Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Alexis Simmons Awarded Barker-Ferguson Endowed Scholarship to Barton College

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-Press Release, Oxford Preparatory School

Alexis Simmons, a senior at Oxford Preparatory School, has been awarded the Barker-Ferguson Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship provides full-tuition, room and board.

Alexis Simmons, a senior at Oxford Preparatory School, has been awarded the Barker-Ferguson Endowed Scholarship and has also been named a Nursing Scholar at Barton College. The scholarship provides full-tuition, room and board. (Photo courtesy OPS)

Alexis has also been named a Nursing Scholar at Barton. Alexis is the daughter of Steve and Lisa Simmons of Henderson, NC. During her time at Oxford Prep, Alexis has earned a number of academic distinctions including being named marshal, earning membership in Beta Club and a Director’s List recipient every semester.

Alexis not only excels in academics, she is also a talented dancer and thespian, having performed in numerous roles with the Henderson Rec Players.

The Barker-Ferguson Endowed Scholarship was established through a gift by Eddie and Debra Ferguson in honor of her father, William L. Barker, and in memory of her mother, Birdie Parham Barker, and of his parents Jack E. and Dorothy Hunt Ferguson. One full scholarship is renewable as long as the recipient maintains a 3.25 cumulative grade point average.

The Barker-Ferguson Endowed Scholarship is awarded to a resident of Granville or Vance counties, North Carolina, who attends high school in those counties. Nominations are to be made by the guidance counselor(s) and/or principals of each school to the Barton College Scholarship Committee.

The recipient must meet the following minimum requirements: SAT score of at least 1,000, unweighted high school grade point average of a 3.40 on a scales of 4.00, and rank in the upper ten percent of the high school class (where available). Demonstrated leadership potential and exemplary extracurricular performance are also weighed heavily in the selection process.

Alexis competed in a Barton’s selective, early acceptance program that allows high school students who meet GPA and test score requirements to be accepted directly into the nursing program without competing for upper-level courses at the conclusion of the sophomore year.

As a Nursing Scholar, Alexis met rigorous academic requirements including maintaining a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher and having an ACT composite score of 24 or higher; or SAT 1170 or higher (Evidence-based Reading, Writing, and Math).

Vance County Sheriff's Office

Vance Co. Sheriff’s Office Announces Procedure Adjustments

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The purpose of this memo is to outline considerations with respect to law enforcement operations during this ongoing state of emergency. Although there are no known positive cases of coronavirus in Vance County, we must be proactive and take precautions now to mitigate the spread of the virus in our community.

Law enforcement, like healthcare, is going to be an essential function during the current state of emergency. In order to maintain a high level of public safety, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office will be implementing minor adjustments in our operating procedures to ensure that we can continue to provide the safety and core services to our community. 

Effective immediately, many non–violent criminal reports will only be taken by telephone. These reports include, but are not limited to: misdemeanor theft, harassing communications, lost property, identity theft, computer/phone/mail scams.

Reports can be made with a Sheriff’s Office employee during normal operating hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday) at 252–738–2200.

Our deputies were instructed to exercise discretion and avoid arrests for minor offenses that do not endanger others including property crimes. A concern for law enforcement is the spreading of Covid–19. 

Our Emergency Management Center (911) will be asking more questions in order to obtain a wide range of information from callers who will be responding to calls. This is so that our deputies can take more proactive steps, and will not affect our response to your calls for service. 

As we continue to receive information we may be asking victims to step out of their homes or businesses to conduct interviews in order to comply with social distancing to complete the call. Deputies may be seen wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE). This will not hinder the calls for service. 

As we continue to receive information from the CDC and the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association, our goal is to continue to provide the same quality of service to the citizens of Vance County. 

The front lobby of the Sheriff’s Office will only allow one person inside beginning March 23, 2020, until further notice. 

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor the Vance County Jail to limit the exposure of the inmates and staff. We will be restricting visitation until further notice to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff and inmates are met at the Detention Center. 

The Vance County Sheriff’s Department will continue to do its part to serve you during these difficult times and want to assure you that that the safety of our community is our top priority.

H-V Emergency Operations

Emergency Operations: Vance County Coronavirus Situation Report

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-Information courtesy Brian K. Short, Director of Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations

As the confirmed cases of COVID-19 increase throughout the state, nation and in fact the world, we continue to coordinate with Public Health agencies, Maria Parham Health, Department of Social Services, State Emergency Management and our local emergency services response partners.

Thus far, there are no confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in Vance County, though that could change at any time. Testing is ongoing through both Maria Parham Health and our local Health Department.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is becoming very scarce as global competition for the same supplies is occurring. Responders and health care providers are being encouraged to reuse PPE, in particular, masks as often as possible to ensure that we hold on to our supplies for as long as possible. Once they run out, they could be out for an extended period of time.

We continue to submit requests for PPE and related resources to State EM as they are received, and so far all of our requests have been filled or are in the process of being filled as supplies become available.

Vance County and the City of Henderson have been under a local State of Emergency since 5 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2020, and will remain so until it is no longer needed.

The Emergency Operations Center is partially activated and we are monitoring the situation across the country and at home on a continuous basis.

Calls into the Vance County 911 Communications Center have not shown a significant increase as of now, however, we are poised to up staff should it become necessary. The 911 Telecommunicators are asking additional Coronavirus screening questions on all medical-related calls and will continue to do so until it is no longer needed.

We ask that citizens please DO NOT call 911 to ask general questions about the Coronavirus. 211 has established a hotline for this purpose and we ask that our citizens contact their local physician or take advantage of the hotline if they have medical-related questions.

Both the Henderson Police Department and Vance County Sheriffs Office are now responding to nonemergency calls via telephone but are still responding as they always have to emergency calls.

We are strongly encouraging our citizens to observe the social distancing parameters being ordered by the Governor and suggested by our local and state public health agencies.

Many of our local restaurants have been very creative about continuing to provide their services to our citizens whether it be keeping their drive-through services open, offering online ordering or curbside services, and this is greatly appreciated.

We encourage our citizens as they shop for groceries and other related items to please shop smart. Our local convenience stores and grocery stores are working hard to restock their shelves and, for the most part, items are available for them to do so. Please use good shopping practices and buying only what you need for yourself and your family.

Our office will continue to monitor this event very closely and will continue to issue informational releases as the situation develops.

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Vance County, NC Situation Report (as of 1 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2020)

EOC activated: No – EM Staff is monitoring.

State of Emergency: YES

Closures: County private and public schools are closed.

Total Cases: None confirmed so far; several tests have been administered daily.

Law Enforcement: Enhanced operations but observing distancing when possible. All non-emergency calls handled by phone.

EMS/Hospital: Normal Operations.

Fire Responders: Responding in accordance with new Coronavirus screening protocols.

Fire: Normal Operations.

Communications: Normal Operations – additional Coronavirus screening questions in place.

Total Casualties: None.

Restaurants: All restaurants have complied with the Governors Order Many have remained open with take and drive-thru service available.

Hospital Bed Availability: Capacity is 78 with 67 currently admitted, 8 ICU beds with 5 beds currently occupied.

Medical Surge Planning (Hospital): Standalone air filters have been implemented to convert some patient rooms into isolation rooms. No visitors are allowed, with a few exceptions. Staff, patients and visitors will have their temperatures checked prior to entry.

Needed Supplies and Stock Items: PPE being closely monitored but OK for now.

NC Dept of Agriculture

Troxler Applauds Homeland Security Guidance Deeming Agriculture Critical Infrastructure

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

As the state deals with the COVID-19 pandemic, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler applauds the guidance Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued in reiterating Food and Agriculture as being critical infrastructure industries to national security.

“Food is one of the most essential elements to survival and Homeland Security understands that. Keeping our nation’s food production and distribution systems operational even as we deal with this pandemic is critical to ensuring our food supply and our national security,” Troxler said. “I will continue to work with Gov. Cooper, state and national leaders to ensure agriculture and agribusiness continues to do its part to keep food safe, animals protected and businesses open.”

During the COVID-19 response, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines critical infrastructure industries to include healthcare services, pharmaceutical, and food supply. Workers in these industries are vital to maintaining this segment of the food and health industry – while following CDC and public health guidance to stay away if they are sick.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services continues to work diligently to ensure a safe and stable food supply. We are providing all of the services we can to ensure the continuation of food production, the food supply, veterinary services and commerce at this time.

Our Food Distribution Division is delivering USDA foods to schools and food banks across the state and has ordered additional resources to meet the growing need for assistance. Additionally, our four state-run farmers markets are open and still serving as valuable resources for fresh produce and meats.

“We are fortunate in North Carolina to have a strong agricultural industry, which means consumers have access to fresh local foods,” Troxler said. “We encourage local governments and decision-makers to consider the central role all these industries and businesses play in our state and local economies in their decision making.”

Link to the Homeland Security information: https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/CISA-Guidance-on-Essential-Critical-Infrastructure-Workers-1-20-508c.pdf.

Vance Co. Animal Services Recipient of $12K Petco Spay/Neuter Grant

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance County Animal Services

Vance County Animal Services is pleased to announce that they are a recipient of a $12,500 Spay/Neuter Grant from the Petco Foundation. 

This grant was applied for and will be used for: 

  • Any citizen in the community that turns in a litter of puppies/kittens can have their intact cat/dog spayed or neutered for free.
  • Free spay/neuter for lost animals that are reclaimed from the shelter in lieu of fees associated with redemption.
  • Free spay/neuter for Trap–Neuter–Release of feral and unowned cats. 

These funds will help citizens in our community get their personal pets spayed/neutered to reduce the number of unwanted animals being born in the community. This will also reduce the number of animal intakes at the Vance County Animal Shelter.

Vance County Logo

Vance Co. Announces Several Committee Meetings March 24-26

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Executive Assistant/Clerk to Board, Vance County Board of Commissioners

Please be informed of the following Vance County committee meetings. All meetings will be held in the Administrative Conference Room of the Vance County Administration Building located at 122 Young Street in Henderson.

Water Committee (Brummitt, Taylor, Wilder)

Tuesday, March 24 at 3 p.m.

Topics to be discussed are:

  • Connection fee increase

Properties Committee (Brummitt, Taylor, Wilder)

Tuesday, March 24 at 3:30 p.m.

Topics to be discussed are:

  • Review of final plans for Eaton Johnson
  • Lease extension for Alliance Rehabilitation Center

Public Safety Committee (Wilder, Brummitt, Taylor)

Wednesday, March 25 at 3 p.m.

Topics to be discussed are:

  • Community paramedic program
  • First responder program
  • Reorganization of the fire department to a combination department

Human Resources Committee (Faines, Taylor, Wilder)

Thursday, March 26 at 3:30 p.m.

Topics to be discussed are:

  • Health insurance
  • Manager’s evaluation form

Gifted Faithful Ministry Providing Items to Those in Need

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-Information courtesy Mike Holland, Gifted Faithful

During this time of virus response, Gifted Faithful Ministry is glad to provide, based upon availability, items to those in need free of charge.

Available items include pasta, rice, cleaning supplies, soap, coffee, wipes, wash clothes, blanket, hygiene items and emergency/essential local transportation on a case-by-case basis.

If you have a need, please feel free to fill out a form <click here> and we will contact you about meeting these needs.

For more information about Gifted Faithful, visit their website at www.giftedfaithful.org.

NC Governor Logo

SBA Grants Governor’s Disaster Declaration Request for NC Small Businesses

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

The U.S. Small Business Administration granted Governor Roy Cooper’s request for a disaster declaration for small businesses that are suffering economic losses due to the new Coronavirus, COVID-19.

“Many small businesses are desperate right now and this SBA approval will help,” said Governor Cooper. “Even more is needed and we will continue to push for additional assistance while we work to protect the health of North Carolinians.”

At the Governor’s request, the SBA granted a disaster declaration to small businesses across the state, allowing affected businesses to apply for low-interest SBA disaster loans.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov.

Businesses and individuals may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or 1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Loan application forms can also be downloaded at disasterloan.sba.gov.

H-V Chamber Logo

H-V Chamber Provides Local Financial Resources, Tips for Weathering Closures

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce is working together in partnership with Vance-Granville Community College, the Vance County Economic Development office, the Kerr Tar Council of Governments, the Henderson Downtown Development office, and others to equip our local business leaders with information and knowledge to weather the days ahead as we deal with the coronavirus outbreak.

Ideas to keep your business strong through Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis:

  • Communicate with your customers – Call, email, and use social media posts to let them know your status and how you are doing business during this time. Ask them to share this with others. Also, email your post, link, or graphic with post copy to the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce at michele@hendersonvance.org.
  • Consider ideas such as call-ahead (or online order, or via email) pickup services, delivery, take out, gift cards, encourage customers to reschedule instead of cancel, pre-payment of future services (deposit, subscription, membership), online orders, virtual services (consulting, training, problem-solving), etc.
  • Brainstorm and collaborate with fellow small business owners to help each other with ideas and to increase each other’s visibility.
  • Focus on purchasing local produce/meats to sustain local farmers and help with social distancing.

For Customers:

  • Buy now to enjoy later. Much like produce, you can also get carry-out meals to enjoy in the comfort of your home, whether you eat it while it’s still hot or freeze it for later.
  • Consider delivery from local stores where available.
  • Buy gift cards. Purchasing a gift card to use at another time helps local businesses by putting cash in their hands to use now.
  • Load up on entertainment on your devices and pull out the old board games to help distract your family and escape for a while.

Articles & Informative Links:

Coronavirus: 8 Things Your Small Business Needs to Do

US Small Business Administration – Guidance/Loan Information

Update: SBA has approved the request for North Carolina’s disaster declaration. Eligible applicants may now apply for economic injury disaster loans (EIDLs) as a result of the ongoing effects of COVID-19. 

If you would like to contact the Small Business Center at Vance-Granville Community College – you can put in your search bar “VGCC Small Business Center” or you can call Sheri Jones, Center Director at 252-738-3240.

SBA disaster assistance customer service center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov (link sends e-mail)

Kerr Tar Council of Governments Loan Programs – Diane Cox at 252-436-2040

VGCC Small Business Center:

Your local Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center is hoping to be back in the classroom soon. In the meantime, please feel free to take advantage of webinars across our state network.

Click to see the schedule of upcoming webinars
Click for Electronic Request for One-on-one counseling via phone or email

WEBINAR Wed 3/25 2-3:30 p.m. Preparing Your Business for the Threat of the Coronavirus

Local Financial Institutions:

BB&T (now Truist Bank) – Gaylen Hackemack – 252-492-2181

Benchmark Community Bank – Curtis Tyndall – 252-436-0051

Carter Bank & Trust Bank – Shannon Lewis – 252-438-6222

Coastal Credit Union – Sandra Braswell – 800-868-4262

First Citizens Bank & Trust Co. – Bob Hubbard – 252-492-4145

Lendmark Financial – Becky Claiborne – 252-492-1166

State Employees Credit Union – Anna Lemert – 252-492-0168

Union Bank – Brad Baldwin – 252-430-0489

Woodforest National Bank – Jonathan Tyson – 252-430-8324

NC Works – Local Vance County agency that will assist you with issues affecting your workforce, lay-offs, hiring, etc. In Henderson, contact Jennifer Jones 252-438-6129 and in Oxford, contact Monica Satterwhite 919-693-2686.

Thread Capital (NC Rural Center) – contact 919-212-4943.  Jonathan Brereton, Executive Director; Email: connect@threadcap.org; Website: https://www.threadcap.org/; Thread Capital was launched in 2018 by the NC Rural Center and continues to be an operating subsidiary of the Center to handle business loans.

Carolina Small Business Development Fund (formerly The Support Center) – (919) 803-1437; Website: https://carolinasmallbusiness.org/; Loan Products: https://carolinasmallbusiness.org/loans/loan-products/

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE –  As an employer, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). DUA is a federal program that provides temporary payments to people in a federally declared disaster area whose employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of the disaster. Business owners that are self-employed, a farmer, or a commercial fisherman, who is unemployed as a direct result of the disaster may be eligible. For more information go to https://des.nc.gov/; Phone: 888-737-0259.

VCS: Remote Learning Packet, Laptop Pick Up; Meals Continue Next Week

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-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools is continuing to work for our students and community to ensure we are meeting their needs. Today we had 2,039 Remote Learning packets picked up throughout our district! Over the course of the last two days, we have handed out 14,796 meals, which is the equivalent of 4 days of food for each child who picked up meals!

As we move forward, we want to send a few reminders:

Meal distribution will continue again next week. We will get that information out through Blackboard calls and social media.

Remote Learning packets may be picked up on Thursday, March 19 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. or 4 p.m.- 7 p.m. If you already picked up your child’s packet, you do not need to come again. Remote Learning packets are available for all elementary schools (PreK-5th), VCMS (6th-8th) and VCHS (AFM, English 4, Biology).

Questions or concerns? Whether it is about meals, learning packets, or anything else, please contact your child’s school.

5th Grade Laptop Deployment Information by School

Laptop deployment will be at each individual school. Fifth-grade parents should report to their child’s school at the designated time.

Thursday, March 19, 2020, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Pinkston Street Elementary
New Hope Elementary
EO Young Elementary
Carver Elementary

Thursday, March 19, 2020, 1 – 4 p.m.

Aycock Elementary
Yancey Elementary
EM Rollins Elementary

Friday, March 20, 2020, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Dabney Elementary
Zeb Vance Elementary
Clarke Elementary

A technician will be onsite (at each school) with the necessary paperwork for completion by parents/students.

To stay up to date with the latest information, go to www.vcs.k12.nc.us.