Vance County Tourism

Vance County Tourism Announces the Cancellation of Fireworks, Annual Car Show

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-Press Release, Vance County Tourism Development Authority

The much anticipated annual Show, Shine, Shag & Dine, and East Coast Dragtimes Hall of Fame & Reunion scheduled for October 16 and 17, 2020, in Henderson will not take place this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Vance County Tourism Development Authority had remained extremely positive that the show would go on until the recent extension of Governor Roy Cooper’s Safer at Home Phase 2 mandate regarding large gatherings that is in effect until September 11, 2020.

After continued monitoring of NC COVID cases, apprehensions concerning COVID-19, observing other large scale crowd closures, day-use areas and public facilities at State Parks remaining closed, and the unknown state and/or local mandates that may still be in place at that time, the Vance County Tourism Development Authority Board of Directors made the extremely difficult decision to cancel the 19th Annual Show, ShineShag & Dine, and East Coast Dragtimes Hall of Fame & Reunion scheduled for October 16 and 17, 2020.

At this time, there will be no rescheduling of the event for 2020, but we are looking forward to seeing everyone on October 15 and 16, 2021 for what we hope will be the biggest Show, Shine, Shag & Dine, and East Coast Dragtimes Hall of Fame & Reunion ever.

The extended Safer at Home Phase 2 mandate has also made it necessary for Vance County Tourism to cancel the fireworks that had been moved from July 4, 2020, to Sunday, September 6 (Labor Day weekend).

Hopefully, COVID numbers will continue to go down and we can get events and activities scheduled again. We look forward to seeing everyone next year!

Pam Hester, Executive Director

Vance County Tourism Development Authority

Best Colleges 2020

VGCC Ranked Sixth-Best Community College in the Nation

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College was recently recognized as one of the top ten community colleges and trade schools in the nation for 2020. VGCC came in at number six on the rankings published by “Best Colleges” (www.bestcolleges.com), a leading provider of independent college rankings and higher education research. The college was also the third-highest-ranked school from North Carolina.

“We are pleased to see this national recognition for Vance-Granville, which we attribute to the dedication and innovation demonstrated by our faculty and staff every day,” Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of the college, said. “VGCC is committed to providing high-quality education and training that is affordable and accessible for the people of Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties.”

Best Colleges noted that the college has extended its reach by providing career-oriented programs that can be completed entirely online. These programs include Supply Chain Management, Medical Office Administration, IT/Business Support, Early Childhood Education, Criminal Justice, Accounting, and Business Administration. Students can also complete the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science programs online, which prepares them for transferring to a university to complete a bachelor’s degree. The college has transfer agreements with numerous four-year universities.

“VGCC boasts strong graduation rates and small class sizes,” the website also noted. “The school’s 13-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio allows students to receive plenty of individualized attention.”

Established in 1969, VGCC offers more than 40 credit programs, in which students work toward certificates, diplomas and degrees. Area residents and businesses can also take advantage of a variety of continuing education/job training opportunities, as well as the High School Equivalency and Adult High School Diploma programs.

Enrollment is currently ongoing for eight-week curriculum credit classes that begin on October 14, and for the spring semester that starts in January 2021. For more information about VGCC, visit www.vgcc.edu.

VGCC Agritech

VGCC to Offer Sustainable Agri-Tech Program This Fall

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College continues to “cultivate” new programs for the fall semester. The Sustainable Agri-Tech program will grow one’s knowledge in the agricultural field and prepare students for occupations in a wide variety of jobs in agriculture (both production and value-added) with a range of skills and knowledge.

The program addresses agricultural concepts, skills, and techniques that are required by the agriculture industry. Upon completion, students will have explored sustainable and organic methods, plant, soil and animal science, field management, equipment maintenance and basic computer skills and marketing techniques.

The class begins on September 14, 2020, at 6 p.m. Kelly Dixon will be leading this hybrid class at VGCC’s Franklin Campus. The 96-hour program is made up of only 30 hours in the classroom and 66 hours online. The cost is $188.25.

Tuition assistance is available to those who meet eligibility guidelines. Space is limited.

For more information please visit: https://www.vgcc.edu/agritech/

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 8-14-20 WIZS Noon

Local News Audio 8-14-20 Noon WIZS: Maddox Fundraiser And Community Fair

WIZS – Your Community Voice

  • Colton Maddox Fundraiser
  • Four County Community Fair

 

City of Henderson Logo

Henderson Mayor Calls Special Meeting on Existing Water Contract

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-Information courtesy the City of Henderson

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington has requested a Special Called Meeting of the Henderson City Council for Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at 12 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to amend an existing water contract.

This meeting will be held in Council Chambers, 134 Rose Avenue, Henderson, NC.  The public is welcome to observe.

Epsom Community Classic

Register Now for Epsom Community Classic Run/Walk

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The Epsom Community Classic Run/Walk will be held Saturday, August 29, 2020, from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Originally scheduled for April, the coronavirus pandemic necessitated a rescheduling to this later date.

The race is run on a 3.5-mile loop starting and finishing at Epsom Fire and Rescue located at 8120 NC Highway 39 in Henderson.

This event is being held in partnership with New Bethel Baptist Church with the end goal of raising financial support for missions.

Entrants have a choice of entering as a competitive or recreational runner. Competitive entrants will receive an official time and will be eligible for awards. Recreational entrants will not receive official times, but can either time themselves or see their times on the digital clock at the finish line.

The entry fees are $20 through August 19, $25 August 20-28 and $30 on race day. The fee does not include a t-shirt, but shirts can be ordered for an additional $10 on or before August 19.

To register, visit the Epsom Community Classic link on RaceReach.com (click here)

Awards will be presented to the first three male finishers overall, to the first three female finishers overall and to the top three finishers in each of the following age groups (both genders): 19-under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60-over.

Due to the road conditions, running with a baby stroller is not recommended. Also, please no pets.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be some changes to how the race is conducted. Water will be available both at the start/finish area and once on the course. Hand sanitizer will also be available. Vendors and food trucks will be taking their own precautions by serving pre-packaged food and drinks.

Depending on the dictates of the county, there may be post-race snacks available, but just to be safe, you may want to bring your own.

Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments

Kerr-Tar COG: Loan Program Helps Rehabilitate Homes in Vance County

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-Press Release, Kerr-Tar Council of Governments

The Kerr-Tar Council of Governments (COG) has been granted membership by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) under the 2020 cycle of the Essential-Single Family Rehabilitation Loan Pool Program (ESFRLP2020).

Funding from this program will assist with essential and critical repairs to single-family homes that are owned and occupied by lower-income households. These repairs help veterans, seniors and persons with disabilities stay in their homes, saving on health care and long-term care costs.

The major requirements to be eligible for ESFRLP2020 assistance are:

1. The home must be located in Person/Vance County;

2. The home must be owner-occupied;

3. Site built and off-frame modular units will be eligible for considerations, however, manufactured housing is not eligible for assistance;

4. The house must have a full-time household member who is an older adult (age 62+), disabled or a veteran, or a household with a child under the age of six whose health is threatened by the presence of lead hazards;

5. The gross annual household income must not exceed 80% of the area median income for Person/Vance County;

6. The property cannot have been repaired or rehabilitated with public funding of $30,000 or more within the past 10 years;

7. The cost of rehabilitation cannot exceed the ESFRLP2020 Program Guideline limit of $30,000.

Applications are available by calling Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments at (252) 436-2040 or on the Kerr-Tar COG website at www.kerrtarcog.org.

Applications should be returned as soon as possible, but no later than November 2, 2020, at noon to the Kerr-Tar COG, PO Box 709, Henderson, NC 27536 or to 1724 Graham Avenue, Henderson.

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 08-13-20 WIZS Noon

WIZS Local News Audio- Your Community Voice

Noon News August 13, 2020

  • Kerr Lake Country Club Re-Grand Opening
  • Former Local Athlete Sentence to 14 Years
  • Book Bag drive

 

Vance County Schools Logo

Vance County Schools Provides Quick Links for Most Requested Info.

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Vance County Schools has provided quick online links with additional information to assist in locating some of the most requested items.

2020-2021 School Calendars: https://bit.ly/VCScalendarinfo

The Latest on ReOpening Our Schools: https://bit.ly/ReOpenPlans

Remote Learning Information and Help: https://bit.ly/VCSremotesupport

Laptop Request Form: https://bit.ly/needlaptop

Locate Free Spectrum Wifi: https://www.spectrum.com/wifi-hotspots

Bus Hotspot Information: https://bit.ly/VCSwifi

Latest Meal Distribution Information: https://bit.ly/VanceMeals

NC Coop Extension

CFAP Program Information Session Scheduled for Local Farmers

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-Press Release, NC Cooperative Extension

Local farmers are encouraged to participate in an information session on the Coronavirus Food and Agriculture Assistance (CFAP) Program, scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2020. This event will begin at 9 a.m. and will be held virtually, with registration required via EventBrite.

The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) provides vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities suffering a five-percent-or-greater price decline, or who have had losses due to market supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 and face additional significant market costs. USDA is accepting applications now through August 28, 2020.

Additional crops have been added to the list of eligible commodities. Livestock, wool and dairy farms are also eligible for participation. Visit farmers.gov/cfap to view listings of eligible crops and livestock. Farmers can also get information about what documentation is needed for the application on the CFAP website, farmers.gov/cfap.

The link for registration is https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coronavirus-food-and-agriculture-program-cfap-meeting-tickets-116024730091.

With questions, call the Granville County NC Cooperative Extension Center at (919) 603-1350 or the Granville County
Farm Service Agency office at (919) 693-7345, ext. 2.