The Vance County chapter of the North Carolina Farm Bureau recently presented a gift to the Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund to create a new scholarship in honor of Talmadge R. “Pete” Burgess, Sr.
Now retired and living with his wife, Sylvia, in Durham, Pete Burgess was for decades a Vance County farmer and community leader. He was instrumental in establishing the Vance County Regional Farmers Market, which opened in 2014.
The Vance County chapter of the North Carolina Farm Bureau recently presented a gift to the Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund to create a new scholarship in honor of Talmadge R. “Pete” Burgess, Sr., pictured above. (Photo courtesy VGCC)
After growing up on a Vance County farm, Burgess went to N.C. State University to study agricultural engineering on an ROTC scholarship, and then served in the United States Army. He worked as a safety engineer in the insurance industry for several years but returned to Vance County in 1968 to run a farm that had been in his wife’s family. At “Burgess Farms,” he grew tobacco, grain, hay and sweet corn, among other crops.
An active community volunteer, Burgess served as a board member of the county and state Farm Bureau organizations, president and board member of the Epsom Lions Club, board member of the Epsom Volunteer Fire Department, member of the Vance County Planning Board and board member for the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce. For his contributions to the county and, in particular, for his leading role in securing the land and funding for the regional farmers market, Burgess was honored by the Vance County Commissioners with the “Community Hero” award.
“We are proud to establish this scholarship to express our appreciation to Pete Burgess for his many years of service to the Farm Bureau, the farming community and Vance County as a whole,” said Thomas Shaw, president of the Vance County Farm Bureau, which Burgess once led. “A great storyteller and advocate, Pete has been instrumental in supporting and bringing together many local partners for the benefit of us all, including our local schools, the Cooperative Extension service, the Perry Memorial Library and the regional Farmers Market.”
The new gift continues a tradition of the organization’s generous support for education. Years ago, the Vance County Farm Bureau endowed an academic achievement scholarship at VGCC, which supports a student each year.
“Throughout his life, Pete Burgess has demonstrated an interest not only in agriculture but in giving back and supporting his community, so this scholarship is a fitting way to honor his service,” said Eddie Ferguson, VGCC’s endowment fund director. “We are grateful to the Vance County Farm Bureau for continuing to support Vance-Granville students through this new scholarship.”
“At Vance-Granville, our students are the Vanguards, which means they are ‘leaders,’ and Pete Burgess is the definition of a leader,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, the president of VGCC. “Thanks to the Vance County Farm Bureau, we can look forward to awarding the Pete Burgess scholarship to future leaders who can follow in his footsteps.”
Through the Endowment Fund, VGCC has awarded more than 9,700 scholarships to students since 1982. Scholarships have been endowed by numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff. Tax-deductible donations to the VGCC Endowment Fund have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business or industry with a lasting gift to education.
The Vance County Farm Bureau is encouraging friends of Pete Burgess to make donations to the Endowment Fund to help endow this scholarship at the Presidential Merit Award level. For more information or to make a contribution, call Kay Currin at (252) 738-3409.
Contributions to the scholarship fund can also be mailed to the Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund, at P.O. Box 917, Henderson, NC 27536.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Pete-Burgess.jpg265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-12-14 14:13:162020-12-14 14:13:16New VGCC Scholarship Honors Pete Burgess
If you have been down Dabney Drive near our store, I’m sure you’ve noticed the progress that’s been made on our remodel. Unfortunately, it was not enough to meet our targeted reopening date. Unforeseen circumstances arose which caused a delay.
Our remodel is scheduled to be finished around New Year’s, and we are planning on reopening the first week of January.
Thank you for your patronage throughout the years and we look forward to serving you soon!
(This is not a paid advertisement)
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Chick-fil-A-Henderson.jpg265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-12-14 10:29:502020-12-14 10:29:50Chick-fil-A Henderson Reopening Postponed to January
-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center
Welcome in the holiday season with McGregor Hall and the Miss North Carolina Scholarship Organization! McGregor Hall is thrilled to be the host venue and streaming sponsor for a Virtual Christmas Spectacular Show on Saturday, December 12, 2020, at 7 p.m.
The show will feature the reigning Miss North Carolina, Alexandra Badgett, and Miss North Carolina’s Outstanding Teen, Karlee Sanderford; Former Miss North Carolinas and Miss North Carolina’s Outstanding Teens from years past; and 10 current local Miss and Outstanding Teen candidates vying for the state crown in 2021.
Purchase a $25 ticket reservation (click here) to receive an exclusive viewing link to tune in virtually on December 12 in the comfort and safety of your home. This Christmas Spectacular will be streamed across the state (and nation) for all ages to enjoy.
The event will be pre-recorded, following all state and health protocols, at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson, North Carolina. Performers will be recorded individually to ensure personal safety in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
(This is not a paid advertisement)
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Miss-NC-Christmas-Spectacular-1.jpg265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-12-11 11:58:512020-12-11 11:58:51Reminder: Miss North Carolina Virtual Christmas Spectacular This Weekend!
(NOTE: THE TEXT OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S INFORMATION PROVIDED BELOW FROM THURSDAY (12-10-20) IS NOT CHANGED. HOWEVER, THIS UPDATE FROM FRIDAY (12-11-20) FROM THE VANCE COUNTY CLERK OF COURT AND INFORMATION FROM OTHER JUDGES MEANS THE COURTS AND DWI DEFENDENT PROCEDINGS ARE ALL CANCELED NOW.)
UPDATE 12-11-20 at 4:45pm
From the Clerk of Court in Vance County, the Hon. Henry L. Gupton, the DWIs are cancelled as well.
Gupton said, “After talking with our judges per notification we have received from AOC in Raleigh, beginning on Monday, December 14th and continuing for 30 days, all of our District Court Sessions have been cancelled. However, we will be conducting 96 hr, 48 hr hearings and any other statutory cases that need to be heard. All defendants will be notified in reference to a new court date. Also we have Superior Court scheduled for next week beginning on Monday. However Monday is cancelled. We are going to leave Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday open right now to determine if we will proceed with those days. We do have our Grand Jury scheduled to convene on Wednesday. That will go on as scheduled. Also, we will be holding our Small Claims Court session as scheduled.”
Updated 12-10-20
-Information courtesy the Office of District Attorney Michael D. Waters
After careful consideration, Vance and Granville County court officials have decided to cancel the office hours portion of Vance Disposition Court on Thursday, December 17, 2020, and Granville Disposition Court on Friday, December 18, 2020.
Defendants with DWI charges set for those days will still need to appear on their court date.
We feel that having a large group of people gather, even while social distancing and wearing masks, is unwise given the rising numbers of community spread COVID–19 cases in Vance and Granville counties.
If you have a court case that is NOT a DWI on one of those two dates, your case will be continued.
Vance County is pleased to announce the hiring of Christian Lockamy as the Director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission.
Lockamy comes to Vance County with over seven years of experience in economic development, most recently serving as the Economic Development Director with the Elizabeth City/Pasquotank County EDC. He previously served with the City of Greenville, North Carolina as a City Planner/GIS Specialist, Economic Development Research Manager, Senior Economic Developer and Interim Director of Economic Development.
Vance County is pleased to announce the hiring of Christian Lockamy as the Director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission. Lockamy will be relocating to Vance County and beginning his new duties effective January 19, 2021. (Photo courtesy County of Vance)
“We believe Christian’s skill set and experience will transition well to Vance County,” said County Manager Jordan McMillen. “His background in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and planning will complement well with his experience in business recruitment and retention, industrial site management and product development, grant writing and administration, and overall economic development management. We are excited to welcome Christian to Vance County.”
In Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County, he worked with others to develop a strategic plan, led efforts to launch a new economic development website and was instrumental in securing a large industrial site and certifying two industrial parks. Most recently he coordinated expansion efforts for Telephonics Corporation, Hockmeyer Equipment Corporation, and SAS Industries.
Lockamy holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning from East Carolina University and previously served in the US Navy onboard the USS Thorn, a Spruance Class Destroyer. He has already completed some coursework leading to the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification through the International Economic Development Council.
Lockamy was attracted to Henderson and Vance County due to its strategic location along a major Interstate highway, proximity to the Triangle Area, and recent company announcements by Mako Medical Laboratories and Select Tissue.
Lockamy stated, “Henderson and Vance County are perfect for industrial companies seeking a convenient, business-friendly location along the I-85 corridor. I’m also very excited to work with the County Commissioners and the EDC Board and would like to give a special shout-out to EDC Chairman and County Commissioner, Tommy Hester. Mr. Hester has been a champion of economic development for Vance County and the State of NC. I am looking forward to coupling my experience with his, and that of the EDC Board members to take Henderson and Vance County to the next level. This community and its people are first class, and I can’t be happier about this opportunity.”
Lockamy will be relocating to Vance County and beginning his new duties effective January 19, 2021.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Christian-Lockamy.jpg265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-12-10 13:31:392020-12-10 13:31:39Vance County Announces Christian Lockamy as Economic Development Director
-Information courtesy Director Brian Short, Henderson-Vance Co. Emergency Operations
Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations released the following information on the spread of COVID-19:
As of this morning, the total number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Vance County is 2,010.
Of those 2,010 cases, 1,827 are associated with community spread, 58 are associated with Pelican Health of Henderson, 51 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home (two of which are still active), 73 are associated with Senior Citizens Nursing Home (four of which are still active) and one is associated with Alliance Rehabilitative Care.
These numbers also include the 61 individuals who have tragically lost their lives to this illness in Vance County.
A total of 1,357 individuals have now been released from isolation, and 22 more remain hospitalized.
As of this morning, we have 592 known active cases of COVID-19 in Vance County. It is still very likely that our cases will continue to increase over the days and weeks ahead. At this time, our coordinated response posture remains the same and we are not altering our recommendations to the general public.
Testing is ongoing through Maria Parham Health, Granville Vance Public Health and private institutions.
There are currently 410,527 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in North Carolina, with 2,440 currently hospitalized and thus far 5,661 deaths. Please visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services Coronavirus statistics page at the following link to stay current on the number of cases in our state: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/covid-19-case-count-nc
Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations is monitoring this event very closely and will continue to issue informational releases as the situation develops.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0063_H-V-Emergency-Operations.jpg.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-12-10 11:01:402020-12-10 11:01:40Vance County Reaches 2,000+ Total, 592 Active COVID Cases
-Information courtesy Green Rural Redevelopment, Inc.
On Friday, December 11, a COVID-19 community testing and resource distribution event will be held from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at The Courtyards I&II, Woods I apartment complex located at 500 South Cooper Drive in Henderson. This day-long event brings FREE, safe COVID-19 testing, free groceries for families and free personal protection equipment (PPE) to the residents in the area.
As the coronavirus continues to spread throughout North Carolina, it’s more important than ever to get tested for COVID-19. People need to know their COVID status before celebrating the holidays. This is an important way to protect your health and the health of the ones you love.
Testing and distributions will be provided through drive-up service, with minimal or no-contact, in accordance with all precautions recommended for the prevention of the spread of the virus. Multiple testing bays will be operational throughout the day.
Broadening its commitment to the health and wellbeing of rural North Carolina, GRRO’s Healing Hearts @ Home Program formed a community health initiative partnership with other organizations and agencies serving the county. Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, Duke Health, Groundwater Solutions, Inc. and Genesis Project1 are pleased to join The Courtyards I&II, Woods I Apartment Complex to bring this important event to Henderson.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Free-COVID-Testing.jpg265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-12-09 12:21:122020-12-09 12:21:12Free COVID Testing, Food & PPE Distribution in Henderson Dec. 11
Maria Parham Health (MPH), a Duke LifePoint hospital, is excited to announce that Kayla J. Cagle-Colon, MD, has joined their women’s care practice, Maria Parham Women’s Care. Dr. Cagle-Colon joins the community from New York, New York where she has completed her residency program.
“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Cagle-Colon to North Carolina to practice at Maria Parham Health,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Women’s Care is a growing need in our community, and Dr. Cagle-Colon’s training at Yale and fellowship at Bellevue Hospital (New York, New York) have given her a great breadth of experience in a wide range of procedures that people in our region need. This expertise will be important as Maria Parham Health works to make our community healthier.”
Kayla J. Cagle-Colon, MD, has joined Maria Parham Health’s women’s care practice, Maria Parham Women’s Care. (Photo courtesy MPH)
Dr. Cagle-Colon earned her medical degree from the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD. She completed a residency program at New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY. Dr. Cagle-Colon is a member of the American Medical Women’s Association, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists.
When she is not working, Dr. Cagle-Colon enjoys fishing, horseback riding, reading, traveling, and quality time with her husband and two dogs.
Dr. Cagle-Colon is now accepting patients at Maria Parham Women’s Care, located at 1209 SE Industry Drive in Oxford, North Carolina. This practice offers women’s health care services including, well-woman visits, obstetrical care, birth control management, high-risk pregnancy care, and menopause management.
To schedule an appointment, please call (252) 492-8576.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Dr.-Kayla-Cagle-Colon-MPH.jpg265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-12-09 11:14:212020-12-09 11:14:21Dr. Kayla J. Cagle-Colon Joins Maria Parham Women’s Care
Antoinette C. Dickens, Department Chair of Public Service and Work-Based Learning Coordinator for Vance-Granville Community College, was recently named the winner of the North Carolina Work-Based Learning Association (NCWBLA) Jon A. Young Award for 2020. This award recognizes the outstanding NCWBLA member of the year, one who exemplifies the ideals of Work-Based Learning by making significant contributions to the mission and goals of the association.
Work-Based Learning (WBL) is an academic program at VGCC that combines classroom studies with on-the-job, career-related work experience. The goal is to provide students with not only the curriculum to succeed but also with the hands-on and on-site experience they will need to succeed in the workforce.
Antoinette Dickens holds her plaque for the NCWBLA Jon A. Young Award. (Photo courtesy VGCC)
“We congratulate Antoinette for being recognized at the state level for her talents and her contributions to Work-Based Learning,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of VGCC. “She has revised and streamlined the WBL processes at VGCC, helping our students gain skills and prepare for promising careers.”
A resident of Rolesville, Dickens has served as the WBL Coordinator at VGCC since 2016. Under her leadership, the Work-Based Learning program saw a 27% increase in student hours completed from 2018-2019 to 2019-2020. In her other role at the college, Dickens provides leadership for several curriculum programs: Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education and Paralegal Technology.
She has served in leadership roles at the NCWBLA, as an at-large board member and as Treasurer.
“WBL is an experiential class/program that provides students with the opportunity to apply theories and skills learned in class to the workplace,” Dickens noted. “It is a win-win-win situation for all parties involved! First, students are able to gain experience and work skills needed to be successful in their careers. Second, employers benefit from having students and graduates who possess the skills and education to successfully meet their employment needs. And third, VGCC benefits from WBL in that it allows the college to forge new community relationships, or strengthen existing ones.”
Dickens started her higher education at VGCC, earned a Paralegal Certificate from the American Institute of Paralegal Studies, and later completed a bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies at North Carolina Wesleyan College, and a master’s degree in human services counseling: criminal justice at Liberty University.
She has held a variety of positions in the justice system, as a Deputy Clerk of Superior Court in Vance County, a legal assistant in the District Attorney’s office in Oxford, a juvenile court counselor, and a paralegal working for law firms in Louisburg, Warrenton and Raleigh. Dickens was an instructor for VGCC’s Criminal Justice Technology program from 2004 through 2010. She rejoined VGCC in 2013 as the first person to head the college’s Paralegal Technology program.
For more information on participating in WBL at VGCC, contact Dickens at (252) 738-3609 or dickensa@vgcc.edu.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Antoinette-Dickens.jpg265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-12-09 09:33:322020-12-09 09:33:32VGCC’s Dickens Receives Statewide Award for Work-Based Learning
