Rubber Ducks Set to Race Down Garnett St. in 9th Annual Ducky Derby

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Garry Daeke, development coordinator for Franklin-Granville-Vance (FGV) Smart Start, was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the organization’s 9th Annual Ducky Derby Fundraiser.

This race of up to 2,500 rubber ducks will be held in downtown Henderson on Saturday, September 15, 2018. Rubber ducks will begin the race at the corner of Breckenridge and Garnett Street and will race two blocks to Orange Street. “We will open up the fire hydrants, run water and close off some side streets,” Daeke said.

Top prizes of $1000, $500 and $250 will be awarded for a first through third place finish. The last duck to cross the finish line will be awarded $100. Participants do not need to be present for the race to win a prize.

A drawing will also be held at the end of the race for 52 free meals from Chick-fil-A. You must be present to win this drawing.

Tickets for ducks are on sale now and are available for purchase from any F-G-V staff or board member. Ducks will also be available for purchase the day of the event from 10 a.m. until the race begins at 2 p.m.

Ducky options include $5 for a single duck, a “quack pack” of six ducks for $25 or a “flock” of 25 ducks for $100.

To ensure all enter the race in a timely fashion, Greystone Concrete Products of Henderson will pour purchased ducks along with approximately 500 – 1,000 additional gallons of water from their cement truck onto Garnett St.

According to Daeke, hearing the children’s excited reactions to the ducks being poured each year is part of the fun.

Daeke also acknowledged the important role sponsors play in the success of the annual fundraiser. “Most of these sponsors have been with us from the beginning or through the long-term and we want to thank them,” said Daeke. “Their support helps us to get this up and running so that it’s a successful fundraiser for us and our children, who are the benefactors.”

This year’s sponsors include:

Super Ducks – Duke Energy, Fred’s Towing & Transport, Union Bank and Mako Medical Laboratories

Top Ducks – NC Pediatrics, Chick-fil-A and University Dental Associates – Dr. Charles Burnham

Feathered Friends – Rogers Group, McDonalds, Sugar & Spice Preschool, Scotts Trucking Company and Wester Insurance Agency

Quacker Backers – WIZS Radio, Greystone Concrete Products, City of Henderson and Dataforge

All proceeds from the Ducky Derby are used to fund Smart Start programs.

Those interested in purchasing tickets, volunteering at the event or with questions may contact the F-G-V Smart Start office at (252) 433-9110 or visit the NC Smart Start website at www.ncsmartstart.org.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

U.S. Department of Justice

Henderson Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in Death

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that yesterday in federal court, Senior United States District Judge W. Earl Britt sentenced QYDARIUS J. SMALL, a/k/a “Q” and “Peanut,” 20, from Henderson, North Carolina, to 144 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

On January 10, 2018, SMALL, was named in a three-count Superseding Indictment returned by a grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of North Carolina. The indictment charged Small with Distribution and Possession With Intent to Distribute a Quantity of a Mixture and Substance Containing Fentanyl, Causing Serious Bodily Injury or Death on August 28 and 29, 2017. On March 23, 2018, pursuant to a written plea agreement, SMALL pled guilty to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing Fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, which resulted in the death of an individual.

On August 30, 2017, officers of the Henderson (North Carolina) Police Department responded to a report of a drug overdose at a residence. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found a deceased individual along with a hypodermic needle, multiple bindles of heroin, and a bindle of heroin uniquely labeled with a green stamp of the word “Thor.” The investigation revealed that the deceased was the victim of an overdose of heroin containing Fentanyl, and the drugs had been purchased from SMALL. A search of the victim’s cell phone revealed multiple text messages between the victim and SMALL discussing drug transactions and specifically a drug with a “Thor [e] green stamp.”

Later that same day, officers of the Henderson Police Department used the victim’s cell phone to arrange for a controlled purchase of heroin from SMALL. As SMALL drove to the prearranged sale location with the intent to sell heroin to the deceased victim, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement found heroin stamped in green with the word “Thor” and a loaded handgun. SMALL was placed under arrest and taken to the Henderson Police Department.

United States Attorney Higdon commented, “Qydarius J. Small has been an active part in the opioid crisis and deaths that are tearing apart our country and destroying good communities like Henderson and Vance County, North Carolina. But now, with the imposition of a 144-month sentence, the people of Henderson can begin to recover from the horrible effects of Small’s actions. The Court’s sentence gives these communities that opportunity and we are very pleased that the United States Justice Department could play a role in achieving that result. I commend the Henderson Police Department for their excellent work in this case and bringing this man to justice.”

The case is a federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) criminal matter and was investigated by the Henderson Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Edward Gray prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

This case was prosecuted federally as part of the United States Department of Justice’s Opioid Initiative and the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Implemented in March 2018, the Take Back North Carolina Initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with local, state and federal 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 initiative targets those organizations and individuals who are responsible for increasing violent crime rates and drug trafficking – quickly routing the cases to federal court when prosecution in that venue would deliver the most significant impact.

News releases are available on the U.S. Attorney’s web page at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce. Follow us on twitter: @USAO_EDNC

Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks

Youth Fall Soccer & Volleyball Registration Extended Until Sat., Sept. 8

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-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center

The Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department announces a registration extension until Saturday, September 8, 2018, for youth interested in fall soccer or volleyball.

Soccer ages are 4 -14 and volleyball ages are 7-14.

Registration fee is $40

For more information, please contact Steve Osborne at (252) 438-2670 or sosborne@ci.henderson.nc.us or Victor Hunt at (252) 438-3408 or vhunt@ci.henderson.nc.us

District Attorney Update 08/29/18

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News 08/30/18

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VGCC Pins 15 Practical Nursing Graduates

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 -Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Fifteen Practical Nursing graduates were honored for their completion of the one-year program at Vance-Granville Community College during a pinning ceremony on July 25 in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus.

Upon receiving their diplomas, the graduates are now eligible to sit for the national exam for licensed practical nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Among the Practical Nursing graduates recognized at the ceremony were Reuben Aluoch of Raleigh, Eunice Ayaa of Creedmoor, Christopher Ellis of Wake Forest, Nikitra Hall of Wake Forest, Jason Hurley of Youngsville, Rumana Ibrahim of Raleigh, Cassidy Ivey of Henderson, Tiffany Lemay of Warrenton, Eric Luckenbaugh of Durham, Charles Ngeve of Durham, Joyce Nyaanga of Morrisville, Rose Nyagaka of Raleigh, Wyverta Rawls of Raleigh, Cherrie Satterfield of Rougemont, and Youlanda Simpson of Durham.

Welcoming remarks were offered by Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of academic affairs; Erica Jastrow, the college’s chair of the Nursing Department; and Eunice Ayaa, president of the Practical Nursing Class of 2018.

Above: Graduates honored at the VGCC Practical Nursing pinning ceremony included, first (front) row, from left: Cassidy Ivey, Tiffany Lemay, Joyce Nyaanga and Nikitra Hall; second row, from left: Cherrie Satterfield, Eric Luckenbaugh, Wyverta Rawls; third row, from left: Christopher Ellis, Jason Hurley, Eunice Ayaa, Reuben Alouch, Youlanda Simpson and Charles Ngeve. (VGCC photo)

“Our Nursing program goes all the way back to 1970, almost to the founding of this great institution of which will celebrate 50 years of existence next year,” said Dr. Brown. “Now we are proud to add to that history the Practical Nursing Class of 2018, a diverse group of students from several towns in our region.” While many members of the class have chosen specific nursing specialties for their careers, many also plan to continue their education, he said.  He encouraged the graduates to “aspire, accelerate and achieve in every walk of life.”

“With success comes great responsibility,” Jastrow noted in her remarks. “These students will have the responsibility of preparing for a challenging licensing exam. So if they tell you they still have to study, they really are telling you the truth…. I also hope they will take the opportunity to share their success so that others might be inspired to take the same journey they did.”

Ayaa, the class president, offered thanks to the instructors both at VGCC and in the clinical sites where the students received on-the-job experience. “You all have taught us what will help our patients the most,” she said.

“To our family and friends, thank you for listening to us,” she said. “Thank you for letting us perform skills on you. Thank you for lending us money. I hope we will pay them back!” she added, to laughter from the room. “Thank you for helping us accomplish our dreams. We could not have done it without you — not forgetting the North Carolina taxpayers and our donors. Thank you for your generosity, for the scholarships and the financial aid we received when we could no longer work and pay for our tuition. We are so grateful.”

Heather Wilson, Nursing instructor and SimLab Coordinator, shared the story of the distinctive Nursing Pin which was awarded to each student by Jastrow during the ceremony. During the pinning, biographies were read by Kathy Bray, nursing instructor, and Vanessa Ramseur, nursing instructor, presented lamps to the graduates. The story of the lamp was shared by Patsy Pegram, nursing instructor, and the lighting of the lamps was initiated by Brande McIlroy, nursing instructor, while Crystal Senter, nursing instructor, led the Nursing Pledge.

More photos: Check out VGCC’s album on Flickr!

H-V Chamber Logo

Tickets On Sale NOW for Chamber’s Third Annual Reverse Raffle

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce’s “Focus” Newsletter – July/August 2018

The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce along with the Henderson Police Department (HPD) and the Vance County Sheriff ’s Department are partnering again to host the third annual reverse raffle.

This annual event benefits a program serving local underprivileged children called “Shop With a Cop” along with the Chamber of Commerce and its efforts to help local business. The event is scheduled for Saturday, November 10, 2018, and will be held at Henderson Country Club beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and include dinner for two, a chance at the $5,000 grand prize and a dance at the completion of the raffle. Throughout the evening, guests will be given opportunities to bid on various silent auction items as well as two reserved tickets which will be auctioned toward the end of the ticket drawing. Three reserved tickets will also be raffled during the course of the evening.

The “Shop With a Cop” activity will take place in December at which time members of the HPD and Sheriff ’s Department will take local underprivileged children shopping with local retailers for Christmas. A certain dollar amount of the proceeds raised will be set aside for each participating child. There has been a great turnout for the past two years and we are expecting no less this year. “This fundraiser allows us to do a lot of good for the local community with the proceeds and the HPD and Sheriff ’s office are always anxious to do what we can to help local children”, said Police Chief Marcus Barrow.

There are opportunities for local businesses to donate silent auction items, sponsor the event or help in other ways. Members of the HPD, Vance County Sheriff ’s Department and Chamber staff and board of directors will be making community contacts in the very near future.

If you or your business would like to purchase tickets, donate items or get more information, contact the HPD, Vance County Sheriff ’s Department or the Chamber office at 252-438-8414.

Registration Underway for Henderson-Vance Rec. & Parks’ Youth Cheerleading

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-Information and flyer courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center

Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks announces that youth cheerleading registration is ongoing now through Friday, September 7, 2018. Register at Aycock Recreation Center, 307 Carey Chapel Road, Henderson. Registration fee is $40; $30 for those that played softball in 2018.

This program is designed for youth ages 6 – 14. The participants will learn the basic skills and fundamentals of cheering. They will be assigned coaches through the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department. Participants will practice cheering two to three times a week at the Old Aycock Park.

Cheerleaders will have the opportunity to cheer at youth football games for the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks’ youth football programs. Home games will be played at Vance County High School.

For additional information, please contact either:

Steve Osborne – sosborne@ci.henderson.nc.us or (252) 438-2670

Victor Hunt – vhunt@ci.henderson.nc.us or (252) 438-3408

 

 

News 08/29/18

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NC Coop Extension

Vance Co. 4-H Working on New Ideas, Trying to Keep Livestock Program Alive

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Lina Lue, the new cooperative extension agent with 4-H Youth Development in Vance County, was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to provide listeners with a better understanding of the mission of “the nation’s largest youth group.”

Lue, an Oxford native, was a member of 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) while in high school. Her love of these programs led her to the decision to major in extension education while attending NC State University. “I became a leader in 4-H when I was a youth member,” said Lue. “I realized I loved agriculture and had a passion for educating youth, so I went to school for extension education so I could work directly in cooperative extension.”

According to Lue, 4-H teaches youth ages 5-18 its motto of “learn by doing and how to make the best better.” Children must be five years of age by January 1 of the current year to participate.

Based on the four “H’s” of head, heart, hands and health, 4-H activities range from showing livestock to sewing classes and public speaking. “Hands stands for service to others, so we do service projects such as food drives; something that helps other people. Head refers to the knowledge you gain from participating in hands-on activities. Health demonstrates the 4-H focus on healthy living, healthy cooking and exercising. Heart is the passion you have for what you are learning,” Lue said.

While certainly not the only aspect of 4-H, agriculture makes up a larger portion of the focus. As youth have aged out of the program over the last few years, the participation in the livestock program has diminished. “We currently do not have any kids showing livestock right now,” said Lue. “I’m working on that.”

To participate in livestock shows, interested youth are paired with local farmers who volunteer their sheep, goats and cattle. “Kids work with the farmer and the animals typically once a week and then they get to show the animal and keep any prize money or awards given. The farmers are happy to do it,” Lue said.

Lue is currently trying to stir up enough interest in the community to start both an equine and a livestock club for local youth. “We need an adult leader who would commit to having nine meetings a year and then we need at least five members from three different families to be considered a club.”

Lue is also working on a parliamentary procedure and leadership program to help youth learn how to conduct a meeting, how to work together in a group setting and how to best prepare for public speaking engagements. Her goal is to begin the program in spring 2019.

In her short tenure with the Vance County Cooperative Extension Office, Lue has been busy working on new ideas for 4-H while trying to maintain established programs such as livestock. “What we really need right now are members and club leaders. The more clubs we have, the more youth we serve and the more we expand 4-H’s outreach.”

If interested in signing your child up for 4-H, to become a volunteer or if you have general questions, please contact Lue at (252) 438-8188 or lelue@ncsu.edu. The enrollment form and additional 4-H information may be found by clicking here.