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VGCC Students Recognized at Virtual Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College held a Pinning Ceremony for the Practical Nursing Class of 2020 using Zoom on July 29, 2020, at 6 p.m. Twenty-two students successfully completed the program in the summer semester.

Since an in-person ceremony could not be held, students chose to have a virtual ceremony. Family and friends were able to watch the ceremony live, and the recorded ceremony can be viewed on Youtube using this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO9cFSz74sU

Dr. Rachel Desmarais, VGCC’s president, and Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s Vice President of Learning, Student Engagement, & Success, greeted the graduates and those who have supported them while they have been in the Nursing program. Both pointed out how needed nurses are in the healthcare field during the current pandemic. Jessica Price, Class President, congratulated her classmates and noted that 2020 is “the year of the nurse.”

Dr. Erica Jastrow, Department Chair of Nursing/PN Program Director (for SimLab Coordinator Mrs. Brande McILroy), recognized students graduating with honors (a GPA of 3.5 or higher). This is an important accomplishment, as the PN program is a challenging program with class, lab, and clinical components.

Those recognized include Beverly Frierson and Garikayi Nyakudya. Beryl Ogachi was recognized as the graduate with the highest GPA in the class. Mrs. Patsy Pegram, Nursing Instructor, shared the story of the VGCC Nursing Pin, and graduates were then “virtually handed” their pins by Dr. Jastrow. As each graduate received their pin, they shared their appreciation to family, friends, and the faculty for their support during their time in school.

After receiving their pins, the graduates recited the Nursing Pledge (written by Beverly Hansen O’Malley, RN) with Mrs. Kathy Bray, Nursing Instructor. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dr. Anna Seaman, ADN Program Head, presented the class as official graduates of the Practical Nursing Class of 2020.

Many of the graduates plan to return to VGCC for the LPN to ADN Transition program, which is a one-year program in which current LPNs can return to college to earn their Associate Degree in Nursing to become Registered Nurses. The program starts in the summer semester. Current LPNs interested in the Transition program can contact Ms. Seletha Pherribo at pherribos@vgcc.edu for more information.

The graduates recognized were Sade Hunt of Butner; Ronald Kurui and Cavine Otieno, both of Durham; Jessica Price of Franklinton; Jessica Faulkner, Milton Harper, Jessica Martin, and Lizeth Nieto Mata, all of Henderson; Doanita Williams of Louisburg; Angela Grissom of Oxford; Rahabu Fraser, Jennifer Laney, Patricia Makori, Garikayi Nyakudya, Beryl Ogachi, Zipporah Omambia, Ibrahmia Pouye, and Jonique Whitaker, all of Raleigh; Kelley Lynch of Roxboro; Cheyanne Riley of Stem; Ashely Bass and Beverly Frierson, both of Youngsville.

Edmonds Tennis Foundation

Edmonds Tennis & Education Foundation to Launch Scholarship Program With Ribbon-Cutting

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to recognize and launch the Edmonds Tennis & Education Foundation’s Endowment-Scholarship Program on Thursday, September 3, 2020, at 4 p.m.

The outdoor ceremony, hosted by Jerry and Dorcel Edmonds (ETEF President and Vice-President) will be held at 127 Willow Creek Run, Henderson. Participants are asked to wear a mask; safety guidelines will be followed.

The Edmonds Tennis & Education Foundation (ETEF) is a nonprofit 501c3 youth development organization established in 2018. It is a subsidiary of the Willow Creek Tennis Retreat, based in Henderson, and aligned with the US Tennis Association.

The Foundation is dedicated to using the game of tennis to provide academic and athletic opportunities for under-resourced youth throughout rural NC, primarily focusing on youth between the ages of 5-18.

The ETEF Endowment has a goal of providing $2,500 in scholarships (5 @ $500) annually to deserving high school graduates continuing their education at an NC-based institution of higher learning.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Local COVID-19 Statistics; GVPH Updates Online Data Dashboard

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

GVPH has updated the way data is shared on its website. Please visit GVPH’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard (click here) for tables and graphs that will be updated daily.

The following is an update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of August 25, 2020. Granville Vance Public Health numbers correlate with the NC Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NCEDSS) data.

The county case numbers reported on the NC county map from the NC Department of Health and Human Services may differ from the ones reported locally as they are updated at different times and may change once residence is verified.

Granville County

1,470 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,470, 834 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 834, 663 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,470, 514 cases are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County and 366 of those 514 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,470, 122 are associated with outbreaks at long term care facilities including 19 at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center, 92 at Universal Health Care and eight at Granville House.

Of the 122 cases in long term care facilities in Granville County, nine have been released from isolation.

12 individuals in Granville County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 40 deaths in Granville County: four in the community, one associated with Central Regional Hospital, one associated with Murdoch Development Center, 13 associated with Universal Health Care, and 21 associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.

Unfortunately, a recent death associated with Murdoch Development Center has been reported: a 71-year-old female passed away on August 25, 2020.

Vance County

836 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 836, 711 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 711, 577 have been released from isolation.

Of those 836, 125 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities including 49 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, 17 associated with Senior Citizens Home, and one with Alliance Rehabilitative Care (ARC). The outbreak at Pelican Health nursing home is no longer active.

Of the 125 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 44 have been released from isolation.

Five individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 42 deaths in Vance County: 14 associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 12 associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, two associated with Senior Citizens Home, and 14 in the community.

WIZS Note: According to the provided data, there are 134 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 171 in the Granville County community at this time (excluding congregate living numbers).

Additional Information

The number of those who have been ‘released from isolation’ is determined by the CDC Guidance for discontinuation of isolation for persons with COVID-19.

Please visit www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information from Granville Vance Public Health and to sign up for daily email updates.

Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks

HVRPD: Fortnight Deadline Extended; Virtual Painting & Youth Outreach Programs Offered

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department

The Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department announces a few upcoming events, including:

Virtual Project Youth Outreach: Project Youth Outreach focuses on interpersonal skill-building, life skills, and guided growth activities that will contribute to a more positive self-image, enhanced academics, better decision-making and acceptable behavior.

Join us by logging on to Facebook Live on the Henderson Vance Youth Services page. Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4 p.m. beginning Tuesday, August 25, 2020, and ending Thursday, October 22, 2020.

For more information, please contact Shantel Hargrove at (252) 430-0382 (shhargrove@ci.henderson.nc.us) or Jaleel Johnson at (252) 431-6099 (jjohnson@ci.henderson.nc.us).

Fortnite Tournament-Extended Registration: Want to win some V-Bucks? Play in the first Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks online single-elimination Fortnite tournament. Youth ages 7-17 team up with three of your friends in a Battle Royal match. Each player on the winning team of the tournament will win 2,800 V-Bucks.

Registration has been extended until Sunday, September 6, 2020, online at https://hvrpd.recdesk.com/. The cost is $8 per team. For more information, please contact Darius Pitt at (252) 438-3408 (dpitt@ci.henderson.nc.us).

DIY Fluid Painting: Join HVRPD Live on the Henderson Vance Facebook page on Tuesday, September 22, October 6, October 20 and October 27, 2020, at 11 a.m. Each Live session will walk you through each step of a different style of fluid painting.

Tune in to Henderson Vance Facebook Live on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at 11 a.m. for a complete list of supplies or contact Tyler Terry at (252) 438-2670 (tterry@ci.henderson.nc.us).

Corbitt Preservation Association

Corbitt Preservation Association’s Annual Truck Show & Reunion Canceled

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-Information and flyer courtesy Kenneth Stegall, The Corbitt Preservation Association

The Corbitt Preservation Association’s 19th Annual Corbitt Truck Show and Reunion scheduled for October 17, 2020, has been officially canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This is the first time in 19 years that the show will not be held.

Kenneth Stegall, with the Corbitt Preservation Association, asked everyone to stay safe and said, “Let’s beat this COVID so that we can continue life as we used to know it.”

Please note that the annual Show, Shine, Shag & Dine, and East Coast Dragtimes Hall of Fame & Reunion that was originally scheduled for October 16 and 17 in downtown Henderson has also been canceled for this year.
Local News Audio

Local News Audio 8-25-20 Noon

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Illegal Drug Awareness and Issues

Overdose Awareness Event in Memory of Heaven Leigh Nelson, Other Victims

HPD: Three Arrested in Large Heroin Bust

Sixty Dosage Units of Heroin Found in Vehicle Stop; Chavis Arrested

 

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market to Hold Special Twilight Market Today!

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-Information courtesy Vance County Regional Farmers Market

Back by popular demand, the Vance County Regional Farmers Market (VCRFM) will hold a “Twilight Market” today, August 25, 2020, from 3:30 until 7:30 p.m. This will be in lieu of an open market on Wednesday, August 26.

VCRFM requires all vendors and customers to wear face coverings/masks. Don’t have a face mask? No worries. The VCRFM has several craft vendors making unique, comfortable, washable and reusable masks. There are lots of great colors and designs to choose from including college team logos.

Available Produce

The market will feature fresh and local summer produce including squash, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, cucumbers, cantaloupes, corn, peaches, blueberries, blackberries, watermelons, potatoes, okra, beets, cabbages, strawberries, radishes, greens and more.

Vendors with pasture-raised beef, pork and free-range hen eggs will also be on-site.

In addition, you will find a variety of canned vegetables, pickles, chow-chow, sauces and local honey. Complete your meal with delicious pies, cakes and cookies – including cheesecakes. Don’t forget the fresh cut flowers!

Largest Watermelon Contest
The VCRFM is challenging you to grow the largest watermelon in the area. The winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to Franklin Brothers Nursery (courtesy of JASM Farms). The entry deadline is Saturday, September 5, 2020.

Remaining 2020 Market Schedule:

Through September 30  

Wednesdays & Saturdays ~ 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Closed Wed., August 26 and Wed., September 30Special Twilight Market(in lieu of Wednesday market that week)
Tuesday, August 25 ~ 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 29 ~ 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.

October 1 – December 5   
Saturdays ~ 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Handcrafted Holiday Market  
Saturday, November 21 ~ 8 a.m – 2 p.m.

Market closes for the season on Saturday, December 5

Pre-orders and curbside pick up will remain available throughout the season.

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr. in Henderson, NC.

Contacts:
Market Manager: Tracy Madigan (252) 598-0814
Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie (252) 438-8188

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance County Schools Logo

Vance County Schools Makes America’s Best-in-State Employers List

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools has been named to the annual list of America’s Best-in-State Employers. Forbes partnered with market research company Statista for its second annual ranking of America’s Best-in-State Employers.

Selections were based on an independent survey of more than 80,000 U.S. employees working for companies employing at least 500 people in their U.S. operations. The surveys were administered using a series of online panels and provide a representative sample of the U.S. workforce.

The America’s Best-In-State Employers 2020 title serves to reinforce VCS’s reputation as an employer of high quality. We are extremely proud of the continued progress of our district through the hard work and dedication of our employees. As one of only five school districts in the state to receive this honor, we are thankful for this prestigious recognition and truly Vance County Proud!

The Vance County Schools district is comprised of 10 elementary schools, two middle schools, three high schools and a K-12 virtual school. We serve over 5,000 students from Pre-Kindergarten through year 13 seniors at our Early College, committing to the success of every student.

The district is led by Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson who is also the 2020 North Carolina A. Craig Phillips Superintendent of the Year.

The ranking is live on the Forbes website and available by clicking here.

Vance County Logo

Vance Commissioners to Discuss McGregor Hall Funding Request

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-Information courtesy the County of Vance

Vance County’s Intergovernmental Committee (Taylor, Feimster, Kelly) is scheduled to meet Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at 3 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Conference Room of the Vance County Administration Building located at 122 Young Street in Henderson.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss a funding request from McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center.

Yarborough, Fisher, Cooper

HPD: Three Arrested in Large Heroin Bust

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-Information and photos courtesy Henderson Police Department

On Wednesday, August 19, 2020, officers of the Henderson Police Department recovered 2,725 dosage units of heroin during a traffic stop and subsequent search warrant on a residence located at 200 A Wester Ave.

During the service of the warrant, drug manufacturing equipment, U.S. currency, marijuana, a semi-auto shotgun, and a stolen semi-auto pistol were located.

Amadeus Da Monte Yarborough, Katashia Tawanda Fisher, and Antonio Cooper were arrested in regards to this investigation.

All three subjects were charged with:

  • Trafficking Heroin of 28 or more grams
  • Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling Place for a Controlled Substance
  • PWIMSD Heroin, Manufacture Schedule I, Possession of Marijuana
  • Conspiracy to Traffic Heroin, Manufacture/Sell/Distribute
  • Possess a Controlled Substance within 1,000 feet of a School
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Antonio Cooper and Katashia Fisher had an additional charge of Possession of a Stolen Firearm.

Amadeus Yarborough received a $150,000 secured bond. Antonio Cooper received a $125,000 secured bond.
Katashia Fisher received a $175,000 secured bond.