VGCC President Recognizes Faculty & Staff Member of the Year

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College President Dr. Rachel Desmarais recently presented medallions to honor the college’s faculty and staff members of the year for 2018-19. The medallions are provided by the National Institute for Staff & Organizational Development (NISOD) at The University of Texas at Austin as part of its excellence awards program, in which VGCC participates.

Stewart Lyon, honored as the outstanding faculty member, is the Program Head for Bioprocess Technology and was previously a Biology instructor for the college. He has been a VGCC faculty member for the past five-and-a-half years. “Serving at VGCC has been an awesome experience,” Lyon said. “We have a great community of faculty, staff, and students. I’m happy to be able to grow here.”

Blondelle T. Edgerton, the college’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) director, was recognized as the staff member of the year. A Louisburg resident, Edgerton has 24 years of service with VGCC.  “Working at VGCC has been a very rewarding experience, especially seeing our students mature and become successful,” she said.

From left to right: Stewart Lyon, Dr. Rachel Desmarais and Blondelle Edgerton. (VGCC Photo)

Four Henderson Residents Arrested in Early Morning Drug Search

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-Press Release, Henderson Police Department

In the early morning hours of August 1, 2019, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, State Bureau of Investigations, and the Henderson Police Department executed search warrants at the residence of 488 Merriman St., 490 Merriman St., and 640 Ransom St. in Henderson.

Over 700 dosage units of Heroin, 82 dosage units of Suboxone, $3,495 in U.S. Currency, miscellaneous drug paraphernalia and 2 firearms were seized during the execution of the search warrant. It was found that one of the firearms seized was stolen (reported stolen in Alabama).

In the early morning hours of August 1, 2019, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, State Bureau of Investigations, and the Henderson Police Department executed search warrants at the residence of 488 Merriman St., 490 Merriman St., and 640 Ransom St. in Henderson. Over 700 dosage units of Heroin, 82 dosage units of Suboxone, $3,495 in U.S. Currency, miscellaneous drug paraphernalia and 2 firearms were seized during the execution of the search warrant. (HPD Photo)

(#1) Theodous Lewis Williams, 49, of 488 Merriman St. Henderson, NC was arrested and charged with 2 counts of Trafficking Heroin, PWIMSD Heroin, Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling, 3 counts of Conspiring to Sell/Deliver Heroin, PWIMSD Schedule III, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Continuing Criminal Drug Enterprise.

His bond was set in the amount of $300,000 secured. He is scheduled to appear in court on August 26, 2019. In addition, Mr. Williams had two Probation Revocations in the amount of $500,000. Mr. Williams has been released to the custody of the Vance County Jail.

(#2) Andrew Edward Burwell, 51, of 488 Merriman St. Henderson, NC was arrested and charged with 2 counts of Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, 3 counts of Conspiring to Sell/Deliver Heroin, PWIMSD Heroin and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

His bond was set in the amount of $250,000 secured. He is scheduled to appear in court on August 26, 2019, and was released to the custody of the Vance County Jail.

(#3) Terrance Lamont Pulley, 40, of 640 Ransom St. Henderson, NC was arrested and charged with PWIMSD Heroin, 3 counts of Conspiring to Sell/Deliver Heroin and Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling Place for a Controlled Substance.

His bond was set in the amount of $100,000 secured. He is scheduled to appear in court on August 26, 2019, and was released to the custody of the Vance County Jail.

(#4) Sangeeta Den Nicholson, 42, of 640 Ransom St. Henderson, NC was arrested and charged with PWIMSD Heroin, 3 counts of Conspiring to Sell/Deliver Heroin and Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling Place for a Controlled Substance.

Her bond was set in the amount of $100,000 secured. She is scheduled to appear in court on August 26, 2019, and was released to the custody of the Vance County Jail.

Theodous Lewis Williams, 49, of 488 Merriman St. Henderson, NC was arrested and charged with 2 counts of Trafficking Heroin, PWIMSD Heroin, Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling, 3 counts of Conspiring to Sell/Deliver Heroin, PWIMSD Schedule III, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Continuing Criminal Drug Enterprise. (HPD Photo)

Andrew Edward Burwell, 51, of 488 Merriman St. Henderson, NC was arrested and charged with 2 counts of Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, 3 counts of Conspiring to Sell/Deliver Heroin, PWIMSD Heroin and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. (HPD Photo)

Terrance Lamont Pulley, 40, of 640 Ransom St. Henderson, NC was arrested and charged with PWIMSD Heroin, 3 counts of Conspiring to Sell/Deliver Heroin and Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling Place for a Controlled Substance. (HPD Photo)

Sangeeta Den Nicholson, 42, of 640 Ransom St. Henderson, NC was arrested and charged with PWIMSD Heroin, 3 counts of Conspiring to Sell/Deliver Heroin and Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling Place for a Controlled Substance. (HPD Photo)

 

H-V Chamber Logo

Reminder: H-V Chamber Accepting Items For New Teacher Bags Through Tues.

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce is preparing to welcome new teachers to the Vance County area in August. The schools include all Vance County Public Schools, Henderson Collegiate, Crossroads Christian School, Kerr-Vance Academy and Vance Charter School.

We are looking for donations from local business owners to pack into bags (that have been generously donated by the Vance County Farm Bureau) for these teachers. We have approximately 165 new teachers that we will be welcoming to the area.

Businesses may donate everything from chips, chewing gum, pencils, pens, notepads, water bottles, stress balls, gift cards….anything that they feel would promote their business.

If your business would be able to donate an item for each teacher, we would greatly appreciate it. Donations are being accepted now until Tuesday, August 6, 2019.

Thank you for your generous donations and for being a part of this special project. Please call the Chamber with questions at (252) 438-8414.

Vance County Logo

Vance Co. Board of Commissioners to Hold Monthly Meeting Aug. 5

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to Board/Executive Asst., County of Vance

The Vance County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, August 5, 2019, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 122 Young Street, Henderson. The Invocation will be given by Pastor Carolyn Roy, Plank Chapel United Methodist Church.

Agenda items include:

1. Public Comments (for those registered to speak by 5:45 p.m. – each speaker is limited to five minutes)

2. Public Hearing – NCDOT Road Abandonment

3. Appointment – Sennica Nicholson, Board of Elections Chair – Relocation of Elections Office

4. Appointment – Lina Howe and Angela Dolanos, 4-H – What 4-H Means to Me

5. Appointment – Porcha Brooks, Tax Administrator – Untimely Exemption Application

6. Water District Board

a. Committee Report

b. Staff Report

c. Monthly Operations Report

7. Committee Reports and Recommendations

a. Technology Committee – Broadband Kickoff Meeting

b. Properties Committee – REO Property Offer & Minimum Bid Policy Amendment – Construction Plan Review – Warrenton Road Convenience Site

c. Public Safety Committee – Fire Engine Donation – Fire District Boundary Changes – Emergency Operations Plan Update

8. Finance Director’s Report

a. Surplus Property

b. Capital Project Ordinance – Eaton Johnson Renovation

9. County Attorney’s Report

a. REO Property Bid Acceptance – 803-809 N. Garnett Street – Parcel 0075 03031

b. REO Property – New Offers – 340 Davis Street – Parcel 0027 07015

10. County Manager’s Report

a. Revised Fireworks Permit – City of Henderson

b. Resolution Formalizing General Fund Loan to Water Fund

11. Consent Agenda Items

a. Budget Amendments

b. Tax Refunds and Releases

c. Monthly Reports

d. Minutes

12. Miscellaneous

a. Appointments

b. September Meeting Date

13. Closed Session

a. Personnel Matter

b. Legal Matter

Click here to view current and prior Board agendas.

News 08/02/19

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City of Henderson Logo

Town Talk (08/01/19): George Daye Seeks Reelection to Henderson City Council

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George Daye, the incumbent candidate for the Henderson City Council’s 4th Ward At-Large seat, was the guest of honor on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk.

Daye is running against Jason A. Spriggs in the October 8, 2019, City of Henderson election.

Also serving on the Human Resources, Public Safety and Regional Transportation Committees for the City of Henderson, Daye said he would like to continue to seek affordable housing opportunities for residents should he be reelected to the City Council.

“It would help the community a lot if we had decent housing,” said Daye. “The City is doing a good job. When you have a complaint, [the solution] doesn’t just happen the next day. It takes time to get things resolved, but we’ve seen progress.”

Promoting additional rent-to-own opportunities to help residents achieve the pride that comes with homeownership is one way Daye said the City can help with the housing situation.

Daye, a resident of N. Pinkston Street, said he was “blessed” to achieve homeownership through a similar rent-to-own opportunity.

Another area of concern, according to Daye, is Henderson’s high crime and drug rate. “We need to somehow get control of our young people because what they are doing is killing our city.”

To accomplish that, Daye, who is also the president of Raemac Transportation, suggested working closely with law enforcement and local churches.

“I do think we have people in place that are willing to see Henderson go forward. People in [influential] positions should be willing to work with the community to see a better Henderson. We need to do everything we can to work with the Henderson Police Department to downgrade these things that are going on.”

“Then we need to carry the message forth to our churches. To me, the church should be the backbone of seeing that other people are living the best that they can. Many of us get in our churches and do our own thing and that is as far as we are going. I look at the need and the cry of the people that ride with me every day and there are some issues that we can help solve.”

Despite the issues, Daye said that he loves the city that he has called home for the majority of his life, “Henderson is a fine place to live; I’ve been here 76 years.”

Acknowledging his age, Daye said he has served in a mentoring capacity to current opponent Spriggs in the past, and initially questioned running for reelection because he was “looking for a younger person to take the position.”

Believing he has at least one more term left in him, Daye said he decided to file but will “support Jason all the way” if Spriggs is elected.

“As the time drew nigh, I said ‘well, if I win this election I’ll be 80-years-old when I get out of here. So, I refiled and if I win, I’ll give it my best shot.’”

(This is not a paid political advertisement. Jason Spriggs participated in a similar Town Talk interview with WIZS on July 24, 2019.)

To hear Daye’s Town Talk interview in its entirety, including discussion on a replacement for retiring Henderson City Manager Frank Frazier, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

Sadies Coffee Corner Holding Contest for Downtown Henderson Mural

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

Sadies Coffee Corner (SCC) is looking to the community to provide a mural that represents Henderson and its future! SCC is looking to engage young people in this creative opportunity to tell the story of Henderson.

To enter, submit a rough sketch and a one to two-page description detailing the meaning of the mural. Entries will be judged on young people’s role in crafting the mural sketch and narrative, the meaningfulness and creativity of the design, and the connection to the theme “Henderson Moving Forward.”

Judges will include a panel of SCC staff, votes from your community and the City of Henderson. The winning agency will receive a gift card to cover the purchase of art supplies and a cash prize of $500.

THE CANVAS TO PAINT ON – 324 S. Garnett Street in Henderson
Judging Criteria:

  1. Youth driven
  2. Relation to the theme
  3. Creativity and originality
  4. Quality of artistic composition
  5. Overall impression/story
  6. Accompanying essay

Rules:

  1. There are no fees incurred to enter the contest.
  2. Those entering the contest may not be included on the judging panel.
  3. Only one entry per individual or team.
  4. Entries must be submitted on or before Saturday, August 31, 2019, at info@sadiescoffeecorner.com.
  5. Participants agree to have their sketches, essay, and organization information published online.
  6. Winners agree to be recognized in local media.
  7. Award of the gift card must be used for art supplies to help complete the creation of the mural.
  8. Winner agrees to share images of final artwork with SCC facebook and social media upon completion.
  9. Decisions of the contest judging panel are final.

If you have questions about the 2019 Mural Contest, please contact info@sadiescoffeecorner.com.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Perry Memorial Library to Wrap Up Summer Reading With Big Bang BOOM!

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-Information courtesy Perry Memorial Library

The Perry Memorial Library will hold their 2019 Summer Reading Program finale on Friday, August 2, 2019, at 2 p.m.

With a live performance by the “high-energy” band Big Bang BOOM, both parents and children will find it hard to stay in their seats!

Playing covers (with a twist) combined with their hard-rocking, funky original music, Big Bang BOOM is one of the highest sought after children’s acts in NC.

Following the finale, Perry Library will spend the remainder of August planning upcoming programming. Tuesday, September 3 will officially start the library’s fall programming.

Steve Cannon Named Rebuilding Hope’s August Spotlight Volunteer

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-Information courtesy Rebuilding Hope, Inc. 

In his 10 years as a Rebuilding Hope volunteer, Steve Cannon has seen a lot of wheelchair ramps and rooftops, but the “divine appointments” stand out.

“I was a fulltime volunteer for six years, serving as the construction coordinator,” Steve says.

“I had the opportunity to visit with homeowners and their families when doing job assessments. This time was always special. These were divine appointments.”

Steve Cannon named Rebuilding Hope’s August 2019 Volunteer of the Month. (Photo Credit: RHI)

Steve says he “experienced hurting people looking for answers and hope. I got the opportunity to pray with them and present the Gospel.

What was really special was experiencing the power of the Gospel. People putting their faith in Jesus. Seeing their hopelessness turn to hope.”

The Pickens, S.C., native volunteered after hearing a presentation about RHI’s mission and ministry.

After he retired from the North Carolina Forest Service in 2009 with 30 years of service, Steve says, “God called me to get involved in the ministry and the opportunity it gave to introduce our community to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Moving into a part-time role, Steve serves where he’s needed – at the warehouse or during outreach events, such as SOS D-Now and Kids’ Construction Camp.

“I encourage others to volunteer,” says the outreach pastor at New Sandy Creek Baptist Church. “God uses you to bless others, but God also blesses you through His work. Most of the time I felt like I got the biggest blessing.”

In other activities, Steve has worked with Embrace Henderson in its outreach events and Joy Club in the public schools.

Steve and wife Ann have been married nearly 33 years and have two daughters.

In his leisure time, Steve says he enjoys hiking and hunting.

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.