Update and Arrest in Homicide Case
Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow informed local media there is an update and an arrest has been made in a local homicide case that is three days old.
Barrow wrote in his news release, “Today (01-09-2019) officers of the Henderson Police Department arrested Sherman Mitchell, age 34, for the shooting death of Jonathan Durham that occurred in the morning hours of Sunday, January 6th, 2019.
“Sherman Mitchell, was taken into custody at his home of 160 Madison Grove Lane, Vance County, and is now being held at the Vance County Detention Facility for the Charge of Murder. He is without bond and has a first court appearance date set for February 5th.
“We are appreciative of the assistance we received from our community, the Vance County Sheriff, and the State Bureau of Investigations. If anyone has additional information about this incident, please contact the case agent, Detective B. Mitchell.”
An earlier press release from Barrow, back on January 6, indicated that Durham, age 47, sustained the gunshot wound during an encounter in front of his own residence at 611 Highland Avenue.
District Attorney Mike Waters Discusses 9th Judicial District, Felony Cases
District Attorney Mike Waters was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss, among other topics, the recent district restructuring and the process his office uses to determine which of a county’s felony cases to prosecute.
Waters and his office serve the five-county area of Vance, Granville, Franklin, Warren and Person. These five counties now compromise the 9th Judicial and the 11th Prosecutorial districts in North Carolina.
The recent addition of Person County came about through restructuring talks with the legislature that began several years ago and heated up this past summer.
According to Waters, one model that was considered by the legislature would have split Vance and Warren counties from the district and added them to an eastern district that included a coverage area as far away as Bertie County near the coast.
A second model included adding Person County, originally incorporated into the 9th District in 1976, back to the district and keeping the previous four counties.
“Myself, Tommy Hester and others spent a lot of time at the legislature this past summer working on keeping the district together and in the fashion that it came to be,” said Waters. “We thought it in the best interest of not only our district but also the Triangle that we have a DA a lot closer by than one that is a couple of hours away.”
Ultimately, the legislature enacted the second model into law, a set up that Waters believes will remain in effect for the foreseeable future.
“These five counties are essentially the Kerr-Tar Region. Economically we have a lot of connections, everything from hospitals to governmental services, but ultimately what we have is a crime nexus between these communities.”
Felony crimes in Vance County alone add up to almost 1,200 cases a year.
Waters offered the encouraging news that, while still high, that number is down from 4-5 years ago. “I credit the long, hard work that law enforcement has done in reducing that number,” said Waters.
Due to multiple factors including the number of potential cases, allotted court time, available evidence and the lengthiness of the criminal justice process in general, Waters estimates he is able to try 3-5% of cases.
Waters explained that a criminal case pans out one of three ways: enough evidence to charge but not enough evidence to convict; enough evidence to charge, but a plea agreement is made; a plea agreement is not made and the case moves forward.
According to Waters, it takes approximately 225 days to get lower-end felonies tried, while serious convictions such as homicides can take 16-24 months.
Even with these delays, Waters said improvements have been made in turnaround time over the years. “For example, it used to take two years for DNA evidence to come back; now it takes around four months – a tremendous improvement.”
Splitting his time between a five-county area, Waters schedules 10 sessions of Superior Trial Court in Vance County each year. Each session lasts approximately one week.
“With only having 10 weeks, we have to prioritize how to use it. We prioritize violent crimes and prior records,” Waters said.
In addressing potential concerns about the low number of cases tried, Waters stated prioritizing is a necessity. “I think everyone agrees that there are limits to the amount of government that we want to pay for. We don’t want our taxes to be so high and we don’t want to feel like our money is being wasted.”
To listen to the interview in its entirety, please click here.
Henderson-Vance EDC Makes New Website Public
After much preparation, the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission has made their new website public. It can be viewed at https://vancecountyedc.com or by clicking here.
The EDC has been working with marketing firm Marketing Alliance, Inc. for several months to create a “more true representation of what Vance County and Henderson have to offer,” Director Dennis Jarvis, II explained in a recent interview with WIZS News.
Website features include videos, business opportunities, property listings, statistics and growth factors for the local area.
The website heavily focuses on the word “advance” to play on “Vance” County. “The [new] website shows why making an investment in Vance County advances your opportunities,” said Jarvis.
Vance Co. Commissioners to Hold Work Session on Fire Restructuring – Jan. 23
-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Executive Assistant/Clerk to Board, County of Vance
The Vance County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at 1 p.m. in the commissioners’ conference room. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss fire restructuring.
The work session is open to the public; however, public comments will not be taken.
Lunch will be provided to the Board members at 12:30 p.m.
McGregor Hall to Feature Ernie Haase + Signature Sound; Opening Act Frank Sossamon
-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center
Ernie Haase + Signature Sound
Part of the JOY! Series
SPECIAL OPENING ACT BY VANCE COUNTY’S PASTOR FRANK SOSSAMON
SATURDAY, January 19, 2019, @ 7 p.m. ~ Doors Open: 6 p.m.
From its formation in 2003, Ernie Haase has built Signature Sound into one of the most popular and beloved quartets in all of Southern Gospel music. The group has traveled all over the world, offering energy, excitement and encouragement through its powerful brand of gospel music. EHSS continues to gain fans all around the globe with its unique performances and unmistakable four-part harmonies. EHSS is one of the most celebrated quartets in Southern Gospel History mentioned with the same “trailblazing” reverence as groups like The Statesmen Quartet and The Cathedral Quartet.
EHSS has sung and sold to millions worldwide, a feat that has not been accomplished by any other Southern Gospel quartet. From concerts in Latvia and India to South Africa and New Zealand, events all around North America, TV appearances on ESPN with NASCAR, multiple NBA appearances singing our National Anthem, and even a specialty tour of historic American theaters in support of the EHSS Broadway project featuring Les Misérables legend J. Mark McVey, Signature Sound is a world-renowned quartet that spans a wide variety of genres and cultures.
As group founder, Haase is a creative, hard-working tenor whose early roots with the unforgettable and legendary Southern Gospel quartet, The Cathedrals, helped begin his dream to form a powerhouse group of his own. Along with many appearances through the years on the widely regarded Gaither Homecoming Tour, his goal was soon accomplished and then some…as EHSS quickly gained an international platform in gospel music.
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound is both GRAMMY(R)-nominated and GMA Dove Award-winning, a radio favorite in the United States and internationally, and a leader in CD sales and long-form music video sales–with several RIAA(R)-certified Gold(R) and Platinum(R) DVDs.
Tickets 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)
Granville Co. Crime Stoppers Needs Public’s Help With Dec. Thefts
-Information courtesy Granville County Crime Stoppers
Sometime between Sunday, December 16 and Wednesday, December 19, 2018, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon the private property of a business located off NC Highway 56 East, Creedmoor, NC and criminally vandalized gas tanks of two U-Haul trucks.
Sometime between Wednesday, December 12 and Thursday, December 13, 2018, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property located off Brassfield Road, Creedmoor, NC and criminally removed a Ruger Mini 14 ranch .223 caliber gun with walnut stock and a Vortex Viper scope mounted on same.
Sometime between Saturday, December 8 and Friday, December 28, 2018, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property located off Dove Road, Creedmoor, NC and criminally removed a .25 caliber Royal gun silver in color.
Sometime between Sunday, December 23 and Monday, December 24, 2018, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon State-owned property off Will Suitt Road and Highway 15 South and criminally removed two rims and two tires from a mechanically disabled 1994 Mazda B-Series pick-up truck, white in color.
Sometime between Sunday, December 30 and Monday, December 31, 2018, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property off Will Suitt Road, Franklinton, NC and criminally removed a 33000 PSI Simpson pressure washer with a Kohler motor.
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 $1,000.00 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.
Grant Cycle Begins for Granville County Tourism Development
-Press Release, County of Granville
The Granville County Tourism Development Authority (GCTDA) is now accepting applications for the upcoming fiscal year. The 2019-2020 grant application period runs from Jan. 1, 2019 through April 1, 2020.
The primary purpose of the Granville Tourism Development Authority (GTDA) Mini-Grant Program is to stimulate and assist Granville County organizations and agencies in the enhancement, promotion and marketing of tourism and culturally-related events that create a known economic impact from visitor spending. This program is designed to establish activities and events which can eventually grow and thrive without direct funding from this grant program. Funding from the GTDA Mini-Grant should be considered as a supplemental resource only.
Primary consideration will be given to projects/programs with demonstrated/defined potential for positive economic impact to projects that promote travel and the GTDA’s mission of promoting the area as a destination and increase occupancy rates in Granville County through day and weekend visits. Events planned for off-peak times may receive higher priority and first consideration by the GTDA.
Applicants eligible for grant funding must be a Granville County-based community group, non-profit organization, county municipalities or recognized community within the county lines. For-profit groups cannot apply for grant funds unless the event’s proceeds will go to a community supported event (i.e. fundraiser).
Total funding of any event, project, or program will not be greater than 25 percent of the total project budget and will not exceed $5,000. Included with the request may be a one-time artist/entertainment allowance up to $1,000. If this allowance is granted, the GTDA expects the artist/entertainment source to publicize the event and to include the Tourism Development Authority in all advertisements.
Applications are available through https://www.granvillecounty.org/visitors/or through the Granville County Tourism Development office in Oxford. All applications should be submitted by email to angela.allen@granvillecounty.org, or in person/by mail to the Granville County Tourism Development office (124 Hillsboro Street, P.O. Box 820, Oxford NC, 27565) by April 1, 2019, at 5 p.m. The Tourism office is located inside the Granville Chamber of Commerce office in Downtown Oxford.
Grant information sessions will be held throughout the cycle. Visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/visitors/ or contact the Granville County Tourism Office at 919-693-5125 for more details about these sessions.
To learn more about this grant, contact Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen by phone at 919-693-6125 or by email at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.
Granville County Library System Kicks Off New Year
-Press Release, Granville County Library System
The Granville County Library System has plans to start off the new year with many new programs, services and events as several popular offerings continue.
Starting Jan. 10, a new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) program will be offered at the Richard H. Thornton Library on Thursday afternoons. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to participate in this weekly session, which will be held at 4 p.m. To learn more, contact Children’s Librarian Amy Carlson at 919-693-1121, ext. 212.
Every other Thursday from 6 until 8 p.m, “Game Night” is held at the Thornton branch. These fun-filled evenings, which include board games, cards and other friendly competitions, were introduced on Dec. 27, with the next “game night” scheduled for Jan. 10.
Computer workshops also continue at the Thornton Library in Oxford and at the South Branch. An introduction to computers is included, as well as email set-up and information on social media platforms. Sessions are conducted at the South Branch in Creedmoor every Wednesday from 2 until 4 p.m. and on Fridays from 10 until 11 a.m. at the Richard H. Thornton branch. Contact Adult Services Librarian Ashley Wilson at 919-693-1121, ext. 203 for details.
On Sunday, Jan. 13, a book signing by author Bill Massey will be held at the Richard H. Thornton Library. Massey’s new book, “I Learned More Than Them” will be discussed as the author describes his experiences as a middle school teacher in the Granville County Public School system. All proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to teachers to fund field trips for their students.
On Jan. 15 at 11 a.m., library patrons can enjoy a “potluck lunch” at the Thornton Library in Oxford. Bring a plate, silverware and a dish to share as “Lunch with the Librarians” is served, along with an opportunity to find out more about what is available at the local public library.
“Pop Up” libraries are offered every Wednesday at the Granville County Senior Center. From 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., the Granville County Library brings movies, books and audio books to the Center, which is located at 107 Lanier Street in Oxford.
Storytimes for toddlers and preschoolers continue at several library branches. The Stovall library has story time on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. and children can enjoy stories at the Berea site on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. The Children’s Library at the Thornton branch in Oxford hosts story time at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. January themes include “Hats for Everyone” on Jan. 9; “Nursery Rhymes” on Jan. 16; “Snowmen” on Jan. 23 and “ABC, 1-2-3” on Jan. 30.
At the South Branch in Creedmoor, a “Teen Book Club” meets at 3:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month. Teens can come talk about what they are currently reading, swap recommendations with friends and enjoy snacks. An “arts and crafts” time is also offered for teens every third Monday of the month at the South Branch. Call 919-528-1752 for details.
Meetings of the LEGO Club will continue in the new year for any interested participants. The club meets at the South Branch in Creedmoor on the second and fourth Monday of each month and at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meeting are held at 3:30 p.m. at both locations.
There are four branches of the Granville County Library System, with sites in Oxford, Creedmoor, Stovall and Berea. To find out more about what the library closest to you has to offer, visit the new website recently launched by the library system at https://granville.lib.nc.us/.
Main Street Kitchen in Warrenton to Hold Open House – Thurs. Jan 10
-Information courtesy the Warren County Cooperative Extension Center
Main Street Kitchen Open House
Working Landscapes is hosting an open house for community members who are interested in using the Main Street Kitchen, a shared-use commercial kitchen available to be rented by the hour, to jump-start their food business.
The open house will consist of a tour, a brief overview of the capabilities of the kitchen and an opportunity for community members to ask Working Landscapes staff members questions about becoming a shared-user.
The Main Street Kitchen Open House will take place on Thursday, January 10 from 3 – 6 p.m. at 108 S. Main Street in Warrenton, NC. Coffee and water will be provided. We hope to see you there!
(This is not a paid advertisement)