Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

VGCC Inaugurates Seventh President

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College formally welcomed its new leader on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, with an inauguration ceremony for Dr. Rachel M. Desmarais, the college’s seventh president, in the Civic Center on the Main Campus in Vance County. The historic occasion was also part of a series of events held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the community college, which was established in 1969 as Vance County Technical Institute.

Vance-Granville Community College formally welcomed its new leader on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, with an inauguration ceremony for Dr. Rachel M. Desmarais, the college’s seventh president, in the Civic Center on the Main Campus in Vance County. (VGCC photo)

Danny Wright, chair of the VGCC Board of Trustees, performed the ceremonial investiture of the president, who has been on the job since earlier this year. In his remarks, Wright said, “We take this opportunity to look back on the rich tradition we have of providing education and training to our community. At the same time, we mark the start of a new era, and consider all the possibilities of the future.”

He then presented Desmarais with a medallion, featuring the college’s seal, to represent the authority of the president’s position.

Making her inaugural address, Desmarais remarked, “Vance-Granville Community College has been shining the light of education and opportunity in Vance, Granville, Franklin, and Warren counties for 50 years. I am proud of this legacy of learning and service. Indeed, I am honored to have been called to this college — to serve these communities. My life’s goal is to ‘make a difference’ in whatever I do. Likewise, I believe this institution has made a difference and will continue to make a difference in people’s lives. As we embark upon the next 50 years of learning and service, we have an opportunity to renew our commitment to being a community educator, convener, and partner.”

Several dignitaries brought greetings on behalf of the state and the four counties served by the college: Peter Hans, the president of the N.C. Community College System; Archie B. Taylor, Jr., chair of the Vance County Board of Commissioners; Dr. Alisa McLean, superintendent of Granville County Schools; Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager; and Vincent Jones, Warren County Manager.

VGCC students also played key roles in the event. Tyshii Scarborough, president of the VGCC Student Government Association, gave welcoming remarks, and two recent alumnae of the college, Angelica Bridges and Evan O’Geary, presented musical selections.

Special guests included not only local community leaders but also presidents of several community colleges from across the state.

Open Broadband

Open Broadband, LLC Will Expand into Vance; Waitlist Signups Now Accepted

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-Press Release, Open Broadband, LLC

Open Broadband, LLC (www.openbb.net) is pleased to announce our upcoming expansion of fixed-wireless broadband internet service into Vance County, NC. The deployment plan will address areas within the county which lack sufficient broadband service to meet the needs of government, residences and commercial businesses.

In August 2018, the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments (Kerr-Tar COG) led a joint broadband enhancement Request for Proposal (RFP) for Vance, Granville and Vance Counties. North Carolina based Open Broadband, LLC was selected and has entered a seven-year contract with Vance County to provide internet speeds of at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload to unserved areas.

In addition to the Vance County contract, Open Broadband was also awarded a North Carolina GREAT grant to provide broadband to unserved areas of Vance County. The GREAT grant funds will go toward specific underserved areas in the Northwest and Southwest corners of Vance County, while the county’s funds will pay for the remaining areas.

“This is a big deal for the county,” said Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen. “The FCC defines broadband as a minimum 25 Mbps speed. However, many of our citizens are limited to DSL, which is not a ‘true’ high-speed service. Our primary goal is to serve the unserved and the underserved areas of the county, but once you have fixed-wireless broadband, many more residents can be served. At a starting price of $39.99/month the service is affordable for most residents.”

Open Broadband provides hybrid fiber and fixed-wireless internet service, up to gigabit speed, to many communities across North Carolina. Service is provided to residents, small and medium-sized businesses, technology incubators, universities, and government locations including police, fire, town hall, and airport facilities.

Open Broadband also provides free public Wi-Fi zones in downtown areas, parks, and campuses.

Network deployment in Vance County will take place in phases over the next four years. The first customer service activation is planned for the end of 2019.

“We are excited to bring our fixed-wireless broadband service into Vance County,” said Open Broadband CEO Alan Fitzpatrick. “The need for higher internet speeds is universal as the internet has become a core component of our daily lives. Applying for jobs, access to medical records, access to student coursework, and online banking all require good internet infrastructure. Affordable internet options also help address the Digital Divide. We believe everyone should have access to home broadband internet service and are pleased to be awarded the contract with Vance County to bring service to those in need.”

Open Broadband is now accepting waitlist signups on the Vance County tab of the website: https://openbb.net/vanceco/ Those on the waitlist will receive regular updates on the progress of the network build and will be contacted once service is made available in their area.

Vance County Logo

Vance Commissioners Discuss Fire Trucks, Possible Board of Elections Move

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

The Vance County Board of Commissioners held a regularly-scheduled monthly meeting on Monday, August 5, 2019. Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen provided WIZS a briefing on items discussed:

Fire Trucks

The Board is considering the donation of two fire trucks to fire departments in need – a 1994 model and a 1984 model that will be available if the Hicksboro Fire Department accepts the available 1994 truck.

“Regarding the fire trucks, we must provide notice and create the necessary donation documents, so the Board did not take action on formally donating either [of the vehicles]. They did declare the 1994 County truck as surplus with the intention of donating it to the Hicksboro Fire Department at the next meeting,” McMillen explained.

“The old Kerr Lake station truck is the 1984 model which Hicksboro will be giving back to the County once they take on the 1994 model. Watkins Volunteer Fire Department has now declined interest in the 1984 model, so that will still be on hand if another department needed it.”

Vance County Board of Elections

The Vance County Board of Elections has requested a move to the former Eaton Johnson Middle School building, 500 N. Beckford Drive, Henderson. According to McMillen, the Vance County Properties Committee will meet to discuss this further and “may have a larger discussion on the Henry A. Dennis Building in the future.”

“Once the Department of Social Services moves to the Eaton Johnson building, we will have some spaces come available which will afford us the opportunity to make some departmental moves should the Board decide to do so.”

Kids’ Summer Camp Teaches Construction, Life Skills

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-Information courtesy Rebuilding Hope, Inc. 

Twenty-four second through sixth graders participated in Rebuilding Hope’s Kids’ Construction Camp August 5 – 7, 2019.

Campers rotated through six stations: Hammer & Nails, Masonry, Electrical & Plumbing, Roofing & Shingles, Bible Study and Take-Home Project.

“So many people in our communities have construction skills, and they’re generous with their time and help with the camp,” says RHI coordinator Randolph Wilson.

“While campers rotate through areas of construction, we want them to be aware of how they are building their lives.”

This year’s project was building a wooden tray and we were in collaborating with picplumbing.com to help us with teaching the kids various tips and tricks. Each camper also took home a tool apron, goggles, a tape measure and carpenter’s pencil.

At the end of camp, participants received certificates of completion.

Rebuilding Hope volunteers Jerry Ayscue (right) and Richard Roberts teach youth nail gun safety at the ministry’s annual Kids’ Construction Camp. (RHI photo)

 

Town Talk 08/07/19: Artist Spotlight Rewind With Wes Collins

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Terry Garrison

Governor Roy Cooper Shows Support for NC House Rep. Terry Garrison

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

On Sunday afternoon, Governor Roy Cooper visited Shiloh Baptist Church in Henderson and was officially welcomed by Mayor Eddie Ellington. Cooper was in town to support NC House 32 Representative Terry Garrison.

Ellington thanked Cooper for being a “friend” to the local area and praised Garrison’s support of the community. “Rep. Terry Garrison and I as well as the City Council, city manager and staff have always worked well alongside one another, when he was our county commissioner and now as our State House Representative,” said Ellington. “He has championed legislation that improves the lives of our citizens.”

Garrison, a local Democrat who represents areas in Vance, Granville and Warren County, has stood firm with the Democratic governor in not voting with Republicans to override the governor’s veto of the state budget.

Numerous carrots have been dangled in front of Garrison as incentives, including the much-ballyhooed Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) move.

In reference to recent discussions on possible jobs created by the potential DHHS move from Raleigh to Granville County, Ellington clarified, “People need to understand and get the facts. These ‘1800-2000′ jobs already exist. This is not for new jobs or positions. It’s basically moving the building. Of course, I realize some may not want to drive and may quit. But most are not, given these are state jobs with good benefits and it’s probably an easier drive to Creedmoor than downtown Raleigh.”

In recent interviews with Garrison on WIZS’ TownTalk, he said there was more at stake than just the DHHS. In fact, Medicaid expansion, which could affect approximately 19,000 people in Vance County alone, is at stake as a part of the state budget, as is additional money for education and teacher compensation.

“Representative Garrison and I have had long talks in regards to the need for Medicaid expansion and the effects that it would and can have on our community partners, Maria Parham Health and the jobs of the ones that continue to invest and work there, but also the needs and lives of our residents,” Ellington said.

“The studies have been done and accepting federal funds for Medicaid expansion would generate close to 175 jobs in Vance County, $79 million in Vance County business activity and $591 thousand in new Vance County revenue. Keep in mind these numbers are for Vance County and Henderson. Imagine what can be done for the entire state. Talk about an economic boost along with providing healthcare to those who so desperately need it.”

The reception was a timely and strong showing for Garrison. He has been under tremendous pressure, even to the point of health concerns, since this all began to unfold more than a month ago.

In the intense political arena of late, Henderson and Vance County have gotten a lot of attention, and while there has been disagreement from some locally as to Garrison not, in effect, voting against the governor, what has been firm is Garrison’s stance to continue to negotiate.

If there is any room in the final sentence or two of a news story, which has otherwise been fact, it’s this: Garrison, so far, has not been for sale. His bargaining appears to have been open and honest, and it’s very possible, despite the fact that Garrison could himself at some point benefit too, that his negotiations have already produced more tangible results than a boat full of political promises from elsewhere. Time will tell…

Town Talk 08/06/19: Local Marinas Offer Summertime Fuel & Refreshment

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Catherine Hughes, co-owner of Satterwhite Point Marina in Henderson and Rudd’s Creek Marina in Boydton, VA, was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk to discuss the steady business that the busy summertime months provide.

“It is a really busy time,” said Hughes. “We are open every day except Monday. Gas stock is really busy right now with the sale of non-ethanol gas, and ice cream is also a big seller, believe it or not. It’s a big thing for a lot of families to stop by and get some ice cream and some other things that we have in the store.”

Satterwhite Point Marina on Kerr Lake offers boat storage, lakeside cabin rentals, a public launching ramp, gas dock and a convenience store. Located off Interstate 85 – Exit 217 – and down Satterwhite Point Road, Satterwhite Point Marina is located by water off Buoy K.

The Hughes’ new Rudd’s Creek Marina offers wet slips, a gas dock with convenience and a marine store on Bugg’s Island Lake. Rudd’s Creek Marina is located at the end of Rochichi Drive, next to Rudd’s Creek Park and Campground off US 58 in Boydton, VA.

To hear the interview with Hughes in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

Vance Co. Republican Party to Hold Family Picnic & Rally

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-Information courtesy Judy Satterwhite, Vance Co. Republican Party 

The Vance County Republican Party will hold a free Family Picnic & Rally event on Saturday, August 24, 2019, from 3 until 7 p.m.

The event will be held at Pool Rock Plantation, 1305 Pool Rock Rd., Henderson.

Enjoy a hot dog supper, fun, fellowship and swimming (pool will be open).

Speakers:
Sandy Smith, candidate for U.S. Senate, guest speaker
Renee Ellmers, candidate for Lt. Governor
Sammy Webb, candidate for State Auditor
Representative for Dan Forest, candidate for Governor
Representative for Garland Tucker, candidate for U.S. Senate

For free ticket(s) click here or visit the Vance Co. Republican Party Facebook page.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Cardinal Innovations Healthcare

Cardinal Innovations Healthcare to Offer Free Suicide Prevention Training

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Cardinal Innovations Healthcare is offering a free training titled “Suicide Prevention: Question, Persuade, Refer” on Monday, August 26, 2019, from 6 until 8 p.m.

The training will be held at Baskerville Funeral Home, LLC, 104 S. Chestnut St. in Henderson.

This training will show that anyone can save a life! It teaches participants how to ask the right questions about suicide, how to persuade a person to get help and how to refer an individual to the right resource.

To register or for additional information, please contact Gina Dement with Cardinal Innovations Healthcare – (919) 215-0721 or Gina.dement@cardinalinnovations.org.

 

Vance County Logo

Vance Co. to Hold Informational Sessions on Medicaid Changes

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-Press Release, Vance County Department of Social Services

Changes to Medicaid requirements will take effect on November 1, 2019. While most recipients will see no changes to the services they have been receiving, enrollment through a health plan will be required.

A health plan – through Medicaid – is a group of doctors, hospitals and other providers that will work together to provide healthcare to meet collective needs. The goal is for every medical service – physical health, mental health and medicine – to come through the same healthcare plan. A primary care provider (PCP) should also be selected to assist with health care needs, which could be in the form of a family doctor, clinic or other health care provider.

Vance County is in the first phase of the Medicaid Transformation, with recipients to be enrolled by a September 13 deadline.

Recipients who already have a primary care provider may keep the one they have or choose a new one. If a PCP or health plan is not selected before September 13, the Vance County Department of Social Services offers a reminder that one will be chosen for you; however, depending on the type of health services needed, a small number of recipients will be able to continue enrollment through NC Medicaid Direct.

A series of informational events have been scheduled through the Vance County Department of Social Services to guide local Medicaid recipients through the process of selecting a health plan and primary care provider. These sessions will be held at Vance County Department of Social Services and are scheduled for:

  • August 26, 9 – 11 a.m. and 2 – 4 p.m. Vance County Department Social Services, 350 Ruin Creek Rd, Henderson NC
  • August 24, 9 – 11 a.m. and 2 – 4 p.m. Vance County Department Social Services, 350 Ruin Creek Rd, Henderson NC

It is recommended that recipients who are senior citizens should bring a trusted family member or friend to assist in the selection process.

If unable to attend any of these events, an outreach specialist is available for assistance at the Vance County Department of Social Services, 350 Ruin Creek Rd, Henderson NC from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Assistance will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services notes that there are several health plans Medicaid recipients can choose from.

For a list of doctors for each health plan, or to enroll, visit ncmedicaidplans.gov, use the NC Medicaid Managed Care mobile app or call 1-833-870-5500. A language line is also available.

For eligibility information or for questions about Medicaid’s new requirements, contact Cathy Hope, 252-492-5001 x 3221, Shelonda Boyd, 252-492-5001 x 3266, Shalonda Daye, 252-492-5001 x 3204, or Vance County Department of Social Services, at 252-492-5001.