance County Sheriff‘s Office, Henderson Police Department, Burlington Police Department and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation began a collaborative effort to solve the murder of Charisma Robinson,

Through the investigation, a person of interest was developed and later identified as a subject/suspect in this matter.

On July 24, 2020, a warrant for Murder and Burning of Personnel Property was issued for Antavian Cornelius Yancey (B/M/Age 34), regarding the death of Charisma Robinson.

Yancey is believed to be armed and dangerous. If located, please contact the Vance County Sheriff‘s Office at (252) 738–2200.

Charisma Robinson Victim

 

Maria Parham Health

MPH Volunteer Services to Hold Parking Lot Handbag Sale

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-Information courtesy Lisa Radford, Maria Parham Health

Volunteer Services of Maria Parham Health will hold a “In the Bag” handbag sale on August 25 and 26, 2020, from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. This sale will be held outside in the parking lot of Maria Parham Health in Henderson.

Brand name and designer handbags, briefcases, luggage, wallets, mini bags and small leather goods will be on sale for much less than regular retail prices.

This event is open to the public. Cash, debit, and credit cards accepted.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Faith Dove

Town Talk 08/20/20: Community Mourns Death of Ian Simmons, VGCC President’s Son

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In a special edition of WIZS Town Talk aired live on Thursday at 11 a.m., community leaders expressed support and sympathy for Vance-Granville Community College President Rachel Desmarais. Desmarais’ oldest son Ian J. Simmons passed away as the result of a car accident on Tuesday.

In a joint statement released by VGCC Vice President Dr. Levy Brown and Board of Trustees Chair Danny Wright, Desmarais is fondly referred to as “an outstanding leader, educator, community member, spouse, and mother who embodies both the mission and vision of Vance-Granville Community College.”

The statement continues, “The Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff are fully committed to ensuring that our students continue to receive an excellent education while our president takes the necessary time needed with her family. As her college family, we will get through this difficult time together while showing love and support for our president and her loved ones.”

Click here to read the full statement.

Community leaders called-in to Town Talk to express their condolences and to reflect on Dr. Desmarais, her role in the community and her family.

Dr. Jerry Edmonds – vice president of Workforce Development and Community Engagement at VGCC

“We, as a community college, are so saddened and devastated to learn of the passing of Ian. We appreciate all the outpouring of support. As a small community, this is really a testament to Dr. Desmarais and the fact that she is really engaged in our community.”

Edmonds said Ian was a student in VGCC’s Bioprocess Technology program, and that his younger brother Conall is a student at Vance County Early College High School, housed on VGCC’s campus.

“We have students on campus that are hurting because they sat side-by-side with Ian in classrooms and labs. We also have faculty and staff that taught Ian that are mourning over the loss of a student. We’ll get through it as a community and as a family.”

Eddie Ellington – mayor of Henderson

“I consider Dr. Desmarais a friend, a colleague and a community partner. Losing a child is the most tragic thing that can happen to any parent. Myself and the City of Henderson express our deepest sympathy to her family.

Dr. Desmarais, if you are listening, or if you listen to this later, please know you’re in our hearts, and we are here for you.”

Michele Burgess – president of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

“On behalf of the Henderson-Vance Board of Directors and staff, I wanted to say how sorry we all are. We are all in shock; it’s just tragic news. We offer her our sympathy.”

On a personal note, Burgess said Desmarais, who is a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, often spoke about her sons, a bond the two women share.

“She, in conversation, even from the very first day we met, loved to talk about her family and her children. It was a close-knit family, and she often shared fun things about her boys. I have a son also, so we connected on that level as well. I just wanted to say how sorry I am about it.”

Gordon Wilder – chair of the Vance County Board of Commissioners

“On behalf of all the commissioners, I want to express our sadness and our shock at the passing of Dr. Desmarais’ son. We want to give the family our condolences and whatever support we can offer at this time.”

Nancy Wykle – publisher of The Daily Dispatch

“Dr. Desmarais has so quickly become such a fundamental part of our community fabric and has such a vision for where we can go. I think we, as her community family, grieve with her, and we want to wrap our arms around her and her family as they struggle through what no parent ever wants to imagine.

We want her to know that we are here in whatever way she needs us, and we are sending love, sympathy and prayers to her and her family.”

John Charles Rose – WIZS

“We just want Dr. Desmarais and her family to know how special they are here in this community. There are a lot of important partners here in this area. Dr. Desmarais and VGCC, in a lot of ways, are an umbrella that encases all of us because it is an institution of higher education that gives people opportunities to succeed in all areas. A lot of that would be true with any president of a community college, almost generically. Guess what? The word of the day for Dr. Desmarais is not ‘generic.’ The word of the day – in addition to ‘love’ and ‘support’ is ‘organic.’

Dr. Desmarais, the people that called [WIZS Town Talk] today care about you beyond your profession. Thank you for being here. On behalf of an entire community, we hurt for you today; we pray for you today; our love for you grows deeper today; we remember you today; we pray for your son and family today.”

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

Home and Garden Show 08-18-20

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Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com on Tuesday at 4:30 PM.

Peace, Fields, Lawson

VCSO: Three Arrested on Kidnapping, Armed Robbery Charges

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-Press Release and photos, Vance County Sheriff’s Office

On Monday, August 17, 2020, 2:55 a.m. the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division responded to 812 Briggs Road, Henderson, North Carolina in reference to a kidnapping and armed robbery. While en route to the scene, deputies located the suspect vehicle. A chase ensued, and the vehicle wrecked at the end of Faucet Road. 

Identified in the vehicle were Susie Ni’Jah Nicole Peace (B/F, age 19), Isaiah Fields (B/M, age 18), Nathaniel Deshawn Lawson (B/M, age 18) and the known victim in this matter.

The Criminal Investigation Division arrived at the scene and began to interview all subjects involved in this matter and subsequently charged Peace, Fields and Lawson with Attempted Armed Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon and First Degree Kidnapping.

Peace was also charged with Felony speeding to Elude Arrest. Lawson and Fields were also charged with Second Degree Kidnapping for a case in another jurisdiction that occurred on August 12, 2020, in Oxford, North Carolina.

Fields‘ and Lawson’s bonds were set at $250,000 each and Peace’s bond was set at $170,000. All parties are scheduled to appear in court on September 14, 2020, in Vance County District Court.

This investigation is continuing.

Susie Ni’Jah Nicole Peace

Isaiah Fields

Nathaniel Deshawn Lawson

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 8-20-20 Noon

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  • Dr. Rachel Desmarais, President of Vance-Granville Community College, Oldest Son Killed in Car Crash
  • David “DJ” Cooper on Serving as Transportation Director of Vance County Schools, The Same Schools He Himself Attended
  • McGregor Hall Continues Online

Click Play Below For Full Details…

 

Harry Mills

Mills Appointed to State’s Compliance Commission for Accountability

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County Economic Development Director Harry Mills has been appointed to the State Board of Education’s Compliance Commission for Accountability.

This Commission, which includes principals, teachers and central office staff, as well as members of district school boards and the community, is charged with advising the State Board of Education – through the N.C. Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) – on testing and other issues related to school accountability and improvement.

Granville County Economic Development Director Harry Mills has been appointed to the State Board of Education’s Compliance Commission for Accountability. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

Issues the Commission is tasked with addressing include proposed changes to the state’s accountability program; the testing code of ethics; test security and administration; auditing procedures that ensure the integrity of testing and accountability programs; and other related issues.

Through his role as Economic Development Director, Mills currently works in partnership with Vance-Granville Community College and with Granville County Public Schools’ Career Technical Education (CTE) program to help prepare students for the workforce.

The Compliance Commission for Accountability meets annually (at least) and the term of the appointment is four years. Mills’ appointment extends from August 6, 2020, to December 31, 2023.