George Daye Presented Key to the City; Elected Henderson Officials Sworn In

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

At Monday’s Henderson City Council meeting, Mayor Eddie Ellington presented outgoing Councilmember George Daye with the key to the city. Daye lost his re-election bid for the 4th Ward seat in October to Jason Spriggs.

A symbolic gesture, the key represents a trust in Daye and an appreciation for his years of service to both the Council and the community.

At the Dec. 9 Henderson City Council meeting, Mayor Eddie Ellington (right) presented outgoing Councilmember George Daye (left) with the key to the city. Daye lost his re-election bid for the 4th Ward seat in October to Jason Spriggs. (Photo courtesy Steve Cordell, Henderson Fire Chief)

“Mr. Daye has certainly brought a lot of wisdom to our Council,” City Manager Frank Frazier said in an interview aired on WIZS’ Town Talk on Tuesday. “Oftentimes, Mr. Daye and I would walk out together [of meetings] and be the last ones to leave. We had several interesting conversations, especially about public safety. He is going to be severely missed.”

Frazier, who was honored with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine during the Council meeting, said he is looking forward to seeing what Spriggs will bring to the City and respects Daye’s positive attitude toward the election results.

“When he [Daye] decided to run this last time, he said ‘If I win, I win. If I don’t, I’m sure it will be in good hands with Jason,’” Frazier stated. “We have talked about George continuing to serve the City on various committees.”

Spriggs, along with Ellington, Marion Brodie Williams, Mike Rainey and Melissa Elliott were sworn in at Monday’s meeting.

Councilmember Sara Coffey was appointed the City’s mayor pro tem, a distinction that permits her to stand in at meetings and other events in the absence of the mayor.

In other agenda items, several citizens spoke during the public hearing portion of the meeting in favor of an ordinance allowing golf carts and other low-speed vehicles (LSVs) on city streets.

The Council voted to move forward on the ordinance allowing the use of LSVs in a “manner that will be safe to both traditional motorists and those operating the golf carts,” Frazier said. “Safety is the prime point of what we are trying to achieve with the ordinance.”

While Frazier said additional tweaks may need to be made, the ordinance as currently written requires the driver of the LSV to be 16 years of age or older and carry liability insurance on the vehicle.

The vehicle will also be required to have proper registration, functioning lights and turn signals, and shall not be operated on or alongside a public road or street with a posted speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour.

LSVs are also not allowed on the following roadways that have been deemed a hazard due to traffic volume, visibility and collision data: NC HWY 158 Bypass; Andrews Avenue (NC 39); Beckford Drive; Dabney Drive; Dabney Drive Extension; Graham Avenue; Garnett Street (North of Andrews Avenue); Oxford Road (158 Business); Raleigh Road (US1 Business); Ruin Creek Road; North Cooper Drive.

To review current and prior Henderson City Council meeting agendas and minutes, please click here.

H-V Chamber Logo

H-V Chamber Accepting Applications for 2020 Leadership Vance Program

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

It’s time to apply for Leadership Vance! If you haven’t been through the Chamber’s Leadership Vance program, you don’t want to miss the 2020 session.

Leadership Vance is a proven, structured program, designed to create a corps of informed and dedicated emerging leaders in our community. Upon graduation, program participants will be qualified to meet the present and future challenges facing Henderson and Vance County.

Leadership Vance will inform, challenge and educate participants on the opportunities and needs of the community. Participants will strengthen their leadership skills while learning about the social, economic, and political dynamics that shape our community.

Leadership Vance will encourage the development of interpersonal relationships among the participants and establish an ongoing resource network.

The intensive training and exposure to all aspects of the community will provide participants with the historical background and the skills necessary for volunteer, civic and community positions. It will also benefit participants in their business and career goals.

Individuals who live or work in Vance County are invited to apply. A select number of participants will be chosen by the Leadership Vance Selection Committee and will represent all backgrounds, occupations and geographic areas of Vance County.

To receive maximum benefit from Leadership Vance, it is essential that participants and their employers be willing to commit the time necessary for successful completion of the program. A participant is expected to attend all sessions, barring extreme emergencies. A maximum of two excused absences is permitted in order to graduate from the Leadership Vance program. All participants are expected to plan and participate as a team in a community service project.

The program cost is $350 for Chamber members and $425 for non-Chamber members. The tuition fee includes all course materials, meals, retreat expenses, travel, graduation banquet and diploma.

All participants should submit a completed application to the Chamber office no later than Wednesday, January 8, 2020.

For more information, contact Sandra Wilkerson at (252) 438-8414 or by email at sandra@hendersonvance.org.

Town Talk 12/11/19

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Franklin County Sheriff

Operation Impact Phase III Results in 19 Arrests, 134 Drug Charges (Pics)

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit has concluded Phase III of Operation Impact. Operation Impact is an ongoing, six-month investigation, involving illegal drug activity in Franklin County.

As a result of Phase III of the investigation, 19 individuals have been arrested and charged with 134 felony drug-related charges. The individuals arrested during this phase of Operation Impact are alleged to have been involved in selling illegal drugs in and around neighborhoods in Bunn and surrounding areas. 

This phase of the investigation was part of a continued and on-going effort by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office to identify and investigate illegal drug activity occurring in Franklin County. The individuals arrested during this operation were identified by citizen complaints, law enforcement complaints and other intelligence-driven information received by the Sheriff’s Office. 

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Phase III of Operation Impact was a strategic initiative that focused on individuals selling drugs in our neighborhoods throughout the Bunn area. The plan to address drug activity in all of our communities will continue.” 

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in Phase III of Operation Impact by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bunn Police Department and the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division. 

As of this date, Operation Impact has resulted in 55 total arrests and 311 felony charges. These arrests have occurred throughout Franklin County and more arrests are expected.

The following arrests/charges are the result of Operation Impact Phase III: 

Cynthia Marie Foster – 56 years old – 15 Rogers Drive Bunn, NC 27508

2 counts PWIMSD Cocaine, 2 counts Sell Cocaine, 2 counts Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, PWISD Cocaine ~ Bond $20,000 secured 

Schyler Don Quarrious Williams – 21 years old – 917 Sledge Road Louisburg, NC 27549

2 counts PWIMSD Cocaine, 2 counts Sell Cocaine, PWIMSD Marijuana ~ Bond $72,000 secured 

Kevin Dunston – 49 years old – 25 Queens Drive Louisburg, NC 27549

Sell Cocaine ~ Bond $5,000 secured 

Jerome Usher Jr. – 34 years old – 1010 Alford Mill Road Bunn, NC 27508

Sell Schedule II CS, PWISD Marijuana, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS ~ Bond $20,000 secured 

William Jamel Andrews – 35 years old – 7612 Sunny Slope Street Zebulon, NC 27597 

2 counts PWISD Marijuana, 2 counts Sell Marijuana, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS ~ Bond $30,000 secured 

Trevon Alton Knight – 24 years old – 7433 Little River Circle Zebulon, NC 27597

Sell Marijuana, PWIMSD Marijuana, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS ~ Bond $20,000 secured 

David Neshorne Smith – 35 years old – 553 Arnold Road Louisburg, NC 27549

3 counts Sell Cocaine, 3 counts PWIMSD Sch II CS, 2 counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS ~ Bond $ 25,000 secured 

Quincy Jamario Bolden – 32 years old – 601 Howard Tant Road Zebulon, NC 27597

2 counts Sell Marijuana, 2 counts PWIMSD Sch VI CS, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, Manufacture/Sell/Deliver/Possess with Intent CS within 1000 ft of School ~ Bond $65,000 secured 

James Otis Dunston – 73 years old – 15 Queens Drive Bunn, NC 27508

4 counts Conspire Sell/Deliver Cocaine, Possess CS Prison/Jail Premises, Felony Possession of Cocaine ~ Bond $50,000 secured 

Lola Veronica Jones – 51 years old – 1391 Sykes Road Spring Hope, NC 27882

PWIMSD Cocaine, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, Sell Cocaine ~ Bond $25,000 unsecured

Joseph Bettis Jr. – 34 years old – 1120 Ridge Haven Drive Wendell, NC 27591

2 counts PWIMSD Cocaine, 2 counts Sell Cocaine, 2 counts Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS 

Jeremy Alexander Hicks – 32 years old – 35 Chickenhouse Drive Louisburg, NC 27549

PWIMSD Marijuana, Sell Marijuana, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS ~ Bond $25,000 secured 

Robert Cequon Fletcher – 62 years old – 121 W. Barbee Street Zebulon, NC 27597

2 counts Trafficking Opium or Heroin, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, PWIMSD Sch II CS ~ Bond $25,000 secured

Justin Deon Richardson – 29 years old – 69 Dykes Way Louisburg, NC 27549

PWIMSD Heroin, Sell Heroin, 2 counts Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, PWISD Marijuana, Sell Marijuana, PWISD Cocaine, Sell Cocaine ~ Bond $100,000 secured 

Jo Ann Clemonts – 49 years old – 25 Cambridge Drive Franklinton, NC 27525

3 counts Trafficking Opium or Heroin ~ Bond $100,000 secured 

Andrew Zayquawn Cates – 21 years old – 15 Marless Drive Apt. B Franklinton, NC 27525

PWISD Marijuana, Sell/Deliver Marijuana ~ Bond $30,000 secured 

Rico Dashawn Brooks – 33 years old – 1345 Walter Grissom Road Kittrell, NC 27544

2 counts PWISD Cocaine, 2 counts Sell/Deliver Cocaine, 2 counts Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, Possession of Firearm by Felon, Possess Stolen Firearm ~ Bond $100,000 secured 

Michael Junior Harris – 39 years old – 5542 Vicksboro Road Henderson, NC 27536

PWIMSD Sch II CS, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, Sell Cocaine ~ Bond $50,000 secured 

Christopher Quatrell Hodge – 29 years old – 812 Shepard School Road Zebulon, NC 27597

Sell Cocaine, PWIMSD Sch II CS, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS, Conspire Sell/Deliver Sch II CS ~ Bond $80,000 secured 

If you have information regarding drug activity occurring in your neighborhood, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at 919-496-2186.

Cynthia Marie Foster

Schyler Don Quarrious Williams

Kevin Dunston

Jerome Usher Jr.

William Jamel Andrews

Trevon Alton Knight

David Neshorne Smith

Quincy Jamario Bolden

James Otis Dunston

Lola Veronica Jones

Joseph Bettis Jr.

Jeremy Alexander Hicks

Robert Cequon Fletcher

Justin Deon Richardson

Jo Ann Clemonts

Andrew Zayquawn Cates

Rico Dashawn Brook

Michael Junior Harris

Christopher Quatrell Hodge

New VGCC Scholarship Honors Maria Parham Guild Gift Gallery Volunteer

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Volunteers from the Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham Health recently presented $25,000 to the Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund to create a new scholarship. This scholarship — the 14th established by the Guild Gift Gallery in recent years — honors the memory of one of the volunteers, the late Vernell Champion of Henderson.

Champion passed away in November of 2018 at age 76.

In front, from left: Guild Gift Gallery volunteers Claire Catherwood, Tricia Kleczek, Gean Bobbitt, Charlotte Ayscue and Beverly Parrish. In back, from left: VGCC Endowment Director Eddie Ferguson with volunteers Fern Ellington, Stephanie Stringer, Pat Ayscue, Shaaron Reynolds, Betty Abbott, Jean Hutchins and Ralph Hutchins. Not pictured: volunteers Shannon Clark, Carol Pegram, Margie Moss, Gail Malone, Jean Norwood, Debra Smiley, Cathy Nowell, Judy Campbell, Sylvia Anderson, Linda Washburn and Anne Bunch. (VGCC photo)

“Vernell was one special lady,” her fellow gift shop volunteer Cathy Robertson remembered. “Vernell was a valuable asset to the Guild Gift Gallery for more than eight years. She was a loyal volunteer, always ready to lend a helping hand anytime, and she was a special friend to all who knew her. She was an active member of Victory Baptist Church and also of South Henderson Pentecostal Church.”

The new gift continues a tradition of the organization’s generous support for education. The volunteer-operated Guild Gift Gallery offers convenience items and gifts as a service to both patients and visitors at the hospital. Profits from sales are used to provide scholarships to people preparing to enter the health care professions.

The new VGCC scholarship will assist deserving students in programs such as Nursing, Radiography, Medical Assisting and Pharmacy Technology.

“Vance-Granville continues to be grateful for our ongoing partnership with the Guild Gift Gallery,” said Eddie Ferguson, VGCC’s endowment fund director. “We’re honored that we get the opportunity to celebrate the life of Mrs. Champion in this way, by helping students achieve their educational goals for years to come.”

Because the “Vernell Champion/Guild Gift Gallery at Maria Parham Presidential Scholar Award” scholarship is endowed, it will be awarded in perpetuity.

“Mrs. Champion’s legacy of volunteer service will be an inspirational example to students who receive a scholarship in her name, as they prepare to serve in the health care field,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, the president of VGCC. “Thanks to volunteers like Mrs. Champion, the Guild Gift Gallery makes a significant difference in our community by supporting students in their pursuit of rewarding careers.”

Through the Endowment Fund, VGCC has awarded more than 9,700 scholarships to students since 1982.

Scholarships have been endowed by numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff. Tax-deductible donations to the VGCC Endowment Fund have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business or industry with a lasting gift to education.

For more information, please call (252) 738-3409.

Granville Christmas Events Full of Crafts, History & Santa!

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Make a wooden snowman with “Crafts for Every Season,” offered through the Creative Lifelong Learning program of Granville County Senior Services. This hands-on workshop will be held on Dec. 13 from 9:30 until 11 a.m. at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford. The instructor is Christine Luscavich. Call Marilyn Howard at 919-693-1930 to register.

Have your pets’ photos made with Santa and enjoy refreshments as the Animal Shelter hosts its annual holiday event. Santa will be available beginning at 11 a.m. at Coldwell Banker Advantage, 2555-A Capital Drive in Creedmoor. For details, contact the Granville County Animal Shelter at 919-693-6749.

Create your own hand-crafted holiday chocolates at the Thornton Library on Dec. 14. Beginning at 2 p.m., make (and sample) peppermint chocolate candies. (Must be 18 years of age and older to participate.) Contact Adult Services Librarian Stefani Perry at 919-693-1121 for more information.

Learn more about genealogy and local history as two programs are presented by the Granville County Library System. North Carolina Room Specialist Mark Pace will show participants how to “discover their roots” as he provides an overview of the history of our area and the resources available to help develop a family tree. These presentations will be held on Dec. 14 at the South Branch Library in Creedmoor and on Dec. 15 at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford, both at 2 p.m. Contact Pace for more information at 919-693-1121.

Want to make your own personalized Christmas gift? A series of fun Cricut workshops continue at the South Branch Library in Creedmoor. Bring your own coffee mugs, plates or other items you would like to have personalized on Dec. 18  at 2 p.m. Supplies will be provided. The event is for ages 18 and up. Call Stefani Perry at 919-693-1121 for details.

Santa and his elves will be turning the South Branch Library into a winter wonderland from 4 until 6 p.m. on Dec. 18. Bring your kids for pictures, greetings and special Christmas wishes. Or enjoy Stories with Santa at the Thornton Library at 5 p.m.– while making a fun holiday craft—on the same day! Visit https://granville.lib.nc.us/ for a listing of additional events scheduled for all branches of the Granville County Library System.

Learn how to make holiday candles and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate as the Granville County Library System’s “Crafternoon” series continues with a workshop at the Berea Library on Dec. 19 (5:30 p.m.) Registration is required to reserve materials for this event. For details, contact Stefani Perry at 919-693-1121.

It’s Movie Night at Thornton Library! On Dec. 20, enjoy “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at 6 p.m., complete with popcorn! Contact Adult Services Librarian Stefani Perry at 919-693-1121 for details.

Enjoy holiday music as the South Branch Library hosts a Christmas Piano Student Recital on Dec. 21. Performances begin at 3 p.m., refreshments will be served. To learn more, contact Penelope Mason, Library Branch Manager, at 919-528-1752.

NC Coop Extension

Cooperative Extension with Paul McKenzie 12/11/19

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Home and Garden 12/10/19

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News 12/11/19

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Town Talk 12/10/19: Frazier Receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine, Honored With Luncheon

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

At Monday evening’s Henderson City Council meeting, City Manager Frank Frazier was presented with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina government’s highest civilian honor.

Since 1963, NC governors have reserved this honor for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.

Frank Frazier (center), wife Sherri, son Chad & Chad’s fiancé Morgan stand with Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington as Betty Jo Shepheard, a representative from US Senator Richard Burr’s office, presents Frazier with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. (Photo courtesy Steve Cordell)

Persons named to The Order become North Carolina “ambassadors” with their names and award dates recorded on a roster maintained by The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society.

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington, along with Betty Jo Shepheard, Senator Richard Burr’s representative, presented an unsuspecting Frazier with the award.

“I was totally surprised and consider it a great honor,” said Frazier, who has been with the City for 35 years. “I was certainly not expecting that!”

In a night dedicated to swearing in newly elected City officials, Frazier, who is set to retire on January 31, 2020, was re-appointed to his position.

Since announcing his retirement plans in July, Frazier has been working with the City Council and Ellington to select a successor. WIZS recently received an update from Ellington that the field has been narrowed down, with an announcement expected soon.

In a continuation of honoring Frazier, WIZS sponsored a luncheon at 11 a.m. today at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.

Henderson City Manager Frank Frazier (left) and John Charles Rose with WIZS (right) pictured at the WIZS-hosted luncheon honoring Frazier’s service to the City. The event was held on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at the Vance Country Regional Farmers Market. (WIZS photo)

Frazier said he was surprised yet again by an event held in his honor that included, among others, City and County staff and department heads, law enforcement, fire department officials and media representatives.

As the ongoing support of both entities has made his job possible, it was fitting to have this group in attendance, said Frazier.

“We’ve tried to build a team over the years and work together to get the job done no matter what,” Frazier explained. “No one entity can do it all, and we have to work together. What’s good for the City is good for the County.”

In his remarks, Ellington said Frazier leaves the City in excellent financial condition. “The entire time Frank Frazier has been manager, there has been no tax increase. We are in the best financial shape we’ve been in in the last decade.”

Vance County Commissioner and NC Senate District Three candidate Tommy Hester reiterated comments made on Frazier’s strong work ethic.

“You couldn’t ask for anybody any better than Frank; he is dedicated and from his heart. He works hard and he’s going to be difficult to replace. He’s a true friend to this county and a true friend to Henderson, NC.”

To hear the segment with Frazier in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.