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In a special edition of WIZS Town Talk aired live on Thursday at 11 a.m., community leaders expressed support and sympathy for Vance-Granville Community College President Rachel Desmarais. Desmarais’ oldest son Ian J. Simmons passed away as the result of a car accident on Tuesday.
In a joint statement released by VGCC Vice President Dr. Levy Brown and Board of Trustees Chair Danny Wright, Desmarais is fondly referred to as “an outstanding leader, educator, community member, spouse, and mother who embodies both the mission and vision of Vance-Granville Community College.”
The statement continues, “The Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff are fully committed to ensuring that our students continue to receive an excellent education while our president takes the necessary time needed with her family. As her college family, we will get through this difficult time together while showing love and support for our president and her loved ones.”
Click here to read the full statement.
Community leaders called-in to Town Talk to express their condolences and to reflect on Dr. Desmarais, her role in the community and her family.
Dr. Jerry Edmonds – vice president of Workforce Development and Community Engagement at VGCC
“We, as a community college, are so saddened and devastated to learn of the passing of Ian. We appreciate all the outpouring of support. As a small community, this is really a testament to Dr. Desmarais and the fact that she is really engaged in our community.”
Edmonds said Ian was a student in VGCC’s Bioprocess Technology program, and that his younger brother Conall is a student at Vance County Early College High School, housed on VGCC’s campus.
“We have students on campus that are hurting because they sat side-by-side with Ian in classrooms and labs. We also have faculty and staff that taught Ian that are mourning over the loss of a student. We’ll get through it as a community and as a family.”
Eddie Ellington – mayor of Henderson
“I consider Dr. Desmarais a friend, a colleague and a community partner. Losing a child is the most tragic thing that can happen to any parent. Myself and the City of Henderson express our deepest sympathy to her family.
Dr. Desmarais, if you are listening, or if you listen to this later, please know you’re in our hearts, and we are here for you.”
Michele Burgess – president of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce
“On behalf of the Henderson-Vance Board of Directors and staff, I wanted to say how sorry we all are. We are all in shock; it’s just tragic news. We offer her our sympathy.”
On a personal note, Burgess said Desmarais, who is a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, often spoke about her sons, a bond the two women share.
“She, in conversation, even from the very first day we met, loved to talk about her family and her children. It was a close-knit family, and she often shared fun things about her boys. I have a son also, so we connected on that level as well. I just wanted to say how sorry I am about it.”
Gordon Wilder – chair of the Vance County Board of Commissioners
“On behalf of all the commissioners, I want to express our sadness and our shock at the passing of Dr. Desmarais’ son. We want to give the family our condolences and whatever support we can offer at this time.”
Nancy Wykle – publisher of The Daily Dispatch
“Dr. Desmarais has so quickly become such a fundamental part of our community fabric and has such a vision for where we can go. I think we, as her community family, grieve with her, and we want to wrap our arms around her and her family as they struggle through what no parent ever wants to imagine.
We want her to know that we are here in whatever way she needs us, and we are sending love, sympathy and prayers to her and her family.”
John Charles Rose – WIZS
“We just want Dr. Desmarais and her family to know how special they are here in this community. There are a lot of important partners here in this area. Dr. Desmarais and VGCC, in a lot of ways, are an umbrella that encases all of us because it is an institution of higher education that gives people opportunities to succeed in all areas. A lot of that would be true with any president of a community college, almost generically. Guess what? The word of the day for Dr. Desmarais is not ‘generic.’ The word of the day – in addition to ‘love’ and ‘support’ is ‘organic.’
Dr. Desmarais, the people that called [WIZS Town Talk] today care about you beyond your profession. Thank you for being here. On behalf of an entire community, we hurt for you today; we pray for you today; our love for you grows deeper today; we remember you today; we pray for your son and family today.”
To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
Coach’s Corner 08/21/20: National Youth Football, Vance Charter Soccer
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
GVPH COVID-19 Update: Six Recent Deaths Reported at Universal Health Care
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health
The following is an update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of August 20, 2020. Granville Vance Public Health numbers correlate with the NC Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NCEDSS) data.
The county case numbers reported on the NC county map from the NC Department of Health and Human Services may differ from the ones reported locally as they are updated at different times and may change once residence is verified.
Granville County
1,410 positive test results for COVID-19.
Of those 1,410, 790 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 790, 647 have been released from isolation.
Of those 1,410, 514 cases are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County, and 366 of those 514 have been released from isolation.
Of those 1,410, 106 are associated with outbreaks at long term care facilities including 18 at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center, 77 at Universal Health Care, and eight at Granville House.
Of the 106 cases in long term care facilities in Granville County, eight have been released from isolation.
Eleven individuals in Granville County are hospitalized.
There have been a total of 35 deaths in Granville County: four in the community, one of whom was associated with Central Regional Hospital, nine of whom were associated with Universal Health Care, and 21 of whom were associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.
There have been six additional deaths reported recently to GVPH associated with Universal Health Care. An 86-year-old male passed away on August 6, a 55-year-old male passed away on August 14, a 61-year-old male passed away on August 15, an 88-year-old male passed away on August 16, a 72-year-old male passed away on August 17, and a 71-year-old male passed away on August 19.
GVPH continues to work closely with all long term care facilities, hosting regular webinars and providing updates regarding infection control, testing guidance, communication and staffing.
Vance County
806 positive test results for COVID-19.
Of those 806, 681 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 681, 577 have been released from isolation.
Of those 806, 125 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities, including 49 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, 17 associated with Senior Citizens Home, and one with Alliance Rehabilitative Care (ARC). The outbreak at Pelican Health nursing home is no longer active.
Of the 125 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 44 have been released from isolation.
Seven individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.
WIZS Note: There are 104 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 143 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers).
Additional Information
The number of those who have been ‘released from isolation’ is determined by the CDC Guidance for discontinuation of isolation for persons with COVID-19.
Please visit www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information from Granville Vance Public Health and to sign up for daily email updates.
JF Webb Names New Head Basketball Coach
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools
J.F. Webb High School recently announced the hiring of its new high school basketball coach, Alex Tharp.
A native of Orange, Virginia, Coach Tharp played high school basketball at Orange County High School. After graduation, he attended Shooting for Greatness Academy in Raleigh, North Carolina for one year of post-graduation play. During his year at Shooting for Greatness, he excelled in both the classroom and on the basketball court. This led to a scholarship to continue his basketball career at Chowan University in Murfreesboro, North Carolina.
J.F. Webb High School recently announced the hiring of its new high school basketball coach, Alex Tharp (pictured above). Photo courtesy GCPS.
He transferred to St. Andrews University in his junior year, had a successful season and was looking forward to a promising senior year. During the second game of his senior year, he broke his ankle. This injury ended his playing career, but it opened the door to his coaching career.
Alex graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and began his teaching career in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He also served as the assistant varsity men’s basketball coach at Pasquotank County High School.
In 2018, Coach Tharp accepted a position as an assistant basketball coach at Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky. He shared that while the college coaching experience was exciting, it was not the right fit for him. He wanted to return to coaching high school athletes. This led him to Granville County.
Alex is a fifth-grade teacher at Tar River Elementary School and was an assistant basketball coach at Granville Central High School last year. Granville Central’s head coach, Michael McDaniel, shared, “he has a great basketball mind, and I think he could be a great fit at Oxford Webb.”
Coach Tharp is excited about the opportunity to become the head basketball coach at J.F. Webb. He shared, “I am ready to bring a new energy to the Warriors basketball program while getting the opportunity to work with a group of amazing young men. My goal is to help these young men be prepared for the next phase of their lives after high school, whether that be continuing their basketball career at the college level, going to college as a student to obtain a degree, or going into the workforce to immediately impact society. I cannot wait to get to work and help these young men reach their full potential on and off the court.”
Vacant Building, Industrial Development Grants to Bring Jobs, Infrastructure to Vance Co.
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper
The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 18 grant requests to local governments totaling $4,847,243, Governor Roy Cooper announced this week. The requests include commitments to create a total of 590 jobs, 296 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $103 million in private investment.
“North Carolina’s rural communities need support to upgrade their infrastructure to attract good jobs and build a stronger future. Investments like Rural Infrastructure grants signal to businesses and communities that our state is ready for economic development despite the challenges of the pandemic,” Governor Cooper said.
The North Carolina Department of Commerce’s team of rural economic development professionals supports the RIA’s work. RIA members review and approve funding requests from local communities. Funding comes from a variety of specialized grant and loan programs offered and managed by N.C. Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division, led by Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Kenny Flowers. Grants can support a variety of activities, including infrastructure development, building renovation, expansion and demolition, and site improvements.
The RIA approved grant requests locally for:
Vacant Building Category
Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account Program
The Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account provides grants to local governments located in the 80 most economically distressed counties of the state, which are classified as either Tier 1 or Tier 2. Funds may be used for publicly-owned infrastructure projects that are reasonably expected to result in new job creation.
The IDF – Utility Account is funded through a process tied to the state’s signature Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) program. When JDIG-awarded companies choose to locate or expand in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 county, a portion of that JDIG award is channeled into the Utility Account.
For additional information about N.C. Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division, visit www.nccommerce.com/rd.
Click here to read the press release in its entirety.
Vance County Retail Sales Up for 2019-2020
/by WIZS StaffTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-Press Release, Vance County Economic Development Commission
According to the most recent reports of county retail sales by the North Carolina Department of Revenue, Vance County had just over $468 million in retail sales for the Fiscal Year 2019-2020. Retail sales were up four percent over 2018-2019.
June 2020 had the highest sales figures at $53.2 million, well above the monthly average of $39 million. Benny Finch, EDC Director, noted 2019-2020 was the fifth consecutive year Vance County has topped the $400 million mark in retail sales.
“I’m very pleased to hear about the strong retail sales numbers in Vance County,” commented Vance County Economic Development Commission Chairman Tommy Hester. “Vance County continues to strengthen itself as a growing retail, manufacturing and tourism location in the region.”
Warren County EDC Lists Local Commercial, Industrial Properties
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Warren County Government
Warren County Economic Development is now listing commercial and industrial buildings, as well as land that is zoned for commercial and industrial development, on its website at warrencountync.org.
Property owners that have eligible property and are interested in listing their property that is for sale and/or lease should contact the Warren County Economic Development office. The property search platform is paid for by Warren County and provided through the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC).
Listing eligible property is free of charge, but property owners are expected to work in partnership with Economic Development staff to submit, collect, and update the appropriate and required information. Not all property will be eligible for listing; eligibility is determined at the discretion of Warren County Economic Development staff.
Information collected for listings includes, but is not limited to size, property description, sale price or lease rate, ceiling height, and utility information.
Property owners interested in listing their property should contact Charla Duncan, Economic Development Director (Interim), at (252) 257-3114 or by email at WCGOV@warrencountync.gov.
Any questions related to Planning/Zoning and how property is zoned should be directed to Ken Krulik at (252) 257-7027 or by email at KenKrulik@warrencountync.gov.
Murder Suspect Antavian C. Yancey Still at Large, Considered Armed & Dangerous
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information and photos courtesy Vance County Sheriff’s Office
Update on 8/21/20:
Murder suspect Antavian Cornelius Yancey is still at large. The Vance County Sheriff’s Office is seeking any and all assistance in locating Yancey. He is considered armed and dangerous. If seen, please contact the Vance County Sheriff‘s Office at (252) 738–2200.
Aliases: Cornelius Yancey and Antavian Yancey
Update on 7/31/20:
The Vance County Sheriff’s Office, along with other state and local authorities, continues to look for Antavian Cornelius Yancey for the murder of Charisma Robinson. It is believed that Yancey has family and friends in Durham, Burlington and Charlotte, North Carolina.
Yancey is considered to be armed and dangerous. If you have seen or have any knowledge about Antavian C. Yancey’s location, please contact your local law enforcement agency.
Original Press Release Issued July 24, 2020:
On Thursday, July 16, 2020, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division received a call referencing smoke in a wooded area. Upon the arrival of Deputies and the Vance County Fire Department on the scene, a vehicle was fully engulfed.
Members of the Vance County Sheriff‘s Office Criminal Investigation Division responded to investigate the vehicle fire along with North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s Arson unit. On July 17, 2020, the Vance County Sheriff‘s Office Criminal Investigation Division received a phone call from the Burlington Police Department in reference to the Burlington Police Department locating the body of a black female that was believed to be from Henderson, North Carolina. The female was identified as Charisma Robinson, age 35.
Investigator began to investigate these incidents and developed that the two cases were connected. Participating agencies from the Vance County Sheriff‘s Office, Henderson Police Department, Burlington Police Department and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation began a collaborative effort to solve the murder of Charisma Robinson,
Through the investigation, a person of interest was developed and later identified as a subject/suspect in this matter.
On July 24, 2020, a warrant for Murder and Burning of Personnel Property was issued for Antavian Cornelius Yancey (B/M/Age 34), regarding the death of Charisma Robinson.
Yancey is believed to be armed and dangerous. If located, please contact the Vance County Sheriff‘s Office at (252) 738–2200.
MPH Volunteer Services to Hold Parking Lot Handbag Sale
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Lisa Radford, Maria Parham Health
Volunteer Services of Maria Parham Health will hold a “In the Bag” handbag sale on August 25 and 26, 2020, from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. This sale will be held outside in the parking lot of Maria Parham Health in Henderson.
Brand name and designer handbags, briefcases, luggage, wallets, mini bags and small leather goods will be on sale for much less than regular retail prices.
This event is open to the public. Cash, debit, and credit cards accepted.
(This is not a paid advertisement)
Town Talk 08/20/20: Community Mourns Death of Ian Simmons, VGCC President’s Son
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
In a special edition of WIZS Town Talk aired live on Thursday at 11 a.m., community leaders expressed support and sympathy for Vance-Granville Community College President Rachel Desmarais. Desmarais’ oldest son Ian J. Simmons passed away as the result of a car accident on Tuesday.
In a joint statement released by VGCC Vice President Dr. Levy Brown and Board of Trustees Chair Danny Wright, Desmarais is fondly referred to as “an outstanding leader, educator, community member, spouse, and mother who embodies both the mission and vision of Vance-Granville Community College.”
The statement continues, “The Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff are fully committed to ensuring that our students continue to receive an excellent education while our president takes the necessary time needed with her family. As her college family, we will get through this difficult time together while showing love and support for our president and her loved ones.”
Click here to read the full statement.
Community leaders called-in to Town Talk to express their condolences and to reflect on Dr. Desmarais, her role in the community and her family.
Dr. Jerry Edmonds – vice president of Workforce Development and Community Engagement at VGCC
“We, as a community college, are so saddened and devastated to learn of the passing of Ian. We appreciate all the outpouring of support. As a small community, this is really a testament to Dr. Desmarais and the fact that she is really engaged in our community.”
Edmonds said Ian was a student in VGCC’s Bioprocess Technology program, and that his younger brother Conall is a student at Vance County Early College High School, housed on VGCC’s campus.
“We have students on campus that are hurting because they sat side-by-side with Ian in classrooms and labs. We also have faculty and staff that taught Ian that are mourning over the loss of a student. We’ll get through it as a community and as a family.”
Eddie Ellington – mayor of Henderson
“I consider Dr. Desmarais a friend, a colleague and a community partner. Losing a child is the most tragic thing that can happen to any parent. Myself and the City of Henderson express our deepest sympathy to her family.
Dr. Desmarais, if you are listening, or if you listen to this later, please know you’re in our hearts, and we are here for you.”
Michele Burgess – president of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce
“On behalf of the Henderson-Vance Board of Directors and staff, I wanted to say how sorry we all are. We are all in shock; it’s just tragic news. We offer her our sympathy.”
On a personal note, Burgess said Desmarais, who is a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, often spoke about her sons, a bond the two women share.
“She, in conversation, even from the very first day we met, loved to talk about her family and her children. It was a close-knit family, and she often shared fun things about her boys. I have a son also, so we connected on that level as well. I just wanted to say how sorry I am about it.”
Gordon Wilder – chair of the Vance County Board of Commissioners
“On behalf of all the commissioners, I want to express our sadness and our shock at the passing of Dr. Desmarais’ son. We want to give the family our condolences and whatever support we can offer at this time.”
Nancy Wykle – publisher of The Daily Dispatch
“Dr. Desmarais has so quickly become such a fundamental part of our community fabric and has such a vision for where we can go. I think we, as her community family, grieve with her, and we want to wrap our arms around her and her family as they struggle through what no parent ever wants to imagine.
We want her to know that we are here in whatever way she needs us, and we are sending love, sympathy and prayers to her and her family.”
John Charles Rose – WIZS
“We just want Dr. Desmarais and her family to know how special they are here in this community. There are a lot of important partners here in this area. Dr. Desmarais and VGCC, in a lot of ways, are an umbrella that encases all of us because it is an institution of higher education that gives people opportunities to succeed in all areas. A lot of that would be true with any president of a community college, almost generically. Guess what? The word of the day for Dr. Desmarais is not ‘generic.’ The word of the day – in addition to ‘love’ and ‘support’ is ‘organic.’
Dr. Desmarais, the people that called [WIZS Town Talk] today care about you beyond your profession. Thank you for being here. On behalf of an entire community, we hurt for you today; we pray for you today; our love for you grows deeper today; we remember you today; we pray for your son and family today.”
To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
Home and Garden Show 08-18-20
/by CharleneListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com on Tuesday at 4:30 PM.