Breaking News: Vance Names New County Manager
The Vance County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce the appointment of Jordan McMillen as County Manager effective August 19, 2016. Mr. McMillen currently serves as Deputy County Manager/Director of Planning and Development. Mr. McMillen joined the county staff in May 2008 as Planning Services Manager: was promoted in October 2011 to Director of Planning and Development Planning Services Manager, and was promoted to his current deputy position in July 2013. While serving as Deputy Manager, Mr. McMillen has been a valuable member of the county’s management team in addition to his planning responsibilities he has played a key role in the development and administration of county capital projects, economic development projects as well as participating in the development of the annual county budget. Mr. McMillen’s county management responsibilities have expanded considerably during the past year and a half while the county has been without the services of a full time county manager. Mr. McMillen’s knowledge of the county organization and his involvement in all of the county’s ongoing projects will provide for a smooth transition between managers.
Mr. McMillen graduated summa cum laude with a BS Degree from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania and received a Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is also a graduate of the UNC School of Government County Administration course.
The county received over 90 applications for the County Manager’s position and the Board of Commissioners interviewed 22 candidates. While a number of very qualified applicants expressed strong interest in the position, Mr. McMillen’s professional education, Vance County government experience, and demonstrated commitment to Vance County combined to make him the best person for the position.
Gordon Wilder, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, said; “The board is genuinely pleased that our deliberative search for a county manager concluded with the hiring of someone of such high quality as Jordan McMillen. We have had the opportunity to watch Jordan successfully take on additional management duties since Mr. Ayscue retired, and we are confident that he will do an outstanding job as county manager. I am personally pleased that we were able to hire our manager from within Vance County government, and I know that his fellow staff members have a great deal of confidence in Jordan as well and will welcome his appointment.”
N.C. Center for Safer Schools Rolls Out Pilot CIT-Youth Training
Crisis Intervention Team-Youth seeks to improve law enforcement responses to youth in crisis
Jul 11, 2016 – Press Release
RALEIGH — The N.C. Center for Safer Schools today sponsored the first ever Crisis Intervention Team-Youth training for law enforcement at an all-day training session in Chapel Hill. This eight-hour CIT-Youth class seeks to build upon the standard 40-hour CIT program that provides officers with the skills and knowledge to de-escalate persons in crisis and emphasizes treatment rather than jail for people showing signs of mental illness.
“Addressing mental health, substance abuse, underage drinking and other issues directly affecting the children of North Carolina have been primary goals of our team since the beginning of my administration,” said Governor McCrory. “Because research shows that the majority of youth in the juvenile justice system have one or more psychiatric disorders, we believe crisis intervention training will help improve the outcomes of law enforcement encounters to the benefit both the youth as well as the officers.”
The Center for Safer Schools received a grant from the Governor’s Crime Commission to develop an additional eight-hour training block beyond CIT that was focused on the kinds of emotional and mental health issues found in juveniles and to find the options best suited for diverting those youth in crisis from arrest and incarceration. The CIT-Youth program provides a template and training materials for existing local North Carolina CIT partnerships that enhance the skills of CIT-trained officers.
During the initial CIT-Youth training today at the Chapel Hill Public Library, experienced mental health professionals instructed 20 officers from four Orange County law enforcement agencies. The instructors included representatives from the Chapel Hill Police Department; N.C. Department of Health and Human Services; UNC-CH School of Social Work; Cumberland County Mental Health Center; Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions; Mecklenburg County Health Department; and the Freedom House Recovery Center.
In developing the training, the N.C. Center for Safer Schools established a working committee of experienced CIT-involved mental health specialists and law enforcement officers.
The CIT-Youth planning committee brought together experts to develop a state-of-the-art curriculum designed to enhance the skills of CIT-trained officers, particularly school resource officers and others who have frequent encounters with children and adolescents. The training includes segments on childhood mental disorders, suicide and self-harm, crisis intervention and role playing.
“Policing in schools always presents unique challenges to those officers who dedicate their careers to helping youth in schools,” said Center for Safer Schools Deputy Director Mike Anderson. “CIT-Youth gives them another tool in their tool box to ensure that those young people in crisis can truly get the help and resources they need.”
The first CIT program in the country was pioneered in Memphis, Tennessee in the late 1980s and has since become known as the “Memphis Model.” The first CIT-certified officers in North Carolina were trained in Wake County in 2005.
###
VGCC names 269 students to President’s and Dean’s Lists
Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 125 students earned President’s List and 144 students earned Dean’s List academic honors for the spring semester that ended in May.
The President’s List recognizes students who achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) while carrying a “full load” (of at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student had to earn a GPA that was at least 3.5 but less than 4.0, and have no grade lower than “B,” while carrying a “full load” of such courses.
Spring Semester President’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.
Accounting:
Zachary T. Andrick of Henderson;
Jacob H. Daniel and Selene Govea Rostro, both of Oxford.
Associate Degree Nursing:
Madelaine L. Sachs of Henderson;
Renee Jackson of Kittrell;
Devan F. Wilkins of Louisburg;
Sandra H. Rose of Stem.
Associate in Arts:
Kaleb S. Williamson of Bullock;
William P. Unger of Butner;
Samantha J. Shannon and John M. Weeks, both of Creedmoor;
Ryan W. Sharp of Franklinton;
Cristin D. Abbott, Jennifer A. Burns and Kourtney J. Cockrell, all of Henderson;
Elizabeth D. Cole of Kittrell;
Marshella D. Ashby of Littleton;
Salwa S. Assaedi, Kristy R. Ball, Grisel Govea Rostro and Sydney A. Towers, all of Oxford;
Charles Braswell of Raleigh;
Abigail G. Hey of Stem;
Joshua L. Taylor of Warrenton;
Jasmine C. Blacknall of Winston-Salem;
Katrina Z. Hodges and David M. Restrepo, both of Youngsville.
Associate in General Education – General Science:
Ashley A. Oakley of Roxboro.
Associate in Science:
Jordan S. Ligon of Bullock;
Alegra A. Bass and Melinda W. Langston, both of Henderson;
Alexander T. Cockman and Emily C. Rogers, both of Louisburg;
Nicole F. Bowman and Francis C. Scotland, both of Oxford;
Karly R. Blue of Stem;
Kellyann M. Cook of Stovall;
Nehemiah S. Yisak of Wake Forest;
Nicholas J. Didonna III and Christopher R. Worner, both of Youngsville.
Automotive Systems Technology:
Kenneth S. McConnell of Henderson;
Robert L. Mallory of Oxford.
Business Administration:
Sara Reid of Creedmoor;
April F. Brogden, Sarah K. Moss, Meghan J. Rossi and Allyssabeth R. Trowbridge, all of Oxford;
Heather A. Henkel of Wake Forest;
Ashley M. Kinton of Youngsville.
Carpentry:
Robyn Horner of Durham.
Computer Technology Integration – IT Support Track:
Quinton McDonald of Henderson.
Computer Technology Integration – Networking and Security Technologies Track:
Christina D. Manz of Creedmoor;
Andrew Hentze of Henderson;
Timothy A. Farley of Oxford.
Computer Technology Integration – Web Design and Support Track:
Angelica M. Garcia-Avelar of Durham;
Tabitha M. Jarman of Louisburg;
Rowan M. Morris of Warrenton.
Cosmetology:
Charlotte B. Slaughter of Butner;
Brittany D. Pickering of Durham;
Katrina W. Collie of Franklinton;
Sha’chrisa A. Williams of Hollister;
Kathryn L. Overby of Louisburg;
Kierra N. Richardson of Macon;
Myranda L. Carroll of Norlina;
Dar-Neshia S. Williams of Warrenton.
Criminal Justice Technology:
Tyler L. Hughes of Bullock;
Hunter C. Thompson of Creedmoor;
Justin R. Ali of Franklinton;
Benjamin B. Layton and Jamel Roy, both of Kittrell;
Chance S. Hayes of Louisburg;
Veronica M. Yount of Townsville;
Daysha M. Dawson of Youngsville.
Culinary Arts:
Emory L. Gant-Hawkins, Stacey H. Grissom, Harli R. Sams and Hayya A. Wright, all of Henderson;
Danielle N. Enright of Louisburg;
Dustin E. Gregory of Oxford;
Randy D. Bullock of Stem.
Early Childhood Education:
Battista S. Wilkins of Franklinton;
Mary A. Durand of Wake Forest.
Electrical Systems Technology:
Michael O. Smith, Jr., of Oxford;
Keith A. Tunstall of Warrenton.
Entrepreneurship:
Austin R. Lovegrove of Franklinton;
Sheila M. Alston of Louisburg.
Human Services Technology:
Victoria L. Currin and Robin L. Hill, both of Oxford.
Human Services Technology/Gerontology:
Cherie K. Jones of Creedmoor;
Larecia R. Bullock of Oxford.
Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:
Joseph C. Brodie and Shurondia C. Williams, both of Henderson;
Kellie W. Taborn of Oxford.
Mechatronics Engineering Technology:
Charles J. Nordcliff of Creedmoor;
Thomas K. Boyd of Henderson.
Medical Assisting:
Adrienne M. Robertson of Henderson;
Samantha A. Patterson of Stem;
Denise N. Six of Wake Forest.
Medical Office Administration:
Tamara F. Glover, Raven K. Kay and April B. Peoples, all of Henderson;
Susan B. Smith of Kittrell;
Adrienne N. Adcock and Kristie L. Brough, both of Oxford;
Jenese N. Caldwell of Wake Forest;
Rebecca T. George of Warrenton.
Office Administration:
Mary A. Elberson of Henderson.
Paralegal Technology:
Heather L. Taylor of Franklinton;
Heather C. Bryant of Youngsville.
Pharmacy Technology:
Jordan R. Garrison of Henderson;
Lindsay C. Henry of Youngsville.
Radiography:
Mark J. Meinhart of Louisburg;
Kristel L. Dehart of Oxford;
Jamisha D. Twitty of Warrenton.
School-Age Education:
Andrea J. Hayes of Henderson.
Simulation and Game Development:
Brandon J. Carver of Durham;
Dustin L. Starnes of Henderson.
Welding Technology:
Nicholas Keeton of Bullock;
Joshua C. Pfohl of Franklinton;
Donnie S. Ayscue of Henderson;
Can Akyar, Ethan T. Bailey and Keodric D. Grant, all of Oxford;
Corey A. Di Lorenzo and Jared Q. Siemers, both of Wake Forest.
Spring Semester Dean’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.
Accounting:
Dianna L. Deweese of Creedmoor;
Sarah J. Gabriel and Pamela D. Swanson, both of Franklinton;
Holly A. Waddell of Henderson;
Wannapha N. Robinson of Littleton;
Jennifer M. Burton of Norlina;
Starr Peace of Oxford;
Elizabeth D. Elliott of Youngsville.
Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:
Frederik L. Gaube-Ogle of Stem.
Associate in Arts:
Farrah B. Foster and Don E. Sweet, Sr., both of Creedmoor;
Carlos A. Falcon of Durham;
Jared A. Akers, Courtney M. Brodie, Loren M. McCuiston, Robert D. Osborne and Richard K. Washington, all of Franklinton;
Cooper Antel, Nancy C. Bonilla, Brooklyn S. Davis, Alexis Hawthorne, Katelyn C. Kimbrell, Mary E. Oakley, Ashley J. Pendergrass, Ebony S. Robinson Solomon, Janet Rodriguez-Morales, Jakayla M. Thorpe and April Zuniga-Trejo, all of Henderson;
Taylor J. Abbott, Lillian D. Kanouff, Allison E. Long, McKenzie J. Taylor, all of Kittrell;
Jarrett J. Depizzol, Detra S. Hunt, Blake A. Massengill, Joshua W. Moody and Cassandra Saroza, all of Louisburg;
Amani M. Durden and Sierra S. Hawkins, both of Norlina;
Cecilia E. Barrenechea, Brenda Diaz-Salas, Haley N. Elliott, Emily H. Grissom, Marquida R. Harrington, Lydia A. Hendrick, Kemarie D. Jeffers, Ashley McEntee, Lane D. Phipps, Anna K. Thompson and Dylan E. Yacos, all of Oxford;
Keilah E. Alston and Jessica M. Shelton, both of Stem;
Grace E. Bowen, Andrew D. Lugg and Brianna H. Rigsbee, all of Wake Forest;
Hunter A. Carter and Stephanie Hommel, both of Youngsville.
Associate in General Education – General Science:
Kimberly M. Spence of Henderson;
Megan T. Whitman of Youngsville.
Associate in Science:
Daniel Cziraki of Creedmoor;
Christopher A. Plumley of Franklinton;
Kia S. Brodie and H’Kera P. Ktul, both of Louisburg;
Chelsee L. Mitchell of Macon;
Alana W. Towles of Oxford;
Micah C. Roberts of Stem;
Aaron W. Archambault of Wake Forest;
Henry M. Robinson of Youngsville;
Ayeley Akoto of Zebulon.
Automotive Systems Technology:
Jeremy D. Lemay of Henderson;
Luis G. Arroyo of Louisburg.
Business Administration:
Malinda M. Porter of Creedmoor;
Lois J. Daniels of Louisburg;
Justin T. Roberson of Norlina;
Temeka G. Marable and Broguen McKeown, both of Oxford.
Computer Technology Integration:
Bradley D. Harrison of Franklinton;
William T. Wesley of Oxford.
Computer Technology Integration – IT Support Track:
Tristin McClay of Creedmoor.
Computer Technology Integration – Networking and Security Technologies Track:
Mitchell L. Greene of Creedmoor;
Steven J. Lynch of Norlina;
Zachary T. Stevenson of Oxford.
Computer Technology Integration – Web Design & Support Track:
Amie E. Hilton of Oxford.
Cosmetology:
Cassie A. Shaffer of Butner;
Mia B. Harrison of Henderson;
Jennifer L. Creech, Areli R. Rayo Ramirez and Melissa D. Sweeney, all of Louisburg;
Kendall L. Barber of Norlina;
Jordan G. Reina of Roxboro;
Shannon W. Wood of Spring Hope;
Maria G. Ordonez Santiago and Sherika C. Powell, both of Warrenton.
Criminal Justice Technology:
Christopher L. Davis of Bullock;
Lindsay E. Brown, Jessica N. Duke, Dustin L. Hodnett and Harold T. Todd, all of Oxford.
Culinary Arts:
Jasmyne Schmitt of Bracey, Va.;
Tiffany M. Williams of Henderson;
Taylor M. Abel of Manson.
Early Childhood Education:
Anita M. Fuller of Franklinton;
Deanna McFarland of Rougemont;
Tonya H. Burrell of Youngsville.
Entrepreneurship:
Diaman R. Dismuke of Henderson.
Human Services Technology:
Betty S. Sampson of Butner;
April M. Carroll of Creedmoor;
Katie L. Floyd and Quiana J. Miller Fisher, both of Henderson;
Hannah B. Hill of Oxford.
Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:
Angelique M. Taylor of Macon.
Medical Assisting:
Heather A. Harwood of Castalia;
Amanda J. Newton of Franklinton;
Ashley D. Kittrell of Kittrell;
Julius A. Glasper of Oxford;
Kayla L. Hutson of Stem;
Brittany L. Ray of Wake Forest;
Kelly N. Tharrington of Warrenton;
Dallas T. Glover of Youngsville.
Medical Office Administration:
Melanie Lugo-Nieves of Creedmoor;
David L. Norris of Erwin;
Misty R. Grabowski of Louisburg;
Tina M. Hatcher and Anthony M. Wade, both of Oxford;
Jessica R. Carroll of Timberlake;
Brittany L. Dillard of Warrenton.
Office Administration:
Matt S. Larch and Shanetta B. Wright, both of Henderson;
Helen Jordan of Wake Forest.
Paralegal Technology:
April M. Thompson of Henderson;
Kelly D. Persinger and Melody M. Williams, both of Louisburg;
Marilyn A. Swensen of Oxford.
Pharmacy Technology:
Ashley N. Hobgood of Norlina.
Radiography:
Anna P. Tilley of Creedmoor;
Sabrina D. Johnson of Louisburg;
James A. Lea of Roxboro;
Morgan H. Keith of Stem.
Simulation and Game Development:
Kenneth M. Watson of Henderson;
Austin H. Smith of Oxford.
Welding Technology:
Brandon T. Brown of Creedmoor;
Andrew S. Hamrick of Henderson;
Devin R. Barham of Louisburg;
Quentin T. Tully of Wake Forest.
–VGCC Press Release–
Blue Alert System To Aid Law Enforcement Safety
Press Release
Governor McCrory Signs Legislation to Promote Transparency and Safety for Law Enforcement and the Public
Raleigh, N.C. – Governor Pat McCrory was joined by Department of Public Safety Secretary Frank Perry, sheriffs, police chiefs, capitol police, highway patrol troopers, and legislators today to sign legislation that promotes transparency while protecting law enforcement officers, victims and the community.
“This legislation fulfills our commitment to protect our law enforcement and gain public trust by promoting uniformity, clarity and transparency,” said Governor McCrory. “We are also taking action to curb violence among public safety officials and keep our citizens and law enforcement personnel safe through needle exchange programs.”
The Law Enforcement Omnibus Bill (House Bill 1044) signed by Governor McCrory helps protect our police by establishing the Blue Alert System to aid in the apprehension of suspects who kill or inflict serious bodily injury on a law enforcement officer. This legislation will help curtail violence against our police officers by engaging the community to help capture suspects who seek to harm an officer.
Governor McCrory also signed House Bill 972. The bill seeks to gain public trust while respecting the rights of public safety officers by establishing clear and distinct procedures and standards by which a law enforcement agency may disclose or release 
a recording from a body-worn or dashboard camera. The law allows any person whose image or voice is captured in the recording, or his or her personal representative, to submit a written request for disclosure and, unless the agency can demonstrate a legitimate reason not to disclose the recording, it must be disclosed as promptly as possible. If a law enforcement agency fails to disclose the recording within three business days of the request, the requester is entitled to an expedited hearing in Superior Court.
a recording from a body-worn or dashboard camera. The law allows any person whose image or voice is captured in the recording, or his or her personal representative, to submit a written request for disclosure and, unless the agency can demonstrate a legitimate reason not to disclose the recording, it must be disclosed as promptly as possible. If a law enforcement agency fails to disclose the recording within three business days of the request, the requester is entitled to an expedited hearing in Superior Court.The bill also protects the health and safety of law enforcement and citizens by authorizing the establishment of needle exchange programs by local governments. This will help prevent the spread of HIV, hepatitis and other diseases in our state. Other states where these programs operate have seen HIV transmission among injection drug users drop by 80 percent, Hepatitis C reduced by 50 percent and needle-stick injury to law enforcement drop by 
66 percent. Additionally, studies show that people who participate in needle exchange programs are five times more likely to enter drug treatment than non-participants, building on Governor McCrory’s commitment to combating drug use.
66 percent. Additionally, studies show that people who participate in needle exchange programs are five times more likely to enter drug treatment than non-participants, building on Governor McCrory’s commitment to combating drug use.###
Mater Matters
Some folks eat tomatoes. Some eat tomato sandwiches too. And here in Henderson and other southern areas you often hear tomatoes referred to as “maters.” For example, a bacon, lettuce and “mater” sandwich.
The theme Saturday, July 9 at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market is ‘Mater Matters.’
The market’s weekly newsletter, which is available by email, says, “A variety of fresh locally grown tomatoes is in abundance…Samples available at Saturday’s Market. Take a taste and pick your favorite!”
Open 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturdays and Wednesdays.
For more information, call 252-598-0814, contact the Vance County Extension Center at 252-438-8188, or e-mail farmersmarket@vancecounty.org.
The Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., just off S. Beckford Dr. between Andrews Ave. and Dabney Dr.