Franklin Co. Sheriff’s Office Arrests Warren Co. Man on Felony Drug Charges

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On May 6, 2020, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Group arrested Warren County resident Tyrone Neal on three felony drug charges.

The arrest came as a result of a vehicle stop in the White Level area of Franklin County. The Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Group was conducting enforcement patrol after receiving complaints and information regarding drug activity occurring throughout that area of the county.

On May 6, 2020, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Group arrested Warren County resident Tyrone Neal on three felony drug charges. (FCSO photo)

Mr. Neal’s vehicle was stopped and, as a result, approximately 58 grams of Powder and Crack Cocaine, as well as US Currency, were seized. The street value of the drugs seized is estimated to be $5,800.

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Our Special Operations Group continues to be responsive to information provided by the citizens of our county. This type of information allows our enforcement to be strategic and raises the chances we can be successful in removing these dangerous drugs from our neighborhoods.”

Tyrone Neal was placed in the Franklin County Detention Facility under a $65,000 secured bond.

Tyrone Neal (48)
213 Neal Ln.
Warrenton, NC 27589

Charges include:
Trafficking in Cocaine (2 counts)
Maintain a Vehicle for the Purpose of Selling Controlled Substances

For more information concerning this investigation or to report drug activity in your neighborhood, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.

Henderson Rec Players Cancels Summer Season; McGregor Hall Opens Phone Lines

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The McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center recently provided updates regarding the Henderson Rec Players’ 2020 Summer Season and the opening of the center’s phone lines.

Henderson Rec Players 

In an effort to protect our beloved actors and patrons, the summer season of the Henderson Rec Players has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

While we are sad to see this break in a nearly 50-year tradition in our community, be assured that this is a temporary pause, and the Rec Players will be back to entertain and provide a creative outlet for all ages as soon as it is safe to do so.

Stay strong and we look forward to shining the spotlight on our local talent again very soon.

McGregor Hall Phone Lines

As Phase One of North Carolina’s Road to Re-Opening begins, we are excited to announce that McGregor Hall’s office phone lines are opening again.

Phone lines are now open Monday through Friday from 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. You can reach McGregor Hall at (252) 598-0662.

Our Box Office will remain closed to the public for the safety of our patrons and employees until June 1, 2020.

Thank you, once more, for your support during this difficult time. We look forward to speaking with you and seeing all of you soon!

WIZS is in talks with Henderson Rec Players and McGregor Hall representatives to bring you a special edition of Town Talk next week. Please stay tuned to WIZS for more details.

Franklin County Logo

Franklin Co. Sees Largest Single-Day Community Coronavirus Case Increase

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Government

On Monday, May 11, 2020, the Franklin County Health Department received notice of seven (7) new coronavirus cases within the community. As of the date and time of this press release, this is the largest single–day increase in coronavirus cases for Franklin County since the onset of the pandemic within Franklin County on March 20, 2020, when the county reported four (4) initial cases.

While the county has had larger increases in total cases reported during the pandemic, these prior larger numbers were associated with facility outbreaks. The current seven (7) cases are NOT associated with any facility outbreak and are not linked together. This is a stark reminder that even though North Carolina has entered into “Phase 1” of re–opening, we must remain vigilant in our adherence to personal protective behaviors.

As North Carolina seems poised to enter Phase 2 of our state‘s phased re–opening on Friday, May 22, 2020, the Franklin County Health Department urges everyone to remember the virus has NOT left Franklin County, and there is still no vaccine.

“Flattening the Curve” simply means there is room for you in the hospital if you get very sick with the virus. The best way to ensure you and/or your loved–ones remain virus-free is to strictly adhere to: 

  • Wearing a face covering (i.e. surgical or cloth mask) when out in public.
  • Limiting your time out in public to only when absolutely necessary.
  • Maintaining six feet of physical distance between yourself and anyone who doesn‘t live with you, washing/sanitizing your hands frequently and not touching your face.

Look for more updates on this outbreak from the Franklin County COVID–19 EOC as more information becomes available.

Henderson and Best Arrested, Charged with 1st Degree Murder

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Local News at 8 a.m., 12 noon, 5 p.m. — 1450 AM / 100.1 FM

Press Release – May 12, 2020

Last night (5/11/2020), at approximately 9:30 PM, Officers of the Henderson Police Department were dispatched to 277 Lincoln Street, Lincoln Height Apartments, in reference to a person suffering from a gunshot wound. When Officers arrived, they located the deceased, Zechariah Alexander (age 20), with a single gunshot wound.

Investigators responded immediately, and quickly developed suspect information through the cooperation of our citizens.

Warrants were soon obtained for the arrest of Demetrius Henderson (age 36) and Saivion Best (age 19) for First Degree Murder.

As of this afternoon, both Demetrius Henderson and Saivion Best have been arrested, served, and placed at the Vance County Jail without bond pending their first court appearance.

As always, assistance from the public was vital in solving this case. We are still asking for anyone with information to contact us through social media, Crime Stoppers (252-492-1925), Henderson Police Department (252-438-414), or the P3 App.

Authority: Chief M.W. Barrow

Town Talk 05/12/20: Staffing Professional Sees Job Market ‘Slowly Coming to Life’

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Hal Muetzel, owner and operator of Express Employment Professionals, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Located at 124 Main Street in Oxford, Express Employment Professionals is a staffing company focused on helping people find jobs and providing workforce solutions to businesses. Services include a full range of employment solutions, including full-time, temporary and part-time employment in a wide range of industries.

The staffing company is available to assist you in your job search and has the means to conduct the majority of the employment process, including an initial interview, remotely.

Following up on a Town Talk interview conducted in April, Muetzel said the job market situation is starting to improve slowly but surely.

“I think we are starting to see things slowly come to life,” said Muetzel. “A lot of employees in the area are taking a wait-and-see attitude, so not really taking on new staff at this point and looking at where their orders are and where they will be in the next 30, 60 and 90 days.”

Previously “holding his breath” for the April job report, Muetzel said it was startling to see the number of Americans currently unemployed.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ recently released April 2020 employment report, total nonfarm payroll employment fell by 20.5 million people, while the unemployment rate rose to 14.7 percent. This sharp decline in employment is mainly contributed to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bureau also reported that unemployment rose in all major industry sectors, with the leisure and hospitality industry facing particularly heavy job losses.

“The job report shows April was a very tough month for everyone – community and nationwide,” stated Muetzel. “Unemployment is the highest it has been in 75 years.”

While some businesses such as Walmart, Amazon and home improvement companies have weathered the storm well and, in some instances, have even seen growth, Muetzel said other industries such as food and travel have not been as fortunate.

“The food industry is a very chaotic situation right now with food processors trying to get things to market but not having all the tools in their toolbox as far as restaurants, schools and large facilities to buy their products. The travel industry, including lodging and transportation, will also be slow to recover as people start to look at how they are going to travel, how close they will sit to each other, etc.”

Muetzel explained industries deemed “essential” by the government, including manufacturing, distribution, food, pharmaceutical, logistics, infrastructure and healthcare, are still the best bet for employment opportunities at this time.

For assistance in finding employment, Express Employment Professionals can be reached by phone at (919) 693-1730 or online at www.expresspros.com/oxfordnc/

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

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Free, Local Grocery Delivery Service in Need of Volunteers & Recipients

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Scarlette Walker, NC State Coordinator for Shopping Angels, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Shopping Angels is an entirely volunteer-based program that was founded in March by Jayde Powell, an undergraduate pre-med student at the University of Nevada, Reno.

The premise is simple: volunteers grocery shop for individuals who are especially at-risk for COVID-19 and/or those with other health issues, seniors, parents of young children and those who are self-isolating due to possible COVID-19 exposure. Requested groceries are delivered to the recipient’s home with no additional fees added; all the recipient pays is the price on the grocery receipt.

Volunteers or “shopping angels” are matched with recipients and will contact them for a grocery list. Wearing a mask and gloves, volunteers will then go grocery shopping, bring the groceries to the recipient’s door, return to their car and call the recipient to let them know their groceries have arrived.

The volunteers keep in touch with recipients throughout the process and, upon delivery, recipients exchange cash for their items or work out another payment arrangement that is more convenient.

Walker stated clients are never expected to pay more than the exact cost of the groceries as reflected on the receipt, are never expected to pay before groceries are delivered and are not expected to pay gas money, tips or delivery fees.

While the response to Walker’s initial efforts to get Shopping Angels up and running in Vance County has been slow, she was pleased to report that one individual has agreed to sponsor a resident in need of groceries.

“Shopping Angels allows you to request services for yourself or a specific person such as a family member by visiting www.shoppingangelsglobal.org and clicking on the “Request Services” tab,” explained Walker. “Services are offered across the U.S., so service requests are available for various cities and states.”

With food assistance proving a huge topic during the COVID-19 situation, Shopping Angels also has a “Give Now” feature online that allows for donations specifically by the state and city of choice.

To volunteer, to request service or to become a sponsor, visit www.shoppingangelsglobal.org and complete the appropriate form.

For those without computer access, those who need assistance with the forms or with general questions, please contact Walker directly at (252) 226-0131. If Walker is unavailable, please leave a voicemail and your call will be returned.

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

Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 05/12/20

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Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 2 PM Monday – Thursday.

Local News Audio

Noon News Audio: 05/12/20

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WIZS – YOUR COMMUNITY VOICE

LOCAL NEWS FOR HENDERSON AND VANCE COUNTY AND THE SURROUNDING AREA AT 12 NOON, ALSO 5 PM AND 8 AM; M-F

  • MAJOR GIFT OF COMPUTERS AND RESOURCES TO VANCE COUNTY SCHOOLS; OVER $150K WORTH
  • DR. JERRY EDMONDS AT VANCE GRANVILLE EARNS HIS DOCTORATE IN EDUCATION
  • “30 DAYS THROUGH A CRISIS” BY DR. ABIDAN SHAH AND NICOLE SHAH OF CLEARVIEW CHURCH

L.B Yancey Elementary Thanks Families for Remote Learning Dedication

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-Information and photos courtesy Edward Ortega, Assistant Principal, L.B. Yancey and Pinkston St.

On Sunday, May 10, 2020, staff members at L.B Yancey Elementary School came together for a car parade through areas of the school neighborhood. The goal was to appreciate parents and students for their positivity, flexibility and resiliency during these trying times.

Parents were given a rose and candy, while students were given materials to make a Mother’s Day gift along with other items.

Our families have been committed to the new learning format and we wanted to say thank you for your support throughout this process. Teachers were excited to see students and encouraged them to keep working hard. It was an evening of community and camaraderie.

L.B. Yancey staff pose for a picture prior to the start of the parade.

Dr. Carnetta Thomas, principal at L.B. Yancey, waved at students who were excited to see the parade.

Antonea Nowell received a flower, candy and a goodie bag from L.B. Yancey staff.

Jaden Spruill excitedly waved as the parade went by.

Rasheeda Ingram waved as the school parade participants handed her a rose.

VGCC Vice President Earns Doctoral Degree

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Jerry E. Edmonds, III, the Vice President of Workforce Development and Community Engagement at Vance-Granville Community College, is now “Doctor Edmonds.” He recently received his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Educational Leadership from Wisconsin-based Edgewood College.

His doctoral dissertation was entitled, “How North Carolina Economic Development Leaders Perceive the N.C. Community College System and Rural Economic Development.”

Jerry E. Edmonds, III, the Vice President of Workforce Development and Community Engagement at Vance-Granville Community College, recently received his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Educational Leadership from Wisconsin-based Edgewood College. (VGCC photo)

“We congratulate Dr. Edmonds on his academic accomplishments, and we look forward to his continuing leadership in efforts to help our students and our local employers through job training and continuing education,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, VGCC’s president. “He is a role model for our students, many of whom are also training and learning to grow as professionals while working full-time.”

A resident of Henderson, Edmonds joined VGCC in 2019. He oversees training programs that respond to community needs and prepare students for workforce success, including apprenticeship programs, and economic development support for the region.

In addition, Edmonds leads the development of partnerships with businesses and government agencies and coordinates outreach and marketing for the entire college.

Edmonds previously served as Dean of Workforce and Economic Development at Halifax Community College. Prior to his role as Dean, he served as the Small Business Center Director at Halifax Community College, from 2014 until 2017.

Edmonds worked for International Business Machines (IBM) and Johnson and Johnson in the private sector before entering the higher education field, earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree, with an emphasis on Marketing, from Marshall University in 1985 and his Master of Science degree in Human Services Management from Springfield College in 2001.