2018 NC Hot Sauce Contest to Heat Up Downtown Oxford – Sat., Sept. 8

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-Information courtesy the City of Oxford website

The NC Hot Sauce Contest will bring thousands of people to downtown Oxford on Saturday, September 8, 2018, to interact with friends, merchants, fans, artisans and vendors. In 2017, the contest topped 18,000 visitors.

North Carolina’s finest hot and barbeque sauces, along with breweries and wineries spice up the blends and texture of downtown’s historical streets. Enter the NC Pepper Eating Contest sponsored by Bailey Farms.

Capture all the history of Oxford by visiting the Granville County Museum and their September Sensations Bazaar at the Harris Exhibit Hall, famous for showcasing local artisans.

We have activities for children, local shops waiting to greet you and great restaurants, all at your fingertips.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Davis Pleads Guilty to Second Degree Murder of Pressley

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-Press Release, Office of District Attorney Mike Waters

Warrenton, NC – Marquis Davis pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder and Assault with a Deadly Weapon with the Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury, in the 2015 murder of Michael Pressley in Warren County. The acts occurred in the early morning hours of August 9, 2015, when six men from Oxford, including Michael Pressley and Jerry Henderson, traveled to the Connect 25 nightclub in Warren County.

As the six men were leaving Connect 25, they were fired upon by individuals traveling in a GMC Sierra truck driven by Marquis Davis and also occupied by Kadeem Grooms, Darren Alston and Montrell Davis. Michael Pressley, a passenger in a Chevy Tahoe, was shot and died as a result of his wounds. Jerry Henderson, the driver of the Chevy Tahoe, was shot in the back and was treated for his injuries at Maria Parham Hospital.

Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Henry W. Hight, Jr. sentenced Mr. Davis to 157-201 months active in the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. This case was scheduled for trial the week of September 4, 2018, in Warren County Criminal Superior Court, however, the plea was entered in Vance County Criminal Case Management Court on Thursday, August 23, 2018. Darren Alston and Montrell Davis previously plead in the matter, and Kadeem Grooms was convicted by a Warren County jury of First Degree Murder and related charges during the week of April 30, 2018.

This matter was investigated by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

Area Churches to Hold Concert to Benefit ACTS’ New Building Fund

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-Information courtesy ACTS of Henderson’s Facebook page

Several local churches will participate in the “Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord” concert at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center on Saturday, September 15, 2018, at 7 p.m. Tickets for the concert are $8 – children 8 and under are free. Proceeds benefit ACTS new building fund.

Featured groups include Clearview Church, First Baptist Church of Henderson, First United Methodist Church of Henderson, Freedom Life Church of God, Harriett Baptist Church, Shiloh Baptist Church, South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church and Spring Street Missionary Baptist Church.

Special guests: Work in Progress and Lynn Cooper 

Sponsorships are available and include:

Platinum – full-page ad in program for $1000

Gold – 1/2 page ad in program for $500

Silver – 1/4 page ad in program for $250

Concert tickets are available at the ACTS House, from board members or at several participating churches.

 

ACTS Low on Supplies & Food Items – Community Support Needed

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Henderson’s ACTS Food Pantry is very low on supplies and food items and is in need of the community’s help to restock the shelves. The following supplies are especially needed:

  • Cream of Chicken Soup
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • Vegetable Oil
  • Sticks or Tubs of Margarine
  • Chicken Bouillon (cubes or powder)
  • Gallon-Sized Storage or Freezer Bags
  • Quart-Sized Storage or Freezer Bags
  • Sandwich-Sized Zippered Bags
  • Snack-Sized Zippered Bags
  • Pine-Sol Brand Cleaner

Donations may be dropped off at 305 South Chestnut Street, Henderson, between 8 – 10:30 a.m., and then from 1 – 3 p.m. Let us know if you need to drop off after 3 p.m. and arrangements will be made – (252) 492-8231.

Thank you for helping us feed our community!

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market Transitioning to Fall & Winter Crops

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-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Market Manager, Vance County Regional Farmers Market

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market (VCRFM) is beginning to transition from summer produce to our fall and winter crops. While you will still find mouthwatering peaches, watermelons and cantaloupes, you will also begin to see turnips, mixed greens, and winter squashes – such as the cushaw squash –  showing up at the market.

The cushaw squash is not one that is readily found in the grocery store but is now available at your VCRFM. They are hard to miss with their vibrant green stripes and large size. This squash is extremely versatile with several delicious ways to use it!

The cushaw squash, also known as the Japanese pie pumpkin, cushaw pumpkin, and silver-seed gourd, is a species of winter squash originally from the south of Mexico. This annual herbaceous plant is cultivated in the Americas for its nutritional value; its flowers, shoots, and fruits are all harvested.

It is a large (sometimes up to 20 pounds) squash with a characteristic green and white striped pattern. It has a mildly sweet taste and behaves like a pumpkin or delicata squash when it is cooked. It is high in vitamins C and A, which make it excellent for your immune system.

The flowers are orange or yellow and bloom in July or August. The plant grows about 1 foot high and spreads 10–15 feet. It likes well-drained soil and has both male and female flowers.

It also has medicinal properties. The flesh of the squash may be used for burns and eczema.

The cushaw squash is easy to grow, resistant to pests, easy to store, versatile to cook with, good for you, inexpensive, and yummy! It preserves so well, you can enjoy cushaw all year long.

Perhaps the easiest way to use a cushaw squash (or any winter squash really) is to simply roast it in the oven. Any desired spices can be used and you can customize this however you’d like. Make big batches of roasted squashes and other vegetables on the weekend and have in the fridge to add to soups, casseroles, or other meals on busy nights.

Pick up a cushaw, cooking instructions, and sample recipes at your VCRFM this week!

What You Will Find at the Market This Week:

Beets, butter beans, cantaloupe, corn, cucumbers, eggs, eggplant, garlic, green beans, mixed greens, onions, peaches, pork, potatoes, peas, squash, tomatoes (green, red & heirloom), turnips and watermelon. We also have plenty of canned vegetables, honey, molasses, salsa, chow-chow, BBQ sauces, jellies, jams, soaps, bath salts, scented candles, cupcakes and unique handmade crafts.

Anticipated Vendors – August 25, 2018

Adcock Farm
Culver Farms Honey
Donation Station
The Eclectic Peacock
Gavin’s Grub Hub
Imperial Stitching
JW Creek Farms
LouMag Ent.
Material Blessings
Pretty Tough Stuff Jewelry
Short’s Family Farms
Winter Soap Co.

Contacts:

Market Manager: Tracy Madigan @ 252-598-0814

Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie @ 252-438-8188

VCRFM open Wednesdays & Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

VCRFM Welcomes SNAP/EBT

The Farmers Market building is available for rent. Contact Annette Roberson, Vance County Cooperative Extension Center, 252-438-8188 for pricing and available dates.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Town Talk 08/24/18

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News 08/24/18

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Two Vance Co. Residents Arrested for Allegedly Breaking Into a Church

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Terry M. Wright – Chief of Staff

On August 22, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Patrol, Investigation Units, and Bunn Police Department arrested Michael Dustin Ellis and Colton Tyler Bullock both Vance County residents. Michael Dustin Ellis and Colton Tyler Bullock were charged with the following: two (2) counts of Felony Breaking and Entering, one (1) count of Larceny After Breaking and Entering and one (1) count of Attempted Larceny. The alleged incident stemmed from a Breaking and Entering and Larceny at Rowland Chapel Christian Church, 2293 Epsom Rocky Ford Road Henderson, NC.

Michael Dustin Ellis was also served with one outstanding (1) felony Larceny warrant and one (1) misdemeanor Larceny warrant.

Colton Tyler Bullock was also served with one (1) felony warrant for Identity Theft and two (2) Orders for Arrest to Include Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

Michael Dustin Ellis is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a

$102,000.00 secured bond.

Colton Tyler Bullock is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $165,000.00 secured bond.

Michael Dustin Ellis

1291 Faulkner Town Road Henderson, NC 27536 DOB: 12-07-1990

Colton Tyler Bullock

5973 Satterwhite Point Road Lot 9 Henderson, NC 27536 DOB: 05-21-1989

This matter remains under investigation and no further information will be released at this time. If anyone should have any additional information pertaining to this investigation, please call Detective B. Garrett at 919-340-4311 or Detective N. Kapl at 919-340-4344.

Michael Dustin Ellis

Colton Tyler Bullock

 

 

American Flag

NC National Guard Offers College Tuition & Loan Repayment Assistance

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Several members of the NC National Guard were on WIZS’ Town Talk program Thursday to discuss the requirements and process of becoming a “citizen-soldier” in the reserve branch of the U.S. Army.

According to Master Sergeant Key, a team leader out of the Raleigh/Cary area, the majority of young men and women who enlist in the National Guard serve in a reserve capacity consisting of service one weekend a month and annual training two weeks during the summer.

This schedule gives the recruit the flexibility to pursue college studies while receiving federal tuition assistance up to $4,000 per year. The Reserve Montgomery GI Bill will also pay approximately $373 per month to full-time college students.

Those who have already received a college degree may qualify for the student loan program for repayment up to $50,000 of total debt amount. They will also receive opos debt help along with the loan for easier repayments.

Potential recruits must pass an aptitude test, a physical and have limited law violations. Once passed, initial recruits participate in a Recruit Sustainment Program one weekend a month to prepare for success in the Army’s 10-week Basic Training.

The second phase of the initial training is referred to as Advanced Individual Training (AIT) and involves learning a specific job skill.

The National Guard is currently offering up to $20,000 in enlistment bonuses for specific jobs including transportation specialist, engineer, military police, artillery and supplies specialist.

Fully-trained soldiers in the National Guard have the distinction of being able to return to their own hometown to serve. “What is unique about the National Guard is that those that complete their training return to their own community where they serve in a traditional guard setting as a citizen-soldier,” said Key.

The National Guard has a dual-obligation to the state and to the Federal Government. “As far as the state mission, we could be called to respond to hurricanes, floods, other natural disasters and civil unrest. The governor could call us into action to support our local community and state,” Key said.

“The federal component is tied to the U.S. Army, if they needed assistance with missions overseas, they could call on the NC National Guard.”

Each state and U.S. territory has a National Guard, with the NC branch being 10,000 soldiers strong. For more information, please contact the local recruiter at (919) 622-1327 or visit the NC National Guard website.

Franklin Co. Resident Charged With First Degree Statutory Rape/Sexual Battery

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Terry M. Wright – Chief of Staff

On August 21, 2018, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division issued warrants for the arrest of Charlie Rebollar, a Franklin County resident. Charlie Rebollar was charged with (1) count of First Degree Statutory Rape and (1) count of Sexual Battery.

With the assistance of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, Rebollar was taken into custody at his residence without incident.

Rebollar is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $300,000 secured bond.

Charlie Rebollar – 280 Rustic Ridge Road Franklinton, NC 27525 DOB: 01/09/2001

On August 21, 2018, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division issued warrants for the arrest of Charlie Rebollar, a Franklin County resident. Charlie Rebollar was charged with (1) count of First Degree Statutory Rape and (1) count of Sexual Battery.