Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Vance Co. Schools: ‘We Promise to Do What is Necessary’ to Provide Lunch/Breakfast

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Per Terri Hedrick, Public Information Officer for Vance County Schools:

Right now, Vance County Schools has one-and-a-half months of funding reserves to support our School Nutrition Program if there is no funding available through the USDA.

At least 75 to 80 percent of our students throughout the Vance County school district eat lunch each day. The number can fluctuate, because some students bring their lunch some days and students are absent, etc. For our breakfasts, approximately 60 percent of students district-wide eat each day. Again, this number can fluctuate some from day to day.

We can promise our community that we will do what is necessary to provide breakfast and lunch each day in school to all students. We’re continually assessing our situation to stay on top of the funding limitations during the shutdown. We know we are okay with food reserves and available funding through March. Beyond that, no one, including other counties, knows what might happen. We’re in uncharted territory with this shutdown. No previous shutdown has ever lasted this long.

Currently, we have no issues with breakfast or lunch for students in our schools. Things are progressing smoothly. The only change being made starting Tuesday, January 22, 2019, is that students won’t have a choice of two entrees (meats) for their lunches. There will be no ice cream as this is considered an extra menu item.

Please understand the steps we are taking are precautionary to ensure we stretch our food supplies and funding as much as possible.

– Terri Hedrick, Public Information Officer
Vance County Schools

Young St. in Henderson to Become One-Way; Court St. Traffic Flow to Reverse

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-Information courtesy Esther J. McCrackin, City Clerk, City of Henderson

CITY OF HENDERSON – TRAFFIC FLOW CHANGES

On Tuesday, January 22, 2019, Young Street will become a ONE-WAY street. Traffic will flow from Garnett Street to Chestnut Street. DO NOT enter Young Street from Chestnut Street.

Court Street will continue to be a ONE-WAY Street but the traffic flow will be reversed. Traffic will now flow from Young Street to Montgomery Street.

 

NC Dept of Agriculture

Applications Now Being Accepted for 2019 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

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-Press Release, NC Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting grant applications for the 2019 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Applicants have until 5 p.m. on March 1, 2019, to apply.

“Specialty crops make up a significant portion of the state’s $87 billion agriculture industry and we would like to see this area of production grow,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Grant requests of up to $200,000 can be made through this program.”

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the marketplace. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery crops including floriculture.

Grants are not available for projects that directly benefit or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual. Applications must include biographical sketches on each person responsible for developing and implementing the project. In addition, applications must include at least one letter of support for the proposed project.

Applications are open to state and local governments, academic institutions, nonprofit associations, producer associations, community-based organizations and other specialty crop stakeholders. Interested parties can apply as single entities or in combined efforts.

For grant guidelines and an application, go to www.ncagr.gov/markets/scgrant. For questions, contact Sarah Pearce at 919-707-3158 or by email at sarah.pearce@ncagr.gov.

Vance Co. Schools Announces Pre-Kindergarten Site Selection Process Now Open

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

The N.C. Pre-Kindergarten Site Selection process is now open.

N.C. Pre-Kindergarten Site Selection applications are due on April 11, 2019, at 4:30 p.m. from local child care centers, preschools and day care centers.

The applications should be sent to the Vance County Schools, Federal Programs Office at 1724 Graham Avenue in Henderson. The mailing address is P.O. Box 7001, Henderson, N.C. 27536.

The contact person with Vance County Schools is Claudette Scales, pre-kindergarten coordinator. She may be reached by phone at 252-492-2127 and by e-mail at cscales@vcs.k12.nc.us.

The site application is available online at www.vcs.k12.nc.us and www.ncchildcare.nc.gov.

Site selection approval does not guarantee selection as an N.C. pre-kindergarten site.

Local Youth Encouraged to Register for 5th Annual African-American Quiz Bowl

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-Information and flyer courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center

Come enjoy friendly and educational fun as the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department hosts the 5th Annual African-American Quiz Bowl from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 23, 2019.

The competition is open to 6th – 12th graders and will be held at the City Council Chambers located at 134 Rose Avenue in Henderson.

Questions will be based on African-American history in America, in North Carolina and locally in Henderson and Vance County.

Teams will consist of 3-4 participants. Registration deadline is Friday, February 15, 2019; a study guide is provided.

For more information, or to register, please contact Shantel Hargrove at shhargrove@ci.henderson.nc.us or 252-430-0382 or Gregory Kelly at gkelly@ci.henderson.nc.us or 252-431-6099.

Sheriff Curtis Brame

Major Drug Bust, Rapport Building Define Brame’s First Weeks in Office

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Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss his first six weeks in office.

Brame’s first order of business was assessing the current staffing structure and making a plan to strengthen areas of potential weakness. “I’m learning a lot,” he said. “Right now I’m doing an assessment. We have a good administrative staff and several have been promoted to a higher rank.”

Staying true to his campaign platform, Brame said he is also focusing on tackling the local drug problem and building rapport among the community.

“Right now, I’m working on reorganizing the division to get more deputies out on the street, and making sure we are more proactive in all areas,” Brame said.

Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame discusses his first few weeks in office with WIZS News. (WIZS Photo)

Brame is pleased with one recent victory that saw the Narcotics Unit arrest suspects involved in a “drug house” on Yancey Lane in Henderson. That case will be tried in federal court, according to Brame.

The process of helping to bust drug operations is helped along tremendously by information from the community, Brame said. “The rapport building that I talked about during my campaign has really paid off. People are sharing information on potential drug houses and activities.”

While Brame would like to expand the Narcotics Unit, he said the Sheriff’s Office as a whole is understaffed by at least nine people and has been understaffed for quite some time.

“I am addressing this issue with Vance County Commissioners for discussion when they plan the budget. They know we need the additional manpower; we can’t sufficiently provide adequate services to our citizens with the current manpower.”

Brame admitted recruiting officers to the area is harder than ever in a time when interest in a law enforcement career is down country-wide and surrounding counties are offering bigger paychecks.

“We have a retention problem,” Brame said. “Many see us as a training ground and then they go to work for surrounding counties that pay more. First responders and EMS have this same issue.”

“We spend a lot of money on training, they get here, we pay to train them and then they leave after 18 months or so. Then we have to start the whole process all over again.”

Brame admits he doesn’t have a quick-fix for long-standing recruitment issues, “Do I have all of the answers? No, I don’t, but we have to find a way to retain good officers and get them to stay right here in Vance County.”

In addition to focusing on the drug problem and retention issues, Brame said engaging in trust building activities and improving communication with the community is on his daily to-do list.

Up and out the door by 6:30 a.m. most mornings, Brame said he visits local restaurants, businesses and schools to talk with the citizens of Vance County and encourage them to share their concerns.

“We do not have enough eyes and ears [in the Sheriff’s Office] to combat the situation going on with crime and drugs. Get involved and share information. Reclaim your neighborhood and community,” Brame urged.

Brame said his phone number is open to the public and stated it on-air as (919) 691-6748.

“We are a public office and have an open-door policy. If you have an issue with the Sheriff’s Office, don’t just talk about me; come and see me or give me a call so we can address your situation.”

*To hear the interview in its entirety, please click here.

Vance Co. Schools Addresses Meal Changes During Govt. Shutdown

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools was first notified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on January 4 that the federal government shutdown would affect funds for our school system’s School Nutrition Program.

School system officials subsequently were notified on January 7 by the N.C. State Department of Agriculture that food shipments were only guaranteed to our schools through March. On January 12, the USDA notified school districts that federal funds are only available through March.

Understanding our limited resources (cash reserves), we began planning for the long-term impact on our food service program should the federal shutdown continue. We made the decision to alter our food options to conserve funds as long as possible.

The Vance County Schools child nutrition program is funded through reimbursement by the Federal Government. A total of 95 percent of our program’s budget is provided through these federal monies. Federal reimbursements for student meals are usually received in our district 30 days after the meals are served.

Our school system has one-and-a-half months of funding reserves on hand to support our child nutrition program once funding is no longer available through the USDA. We recognize that we must plan to make the most of our resources and that we have a responsibility to meet the needs of our children. Our priority is ensuring our students receive breakfast and lunch every day and that continues to be the priority of our school system.

We are committed to providing breakfasts and lunches each day to all of our students.

We will continue to assess our school nutrition services on a regular basis as the shutdown continues.

Registration for H-V Rec. & Parks Youth Baseball & Softball Begins Feb. 2

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-Information and flyer courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center

Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks will hold registration for youth spring baseball and softball February 2 – March 9, 2019.

Baseball is open to ages 4 – 18; playing age is determined as of May 1, 2019.

Softball is open to ages 6 – 16; playing age is determined as of January 1, 2020.

Cost: Vance County Residents – $40; Non Residents – $60

Register at the Aycock Rec. Center during normal business hours.

For more information, please contact Steve Osborne at 252.438.2670, sosborne@ci.henderson.nc.us or Victor Hunt at 252.438.3408, vhunt@ci.henderson.nc.us.

Cocaine, Heroin Among Drugs Seized at State St. Residence

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Press Release – Henderson Police Department

On January 15, 2019, members of the Henderson Police Department Special Operations Division along with the Special Response Team executed a search warrant at the residence of 819 State St., Henderson, NC.

During the execution of the search warrant over 1,500 Xanax bars, 271 grams of marijuana, 2.9 grams of raw heroin, 28 grams of cocaine, 81 dosage units of heroin, 22 Ecstasy pills, over $3,000 in US Currency, miscellaneous paraphernalia/manufacturing supplies and five firearms along with several rounds of ammunition were located and seized.

Jamey Ameche Owens, 47, of 819 State St., Henderson, NC was arrested and charged. He was charged with Trafficking Cocaine x2, Trafficking Heroin x2, PWIMSD Heroin, PWIMSD Cocaine, PWIMSD Marijuana, PWIMSD SCH. IV, PWIMSD SCH. I, Manufacturing Schedule I, Manufacturing Schedule II, Manufacturing Schedule VI, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Cocaine, Felony Possession of Marijuana, Felony Possession of Schedule IV, Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling x2, Firearm by Felon x5, and Felony Alter/Remove Gun Serial Number.

His bond was set in the amount of $500,000 secured. He is scheduled to appear in court on January 28, 2019.

On January 15, 2019, Jamey Ameche Owens, 47, of 819 State St., Henderson, NC was arrested and charged with Trafficking Cocaine x2, Trafficking Heroin x2, PWIMSD Heroin, PWIMSD Cocaine, PWIMSD Marijuana, PWIMSD SCH. IV, PWIMSD SCH. I, Manufacturing Schedule I, Manufacturing Schedule II, Manufacturing Schedule VI, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Cocaine, Felony Possession of Marijuana, Felony Possession of Schedule IV, Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling x2, Firearm by Felon x5, and Felony Alter/Remove Gun Serial Number. (Photo courtesy the Henderson Police Dept.)

During the execution of the search warrant at 819 State St. in Henderson, NC, over 1,500 Xanax bars, 271 grams of marijuana, 2.9 grams of raw heroin, 28 grams of cocaine, 81 dosage units of heroin, 22 Ecstasy pills, over $3,000 in US Currency, miscellaneous paraphernalia/manufacturing supplies and five firearms along with several rounds of ammunition were located and seized. (Photo courtesy the Henderson Police Dept.)

‘Worship Without Walls’ to Bring Community Together to Celebrate MLK, Jr.

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On Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program, Charles Turrentine, Jr. with Davis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church spoke of the church’s upcoming “Worship Without Walls” event being held on Sunday, January 20.

The event, to be held outside at the basketball court at nearby Chestnut Street Park at 745 N. Chestnut St. in Henderson, is being held as “an extended celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.”

According to Turrentine, the celebration will begin at approximately 10:45 a.m. on Sunday and will include a live DJ, excerpts from King’s speeches, poetry, open commentary, food and hot beverages. The Vance County High School drumline will also be performing.

“I know it’s going to be a little chilly, but we want to have a good time and bring the people out,” Turrentine said. “We want to show people that the dream Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had has not died. It has instilled us with the power to move on, better ourselves and help the City of Henderson be a better place to live.”

The idea for the celebration is based on Turrentine’s past family trips to Atlanta, GA to take part in the city’s annual MLK celebrations.

Turrentine said it was always an exciting time to see the march in front of King’s home church – the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church – and experience the positive energy. “The whole city would come out; it’s a great experience. We thought we’d bring some of that back to Henderson, on a smaller scale, with the same concept in mind.”

Part of that vision was to hold the event at an outdoor location “without walls” to make it as welcoming and accessible to the public as possible.

The Chestnut Street Park, adopted by Davis Chapel through the Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks Department, is located in close proximity to the church and already serves as a gathering place for the community.

The church does their part to keep the park clean and to serve as goodwill ambassadors by engaging with community members who play basketball there, according to Turrentine.

After the celebration on Sunday, the church and all those willing to assist will be removing trash and debris from the area around the park, all the way down to John Street. Turrentine said that trash collected will be left in bags on the side of the road to be picked up by early next week.

To hear the interview with Charles Turrentine in its entirety, please click here. Turrentine’s interview begins at the 16:00 mark.