VGCC Names New Director of Student Activities & Athletics

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Jeffrey Allen has been named the director of student activities and athletics at Vance-Granville Community College.

Allen will oversee clubs, organizations and extracurricular activities that engage students on campus, as well as the college’s intercollegiate athletics program, which includes men’s basketball and women’s volleyball teams. He will also serve as the advisor for the VGCC Student Government Association (SGA). Allen was active in student government when he was an undergraduate, and feels passionately about involving VGCC students in such opportunities.jeff-allen-2015b

A resident of southern Granville County, Allen has been a member of the VGCC staff since May 2012, when he became coordinator of Basic Skills at the college’s Franklin County Campus. In January 2014, he was named VGCC’s Director of Leadership and Professional Development.

Allen earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at North Carolina Central University and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Western Governors University. He had a 14-year career in education at the K-12 level prior to joining VGCC. Allen has served as a math teacher for Vance County Schools, a math teacher and dean of students at New Century Charter High School in Chapel Hill, and a math teacher and assistant principal at Christian Faith Center Academy in Creedmoor. During his last three years at Christian Faith Center, Allen also served as the school’s athletic director.

“In all of his roles at VGCC, Jeffrey has shown his commitment to the mission, vision and values of our college, as well as a passion for student learning, engagement and success. Now, we look forward to his leadership in providing exciting opportunities and experiences outside the classroom for all of our Vanguards,” VGCC Vice President of Employee and Public Relations Stacey Carter-Coley said. “Under his direction, we will also continue to develop our athletic program, which not only offers excellent opportunities for our student-athletes, but also serves and enriches our whole community of fans and supporters.”

Duke FB Depth vs Injuries

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August 11, 2015

DURHAM, N.C. – Duke head football coach David Cutcliffe announced on Tuesday that redshirt junior running back Jela Duncan will be out of action indefinitely after suffering a partially torn right pectoral muscle during Monday’s morning practice.  Cutcliffe also noted that two other running backs – redshirt sophomore Joseph Ajeigbe and sophomore Shaun Wilson – are nursing lower body injuries and are currently sidelined from contact drills.

“Just when you feel comfortable with four experienced running backs on the depth chart, three of them are in the training room,” Cutcliffe said.  “Jela’s injury is obviously disappointing because we know how hard he’s worked to get back into the thick of things following the two shoulder surgeries.  Joe and Shaun aren’t available right now, but neither appears to be out long term.”

The Blue Devil offensive coaching staff has shifted redshirt freshman Nicodem Pierre from quarterback to running back.

“I’m really proud of Nico and how he’s handled this situation,” Cutcliffe said.  “With his unselfishness and commitment to this program, he is displaying the traits of the ultimate teammate.  And I absolutely love it because it’s a great sign of the growth of our program when the young men take ownership of the organization and have the passion to contribute in any way possible.”

Duncan rushed 222 times for 1,115 yards and seven touchdowns as a two-year letterman in 2012-13 before missing the 2014 campaign.  As reserves in 2014, Ajeigbe had 41 rushing attempts for 150 yards and Wilson totaled 78 carries for 598 yards.  Pierre, who entered the fall as the third string signal-caller behind redshirt junior Thomas Sirk and redshirt sophomore Parker Boehme, did not see game action a season ago while serving as the primary scout team quarterback.

Additionally, junior cornerback Bryon Fields, who started all 13 games a season ago while posting 70 tackles and one interception, will miss extended time during preseason camp due to a leg injury.  Sophomore Alonzo Saxton II, who appeared in eight games in 2014 and registered 12 tackles, has been the primary replacement for Fields with the first unit.

“Injuries create opportunities for others,” Cutcliffe noted.  “While it is never easy to replace a starter, we’re certainly confident in the depth we’ve established.  The bottom line is that our young guys have to be ready for the challenge when their number is called.”

The Blue Devils open the 2015 season at Tulane on Thursday, September 3 (9:30 p.m.; CBS Sports Network).  Duke season tickets are available online at www.GoDuke.com/footballtix or by calling the Duke Athletic Ticket Office at 919-681-BLUE.

Vance County Schools On The Air

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Vance County Schools Public Information Officer Terri Hedrick can be heard live on WIZS each Monday afternoon between 4:35pm and 4:55pm.

August 10, 2015 — New Vance County Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson was officially sworn in one week ago.  At the Vance County Board of Education meeting August 10th, Dr. Jackson took part in a ceremonial swearing in and oath of office.  It took place at the VCS Administrative Services building on Graham Avenue.  The meeting started at 7pm.

Vance County Schools will host two “Meet the Superintendent” events for parents, students, school system employees and community residents to meet new Superintendent Anthony Jackson.

The events will be held on Monday, August 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the cafeteria at Northern Vance High School and on Wednesday, August 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the cafeteria at Southern Vance High School. Both events are floating receptions with Dr. Jackson available to meet everyone, talk about the new school year and answer questions. Light refreshments will be provided.

All local residents are invited to attend one or both events.

In other news, there are close to 100 new school teachers in Vance County this year.  August 10th was their first day, and a breakfast was held in the cafeteria of Northern Vance High School.  Superintendent Jackson headlined those welcoming the new teachers.

Orientation sessions continue on Tuesday and Wednesday at Northern Vance for all the new teachers here in Vance County.

Thursday, August 13th, all employees return to work to start the new school year.  All 10, 11 and 12-month employees.  All 1,100-plus Vance County Schools employees will join in a convocation on Thursday at 8:30am at Northern Vance to celebrate the new school year.

Entire Show from August 10, 2015

CARS Tour Race at Orange County Speedway

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Rougemont, NC

There was a time when stock car auto racing was so popular that a touring division known as the Hooters Pro Cup Series thrived at local short tracks across the east coast. However, in recent years, NASCAR and all of racing has taken a hit.

The CARS Tour that invaded Orange County Speedway on August 1st is a little different. The CARS Tour was born from the remains of the now defunct USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series, but they now use super late models, and late model stock cars like you would see at a short track on the tour. This allows the drivers more flexibility as to where they can run their racecar on a weekly basis.

Brandon Setzer, son of longtime NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Dennis Setzer, won the super late model race at Orange County Speedway on August 1st. The CARS Tour super late models allow young drivers like Brandon Setzer to drive high horsepower racecars in preparation for future days in NASCAR.

Josh Berry, driver of the SPEEDCO Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, raced at Orange County Speedway the week before the CARS Tour came to town to dial in his machine. He won the late model stock portion of the CARS Tour Race at Orange County.

From JoshBerry.net, “I’m really proud of all our guys for working so hard this weekend. This series is really competitive, so to be able to get two wins in our first two starts is impressive. It really turned into a long race with a lot of cautions, so I just had to keep focus and get good restarts to keep the lead. The outside groove seemed to really work for us, so it was real important to stay out front to have lane control for the restarts. I feel like racing at OCS last weekend really helped me learn the track, and I was able to use it to my advantage in the CARS race.”

In the NASCAR racing we see on TV, those drivers do not get a chance to practice at the track that they’re racing at next week, and that is what makes the CARS Tour different and exciting to fans and competitors.

Shriner’s Fish Fry 2015

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On Wednesday, May 20th 2015 the Henderson Shrine Club held its annual fish fry at Vance Square Shopping Center on Old Super 10 Raleigh Rd. in Henderson, NC. Members of the Henderson Shrine Club served hand-breaded white fish, fresh cut potatoes, and hushpuppies all cooked and prepared on site with a side of Cole slaw and a fountain drink for $8 a plate. Many members of the community were in attendance for the annual fish fry which was held to raise funding for the Greenville Shriners Hospital for Children in Greenville, SC. Slices of cake and other desserts were also sold to help raise money. WIZS staff members Kevin Bullock and Jason Walsh were on the scene to provide live coverage and commentary of the event. Among the many friendly faces who approached the WIZS table to discuss the event on-air, Charles Britt as well as several other members of the Shrine Club talked with Kevin Bullock at length about the history of the Henderson Shrine Club and annual fish fry as well as what the organization is doing to support the Greenville Shriners Hospital. The event ran from 11AM until 7PM as many in the Vance county community showed up for a delicious meal and to help the cause. For more information or to donate to the Greenville Shriners Hospital for Children visit their website at https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/ .



H-V Crime Stoppers August Crimes of the Month

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Shooting Case:

On August 3, 2015 around 12:21 AM, officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to Highland Green Apartments, 111 S. Pinkston Street Henderson, NC in reference to shots being fired. While in route, officers were advised that there was a 9 year-old female that was transported by a personal vehicle to a local medical facility with injuries. The 9 year-old victim is currently being treated for her injuries. Officers on scene at Highland Green Apartments located a 19 year-old female, Aisha Taylor, of Henderson, who was suffering from a gunshot graze to her arm. Ms. Taylor later went to a local medical facility for treatment. The incident was reported to have occurred when a vehicle pulled up to a group of people that were standing in front of the apartments and began firing a firearm.

The incident is under further investigation by members of the Criminal Investigations Division. The Henderson Police Department encourages anyone with information related to this crime to contact the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141 or Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925. You can put anonymous tips on the web site.  (www.hvcrimestoppers.com)  Callers may remain anonymous. Crime Stoppers offers a reward up to $2,000 for information that leads to an arrest.

Larceny Case

On July 27, 2015 at approximately 7:21 am, the Vance County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to Sunset Gardens, 3174 US-158 Business, in reference to a larceny. Upon arrival Deputies talked to William Haithcock, who stated that someone during the night had taken a red Toro zero-turn mower from the shed. The Vance County Sheriff’s Office encourages any person with information related to this case to contact Henderson –Vance Crime Stoppers at 492-1925 and also you can put anonymous tips on the web site.  (www.hvcrimestoppers.com)  Citizens with information can also contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at 738-2200.

Larceny Case

On July 17, 2015 at approximately 3:35pm, Vance County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to Kids World Daycare, 420 Red Oak Road, in reference to a larceny. Upon arrival, Deputies talked to Ms. Stewartson who stated that someone had taken during the night an air conditioner unit from the property. The Vance County Sheriff’s Office encourages any person with information related to this case to contact Henderson – Vance Crime Stoppers at 492-1925 and also you can put anonymous tips on the web site.  (www.hvcrimestoppers.com)  Citizens with information can also contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at 738-2200.

Commissioners Will Meet Sept 8th, not 7th

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RESOLUTION
by the
Vance County Board of Commissioners

Changing the Date of the September 2015 Commissioners’ Meeting

WHEREAS, the Vance County Board of Commissioners normally holds its regular
meetings on the first Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m.; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-40 provides that in the event the Board
of Commissioners desires to change the date and time of a regular meeting, that the
Board may do so by adopting a resolution at least ten (10) days before such meeting;
and

WHEREAS, the Vance County Board of Commissioners desires to change its regular
meeting scheduled for Monday, September 7, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. to Tuesday
September 8, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Vance County Board of
Commissioners that it does hereby change its regular meeting date from September
7, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. to September 8, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at the usual place, the
Commissioners’ Conference Room, Vance County Administration Building,
Henderson, NC.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution is to be posted on the
Courthouse bulletin board, and the news media within Vance County is to be made
aware of this change.

New DHHS Secretary

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Governor McCrory Appoints Brajer

Secretary of DHHS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           919-814-2100

Wednesday, August 5, 2015                                                              govpress@nc.gov

Raleigh, N.C. — Governor Pat McCrory today announced the appointment of Rick Brajer as the new secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).  Brajer succeeds Aldona Wos, MD, who has served as secretary since January 2013.

“I want to thank Secretary Wos for her dedication and service over the last two and half years,” said Governor McCrory. “Under her leadership, the Department of Health and Human Services has undergone a dramatic transformation of efficiency and improvement. I am grateful for her role in making that happen.”

Under Secretary Wos’ leadership, North Carolina’s Medicaid program has finished with a cash surplus over the past two years. She has also championed improvements in mental health and substance use disorder services and was instrumental in helping complete the agreement with the City of Raleigh on the sale of the Dix campus.

Brajer comes to DHHS after decades of senior leadership roles in the healthcare and medical industry. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer and Director of Pronerve, Inc. Before that, he served as the President, CEO and Director of Liposcience, Inc. from 2003 to 2013. Other previous leadership roles including president of BD Diagnostics and president of BD Preanalytical Systems.

“I am honored to be asked by Governor McCrory to serve North Carolina in this role,” said Brajer. “I look forward to continuing building upon the progress that Secretary Wos has made at DHHS during her tenure.”

“Rick Brajer brings a unique set of experience and skills to DHHS,” said Governor McCrory. “His background in healthcare and in business is the perfect fit for the department and the work that lies ahead.”

Brajer earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University and his MBS from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He and his wife have three sons. An avid long distance runner since high school, Brajer has been active in the community as chairman of Habitat for Humanity of Wake County, member of the Ravenscroft Board of Trustees, and board of directors of Communities in Schools of Wake County.

Brajer will begin his role as secretary on August 17.

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City of Henderson Committees

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Volunteers Needed –The City of Henderson has Committee openings that need to be filled. You can help. These openings are for City Committees that usually meet once a month to (1) Hear citizens’ concerns and complaints (2) Review pending changes and make recommendations to the City Council (3) Make plans for upcoming events/organize subcommittees or group events.

Interested?  Openings are available for the following Committees for City residents.

  • Board of Adjustments (Zoning)
  • Henderson Community Appearance Committee
  • Planning Board (matters involving Land Use)
  • Henderson-Vance Recreation And Parks Commission

Applications are available on the City’s web site or from the City Clerk or by clicking here ci.henderson.nc.us. Applications are available for any of the Committees as openings are often available.

Below is a complete list of Boards, Commissions and Committees for the City of Henderson.  You can apply for any of these and the City will keep your application on file.

  • Airport Authority
  • E-911 Advisory Board
  • Henderson Community Appearance Commission
  • Henderson Planning Board
  • Henderson Redevelopment Commission
  • Henderson-Vance Human Relations Commission
  • Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Commission
  • Perry Memorial Library Board of Trustees
  • Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission
  • Henderson Board of Adjustment

TownTalk Tribute to Dr. Franklin Mills

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HENDERSON- Dr. John Franklin Mills, age 61, a resident of Henderson died Monday, July 27, 2015 at his home. Born April 30, 1954 in Vance County, he was the son of the late Dr. Randolph Dennis Mills and Marion Callaway Mills. He graduated from Wake Forest University and Bowman Gray School of Medicine.Dr. J. Franklin Mills

Dr. Mills was a well respected family physician at Duke Primary Care of Henderson, formerly Henderson Family Medicine. He loved his patients and had continued to make house calls until the day before his death. He was a member of The First Baptist Church of Henderson, NC where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church by Dr. Ronald S. Cava. He is survived by his wife, Janet Thigpen Mills of the home; his son, Benjamin Bryan Mills of Charlotte; his daughter, Taylor Callaway Winters and husband, Jeremiah of Richmond, VA; two sisters, Jane M. Hicks and husband, David and Kathy M. Williams and husband Paul of Henderson; his father and mother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Thigpen of Williamston, NC; brother-in-law, Joel Thigpen and fiance Pam Kirks; sister-in-law, Jenny Thigpen; four grandchildren, Henry Lawrence Winters, Callaway Robert Winters, Mills Bryan Winters and Lindley Corrine Winters; and an aunt, Hallie Frank Mills Pegram, of Henderson. He was preceded in death by his brother, Randolph D. Mills, Jr.

The family received friends following the service in the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church on Wednesday and at other times were at the home. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to First Baptist Church, Henderson, PO Box 75, Henderson, NC 27536 or Boys and Girls Club of North Central North Carolina (BGCNCNC-Vance Unit), PO Box 176, Oxford, NC 27565.

Date of Death: Monday, July 27, 2015

Arrangements for Dr. John Franklin Mills by J.M. White Funeral Home of Henderson.