Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Dr. Antonio Jordan

VGCC Names Dr. Antonio Jordan Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College has recently experienced growth in credit students taking more classes, as well as upward trends in student headcount. The college has been intentional about focusing on student access and success overall and has a strategic goal of continuing to enhance the “front-door experience” for students, which includes admissions and enrollment services.

To lead efforts that will build upon this work, VGCC recently named Dr. Antonio J. Jordan as its new Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services.

In his new role, Jordan will lead a talented department that develops and maintains a student-centered process of admission, from engaging and recruiting prospective students to welcoming them to VGCC through New Student Orientation. He and his team are committed to enhancing virtual and in-person recruitment activities for traditional and non-traditional students.

VGCC recently named Dr. Antonio J. Jordan as its new Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

Jordan comes to VGCC from Davidson County Community College, where he has served as director of enrollment and student services. He also previously served as vice president for student services at James Sprunt Community College and worked at the N.C. Community College System Office, first as director of pre-college programs and later as director of academic/curriculum programs. Jordan has also served as a counselor and taught in other higher education settings.

“We are truly excited to have Dr. Jordan join the Vanguard family,” said VGCC Dean of Student Access & Support Kali Brown. “He brings a wealth of knowledge in admissions, enrollment management, and student services to his new role. I am confident the Office of Admissions, under Dr. Jordan’s leadership, will continue to connect and support students as they navigate the enrollment process at VGCC.”

“Dr. Jordan brings extensive experience in higher education and North Carolina community colleges to our college. He has a proven track record of being committed to providing college access to students and helping them succeed,” said Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of learning, student engagement and success. “We look forward to his leadership in serving future Vanguards, whether they are students who are approaching high school graduation or members of the adult learner population.”

Jordan holds a doctoral (Ed. D.) degree in Educational Leadership from Wingate University, an Educational Specialist credential from Wingate University, a master’s in Counseling/Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a bachelor’s in Psychology from Pfeiffer University.

The Admissions and Enrollment Services team is currently enrolling students for fall eight-week classes that begin Oct. 14, winter term courses that will begin Dec. 1, and spring classes that begin in January. These are outstanding opportunities for prospective students to take courses that will lead to a meaningful credential.

Apply for admission online at www.vgcc.edu or call (252) 738-3234 for additional information.

Archie Taylor, Jr.

Town Talk 09/29/20: Archie Taylor, Jr., Vance Board of Commissioners (District 2) Incumbent

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

Archie Taylor, Jr., the incumbent for the District 2 seat of the Vance County Board of Commissioners, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Taylor, a Democrat, is running against challenger Michael Fisher for the seat. Filing after the primary election, Fisher, a Democrat, said in an earlier interview with WIZS that he was required to run as an unaffiliated candidate and petition for voter signatures in order to add his name to the November 2020 General Election.

A retired military officer and businessman, Taylor was elected to the Board of Commissioners in 2012. He served as Chairman of the Board in 2015 and 2019 and currently serves on the Vance County Public Safety Committee.

Taylor also serves on the Board of Directors for the Vance County Department of Social Services, Maria Parham Health, McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center, Vance County Public Schools Foundation and Occoneechee Council: Boy Scouts of America.

Below is a portion of Taylor’s responses to questions asked during the Town Talk interview:

Archie Taylor, Jr., the incumbent for the District 2 seat of the Vance County Board of Commissioners. (Photo courtesy County of Vance)

Q: What does a vote for Archie Taylor mean for the future of the Vance County Fire Department, fire districts and Vance County Rescue Squad?

A: I am a strong proponent of the Vance County Fire Department; they have served the county well for over 60 years.

Now we have this element inside of the Rescue Squad – along with some others in our community- who would disband the Vance County Fire Department. Instead of eight volunteer fire departments, there would be nine because they would get rid of the Vance County Fire Department, distribute its employees and have the Rescue Squad take over firefighting in the county. I think that is absolutely a huge mistake for our county.

Mine has been the primary voice, largest voice, loudest voice of making sure we keep our Vance County Fire Department as is and build a model around something else. That’s one of the biggest differences between me and my opponent.

A vote for me is a vote to keep the Vance County Fire Department intact.

Q: How does your platform address areas of growth and concern in the community?

A: When citizens in District 2 call on me for assistance, I jump right on it and do my best to help them, whether its finding grant money to have water lines installed or cleanup of dilapidated houses in the area.

I was able to get Carver School a multi-purpose room when it was the only school in the county that didn’t have one. I was also able to help Middleburg Steakhouse reopen and am proud of the Board’s involvement in the opening of the new Vance County Animal Shelter.

Right now, I’m working on helping bring broadband internet access to our county. We [the Board of Commissioners] looked at several options and explored the most cost-effective means. We found Open Broadband to be the best solution for us. It not only provides the installation of internet throughout our county but is also good for our citizens in terms of what they’ll have to pay.

Q: What is your stance as far as using taxpayer money to fund areas such as the Vance County Rescue Squad and the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center?

A: I question why Vance County pays over $100,000 for rescue work. As pointed out in The Daily Dispatch recently, Granville County has $20,000; Franklin has $40,000; Warren has zero dollars allocated to rescue, and yet Vance County has over $102,000. So, I’ve questioned that for six months or so, and I guess we will come to some resolution on that.

McGregor Hall is a very important part of our county’s economic development; it brings our community over $2 million in revenue every year based on a study done by NC State University. We are very fortunate to have a facility of its type.

McGregor Hall is one of the only performing arts centers of its kind in the state that gets no public money at this time. I think it’s important that we figure out some way to help McGregor Hall because it provides a big economic impact to our community, and we want big economic impacts.

To hear the interview in its entirety, including additional questions and responses, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

(This is not a paid political advertisement. Political candidates are offered equal air time/coverage on WIZS.)

Local News Audio

Local Noon News 09/29/20

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

Henderson Police Department Investigates Shooting of a Female on Chavasse Avenue

Vance County Regional Farmers Market Holding a Twilight Market This Afternoon

COVID Testing Event at Gang Free, Inc. in Henderson on Monday, October 5, 2020

Update on Local COVID Cases

Vance County Public Safety Committee to Meet This Afternoon

Click Play to Listen to Full Details…

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

GVPH COVID-19 Update: Vance Reaches 1,000+ Total Known Case Mark

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

The following is an update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of September 28, 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

1,751 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,751, 1,092 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 1,092, 971 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,751, 523 cases are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County and 494 of those 523 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,751, 136 are associated with outbreaks at long-term care facilities including 30 at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center and 95 at Universal Health Care.

The outbreak at Granville House is no longer active.

Of the 136 cases in long-term care facilities in Granville County, 114 have been released from isolation.

10 individuals in Granville County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 50 deaths in Granville County: five in the community, one associated with Central Regional Hospital, one associated with Murdoch Development Center, 21 associated with Universal Health Care, and 22 associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.

Vance County

1,010 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,010, 885 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 885, 725 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,010, 125 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities including 49 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.

The outbreaks at Alliance Rehabilitative Care, Senior Citizens Home and 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.

12 individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 44 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 16 in the community.

WIZS Note: There are 160 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 121 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers). One additional COVID-19 related Granville County death and no additional Vance County deaths have been reported in the last seven days,.

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.

Gang Free

COVID Testing Event at Gang Free, Inc. in Henderson – Oct. 5

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

Information courtesy Melissa Elliott, founder of Gang Free, Inc.

Granville Vance Public Health is partnering with Henderson’s Gang Gree, Inc. and NCCL ACCORD to host a community testing event on Monday, October 5, 2020, from 9 – 11 a.m. Testing will be held at the Gang Free location at 940 County Home Road in Henderson.

This event is designed for those who may not have a primary care provider and/or those who lack access to insurance and transportation. This event will also be combined with Gang Free’s prepacked food box distribution.

Testing is free to all who attend, but testing supplies are limited. Pre-registration is required through sign-up sheets at Gang Free, by calling Gang Free Founder Melissa Elliott at (252) 425-5220 or by calling the Triage Nurse at (252) 492-7915.

Please note that if you have tested positive since July 5 or are awaiting test results as of October 5, you do not qualify for a test.

Vance County Logo

Public Safety Committee to Discuss Amendment to Ambulance Ordinance

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

-Information courtesy the County of Vance

Vance County’s Public Safety Committee (Wilder, Brummitt, Taylor) is scheduled to meet Tuesday, September 29, 2020, at 3 p.m.

The meeting will be held in the Administrative Conference Room of the Vance County Administration Building located at 122 Young Street, Henderson, NC.

The purpose is to discuss an amendment to the ambulance franchise ordinance.

American Legion Riders

American Legion Riders Promote Scholarships for Children of Deceased, Disabled Veterans

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

-Information courtesy Andy Roberson, American Legion Post 60

The American Legion Riders will participate in the Legacy Scholarship Run 2020 and will stop at American Legion Post 60 in Henderson on Friday, October 2, 2020. Riders will travel down Andrews Avenue and arrive at Post 60 on S. Garnett St. at 12 p.m.

Riders are raising money for the American Legion Legacy Fund, a scholarship for children of US military members who died while on active duty, on or after 9/11 and children of post-9/11 veterans who have been assigned a combined disability rating of 50 percent or greater by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The public is welcome to visit with the riders at Post 60. Participants are asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Donations are appreciated.

Trick or Treat

Home Delivery Trick-or-Treating, ‘Trail of Terror’ to Offer Halloween Fun

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

-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department

The Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department announces two of its upcoming Halloween events:

Trick or Treat Social Distancing – The first 50 participants to meet the following requirements will receive a FREE Trick or Treat bag of goodies at their home: 12 years old or under, live in Vance County and sign up by 12 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2020. Trick or Treat Social Distancing starts at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2020.

There is no cost to participate, but participants must complete a program evaluation after the event.

To register, please contact Crystal Allen by phone at (252) 431-6091, by email at (callen@ci.henderson.nc.us) or through Facebook Messenger on the Henderson Vance Special Programs page.

Trail of Terror – a Trail of Terror Drive-Thru will be held at Kings Daughters Park I (600 West Montgomery Street, Henderson) from 6:30 – 9 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2020. Trick-or-treat bags will be given away.

The cost of the event is $5 per vehicle.

For more information, please contact Crystal Allen by phone at (252) 431-6091 or by email at (callen@ci.henderson.nc.us).

Local News Audio

Local Noon News 09/25/20

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

City of Henderson to Move Forward With Coronavirus Grant Application

Vance County Planning Committee to Consider White Goods Disposal at Hwy 39 Convenience Site

Vance County Schools Recognizes Teachers, Principals at Annual Excellence in Education Event

Click Play to Listen to Full Details…

VCS Stefanie Ayscue

VCS Recognizes Teachers, Principals at Annual Excellence in Education Event

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release and photos, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools held the annual Excellence in Education event on Tuesday, September 22, 2020. At the event, the District’s Beginning Teacher of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year and Principal of the Year were announced.

The event was a drive-in recognition at the VCS Administrative Service Center on Graham Avenue, where staff were presented their award in an outdoor ceremony, with social distancing in place and masks required. Dr. Anthony Jackson, VCS Superintendent, along with Assistant Superintendents Dr. Trixie Brooks and Dr. Cindy Bennett, recognized each honoree.

District award winners included:

2020-2021 Assistant Principal of the Year Shannon Bullock

Bullock is the assistant principal of Vance County Middle School and in her 9th year in education, spending every year with Vance County Schools.

A native of Henderson, Bullock shares, “It is with great humility that I serve the families of our community. I will forever embrace the opportunity to uplift all stakeholders of our school community so that all of our students will be adequately prepared for their next endeavors in life. My heart is filled with gratitude to be able to give back to my community.”

Bullock received her Associate’s from Vance-Granville Community College, continuing on with her undergraduate from East Carolina University and graduate degree from High Point University. She is currently working on her doctorate at Liberty University.

2020-2021 Beginning Teacher of the Year Sheneika Campbell

Campell teaches 7th-grade English Language Arts at Vance County Middle School. She has been with Vance County Schools for three years but has been in education for 12 years. Originally from Montego Bay, Jamaica, Campbell earned her undergraduate and graduate degree from the University of the West Indies.

She shared, “I am a passionate educator who has been called to this profession to effect positive changes and advance the welfare of all in my reach. I am honored and humbled to be recognized as BT for the district. This award has ignited an even stronger commitment to inspire, motivate, and serve the scholars of VCS.”

2020-2021 Principal of the Year Stephanie Ayscue

Ayscue is currently the principal of Advance Academy with 20 years in education. A native of Toledo, Ohio, Stephanie earned her undergraduate degree from Lourdes University, graduate degree from Western Carolina University and Ed.S from Liberty University. She is currently working on her doctorate degree from Liberty University.

Stephanie expressed, “Love and relationships are essential. The Dalai Lama states, ‘When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget their hearts.’ That is what we do at Advance Academy and what I have always tried to do at every school I have been blessed to be part of.”

2020-2021 Teacher of the Year Sara Lilley

Lilley is a 3rd-grade teacher at Clarke Elementary School. Sara shared, “I’m blessed to work with such a wonderful group of educators. It is quite an honor to receive such a distinction when I consider the talent, skill, and experience that daily surrounds me.”

Sara is in her 11th year teaching, all with Vance County Schools at Clarke Elementary. Lilley, originally from Elizabeth City, NC, received her undergraduate degree from Campbell University and her graduate degree from NC State University.

The Principal of the Year Stephanie Ayscue and Teacher of the Year Sara Lilley will now move forward in competing for the regional titles. The North Carolina State Principal of the Year and Teacher of the Year will be announced in the spring of 2021 and selected from the regional winners across the state.

Vance County Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson presents the 2020-2021 Assistant Principal of the Year award to Shannon Bullock.

Vance County Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson presents the 2020-2021 Beginning Teacher of the Year award to Sheneika Campbell.

Vance County Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson presents the 2020-2021 Principal of the Year award to Stephanie Ayscue.

2020-2021 Teacher of the Year Sara Lilley, a 3rd-grade teacher at Clarke Elementary School, poses with her awards in front of the district office.