Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers Recognizes Local ‘Heroes’ at Annual Banquet

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The resounding message at the Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers 23rd Annual Awards & Recognition Banquet held at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center Thursday evening was that Vance County has many positive aspects.

“Stay positive and stay above the negativity. This community is tremendous,” commented Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow.

Vance County Sheriff Peter White agreed with Barrow, “When you are out and about and you hear people talking negative, don’t agree with that stuff. Crime is on the downward trend and has been for several years.”

Lt. Governor Dan Forest addresses the crowd at the Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers 23rd Annual Awards & Recognition Banquet held at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center on Thursday, September 20, 2018.

White, who was attending his last Crime Stoppers banquet as Sheriff, said he is proud to call Vance County home. “I’m not satisfied [with crime levels] but I feel better. I’m not leaving and I’m not moving. This is our community and this is our home and it’s not going to get any better unless we all pitch in.”

Special guest for the evening, Lt. Governor Dan Forest, addressed the numerous first responders in attendance by praising the work they do in the face of dangerous, and often times underappreciated, circumstances. “There is a certain call on your life to go into harm’s way when no one else wants to. First responders run in because that’s what they do. There is something special about that.”

Forest further explained that events such as 9/11 and the recent destruction of Hurricane Florence prove that first responders are the real heroes of society. “You’re always going to do the right thing no matter what the cost is – not politicians, not Hollywood, not professional sports; you are the heroes.”

Forest’s remarks were followed by the award presentation segment of the banquet and included:

Community Watch Award – presented by Nowell Brooks to Kittrell Community Watch

Local Citizen Award – presented by Pastor Abidan Shah to Lee Anne Peoples

Public Service Award – presented by Frankie Nobles to Jamie Elliott

Public Service Award – presented by Tonya Moore to Randolph Wilson

Corporate Award – presented by Danny Wright to Maria Parham Health

Business Award – present by Clarence Hicks to Golden Corral

Board Member of the Year Award – presented by Lorraine Watkins, vice president of Crime Stoppers, to Edward Woodlief

Following this presentation, four Crime Stoppers Law Enforcement Awards were given to individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to protecting and serving the community.

Officer Joshua Justice is shown with his Sam Pearson Memorial Award as presented by Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow. Barrow described Justice as showing “true dedication” and being among the best the Henderson Police Department has to offer.

The Sam Pearson Memorial Award was presented by Chief Barrow to Officer Joshua Justice. Barrow described Justice as showing “true dedication” and being among the best the Henderson Police Department has to offer.

Barrow described a recent traffic stop involving Justice on Roanoke Avenue in Henderson involving a suspect who tossed a gun in a pond.

“That night, [Justice] took off his shoes and climbed in the water in uniform to try to find the gun. He didn’t find it that night but went back on his own time with a couple of officers the next day, climbed back in the murky water and found the gun. That’s the type of officers we have at the Henderson Police Department,” said Barrow.

Barrow went on to detail Justice’s accomplishments while on the force including 120 arrests, seizure of 12 firearms, 400 grams of marijuana, 1200 dose units of heroin and interruptions of robberies in progress.

The next award, the Tom Long Memorial Award, was presented by White to Lt. of Investigations John Christopher Shelton. “If [Shelton] gets a clue, somebody is going to get arrested. He will track them and somebody is going to have a bad day,” White said.

The N.C. State Highway Patrol Award was presented by Sgt. Jeff Rowan to the 2018 Trooper of the Year Joseph Thomas.

The Vance County Animal Services Award was present by Chief Frankie Nobles to shelter assistant Ellen Wilkerson. “This lady comes to our shelter 3 – 4 times a week and files every report and every piece of paper we have. This allows our small staff to be out working,” Nobles said.

Music for the banquet was provided by Nelson Woodhouse; catering by Ted Wheeler’s Catering Service.

Community Gets First Look at City’s New Fire Engine

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Local leaders and residents gathered at Henderson’s Fire Station #2 on Friday for the community’s first peek at the new fire engine.

Fire department staff were on-hand to demonstrate the nearly half-a-million-dollar engine. The new model replaces one of the City’s older year models from 1990 and includes newer, faster technology and safety features.

Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the newly renovated fire department and adjoining municipal building that previously served as the police department.

Local community leaders admire the City’s new fire engine in front of Fire Station #2 on N. Garnett St. in downtown Henderson. (Photo Credit: Kaine Riggan, Downtown Development Director)

Granville Co. Provides Relief to Hurricane Victims, First Responders

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-Press Release, County of Granville

Granville County emergency responders have been assisting storm-ravaged North Carolina areas as recovery efforts are underway.

Deployed to Jones County was Granville County Emergency Services Director Doug Logan, who is part of the N.C Emergency Management Central Branch Overhead Incident Management Team. This task force and public adjusters in Florida helped coordinate the disaster response in Jones County, based in the Trenton area, where there was record flooding along the Trent River. Many residents of the county had to be rescued by fire, EMS and Sheriff’s Office personnel, Logan reported, and emergency staff members had been on duty around the clock since before the storm even made landfall, making preparations and responding to calls for assistance.

The Central Branch Team was air-lifted into the area by helicopter to find the majority of Jones County cut off from surrounding areas by flood waters, without electricity or telephone service. The county water system had completely failed and the only food sources for the citizens were what little stocks they had left in pantries.

Jones County Task Force

“We had assets from all over North Carolina – as well as New York, California, Vermont, Arizona – all there to assist through the National Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC),” Logan noted. “Additional resources arrived daily to assist in the response and relief efforts, while military air assets dropped food and water supplies to be distributed to isolated communities.”

As of Wednesday, September 19, the rivers were starting to recede and approximately 60 percent of the county remained without power as water pressure made a slow and steady return. Local drinking water sources will likely remain unsafe for several weeks, due to flooded wells and contaminated water treatment plants.

“We are anticipating a need to provide intermediate and long-term sheltering, as well as disaster housing for residents who will return to their homes as the water continues to go away,” Logan reported on Wednesday. “The team is diligently trying to merge the operation into recovery instead of response.”

Logan returned home last Thursday, after being deployed for five days.

Also instrumental in the disaster relief efforts were Donnie Boyd, Fire Marshal for Granville County Emergency Services, who played an integral role in moving equipment to impacted areas where there was the greatest need – as well as Robin Edwards and Reba Duke, who were activated through the Regional Coordination Center (RCC) in Central North Carolina. Fire Inspector Joe Seagroves aided in moving staging equipment for RCC-Central, which was set up in Butner.

Meanwhile, Trent Brummitt, Manager of the County’s 911 Emergency Call Center, along with Shift Supervisor Matt Faucette, traveled to Morehead City to provide assistance to telecommunicators there through a request more specific than a normal Telecommunicator Emergency Response Task Force (TERT) request.

On Sunday, September 16, a call had been made for assistance from areas using the same Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system as Carteret County. With no time to train responders from out of the area on how to use their system, the goal was to have those familiar with their emergency procedures in place to offer relief. Brummitt and Faucette were quick to respond, leaving just a few hours after the request was made. Ice, coolers, water, snacks and extra cots were packed to take along with them.

According to Brummitt, first responders in that area had been working rotating 12-hour shifts, and most had not been home since before the storm.

“They were grateful we came to help,” Brummitt said, adding that the Morehead Police Department, where they were stationed, was the only building with power when they arrived.

After checking in, Brummitt and Faucette quickly went to work, manning Morehead City’s 911 system and taking emergency calls in twelve-hour shifts. By Tuesday, Brummitt said, power had been restored as shifts continued around the clock over a two-day period. The two arrived back to Granville County late Tuesday night.

The Morehead City area was pounded with more than 15 inches of rain as a result of Hurricane Florence, with severe flooding reported. Providing additional assistance in relief efforts there were telecommunicators from Richmond, Chatham and Johnson Counties, as well from the National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard.

“We learned a lot that will help us if we ever have a situation like that here,” Brummitt said. “Seeing the effects of Hurricane Florence first handmade us realize that Granville County was very fortunate.”

About Granville County Government:

Granville County Government enhances the quality of life for the citizens of the County by providing an array of services through a responsive, effective, and efficient local government. Learn more at www.granvillecounty.org. Follow Granville County Government on Facebook @GranvilleCountyGov. 

‘Stars of the Grand Ole Opry’ to Delight Country Music Fans

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-Information and flyer courtesy the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

“Stars of the Grand Ole Opry” presented by Branson’s Ozark Jubilee will perform Saturday, October 13, 2018, at 8 p.m. at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson.

The all-star cast of the Jubilee will be performing the music of the great stars of the Grand Ole Opry. This year’s Jubilee features the Australian Sensation, “Jennifer Simmons.” The Jubilee also features Branson’s funniest comedian and world-class fiddler, Doofus Doolittle. If you like Country music and good, clean family entertainment, you’ll want to bring all your friends and come out to see the Ozark Jubilee!

“Star of the Grand Ole Opry” is part of the McGregorLive! Performance Series. Doors open one hour before the show.

Tickets on sale for $32.03 and may be purchased by:

DROP IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m
CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)
CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance Co. Republican Party to Hold “Get Out The Vote” Rally at Pool Rock

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-Information courtesy Judy Satterwhite, Vance County Republican Party

Vance County GOP will hold a “Get Out The Vote” Rally and free hot dog dinner on Thursday, October 4, 2018, at 6 p.m. – until at Pool Rock Plantation, 1305 Pool Rock Road (off Hwy 39 North) in Henderson.

Live music will be provided by Jimmy Barrier & Friends.

Meet the Candidates:

Roger Allison (U.S. House of Representatives)
Chuck Early (N.C. Senate)
Charles Pulley (Vance County Sheriff)
Mark Robinson (speaking on Freedom, NRA, 2nd Amendment)
& other candidates

All Republicans, conservatives and “anyone that loves America” is welcome.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Granville County Logo

Granville Co. Candidate Forum Scheduled for Oct. 2

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-Information courtesy Lynn Allred, Public Information Officer/Grants Coordinator, County of Granville

The Sunrise Forum Committee of the Granville County Chamber of Commerce, the Granville County Human Relations Commission and the League of Women Voters of Granville County will sponsor a Candidate Forum on Tuesday, October 2, 2018,  in the Commissioners Board Room of Oxford City Hall. The event is slated for 6 p.m., with candidate presentations to begin at 6:30 p.m.

Participating candidates (on the local November ballot) will be allowed time for brief introductions before participating as a panel to answer prepared questions asked by a moderator. Light refreshments will be served.

Oxford City Hall is located at 300 Williamsboro Street. The public is invited to attend.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Board of Education to Meet for Work Session – Thurs., Sept. 27

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-Information courtesy Dr. Stan Winborne, Public Information Officer, Granville County Public Schools

NOTICE TO PUBLIC AND PRESS

The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a BOE Work Session on Thursday, September 27, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. at the Granville County Public Central Office, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina.

The purpose of the meeting will be to receive information and discuss long-term planning options to address school facility needs and capacity in light of declining enrollment. The board will also meet in a Closed Session for Personnel/Attorney-Client Privilege in accordance with N.C. General Statute 143.318.11 (a)(6), 143-318.11 (a)(3), 143.318.11 (a)(5) and Section 115C-321 on this evening.

The next scheduled board meeting will be held Monday, October 1, 2018, at 6 p.m.

Drug Activity Complaints Lead to Arrest of Franklin Co. Man

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

On September 19, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Community Action Team arrested Franklin County resident, Mark Thomas Kemmerzell, Jr. for multiple drug offenses.

This investigation was the result of citizen complaints alleging that Mark Thomas Kemmerzell, Jr. was involved in illegal drug activity throughout Franklin and surrounding counties. As a result of these complaints, Narcotics Detectives initiated an investigation and was able to validate the information provided.

During the investigation, multiple purchases of Controlled Substances were made from Mark Thomas Kemmerzell, Jr.

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is committed to aggressively pursuing illegal drug activity and we will continue to make these investigations a priority. The citizens of our county continue to be proactive in providing information that is useful to our investigators and their tips are paying off.”

On September 19, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Community Action Team arrested Franklin County resident, Mark Thomas Kemmerzell, Jr. for multiple drug offenses. This investigation was the result of citizen complaints alleging that Kemmerzell, Jr. was involved in illegal drug activity throughout Franklin and surrounding counties.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit was assisted in this investigation by the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Branch of the State Bureau of Investigation.

Mark Thomas Kemmerzell, Jr.

52 Wilson Fuller Road

Louisburg, NC 27549

DOB: 03/09/1988

Mark Thomas Kemmerzell, Jr. was charged with the following: Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Heroin (2 Counts), Sell and Deliver Heroin (2 Counts), Maintain a Vehicle for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substances (2 Counts), Possession of a Schedule Ill Controlled Substance.

Mark Thomas Kemmerzell, Jr. is currently in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $100,000 secured bond.

For more information regarding this investigation, or to provide information regarding drug activity in your community, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 340-3432.

Town Talk 09/21/18

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News 09/21/18

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