Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Upcoming Blood Drives To Support American Red Cross

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The American Red Cross needs donors to sign up to give blood to help meet their goal of 10,000 weekly blood and platelet donations. To sweeten the pot, all donors who come out between Oct. 21 and Nov. 9 will get a $10 gift card by email to a restaurant of their choice. Donors also will be automatically entered to wins a $5,000 gift card; one winner will be chosen at random each week during Oct. 21-Nov. 7, Red Cross officials said. See details at RedCrossBlood.org/Lunch.

As cold and flu season quickly approaches, the Red Cross reminds donors that they can still give blood or platelets after receiving a flu vaccine, as long as they are feeling healthy and well on the day of their donation. Likewise, there is no deferral or wait time for those receiving the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

Donors have been stepping up lately, which is good, but demand continues to outpace donations and the Red Cross has several upcoming blood drives in the four-county area.

Upcoming events are noted below:

 

Henderson

10/23/2023: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Henderson Family YMCA, 380 Ruin Creek Rd.

11/7/2023: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Maria Parham Health, 566 Ruin Creek Rd.

11/7/2023: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Vance Granville Community College, 200 Community College Rd.

11/8/2023: 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Kerr Vance Academy, 700 Vance Academy Rd.

 

Stem

10/31/2023: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Granville Central High School, 2043 Sanders Rd.

 

Louisburg

10/21/2023: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Rock Spring Baptist Church, 34 Rock Springs Church Rd.

 

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

To make an appointment, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).  

Henderson Mayor Runoff Election Set For Nov. 7; Early Voting Begins Oct. 19

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Significant updates and changes have occurred since this original post on Oct. 13.  It is strongly recommended that you review the new information available as of 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 17, 2023 in bold rather than the original post.

The Vance County Board of Elections has called for a “recess” in the post-election canvass process – that 10-day window following an election that officials have to verify and certify results.

This action comes one week after the Oct. 10 nonpartisan municipal elections in Henderson that included contests for four City Council seats and a four-candidate field for mayor.

A runoff had been set for the mayoral contest, but those plans also were put on hold earlier today, per the N.C. State Board of Elections. The recess means that none of the contests have been certified.

In a meeting held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Vance Board of Elections Chair James Baines issued the following statement:

“The Vance County Board of Elections is recessing Canvass completion for the Municipal Election that occurred on 10-October-23 because the State Board of Elections has not yet completed the investigation regarding the geocoding issue. Canvass will reconvene once the State Board of Elections notifies the County Board of the completion of the investigation and resolution to the issue.”

As elections board members explained, the process of certifying election results considers all contests as one process; results must “be submitted to the state at once,”  board member Cathy Clodfelter said Tuesday. So because all of the results have not been certified, none of the contests has been certified.

Earlier Tuesday afternoon, Vance County Board of Elections Director Jennifer Cocklin informed WIZS News that early voting – set to begin in two days’ time – would not begin as previously announced.

Cocklin read the brief statement to WIZS News from the state board of elections:

“The results of the 10-October-2023 Vance County municipal election have not been officially declared by law, therefore the run-off election cannot be called for at this time.”

A glitch in geocoding is at the heart of the issue, and elections officials acknowledged the state board of the possible problem. As part of election coverage to announce the unofficial results on Oct. 10, WIZS included a statement from Baines that was issued after the polls had closed:

“The Vance County Board of Elections is aware of a geocoding issue that may have caused some voters in the city of Henderson elections to receive a ballot in Tuesday’s election that did not have the correct alderman ward contest. The County Board immediately notified the State Board of Elections, which is working with the county to determine how many voters’ ballots were affected. Election night results are always unofficial, and the post-election canvass process will ensure that the votes are counted correctly for each contest. Election officials will provide additional information about this situation as it becomes available.”

Cocklin provided few details about next steps, but she said she has provided information to the state board as it is requested.
“They’re asking us and we’re providing information as quickly as we can,” she said. “The only thing I know is they are working on it,” she said, “meeting every day – at least once every day.”

Just in case you need a refresher course in civics, here’s some information from the state board of elections website:

“Results on election night are unofficial. Canvass is the official process of determining if the votes have been counted and tabulated correctly, resulting in the authentication of the official election results.

For close elections, the canvass period is especially important. During this time, elections officials count absentee ballots that came in before the deadline and research provisional ballots to determine whether they should be counted.

In every county, the canvass meeting when the results are certified is 10 days after Election Day. Because elections thrive on transparency, the canvass meeting is open to the public.”

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Original Post Oct. 13, 2023:

County elections officials have confirmed that a runoff election to determine the next mayor of the City of Henderson is set for Tuesday, Nov. 7. Residents will be able to vote early, beginning Thursday, Oct. 19.

None of the four mayoral candidates received the 50 percent plus 1 vote needed to be declared the winner in Tuesday’s nonpartisan municipal elections; Melissa Elliott led the field with just more than 48 percent of the vote, and Greg Etheridge requested a runoff on Wednesday. That request was granted when it became clear that the provisional ballots would not be enough to give Elliott the necessary votes to prevent a runoff.

The person who receives more votes will be declared the winner.

The early voting period will run from Thursday, Oct. 19 until Friday, Nov. 3.  The Monday-through-Friday hours are 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.
The location is the Dr. Andrea Harris City of Henderson Operations Center on Beckford Drive.  And just as was the case for the recent municipal election, the final Saturday before the runoff date will feature early voting as well.  That lone Saturday, Nov. 4, features early voting hours of 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

If all of that seems familiar, it is because essentially it’s the same in principle as the election that was just held.  The new director of the board of elections, Jennifer Cocklin, told WIZS News the early voting had “to be done the same way.”

And when the runoff date of Nov. 7 arrives, voters will be able to return to the nine precincts used most recently and vote from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Big Ruin Creek Missionary Baptist Church Celebrates 143 Years Sunday

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Big Ruin Creek Missionary Baptist Church is observing its 143rd anniversary Sunday and invites the community to join in the celebration.

The worship service begins at 11 a.m. Pastor Charles W. Burwell will deliver the sermon; Sunday School begins at 9:30 a.m.

The C.W. Walton Voices of Praise will provide special music for the occasion and a meal will follow the service.

The church is located at 16 Big Ruin Creek Lane.

Anyone unable to attend in person can view the service online, which will be livestreamed on the church’s Facebook page.

 

MPH Shines A Pink Light On Breast Cancer Awareness

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Information courtesy of Donna Young, MPH Market Coordinator, Communications and Marketing

Pink lights will illuminate the Maria Parham Health campus in Henderson through the month of October as the hospital observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The front entrance will be bathed in a pink glow, serving as a reminder for women to get screened for breast cancer, which the American Cancer Society said claims 40,000 lives each year.

Breast cancer is most treatable and curable when detected at its earliest stages. clinical breast examinations and mammography are key to early detection. Women should ideally have a clinical breast exam every three years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40. Women should also have yearly mammograms starting at age 40.

“The impact of cancer on an individual, their family and loved ones is profound and can be devastating,” said Bert Beard, Maria Parham’s CEO. “With the advancements in surveillance and detection of breast cancer, it is really a matter of creating awareness and educating our communities of the importance of screenings and mammograms. Going pink is just one more way we remind everyone to be aware, take action, and get screened.”

Maria Parham Health will also observe “Pink-Out Day” on Oct. 20, when team members at all MPH facilities will don pink attire in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

If you would like to schedule a mammogram or talk with a provider about your breast health, call 800-424-DOCS. For more information on breast cancer and mammograms, visit https://www.breastcancer.org/  and https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/.

Vance Sheriff Accepts $691,536 From N.C. Rep. Sossamon For Body-Worn Cameras

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Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame wants his employees to be safe when they are performing their duties, and he’s crunched the numbers, so he knows the price tag for state-of-the-art equipment.

When he learned that local legislators could make a request for body-worn cameras and supporting equipment from something called non-recurring funds, he got in touch with N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon, (R. Dist. 32) who represents Vance County and most of Granville County.

“I gave him the numbers and the platform (information and) it was granted, thank God,” Brame told WIZS News in advance of a meeting Thursday, where Sossamon presented a check to Brame and county officials for $691,536.

“This will be a big help for us,” Brame said. The funds will be used to outfit sheriff’s staff and detention staff with body-worn cameras and the supporting equipment needed to upload and store video footage. In addition to providing an extra layer of protection for the officer, Brame said the cameras will be useful if a situation were to arise and false claims are lodged against his officers.

In an interview earlier this week, Sossamon said he’s “elated” for Brame, his staff, and the residents of Vance County.

“We have some appropriation chairs that are very, very pro law enforcement,” Sossamon said in an interview this week. “Any time they can support law enforcement, they’re going to do it.”

The equipment, Sossamon predicted, will be a selling point for recruiting, not to mention “a morale booster for the sheriff and for his officers.”

Check Receipts For Accuracy – Scanning Errors Do Occur!

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Two area retailers have paid penalties totaling more than $4,700 in civil penalties for error rates in advertised prices and the prices that ring up at the register, according to information from the N.C. Department of Agriculture’s Standards Division.

The Walgreens located at 201 Trade St., Henderson paid $495 in September following a string of inspections over several months, during which the error rate fell from 14 percent to a passing level in August. The 14 percent error rate in February was based on 7 overcharges in a 50-item lot; subsequent follow-up inspections found error rates of 3.67 percent in March, based on 11 overcharges in a 300-item lot and a 6.67 percent error rate in May, based on 20 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in August and paid its penalty in September, according to the NCDA report.

The Warrenton Dollar General, 211 E. Macon St., paid $4,245 following an initial inspection in July found an error rate of 40 percent and a follow-up inspection in August showed an 18.33 percent error rate.

The store will be reinspected.

The July inspection showed 20 overcharges in a 50-item lot; the August inspection found an error rate of 18.33% based on 55 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store will be reinspected.

“Our Standards Division does excellent work inspecting stores across the state for scanner errors that hurt consumers’ pockets,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “North Carolinians should only have to pay the price they see on the shelf and  this work is vital to make sure that happens. Our Standards Division will continue to inspect stores, but consumers should also check their receipts often and notify store managers if they see an issue.”

 

The department conducts periodic, unannounced inspections of price-scanner systems in businesses to check for accuracy between the prices advertised and the prices that ring up at the register. If a store has more than a 2 percent error rate on overcharges, inspectors discuss the findings with the store manager and conduct a more intensive follow-up inspection later. Undercharges are also reported, but do not count against a store. Consumers who would like to file a complaint about scanner errors they encounter, can call the Standards Division at 984.236.4750.

 

Penalties are assessed if a store fails a follow-up inspection. In addition to the penalties paid, the store will be subject to reinspection every 60 days from the last inspection until the error rate is at 2 percent or lower. Additional penalties may be assessed if a store fails reinspection.

Triangle North Businesss Park Future Home Of VGCC Training Facility

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It’s been a few years in the making, but a contingent of local officials joined Vance-Granville Community College President Dr. Rachel Desmarais and others Wednesday afternoon to celebrate a facility – yet to be built – that will support future training needs for existing and prospective industry.

VGCC is getting $11.5 million in the newly passed state budget, and N.C. Rep Frank Sossamon (R-Dist. 32) provided key support in getting the funding for his district, which in cludes Vance and most of Granville counties. Sossamon was  among those present Wednesday at the Triangle North Industrial Park, located in Granville County off U.S. 158 near I-85.

According to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel, 15 acres on the campus of the business park have been set aside for construction of the facility, the result of a collaboration among Granville County Economic Development, Kerr-Tar Council of Governments and the Triangle North board.

In her remarks at the event, Desmarais said the Triangle North Business Park represents a true collaboration among a cross-section of agencies, and it’s something that attracted her to the area. “I saw collaboration that I hadn’t seen before,” she said. “Today’s announcement is very important, for the people of Granville County and Vance County and the entire service area” the college supports.

No dates have been released for when work will begin, but this could well be the first to locate in the park. That fits in with Desmarais’s vision for VGCC to be a catalyst to build strong communities.

“Workforce development plus economic development equals regional prosperity,” Desmarais said.

The facility will support industry training needs in the areas of industrial maintenance, mechatronics, electronics, welding, and fabrication; serve as an advanced manufacturing company recruitment benefit; and support collaborative high school and college career and technical education partnerships. An investment of this magnitude will send a powerful message to current and future manufacturing stakeholders that our region values the manufacturing sector, supports growth and innovation, and increases employee value.

Abdul Rasheed, vice-chair of the VGCC Board of Trustees, talked about the impact the facility will have on the community.

“Doing this kind of investment begins to shape the kind of jobs, the kind of salaries, the kind of quality of life that we want for ourselves,” Rasheed said. “And that is very, very exciting to me.”

Granville County Board of Commissioners Chairman Russ May echoed sentiments from other speakers. This state funding makes possible the “beginning of some really great things for this community,” May said. “This is a start for much bigger and greater things for Granville and for Vance counties,” he said.

Additional construction funding will come from Granville County and from VGCC’s Board of Trustees.

VCS Announces September Student Spotlight Honorees

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Information courtesy of Aarika Sandlin, Vance County Schools Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support

 

Vance County Schools has named its three Student Spotlight winners for September. De’Shun Woods of Vance County Early College, Adreyan Burton of Vance County High School and Taelyn Evans of E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy are the first honorees for the 2023-24 school year.

Students are selected for demonstrating exemplary qualities and contributions to their school communities, according to Aarika Sandlin, VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support. The Student Spotlight program, sponsored by Vance County Schools and the Vance County Public School Foundation, aims to celebrate outstanding students who are making a meaningful difference in their schools.

 

De’Shun Woods, senior, Vance County Early College

Woods is a senior at Vance County Early College. He is a natural leader, said Student Government Association Sponsor Brian Schlessinger, who commended Woods for his “innate

leadership qualities and dedication to helping others.” He demonstrates leadership through his academic achievements and his willingness to provide guidance and support to his peers.

Biology teacher Vicki-Ann Fullwood Barrett cited his “consistent performance in the classroom and engagement in discussions, which have been commendable. Beyond academics, he has demonstrated a commitment to being well-rounded through involvement in extracurricular activities, showcasing his dedication to personal growth.”

Woods is vice president of the Student Government Association, president of the Beta Club and

and serves as community service director of the National Honor Society. He plays clarinet and is the woodwind captain for the Vance County High Band. Woods was crowned Homecoming King recently and is a Vance-Granville Community College ambassador. And if that’s not enough, Woods also has a job with Chick-fil-A of Henderson.

Criminology is one of his favorite classes, and Woods has stated that he would like to pursue a criminal justice degree at N.C. State University to prepare him for a career with the N.C. State Highway Patrol. Woods said recently that the class is learning policing styles and discrimination in law enforcement, which motivates him to encourage more minorities to join the profession.

In his down time, Woods likes to listen to R&B music and watch his favorite TV show, The Blacklist. He said his mother is his biggest role model – she works hard and he values her leadership qualities. When asked what advice he would share with others, he said that students must have a voice for themselves and not be deterred by others’ opinions. He wants to encourage people to help one another and become the best version of themselves. De’Shun Woods is a shining example of a student positively impacting the Vance County Early College community and the community at-large.

Adreyan Burton, Junior, Vance County High School

Burton, a junior at Vance County High School, shines brightly as the Student Spotlight for September. His journey at the school is marked by outstanding scholarship and leadership. His commitment to academics and his consistent placement at the top of his class is a testament to his dedication to excel in his studies, school leaders state.

His passion for knowledge is evident in his willingness to go above and beyond in his

schoolwork, always striving for excellence. Beyond academic achievements, Burton possesses an extraordinary leadership gifts that motivate and engage others. He inspires his peers and contributes to a positive learning environment.

His favorite subject is English, because he said it keeps his mind sharp and focused. But he takes time for activities outside the classroom like donning the VCS Viper costume for school and sports activities.

Burton exhibits empathy and kindness in all that he does and he is known for his willingness to help anyone in need, whether it’s creating a culture of support and inclusion at school or inviting a homeless person to a restaurant to make sure that individual had at least one meal that day.

Weightlifting helps him stay in shape and he also enjoys riding 4-wheelers, the music of Hunxo and Lil Tony and TV’s “The Regular Show.”

He admires his mom for teaching him independence and advises others to focus on themselves, be unique and keep smiling.

With aspirations of being an entrepreneur, Burton said he could see himself flipping house or having his own clothing store. His dream adventure includes a visit to Jamaica to enjoy the beaches and the cuisine unique to that Caribbean island.

Taelyn Evans, 4th grader, EM Rollins STEAM Academy 

Evans, a 4th grader at E.M. Rollins STEAM  Academy, was recognized for her exceptional talents and dedication for learning. She comes to class eager to listen, learn, and excel in all subject areas. Her commitment to education is seen in her academic achievements, but also in her willingness to assist her classmates with their questions and assignments. She is a great team player and collaborates well with her peers, making her a dependable and supportive classmate.

Math is her favorite subject because her teacher, Ebony Watkins, makes content fun, she said.

Beyond her academic focus, her passion for

learning is matched only by her love for dancing and

singing. She is a member of Queen of Diamonds dance team and superstar Beyonce is her role model in the area of performing arts. She participates in school musical performances and plays baseball in the community.

Asked what advice she would give to other students, Evans said she wants everyone to do their best, try hard, and remember what they learn in class. Also, to stay calm and have good behavior. She aspires to be a singer and a veterinarian because she loves singing and animals, especially dogs. Asked if she could go on an adventure in the world, she shared that she would visit Africa to see animals and

Jamaica to reconnect with a former teacher. Her motivation for attending school every day is that her mom wants her to have a good education, along with her siblings and a large, loving family.

It’s her dedication and enthusiasm for learning that puts this young lady in the September Student Spotlight. Her teachers are proud to witness her growth, achievements and her commitment to helping other students within the school.

Bicycle Tour Rolls Into Town Wednesday

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Drivers in Vance and Granville counties will get to share the roads with hundreds of cyclists Wednesday when Cycle North Carolina’s annual “Mountains to Coast bicycle tour rolls into town. The bikers will be arriving in Oxford as early as 10 a.m. and will continue on toward Henderson through the afternoon.

Organizers expected as many as 900 cyclists to start the trek from Banner Elk on Sunday, and wend their way to Emerald Isle by Saturday, Oct. 7.

Participants average about 60 miles each day, which has them passing through downtown Oxford and then on to Henderson, where they’ll spend the night before moving on to the next stop.

The cyclists will have a chance to shop, eat and visit in Oxford and Henderson, and there will be activities taking place to welcome the visitors.

to On Wednesday, October 4th, the annual Cycle North Carolina Mountains to Coast Bicycle Tour will be passing through our downtown area between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This event will bring up to 900 bicyclists to our streets, and we want to ensure that you are prepared for any potential impacts on your business.

 

 

TownTalk: Night Out Against Crime Tuesday, Oct. 3

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Local law enforcement officials are hoping to see a big turnout at the upcoming Night Out Against Crime, and they join event organizers who have planned a bevy of activities and fun for the whole family.

Come on down to Breckenridge Street on Tuesday, Oct. 3 between 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to take part in this annual event. Planning committee Lora Durham said law enforcement agencies from the city and the county will be on hand to help provide a positive interaction with the residents they serve. Durham, along with Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame and Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow, were guests on Wednesday’s TownTalk segment to spread the word about next week’s event.

“This is nothing but a positive thing,” said Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame. The event is designed to heighten awareness and have the community come together to learn more about how to make their neighborhoods safer.

Brame said he and Barrow enjoy a positive working partnership, and he wants citizens of the city and county to work in partnership, too.

Barrow said the Breckenridge Street location, just a few steps from his own office at the police department,  is a perfect fit to host the event.

“That one section has turned out to be one of our best locations to have events for the City of Henderson,” Barrow said. “It’s easy to cordon off and have any event we want. National Night Out is one of those events.”

Things kick off with remarks from Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington, local law enforcement leaders and others. Henderson and Vance County have participated in the National Night Out event since the mid-1990’s.

“The community does care about crime,” Durham said. “We want to prevent it as much as we can…This is a good, safe event where people can bring their children,” she said, adding that it also is an opportunity for people to learn more about keeping themselves and their neighborhoods safe.

“It’s gonna be a fun night,” Durham said, adding that children and grownups alike will have a “fantastic time.”

The Clearview Church Praise Team will offer a musical selection during the opening ceremony, and then later a DJ will play music as participants enjoy free food – hotdogs, chips and drinks while they last – and Kona Ice – the truck will be on hand providing free ice cones for the first 200 people.

City and county agencies will be on hand to provide information about the services they provide, including animal services, fire and rescue personnel, and other community agencies such as Crime Stoppers, Vance County Schools, Vance-Granville Community College.