Keep Independence Day celebrations safe with these fire-safety tips

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RALEIGH – Officials with the N.C. Forest Service encourage people to celebrate Independence Day by viewing public fireworks displays rather than risk starting fires with their own fireworks.

“The careless use of sparklers, fountains, glow worms, smoke devices, trick noisemakers and other Class C fireworks can cause wildfires,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Each year, wildfires in North Carolina endanger people, destroy millions of dollars’ worth of timber and property, and damage the environment.”

If people use their own fireworks, here are some safety tips:

  • Don’t use fireworks such as ground spinners, firecrackers, round spinners, Roman candles, bottle rockets and mortars, which are illegal in North Carolina.
  • Do not use fireworks near woods or any combustible material.
  • Make sure fireworks are always used with adult supervision.
  • Follow the instructions provided with the fireworks.
  • Do not use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol.
  • Always use in a large, open and, preferably, paved area or near a body of water.
  • Have a rake or shovel and a bucket or two of water on hand.
  • Monitor the area for several hours after use.

With more homes being built in wooded areas, it’s important to take extra precautions to prevent wildfires in residential areas, said State Forester David Lane. “In addition to taking measures to use fireworks safely, campfires or grills should never be left unattended and should never be started with gasoline,” Lane said.

Ashes should be doused in water and stirred. Repeat this process to ensure the ashes are cold. Never put ashes in a paper bag or other flammable container, but instead place them in an outside metal container or bury them in mineral soil in a garden. Never store ashes in a garage, on a deck or in a wooded area. Double-check ashes and coals before throwing them away to make sure they won’t start a fire.

The Crossing at Lake Gaston Coming August 12th

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by Craig Hahn

The Eaton Ferry Bridge is the place to be for a morning of fun for the entire family. The Crossing begins promptly at 9 am. Registration begins at 8:00 am.

THE CROSSING is an annual event for the Lake Gaston Community and is sponsored by O’SAIL. The goal is to encourage the Lake Gaston population to annually get in the water and join others in a non-motorized crossing of the lake in mass. THE CROSSING will occur in a protected area adjacent to the Eaton Ferry Bridge secured by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.

THE CROSSING requires registration of all participants. There is a preregistration fee of $25.00 or $30.00 the day of the event. Upon completion of the event, participants will receive complimentary fruit and water at the finish and a limited edition t-shirt. (Note: Preferred T-Shirt size cannot be guaranteed for those who register the day of the event)

The two classes of participants are:
 SWIMMERS o Under 13 years of age must have signed life guard statement that they have a proven ability to swim the distance or be accompanied by an adult throughout the swim. o Must wear swim cap for visibility, swim caps will be provided at registration check-in.  NON-MOTORIZED VESSELS o All riders must wear PFD. o Can be individual or team entry
o Can use commercial or self-made vessel. All vessels must be water sound and may be disqualified by officials at the entrance area if they are deemed to be unsafe or not able to make the distance.  THE WAVERS o Beyond the usual non-motorized water vessels, we’re encouraging you to use your imagination. The WAVER category was created to encourage small or large groups to cross together in the most creative ways possible. Some examples might be connected by noodles or even floating atop their own creation of a boat, barge, raft, etc.

How can you join the fun? Register below and show up the day of the event ready to have fun with your team and your creation. *NOTE: Registration may be completed online through 5PM, Friday 8/11. Registration the day of the event is $30.

VGCC celebrates first graduates supported by ‘VanGuarantee’ scholarship

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HENDERSON, N.C. — When six students walked across the stage to receive their degrees at Vance-Granville Community College’s May commencement exercises, they quietly made history. They were among the first graduates of the college who had received the “VanGuarantee” scholarship to help eliminate any financial barriers standing between them and their academic goals.

The innovative scholarship program was first announced in 2016 by the president of the college, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, with the first scholarships being awarded in the fall 2016 semester. The VanGuarantee was made possible by a $1.6 million bequest to VGCC from the estate of Wilbert A. Edwards, a resident of Oxford at the time of his death and a native of Vance County. The gift, announced in 2015, is the second largest in the history of the college. 

Three of the VanGuarantee recipients participating in Commencement were graduates of the Associate Degree Nursing program: Brittany Champion of Creedmoor, Courtney Humphries of eastern Granville County and Erin Woodlief of Franklinton. Alicia Toler of Raleigh, a former Granville County resident, graduated with an Associate in Arts degree. Kristen Honaker of Henderson completed a degree in Pharmacy Technology. Tanisha Silver of Warrenton graduated from the Medical Office Administration degree program.

“Receiving the VanGuarantee meant a lot to me,” Silver reflected. “I received a community college grant for the fall 2016 semester, but I still didn’t have enough to pay for my books. I was told about the VanGuarantee scholarship, and I was ecstatic about it. It has helped me out a lot, because it has made it possible for me to finish school.” Silver is currently in the job market for employment in a doctor’s office or hospital setting and is considering continuing her education at the bachelor’s degree level. A former certified nursing assistant and a mother, she said she waited until all of her children were in school to work on advancing her own career through education.

Toler said she was very appreciative of the opportunity that the VanGuarantee provided her. She intends to transfer into a four-year university to study nursing. “Had it not been for the VGCC Financial Aid Office staff, particularly Ms. Tonya Strum, telling me about the VanGuarantee scholarship, I don’t think I would have been able to stay in school,” Toler said.

At least two graduates are already employed, Champion in the emergency room at Duke Regional Hospital in Durham and Humphries at Maria Parham Health in Henderson, working in Outpatient Surgical Services. “I am very thankful that I was able to receive the VanGuarantee this year,” Humphries said. “It has helped me finish my last two semesters of RN school. I am truly blessed beyond words!”

The VanGuarantee is designed to cover tuition, student fees and/or textbooks for eligible students whose financial needs are unmet by federal financial aid and other means of support. The program is one of a number of “promise” or “guarantee” programs across the country, created by individual colleges or by states, in response to growing concerns from policymakers and students about the rising cost of higher education. In 2016, the VanGuarantee was recognized by the White House and national groups focused on college affordability.

Some college promise programs are open only to recent high school graduates, but the VanGuarantee applies to all eligible adults in the four counties, reflecting VGCC’s longstanding tradition of helping adults retrain for new careers at any age.

Among the eligibility requirements for the VanGuarantee, students must reside in the college’s service area (Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties) and qualify for in-state tuition. Eligible students must enroll in at least nine credit hours per semester in any VGCC curriculum program and not already possess a post-secondary degree from any college or university. They must first apply for and meet the eligibility requirements for federal and state financial aid programs. Next, they apply for endowed VGCC scholarships. When students still lack the funds to pay for their education after exhausting those and other sources, the VanGuarantee program helps to fill the gap. That makes the program an example of what is often called a “last-dollar scholarship.”

Once enrolled in the VanGuarantee program, students must maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) to continue receiving the scholarship.

For more information on applying for the VanGuarantee, students can visit www.vgcc.edu/fao/vanguarantee.

–VGCC–

District Attorney’s July 2017 Schedule

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DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S SCHEDULE JULY 2017

 

Mon, July 3 Warren Trial Court (Rozier) – Fuller, Raymond

Franklin District Court (Keith) – Gardner, Roberson

Vance District Court (Burnette) – Erdmann, Watson/Hargrove

Granville District Court (Davis) – Gregory, Dickerson

Granville County Clerk’s Office Hours, Attorneys, 2:00-4:00 pm – Gregory

 

Tues, July 4 Holiday

 

Wed, July 5 Granville District Court (Stevenson) – Erdmann, Dickerson

Granville Juvenile Court (Burnette) – Putney

Warren District Court (Davis) – Louis, Raymond

Granville County Clerk’s Office Hours, Public, 2:00-4:00 pm – Putney

Franklin Trial Prep – Gardner, Gregory

 

Thurs, July 6 Franklin Juvenile Court (Keith) – Putney

Vance District Court (Stevenson) – Pelfrey, Watson/Hargrove

Granville Dispo Court (Thompson) – Sellars, Louis, Erdmann, Dickerson, Brickhouse

Franklin Trial Prep – Gardner, Gregory

 

Fri, July 7 Vance Juvenile Court (Thompson) – Louis

Franklin Trial Prep – Gardner, Gregory

 

Mon, July 10 Franklin Trial Court (Gray) – Gardner, Gregory, Johnson

Granville Trial Court (Hight) – Waters, Capps, Garrett

##Franklin District Court (Stevenson) – Louis, Roberson

Vance District Court (Burnette) – Sellars, Watson/Hargrove

Granville District Court (Thompson) – Erdmann, Dickerson

 

Tues, July 11 **Franklin District Court (Thompson) – Louis, Sellars, Roberson

Vance District Court (Stevenson) – Fuller, Watson/Hargrove

Warren Juvenile Court (Davis) – Putney

 

Wed, July 12 ##Granville District Court (Stevenson) – Louis, Dickerson

Warren District Court (Burnette) – Erdmann, Pelfrey, Raymond

 

Thurs, July 13 Vance District Court (Wilkinson) – Erdmann, Watson/Hargrove

Warren CMS Prep – Fuller

 

Fri, July 14 Warren CMS Prep – Fuller

 

Mon, July 17 Warren CMS Court (Rozier) – Fuller, Pendergrass, Raymond

Franklin District Court (Davis) – Gregory, Roberson

Vance District Court (Burnette) – Putney, Watson/Hargrove

**Granville District Court (Stevenson) – Sellars, Dickerson

Vance CMS Prep – Pelfrey, Erdmann, Louis

 

Tues, July 18 Vance Probation Court (Rozier) – Gregory, Pendergrass

Franklin District Court (Stevenson) – Sellars, Roberson

Vance District Court (Davis) – Louis, Fuller, Watson/Hargrove

Granville Juvenile Court (Burnette) – Putney

Vance CMS Prep – Pelfrey, Fuller, Erdmann, Louis

Vance County Clerk’s Office Hours – Attorneys – 2:00-4:00 pm – Gregory

 

Wed, July 19 Vance CMS Court (Rozier) – Pelfrey, Fuller, Erdmann, Louis, Pendergrass, Allen

Granville District Court (Burnette) – Sellars, Dickerson

**Warren District Court (Stevenson) – Putney, Raymond

Vance County Clerk’s Office Hours – Public – 2:00-4:00 pm – Gregory

 

 

Thurs, July 20      Vance CMS Court (Rozier) – Pelfrey, Fuller, Erdmann, Pendergrass, Allen

Franklin Juvenile Court (Davis) – Gregory

Vance Dispo Court (Stevenson) – Sellars, Putney, Louis, Watson/Hargrove

Franklin County Clerk’s Office Hours, 2:00-4:00 pm – Gregory

Franklin CMS Prep – Gregory

 

Fri, July 21 Franklin Dispo Court (Stevenson) – Fuller, Erdmann, Gregory, Tart, Roberson

Franklin CMS Prep – Gregory

 

Mon, July 24 Franklin CMS Court (Rozier) – Gardner, Gregory, Pendergrass, Johnson

Franklin District Court (Keith) – Sellars, Roberson

Vance District Court (Thompson) – Pelfrey, Watson/Hargrove

Granville District Court (Davis) – Fuller, Dickerson

Granville CMS Prep – Sellars, Putney

 

Tues, July 25 Franklin CMS Court (Rozier) – Gardner, Hunter, Pendergrass, Johnson

Franklin District Court (Stevenson) – Louis, Pelfrey, Roberson

**Vance District Court (Keith) – Erdmann, Watson/Hargrove

Warren Juvenile Court (Davis) – Fuller

Granville CMS Prep – Sellars, Putney

 

Wed, July 26 Granville CMS Court (Rozier) – Sellars, Putney, Pendergrass, Garrett

Granville District Court (Stevenson) – Gardner, Gregory, Dickerson

Warren District Court (Keith) – Fuller, Raymond

 

Thurs, July 27 Granville CMS Court (Rozier) – Sellars, Putney, Pendergrass, Garrett

Vance District Court (Stevenson) – Gardner, Watson/Hargrove

Vance Trial Prep – Pelfrey, Fuller

 

Fri, July 28 Vance Juvenile Court (Thompson) – Putney

Vance Trial Prep – Fuller

 

Mon, July 31 Vance Trial Court (Hobgood) – Pelfrey, Fuller, Allen

Franklin District Court (Burnette) – Gardner, Roberson

Vance District Court (Davis) – Putney, Watson/Hargrove

##Granville District Court (Keith) – Sellars, Dickerson

 

**mediator available**

##9:30 am regular docket, PLUS POSSIBLE 2:15 pm DWI docket##

VGCC Receives Largest Grant in School History

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CREEDMOOR, N.C. — Vance-Granville Community College today announced it received an in-kind software grant from Siemens PLM Software, with a commercial value of $31 million.

The in-kind grant gives students access to the same technology that companies around the world depend on every day to develop innovative products in a wide variety of industries including automotive, aerospace, machinery, shipbuilding, high-tech electronics and many more.

Graduates with this type of software training are highly-recruited candidates for advanced technology jobs.

The in-kind grant was provided by the Siemens PLM Software’s academic program that delivers PLM software for schools at every academic level. Siemens PLM Software is a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services.

The in-kind grant for VGCC includes Siemens PLM Software’sTecnomatix® portfolio, the industry-leading digital manufacturing software.

This is in addition to a previous in-kind grant that included the company’s Solid Edge® software, an intuitive product development platform for accelerating all aspects of product creation, including 3D design, simulation, visualization, manufacturing, and design management.

Both software packages will be used by students in VGCC’s Mechatronics Engineering Technology degree program.

“Vance-Granville Community College would like to thank Siemens PLM Software for this generous grant of advanced engineering software that enables our students to better prepare for successful advanced technology careers,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of VGCC. “By using the same technology in the classroom that is used by companies all over the world to develop a wide variety of products, our students gain important real-world experience during their studies that will serve them well after graduation.”

“Despite an immediate, critical need for qualified technology-trained professionals in manufacturing, our customers have difficulty finding qualified candidates,” said Dora Smith, global director, Academic Partner Program, Siemens PLM Software. “Working with Vance-Granville Community College, Siemens PLM Software is helping prepare students with the knowledge and experience to fill this skills gap and become highly qualified employees.”

About Vance-Granville Community College
Vance-Granville Community College, one of the 58 institutions of the North Carolina Community College System, is the local source for higher education and training in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, north of the Research Triangle. Established in 1969, VGCC today serves students at four campuses (one in each county of the service area) and online. The college offers more than 40 curriculum programs, as well as occupational certifications, continuing education, adult education, customized training for employers and the first two years of a four-year degree. VGCC’s Mechatronics Engineering Technology degree program is based at the college’s South Campus, located near Creedmoor in southern Granville County. For more information, visit www.vgcc.edu.

–VGCC–

Legal note

Note: Solid Edge and Tecnomatix are trademarks or registered trademarks of Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries.

Ridgeway Cantaloupe Festival coming up July 8th

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by Craig Hahn

It’s one of my favorite events of the year…the Annual Ridgeway Cantaloupe Festival. Join your friends and neighbors on 8 July from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Departments for this iconic festival. Enjoy cantaloupes, Brunswick stew, hot dogs and festive refreshments. Come see historical displays, kiddie rides, horseback rides, local entertainment and crafts! This event is free!

You can start the morning with a run in the Ridgeway 5K races. For information and registration, visit the Ridgeway Historical Society’s website. This race starts at 8:00 a.m. and the entry fee is just $25.00. You can also contact Tommy Tucker at 252-213-0429 or tucthm@aol.com.

The Ridgeway Historical Society promotes the history of Ridgeway and its people. It hosts the annual Ridgeway Cantaloupe Festival and Ridgeway 5K run as well as other fundraising events. It operates a museum of the history of its people and of the area.

See you on the 8th on US 1 in the heart of Ridgeway!

Local Teachers Attend Summer Professional Development Training

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Vance County Schools

For Immediate Release

June 20, 2017 

Career and Technical Education teachers in Vance County Schools are joining their counterparts from Granville, Franklin and Warren counties in a three-day “AMSTA Summer Cruisers” professional development training this week.

The educators are shown in the accompanying photo as they worked on an activity during their “Lean Manufacturing” training today in the Vance County Schools’ Administrative Services Center.

They began the training on June 19 and toured the Dill Air Controls and Revlon manufacturing plants in Granville County. They also heard presentations on youth services and how to best prepare students to be career and college ready. In addition to the manufacturing training session today, they also are touring the bioMerieux plant in Durham County. They will conclude their participation in the AMSTA event tomorrow at Franklinton High School in Franklin County, where they will meet with state commerce officials and listen to educational presentations including a session entitled, “School Choice and the Impact on Public Schools.”

Missing Teenager Reported in Henderson

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The Henderson Police Department request your assistance in locating the following missing person.

BRANDON WILLIAMS
Age 16
DOB 04/20/2001
Black Male
4’ 5
100 lbs
Black hair/ Brown eyes
Last scene 06/09/2017 around 8:00AM

VGCC to offer Enrollment Day on June 29

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Vance-Granville Community College will hold “Enrollment Day” on Thursday, June 29, from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., at all four of its campuses.

During those extended hours, VGCC admissions, financial aid and advising staff members will be ready to assist anyone who is interested in enrolling at the college for the Fall 2017 semester, which starts on Aug. 14.

Students are encouraged to pre-register at www.vgcc.edu/enrollmentday.

Refreshments and free VGCC t-shirts will be available for incoming students on Enrollment Day while supplies last.

VGCC’s Main Campus is located on Poplar Creek Road in Vance County (about midway between Henderson and Oxford) at the intersection with Interstate 85 (Exit 209).

The Franklin County Campus is located just west of Louisburg on N.C. 56.

South Campus is on N.C. 56 between Creedmoor and Butner.

The Warren County Campus is located at 210 West Ridgeway Street (U.S. 158 Business) in Warrenton.

Registration for classes at VGCC is ongoing, through Aug. 10. For more information on enrolling for the fall, call (252) 738-3234 or visit any campus.

–VGCC–

Troxler encourages horse owners to vaccinate against EEE

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RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is encouraging North Carolina horse owners to have their animals vaccinated against Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis.

“Triple E is a mosquito-borne disease that causes inflammation or swelling of the brain and spinal cord in equine and is usually fatal,” Troxler said. “The disease is preventable by vaccination.”

There were nine recorded cases of EEE in horses in North Carolina in 2016, but the mild winter could cause that number to go up this year, State Veterinarian Doug Meckes said.

Symptoms of EEE include impaired vision, aimless wandering, head pressing, circling, inability to swallow, irregular staggering gait, paralysis, convulsions and death. Once a horse has been bitten by an infected mosquito, it may take three to 10 days for symptoms to appear.

“If your horses or other equine animals exhibit any symptoms of EEE, contact your veterinarian immediately,” Meckes said.

Meckes recommends that equine owners talk to their veterinarians about an effective vaccination protocol to protect horses from EEE and another mosquito-borne disease, West Nile virus. The combo vaccination initially requires two shots, 30 days apart, for horses, mules and donkeys that have no prior vaccination history. Meckes recommends a booster shot every six months.

Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts for more than four days, so removing any source of standing water can reduce the chance of exposing animals to WNV or EEE. Keeping horses in stalls at night, using insect screens and fans and turning off lights after dusk can also help reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Insect repellants can be effective if used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

People, horses and birds can become infected from a bite by a mosquito carrying the diseases, but there is no evidence that horses can transmit the viruses to other horses, birds or people through direct contact.