Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Sossamon Funeral Home

Funeral Service for Retired Lieutenant Jimmy Cordell – Friday, Sept. 4

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-Obituary courtesy Sossamon Funeral Home

James Martin “Jimmy” Cordell, 77, of Henderson, NC died Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at Maria Parham Health.

Born in Durham County, he was the son of the late George Franklin Cordell and Gertrude Hunt Cordell Breland.

Jimmy retired as a Lieutenant in the investigation division of the Vance County Sheriff’s Department where he proudly served for thirty-four years. In recognition of his dedicated service, he was the recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award from Gov. Mike Easley. He was a member of the Henderson Masonic Lodge #229 and a member of the Granville County Shrine Club and Tri-County Shrine Club and was a member of Amran Temple. He attended Calvary Baptist Church in Henderson.

Surviving are two daughters; Tammy C. Williams (Anthony) and Lisa C. Baker (A.P. III), one son; Steve F. Cordell (Anita), the mother of his children; Linda A. Cordell, seven grandchildren; Matthew Williams, Nathan Williams, Jessica Williams, Payton Baker, Price Baker, Chelsey McCann (William) and Kasey Newcomb (Sam), three great-grandchildren; Kayleigh Mae McCann, Anna Kate McCann and Cullen Sanderson.

A funeral service will be held Friday, September 4, 2020, at 11 a.m. at South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church, conducted by the Rev. Frank Sossamon and Dr. Gene Wood. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.

Serving as active pallbearers are Matthew Williams, Nathan Williams, Price Baker, William McCann, Sam Sanderson, W.L. Harris, Tim Robinson and Rudy Hunt. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be members of the Vance County Sheriff’s Department, City of Henderson Fire Department, all Master Masons and Shriners.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Masonic Home for Children, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565.

The family will receive friends at his home.

We ask that all who attend the service practice social distancing and wear a face mask. The service will be live-streamed on at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCowMURMIKi8cJi3qiNKhsVw.

Arrangements are by Sossamon Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.sossamonfuneralhome.com

On Wednesday’s segment of the noon news, WIZS remembered Cordell. “WIZS expresses its condolences to the family of Jimmy Cordell and to our friend and public servant Steve Cordell, Henderson Fire Chief, on the passing of his father. We will remember Jimmy fondly and respectfully. He had a very good sense of humor and will be greatly missed in our community.”

Vance County Schools Logo

Vance County Schools Surpasses State Graduation Rate

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools has surpassed the state graduation rate once again, while also posting the highest graduation rate in the history of the district.

We are pleased to report that our 2019-2020 graduation rate is 90.3%, compared to the state graduation rate of 87.6%. This represents an increase of 3.6% over the 2018-2019 4-year graduation rate of 86.7%. Seven years ago, Vance County Schools’ posted a graduation rate of 64.9% — the lowest in the state. We have improved our graduation rate by over 25% during that time, now surpassing the state graduation rate.

For the 2019-2020 year, Vance County Schools met or exceeded the state average in 8 of the 9 measurable subgroups. Those exceeding the state average included male, female, black, Hispanic, economically disadvantaged, English learner, and student with disabilities. The state and our district both measured greater than 95% for Academically and Intellectually Gifted students.

Our Superintendent, Dr. Anthony Jackson, is beginning his sixth year leading Vance County Schools. With each passing year, our graduation rate is improving. “This is a tremendous accomplishment for our district. As our graduation rate continues to climb, it gives certainty that the strategies and programs we have in place are preparing our students for their future. It also reiterates that when we work together, progress is possible.”

Our district continues to make progress, bringing innovative programs, partnering with our students and families, and personalizing education options for our students. We have robust fine arts programs at every school in our district. Additionally, we offer an alternative pathway for grades 6-12, a K-5 year-round STEAM Academy, our 6-8 STEM Early High School, an Early College High School, and new this year, an entirely virtual K-12 school. With 16 schools in our district, we are working hard to ensure our students have a learning environment that fits what they are seeking.

We continue to extend our program offerings to our students, providing a variety of opportunities for them within our schools. We offer Career and Technical Education programs, providing 13 career pathways for our students. Our Early College has been named one of the Best High Schools in America and our district continues to thrive with digital convergence through Modern Teacher, having been recently recognized nationally for the progress in the strategic planning process.

The programs and digital resources available for our students, the personalized education available through school options, the relationships being built between our staff and families, and the efforts of our community partnering with us, continue to be at the forefront of our students’ success.

We are extremely proud of our district and all that has been accomplished. We still have room to grow and Dr. Jackson emphasizes that “we will not be satisfied until all of our students graduate on time; the stakes are too high to accept otherwise.”

V3 Huskies

Vance Virtual Village Academy (V3) Unveils Mascot and Colors

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools recently added its sixteenth school to the district – Vance Virtual Village Academy, also known as V3. V3 is an entirely virtual school for students in grades K-12.

As the school year kicked off, the students of V3 worked to establish their identity relative to school colors and mascot. The students voted on their school colors and official mascot then participated in a school logo design contest.

Devin Crump, a sixth-grader at V3, designed the official logo for the school. The new mascot and colors were unveiled on September 1, 2020.

VCS is excited to reveal the Vance Virtual Village Academy Huskies. Their school colors are crimson and gray. The Huskies have an enrollment of over 200 students in their first year and look forward to an amazing 2020-2021 school year!

Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments

‘Open for Business’ Loan Opportunity Available for Small Businesses Affected by COVID

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-Press Release, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments 

Many small and local businesses in the Kerr-Tar Region have been negatively affected by COVID-19. In an effort to provide support to those businesses, the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments is rolling out the Open for Business Loan Program.

This loan program is designed to help small to medium size businesses recover from the economic effects of this pandemic.

The Open for Business Loan is a non-forgivable interest-free loan, ranging from $10,000 – $100,000. Eligible borrowers are small to medium size (1-99 employees) businesses who have been in business for at least 12 months and must be located in Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance or Warren counties.

Documentation providing evidence of a loss of revenue since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic is required. All loans will require a personal guarantee and additional collateral. Funds can only be used for working capital and/or equipment and require an application fee of $200. Standard loan terms of 5 to 10 years.

The Open for Business Loan Program is locally administered and funded by the US Department of Commerce and Economic Development Administration with funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

To apply, visit www.kerrtarcog.org and click on the “Open for Business Loan” tab. Applications are available on the Kerr-Tar COG website at www.kerrtarcog.org or by calling Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments at (252) 436-2040. Applications should be completed as soon as possible as funding is limited.

State Highway Patrol

Labor Day Weekend Marks the Launch of Highway Patrol’s Impaired Driving Initiative

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-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Public Safety

As Labor Day fast approaches, increased congestion across the state is expected as motorists travel to their intended vacation destinations. With this in mind, the State Highway Patrol is stressing the importance of sober driving throughout the holiday weekend.

Combining forces with the Governor’s Highway Safety Program and more than 500 law enforcement organizations statewide, the SHP is participating in the GHSP’s Booze It & Lose It campaign. Troopers throughout the two-week initiative will focus on multiple motor vehicle violations such as excessive speeding, aggressive driving and driving while distracted. A special emphasis will also be placed on removing impaired motorists, attempting to prevent needless collisions from occurring.

“Removing impaired drivers before they harm themselves or someone else is among our highest priorities throughout the holiday weekend,” said Colonel Glenn McNeill, Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. “Ensuring safe travel is a shared responsibility among both law enforcement and those who travel across our great state.”

Last year, the SHP responded to more than 1,351 collisions throughout the Labor Day weekend. Among those collisions, 402 resulted in an injury and 12 resulted in one or more fatalities. Ninety-four collisions within the same time frame occurred due to impairment of either alcohol or drugs.

Motorists can assist in reducing needless collisions by following the provided suggestions:

  • Plan ahead by ensuring a designated driver has been selected.
  • Use a ride-sharing service if no designated driver is available.
  • Prepare for delays by choosing alternate routes.
  • Monitor speed limits and avoid driving distracted.
  • Increase following distances.

The Booze It & Lose It campaign began Monday, August 31 and will conclude on Sunday, September 13, 2020.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Local COVID-19 Update: Number of New Community Cases Reported by Week Declines

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

Granville Vance Public Health’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard shows a decline in the number of new community cases reported weekly in both Granville and Vance County from August 23 to August 30, 2020. On August 23, Granville reported 74 new cases of COVID, with Vance reporting 54 new cases. On August 30, Granville reported 15 new cases from the previous week, with Vance reporting 11 new cases. This is the lowest number of new community cases reported weekly in both counties since April.

For additional information, please visit GVPH’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard (click here) for tables and graphs that are updated daily. A chart for those considered “off-isolation” has recently been added.

The following is an update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of August 31, 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

1,542 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,542, 897 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 897, 740 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,542 cases, 516 are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County, and 440 of those 516 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,542, 129 are associated with outbreaks at long term care facilities including 24 at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center, and 94 at Universal Health Care. The outbreak at Granville House is no longer active.

Of the 129 cases in long term care facilities in Granville County, 15 have been released from isolation.

Eight individuals in Granville County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 45 deaths in Granville County: five in the community, one associated with Central Regional Hospital, one associated with Murdoch Development Center, 17 associated with Universal Health Care, and 21 associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.

Unfortunately, two recent deaths have been reported associated with Universal Health Care: a 72-year-old female passed away on August 29 and an 83-year-old male passed away on August 30, 2020.

Vance County

881 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 881, 756 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 756, 577 have been released from isolation

Of those 881, 125 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities including 49 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home and 17 associated with Senior Citizens Home. The outbreaks at Alliance Rehabilitative Care and at Pelican Health nursing home are no longer active.

Of the 125 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 96 have been released from isolation.

Seven individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 42 deaths in Vance County: 14 associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 12 associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, two associated with Senior Citizens Home and 14 in the community.

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.

American Flag

Vance Co. BOE Announces Important General Election Dates, Reminders

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-Information courtesy the Vance County Board of Elections

The Vance County Board of Elections (VCBOE) has announced important upcoming November 2020 General Election dates, deadlines and reminders.

November 2020 General Election Important Dates:

Friday, September 4, 2020 – Absentee Voting by Mail Begins

Friday, October 9, 2020 – Voter Registration Deadline

Thursday, October 15, 2020 – One-Stop Voting (Early Voting) Begins

Tuesday, October 27, 2020 – Last Day to Request an Absentee Ballot by Mail

Saturday, October 31, 2020 – One-Stop Voting (Early Voting) Ends

Tuesday, November 3, 2020 – Last Day to Return an Absentee Ballot by Mail

Tuesday, November 3, 2020 – November Election Day

Friday, November 13, 2020 – County Canvass

Deadlines for Absentee Voting by Mail for the 2020 General Election

October 15, 2020 – October 27, 2020

Requests are accepted on the approved State Absentee by Mail Request Form only and ballots are mailed by the Board of Elections Office.

October 27, 2020 – November 3, 2020

Valid in-person requests are accepted for sick and disabled voters at the Board of Elections Office.

Ballots must be returned by November 3, 2020, at 5 p.m. or be post-marked by November 3, 2020, and received by mail no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2020.

Reminders on Absentee Voting by Mail

The absentee ballot envelope, where indicated, must have one witness and their signature and the voter’s signature or mark. Only the voter or the voter’s near relative or the voter’s verifiable legal guardian is allowed to request or return the voter’s absentee ballot materials.

To Request an Absentee Ballot by Mail

Voter or voter’s near relative or verifiable legal guardian must fill out and sign the State Absentee Ballot Request Form. Request forms are available at the Vance County Board of Elections Office, mailed by request from the VCBOE or online at www.ncsbe.gov.

Same-Day Registration

Those who miss the October 9, 2020, voter registration deadline may register to vote during the One-Stop Voting (Early Voting). Click here for a list of Vance County’s early voting dates and sites.

Out of Precinct Voting

Voters who appear on Election Day in the correct county but in the improper precinct may cast a provisional ballot which will be counted for all contests in which the voter was eligible to participate.

For more information, visit the Vance County Board of Elections website (click here) or call the VCBOE at (252) 492-3730. The VCBOE office is located at 300 S. Garnett Street in Henderson, NC. Director Faye Gill is also available by email at fgill@vancecounty.org.

Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments

Kerr-Tar COG Awarded Funding to Assist Eligible Residents With Home Repairs

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-Press Release, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments

The Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments (COG) has been awarded $200,000 by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) under the 2020 cycle of the Urgent Repair Program to assist residents in the counties of Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance and Warren.

The Urgent Repair Program finances emergency home repairs for homeowners who are elderly or have special needs and whose incomes are below 50% of the median for the area. Only repairs that address imminent threats to the life and/or safety of occupants of the dwelling unit or accessibility modifications will be performed under the program. A total of 18 households are projected to be assisted.

In the Urgent Repair Program, one or two critical problems may be repaired, but the entire house is not addressed. Examples of work typically done under this program include roof or HVAC system repair, well or septic system repairs, adding accessibility features like ramps, bathroom grab bars and wider doors.

The COG will provide assistance, to those whose homes are selected for repairs, in the form of a loan. Homeowners will receive an unsecured deferred, interest-free loan, forgiven at a rate of $2,000 per year until the principal balance is reduced to zero.   The maximum amount of the loan available is $10,000.

Applications are available starting September 1, 2020, and must be returned to the COG office by 5 p.m. on November 1, 2020.  Clients to be assisted will be selected by January 1, 2021.

The application and program information are available on the Kerr-Tar Regional COG website at www.kerrtarcog.org or by calling (252) 436-2040.

The funds provided by the NCHFA for the Urgent Repair Program come from the North Carolina Housing Trust Fund.

Melanin Marquee Rescheduled

‘Melanin Marquee’ Rescheduled for Tues., Sept. 1

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Due to unforeseen technical difficulties experienced Sunday evening, McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center has rescheduled the “Melanin Marquee – A Black Broadway Cabaret” for Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.

The performance will be shown live via the McGregor Hall Facebook page.

Enjoy this incredible lineup of the region’s finest performers free-of-charge from the comfort of your home. A donation link will be available to support McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center.

Make sure to visit the McGregor Hall Facebook page to read the artists’ profiles before tuning in to the live performance.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

I Voted Sticker

Vance Co. Board of Elections Announces Early Voting Dates, Sites

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Vance County Board of Elections

The last day to register to vote in the November General Election is Friday, October 9, 2020. Forms submitted to the Vance County Board of Elections Office (300 S. Garnett St., Henderson) must be received by 5 p.m.

Should you miss that deadline, you can register and vote at the early voting sites. Early voting will be held at the Henderson Operation Center (900 S Beckford Dr., Henderson) and Aycock Recreation Complex (307 Carey Chapel Rd., Henderson). There will be no early voting at the Board of Elections Office due to COVID restrictions.

You must have “proof of residence;” however, no photo ID is required for this election. Early voting begins October 15 and ends October 31, 2020.

One-Stop Early Voting Schedule for the November 3, 2020 General Election

Locations: Aycock Recreation Complex and Henderson Operation Center

  • Thursday, October 15, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, October 16, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 17, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 18, 2020 – CLOSED
  • Monday, October 19, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 20, 2020 – 8 a.m, to 7:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, October 21, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 22, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, October 23, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 24, 2020 – 1 to 6 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 25, 2020 – 1 to 6 p.m.
  • Monday, October 26, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 27, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, October 28, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 29, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, October 30, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 31, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In addition, the Voter Participation Center (VPC) and the Center for Voter Information will be sending out another mailing in North Carolina beginning the week of September 7, 2020.

If you are already registered, you do not have to reregister. If you have an address or party change, you can use the form to update your voter registration record.

Also, if you’re not sure if you are registered, please call the Vance County Board of Elections at (252) 492-3730 to verify your status.