Rebuilding Hope Inc. ‘Kids Construction Camp’ Aug. 6-8

There are still a few spots available for Rebuilding Hope Inc.’s Kids Construction Camp, which gives young people an opportunity to learn about tools and how to use them.

The three-day camp takes place Aug. 6-8 at Rebuilding Hope’s facility, 414 Raleigh Rd. from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, said Tom Wille, co-director of Rebuilding Hope. The camp will be capped at 30; Wille said Monday there’s space for 5 or 6 more.

The camp is free and gives youngsters in 3rd-6th grade a chance to visit a variety of stations set up to learn about hammers and nails, electrical and plumbing, as well as block laying, roofing and more.

Wille said it’s a really good thing that the children get to learn some construction skills through hands-on activities, and “they learn a little about Jesus through the Bible Study,” he added.

Parents and guardians can find the application at www.rebuildinghopeinc.org or stop by the office, 414 Raleigh Rd. and pick up a paper copy.

The stations are mock-ups of real-life applications, but don’t worry – it’s all safe. The campers will be learning how to shingle a roof, but the roof is only waist-high, Wille said.

“Everything is safe, but they get the point to see how it’s done…see the tools that are involved,” he said.

The Kids Construction Camp could be a steppingstone to another opportunity for youth that Rebuilding Hope hosts each year: Servants on Site.

This weeklong program wrapped up last week, with 114 young people and even more adult volunteers working together to replace the roof on nine different homes in Vance and Warren counties.

“We were able to take the Gospel to our world – our Jerusalem, which is right here in Vance County and a couple of surrounding counties,” Wille said.

That in and of itself is good news, he said, but the even better news is that a number of youth participants and one of the homeowners professed their love of Christ during the week.

This year’s S.O.S. theme was “Follow Me,” and Wille said the participants got a chance to witness what it’s like to help those in need.

“They’ve made lifelong friends, seen things that they would (otherwise) not see and see how it directly affects the community around them. It’s a pretty awesome thing.”

The kids worked during the hottest week of the year and got a chance to see that hard work pays off – and makes a difference. “You get this opportunity to focus on thing of importance and things that matter,” he said. “It does become clearer…there are more important things than TikTok.”

The evenings were spent at Central Baptist Church, with high-energy Christian Rock music, a worship service, devotional time and small-group discussions about the goings-on of the day.

Several kids made the altar call, he said, a tribute to the power that comes with young people coming together to serve their community in the name of Jesus.

“We can talk about Jesus all we want to, but if we’re not out there relating to them, people are not going to see it,” Wille said.

“If we don’t get out there and show that compassion, that tenderness, the forgiveness, we don’t mirror God.”

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(This story was originally published July 1, 2025.)
VGCC Logo

VGCC To Host Applied Technology Programs Open Houses July 30, Aug. 5

— information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Vance-Granville Community College is hosting two Applied Technology Program Open Houses for new and prospective students. Stop by on Wednesday, July 30, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. or Tuesday, August 5, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. to explore VGCC’s Applied Technology programs in person before the new semester begins in August.

Meet instructors and program directors and tour lab facilities to get a close-up look at the latest equipment during the open house opportunities. College staff will be on hand to share information about admission, program pathways and other support services the college offers, as well as information about financial aid and registration, according to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel.

Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a working professional, or someone considering a career change, VGCC has a variety of programs designed to meet you where you are and help you build a successful future. Visit just one program if you already know what skills you want to pursue,  or you can explore all five to see which one fits your career goals.

Visit the Main Campus in Henderson to learn about Automotive Systems Technology, Electrical Systems Technology and HVAC Technology. The South Campus in Creedmoor will host the Mechatronics & Electronics Engineering Technology tour and the Franklin Campus will host the Welding Technology tour.

Visit https://www.vgcc.edu/ to learn more.

Please note the tours listed below take place at various Vance-Granville campuses. Addresses and directions to all campuses may be found at www.vgcc.edu/about-us/campuses.

Main Campus, Henderson

Automotive Systems Technology

Location: Building 4, Room 4104
Contact: Program Head James Gibbs
gibbsj@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3204

Electrical Systems Technology

Location: Building 8, Room 8110-B
Contact: Instructor Alvin Durham
durhama@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3211

Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Technology (HVAC)

Location: Building 5, Room 5103
Contact: Program Head Mark Tillotson
tillotsonm@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3214

 

South Campus, Creedmoor

Mechatronics & Electronics Engineering Technology

Location: Building 1, Room G1124
Contact: Department Chair David Bullock
bullockd@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3541

 

Franklin Campus, Louisburg

Welding Technology

Location: Building 3, Room 3101-1
Contact: Program Head Luke Gravel
gravelc@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3338

 

(This news item was originally posted July 24, 2025.  This is not a paid ad.)

Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Yellow Jackets

Wayne Rowland, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:

Yellow Jackets can be controlled at night by applying hornet spray into the nest.

Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

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Honoring Chief Melvin G. Smith

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Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow was learning how to be a police officer when he met Melvin G. Smith, who by that time had retired from the Henderson Police Department with more than 30 years of service.

Smith made an impression on Barrow, then a student in the Basic Law Enforcement Training class, during a class about arrest techniques.

The other instructors were demonstrating particular ways to subdue and arrest, Barrow recalled on Monday’s TownTalk, but at half-speed, so the students could take it all in. But Smith’s half-speed was a bit quicker, Barrow said. “I found myself face down on a mat, my arm contorted in a way it probably shouldn’t have been contorted…I found out quick who he was,” he said of Smith.

“He was nice, polite about it, but he commanded a presence,” Barrow said. Nice, but all business.

That was Capt. Melvin Smith.

“He wore the badge proud. He wore the uniform proud,” Barrow said.

The current police chief had a chance to reminisce with Smith’s daughter recently and they swapped stories about Smith, who died on July 22 at the age of 87.

“Some things I knew, some things I didn’t,” Barrow said. And just like his daughter, Barrow said he’s proud of what Smith accomplished within the department and the larger community.

“He wasn’t just the first African American police officer or the first African American chief, he was the first at every level in the police department,” Barrow said.

Smith was also the first sergeant, and after working in the department’s vice and narcotics units, he was the first lieutenant, captain, then major, then chief.

“He broke a lot of barriers throughout his career in Henderson,” Barrow said.

Smith joined the police department in 1964. Barrow, born in 1976, said the department was probably much different then than it was when he joined in 1998.

“I can’t imagine what he went through, what he dealt with… I wouldn’t even begin to try to comprehend that, but it must have been something. It was very brave of him, and I think he took on that role and took it seriously. Obvious that he did, because he was able to progress through the department and open a lot of doors for people thereafter. I just think he was something special for us.”

Barrow recalled that whenever he’d spot Smith’s blue-and-white Ford pickup driving about, it’d cause him to sit up straighter behind the wheel. Only then would he pass by and wave at the truck’s driver, he said.

Smith was appointed chief in February 1995 and championed the concept of community policing – the idea that police officers should be a positive part of their city and be approachable by community members to partner together to reduce crime.

The first Community Watch organization was established in the neighborhood where Smith raised his family. The Pinkston Street Community Watch program still meets today, Barrow said.

“Community policing was his ‘thing,’” Barrow said.  “He knew everybody, everybody knew him.”

Somewhat mirror each other.

As Barrow closes in on a 30-year career with the Henderson Police Department, he said he like to think he and the former chief have a couple of things in common.

“We both started with Henderson and we’re going to end with Henderson,” Barrow said.

“I’ve never wanted to work anywhere else. I love this place. I probably share that with him a little bit, too. I know he loved this place, too.”

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9/13/1937 to 7/22/2025 (End Of Watch)

submitted by HPD Chief Marcus Barrow on July 24, 2025**

Before answering the call to serve his community, Chief Smith answered the call to serve his country. He joined the United States Air Force in December of 1957, receiving an honorable discharged in 1961, and continuing in reserve duty until 1963.

A graduate of Henderson Institute, Class of 1957, Chief Melvin G. Smith began his historic and groundbreaking career with the Henderson Police Department on February 10, 1964, at the age of twenty-six. Chief Smith holds the distinguished and courageous honor of being the first African American police officer in the history of the Henderson Police Department.

Chief Smith swiftly rose through the ranks at the Henderson Police Department. On February 25, 1970, just six years into his service, he was promoted to Sergeant, where he led efforts in a variety of roles, including vice and narcotics investigations. His leadership and dedication were further recognized with a promotion to Lieutenant on April 14, 1976. Later that same year, on October 25, he was appointed to lead the Vice Detective Division. Continuing his upward trajectory, he was promoted to Captain on April 7, 1983, and on May 26, 1992, became the first person in the agency’s history to hold the rank of Major.

By 1995, after serving the City of Henderson for over three decades under seven different police chiefs, Melvin G. Smith was appointed Chief of Police on February 23, 1995. With this appointment, he made history once again as the first African American Chief of Police for the City of Henderson.

The words above offer only a glimpse into the life and legacy of Chief Smith. They do not begin to capture the full measure of the man, the leader, the educator, and the mentor he was, nor does it depict his greatest roles, husband and father. His personnel file is filled with commendations and praise from fellow officers, supervisors, and community members alike, but I’m positive there are plethora of accolades that never made it to his file. His resume reflects a deep commitment to continued education, training, and teaching, hallmarks of a man determined to share his knowledge with future generations.

To meet him was an honor, to have him as an instructor was a privilege, to work beside him must have been amazing. We all have our own stories and memories of Chief Smith, and I encourage everyone to share them. For me, I’ll always remember the two-tone blue and white Ford truck cruising through town, knowing that behind the wheel sat one of the greatest ever to wear the badge.

(Originally posted July 26, 2025.**)

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Davis-Royster Funeral Service obituary link

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Fatal Overdose Traced to Henderson Dealer Leads to Federal Prison Sentence

Press Release

A Henderson man whose distribution of fentanyl led to a fatal overdose has been sentenced to 16 years in federal prison. Keymon Leahke Cofield, a/k/a “Keymoney,” a/k/a “Boi Fat,” 25, pleaded guilty on April 22, 2025, to charges of distribution of fentanyl and heroin and possession with intent to distribute both substances.

According to court records and evidence presented in court, on June 13, 2020, Cary Police Department officers responded to a 911 call for a suspected overdose at a hotel in Cary. Upon arrival, officers found a deceased 35-year-old man in the room alongside drug paraphernalia and 50 bindles of suspected heroin and fentanyl. Law enforcement determined that one of the bindles had been used, resulting in the victim’s overdose. The remaining bindles were tested and found to contain heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl. Investigators traced the fatal fentanyl back to Cofield, who was 20 years old at the time and had traveled from Henderson to Cary to sell the drugs.

The investigation continued through July and August, during which undercover officers conducted several purchases of heroin from Cofield. On July 15, 22, and 23, an undercover officer bought a total of more than 750 bindles from him. When Cofield arrived at another arranged deal on August 5, he was arrested. Law enforcement then seized an additional 651 bindles of suspected heroin and fentanyl. Lab testing confirmed the bindles contained mixtures of heroin, fentanyl, 4-anilino-N-phenethylpiperidine (ANPP), cocaine, and tramadol. A search of Cofield’s phone revealed photographs of large quantities of cash and firearms.

Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief United States District Judge Richard E. Myers II.  The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Cary Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number 5:22-CR-00278-M-RJ.

Updated July 25, 2025

Maria Parham Health Adds SmartRobotics Surgical System To Assist With Orthopedic Surgeries

— courtesy of Maria Parham Health Public Information Officer Donna Young

Maria Parham Health announces the addition to its complement of orthopedic care the Mako SmartRobotics™ surgical system, a cutting-edge innovation now available to qualified patients undergoing joint replacement procedures.

This advanced technology brings new levels of precision, personalization and potential recovery benefits to patients in north-central North Carolina and surrounding communities, according to information from Donna Young, MPH public information officer.

The Mako system combines 3D CT-based preoperative planning with robotic-arm assisted technology, which allows surgeons to create a highly personalized surgical plan and execute it with unmatched precision. During surgery, the Mako robotic arm helps the surgeon stay within the planned boundaries and make more accurate bone cuts, which may result in better outcomes and longer-lasting results for patients.

“This is a major step forward in the evolution of orthopedic care at Maria Parham,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “The Mako robotic-arm system allows our skilled surgical team to perform joint replacements with an unprecedented level of accuracy. Patients will benefit from personalized care, faster recovery times, and potentially longer-lasting results. We are excited to bring this leading-edge technology to our community.”

The system can create a 3-D model of the patient’s joint to help the surgeon before the operation takes place, allowing for optimal implant fit and alignment. During surgery the robotic arm provides real-time feedback, aiding the surgeon in precise implant placement

Smaller incisions, less tissue damage and reduced blood loss often results in shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times and precision placement of implants may reduce wear and the likelihood of repeat surgeries.

Learn more at a free Lunch & Learn session with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Darius Divina, DO, on Monday, Aug. 11 from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m..

Registration is required for the event and space is limited. Reserve your seat today at https://www.mariaparham.com/events/2025-08-11/lunch-learn

(This news item was originally posted July 24, 2025. This is not a paid ad.)

Vance County Schools Host Open Houses Thursday, Aug. 7 As 2025-26 School Year Approaches

Parents of Vance County Schools students, if you’re beginning to have thoughts of back-to-school shopping and dates for Open Houses as summer vacation becomes measured in days instead of weeks, there’s a website for you.

School leaders have posted a whole list of dates at

https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/news/~board/news/post/back-to-school-2025-2026 to provide information that’s just a click away.

Open Houses for all schools are scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 7 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., for example.

Students at E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy, Vance County High School and Vance County Early College begin their new school year on Monday, Aug. 11.

The first day of class for students on the traditional calendar is Monday, Aug. 25. Schools on the traditional calendar are Aycock, Carver, Clarke, Dabney, E.O. Young, L.B. Yancey, New Hope, Pinkston, Zeb Vance, Vance County Middle, STEM, Advance Academy and Vance Virtual Village.

Check out links to everything from drop-off times to vaccination requirements and school supply lists with a few clicks on the VCS website.

Parents and guardians may want to double-check to make sure students’ shots are up-to-date at Vaccination requirements.

 

Find the different academic calendars at https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/calendar/2025-2026-academic-calendars

School Supply lists for elementary and secondary students are at https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/parents-students/2023-2024-supply-list

More links to information are included below:

Volunteer Application: https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/community/volunteer-with-vcs

Drop Off Times, School Schedule & Early Release Times: https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/parents-students/daily-schedule

Progress Report & Report Card Dates: https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/calendar/2025-2026-progress-report-calendar-dates

Updating Your Child’s Information: Need an Infinite Campus Parent Account? Infinite Campus Parent Portal Activation. This system is utilized to update information, contact information, see your child’s attendance, grades and more!

Accessing Your Child’s Attendance, Grades, Schedule & More: Logging in to your Campus Parent Portal Account: Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

Jimmy & The Sound Barriers Perform Benefit Concert Aug. 3 At Clearview Church

Clearview Church is the place to be Sunday, Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. when JIMMY & THE SOUND BARRIERS AND FRIENDS are scheduled to perform in concert to benefit the Anchor of Hope ministry.

Come sit back and enjoy a wonderful night of country and bluegrass gospel music performed Gaither style by Jimmy Barrier and the Sound Barriers along with many talented guests such as the Hodnett Family.

This has become a popular annual event at Clearview Church, located at 3485 US 158 Business in Henderson.

Admission if free, but a love offering will be taken, organizers say.

The night is dedicated to church’s Anchor of Hope ministry, which serves those who are facing some of life’s most difficult challenges. Members pray for and minister to individuals who are facing a medical crisis, the loss of a loved one, or other tough times and present them with a blanket as a way to remind them there is hope, God is with them, and there are people praying for them.

If you would like to be involved or to donate to this ministry, send an email to info@clearviewbc.org.