VGCC Inaugurates Seventh President

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College formally welcomed its new leader on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, with an inauguration ceremony for Dr. Rachel M. Desmarais, the college’s seventh president, in the Civic Center on the Main Campus in Vance County. The historic occasion was also part of a series of events held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the community college, which was established in 1969 as Vance County Technical Institute.

Vance-Granville Community College formally welcomed its new leader on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, with an inauguration ceremony for Dr. Rachel M. Desmarais, the college’s seventh president, in the Civic Center on the Main Campus in Vance County. (VGCC photo)

Danny Wright, chair of the VGCC Board of Trustees, performed the ceremonial investiture of the president, who has been on the job since earlier this year. In his remarks, Wright said, “We take this opportunity to look back on the rich tradition we have of providing education and training to our community. At the same time, we mark the start of a new era, and consider all the possibilities of the future.”

He then presented Desmarais with a medallion, featuring the college’s seal, to represent the authority of the president’s position.

Making her inaugural address, Desmarais remarked, “Vance-Granville Community College has been shining the light of education and opportunity in Vance, Granville, Franklin, and Warren counties for 50 years. I am proud of this legacy of learning and service. Indeed, I am honored to have been called to this college — to serve these communities. My life’s goal is to ‘make a difference’ in whatever I do. Likewise, I believe this institution has made a difference and will continue to make a difference in people’s lives. As we embark upon the next 50 years of learning and service, we have an opportunity to renew our commitment to being a community educator, convener, and partner.”

Several dignitaries brought greetings on behalf of the state and the four counties served by the college: Peter Hans, the president of the N.C. Community College System; Archie B. Taylor, Jr., chair of the Vance County Board of Commissioners; Dr. Alisa McLean, superintendent of Granville County Schools; Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager; and Vincent Jones, Warren County Manager.

VGCC students also played key roles in the event. Tyshii Scarborough, president of the VGCC Student Government Association, gave welcoming remarks, and two recent alumnae of the college, Angelica Bridges and Evan O’Geary, presented musical selections.

Special guests included not only local community leaders but also presidents of several community colleges from across the state.

NC Dept of Agriculture

State Sees First Mosquito-Borne EEE Case of the Year

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

A four-year-old, unvaccinated mare in Cumberland County was euthanized after contracting the first case of Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis in North Carolina this year. EEE is a mosquito-borne disease that is preventable in equine by vaccination.

EEE causes inflammation or swelling of the brain and spinal cord and is usually fatal. Symptoms include impaired vision, aimless wandering, head pressing, circling, inability to swallow, irregular staggering gait, paralysis, convulsions and death. Once a horse has been bitten by an infected mosquito, it may take three to 10 days for signs of the disease to appear.

“If your horses exhibit any symptoms of EEE, contact your veterinarian immediately,” said State Veterinarian Doug Meckes. “It is imperative that horse owners keep their vaccines current, talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating them as soon as possible against EEE and West Nile virus.”

The vaccinations initially require two shots, 30 days apart, for horses, mules and donkeys that have no prior vaccination history. Meckes recommends a booster shot every six months in North Carolina because of the state’s prolonged mosquito season.

Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts for more than four days, so removing any source of standing water can reduce the chance of exposing animals to WNV or EEE. Keeping horses in stalls at night, using insect screens and fans and turning off lights after dusk can also help reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Insect repellants can be effective if used according to manufacturers’ instructions.

People, horses and birds can become infected from a bite by a mosquito carrying the diseases, but there is no evidence that horses can transmit the viruses to other horses, birds or people through direct contact.

Brooks, on Post-Release Probation, Arrested on Multiple Drugs/Weapons Violations

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On July 25, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Special Response Team arrested Franklin County resident, Rico Dashawn Brooks, age 33, for multiple drugs and weapons violations. In addition to the arrest, a search warrant was executed at 1345 Walter Grissom Road, Kittrell, NC. 

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit had received multiple complaints regarding drug activity in and around the Eagles Nest Lane and Bailey’s Creek Drive communities on Walter Grissom Road. As a result of these complaints, Narcotics Detectives identified Mr. Brooks as an individual involved in illegal sales of controlled substances in that area.

On July 25, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Special Response Team arrested Franklin County resident, Rico Dashawn Brooks, age 33, for multiple drugs and weapons violations. In addition to the arrest, a search warrant was executed at 1345 Walter Grissom Road, Kittrell, NC. (FCSO photo)

An investigation led to the arrest of Mr. Brooks and the search of his residence.

As a result of this investigation, the arrest and search, detectives seized Cocaine, drug paraphernalia and two firearms, one of which was reported stolen.

Mr. Brooks was currently on post-release probation after serving approximately 10 years in the NC Department of Corrections for Assault with a Deadly Weapon inflicting Serious Injury, Possession of a Firearm by Felon, Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon and Possession with the Intent to Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance. 

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “We continue to focus our drug enforcement efforts to address individuals that choose to poison our communities with these illegal drugs. Our efforts are enhanced, and we benefit from our citizens speaking up when they see suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.” 

Rico Dashawn Brooks – 1345 Walter Grissom Road Kittrell, NC 27544 

Rico Dashawn Brooks was charged with the following: Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (2 Counts), Sell and Deliver Cocaine (2 Counts), Maintain a Dwelling/Vehicle for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substances (2 Counts), Possession of a Firearm by Felon, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.

Rico Dashawn Brooks is currently in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $100,000 secured bond.

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

Franklin Co. Resident Arrested for Statutory Rape of a Child

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On July 25, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Division arrested Franklin County resident Arturo Aguilar Canchola, age 31, for one (1) count of Statutory Rape of a Child. 

Arturo Aguilar Canchola is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $500,000 secured bond.

This matter remains under investigation and no further information will be released at this time.

If anyone should have any additional information pertaining to this investigation, please call Detective Dean Woody at 919-340-4369. 

Terry M. Wright, Chief of Staff

On July 25, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Division arrested Franklin County resident Arturo Aguilar Canchola, age 31, for one (1) count of Statutory Rape of a Child. Arturo Aguilar Canchola is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $500,000 secured bond. (FCSO photo)

VGCC Welcomes Two New Trustees

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College recently welcomed a pair of new members to its Board of Trustees.

Deborah M. Butler of Youngsville was appointed to serve on the college’s governing board by the Granville County board of commissioners. Butler is a retired school teacher with 40 years of experience in education.

Dorwin L. Howard of Oxford was appointed to the board by Governor Cooper. Howard served as a teacher and administrator for Granville County Schools, retiring as the system’s superintendent. He currently serves as a pastor at First Cosmopolitan Baptist Church in Raleigh.

Both Butler and Howard were appointed to four-year terms on the VGCC board. Butler succeeds N. Annette P. Myers, while Howard assumes the seat formerly held by Herb Gregory.

The Board of Trustees has 12 voting members, with some appointed by the Governor of North Carolina and some by the county commissioners and the boards of education of Vance and Granville counties.

S. Quon Bridges, an attorney and former District Court Judge, administers the oath of office to Deborah Butler as a new member of the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees. (VGCC photo)

S. Quon Bridges, an attorney and former District Court Judge, administers the oath of office to Dorwin Howard (center) as a new member of the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees. (VGCC photo)

Benson Arrested on Child Sexual Offense, Indecent Liberties Charges

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On June 7, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division issued a warrant for the arrest of a Wake County resident, John Claude Benson III, age 39.

Charges consisted of the following: one (1) count Felony Statutory Sexual Offense with a Child by an Adult and three (3) counts Felony Indecent Liberties with a Child. 

On July 22, 2019, John Claude Benson III was arrested and served on the above-listed charges at the Franklin County Courthouse where he turned himself in. 

John Claude Benson III was placed under a $400,000.00 secured bond. 

On June 7, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division issued a warrant for the arrest of a Wake County resident, John Claude Benson III, age 39. Charges consisted of the following: one (1) count Felony Statutory Sexual Offense with a Child by an Adult and three (3) counts Felony Indecent Liberties with a Child. (FCSO photo)

U.S. Department of Justice

US Attorney’s Office Partners With AARP & FBI on Elder Justice Initiative

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina partnered with the FBI and AARP to promote the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative by conducting outreach and educating older adults about the latest scams so they do not fall victim. Approximately 2,500 seniors in the Eastern District dialed-in to an interactive telephone town hall to learn about the latest financial scams affecting seniors.

The Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative aims to combat the financial exploitation of our senior citizens by expanding efforts to investigate and prosecute financial scams that target seniors, educate older adults on how to identify scams and avoid getting ripped off by scammers and promote greater coordination with law enforcement partners.

According to statistics collected by the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center victims lost $2.71 billion dollars to fraud in 2018, and victims over the age of 60 lost $649,227,724.

Some examples of financial fraud targeting seniors discussed during the telephone town hall were:

• Affinity Fraud – in which the scammer pretends to have some connection to the senior or a basis for establishing trust, such as being a member of the same cultural, racial, ethnic, or religious community.

• Prize Scam – also known as “lottery scam” in which the scammer claims you won a prize or lottery money but you have to pay a “processing fee” or taxes before you can claim the prize.

• Grandparent Scam – where the scammer convinces seniors that their grandchild is in trouble and needs money to pay rent, bills, unexpected car repairs, or even money for bail.

• Tech Support Scam – in which seniors may be surfing the internet and a pop-up appears claiming the computer is infected with a virus and is designed to get access to your computer.

• Romance Scam – which scammers start an online romantic relationship and lull victims into believing they need funds for a visit to the U.S. or some other purpose.

Some tips shared with the participants on how to avoid falling victim to a financial scam were:

• Don’t share personal information with anyone you don’t know.

• Don’t pay a fee for a prize or lottery winning.

• Don’t click on pop-up ads or messages.

• Delete phishing emails and ignore harassing phone calls.

• Don’t send gift cards, checks, money orders, wire money, or give your bank account information to a stranger.

• Don’t fall for a high-pressure sales pitch or a lucrative business deal.

• If a scammer approaches you, take the time to talk to a friend or family member.

• Keep in mind that if you send money once, you’ll be a target for life.

• Remember, it’s not rude to say, “NO.”

• A good rule of thumb is, if it’s too good to be true, it’s likely a scam.

Robert J. Higdon, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, notes “the elderly are some of the most vulnerable people in our society and we are committed to arming them with the proper knowledge to recognize the signs of financial fraud schemes so they will not become a victim. This is a priority of the Department of Justice and of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.”

For more information about DOJ’s efforts to prevent and combat elder abuse, please visit the Elder Justice Website at https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877- FTC-HELP.

You can also contact the Victim Connect Hotline between 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 1- 855-4VICTIM (1-855-4842846), or contact the Elder Justice Coordinator at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina at (919) 856-4530.

Franklin Co. Resident Arrested on Multiple Drug Violations

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-Franklin County Press Release

On July 11, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Special Response Team arrested Franklin County resident, Jerome Usher Jr., age 33, for multiple drug violations. 

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit received multiple complaints alleging that Jerome Usher Jr. was involved in the illegal use and sale of controlled substances in and around the Bunn area. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit was able to corroborate the information and the investigation led to the arrest of Mr. Usher as well as the execution of the search warrant at his residence.

On July 11, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Special Response Team arrested Franklin County resident, Jerome Usher Jr., age 33, for multiple drug violations. (FCSO photo)

The investigation and arrest resulted in the seizure of controlled substances, drug paraphernalia and US Currency. 

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Addressing the illegal use and sale of drugs in our communities continues to be a priority for our staff. This emphasis will continue to be a primary focus as we continue to work towards making all of our neighborhoods safer.” 

Jerome Usher Jr. 1010 Alford Mill Road Bunn, NC 27508 

Jerome Usher Jr. was charged with the following: One (1) count of Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Crack Cocaine, one (1) count of Sell and Deliver Crack Cocaine, and one (1) count of Maintain a Dwelling/Vehicle for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substances. 

Jerome Usher Jr. was placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $20,000 secured bond. 

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

VGCC Small Business Center to Offer Free QuickBooks, Financial Classes

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-Information courtesy Sheri Jones, Director, VGCC Small Business Center

The Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center is offering two free, three hour classes entitled “Quick Start Bookkeeping with QuickBooks.”

The classes will be offered on Wednesday, July 31, 2019, at the times and locations as listed below and is being taught by Semone Brisson, an Accountant and QuickBooks Consultant of Brisson’s Accounting out of Salisbury, NC. A description of the classes content is below and registration is required.

If you, your members or someone you know could benefit from these classes, please forward the following information and registration links to them.

The links can also be accessed from our website at https://www.vgcc.edu/coned/small-business-center/#schedules.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

1)  “Quick Start Bookkeeping with QuickBooks”

This informative seminar is geared toward the novice bookkeeper and QuickBooks user. An accountant and QuickBooks consultant will show you how to set up and use QuickBooks desktop software for everyday accounting tasks in the simplest, most efficient way possible for your company or non-profit.

Topics include:

  • Setting up a company file quickly
  • Understanding and designing financial statements
  • How items and classes work
  • When to use receivables, payables and bank feeds
  • What is a “set of books” and how does it work?
  • What bookkeeping practices do I need?

This seminar will benefit both QuickBooks desktop and online users. It is not intended to be a “step-by-step hands-on class” and does not require a book. Questions are welcomed and encouraged.

“Quick Start Bookkeeping with QuickBooks”
Wednesday, July 31 from 6 – 9 p.m.

Kerr Lake Country Club – 600 Hedrick Dr. Henderson, NC 27537

Registration Link:  https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=530390033

2) “Understanding Financial Statements”

Maintaining and understanding financial information is critical to running a profitable small business. This three hour seminar helps small business owners focus on using key financial reports to understand and operate their businesses. The seminar also explains how small business owners can use their financial statements to identify potential problems before they become serious threats to the business’ survival.

“Understanding Financial Statements”

Wednesday, July 31 from 1 – 4 p.m.
Vance-Granville Community College, Bldg. 7 – 200 Community College Road Henderson, NC  27536

Registration Link:  https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=530390035

NC Dept. of Agriculture Asks Travelers to Watch for Spotted Lanternfly

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Plant Industry Division is asking travelers to several northeastern states to take precautions against the spread of the highly destructive Spotted Lanternfly this summer.

“If your summer travel plans have you driving through Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware or New Jersey, please review the Spotted Lanternfly quarantine map and do your part to prevent bringing the pest to our state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This invasive pest poses a significant threat to our $91.8 billion agriculture industry.”

North Carolina has no reports of this invasive pest. Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive planthopper native to China that could cause billions of dollars in loss to NC agriculture, tourism and trade should it become established in our state. This pest is a hitchhiker and can be easily moved long distances on vehicles, campers and outdoor equipment.

If you plan to visit any of the indicated northeastern states in which Spotted Lanternfly has been found, it is recommended you thoroughly wash and inspect your vehicles before leaving. Also, do not move firewood.

All life stages of Spotted Lanternfly can hitchhike, but the eggs and adults pose the greatest risk for movement. In northern states, adults can lay their eggs on any outdoor flat surfaces from July to December.

We hope you enjoy your summer travels, and we appreciate your attention to ensure this pest does not hitch a ride home with you.

For more information on current counties that are under quarantine, please visit: https://nysipm.cornell.edu/environment/invasive-species-exotic-pests/spotted-lanternfly/