Kerr-Vance Moves on in the NCISAA State Playoffs
/by Trey Snide
Kva Spartans! Fantastic win tonight! Congratulations Varsity Boys and Girls on winning the first round of States.
Posted by Beth Brafford Mooring on Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Video Credit – Beth Brafford Mooring
A HOT NIGHT AT KVA – Frank Wiggins
Although the temperatures hovered in the upper 30s last night in the area, things were heating up at Crawford Gymnasium on the campus of Kerr-Vance Academy. For the Lady Spartans, the heat came from an offensive onslaught that can only be described as “Caliente”. For the varsity men, the warmth was directly connected to the way the pendulum swung in a close game that was ultimately decided on a thrilling buzzer beater. One thing is for sure, a huge crowd of spectators got their money’s worth and then some.
The Lady Spartans (20-6) began the night seeking a win in the first round of the NCISAA playoffs. Their opponents were the Eagles of Wayne Christian School. Coach Sandy Ross’ squad got out of the gate hot, led by the torrid shooting of junior guard Emma Hogge who netted six 3 pointers in the first quarter. The Lady Spartans turned up the heat on the Eagles with a press defense which led to more easy baskets, scoring 52 total points in the first half. From there, they continued to be aggressive and cruised to victory with the final score being 73-41.
Credit a balanced attack on offense and a solid team effort on defense that assured the outcome. Emma Hogge led all scorers with 23 points, followed by Bonnie Evans with 20, Ashley Dickerson with 16, and Cheyenne Owen with 12. Owen and Dickerson hauled in 12 and 8 boards respectively. Evans led the defense with 8 steals. Abi Harrelson, 13 points, and Payton Jackson, 8 points led Wayne Christian School in scoring. The Lady Spartans move on in the state playoffs, hitting the road to take on Trinity Christian School of Fayetteville, Thursday, February 15 at 6 pm.
In the nightcap, the undefeated CIC Champions had their hands full with an athletic, well-coached Wayne Christian team. The hot shooting in the girl’s game did not carry over to the varsity boy’s contest. This one was a grinder from start to finish. It was a tight game throughout and you could feel the tension growing in the stands as the game progressed. The Spartans got a boost in the first quarter from center Fermin Borbua whose rebounding, scoring, and the defense was key at the outset of the game. At the half, however, Wayne Christian held a 42-36 lead behind the shooting of Darrian Oates, 15 points and Jayden Young, 11 points.
The Spartans came out with more intensity in an effort to recapture the momentum. The teams traded baskets in the third quarter, but foul trouble became a huge problem for the Spartans. Leading scorers Michael Bowers and Andreas Wilson both played with four personals during the latter stages of the game, with Bowers eventually fouling out. The fourth quarter was highly contested and both teams played at a high level. Wilson kept the Spartans in it both with his passing and scoring. He netted 14 points and assisted on two crucial baskets to senior guard Wil Short. He and his teammates were also very active on defense coming up with loose balls when the team needed them. Wilson drew a key charge late in the game on Eagle guard Josiah Simmons.
With a minute and some change left, it appeared that the Spartans would be able to salt the game away with free throws, however, Wayne Christian’s Simmons scored on a 3 pointer and a defensive foul was assessed to Bowers away from the ball. The call resulted in a five-point swing and the Eagles led by two. After tying the game, the Spartans were whistled for another foul with 3.3 seconds on the clock. Oates stepped to the line and despite the intense noise level knocked in two free throws giving WCS a 68-66 lead. Coach Taron Downey called a timeout and set up a play. Wil Short scrambled to his right and inbounded the ball to Andreas Wilson who also optioned right and dribbled along the baseline as the clock ticked down. Wilson drained a 26 footer on the run as time expired giving the Spartans the win. Fans and players spilled out on the floor to celebrate the 69-68 win. Wilson led the Spartan attack with 29 points, 6 rebounds, and five assists. Junior Timothy Pettiford added 8 points and 14 rebounds. Borbua had 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks. The Spartans (25-0) advance to the second round where Statesville Christian School awaits. The game will be played on Thursday, February 15 at 6 pm in Statesville.
NCDA&CS schedules a public meeting Feb. 21 in Bullock on proposed gypsy moth treatments
/by WIZS StaffThe original copy of this press release is available online if you click here.
NCDA&CS schedules a public meeting Feb. 21 in Bullock on proposed gypsy moth treatments
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking input from residents and other interested parties in Granville and Vance counties concerning planned treatment activities for the non-native, highly destructive gypsy moth.
The meeting will be held Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. at the Bullock Volunteer Fire Department, 8677 U.S. Highway 15, Bullock. Information on proposed treatment options for the 16,967-acre site will be discussed.
Field monitoring activities conducted by the department have determined that reproducing populations of the gypsy moth exist in the Bullock community, north of Stovall, and the surrounding area. US Highway 15 North passes through and intersects Townsville Road in this block. Several waterways, including Spewmarrow Creek, Lick Branch, Beaver Pond Creek and Island Creek, flow into the James H. Kerr reservoir, the southern edge of which is within this block. The block is comprised of rural woods, farmland and 613 houses. The proposed treatment involves one application of mating disruptant.
In 2016, as many as 17 moths per trap were captured. In 2017, as many as 14 moths per trap were captured, indicating a persistent population.
In early spring, gypsy moth caterpillars feed on the leaves of hundreds of plant species, predominantly oaks and other hardwood trees. In heavily infested areas, trees may be completely stripped of foliage, leaving entire forests more susceptible to attacks from other pests.
Gypsy moths can also be a nuisance to the general public. In heavily infested areas, caterpillars may crawl on driveways, sidewalks, outdoor furniture, into homes, or end up in pools. Heavy defoliation can affect parks and recreation areas. Some people can have allergic reactions to the caterpillars’ tiny hairs if inhaled.
Options for dealing with gypsy moth infestations include aerial spraying of biological pesticides or gypsy moth mating disruptants. Trapping grids will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments.
The department has addressed spot introductions of the gypsy moth in several areas across North Carolina since the 1970s. The department is working with nine other states through the Gypsy Moth Slow the Spread Foundation and with other state and federal agencies to reduce the expansion of the gypsy moth into uninfested areas of the country.
Temco/New Dixie Robbery Suspects Sought, Public Assistance Requested
/by WIZS StaffTemco/New Dixie Robbery Suspects Sought, Public Assistance Requested
HPD Press Release
On Wednesday, February 7, 2018 around 10:20 PM, members of the Henderson Police Department responded to Temco Food Mart, 1022 Ruin Creek Road Henderson, NC in reference to an armed robbery. The suspects were described as two black males. One suspect was described as wearing a black hoodie and a bandana, and the other as wearing a dark-colored hoodie and a bandana. Suspects displayed firearms and stole an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency.
On Thursday, February 8, 2018 around 9:50 PM, members of the Henderson Police Department responded to New Dixie Mart, 1201 Dabney Drive Henderson, NC in reference to an armed robbery. The suspects were described as two black males. One suspect was described as wearing a black hoodie, and the other as wearing a gray hoodie and a black jacket. One of the suspects displayed a firearm and stole an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency.
The Henderson Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect(s) involved in these cases. If you have knowledge of who the suspect is or know of his whereabouts you are asked to contact the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141. Callers may also call Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925 or by using the P3 app on a smartphone or tablet device. Callers may remain anonymous.
Authority: Chief M.W. Barrow
Kittrell Community Watch Meeting Thurs, Feb 15, 2018
/by John C. Rose— pictures and information provided by Edward Woodlief
Kittrell Community Watch will meet at 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Union Chapel United Methodist Church located at 6535 Raleigh Road, Henderson. The meeting will take place on Thursday, Feb 15.
Woodlief wrote in an email to WIZS News, “Please note this is a new location for the meetings. A member of the NC State Highway Patrol will be the speaker. Candidates for the May Sheriff Election, Curtis Brame and Billy Gooch will also speak. Light refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome.”
The organization has a web page if you would like more information – www.kittrellcommunitywatch.com.

(Kittrell Community Watch Photo)
Mary Jo Floyd, (Reporter) Jill Floyd (phone tree), Bailey Alston, Guest Speaker, Edward Woodlief, President, and Greg Thorpe, Sheriff’s Department from an earlier meeting
VGCC Honors Retired Faculty and Staff
/by John C. Rose— courtesy VGCC
VGCC honors retired faculty and staff
Vance-Granville Community College celebrated employees who had retired from the college — and particularly those nine who retired in 2017 — during a holiday social for faculty and staff, held in December in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus.
Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of VGCC, thanked all employees, past and present, for their dedicated service to students and the community. “Our employees make VGCC such a special place,” Dr. Williams said, adding that this year’s retirees included a “super scientist,” a “duo of dynamic directors,” a “talented techie,” an “awesome administrative assistant,” a “creative cosmetologist,” a “champion child care specialist” and the “greatest of all time groundskeepers.” She noted that these nine retirees served VGCC for a combined 136 years.
She called upon various college leaders to make presentations to their departments’ newest retirees.
Dean of Arts and Sciences Cynthia Grissom-Young recognized Dr. Gail Ruby, who, as part of a long career in education, taught Physics, Math and other courses at Main Campus, South Campus and online for four years.
Director of Plant Operations Jack Puckett honored John Allen for his seven years of service as the Groundskeeper on VGCC’s Main Campus.
Puckett likewise praised Dennis Hodge, who was retiring after 12 years. Hodge joined VGCC as a Groundskeeper and eventually became Coordinator of Grounds Maintenance. Puckett recognized both Allen and Hodge for their commitment to excellence that kept the campus grounds beautiful.
Vice President of Institutional Research and Technology Dr. Ken Lewis recognized Chuck Tulloch, Senior Computer Technician/Telecom Administrator in the Information Technology department, who retired with 10 years of service. He also graduated from VGCC with an associate degree in Networking Technology.
Myra Poole, interim dean of continuing education and basic skills, praised Jean Blaine, another 10-year veteran, who retired as director of Occupational Extension and was previously an administrator in VGCC’s Prison Programs. She was VGCC’s Staff Member of the Year in 2010.
Vice President of Finance & Operations Steve Graham recognized Jack Puckett, who, he said, wore “a number of hats” in his 16 years of service at VGCC. Puckett retired as Director of Plant Operations.
Registrar Kathy Ktul lauded Deborah Sullivan, a longtime administrative assistant in Student Services, as organized and a “workhorse” who took on numerous vital tasks. She retired after 18 years, many of those years in the Career Center.
Cosmetology Program Head Tomeka Moss saluted Iris Richardson, a Cosmetology instructor who taught at three VGCC campuses during her 18 years. She graduated from VGCC with an associate degree, a diploma and a Cosmetology Instructor certificate.
Finally, Dean Grissom-Young paid tribute to Deborah Harris, Child Care Specialist in the Child Care Center on Main Campus, and, with 41 years of service, VGCC’s longest-serving full-time employee upon her retirement. Harris was also surprised at the social when Dr. Williams presented her with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine on behalf of Gov. Roy Cooper.
–VGCC–
Free, Fresh Food Distribution Thurs, Feb 15, 2018
/by John C. RoseFree, Fresh Food Distribution Thurs, Feb 15, 2018
The First Baptist Church of Henderson, NC will coordinate a fresh food distribution on Thursday, February 15 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. It will take place at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market, located at 210 Southpark Drive, off Beckford Drive.
First Baptist volunteer Betty Boyd said, “This is the same distribution that St. James Missionary Baptist Church has organized and coordinated. They have been offering this service every other month. They asked First Baptist to partner with them to bring this food distribution to the area all year. We are excited about the opportunity to supplement food resources for around 200 families each month.”
The food distribution is open to anyone and is on a first come/first served basis. Citizens coming to the distribution are asked to remain in their car. Police and Sheriff’s Department personnel will direct traffic into the Farmer’s Market parking lot.
Boyd said, “The distributions that I have volunteered for with St. James Baptist have usually ended around 11:15 a.m. when they have given out all boxes. If a car has two adults, they will receive two boxes of food. We are very excited to be able to bring this supplement of fresh vegetables and fruits to our community!”
VGCC names Farmer to lead programs
/by John C. Rose— press release courtesy VGCC
VGCC names educator to lead programs
Vance-Granville Community College recently named Delton Farmer of Durham to head three academic programs: Accounting, Business Administration and Supply Chain Management. Farmer has been a VGCC faculty member since 2007.
Farmer is a veteran of the U.S. Army, in which he served as a logistical specialist. He earned an associate degree at the University of Maryland, College Park, a bachelor’s degree at North Carolina Wesleyan College, and master’s degrees in both Business Administration and Health Administration at Pfeiffer University.
After completing six years of military service, Farmer entered the business world, working as an accountant, financial analyst and manager, primarily in the health-care and clinical research industries in the Research Triangle area. In his more than a decade at VGCC, he has taught a variety of Business Administration and Supply Chain (formerly known as Global Logistics) courses at multiple campuses and online. Farmer is also the pastor for Covenant Presbyterian Church in Durham, and he has completed his Master of Divinity degree from Shaw University.
The three curriculum degree programs that Farmer will oversee prepare students for a variety of careers in business, accounting and logistics industries. Students may complete the Business Administration and Supply Chain Management programs completely online if they choose. Supply Chain Management has two degree track options: Global Logistics Technology and Trucking Operations Management.
The VGCC Accounting program, meanwhile, was recognized as one of the ten best associate degree programs in its field across the United States by Accounting.com in 2017.
“Delton brings a wealth of real-world experience from the military and the private sector to his position, along with his many years in the classroom, educating, inspiring and supporting VGCC students,” said Angela Gardner-Ragland, VGCC’s Dean of Business and Applied Technologies. “We look forward to his leadership in continuing to grow our programs in these exciting fields that offer numerous employment opportunities for our graduates.”
For more information on the Accounting, Business Administration or Supply Chain Management programs, contact Farmer at (252) 738-3295 or farmerd@vgcc.edu.
–VGCC–