Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

NCDMV Employs Online Tools To Tackle Customer No-Shows

/by

– Information courtesy of NCDMV

To combat folks not showing up for their scheduled appointments at driver license offices, the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles is now requiring new appointments to be confirmed.

In the month of February, 33.5 percent of appointments were no-shows, according to NCDMV officials.

“This confirmation process is necessary to address the high no-show rate for appointments we have been experiencing in our driver license offices,” said DMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin.

Now, when appointments are reserved online at SkipTheLine.ncdot.gov, customers will receive a text message and email with a confirmation link and they will need to confirm their appointment by clicking either link within 15 minutes, or the appointment will be canceled. Upon confirming their appointment, customers will receive a text and email notification letting them know the appointment was successfully confirmed.

Four days before the appointment, customers will receive a reminder text and email with a confirmation link. Within 24 hours, customers will need to again confirm their appointment. Once confirmed, another email and text will be generated confirming the appointment.

For appointments booked less than four days out, the second confirmation link will not be sent.

“Folks are used to having to confirm their medical and other appointments in this way,”  Goodwin said, “so we’re applying this standard from the private sector to our business model and expecting good results and increased appointment availability.”

A handful of self-service kiosks have opened up in grocery stores in Raleigh, Charlotte and Fayetteville that allows for a variety of DMV transactions. There are additional online tools Walk-In Wait Time Tool and Q-Anywhere to cut down on customers’ wait time in DMV offices.

Corbitt Trucks

Corbitt Spring Fling And Open House Apr. 13

/by

The Corbitt Spring Fling and Open House will be held Saturday, Apr. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bennett H. Perry Museum, home of Corbitt Preservation Association.

This event is open to the public and will feature Corbitt trucks and tractors on display, according to information from Kenneth Stegall of the Corbitt Preservation Association.

There will be plenty of Corbitt “merch” available as well. This event will be held rain or shine.

The Perry Museum is located at 180 Church St., at the corner of Church and Chestnut streets.

Stegall reminds all Corbitt enthusiasts that the 22nd annual Corbitt show and reunion is scheduled for Oct. 19 in downtown Henderson.

Until then, the upcoming Spring Fling is sure to quench the thirsts of Corbitt enthusiasts.

Henderson was the site for the Corbitt Truck Co., which provided military workhorse vehicles during World War II. The company operated from 1899 until the mid 1950’s.

For more information, visit https://corbitttrucks.com/

 

 

N.C. Rep. Sossamon Hosting Meeting For Area Pastors To Discuss Response To Community Mental Health Needs

/by

N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon has scheduled a meeting with Vance County pastors on Thursday, Apr. 4 at 10 a.m. in the Commissioners’ meeting room to discuss ways to address mental health issues and to provide suggestions before a plan is finalized.

Sossamon held a meeting in March with pastors in Granville County and is offering the same format for Vance County pastors.

The commissioners’ meeting room is located at 122 Young St., Henderson.

Sossamon extends the invitation to any Granville County pastor who was unable to attend the earlier session to attend the upcoming session Thursday.

“Our goal is to get as many churches involved as possible, so please help to spread the word,” according to information in the freshman legislator’s monthly newsletter to constituents.

Vance County Sheriff: Gunshot Victim Transported To Hospital; Suspects Arrested

/by

— Press release information from the Office of Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

— Update 5 p.m. Thursday, March 28

On March 26, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office responded to 789 Dick Faines Road, Henderson in reference to a shots fired call.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered Anthony Terry with multiple gunshot wounds. Terry was transported to Duke Hospital for treatment.

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division arrived on scene to begin an investigation into the incident. It was determined that shots were fired from two vehicles, resulting in Anthony Terry, who was sitting in one of the vehicles, being shot multiple times.

Donte Henderson, 28, of Henderson and a 16-year-old juvenile were charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury; Quadavius Bobbitt, 29, of Henderson was charged with Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle.

Donte Henderson and Quadavius Bobbitt are currently in the Vance County Detention Center without bond. The juvenile was taken into secure custody and transported to juvenile detention.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 252-738-2200, or Henderson-Vance Crimestoppers at 252-492-1925 or through the P3 App.

************************************

— Original Post 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, 2024

On March 26, 2024, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office responded to 789 Dick Faines Rd. Henderson in reference to a shots fired call.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered Anthony Terry with multiple gunshot wounds. Terry was transported to Duke University Hospital for treatment.

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division arrived on scene to begin an investigation into the incident. The press release, issued earlier Wednesday, did not include the condition of the victim.

At this time, the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 252.738.2200, or Henderson-Vance Crimestoppers at 252.492.1925 or through the P3 App.

Vance County To Welcome New Budget And Finance Director Monday, April 1

/by

Vance County has selected a new Budget and Finance director. Stephanie Williams will begin her new role on Monday, Apr. 1 and she said she’s “ready to get to work.”

Williams comes to Vance County from Durham County Schools, where she served as director of Fiscal Operations, according to a press release from Vance County Manager C. Renee Perry.

“I consider it an honor and a privilege to be joining the team at Vance County government,”, Williams stated. “I look forward to working with everyone to continue the work and build upon the dynamic services provided to the community while maintaining fiscal responsibility.”

With a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from N.C. Central University, Williams has a background and 18 years’ experience in the finance and accounting fields, which includes internal audit, capital funding, budgeting, bank administration, school finance, bank reconciliation and bond projects.

Perry said, “I am more than thrilled to bring Ms. Williams on board with the rest of the Vance County team. Stephanie’s education and experience are a perfect fit for our needs right now.”

CLICK PLAY!

 

Maria Parham CEO Bert Beard Speaker For Chamber’s “State Of Health Care” April 23

/by

The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce is hosting the first “state of” session for 2024 on Tuesday, April 23 to discuss local health care.

Guest speaker for the lunchtime event is Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health.

The lunch and learn will begin at 12 noon at Southern Charm Event Center, 200 S. Garnett St.

Beard will share updates on a variety of health care topics and is scheduled to discuss what’s happening locally as well as at the state level with Medicaid expansion and access to health care, among other topics.

Tickets for the lunch and learn session are $30; purchase a table for 8 for $240.

Call the Chamber office at 252.438.8414 to learn more or email Tanya Wilson at tanya@hendersonvance.org to reserve your seat by Thursday, April 18.

Sheriff Brame: One Person Faces Drug Charges After Mar. 22 Traffic Stop

/by

— Press release from the office of Vance Sheriff Curtis Brame

On or about the 22nd day of March 2024 the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit performed a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of 2868 NC Hwy 39 South, Henderson. The vehicle had multiple traffic violations which violated North Carolina General Statutes.

While conducting the traffic stop, detectives had probable cause to search the vehicle. While the deputies were speaking with two of the three occupants in the vehicle, one individual fled on foot from the deputies. The individual was quickly apprehended and identified as Winfred Victor Brown.

During his apprehension, deputies seized illegal narcotics and also located a weapon believed to have been discarded by Winfred as he fled.

Brown was taken to the Sheriff’s Office to be processed and then taken to the Magistrate’s Office and charged with:

Possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana

Possession with intent to sell and deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance

Felony possession of marijuana

Carrying a concealed weapon

Resisting a public officer

Brown was also served with several outstanding orders for arrest and with no bond allowed on his pre-trial release.

Forums On Human Trafficking Well Received In Vance, Granville

/by

-information courtesy of  the Office of  N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon

In an effort to shed some light on the issue of human trafficking, N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon helped organize forums held recently in Granville and Vance counties to raise awareness among his District 32 constituents and provide training for law enforcement officers.

The two forums had “significant participation and engagement from various stakeholders,” according to a press statement from Clai Keel, a spokesperson for Sossamon.

The law enforcement session featured insights from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol on the prevalence of human trafficking across North Carolina and its impact on law enforcement communities. The session highlighted training opportunities such as the Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) program, designed to help officers identify and assist missing, exploited, or at-risk children. Following the forum, both the Granville and Vance County Sheriff offices have committed to participating in the intensive two-day IPC training later this year.

Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott attended the Vance County forum and shared her personal connection to the issue of human trafficking and emphasized the importance of community collaboration in addressing this critical issue.

In the session for the general public, the North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission and NCSTOP delivered a comprehensive Human Trafficking 101 presentation. Attendees gained valuable knowledge about recognizing and responding to human trafficking situations, as well as access to available resources for victims and survivors.

Sossamon expressed his gratitude to all participants, speakers and sponsors for their contributions to the success of these forums. He emphasized the importance of ongoing education, awareness, and collaboration in the fight against human trafficking, reaffirming his commitment to advocating for policies and initiatives that protect vulnerable individuals and hold perpetrators accountable.

 

 

Vance County Logo

Tax Relief Programs Available For Qualified Homeowners

/by

-Information from the Vance County Tax Administration Office

The state of North Carolina offers several tax relief options to qualified homeowners that may reduce their total tax bill.

The programs are for people who live in the home they own, and the tax relief includes the dwelling, the dwelling site (up to one acre) and related improvements, according to information on the Vance County web page.

  • Program for the elderly or disabled – NC GS 105-277.1

Under this program, the first $25,000 or 50 percent (whichever is greater) of assessed value for the permanent residence is excluded from taxation.  “Exclusion means some of the value will not be considered when your tax bill is created.  If you do not qualify for the program in future years, the excluded value from prior years does not become taxable.  You must be either 65 years of age or older or be totally and permanently disabled.  In addition, your 2023 income cannot exceed $36,700,” according to information on the county’s Tax Administration Office website.

  • Circuit Breaker Tax Deferment Program – NC GS 105-277.1B

This program limits the amount of annual property taxes the owner pays on their permanent residence.  Taxes above the limitation amount are deferred, which means delayed until a future date.  The last three years of deferred taxes become payable with interest if a disqualifying event occurs.

Examples of disqualifying events include: The death of the owner or transfer of the property where the owner’s share is not passed to another qualifying owner; and failure to use the property as the owner’s permanent residence.  You must be either 65 years of age or older or be totally and permanently disabled.  Additionally, if your income is $36,700 or less, your taxes will be limited to 4 percent of your income.  If your income exceeds $36,700 but does not exceed $55,050 your taxes will be limited to 5 percent of your income.  Participants in this program must complete an application each year.

  • Disabled Veteran Exclusion – NC GS 105-277.1C

This program excludes up to the first $45,000 of the appraised value of the permanent residence of a disabled veteran or the unmarried surviving spouse of a disabled veteran.  The program defines a disabled veteran as “a veteran whose character of service at separation was honorable or under honorable conditions, and who has a total and permanent service-connected disability or who received benefits for specially adapted housing under 38 U.S.C. 2101.”  There is no age or income requirement for this program, but part of the application must be completed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.  For more information regarding Veterans services offered in Vance County, click here.

Visit www.vancecounty.org, click on the Departments tab at the top and select Tax Administration Office. “Property Tax Relief Programs” is located on the right side of the tax administration office page.

 

Vance County Schools Friday Feature: The Center For Innovation

/by

– Information courtesy of VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin

Since it first opened in July 2021, Vance County Schools’ Center for Innovation has really lived up to its name: there are innovative schools that call CFI home, as well as innovative spaces like zSpace 3D/VR lab, the audio lab, the video lab Mindsphere MakerSpace and SLICE – Simulation Labs for Interactive Career Education that capture students’ imagination and creativity.

Soon after the CFI opened, the Wayne Adcock Auditorium was unveiled in January 2022 and Gargoyle Garden in April 2022. In August 2022, SLICE Medical was added to the experiences. The opportunities for students continued to grow in 2023 as EnTech and SparkNC joined the mix.

So far this school year, more than 2,000 students have had opportunities for CFI experiences. The campus and its staff are committed to ensuring that innovative opportunities are afforded to students, providing them with cutting-edge possibilities for their future.

Kristin Jeffreys, coordinator for the Center for Innovation, has apassion for the CFI experiences. “Through hands-on STEM integration, we’re fostering confident, creative problem solvers who love to learn and explore,” Jeffreys said. “As active participants in the K-5 Building Engineers cohort and recipients of two NCDPI grants focused on STEM and technology, we are dedicated to amplifying STEM engagement at every level. Together, we’re shaping a future where Vance County Schools is a gateway to innovation.”

Each space within CFI is different by design but works cohesively to maximize the experiences of every student. Learn more about each space below:

 

zSpace – The zSpace lab hosts 26 mixed-reality computers that provide a life-like, virtual learning experience. Digital Learning Specialist Stephen Jones facilitates programming for students around science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Possibilities include dissection of a frog to seeing the anatomy of a heart! On the campus, there is a primary zSpace lab, as well as other units utilized in other labs. Vance County Schools was able to initially bring zSpace to the district through the Golden Leaf grant. The program continues to flourish as teachers become certified to bring their lessons to life in this space.

Audio Lab – This cutting-edge facility is equipped with two soundproof booths and state-of-the-art editing software. It serves as a studio for students, schools and the community, providing recording opportunities. Students get hands-on experiences across various aspects of audio production, from broadcasting to editing. Students and staff create podcasts, produce professional audition tapes and partake in other engaging audio-related activities.

Khalil Gay, CFI’s Audio Lab facilitator, collaborates closely with students and staff to optimize the use of the studio, leveraging his expertise in managing the recording lab’s software. In addition to overseeing the technical aspects, he spearheads an after-school music production program aimed at nurturing students’ interests and talents, providing them with opportunities to explore and develop their skills.

Video Lab – The video lab features state-of-the-art equipment for both staff and students to develop high-quality video recordings. With the use of a teleprompter, green screen, lighting components, and video production programs, there are limitless possibilities for students and staff. Digital Learning Specialist Patricia Burroughs provides individualized support for video production. Daily, STEM Early High School students utilize this space to stream their morning announcements, giving them hands-on experience and real-world application to the broadcasting field of study.

Wayne Adcock Auditorium – The auditorium holds 600 people, and has held many events for the district and community. From choral performances to honor society inductions to district-wide events and even graduations, this venue is a coveted space to showcase students and provide enrichment opportunities.

Gargoyle Garden – This musical sanctuary is adorned with various instruments which offer students immersive opportunities to explore beats, music, echo, reverberation and beyond. Named for the whimsical gargoyles gracing the school’s façade – remnants of the building’s 1930’s construction – the garden beckons learners into a realm of auditory discovery. The idea was to create an outdoor learning space, affectionately referred to as a harmony park, tailored to educate students on fundamental elements such as beats, reverberation, and sound. Andrew Markoch, director of Fine Arts and Physical Education, provides experiences for students to maximize their understanding of this space as it relates to the curriculum.

SLICE / SLICE Medical – Simulation Labs for Interactive Career Exploration (SLICE) provides career simulations for students in small groups. Students are exposed to a “slice” of the career, which has included areas within public safety, cosmetology, culinary arts, entrepreneurship, phlebotomy, carpentry, and more! As students take part in the experience, they can utilize resources within the station to view courses that align with that specific career, as well as which high school within the district offers those courses. SLICE Medical branched off from the original SLICE lab a year after the original lab launched. Students were increasingly

interested in the medical career that was provided in the lab, which led to the development of SLICE Medical.

Simulation opportunities in this space include x-ray technician, pharmacy, wound care, lab technician, and registration. Additionally, this lab features an Anatomage table, which is a 3D anatomy visualization that is utilized by leading medical schools and institutions. The touch-sensitive interactive display provides students with a hands-on experience like no other.

Mindsphere – Mindsphere is a dynamic STEAM learning lab and MakerSpace featuring 3D printers, a laser printer, a Lego creation station, and robotics facilities. This innovative space provides both students and teachers with opportunities to actively engage in hands-on STEAM learning experiences. This mission is to facilitate interactive learning experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics, empowering participants to enhance their skills and contribute to the continuous improvement of their projects beyond mere task completion.

Renaissance – The Renaissance space is a multi-use room that provides the perfect location for meetings, professional development, professional learning communities, and more! With flexible seating and multiple screens throughout the room, it is adaptive and flexible for a plethora of needs.

EnTech – EnTech is the newest lab on the CFI campus, with a focus on Engineering and Technology. Jeffreys, Jones, and Burroughs collaboratively develop programming for this space. Home of the Lu interactive playground,  which provides a laser projector and movement detection camera, alongside a powerful sound system, provides an immersive experience for students. Additionally, this space is home to the drone cage, eSports opportunities, robotics, and more!

Through the support of the Vance County Public School Foundation, an EnTech mobile learning lab trailer has been purchased. Through grant funding, the trailer will be outfitted with experiences for students that bring the classroom to their campus. The mobile unit will bring STEM experiences, with a focus on STEM careers, through the use of zSpace, laser cutting, drones, and robotics.

Located next to EnTech is the SparkNC lab, which is the high-tech career accelerator program through The Innovation Project. The facilitator for that program is Nicholas Barrett and the program is open to high school students to gain credit. This program is one of seventeen in the state of North Carolina, with students working with Apple, Dell, SAS, and other RTP companies.

Atrium – The Atrium is an event space utilized for a variety of events throughout the year. New teacher orientations, recognition events, district-wide engagement opportunities and more have been hosted in this unique space. It may be a cafeteria by day; however, the opportunities of use are endless to support programming, engagement opportunities, recognitions, and more.

In addition to the aforementioned spaces, the Career and Technical Education program provides opportunities in culinary and entrepreneurship, with both labs located on the Center for Innovation campus. The culinary program, in addition to their lab, hosts off-site catering events, utilizing the culinary mobile trailer, as well as Café de Vance, a bistro for students to serve their culinary creations. The entrepreneurship lab provides opportunities for students to develop plans, design items, and create products inclusive of screen printing.

This hands-on experience allows students to take learning to the next level with real-world application.

CFI has hosted a variety of inter-district field trips for students throughout the year. This has included opportunities based on grade levels and schools. Marvels of Innovation was their themed programming, which provided experiences for students at every elementary school in grades 3-5. Additionally, schools throughout the district coordinated opportunities for subject-based programming that encompassed both elementary and secondary schools. CFI developed programming for English Language Learners (ELL) throughout the year, along with enrichment opportunities through the AIG program.

AIG Coordinator Laura Rigsbee works closely with district staff and community members to provide students with next-level learning with up to 30 students at each of the sessions.

The CFI staff coordinates after-school programming through the audio lab, serving up to 30 students per week. Additional opportunities provided at the Center for Innovation include a district-wide keyboarding competition, podcasting, and digital learning staff sessions. Another key area within CFI is robotics. Stephen Jones serves as the district robotics coach, working with schools across the county to develop their robotics teams and programming. The district will host its annual robotics competition on April 27 at Vance County Middle School. EnTech and Mindsphere are two locations that are set up for activities around robotics. The program continues to expand, as the CFI staff received the Digital Learning Initiative Emerging Technologies Grant providing the district with 3 robotic dogs. The dog that will be housed at CFI made its debut during Arts Alive. The robotic dogs provide opportunities for students to engage in coding and programming that are reflected in the actions of the dog.