VGCC Golden LEAF scholarships Spring/Summer 2017

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— news release courtesy of VGCC

A group of students from Vance-Granville Community College recently received scholarships through the Golden LEAF Scholarship program for the North Carolina Community College System. The scholarship program, designed to help North Carolinians attend the state’s community colleges, is funded through a $750,000 grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation.

The scholarship can be used to assist with tuition, books, fees, supplies, transportation and childcare expenses related to attending classes during the 2016-17 academic year, and industry-recognized credential testing expenses that address skill gaps upon course completion. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and reside in rural counties that are tobacco-dependent and/or economically distressed. Scholarships for both occupational (continuing education) and curriculum students are available during the fall, spring and summer semesters.

The VGCC students who were awarded Golden LEAF scholarships for the spring 2017 semester, the summer 2017 term, or both (with their respective programs of study), included:

Sally Alston of Louisburg (Associate in Arts);
Jennifer Bauduin of Louisburg (Associate in General Education – General Science);
Sonia Bishop of Stem (Computer Technology Integration – Networking and Security Technologies);
Gloria Chavis of Butner (Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse);
Whitney Cox of Oxford (Radiography);
Taylor Crisp of Warrenton (Associate Degree Nursing);
Catherine Demming of Oxford (Criminal Justice);
Emory Gant-Hawkins of Henderson (Business Administration);
Latosha Hunt of Oxford (Business Administration);

Quiana Miller-Fisher of Henderson (Human Services Technology);
Nahu Palacios of Henderson (Associate in Arts);
Crystal Satterfield of Oxford (Associate Degree Nursing);
Kimberly Vargo of Oxford (Associate in Arts); and
Tiffany Williams of Henderson (Culinary Arts).

“The Golden LEAF Foundation is proud to have awarded over 11,800 Golden LEAF Scholarships to help North Carolinians attend our state’s community colleges,” said Dan Gerlach, Golden LEAF president. “Our hope is that these scholarships will help build the talent, knowledge and skills of our current and future workforce, which are in demand by industry, especially in the rural areas of our state.”

The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to help transform North Carolina’s economy. The foundation receives one-half of North Carolina’s funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers and places special emphasis on assisting tobacco-dependent, economically distressed and/or rural communities across the state. The Golden LEAF Foundation works in partnership with governmental entities, educational institutions, economic development organizations and nonprofits to achieve its mission. The foundation has awarded 1,346 grants totaling more than $591 million since its inception. For more information about the foundation, visit www.goldenleaf.org or call (888) 684-8404.

Students interested in applying for a Golden LEAF Scholarship should contact the VGCC Financial Aid Office at (252) 738-3280.

–VGCC–

Warren County Logo

Warren County Irma Preparedness

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— courtesy Warren County Government, Robert Davie

Hurricane Irma is just off the coast of Florida as a category 5 with possible impacts to Warren County by early next week as a wind and rain event. Warren County Governmental Departments continue to monitor Hurricane Irma and its path and all sheltering staff have been placed on stand-by. If conditions warrant, a shelter will be opened as needed.

Warren County officials urge residents to responsibly plan to survive the storm by keeping a minimum three-day supply of non-perishable food and bottled water per person. More information for preparing emergency kits can be found at www.ReadyNC.org.

Warren County officials also encourage residents to check local media outlets, social media and www.ReadyNC.org for updates as weather conditions worsen. Residents may also sign up to the Warren Emergency Notification System from the Warren County web site at www.warrencountync.com or directly at: https://public.coderedweb.com/cne/en-US/722FDAD749F7.

Pesticide Collection Event Sept. 13

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— by Paul McKenzie, Vance/Warren Ag. Ext. Agent

On Wednesday, September 13, NC Cooperative Extension​ in Warren County​ ​will host a Pesticide Collection event. This will be held at the Warren County Center of NC Cooperative Extension, 158 Rafters Lane, 10 am to 2 pm.

Bring any unneeded/unused pest control products for safe disposal. We will accept all pest control products including herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, etc. whether liquid, dust, granular, fumigant, or other formulation. This program is offered to all, whether you are a farmer, home gardener or just have some household pest sprays you no longer need. This is offered in collaboration with the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This is a free service, no questions asked, but please call in advance for larger containers or larger quantities.

Any products that are more than three years old are good candidates for disposal, as they may have lost effectiveness. For more information, contact paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu or 252-257-3640.

Five VGCC Students Participate in Signing Ceremony for Apprenticeship Program

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Five students from Vance-Granville Community College were among a dozen who committed to participate in the North Carolina Triangle Apprenticeship Program (NCTAP) at a signing ceremony in Wake Forest on Wednesday, Aug. 16.

The students are now apprentices with eight industries in Granville, Franklin and Wake counties as they finish high school and earn their associate’s degrees at either VGCC or Wake Technical Community College. VGCC students Baylor Chapple and Sebastian Hughes, both of Louisburg, will be working at CaptiveAire in Youngsville, Xavier Durham of Warrenton with Dill Air Controls Products LLC in Oxford, and Zach Willey of Raleigh and Micah Peters of Youngsville with Revlon Inc. of Oxford.

Working through Wake Tech, the signees and the other companies were: Spencer Downing, Accu-Fab Inc. of Raleigh; Ben Elkins and Rhett Keaton, Bühler Aeroglide Corp. of Cary; Daniel Benson, Schmalz Inc. of Raleigh; Brennan Burns and Reily Rhoades, Schunk Intec Inc. of Morrisville; and Nathaniel “Nate” Corl, Superior Tooling of Wake Forest.

Parents of the apprentices and employers from the participating industries joined the students on stage for the signing ceremony as each made a commitment to follow the program. 

“We are grateful to NCTAP for providing the leadership to foster the collaboration between public and private partners that makes this effort successful,” VGCC President Dr. Stelfanie Williams shared with the students, their parents, industry representatives and guests at the dinner and ceremony in the Wake Forest Renaissance Center.

“Apprenticeship is a proven strategy to close the skills gap and meet the workforce needs of industries while at the same time making education more affordable for promising young students,” Dr. Williams added. “To our apprentices, the benefits of this wonderful program are nothing short of life-changing, and that’s why we are so excited to be an educational partner for NCTAP.”

“To our new apprentices, I want to extend congratulations and a warm Vanguard welcome, on behalf of Vance-Granville,” Dr. Williams added. “You are truly ‘Vanguards,’ because you are leaders and pioneers, and you will lead the way for many more apprentices in the future. You will also develop into leaders for your industries.”

NCTAP is a partnership that seeks to provide new opportunities for local students and to prepare a skilled workforce. Typically starting in the junior year of high school, NCTAP is a four-year program that leads to a student obtaining an associate degree at the community college and paid, on-the-job training at the participating employer. Eligible students’ tuition is covered by a waiver from the state of North Carolina. After they graduate from high school, students in the program will be employed full-time by the company.

“Apprenticeships are not exactly what people think they are,” said Marc Bertoncino of Bühler Aeroglide, chairman of NCTAP and master of ceremonies for the event. “This is a very beneficial program for the companies. This is a very beneficial program for young people starting their careers.”

Dr. Stephen Scott, president of Wake Tech, cited the importance of apprenticeships, internships and cooperative education in “bridging the skills gap,” adding, “Parents, we want to tell you that your kids are going to have a job for the next couple of years. They are going to graduate from either Wake Tech or Vance-Granville Community College. And they will have a good paying job and zero debt when they come out (of college). They will have the opportunity to further their education even beyond where this program takes them. So that is a win-win for everyone in this room.”

Bertoncino praised N.C. Sen. Chad Barefoot, R-Wake, for his help in getting legislation changed to boost the apprenticeship program. Whereas companies previously had to pay the state to have an apprentice, Barefoot helped enact legislation that now has the state providing reimbursement for tuition.

“There are apprenticeship programs across the state of North Carolina, but this particular group (NCTAP) has played a really important part in where apprenticeships are today,” Barefoot said. “This continued growth and expansion reaching into new communities will ensure that NCTAP remains the model apprenticeship program for the State of North Carolina.” He added, “Apprenticeships are the key to a successful future for the manufacturing industry of our state.”

Also speaking were Kathryn Castelloes, apprenticeship director for the N.C. Department of Commerce, and Wake Forest Mayor Vivian Jones. Robbie Earnhardt, owner of Wake Forest-based Superior Tooling and former chairman of the apprenticeship program, was recognized by Bertoncino for his vision, leadership and passion in guiding and promoting NCTAP. In attendance also were representatives of the offices of U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, R-NC, and U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-NC.

Representing VGCC’s NCTAP participating industries were Chris Clough and Cindy Walsh of CaptiveAire, Stephen Tsotsoros and Vanessia Alvarado of Dill Air Controls, Sean Anderson and Pat McKinney of Revlon, and Shaler Chewning of Glen Raven in Norlina. The latest industry to join NCTAP, Glen Raven will be taking its first interns in the coming year. Also present from the VGCC TechHire program were Ken Wilson, project manager, and Tiffani Polk, academic and career coach.

All schools participating in NCTAP can send students to the educational partner institution that best meets the needs of the industrial partner, Wilson said.

2018 Criminal Superior Court Session Dates Announced

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2018 CRIMINAL SUPERIOR COURT SESSIONS

FOR THE NINTH PROSECUTORIAL DISTRICT

 

*JANUARY 2            VANCE TRIAL (TUES)                                            O’NEAL

 

JANUARY 8              GRANVILLE TRIAL                                                O’NEAL

 

*JANUARY 16          FRANKLIN TRIAL (TUES)                                     HOBGOOD

WARREN CMS (TUES)                                              O’NEAL

                                    VANCE CMS (WED, THURS, FRI)  

 

JANUARY 22             WARREN TRIAL                                                      HOBGOOD

GRANVILLE CMS (MON, TUES)                              O’NEAL

FRANKLIN CMS (WED, THURS)

 

JANUARY 29             NO CRIMINAL SUPERIOR COURT

 

FEBRUARY 5           VANCE TRIAL                                                         HOBGOOD

 

FEBRUARY 12         FRANKLIN CMS (MON, TUES)                                O’NEAL

GRANVILLE CMS (THURS, FRI)                             

 

FEBRUARY 19         GRANVILLE TRIAL                                                HOBGOOD

WARREN CMS (MON)                                               O’NEAL

                                    VANCE CMS (TUES, WED, THURS)           

 

FEBRUARY 26         FRANKLIN TRIAL                                                  HOLT

 

MARCH 5                  WARREN TRIAL                                                      HOLT

 

MARCH 12                VANCE TRIAL                                                         O’NEAL

 

MARCH 19                GRANVILLE CMS (MON, TUES)                              HOBGOOD

FRANKLIN CMS (WED, THURS)

 

*MARCH 26              WARREN CMS (MON)                                               O’NEAL

VANCE CMS (TUES, WED, THURS)           

 

APRIL 2                     GRANVILLE TRIAL                                                HOBGOOD

 

APRIL 9                     FRANKLIN TRIAL                                                  O’NEAL

 

APRIL 16                   VANCE TRIAL                                                         O’NEAL

FRANKLIN CMS (MON, TUES)                                HOBGOOD

GRANVILLE CMS (WED, THURS)

 

APRIL 23                   WARREN CMS (MON)                                               HOBGOOD

                                    VANCE CMS (TUES, WED, THURS)           

 

APRIL 30                   WARREN TRIAL                                                      O’NEAL

 

MAY 7                        GRANVILLE TRIAL                                                O’NEAL

MAY 14                      WARREN CMS (MON)                                               ?????

                                    VANCE CMS (TUES, WED, THURS)

 

MAY 21                      GRANVILLE CMS (MON, TUES)                             ?????

FRANKLIN CMS (WED, THURS)

 

*MAY 28                    NO CRIMINAL SUPERIOR COURT

 

JUNE 4                       FRANKLIN TRIAL                                                  O’NEAL

 

JUNE 11                     VANCE TRIAL                                                         O’NEAL

FRANKLIN CMS (MON, TUES)                                ?????

GRANVILLE CMS (WED, THURS)

 

JUNE 18                     NO CRIMINAL SUPERIOR COURT

 

JUNE 25                     GRANVILLE TRIAL                                                O’NEAL

WARREN CMS (MON)                                               ?????

                                    VANCE CMS (TUES, WED, THURS)

 

*JULY 2                     WARREN TRIAL                                                      LAMBETH

 

JULY 9                       FRANKLIN TRIAL                                                  LAMBETH

 

JULY 16                     GRANVILLE TRIAL                                                LAMBETH

WARREN CMS (MON)                                               HIGHT

                                    VANCE CMS (TUES, WED, THURS)

 

JULY 23                     GRANVILLE CMS (MON, TUES)                              HIGHT

FRANKLIN CMS (WED, THURS)

 

JULY 30                     VANCE TRIAL                                                         LAMBETH

 

AUGUST 6                 NO CRIMINAL SUPERIOR COURT

 

AUGUST 13               FRANKLIN TRIAL                                                  HIGHT

 

AUGUST 20               GRANVILLE TRIAL                                                LAMBETH

WARREN CMS (MON)                                               HIGHT

                                    VANCE CMS (TUES, WED, THURS)           

 

AUGUST 27               VANCE TRIAL                                                         LAMBETH

FRANKLIN CMS (MON, TUES)                                HIGHT

GRANVILLE CMS (WED, THURS)

 

*SEPTEMBER 4        WARREN TRIAL (TUES)                                        HIGHT

 

SEPTEMBER 10        FRANKLIN TRIAL                                                  HIGHT

 

SEPTEMBER 17        GRANVILLE CMS (MON, TUES)                              HIGHT

FRANKLIN CMS (WED, THURS)

 

SEPTEMBER 24        WARREN CMS (MON)                                               HIGHT

                                    VANCE CMS (TUES, WED THURS)

 

OCTOBER 1              GRANVILLE TRIAL                                                HIGHT

 

OCTOBER 8              VANCE TRIAL                                                         LAMBETH

 

OCTOBER 15            NO CRIMINAL SUPERIOR COURT

 

OCTOBER 22             FRANKLIN TRIAL                                                  HIGHT

WARREN CMS (MON)                                               LAMBETH

                                    VANCE CMS (TUES, WED, THURS)

 

OCTOBER 29             FRANKLIN CMS (MON, TUES)                                LAMBETH

GRANVILLE CMS (WED, THURS)

 

NOVEMBER 5          WARREN TRIAL                                                      LAMBETH

 

*NOVEMBER 12      VANCE TRIAL (TUES)                                            LAMBETH

 

*NOVEMBER 19      NO CRIMINAL SUPERIOR COURT

 

NOVEMBER 26        GRANVILLE TRIAL                                                HIGHT

WARREN CMS (MON)                                               LAMBETH

                                    VANCE CMS (TUES, WED, THURS)

 

DECEMBER 3           GRANVILLE CMS (MON, TUES)                              HIGHT

FRANKLIN CMS (WED, THURS)

 

DECEMBER 10         FRANKLIN TRIAL                                                  HIGHT

 

DECEMBER 17         VANCE TRIAL                                                         LAMBETH

 

*DECEMBER 24       NO CRIMINAL SUPERIOR COURT

 

*DECEMBER 31       NO CRIMINAL SUPERIOR COURT

 

*DENOTES A WEEK WITH A HOLIDAY

VGCC offers Fall Mini-Term classes

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Although the Fall 2017 semester at Vance-Granville Community College is underway, there are still opportunities to register for a variety of classes offered during “mini-terms.” These sections start later during the semester, but end on Dec. 11, at the same time as the full 16-week courses, and they include just as many hours of instruction as under the traditional schedule.

The Fall 12-Week Mini-Term begins on Tuesday, Sept. 12. The complete list of courses is available by visiting schedules.vgcc.edu and clicking on the printable “Fall 12-Week Mini-Term” schedule.

VGCC has scheduled more than 30 curriculum classes on the 12-week schedule. Most are online, while others are offered in a hybrid format that combines online and traditional on-campus instruction. The courses include not only College Transfer general education courses in subjects such as English, Humanities, Sociology or Spanish, but also courses required for associate degrees such as Paralegal Technology.

Certain 12-week Criminal Justice courses are scheduled through the “Vanguard Online Learning through Technology,” or VOLT, initiative, which allows students to complete an entire associate degree online.

There are also a few courses offered during the Second 8-Week Mini-Term, which starts Thursday, Oct. 12.

Not only current VGCC students, but also new students are welcome to enroll. New students will need to complete a VGCC application for admission first. Financial aid is available for qualified students. For more information, contact the VGCC Financial Aid Office at fao@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3280.

For registration information, visit the Student Learning & Success Center on any VGCC campus or call (252) 738-3330.

–VGCC–

State Highway Patrol Promotes Back To School Safety

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RALEIGH – In anticipation of the upcoming school year, the State Highway Patrol is focusing on safety in and around school zones.  Motorists should be aware of an increase in school traffic and familiarize themselves with local school bus stop locations.  Teen drivers will also increase as some will be driving to and from school for the first time.  Drivers should also expect an increase in pedestrian traffic in and around school zones.

“Ensuring the safety of students as they travel to and from school is a responsibility shared by everyone”, said Col. Glenn McNeill Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol.  “Our mission is to educate the motoring public on safe driving behaviors before, during and after school.”

Troopers statewide will monitor school bus routes, attempting to ensure motorists comply with stopping for school buses as they pick up and release students. 

According to state law, motorists are required to stop when a school bus is displaying its mechanical stop signal or flashing red lights and the bus is stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers.  The driver of any other vehicle that approaches the school bus from any direction on the same street, highway, or public vehicular area shall bring that other vehicle to a full stop and shall remain stopped.

Officials also encourage students to ensure all traffic has stopped before entering the roadway when boarding or exiting their respective school bus. 

In an attempt to increase safety and awareness, SHP is using social media to highlight a “Back to School” PSA, which can be viewed by vising the Patrol’s Facebook page.  A digital copy of the PSA is available upon request. 

Warren County Beautification Committee Plans Litter Pick-Up Day

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by Craig Hahn

The Warren County Beautification Committee is planning a county-wide trash collection day on Saturday, September 16, 2017 in conjunction with NCDOT. The DOT will furnish vests, bags and some manpower. I just heard this week that bags and vests are now available at the Warren County Board of Election Office on North Main Street in Warrenton.

Now’s the time to start forming your group and determining which roads you plan to clean. Questions? You can contact any committee member or Debbie Formyduval via email at DebbieFormyduval@warrencountync.gov or Frank Carpenter at the Warren DOT office.

Boys and Girls Club Set for 2017-2018 School Year

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Vance 

As the summer program comes to an end, members are preparing to return to school and the Club staff are preparing for the start of the after-school program. The GREATEST staff and volunteers in Boys & Girls Club will take two weeks to clean, and re-energize for the 2017-2018 school year.  

Walmart Distribution volunteers will return to the Club to freshen up the walls and floors. Ms. Evelyn will be traveling to Atlanta, GA for the Unit Directors Academy. This Academy will help the Vance County staff build and sustain a high- quality Club experience for all Members. Vance unit will also be accepting applications for new team members and school aged members ages 5-18.

Granville

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL! We have had a great summer, but the Granville Unit is so excited to have an even better school year. Our staff is excited to engage with our club members on so may different levels!

Power hour will continue to be a driving force at our club, but we are focusing on exposing our youth to new activities and tasks. We are planning on having a strong focus in STEM, leadership, & creatvity. BGCNCNC cannot wait to see our youth learn & grow throughout the school!

Warren

We are looking forward to an exciting school year in Warren County.  Three of our schools are back in session and our club members are very excited about the new opportunities that will be available to them this school year.  Our last site will open at the end of this month, and we are extremely eager to meet those club members as well.

We have partnered with the school administration and staff members at each of our sites, to ensure that our students experience great academic success this school year.   We  are looking to also partner with the local high schools and community colleges to get volunteers to help out at our sites to ensure that our club members have a great club experience.  We want each club member to truly believe that “Great Futures Start Here”

Featured here our most recent visitor Lieutenant Corey Adams City of Henderson Fire Department Division of Fire Prevention.

Franklin

The Franklin Unit is excited for the first day of school, 2017!! The staff is very busy at the club working on new bulletin boards, rearranging classrooms, planning a fun and engaging schedule, and cleaning up the club!! As the age old saying goes “it takes a village to raise a child” we are fully committed to being a part of that village in Franklin County to mentor and support the children of the community we serve. While it may not be what the children want to hear, this 2017-2018 school year the Franklin Unit will be focusing on…drum roll please….homework! Yes, homework. Part of the mission of The Boys & Girls Clubs of America is to enable all young people to reach their full potential. Homework is a tool that we can use to bridge the gap between school, families, and their community.  

We’re so eager to get this year started because we will be partnering with AmeriCorps to bring a full time LiteracyCorps member to the Boys & Girls Club in Franklin County for the next 12-13 months. This member’s full focus will be on improving literacy in the youth we serve at The Boys & Girls Club! Our staff will also benefit through the relationship they build with this member by learning new and exciting ways to implement fun and engaging programming that includes an underlying academic piece. We are ready to tackle this school year and continue to grow and mentor great futures for the youth of Franklin County!

Halifax

As summer winds down and the clean up begins, we are looking forward to the exciting new school year. The staff is gearing up to make the 2017-2018 school year one of the best ever! We have been collecting back to school supplies for our annual book bag give away, that is shaping up to be a big event!

We are setting up and planning some new and exciting programs and lining up some new and engaging speakers to start the school year off right! We are looking forward to seeing all our returning members, as well as meeting all our NEW members. See you on August 28th! Let the FUN begin!

Significant Closures Coming to I-85

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RALEIGH – As work to improve I-85 accelerates, several closures and detours are coming over the next week to Vance and Warren counties.

On Tuesday Night, August 8, between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM, Southbound I-85 will be closed north of Oine Road.  Traffic will be detoured by law enforcement to Wise Road (Exit 233), then south along U.S. 1/158 and back on to I-85.

I-85 Southbound will be closed on Wednesday August 9 near mile marker 215 from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM.  Law enforcement will be on hand to detour motorists along Flemingtown Road and U.S. 1/158.

On Thursday, August 10, there will be a closure of I-85 Southbound near Manson Road (mile marker 233) from 9:00 PM until 6:00 AM Friday.  A detour by law enforcement will guide motorists west along Ridgeway-Drewry Road, then turning left on to Manson-Drewry Road and following that back to I-85.

From 5:30 PM Thursday, August 10 to 6:00 AM Friday, August 11, crews will install girders for the I-85 Southbound bridge at Flemingtown Road.  Flemingtown Road will be closed and a signed detour will be in place taking Northbound I-85 motorists along U.S. 1/158, Lee Avenue/Jacksontown Road, and Jackson-Royce Road to get to Flemingtown.  Those trying to get to I-85 Northbound from Flemingtown Road should follow the reverse of that route.

Finally, Starting Monday, August 14 both the on and off ramps for I-85 Southbound at Wise Road will be closed for 60 days.  Southbound I-85 motorists wishing to get to Wise Road will proceed to Ridgeway-Drewry Road (Exit 226), exit and get back on I-85 Northbound, then take Northbound off ramp at Wise Road (Exit 233).  Those wishing to get on to I-85 Southbound from Wise Road will be detoured to Rooker Dairy Road heading south to Oine Road, then to US1/158 and right onto Ridgeway-Drewry Road to get back onto I-85 southbound.  Drivers will be able to utilize the Oine Road ramps once they reopen in September.

These temporary closures are part of a five-year project to repair the deteriorating I-85 road surface, and repair and replace bridges to create safer conditions for travelers.  All closures are weather dependent and subject to change.  Motorists are still advised to use I-95, I-40, and U.S. 64 instead of I-85 when traveling between the Triangle and Richmond.  For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on Twitter.