VGCC President Williams Resigns To Take VP Position At Duke

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of Vance-Granville Community College, announced today that she has accepted the position of Vice President for Durham Affairs at Duke University, effective Aug. 13, 2018.

“It has been an honor and joy to lead and serve at Vance-Granville Community College,” Dr. Williams said. “I am proud of the success over these years, and I am confident that, with the fine faculty and staff and community support, the best is yet to come for the college.”

The announcement came today after the VGCC Board of Trustees voted to accept the resignation. “Dr. Williams has provided outstanding leadership for Vance-Granville Community College,” said Danny W. Wright, board chair. “Her vision and intellect, passion for student success, and commitment to community engagement will be assets to Duke University, and she will be missed dearly at VGCC and the surrounding communities we serve. Stelfanie is very deserving of this opportunity, and we are heartened to know that she will continue her great work and contributions in higher education.”

In an e-mail to VGCC trustees, faculty and staff members, noting their contributions to the college’s success, Dr. Williams wrote, “You all are an amazing group of professionals! Thank you for your commitment and great achievements over these years.”

Dr. Williams succeeded Randy Parker as the sixth president in the history of the college on Feb. 1, 2012. She came to VGCC from Central Carolina Community College where she last served as the vice president of economic and community development. A graduate of Duke University, she began her community college career at CCCC as an instructor for Basic Skills and progressed through several positions on the faculty and in administration at community colleges in North Carolina.

Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of Vance-Granville Community College, announced that she has accepted the position of Vice President for Durham Affairs at Duke University, effective Aug. 13, 2018. Photo courtesy VGCC.

In her new position at her alma mater, Dr. Williams will lead and coordinate Duke’s diverse and innovative community efforts in areas such as economic development, affordable housing, early childhood, K-12 and workforce education, student engagement, neighborhood relations and community health, according to a press release from Duke. She will also continue building connections between Duke and Durham Public Schools, Durham Technical Community College and North Carolina Central University. She succeeds Phail Wynn, former president of Durham Tech, who is leaving after 10 years in the position.

“Duke’s commitment to public service and the unique attributes of the Durham community excite me about the bright opportunities ahead for thoughtful collaboration,” Dr. Williams is quoted as saying in the Duke release.

Among local and regional boards and commissions, Dr. Williams currently serves on North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s Commission on Sound, Basic Education and the MyFutureNC commission created to get more North Carolinians better educated.

Dr. Williams was named “President of the Year” by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges earlier this year. In 2014, she received the I.E. Ready Distinguished Leadership Award, named for the first president of the North Carolina Community College System, by North Carolina State University.

She was born in New York City, raised in Sanford and attended The Asheville School in Asheville, N.C. She attended Duke University, where she received bachelor’s degrees in Public Policy and Spanish, and Western Carolina University, where she earned a master’s degree in Project Management. In 2011, Williams completed her doctorate, an Ed.D. in Adult and Higher Education, from NCSU.

For the selection process leading to Dr. Williams being named as VGCC’s president in December 2011, the college’s Board of Trustees appointed a Presidential Search Committee and a nationwide search was conducted. The board was assisted in that process by a search consultant from the North Carolina Association of Community College Trustees.

Trustees Chair Wright added, “We will miss Dr. Williams, but we wish her the very best as she moves on to another opportunity for educational leadership at Duke University…. Over the next several weeks, she will be working with the board, college personnel, and community partners to prepare the institution for future growth.”

American Red Cross Disaster Bootcamp

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Disaster Bootcamp Action Team

Franklin, Warren, Vance and Granville Counties

Saturday, June 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday, June 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Attendance is required at both sessions)

LOCATION: Franklin County Emergency Services 8146 NC-56, Louisburg, NC 27549

PARTICIPANTS WILL:

  • Learn the Red Cross role and values for engaging with disaster clients, first responders, and the public
  • Understand functions of the Disaster Action Team (DAT), and expectations for DAT workers on a response
  • Discover roles a DAT member may perform on a large-scale disaster response
  • Learn casework and recovery planning processes and the system used
  • Learn how direct client assistance is issued and how referrals are made to community partners
  • Complete training through a simulation drill, practicing the skills learned during the classroom sessions
  • If desired, be assigned to a Disaster Action Team, and support the Red Cross in Franklin, Warren, Vance and Granville Counties

RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW! Call 919-774-6857 or email Jennifer.Vangundy@redcross.org or Gehrig.Haberstock3@redcross.org

(This is not a paid advertisement)

NC Coop Extension

Vance Co. Cooperative Extension – Weekly Parenting Tip

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-Weekly parenting tips provided courtesy of Jean Bell, Parenting Education Coordinator, Vance County Cooperative Extension

Parenting tip week of 5/21/18

Grocery Shopping

Grocery shopping with kids can be fun. Involve your kids in your shopping trip by making shopping into a learning experience. Have your younger children find foods of different colors and shapes. Older children can look for letters in signs or read packages.

Write a shopping list together and have your older child check off the items as you purchase them. When your kids are busy shopping, it can be less stressful for you and kids can learn about healthy foods.

Franklin County Sheriff

Franklin Co. Sheriff’s Office Arrests Four Henderson Residents on Drug Charges

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Terry M. Wright – Chief of Staff

PRESS RELEASE

On May 16, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Community Action Team arrested four individuals from Henderson, NC on various drug-related charges. Robert Archie III, Jaquell Oshay Marrow, Timothy Christmas and Oakoya Monae Turner were arrested and processed at the Franklin County Detention Center for Trafficking of Heroin and other related charges.

Robert Archie III

This investigation began as a result of detectives receiving information alleging Robert Archie III, who is currently on probation for Possessing Controlled Substances, was involved in illegal drug activity in Franklin County. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit began investigating the complaint and validated that Mr. Archie was involved in illegal drug activity throughout the county. During the investigation, multiple purchases of heroin were made from Mr. Archie which ultimately led to a vehicle stop in the northern part of Franklin County. This vehicle stop resulted in the seizure of 219 bindles of heroin, US Currency and the arrest of these four individuals. 

In addition to this investigation, it was determined during the arrest procedure, that Jaquell Oshay Marrow brought controlled substances into the Franklin County confinement facility. Marrow will be facing additional charges as a result of this deliberate act.

Jaquell Oshay Marrow

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Once again our strategy to concentrate the enforcement efforts of our drug teams to areas and individuals who are poisoning our communities, is paying off. We have focused our priorities in areas that truly make a difference and we will continue to pursue those individuals and groups who choose to sell drugs in our county.”

Timothy Christmas

Robert Archie III, of Lincoln St, Henderson, is charged with the following: Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance (3 counts), Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance (2 counts), Trafficking a Controlled Substance by Possession, Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling for the Purpose of Selling a Controlled Substance, Conspiracy to Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance and is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $500,000 secured bond.

Jaquell Oshay Marrow, of Frances Avenue, Henderson, charged with the following: Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Confinement Facility, Trafficking a Control Substance by Possession, Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance, Conspiracy to Traffic Heroin and is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $350,000 secured bond.

Oakoya Monae Turner

Timothy Christmas, of Dick Faines Rd, Henderson, is charged with the following: Trafficking a Controlled Substance by Possession, Possession with intent to Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance, Conspiracy to Traffic Heroin and is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $350,000 secured bond.

Oakoya Monae Turner, of Foxborough Ln, Henderson, is charged with the following: Conspiracy to Sell Heroin, Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling for the purpose of Selling a Controlled Substance and has been placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $100,000 secured bond.

*For more information pertaining to this investigation please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Franklin County Sheriff

Manson Arrested for Statutory Sexual Offense, Indecent Liberties with a Child

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Terry M. Wright – Chief of Staff

Phillip Jamal Manson

On May 17, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Unit arrested Phillip Jamal Manson, a Franklin County resident. Phillip Jamal Manson was charged with the following: one (1) count Felony Statutory Sexual Offense with a Child <= 15, one (1) count Indecent Liberties with a Child, one (1) count Solicitation of a Child by Computer or Certain other Electronic Devices to Commit an Unlawful Sex Act, one (1) count Employing or Permitting a Minor to Assist in an Offense Under Article 26, five (5) counts Second Degree Exploitation of a Minor, and five (5) counts Third Degree Exploitation of a Minor. 

Phillip Jamal Manson, of Jordan School Rd, Warrenton, is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $900,000 secured bond.

 

NC Coop Extension

NC Coop. Extension’s Pond Workshop, Thurs., May 24

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-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension

Ponds can be an important asset for farmers and landowners, providing irrigation for crops and livestock, and recreational opportunities such as fishing. Pond owners can maximize the benefits of these aquatic resources by learning how to manage them properly.

Come on out to the Oxford Tobacco Research Station on May 24, 2018, to learn all about managing your farm or recreational pond. Experts from NC State University will present and demonstrate methods to manage aquatic weeds as well as fish populations.

This event will start at 4 p.m. and conclude at 7 p.m. A sponsored meal is included. The workshop will be held at one of the farm shop buildings, which is located on the north side of US Highway 158, west of Oxford, between Cornwall Rd. and Graham Hobgood Rd. The GPS street address is 2503 US 158, Oxford, NC, or use coordinates 36.323831, -78.658246.

Register at go.ncsu.edu/pond2018 or by calling 252-438-8188 or 919-603-1350. This event is made possible by the generous sponsorship of Southern States of Oxford.

(This is not a paid advertisement)
National Weather Service

Hurricane Season Begins June 1 – Are You Prepared?

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-Press Release, Brian K. Short, Director of Emergency Operations, Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations

The week of May 13 through May 19 has been designated as Hurricane Preparedness Week in North Carolina for 2018.

The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 of each year and ends on November 30. Though the official start of the season has not yet arrived, we already have activity in the Caribbean. The Vance County Office of Emergency Operations wants to make sure that you and your family are prepared for whatever this season brings our way.

Each year, Dr. William Gray and his team at Colorado State University produce a report that contains information on the projected outlook for the upcoming season. This year is forecast to be an average to slightly above average year according to Hurricane Experts.

The Atlantic Basin Seasonal Hurricane Forecast for 2018 is as follows:

Number of Named Storms: 14

Number of Hurricanes: 7

Number of Major Hurricanes (Category 3 or higher): 3

“The time to prepare is now, well out in front of peak hurricane season.” Keep in mind that communities and individuals are expected to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours (3 days) following the impact of a hurricane. “If the impact is severe enough, it may potentially take outside help three (3) days to get here,” Short said. “By taking the time to gather up a few basic necessities now, you will enable your family to weather the storm and the aftermath until help can arrive.”

For more information about how you and your family can prepare for severe weather visit the National Weather Service website at https://www.erh.noaa.gov/rah/ or visit our state site for emergency information including severe weather preparedness: https://readync.org/EN/Index.html.

2018 Tropical Storm names for the Atlantic Region include Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon, Helene, Issac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Michael, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sara, Tony, Valerie and William.

Recommended Family Preparedness Items

The best time to assemble a three-day emergency supply kit is well before you will ever need it. Most people already have these items around the house and it is a matter of assembling them now before an evacuation or State of Emergency order is issued.

Start with an easy to carry, watertight container – a large plastic trash can will do, or line a sturdy cardboard box with a couple of trash bags. Next, gather up the following items and place them in your kit:

Essentials  Water – 1 gallon per person per day (a week’s supply of water is preferable)  Water purification kit or bleach  First aid kit and first aid book  Pre-cooked, non-perishable foods, such as canned meats, granola bars, instant soup & cereals, etc.  Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, soap, baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices  Non-electric can opener  Anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel  Blanket or sleeping bag per person  Portable radio or portable TV and extra batteries  Flashlight and extra batteries  Essential medications  Extra pair of eyeglasses  Extra house and car keys  Fire extinguisher – ABC-type  Food, water, leash and carrier for pets  Cash and change  Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes  Large plastic trash bags for waste, tarps and rain ponchos  Large trash cans  Bar soap and liquid detergent  Shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes  Feminine hygiene supplies  Toilet paper  Household bleach  Rubber gloves

Stocking up now on emergency supplies can add to your family’s safety and comfort during and after a disaster. Store enough supplies for at least three days, preferably seven days, in one place.

Franklin County Sheriff

Vehicle Stop in Epsom Leads to Drug Trafficking Arrest

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On May 11, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Community Action Team assisted by the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Branch of the SBI, arrested Mario Jamal Steed of 129 N. Elizabeth Street Henderson, NC and Victor Joseph Gill of 280 George Floyd Road Henderson, NC on various drug trafficking charges. These charges stemmed from a vehicle stop in the Epsom Community in Franklin County.

Mario Jamal Steed

This investigation began as a result of Franklin County detectives receiving information that Mario Steed was involved in the illegal distribution of controlled substances in the Epsom Community. Franklin County detectives and agents with North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement began an investigation which led to a vehicle stop on Fletcher Fuller Road in Franklin County. The stop of the vehicle led to the seizure of 250 bundles of Heroin, Marijuana, a .40 caliber handgun, US Currency and a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. 

Mario Jamal Steed was charged with: Trafficking of Heroin by Possession (2 counts), Conspiracy to Traffic Heroin, Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Heroin (2 counts), Sell Heroin (2 counts), Deliver Heroin (2 counts) and Maintain a Vehicle for the Purpose of Selling/Storing a Controlled Substance (2 counts).

Victor Joseph Gill

Victor Joseph Gill was charged with Trafficking Heroin (2 Counts) and Conspiracy to Traffic Heroin.

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Our communities are benefiting from the consistent efforts of our high impact enforcement of drug violations throughout the county. Our partnerships with outside agencies and our focus on investigations that make a difference will continue.”

Mario Jamal Steed is currently in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $750,000 secured bond.

Victor Joseph Gill is currently in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $300,000 secured bond.

For more information pertaining to this investigation please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.

-Terry M. Wright, Chief of Staff

VGCC Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Inducts 65 Students

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College recognized 65 students who were inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for students of two-year colleges, on April 17 in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus.

VGCC students honored with induction into Phi Theta Kappa must have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.5 (3.75 for part-time students) in associate degree curriculum programs and have completed at least 12 credit hours toward their degrees.

PTK advisor Maureen Walters (left) presents VGCC student Pamela Campbell (right) with the chapter’s first-ever Excellence in Leadership Award.

Also honored at the ceremony were Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the college president, and Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of academic affairs, who were awarded honorary memberships for their roles in the success of the chapter, and Pamela Campbell, a student who is graduating with her degree in Human Services Technology in Gerontology in May, who received the chapter’s first-ever Excellence in Leadership Award.

As advisors for VGCC’s PTK chapter, instructors Maureen Walters, Isaac Talley and Karen Feezor conducted the ceremony. Walters, the head advisor, told the new inductees and their families and friends in attendance that since VGCC’s chapter of PTK, “Alpha Sigma Chi,” was chartered in 1991, more than 2,040 students have been selected for induction. She said that while scholarship is the first aim of PTK, the society also encourages fellowship, leadership development and service to others, and she noted that the letters Phi Theta Kappa stand for the Greek words for “Wisdom,” “Aspiration” and “Purity.”

Dr. Levy Brown, vice president of academic affairs at VGCC, addresses the crowd at the Phi Theta Kappa ceremony

Dr. Brown served as the guest speaker for the event. “When I think about everything that college students need to navigate in order to experience academic success, I am reminded that it takes a village to help students be successful,” Dr. Brown said. “In many ways, our families and college campus are the village supporting you as you have experienced success both academically and personally.”

Noting that the inductees were selected because of the significant amount of time they have spent attending class, studying, working and managing various circumstances in life, he encouraged the honorees to “keep on moving,” citing the lyrics from a song by Soul to Soul. “Keep progressing and moving forward,” he said. “Do not lose momentum. Keep on moving, and do not forget about that village. Help pull others up academically and in other ways.”

Campbell, who introduced Dr. Brown on the program, was given the Excellence in Leadership Award for being “the driving force behind many of our successful projects in the last year,” said Walters. “She is an individual who I have had the privilege to watch grow during her time in Phi Theta Kappa into a successful leader. Even though she says she doesn’t like speaking in front of people, she was quick to ask if there was some way she might speak at the induction ceremony today since she was working on that skill. In addition to helping in many different groups on campus, she also finds her passion in helping our aging population.”

Certificates were awarded by VGCC President Dr. Stelfanie Williams with assistance from Walters and Feezor.

This year’s inductees into the Alpha Sigma Chi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa are:

From Vance County:

Sonya Barnes, Jessica Bolton, Zenee Davis, Nealee Fisher, Tamara Glover, Cassidy Grissom, Kaitlyn Harris, Fatima Hawter, Wesley Hight, Brandon Hughes, Tim Jiang, Wendy Jordan, Evan O’Geary, Amal Saleh, Timmara Smith, Dustin Starnes, Raini Williams, and Kianna Wills of Henderson; and

Lastacey Burwell and Tara Burwell, both of Kittrell.

 

From Granville County:

Courtney Crute and Andrew Tinsley, both of Bullock;

Matthew Grooms of Butner;

Tyneshia Brackett, Delaney Edwards, and Iris Medrano, all of Creedmoor;

Monica Botros, Savannah Brogden, Brittney Darnell, Aivy Derry, Ker’Telian Fields, Penny Glover, Alyssa Gupton, Isom Hodges, Frances Wheeler, and Hanna Williams, all of Oxford.

 

From Franklin County:

Alexis Barton, Robert  Davis, Caitlin Harris, Michelle Medina, Grace Ohlandt, Amanda Ramos and Caitlyn Rudd, all of Franklinton;

Sara Cheek, Trina Leapley, Rachel Munson and Shalinda White, all of Louisburg; and

Michelle Harris-Evans, Allison Thurkill and Megan Whitman, all of Youngsville.

 

From Warren County:

Sherese Hicks of Macon;

Shimeka Kearney of Norlina;

Edgar Arrieta-Reyes, Isaac Barnett, Heidy Labra, Kimberly Labra-Franco and Giovanni Reyes, all of Warrenton; and

Thomas King of Wise.

 

 

From Wake County

Robert Hill of Raleigh; and

Jessica Baker, Kynleigh Holley, and Lorie Shepherd, all of Wake Forest.

 

From other area counties:

Wendy Boncek of Hollister in Halifax County,

Lisa Glover of Bracey, Va., in Mecklenburg County, and

Kaitlyn Wilson of Roxboro in Person County.

 

Vance County PTK inductees (VGCC Photo)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granville County PTK inductees (VGCC Photo)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Franklin County PTK inductees (VGCC Photo)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warren County PTK inductees (VGCC Photo)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wake County PTK inductee, Kynleigh Holley (VGCC Photo)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mecklenburg County, Virginia PTK inductee, Lisa Glover (VGCC Photo)

Franklin County Schools

Franklin Co. Schools Will Close May 16 for Teachers’ Rally

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-Information from an email sent to parents of Franklin County School students

Good Afternoon Parents and Guardians,

We closely monitored the number of anticipated teacher and support staff absences in light of the rally that will take place on Wednesday.

This rally in Raleigh was established in support of improving teacher working conditions and classroom opportunities for students.

We reached a point at which scheduled absences of teachers and support staff will not allow us to safely and effectively operate that day. Therefore, all schools are closed for students.

May 16th will be an optional teacher workday, the central office will be open and students will not make up the day. All school activities on May 16th are canceled with exception of Advanced Placement (AP) testing at our high schools. Impacted students will receive additional guidance regarding testing directly from their respective schools.

We apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause and appreciate your understanding.

Thank you and have a great rest of your day.