U.S. Department of Justice

Justice Department Settles Lawsuit Against Warren Co. Board of Education

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

The Department of Justice announced today that it has reached a settlement agreement with the Warren County, North Carolina, Board of Education (Warren County) that resolves a federal lawsuit brought under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) on behalf of Dwayne Coffer, a Command Sergeant Major (CSM) in the Army Reserve.

In its complaint, the United States alleged that Warren County violated USERRA by eliminating Sergeant Major Coffer’s employment position while he was on active duty with the military and failed to re-employ him in a comparable position when he returned.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Warren County will reinstate Coffer to the position of Dean of Students at Warren County Middle School, and provide him with back pay and pension benefits. The reinstatement position is the one that Coffer held before his period of active duty with the Army.

“Command Sergeant Major Coffer was called upon to leave his civilian employment and serve our nation, and we are grateful for his service,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. “This settlement agreement with Warren County Resolves the USERRA claims brought by the United States and serves as a reminder that our service members, like CSM Coffer, deserve fair and lawful reemployment following their returns from active military duty.”

“Members of our Reserves, like Command Sergeant Dewayne Coffer, are often called away from their civilian jobs in order to provide the security our nation depends on,” said United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon of the Eastern District of North Carolina. “These citizen service members should never face losing their jobs or be forced to accept an inferior position when they answer that call. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act protects these brave men and women, and, as this lawsuit demonstrated, the Department of Justice is committed to enforcing it when it is violated.”

USERRA safeguards the rights of uniformed service members to return to their civilian employment following absences due to military service obligations and protect service members from discrimination on the basis of their military obligations. This case stems from a referral by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) following an investigation by the DOL’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS).

After resolution failed, VETS referred the complaint to the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. This lawsuit was handled by Deborah Birnbaum and Brian McEntire in the Employment Litigation Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. James in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

The Justice Department gives high priority to the enforcement of service members’ rights under USERRA. Additional information about USERRA can be found on the Justice Department’s websites at https://www.justice.gov/crt/employment-litigation-section and https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers, as well as on the Department of Labor’s website at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/userra.

Garrison Says He’ll ‘Continue Seeking Relocation of DHHS’ to Granville County

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As stated by NC House District 32 Representative Terry Garrison in his recent newsletter message:

Passing a biennium budget during a long session and odd year of the North Carolina General Assembly is the most important work that this legislative body will do while in session. During this 2019-2020 session of the General Assembly, both chambers of the NC House and NC Senate passed its version of a biennium budget in June.

The two budget versions had differences which then required them to be referred to a Conference Committee to develop a consensus budget. A consensus budget was completed and approved largely along political party lines. As Republicans hold majority memberships in both the House and Senate, they also largely comprised the Consensus Committee. As a result, the Consensus Bill, HB 966, 2019 Appropriations Act was also approved along political party lines, on June 27, 2019.

HB 966 (Appropriations Act) did not include Medicaid Expansion which was the number one budget priority for Democratic Governor Roy Cooper and the Democratic Party. Additionally, the conference budget did not allow citizens a choice on deciding whether to invest in a bond for much-needed school construction as desired by the Governor.

Further, the conference budget provides an average of 3.8% teacher pay increase as opposed to 9.1% sought by the Governor; gives all state employees a $1,000 raise as opposed to 2% or $800 raise, whichever is greater; and provides a 1% cost of living increase for state retirees as opposed to a 2% cost of living increase sought by the Governor.

A few differences between the conference committee and the Governor’s budget are shared here, but there a number of other differences between the two budgets which were objected to by Democrats in both the House and Senate as well as the Governor.

The Republicans included a number of perks within the conference bill which mainly benefited their constituents.

The relocation of the headquarters of the NC Department of Health and Human Services to Granville County was included in the conference budget by the Senate without any special conditions. However, the House changed the relocation to the Triangle North Granville Business and Industrial site in Oxford on condition of my commitment to override the Governor’s veto of the budget. While I fully support the relocation of DHHS to Granville County, and particularly to the Triangle North Granville site, I cannot in good conscience vote to override the Governor’s veto.

Governor Cooper vetoed HB 966 as expected. The state is currently operating under a continuing budget resolution, or more specifically, operating under the 2018 budget until a new biennium budget is passed. A vote on the override of the Governor’s veto is pending and has not occurred as of this time. If an override of the Governor’s veto of budget does not occur, then the budget will have to be renegotiated until a consensus budget can be achieved.

It is my plan to continue seeking relocation of DHHS to Granville County, and particularly to the Triangle North site. While the Governor is leaning toward a study bill for the relocation of DHHS, I am optimistic that Granville County will remain the target site for consideration of such project relocation.

Further, it is my goal to advocate for more jobs and related initiatives promoted by the state within Granville, Vance and Warren Counties within this upcoming biennium.

Town of Warrenton to Feature Free Movie Night Presentation of ‘Smallfoot’

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-Information courtesy the Warrenton Festivals Facebook page

The Town of Warrenton will hold a free family movie night on Saturday, August 10, 2019, starting at 8:45 p.m. in the Historic Courthouse Square, 109 S. Main St., Warrenton. Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Smallfoot” (rated PG) will be the featured presentation.

Enjoy a pre-movie art activity courtesy the Warren County Arts Council.

Admission is free; popcorn and refreshments will be available for purchase. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of family fun.

Terry Garrison

Governor Roy Cooper Shows Support for NC House Rep. Terry Garrison

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On Sunday afternoon, Governor Roy Cooper visited Shiloh Baptist Church in Henderson and was officially welcomed by Mayor Eddie Ellington. Cooper was in town to support NC House 32 Representative Terry Garrison.

Ellington thanked Cooper for being a “friend” to the local area and praised Garrison’s support of the community. “Rep. Terry Garrison and I as well as the City Council, city manager and staff have always worked well alongside one another, when he was our county commissioner and now as our State House Representative,” said Ellington. “He has championed legislation that improves the lives of our citizens.”

Garrison, a local Democrat who represents areas in Vance, Granville and Warren County, has stood firm with the Democratic governor in not voting with Republicans to override the governor’s veto of the state budget.

Numerous carrots have been dangled in front of Garrison as incentives, including the much-ballyhooed Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) move.

In reference to recent discussions on possible jobs created by the potential DHHS move from Raleigh to Granville County, Ellington clarified, “People need to understand and get the facts. These ‘1800-2000′ jobs already exist. This is not for new jobs or positions. It’s basically moving the building. Of course, I realize some may not want to drive and may quit. But most are not, given these are state jobs with good benefits and it’s probably an easier drive to Creedmoor than downtown Raleigh.”

In recent interviews with Garrison on WIZS’ TownTalk, he said there was more at stake than just the DHHS. In fact, Medicaid expansion, which could affect approximately 19,000 people in Vance County alone, is at stake as a part of the state budget, as is additional money for education and teacher compensation.

“Representative Garrison and I have had long talks in regards to the need for Medicaid expansion and the effects that it would and can have on our community partners, Maria Parham Health and the jobs of the ones that continue to invest and work there, but also the needs and lives of our residents,” Ellington said.

“The studies have been done and accepting federal funds for Medicaid expansion would generate close to 175 jobs in Vance County, $79 million in Vance County business activity and $591 thousand in new Vance County revenue. Keep in mind these numbers are for Vance County and Henderson. Imagine what can be done for the entire state. Talk about an economic boost along with providing healthcare to those who so desperately need it.”

The reception was a timely and strong showing for Garrison. He has been under tremendous pressure, even to the point of health concerns, since this all began to unfold more than a month ago.

In the intense political arena of late, Henderson and Vance County have gotten a lot of attention, and while there has been disagreement from some locally as to Garrison not, in effect, voting against the governor, what has been firm is Garrison’s stance to continue to negotiate.

If there is any room in the final sentence or two of a news story, which has otherwise been fact, it’s this: Garrison, so far, has not been for sale. His bargaining appears to have been open and honest, and it’s very possible, despite the fact that Garrison could himself at some point benefit too, that his negotiations have already produced more tangible results than a boat full of political promises from elsewhere. Time will tell…

Woodland Owners Invited to ‘Marketing Timber’ Workshop

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-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension

Woodland owners are invited to a Marketing Timber Workshop on Thursday, August 29, 2019, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Granville County Expo Center (4185 US 15, Oxford, NC). This workshop is co-sponsored by the NC Forest Service and NC Cooperative Extension.

For most woodland owners, a timber sale is a once or twice in a lifetime event. With such limited experience, it can be difficult to be certain that the price is fair and that the harvest is conducted properly. At this workshop, woodland owners will get advice from the experts on how to navigate the process successfully.

Presenters will include an NCSU forestry specialist, a woodland owner, and a Registered Consulting Forester.

This is a free event, but registration is requested.

For more information, visit https://go.ncsu.edu/manageyourwoods, call (252) 438-8188 or (919) 603-1350, or email paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu or johnny_coley@ncsu.edu.

Town Talk 08/05/19: Governor’s Veto of Regional Water Systems Bill

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Reminder: Henderson Rec Players to Present ‘Rumors’ at McGregor Hall

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

PART OF THE ROSEMYR CORPORATION HENDERSON REC PLAYERS 2019 SUMMER SEASON AND SPONSORED BY KILIAN ENGINEERING, INC.

The Henderson Rec Players will present Neil Simon’s “Rumors” on Friday, August 9 and Saturday, August 10, 2019, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, August 11, 2019, at 2 p.m.

In this classic Neil Simon comedy, four couples gather to celebrate one of the couple’s tenth wedding anniversary, and they all experience a severe attack of Farce. Much confusion and miscommunication add to the hilarity of the evening.

Tickets may be purchased by:

DROP IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

VGCC President Recognizes Faculty & Staff Member of the Year

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College President Dr. Rachel Desmarais recently presented medallions to honor the college’s faculty and staff members of the year for 2018-19. The medallions are provided by the National Institute for Staff & Organizational Development (NISOD) at The University of Texas at Austin as part of its excellence awards program, in which VGCC participates.

Stewart Lyon, honored as the outstanding faculty member, is the Program Head for Bioprocess Technology and was previously a Biology instructor for the college. He has been a VGCC faculty member for the past five-and-a-half years. “Serving at VGCC has been an awesome experience,” Lyon said. “We have a great community of faculty, staff, and students. I’m happy to be able to grow here.”

Blondelle T. Edgerton, the college’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) director, was recognized as the staff member of the year. A Louisburg resident, Edgerton has 24 years of service with VGCC.  “Working at VGCC has been a very rewarding experience, especially seeing our students mature and become successful,” she said.

From left to right: Stewart Lyon, Dr. Rachel Desmarais and Blondelle Edgerton. (VGCC Photo)

Town Talk (07/31/19): ‘Visit NC Farms Mobile App’ Launch Announced

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Representatives from NC A&T’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences toured several locations in Vance and Warren counties today to learn more about agricultural opportunities in the local area.

The group began the tour at the ReBuilding Communities NC Cultural Center, 117 Church Street in Henderson, where they were greeted by Executive Director Edythe Thompson, Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington and Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen.

From there, the tour continued to the Henry and Ardis Crews Micro Gardens located at 424 Hamilton Street in Henderson, where Vance Co. Cooperative Extension ANR Technician Wayne Rowland discussed the Crews’ efforts to provide sustainable and efficient gardening practices for the community.

The next stop brought the group to the Vance County Regional Farmers Market (VCRFM), 210 Southpark Drive in Henderson, where they heard the history of the market and learned of its various community uses.

Turner Pride, extension director for Vance Co., also announced the official launch of the “Visit NC Farms Mobile App” for the five-county region consisting of Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance and Warren.

Developed by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the app connects users to local farms, restaurants and other agriculturally-related places and events.

“With this app, you can see places that can be toured such as wineries, Farm-to-Table restaurants, individual farmers markets, and farms that are open to the public,” Pride explained.

Pride said the launch of this app is just one way that the community is sharing with both residents and visitors alike that “goodness grows in Vance.”

Diane Cox, executive director for the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments (COG) said the app was a collaboration between her agency, NC Cooperative Extension and the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

After a successful soft launch in June, Cox was happy to discuss the official launch of the app during Wednesday’s tour.

“Please let Kerr-Tar COG know or let your Cooperative Extension directors know if you are having an event so we can help you market those through the Visit NC Farms App,” said Cox. “It’s a great marketing tool for farmers and it is free.”

A free download of the app is available for Apple products and Androids. Please visit https://visitncfarmstoday.com/ for more information.

NC A&T’s Chancellor Harold Lee Martin, Sr., a tour participant, spoke with WIZS on the future of NC farming and the importance of technological advances in agriculture.

“We see lots of small farmers developing, growing and returning to NC,” Martin said. “We see younger farmers using their education, their technology and science skills to do farming differently from their parents and grandparents. There are going to be more demands from the farmers of the future who are using science, technology and strategy to enhance productivity and profitability.”

Martin said this technological movement mirrors the shift officials are seeing in the state’s economy. “We are seeing movement from more of a skills economy to a knowledge-based economy. Education plays a bigger part in helping us create jobs, retain jobs and attract jobs to NC.”

After departing the VCRFM, tour participants enjoyed lunch and presentations by representatives from Warren County Schools, Warren County Cooperative Extension and Warren County Government at the Warren County Armory Civic Center.

To hear the Town Talk interview in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

VGCC to Offer FREE Six-Part Series on Creating Digital Business Marketing

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-Information courtesy Sheri Jones, Director, VGCC Small Business Center

Small Business Six-Part Series on Creating a Digital Marketing Blueprint for Business

In a world where digital marketing reigns, the rules seem to constantly fluctuate. Small business owners need resources they can rely on that are easy to manage while maintaining all the other aspects of running a business. This six-part series provides small business owners with a blueprint, or framework, that will give them the knowledge and tools they need to successfully market their business in today’s online world.

Attendees who are present at each of the six 2-hour seminars will receive a 12-hour certificate of completion at the conclusion of the series.

Dates and times for each day in the series are listed below. These events will take place at the Thornton Library, 210 Main Street in Oxford, with instructor Melanie Diehl. Sessions are limited to 18 participants and lunch will be provided.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own technology, but laptops will be available for use during the seminars if needed.  It is important that participants also bring login information for their social media accounts.

To register for this series, please visit https://www.vgcc.edu/coned/small-business-center/#schedules

August 12, 2019

Lesson 1: Creating a Digital Marketing Blueprint for Your Business (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

Description: Before launching any marketing campaign it’s important to know what your business needs and why you need it. Not all businesses need to be on all platforms. Learn about the basics that will get your business started online and best practices for implementing additional platforms, or if you even need them!

Lesson 2: Identifying your Target Market (1 – 3 p.m.)

Description: Not everyone is your potential customer or client. In this session, we discuss how to identify your target market (aka Avatar) and how to create messages that they connect with and how to reach them where they are.

September 16, 2019

Lesson 3: Websites and Point of Sale Systems for your Business (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

Description: Your website is the one piece of the internet you actually own. There are multiple options for creating a website, from a single landing page to a multiple page site with customer access and shopping carts and more. How will you make online selling easy? In this session, learn from a panel of experts about websites and POS systems and determine what’s best for your small business.

Lesson 4: Email Marketing for your Small Business (1 – 3 p.m.)

Description: Email marketing has a 90% deliverability rate and an average of 38x ROI. Done right, it can really drive sales and brand awareness for your small business. This seminar will help you avoid common mistakes and maximize your emails for powerful impact!

October 14, 2019

Lesson 5: Facebook Marketing for your Small Business (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

Description: Learn the latest strategies for using Facebook to market your business: what’s new and why it’s important; the difference between a Facebook profile, a page, business manager and ads manager. Learn the difference between Facebook ads and boosted posts, and about groups and bots. Pre-requisite: Facebook personal profile AND Facebook business page.

Lesson 6: Harnessing the Power of Instagram (1 – 3 p.m.)

Description: With over 500 million monthly active users on Instagram, your business has the potential to reach, engage, and build a massive community on Instagram. But where do you start? Join us for this seminar where we will cover how to build your Instagram brand, the ins and outs of Instagram and hashtags. Bring your device and be ready for some hands-on time to practice what you learn in class. Pre-requisite: Instagram account.

SPONSORED BY:

Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation, Thornton Library and the VGCC Small Business Center.