Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Releases Statement on George Floyd Incident

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-Press Release, North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association

The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association stands for the protection of the rights of all citizens. The sheriffs of North Carolina expect all law enforcement officers to conduct themselves professionally and lawfully at all times. These higher standards of conduct include reserving the use of force, especially deadly force, for those times when its use is absolutely necessary and lawful.

While we are not privy to the full investigation, what we have seen in the video of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota is unacceptable. The video clearly shows unprofessional and egregious conduct by law enforcement officers. This type of law enforcement conduct cannot be tolerated and must be swiftly addressed by the law enforcement community and the criminal justice system.

Part of the mission of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association is to provide education and training to sheriffs and their personnel. The law enforcement conduct displayed in this video is inexcusable and totally contrary to the training provided to law enforcement officers in North Carolina.

As sheriffs, we strive to build relationships with everyone in our communities. These relationships are built on mutual respect between officers and their community. It is by our conduct that law enforcement officers earn the respect of the public we are sworn to serve. This type of egregious misconduct by a few officers erodes the respect citizens have for all officers. Therefore, when law enforcement officers violate laws or policy, we expect them to immediately be held accountable. We, the members of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, will tolerate nothing less.

We extend our deepest sympathies to George Floyd, his family, the citizens and businesses of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the law enforcement community that live up to their oath and creed of respect, courage, dedication, and service to protect and serve their community.

Vance County Graduation Ceremony

Details, Announcements for AdVance Academy’s June 11 Graduation Ceremony

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-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

AdVance Academy’s graduation event is set for Thursday, June 11, 2020, at 2:30 p.m. at Vance-Granville Community College. Vance County Schools released the following information for those participating in the drive-thru style event:

Program of Events

At your designated time, enter from Poplar Creek Road to the main entrance of Vance-Granville Community College.
Proceed down the main road to the parking lot of Building 7. Staff will direct you. No open-air vehicles or
passengers in truck beds are permitted. Please do not arrive before your scheduled time.

Station 1: Graduate Check-in

One vehicle per graduate | Stop at the check-in station | A paper with the graduate’s name will be placed under the
windshield wiper| Follow directives of staff for vehicle line up | Pay careful attention to the line to keep it moving smoothly | Receive graduation program

Station 2: Processional

When the graduate nears the graduation station, a runner will take the windshield wiper sign to the name reader

Graduate Preparation Zone

Pay attention to signs for directions

Station 3: Graduation

Wait for the sign to show the graduate may exit vehicle | The student will walk to the stage | The student’s name will
be called as they walk across the stage | Receive diploma cover and photo opportunity | The student will return to the vehicle immediately | The car will then join the recessional line

Station 4: Recessional

Watch for signs and move to the graduate pick up spot | All vehicles must make a right onto Poplar Creek Road upon exiting graduation

Guidelines:

No restroom facilities will be available | Cap & gowns are required to participate in graduation | The graduate should be
positioned in the vehicle to be the only person that needs to step out of the car upon arrival at the graduation point| Graduation signs can be picked up after all graduation ceremonies have concluded

Graduation Arrival Time by Graduate’s Last Name
2:30 p.m. ~ Allen – Edmonds
3:05 p.m. ~ Evans – Jones
3:45 p.m. ~ Kearney – Satterwhite
4:15 p.m. ~ Small – Yancey

Note from Vance County Schools: We are excited about graduation! It is our hope that seniors will celebrate by decorating their cap or even their vehicle. As a reminder, no open-air vehicles are permitted (convertibles, bikes, open-top jeeps, etc) and no one will be permitted to ride in the back of a pickup truck. Only one vehicle is permitted per graduate.

As you proceed through the graduation line-up, you will see signs giving instructions. We ask that you pay close attention to ensure a smooth process. Everyone must remain in their vehicle throughout. The graduate will be informed when they are able to exit the vehicle. We also ask that you avoid loud music and horn honking.

We cannot wait to celebrate the Class of 2020!

 

South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church

SHPHC, Cardinal Innovations Partner to Pay In-Need Residents’ Utility Bills

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

In partnership with Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions, South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church will be paying utility bills (water/sewer/electricity) for those families that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in our community.

The payment is limited to one bill per household and requires the presentation of an original unpaid utility bill and verification of residential address. 

The payment will be made directly to the utility and is limited to no more than $150.

The distribution will be on Friday, June 5, 2020, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Family Life Center (located behind the church) of South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church – 905 Americal Road in Henderson, NC.  

This distribution is open to the affected public and will be on a first-come/first-served basis for as long as funds are available.

American Flag

Kerr Lake Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration Moved to Labor Day Weekend

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-Information courtesy Vance County Tourism Development Authority

Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, the Independence Day fireworks event was postponed from July 4 and has tentatively been rescheduled for Sunday, September 6, 2020. The ability to hold the event will depend entirely on local and state mandates and guidelines in place at that time.

The Labor Day Weekend Celebration will include fireworks over the water at Satterwhite Point at Kerr Lake in Henderson, NC. Events will be held from 3 until 10 p.m.

This family-friendly event will feature a DJ providing a wide variety of music, Boho the Clown, bounce houses and other activities for kids.

The NC State Parks 2020 interpretive theme is “The Year of the Fire.” Kids can learn about fire safety from Smokey the Bear.

Food vendors will be on-site, and t-shirts and glow sticks will be sold. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and a flashlight.

Enjoy music, food and fireworks under the stars! Come by boat or by car.

$7 per car gate fee charged by NC State Parks. Use of bounce house included in gate fee.

NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED!

Buyer & Cellar

McGregor Hall, Brian Westbrook to Present Virtual Presentation of ‘Buyer & Cellar’

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Brian Westbrook (“Into the Woods,” “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”) will perform in an online, one-man presentation of Jonathan Tolins’ comedy classic “Buyer & Cellar,” the first virtual performance in McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center’s history.

The one-man play follows Alex More, a struggling actor who makes ends meet by landing a job as the curator of Barbra Streisand’s basement.

Online performances will be held on Saturday, June 13 and Saturday, June 20, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket purchasers will receive a web address and password at the email address connected to their purchase no later than 10 minutes prior to showtime.

Please note: content rated ‘R’ for language.

For tickets, visit https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/11557

In order to continue its mission to “share the healing power of the arts in Henderson and beyond,” McGregor Hall asks for the help and support of the community to make this performance a success.

NC Governor Logo

Cooper Extends Utility Cut Off Moratorium, Implements Evictions Moratorium

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order No. 142 to extend the prohibition of utility shut-offs and implement a moratorium on evictions. The Order went into effect Saturday with the Governor’s signature.

“North Carolinians need relief to help make ends meet during the pandemic,” said Governor Cooper. “Extending housing and utility protections will mean more people can stay in their homes and stay safe as we all work to slow the spread of this virus.”

“North Carolinians want to pay their rent, but for far too many people – through no fault of their own – that’s just not possible right now,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “We are in unprecedented times that call for unprecedented action. I support Gov. Roy Cooper’s extension of the moratorium on evictions to ensure that people do not face homelessness in the midst of this health and economic crisis.”

The Council of State concurred on this Executive Order with no objections.

The Order will aid in efforts to stop the spread of the virus by preventing homelessness due to eviction and ensuring access to essential utilities such as water and power. Though the Order allows for extended windows to pay rent and utility bills, all tenants and customers are still ultimately responsible for making their rent and utility payments.

The Order’s evictions moratorium:

  • Is effective immediately and lasts for 3 weeks;
  • Would prevent landlords from initiating summary ejections or other eviction proceedings against a tenant for nonpayment or late payment of rent;
  • Prevents landlords from assessing late fees or other penalties for late or nonpayment;
  • Prevents the accumulation of additional interest, fees, or other penalties for existing late fees while this Order is in effect;
  • Requires landlords to give tenants a minimum of six months to pay outstanding rent;
  • Requires leases to be modified to disallow evicting tenants for reasons of late or nonpayments; and
  • Makes clear that evictions for reasons related to health and safety can take place.

The Order’s utility shutoff moratorium:

  • Continues effective immediately and lasts 60 days;
  • Prohibits utility disconnections for all customers;
  • Prohibits billing or collection of late fees, penalties, and other charges for failure to pay; and
  • Extends repayment plans at least six months, and sets the default term for repayment to six months for cases when the utility and customer cannot agree on the terms of an extended repayment plan.

More information can be found in the FAQ document or read Executive Order 142.

Vance County Logo

Vance Co. to Discuss Allocation of Approx. $1 Million in Coronavirus Relief Funding

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-Information courtesy Jordan McMillen, Vance County Manager

As recently posted on WIZS.com, Vance County has received Coronavirus Relief Funds from the State totaling $974,599. According to Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen, discussion on ways to allocate those funds will be held at the Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday, June 1.

“The state originally required a plan by June 1, but have pushed back the deadline to June 15, as of yesterday,” said McMillen. “According to the latest guidance, the funds must be spent by the end of December or they must be returned. The use of the funds is very restricted; funds can only be used for expenses directly related to COVID-19.”

McMillen continued, “We do anticipate using the funds to purchase necessary PPE for our public safety departments, as well as to outfit our buildings to ensure our staff and the public will be adequately protected, for example with the installation of plexiglass in certain departments, updating certain technology to ensure we are better prepared for telework and telemeetings in the future.”

As the court system opens back on June 1, McMillen said the County is making arrangements to encourage social distancing both outside the courthouse and as people enter the courthouse. Additionally, the courthouse will have regular cleanings throughout the day.

Community Partners of Hope

Community Partners of Hope Updates: 220 Fundraiser Canceled, Gown Project Moved

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-Information courtesy Jane King, Community Partners of Hope, Inc.

Updates from Community Partners of Hope:

Hope House

Six men are living in Hope House now, and all are doing well. Some have lost jobs during the COVID-19 shutdown, some are just going back to work.

Because of their situation, “shared expense” payments are temporarily suspended, so the cost of utilities, internet, etc. is coming out of Community Partners of Hope’s budget.

Hope House’s new roof has been delayed, with work expected to begin soon.

220 Fundraiser

The 220 Fundraiser originally scheduled for April 27, and rescheduled for Monday, June 29, has now been canceled.

If you purchased tickets and would like a refund, please call (252) 432-9494. Otherwise, your purchase will be considered a donation to Community Partners of Hope.

Protective Gown Project

If you want to help the community, please consider joining a group that has been making disposable protective gowns for the hospital and nursing home workers. This project was started by First Baptist Church in Henderson, and the work was done at McGregor Hall for a number of weeks.

The project is now moving to First Presbyterian Church (upstairs from the shelter), and we can use volunteers to create gowns from plastic sheeting to protect healthcare workers from COVID-19.

Work is done from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday – Friday and also 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The work is not difficult and someone can train you quickly.

All volunteers 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All volunteers will be screened upon arrival and must have a temperature below 100, no symptoms, and no known exposure to COVID-19 (including no known exposure by anyone in their household). Please bring a mask and scissors with you.

If you would like to help, please sign up online at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A44ADAC2BA1FD0-protective

Donations

At this time, Community Partners of Hope is only in need of financial contributions. Expenses continue at Hope House even when the Henderson Men’s Shelter is closed for the season. Funds are still needed in the ongoing search for a new shelter location. All contributions are tax-deductible.

You may send a check to Community Partners of Hope, Inc, P.O. Box 1791, Henderson, NC 27536

VGCC Reopening Business Seminars

VGCC Small Business Center Presents ‘Reopening Your Business’ Webinar Series

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-Information courtesy the VGCC Small Business Center 

As local businesses begin to reopen, the Small Business Center of Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) has scheduled a six-part series of online seminars intended to assist businesses in navigating these uncharted waters.

Sessions include:

June 4 – Understanding Phases 1, 2 and 3 of Reopening

June 9 – Reopening Your Business Without Opening Liability

June 11 – Best Social Media Practices as You Reopen

June 16 – The Latest CDC Health & Safety Guidelines Broken Down for Your Business

June 17 – Connecting With Customers as you Reopen

June 19 – Managing Finances During Reopening & Beyond

All sessions are from 10 – 11 a.m. Please register no later than twenty-four hours prior to each session at www.ncsbc.net.

In these one-hour sessions, subject matter experts will look at the various phases of reopening along with potential liability, communicating with customers and employees, CDC guidelines and managing finances. There will also be time allowed for questions and answers.

Participants will need a valid email address in order to receive the webinar login information. After registering, the link will be sent the evening before the event, and a reminder email will also be sent approximately one hour before the start time.

With additional questions, please contact the VGCC Small Business Center via email at smallbusiness@vgcc.edu.

Boys & Girls Club Summer Camp

Register Now! Boys & Girls Clubs to Hold Free Virtual Summer Camp

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-Information and flyer courtesy BGCNCNC

The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central North Carolina (BGCNCNC) will hold a free virtual summer camp for local children June 15 through July 31, 2020.

Camp includes:

  • A “Be Great” box full of fun activities and supplies that will be delivered to your home each session
  • Access to a Private Facebook Group for updates, activities and daily Facebook Live sessions
  • Daily Zoom meetings with guest speakers, presentations, classes and more!

In order to receive access and a “Be Great” box, please register by Friday, May 29, 2020. Complete the registration form at www.bgcncnc.com or visit the BGCNCNC’s Oxford, Roanoke Rapids or Vance locations weekdays from 4:30 – 6 p.m.

For more information, call (919) 690-0036 or visit www.bgcncnc.com.