#vancecountynews - WIZS

NC Lt. Governor Candidate Mark Robinson to Speak at Vance Co. GOP Headquarters

August 18, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Jimmy Barrier, Vance Co. GOP

Come meet and listen to 2020 NC Lt. Governor candidate Mark Robinson this Wednesday, August 19, 2020, at 5 p.m.

Robinson will be speaking at an outdoor forum to allow for social distancing at the Vance County GOP Headquarters, 1700 Parham St. (the area between Dabney Dr. Cruizers and the Corbitt building) in Henderson.

The Vance County GOP is excited that Robinson is personally coming to introduce himself and his political stance to Vance County citizens. Please plan to come out and hear Mark Robinson this Wednesday.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

2020 NC Lt. Governor candidate Mark Robinson will be speaking at an outdoor forum at the Vance County GOP Headquarters, 1700 Parham St. (the area between Dabney Dr. Cruizers and the Corbitt building) in Henderson on August 19, 2020, at 5 p.m.

Vance Commissioners to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Economic Dev. Incentive

August 18, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy the County of Vance

Vance County Board of Commissioners Chairman Gordon Wilder has called a special meeting for Wednesday, August 19, 2020, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Conference Room, Vance County Administration Building, 122 Young Street, Henderson, NC.

The purpose of the meeting is to:

1. Approve amendments to Animal Control Ordinance.

2. Hold a public hearing to receive public input on a proposed economic development incentive expenditure to be considered for the location of a new company and provide a Building Reuse Grant in the amount of $500,000 over the next three years.

3. Hold a public hearing to receive public input on a proposed economic development incentive expenditure to be considered for the location of a new company and provide an incentive agreement in the amount not to exceed $95,231.

4. Approve a local incentive agreement in the amount not to exceed $95,231.

5. Enter into Closed Session to discuss a personnel matter.

6. Other items as necessary.

Please click here to view the full agenda.

Cokesbury Fire Department Announces Cancellation of Sept. Fireworks

August 17, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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From the Cokesbury Volunteer Fire Department:

It is with great sadness that we must announce that the Cokesbury Volunteer Fire Department will be canceling our fireworks that were scheduled for September 5, 2020.

With our State being mired in Phase 2 of the reopening, we cannot in good conscience risk a single person getting sick because we held our fireworks. Once again, we apologize for not being able to show our community how much we appreciate them.

As far as we know, we will still be conducting a stew sale on October 24. We will be figuring out the logistics of that at our September Board meeting and providing additional information at that time.

Vance County Tourism Announces the Cancellation of Fireworks, Annual Car Show

August 17, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Vance County Tourism Development Authority

The much anticipated annual Show, Shine, Shag & Dine, and East Coast Dragtimes Hall of Fame & Reunion scheduled for October 16 and 17, 2020, in Henderson will not take place this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Vance County Tourism Development Authority had remained extremely positive that the show would go on until the recent extension of Governor Roy Cooper’s Safer at Home Phase 2 mandate regarding large gatherings that is in effect until September 11, 2020.

After continued monitoring of NC COVID cases, apprehensions concerning COVID-19, observing other large scale crowd closures, day-use areas and public facilities at State Parks remaining closed, and the unknown state and/or local mandates that may still be in place at that time, the Vance County Tourism Development Authority Board of Directors made the extremely difficult decision to cancel the 19^th Annual Show, Shine, Shag & Dine, and East Coast Dragtimes Hall of Fame & Reunion scheduled for October 16 and 17, 2020.

At this time, there will be no rescheduling of the event for 2020, but we are looking forward to seeing everyone on October 15 and 16, 2021 for what we hope will be the biggest Show, Shine, Shag & Dine, and East Coast Dragtimes Hall of Fame & Reunion ever.

The extended Safer at Home Phase 2 mandate has also made it necessary for Vance County Tourism to cancel the fireworks that had been moved from July 4, 2020, to Sunday, September 6 (Labor Day weekend).

Hopefully, COVID numbers will continue to go down and we can get events and activities scheduled again. We look forward to seeing everyone next year!

Pam Hester, Executive Director

Vance County Tourism Development Authority

VGCC Ranked Sixth-Best Community College in the Nation

August 17, 2020/by WIZS Staff

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College was recently recognized as one of the top ten community colleges and trade schools in the nation for 2020. VGCC came in at number six on the rankings published by “Best Colleges” (www.bestcolleges.com), a leading provider of independent college rankings and higher education research. The college was also the third-highest-ranked school from North Carolina.

“We are pleased to see this national recognition for Vance-Granville, which we attribute to the dedication and innovation demonstrated by our faculty and staff every day,” Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of the college, said. “VGCC is committed to providing high-quality education and training that is affordable and accessible for the people of Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties.”

Best Colleges noted that the college has extended its reach by providing career-oriented programs that can be completed entirely online. These programs include Supply Chain Management, Medical Office Administration, IT/Business Support, Early Childhood Education, Criminal Justice, Accounting, and Business Administration. Students can also complete the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science programs online, which prepares them for transferring to a university to complete a bachelor’s degree. The college has transfer agreements with numerous four-year universities.

“VGCC boasts strong graduation rates and small class sizes,” the website also noted. “The school’s 13-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio allows students to receive plenty of individualized attention.”

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.

Enrollment is currently ongoing for eight-week curriculum credit classes that begin on October 14, and for the spring semester that starts in January 2021. For more information about VGCC, visit www.vgcc.edu.

Coach’s Corner 08/14/20: Chad Wilson Named Head VCHS Boys Basketball Coach

August 14, 2020/by WIZS Staff

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance County High School

The Vance County Board of Education has approved Chad Wilson as the next head boys basketball coach at Vance County High School. He teaches physical education at the school.

Coach Wilson is a Vance County native who graduated from Northern Vance High School before continuing his basketball career at Louisburg College and Livingstone College. Following his collegiate playing career, Wilson became an assistant coach for Vance-Granville Community College for three seasons before returning to his high school alma mater to serve as varsity assistant and head JV coach under long-time coach Wilton Baskett, whom he played for.

Wilson has compiled a record of 79-17 in five seasons as head JV basketball coach at Northern Vance and Vance County, including a 37-1 stretch from 2017-2019. Notably, he also has a record of 13-0 as interim head varsity basketball coach at Vance County, filling in for Wilton Baskett for a portion of the 2018-2019 season that saw the Vipers win the Northern Carolina Conference championship and make a run to the 4th round of the NCHSAA tournament. Wilson was also an assistant when Northern Vance won the 2017-2018 Northern Carolina Conference championship.

wizsradio · Coach’s Corner 8-14-20: Press Release Chad Wilson Boys Basketball Coach Vance County High School

“Coach Wilson has proven that he is an effective coach who can bring out the best in his players,” Athletic Director Joe Sharrow said of Wilson. “He has a passion for teaching and coaching, has demonstrated the ability to establish positive relationships, and is a tremendous role model for our students. Coach Wilson is a valued member of the Viper family and has earned this opportunity to lead our boys basketball program.”

Wilson will replace his former high school coach and coaching mentor, Wilton Baskett, who retired in March after a 37-year coaching career that saw him surpass the 400-win mark this past season.

“It is a great honor to become the next head basketball coach at Vance County High School,” Wilson said in a statement. “I am from Vance County and grew up dreaming about the opportunity to work with and coach the kids from my hometown. I have been a part of the culture that we have established here and look forward to continuing the growth of our program and giving back to the kids who now play on the same courts and in the same gyms where I fell in love with the game of basketball.”

The Vipers are hopeful to begin the 2020-2021 season on December 4, as outlined by the amended calendar released by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.

VGCC to Offer Sustainable Agri-Tech Program This Fall

August 14, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College continues to “cultivate” new programs for the fall semester. The Sustainable Agri-Tech program will grow one’s knowledge in the agricultural field and prepare students for occupations in a wide variety of jobs in agriculture (both production and value-added) with a range of skills and knowledge.

The program addresses agricultural concepts, skills, and techniques that are required by the agriculture industry. Upon completion, students will have explored sustainable and organic methods, plant, soil and animal science, field management, equipment maintenance and basic computer skills and marketing techniques.

The class begins on September 14, 2020, at 6 p.m. Kelly Dixon will be leading this hybrid class at VGCC’s Franklin Campus. The 96-hour program is made up of only 30 hours in the classroom and 66 hours online. The cost is $188.25.

Tuition assistance is available to those who meet eligibility guidelines. Space is limited.

For more information please visit: https://www.vgcc.edu/agritech/

Register Now for Epsom Community Classic Run/Walk

August 14, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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The Epsom Community Classic Run/Walk will be held Saturday, August 29, 2020, from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Originally scheduled for April, the coronavirus pandemic necessitated a rescheduling to this later date.

The race is run on a 3.5-mile loop starting and finishing at Epsom Fire and Rescue located at 8120 NC Highway 39 in Henderson.

This event is being held in partnership with New Bethel Baptist Church with the end goal of raising financial support for missions.

Entrants have a choice of entering as a competitive or recreational runner. Competitive entrants will receive an official time and will be eligible for awards. Recreational entrants will not receive official times, but can either time themselves or see their times on the digital clock at the finish line.

The entry fees are $20 through August 19, $25 August 20-28 and $30 on race day. The fee does not include a t-shirt, but shirts can be ordered for an additional $10 on or before August 19.

To register, visit the Epsom Community Classic link on RaceReach.com (click here).

Awards will be presented to the first three male finishers overall, to the first three female finishers overall and to the top three finishers in each of the following age groups (both genders): 19-under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60-over.

Due to the road conditions, running with a baby stroller is not recommended. Also, please no pets.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be some changes to how the race is conducted. Water will be available both at the start/finish area and once on the course. Hand sanitizer will also be available. Vendors and food trucks will be taking their own precautions by serving pre-packaged food and drinks.

Depending on the dictates of the county, there may be post-race snacks available, but just to be safe, you may want to bring your own.

Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments

Kerr-Tar COG: Loan Program Helps Rehabilitate Homes in Vance County

August 14, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Kerr-Tar Council of Governments

The Kerr-Tar Council of Governments (COG) has been granted membership by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) under the 2020 cycle of the Essential-Single Family Rehabilitation Loan Pool Program (ESFRLP2020).

Funding from this program will assist with essential and critical repairs to single-family homes that are owned and occupied by lower-income households. These repairs help veterans, seniors and persons with disabilities stay in their homes, saving on health care and long-term care costs.

The major requirements to be eligible for ESFRLP2020 assistance are:

1. The home must be located in Person/Vance County;

2. The home must be owner-occupied;

3. Site built and off-frame modular units will be eligible for considerations, however, manufactured housing is not eligible for assistance;

4. The house must have a full-time household member who is an older adult (age 62+), disabled or a veteran, or a household with a child under the age of six whose health is threatened by the presence of lead hazards;

5. The gross annual household income must not exceed 80% of the area median income for Person/Vance County;

6. The property cannot have been repaired or rehabilitated with public funding of $30,000 or more within the past 10 years;

7. The cost of rehabilitation cannot exceed the ESFRLP2020 Program Guideline limit of $30,000.

Applications are available by calling Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments at (252) 436-2040 or on the Kerr-Tar COG website at www.kerrtarcog.org.

Applications should be returned as soon as possible, but no later than November 2, 2020, at noon to the Kerr-Tar COG, PO Box 709, Henderson, NC 27536 or to 1724 Graham Avenue, Henderson.