Stay Alert: Five North Carolina stores pay fines for price-scanning errors

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RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Standards Division has collected fines from stores in Brunswick, Durham, Forsyth and Mecklenburg counties because of excessive price-scanner errors.

“We want consumers to be confident that the price on the shelf matches the price that’s scanned at the register,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Stores have a responsibility to make sure their pricing is accurate, and most stores pass inspection. Ones that don’t are fined until they come into compliance. Consumers who would like to file a complaint about a store can call the Standards Division at 919-707-3225.”

The department conducts periodic, unannounced inspections of a business’ price-scanner system to check for accuracy between the prices advertised and the prices that ring up at the register. If a store has more than a 2-percent error rate on overcharges, inspectors discuss the findings with the store manager and conduct a more intensive follow-up inspection at a later date. Undercharges are also reported, but do not count against a store.

Penalties are assessed if a store fails a follow-up inspection. In addition to the penalties paid, the store will be subject to re-inspection every 60 days from the last inspection until it meets the 2-percent-or-less error rate. Additional penalties may be assessed if the store fails a re-inspection. Following are stores that paid civil penalties in the first quarter of 2017:

  • (Brunswick County) Walgreens #2530 at 5098 Southport Supply Road, Southport, paid $660 in penalties. An initial inspection in November found an error rate of 10 percent, based on five overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in January found an error rate of 3.33 percent, based on 10 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in March.
  • (Durham) Office Depot #2687 at 5600 South Miami Blvd., Durham, paid a total of $3,320 in penalties. An initial inspection in October found an error rate of 16 percent, based on eight overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in November found at error rate of 7.33 percent, based on 22 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $1,710 in penalties. A third inspection in January found an error rate of 5.33 percent, based on 16 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $1,610 in penalties. The store was inspected in March and had an error rate of 3 percent, based on nine overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store has been assessed a $1,915 penalty and will be re-inspected.
  • (Forsyth) Staples #1135 at 430 Hanes Mill Road, Winston-Salem, paid a total of $4,280 in penalties. An initial inspection in September found an error rate of 20 percent, based on 10 overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in November found an error rate of 7.67 percent, based on 23 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $2,760 in penalties. A third inspection in February found an error rate of 3 percent, based on nine overcharges on a 300-item lot. The store paid $1,520 in penalties. The store will be re-inspected.
  • (Mecklenburg) CVS #3896 at 9308 Kendall Drive, Charlotte, paid a total of $2,810 in penalties. An initial inspection in October found an error rate of 10 percent, based on five overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in November found an error rate of 7 percent, based on 21 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $1,605 in penalties. A third inspection in January found an error rate of 2.67 percent based on eight overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $1,205 in penalties. The store passed inspection in March.
  • (Mecklenburg) CVS #6518 at 11430 North Tryon St., Charlotte paid $1,425 in penalties. An initial inspection in December found an error rate of 8 percent, based on four overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in January found an error rate of 7.33 percent, based on 22 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in March.

Henderson-Vance Spring Litter Sweep Week Coming Soon

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The Vance County Appearance Commission is joining with officials from Vance County and the City of Henderson again this year to sponsor the Henderson-Vance Spring Litter Sweep Week, April 24-29, and the Recycling Day Event on Saturday, April 29, at the City Operations Center on Beckford Drive in Henderson.

Citizens throughout Vance County are urged to make special efforts to clean up around their homes, businesses, churches, schools and any blighted areas they know about during the Spring Litter Sweep Week. Free clean-up supplies of gloves and trash or recycling bags will be available beginning Wednesday, April 19, and throughout the Litter Sweep Week at the City Operations Center and the Vance County Schools Administrative Services Center on Graham Avenue in Henderson.

The Appearance Commission and city and county officials urge all citizens to be involved in these efforts to improve the appearance of our community, especially the major problem we have now with roadside litter. All citizens are challenged to be proud of our community and help us to keep our county clean. Urge your family members, friends, neighbors, fellow church members and others to not litter and to keep their property clean! It takes all of us working together to improve the appearance of Vance County now and throughout each year!

The Recycling Day event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, will feature collections of household hazardous waste including cans of old paint and any hazardous chemicals residents may have and want to dispose of properly. Officials from Ecoflow will be on hand throughout the event on April 29 to collect the old paint and hazardous waste from citizens. There will be a limit of 10 gallons of paint per person and 25 gallons of household hazardous waste per person during the event. The collection event is for residents only and is not designed to take large quantities from contractors.

Other items that will be accepted during the recycling event on April 29 are important personal documents for secure shredding, old prescription drugs, electronics including televisions and all computer hardware and other household items such as cardboard, metal and aluminum cans, plastic and glass bottles and containers, newspapers and magazines.

For additional information, local citizens may contact Jason Falls, county environmental services manager, by phone at 738-2909 or by email at jfalls@vancecounty.org.

Maria Parham Volunteers to Hold Jewelry Sale

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Volunteer Services of Maria Parham Health will be hosting for the first time, Jewelry is Fun.  This sale will take place on April 12th (7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.)  and 13th  (7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.).  Bargain prices with a large selection of gifts $7.99 and up.  Jewelry and accessories are $5.  Sale will take place in the John T. Church classroom.  We’ll see you there!

Lisa Radford

Volunteer Coordinator

Maria Parham Health, Duke LifePoint Healthcare

566 Ruin Creek Road   PO Box 59   Henderson, NC 27536

Phone: 252.436-1564

Vance County Schools Free College Info Session Wrap up

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High school students and parents involved in Vance County Schools took advantage of a free college information session offered on April 4 through the school system’s Family Resource Center.
The session was held from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Family Resource Center, located on Graham Avenue in Henderson in the school system’s Administrative Services Center.
High school counselors from Northern Vance, Southern Vance, Early College and the AdVance Academy at Western Vance high schools were on hand to talk with students and parents about the college application process, applications for student scholarships and loans and available financial aid for college. They also shared information about the services and programs available through Vance-Granville Community College.
The counselors included Jameka Floyd of Northern Vance, Carol Simmons of Southern Vance, Tannis Jenkins of Early College, and Marsha Harris of the AdVance Academy.
They provided written information on college applications and financial aid and assisted students with online services and applications for a variety of colleges and universities throughout North Carolina and beyond.
The information session was designed mostly to provide a wealth of information to high school seniors who have not yet made a decision about the college they will attend.
Cassandra Evans, director of Federal Programs for the school system and the coordinator for the Family Resource Center, planned the college information session with assistance from the counselors.
In the accompanying photo, counselors Marsha Harris, left, and Jameka Floyd, right, work with students in the Family Resource Center during the college information sessions.

Retired judge, wife endow scholarship at VGCC

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Henry Banks, who recently retired as chief judge of the North Carolina Ninth Judicial District Court bench, and his wife, Mamie B. Banks, recently established a new scholarship at Vance-Granville Community College.

Residents of Henderson, Judge Banks held court in Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren counties as a district judge for almost 21 years, while Mrs. Banks is a longtime educator, currently teaching in the Exceptional Children’s department at Northern Vance High School. She actually started her own higher education at VGCC, taking general education courses at the college before transferring to North Carolina Central University to complete a bachelor’s degree in education and, later, a master’s degree in special education.

Judge Banks also received both his undergraduate and law degrees from NCCU. He practiced law for many years in Henderson and served on the Henderson City Council for 13 years.

In awarding the new J. Henry and Mamie Banks Academic Achievement Scholarship, preference will be given first to students in the VGCC Paralegal Technology degree program, and secondly to students preparing to become teachers, either in the Early Childhood Education program or in the College Transfer program.

Judge Banks said that in addition to his wife’s experience in the teaching profession, he has always had a passion for education, as well. “We’re endowing this scholarship to provide financial support to help people pursue their dreams,” he said. “Because of my career, I know there is a particular need for qualified paralegals in our area.” Mrs. Banks added that she and her husband hope their contributions will encourage others to donate to the community college and help area residents gain education and training.

“We are so grateful to Judge and Mrs. Banks for their support of VGCC students,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, president of VGCC. “Their examples of public service, both in the law and in education, will inspire students who receive the scholarship in their name for years to come. Not only the scholarship recipients, but also their families, their employers and their communities will benefit from the Banks family’s generosity.”

Through the Endowment Fund, VGCC has awarded more than 8,800 scholarships to students since 1982. Scholarships have been endowed by numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff. Tax-deductible donations to the VGCC Endowment Fund have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business or industry with a lasting gift to education. For more information about the Endowment Fund, call (252) 738-3409.

–VGCC–

E.M. Rollins Teachers Get CenturyLink Grant

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Regina Hilliard and Faye Crawford, two second-grade teachers at E.M. Rollins Elementary School, today were awarded a $5,000 technology grant from CenturyLink.
Hilliard and Crawford submitted their grant request a couple of months ago through the CenturyLink technology grant program.
They plan to purchase a variety of technology devices, including iPads, and software for their students with the grant funding.
Several CenturyLink representatives were on hand at the school this morning to make the grant presentation. Derek Kelly, a legislative affairs manager with CenturyLink, and Larry Mathiot, area public relations representative for CenturyLink, led the presentation.
The forward photo shows Crawford, left, and Hilliard holding the large replica of the grant check at center. Joining them are E.M. Rollins Principal Stephanie Ayscue, standing to the right of Hilliard; Kelly, standing at far left; Mathiot, standing in back third from left; and other CenturyLink representatives.

Cooperative Extension with Jean Bell 04/06/17

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VGCC registering students for summer Science Camp

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Vance-Granville Community College will offer a Science Camp for local middle school students this summer at the college’s Main Campus in Vance County. The camp will be held Monday-Friday, June 12-16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Rising sixth, seventh and eighth-graders from Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren counties are invited to participate in the week-long camp.

Sessions will be taught by faculty members from the VGCC Science Department and other college programs. The VGCC Science Camp is now in its seventh year. “We will have fun, hands-on activities that involve various sciences and allow campers to explore STEM career fields like electronics, pharmacy and biotechnology,” said VGCC Science Department Chair Steve McGrady. “Our outstanding VGCC faculty members collaborate each year to make this a learning experience that is unlike anything available in our four-county area.”

The cost to attend the camp is $125, which includes lunch each day and a camp T-shirt.

The deadline to register for Science Camp is May 12. Parents can now register their campers online at www.vgcc.edu/camps.

For more information, contact Steve McGrady at (252) 738-3339 or mcgradys@vgcc.edu.

–VGCC–

Drivers Not Sure What To Expect In First South Boston Night Race Of Season

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SOUTH BOSTON, Va. (April 6, 2017) – Like the difference between night and day. That’s what drivers are saying about South Boston Speedway’s new racing surface heading into Saturday’s night race … the first race under the lights this season.

The new surface debuted two weeks ago as an unknown to the teams and wound up producing record speeds and classic close racing. Drivers say questions abound headed into Saturday night’s Virginia State University Twin 75s presented by the Kappa League of Petersburg.

“I feel like there is going to be a big difference,” Bobby McCarty said of his expectations for Saturday night. “The track seems to be weather sensitive so I feel like it might be a little slick when the temperature drops. I’m also curious to see how it reacts to taking the rubber without the sun baking it.”

It will be the first time teams and fans alike have been under the track’s upgraded lighting system, part of the track’s $1 million capital improvement program.

When the season opened two weeks ago, track qualifying records fell in every division. Philip Morris, who wound up sweeping both ends of the Late Model Stock doubleheader, blew away the old track record with a time of 14.731 seconds around the .4 oval. The old track record was 15.314 seconds. His speed was 100.197 mph, the first time the 100-mph barrier had been broken in a Late Model. Half of the Late Model field broke the old mark in qualifying.

And even though drivers expect the track to be much different Saturday night under the lights, it doesn’t mean they believe speeds will drop.

“Honestly, I think the second groove should take rubber better at night,” said veteran driver Peyton Sellers, who finished 11th in the first 100-lapper in the season-opener but bounced back for a fourth in the second. “I think the track should be faster than the first race which is always good for the fans.”

Austin Thaxton, who had a pair of top-10 finishes in the opener, expecst to see a change in the track Saturday.

“I think it’s going to be a lot different at night,” said Thaxton. “Hopefully it will go in our favor.”

Regardless of track changes with the season’s first night race, McCarty is excited to be racing on new pavement this season.

“I’d like to say: ‘good job’ to everyone who had a hand in the repaving,” said McCarty, who had a third and a 10th on opening day and challenged for the win in the first 100-lapper. “The second groove really came in good as the day went on and it turned into some great side-by-side battles.”

South Boston Speedway will turn on the lights for the first time this season Saturday night for the Virginia State University Twin 75s presented by the Kappa League of Petersburg.

There will be twin 75-lap races for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model Stock Car Division, a 50-lap Limited Sportsman race, a 30-lap Budweiser Pure Stock race and a 15-lap Budweiser Hornets race.

Registration and pit gates open at 2:30 p.m. with practice from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Grandstand gates open at 5:30 p.m., qualifying is set for 6 p.m. and the green flag flies at 7 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for youth ages 7-12. Kids ages six and under are admitted free with a paid adult.

News 04/06/17

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