-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College
Fifteen cadets graduated from the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program at Vance-Granville Community College in a ceremony held May 14 in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus. After passing the state certification exam, all are authorized to work in any law enforcement agency in North Carolina.
Above: On front row, from left: graduates Kevin Allen, Taylor Inscoe, Zachary Long and the college’s interim director of Law Enforcement Training/BLET, Glen Boyd; on second row, from left: graduates Maggie Cabiness, Jonathan Kearney, Jeremy Moore, Zachary Workman and Seth Hodge; and on back row, from left: graduates Gina Chappell, Daniel Allen, Michael Bader, Andrew Spitzer, Jake Coleman, Sabrina Hoyle and Emma Britt. (VGCC Photo)
Honored as members of VGCC’s 108th BLET class were: Emma Carey Britt and Andrew Ronald Spitzer, both of Butner Public Safety; Jeremy Dale Moore and Zachary Lance Workman, both of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office; Jake Matthew Coleman and Sabrina Edward Hoyle, both of the Henderson Police Department; Seth Thomas Hodge of the N.C. Division of Parks & Recreation; Daniel Marquis Allen, Michael James Bader and Gina Christine Chappell, all of the Oxford Police Department; Kevin Ward Allen, Taylor Nicole Inscoe and Zachary Thomas Long, all of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office; Maggie Rena Cabiness and Jonathan Shawn Kearney, both of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.
The class was exceptional in at least two major ways. First, all 15 cadets who began the program successfully graduated, marking a rare 100-percent completion rate for the rigorous 16 weeks of training. Second, each member of the class was employed by a law enforcement agency by the day of their graduation.
Speaking as leader of the class, Cadet Seth Hodge thanked all the graduates’ family members and friends in attendance for their support. He added that the class had learned a great deal about teamwork. “We as a group of strangers decided on this path together, and we were tasked to complete our first major hurdle in our careers together,” Hodge said. Learning to trust one another, he said the team had then become a family. “And no matter where our lives take us from here, no matter the badge or uniform we wear, I want you to always remember just what we are: family,” he added.
VGCC Campus Police Chief Sean Newton, representing the program’s many instructors, was chosen by the cadets as the keynote speaker for their graduation. He congratulated the cadets on the completion of “a long, hard journey.”
Newton reminded the new law enforcement professionals that they would be taking an “oath of honor” to uphold and protect the Constitution, their community and their agency.
“The first thing you will uphold is the Constitution,” Newton said. “You’re taking an oath to protect the rights of all people of our state and country: the victims of crimes, the general public, and those accused of crimes. In my opinion, there is no greater responsibility than this.”
Second, they will pledge to uphold their community. “I cannot stress enough how important it is to embrace and include the community in your law enforcement efforts,” Newton said. “We’ve seen a reported breakdown between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Some of it is unfortunately true, while some may be exaggerated by social media or certain biases. Regardless of the reason, we must, as members of the law enforcement community, constantly strive to better these relationships.”
Finally, he said, graduates will swear an oath to the agencies they serve. “I would like to add all law enforcement officers in general to that category,” Newton said. “Always remember, you won’t be the only officer judged by your actions; every other officer in the country will be, too. No other profession is scrutinized as much as law enforcement, and rightfully so.”
The police chief called on graduates to think carefully about the words in their oath and remember them as they start their careers. “How you embrace these words will determine how successful your career will be,” Newton said.
Glen Boyd, interim director of Law Enforcement programs and BLET at VGCC, presented awards to several students. Kevin Allen took home the Academic Achievement Award for having the top grade average in the written tests each cadet must pass. Seth Hodge earned the Physical Fitness Award for scoring highest in the various fitness tests the cadets undergo during physical training. Michael Bader won the “Top Gun” Award for having the highest accuracy score in firearms qualification.
For more information on the BLET program, contact Glen Boyd at boydg@vgcc.edu.
Town Talk 05/21/19
/by LarryDSS and Senior Center to former Eaton Johnson Moving Forward
/by John C. RoseFriday, May 17, 2019 the Vance County Properties Committee, consisting of Vance County Commissioners Dan Brummitt, Leo Kelly and Gordan Wilder, met.
Brummitt told WIZS News that the committee voted to move forward with planning for the Vance County Department of Social Services and the the Vance County Senior Center to move to the former Eaton Johnson Middle School building.
Now the committee will make that recommendation to the full board of commissioners.
Wilder said, “We are engaging an architectural firm to move forward with plans and intend to work very closely with them.”
County Manager Jordan McMillan said, “The committee met with the senior center advisory committee as well as leadership from the Department of Social Services and the senior center late last week. The committee will be recommending that design begin on Eaton Johnson to include space for DSS and the senior center.”
When asked about the former Henderson Middle School building on Charles Street, Brummitt said, “The County has taken no action on Henderson Middle School, but we would like to see it as a historical site.”
McMillan said, “Related to Henderson Middle School, the board previously took action not to acquire this building from the school system. It is my understanding the school system is exploring their options for surplussing the building with the idea that our board has recommended that it be added to the historical register and put into productive reuse.”
VGCC Graduates 15 Cadets in 108th Basic Law Enforcement Training Class
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College
Fifteen cadets graduated from the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program at Vance-Granville Community College in a ceremony held May 14 in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus. After passing the state certification exam, all are authorized to work in any law enforcement agency in North Carolina.
Above: On front row, from left: graduates Kevin Allen, Taylor Inscoe, Zachary Long and the college’s interim director of Law Enforcement Training/BLET, Glen Boyd; on second row, from left: graduates Maggie Cabiness, Jonathan Kearney, Jeremy Moore, Zachary Workman and Seth Hodge; and on back row, from left: graduates Gina Chappell, Daniel Allen, Michael Bader, Andrew Spitzer, Jake Coleman, Sabrina Hoyle and Emma Britt. (VGCC Photo)
Honored as members of VGCC’s 108th BLET class were: Emma Carey Britt and Andrew Ronald Spitzer, both of Butner Public Safety; Jeremy Dale Moore and Zachary Lance Workman, both of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office; Jake Matthew Coleman and Sabrina Edward Hoyle, both of the Henderson Police Department; Seth Thomas Hodge of the N.C. Division of Parks & Recreation; Daniel Marquis Allen, Michael James Bader and Gina Christine Chappell, all of the Oxford Police Department; Kevin Ward Allen, Taylor Nicole Inscoe and Zachary Thomas Long, all of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office; Maggie Rena Cabiness and Jonathan Shawn Kearney, both of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.
The class was exceptional in at least two major ways. First, all 15 cadets who began the program successfully graduated, marking a rare 100-percent completion rate for the rigorous 16 weeks of training. Second, each member of the class was employed by a law enforcement agency by the day of their graduation.
Speaking as leader of the class, Cadet Seth Hodge thanked all the graduates’ family members and friends in attendance for their support. He added that the class had learned a great deal about teamwork. “We as a group of strangers decided on this path together, and we were tasked to complete our first major hurdle in our careers together,” Hodge said. Learning to trust one another, he said the team had then become a family. “And no matter where our lives take us from here, no matter the badge or uniform we wear, I want you to always remember just what we are: family,” he added.
VGCC Campus Police Chief Sean Newton, representing the program’s many instructors, was chosen by the cadets as the keynote speaker for their graduation. He congratulated the cadets on the completion of “a long, hard journey.”
Newton reminded the new law enforcement professionals that they would be taking an “oath of honor” to uphold and protect the Constitution, their community and their agency.
“The first thing you will uphold is the Constitution,” Newton said. “You’re taking an oath to protect the rights of all people of our state and country: the victims of crimes, the general public, and those accused of crimes. In my opinion, there is no greater responsibility than this.”
Second, they will pledge to uphold their community. “I cannot stress enough how important it is to embrace and include the community in your law enforcement efforts,” Newton said. “We’ve seen a reported breakdown between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Some of it is unfortunately true, while some may be exaggerated by social media or certain biases. Regardless of the reason, we must, as members of the law enforcement community, constantly strive to better these relationships.”
Finally, he said, graduates will swear an oath to the agencies they serve. “I would like to add all law enforcement officers in general to that category,” Newton said. “Always remember, you won’t be the only officer judged by your actions; every other officer in the country will be, too. No other profession is scrutinized as much as law enforcement, and rightfully so.”
The police chief called on graduates to think carefully about the words in their oath and remember them as they start their careers. “How you embrace these words will determine how successful your career will be,” Newton said.
Glen Boyd, interim director of Law Enforcement programs and BLET at VGCC, presented awards to several students. Kevin Allen took home the Academic Achievement Award for having the top grade average in the written tests each cadet must pass. Seth Hodge earned the Physical Fitness Award for scoring highest in the various fitness tests the cadets undergo during physical training. Michael Bader won the “Top Gun” Award for having the highest accuracy score in firearms qualification.
For more information on the BLET program, contact Glen Boyd at boydg@vgcc.edu.
City of Henderson Announces Memorial Day Sanitation Schedule
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy Esther J. McCrackin, City Clerk, City of Henderson, NC
The City of Henderson’s Sanitation Division will not work on Monday, May 27, 2019 – Memorial Day.
Yard Waste, Recycling and Curbside Materials for Monday, May 27 will be collected on Tuesday, May 28. Please note that this is for Yard Waste, Recycling and Curbside Materials only.
Waste Industries will collect trash as scheduled on Monday, May 27.
Dedication Ceremonies Being Held for New Dog Park, Renamed Rollins Ave. Park
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center
You are invited to join the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department for the dedication ceremonies for our new dog park, Pawesome Park, and the newly renamed Rollins Avenue Park, formerly known as Jaycee Park, on Friday, May 24, 2019.
The dedication ceremony for Pawesome Park, located at Fox Pond Park, 467 Vicksboro Rd. in Henderson, will begin at 11 a.m.
The dedication ceremony for Rollins Avenue Park, located at 305 Rollins Ave. in Henderson, will begin at 1 p.m.
For more information, please contact Tara Goolsby at 252.438.3948 (tgoolsby@ci.henderson.nc.us).
Worship on the Front Lawn at Davis Chapel Missionary Baptist
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy Charles Turrentine Sr., Davis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church
Davis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church on Chestnut Street in Henderson will have worship on the front lawn on Sunday, May 26, 2019, beginning at 10:30 a.m.
The Youth Choir and Praise Ministry will render the music. Pastor Turrentine will encourage the community with the word of God.
Everyone is invited. Come as you are – casual dress. Refreshments will be served after service.
Reminder: Granville’s First ‘Alive After Five’ of 2019 Set for May 23
/by WIZS Staff— Information courtesy Granville County Chamber of Commerce | Ginnie Currin, Executive Director ~ 919-693-6125 ~ ginnie@granville-chamber.com
The Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s 16th year of Alive After Five events will begin Thursday, May 23, from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. in Oxford’s downtown parking lot at Littlejohn and Gilliam Streets.
This year’s entertainers will be a band which began in 1958, 61 years ago, the incredible Embers featuring Craig Woolard.
The Embers boast numerous albums and single releases that span decades and continue to exhibit top quality showmanship, musicianship and professionalism. Having been inducted into the South Carolina Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame and the South Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame, The Embers are honored to carry the moniker of North Carolina’s Official Ambassadors of Music. They have traveled the country and the world and have performed for every event imaginable, from the highest dignitaries to the hottest back yard frat parties.
The Embers are widely considered a musical marvel and have laid the groundwork for what has become known as “Beach Music” in the Carolinas, Virginias, the Gulf Coast region of North America and every beach in between. They are a true musical tradition that many Americans have listened to from childhood to adulthood. The Embers consider the genre of Beach Music as “music with a memory” and have been creating lasting memories since its inception in 1958. Simply put – Heart and Soul, Rhythm and Blues, Feel Good Music.
Today, touring is commonplace for The Embers, who regularly boast an average of 225 shows per year. They also embark on a cruise each year for their friends and fans to various locations throughout the Caribbean. And don’t miss their Christmas shows – perfect to get you in the mood for the holiday season!
The Embers are truly one of the finest entertainment experiences of our lifetime. Come to their show on May 23, and they will put JOY in your step, LOVE in your heart and BEACH MUSIC in your soul!”
Additional Alive After Five events include:
Thursday, August 15, THE ATTRACTIONS Band will be entertainers for the second concert in Creedmoor in the VanNess Chevrolet parking lot, 107 West Lyon Street, Creedmoor.
Completing the season will be Jim Quick and Coastline Band in Oxford on Thursday, September 12.
Granville Co. Commissioners, Staff Leaders Participate in County Assembly Day
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, Granville County Government
The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) hosted County Assembly Day in Raleigh on May 8, 2019, with Granville County Commissioners Zelodis Jay (Chairman), Tim Karan and Sue Hinman, as well as County Manager Michael Felts and Emergency Services Director Doug Logan, in attendance. This annual meeting offers opportunities for county commissioners and attending county officials to hear from state leaders and discuss issues that impact their communities.
This year’s event focused on two top legislative priorities for counties – expanding broadband access and investing in public school facilities. Following the morning program, commissioners visited legislative offices to advocate on behalf of their counties. The Granville County delegation had meetings with Representative Larry Yarborough and Terry Garrison, as well as with Senator Mike Woodard.
“Our state representatives understand the issues we face on a county level,” explained County Commissioner Tim Karan, District 6. “Through the partnerships we have developed between the NCACC and our legislators, we are able to work together to address our broadband needs, as well as the needs of Granville County Public Schools. The work that the General Assembly is doing now can help remove the barriers we face here at home so that we can move forward and make the improvements we need to make.”
Anthony Copeland, Secretary for the North Carolina Department of Commerce, delivered keynote remarks at the assembly, discussing the importance of broadband access and its relation to economic development.
“Broadband is something we need to address,” Copeland said. “Everything we do is technologically integrated and communities have to be prepared. It may be expensive, but we have to have it to compete. We have got to deliver it.”
Other speakers included Senator Brent Jackson and Representative David Lewis of the North Carolina General Assembly, who commended the NCACC for its constructive engagement with the General Assembly and stakeholders to identify solutions that will close gaps in internet access throughout the state. Rep. Lewis also referred to NCACC’s longstanding goal to address school facility needs. “Like broadband, one area of universal agreement that the General Assembly holds is that we have to do whatever we can to make our schools safer,” Lewis said.
Granville County Board of Commissioners Chairman Zelodis Jay, District 1, agrees. “Broadband impacts all 100 counties in the state,” Chairman Jay said, “and our schools have many needs that are not being met. As county commissioners, it is our job to advocate for our residents and our communities. We are working with our legislators to find solutions to improve broadband issues in our rural areas and to make sure our schools get what they need to teach our children and keep them safe. It is our hope that the state will, in turn, give us some relief to help meet these needs.”
The 2019 County Assembly Day was held at several locations in Raleigh which included the NC Museum of History, the State Capitol Grounds and the NC Legislative Complex. Almost 200 county representatives were in attendance to share information and to advocate for their respective counties.
To learn more about the NCACC and County Assembly Day, visit www.ncacc.org/168/County-Assembly-Day.
Oxford Board of Commissioners to Meet on FY 19-20 Budget
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford
The Budget & Finance Committee for the Oxford Board of Commissioners will meet on Thursday, May 30, 2019, at 3 p.m. The meeting will be held in the First Floor Training Room, City Hall, 300 Williamsboro Street in Oxford.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the proposed FY 19-20 City of Oxford Annual Budget. All those interested are invited to attend.
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 05/20/19
/by Charlene