Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

All VGCC Campuses to close at 3:00 p.m. Today

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All campuses of Vance-Granville Community College will close today, Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, at 3 p.m. Evening and weekend activities are cancelled.

All campuses of VGCC will be closed on Saturday, Jan. 7, and Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017.

Thank you.

Andrew Beal, Public Information Officer

beala@vgcc.edu

(252) 738-3322

Clarence Adrian Royster Pleads No Contest After Trial Begins

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Henderson, NC – Clarence Adrian Royster was charged with two counts of Statutory Rape or Sex Offense where the Defendant is greater than or equal to 6 years older than the victim, Indecent Liberties with a Child, Incest with a Child 13, 14 or 15 years of age when the Defendant is greater than or equal to 6 years older than the victim, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile, and Giving Fortified Wine, Liquor or Mixed Beverage to someone under the age of 21 as a result of a 2013 incident.

On Tuesday, January 3, 2017, a Vance County jury was empaneled and the State began presenting evidence in the cases against Mr. Royster. On Wednesday, January 4, 2017, after testimony from several witnesses, Mr. Royster withdrew his not guilty plea and entered a plea of no contest. Mr. Royster was sentenced to an active term of 240 to 348 months in the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Division of Adult Correction (DAC) by resident Superior Court Judge Henry W. Hight, Jr. After Mr. Royster is released from the DAC, he must register as a sex offender and will be subject to satellite based monitoring.

The District Attorney’s Office was represented by assistant district attorneys, Melissa D. Pelfrey and Onica F. Fuller.

This case was investigated by officers with the Henderson Police Department and Detective Alan Simmons under the direction of Chief Marcus Barrow.

*This press release was sent via email from the DA’s office to multiple agents of WIZS News.

Vance County Schools cancels all after school activities

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All after school activities scheduled for today in Vance County Schools have been cancelled due to the forecast for inclement weather.

Thank you,

Terri Hedrick

Public Information Officer

Oliver assists Vance County Schools Administrators through workshops

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Bruce Oliver, an education consultant with the Just ASK professional development organization, has just completed six sessions of intense educational workshops with local school administrators.

Oliver, shown in the accompanying photo during the final session,  came to Vance County for two days of workshops on six different occasions beginning on April 20 and ending on December 9. About half of the district’s school administrators each time attended one of the all-day sessions and the remaining administrators would attend the other day.

Oliver used his considerable knowledge and experience in education as a teacher, assistant principal and principal, prior to his retirement in Virginia to lead each of the sessions. He shared proven strategies with administrators on a variety of educational topics to assist them in being more effective as the instructional leaders in their schools.

Administrators also had access to a wide variety of educational publications and resource materials throughout all of the workshops. Resources were shared in both written form and through online publications.

One of many essential questions Oliver’s presentations focused on was, “What do schools and classrooms look like when they are organized around a commitment to the achievement of high standards by all students?”

Throughout the workshops, Oliver stressed strategies including: standards-based education; learning centered classrooms; project based learning; collegial collaboration; literacy leadership; and growth producing feedback for teachers.

VGCC holds College Day for students continuing their higher education

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Vance-Granville Community College hosted admissions officers from four-year colleges and universities on Dec. 8 on VGCC’s Main Campus. The event was VGCC’s annual “College Day,” which allows students to obtain important information about transfer requirements, financial aid and scholarships that can help them take the next steps in their educational journeys.

The VGCC Student Learning and Success Center organized the fair in partnership with the Carolinas Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers (CACRAO).

VGCC students browsed through displays, picked up informational materials, and talked with representatives from 18 four-year schools. Almost all of the represented colleges and universities were from North Carolina.

Each year, large numbers of students start their higher education at VGCC before transferring to four-year institutions. VGCC has numerous articulation agreements with four-year schools (both public and private) that allow students to transfer credits in various programs.

The VGCC College Transfer program provides students with the first two years of a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. College Transfer courses are offered at all four VGCC campuses and online. In recent years, the comprehensive articulation agreements between all North Carolina community colleges, the UNC System and the private N.C. Independent Colleges and Universities have been revised with clearer pathways. Graduates of the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science programs at VGCC are guaranteed admission into one of the 16 UNC schools, typically transferring in with the standing of juniors.

High school students in one of the four Early College programs operated by VGCC in partnership with local public school systems can earn up to two years of college-transferable credit, tuition-free. Likewise, eligible students at other high schools and homeschools can take free College Transfer courses through the “Career and College Promise” (CCP) program.

The Spring 2017 semester starts Monday, Jan. 9, 2017. For more information on enrolling at VGCC and transfer options, contact the Student Learning and Success Center at studentsuccess@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3330, or visit any campus.

Henderson-Vance Chamber accepting nominations for Citizen of the Year

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Do you know an outstanding local citizen?

The Citizen of the Year award is presented each year by the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce to
recognize an individual for their volunteer work to make our community a better place to live.
The criteria used in making the selection includes:

  • The person must be a resident of the Henderson-Vance County community.
  • The acts and good deeds for which the award is presented must have been performed for the benefit of Vance County and its citizens.
  • The community at large should recognize, once the award is made, that it is deserved.
  • The activities resulting in the award should be regarded outside the recipient’s normal business or profession.

The recipient does not have to be a member of the Chamber. 
Deadline is Friday, December 30th!
The Citizen of the Year nomination form is below (copy and paste).


Email nominations forms to John Barnes at john@hendersonvance.org

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Nomination form for Citizen of the Year

The Citizen of the Year award is presented each year by the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce to recognize an individual for their volunteer work to make our community a better place to live.

The criteria used in making the selection includes:

  • The person must be a resident of the Henderson-Vance County
  • The acts and good deeds for which the award is presented must have been performed for the benefit of Vance County and its citizens.
  • The community at large should recognize, once the award is made, that it is deserved.
  • The activities resulting in the award should be regarded outside the recipient’s normal business or profession.
  • The recipient does not have to be a member of the Chamber.

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To nominate an individual for this award, fill out the information below and attach a letter describing the things you think make this individual eligible for this award. If possible, please attach other letters of support for this individual.  

 

Name: _______________________________________________________

 

Address: _____________________________________________________
Place of Employment: __________________________________________

 

Your contact information:

 

Name: ________________________________________________________

Email Address: _________________________________________________

Phone Number: _________________________________________________

Submit nomination form and letter(s) to the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce by Friday, December 30, 2016

KVA Lower School Students participate in Pen-Pal Project

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Marcia Harntess’ elementary school art students at Kerr-Vance Academy recently participated in a Pen-Pal Project with students from Trujillo, Spain.  The project was organized while Mrs. Hartness’s family was in Trujillo for the wedding of her son, Sean, who is a graduate of KVA and the University of Charleston.  Sean’s bride, also an elementary teacher, arranged for students in her former school to correspond with their counterparts here at KVA.

The first shipment of handmade Christmas cards arrived last week and included picture postcards of Trujillo with handwritten messages from students.  KVA students enjoyed receiving the handwritten correspondence that they could keep for years and show off to their family and friends.

 

WRAL TV’s Scott Mason to give Keynote Address at Henderson-Vance Chamber Banquet

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The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce will hold its 79th Annual Membership Meeting and Banquet on Tuesday, January 31, 2017.
Keynote speaker will be WRAL’s Tar Heel Traveler, Scott Mason. As a Road Scholar presenter, this project is made possible by funding from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The event will take place at Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.

For sponsorship opportunities, more information or to reserve tickets, contact the Henderson-Vance County Chamber at 252-438-8414 or by emailing info@hendersonvance.org.

Hunter to attend first Board of Education Meeting Tonight

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Clementine Hunter will attend her first meeting as a new member of the Vance County Board of Education on Monday, December 12, in the Vance County Schools’ Administrative Services Center.

Hunter was officially sworn in to office on December 5, by the Honorable Judge Henry Banks, who also administered the oath to Dorothy Gooche and Ed Wilson. Gooche and Wilson were re-elected in November to their seats on the board of education.

Hunter replaces Emeron J. Cash Sr. on the board. Cash chose not to seek re-election in the November 2016 election and is retiring from the board after 24 years of service to Vance County Schools’ students and educators.

A resident of Henderson, Hunter has experience as a teacher assistant and substitute teacher with the Morris School District in New Jersey. She also has worked as a substitute teacher with Vance, Granville and Warren county schools. Her volunteer work in this area includes: Free Clinic Board member; Area Christians Together in Service (ACTS); Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA); and participation in local theater.

She has a master’s degree in education and training and is continuing studies in pursuit of a doctorate degree in education.

Hunter says as a board of education member she wants to help maintain and develop quality education through programs of inclusivity, diversity and the challenges of global education readiness for present and future generations of learners in Vance County. She sees her role as a board member as a way to help advance the organization of education while partnering with learners, parents, educators, school staff, business leaders, civic leaders, religious leaders and law enforcement officials.

Sheriff Peter White Offers Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

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The holiday season is here and shoppers are crowding malls and discount stores to buy the latest gadgets and find the best deals.

But what shoppers are neglecting is their safety. According to Sheriff White, this time of year attracts more shopping-related criminal activity because of larger crowds and extended store hours. These factors, and the unusual distraction of shopping, creates a more favorable environment for petty thieves and other offenders.

The Sheriff reminds all Vance County residents to follow these safety tips:

Shopping Safety

  • A single shopper is the best target for theft. Always shop with a friend or relative.
  • When going shopping, tell someone where you are going and what time to expect you to return. Also, make sure they know what you are wearing, as well as the type of vehicle you are driving.
  • Shop during daylight hours. If you shop at night, park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
  • Dress casually and comfortably and avoid wearing expensive jewelry. If carrying cash, keep it in your front pocket rather than your purse or wallet. This makes it much more difficult for a pick-pocket to remove. Also store car keys in a pants or jacket pocket. If your purse is stolen, you will still be able to drive.
  • Pay careful attention to your surroundings and avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
  • When returning to your vehicle, check around it and in the back seat. Be aware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Have your keys in your hand to avoid spending unnecessary time unprotected from the security of your vehicle.
  • If you feel uneasy returning to your vehicle alone, find a security guard and ask them to walk you to your car.

According to Sheriff White, during this time of year, busy holiday shoppers become careless and vulnerable to other crimes as well. Credit card fraud and gift card fraud are on the rise. However, taking a few preventive measures can help.

Credit Card Fraud

  • Keep a close watch on your credit card every time you use it, and make sure you get it back as quickly as possible.
  • Never write your pin number on your credit card.
  • Never leave your credit card receipts lying around.
  • Shield your credit card number so that others around you can’t copy it or capture it on a mobile phone or other camera.
  • Only carry credit cards that you absolutely need.
  • Shred anything with your credit card number on it.
  • If you’re planning to purchase online, make sure the web page where you enter your credit card information is secure through SSL (Secure Socket Layer). You can tell if the web page is secure by looking for the gold lock or key icon at the bottom corner of your browser window.
  • If you’re not comfortable submitting your information through the internet, call the seller and give them your information over the phone. Never send your credit card information via email.
  • Check the company out. Only do business with companies that provide a physical address and phone number.
  • Lastly, keep good records. Always print out a copy of any online products or services you purchase.

For more information contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 252-738-2200.