Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

NC Governor Logo

Vacant Building, Industrial Development Grants to Bring Jobs, Infrastructure to Vance Co.

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 18 grant requests to local governments totaling $4,847,243, Governor Roy Cooper announced this week. The requests include commitments to create a total of 590 jobs, 296 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $103 million in private investment.

“North Carolina’s rural communities need support to upgrade their infrastructure to attract good jobs and build a stronger future. Investments like Rural Infrastructure grants signal to businesses and communities that our state is ready for economic development despite the challenges of the pandemic,” Governor Cooper said.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce’s team of rural economic development professionals supports the RIA’s work. RIA members review and approve funding requests from local communities. Funding comes from a variety of specialized grant and loan programs offered and managed by N.C. Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division, led by Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Kenny Flowers. Grants can support a variety of activities, including infrastructure development, building renovation, expansion and demolition, and site improvements.

The RIA approved grant requests locally for:

Vacant Building Category 

  • Vance County: A $500,000 grant will support the reuse of a 197,000-square-foot building in Henderson. Select Products Holdings, LLC, a manufacturer of tissue products that supply a wide range of leading consumer retailers, plans to locate operations at the facility. The company expects to create 73 jobs and invest $4 million in the overall project, while 53 jobs and a $577,901 investment are tied to this grant.

Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account Program

  • Vance County: A $190,260 grant will assist the County in the completion of sewer and road infrastructure at the County’s premier industrial park. These infrastructure improvements will help make the 84-acre site a viable economic development target.

The Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account provides grants to local governments located in the 80 most economically distressed counties of the state, which are classified as either Tier 1 or Tier 2. Funds may be used for publicly-owned infrastructure projects that are reasonably expected to result in new job creation.

The IDF – Utility Account is funded through a process tied to the state’s signature Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) program. When JDIG-awarded companies choose to locate or expand in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 county, a portion of that JDIG award is channeled into the Utility Account.

For additional information about N.C. Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division, visit www.nccommerce.com/rd.

Click here to read the press release in its entirety. 

Vance County NC

Vance County Retail Sales Up for 2019-2020

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance County Economic Development Commission

According to the most recent reports of county retail sales by the North Carolina Department of Revenue, Vance County had just over $468 million in retail sales for the Fiscal Year 2019-2020. Retail sales were up four percent over 2018-2019.

June 2020 had the highest sales figures at $53.2 million, well above the monthly average of $39 million. Benny Finch, EDC Director, noted 2019-2020 was the fifth consecutive year Vance County has topped the $400 million mark in retail sales.

“I’m very pleased to hear about the strong retail sales numbers in Vance County,” commented Vance County Economic Development Commission Chairman Tommy Hester. “Vance County continues to strengthen itself as a growing retail, manufacturing and tourism location in the region.”

Antavian Yancey Vehicle

Murder Suspect Antavian C. Yancey Still at Large, Considered Armed & Dangerous

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-Information and photos courtesy Vance County Sheriff’s Office

Update on 8/21/20:

Murder suspect Antavian Cornelius Yancey is still at large. The Vance County Sheriff’s Office is seeking any and all assistance in locating Yancey. He is considered armed and dangerous. If seen, please contact the Vance County Sheriff‘s Office at (252) 738–2200.

Aliases: Cornelius Yancey and Antavian Yancey

Update on 7/31/20:

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office, along with other state and local authorities, continues to look for Antavian Cornelius Yancey for the murder of Charisma Robinson. It is believed that Yancey has family and friends in Durham, Burlington and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Yancey is considered to be armed and dangerous. If you have seen or have any knowledge about Antavian C. Yancey’s location, please contact your local law enforcement agency.

Original Press Release Issued July 24, 2020:

On Thursday, July 16, 2020, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division received a call referencing smoke in a wooded area. Upon the arrival of Deputies and the Vance County Fire Department on the scene, a vehicle was fully engulfed.

Members of the Vance County Sheriff‘s Office Criminal Investigation Division responded to investigate the vehicle fire along with North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s Arson unit. On July 17, 2020, the Vance County Sheriff‘s Office Criminal Investigation Division received a phone call from the Burlington Police Department in reference to the Burlington Police Department locating the body of a black female that was believed to be from Henderson, North Carolina. The female was identified as Charisma Robinson, age 35.

Investigator began to investigate these incidents and developed that the two cases were connected. Participating agencies from the Vance County Sheriff‘s Office, Henderson Police Department, Burlington Police Department and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation began a collaborative effort to solve the murder of Charisma Robinson,

Through the investigation, a person of interest was developed and later identified as a subject/suspect in this matter.

On July 24, 2020, a warrant for Murder and Burning of Personnel Property was issued for Antavian Cornelius Yancey (B/M/Age 34), regarding the death of Charisma Robinson.

Yancey is believed to be armed and dangerous. If located, please contact the Vance County Sheriff‘s Office at (252) 738–2200.

Charisma Robinson Victim

 

Maria Parham Health

MPH Volunteer Services to Hold Parking Lot Handbag Sale

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-Information courtesy Lisa Radford, Maria Parham Health

Volunteer Services of Maria Parham Health will hold a “In the Bag” handbag sale on August 25 and 26, 2020, from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. This sale will be held outside in the parking lot of Maria Parham Health in Henderson.

Brand name and designer handbags, briefcases, luggage, wallets, mini bags and small leather goods will be on sale for much less than regular retail prices.

This event is open to the public. Cash, debit, and credit cards accepted.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Peace, Fields, Lawson

VCSO: Three Arrested on Kidnapping, Armed Robbery Charges

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-Press Release and photos, Vance County Sheriff’s Office

On Monday, August 17, 2020, 2:55 a.m. the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division responded to 812 Briggs Road, Henderson, North Carolina in reference to a kidnapping and armed robbery. While en route to the scene, deputies located the suspect vehicle. A chase ensued, and the vehicle wrecked at the end of Faucet Road. 

Identified in the vehicle were Susie Ni’Jah Nicole Peace (B/F, age 19), Isaiah Fields (B/M, age 18), Nathaniel Deshawn Lawson (B/M, age 18) and the known victim in this matter.

The Criminal Investigation Division arrived at the scene and began to interview all subjects involved in this matter and subsequently charged Peace, Fields and Lawson with Attempted Armed Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon and First Degree Kidnapping.

Peace was also charged with Felony speeding to Elude Arrest. Lawson and Fields were also charged with Second Degree Kidnapping for a case in another jurisdiction that occurred on August 12, 2020, in Oxford, North Carolina.

Fields‘ and Lawson’s bonds were set at $250,000 each and Peace’s bond was set at $170,000. All parties are scheduled to appear in court on September 14, 2020, in Vance County District Court.

This investigation is continuing.

Susie Ni’Jah Nicole Peace

Isaiah Fields

Nathaniel Deshawn Lawson

NC Coop Extension

N.C. Cooperative Extension Centers Offer Wildlife Management Seminars

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-Press Release, NC Cooperative Extension 

North Carolina Cooperative Extension will host a series of free online seminars on the topic of wildlife management. This will be a six-week series scheduled at 1 p.m. each Friday from September 4 through October 9, 2020.

Wildlife on your land can offer various benefits, but also has the potential to create significant problems. Maximizing benefits while minimizing problems is simply a matter of implementing the right management practices. In this free online seminar series, representatives from various agencies will review the practices that help landowners meet their goals.

Topics and presenters include:

  • Sept. 4 – Fallow Vegetation and Native Plantings: Managing Habitat for Wildlife and Pollinators ~ Presenter is John Isenhour, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
  • Sept. 11 – Invasive Plant Control and Forest Management to Benefit Wildlife ~ Presenter is John Isenhour, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
  • Sept. 18 – Hunting Leases and Trespass Laws ~ Presenter is Andrew Brannan, NC State Extension
  • Sept. 25 – Coyote and Vulture Depredation Issues ~ Presenter is Jonathan Carreto, USDA/APHIS Wildlife Services
  • Oct. 2 – Beaver Management and Control ~ Presenter is Jonathan Carreto, USDA/APHIS Wildlife Services
  • Oct. 9 – Reducing Crop Damage From Deer ~ Presenters are Greg Batts and Jason Allen, NC Wildlife Resource Commission

To register for the series of seminars, visit http://go.ncsu.edu/wildlifemgmtseries and register via EventBrite. Links to the seminars will be emailed to registrants.

Complete details can be found at http://go.ncsu.edu/managewildlife. Details are also available by calling the NC Cooperative Extension County Center in your area:

Vance County – (252) 438-8188

Granville County – (919) 603-1350

Warren County – (252) 257-3640

Franklin County – (919) 496-3344

Person County – (336) 599-1195

VGCC Logo

VGCC’s Statement of Support for President Rachel Desmarais

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Vance-Granville Community College Vice President Dr. Levy Brown and Board of Trustees Chair Danny Wright have released the following joint statement:

The college community is deeply saddened and heartbroken to share that President Rachel Desmarais’ oldest son, Ian J. Simmons passed away as a result of a car accident on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. The Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students at Vance-Granville Community College fully support President Desmarais and her family during this tragic time.

Furthermore, we send our prayers and condolences during this time of bereavement. And, we ask that you join us in offering up prayers and positive thoughts.

Dr. Desmarais is an outstanding leader, educator, community member, spouse, and mother who embodies both the mission and vision of Vance-Granville Community College. The members of our campus community are deeply committed to following the strategic leadership direction established by President Desmarais.

“My heart and the heart of the entire Board of Trustees goes out to the Desmarais family,” said VGCC Board Chair Danny Wright. “The Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff are fully committed to ensuring that our students continue to receive an excellent education while our president takes the necessary time needed with her family.”

As her college family, we will get through this difficult time together while showing love and support for our President and her loved ones.

City of Henderson Logo

Franklin Co. Requests Additional 450,000 Gallons of Water Per Day From KLRWS

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Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington requested a Special Called Meeting of the Henderson City Council on Tuesday afternoon, August 18, 2020.

According to Ellington, the purpose of the meeting was to discuss a request from Franklin County for an additional 450,000 gallons of water per day from the Kerr Lake Regional Water System (KLRWS), of which the City of Henderson is a managing partner.

Discussions about the terms and if KLRWS and its partners will accept are on-going.

Melanin Marquee

McGregor Hall to Present Free, Online Performance of ‘Melanin Marquee’

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center will feature “Melanin Marquee – A Black Broadway Cabaret” live via its Facebook page on Sunday, August 30, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.

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 live for the performance.

RSVP by clicking on this event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/372006713784250

(This is not a paid advertisement)

VGCC Reboot Recover Rebuild

VGCC Small Business Center Offering Free Counseling Services

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The Small Business Center Network and Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center have launched the Reboot, Recover, Rebuild (R3) Program offering free counseling services to local small businesses.

Now is the perfect time for small business owners to reach out and receive guidance on solving issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program will be available through December 30, 2020. Interested businesses must complete a Counseling Request Form (click here).

For more details or to sign up, please contact Sheri Jones, director of the VGCC Small Business Center at (252) 738-3240.