Granville County News - WIZS

Granville Superintendent Howard Announces Retirement

January 15, 2017/by WIZS Staff

Granville Superintendent Howard Announces Retirement

At the regularly scheduled January Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Dr. Dorwin L. Howard, Sr. informed Board members that he had made the decision to retire from employment with the State of North Carolina as Superintendent of Granville County Public Schools effective July 1, 2017.

Dr. Houlihan, Chairman of the Board of Education, offered his reaction to the news, “Speaking on behalf of the Board of Education, we were certainly saddened to hear about this announcement, but at the same time we congratulate him on the remarkable 37-year career he has had serving the students of Granville County Public Schools and we wish him and his family the very best in the future.”

Dr. Howard began his career in public education when he took his first job as an Agriculture Teacher at JF Webb High School in 1980. Since then, he has served as a vice-principal, principal, Director of Secondary and Career and Technical Education, Assistant Superintendent of Operations, and as Superintendent. All but six months of his career in public education has been spent serving the students of Granville County.

Dr. Howard shared the news with staff members across the district, offering some thoughts about this important announcement, “I am appreciative of the opportunities which Granville County Public Schools has given me since I began teaching. As I reflect on my experiences, I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to work with others throughout my career. Each and every one of the employees has been, and I am sure will continue to be, instrumental in creating the type of school environment which fosters learning at the highest levels.”

Dr. Howard, a native of Granville County, and a graduate of JF Webb High School, attended NC A&T for his undergraduate degree, and NC State University for his master’s and doctoral degrees in Educational Administration. He will have completed his third year serving as Superintendent upon retirement.

Dr. Howard concluded his remarks to staff by saying, “I trust that during my remaining five months with you as Superintendent, we all will continue to work together, giving our best for the good of all students throughout the district. I pray that the future of the students of Granville County Public Schools will be bright.”

(Granville County Schools Press Release and Picture)

NC Supreme Court Justice to speak at VGCC Martin Luther King Holiday Celebration

January 14, 2017/by WIZS Staff

NC Supreme Court Justice to speak at VGCC Martin Luther King Holiday Celebration

Vance-Granville Community College will hold a special program celebrating the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 11 a.m. in the Civic Center on VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County. The celebration is free and open to the public, and is sponsored by the VGCC Male Mentoring Success Initiative (MMSI) and the Student Government Association.

The guest speaker for the event will be the newest Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, the Honorable Michael R. “Mike” Morgan. He was elected to the state’s highest court in November, after serving as an administrative law judge, a Wake County District Court judge and, most recently, a Superior Court judge. In addition, as a veteran faculty member of the National Judicial College located on the campus of the University of Nevada, Justice Morgan has taught and trained judges from all over the United States and its territories for the past 24 years.

A New Bern native, Justice Morgan is a graduate of Duke University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Sociology. He furthered his education at North Carolina Central University School of Law, distinguishing himself by serving as student body president in his final year of law school and earning his Juris Doctorate with Honors. Morgan later served as an adjunct professor for the NCCU School of Law.

The Jan. 18 program will also feature inspirational music presented by a choir of VGCC faculty, staff and students.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to a local charitable organization.

For more information, contact MMSI co-coordinators Anthony Pope at popea@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3395, or Michael Farmer at farmerm@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3234.

–VGCC Press Release–

(Cover photo of Judge Mike Morgan supplied to WIZS News in press release. Credit for the photo apparently belonging to https://www.judgemikemorgan.com/)

VGCC Vanguards to play JV Tar Heels at Dean Dome

January 12, 2017/by WIZS Staff

For the second year in a row, the Vance-Granville Community College Vanguards men’s basketball team will soon travel to the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill to face the University of North Carolina Tar Heels junior varsity team.

The JV game is set for Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 7:30 p.m.

Henderson-based radio station WIZS 1450 AM will once again provide live coverage of the game starting at 7:15 p.m. Even for those outside the range of the radio station, the broadcast can be streamed online at wizs.com or on a smart phone with the free “TuneIn Radio” app. When WIZS covered the first contest between the two basketball programs in 2016, it was the first time in history that a UNC JV basketball game had been broadcast live on the radio.

The Vanguards compete in Region X of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II, which includes 11 two-year colleges in North Carolina and Virginia.

The UNC JV squad has several community college teams on its schedule this year, including one of VGCC’s Region X conference rivals, Wake Tech Community College.

Admission is free to the UNC JV game. For more information, call the Smith Center at (919) 962-2296.

Wednesday Closings / News 01-10-2017

January 10, 2017/by WIZS Staff

Wednesday Closings / News 1-10-17

Refresh Your Browser for the Latest!

Text or Email closings or announcements to 252-432-0774 or johncharles@wizs.com or call 252-492-3001

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Update 5:40 p.m. Tuesday

Crosscreek Charter School closed Wednesday, January 11
Crossroad Christian School closed Wednesday, January 11
Davita Dialysis of Louisburg delayed until 7:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 11
Durham Public Schools closed Wednesday, January 11 (workday for teachers)
Franklin County Government Offices delayed until 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 11
Franklin County Schools closed Wednesday, January 11
Franklin County Superior Court postponed until Thursday, January 12 at 10:00 a.m.
Granville County Schools closed Wednesday, January 11
Granville County Government Offices delayed 1.5 hours Wednesday, January 11
Granville Vance District Health Department delayed until 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 11
Henderson Collegiate closed Wednesday, January 11 (workday for teachers)
Henderson Family YMCA delayed until 7:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 11
Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department has cancelled all practices and games for Tuesday, January 10
Kerr-Vance Academy delayed 3 hours Wednesday, January 11
Mecklenburg County (VA) Schools closed Wednesday, January 11
Oxford Preparatory School closed to students Wednesday, January 11 (optional workday for teachers)
Person County Schools closed Wednesday, January 11
Roxboro Community School closed Wednesday, January 11
Vance Charter School closed Wednesday, January 11
Vance County Schools closed Wednesday, January 11
Victory Christian School and Daycare will operate on a 2-hour delay Wednesday, January 11
Wake County Schools closed Wednesday, January 11
Warren County Schools closed Wednesday, January 11

Tuesday Closings / News 1-9-17

January 9, 2017/by WIZS Staff

Tuesday Closings / News 1-09-17

Refresh Your Browser for the Latest!

Text or Email closings or announcements to 252-432-0774 or johncharles@wizs.com or call 252-492-3001

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Update 4:45 p.m. Monday

City of Henderson Offices delayed until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 10
City of Oxford Offices delayed until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 10
Community Workforce Solutions of Henderson closed on Tuesday, January 10
Crosscreek Charter School closed on Tuesday, January 10
Crossroads Christian School closed on Tuesday, January 10
Davita Dialysis of Louisburg delayed until 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 10
Davita Dialysis of Vance County delayed 3 hours on Tuesday, January 10
Durham Public Schools closed on Tuesday, January 10
Falls Lake Academy closed on Tuesday, January 10
Families Living Violence Free in Oxford, NC office will be closed today, Monday January 9, 2017. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. If you need help, please call our 24/7 crisis line 919-693-5700.
Franklin County District Court closed on Tuesday, January 10
Franklin County Government Offices closed on Tuesday, January 10
Franklin County Superior Court closed on Tuesday, January 10
Franklin County Government Offices closed on Tuesday, January 10
Franklin County Schools closed on Tuesday, January 10
Granville County Schools closed on Tuesday, January 10
Henderson Collegiate closed on Tuesday, January 10
Henderson Family YMCA closed on Monday, January 9
Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks department – modified operating hours for Monday, January 9. The Aycock Rec Center is open until 6:00 p.m. The pool is closed.
Kerr-Vance Academy closed on Tuesday, January 10
Louisburg College Check-in for new students starts at noon Tuesday. Returning students check in between 9-3 Wednesday. Classes begin Thursday.
Oxford Preparatory School closed on Tuesday, January 10
Person County Schools closed on Tuesday, January 10
Roxboro Community School closed on Tuesday, January 10
The District Attorney’s offices in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren Counties will open at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 10
Vance County Government Offices delayed until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 10
Vance Charter School closed on Tuesday, January 10
Vance County Schools closed on Tuesday, January 10
Vance-Granville Community College evening classes cancelled on Monday, January 9
Vance-Granville Community College closed on Tuesday, January 10
Victory Christian School closed on Tuesday, January 10
Wake County Public Schools closed on Tuesday, January 10
Wake Technical Community College closed on Tuesday, January 10
Warren County Schools closed on Tuesday, January 10

Monday Closings / News 1-9-17

January 8, 2017/by John C. Rose

All VGCC Campuses to close at 3:00 p.m. Today

January 6, 2017/by WIZS Staff

All campuses of Vance-Granville Community College will close today, Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, at 3 p.m. Evening and weekend activities are cancelled.

All campuses of VGCC will be closed on Saturday, Jan. 7, and Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017.

Thank you.

Andrew Beal, Public Information Officer

beala@vgcc.edu

(252) 738-3322

VGCC graduates 14 cadets in school’s 103rd BLET Class

January 3, 2017/by WIZS Staff

VGCC graduates 14 cadets in school’s 103rd BLET Class

Fourteen cadets graduated on Dec. 13 from the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program at Vance-Granville Community College, in a ceremony held in the Civic Center on Main Campus. After passing the state certification exam, all are authorized to work in any law enforcement agency in North Carolina.

Graduates of VGCC’s 103rd BLET class included Heather Jocqueline Cruz of the Franklinton Police Department; Justin Lamar Dailey and Shauna Demetrius Terry, both of the Henderson Police Department; Emmett Avory Smith of the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation; André McCoy Oakley, Cedrick Shawn Peace II and Vicky Victor Philip, all of the Oxford Police Department; Kenneth William Fitzsimmons, Jr., of the Roxboro Police Department; James Brett Aiken, Erik Jamaal Sheftal and Tyrone Terry, all of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office; Antonio Tyrelle Seward of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office; Christopher Lee Oakley and Jennifer Christine Watson.

The ceremony began with a presentation of colors by students from the ROTC program at Northern Vance High School, and the singing of the national anthem by NVHS student Jaylen Webb.

In welcoming remarks, Dr. Angela Ballentine, VGCC’s vice president of academic affairs, thanked the many leaders from local and state law enforcement agencies in attendance for partnering with the college. “Your support for the BLET program is invaluable,” Ballentine told the law enforcement representatives. “You sponsor our cadets, hire our graduates, provide many of our instructors, and give us feedback and advice. This successful partnership between VGCC and our community improves the safety and quality of life of our region.” She congratulated the graduates on successfully completing the rigorous, 667-hour training program and encouraged them to continue their education. “I wish you every success as you protect and serve all of us,” Ballentine added.

Speaking as leader of the class, Cadet Cedrick Peace thanked the many instructors who had trained them, as well as the family members and friends who were there to support the graduates. “Today, we leave the classroom, and tomorrow, we enter our communities, our neighborhoods and our streets,” Peace said to his classmates. “I thank you for choosing to serve others.” He said that the cadets had become like a family. “Family means not letting each other give up when things get hard,” Peace said. “With this profession, you will have many brothers and sisters who will pick you back up when you’re down.”

Graduates selected Sgt. Richard Creech of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, one of their physical training, or “P.T.,” instructors, to serve as their featured speaker. “You wondered why I pushed you so hard in during P.T. workouts,” he said to the class. “It builds character and discipline, but most importantly, it teaches us not to give up, no matter how tired we get. Out on the streets, we don’t have the luxury of giving up. We will not give up, and we will go home at the end of our shift.”

Creech also reminded the graduating cadets to “treat everyone like you’d want your mother to be treated” and to become leaders in their agencies. “You can and you will make a difference,” he told the class. “I appreciate you all taking the challenge of law enforcement.”

Andrea Ferguson, the program coordinator, and instructor Glen Boyd presented awards to the top students in the class in three categories. Fitzsimmons won the “Top Gun” Award for having the highest accuracy score in firearms qualification. Peace earned the Physical Fitness Award for scoring highest in the various fitness tests the cadets undergo during physical training. Smith took home the Academic Achievement Award for having the top grade average in the written tests each cadet must pass.

For more information on the BLET program, contact Ferguson at fergusona@vgcc.edu.

–VGCC Press Release–

Governor Pat McCrory Honors Retiring VGCC Educator

December 21, 2016/by WIZS Staff

Longtime Vance-Granville Community College faculty member Jacquelin Heath was recently honored with the Cardinal Award from North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory as she prepared to retire. The award was presented to her by the president of VGCC, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, at a holiday social held Dec. 15, at which Heath and other recent retirees were recognized.

A resident of Henderson, Heath is retiring on Dec. 31 with a longer tenure than any retiree in the history of the college: 40 years and three months. She has served for most of those years as head of the School-Age Education program.

The Cardinal Award is a prestigious honor that recognizes individuals who have contributed at least 30 years of exemplary public service to the state of North Carolina.

“Many recognitions may come in life, but one from the state of North Carolina stands as one of the highlights,” Heath said. “The Cardinal Award was a wonderful surprise. During my employment, I didn’t think about who would get the credit. I just wanted to get the job done.”

She added that receiving this award in front of her colleagues made it even more meaningful. “I am grateful for many things in life, but most blessed by being a member of the Vance-Granville Community College family,” Heath said.

Heath joined the faculty at VGCC on Sept. 15, 1976, when the college’s Main Campus was brand-new, and the institution had only recently made the transition from a technical institute to a comprehensive community college. In her four decades at VGCC, she has served with all six of the college’s presidents.

“The Cardinal Award is a fitting tribute to Jackie’s devotion to VGCC and to education,” said Dr. Williams. “Not only has she directly educated, inspired and supported countless students who went on to successful careers in public schools and other organizations, but she has also been a champion of community involvement that connects VGCC to other educational institutions and local partners.”

Heath served as the advisor for the Student North Carolina Association of Educators at VGCC for 31 years, which she founded as the first community college chapter in the state; as a long-time member of the National Education Association; as a member of the board of directors for the Tar Heel branch of the American Association of University Women and of the national AAUW; and as a member of the Henderson-Vance County Human Relations Commission for nine years. She has presented at the annual conference of the North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs; been a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Nu Chi Omega Chapter with 27 consecutive years of membership; served as co-chair of VGCC’s Faculty and Staff Drive for its Endowment Fund; served with Head Start, the United Way of Vance County and Spring Street Baptist Church; and volunteered with community partners like the Boys & Girls Clubs and the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford to strengthen local efforts to educate children.

During the holiday social, VGCC Education Department Chair Tracey Bennett Carter also announced that the college’s Arts & Sciences division had made a contribution to the Vance County unit of the Boys & Girls Clubs in her honor.

Heath earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education in 1974 from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University and her Master of Science in Education with a Concentration in Early Childhood Education from N.C. A&T in 1975. She also completed additional graduate studies at North Carolina Central University in 1982.

Heath has been awarded the Director’s Award of Achievement by the North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs, which recognized her for accomplishments including the implementation of “Upping Your Afterschool Game,” a training program. Her School-Age Education program was honored multiple times as a “Friend of Education” by Vance County Schools for its work placing students in local schools for internships. Under her leadership, Vance-Granville’s chapter of Student North Carolina Association of Educators was given the Membership Growth Award for its efforts to build the organization. Heath has been published twice in the National Education Association’s national magazine. She has also been named VGCC’s instructor of the year for the Division of Arts & Sciences.

Granville County Crime Stoppers looking for robbery suspect

December 20, 2016/by WIZS Staff

On Sunday, December 11^th, 2016 at 9:35 pm an unknown black male subject wearing a white mask, white gloves , a light colored hooded jacket with black on front, light colored blue jeans, white sneakers, and a black back pack unlawfully went upon private property of Dollar General located in the Wilton community at 2500 Highway 96 South, Franklinton, NC. The suspect criminally vanished a handgun black in color at the clerk on duty and demanded money and the cash register drawer. The suspect placed the cash drawer with money inside his back pack and fled on foot.

If you have information concerning this incident, 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 THIS CRIME. IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS CRIME 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.