F-G-V Smart Start Seeking Sponsors for 9th Annual Ducky Derby Fundraiser

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-Information courtesy Sandra Wilkerson, Director of Admin and Events, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start, Inc. will hold its 9th annual Ducky Derby fundraiser in downtown Henderson on Saturday, September 15 at 2 p.m.

Garnett Street will be filled with a river of rubber ducks and a fun time for everyone. Tickets will be sold to purchase ducks and the chance to win the Grand Prize – $1,000; 2nd Prize – $500; 3rd Prize – $250. Even the last duck wins a $100 prize!

There will also be a drawing at the end of the race for Chick-fil-A for a year (must be present to win this prize).

FGV Smart Start needs sponsors to assist with the cost of our event. Sponsorship levels are: Super Duck – $500; Top Duck – $250; Feathered Friend – $100; Quacker Backer – $50.

All sponsors for this year’s event will be recognized on Ducky Derby posters throughout the three-county area, radio advertisements, newspaper articles, the FGV Smart Start website and Facebook page and the Smart Ducky Derby website. We hope that you will consider being a sponsor for our newest event. Together, we are “Building Brighter Futures for Children.”

For information about being a sponsor, please call Garry Daeke at 252-433-9110, extension 227.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

U.S. Department of Justice

Man Sentenced for Pretending to be U.S. Army General

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that CHRISTIAN GERALD DESGROUX, age 58, of Raleigh, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle to 6 months imprisonment followed by 1 year of supervised release. On June 26, 2018, DESGROUX pled guilty to pretending to be a United States Army Lieutenant General in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 912.

On November 6, 2017, DESGROUX, while dressed in a military battle dress uniform (BDUs) with U.S. Army rank and insignia, disembarked a private helicopter that landed at the headquarters of Statistical Analysis Systems (SAS) located in Cary, North Carolina. SAS security officers approached DESGROUX who claimed that he was a Lieutenant General in the United States Army and was authorized by the President of the United States to land the helicopter there in order to pick up a female employee of SAS for a classified debriefing at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After the female and the defendant entered the helicopter, they flew around the area, refueled at a local airport, and returned to SAS.

When questioned by law enforcement, the female stated she was unaware that DESGROUX would be picking her up via helicopter. She believed that although they were not in a romantic relationship, DESGROUX was trying to impress her by flying her around. Her understanding was she would be meeting with the defendant to assist with a design project, but she had no knowledge of DESGROUX’s claims of a debriefing or joint special assignment involving the U.S. President. An investigation revealed DESGROUX had never been in the U.S. military.

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Kellhofer and Eleanor Morales prosecuted the case for the government.

News releases are available on the U. S. Attorney’s web page at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_EDNC.

U.S. Attorney’s Office to Hold Press Conference on ‘Operation Nor’easter’ Indictment

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

WHEN: Wednesday, August 1, 2018, at 11 a.m.

WHERE: Pasquotank County Public Safety Building, 200 East Colonial Avenue, Elizabeth City, NC 27909

The United States Attorney’s Office announces a press conference to discuss the indictment of 12 defendants on narcotic distribution and gun charges in a coordinated warrant enforcement operation. This operation is part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative that is targeting violent crime and drug distribution throughout the Eastern District of North Carolina.

United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., 1st Judicial District Attorney Andrew Womble and law enforcement partners from federal, state, and local agencies will be present at this event.

Credentialed members of the media are invited to attend.

For additional information please e-mail Don Connelly at usance.PublicInfoOfficer@usdoj.gov. Please RSVP your intentions to attend the event.

News 07/31/18

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Henderson Rotary Club Yard Sale to Last Until ‘There is Nothing Left’

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-Information courtesy the Henderson Rotary Club

The Henderson Rotary Club will hold a yard sale on Saturday, August 4, 2018, from 7 a.m. until “there is nothing left.”

The yard sale will be held in the old Rose Gin & Supply Co. beside Rose Oil Company on US-158 Bypass, Henderson.

Money raised will benefit local community projects of the Henderson Rotary Club.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

July’s Volunteer Spotlight Shines Bright on Fern Ellington

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-Information posted, with permission, from the Rebuilding Hope, Inc. July 2018 newsletter

After 38 years in banking, Fern Ellington offered her considerable skills to Rebuilding Hope, Inc. (RHI). Today, she volunteers two days a week in the office where she posts information about donations and accounts payable into a computerized bookkeeping system.

With 22 years of service, Fern is a member of West End Baptist Church and a member of the choir who says her involvement with RHI started before her retirement in 2014.

About five years ago, the bank branch manager and her staff volunteered in a community service project sponsored by RHI.

“I met people who benefitted from RHI’s work,” says the Vance County native. “I see the value of having an organization like this in our community.”

Of her work at RHI, Fern says that “it lets me continue with the things I know how to do. I like interacting with the public. It’s a very pleasant environment.”

Fern, who chairs the board of the YMCA where she’s a 20-year member, says, “I support things in our community that are positive.”

An avid walker, Fern has two grown children and a grandson, all of whom live in Vance County.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Farmers Market Site of Second Thurs. Food Distribution, Aug. 9

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-Information courtesy Betty Boyd

The Second Thursday Food Distribution will be held at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market off Beckford Drive, Henderson, on Thursday, August 9, 2018, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

This is a partnership of St. James Missionary Baptist Church and First Baptist Church offered to supplement the food resources of Vance County citizens. Recipients remain in their vehicle. No identification is required.

Contact Betty Boyd at 252-432-3967 if you would like to volunteer or have questions.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance County Logo

Vance Co. Fire Commission to Meet Wed., August 1

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to the Board, Vance County

Please be informed that the Vance County Fire Commission is scheduled to meet Wednesday, August 1, 2018, at 3:30 p.m. in the Administrative Conference Room, Vance County Administration Building, 122 Young Street, Henderson, NC.

News 07/30/18

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Free Community Fun at 35th Annual Henderson-Vance Night Out Against Crime

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Lieutenant Jessica West and Sergeant Marti Stewart with the Henderson Police Department were on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Alliance Against Crime, a public affairs program, to discuss the Henderson -Vance 35th Annual National Night Out Against Crime event.

This year’s Night Out will be held Tuesday, August 7, 2018, from 5 – 8 p.m. on Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson. Free hot dogs, drinks, souvenir cups, face painting and bounce houses will be available.

West estimated that 30-50 vendors will be on-hand to interact with the community and provide information on their programs and services. Vendors still interested in participating may contact West or Stewart at the Henderson Police Department.

In addition to the Henderson Police Department, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Henderson Fire Department, Vance County Fire Department, EMS personnel, NC State Highway Patrol, Crime Stoppers, Vance County Department of Social Services, and Infinite Possibilities, Inc. will also be among the organizations represented at Night Out.

“Night Out is held for everyone to see what our community has to offer,” said West. “It’s about getting together, having fun and learning about law enforcement; get to know officers one-on-one.”

In case of heavy rain, Night Out will be held the following Tuesday, August 14, 2018 – same time and location.

Other Updates and Upcoming Events:

St. Baldrick’s Day

The 2018 St. Baldrick’s Day event “Cops vs. Cancer” was held at Fox Pond Park in May to raise money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping fight childhood cancer. According to West, who shaved her head in support of the foundation, the event has currently raised approximately $11,000 – $12,000. Donations will continue to be accepted through the end of the year. Please visit the event page if you wish to donate.

Community Health Assessment

The Henderson Police Department is partnering with Granville Vance Public Health (GVPH) to conduct a door-to-door community health assessment in Vance County through Saturday, July 28. Volunteers will be identified by a GVPH visor. Participation is important to ensure an accurate reflection of the community’s health needs.

Community Watch Groups

Residents interested in starting a Community Watch group are encouraged to contact West or Stewart. Established groups meet monthly, bimonthly or quarterly. According to Stewart, a police representative attends the meetings to answer citizens’ questions, provide crime statistics on the area and to gather information on what the Henderson Police Department can do to better assist the community.