J.F. Webb Merger

JF Webb, School of Health & Life Sciences to Merge Into Single High School

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

This past week, the final graduating class of JF Webb School of Health and Life Sciences walked across the stage. Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, the school will merge into a single high school on the campus.

While this marks the closing of one school, it signals the dramatic transformation of the entire school campus. JF Webb High School will begin the next academic year with the school’s focus and organization redesigned, to what will be known moving forward as, “The Warrior Way.”

The Warrior Way school redesign will keep all course offerings and special programs associated with the School of Health and Life Sciences and offer an additional NEW focus on providing students the opportunity to earn college credits through VGCC.

Much like an Early College program, students at JF Webb will be provided a streamlined track for dual enrollment at the college’s main campus just seven miles away. The school will offer special guidance and counseling to provide students the opportunity to earn enough credits to graduate with both a high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree.

Students will also have the opportunity to earn other specialty degrees and certificates related to a variety of careers. All of this will be provided at no cost to families – textbooks and tuition will all be included. The school is also in the process of planning regular shuttle service to and from JF Webb and the VGCC main campus on a daily basis.

JF Webb Principal Amy Rice offered her comments, saying “Warrior pride runs deep in our community. I am super excited about the changes going on at our school. The Warrior Way provides clear pathways forward for every student, no matter their interest. However, one thing all pathways have in common is a focus on post-secondary education. Every graduate from our school will have a clear advantage in moving on to the next step in their life’s plan. Whether it be a career in the world of biomedical sciences as a scientist or medical professional, a leadership position in business or industry, a well-paid job in one of the countless skilled trades, or service in the military, JF Webb is the place to launch those plans. The school has an amazing history and an even brighter future. If you haven’t checked us out lately, it’s time to give us another look.”

In addition to the restructuring of the school’s organization, the community will also notice significant upgrades and improvements to the physical campus as well.

To learn more about how you or your child can become part of the Warrior Way, reach out to Principal Rice ricea@gcs.k12.nc.us today.

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Warren County EDC Seeks Farmers for Free Analysis Program

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-Press Release, Warren County Government

Warren County Economic Development Commission (EDC) is seeking Warren County farmers interested in increasing crop yield and profits through analysis of plant sap by Advancing Eco Agriculture, or AEA. 

EDC is providing funding for three Warren County farmers willing to commit to the program requirements during the current growing season. Farmers must notify the EDC office that they would like to participate by 5 p.m., Friday, June 19, 2020.

AEA plant sap analysis reveals plant mineral levels, nutritional deficiencies, and excesses before they cause significant yield loss. Results provide the farmer the opportunity to determine and apply the precise amount of a needed nutrient before a deficiency manifests as a disease or weakness. 

Since 2006, Advancing Eco Agriculture has served over 2 million acres with AEA programs while working hand in hand with farmers in North America, producing healthier soil, stronger crops, and higher profits.

In brief, here’s how the program works:

Participating farmers will receive sample collection kits, mail leaf samples to the AEA laboratory, and receive an analysis report by email. An AEA consultant will interpret the results and recommend corrective measures in a group call, so even farmers not participating in the sap analysis can learn from the consultation. 

Farmers continue to observe and measure crop health and harvest results. The accumulated data aids in planning for the next growing season. The cost of the testing program is paid by the Warren County EDC. Farmers will pay for corrective applications themselves. 

If you are interested in participating, please contact the Warren County EDC Director Stacy Woodhouse at the Warren County EDC office at (252) 257-3114. The EDC office is open from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A.V. Richards

Town Talk 06/16/20: Remembering Vance Senior High, NC State Football Alum A.V. Richards

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Brenda Peace, former Henderson City Councilwoman and sister of Vance Senior High and NC State University alum and football player Andrew Vance “A.V.” Richards, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Peace described her brother, who passed away Sunday, June 14, as a “gentle giant” who left his mark on athletics and has helped shape local youth.

“A.V. was tall in stature, just a massive dude, but he was the sweetest, most easy-going person that you would have ever met,” Peace reminisced. “He had nothing but love for everybody; it didn’t matter who you were, A.V. loved you.”

A.V. Richards, Vance Senior High and NC State alum and football player, passed away June 14, 2020. He is remembered as a “gentle giant who loved everyone,” according to his sister, former Henderson City Councilwoman Brenda Peace. (Photo courtesy Brenda Peace)

Playing on both the varsity football and basketball teams while a student at Vance Senior High School in the late 70s/early 80s, Richards took his love of sports with him to NC State University. There, Richards transitioned from tight end to offensive tackle as part of the Wolfpack’s football team.

Upon graduating from NC State in 1985, Richards was drafted into the United States Football League (USFL) as a member of the Jacksonville Bulls, shortly before the league was shut down following a legal battle with the National Football League (NFL).

Returning to Henderson, Richards focused his attention on coaching and motivating youth on both the football field and in life. “A.V. has had a lot of influence on a lot of young men’s lives,” WIZS’s own Kemp Collins and life-long friend of Richards said during the Town Talk segment. “He’s in a better place now, but he left his print here, and I’m sure what he left will benefit those young men in their lifetime.”

Peace said while her brother is well-known for his athletic prowess, she will also remember the man that had a kind word and smile for everyone, in addition to being “one bad bass player.”

“Not only could he throw a football and dribble a basketball, but his fingers were magical when it came to playing music on his bass guitar,” said Peace. “As passionate as he was about football, he was just as passionate about music and people. He was a man of passion.”

To hear the interview with Peace in its entirety, including comments from special guests, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

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Vance Commissioners Approve County, Water District Budget

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Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen provided WIZS with the following summary of the Vance County Board of Commissioners’ special called meeting held Monday, June 15, 2020:

County Budget – The total general fund budget is $49,498,430, with $1,310,356 used from fund balance to balance the budget. The overall budget with all funds combined is $60.7 million. The budget includes no increase in the general fund property tax rate (remains at .89 cents), no increase in the fire tax rate (remains 8.9 cents), and a $5 increase in the solid waste household fee. Overall, the budget addresses the Board’s top priorities for the coming year while moving the county forward and maximizing county services with limited revenue growth.

Water District Budget – The total water district budget is $1,250,689, which includes a general fund transfer of $261,885. The budget holds the usage rate at 10.33 per $1,000 gallons. We currently have $1,338 active metered customers on the system and believe it will take 1,600 to 1,650 to break even assuming we do not take on any additional debt for the system.

Maria Parham Incentive – Maria Parham Health is in the process of adding a cardiac cath lab which will increase the tax value over $3.2 million and add over 25 jobs with an average wage of over $60,000. As a result of this, we have been discussing an economic development incentive agreement with Maria Parham for several months. We were unable to hold the necessary public hearings and approve the agreement last night due to restrictions that were previously in place related to COVID-19 and public hearings.

Eaton Johnson – The Board approved financing for the project and awarded the contract for the renovation of the former Eaton Johnson Middle School building to Danco Builders, who was the lowest qualified bidder. We will need approval of the financing from the Local Government Commission which meets on July 7, but after that, we will be finalizing contracts and work will begin for the 10-month project to renovate Eaton Johnson for use by DSS. The construction cost approved was $3,030,856.38 and the total project budget with engineering and other contingencies included is $4,531,662. We are hopeful for an August 1, 2020, start date which would put completion in April or May of next year.

Vance County’s approved budget documents and Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) can be viewed on the County’s Board of Commissioners website (click here).

Local News Audio

WIZS Local News – Jobs/Work/Who to call

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WIZS – YOUR COMMUNITY VOICE

Local News – 8am; 12 Noon; 5pm; M-F

Noon News for June 16, 2020

Where to find a job. Who to call.

 

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Vance County Schools Recognizes VGCC With Partnership Award

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance County Schools recently recognized Vance-Granville Community College with the 2019-2020 “Partnership of the Year” award for collaborating with Vance County Early College High School (VCECHS).

“We are pleased to be able to partner with Vance County Early College and the entire school system,” VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais said, in accepting the award on behalf of the college faculty and staff. “An important part of our student body, Early College students enrich our campus community, and we have the privilege of helping them achieve their goals.” 

VGCC worked closely with the school system in 2008 to start the Early College High School, and it has been housed on the community college’s Main Campus near Henderson ever since.

VCECHS is a five-year high school experience that offers students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma along with an Associate in Arts and/or Associate in Science degree, or at least some college transfer credits, tuition-free.

Early College programs provide affordable, accessible pathways to four-year university degrees for many students. In addition, VGCC offers other “Career and College Promise” (CCP) pathways to students at traditional high schools – allowing them to earn college credits, as well.

“We are extremely grateful for your partnership work with Vance County Schools,” Aarika Sandlin, the system’s public information officer, wrote in a letter to the college. “Without devoted community members, churches and organizations, our system would not be the same. We appreciate all that you have done for our schools and our students this year. We are so proud of all you have done to make a difference, making us all Vance County Proud!”

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COVID-19 Update: 1,116 Known Cases in GVPH District to Date

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

As of June 15, 2020, there are 698 known COVID-19 cases in Granville County, 418 cases in Vance County, and 45,102 confirmed cases in North Carolina.

There are two outbreaks at congregate living facilities in Granville County at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC and Murdoch Development Center in Butner, NC. Of the cases in Granville County, 393 are associated with the prisons and five are associated with Murdoch.

Of the 393 cases in the prison system, 87 have been released from isolation and one individual with Murdoch has been released from isolation.

Of the 300 community-based cases in Granville County, 135 have been released from isolation and nine are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 16 deaths in Granville County, 15 of whom were with the Bureau of Prisons.

There are three outbreaks at congregate living facilities in Vance County: Pelican Health in Henderson, NC, Kerr Lake Nursing Home in Henderson, NC, and Senior Citizens Home in Henderson, NC. Fifty-eight of the cases in Vance County are associated with Pelican Health nursing home, 41 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, and two are associated with Senior Citizens Home.

Of the 101 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 41 have been released from isolation.

Of the 317 community-based cases in Vance County, 141 have been released from isolation.

Seven individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 32 deaths in Vance County, 14 of whom were associated with Pelican Health and eight of whom were associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.

GVPH updates its website daily at approximately 5 p.m. with Vance and Granville COVID-19 statistics. Please visit www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information.

GVPH also emails updates about COVID-19 in Granville and Vance counties each evening. You can sign up to receive these emails at www.gvph.org/covid-19.

JF Webb High School Hires Lamont Robinson as Head Football Coach

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

JF Webb High School recently announced the hiring of its new high school football coach, Mr. Lamont Robinson. A Washington D.C. native, Lamont Robinson played high school football at H.D. Woodson High School, before he transferred his junior year to Duval High School in Lanham, MD.

JF Webb High School recently announced the hiring of its new high school football coach, Mr. Lamont Robinson. (Photo courtesy GCPS)

After his high school graduation, Coach Robinson served two years in the United States Navy. He was stationed on the USS Eisenhower based out of Norfolk, VA, and he served in the Aviation Fuels Division. After completing his military obligation, Coach Robinson enrolled in Prince George’s Community College and then transferred to Salisbury University where he majored in English and Education. At SU, Coach Robinson was a four-year letterman on the Seagulls football team.

After his college graduation, he became a teacher and head junior varsity football coach at Amelia County High School in Amelia, VA. Since then, Coach Robinson has served in a variety of coaching roles in North Carolina, including Saint Augustine’s College, S.E. Raleigh High School, Riverside High School and Warren County.

In 2008, Coach Robinson also became the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Phoenix, a member of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL). Lamont Robinson will be entering his twentieth year as a football coach this season.

Coach Robinson is excited about the opportunity to become the head football coach at J.F. Webb High School. Coach Robinson is also a father of a 12-year-old son, Mason Robinson.

JF Webb High School Principal Amy Rice offered her remarks, stating, “We are so excited to welcome Coach Robinson to the Warrior family. We look forward to the leadership he will provide our students on and off the field. We anticipate many successful seasons with him in this role.”

Warren Co. Memorial Library Announces Start of Book Pickup, Summer Reading Program

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-Information courtesy Warren County Government

No Contact Pickup:

Warren County Memorial Library will resume limited public operations beginning Wednesday, June 17, 2020, with the introduction of “No Contact Pickup.”

Library patrons will be able to place books and audiovisual materials on hold via the library catalog at any time, or by calling (252) 257-4990 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Library staff will pull the requested items and give the patron a call when the items are checked out and ready for pickup.

The library’s lobby will be open for book pickups on Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Your items will be placed in a bag with your name on it for you to grab and go. There will be no access to the main building, community room, or restrooms at this time.

Further steps for re-opening will be announced as details become available. All efforts are being made to fully return to serving patrons in person while mitigating any potential spread of the coronavirus.

During the pandemic, Warren County Memorial Library staff have worked to greatly expand the range of resources and services that are available online. If you need a library card or need to update an existing one, that can now be handled at the library website, www.wcmlibrary.org. You may also give the library staff a call at (252) 257-4990, and they will be happy to assist you.

Summer Reading 2020:

Warren County Memorial Library is excited to announce this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, “Imagine Your Story,” centered around fairytales, legends, myths, fables, and folklore.

While many people may be staying home this summer, readers are free to travel to worlds unknown with their imaginations. The Summer Reading Program will run from Monday, June 22 until Friday, July 24, 2020.

Reading during the summer months can make the difference between summer setbacks and summer success, leading to better academic performance when kids and teens return to school. This year will feel a little different as pandemic precautions have moved many of your favorite programs and books online. 

“We are thrilled with the work our entire staff has done to create a wonderful array of activities and suggested reads that can be enjoyed from the comfort and safety of home,” said Cheryl Reddish, Library Director. “We encourage readers of all ages to join the challenge beginning Monday, June 22 with a Kickoff Event.”

Adults are invited to participate in the “Read 4 Life” Adult Summer Reading Challenge, culminating in the Adult Zoom Book Discussion on Monday, July 20, 2020, from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m., where readers can share thoughts, suggestions and comments about the books they read, or just meet some Warren County readers. 

If residents need a library card, that is no problem. Library card signups can now be handled online at the library’s website: www.wcmlibrary.org. 

For More Information about the Library or to Access eResources: Go to www.wcmlibrary.org for event details and additional services offered. All library programs are free to access. Call the library for more information at (252) 257-4990. The library is located at 119 S. Front Street, Warrenton, NC 27589.