VGCC’s 38th Annual Golf Tournament May 9-10; Register Now!

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Registration is underway for the 38th annual Vance-Granville Community College golf tournament. Golfers interested in signing up to play need to swing into action before the April 15 deadline.

The VGCC Foundation Golf Tournament is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, May 9-10, at the Henderson Country Club.  Gupton Services, Inc. of Henderson will serve as the event’s presenting sponsor.

The tournament is a primary fundraiser for the VGCC Foundation, according to a press statement from VGCC’s Jerry Edmonds III, vice president of Workforce & Community Engagement.

All proceeds from the tournament are used to fund student scholarships and to support the mission of the college.

The golf tournament provides resources for VGCC’s efforts to remove barriers to education as it enhances and expands ways to address need-based aid for students and promote equitable outcomes for all learners, said Tanya Weary, executive director of the VGCC Foundation.

But the tournament also provides an opportunity for golfers and non-golfers alike to come together and demonstrate their support of VGCC and its impact on the broader community.

VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais said she welcomes the opportunity to interact with all those who come out to play or watch. “We look forward to fellowshipping with our golf friends and thank you for your support of the VGCC mission,” Desmarais said.

The golf tournament will be held over two afternoons. Golfers who want to register in teams are asked to do so on the event’s website https://www.vgcc.edu/golf. Entry fee includes lunch, a golfer swag bag and a cookout at the end of each day.

There also are sponsorship opportunities available for businesses looking to promote their brand and support a worthy cause. Donations may be made via the event website or by emailing  foundation@vgcc.edu.

Presenting sponsor Gupton Services is a local HVAC, roofing and building automation systems company that traces its origins back to 1921, when C.P. Tanner established a sheet metal-working plant in Henderson.  Tanner Roofing became Owen Gupton Roofing and in 2019, Henderson native Greg Etheridge became its owner and president.

“As a local small business, we are happy to take a leadership role in the community and to support Vance-Granville Community College,” Etheridge said.  “If you look at the research, the benefits of postsecondary education and skills training to both the individual and our community are enormous.  The VGCC Foundation helps make education affordable and accessible to this region, and we must encourage that, in order to promote economic mobility and job security for our citizens.”

VGCC continues to be a source of economic growth because it provides an educated and skilled workforce that improves the quality of life for individual students and the community.  Careers in HVAC, electronics engineering, mechatronics, welding and auto mechanics are just a few areas in high demand.

Whether just entering the job market or making a career change, VGCC helps students along their career paths as they develop the skills needed to fill jobs in high-demand areas.

One Day, Two Warrants; Two Suspects Arrested by HPD on Drug Charges

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On March 23, 2022, Officers of the Henderson Police Department served a narcotics search warrant at 111 South Pinkston Street Apartment 42 Henderson in response to multiple drug complaints.

During the service of the warrant, heroin, marijuana, drug manufacturing equipment, U.S. Currency, and a semi-auto pistol were seized. 20-year-old Tyrik Pettaway was arrested in relation to this investigation.

Pettaway was charged with one count of Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, Deliver Heroin, Possession of a Firearm by Felon, one count of Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling Place for a Controlled Substance, and one count of Possession of Marijuana.

Pettaway received an $85,000 secured bond and was remanded to the custody of the Vance County Detention Center.

Additionally, on March 23, 2022, Officers of the Henderson Police Department executed a narcotics search warrant at 145 East Parker Street.

During the service of the warrant, three semi-auto pistols, heroin, and U.S Currency were seized. 30-year-old, Neno King was arrested in relation to this investigation.

King was charged with one count of Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, Deliver Heroin, one count of Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling Place for a Controlled Substance, and three counts of Possession of a Firearm by Felon.

King received a $105,000.00 secured bond and was remanded to the custody of the Vance County Detention Center.

If anyone has information about any ongoing criminal activity, please contact us through Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers at (252- 492-1925 or P3 app), call us at 252-438-4141, or contact us through Facebook or Instagram.

(Press Release courtesy of Henderson Police Department; Authority Chief Marcus Barrow)

TownTalk: Chris Wright Talks New EMS And Fire Dept. Building

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Any time a call comes in about a motor vehicle crash, first responders spring into action. Whether it’s local law enforcement or a state trooper who dashes to the scene, there also will be a fire truck or rescue squad that responds as well.

Such was the case Wednesday when more than 20 emergency type vehicles were on the scene of an accident on Spring Valley Road.

Vance County Fire Chief Chris Wright was on his way from his home to the gym for his regular workout when the call came in, so he arrived in his personal vehicle.

Wright told WIZS News that there was a large presence and response to the scene, including rescue squad vehicles to the fire department, sheriff’s office and the State Highway Patrol.

By the time Wright arrived, the Extrication Team had begun the process of removing the victim from what was left of the car.

Some of those vehicles have specialized equipment needed for such things as extrication, Wright said. And it means that emergency vehicles, over the years, have gotten bigger as a result.

It’s important to have the most up-to-date equipment possible for first responders to be able to do their jobs, and Wright said it’s also important to have a place that can house those vehicles when they’re not in action.

He said he’s pleased that County Manager Jordan McMillen, Finance Director Katherine Bigelow and the Vance County Board of Commissioners are at least beginning to plan for construction of a new fire department. The commissioners, at their regular meeting earlier this month, approved reallocating $4.5 million to the capital improvement fund to address several projects, one of which is a new fire department. The commissioners identified a new public safety center as one of its five priorities at their recent planning retreat.

“There’s definitely been a need over the last years,” Wright told John C. Rose in a phone interview that was recorded for Thursday’s Town Talk. With the increase in staff, as well as housing fire and EMS in one space, and the number of vehicles for each group, there simply isn’t adequate space for all.

The building was completed in 1960 and added on to in the early 1990’s to provide two additional vehicle bays.

According to Wright, the doorways to the vehicle bays aren’t tall enough to accommodate newer-model vehicles. The way vehicles being built now , “we almost have to have them specially built,” he noted. That’s just one issue facing him and his department – having to spec out vehicles that will fit – literally – in the facility.

In this time of preliminary planning, there are many factors to consider, Wright said, including whether to continue to house EMS and the fire department together or have them in separate spaces.

He said county officials are now beginning to look at land and different models of buildings as they discern the planning process.

It could take a couple of years, or as many as three years, he said, but he hopes that by the time it’s completed, Vance County will have a facility it can be proud of and one that can be a resource to the community it serves.

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The Local Skinny! Lee Anne Peoples, ACTS

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Area Christians Together in Service (ACTS) had a successful fundraiser Monday which Executive Director Lee Anne Peoples said probably would bring in more than $2,000 for the local agency that provides food to hungry people in Vance County.

“We are excited about it,” Peoples said, referring to the fundraiser held at 220 Seafood. She said the final total isn’t in yet, but 947 have been turned in and she expects the proceeds to be in the $2,000 to $2,500 range. It’s always a good time when you can raise money and have fun in the process, she told John C. Rose on Thursday’s The Local Skinny! segment.

The money raised “turns right around and helps (ACTS) minister to others,” she said. Similar to running a household, there are costs to keeping ACTS open – like paying for electricity and water. Fundraisers like the one held Monday “go a long way toward helping us out,” Peoples said.

The volunteers stay busy during the week with all that is involved in preparing the daily meal distributed between 11 a.m. and noon. “Anybody can come by and get a nice, hot plate of food,” she said.

In addition, food boxes are given out on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 252.492.8231 if you need food.

The volunteers help make and distribute the meals, but they also have to clean up and get the food boxes ready, too. Peoples welcomes anyone who would like to stop by for a tour or wants to become a volunteer. “We can always use volunteers, of course,” she said.

Donations are accepted most any time during the week, but if people could avoid dropping off donations when the meals are being distributed, Peoples and the ACTS volunteers would appreciate it.

The 220 fundraiser originally was the only planned fundraiser for this year, but Peoples said she and others are looking at another possible fundraiser – one that would make good use of the commercial kitchen facilities at ACTS.

“We’re looking at possibly doing a spaghetti plate fundraiser,” she said. Stay tuned for more details about that.

Besides monetary donations from individuals, businesses and churches in the area, fundraisers and grants are the chief ways that ACTS gets funded. And grant season is just about in full swing, she said. One grant has been submitted, but several others will be completed as well. “The summer and into early fall really opens up the grant window that we apply for,” she said. “It’s getting to be crunch time as far as those things go,” she said.

Learn more at https://actsofvancecounty.tripod.com or stop by ACTS at 201 S. William St., Henderson.

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Wreck, Speed Split Car in Two

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Wednesday night shortly before 8:30, a single-vehicle wreck occurred along Spring Valley Road, between the intersection with Spring Valley Lake Road and NC 39.

At the scene, it appeared a black Acura was traveling south along Spring Valley Road and veered off the pavement to the right and struck a tree. The car broke into at least two large pieces with the engine compartment separating completely from the remainder of the car, and the engine and front wheels continuing for at least another 40 feet.

The driver was the only occupant.

Local first responders, Vance County Rescue Squad personnel, Vance County EMS and Vance County Firemen collectively not only put out flames but also extracted the man who was at least partially trapped in the main compartment of the car.

When asked at the scene what happened, one of the investigating North Carolina Highway Patrol Troopers simply replied, “speed.”

Vance County Rescue Squad Chief Doyle Carpunky said the only reason the man had survived was because “he was wearing a seat belt.”

The same highway patrolman who indicated speed was a factor would only say about the man’s condition as of about 45 minutes after the wreck that “he is making it now.”

The pavement was wet but it was not raining at the time.

Vance County Fire Chief Chris Wright was at the scene. About a combined 20 emergency-related vehicles, trucks and ambulances responded.

Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame was on the scene as were several deputies.

It may be a few days before there are more details.

Small Farms Week 2022

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Whether you look forward to that first vine-ripened tomato of the season or simply enjoy strolling the aisle at the farmers market to see what is seasonally available, chances are, that produce comes from a local farmer.

And as the bumper sticker says, “If you’ve eaten today, thank a farmer.”

North Carolina celebrates Small Farms Week Mar. 21-26 and local officials joined producers Wednesday in Warren County for a luncheon to celebrate the contributions that small farmers make to their communities.

“We’re blessed in North Carolina,” said Paul McKenzie, N.C. Cooperative Extension ag agent for Vance and Warren counties. McKenzie said North Carolina’s tremendous variety of agricultural products – from apples to blueberries – is topped only by California and Florida for the wide range of crops it can produce.

North Carolina also has a wonderful network of farmers markets that supply consumers with fresh, local produce. Roadside stands – think Ridgeway cantaloupes – also are a critical link in the food-supply chain, he said.

Johnny Coley, N.C. Cooperative Extension agent in Granville and Person counties agreed.

“They may not raise a lot of any one thing,” Coley told WIZS News Wednesday, but add together all their efforts, and it’s what makes the supply chain work.

Most producers sell directly off the farm or in a local farmers market like the Vance Regional Farmers Market. Coley said one local grower is venturing out into the larger grocery chains to market his products.

“It doesn’t take a huge grower to really make an impact,” he said.

Small Farms Week is in its 36th year to spotlight the contributions of small farmers. The weeklong celebration is being held virtually, and there are five satellite sites across the state – Warren County being one site – that will have “watch parties” to allow for large-scale participation. North Carolina A & T State University’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences sponsors Small Farms Week.

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State Board of Elections: Expect Mass Mailings In Advance of May Primary

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The State Board of Elections wants everyone to know one thing as the May 17 primary creeps closer: they aren’t to blame for the predicted onslaught of mass mailings that voters are almost certain to be getting in their mailboxes soon – both physical boxes and email inboxes.

The deadline to register to vote in the May primary is April 22. If you miss the deadline, you may register and vote at the same time at any early voting site in your county. Early voting in Vance and Granville counties begins April 28 and ends May 14.

“A number of voter advocacy and political organizations have begun to send mass mailings to voters and prospective voters across North Carolina as the 2022 statewide primary election approaches,” reads a press statement from Patrick Gannon, the board’s public information director.

While it welcomes efforts to engage voters and promote voter participation, the statement reads, the board “recognizes…that many mailings come unsolicited and can be confusing to some recipients.”

First of all, the mailings didn’t emanate from the state board of elections. Secondly, if you have questions or concerns about a mailing you receive, you should contact the organization who sent it. Some mailings will include the organization’s contact information; with emails, there may be a way to unsubscribe to allow voters to opt of future mailings.

The state board said voters may routinely check their registration status using the online tool  Voter Search.

For information about registering to vote in North Carolina, go to the Registering section at ncsbe.gov

As an example of such mailings, in the coming days, private organizations called the Voter Participation Center (VPC) and the Center for Voter Information (CVI) are sending about 490,000 voter registration mailings to certain North Carolina residents.

The registration mailings will contain voter registration applications and information for unregistered voters. According to the groups, the mailings will go to unregistered young people who will be eligible to vote in the upcoming elections for the first time, to voters who have recently moved and have not re-registered or updated their voter registration records, and to others who are unregistered in the voting-age population.

Election officials encourage recipients with questions about the mailings to contact these groups directly. Voters may contact the groups by phone at (202) 659-9570 (VPC) and (866) 290-1599 (CVI).

If you want to be removed from the mailing lists, the letter will have a code near the bottom that you can email to VPC or CVI to be automatically removed (unsubscribe@voterparticipation.org and unsubscribe@centerforvoterinformation.org).

HPD Investigation Results in Shooting Suspect Nabbed at Traffic Stop

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According to information from the Henderson Police Department, on March 6 officers responded to 804 Old Epsom Road because of a shooting. Police discovered a male subject with a gunshot wound to his left thigh, and he was later identified as Clarence Powell.

After substantial investigation, warrants were obtained on 23-year-old Joseph Vic Jeffreys Jr., of 993 Maple Street in Henderson, for assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflict serious injury and assault with a deadly weapon with a minor present.

On Monday, March 21, investigators with the Henderson Police Department apprehended Jeffreys while conducting a traffic stop. He received a $100,000.00 secured bond for those charges along with the charge of possession with intent to sell/deliver marijuana, which was the result of items found during the traffic stop.

Police indicated this was an isolated incident that occurred as a result of a dispute between the two individuals who knew each other.