Rusty Pace honored for leadership at VGCC

/by

Rusty Pace, program head for Welding Technology at Vance-Granville Community College, was recently honored with the President’s Leadership Award from Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of the college.

Pace’s honor is one of three Glen Raven Excellence in Teaching and Leadership Awards presented to VGCC employees during each academic year. The others, the Faculty Member of the Year and Staff Member of the Year awards, are presented in the fall semester. Glen Raven, Inc., the manufacturer with a site in Norlina, is a longtime VGCC partner. The company’s support includes sponsoring the annual stipends to recognize outstanding VGCC instructors and staff members, and endowing many scholarships for students.

Dr. Williams praised Pace as an innovative faculty leader. “Under Rusty’s leadership, the Welding program, which was already well-known for excellence, has increased its retention rate while also expanding from a one-year diploma to an associate degree program,” the president said. “He has worked hand-in-hand with our Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant department staff to grow his program, meeting the needs of both our students and our local employers.”

Williams also noted that Pace has demonstrated a commitment to professional development, by traveling as far away as Ohio for welding technology training, by attending a conference related to the TAACCCT grant in Florida and by taking courses at the college in online education and computer skills.

A Louisburg resident and native of Franklinton, Pace enrolled at VGCC fresh out of Franklinton High School. He graduated from VGCC with a diploma in Welding in 1978 and quickly became certified through the Pittsburgh Testing Laboratory. Pace worked as a welder for many years in Wake Forest and Franklin County, eventually opening his own business. He later completed an associate degree in Welding at Nash Community College.

Pace returned to teach Welding at VGCC on a part-time basis in 1998 and became a full-time instructor in 2004. Pace was promoted to the role of program head in 2007. At the college, he has served on the Professional Advisory Committee, the Judicial Committee and the Student Success Committee, and completed the VGCC Leadership Institute in 2006.

–VGCC–

Granville County Animal Management Survey

/by

Granville County Animal Management and Granville County Senior Services are collecting information about pet ownership in Granville County. We will use this data to better understand pet owners in Granville County and where services are needed.

This survey is anonymous.

Please only take it once.

 

Single Owner Request: If you co-own a pet, please only complete one survey per household.

The link to complete the survey online: https://tinyurl.com/hqzrkpz.

 

 

 

Charla Duncan

Grants Coordinator

141 Williamsboro St.

P.O. Box 1286

Oxford, NC  27565

Butterfield: Trump Voter Fraud Claim ‘Completely Unsubstantiated’

/by

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) today released the following statement regarding President Donald Trump’s claim that up to 5 million votes were cast illegally in the 2016 presidential election:

“Donald Trump’s claim that millions of ‘illegal’ votes are what cost him the popular vote in the presidential election is completely unsubstantiated.

“If there really were millions of votes cast illegally like President Trump is suggesting, then it is hard to believe that every one of those votes were cast in support of Secretary Clinton.

“By calling into question the administration of this election, Donald Trump is also calling into question the legitimacy of his presidency.

“It’s time for President Trump to either show us his proof of this purported voter fraud or concede that most Americans who voted cast their ballot against his divisive rhetoric and regressive policy agenda.”

 

https://butterfield.house.gov

###

Multiple B&E Cases Reported in Granville County

/by

TO:                         News Media

FROM:                  Granville County Crime Stoppers  

DATE:                   January 25th, 2017

SUBJECT:           BREAKING and ENTERING/BURGLARY/LARCENY

Sometime between Wednesday, December 28th, 2016 early evening hours and Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017 early morning hours an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property located off Highway 15 North, Oxford, NC and forced entry of a storage building, which caused criminal property damage and removed one Stihl BR700 blower, four Stihl BR600 blower, one Stihl FC95 edger, one Stihl HS81 30” hedge trimmer, seven Stihl FS90 trimmers, and one Stihl MM55 Tiller.

On Thursday, January 1st, 2017 during late evening hours an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property and criminally entered the garage of a residence located off Tabbs Creek Road, Oxford, NC and removed one Remington 700 30-06 rifle with a leupold vari X2 scope, one black Gamo .177 caliber air pellet rifle, one Bow-Tech Compound bow with quiver arrows and sight, and one wood grain handled Bear Compound bow with sights, quiver and arrows.

On Saturday, January 21st, 2017 during early evening hours an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon State maintained property of Northside and Cash Roads in Creedmoor, NC and set fire to a four door “2015” Honda Civic-EX, which is registered out of the county of Durham, NC.

On Saturday, January 21st, 2017 during early evening hours an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property of Hasty Mart Convenience store located at 1633 Williamsboro Street, Oxford, NC and criminally forced entry by throwing a brick through the window of the property and removed several cartons of Kool King, Kool 100’s, Newport Blue King, New Port Men Gold King, Newport Men Gold, Newport NM King, Newport NM Gold 100’s, and Newport Smooth select King and Newport Smooth select 100’s- cigarettes, several packages of Game, Swisher, and Optimo cigarette wrapping papers, along with several White Owl Cigars of various flavors and 12 cans of Bud Light beer.

 

If you have information concerning these incidents, please contact the Granville County Sheriff’s Office at 919-693-3213 or call Crime Stoppers 919-693-3100.

 

THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS AUTHORIZED THE PAYMENT OF A REWARD OF UP TO $1,000 FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST/INDICTMENT(S) OF PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE CRIMES.  IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION CONCERNING THESE CRIMES OR ANY OTHER SERIOUS CRIME(S) IN GRANVILLE COUNTY.  YOU ARE ASKED TO CALL THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS IN OXFORD AT 919-693-3100.

VGCC surpasses $6 million in grant funding with new initiative

/by

Vance-Granville Community College’s Grants Office has now surpassed $6 million in funding to support students, the VGCC Board of Trustees was informed on Monday night, Jan. 23, at its regular bimonthly meeting on Main Campus.

In its brief four-year history, the Grants Office has secured 37 grants totaling $6,053,883, according to Dr. Ken Lewis, Vance-Granville’s vice president of institutional research and technology.

Among the largest grants, $1,757,299 from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) Grant Program is the single largest competitive grant award received in the history of the college. TAACCCT supports the development of innovative training programs for advanced manufacturing careers. The college started its Mechatronics program and expanded its Welding program through the grant.

The Advanced Manufacturing Skills Training Alliance (AMSTA) with the four public school systems in the college’s coverage area was created with a $1.2 million grant from the North Carolina Education and Workforce Innovation Fund. In addition, $460,000 has been awarded to the Training Alliance by the Golden LEAF Foundation, along with grants of $245,923 and $237,757 from the Duke Energy Foundation to purchase state-of-the-art equipment.

And, most recently, VGCC was awarded nearly $1 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to launch the North Carolina TechHire Program to train students in information technology and advanced manufacturing programs.

 

In addition to the TechHire grant, Dr. Lewis said the most recent awards include:

  • A pair of Male Mentoring Success Initiative grants over two years, totaling $34,000, to help students stay in school and on track to graduate or transfer to a four-year university;
  • A Wake Electric grant of $3,000 to fund classroom technology;
  • An NC Works Career Coach grant of $17,000 in partnership with the Granville and Warren County school systems to promote college attendance and Career & College Promise (CCP) classes in the high schools;
  • A Perkins grant, $181,000, supporting the college’s Business and Applied Technologies and Health Sciences curriculum programs;
  • A Library Services and Technology Act planning grant of $23,000 for space utilization upgrades;
  • A Cannon Foundation grant of $150,000 to complete renovation of Main Campus Building 10;
  • A National Summer Transportation Institute grant from the Federal Highway Administration, $37,000, allowing high school students in Warren County to learn more about career opportunities in transportation-related industries; and
  • A Taste of Industry grant of $10,000 from the North Carolina Community College System to support AMSTA in conjunction with Granville County Schools.

 

The grants update was included in the report of the Curriculum Committee, chaired by Barbara Cates Harris. In the committee’s reports, Dr. Angela Ballentine, the college’s vice president of academic affairs, also updated the board on the annual Continuing Education and Basic Skills visitation report.

Building Improvements

The board approved recommendations of the Building Committee, chaired by Trustee Donald Seifert, ranking in priority order the firms to design and oversee exterior masonry repairs and restoration as well as HVAC replacements and fire alarm system installations. Both Main Campus projects will be funded by the Connect NC bonds approved by state voters in March 2016.

At an estimated cost of $1 million, the college plans to restore, structurally repair and waterproof building masonry roof lines, walls and building bridges that have deteriorated over time because of the penetration of water/moisture into and through the building structures. REI Engineers of Raleigh was chosen as the highest ranked firm for the masonry project.

The primary focus of the HVAC/fire alarm project, estimated to cost $4.1 million, is to replace existing deteriorated heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems with new systems that provide greater stability, control and energy efficiency, and to replace existing fire alarm systems with new addressable systems that meet state code compliance. Engineered Designs, Inc., of Cary was selected as the highest ranked firm for the project.

VGCC is receiving $7.6 million from the $2 billion Connect NC Public Improvement Bond package. Funds may be used for the repair and renovation of facilities to meet the educational needs of students and/or the construction of new facilities to expand programs and services.

Other Action

In other action:

  • The board approved Mid-Year Amendments to the 2016-2017 Budget. The adjustments were necessary to account for $1,664,312 in carryover funds from the previous year and grant funding.
  • Trustee Sara Wester, chair of the Personnel Committee, reported on new employees and resignations.
  • Trustee Opie Frazier, chair of the Investment Committee, reported a gain on the college’s investments now being managed by First Citizens Wealth Management.
  • Dr. Stelfanie Williams, VGCC’s president, updated the trustees on activities since the board last met in November. She also announced the dates of upcoming events: a Valentine’s Day Luncheon sponsored by the college’s Culinary Arts program, Feb. 16; a North Carolina Association of Community College Trustees Law and Legislative Seminar in Raleigh, March 29-31; the fifth annual Dinner Theater, April 27-28, in the Civic Center on Main Campus; the annual VGCC Endowment Fund Golf Tournament, May 2, at the Henderson Country Club; and Commencement, May 12, at the gazebo on Main Campus.

The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is set for Monday, March 20, on the Main Campus.

— END —

Butterfield, Thompson Reintroduce Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Act

/by

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, U.S. Representatives G. K. Butterfield (D-NC) and Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) reintroduced legislation that would direct the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to cover physician-prescribed recreational therapy services.

H.R. 626, the Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Act of 2017, would amend the Social Security Act to include recreational therapy among the therapy methods that can be considered part of an intensive rehabilitation therapy program in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital or unit.

This legislation would provide flexibility to CMS’ definition of “intensity of therapy” requirement. Essentially, the requirement helps CMS determine which beneficiaries are appropriate for treatment in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital or unit. Until 2010, physicians could prescribe, and CMS would cover, recreational therapy for patients who have brain injuries, those who have sustained strokes and amputations, individuals living with neurological disorders and a range of other conditions.

“When overcoming an injury or disability it is important to be able to access appropriate rehabilitation services,” Butterfield said. “I am proud to join Representative Thompson in supporting this bipartisan legislation to expand the rehabilitation services seniors on Medicare are eligible for. This important legislation will benefit North Carolinians and people across the country who suffer from health challenges like brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, or cardiovascular complications.”

“A patient’s health plan should be left to their physician and health professionals to determine what is medically necessary,” Thompson said. “Before coming to Congress, I worked as a certified therapeutic recreation specialist. There is no greater joy than to see your patient make progress after a debilitating event such as a stroke, spinal cord, or brain injury. I am pleased to reintroduce this common sense, bipartisan bill with Representative Butterfield, to ensure Medicare empowers physicians to prescribe the best care possible.”

“Inpatient hospital rehabilitation is so effective because of the intensive and diverse therapy programs offered in this setting. Passage of this important Medicare bill will ensure that patients are prescribed the right mix of therapies, including recreational therapy, that meet their individual needs,” said Dawn De Vries, the Past-President (2016-2017) of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA). “This is a very patient-centric Medicare bill.”

“We applaud Congressmen Thompson and Butterfield for reintroducing this important legislation to reinstate the discretion of physicians practicing in rehabilitation hospitals to choose the mix of therapies that are clinically appropriate for Medicare patients,” said Dr. Steve R. Geiringer, President of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R). “This bill will free the hands of doctors to treat patients with injuries and disabilities according to their individual rehabilitation therapy needs, rather than following unnecessarily restrictive regulations. We urge Congress to pass this bipartisan bill at its earliest opportunity.”

THE ‘THREE HOUR RULE’

CMS has interpreted the intensity of therapy requirement through the metric it calls the “three hour rule.” This rule requires the patient to be able to participate in three hours of rehabilitation therapy per day, five days per week, or 15 hours of rehabilitation therapy over a one-week period.

Prior to 2010, CMS regulations explicitly stated that physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and/or orthotics and prosthetics were counted toward the “three hour rule” on an as-needed basis. In addition, CMS regulations stated that other therapeutic modalities that were determined by the physician and the rehabilitation team to be needed by the patient on a priority basis would satisfy the rule.

But on January 1, 2010, Medicare revised its “three hour rule” to include only the following therapies: physical, occupational, and speech therapy as well as orthotics and prosthetics. It removed the discretion of the physician and the rehabilitation team to count other therapeutic services needed by the patient toward satisfaction of the “three hour rule.” As a result, recreational therapy services are often not available to patients who require medically necessary recreational therapy as part of their plan of care.

H.R. 626 would restore all physician-prescribed therapies as part of a patient’s coverage.

SUPPORT FOR H.R. 626
National organizations that support this bill include:
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association
American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists
American Therapeutic Recreation Association
Association of Rehabilitation Nurses
Brain Injury Association of America

CARF, International (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities)
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Council on Brain Injury
United Spinal Association

 

Bill would direct Medicare to once again cover recreational therapy for patients 

 

https://butterfield.house.gov

###

NCSWIA awards Oxford $10 Million in Water and Sewer Infrastructure Funds

/by

For Immediate Release

In February of 2016 City Engineer Amy Ratliff recommended that the City apply for NC Connect, North Carolina State funds. Faced with aging water and sewer infrastructure that in places dates back to 1907, the Commissioners approved the recommendation and ordered a plan to proceed.

 

In September of 2016, The Board of Commissioners approved a water and sewer rate increase to meet minimum rates required by the State of North Carolina to apply for the water and sewer grants and loans to allow Oxford to be in a better position to maintain both existing and new infrastructure well into the future.

 

City Engineer Ratliff led the team that developed a $96 million Ten Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that was adopted by the Board in regular session on September 13th, 2016. Project planning on the improvements is already underway and construction is slated to start on the water and sewer infrastructure as early as this summer.

 

On January 18th 2017, the North Carolina State Water Infrastructure Authority, voted unanimously to grant the City of Oxford over $6 Million in state grants and nearly $4 Million in 0% interest loans to replace over nine miles of water and sewer infrastructure within the Oxford city limits.

 

Securing this funding is the first step in fortifying the water and sewer infrastructure in Oxford. Residents will notice work on these infrastructure improvements in the coming months. The completed system will pave the way for continued residential and commercial growth in our community.

 

Much of the water and sewer infrastructure upgrades need to be completed in time for the City to piggy-back on the North Carolina Department of Transportation resurfacing project scheduled to begin in the spring of 2018. By working with DOT, The City of Oxford will be able to resurface about four times as many road-miles as they have in the past.

American Legion Post 99 News Release

/by

The American Legion Post 99 and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 99 meets every 2nd Monday of the Month at Post 99 located at 1034 Mallard Lane Halifax, Va.

Auxiliary starts at 6:30 p.m. and the Legion begins at 7:00 p.m.

We welcome eligible men and women desiring to assist veterans and/or their families.

Call 434-575-5401 or 434-476-1268 for more information.

(This information came to WIZS via mail)

The Hoppers Return to Henderson

/by

 

HENDERSON, N.C. (January 18, 2017)—Following the release of their new album “Life is Good” and back by popular demand, the legendary Gospel music group The Hoppers will grace the stage of McGregor Hall Performing Arts and Learning Center in Henderson, N.C., for their second concert there on Saturday, January 28th at 7p.m.

Known as “America’s Favorite Family of Gospel Music,” the multi-award winning group from Madison, N.C., have been singing to global audiences for over 55 years with appearances ranging from presidential religious inaugural ceremonies and New York’s Carnegie Hall to singing conventions and church platforms. Their unique blend of harmonies and song choices have landed them on top of the Billboard and Singing News charts and featured on Gospel music showcases such as The Gaither Homecoming videos and tours.

The Hoppers are comprised of family members Claude and Connie, sons Mike and Dean and his wife, Kim, and their daughter Karlye. A cancer survivor, Connie has been honored with numerous awards, including being inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Sons Dean and Mike have continued the family legacy with their musical talents and business abilities; and Kim, Dean’s wife, hails from her own nationally acclaimed musical family, The Greenes.

The Hoppers will be joined by two local opening acts: Unashamed and Lynn Cooper. Unashamed, a Southern Gospel Quartet from Henderson, N.C., are comprised of Bill Wheeler (bass), Chris Jarrell (baritone), Scott Brantley (lead) and Cliff Reavis (tenor). From a Country/Bluegrass sound to more progressive Southern Gospel, the quartet offers something pleasing for everyone.

Lynn Cooper is a rising Gospel/Christian recording artist from Durham County, N.C., who now resides in Granville County, N.C., with her family. This past December (2016), Lynn released her first Christian album titled “A Person From The Pew,” which was recorded and produced by three-time Grammy Award recipient Tre Corley of Oak Tree Studios in Hendersonville, Tenn. Along with her music ministry, Lynn and her husband, Joe Don, produce “House of Fate Ministries,” a faith-based performance held at Tungsten Baptist Church in Henderson, N.C.

For more information on the concert, visit www.McGregorHall.org, (252) 598-0662 or visit the box office at 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson.

 

For More Information About McGregor Hall, Contact:

Tommy Deadwyler, Executive Director

McGregor Hall Performing Arts & Learning Center

201 Breckenridge St., Henderson, NC  27536

(252) 598-0662

tommydeadwyler@mcgregorhall.org

Red Cross critically needs donors after winter weather adds to severe blood shortage

/by

RALEIGH, N.C. (Jan. 18, 2017) – Following several rounds of severe winter weather in many parts of the country, the American Red Cross urges eligible blood and platelet donors to help restock its shelves to overcome a shortage.

Since Dec. 1, about 300 blood drives across 27 states have been forced to cancel due to inclement winter weather, resulting in more than 10,500 blood and platelet donations going uncollected. Despite the weather, hospital patients still rely on transfusions.

Blood donor Jim Taylor knows how it feels to have a loved one waiting for a transfusion. His son Aaron was born with a rare liver condition. In the short two months of his life, he received 115 blood products. Taylor said each transfusion gave his family more time with Aaron, so he encourages others to give.

“When the Red Cross says there is a shortage, they are not exaggerating,” said Taylor. “I now know from experience that what they are saying is somewhere there is a father waiting on the donation that will save his son’s life. When the Red Cross asks for help, what that means is a new dad is praying for a miracle.”

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to save time when donating.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Franklin

Franklinton

1/28/2017: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Franklinton Baptist Church, 102 West Mason St.

Granville

Creedmoor

1/27/2017: 2:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Avenue

Oxford

2/10/2017: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Granville County Shrine Club, 706 Roxboro Road

Stem

2/7/2017: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Granville Central High School, 2043 Sanders Rd

Person

Roxboro

1/26/2017: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., National Guard Armory, 605 Burlington Rd

1/29/2017: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Theresa Baptist, 3919 Chublake Rd

2/10/2017: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Roxboro Police Department, 109 Lamar St.

Vance

Henderson

1/28/2017: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., St. James Catholic Church, 3275 US 158 Bypass

2/14/2017: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Vance Granville Community College, 200 Community College Road

Warren

Norlina

1/25/2017: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., St. Pauls Lutheran Church, 438 Ridgeway Drewry Road

How to help

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

 

(Press Release)