Intolerant Behavior Disrupts More Than School Activity

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Tuesday night, December 5, the Vance County Vipers Basketball team hosted Louisburg, but the game was halted soon after it started when a fight broke out on the gym floor.

VCS Chief Officer for Communication Aarika Sandlin said, “No Vance County High School students were involved. Currently, an active investigation is taking place by the Vance County Sheriff’s (Office).”

Sheriff Curtis Brame said the fight led to his office “issuing citations for simple affray against four young males between the ages of 18-19.”

The Sheriff said, “Juvenile petitions are being taken out against the juveniles that are under the age of 18 for simple affray.”

It is not believed that the teams were involved in any way and apparently no one was injured.

What is not known and is the subject of the investigation is the gunshots outside the building. A vehicle was struck but the remainder of it, namely who did the shooting, what vehicle was hit, under what circumstances it was hit and more is what law enforcement continues to work on.

As to what’s next for the school and how the school system is handling it, Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett issued a statement to WIZS.

She said, “We are very disappointed with the behavior of several students from another district school as well as some adults who were present for the game (Tuesday) night at VCHS. Actions and behaviors such as this will not be tolerated and VCS has already added another layer of security and limited access for spectators and other guests at our athletic events. This behavior is not representative of VCHS nor VCS. I stand firmly on a no tolerance of dangerous behavior in the athletic spaces or on our campuses at any time.”

Man on Pretrial Release Arrested After Ongoing Drug Complaint

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— information from Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow

On December 6, 2023, the Henderson Police Department served two narcotic search warrants, one at Main Street Auto, 326 N. Garnett St., and the other at 115 Willow Oak Pl. in response to an ongoing drug complaint.

During the service of the warrant, approximately 47.5 grams of cocaine, 860 grams of marijuana, two firearms, drug manufacturing equipment, and $7,920.00 in cash were seized.

Carey Rogers, 41, was arrested in relation to this investigation.

Rogers was charged with: (2 counts) Trafficking Cocaine; Manufacturing Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, Deliver Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, Deliver Marijuana; (2 counts) Possession of a Firearm by a Felon; Maintaining a Dwelling Place for a Controlled Substance; Possession of a Stolen Vehicle; Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, not Marijuana.

Rogers received no bond due to being on pretrial release.  He was remanded to the Vance County Jail.

SportsTalk: Vance Charter Girls Basketball Off To A Strong Start

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The Vance Charter Girls Basketball team is off to a 4-1 start this season and head coach Brian Howard is kind of happy about it.  “The one part in the 4 -1 isn’t very satisfying,” Howard said on Thursday’s SportsTalk.  That “1” part that Howard refers to is a 49-47 loss to Falls Lake.  “We left points on the free throw line and missed points in transition,” Howard added.

This week Vance Charter defeated Granville Central 58-10 in a game that saw Vance Charter’s Alaina Bullock record 14 points and 9 steals.  “We preach defense.  I’m a defensive-minded coach,” Howard said about allowing only 10 points in the game.

Vance Charter has been putting solid teams on the court over the last several years but Howard feels that they are all quite different.  “This year’s team is one of the most connected, due to chemistry, I’ve had,” Howard stated.

Next up for Vance Charter is East Wake Academy on December 15th.

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SportsTalk: KVA Prepares For Holiday Tournament

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Mike Joyner, Kerr Vance Academy athletic director, has reason to be happy with the school’s Fall sports programs.  “Every team made the playoffs,” Joyner stated on Thursday’s SportsTalk.  Now that fall sports have come to an end, the winter sports season is kicking into high gear.  The Spartans have one win to their credit in boys basketball and the girls team is struggling with injuries at the moment but an upcoming holiday tournament at the school will give both squads a chance to rebound.  The tournament takes place next weekend.  “Big crowds and lots of alumni are expected,” Joyner said.

Joyner also singled out cheerleading coach Elizabeth Wilson.  “The cheerleading squad has tripled in size,” Joyner said.  One of the highlights of the upcoming basketball tournament will be the Spartanettes who are cheerleaders from lower grades, Almost like a JV cheerleading squad.  They have several opportunities to perform routines with the older girls throughout the season and the tournament will provide the Spartanettes a chance to show off their skills.  Again, the tournament begins Friday, December 15th at Kerr Vance Academy.

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Vance County Logo

The Local Skinny! Vance County Commissioners Meet

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Dan Brummitt is the newly elected chair of the Vance County Board of Commissioners. The District 4 representative was selected in a 5-2 vote during the Dec. 4 regular monthly meeting.

Leo Kelly was elected vice chair in a 4-3 vote.

Brummitt thanked outgoing chairperson Yolanda Feimster for her time as chair, saying it’s been a “very trying year,” mentioning the search for a new county manager as one of the challenges on the county’s plate. “Thank you for your leadership through this process,” Brummitt continued.

The commissioners got an update on the two instances of elevated lead reported to the county by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality.

The samples were taken from residential taps as part of a routine lead service inventory. The next step, most likely, is to take samples from the water system. The county now is waiting to hear back from the state about what will occur next.

In her report, County Manager Renee Perry asked commissioners to consider allowing the fire department to purchase personal protective equipment that will most likely be needed before preliminary results of the fire study are released in early 2024.

In her first few weeks as county manager, Perry said she has been meeting with various department heads within the county government. The budget that was approved in June included a freeze on capital expenditures, and Perry asked the commissioners to allow the fire department to purchase the PPE.

Brummitt, who also chairs the Public Safety Committee, said this request should be reviewed by the Public Safety Committee before a decision is made. The next meeting of Public Safety Committee is Dec. 20.

Brummitt told Perry that the committee had asked fire officials for a complete inventory of equipment, with expiration dates noted.

As part of the ongoing employee engagement efforts, County Finance Director Katherine Bigelow recognized Kathy Hope, who has worked in the finance department since July 2021, when Bigelow said “we stole her” from the Department of Social Services. Hope began working with DSS in December 2006 as a Medicaid caseworker.

Bigelow said Hope is a “truly exceptional” employee who doesn’t merely complete her work, but she elevates her work to a higher level. Her innovative thinking, unwavering dedication and positivity make her a valuable member of the county’s team.

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TownTalk: Amedisys Seeks Volunteers For Hospice

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COVID-19 restrictions affected just about every aspect of society, including the volunteer pool at Amedisys, a home health and hospice care agency that provides help to patients in hospice and respite care for their caregivers.

“Before COVID, I had volunteers,” said Roberta Freeman, regional volunteer coordinator for Amedisys, which serves the four-county area. Freeman was a guest on TownTalk with WIZS co-hosts Bill Harris and Steve Lewis.

Freeman said she is working to build back the volunteer program and shared details about how people can become involved.

Some of the attributes of an ideal volunteer fall under the category of soft skills, including being compassionate and having a heart for those who are in end-of-life care. Amedisys kicked off a holiday campaign to recruit volunteers called “Hope for the Holidays.” Freeman said it is her hope that people will give the gift of time to serve as a volunteer.

Direct-patient volunteering involves being matched with a patient or caregiver and then working out a schedule for regular visits, which could tasks such as running errands, light housework, caring for lawns or gardens, or even picking up prepaid grocery orders.

Anyone 16 or older can apply to volunteer, but individuals under the age of 18 aren’t allowed to visit homes unsupervised. There are plenty of administrative type jobs, too, including general office work, maintaining social media and representing Amedisys at community events.

Want to learn more? Contact Freeman at 225.412.7759 or email her at

Roberta.freeman@amedisys.com.

 

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Granville Chamber Sponsors Student Spotlight

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The Granville County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee invites Chamber members to nominate local high school students for the Student Spotlight.

Students with an affiliation to a Chamber member business – through employment, internship or as a volunteer – are eligible, according to information from Chamber Executive Director Cynthia Ratliff. The students must be a resident of Granville County or attend one of the following high schools: Granville Central High School; J.F. Webb High School; South Granville High School; Oxford Preparatory School; Falls Lake Academy; Granville Early College; Granville Academy or Phoenix Academy.

Students selected for the Spotlight will be recognized at the Chamber’s annual membership meeting and banquet, scheduled for Mar. 11, 2024. All nominated students may apply for a scholarship the Chamber offers that will be awarded in June 2024.

Nominations should be based on attendance, work ethic and character. To access the nomination form, click here.

For more information, contact Ratliff at the Chamber office at 919.693.6125 or cynthia@granville-chamber.com.

Suspect Accused of Armed Robbery in Vance County Arrested

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— from the Office of Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

On November 30, 2023, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division apprehended Johnny Mayfield Jr. on charges related to an armed robbery in Vance County.

Upon apprehending Mayfield, he was found in possession of a concealed firearm.

Mayfield was served with multiple warrants including: felony robbery with a dangerous weapon; felony conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon; possession of a stolen firearm; and carrying a concealed weapon.

Mayfield also had an outstanding warrant for assault with a deadly weapon.

Mayfield was placed in the Vance County Jail with a $165,000 secured bond.

The information from the Sheriff indicated the suspect was apprehended near Middleburg Variety store.  Information about where the suspect is accused of committing an armed robbery in Vance County has not been provided.

MPH Gets Accreditation For Treating Patients With Chest Pain

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-information courtesy of Donna Young, Maria Parham Health Market Coordinator, Communications & Marketing

The American College of Cardiology has recognized Maria Parham Health for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Maria Parham Health was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation in December based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

“Maria Parham Health has demonstrated its commitment to providing Henderson/Vance County with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Maria Parham Health with Chest Pain Center Accreditation.”

Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms. They have streamlined their systems from admission to evaluation to diagnosis and treatment all the way through to appropriate post-discharge care and recommendations and assistance in patient lifestyle changes.

“As part of Duke Lifepoint Maria Parham is proud to offer “A” level care to the region and chest pain accreditation is one part of our commitment to evidenced based medicine and delivering the highest quality care possible within our offered services,” stated Bert Beard, Maria Parham Health CEO. “We appreciate our entire care team and affiliated providers for leading the way in this effort.”

The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Maria Parham Health access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including emergency treatment of heart attacks.

Feel free to stop here

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 730,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms. Other heart attack symptoms include, but are not limited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn-like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness and fainting.

Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care, developing an action plan; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing of guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of patients experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.