AmazonSmile Purchases Can Benefit Rebuilding Hope, Inc.

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-Information courtesy the Rebuilding Hope, Inc. September newsletter

Your Amazon purchases can now benefit Rebuilding Hope! AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate a half percent of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice.

Every item available for purchase on amazon.com is also available on AmazonSmile at the same price. Eligible products are marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages. When you’re shopping online at smile.amazon.com, Rebuilding Hope will benefit from a donation from the AmazonSmile Foundation – and you’re helping us help our communities.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

American Flag

‘Freedom Fest’ to Raise Money for Children of Fallen Soldiers

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— courtesy Granville County Chamber of Commerce | Ginnie Currin, Executive Director ~ 919-693-6125 ~ ginnie@granville-chamber.com

The Chosin Foundation will hold a “Freedom Fest” on Friday, September 28, 2018, at Soldiers Memorial Sports Arena, Butner

Show starts at 4 p.m.; event ends at 10 p.m.

Live music will be provided by former Army medic Ian Wagner. Mature (PG-13) performances by comedians Jiovani, Angel Perez, Tank Smith, Ben Brainard, Freddy Valoy, Tim Payne and Marcus Crespo.

Local food, beer and wine will be served. Proceeds benefit children of fallen soldiers.

Tickets are $10 online, $15 at door. Veteran tickets are $10.

For more information on “Freedom Fest” or the Chosin Foundation, please visit www.chosinfoundation.org.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

VGCC Health Sciences Clubs Conducting Second ‘Prom Attire’ Drive

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

The Vance-Granville Community College Health Sciences clubs are collecting donations at all four VGCC campuses for a “Prom Attire” collection drive through February 28, 2019.

All donations will be collected for a giveaway event to provide local high school students free attire to fulfill their prom dreams, according to Stacey Soles, VGCC’s program head for Medical Assisting and clinical coordinator for Radiography.

The drive is the second for the Health Sciences Clubs in Radiography, Human Services, Pharmacy, Histotechnology, Medical Assisting and Nursing.

Dozens of prom dresses were donated for the first “Prom Attire” collection drive held earlier this year on Vance-Granville Community College’s four campuses. A drive is now underway through February 2019 to collect suits, shirts, dresses, shoes and accessories to be donated to high school students for free to fulfill their prom dreams. Donations can be dropped off at any VGCC campus. (Photo Credit: VGCC)

The club leaders are asking that only clean, gently-used or new items be donated. All sizes will be accepted. The clubs also request that no dated items be donated.

Items that will be accepted are:
• Suits & Shirts: Tuxedos, suits, suit separates, dress shirts, slacks, vests;
• Ties & Shoes: Neck ties, bow ties, dress shoes;
• Dressy Dresses: Gowns, prom, party, formal; and
• Accessories & Shoes: Jewelry/hair accessories, handbags/clutches.

Soles said that the clubs could use more items for males. “In our initial drive, we received a good number of dresses that are available for distribution next year,” she said. “We are especially in need of suits, dress shirts and slacks for men.”

Drop-off locations are located at:
• Main Campus, Building 5, Room 5225: Audrey Stainback;
• South Campus, Building 2, Room G2212: Stacey Soles;
• Franklin Campus, Building 1, Room F1101: Priscilla Lewis; and
• Warren Campus, Building 1, Room W1101: Ruthie Davis.

For more information, donors should contact Stacey Soles at (252) 738-3515 or soless@vgcc.edu.

Franklin Co. Sheriff’s Office Arrests Lynch for Multiple Drug Violations

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

On September 20, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit, Community Action Team, Special Response Team and US Drug Enforcement Administration, arrested Franklin County resident, Hayward Therbert Lynch for multiple drug violations. In addition to the arrest, a search warrant was executed at 520 Earlie Collins Road, Castalia, NC.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit received information that Hayward Therbert Lynch was involved in the illegal sell of controlled substances in and around Franklin County. An investigation into these allegations led Detectives to 520 Earlie Collins Road where a search warrant resulted in the seizure of Crack Cocaine, Prescription Pills, US Currency and other items related to drug activity.

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “The focus of our Drug Unit continues to be on making a difference in our communities. This arrest is another example of how our drug enforcement strategies and priorities are paying off.”

On September 20, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit, Community Action Team, Special Response Team and US Drug Enforcement Administration, arrested Franklin County resident, Hayward Therbert Lynch for multiple drug violations.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit was assisted in this investigation by the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Branch of the State Bureau of Investigation.

Hayward Therbert Lynch

520 Earlie Collins Road

Castalia, NC 27816

Hayward Therbert Lynch was charged with the following:

Possession of Crack Cocaine

Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance

Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance

Possess with the intent to Sell and Deliver Crack Cocaine (4 Counts)

Sell and Deliver Crack Cocaine (4 Counts)

Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substances (5 Counts)

Hayward Therbert Lynch 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.

NCHSAA Fall Championship Schedule Update

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NCHSAA Fall Championships Update 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

CHAPEL HILL – The North Carolina High School Athletic Association Board of Directors and Commissioner Que Tucker have made the decision to adjust the playoff calendar for fall sports following historic flooding and devastation in many areas of eastern North Carolina.

“The complexity of adjusting dates for playoff rounds and state championships in fall sports are difficult even in the best of times; however, we must do everything in our power to do what is best for the students who participate in our programs across the state,” said Commissioner Que Tucker.  “Minimizing risk of injury while providing a wholesome athletic environment that supports and enriches the educational experience for our student-athletes must always be paramount in our decision making.”

Please see below a list of changes by sport:

 

Women’s Golf

Reporting Deadline: October 10th 9:00 P.M. (changed from 3:00 P.M.)

Regional Championships: October 15th (no change)

State Championships: October 22nd-23rd (no change)

 

Cross Country

Reporting Deadline: October 19th 9:00 P.M. (changed from 3:00 P.M.)

Regional Championships: October 27th (no change)

State Championships: November 3rd (no change)

 

Women’s Tennis

Individual Regional Championships: October 19th-20th (no change)

Individual State Championships: October 26th-27th (no change)

Dual-Team reporting deadline: October 15th (no change)

Dual-Team State Championships: November 3rd (no change)

 

Volleyball

Prior to 11:59 P.M., October 20th, teams affected by the hurricane are permitted to exceed the weekly limitation—maximum of five (5) matches per week; however, daily limitations remain unchanged

Seeding: October 22nd (changed from October 18th)

First Round: October 23rd

Second Round: October 25th

Third Round: October 27th

Fourth Round: October 30th

Semifinals: November 1st

State Championship: November 3rd (no change)

 

Men’s Soccer

Seeding: October 31st (changed from October 29th)

First Round: November 3rd

Second Round: November 6th

Third Round: November 8th

Fourth Round: November 10th

Regionals: November 13th

State Championship: November 17th (no change)

 

Football

Last Regular Season Playdate:  November 9th (changed from November 2nd)

Seeding: November 10th (changed from November 3rd)

First Round: November 16th

Second Round: November 23rd

Third Round: November 30th

Regionals: December 7th

State Championships: December 14th – 15th (changed from December 8th)

(Sites to be determined)

Vance County High School

Vipers Football Preview: Vance County @ Roanoke Rapids

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VIPERS  FOOTBALL  PREVIEW

Vance County at Roanoke Rapids

Monday, September 24, 2018

6:45 PM – Pregame

7:00 PM – Game Time

Vance County High School faces the Yellow Jackets of Roanoke Rapids tonight (Monday 9/24/18). They will be traveling to the far eastern edge of the Northern Carolina Conference.  After four difficult weeks playing against teams who literally ran all over them, the Vipers had an unscheduled break last week when Hurricane Flo blew every team in Eastern North Carolina off their playing fields; but whether this will help or hurt VC remains to be seen.

The weather did not allow any extra practice, but rest could be helpful at this point, with one-third of the Vipers’ inaugural season in the books, and Vance up against another hard-running offense this week.

Roanoke Rapids has been on a roll the past 4 years, thanks to Head Coach Eric McDaniels, who took over in 2014 and immediately turned the program around, leading them to a conference championship and 3 state playoff games that first season, and rolling up a 4-year record of 37-14.  BUT, this season looks like the Jackets’ toughest one under Coach McDaniel.  Undefeated in their first 7 games last year, RR is already 2-2 this year, their worst start since 2013.

News 09/24/18

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Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers Recognizes Local ‘Heroes’ at Annual Banquet

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The resounding message at the Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers 23rd Annual Awards & Recognition Banquet held at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center Thursday evening was that Vance County has many positive aspects.

“Stay positive and stay above the negativity. This community is tremendous,” commented Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow.

Vance County Sheriff Peter White agreed with Barrow, “When you are out and about and you hear people talking negative, don’t agree with that stuff. Crime is on the downward trend and has been for several years.”

Lt. Governor Dan Forest addresses the crowd at the Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers 23rd Annual Awards & Recognition Banquet held at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center on Thursday, September 20, 2018.

White, who was attending his last Crime Stoppers banquet as Sheriff, said he is proud to call Vance County home. “I’m not satisfied [with crime levels] but I feel better. I’m not leaving and I’m not moving. This is our community and this is our home and it’s not going to get any better unless we all pitch in.”

Special guest for the evening, Lt. Governor Dan Forest, addressed the numerous first responders in attendance by praising the work they do in the face of dangerous, and often times underappreciated, circumstances. “There is a certain call on your life to go into harm’s way when no one else wants to. First responders run in because that’s what they do. There is something special about that.”

Forest further explained that events such as 9/11 and the recent destruction of Hurricane Florence prove that first responders are the real heroes of society. “You’re always going to do the right thing no matter what the cost is – not politicians, not Hollywood, not professional sports; you are the heroes.”

Forest’s remarks were followed by the award presentation segment of the banquet and included:

Community Watch Award – presented by Nowell Brooks to Kittrell Community Watch

Local Citizen Award – presented by Pastor Abidan Shah to Lee Anne Peoples

Public Service Award – presented by Frankie Nobles to Jamie Elliott

Public Service Award – presented by Tonya Moore to Randolph Wilson

Corporate Award – presented by Danny Wright to Maria Parham Health

Business Award – present by Clarence Hicks to Golden Corral

Board Member of the Year Award – presented by Lorraine Watkins, vice president of Crime Stoppers, to Edward Woodlief

Following this presentation, four Crime Stoppers Law Enforcement Awards were given to individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to protecting and serving the community.

Officer Joshua Justice is shown with his Sam Pearson Memorial Award as presented by Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow. Barrow described Justice as showing “true dedication” and being among the best the Henderson Police Department has to offer.

The Sam Pearson Memorial Award was presented by Chief Barrow to Officer Joshua Justice. Barrow described Justice as showing “true dedication” and being among the best the Henderson Police Department has to offer.

Barrow described a recent traffic stop involving Justice on Roanoke Avenue in Henderson involving a suspect who tossed a gun in a pond.

“That night, [Justice] took off his shoes and climbed in the water in uniform to try to find the gun. He didn’t find it that night but went back on his own time with a couple of officers the next day, climbed back in the murky water and found the gun. That’s the type of officers we have at the Henderson Police Department,” said Barrow.

Barrow went on to detail Justice’s accomplishments while on the force including 120 arrests, seizure of 12 firearms, 400 grams of marijuana, 1200 dose units of heroin and interruptions of robberies in progress.

The next award, the Tom Long Memorial Award, was presented by White to Lt. of Investigations John Christopher Shelton. “If [Shelton] gets a clue, somebody is going to get arrested. He will track them and somebody is going to have a bad day,” White said.

The N.C. State Highway Patrol Award was presented by Sgt. Jeff Rowan to the 2018 Trooper of the Year Joseph Thomas.

The Vance County Animal Services Award was present by Chief Frankie Nobles to shelter assistant Ellen Wilkerson. “This lady comes to our shelter 3 – 4 times a week and files every report and every piece of paper we have. This allows our small staff to be out working,” Nobles said.

Music for the banquet was provided by Nelson Woodhouse; catering by Ted Wheeler’s Catering Service.

Community Gets First Look at City’s New Fire Engine

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Local leaders and residents gathered at Henderson’s Fire Station #2 on Friday for the community’s first peek at the new fire engine.

Fire department staff were on-hand to demonstrate the nearly half-a-million-dollar engine. The new model replaces one of the City’s older year models from 1990 and includes newer, faster technology and safety features.

Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the newly renovated fire department and adjoining municipal building that previously served as the police department.

Local community leaders admire the City’s new fire engine in front of Fire Station #2 on N. Garnett St. in downtown Henderson. (Photo Credit: Kaine Riggan, Downtown Development Director)

Granville Co. Provides Relief to Hurricane Victims, First Responders

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-Press Release, County of Granville

Granville County emergency responders have been assisting storm-ravaged North Carolina areas as recovery efforts are underway.

Deployed to Jones County was Granville County Emergency Services Director Doug Logan, who is part of the N.C Emergency Management Central Branch Overhead Incident Management Team. This task force and public adjusters in Florida helped coordinate the disaster response in Jones County, based in the Trenton area, where there was record flooding along the Trent River. Many residents of the county had to be rescued by fire, EMS and Sheriff’s Office personnel, Logan reported, and emergency staff members had been on duty around the clock since before the storm even made landfall, making preparations and responding to calls for assistance.

The Central Branch Team was air-lifted into the area by helicopter to find the majority of Jones County cut off from surrounding areas by flood waters, without electricity or telephone service. The county water system had completely failed and the only food sources for the citizens were what little stocks they had left in pantries.

Jones County Task Force

“We had assets from all over North Carolina – as well as New York, California, Vermont, Arizona – all there to assist through the National Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC),” Logan noted. “Additional resources arrived daily to assist in the response and relief efforts, while military air assets dropped food and water supplies to be distributed to isolated communities.”

As of Wednesday, September 19, the rivers were starting to recede and approximately 60 percent of the county remained without power as water pressure made a slow and steady return. Local drinking water sources will likely remain unsafe for several weeks, due to flooded wells and contaminated water treatment plants.

“We are anticipating a need to provide intermediate and long-term sheltering, as well as disaster housing for residents who will return to their homes as the water continues to go away,” Logan reported on Wednesday. “The team is diligently trying to merge the operation into recovery instead of response.”

Logan returned home last Thursday, after being deployed for five days.

Also instrumental in the disaster relief efforts were Donnie Boyd, Fire Marshal for Granville County Emergency Services, who played an integral role in moving equipment to impacted areas where there was the greatest need – as well as Robin Edwards and Reba Duke, who were activated through the Regional Coordination Center (RCC) in Central North Carolina. Fire Inspector Joe Seagroves aided in moving staging equipment for RCC-Central, which was set up in Butner.

Meanwhile, Trent Brummitt, Manager of the County’s 911 Emergency Call Center, along with Shift Supervisor Matt Faucette, traveled to Morehead City to provide assistance to telecommunicators there through a request more specific than a normal Telecommunicator Emergency Response Task Force (TERT) request.

On Sunday, September 16, a call had been made for assistance from areas using the same Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system as Carteret County. With no time to train responders from out of the area on how to use their system, the goal was to have those familiar with their emergency procedures in place to offer relief. Brummitt and Faucette were quick to respond, leaving just a few hours after the request was made. Ice, coolers, water, snacks and extra cots were packed to take along with them.

According to Brummitt, first responders in that area had been working rotating 12-hour shifts, and most had not been home since before the storm.

“They were grateful we came to help,” Brummitt said, adding that the Morehead Police Department, where they were stationed, was the only building with power when they arrived.

After checking in, Brummitt and Faucette quickly went to work, manning Morehead City’s 911 system and taking emergency calls in twelve-hour shifts. By Tuesday, Brummitt said, power had been restored as shifts continued around the clock over a two-day period. The two arrived back to Granville County late Tuesday night.

The Morehead City area was pounded with more than 15 inches of rain as a result of Hurricane Florence, with severe flooding reported. Providing additional assistance in relief efforts there were telecommunicators from Richmond, Chatham and Johnson Counties, as well from the National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard.

“We learned a lot that will help us if we ever have a situation like that here,” Brummitt said. “Seeing the effects of Hurricane Florence first handmade us realize that Granville County was very fortunate.”

About Granville County Government:

Granville County Government enhances the quality of life for the citizens of the County by providing an array of services through a responsive, effective, and efficient local government. Learn more at www.granvillecounty.org. Follow Granville County Government on Facebook @GranvilleCountyGov.