Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Town Talk 10/22/19: Hicks Teaches Students to Use ‘I Power’ to Combat Bullying

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Teresa Hicks, counselor at Carver Elementary School, was on Tuesday’s edition of Town Talk to continue WIZS’ weekly series in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. WIZS has featured local organizations involved in various aspects of domestic violence each Tuesday in October.

The focus of this week’s segment was on younger victims of domestic violence – elementary school children – and how exposure to violent situations increases the risks of bullying.

To combat bullying and to work on students’ self-esteem, Hicks developed a strategy she coined “I Power.” “I Power is a way to make a situation that could be negative, better,” Hicks explained. “It gives students a voice and allows them to advocate for themselves. I tell them to speak up and practice using your voice.”

The key is for students to become comfortable expressing their opinions and feelings in a respectful manner. Hicks said, “This can be as simple as saying ‘I like strawberry ice cream’ when someone else says they don’t like strawberry ice cream.”

Expressing their opinions on seemingly simple matters can give students the confidence needed to stand up for themselves in more serious situations, according to Hicks.

Hicks said she tells her K-5 students, who are often interested in superheroes, that “you can be a superhero too; use your own I Power.”

To hear the interview with Hicks in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

NC Coop Extension

Pesticide Collection Day Scheduled for Warren, Surrounding Counties

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-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, Vance/Warren Counties

NC Cooperative Extension will offer a Pesticide Collection Day for residents in Warren and surrounding counties on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the NC Cooperative Extension office located at 158 Rafters Ln. in Warrenton, NC.

NC Cooperative Extension will offer this service in collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The local site manager will be Matthew Place, Agricultural Extension Agent for Warren County.

Nearly all pesticide products will be accepted, including herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, etc. For liquid pesticide containers larger than 5 gallons or for unlabeled pesticides, please contact the NC Cooperative Extension office for information before bringing to the collection event. Although no gas cylinders will be accepted, assistance information can be provided.

For more information, contact Matthew Place at the NC Cooperative Extension office at (252) 257-3640.

FCSO: Citizen Complaints Lead to Drug Arrest of Two Bunn Residents

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit arrested Franklin County resident James Edward Bullock Jr. on October 18, 2019.

Mr. Bullock was arrested at his residence located at 783 Dead Road Bunn, NC. In addition to the arrest, a search warrant was executed at his residence. The search resulted in the seizure of Cocaine, Marijuana, one firearm, one vehicle and US Currency. 

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit arrested Franklin County resident James Edward Bullock Jr. on October 18, 2019. In addition to the arrest, a search warrant was executed at his residence. The search resulted in the seizure of Cocaine, Marijuana, one firearm, one vehicle and US Currency. (FCSO photo)

This investigation into illegal drug activity began as a result of citizen complaints alleging Mr. Bullock was involved in selling illegal narcotics throughout Franklin County. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit validated Mr. Bullocks’ illegal activities and began an investigation.

As a result of this investigation, Mr. Bullock was charged with five (5) counts of Possess with Intent to Sell/Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance, (Cocaine), five (5) counts of Selling Cocaine, five (5) counts of Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Selling Controlled Substances, one (1) count of Possession of a Firearm by Felon. 

Also arrested during the search was Franklin County resident Dorothy Denise Foster. Ms. Foster was charged with one (1) count of Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine, one (1) count of Maintaining a Vehicle for selling Controlled Substances and Possession of Marijuana. 

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “We continue to identify and pursue those dealers who distribute these illegal drugs in our communities. These arrests are the direct result of citizens who provided information on the illegal activities of these two individuals. We appreciate this type of information and the partnership we have with our citizens. Working together helps us fulfill our commitment to keep our communities safe.” 

Also arrested during the search was Franklin County resident Dorothy Denise Foster. Foster was charged with one (1) count of Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine, one (1) count of Maintaining a Vehicle for selling Controlled Substances and Possession of Marijuana. (FCSO photo)

James Edward Bullock Jr. was placed under a $300,000 secured bond and is currently in the Franklin County Detention Center, 

James Edward Bullock Jr., 51 years old, 783 Dead Road Bunn, NC 27508 

Dorothy Denise Foster was placed under a $20,000 secured bond in the Franklin County Detention Center. 

Dorothy Denise Foster, 50 years old, 60 Scarborough Road Bunn, NC 27508 

If you have information regarding this case or if you would like to report drug activity in your community, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186. 

U.S. Department of Justice

Dept. of Justice Awards $5 Million to Address NC School Violence

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

The Department of Justice announced it has awarded more than $85.3 million to bolster school security—including funding to educate and train students and faculty—and support first responders who arrive on the scene of a school shooting or other violent incident.

“These federal resources will help to prevent school violence and give our students the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive,’ said Attorney General William P. Barr. “By training faculty, students and first responders, and by improving school security measures, we can make schools and their communities safer.”

“Preventing violence in our schools is critical to the safety and security of all of our communities,” said Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “These funds authorized by the Department of Justice will be used to better prepare school faculty, students and law enforcement to prevent, detect, and respond to security threats.”

The grants award more than $5 million in funding to prevent violence in schools in North Carolina. President Trump signed the STOP School Violence Act into law March 2018, authorizing grants that are designed to improve threat assessments, train students and faculty to provide tips and leads and prepare law enforcement officers and emergency professionals to respond to school shootings and other violent incidents.

The grant programs are managed by OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance, within the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services manage the programs and administer the grants, which include funds to:

  • Develop school threat assessment teams and pursue technological solutions to improve reporting of suspicious activity in and around schools;
  • Implement or improve school safety measures, including coordination with law enforcement, as well as the use of metal detectors, locks, lighting and other deterrent measures;
  • Train law enforcement to help deter student violence against others and themselves;
  • Improve notification to first responders through the implementation of technology that expedites emergency notifications;
  • Develop and operate anonymous reporting systems to encourage safe reporting of potential school threats;
  • Train school officials to intervene when mentally ill individuals threaten school safety; and
  • Provide training and technical assistance to schools and other awardees in helping implement these programs.

For more details about these individual award programs, as well as listings of individual 2019 awardees, visit https://go.usa.gov/xVJuV.

NC Coop Extension

Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 10/22/19

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News 10/22/19

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Downtown Henderson

City Manager Talks Flood Ordinance, Address Identification, Bulletproof Vests

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City Manager Frank Frazier discussed a few of the key bullet points of the October 14 Henderson City Council meeting on WIZS’ Town Talk last week, including:

Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations Plan

Brian Short, director of the Henderson-Vance Emergency Operations Center, is currently working with local law enforcement and fire personnel to update the emergency operations plan in light of recent enhancements to 911 and GPS tracking.

In August, H-V Emergency Operations upgraded to a new telecommunications system known as “Next Generation 911,” allowing for faster digital communication between the public, participating 911 centers and emergency personnel.

In addition to faster call processing, Short said in a previous interview with WIZS that the Next Generation infrastructure will eventually allow for video chats with callers, improved 911 texting speed and faster identification of GPS coordinates.

While faster GPS identification will save precious time in an emergency, Frazier said the City and County are working together on updating addresses in the system and discussing ways to better physically identify properties.

“We aren’t looking at changing anyone’s address,” explained Frazier. “We have some residents that currently do not physically present their address in a location that fire, police or other emergency services can quickly identify.”

Frazier said street numbers posted on mailboxes or the front of homes can save time in an emergency situation and will be a topic of discussion for the City moving forward.

Enforcing Minimum Housing Codes

With the recent hiring of an additional full-time code enforcer, Frazier said the City is beginning to ramp up enforcement of dwellings not meeting minimum housing standards.

Demolition of two dwellings – 302 Harriett Street and 726 College Street – were approved at the October City Council meeting. According to Frazier, the owners of the properties requested and were granted 60 days to bring the units up to code before demolition begins.

For additional information on building codes, please visit the City of Henderson’s code compliance site (click here).

Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance

Following a scheduled public hearing with no one speaking in favor of or in opposition to updates to a local flood ordinance, the City Council approved proposed amendments.

Changes to the ordinance mirror recommendations made by the State of NC, and will keep Henderson eligible for assistance if a qualifying situation occurs.

While the rules and regulations for what qualifies for FEMA assistance and grants after a flood remain “very restrictive,” Frazier said improved mapping completed after the destruction of Hurricane Floyd in 1999 makes it easier to determine if your home or business is located in a flood zone.

“Henderson is primarily at the top of the ridge and we don’t have as many flood plain areas as other communities,” Frazier said. “We do have better mapping now and, with minor revisions to the flood ordinance, we are in much better shape than we were years ago to handle this responsibility.”

Purchase of Bulletproof Vests for the Henderson Police Department

The Henderson Police Department will soon be receiving new bulletproof vests thanks to approximately $8,000 in budgeted federal money.

“Bulletproof vests have an expiration date and have to be replaced,” said Frazier. We are sticking to the guidelines to keep our officers safe and equipped with the best.”

To hear Frazier’s Town Talk interview in its entirety, please click here. Frazier’s segment begins at the 15:00 mark. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

Granville Chamber’s ‘Cluck ‘N Shuck’ Postponed Until Spring

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-Press Release, Granville County Chamber of Commerce

Late last week, the Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Committee was notified by the event chairman of their annual Cluck ‘N Shuck event that the event caterer had contacted him regarding the very limited supply of oysters.

The recent storms in the Gulf and Atlantic have drastically limited the availability of fresh oysters. All oyster bottoms are closed in North Carolina, and all of the Gulf oysters have been drenched as a result of wind from storms. The water is too fresh, and the bottoms are closed.

Rather than move forward with an alternate menu for the Friday, October 25 Cluck ‘N Shuck event, the Chamber’s Executive Committee thought it prudent to postpone the event until spring.

The new date for Cluck ‘N Shuck is being planned for March 2020.

Ticket holders for the October 25, 2019, event may return their tickets to the 124 Hillsboro St., Oxford Chamber office for a full refund of the purchase price or they may retain and use their tickets in the spring of 2020.

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors apologizes to our ticket holders and sponsors for any inconvenience this may cause.

Reminder: ‘Shrek the Musical’ Coming to McGregor Hall This Weekend!

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Everyone’s favorite movie is coming to McGregor Hall’s stage! DreamWorks Classic’s SHREK THE MUSICAL is the story of dreams becoming reality for a group of misunderstood fairy tale creatures who learn that our differences are what make us strong.

This Broadway-styled musical will feature glamorous costumes, a magical set, and a LIVE, professional orchestra.

The six performance dates include:

  • October 25-26, November 1-2, 2019, at 8 p.m
  • October 27, November 3, 2019, at 2 p.m.

“Soiree in the Swamp”

In addition to the performance, kids can join Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and all of their friends for a “Soiree in the Swamp.”

Children of all ages will enjoy yummy delicacies, entertainment by Shrek and his friends and pictures with their favorite characters.

Activities will be held on McGregor Hall’s stage in the swamp set on Saturday, October 26 and Saturday, November 2, 2019, at 2 p.m.

All children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Tickets for both “Soiree in the Swamp” and McGregor Hall’s October 25 – November 3 production of Dreamwork’s “Shrek The Musical” are available 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)

City of Henderson Logo

Council to Continue Henderson City Manager Discussions in Closed Session

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-Information courtesy Esther J. McCrackin, City Clerk, City of Henderson, NC

Mayor Eddie Ellington has requested a Special Called meeting of the Henderson City Council on Thursday, October 24, 2019, at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers.

The purpose of the meeting is to hold a Closed Session Pursuant to G.S. 143-318-11(a)(6) Regarding a Personnel Matter pertaining to the City Manager Position.