Vance County High School

Drive-Thru Graduation Planned for VCHS; Program of Events Announced

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-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

Vance County High School’s graduation event is set for Saturday, May 23, 2020. Vance County Schools released the following information for those participating in the drive-thru style event:

Program of Events

At your designated time, enter from Rock Mill Road to Mt. Carmel Church Road (by Clarke Elementary). No open-air
vehicles or passengers in truck beds are permitted. Please do not arrive before your scheduled time.

Welcome

Receive your graduation program

Station 1: Graduate Check-in

One vehicle per graduate | stop at the check-in station | a paper with the graduate’s name will be placed under the windshield wiper

Station 2: Line-up

Follow directives of staff for vehicle line up | pay careful attention to the line to keep it moving smoothly

Station 3: Processional

When the graduate nears the graduation station, a runner will take the windshield wiper sign to the name reader

Graduate Preparation Zone

Pay attention to signs for directions

Station 4: Graduation

Wait for the sign to show the graduate may exit vehicle | the student will walk to the stage | the student’s name will
be called as they walk across the stage | receive diploma cover and photo opportunity | the student will return to vehicle immediately | the car will then join the recessional line

Station 5: Recessional

Watch for signs and move to the graduate pick up spot | all vehicles must make a right on to Garrett Rd upon exiting graduation

Guidelines:

No restroom facilities will be available | cap & gowns with VCHS stole are required to participate in graduation | the
graduate should be positioned in the vehicle to be the only person that needs to step out of the car upon arrival at the graduation point | graduation signs can be picked up after all graduation ceremonies have concluded

Arrival Time by Graduate’s Last Name:

  • 9 a.m. ~ A-B
  • 9:30 a.m. ~ C-D
  • 10:15 a.m. ~ E – Harley
  • 10:45 a.m. ~ Harris – J
  • 11:30 a.m. ~ K-M
  • 12 p.m. ~ O-R
  • 12:45 p.m. ~ S-V
  • 1:15 p.m. ~ W-Z

Note from Vance County Schools: We are excited about graduation! It is our hope that seniors will celebrate by decorating their cap or even their vehicle. As a reminder, no open-air vehicles are permitted (convertibles, bikes, open-top jeeps, etc) and no one will be permitted to ride in the back of a pickup truck. Only one vehicle is permitted per graduate.

As you proceed through the graduation line-up, you will see signs giving instructions. We ask that you pay close attention to ensure a smooth process. Everyone must remain in their vehicle throughout. The graduate will be informed when they are able
to exit the vehicle. We also ask that you avoid loud music and horn honking.

We cannot wait to celebrate the Class of 2020!

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North Carolina’s Key COVID-19 Indicators Remain Stable

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today shared an update on North Carolina’s key COVID-19 indicators. The data and trends show that North Carolina remains stable nearly one week into Phase 1.

“Our COVID-19 decisions are guided by the data and the science,” said Cooper. “We will use the time in this phase to keep a careful eye on the data and the indicators before we are ready to announce the start of Phase 2. North Carolinians should continue to stay home if they can and take precautions to keep themselves safe.”

“Continued stability in these trends is a real positive for our state. While we remain on a good path for the 14-day trends we need to see to move to Phase 2, our progress as a state is still dependent on our individual actions,” said Dr. Cohen. “We need to continue to protect our loved ones and our neighbors. If you leave home, practice three Ws – wear, wait and wash.”

Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen also announced that DHHS now has a list of testing locations on the DHHS website.

The list includes more than 200 sample collection sites in 54 counties, with more being added as they are verified. The list is comprised of health care providers, pharmacies and retail locations, local health departments and others that are providing testing for COVID-19. Some of the sites that are federally funded do not cost anything for the individual being tested. Doctors and clinicians may also provide testing at their offices.

Based on the metrics laid out last month by Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen, officials need to continue watching the trends before announcing a shift into Phase 2.

Secretary Cohen reported North Carolina remains stable on the following key metrics:

Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is decreasing.

Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases is slightly increasing.

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive has been decreasing and is starting to level.

Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is level.

In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. These areas include:

Laboratory Testing

  • North Carolina has doubled the daily testing rate from approximately 2,500-3,000 to more than 6,000

Tracing Capability

  • The Carolina Community Tracing Collaborative has already hired close to 100 new contact tracers adding to the 250 already working at our local health departments.

Personal Protective Equipment

  • Supply chains continue to improve with the exception of gowns.

The Phase 1 executive Order remains in effect until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 22.

However, the end of this Order does not necessarily mean the state will move to Phase 2. Phase 2 will only start if data and indicators remain stable.

Read a copy of today’s graphs and slides.

VGCC Truck Driver Training Program Gears Back Up

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College is excited to announce that its CDL Truck Driver Training Program is back up and running.

The program, offered in collaboration with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, has been on hold since early March when the COVID-19 pandemic forced all face-to-face classes to cease. The N.C. Community College System has made an exception to allow colleges to resume educating students in transportation courses like Truck Driver Training, in-person.

On May 11, students returned to class and to a “new normal.” Portions of the new daily routine for students include temperature checks, face masks, social distancing in trucks and on the truck practice range.   

“Qualified and licensed truck drivers are essential employees, especially during these uncertain times,” said Dawn Michelle Tucker, Dean of Continuing Education and College and Career Readiness for VGCC. “We are excited to get the students back in training, so they can become licensed and employed with companies who need drivers to move goods and services across our service area and across the country.” 

During the next five weeks, students will continue honing their driver training skills such as backing skills, completing pre-trip inspections and backing up to a loading dock. Students will also continue to get their miles and time on the road. All of these skills and requirements are essential in preparing them for the DOT exam in order to get their official CDL-A license and be fully employable as a truck driver. 

For more information on the Truck Driver Training Program at Vance-Granville Community College, please visit www.vgcc.edu/cdl/ or contact Kyle Burwell, Director of Occupational Extension, at 252-738-3276 or burwellk@vgcc.edu.

‘Virtual Bingo’ Offers Fun, Home Delivery of Prizes for Seniors 55+

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-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Program Superintendent

The Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department will hold a community-wide “Virtual Bingo” for seniors ages 55 or better on Friday, May 22, 2020, from 12:45 until 1:45 p.m.

Participants can join Virtual Bingo by computer or phone.

Participants must contact Crystal Allen by phone (252) 431-6091 or email callen@ci.henderson.nc.us to register for Virtual Bingo by Friday, May 15.

Prizes will be delivered to participants’ homes following social distancing protocols.

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Noon News Audio: 05/14/20

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Local News at 8a, 12noon, 5p; M-F

Today at Noon:

  • City Budget
  • County Budget
  • Covid-19 in Granville-Vance
  • VGCC Dr. Jeffery Allen, success of African-American Males

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Henderson City Council to Hold Special Called Budget Meeting

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-Information courtesy Esther J. McCrackin, City Clerk, City of Henderson, NC

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington has requested a Special Called Meeting of the Henderson City Council on Monday, May 18, 2020, at 6 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Council to receive the Proposed FY 2020-2021 Budget.

Due to the continued restrictions regarding gatherings of more than 10 individuals, City Hall remains closed; however, the public is welcome to observe online via Zoom.

To Join the Zoom Meeting:

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Meeting ID: 825 4131 7076
Password: 861162

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Maria Parham Health Celebrating National Hospital Week May 10-15

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-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health (MPH) is proud to join the American Hospital Association and healthcare organizations around the country in celebrating National Hospital Week, which is observed May 10-15.

Each May, National Hospital Week provides an opportunity to pause and honor the millions of healthcare professionals who dedicate their lives to taking care of people in their greatest times of need and to recognize the positive difference hospitals and healthcare organizations make in the communities they serve.

“As our community continues the fight against COVID-19, the pivotal role our healthcare workers play in the well-being of society is clearer than ever,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Their tireless efforts on the front lines of this disease and their commitment to quality care and patient safety year-round are critical to our mission of Making Communities Healthier. We proudly honor these heroes during National Hospital Week and commend their inspiring efforts to serve others.”

Maria Parham Health in Henderson and Maria Parham Franklin will be marking the national observance with special gifts and prizes for all staff. Community members are encouraged to leave a special note of thanks for hospital employees at www.thankahealthcarehero.com.

As one of the region’s economic leaders, the organization employs approximately 800 staff and contributed more than $8 million in taxes to the local and state economies last year. Additionally, it is proud to sponsor a number of local community organizations and non-profits.

Ensuring that everyone has access to the high-quality and compassionate care they need is a top priority for the organization and fundamental to its mission. In 2019 alone, Maria Parham Health provided more than $62 million of charity and other uncompensated care, regardless of patients’ ability to pay.

“We are privileged to have a significant impact on its health and economic well-being,” said James Johnson, chair of MPH’s board of trustees. “As we celebrate National Hospital Week amid unprecedented challenges this year and begin to look to the future, we are aware that healthcare – like other aspects of life – might look a little different. What will not change, though, is our mission and our commitment to this community. We will continue to put the health and well-being of our neighbors first, ensuring safe places of care and a healthier community for us all.”

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Noon News Audio: 05/13/20

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Noon News Audio for May 13, 2020

First Degree Murder Arrests
Henderson Rec Players
Shopping Angels

Henderson Rec Players Cancels Summer Season; McGregor Hall Opens Phone Lines

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The McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center recently provided updates regarding the Henderson Rec Players’ 2020 Summer Season and the opening of the center’s phone lines.

Henderson Rec Players 

In an effort to protect our beloved actors and patrons, the summer season of the Henderson Rec Players has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

While we are sad to see this break in a nearly 50-year tradition in our community, be assured that this is a temporary pause, and the Rec Players will be back to entertain and provide a creative outlet for all ages as soon as it is safe to do so.

Stay strong and we look forward to shining the spotlight on our local talent again very soon.

McGregor Hall Phone Lines

As Phase One of North Carolina’s Road to Re-Opening begins, we are excited to announce that McGregor Hall’s office phone lines are opening again.

Phone lines are now open Monday through Friday from 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. You can reach McGregor Hall at (252) 598-0662.

Our Box Office will remain closed to the public for the safety of our patrons and employees until June 1, 2020.

Thank you, once more, for your support during this difficult time. We look forward to speaking with you and seeing all of you soon!

WIZS is in talks with Henderson Rec Players and McGregor Hall representatives to bring you a special edition of Town Talk next week. Please stay tuned to WIZS for more details.

Henderson and Best Arrested, Charged with 1st Degree Murder

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Press Release – May 12, 2020

Last night (5/11/2020), at approximately 9:30 PM, Officers of the Henderson Police Department were dispatched to 277 Lincoln Street, Lincoln Height Apartments, in reference to a person suffering from a gunshot wound. When Officers arrived, they located the deceased, Zechariah Alexander (age 20), with a single gunshot wound.

Investigators responded immediately, and quickly developed suspect information through the cooperation of our citizens.

Warrants were soon obtained for the arrest of Demetrius Henderson (age 36) and Saivion Best (age 19) for First Degree Murder.

As of this afternoon, both Demetrius Henderson and Saivion Best have been arrested, served, and placed at the Vance County Jail without bond pending their first court appearance.

As always, assistance from the public was vital in solving this case. We are still asking for anyone with information to contact us through social media, Crime Stoppers (252-492-1925), Henderson Police Department (252-438-414), or the P3 App.

Authority: Chief M.W. Barrow