U.S. Department of Justice

Department of Justice Awards NC More Than $165 Million In Public Safety Funding

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

The Department of Justice announced awards of more than $165 million to support public safety efforts in the state of North Carolina. The funding from the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), and Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) will support violent crime reduction, opioid/substance abuse reduction efforts, school safety, victim services, transitional housing for domestic violence victims, law enforcement activities, mental health, and juvenile justice.

“The Department of Justice is very pleased to provide these critical public safety resources not only to local law enforcement agencies throughout North Carolina, but also to state-level agencies for the benefit of all North Carolinians,” said Director Phil Keith. “This funding will secure schools and protect kids from crime and violence across the state, and help to combat the scourge of deadly drugs running rampant in our communities.”

“Helping to protect North Carolinians—and all Americans—is job number one for the Department of Justice and the Office of Justice Programs,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “I’m proud to make these resources available to the brave crime-fighters, compassionate service providers and dedicated criminal and juvenile justice professionals who work so hard, day in and day out, to safeguard the communities of this great state.”

COPS Office Director Phil Keith made the announcement in Raleigh on Friday morning along with Governor Roy Cooper, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina Matthew G.T. Martin and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Director Bob Schurmeier.

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety received approximately $2.9 million from the COPS Office for investigating illicit activities related to heroin distribution and methamphetamine trafficking, and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) was the only state-level agency to receive funding to improve school security through the 2019 COPS School Violence Prevention Program.

Additional school safety funding was provided to both the North Carolina SBI and DPI through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance for behavioral threat assessments and the enhancement of the North Carolina State School Safety Center.

“North Carolina law enforcement will be better able to keep our communities safe and stop drug traffickers with this vital funding,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “Federal support for local expertise is the right way to fight the opioid epidemic and to protect our schools. These grants will go a long way in making sure North Carolinians live in safe communities.”

“Supporting law enforcement at every level and all across the State of North Carolina goes to the heart of the mission of the U.S. Department of Justice,” said Mr. Higdon.  And these grants provide much needed resources and funding to law enforcement agencies as they work to protect our communities from violence, drug trafficking and any others who threaten our safety and security.”

“The grants announced today by the U.S. Department of Justice represent a significant investment in support of law enforcement and public safety in North Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Matt Martin.  “We are particularly pleased that grants in the Middle District will support school safety programs, the fight against opioid addiction, and the coordinated efforts under way to reduce gun violence from Durham to Winston-Salem and Rockingham County to Cabarrus County.  These are critical priorities of all three U.S. Attorneys; to borrow an apt adage: we are putting our money where our mouth is.”

“These grants will allow SBI agents across North Carolina to more effectively partner with our police departments and sheriff’s offices to continue the fight against the opioid epidemic,” said SBI Director Bob Schurmeier.  “Families in our state have suffered enormous pain and loss, and we grieve with them.  We will use these resources to go after the cartels, traffickers and dealers and bring them to justice. We are grateful to the COPS Office and the US Department of Justice for their support of North Carolina and the State Bureau of Investigation.”

A full list of COPS awards is available online at https://cops.usdoj.gov/grants. OJP awards, organized under specific grant programs, are available online at https://ojp.gov/funding/Explore/OJPAwardData.htm.

For OVW awards, visit https://www.justice.gov/ovw/awards.

News releases are available on the U.S. Attorney’s webpage located at https://justice.gov/usao-ednc. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_EDNC

VGCC to Offer Enrollment Night on November 19

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College will hold an Enrollment Night on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, from 5 until 7 p.m., at all four of its campuses.

VGCC staff members will be available during those hours to provide information on the enrollment process, academic programs, student support services and financial aid. Advisors will be available to help students register for Spring classes.

Students may visit any campus beginning November 4 to register for Spring Semester. Classes for the Spring 16-week and first 8-week terms start on Monday, January 13, 2020, and a 12-week term starts on Tuesday, February 11.

VGCC’s Main Campus is located at 200 Community College Road, Henderson (Exit 209 on Interstate 85 about midway between Henderson and Oxford).

The Franklin County Campus is located at 8100 N.C. 56., Louisburg (just west of Louisburg).

South Campus is located at 1547 South Campus Drive, Creedmoor (off of N.C. 56, between Creedmoor and Butner).

The Warren County Campus is located at 210 West Ridgeway Street (U.S. 158 Business) in Warrenton.

For more information on enrolling, call (252) 738-3234 or visit any VGCC campus.

NC Dept of Agriculture

Wildfire Risk Remains High in North Carolina

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-Press Release, NCDS&CS

The N.C. Forest Service is urging people across North Carolina to remain vigilant in reducing wildfire risk. While recent rainfall brought immediate and temporary relief to much of the state, warmer, drier days combined with winds could quickly dry forest fuels, increasing the risk of wildfire.

Many tourists come to Western North Carolina to see the changing leaves or for extended stays to hunt. Some of these visitors will use campfires as a source of heat. Where there is fire, there is the risk of that fire escaping into areas where fuels are dry and readily available.

“During dry and windy periods of weather with little rainfall, everyone needs to be extra cautious when burning. It takes very little to start a damaging wildfire,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Dry forest fuels are right there, ready to burn if ignited by the tiniest of sparks.”

The N.C. Forest Service offers the following tips:

  • Anyone building campfires in an established campground should use existing fire rings if possible and clear a safe area around them of at least 15 feet. Never leave campfires unattended and ensure they are completely out before leaving.
  • Always check the weather prior to burning and follow state and local regulations if you plan to burn yard debris such as leaves, grass, sticks and stubble. There are many factors to consider before burning. Make sure you have a valid burn permit.
  • Use care when removing ashes or coals from wood-burning stoves, fireplaces or pellet stoves. “Often, homeowners will dispose of ashes in their yards, at the edge of the woods, or in landscaped and mulched areas such as flower beds. When ashes or coals are not completely extinguished and fuel conditions are favorable for fire due to dry weather and wind, ashes can reignite and start a wildfire,” said Greg Smith, Mountain Regional Forester with the N.C. Forest Service. “It is best to put the ashes in a metal or steel bucket or barrel and douse them with water while stirring the mixture until the ashes and coals are completely drenched and cold.”
  • Be attentive and cautious when burning backyard fire pits during the fall and winter seasons. Homeowners should handle a fire pit as they would handle a campfire. Clear a safe area around the fire pit of at least 15 feet. Use properly seasoned, dry, split wood for fuel, and do not use flammable fluids, such as gasoline and lighter fluid, to light or relight fires. Use a metal screen to prevent embers from flying out of the fire pit. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the fire. Make sure you have a hose, bucket and shovel nearby. Keep a phone nearby, too.
  • Always exercise caution with any outdoor burning. Even when burn bans are not in effect, weather conditions may not be favorable for outdoor fires. Outdoor burning is discouraged during periods of low humidity or high winds.

The N.C. Forest Service encourages residents to contact their local county forest ranger before burning debris. The ranger can offer technical advice and explain the best options to help ensure the safety of people, property and the forest.

To find contact information for your local county ranger, go to the forest service website. To learn more about fire safety and preventing wildfires and loss of property, visit www.ncforestservice.gov.

‘Beyond Amazing’ Gospel Tour to Perform Nov. 8 at McGregor Hall

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

BE SURE TO CLICK ON THE BANNER BELOW TO SIGN UP FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A FREE 8×12 STORAGE BUILDING FROM BUILDER’S DISCOUNT CENTER!

The “Beyond Amazing Tour: A Gospel Music All-Star Event” will perform at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson on Friday, November 8, 2019, at 7 p.m.

This tour is already being described as one of the biggest and most powerful tours in the history of Gospel music!

The McGregor Hall stage will feature a parade of Gospel music stars on one spectacular evening, including Brian Free and Assurance, Karen Peck and New River, Joseph Habedank, Emily Ann Roberts, and a McGregor Hall favorite, Victoria Huggins.

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)

SHP Identifies Trooper Struck In Vance County Crash

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— NCSHP Press Release

RALEIGH – The Highway Patrol continues to investigate a crash involving a state trooper who was hit by a vehicle on US 1 in Vance County. On Tuesday, October 22 at approximately 7:59 p.m., a 2012 Buick traveled off the roadway and struck the trooper from behind as he was conducting a traffic stop.

As a result of the crash, Trooper Craig I. Hundley, a 12-year veteran, assigned to Troop C, District 4 (Franklin County) was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.

“Once again, we are reminded of the dangers our brave men and women face each day while keeping our communities safe”, said Colonel Glenn M. McNeill, Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. “While I am very thankful for the overwhelming amount of support already received, I encourage everyone to continually uplift Trooper Hundley and his family as he begins the recovery process.”

The driver of the Buick, Justin O’Brien Venable, 32, of Henderson, has been charged with felony hit-and-run, felony violation of the move over law, DWI, careless and reckless driving and possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage. Mr. Venable was transported to the Vance County Jail and placed under a $35,000 secured bond.

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Trooper Injured During Traffic Stop 10-22-19

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According to a press release from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and the NC Highway Patrol, on October 22, 2019 at approximately 7:59 p.m., a member of the State Highway Patrol was struck while conducting a traffic stop on US 1 in Vance County.  The involved member was in the process of conducting a traffic stop on US 1 northbound near Sunrock Road when he was struck while outside of his patrol vehicle.  A nearby trooper responded to the scene and immediately provided medical aid to the injured member.  The injured member was flown by helicopter to a nearby hospital and is in serious condition.  The driver that had struck the member has been taken into custody at this time.  Further details will be provided in a forthcoming release.

In addition to the press release information, WIZS News has learned the name of the injured trooper and that he primarily works in the Franklin County area.  Since the injured trooper’s name has not yet officially been released by the NCSHP, WIZS is waiting on releasing his name as well.

Also, charged in connection with this case is Justin O. Venable of the Thomas Road in the Williamsboro community, according to Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame.  Brame said Venable was confined to the Vance County Jail under a $35,000 bond.  Venable faces charges of felony failure to move over, hit and run, DWI and possession of an open container.

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. 

Franklin County Sheriff

‘Operation Impact: Phase II’ Ends in 16 Arrests, 88 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 II of “Operation Impact,” a six-month joint investigation with JC’s Recovery Baltimore involving illegal drug activity in Franklin County. This operation focused on illegal drug sales in and around the Louisburg area of Franklin County.

As a result of this investigation, 16 individuals have been arrested and charged with 88 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 the Louisburg area. 

This 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, and other intelligence-driven information received by the Sheriff’s Office. 

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Phase II of Operation Impact was conducted as part of our overall strategy to address illegal drug sales in every part of our county. Working with our law enforcement partners has proven to be a valuable resource in combating illegal drug activities within our communities.” 

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in this investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisburg Police Department and the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division. 

As a result of “Operation Impact,” 31 individuals have been arrested and charged with 174 felony drug-related charges. The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected. 

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

Eric Lamont Joyner, 38 years old, 25 Eagle Nest Lane Kittrell, NC 27544 – Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Heroin (2 Counts), Sell Heroin (2 Counts), Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling for Selling Controlled Substances. 

Bond $25,000 secured 

Ashley Suri, 24 years old, 40 Richards Way Zebulon, NC 27597 – Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance (2 Counts), Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance (2 Counts), Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling for Selling Controlled Substances (2 Counts).

Bond $25,000 secured 

Wilbert Stewart Jr., 52 years old, 286 Dupree Drive Louisburg, NC 27549 – Sell Cocaine (3 Counts), PWIMSD Schedule Il Controlled Substance (3 Counts), Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substance (2 Counts).

Bond $50,000 secured 

Dennis Earl Fennell Jr., 29 years old, 71 Dupree Drive Louisburg, NC 27549 – Sell Cocaine, PWIMSD Schedule Il Controlled Substance, Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substance, Manufacture/Sell/Deliver/Possess with Intent, Controlled Substance within 1000 ft of School.

Bond $100,000 secured 

Joseph Albert Fowler Jr., 30 years old, 196 Dupree Drive Louisburg, NC 27549 – PWIMSD Cocaine, Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substance (4 Counts), Sell Cocaine (3 Counts), PWIMSD Sch II Controlled Substance (3 Counts), Manufacture/Sell/Deliver/Possess with Intent Controlled Substance within 1000 ft of School.

Bond $175,000 secured

Ricky Patrick Hill Jr., 23 years old, 265 Otis Burrows Road Louisburg, NC 27549 – Sell Marijuana (2 Counts), PWIMSD Marijuana (2 Counts), Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substance (2 Counts).

Bond $20,000 secured 

Walter Emanuel Epps, 59 years old, 302 Mineral Springs Rd. Louisburg, NC 27549 – Sell Cocaine (2 Counts), PWIMSD Cocaine (2 Counts), Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substance (2 Counts), PWISD Cocaine.

Bond $100,000 secured 

Jess Lee Althiser, 37 years old, 73 Whites Lane Louisburg, NC 27549 – PWISD Marijuana, Sell Marijuana, Maintain a Vehicle/Dwell/Place for Controlled Substance.

Bond $15,000 secured 

James Franklin Priest, 35 years old, 305 Ridley Street Louisburg, NC 27549 – PWISD Cocaine (2 Counts), Sell Cocaine (2 Counts), Maintain a Vehicle/Dwell/Place for Controlled Substance (2 Counts).

Bond $25,000 secured 

Reo Perry, 27 years old, 871 Walter Grissom Road Kittrell, NC 27544 – PWISD Marijuana, Sell Marijuana, Maintain a Vehicle/Dwell/Place for Controlled Substance, Conspire Sell Marijuana.

Bond $15,000 secured 

Justina Webb, 29 years old, 871 Walter Grissom Road Kittrell, NC 27544 – Deliver Marijuana, PWISD Marijuana.

Bond $15,000 secured 

Justin Lane Williams, 24 years old, 118 Rex Place Louisburg, NC 27549 – PWISD Cocaine, Sell Cocaine, Maintain a Vehicle/Dwell/Place for Controlled Substance, Manufacture/Sell/Deliver/Possess with Intent Controlled Substance within 1000 ft of School. 

Bond $40,000 secured 

Dequon Seward, 25 years old, 150 Rough Lane Louisburg, NC 27549 – PWISD Marijuana, Sell Marijuana.

Bond $10,000 secured 

Antonie Perry, 34 years old, 275 Cripple Creek Road Louisburg, NC 27549 – PWIMSD Cocaine, Sell Cocaine.

Bond $5,000 secured 

Dennis Godwin, 44 years old, 113 Hopi Drive Louisburg, NC 27549 – Sell Heroin (2 Counts), PWIMSD Heroin (2 Counts), Conspire Sell/Deliver Schedule I Controlled Substance.

Bond $75,000 secured 

Melissa Murphy, 46 years old, 216 MC Wilder Road Louisburg, NC 27549 – Sell Schedule II Controlled Substance (3 Counts), PWIMSD Schedule II Controlled Substance (3 Counts), Maintain a Vehicle/Dwell/Place for Controlled Substance (2 Counts), Trafficking, Opium or Heroin (3 Counts), Manufacture/Sell/Deliver/Possess with Intent Controlled Substance within 1000 ft of School.

Bond $150,000 secured 

If you have information regarding Operation Impact or you would like to report drug activity in your area, please contact Sgt. Ken Pikę at (919) 496-2186. 

Eric Lamont Joyner

Ashley Suri

Wilbert Stewart Jr.

Dennis Earl Fennell Jr

Joseph Albert Fowler Jr.

Ricky Patrick Hill Jr

Walter Emanuel Epps

Jess Lee Althiser

James Franklin Priest

Reo Perry

Justina Webb

Justin Lane Williams

Dequon Seward

Antonie Perry

Dennis Godwin

Melissa Murphy

Maria Parham to Host Free Breast Cancer Awareness Lunch & Learn Event

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-Information courtesy Maria Parham Health

To celebrate October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Maria Parham will host a free lunch and learn event on Thursday, October 24, 2019, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. This event will be offered at Maria Parham Multispecialty Clinic located at 1501 N. Bickett Blvd., Suite E, Louisburg, NC.

Topics will cover:
• Breast cancer resources
• Follow up resources if needed
• Prevention education
• Wellness information

For more information, call 252.436.1605

Franklin County Logo

Franklin County’s Annual Veterans Day Program Set for Nov. 11

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-Press Release, County of Franklin

Local veterans will be honored Monday, November 11, 2019, as Franklin County conducts its annual Veterans Day Program at the Louisburg National Guard Armory, located at 600 South Bickett Boulevard, Louisburg, NC. The official program will begin at 11 a.m.

Guest Speaker for the event will be Col. Kelly Jackson, US Army (Ret.), of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, where she serves as Service Member and Family Coordinator. Musical selections for the program will be rendered by the Louisburg High School Band and several talented citizens.

A meal of local favorites, prepared by the Justice Fire Department & Justice Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, will be served after the official program.

Citizens are encouraged to attend and share their appreciation for the Veterans of our county, state and nation who have bravely served our armed forces. This event is sponsored by Franklin County with support from a number of local sponsors.

For more information, contact Franklin County Veterans Services at 919-496-1939 or visit www.franklincountync.us.