Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Mike Waters

Vance & Granville Disposition Court Canceled Dec. 17-18

/by

(NOTE: THE TEXT OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S INFORMATION PROVIDED BELOW FROM THURSDAY (12-10-20) IS NOT CHANGED.  HOWEVER, THIS UPDATE FROM FRIDAY (12-11-20) FROM THE VANCE COUNTY CLERK OF COURT AND INFORMATION FROM OTHER JUDGES MEANS THE COURTS AND DWI DEFENDENT PROCEDINGS ARE ALL CANCELED NOW.)

UPDATE 12-11-20 at 4:45pm

From the Clerk of Court in Vance County, the Hon. Henry L. Gupton, the DWIs are cancelled as well.

Gupton said, “After talking with our judges per notification we have received from AOC in Raleigh, beginning on Monday, December 14th and continuing for 30 days, all of our District Court Sessions have been cancelled. However, we will be conducting 96 hr, 48 hr hearings and any other statutory cases that need to be heard. All defendants will be notified in reference to a new court date. Also we have Superior Court scheduled for next week beginning on Monday.  However Monday is cancelled.  We are going to leave Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday open right now to determine if we will proceed with those days.  We do have our Grand Jury scheduled to convene on Wednesday.  That will go on as scheduled. Also, we will be holding our Small Claims Court session as scheduled.”

Updated 12-10-20

-Information courtesy the Office of District Attorney Michael D. Waters

After careful consideration, Vance and Granville County court officials have decided to cancel the office hours portion of Vance Disposition Court on Thursday, December 17, 2020, and Granville Disposition Court on Friday, December 18, 2020.

Defendants with DWI charges set for those days will still need to appear on their court date.

We feel that having a large group of people gather, even while social distancing and wearing masks, is unwise given the rising numbers of community spread COVID–19 cases in Vance and Granville counties.

If you have a court case that is NOT a DWI on one of those two dates, your case will be continued.

Christian Lockamy

Vance County Announces Christian Lockamy as Economic Development Director

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, County of Vance

Vance County is pleased to announce the hiring of Christian Lockamy as the Director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission.

Lockamy comes to Vance County with over seven years of experience in economic development, most recently serving as the Economic Development Director with the Elizabeth City/Pasquotank County EDC. He previously served with the City of Greenville, North Carolina as a City Planner/GIS Specialist, Economic Development Research Manager, Senior Economic Developer and Interim Director of Economic Development.

Vance County is pleased to announce the hiring of Christian Lockamy as the Director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission. Lockamy will be relocating to Vance County and beginning his new duties effective January 19, 2021. (Photo courtesy County of Vance)

“We believe Christian’s skill set and experience will transition well to Vance County,” said County Manager Jordan McMillen. “His background in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and planning will complement well with his experience in business recruitment and retention, industrial site management and product development, grant writing and administration, and overall economic development management. We are excited to welcome Christian to Vance County.”

In Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County, he worked with others to develop a strategic plan, led efforts to launch a new economic development website and was instrumental in securing a large industrial site and certifying two industrial parks. Most recently he coordinated expansion efforts for Telephonics Corporation, Hockmeyer Equipment Corporation, and SAS Industries.

Lockamy holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning from East Carolina University and previously served in the US Navy onboard the USS Thorn, a Spruance Class Destroyer. He has already completed some coursework leading to the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification through the International Economic Development Council.

Lockamy was attracted to Henderson and Vance County due to its strategic location along a major Interstate highway, proximity to the Triangle Area, and recent company announcements by Mako Medical Laboratories and Select Tissue.

Lockamy stated, “Henderson and Vance County are perfect for industrial companies seeking a convenient, business-friendly location along the I-85 corridor. I’m also very excited to work with the County Commissioners and the EDC Board and would like to give a special shout-out to EDC Chairman and County Commissioner, Tommy Hester. Mr. Hester has been a champion of economic development for Vance County and the State of NC. I am looking forward to coupling my experience with his, and that of the EDC Board members to take Henderson and Vance County to the next level. This community and its people are first class, and I can’t be happier about this opportunity.”

Lockamy will be relocating to Vance County and beginning his new duties effective January 19, 2021.

H-V Emergency Operations

Vance County Reaches 2,000+ Total, 592 Active COVID Cases

/by

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Director Brian Short, Henderson-Vance Co. Emergency Operations

Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations released the following information on the spread of COVID-19:

As of this morning, the total number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Vance County is 2,010.

Of those 2,010 cases, 1,827 are associated with community spread, 58 are associated with Pelican Health of Henderson, 51 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home (two of which are still active), 73 are associated with Senior Citizens Nursing Home (four of which are still active) and one is associated with Alliance Rehabilitative Care.

These numbers also include the 61 individuals who have tragically lost their lives to this illness in Vance County.

A total of 1,357 individuals have now been released from isolation, and 22 more remain hospitalized.

As of this morning, we have 592 known active cases of COVID-19 in Vance County. It is still very likely that our cases will continue to increase over the days and weeks ahead. At this time, our coordinated response posture remains the same and we are not altering our recommendations to the general public.

Testing is ongoing through Maria Parham Health, Granville Vance Public Health and private institutions.

There are currently 410,527 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in North Carolina, with 2,440 currently hospitalized and thus far 5,661 deaths. Please visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services Coronavirus statistics page at the following link to stay current on the number of cases in our state: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/covid-19-case-count-nc

Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations is monitoring this event very closely and will continue to issue informational releases as the situation develops.

Free COVID Testing

Free COVID Testing, Food & PPE Distribution in Henderson Dec. 11

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy Green Rural Redevelopment, Inc.

On Friday, December 11, a COVID-19 community testing and resource distribution event will be held from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at The Courtyards I&II, Woods I apartment complex located at 500 South Cooper Drive in Henderson. This day-long event brings FREE, safe COVID-19 testing, free groceries for families and free personal protection equipment (PPE) to the residents in the area.

As the coronavirus continues to spread throughout North Carolina, it’s more important than ever to get tested for COVID-19. People need to know their COVID status before celebrating the holidays. This is an important way to protect your health and the health of the ones you love.

Testing and distributions will be provided through drive-up service, with minimal or no-contact, in accordance with all precautions recommended for the prevention of the spread of the virus. Multiple testing bays will be operational throughout the day.

Broadening its commitment to the health and wellbeing of rural North Carolina, GRRO’s Healing Hearts @ Home Program formed a community health initiative partnership with other organizations and agencies serving the county. Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, Duke Health, Groundwater Solutions, Inc. and Genesis Project1 are pleased to join The Courtyards I&II, Woods I Apartment Complex to bring this important event to Henderson.

Dr. Kayla Cagle-Colon MPH

Dr. Kayla J. Cagle-Colon Joins Maria Parham Women’s Care

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health (MPH), a Duke LifePoint hospital, is excited to announce that Kayla J. Cagle-Colon, MD, has joined their women’s care practice, Maria Parham Women’s Care. Dr. Cagle-Colon joins the community from New York, New York where she has completed her residency program.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Cagle-Colon to North Carolina to practice at Maria Parham Health,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Women’s Care is a growing need in our community, and Dr. Cagle-Colon’s training at Yale and fellowship at Bellevue Hospital (New York, New York) have given her a great breadth of experience in a wide range of procedures that people in our region need. This expertise will be important as Maria Parham Health works to make our community healthier.”

Kayla J. Cagle-Colon, MD, has joined Maria Parham Health’s women’s care practice, Maria Parham Women’s Care. (Photo courtesy MPH)

Dr. Cagle-Colon earned her medical degree from the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD. She completed a residency program at New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY. Dr. Cagle-Colon is a member of the American Medical Women’s Association, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists.

When she is not working, Dr. Cagle-Colon enjoys fishing, horseback riding, reading, traveling, and quality time with her husband and two dogs.

Dr. Cagle-Colon is now accepting patients at Maria Parham Women’s Care, located at 1209 SE Industry Drive in Oxford, North Carolina. This practice offers women’s health care services including, well-woman visits, obstetrical care, birth control management, high-risk pregnancy care, and menopause management.

To schedule an appointment, please call (252) 492-8576.

Antoinette Dickens

VGCC’s Dickens Receives Statewide Award for Work-Based Learning

/by

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Antoinette C. Dickens, Department Chair of Public Service and Work-Based Learning Coordinator for Vance-Granville Community College, was recently named the winner of the North Carolina Work-Based Learning Association (NCWBLA) Jon A. Young Award for 2020. This award recognizes the outstanding NCWBLA member of the year, one who exemplifies the ideals of Work-Based Learning by making significant contributions to the mission and goals of the association.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) is an academic program at VGCC that combines classroom studies with on-the-job, career-related work experience. The goal is to provide students with not only the curriculum to succeed but also with the hands-on and on-site experience they will need to succeed in the workforce.

Antoinette Dickens holds her plaque for the NCWBLA Jon A. Young Award. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

“We congratulate Antoinette for being recognized at the state level for her talents and her contributions to Work-Based Learning,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of VGCC. “She has revised and streamlined the WBL processes at VGCC, helping our students gain skills and prepare for promising careers.”

A resident of Rolesville, Dickens has served as the WBL Coordinator at VGCC since 2016. Under her leadership, the Work-Based Learning program saw a 27% increase in student hours completed from 2018-2019 to 2019-2020. In her other role at the college, Dickens provides leadership for several curriculum programs: Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education and Paralegal Technology.

She has served in leadership roles at the NCWBLA, as an at-large board member and as Treasurer.

“WBL is an experiential class/program that provides students with the opportunity to apply theories and skills learned in class to the workplace,” Dickens noted. “It is a win-win-win situation for all parties involved! First, students are able to gain experience and work skills needed to be successful in their careers. Second, employers benefit from having students and graduates who possess the skills and education to successfully meet their employment needs. And third, VGCC benefits from WBL in that it allows the college to forge new community relationships, or strengthen existing ones.”

Dickens started her higher education at VGCC, earned a Paralegal Certificate from the American Institute of Paralegal Studies, and later completed a bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies at North Carolina Wesleyan College, and a master’s degree in human services counseling: criminal justice at Liberty University.

She has held a variety of positions in the justice system, as a Deputy Clerk of Superior Court in Vance County, a legal assistant in the District Attorney’s office in Oxford, a juvenile court counselor, and a paralegal working for law firms in Louisburg, Warrenton and Raleigh. Dickens was an instructor for VGCC’s Criminal Justice Technology program from 2004 through 2010. She rejoined VGCC in 2013 as the first person to head the college’s Paralegal Technology program.

For more information on participating in WBL at VGCC, contact Dickens at (252) 738-3609 or dickensa@vgcc.edu.

Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks

H-V Rec. & Parks Announces Upcoming Water Aerobics, Yoga, Know Your Rights

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department

The Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department announces the following upcoming events:

Water Aerobics: Water Aerobics is a program that uses the buoyant qualities of water to enhance physical fitness through exercises. It is a medium-impact water class designed to provide cardiovascular conditioning, improved muscle tone, and improved balance. It is a total body workout without the stress of land-based exercise. Non-swimmers welcome!

Classes will be held at 8:15 – 9 a.m., 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. and 10:45 – 11:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays beginning on Monday, January 4, 2021. Classes are $1 for members, $2 for nonmembers and will be limited to 10 participants.

Masks must be worn at all times in the facility but not while in the pool.

Register at Aycock Recreation Center or online at https://hvrpd.recdesk.com/. For information, please contact Lauren Newlin at lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us or (252) 438-3160.

Yoga: Yoga classes will begin on Thursday, January 7, 2021. These sessions are based on Basic Yoga techniques to inspire physical, mental and spiritual peace from within.

Classes will be held on Thursdays from 6:15 – 7 p.m. Classes are $1 for members, $2 for nonmembers and will be limited to 10 participants.

You can register at Aycock Recreation Center or online at https://hvrpd.recdesk.com/. Mask must be worn during the class and in the facility.

For information, please contact Lauren Newlin at lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us or (252) 438-3160.

Know Your Rights– Learn how to protect your civil liberties and your basic rights. Virtual Sessions will be live on the Henderson Vance Outreach Facebook page.

Sessions will be held on Mondays at 4 p.m. For more information, please contact Shantel Hargrove at (252) 430-0382 or cac@ci.henderson.nc.us.

VGCC Logo

VGCC Solidifies Partnership With North Carolina A&T State University

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College continues to build new partnerships that support transfer student success with senior institutions in North Carolina.

Earlier this semester, VGCC solidified a partnership with North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC. The North Carolina A&T ‘Aggie Plus’ agreement provides students with guaranteed admission to the university and promotes the success of transfer students seeking to earn a baccalaureate degree.

The co-admission agreement represents innovations that are being put into place by community colleges and universities in NC. VGCC is one of a growing number of community colleges to partner with NCA&TSU on the Aggie Plus Program. VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais and NCA&TSU Chancellor Dr. Harold Martin signed off on the partnership effort, and now students will benefit.

As a part of the agreement, VGCC students will receive career, financial aid and academic counseling from assigned N.C. A&T and VGCC advisors. Following completion of the associate degree, Aggie Plus participants will receive priority review in the final N.C. A&T admissions process. The application fee for Aggie Plus participants will be waived and students will engage in an Aggie Plus program orientation session at VGCC. Further, N.C. A&T will organize at least one Aggie Plus program visit day to N.C. A&T each year.

“Our college continues to be intentional about providing multiple pathways to success for students. The Aggie Plus Program is yet another example. Ultimately, N.C. A&T provides a quality education for students in many areas including STEM. VGCC students will benefit from this opportunity!” said Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of learning, student engagement and success.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the Aggie Plus Program, please contact our staff at (252) 738-3234. Further, if you are interested in applying for general admissions to the college, please apply at www.vgcc.edu or call (252) 738-3234.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

GVPH COVID-19 Update: Vance Nears 2,000 Confirmed Cases

/by

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

GVPH provided the following update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of December 7, 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.

Vance County

Total Cases: 1,949
Active Cases: 600

Total Cases in Community: 1,768
Active Cases: 595
Cases Off-Isolation: 1,153

Total Cases at Long-Term Care Facilities: 181
Active Cases: 5
Cases Off-Isolation: 136

There is currently an outbreak at Senior Citizens Home and Kerr Lake Nursing Home.

Total Hospitalized with COVID-19: 25

Total Deaths: 60
Community: 20
Pelican Nursing Home: 14
Kerr Lake Nursing Home: 12
Senior Citizens Home: 14

Granville County

Total Cases: 2,798
Active Cases: 551

Total Cases in Community: 1,972
Active Cases: 436
Cases Off-Isolation: 1,526

Total Cases at Federal Prison: 533
Active Cases: 7
Cases Off-Isolation: 504

Total Cases at Long-Term Care Facilities: 293
Active Cases: 108
Cases Off-Isolation: 157

There are currently outbreaks at Universal Health Care, Murdoch Development Center, Granville House, RHA Health Services – Stem and Polk Correctional Institution.

Total Hospitalized with COVID-19: 9

Total Deaths: 60
Community: 10
Central Regional: 1
Granville House: 2
Murdoch Development Center: 3
Universal Health Care: 22
Federal Prison: 22

Unfortunately, another death has been reported from the community: a 57-year-old female passed away on December 4, 2020.

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 GVPH’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard (click here) for tables and graphs that are updated daily.

Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks

H-V Rec. & Parks: Jackson St. Park Reopens, Aycock Rec. Center’s New Hours

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department

Park Reopening

Jackson Street Park (325 Breckenridge Street, Henderson) is now open. Please follow Henderson Vance on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter for updates on the future reopening of Fox Pond Park (467 Vicksboro Rd.).

All park patrons must adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Mass gathering limit of 50 people outdoors
  • Wear mask/face covering outdoors if not possible to consistently be six feet from non-household members.

The Aycock Recreation Center announces its new hours of operation:

Monday – Thursday

Open: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1 – 3:30 p.m.,  6 – 8 p.m.

Closed: 12 – 1 p.m., 3:30 – 6 p.m.

Friday

Open: 8 – 12 p.m., 1 – 5 p.m., 6 – 8 p.m.

Closed: 12 – 1 p.m., 5 – 6 p.m.

Saturday

Open: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1 – 4 p.m.

Closed: 12 – 1 p.m.

Sunday

Open 1 – 5 p.m.