The late Virginia Hamilton has been called “a majestic presence” in children’s literature.” She was greatly influenced by growing up on a small Ohio farm and by her extended family — but especially by her parents, who were gifted storytellers. Hamilton went on to write or edit more than 35 children’s books — many of them reflecting the life of African-Americans. Her works, such as “M.C. Higgins the Great,” won nearly every award possible, including the National Book Award, the …
Month: February 2012
Richard Brand: How Much More Do They Want?
Perhaps I should not be surprised by the current events. There is something in all of us that is always wanting more. If you watch young children at Christmas, the list of presents they want is always growing. Shopping is supposed to be our number one activity. We are creatures who are not satisfied for very long with what we have. We tend to want something more or something different after we have gotten what we want. But when …
Henderson NC Shoplifters of the Week
The following individuals have been charged as result of shoplifting incidents in the Henderson area. Photographs were not available for all suspects. Suspect- Fabio Gauna, 45, 1442 Perry Avenue, Henderson, N.C.Charge- Misdemeanor larcenyVictim- Wal-MartItems- Razors, underwear, jeansCited and released Suspect- Amanda Paynter, 22, 2886 Flat Rock, Franklinton, N.CCharge- ShopliftingVictim- Roses StoresItems- ShoesReceived a 500.00 Unsecured bond Suspect- Jason Humphries, 30, 615 Walter Bowen Rd., Henderson, N.C.Charge- ShopliftingVictim- Wal-MartItems- Body LotionCited and Released Suspect- Kevin Bryant Long, 37, 85 Crowder Lane, …
Henderson – Vance Crime Stoppers Requesting Help on Cases
The Henderson – Vance Crime Stoppers is requesting help solving the following cases. Crime Stoppers will pay rewards up to $2,000.00 for information leading to the arrest of persons responsible for this and other criminal offenses. All information received is kept confidential. The Crime Stoppers phone number is 492-1925. Callers do not have to give their name. Armed Robbery Case: On January 23, 2012 at 12:02 am The Henderson Police department was dispatched to an armed robbery at Anna’s Quick …
VGCC Students Hold Musical Fundraiser
The Vance-Granville Community College chapter of the Phi Beta Lambda business student organization will hold a fundraiser concert with a “retro” theme on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. in the Civic Center on the college’s main campus in Vance County. “Back in the Day: A Musical Tribute to The Good Old Days” will feature gospel-themed skits and musical performances by local artists. Among the scheduled acts are gospel skits performed by Sister Doris Burnette and Ann Harris of Church …
Congresswoman Renee Elmers Survey
Creating Jobs. Balancing the Budget. Taxes. Healthcare. Education. Energy. Immigration. Afghanistan. Abortion. Second Amendment Rights. Your views are very important to me. Please fill out this brief survey. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. It’s an honor and a pleasure to serve you in Congress. Questions include: MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE What is the most important issue you would like me to address in Congress? BALANCE THE BUDGET The national Debt is $15 Trillion. I …
Monday Open Lines
Tonight the Vance County Board of Commissioners will hold a meeting, with a lengthy over 200 page agenda packet. You may download the packet on here. Weekly Address: It’s Time for Congress to Act to Help Responsible Homeowners. President Obama continues his call for a return to American values, including fairness and equality, as part of his blueprint for an economy built to last. West Wing Week: Riding the Advanced Technology Superhighway This week, the President made history by holding …
Moped Driver Killed In Accident
On Friday February 3, 2012, at 1:12 P.M., members of the Henderson Police Department Patrol Division responded to the intersection of East Andrews Avenue and Clark Street in Henderson. Officers arrived on scene and found the victim lying in the roadway. The investigation revealed that the victim had been operating a moped at the time of the collision. The moped had been struck by a pickup truck pulling a trailer. At the present time all names are being held …
Vance County Board of Commissioners Meeting Monday February 6th, 2012
Please download the full agenda packet for Monday’s meeting here. 20120206_vcboc_agenda_packet (221 pages) Brian Short’s presentation for the 911 backup site can be found here: 20120206_Back Up PSAP Proposal Draft 7 Vance County BOC
Vance County School Dropout Rates Improve, But Is Still 5th Highest in State
Local Education Agencies (LEAs) with the largest high school dropout rates were Swain County, Lexington City, Thomasville City, Edenton/Chowan, Vance County, Person County, Kannapolis City, Scotland County, Bladen County and Granville County. Vance County saw 5.55% of students drop out for the 2010-2011 year. The number is better than the previous years, however with 2008-2009 at 6.87% and 2009-2010 at 6.38%. For 2010-2011 year 81 dropouts were blacks, 22 hispanic, and 22 whites. 75 were male, 54 were female. Reported …
Former Rep Bob Etheridge Announces Run for Governor
Former Rep. Bob Etheridge announced Thursday that he is running for the Democratic nomination for governor. Etheridge released a statement Thursday announcing he was running for the job, just hours after former University of North Carolina system president Erskine Bowles decided against it. After considerable thought and a whole lot of encouragement, I am announcing today, my candidacy for the Democratic Party nomination for Governor. My life’s work has been about improving the public education system in North Carolina. As …
VGCC Computer classes scheduled at Main Campus in February
Vance-Granville Community College is currently registering students for two popular computer courses being offered on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County. The “Beginner’s Guide to Computers & Internet” class is scheduled for Tuesday evenings from 6 until 10 p.m., Feb. 21 through March 27. Novice students will get an introduction to the common components and many uses of personal computers through the Windows environment. Students will also learn effective ways to make the most of the Internet in their …
Money Matters: Your Path to Financial Wellness
Brenda Williams is the Director of Financial Literacy for the Department of the Treasury in North Carolina. On January 24, Brenda attended the Help for Homeowners event in Charlotte to speak on a Community Partner Roundtable moderated by the U.S. Treasury. This event offered community leaders and industry professionals the opportunity to learn more about the various Making Home Affordable (MHA) programs. Topics included the impact of MHA in the marketplace, other local and national approaches to foreclosure prevention, and …
Butterfield Congratulates Judge A. Leon Stanback, Jr. on Appointment as Interim District Attorney
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman G.K. Butterfield (NC-01) today called retired Judge A. Leon Stanback, Jr. to congratulate him on his recent appointment by Governor Bev Perdue to serve as interim District Attorney for Durham County. Judge Stanback was asked to serve until the controversy involving the county’s current District Attorney is resolved. “I have known Leon Stanback for more than 45 years, dating back to when we both attended North Carolina Central University,” said Butterfield. “Judge Stanback is a very …
VGCC Psychology Instructor Invites public to Stress seminar
Peter Metzner, a Psychology instructor at Vance-Granville Community College, will offer a free seminar about stress management, and the public is invited. In the seminar, entitled “Practicing Safe Stress,” Metzner will help participants learn how to recognize stress and better manage stressors found in school and life. He will also lead participants through an experiential relaxation exercise. This seminar will be offered twice: on Tuesday, Feb. 14 from 1 until 2 p.m.; and on Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 1 until …
Friday / Weekend Open Line
On the list of those who have been awarded the nation’s highest honor is Milton Olive III, a slightly built young man from the South Side of Chicago. Pfc Olive was a member of the 503rd Infantry Regiment fighting in Vietnam, as he and four fellow soldiers were pursuing the enemy through the jungle, a grenade suddenly landed in their midst. Olive saved the lives of his fellow soldiers by throwing himself on top of the grenade, his body absorbing …
Senator Doug Berger Message
The numbers define the tragedy across North Carolina: 1,700 classroom teachers and 2,300 teachers’ assistants GONE! Laid off because the General Assembly failed to adequately fund classroom teachers. With the layoffs, North Carolina plummets to 49th nationally in per-pupil spending. The tragedy does not stop in primary grades: Community college in-state tuition UP: 18%. On the university level, 3,000 university employees: CUT! University tuition costs rising: Faster than inflation! The tragedy hits our communities. For example, Vance-Granville Community College has …
Unemployment Rates in Vance County Increases to 13.3% for December 2011
November 2011 rate for Vance County was 13.1%. Unemployment rates increased in 93 of North Carolina’s 100 counties in December. Rates decreased in four counties and remained the same in three. “Our focus is helping existing and new employers grow jobs in North Carolina,” said N.C. Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Dale Carroll. “Assisting our customers with finding work and helping them through programs at our DES offices and JobLink Career Centers statewide remains our priority.” North Carolina had 37 …
Caterpillar Again Chooses North Carolina for Expansion
RALEIGH – Gov. Bev Perdue announced today that Caterpillar Inc., the largest maker of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, and industrial gas turbines in the world, will expand its manufacturing facilities in Johnston County. The company plans to create 199 jobs over the next five years and invest $33 million. The project was made possible in part by state grants from the Job Development Investment Grant program and One North Carolina Fund. “Creating jobs is my top …
Nurse Aide courses scheduled at VGCC Main Campus
Vance-Granville Community College is now registering students for the Introduction to Nurse Aide and Nurse Aide Level I (CNA I) courses, which are scheduled to start soon at the college’s Main Campus in Vance County. The “Introduction to Nurse Aide/Human Resources Development” course is a prerequisite to Nurse Aide Level I and will be offered twice: March 6-9, each day from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., and March 13-16, each day from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. There is no …