THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College
The new Truck Driver Training, or CDL, program at Vance-Granville Community College began in February, had to be suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and then later resumed before finally concluding this month. Through all the ups and downs, VGCC officials say that the students in this first class have shown great perseverance and determination.
Jeff Bullock, of Henderson, is just one of many examples of the dedicated students in this class. Bullock, who works as a third shift engineer, earned a 4.0 grade point average and had perfect attendance. “Our highly experienced instructors provided excellent training and information inside and outside the classroom,” said Bullock. “Instructors stressed the importance of how to safely operate tractor-trailers and pay attention to detail during on-the-road training. We had access to recruiters from numerous trucking companies giving us potential job options as well as insight into the trucking industry.”
Students (pictured above) in the first class of VGCC’s new Trucker Driver Training program have completed their DOT exams, making them eligible for their “Class A” Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL-A) and fully employable as truck drivers. (VGCC photo)
Jim Womack, lead instructor for the Truck Driver Training program, said of Bullock, “I’m very proud of Jeff. He was an outstanding student that was never absent and never late for class.”
Student Michael Haskins, of Oxford, is another positive example from the class, who also earned a 4.0 grade point average and had perfect attendance. Instructor Womack noted, “Michael is a great guy and was a big help to the entire class. He was always the first student to offer his assistance to other students.”
Haskins’ philosophy was simple: “No man left behind.” As a result of the challenges caused by COVID-19, Haskins was “willing and determined to do whatever he could do to make sure every student was successful by passing the class and getting their CDL-A license.” He described the class as a “career-changing and exciting experience.”
Student Kaylin Riley, of Creedmoor, faced challenges that he had to overcome. Womack said that he noticed “Kaylin buckling down and getting really serious about improving his driving skills and techniques – which paid off for him because he successfully completed the course and will be getting his CDL-A Driver License.”
Dawn Tucker, Dean of Continuing Education and College & Career Readiness said “Providing these young men and women the training necessary to start a new and rewarding career gives the college GREAT joy and pride! Their ability to persevere, in the midst of a pandemic, and their commitment to successfully completing all the requirements of the program, are clear indications that the best, for them, is yet to come.”
The program includes a combination of classroom instruction, range driving and road driving. With the end of training on June 25, 2020, students have successfully completed their DOT exams, making them eligible for their “Class A” Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL-A) and fully employable as truck drivers.
VGCC is scheduled to offer another nine-week class starting in August, with a mandatory orientation on July 29.
The program, offered in collaboration with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute and certified by the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI), is considered essential to meeting the needs of many companies who need drivers to move goods across the country. Local employers have shown strong support for VGCC’s program and have spoken to students about job opportunities.
To enroll in the program, students must be at least 18 years old, have a valid North Carolina driver’s license, and be able to read and speak English well enough to take instructions from highway signs, to converse with officials, and to complete the required reports.
For more information on the Truck Driver Training Program, please visit www.vgcc.edu/cdl/ or contact Kyle Burwell, Director of Occupational Extension, at 252-738-3276 or burwellk@vgcc.edu.
Jeff Bullock, of Henderson, is just one of many examples of the dedicated students in VGCC’s Trucker Driver Training class. Bullock, who works as a third shift engineer, earned a 4.0 grade point average and had perfect attendance. (VGCC photo)
Student Michael Haskins, of Oxford, is another positive example from the Truck Driver class, who also earned a 4.0 grade point average and had perfect attendance. (VGCC photo)
Student Kaylin Riley, of Creedmoor, successfully completed VGCC’s Truck Driver Training course and is now eligible for his CDL-A Driver License. (VGCC photo)
Suspect in Kittrell Grocery, Bear Pond Market Armed Robbery Arrested
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-Press Release, Vance County Sheriff’s Office
On Wednesday, July 1, 2020, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division responded to Kittrell Grocery located at 1365 U.S. 1 Kittrell, North Carolina and Bear Pond Fresh Market located at 3963 Raleigh Road, Henderson, North Carolina in reference to an armed robbery.
The Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division arrived at the scene and began the investigation. A person of interest was developed.
Howard Perry, Jr. (VCSO photo)
After conducting interviews, Howard Perry, Jr., age 52, became a suspect. A traffic stop was conducted on Perry‘s vehicle on NC 39 South where he was taken into custody.
The Criminal Investigation Division made contact with other jurisdictions that had similar incidents in the Vance County area, and Perry was subsequently charged with one count of Common Law Robbery, one count of Attempted Common Law Robbery that occurred in Vance County and another count of Common Law Robbery that happened in the city of Henderson.
Perry‘s bond was set at $50,000, and he is scheduled to appear in Vance County District Court on August 4, 2020.
This investigation is continuing.
Vance Virtual Village Academy Names Principal
/by WIZS StaffTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-Press Release, Vance County Schools
Vance County Schools is pleased to announce Nathan Currie as the Principal for Vance Virtual Village Academy.
Mr. Currie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having most recently served as the Superintendent of North Carolina Cyber Academy, an independent, virtual public charter school that serves over 2,500 students in grades K-12. While there, he networked with statewide and national school leaders, policymakers and heads of schools to promote digital learning and competencies.
Vance County Schools has named Nathan Currie as the Principal for Vance Virtual Village Academy. Mr. Currie will begin his new position on August 1, 2020. (Photo courtesy VCS)
Mr. Currie, a native of Wilmington, NC, received his Bachelor of Science from Livingstone College, his Master of Arts from the University of Phoenix and is currently a High Point University Doctoral student in the School of Education.
Mr. Currie has served the public schools of North Carolina for over 20 years, beginning as an elementary and middle school teacher in Rowan-Salisbury Schools, later becoming an assistant principal, principal and director of middle schools. Currie went on to serve as the Assistant Superintendent of Administration in the Rowan-Salisbury Schools and later the Executive Director of North Carolina Connections Academy, a virtual public charter school.
Currie has served on the YMCA Board, Community Action Agency, is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and enjoys playing the piano and reading. Currie believes that technology is the surest way to upward mobility and that it creates a more equitable edge in connecting students to learning.
Having over 20 years of educational experience, VCS is confident that Mr. Currie will bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the newest Innovative School – V3. Mr. Currie will begin his new position on August 1, 2020.
Butner Federal Inmates Withdraw Lawsuit Against Prison Officials
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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice
Eleven inmates housed at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, North Carolina (“FCC Butner”) voluntarily dismissed their lawsuit against the Federal Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”) officials seeking release from prison as a result of the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to court documents, the federal inmates, who are represented by several advocacy groups, filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus, temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction on behalf of themselves and a purported class of current and future medically vulnerable inmates. The inmates alleged violations of their Eighth Amendment rights related to FCC Butner’s response to the COVID-19 crisis and sought relief including mass release or transfer of inmates from FCC Butner in order to facilitate social distancing. BOP officials filed substantial responses detailing the significant steps BOP and FCC Butner have taken to manage the crisis at FCC Butner.
On June 11, 2020, United States District Court Judge Louise W. Flanagan denied the inmates’ motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, finding that the BOP officials made reasonable efforts toward the goals of preventing unnecessary illness and death and slowing the spread of the virus, that the claims were not appropriate under a habeas petition, and even if they were, the inmates failed to show a likelihood of success on the merits or that equity and public interests favor a temporary restraining order.
On Monday, the inmates filed a stipulation of dismissal essentially withdrawing their remaining claims.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina commented: “Effectively managing prisons is a complex and difficult job on any day, but especially so in the midst of a global pandemic which affects so many people both inside and outside of the prison system. We are gratified that the court, in its ruling denying the inmates’ request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, recognized the efforts that officials at FCC Butner have made to minimize the risk of virus infection to the prisoners while doing their usual excellent job at maintaining order and ensuring the safety of the public in operating these critical facilities. I fully support the professional way in which that the FCC Butner officials continue to maintain the safety and security of the individuals housed within their institutions and the responsible manner in which they are managing the COVID-19 crisis.”
Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Bredenberg, Genna D. Petre, Christina Kelley, Mallory Brooks Storus, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Rogers defended the case on behalf of the BOP officials.
Vance Co. Schools Delays Opening of Summer Athletic Conditioning
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-Information courtesy Vance County Schools
Vance County Schools continues to evaluate the timing of returning to athletics. VCS understands that summer workouts and conditioning are important; however, due to continued concerns regarding COVID-19, the opening of athletic workouts will be delayed to no earlier than July 20, 2020.
VCS will continue to monitor health and safety data, in consultation with NCDHHS and GVPH, to ensure student-athletes are able to safely return.
Granville Co. Public Schools Delays Athletic Skills Development Training
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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools
With guidance from the NCDHHS and the NCHSAA, Granville County Public Schools had planned to begin athletic skill development training for high school sports on Monday, July 6, 2020.
However, given the increased rate of positive COVID 19 cases throughout our community and state, this date will now be delayed until Monday, July 20, 2020.
This new date is consistent with those of some neighboring school districts and schools that are in our athletic conferences. This delay will also allow additional time to refine and strengthen our staff training and the implementation of local and state-mandated screening and cleaning protocols and practices.
When skill development begins, it will be limited in scope per NCHSAA regulations and restricted to outside activities only. All GCPS buildings remain closed to the public and students this summer.
As we get more guidance from our Governor and the NCHSAA, we will update you on any necessary adjustments involving our athletic programs.
GCPS believes strongly in the value of our athletic programs as positive influences on the lives of our student-athletes. We will continue to monitor and plan for ways to resume these activities as soon as possible while keeping the health and safety of our students and staff a top priority.
Governor Cooper: No Official Word on School Plans; ‘Classroom Doors’ Reopening Priority
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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper
Governor Roy Cooper today shared that North Carolina will continue working with schools, teachers, parents, and health experts to ensure that plans for school this coming year will protect everybody, especially those at high-risk.
“We want to get our students back in the classroom, and we want to make sure we get this right. My number one opening priority is classroom doors,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “We encourage our public schools to continue planning, with a special focus on how teachers, staff, and students can best be protected – especially those who are high-risk.”
In June, the state released the Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit laying out essential health practices for schools to re-open safely. Schools were asked to prepare three plans: Plan A – in-person learning with key health and safety rules in place. Plan B – same as Plan A, but with fewer children in the classroom at one time. And Plan C – remote learning for all students.
With the goal of getting students back in the classroom for in-person learning this school year, planning continues to ensure teachers, staff and students will have adequate protection.
“We need to do everything within our collective power so that our children can return to in-person instruction,” said NCDHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen. “We can do that with the scientifically proven protective measures in the StrongSchoolsNC guidance and all of us practicing the 3Ws.”
This week, the state distributed supplies of personal protective equipment to schools across the state for use in the upcoming school year to keep students safe and healthy while at school. These PPE Starter Packs include a two-month supply of thermometers, surgical masks, face shields & gowns to school systems and charter schools, for school nurses and delegated staff who provide health care to students for the 2020-2021 school year.
In total, the shipments include more than 16,500 thermometers, 7,200 face shields, 81,000 gowns and more than 347,000 surgical masks. Shipments to 203 charter schools, lab schools, and regional schools will travel via UPS. Supplies for the 116 public school districts will ship either via UPS or directly to the school district warehouse by North Carolina National Guard teams or by a contracted trucking firm.
The state has also provided school districts with access to statewide contracts so they can more easily purchase other health and hygiene supplies, like cloth face coverings and hand sanitizer, for their staff and students.
More is needed, and Governor Cooper is committed to working with schools, teachers, parents, the Department of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education on a strong plan to re-open schools.
Cooperative Extension with Paul McKenzie 07/01/20
/by CharleneListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 2 PM Monday – Thursday.
VGCC’s New Truck Driver Training Program Graduates First Class
/by WIZS StaffTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College
The new Truck Driver Training, or CDL, program at Vance-Granville Community College began in February, had to be suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and then later resumed before finally concluding this month. Through all the ups and downs, VGCC officials say that the students in this first class have shown great perseverance and determination.
Jeff Bullock, of Henderson, is just one of many examples of the dedicated students in this class. Bullock, who works as a third shift engineer, earned a 4.0 grade point average and had perfect attendance. “Our highly experienced instructors provided excellent training and information inside and outside the classroom,” said Bullock. “Instructors stressed the importance of how to safely operate tractor-trailers and pay attention to detail during on-the-road training. We had access to recruiters from numerous trucking companies giving us potential job options as well as insight into the trucking industry.”
Students (pictured above) in the first class of VGCC’s new Trucker Driver Training program have completed their DOT exams, making them eligible for their “Class A” Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL-A) and fully employable as truck drivers. (VGCC photo)
Jim Womack, lead instructor for the Truck Driver Training program, said of Bullock, “I’m very proud of Jeff. He was an outstanding student that was never absent and never late for class.”
Student Michael Haskins, of Oxford, is another positive example from the class, who also earned a 4.0 grade point average and had perfect attendance. Instructor Womack noted, “Michael is a great guy and was a big help to the entire class. He was always the first student to offer his assistance to other students.”
Haskins’ philosophy was simple: “No man left behind.” As a result of the challenges caused by COVID-19, Haskins was “willing and determined to do whatever he could do to make sure every student was successful by passing the class and getting their CDL-A license.” He described the class as a “career-changing and exciting experience.”
Student Kaylin Riley, of Creedmoor, faced challenges that he had to overcome. Womack said that he noticed “Kaylin buckling down and getting really serious about improving his driving skills and techniques – which paid off for him because he successfully completed the course and will be getting his CDL-A Driver License.”
Dawn Tucker, Dean of Continuing Education and College & Career Readiness said “Providing these young men and women the training necessary to start a new and rewarding career gives the college GREAT joy and pride! Their ability to persevere, in the midst of a pandemic, and their commitment to successfully completing all the requirements of the program, are clear indications that the best, for them, is yet to come.”
The program includes a combination of classroom instruction, range driving and road driving. With the end of training on June 25, 2020, students have successfully completed their DOT exams, making them eligible for their “Class A” Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL-A) and fully employable as truck drivers.
VGCC is scheduled to offer another nine-week class starting in August, with a mandatory orientation on July 29.
The program, offered in collaboration with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute and certified by the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI), is considered essential to meeting the needs of many companies who need drivers to move goods across the country. Local employers have shown strong support for VGCC’s program and have spoken to students about job opportunities.
To enroll in the program, students must be at least 18 years old, have a valid North Carolina driver’s license, and be able to read and speak English well enough to take instructions from highway signs, to converse with officials, and to complete the required reports.
For more information on the Truck Driver Training Program, please visit www.vgcc.edu/cdl/ or contact Kyle Burwell, Director of Occupational Extension, at 252-738-3276 or burwellk@vgcc.edu.
Jeff Bullock, of Henderson, is just one of many examples of the dedicated students in VGCC’s Trucker Driver Training class. Bullock, who works as a third shift engineer, earned a 4.0 grade point average and had perfect attendance. (VGCC photo)
Student Michael Haskins, of Oxford, is another positive example from the Truck Driver class, who also earned a 4.0 grade point average and had perfect attendance. (VGCC photo)
Student Kaylin Riley, of Creedmoor, successfully completed VGCC’s Truck Driver Training course and is now eligible for his CDL-A Driver License. (VGCC photo)
Town Talk 07/01/20: Call-in, Discussion on Removal of Vance Co. Confederate Statue
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To hear today’s Town Talk segment in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk or click the play button below.
Listen live to Town Talk every Monday – Friday at 11 a.m. at 100.1 FM, 1450 AM or online at www.wizs.com.
To read the WIZS article regarding the Vance County Board of Commissioners’ 4-3 vote to remove the Confederate statue and monument, click here.
Coach’s Corner 07/01/20: Orange Co. Speedway Hopeful Fans Can Return for July Race
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Terry Deal, director of operations at Orange County Speedway in Rougemont, NC, appeared on WIZS Coach’s Corner Wednesday.
With two races on the 2020 schedule canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, and one held without fans, Deal is hopeful the next scheduled OCS race on Saturday, July 18, will be a-go with at least some fans in attendance.
The July race is scheduled for the day after the end of NC Governor Roy Cooper’s three-week extension of the Safer at Home Phase 2 plan.
“We had a race without fans, and that’s just not a very good way to race. We hope to have some fans in some capacity at the next race, whether that be at 50 percent or whatever the new rules are at the time,” said Deal.
If the July 18 race is canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, Deal said the OCS will look forward to August for scheduled races and shows. To view the race schedule, please visit the newly-designed OCS website at www.ocstrack.net.
“We are holding up as good as anyone else considering the circumstances,” Deal said. “We are just taking it day by day and seeing how it goes.”
Listen to today’s Coach’s Corner audio by clicking the play button above.