Backpacks Donated by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Nu Chi Omega chapter

— courtesy Vance County Schools

Members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Nu Chi Omega chapter presented 150 new backpacks filled with school supplies to Superintendent Anthony Jackson for distribution to needy children in Vance County Schools.

The presentation was made on November 6, in the school system’s Administrative Services Center.

The “Backpack Initiative” is one of the initiatives established by the current international president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Dr. Dorothy Buchanan Wilson. The sorority pledged to donate one million backpacks to schools in the United States and other countries from 2014-2018. It is set to reach that goal and surpass it.

Presenting the backpacks to Dr. Jackson in the accompanying photo are sorority members, from left, Patricia Williams, Vivian Bullock, Sarah Baskerville, Nakeshia Rolle and Carol Simmons.

Families Living Violence Free

Domestic Violence 101

WIZS News has been asked to announce the following courtesy of Families Living Violence Free in Oxford:

Peggy Roark
Adult & Empowerment Services
Sexual Assault Advocate & PREA Coordinator
Families Living Violence Free
125 Oxford Outer Loop Road
PO Box 1632
Oxford, NC 27565
Email: Proark@flvf.org
Office: 919-693-3579
Crisis: 919-693-5700
Hispanic Crisis 919-690-0888
Website: www.flvf.org
Like us on Facebook!

Giving Voice and Support to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victims

News 11/13/17

Town Talk 11/10/17

News 11/10/17

Heroin Traffickers Arrested in Warren and Franklin Counties

— courtesy North Carolina SBI and NC Dept. of Public Safety

RALEIGH – The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Warren and Franklin County Sheriffs’ offices arrested six men Nov. 8 on heroin trafficking charges following a three-month undercover operation.

Charged were Steven Lamar Cooke, 35, of Warrenton; Derrick Lamont Cooke, 38 of Warrenton; Dalton Raheim Williams, 33 of Warrenton; Kiree Dequan Williams, 22, of Warrenton; Jamar Shaheen Foster, 25 of Warrenton; and Traquan Foster, 25, of Warrenton. Charges ranged from trafficking in heroin to home invasion. The men were taken to the Warren County Jail.

The operation, dubbed Operation Cooke Out, centered on the home of brothers Steven and Derrick Cooke who allegedly ran an open-air heroin market. More than 900 dosage units of heroin were purchased or seized during the operation.

“Heroin is poisoning our streets at an alarming rate,” said Timothy L. Gay, assistant special agent in charge of SBI’s Capital District Office. “This is why it is important for law enforcement bring their resources together and target dealers like these to make a difference in our communities.”

Warren County Sheriff Johnny Williams said drug trafficking has been on the increase in his county.

“This will not be the end,” Williams said. “We will continue to diligently fight illegal drug activities and put offenders in jail.”

The operation began as a result of citizens’ complaints. Franklin County Sheriff Kent Winstead said he appreciated the joint effort to get the suspects apprehended.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” Winstead said. “We will continue to apprehend and arrest drug dealers who are a dangerous blight on our communities.”

Charges are as follows:

Steven Lamar Cooke
Three counts of conspiracy to sell and deliver heroin; one count of possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver, (PWIMSD); one count felony sale of heroin.
$860,000 secured bond.

Derrick Lamont Cooke
PWIMSD; felony count of maintaining a vehicle and dwelling for the manufacture and sale of heroin; felony possession of drug paraphernalia.
$30,000 secured bond

Dalton Raheim Williams
Felony possession of cocaine; possession of marijuana; felony count of maintaining a vehicle and dwelling for the manufacture and sale of heroin; felony count of PWIMSD, felony count of trafficking heroin or opium; one count trafficking; felony count of selling heroin; felony count delivering heroin.
$420,000 secured bond

Kiree Dequan Williams
Misdemeanor breaking and entering, resisting public officer
$5,000 secured bond

Jamar Shaheen Foster
Misdemeanor breaking and entering, resisting public officer
$5,000 secured bond

Traquan Foster
Misdemeanor breaking and entering, resisting public officer
$5,000 secured bond

The SBI provides expert criminal investigative assistance to local law enforcement agencies when requested by police, sheriffs, district attorneys or judges. The agency also has original jurisdiction in cases such as drug and arson investigations, election law violations, gambling, child sexual abuse in day care centers, computer crimes against children and crimes involving state property.

###

American Education Week

— courtesy Vance County Schools

During November 13-17, the nation will observe American Education Week, a time to celebrate public education and the educators who make a difference every day in the lives of children.

We invite parents, community and business leaders, and elected officials to our 17 Vance County Public Schools, so that they can see the exciting learning that is taking place in our classrooms.
All visitors to our schools are to report to the office. They ideally can contact the principal and set up an appointment, but any school administrator will be glad to talk with them and take them around the school as time permits.
Granville Crime Stoppers

Granville Crimes Late Oct, Early Nov 2017

— courtesy Granville County Crime Stoppers

Sometime between Saturday, October 21st and Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property of a residence located off Old Roxboro Road, Oxford , NC and criminally removed a Craftsman generator from underneath an open shed.

Sometime between Wednesday, November 1st, 2017 late evening and Thursday, November 2nd, 2017 early morning hours an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property of Oxford Mini Mart convenience store located off Williamsboro Street, Oxford, NC and forced entry into the store, which caused criminal property damage. Also, criminals removed cash money and two cash boxes from the cash register. A Nissan Altima vehicle silver in color was involved in this incident.

If you have information concerning these incidents, please contact the Granville County Sheriff’s Office at 919-693-3213 or call Crime Stoppers 919-693-3100.

THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS AUTHORIZED THE PAYMENT OF A REWARD OF UP TO $1,000 FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST/INDICTMENT(S) OF PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE CRIMES. IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION CONCERNING THESE CRIMES OR ANY OTHER SERIOUS CRIME(S) IN GRANVILLE COUNTY. YOU ARE ASKED TO CALL THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS IN OXFORD AT 919-693-3100.

Houston Astros Carlos Díaz Visits Granville Central High School

— courtesy Granville County Schools

The Spanish students at Granville Central High School recently had the privilege of listening to Carlos Díaz, Center Fielder of the Houston Astros, talk about Puerto Rico and the current crisis affecting the country. He shared places to visit, typical food, and information about the status of Puerto Rico since Hurricane María and Irma. He also shared information about being well-rounded students who are excelling in the classroom and on the field. He encouraged students that are looking to enter professional sports to make sure that they are well rounded because sports are a part of who you are, but they don’t define who you are.

Right Carlos Diaz, Left, Spanish Teacher Wendy Owens

Franklin County Logo

Franklin County Celebrates its Veterans

— courtesy Franklin County Government

Veterans will be honored November 10 with a program and luncheon

Franklin County citizens will unite Friday, November 10th to show love and appreciation for veterans in the county, state and nation who have bravely served our armed forces and to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Franklin County is stepping it up this year, celebrating veterans with both a program and luncheon in their honor! This year’s program will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the parking area behind the Hamilton H. Hobgood Courthouse Annex, 113 S. Main Street, Louisburg, North Carolina. Guest speaker will be Robert Elliott of the Veterans Farm of North Carolina. Musical selections will be rendered by the Louisburg High School Band and Chorus as well as other special musical guests. A luncheon for veterans will follow at noon. In the event of rain, the celebration will be held in the auditorium of Louisburg High School.

The Franklin County Veterans Service Office hopes citizens will attend the program to show support for military personnel both near and far and to remember many are on foreign soil fighting for the freedoms we enjoy on a daily basis.

For more information on the event, contact the Franklin County Veterans Service Office at 919-496-1939. Additional contact numbers can be obtained by visiting Franklin County’s website at www.franklincountync.us.