Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Vance Deputies Arrest Warren Man On Felony Drug Charges

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Vance County deputies charged a Warren County man last week with numerous felony drug charges.

Sheriff Curtis Brame issued a press release Friday afternoon which stated deputies responded to a call Feb. 4 about a suspicious vehicle in the area of Townsville Landing.

Darrell Jones, 70, was charged with felony possession of cocaine, two counts of trafficking in cocaine, as well as felony maintain vehicle for controlled substance and possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine.

Deputies recovered 99.8 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 14.5 grams of powder cocaine, as well as 18 gallons of non-tax paid alcohol and $18,100 cash.

The non-tax paid alcohol was turned over to Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) for further investigation.

A magistrate placed him under a $200,000 secured bond. Jones was scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 13.

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VGCC Welcomes New VP Of Learning, Student Engagement And Success

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-information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Vance-Granville Community College’s new vice president of Learning, Student Engagement and Success will start her new job next week.

Dr. Kim Sepich has been named to the position, and said she pleased to be a part of VGCC.

“I am incredibly excited about serving Vance-Granville Community College and feel fortunate to have the opportunity,” Sepich said in a press release.

“The college’s dedication to student success and meeting community needs is what drew me to the position. It is clear that VGCC is indeed a catalyst for creating opportunity for individuals and employers, and I’m looking forward to contributing to its mission.”

She most recently was director of College Services at the N.C. State University Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research. Before that, she worked as a vice president of student affairs at Valencia College in Orlando, FL and has held various roles in several community colleges in Davie and Forsyth counties.

The incoming vice president has demonstrated a heart for investing back into her community. During her time at Davidson-Davie Community College, she served as a mentor and board member for Communities in Schools, an organization whose mission is to surround students with a community of support and empower their achievement in school and in life. Additionally, she currently serves as lead facilitator for the NC Community College Leadership Program. Since its establishment in 1989, NCCCLP has equipped community college leaders across the state to “connect, care, and collaborate.”

Sepich has a bachelor’s of science from East Carolina and a master’s degree in student development and a doctorate in educational leadership from Appalachian State University.

 

 

 

American Legion Post 60 Celebrates 100 Years Of Service To Veterans, Community

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The Henderson American Legion Post 60 is celebrating a century of service to the area.

Post 60 Commander Ted Grissom reminds members of the program that is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 25, beginning at 6 p.m.

In addition to local post leaders, American Legion division commanders, vice-commanders and other district, state and local dignitaries are expected to be present. Ret. Col. Ed Blue is scheduled to detail the history of Post 60 as part of the celebration.

The event will be held at the Post 60 building, located at the corner of Garnett and Spring streets and will include a covered dish supper.

All members of American Legion Post 60 members, their spouses and guests are invited to attend this special event, honoring 100 years of service. American Legion district and division commanders and vice-commanders along with state and local dignitaries will be in attendance.

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Henderson Council Moves Forward With Purchase Of Jointly Owned Properties

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The Henderson City Council approved Monday to purchase more than 100 vacant properties within the city limits that are jointly owned by the city and county, but the vote was one vote shy of being unanimous.

Council Member Garry Daeke cast the dissenting vote, but said Tuesday on TownTalk that it wasn’t because he doesn’t approve of the project – he simply wanted the county to give the roughly 26 acres of property to the city.

“I certainly approve what we’re doing,” Daeke said, adding that the city has demolished hundreds of vacant, derelict houses over the years. The properties will be bundled together and then bid on by builders who will erect affordable housing options within the city.

The city will be responsible for the infrastructure – lights, water, sewer, fire and police protection, for example, Daeke said. If the county had chosen to give the property to the city, it would have gone a long way to “jumpstart” the revitalization project.

“It seems to me that we’re going to be doing a lot up front,” he noted.

Once the houses get built, he added, the county will enjoy a greater return on the investment through higher tax rates than the city of Henderson.

“It would have been a great way to collaborate.”

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N.C. Cooperative Extension Scholarship Open For Those In Business-Related Field Of Study

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The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Administrative Professionals Association is accepting applications for the 2023 Herter-O’Neal Scholarship. This scholarship is open to students pursuing an associate’s and/or bachelor’s degree in a business-related field of study or who are enrolled in a diploma program that results in a degree. The statewide winner will be awarded $1,000 for tuition and/or books. District finalists will receive $250.

The Herter-O’Neal Scholarship is awarded each year to honor the work and dedication of Edith Herter and Frances O’Neal, founding members of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Administrative Professionals Association.  NCCEAPA membership is comprised of North Carolina Cooperative Extension administrative assistants in 100 counties, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, N.C. State University and N.C.  A&T State University.

The application deadline is Mar. 10, 2023. All questions can be addressed to Granville County Cooperative Extension Administrative Assistant Gwen Rubio at gwen_rubio@ncsu.edu or 919-603-1350. Completed applications can be mailed or dropped off – with ATTN: Gwen Rubio written on the envelope – at the Granville Cooperative Extension and mailed or hand delivered to the Granville County  Cooperative Extension Office located at 125 Oxford Outer Loop, Oxford, NC 27565.

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Kimbrell Appointed To Serve As City Clerk

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The Henderson City Council officially appointed Tracey Kimbrell to the position of clerk to the board at its meeting Monday.

Kimbrell has served as interim clerk to the board since November, after previous clerk Esther McCrackin retired in late October.

John C. Rose and Bill Harris spoke with Kimbrell by phone earlier today and they reported she sounded enthusiastic about her new role.

In addition to her service to the city council, she will report to City Manager Terrell Blackmon for the day-to-day duties, just as other department directors. In a resolution approved by the Council, Kimbrell will serve at the pleasure of the Council for an indefinite term.

According to the agenda information, the city conducted a search for qualified candidates to fill the position and determined that Kimbrell was the most qualified.

Although it wasn’t something that she necessarily planned for, she said this was an opportunity she didn’t want to pass up.

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Kittrell Man Sentenced In 2019 Bank Robberies

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A Kittrell man has been sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for his role in two bank robberies in 2019.

Stanley Kearney Jr., 27, was sentenced to 190 months earlier this week, according to information from the office of Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

The SunTrust bank on Creedmoor Road in Raleigh was robbed at gunpoint by four men on Dec. 6, 2019, according to court records and other information. The men left the bank with $11,578. Witnesses saw the suspects fleeing he scene in a white Hyundai Elantra.

Then, on Dec. 30, a Greenville, N.C. Branch Banking & Trust was robbed at gunpoint by three men. They took $72,853, according to a press statement from Easley’s office, and also left in a white Hyundai Elantra.

Kearney was stopped on Jan. 10, 2020, for unrelated traffic violations and attempted to flee from law enforcement. In an interview with law enforcement, Kearney admitted to committing the SunTrust and BB&T bank robberies. Co-defendants Clifton Harris, Cameron Evans and Joshua Bailey also pled guilty. Harris was sentenced to 81 months. Evans and Bailey are awaiting sentencing.

Easley’s office made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Davie County Sheriff’s Department, as well as the Raleigh, Greenville and Mebane police departments and Federal Bureau of Investigation all assisted in the investigation of the case.

Carolina United For Change Inc. Announces Inaugural Torch Awards

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Carolina United for Change, Inc. announces the inaugural Torch Awards, which will be presented at a Feb. 18 reception to honor the recipients, selected for their efforts to help their community.

“We are always looking for ways to show appreciation to some of the trailblazers around the county who help the poor and the needy,” Executive Director Joseph Brodie said.

This is the first of what Brodie hopes will be an annual event to recognize individuals whose work advances the causes of righting injustices and providing for those in need.

The reception will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Crossroads Event Center, 943 W. Andrews Ave. Brodie said he and his team hope to sell about 100 tickets; a donation of $10 a ticket is suggested.

Attendees can enjoy the music of Heart of Soul as they meet and greet one another before the awards part of the program begins. Evelyn Couch will perform favorite songs of each of the recipients as they are called to receive their award.

“We’re going to have some fun,” Brodie said, as the year-old nonprofit continues to boost awareness in the community. He wants people to come “and see we’ve got a good thing going,” he added.

The 2023 Torch recipients are Margaret Ellis, Angela Thornton and Kendrick Vann.

Contact Brodie at 252.762.3364 to learn how to get tickets.

Vance Sheriff: One Dead From Gunshot Wound During Apparent Home Invasion

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The Vance County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 42-year-old man involved in an apparent home invasion over the weekend.

On Saturday, Feb. 4, deputies went to 100 Kelly Road in reference to a home invasion that resulted in a death, according to a press statement released Tuesday by Sheriff Curtis Brame.

Three people, two of whom are residents of the home, had been shot. Both were transported to a local medical facility for treatment of gunshot wounds. The man who died was identified as Jay Edwards Davis, Brame said. Davis was found inside the home.

The sheriff office’s criminal investigations division and the State Bureau of Investigation responded to the scene and Brame said apparently Davis was one of the individuals who entered the residence. The sheriff’s office is looking for other individuals who are believed to have entered the residence with Davis; Brame said he believes this was an isolated incident and that the victims were targeted.

No further information about the condition of the victims was available.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 252.738.2200 or Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers at 252.492.1925.

“Career Rodeo” Showcases VCS Career And Technical Education Opportunities

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– information courtesy of Vance County Schools

February is Career and Technical Education Month and Vance County Schools is shining a spotlight on a variety of careers from health care to hospitality that students can learn more about during the monthlong series of programs with the theme of “Career Rodeo.”

CTE classes in Vance County Schools prepare students for careers in health care, information technology, automotive, culinary, early childhood, business, carpentry, public safety, entrepreneurship and the list is growing, according to information from Aarika Sandlin, VCS director of marketing & communication.

Middle- and high school students will be learning about developing a resume, how to interview, job searching, career exploration, professionalism, professional dress, college experiences and much more!

High school students currently enrolled in a CTE course, as well as any senior, will be able to sign up for guest speaker sessions at Vance County High School as part of the “Career Rodeo” to hear from professionals in a variety of careers. This opportunity allows students to learn from people in the field of work they are most interested in

and ask questions. Access to business and industry leaders allow students the ability to gain knowledge to help them make informed decisions about their future. Some of the careers featured include an auto mechanic, dental hygienist, a phlebotomist, radiologist, esthetician, speech pathologist, among others.

Throughout February, Vance County Schools will highlight CTE areas and the work taking place that is helping students be prepared for jobs and careers after graduation. Partnerships with business and community groups help students prepare for the path they choose following graduation.

Some of the district’s CTE areas include:

Culinary Arts – House at the Center for Innovation, culinary arts students they become ServSafe certified. They are able to provide food service to local events within the community, as well as in partnership with local businesses. Their next engagements include providing a light breakfast for the County Soil & Water Conservation District on Feb. 23 and hosting the culinary experience at Arts Alive Heart of the Art on April 22.

 

Public Safety – students learn about career opportunities and gain skills that allow them to achieve certifications. Students most recently practiced extinguishing a controlled fire, showcasing their skills in correctly handling a fire extinguisher.

Agriculture/horticulture – the local Farm Bureau is restoring a greenhouse where students can learn hands-on about plants, as well as understanding how climate-controlled greenhouses work. Students will be able to take their skills to the next level with this on-site lab experience in the greenhouse.

Trade & Industry (T&I) – this program allows students to gain valuable knowledge and experience around engineering, construction and carpentry. The district currently has four students interning with Kilian Engineering and gaining experience with AutoCAD. Those students will serve as class foremen and lead the construction of a tiny house, which will be 20’x24′ and have full plumbing and electricity connections. The tiny house, made possible through local partnerships, donations and CTE funding,  will be auctioned off or raffled upon completion.

Early Childhood – students learn about caring for children and gain valuable experience through work at local daycare centers. As students work through the program, they learn how to support the needs of students physically and emotionally to fully prepare them for the hands-on experience that culminated with this pathway.

Business – this program pathway focuses on teaching students skills relative to marketing, office programs and entrepreneurship, leading to opportunities for students to develop items throughout a full business plan and bring those items to life in the entrepreneurship lab at the Center for Innovation.

Foods and nutrition – this program focuses on culinary skills, but without the commercial grade experience.  Students still create culinary delights; however, their focus is on residential grade appliances and uses, which give a different experience from the culinary arts pathway.

Autotech – this pathway allows students to learn about the basics of automobiles, while providing opportunities for them to gain skills in a lab setting located on the campus of Vance County High School. As students advance in the pathway, they gain knowledge and engage in more hands-on experiences in the mechanics of a vehicle, maintenance and repairs. Some certifications include entry-level certification in brakes, maintenance and light repair.

Middle school students will get to learn about career exploration with the creation of a Paxton Patterson Lab, Sandlin said. VCS recently close to $50,000 from NCDPI with a CTE Modernization and Support Grant. The lab combines problem-based learning experiences with help from educational consultants to give students a customized program of study while they learn more about their individual strengths.

The Paxton Patterson Lab joins the SLICE on Site lab on the campus of Vance County Middle School. SLICE stands for Simulated Labs for Interactive Career Exploration, Sandlin explained.

The N.C. Committee of Business Education provided $30,000 in grant funding to VCS to develop a program that gives high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to get experience within five career-focused internships in the field of technology.

The program is offered through the VCS technology department, and the students selected to participate will get paid for 6-10 hours a week in their work with other district departments.