THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools
Each year, GCPS celebrates excellence in teaching through our Teacher of the Year recognitions. Staff at each school selects a Teacher of the Year who then competes to become the District Teacher of the Year, who then goes on to possibly compete at the regional, state and national levels.
Unfortunately, the pandemic altered the traditional special ceremony and announcements held this spring. This year, instead of being recognized in person, the teachers of the year were celebrated virtually at the June 1, 2020, Board of Education meeting.
Mrs. Jenna Holloway, first-grade teacher at Mt. Energy Elementary School, was selected as Granville County Public Schools’ 2020 Teacher of the Year. (Photo courtesy GCPS)
Senior staff and Board members recognized each of the eighteen school’s respective teachers of the year, showing photos and reading short biographies of each outstanding educator. Superintendent McLean then announced the second and first runners up, before Chairman David Richardson announced the 2020 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Jenna Holloway, First Grade Teacher at Mt. Energy Elementary School.
Mrs. Holloway was presented with her trophy, flowers, yard sign and balloons in person the day after the announcement. She will also receive a check for $1,000 on behalf of the Granville Ed Foundation. Each of the runners up were honored with a trophy and $500 on behalf of the Granville Ed Foundation.
Superintendent McLean offered her thoughts on the announcement, stating, “We are sure that Mrs. Holloway will be a shining star among the others recognized across the country for this top honor. We are proud of her and all she represents.”
Board Chairman Richardson also shared his praise, stating, “I am so proud of all of these teachers and the dedication and love they have for their students. I know that Mrs. Holloway will represent our district well in this coming year as a true ambassador for our county and the profession itself.”
2020 Granville County Teachers of the Year:
Elementary Schools
Butner Stem Elementary School ~ Amy Brown
C.G. Credle Elementary School ~ Shiloh Novak
Creedmoor Elementary School ~ Stephanie Layton
Mt. Energy Elementary School ~ Jenna Holloway (WINNER)
Stovall Shaw Elementary School ~ Christopher Leas
Tar River Elementary School ~ Shelby Ford
West Oxford Elementary School ~ Karla Gravitt
Wilton Elementary School ~ Sherri Wilkins
Middle Schools
Butner Stem Middle School ~ Kimberly York (SECOND RUNNER UP)
G.C. Hawley Middle School ~ Margaret Hernandez
Granville Academy ~ Michael Spradlin
Northern Granville Middle School ~ MaShaunda Goods
High Schools
Granville Central High School ~ Stacey Mangum
Granville Early College High School ~ Emily Nemitz (FIRST RUNNER UP)
J.F. Webb High School ~ Rebecca Wilkinson
J.F. Webb School HLS ~ Jennifer Howard
Phoenix Academy ~ Amanda Grady
South Granville High School ~ Dane Fields
Jenna Holloway Named GCPS 2020 Teacher of the Year
/by WIZS StaffTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools
Each year, GCPS celebrates excellence in teaching through our Teacher of the Year recognitions. Staff at each school selects a Teacher of the Year who then competes to become the District Teacher of the Year, who then goes on to possibly compete at the regional, state and national levels.
Unfortunately, the pandemic altered the traditional special ceremony and announcements held this spring. This year, instead of being recognized in person, the teachers of the year were celebrated virtually at the June 1, 2020, Board of Education meeting.
Mrs. Jenna Holloway, first-grade teacher at Mt. Energy Elementary School, was selected as Granville County Public Schools’ 2020 Teacher of the Year. (Photo courtesy GCPS)
Senior staff and Board members recognized each of the eighteen school’s respective teachers of the year, showing photos and reading short biographies of each outstanding educator. Superintendent McLean then announced the second and first runners up, before Chairman David Richardson announced the 2020 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Jenna Holloway, First Grade Teacher at Mt. Energy Elementary School.
Mrs. Holloway was presented with her trophy, flowers, yard sign and balloons in person the day after the announcement. She will also receive a check for $1,000 on behalf of the Granville Ed Foundation. Each of the runners up were honored with a trophy and $500 on behalf of the Granville Ed Foundation.
Superintendent McLean offered her thoughts on the announcement, stating, “We are sure that Mrs. Holloway will be a shining star among the others recognized across the country for this top honor. We are proud of her and all she represents.”
Board Chairman Richardson also shared his praise, stating, “I am so proud of all of these teachers and the dedication and love they have for their students. I know that Mrs. Holloway will represent our district well in this coming year as a true ambassador for our county and the profession itself.”
2020 Granville County Teachers of the Year:
Elementary Schools
Butner Stem Elementary School ~ Amy Brown
C.G. Credle Elementary School ~ Shiloh Novak
Creedmoor Elementary School ~ Stephanie Layton
Mt. Energy Elementary School ~ Jenna Holloway (WINNER)
Stovall Shaw Elementary School ~ Christopher Leas
Tar River Elementary School ~ Shelby Ford
West Oxford Elementary School ~ Karla Gravitt
Wilton Elementary School ~ Sherri Wilkins
Middle Schools
Butner Stem Middle School ~ Kimberly York (SECOND RUNNER UP)
G.C. Hawley Middle School ~ Margaret Hernandez
Granville Academy ~ Michael Spradlin
Northern Granville Middle School ~ MaShaunda Goods
High Schools
Granville Central High School ~ Stacey Mangum
Granville Early College High School ~ Emily Nemitz (FIRST RUNNER UP)
J.F. Webb High School ~ Rebecca Wilkinson
J.F. Webb School HLS ~ Jennifer Howard
Phoenix Academy ~ Amanda Grady
South Granville High School ~ Dane Fields
Noon News 06/03/20
/by Larry100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
WIZS, Henderson – Your Community Voice
Upcoming Job Fair for Harbor Freight
South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church to offer utility relief for impactees of COVID 19 pandemic
Sheriff Curtis Brame and Kendrick Vann discuss Sunday’s protest walk
Enrollment Numbers Up for VGCC’s Summer Term
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Vance-Granville Community College has been working diligently to educate more students this summer. The hard work is paying off.
As of the beginning of the summer semester in late May, VGCC had 1,228 students enrolled in credit programs. That represents an estimated 11% increase compared to the beginning of the summer 2019 semester when enrollment stood at 1,101. The college is likewise experiencing an estimated 30% increase in the number of student hours completed, typically known as Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) enrollment.
A significant source of enrollment for this summer is in both the college transfer and technical and trades credit program areas. VGCC also has a healthy number of special credit students from four-year universities taking classes.
“We are pleased to see the trend for increased enrollment at VGCC continue into this summer semester,” VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais stated. “We are here to serve our community and are rising to the challenge of providing increased access to quality online learning during the pandemic. We look forward to offering more in-person instruction this fall as we help our community members pivot during this uncertain economy.”
“The college’s Student Engagement & Success team, faculty, marketing and many people have contributed to this effort. We are glad to see the college educating more students in the four-county area and the wider region. Our team is committed to being innovative and thinking about the best ways to provide quality instruction and support services to those who choose Vance-Granville. When students learn with us, they are ready for the workforce and/or success at a senior institution,” said Dr. Levy Brown, the college’s vice president of learning, student engagement and success. “Student access, retention, success and career preparation are embedded in our mindset, and it continues to show!”
Students are encouraged to apply and register for Fall 2020 now.
Established in 1969, VGCC offers more than 40 credit programs, in which students work toward certificates, diplomas and degrees. Area residents and businesses can also take advantage of a variety of continuing education/job training opportunities, as well as the High School Equivalency and Adult High School Diploma programs. High school students can get a step ahead by starting their college education early with VGCC courses.
The college has four campuses – one each in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties – and offers online programs, as well. The new “Vanguard Flex” program is offering flexible, hybrid schedules in the evenings and weekends on the Franklin Campus in Louisburg, to accommodate schedules for adult learners.
For more information about the college, visit www.vgcc.edu.
Local COVID-19 Update: Vance, Granville & Warren County Report
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health and Warren County Health Department
As of June 2, 2020, there are 324 known COVID-19 cases in Granville County, 332 cases in Vance County, 66 cases in Warren County and 29,889 confirmed cases in North Carolina.
There are four outbreaks at congregate living facilities in the district – one at Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC; one at Murdoch Development Center in Butner, NC; one at Pelican Health in Henderson, NC; and one at Kerr Lake Nursing Home in Henderson, NC.
Of the total positive cases in each county, 142 in Granville County are associated with the prisons, 5 are associated with Murdoch, 58 in Vance County are associated with Pelican Health nursing home, and 32 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.
Of the 177 community-based cases in Granville County, 87 have been released from isolation and 4 are hospitalized.
Of the 142 cases in the prison system, 70 have been released from isolation.
Of the 242 community-based cases in Vance County, 120 have been released from isolation.
Of the 90 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 31 have been released from isolation.
13 individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.
There have been a total of 34 deaths in the Granville Vance health district – 24 in Vance County and 10 with the Bureau of Prisons in Granville County.
Also as of June 2, the Warren County Health Department NC reports 66 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Warren County; 2 are hospitalized; 49 cases have recovered; 2 deaths related to COVID-19 (both had underlying health conditions).
Confirmed positive cases in Warren County range from 12 years of age to 83 years of age.
McMillen Provides Overview of Recommended Vance Co. Budget Changes
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen provided WIZS with the following summary of the Vance County Board of Commissioners’ meeting held Monday, June 1, 2020:
We held three public hearings last evening in regard to the overall FY 2020-2021 budget, the water budget and the economic development budget. We are on schedule to adopt the budget during our special meeting on June 15 and are not anticipating any additional work sessions unless the Board decides otherwise.
Overall, there have only been a few changes the board has made to the recommended budget. The changes are as follows:
– Increased revenue into the general fund due to transferring $41,903 from economic development fund as the result of revenue from Triangle North to offset expenses.
– Increased EMS capital outlay $1,400 to account for the increased cost of camera installation.
– Increased revenue and expenditures by $12,295 due to Emergency Management COVID-19 grant.
– Moved $6,000 from the 4H budget to the Cooperative Extension budget to cover the salary for the 4H position.
– Adjusted state revenues and expenditures for the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) based upon funding grid approved by the JCPC Board on May 28, 2020.
– Added four additional vehicles to the sheriff’s office budget to fully fund the sheriff’s request for eight vehicles – $144,000 additional cost to be financed.
We are running the final numbers on the budget and will have the overall budget and revised appropriation from fund balance in the next day or so.
WIZS Note:
On today’s edition of Town Talk, Sheriff Brame briefly addressed last night’s meeting and said he was pleased with the outcome for the sheriff’s office. “I thank the County Commissioners for being in favor of what I asked for. I understand this is crunch time, and everyone knows we are in an economic fallout due to COVID-19. I’m pleased that the commissioners are working with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office and other County agencies.”
To see the recommended budget (prior to the June 1 Commissioners’ meeting), click here. To hear a recent Town Talk interview with McMillen regarding the budget, click here.
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 06/02/20
/by CharleneListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 2 PM Monday – Thursday.
Town Talk 06/02/20: Sheriff, H-V Rec & Park Director Discuss Downtown Rally
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame and Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department Director Kendrick Vann appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Brame and Vann discussed Sunday’s rally/walk through downtown Henderson, a response, in part, to the death of George Floyd, an African-American man who died during an incident with law enforcement in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 25.
With an estimated 30-40 rally participants, primarily young people and community leaders, both men expressed their gratitude that the event remained peaceful.
“It went very well on Sunday,” said Brame. “People came together to protest in an orderly fashion. There was no name-calling, no one got out of hand and no one tried to block the street. It was just a great rapport.”
Vann agreed, “Everything went really, really well. I’m truly proud of the young men and women that came out for this great cause. It’s very rare that you have people between the ages of 17 and 25 that stand up for something and have a purpose.”
Vann said the biggest takeaway of the day was the thoughtful conversations and the knowledge gained.
“Participants got an education between myself, Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow, the Henderson City Council members, Rev. John Miles and others,” stated Vann. “They learned a lot about the process of doing things the right way. We also talked about the history of Vance County and downtown Henderson, why the community was named what it was named and the importance of knowing where your City and County offices are located. These young adults didn’t know that information, but they were excited to learn more.”
Sheriff Brame said what was most important to participants is that law enforcement and community leaders took the time to listen. “We cannot solve all the world’s problems, but we need to be there to communicate and listen,” Brame explained. “All people want us to do is hear them out, to be patient and listen to them.”
Addressing a recent press release issued by the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association and posted to WIZS.com (click here for full statement), Brame agreed that the officer in the Floyd incident acted “inexcusably” and his actions were “totally contrary to the training provided to law enforcement officers in North Carolina.”
Brame said he believes the respect for law enforcement in Vance County, and the respect law enforcement shows the community, is in a good place right now, and he doesn’t want to see that damaged.
“I had a young man come up to talk to me in my vehicle at the protest,” said Brame. “He didn’t understand the presence of law enforcement at the event. I explained to him that we don’t want what has happened in surrounding areas such as Raleigh and Charlotte to happen in Vance County. It took us a long time to build up what we have. Why would we tear it down?”
Vann reminded listeners that law enforcement is vital to a successful, thriving community. “Law enforcement is here for a reason and we’ve got to trust the system. Some people have bad experiences of working with the system and don’t have the whole story; that’s what makes it a sensitive topic.”
By working collaboratively, Vann said the Vance County Sheriff’s Office and Henderson Police Department are improving community relations.
“I think Sheriff Brame and Chief Barrow – one being African-American and the other being Caucasian – do a great job of working together to minimize a lot of things,” Vann said. “People in the community have to hold officers and deputies accountable. If you see someone doing something wrong, don’t blow it off. These two great men leading these departments can’t see or be everywhere. We have to tell them so that we can help prevent things from happening. We as a community need to be accountable for what goes on in our own community. That’s what I believe, and that’s why I was there on Sunday.”
Brame echoed Barrow’s request on yesterday’s Town Talk episode asking anyone that wants to hold a rally or protest in Henderson or Vance County to go through the proper channels by contacting the sheriff’s office or police department first.
To hear the interview with Brame and Vann in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Releases Statement on George Floyd Incident
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association
The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association stands for the protection of the rights of all citizens. The sheriffs of North Carolina expect all law enforcement officers to conduct themselves professionally and lawfully at all times. These higher standards of conduct include reserving the use of force, especially deadly force, for those times when its use is absolutely necessary and lawful.
While we are not privy to the full investigation, what we have seen in the video of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota is unacceptable. The video clearly shows unprofessional and egregious conduct by law enforcement officers. This type of law enforcement conduct cannot be tolerated and must be swiftly addressed by the law enforcement community and the criminal justice system.
Part of the mission of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association is to provide education and training to sheriffs and their personnel. The law enforcement conduct displayed in this video is inexcusable and totally contrary to the training provided to law enforcement officers in North Carolina.
As sheriffs, we strive to build relationships with everyone in our communities. These relationships are built on mutual respect between officers and their community. It is by our conduct that law enforcement officers earn the respect of the public we are sworn to serve. This type of egregious misconduct by a few officers erodes the respect citizens have for all officers. Therefore, when law enforcement officers violate laws or policy, we expect them to immediately be held accountable. We, the members of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, will tolerate nothing less.
We extend our deepest sympathies to George Floyd, his family, the citizens and businesses of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the law enforcement community that live up to their oath and creed of respect, courage, dedication, and service to protect and serve their community.
Details, Announcements for AdVance Academy’s June 11 Graduation Ceremony
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Vance County Schools
AdVance Academy’s graduation event is set for Thursday, June 11, 2020, at 2:30 p.m. at Vance-Granville Community College. Vance County Schools released the following information for those participating in the drive-thru style event:
Program of Events
At your designated time, enter from Poplar Creek Road to the main entrance of Vance-Granville Community College.
Proceed down the main road to the parking lot of Building 7. Staff will direct you. No open-air vehicles or
passengers in truck beds are permitted. Please do not arrive before your scheduled time.
Station 1: Graduate Check-in
One vehicle per graduate | Stop at the check-in station | A paper with the graduate’s name will be placed under the
windshield wiper| Follow directives of staff for vehicle line up | Pay careful attention to the line to keep it moving smoothly | Receive graduation program
Station 2: Processional
When the graduate nears the graduation station, a runner will take the windshield wiper sign to the name reader
Graduate Preparation Zone
Pay attention to signs for directions
Station 3: Graduation
Wait for the sign to show the graduate may exit vehicle | The student will walk to the stage | The student’s name will
be called as they walk across the stage | Receive diploma cover and photo opportunity | The student will return to the vehicle immediately | The car will then join the recessional line
Station 4: Recessional
Watch for signs and move to the graduate pick up spot | All vehicles must make a right onto Poplar Creek Road upon exiting graduation
Guidelines:
No restroom facilities will be available | Cap & gowns are required to participate in graduation | The graduate should be
positioned in the vehicle to be the only person that needs to step out of the car upon arrival at the graduation point| Graduation signs can be picked up after all graduation ceremonies have concluded
Graduation Arrival Time by Graduate’s Last Name
2:30 p.m. ~ Allen – Edmonds
3:05 p.m. ~ Evans – Jones
3:45 p.m. ~ Kearney – Satterwhite
4:15 p.m. ~ Small – Yancey
Note from Vance County Schools: We are excited about graduation! It is our hope that seniors will celebrate by decorating their cap or even their vehicle. As a reminder, no open-air vehicles are permitted (convertibles, bikes, open-top jeeps, etc) and no one will be permitted to ride in the back of a pickup truck. Only one vehicle is permitted per graduate.
As you proceed through the graduation line-up, you will see signs giving instructions. We ask that you pay close attention to ensure a smooth process. Everyone must remain in their vehicle throughout. The graduate will be informed when they are able to exit the vehicle. We also ask that you avoid loud music and horn honking.
We cannot wait to celebrate the Class of 2020!
SHPHC, Cardinal Innovations Partner to Pay In-Need Residents’ Utility Bills
/by WIZS StaffTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
In partnership with Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions, South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church will be paying utility bills (water/sewer/electricity) for those families that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in our community.
The payment is limited to one bill per household and requires the presentation of an original unpaid utility bill and verification of residential address.
The payment will be made directly to the utility and is limited to no more than $150.
The distribution will be on Friday, June 5, 2020, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Family Life Center (located behind the church) of South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church – 905 Americal Road in Henderson, NC.
This distribution is open to the affected public and will be on a first-come/first-served basis for as long as funds are available.