VGCC Graduates 17 Cadets in 106th BLET Class
-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College
Seventeen new cadets graduated from the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program at Vance-Granville Community College in a ceremony held in the Civic Center on Main Campus. After passing the state certification exam, all are authorized to work in any law enforcement agency in North Carolina.
Honored during the May 15 ceremony in VGCC’s 106th BLET class were Tyima Barbara Johnson, William Gant Sipfle and Dylan Blake Wilson of the Henderson Police Department; Lauren Elizabeth Matthews and David Alan Watson of the Granville County Sheriff’s Department; Jonathan Cameron Burnette, Alan Gregory Mitchell and Devin Antonio Younger of the Oxford Police Department; Michael Patrick Burns and Torrance Danyel Terry of the Vance County Sheriff’s Department; Dontravious Marques Harrison, Darnell Anthony Powell and Kenneth Latrel Richardson of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office; Brice Anthony Warren of the Roxboro Police Department; Randy Dale Parrott of the Crabtree Special Police Department; and Margaret Alyssa Bailey and Brian Nicholas Vermilya, VGCC students.
Shown above are the latest graduates of the VGCC Basic Law Enforcement Training program with the program administrators: front row, from left, Andrea Hyson, VGCC Law Enforcement/BLET director and graduates William Douglas, Torrance Terry, Margaret Bailey, Michael Burns, Lauren Matthews, and VGCC Law Enforcement/BLET coordinator/instructor Glen Boyd: second row: graduates Tyima Johnson, Devin Younger, Johnathan Burnette, Alan Mitchell, Randy Parrott, Brian Vermilya, and Dylan Wilson; and back row, graduates Dontravious Harrison, Darnell Powell, Kenneth Richardson, David Watson, William Sipfle, and Brice Warren. (VGCC Photo)
Also recognized were graduates of VGCC’s 105th BLET class: William Furman Douglas of the Henderson Police Department; and Stephanie Paige Covell and Angel Rosemaria Tanner, VGCC students.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of academic affairs, applauded the graduates and thanked their families for providing support during the 16-week program. Dr. Brown expressed his appreciation to the faculty and staff who had instructed Class 106 and thanked the area law enforcement agencies who sponsor and hire the cadets.
“These cadets of Class 106 vary in age, background and experience, but they are united by their common desire to protect and serve their respective communities,” said Dr. Brown. “They now join the ranks of the 105 classes before them who have given this program its excellent reputation for preparing law enforcement professionals.”
Speaking as leader of the class, Cadet Devin Younger added his thanks to the instructors and introduced Capt. James Champion of Butner Public Safety, representing the instructors of the program, who was chosen by the cadets as the keynote speaker for the graduation.
“We cannot change the past, but we can affect the future,” Capt. Champion told the cadets. “One way we can affect the future is to maintain and protect our own integrity. Building trust with the community is fundamental to effective policing. Sound conduct by law enforcement officers such as yourself improves community interaction and enhances communications. No matter how much good you do, people will only remember the bad.”
Citing a variety of synonyms for the word “integrity” — honesty, honor, good characters, strong morals, among them — Capt. Champion said, “Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Your personal choices in your life and in your career are the only things that can make you lose your integrity.”
“Please remember, it’s OK to fail,” he said. “When you make a mistake, admit to the mistake, learn from it and get better.”
Citing Proverbs 10:9, Capt. Champion concluded, “People with integrity walk securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”
In recognition of National Police Week, May 13-19, and Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, being observed on the day of the cadets’ graduation, the Butner Public Safety captain led a moment of silence for 129 officers who were killed in the line of duty in 2017.
Glen Boyd, coordinator and instructor of Law Enforcement programs and BLET at VGCC, presented awards to several students. Lauren Matthews took home the Academic Achievement Award for having the top grade average in the written tests each cadet must pass. Torrance Terry earned the Physical Fitness Award for scoring highest in the various fitness tests the cadets undergo during physical training. David Watson won the “Top Gun” Award for having the highest accuracy score in firearms qualification.
Certificates were presented to the graduates by Andrea Hyson, the director of Law Enforcement programs and BLET at VGCC, and Boyd. Abidan Shah, pastor of Clearview Church, provided the invocation and the benediction for the ceremony.
For more information on the BLET program, contact Hyson at hysona@vgcc.edu.
More photos: Check out the VGCC album on Flickr.
Daily Dispatch & H-V Chamber Seeking ’10 Under 40′ Nominations
-Information courtesy Sandra C. Wilkerson, Director of Administration and Events, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce
Do you know someone under the age of 40 making a difference in the Henderson-Vance County community? The Daily Dispatch and the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce are seeking nominations to identify our community’s young, emerging leaders in politics, business, nonprofit, and the faith community.
To nominate someone, go to https://bit.ly/10under40form. You can also pick up forms at either the Chamber office at 414 S. Garnett Street, Henderson or at The Daily Dispatch at 304 S. Chestnut Street, Henderson.
Deadline to submit nominations is August 10, 2018
Check out the video on the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce Facebook page where Chamber President John Barnes and The Dispatch Publisher Nancy Wykle talk about why it’s important to identify the people under the age of 40 who are helping move our community forward.
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H-V Chamber Seeking Donations for New Teacher Welcome Bags
-Information courtesy Sandra C. Wilkerson, Director of Administration and Events, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce is preparing to welcome new teachers to the Vance County area on Tuesday, August 14, 2018. The schools include all Vance County Public Schools, Henderson Collegiate, Crossroads Christian School, Kerr-Vance Academy, and Vance Charter School.
We are looking for donations from local business owners to pack into bags for these teachers. We have approximately 210 new teachers that we will be welcoming to the area.
If your business would be able to donate, we would greatly appreciate it. Donations are being accepted now until Tuesday, August 7.
Thank you for your generous donations and for being a part of this special project.
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Stolen Equipment Leads to Charges of Mail/Wire Fraud for Employee
-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a Federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned a twelve-count indictment charging BILL BAEZ, JR., age 28, of Raleigh, North Carolina, with six counts of Mail Fraud and six counts of Wire Fraud.
The indictment alleges that beginning in or around October 2017, and continuing until in or around January 2018, BAEZ engaged in a scheme to defraud his employer by stealing over $40,000 worth of its medical equipment and selling the items on eBay for his own profit. BAEZ mailed the stolen medical equipment to his buyers via the United States Postal Service. When law enforcement arrested BAEZ on January 30, 2018, they recovered several pieces of stolen medical equipment. Some of those items had been packaged for mailing.
If convicted of all counts, BAEZ could face a maximum penalty of twenty years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and local law enforcement.
News releases are available on the U. S. Attorney’s webpage at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce. Follow us on twitter @USAO_EDNC.
Four Local K9 Officers to Receive Bullet-Proof Vests
-Information courtesy Franklin Co. Sheriff Kent Winstead’s Facebook page
The Mona Pants Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit dog rescue group, is donating bullet-proof vests to four K9 Officers – two from the Henderson Police Department and two from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department.
The lucky recipients of the “vestification” project, started by the Mona Pants Foundation in 2016, include Franklin Co. K9 Officer Ace (Corporal A. Barrett), Franklin Co. K9 Officer Oli (Corporal K. Gunter), Henderson K9 Officer Deli (Sergeant J. Thomas) and Henderson K9 Officer Nero (Officer Machelick).
These bullet-proof and stab-proof vests are in the process of being made and should be ready for the K9 Officers in a few weeks.
For more information, including pictures of the officers, please click here.
Red Cross Blood Shortage Continues; Critical Need for Type O Donors
-Press Release, American Red Cross
Thousands of people have responded to the emergency call for blood and platelet donations issued by the American Red Cross in early July. Still, there continues to be an emergency need for donors of all blood types, especially type O, to give now to address a severe blood shortage.
Red Cross blood donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in, and right now there is less than a five-day blood supply on hand. The Red Cross strives to keep a five-day supply of blood to meet the needs of patients and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood products.
“Patients don’t get a summer break from the need for lifesaving treatments, so it is critical that hospitals have access to blood products each and every day,” said Maya Franklin of the Carolinas Blood Services Region. “We sincerely appreciate those who have responded to the call to help save lives, but the emergency need remains. Those who haven’t rolled up a sleeve to give are urged to do so today.”
There is a particular need for type O blood, which plays an important role in ongoing patient care and emergencies. Type O positive is the most transfused blood type and can be given to patients with any Rh-positive blood type. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be given to any patient. It’s what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine the blood type of patients in the most serious situations.
In thanks, all those who come to donate blood or platelets July 30 through Aug. 30, 2018, will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)
Donors of all blood types are urged to make an appointment to give now using the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities July 25 – August 15, 2018:
Franklin
Youngsville
7/29/2018: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Youngsville Masonic Lodge #377, 110 W. Main Street
Granville
Creedmoor
7/27/2018: 2:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Avenue
Oxford
8/9/2018: 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Oxford Baptist Church, 147 Main Street
Vance
Henderson
8/13/2018: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., MR Williams, 235 Raleigh Rd
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
Open Auditions for McGregor Hall’s Production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’
-Information courtesy the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center website and Facebook page
We are pleased to invite you to open auditions for McGregor Hall’s fall production of “Beauty and the Beast.” All roles are available for audition including those of Belle and the Beast. Join us for the rare opportunity to perform in a 1,000-seat state-of-the-art venue with elegant professional costumes, a professional live orchestra, and top-flight tech and set.
- You may choose to audition on either Saturday, August 18 at 10 a.m. or Sunday, August 19 at 7 p.m. You may subsequently be asked to attend a callback audition on Monday, August 20 at 7 p.m.
- Auditions will be held at McGregor Hall, 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson. Please enter through the backstage door facing Winder Street at the top of the handicap ramp.
- All those auditioning must complete the online pre-audition form available by clicking here
- The production opens on October 25 with two daytime performances for area school children.
- There will be four 8 p.m. evening performances on October 26 & 27 and November 2 & 3. There will be two 2 p.m. matinee performances on October 28 and November 4.
- Rehearsals will begin on August 27.
- Onstage chorus members may be asked to purchase or rent costumes at their own expense.
- A list of characters appearing in the production with their descriptions is available by clicking here
- A printable flyer with additional information on audition requirements is available by clicking here
- Break a leg!
Visit www.mcgregorhall.org/beauty-and-the-beast-audition-info for requirements, the pre-audition form and for more pertinent information. You may also email info@mcgregorhall.org for information.
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