Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

VGCC’s 38th Annual Golf Tournament May 9-10; Register Now!

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Registration is underway for the 38th annual Vance-Granville Community College golf tournament. Golfers interested in signing up to play need to swing into action before the April 15 deadline.

The VGCC Foundation Golf Tournament is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, May 9-10, at the Henderson Country Club.  Gupton Services, Inc. of Henderson will serve as the event’s presenting sponsor.

The tournament is a primary fundraiser for the VGCC Foundation, according to a press statement from VGCC’s Jerry Edmonds III, vice president of Workforce & Community Engagement.

All proceeds from the tournament are used to fund student scholarships and to support the mission of the college.

The golf tournament provides resources for VGCC’s efforts to remove barriers to education as it enhances and expands ways to address need-based aid for students and promote equitable outcomes for all learners, said Tanya Weary, executive director of the VGCC Foundation.

But the tournament also provides an opportunity for golfers and non-golfers alike to come together and demonstrate their support of VGCC and its impact on the broader community.

VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais said she welcomes the opportunity to interact with all those who come out to play or watch. “We look forward to fellowshipping with our golf friends and thank you for your support of the VGCC mission,” Desmarais said.

The golf tournament will be held over two afternoons. Golfers who want to register in teams are asked to do so on the event’s website https://www.vgcc.edu/golf. Entry fee includes lunch, a golfer swag bag and a cookout at the end of each day.

There also are sponsorship opportunities available for businesses looking to promote their brand and support a worthy cause. Donations may be made via the event website or by emailing  foundation@vgcc.edu.

Presenting sponsor Gupton Services is a local HVAC, roofing and building automation systems company that traces its origins back to 1921, when C.P. Tanner established a sheet metal-working plant in Henderson.  Tanner Roofing became Owen Gupton Roofing and in 2019, Henderson native Greg Etheridge became its owner and president.

“As a local small business, we are happy to take a leadership role in the community and to support Vance-Granville Community College,” Etheridge said.  “If you look at the research, the benefits of postsecondary education and skills training to both the individual and our community are enormous.  The VGCC Foundation helps make education affordable and accessible to this region, and we must encourage that, in order to promote economic mobility and job security for our citizens.”

VGCC continues to be a source of economic growth because it provides an educated and skilled workforce that improves the quality of life for individual students and the community.  Careers in HVAC, electronics engineering, mechatronics, welding and auto mechanics are just a few areas in high demand.

Whether just entering the job market or making a career change, VGCC helps students along their career paths as they develop the skills needed to fill jobs in high-demand areas.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

COVID-19 Cases Continue Downward Trend In Vance, Granville

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New cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in Vance and Granville counties over the past week, and Granville Vance Public Health Director Lisa Harrison said that while this is good news for the community, it’s important to pay close attention to what’s happening outside the community – even on other continents – to remain vigilant about safety precautions.

Vance County reported 10 new cases in the 7-day period ending Mar. 18; Granville reported 16 new cases in that same time frame. Both counties are in the low category for percent positivity – 2.7 percent for Vance and 1.7 percent for Granville, according to information from GVPH.

Both counties are now below the state’s percent positive rate of 2.3 percent.

There have been 14,173 cases of COVID-19 in Granville County and 11,809 cases of COVID-19 in Vance County for a total of 25,982 across the health district.

Granville County has documented 111 deaths as a result of COVID-19 and Vance County has a total of 112 deaths for a total of 223 deaths across the health district.

“It is true that we are in a much better and much different place than we have been during the pandemic,” Harrison said. “It is also true the pandemic is not over. Never underestimate the power of data, of your public health teams, health care provider teams, education support teams, and in general, where many of us turn often: Faith, Hope, and Love. Whatever the future brings, we have the courage and the tools to navigate it,” she said.

Beginning Wednesday, Mar. 23, the DHHS dashboard summary will reflect how the state’s health offiicials are continuing to keep a close watch on COVID-19 trends in the state. The following seven metrics will be used, with less emphasis of the percentage of positive tests:

 

  • Wastewater surveillance, which can detect COVID
  • Emergency department reports of people coming in with COVID-like illnesses
  • Hospital admission numbers
  • Case trends
  • Booster shot rates
  • Prevalence of variants
  • Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on community spread in the states.

This change is being made because so many people are testing themselves at home and not necessarily reporting results to DHHS, Harrison said.

She added information on a recent increase in cases and hospitalizations in the United Kingdom and  other European countries. There are several possible reasons for this increase, Harrison noted: the more transmissible BA.2 Omicron variants, more people gathering more often without masks and waning immunity from vaccination or previous infection.

State public health and political leaders held a press conference on Thursday, Mar. 17 and the main points of the press conference were:

  • We can look forward with the belief that the worst of this pandemic is behind us and it’s also important to take stock at how far we have come.
  • There are COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, testing supplies, and improved infrastructure to help people make choices as they live amid the virus.
  • Now we turn the page on the pandemic to a new phase – “one of individual responsibility, preparedness, and prosperity.”

“While COVID is now a threat we can manage, it has not disappeared,” NC DHSS Secretary Kody Kinsley said. “We will remain vigilant and we will work to equip you with the information and tools you need to make choices that are best for you and your family.”

Four principles will guide the DHHS response, Kinsley said, to “ensure a fast and fair response that improves the health, safety and well-being of all North Carolinians.”

The guiding principles are:

  • Empowering individuals to make informed decisions for themselves and their families
  • Maintaining health system capacity
  • Collaborating with local partners
  • Prioritizing equity in access to vaccines, treatments and other tools, as well as crucial information

Stay up-to-date by visiting https://gvph.org/

Vance County Sheriff's Office

One Arrested On Drug Charges By Vance Sheriff’s Narcotics Division

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A man was arrested on drug charges Friday during a traffic stop in the Townsville community, according to Vance Sheriff Curtis R. Brame.

In a press statement to WIZS News, Brame said

Vance County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division conducted a motor vehicle stop for traffic violations and detected the odor of marijuana.

Further investigation led to the seizure of a small amount of marijuana and crack cocaine.

Frederick Harris, 54, was arrested on one count of

felony possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance, (Crack Cocaine) and one count of simple possession of Schedule VI Controlled Substances, (Marijuana).

An unsecured bond of $10,000 was set and Harris was scheduled to appear in court today (Monday, Mar. 21).

Sheriff: Toddler Dies In Weekend Accident

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A toddler has died after being hit by a moving vehicle, according to the Vance County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Curtis R. Brame said in a press release that the accident occurred on Saturday, Mar. 19. Deputies responded to a call at 6:04 p.m. to 1320 Railroad St.

An 18-month-old was transported to Maria Parham Medical Center by Vance County EMS, and died as a result of injuries received in the accident.

Brame said the North Carolina Highway Patrol is assisting in the investigation because a motor vehicle was involved in the child’s death.

No further details are available at this time.

 

 

Schools Survey Seeks Input From Community As Part Of Strategic Planning

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There’s still one day left to help Vance County Schools as school officials plan for the next few years.

Members of the community are being asked to complete a survey to share opinions and information as they begin creating a strategic roadmap for 2022-2025, according to information from VCS Director of Communication and Marketing Aarika Sandlin.

The information from the surveys will help guide school officials with the planning  process, Sandlin said.

The survey will be open until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 22.

There’s a link to the survey on the Vance County Schools website, https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/ or find the link here:

https://forms.gle/LQuo7s5TW7dzpk4a8

Vance GOP

Vance GOP Convention Mar. 22

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The Vance County Republican Party will hold its annual convention on Tuesday, Mar. 22.

The convention will be held in the Family Life Center of South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church, 905 American Rd., Henderson, according to information from local GOP Chairman Jimmy Barrier.

Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. and light refreshments will be available. The convention kicks off with precinct meetings at 6:30 p.m., followed by a business session at 7 p.m.

On the agenda to speak at the convention will be GOP district and state dignitaries and many candidates running for seats at the local, district and state level in the May 17 primary election.

Guests are welcome to attend the convention, Barrier said, but only county residents who were registered Republicans on or before Jan. 31, 2022 may take part in voting on convention issues.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Vance Farmers Market Advisory Board To Meet Mar. 31

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The Vance County Regional Farmers Market Advisory Board will meet in person at the Market on Thursday, Mar. 31 at 2 pm.

Primary agenda items will be reviewing the 2021 season and reporting on preparations for the 2022 season, according to information from Paul McKenzie with Vance County Cooperative Extension.

The meeting is open to the public. Registration is requested (but not required) as it will help us plan for sufficient spaced-out seating.

For more information or to register: 252.438.8188 or paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu. The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Drive in Henderson.

Find more information on the Farmers Market at http://go.ncsu.edu/vcrfm.

Plant A Tree In Honor Of Arbor Day

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-story courtesy of N.C Dept. of Agriculture

Today is Arbor Day in North Carolina, a day to remember the important role trees play in the lives of the state’s human residents, but also to the many animals who need wildlife habitats to thrive.

This year marks the 150th observance of Arbor Day, which first was observed in Nebraska in 1872, according to information from the N.C. Department of Agriculture.

“Trees clean our air, filter our water and are essential to wildlife habitats, which are benefits to all of us,” said N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

One goal identified in the recently updated North Carolina Forest Action Plan is to conserve and enhance the sustainable management of urban forests. Planting trees and responsible urban forest management at the local level including community involvement and participation in urban forestry recognition programs are critical to sustaining healthy forest resources in North Carolina.

“Planting trees is an easy way we can all contribute to the sustainable management and preservation of North Carolina’s forests for future generations,” Troxler said.

North Carolina is fortunate to have a variety of state forestry programs that protect forest resources by supporting landowners and communities with tree-planting, site preparation and forest improvement, said David Lane, state forester. Among these are cost-share programs such as the Forest Development Program and the Urban and Community Forestry grant program, both managed by the N.C. Forest Service. The NCFS Urban and Community Forestry program also oversees the application and award process for Tree City USA, Tree Campus Higher Education and Tree Line USA.

Learn more about N.C. Forest Service urban and community forestry programs and services at www.ncforestservice.gov/Urban/Urban_Forestry.htm. Learn more about the updated North Carolina Forest Action Plan at www.ncforestactionplan.com/.

 

McGregor Hall

McGregor Hall Presents “Living with Ruthie Mae” Sunday At 2 PM

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Tickets are still available for Sunday afternoon’s performance at McGregor Hall of Garrett Davis’s play “Living with Ruthie Mae,” and patrons are reminded that the mask mandate has been lifted for indoor spaces.

The show had to be rescheduled from mid-January, and all tickets from that original date will be honored with the same seat selection. The show begins at 2 p.m.

“Living with Ruthie Mae” is a comedy about that one sweet family member who doesn’t know when to go home – the most recent work of the North Carolina playwright – and features Shirley Jones of The Jones Girls and American Idol finalist Scott Savol.

According to information from McGregor Hall, “per our local and state health guidelines, we are no longer requiring masks to be worn in our facility. However, we do encourage our patrons to exercise their personal judgment on what is best for the health and safety of you and your family when visiting McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center.”

Visit https://www.mcgregorhall.org/ to purchase tickets online.

NC Department of Insurance

Check Those Smoke Alarm Batteries!

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The catchy phrase “spring ahead, fall back” is a good reminder for setting clocks to reflect the beginning and end of Daylight Savings Time. But fire officials everywhere would love to tack on an extra reminder to check or change smoke alarm batteries, too. It’s not as catchy, but “change your clock, change your batteries” serves as a reminder that could save lives. And since Daylight Savings Time just began a few days ago, it’s still a good idea to check those batteries.

Local fire departments often will change faulty smoke detectors. Contact your local fire department to learn more about this program.

According to N.C. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, “changing your clock either back or forward should be like tying a string around your finger to remember to check your smoke alarm battery. The two practices need to go hand in hand.” Causey also is the state fire marshal.

“Changing the battery routinely is an important step to keep your home and everyone inside safe. Smoke alarms cut the chances of dying in a fire in half, but they have to be in proper working condition in order to do their job,” Causey said in a press statement.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, families have an average of three minutes to get out of their homes once their smoke alarm sounds due to fire. However, those life-saving minutes only occur when alarms are fully powered and operational.

There were 134 fire deaths in North Carolina in 2021, and in many of those incidents, a proper-working smoke alarm was not inside the home. So far this year, there have been 31 fire deaths.

The NFPA reports three out of every five home fire deaths across the nation resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Dead batteries caused one-quarter of the smoke alarm failures. Hardwired power source problems caused 7 percent of the failures. The rest of the failures occurred because of defective or improperly installed alarms.

Causey offered these tips in addition to checking and changing smoke alarm batteries:

  • Place a smoke alarm on every level of your home outside sleeping areas. If you keep bedroom doors shut, place a smoke alarm in each bedroom.
  • Teach children what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do when they hear it.
  • Prepare and practice an escape plan – know at least two ways to get out of a room, crawl low under smoke and plan where to meet outside.
  • Keep smoke alarms clean by regularly vacuuming over and around it.  Dust and debris can interfere with its operation.
  • Install smoke alarms away from windows, doors, or ducts that can interfere with their operation.
  • Never remove the battery from or disable a smoke alarm.  If your smoke alarm is sounding “nuisance alarms,” try locating it further from kitchens or bathrooms.
  • Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms once a month to make sure they’re in proper working order.

Visit website smoke alarms page to learn more.