U.S. Department of Justice

Henderson Pair Charged in Federal Court After Vance Co. Deputies Injured

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-Press Release, U.S. Dept. of Justice

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces the arrest of two defendants pursuant to Federal Criminal Complaints for federal narcotics offenses. The arrests occurred after law enforcement attempted to serve a search warrant in Henderson, North Carolina.

The defendants injured four Vance County Deputy Sheriffs, in their attempt to flee the area where the search warrant was being executed.

JASMELE ROBINSON, 36, of Henderson, is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, and maintaining a premises for the purpose of manufacturing and distributing heroin, and aiding and abetting.

If convicted of these charges, ROBINSON could be sentenced to at least five years’ imprisonment up to life, and up to five years supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

KRISHANA WILLIAMS, 30, of Henderson, was charged with maintaining a premises for the purpose of manufacturing and distributing heroin, and aiding and abetting. She faces up to twenty years’ imprisonment and up to three years of supervised release.

The charges and allegations contained in the Criminal Complaints are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case is also part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, and the Henderson Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson is handling the case for the government.

H-V Emergency Operations

H-V Emergency Operations Successfully Transitions to Next Generation 911

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-Press Release, Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations

At 11:32 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, the Henderson-Vance County Emergency Communications Center officially transitioned to Next Generation 911.

This move was several years in the making and places our 911 center at the forefront of the latest technology and allows us to offer the highest level of service to our citizens.

Next Generation 911 works by connecting every PSAP (911 Center) in the State to the Emergency Services IP Network or ESI Net. This new technology allows for faster call delivery, more accurate location technology, enhanced call transfer options and improved texting capabilities just to name a few of the many improvements from the previous system.

Vance County was the sixteenth county to make the transition to the ESI Net, with more and more jurisdictions set to follow every week.

Having all 911 centers in NC on the same system will allow us to transfer misrouted 911 calls to the correct 911 center even in locations that previously belonged to another phone company with ease.

It will also greatly improve our ability to help each other during times of crisis by allowing a 911 center to take calls for another 911 center that may be down due to equipment failure, weather event or any other situation that renders them inoperable.

More technology enhancements are on the horizon and will be occurring in the coming days including enhanced GIS mapping components and the latest in call routing technologies.

VGCC Celebrates 50 Years on Four Campuses

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College recently brought together students, faculty, staff and community members to mark the 50th anniversary of the college, with festivities on all four of its campuses. The original charter for the college, then known as Vance County Technical Institute, was issued on Sept. 4, 1969.

VGCC Board of Trustees Chair Danny Wright and VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais cut the “birthday cake” on the college’s Main Campus to celebrate the institution’s fiftieth anniversary. (VGCC photo)

During the week of the actual anniversary, celebratory ceremonies featuring speakers and refreshments were held on each campus: the Warren County Campus on Sept. 3, Main Campus (in Vance County) on Sept. 4, South Campus (in Granville County) on Sept. 5, and the Franklin County Campus on Sept. 6.

In addition, Main Campus hosted an anniversary ‘bash’ on Sept. 4 with the band, “Liquid Pleasure,” performing, and food trucks on hand.

“We are grateful to everyone who attended our 50th anniversary events, and to the citizens and businesses who made contributions to support this celebration,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of VGCC. “We have reflected on the educational opportunities that this college has provided to Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, while we have also looked forward to the next 50 years of shining the light of education in service to our communities.”

The “Liquid Pleasure” band performs in front of the gazebo on VGCC’s Main Campus during the 50th anniversary ‘bash.’ (VGCC photo)

Guest speakers at the anniversary events included Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen; Franklin County Manager Angela L. Harris; Devon Suitt, a VGCC alumnus and Granville Early College High School graduate; Zelodis Jay, chair of the Granville County Board of Commissioners; Gary Massenburg, a VGCC alumnus and Warren Early College High School graduate; and Tare “T” Davis, chair of the Warren County Board of Commissioners.

Two VGCC staff members who are also alumni of the college made remarks, as well. Amy O’Geary, director of student success, spoke at Main Campus. “As a graduate and longtime employee, Vance-Granville Community College has been a part of my life for over 30 years,” O’Geary said. “This college guided me in my career path and has allowed me the opportunity to do what I truly love: help students reach their own potential.”

O’Geary recalled that after graduating from VGCC, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. “I quickly realized that I was not cut out for a career in sales; however, I can sell one thing,” she said. “I can ‘sell’ Vance-Granville Community College, because I believe in our mission and what we have done for this community for 50 years!”

Devon Suitt speaks during a celebration of VGCC’s 50th anniversary at the college’s South Campus. He is currently a social work investigator and a graduate student at North Carolina Central University. (VGCC photo)

Julie Jones, the college’s distance education coordinator, spoke at the Franklin Campus. That was where she first became a student, as a single mother who had recently lost her job due to company downsizing. At the time, Jones had been out of school for 17 years.

“The counselor at the time saw that I was anxious about starting back to school,” she recalled. “She was very encouraging and got me set up with my program of study and first classes. That is when I took my first computer course and knew I wanted a career working in I.T. My first computer instructor had enough confidence in my ability to do well that he asked me to apply for the part-time position of Open Computer Lab Technician. I started to believe in myself and gained the confidence that I could actually make it through college.”

Julie Jones (standing) speaks during a celebration of VGCC’s fiftieth anniversary held at the college’s Franklin County Campus. Seated, from left, are VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais, VGCC Board of Trustees Chair Danny Wright, VGCC Franklin County Campus Dean Bobbie Jo May and Franklin County Manager Angela Harris. (VGCC photo)

Jones excelled in her academics and, after graduation, became a full-time employee in the campus computer lab. She would go on to earn a bachelor’s degree, as well.

“What I found at VGCC was a home and a supportive family,” Jones said. “Without the encouragement I found along the way, I would not be where I am today.”

The September events capped off a series of activities throughout the year that helped celebrate 50 years of excellence, including a Dinner Theater in April; the 35th annual Endowment Fund Golf Tournament in May, commencement exercises for VGCC’s 50th graduating class in May, and the formal inauguration of President Desmarais in August.

 

News 09/20/19

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Downtown’s 18th Annual ‘Show, Shine, Shag & Dine’ Set for Oct. 18-19

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-Information courtesy the Vance County Tourism Development Authority

Don’t miss the 18th Annual Show, Shine, Shag & Dine on Friday, October 18 and Saturday, October 19, 2019, in downtown Henderson. 1988 and older antique cars, classic cars, nostalgia drag cars, muscle cars, street rods, rat rods and trucks will cover a ten-block area of Garnett Street in Historic Downtown Henderson.

The weekend festivities include car judging, live entertainment, food vendors, miscellaneous vendors and much more.

The Corbitt Preservation Association will also host their annual Corbitt Truck Show and Reunion on Saturday, October 19 in downtown Henderson from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The association will have its newest find, a rare 1911-1912 Corbitt Automobile body, on display.

Additionally, the Corbitt Museum will be open to visitors on Saturday. The museum is located at 180 Church Street, Henderson.

This world-class car show is one of the largest tourism draws and economic boosts to Vance County each year. Local hotels, gas stations, restaurants, stores and places of entertainment all benefit from the dollars spent over the weekend.

2019 Show, Shine, Shag & Dine Schedule:

Friday, October 18

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. ~ Pre-show Cruise-in and BBQ cookout for $12 per plate. Meal served 12 – 2:30 p.m. Open to all makes and models 1988 and older and all spectators. Location: Satterwhite Point Park, Kerr Lake, I-85 – Exit 217.

5 – 9 p.m. ~ Southern Classic Cruise-in will be held at 117 Horner Street in downtown Henderson. A DJ will be spinning your favorite tunes from the past and Chick-fil-A will be on site. Cruise-in parking will be located in the 700 block of S. Garnett St. Watch for signs.

Saturday, October 19

7:30 – 11 a.m. ~ Car registration – enter from W. Winder Street. Open to all makes and models 1988 and older. Antique cars, classic cars, nostalgia drag cars, muscle cars, street rods, rat rods and trucks. Judged cars $25; other vehicles $20. Dash plaques to the first 400 cars.

7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. ~ MAIN EVENT – 18th Annual Show, Shine, Shag & Dine Car Show and East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame. Live entertainment, kids entertainment, DJ, food, vendors, judging and award presentations on Garnett St. in downtown Henderson.

For more information, please visit www.kerrlake-nc.com or call 1-866-438-4565.

NC Opens 24/7 911 Network Monitoring & Assistance Center

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-Press Release, NC DIT

The N.C. Department of Information Technology on Thursday officially opened the Network Monitoring and Assistance Center (NMAC), which will help support an uninterrupted flow of communication for emergency call centers that have adopted next-generation 911 technology.

NC DIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Eric Boyette and N.C. 911 Board Executive Director Pokey Harris were joined by 911 board members and staff in Raleigh for a ribbon-cutting unveiling the center. The first of its kind in the nation, it is staffed 24/7 and equipped to monitor service and performance on North Carolina’s new digital emergency services network, called ESInet.

N.C. 911 Board Members watch as members of the N.C. Department of Information Technology cut the ribbon on the N.C. 911 Network Monitoring & Assistance Center. From left: network engineer Gerry Means, NMAC manager Stanley Meeks, NC DIT Secretary Eric Boyette and N.C. 911 Board Executive Director Pokey Harris. (Photo courtesy NC DIT)

Sixteen of the state’s 127 911 centers – including those in Cumberland, Durham, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Martin, Polk, Robeson, Richmond, Scotland, Vance, Wake and Wilson counties – have already migrated to ESInet.

Under state law, the remainder must develop and fully implement plans to migrate no later than July 1, 2021.

“As more and more 911 centers across the state upgrade their technology to support next-generation 911 services, the Network Monitoring and Assistance Center will play an important role in making sure services run smoothly across the state,” Boyette said.

For example, technicians monitoring ESInet can quickly reroute emergency calls to other 911 centers as they identify increased trends in emergency calls – particularly in cases such as severe weather or major events that draw large volumes of people to a particular area.

During Hurricane Dorian, technicians at the NMAC were prepared to assist in rerouting calls from the coast to counties farther inland, however, it was not necessary.

“The NMAC can immediately troubleshoot network issues and help behind the scenes to provide seamless 911 coverage, so emergency personnel can focus on helping North Carolina residents get the assistance they need as quickly as possible,” Harris said.

ESInet, or the Emergency Services IP Network, makes that possible.

It enables call centers to connect through high-speed internet-based routing services to more quickly and effectively communicate with callers as well as other 911 centers.

The ability to reroute emergency calls is one important capability. Call centers also have the option to let users send photos and videos, in addition to voice calls and text messages.

ESInet is a core function of Next Generation 911 – an upgrade to the current 911 system, which was developed in the 1960s – to ensure residents can access 911 services regardless of their location or how their communicating.

“Although reliable, our current 911 system can no longer accommodate how we communicate today,” Boyette said. “Fewer people are using landline phones, and the popularity of wearables and other digital communication services are on the rise. Our residents expect to be able to communicate these ways. And that’s where NC DIT comes in.”

Town Talk 09/19/19

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VGCC Gearing Up for Medical Assistants Recognition Week Celebration

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

The Vance-Granville Community College Medical Assisting Program is gearing up to celebrate Medical Assistants Recognition Week, October 21 – 25, 2019, as designated by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Medical assistants across the country will be recognized during this special week and honored on Medical Assistants Recognition Day, October 23, 2019.

In celebration of Medical Assistants Recognition Week, the Vance-Granville Community College Medical Assisting Program has planned the following special events and activities:

MED Mini Health Fair to be held at Vance-Granville Community College’s Franklin Campus Student Lounge, 8100 NC 56 Hwy, Louisburg, NC on Monday, October 21, 2019, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.

“Medical Assistants are at the heart of healthcare and we support our community,” says Tonia Boyd, Vance-Granville Medical Assisting Class President of the 2020 graduating class.

Medical assisting is an allied health profession whose practitioners function as members of the health care delivery team and perform administrative and clinical procedures. With their unique versatility, medical assistants are proving to be the allied health professional of choice for this decade and beyond. Medical assisting is one of the nation’s careers growing much faster than average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The American Association of Medical Assistants is the only organization devoted exclusively to serving the professional interests and educational needs of all medical assistants. The association provides numerous services that help medical assistants put their careers on a successful and rewarding track and keep them there.

Vance County Logo

Vance Co. Properties Committee to Discuss Dennis Building, City Properties

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Executive Assistant/Clerk to Board, Vance County Board of Commissioners

Please note that Vance County’s Properties Committee (Brummitt, Taylor, Wilder) is scheduled to meet Monday, September 30, 2019, at 4 p.m. in the Administrative Conference Room of the Vance County Administration Building located at 122 Young Street in Henderson.

Topics to be discussed include the Dennis Building and city properties.

News 09/19/19

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