DWI Suspected in Wreck Involving Henderson Police Car, Two Other Vehicles
At approximately 6:13 p.m. on Saturday, January 12, a Henderson Police Department vehicle and two other vehicles were struck at the intersection of Dabney Drive and Beckford Drive in Henderson.
According to Trooper J.A. Thomas with the NCSHP, a gray Ford driven by Mark Sizemore, age 48, of Oxford was headed northbound on Dabney Drive when he struck the three vehicles waiting to turn left onto Beckford Drive.
Sizemore was arrested under suspicion of DWI at the scene. His bond was set at $3,000.
The collision was investigated by the NCSHP. According to Trooper Thomas, no serious injuries were reported, though several occupants received treatment at nearby Maria Parham Health.
On Saturday, January 12, a Henderson Police Department vehicle and two other vehicles were struck at the intersection of Dabney Drive and Beckford Drive in Henderson. The driver that struck the vehicles, Mark Sizemore (48) of Oxford, was arrested under suspicion of DWI. (Photo Credit: HPD)
Breckenridge Pavilion Project Slowly, but Surely, Moving Ahead
Among the agenda items for the City of Henderson’s Public Works Committee at their meeting this past Friday, January 11 was the proposed outdoor pavilion set to complete the area known as Breckenridge Commons.
Intended for live performances and more, the pavilion will sit on the open end of the block occupied by the Henderson Police Station – the end closer to Chestnut Street between Breckenridge and Montgomery streets.
City Councilman William Burnette serves on the Public Works Committee and gave WIZS News a synopsis of the meeting.
In regards to the progress made on the pavilion, Burnette responded, “We have the preliminary concept in place. We’ve talked to two different companies concerning the groundwork. So, hopefully, we can get this off the ground pretty quickly.”
According to Burnette, while the committee would like to see the project completed in the next two months, it will more likely be three to four months. Certain donated structures are not expected to be in place until the fall of this year.
The City has been taking its time on this project for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is working out of an abundance of caution given how permanent and important the final product will be.
The cost of the pavilion, to include repair and repaving of the nearby parking lot, will be approximately $200,000 according to Burnette.
The completed pavilion will be used during events such as the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce’s outdoor “Meet Me in the Street” series. Currently, the events require tractor trailers to block off streets and certain permits. Burnette believes the pavilion will make events such as these easier to plan and more accessible to the community.
Burnette is looking forward to seeing the completed project and is confident that citizens will enjoy the pavilion. “We need to get it off the ground so the citizens can enjoy it. I’m excited about it! I think it’s going to add to McGregor Hall. We’re not going to be in competition with them, but it should add to them.”
Former WRAL-TV Anchor Bill Leslie to Speak at Annual Granville Co. Chamber Banquet
— Information and photo courtesy Granville County Chamber of Commerce | Ginnie Currin, Executive Director ~ 919-693-6125 ~ ginnie@granville-chamber.com
In celebration of 77 years, the Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors announces that the annual banquet will be held Monday evening, January 28, 2019.
Banquet sponsors are BB&T, CERTAINTEED, DUKE ENERGY; GRANVILLE HEALTH SYSTEM, HICKS AND WRENN, LLP, THE SCHOOL OF GRAPHIC ARTS and VANNESS CHEVROLET.
The evening’s presenter is well-known, retired, WRAL-TV anchor desk personality, Bill Leslie. “Bill Leslie is an award-winning journalist and internationally acclaimed musician and composer. He retired from the anchor desk in 2018 after 34 years at WRAL-TV.
Retired WRAL-TV anchor and accomplished musician, Bill Leslie, will serve as the presenter at the 2019 Granville County Chamber of Commerce Banquet.
Bill has won more than 70 major news awards including two Peabody Awards, considered the Pulitzer Prize of broadcasting, along with five Emmys. As a veteran anchorman and environmental reporter for WRAL Television in Raleigh, Bill produced more than a dozen award-winning documentaries.
Famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma called Leslie ‘one of the greats in modern Celtic music.’ All eight of the CD’s produced by Bill have hit at or near the top of the world music charts. Leslie, who plays guitar, piano and Celtic whistle was named ‘Best New Artist’ worldwide by the NAR in 2005. He currently plays with a Raleigh based Celtic/Folk ensemble.
Bill’s orchestral composition Tall Ships was named the official song of the 2006 America Parade of Sail. His music has been performed by the North Carolina Symphony and the Tar River Philharmonic Orchestra.
Bill is also a popular storyteller and author of a book featuring his father’s watercolors of Western North Carolina.
The evening will once again include the presentation of the Chamber’s most prestigious award, the John Penn Citizen of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding community service.
A buffet dinner will be provided. Tickets are $40 each. Corporate tables of eight, with reserved seating, are available for $300. Corporate tables of 10, reserved seating, are available for $380. Reservations are required prior to the event. Checks or credit card payments are accepted by contacting one of the Chamber’s offices – 919.693.6125/Wanda, wanda@granville-chamber.com or 919.528.4994/Toni Anne, tawheeler@granville-chamber.com.
Vance Charter Now Accepting Applications for 2019/2020 School Year
-Information courtesy the Vance Charter School Facebook page
The Vance Charter School enrollment lottery application for the 2019/2020 school year will open on Monday, January 14 at 12:01 a.m. and close on February 15 at 11:59 p.m.
We will hold parent information sessions on January 29 at 6 p.m. and February 7 at 6 p.m. Both events will be held in the upper cafeteria.
The official enrollment lottery will take place on March 9 at 9 a.m. in the lower cafeteria at Vance Charter School. Please pass this information along to anyone you know who may be interested in becoming a student at Vance Charter School.
You may also contact Mrs. Christy Bunn, lottery committee chairperson if needed.
To apply one, go to www.vancecharter.org, click on Enroll, then click on Admissions FAQs to access the application. You must have an active email address to complete the application.
VCS is located at 2090 Ross Mill Rd. in Henderson.
Henderson Men’s Shelter Releases Jan. Volunteer/Donation Needs
-Information courtesy Community Partners of Hope
For some, the Henderson Men’s Shelter is just a safe, warm place for a few nights until they can move on, but for others, our shelter has provided life-changing assistance which has allowed men to return to a productive life in the community!
We have some new members on our Board of Directors and we are really concentrating on a major fundraising effort so that we can move from a temporary, short term, overnight only program to a stronger ministry open to more men (and someday families).
We are just about halfway through the season, but with 12 weeks to go, we still have some holes in our schedule that need to be filled. These are mostly for welcome shift supervisors and for meals. Welcome is from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and you are with a trained manager, so you won’t be put on the spot to make tough decisions – just visit with and encourage our guests.
Please take a look at the Shelter Calendar (click here) to see if you as an individual or your church or organization can fill in the blanks for supervision and/or meals.
JANUARY VOLUNTEER NEEDS:
Welcome Shift:
January 18 – 19 (Friday and Saturday)
January 24 – 26 (Thursday – Saturday)
January 27 – 28 (Sunday and Monday)
January 30 – 31 (Wednesday and Thursday)
Lots more days in February and March – please check the calendar.
Overnight Shift:
We could use a few more men who are willing to take an overnight shift here and there as needed. Please call the shelter manager at (252) 820-0701 to volunteer.
SUPPLIES THAT NEEDED:
Large bottles of hand sanitizer
Large refill bottles of hand soap
Cans of foot powder or Athletes Foot spray
Tall kitchen trash bags (13 Gallon Size)
Laundry detergent
7-ounce adjustable air fresheners
Pine-sol type cleaner – gallon containers
Toilet bowl cleaner – gel type
Soap – small sample size (or hotel supplies)
Instant Grits
Crackers & nabs
Cup of Noodles (with cup)
Coffee & creamer
Peanut butter & jelly
Four-pound bags of sugar
CLOTHING – NEW ONLY!* (take used clothing to thrift store please – see below)
*Please leave all underwear and socks in original packages
Men’s Undergarments (all sizes)
Waterproof men’s gloves
Men’s sweatshirts (Sizes L, XL, XXL)
Men’s thermal sets (Sizes L, XL, XXL)
White tube socks
NOT NEEDED: Shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, instant oatmeal, deodorant, dress socks and coffee mugs.
A NOTE ABOUT DONATIONS:
We depend on lots of donated clothing (NEW only) and supplies to keep the shelter running and our men warm and dry. Sometimes we get donations that we cannot use and then several of us must go through them and “regift” them to other agencies. Please be sure to let your churches know what we do and DO NOT need this year. Also, it is much easier for us if items are donated in their original packaging instead of repackaged in sets.
All contributions are tax deductible.
You may send a check to:
Community Partners of Hope, Inc., P.O. Box 1791, Henderson, NC 27536
Donations can be taken to:
First Baptist Church (9-5 Monday thru Thursday or 9-12 Friday)
First Presbyterian Church (10-1 Monday thru Thursday)
WIZS Radio Station
or call Betty Boyd (252) 432-3967 to arrange delivery
With Calls Increasing, Granville Co. Offers Tips on Determining 9-1-1 Emergencies
-Press Release, County of Granville
Call volume at the Granville County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center has seen a steady yearly increase, with almost 43,500 9-1-1 calls received in 2018 and an increase of about 3,000 calls for service from the previous year. Most residents know to contact 9-1-1 in an emergency, but how can those who may need help determine what an “emergency” is?
An “emergency” is any situation that requires immediate assistance from law enforcement, the fire department or an ambulance. Examples include medical emergencies such as a heart attack or stroke, house fires, incidents of domestic violence, being involved in/witnessing a car crash or being the victim of/witnessing a crime, such as a burglary or theft. The general rule is to dial 9-1-1 any time there is a threat to life or property – but if ever in doubt, residents should go ahead and call the 9-1-1 Center.
“When dealing with an emergency, every second counts,” Trent Brummitt, 911 Center Manager of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center, explains. “If you’re unsure, it’s better to be safe and let the 9-1-1 telecommunicator determine if you actually need emergency assistance.”
When calling 9-1-1, some tips to ensure that callers receive the best possible assistance during an emergency include:
- Stay calm and listen carefully to the questions the 9-1-1 telecommunicator is asking. Staying calm in an emergency is one of the most difficult, yet most important, things that can be done. The questions being asked, no matter how relevant they may seem, are important in helping get first responders to the scene as prepared and as quickly as possible.
- Answer all questions being asked. By doing so, the telecommunicator can better understand the actual situation, so that the appropriate emergency responders can be dispatched.
- Know the location of the emergency. This is especially important if calling from a cell phone because the telecommunicator who takes the call might not be able to pinpoint exactly where the call is coming from. If the exact address is unknown, look for any nearby landmarks, buildings or signage.
- Follow instructions. The telecommunicator on the other end of the line is trained to keep callers safe while help is on the way, such as providing instructions to administer basic first aid. Be sure to follow these instructions step by step until responders arrive.
- Stay on the line. Even if calling 9-1-1 by mistake, never hang up the phone until instructed to do so. Stay on the line until you can either answer all questions or inform the telecommunicator that you called by accident and that there is actually no emergency. This saves valuable time in having to call back to confirm there is no emergency, or possibly sending members of law enforcement with lights and sirens to investigate further.
Following these tips can help save a life, Brummitt reminds.
“Telecommunicators go through extensive call-taking training, as well as regular continuing education,” he notes. “They have a list of questions to ask, but each plays an important role in the type of help you receive and how much. For example, a telecommunicator may send first responders from the local fire department, as well as an ambulance, for a possible heart attack. Or he/she may send three fire departments and an ambulance to reports of a house fire.”
Posting your home address clearly and prominently at your entrance and on your home is also helpful in ensuring that emergency responders have the correct location. Using something reflective or illuminated so that it can be seen in the evening, as well as during the day, will also be of assistance during an emergency situation.
For situations that are non-emergency in nature, good judgement and common sense can go a long way. Examples of when NOT to call 9-1-1 would be to report a power outage or burst water pipe, to request information about road conditions, for help with minor first aid issues, etc. For situations such as these, a separate line is available by calling 919-690-0444. This call will connect you directly with the “non-emergency” line of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center.
“It is important to remember that obvious non-emergency calls can take away valuable time and resources from those who need help right away,” Brummitt further explains. “We strive to serve the citizens, visitors and responders in the most effective way we know how. But if ever in doubt, please err on the side of caution and call –or text – 911 for help.”
To learn more about what do to in case of an emergency, visit www.nena.org or www.911.org. To learn more about the Granville County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center, visit www.granvillecounty.org.
Oxford Preparatory School Chooses 2019 Homecoming Court
-Information courtesy Victoria Bradsher, School Director, Oxford Preparatory School
Oxford Preparatory School (OPS) recently crowned a new homecoming king and queen from amongst representatives of the senior class.
OPS Senior Homecoming court representatives included Camden Ross, daughter of Marc and Jackie Ross from Kittrell; Quincey Burreal, son of Yolanda Burreal also of Kittrell; MacKenzie Pendergrass, daughter of Amanda and Zack Burnette of Henderson; and Luke Overby, son of Tony and Angie Overby from Oxford.
OPS Interact Club President Avery Thomas and Vice-President Ey’Mania Alston crowned the king and queen who are chosen by the entire Griffin student body from the senior class representatives.
For the 2018/2019 school year, OPS Homecoming King is Quincey Burreal. Quincey is a senior who has been accepted to North Carolina Central University and plans to major in Business Administration.
Griffin Homecoming Queen for 2018/2019 is MacKenzie Pendergrass. MacKenzie is a senior who has been accepted to East Carolina University and plans on majoring in Nursing.
Other homecoming court representatives include:
11th-grade
Bryanna Kingsberry from Henderson, granddaughter of Dave and Lynn Nyquist and Ian Simmons, son of DeMarcus and Candace Simmons, also from Henderson.
10th-grade
Emily Faucette, daughter of Alan and Melissa Faucette of Oxford. She is escorted by Codie Johnson, son of Steve and Maggie Johnson of Oxford.
9th-grade
Zoe Holland, daughter of Tracy and Christopher Holland of Oxford and Jackson Edwards, son of Buck and Tina Edwards from Henderson.
8th-grade
Dasana Williams, daughter of Craig and Tammy Williams of Oxford and Elijah Griffin, son of Christina Griffin and Grandson of Floyd and Joane Griffin of Oxford.
7th-grade
Peyton Purnell, daughter of Leah Williamson and Jonathon Purnell of Oxford and Jonathan Gouldman, son of Shannon Currin of Henderson.
Oxford Preparatory School Seniors Quincey Burreal and MacKenzie Pendergrass were crowned homecoming king and queen, respectively, for the 2018/2019 school year. (Photo Credit: OPS)
The Oxford Preparatory School 2018/2019 Homecoming court represents grades 7th – 12th. (Photo Credit: OPS)
