Middle and High School Consolidation? Community Input Sought

/by

Vance County Schools
For Immediate Release
January 9, 2018

The Vance County Board of Education at its January 8 meeting directed Superintendent Anthony Jackson and school system staff members to seek community input on a potential facilities consolidation plan that would impact current Vance County middle and high schools.

Jackson provided information at the board meeting outlining a process to gather input on the feasibility of consolidating middle and high schools. The proposal includes the possibility of consolidating Henderson and Eaton-Johnson Middle Schools for the 2018-2019 school year. It further proposes the possibility of consolidating Northern Vance and Southern Vance High Schools for the 2019-2020 school year.

Jackson stressed that the consolidation proposal is the result of several years of declining student enrollment across the district and the need to improve the efficient and financial sustainability of school operations.

The matter was brought to the full board following a recommendation from the board’s Building and Grounds Committee with a motion from the Committee’s Chair Mrs. Ruth Hartness to begin the process of gathering input from the local community.

Several public meetings to discuss the proposal are scheduled. The meetings include: January 25 at 10 a.m. in the school system’s Administrative Services Center; January 25 at 6 p.m. at Henderson Middle School; January 29 at 6 p.m. at Eaton-Johnson Middle School; January 30 at 10 a.m. in the Administrative Services Center; January 30 at 6 p.m. at Northern Vance High School; and February 8 at 6 p.m. at Southern Vance High School. There also will be a meeting on January 17 with principals at a time and location to be determined as well as meetings with middle and high school faculties.

Included in the report to the board, it was noted that enrollment in Vance County Schools has declined from 6,848 students in 2012-2013 to 5,980 students in the current school year. The consolidation proposal seeks to improve and enhance services and programs for students.

At the direction of the board, the proposal should not impact any of the district’s 10 elementary schools.

Initial projections indicate that by consolidating the two middle schools on one campus, the district could save an estimated $1 million annually. One consolidated middle school would serve approximately 835 students.

A consolidated high school could see estimated savings of approximately $1.4 million each year. One high school would serve approximately 1,500 students.

The consolidation proposal projects a reduction of approximately 19 positions at the middle school level and 25 positions at the high school level, plus operational and monthly cost for facilities no longer needed.

The community engagement process will involve the public meetings to gather input from all stakeholders in the community through February. The staff will compile this information and bring a final report with recommendations to the board for its review in March.

It is important to recognize that all savings realized by these proposals will be redirected back into the consolidated schools to support our students and staff and to improve program offerings.

It is important that the staff receive ample input from the community, so that they might be able to make the best recommendation to the board in March. The Board reiterates that no final decisions have been made. They need to hear from the community to ensure that the plan has the necessary support for success moving forward.

#VANCECoProud – Wills Delegate to Congress of Future Medical Leaders

/by

— courtesy Vance County Schools
For Immediate Release
January 10, 2018

Kianna Wills, who is a junior at the Vance County Early College High School, has been selected as a delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Lowell, Ma., June 25-27.

The Congress is an honors program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields. The purpose of the event is to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country who aspire to be physicians or medical scientists to stay true to their dream. It also helps to provide a path, plan and resources to help students reach their goals.

Wills was nominated for the Congress by Dr. Mario Capecchi, winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine and the science director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists. She will represent her school based on her academic achievements, leadership potential and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine.

During the three-day Congress, Wills will join students from across the nation and hear Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science recipients talk about leading medical research. Students also will be given advice from Ivy League and top medical school deans on what to expect in medical school and they will learn about cutting edge advances and the future in medicine and medical technology.

The National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists offers free services and programs to students including: online social networks through which future doctors and medical scientists can communicate; opportunities for students to be guided and mentored by physicians and medical students; and communications for parents and students on college acceptance and finances, skills acquisition, internships, career guidance and more.

Maria Parham Health welcomes Dr. Aidevo Igbide

/by

The following is a press release from Maria Parham Health, not a paid advertisement.

Henderson, NC – Maria Parham Health (MPH), a Duke LifePoint hospital, is excited to announce that Aidevo S. Igbide, MD has joined their primary care physician practice, Maria Parham Primary Care. Dr. Igbide joins our community from Surrey, BC, Canada where she practiced family medicine. Dr. Igbide has over 17 years of experience as a doctor and has worked in multiple countries throughout the world. You can continue reading this article here.

Dr. Igbide earned her medical degree from the University of Benin, School of Medicine in Benin City, Nigeria. She completed a residency program at London Deanery, Sidcup Training in Family Medicine and also trained in internal medicine at the Queens hospital, London Deanery both located in London England. Dr. Igbide holds several licensures including North Carolina  medical Board and College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia. She previously held a teaching license with the Washington State Medical Board. She is also certified through multiple organizations and societies including, Board certification by the College of Family Physicians of Canada. She is a Member Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP), United Kingdom and a Member Royal College of Physicians (MRCP), United Kingdom. She is ECFMG certified and board eligible with the American Board of Family Physicians (ABFM).

Dr. Igbide holds several active professional memberships in the following organizations, Canada Medical Protection association, College of Family Physicians of Canada, Canadian Medical Association and the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom. When she is not working, Dr. Igbide enjoys swimming, aerobics and Zumba dancing, cooking and traveling. She is also a soprano soloist and enjoys taking time to practice her skill.

Maria Parham Primary Care is located in the Vance Medical Arts Building across from Maria Parham Health. This practice offers primary care services for the entire family including preventative care, annual wellness care, childhood illness, well child care, women’s health, treatment of chronic illness and geriatric care. Dr. Igbide joins Dr. Gary Smith and Dr. Kavitha Subramanian at Maria Parham Primary Care.

Dr. Igbide is now accepting patients at Maria Parham Primary Care located at 511 Ruin Creek Rd, Suite 101 in Henderson. To reach Maria Parham Primary Care, please call 252.436.0040 appointments can also be made online by visiting mariaparham.com.

###

(Maria Parham Health is an advertising client of WIZS.  This is not a paid advertisement.)

News 01/10/18

/by

Daddy’s Boys: Broken Promises – Sat, Jan 13

/by

The following is a press release from McGregor Hall, not a paid advertisement.

New Play Coming To McGregor Hall Delves Into Issues Facing The African-American Family

‘Daddy’s Boys: Broken Promises’ Debuts On McGregor Hall Stage On MLK Jr. Weekend With Promise To Entertain & Educate Audience

HENDERSON, N.C. — “Come out and support issues facing the African-American family during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend,” declared Garrett Davis, the award-winning urban theatrical playwright who recently announced that his latest stage play, “Daddy’s Boys: Broken Promises,” is coming to McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson, N.C., on Saturday, January 13, 2018.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the play starts at 8 p.m.

The play delves into the role of men as fathers, according to Davis, who said the issue of a fatherless home has become “a widespread problem, especially in the black community.” Davis, who is not one to shy away from hard issues, further explained that the play “takes audience members on an emotional journey that stresses the importance of fathering.”

During the production, the character Jessie known as Pops (Chris Ross) wasn’t always there for his three sons; however, when he’s faced with the last days of his life due to cancer, he comes to realize he needs to do more to be a better parent while he still has time. The three sons include Junior (Kenneth Pierce, Sr.), Punkin (Devonte Wells) and Charles (Dartez Wright).

“Each role will entertain you with humor, singing and an honest message that’s especially fit for young men, fathers and mothers,” Davis said, adding that “Daddy’s Boys” also educates men about prostate cancer.

According to the Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN), prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer and second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States. Furthermore, PHEN reports the African American prostate cancer incidence rate is 60 percent higher, and mortality rate 150 percent higher compared to any other racial or ethnic group.

According to Davis, one of the major contributors to the prostate cancer crisis is a lack of awareness and knowledge about the disease. “Knowledge is critical to surviving prostate cancer,” he advised, noting that black men need to know about the their risk level, early detection testing and treatment options. “‘Daddy’s Boys,’” he said, “aims to help educate African American men about prostate cancer.”

This is not the first time Davis has created a play with a mission to educate and advocate. His plays, “Mama’s Girls” and “Mama’s Girls 2” partnered with American Association of Retired Persons to launch the “Prepare to Care” project — a national outreach effort that raises the awareness of caregiving as well as with the American Diabetes Association.

Another production, “Forget Me Not” is more personal for Davis as it was written to provide closure for his real-life inability to cope with and care for his Grandma Goodness stricken with Alzheimer’s. His outreach, advocacy and awareness for Alzheimer’s led to successful partnerships with the US Against Alzheimer’s Network, Emory Hospital’s Brain Center and AstraZeneca that allows him to reach more people and make a difference in people’s lives. His partnership with Emory Hospital’s Brain Center successfully registered over 100 participants for clinical trials.

Davis explained, “I would hate for there to be a cure but it didn’t apply to us for lack of knowledge.” In addition, as U.S. Ambassador for the National Alzheimer’s Association, Davis learned more about the disease, and the regulatory laws as well as the platform to educate and further share the importance of the caregiver. He co-founded The African American Network Against Alzheimer’s with Honorary Co-Chairs former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher, Rev. Al Sharpton, The Honorable Kay Coles James and Melody Barnes, formerly of the Obama Administration.

Davis’ brand of reality infotainment as he calls it, impact the way we learn, feel, think and live our best lives. For “Daddy’s Boys: Broken Promises,” he invites you to join others in the region for this life-changing message.

Tickets are on sale for $25 or $22 plus sales tax. Group and student rates are available.

Tickets can be purchased directly at the McGregor Hall Box office, which is open Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Box Office is located at 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson. The Box Office can also be reached by phone by calling (252) 598-0662. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.McGregorHall.org by using the secure and trusted purchasing platform, eTix. Online fees apply.

###

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Vance County Food Giveaway Thurs, Jan 11, 2018

/by

Vance County Food Giveaway Thurs, Jan 11, 2018

NEWS RELEASE: For Immediate Release – Wednesday, January 10,2018

From: Turner Pride, County Extension Director

Community agencies and the faith-based community have joined forces to help feed Vance County! On Thursday, January 11, 2018 the NC Central/Eastern Food Bank will be distributing bags of food to community members who are in need of food at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market. The distribution will begin at 10 a.m. with volunteers from various agencies from across the county. Citizens will receive disbursements using a drive through method, as bags will be bought to individual cars when citizens arrive at the site. Citizens are asked to not arrive until 10 a.m. and to refrain from lining up ahead of time blocking traffic. This project is being sponsored locally by St. James Missionary Baptist Church, Vance County Department of Social Services, Vance County Cooperative Extension Center, and the Vance County USDA Farm Service Agency.

Vance County Center
North Carolina Cooperative Extension
305 Young St.
Henderson, NC 27536
Phone:252-438-8188

News 01/09/18

/by
Vance County NC

City and County Leaders Vote to Demolish Abagayles Books Property

/by

In the respective Vance County Commissioners and Henderson City Council meetings Monday night, the boards each voted to demolish the former Abagayles Books property on Garnett Street and that the effort would be jointly funded 50/50.

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington indicated the council “moved ahead with that to joint fund with the county 50/50.”

Vance Commissioners Chairman Tommy Hester said, “Yes, we did approve.”

Monday night’s Vance Commissioners agenda packet, of which the entire agenda is available online by clicking here, indicated the properties committee met and reviewed quotes received to demolish the building at 405 South Garnett Street.  The committee recommended its demolition.

The agenda packet information reads as follows on page 16 of the document:

“The committee met and discussed recent quotes received by the City of Henderson for demolition of the jointly owned Abagayles Books Building on Garnett Street. Previously the city and county considered adding a roof to the structure at a cost of $24,000 although a recent structural evaluation by an engineer determined significant repairs would be necessary inside of the building. The City land planning committee has recommended and the city council will be considering demolition of the building at their January 8th meeting. Recent quotes obtained for the demolition have a low bid of $18,000 plus an additional $500 to increase the liability insurance to 2 million. The county would cover 50% of the demolition cost from existing budgeted funds, or not to exceed $9,250 subject to approval from the City of Henderson. The committee discussed the potential presence of asbestos and recommended including an additional $5,000 as a contingency to cover 50% of any asbestos cost. An asbestos report completed since the committee meeting indicates no presence of asbestos, although a contingency is still advised. All county costs associated with the demolition would come from existing budgeted funds for joint property demolition and maintenance. The committee recommended proceeding with the demolition but requested that the adjoining building owner be notified of any responsibility for the shared wall following demolition. Also, the owner of the adjoining vacant lot has given permission for use of the lot for access during demolition. Recommendation: Approve demolition of the Abagayles Books building and authorize use of existing budgeted funds for 50% of the demolition cost or not to exceed $9,250 plus $5,000 as a contingency for asbestos abatement subject to approval from the City of Henderson.”

City of Henderson Logo

Henderson City Council Meeting 1-8-18

/by

Update: 9 p.m.

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington told WIZS News that the resolutions covered below “both passed unanimously.”  Furthermore, he said, “The Department of Transportation came up with another $100,000 on the project.”  He said he received the call today.

These two resolutions considered at Monday night’s meeting protect the historical aspects of the old First National Bank Building downtown and clear the way for a Beckford Drive widening project.

—-

In the agenda packet for the Henderson City Council meeting for 1-8-18, among other items, is consideration of a resolution for a First National Bank Building preservation easement downtown and the consideration of a resolution to amend the budget for a Beckford Drive widening project.

Several potential buyers had expressed an interest in purchasing the old First National Bank Building, but the offers were low.

City Manager Frank Frazier said, “Our land planning committee met and asked the staff to draw up some covenants to protect the integrity of that building.  We wanted to make sure whatever was done, particularly with the outside of the building, to make sure that’s kept in tact and so forth.”

The City would love to see it restored and in private hands but also wants some guidelines to protect the historical nature of the building.

A City Council Action Form, which is also part of the agenda packet, said, “The City-owned First National Bank building is one of the most important structures in the City’s historical downtown district, which was established in 1987.  Staff recommends that the building’s unique character be protected through restrictions placed in any deed used to transfer ownership.”

As to the matter of widening Beckford Drive, the portion up for consideration is from the front of the City Operations Center down to the next intersection near the Universal Commerce Center and the Social Security Administration office.

Frazier said, “It’s to widen from two lanes to three lanes to get a turn lane in there plus a sidewalk if funds are available.  We got the money years ago through Congress really with a re-authorization bill.  We’ve been working for years getting rights of way…We’re getting close to being able to go out to bid on the project.”

Henderson Police Department

Henderson Man Arrested 1-5-18 on Drug Charges

/by

Henderson Police Department Press Release:

On January 5th, 2018 members of the Henderson Police Department Special Response Team and Vice-Narcotics Section conducted a search warrant at 424 Thomas Street, Henderson after receiving complaints of drug sales. During the execution of the search warrant fifteen (15) grams of cocaine was located and seized. James Glover Jr, 46, of 424 Thomas Street, Henderson was arrested and charged with Felony PWIMSD Schedule II, and Felony Maintaining a Dwelling. He received a $10,000 secured bond pending a court hearing on January 16, 2018 in Vance County.

Authority: Chief Barrow