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-Information courtesy Alecia Cooke, Mitchell Missionary Baptist Church
The family of Mitchell Missionary Baptist Church most cordially invites you to join us for the morning worship service celebrating Young Adult Emphasis Day on Sunday, October 13, 2019.
Morning worship at 11 a.m. will feature Vanessa “Preacher Girl” Mitchell and Preacher Girl Ministry of 1 Dance Praise Academy and the Youth Pastor of God House of Deliverance, Oxford, NC.
Our desire is to glorify God in our celebration. We would love to have you join us in praising the Lord for all He has done and is going to do in the future at Mitchell Missionary Baptist Church.
If you have any questions, please contact (919) 358-9403 or (252) 548-7453.
The church is located at 243 Lakeview Road in Louisburg, NC. Reverend Thelma McClean is Interim Pastor.
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-Press Release, USDA&CS
As we enter the start of the fall wildfire season, the N.C. Forest Service and the USDA Forest Service urge visitors and North Carolinians to be cautious with campfires and when burning yard debris. This reminder coincides with National Fire Prevention Week, which runs October 6 – 12.
The fall wildfire season typically lasts from mid-October until mid-December, the time of year when people do a lot of yard work that may include burning leaves and yard debris. The leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina is debris burning. When left unattended, debris fires can escape and start wildfires.
“We will not forget the 2016 fall wildfire season that burned more than 59,511 acres across North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “As we head into this fall fire season facing similarly dry weather conditions, let’s remember that each of us can do our part to prevent wildfires. It is important to exercise extreme caution while burning debris of any kind.”
There are many factors to consider before burning debris. The N.C. Forest Service encourages residents to contact their local county forest ranger before burning debris. The ranger can offer technical advice and explain the best options to help ensure the safety of people, property and the forest. To find contact information for your local county ranger, visit www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts.
For people who choose to burn debris, the N.C. Forest Service offers the following tips to protect property and prevent wildfires:
Consider alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass and stubble, may be of more value if they are not burned, but used for mulch instead.
Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any N.C. Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at www.ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit.
Keep an eye on the weather. Don’t burn on dry, windy days.
Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris. Don’t pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle away from overhead branches and wires.
Household trash should be hauled away to a trash or recycling station. It is illegal to burn anything other than yard debris.
Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up debris burning.
Stay with your fire until it is completely out.
Burning agricultural residue and forestland litter: In addition to the rules above, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time. Before doing any burning in a wooded area, contact your county ranger, who will weigh all factors, explain them and offer technical advice.
The USDA Forest Service also reminds campers to be cautious when burning campfires. Use existing fire rings if possible and clear a safe area around them of at least 15 feet. Never leave campfires unattended, and ensure they are completely out before leaving.
The U.S. Forest Service offers the following guidelines for safely extinguishing campfires and helping to prevent wildfires:
Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible.
Pour lots of water on the fire, drown ALL embers, not just the red ones.
Pour until the hissing sound stops.
Stir campfire ashes and embers with a shovel.
Scrape the sticks and logs to remove any embers.
Stir and make sure everything is wet and that embers are cold to the touch.
If you do not have water, use dirt. Pour dirt or sand on the fire, mixing enough dirt or sand with the embers to extinguish the fire.
Continue adding or stirring until all remaining material is cool.
Do NOT bury the fire as the fire will continue to smolder and could catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire.
Always exercise caution with any outdoor burning. Even when burn bans are not in effect, weather conditions may not be favorable for outdoor fires. Outdoor burning is discouraged during periods of low humidity or high winds.
Studies have shown that taking these and other measures can reduce the possibility of wildfires. To learn more about fire safety and preventing wildfires and loss of property, visitwww.ncforestservice.gov and www.smokeythebear.com.
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Vance-Granville Community College’s School of Health Sciences has partnered with the Granville Vance Health Department to offer a Fall Campus/Community Health Fair on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. The event will be held from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. in the Civic Center on VGCC’s Main Campus in Henderson.
Annual flu shots will be available for all ages, bring your insurance card. No insurance, no problem…see if you qualify for a free or reduced-fee vaccine.
Free screening and education on various health and wellness topics.
Information will be available related to VGCC programs.
With questions, please contact Dr. Anna Seaman at (252) 738-3483 or seamana@vgcc.edu.
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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
Operation Impact
After a six-month investigation involving illegal drug activity in Franklin County, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit has concluded Phase 1 of “Operation Impact.”
This operation focused on illegal drug activity in and around the Franklinton area of Franklin County. As a result of this investigation, 15 individuals on 86 charges have been arrested for drug-related activities. The individuals arrested during Operation Impact, are alleged to have been involved in selling illegal drugs in and around neighborhoods in the Franklinton area.
This investigation was part of a continued and on-going effort by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office to identify, verify and investigate illegal drug activity occurring in Franklin County. The individuals arrested during this operation were identified by citizen complaints, law enforcement complaints and other intelligence-driven information received by the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Operation Impact is an effort to identify and arrest anyone who chooses to sell illegal drugs in our communities. Our strategy and our emphasis will continue to be making our communities safer. These arrests will help achieve that goal.”
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in this investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Franklinton Police Department and agents with North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement.
The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.
The following arrests/charges are the result of Operation Impact: Phase 1
Deshaun Lamont Williams, 46 years old, 120 Mark Street Franklinton, NC 27525 – 3 counts Sell Cocaine ,3 counts PWIMSD Sch Il CS, 3 counts Maintain Veh/Dwell/Place CS, Habitual Felon, Trafficking in Cocaine
Bond $500,000 secured
Bennie Lee Crudup, 43 years old, 101 W Green Street Franklinton, NC 27525 – 5 counts Sell Cocaine, 5 counts PWIMSD Cocaine, 3 counts Maintain Veh/Dwell/Place CS, 4 counts Manuf/Sell/Deliver/Poss w/ intent CS w/ in 1000 ft of School
Bond $250,000 secured
Michael Sills, 51 years old, 8 South Cheatham Street Franklinton, NC 27525 – 2 counts PWISD Cocaine, 2 counts Sell Cocaine, 2 counts Maintain Veh/Dwell/Place CS ,2 counts Manuf/Sell/Deliver/Poss w/ intent CS w/ in 1000 ft of School, Conspire Sell Cocaine, Habitual Felon
Bond $500,000 secured
Robert Dubois, 29 years old, 113 Old John Mitchell Road Youngsville, NC 27596 – Deliver Cocaine, PWISD Cocaine
For more information regarding this investigation, or to provide information regarding drug activity in your community, please contact Sergeant Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.
Terry M. Wright, Chief of Staff
Michael Sills
Bennie Lee Crudup
Stephon Lavare Perry,
Willie Burt Sneed
William Daniel McGhee
Aaron Lloyd
Diquaz Javon Kearney-Crudup
Jami Lynn Massengill
Deshaun Lamont Williams
Brendan Jerel Cannady
Renee Morgan
Jeffrey Thomas Rinker
Robert Dubois
Dwight Leon Garrett
Terrance Vines
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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
On Thursday, September 19, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division issued warrants for the arrest of John Edward Degumba, a Johnston County resident.
Charges consisted of the following: one (1) count of Rape of a Child, one (1) count of Sexual Offense with a Child, and one (1) count of Indecent Liberties with a Child.
On Thursday, September 19, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division issued warrants for the arrest of John Edward Degumba. Charges consisted of the following: one (1) count of Rape of a Child, one (1) count of Sexual Offense with a Child, and one (1) count of Indecent Liberties with a Child. (FCSO photo)
Charges were filed after an extensive investigation conducted by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Franklinton Police Department and Benson Police Department.
Benson Police Department criminally charged John Edward Degumba on Friday, September 13, 2019, with one (1) count of Statutory Sexual Offense with a Child and one (1) count of Indecent Liberties with a Child
Franklinton Police Department criminally charged John Edward Degumba on Saturday, September 21, 2019, with one (1) count of Sexual Offense with a child and one (1) count of Indecent Liberties with a Child.
On Tuesday, September 24, 2019, John Edward Degumba turned himself in at the Franklin County Magistrate’s Office.
John Edward Degumba was given a total of $450,000.00 secured bond and is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center.
John Edward Degumba, 30 years of age, Benson, NC 27504
Terry M. Wright, Chief of Staff
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With over 2,250 tickets/ducks sold, the Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start’s 10th Annual Ducky Derby fundraiser in downtown Henderson, held Saturday, Sept. 21, was a sellout event.
“We had a record turnout, approximately 500 people this year,” said F-G-V Development Coordinator Garry Daeke. “The race was lined with people all the way to the finish line! With Baby Shark and Paw Patrol performing, along with the appearance of the Chick-fil-A cow and great weather, children had a great time.”
Children and parents alike eagerly cheered on the ducks as they raced down the Garnett Street “river” towards the Orange Street finish line.
Winners of the race included:
1st Place – $1000, Davina Inman, Granville County
2nd Place – Chick-fil-A for a Year, Tracy Boyd, Henderson
3rd Place – $250 Gas Card, Mary Williams, Louisburg
Last Duck – $100, Ellen Lindsey
As an additional prize this year, F-G-V offered one lucky duck a month free of childcare (up to $1,000 value) available to any ticket buyer who had a child in childcare. Domenick Hicks-Smith, from St. Paul’s Presbyterian Childcare in Louisburg won the prize.
All proceeds from the Ducky Derby are used to fund Smart Start programs.
“KING MICHAEL: A Spectacular Tribute to the King of Pop” will be performed at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center, 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson, this Saturday, September 28, 2019, at 7:30 p.m.
From early moments with his brothers to his stratospheric rise to become “the greatest entertainer of all time,” this sensational tribute will include all Michael Jackson’s most popular songs.
Performed by a LIVE band, dancers, and backup singers, this stunning spectacle will bring to life the energy and charisma for which KING MICHAEL was so famous.
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Vance-Granville Community College recently brought together students, faculty, staff and community members to mark the 50th anniversary of the college, with festivities on all four of its campuses. The original charter for the college, then known as Vance County Technical Institute, was issued on Sept. 4, 1969.
VGCC Board of Trustees Chair Danny Wright and VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais cut the “birthday cake” on the college’s Main Campus to celebrate the institution’s fiftieth anniversary. (VGCC photo)
During the week of the actual anniversary, celebratory ceremonies featuring speakers and refreshments were held on each campus: the Warren County Campus on Sept. 3, Main Campus (in Vance County) on Sept. 4, South Campus (in Granville County) on Sept. 5, and the Franklin County Campus on Sept. 6.
In addition, Main Campus hosted an anniversary ‘bash’ on Sept. 4 with the band, “Liquid Pleasure,” performing, and food trucks on hand.
“We are grateful to everyone who attended our 50th anniversary events, and to the citizens and businesses who made contributions to support this celebration,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of VGCC. “We have reflected on the educational opportunities that this college has provided to Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, while we have also looked forward to the next 50 years of shining the light of education in service to our communities.”
The “Liquid Pleasure” band performs in front of the gazebo on VGCC’s Main Campus during the 50th anniversary ‘bash.’ (VGCC photo)
Guest speakers at the anniversary events included Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen; Franklin County Manager Angela L. Harris; Devon Suitt, a VGCC alumnus and Granville Early College High School graduate; Zelodis Jay, chair of the Granville County Board of Commissioners; Gary Massenburg, a VGCC alumnus and Warren Early College High School graduate; and Tare “T” Davis, chair of the Warren County Board of Commissioners.
Two VGCC staff members who are also alumni of the college made remarks, as well. Amy O’Geary, director of student success, spoke at Main Campus. “As a graduate and longtime employee, Vance-Granville Community College has been a part of my life for over 30 years,” O’Geary said. “This college guided me in my career path and has allowed me the opportunity to do what I truly love: help students reach their own potential.”
O’Geary recalled that after graduating from VGCC, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. “I quickly realized that I was not cut out for a career in sales; however, I can sell one thing,” she said. “I can ‘sell’ Vance-Granville Community College, because I believe in our mission and what we have done for this community for 50 years!”
Devon Suitt speaks during a celebration of VGCC’s 50th anniversary at the college’s South Campus. He is currently a social work investigator and a graduate student at North Carolina Central University. (VGCC photo)
Julie Jones, the college’s distance education coordinator, spoke at the Franklin Campus. That was where she first became a student, as a single mother who had recently lost her job due to company downsizing. At the time, Jones had been out of school for 17 years.
“The counselor at the time saw that I was anxious about starting back to school,” she recalled. “She was very encouraging and got me set up with my program of study and first classes. That is when I took my first computer course and knew I wanted a career working in I.T. My first computer instructor had enough confidence in my ability to do well that he asked me to apply for the part-time position of Open Computer Lab Technician. I started to believe in myself and gained the confidence that I could actually make it through college.”
Julie Jones (standing) speaks during a celebration of VGCC’s fiftieth anniversary held at the college’s Franklin County Campus. Seated, from left, are VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais, VGCC Board of Trustees Chair Danny Wright, VGCC Franklin County Campus Dean Bobbie Jo May and Franklin County Manager Angela Harris. (VGCC photo)
Jones excelled in her academics and, after graduation, became a full-time employee in the campus computer lab. She would go on to earn a bachelor’s degree, as well.
“What I found at VGCC was a home and a supportive family,” Jones said. “Without the encouragement I found along the way, I would not be where I am today.”
The September events capped off a series of activities throughout the year that helped celebrate 50 years of excellence, including a Dinner Theater in April; the 35th annual Endowment Fund Golf Tournament in May, commencement exercises for VGCC’s 50th graduating class in May, and the formal inauguration of President Desmarais in August.
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The Vance-Granville Community College Medical Assisting Program is gearing up to celebrate Medical Assistants Recognition Week, October 21 – 25, 2019, as designated by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Medical assistants across the country will be recognized during this special week and honored on Medical Assistants Recognition Day, October 23, 2019.
In celebration of Medical Assistants Recognition Week, the Vance-Granville Community College Medical Assisting Program has planned the following special events and activities:
MED Mini Health Fair to be held at Vance-Granville Community College’s Franklin Campus Student Lounge, 8100 NC 56 Hwy, Louisburg, NC on Monday, October 21, 2019, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.
“Medical Assistants are at the heart of healthcare and we support our community,” says Tonia Boyd, Vance-Granville Medical Assisting Class President of the 2020 graduating class.
Medical assisting is an allied health profession whose practitioners function as members of the health care delivery team and perform administrative and clinical procedures. With their unique versatility, medical assistants are proving to be the allied health professional of choice for this decade and beyond. Medical assisting is one of the nation’s careers growing much faster than average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The American Association of Medical Assistants is the only organization devoted exclusively to serving the professional interests and educational needs of all medical assistants. The association provides numerous services that help medical assistants put their careers on a successful and rewarding track and keep them there.
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Vance-Granville Community College received welcome news as it celebrated its 50th anniversary recently: an increase in enrollment over the same time last year. As of the beginning of the fall semester in August, VGCC had 3,073 students enrolled in curriculum programs. That represented a 3.7% increase compared to the beginning of the fall 2018 semester when enrollment stood at 2,963.
VGCC Board of Trustees Chair Danny Wright and President Rachel Desmarais, Ph.D. cut the cake at VGCC’s 50th celebration. (VGCC photo)
A significant source of the increase was enrollment by high school students in college programs, either through Early College High Schools or other Career & College Promise pathways. There were 15% more of those students enrolled than there were at the beginning of fall 2018.
“We are pleased that an increasing number of students are participating in our high-quality education and training programs, which are preparing them to achieve their career goals,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of VGCC. “For 50 years, Vance-Granville Community College has been providing opportunities for education and training, with the strong support of the community. Thanks to that support, we continue to serve as an accessible, innovative, student-centered higher education partner for our region.”
Established in 1969, VGCC offers more than 40 curriculum programs, in which students work toward certificates, diplomas and degrees.
