-Information courtesy Sandra Wilkerson, Director of Admin and Events, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce
Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start, Inc. will hold its 9th annual Ducky Derby fundraiser in downtown Henderson on Saturday, September 15 at 2 p.m.
Garnett Street will be filled with a river of rubber ducks and a fun time for everyone. Tickets will be sold to purchase ducks and the chance to win the Grand Prize – $1,000; 2nd Prize – $500; 3rd Prize – $250. Even the last duck wins a $100 prize!
There will also be a drawing at the end of the race for Chick-fil-A for a year (must be present to win this prize).
FGV Smart Start needs sponsors to assist with the cost of our event. Sponsorship levels are: Super Duck – $500; Top Duck – $250; Feathered Friend – $100; Quacker Backer – $50.
All sponsors for this year’s event will be recognized on Ducky Derby posters throughout the three-county area, radio advertisements, newspaper articles, the FGV Smart Start website and Facebook page and the Smart Ducky Derby website. We hope that you will consider being a sponsor for our newest event. Together, we are “Building Brighter Futures for Children.”
For information about being a sponsor, please call Garry Daeke at 252-433-9110, extension 227.
WHERE: Pasquotank County Public Safety Building, 200 East Colonial Avenue, Elizabeth City, NC 27909
The United States Attorney’s Office announces a press conference to discuss the indictment of 12 defendants on narcotic distribution and gun charges in a coordinated warrant enforcement operation. This operation is part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative that is targeting violent crime and drug distribution throughout the Eastern District of North Carolina.
United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., 1st Judicial District Attorney Andrew Womble and law enforcement partners from federal, state, and local agencies will be present at this event.
Credentialed members of the media are invited to attend.
For additional information please e-mail Don Connelly at usance.PublicInfoOfficer@usdoj.gov. Please RSVP your intentions to attend the event.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0121_United-States-Attorneys-WIZS.jpg.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-07-31 16:56:532018-07-31 16:44:06U.S. Attorney’s Office to Hold Press Conference on ‘Operation Nor’easter’ Indictment
-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Terry M. Wright – Chief of Staff
On July 27, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Team concluded Operation “Tip Line” with the arrests of 10 individuals on 62 felony drug-related charges. This operation and arrests were the direct result of information provided by the citizens of Franklin County. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Branch of the SBI (ALE), Louisburg Police Department and Henderson Police Department assisted the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit during this operation.
Operation “Tip Line” began as a result of numerous complaints received by the Sheriff’s Office on individuals who were allegedly involved in the sale of controlled substances throughout the county. Over the past few months, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit substantiated the information and made purchases of controlled substances from these individuals. During Operation “Tip Line” Heroin, Crack Cocaine, Powder Cocaine, Marijuana and Prescription Pills were purchased and seized.
Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Operation Tip Line” is a great example of how information is received from the public, analyzed and then used in intelligence-driven investigations. These arrests complement our drug enforcement strategy of addressing both short-term and long-term investigations that meet the needs of particular communities within our county. Citizen-provided information continues to be instrumental to our overall drug enforcement strategy in Franklin County.”
The following individuals were arrested during Operation Tip Line:
Charged with the following: Sell Cocaine (3 counts), Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (3 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Cocaine (3 counts).
Placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.
Charged with the following: Sell Cocaine (2 counts), Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (2 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Cocaine (2 counts).
Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.
Charged with the following: Sell Cocaine (3 counts), Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (3 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Cocaine (3 counts), Possession of Cocaine.
Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.
David Sidney Smith 130 Smooth Rider Road Louisburg, NC 27549 DOB: 09/01/1994
Charged with the following: Sell Heroin (1 count), Possess with the intent to Sell and Deliver Heroin (1 count), Maintain a Vehicle for the purpose of Selling Heroin (1 count).
Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.
Charged with the following: Sell Marijuana (3 counts), Possess with the intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana (3 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Marijuana (3 counts).
Placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under $35,000 secured bond.
Thomas Joseph Wilkins 142 Bridle Trail Youngsville, NC 27596 DOB: 07/14/1996
Charged with the following: Sell Marijuana (2 counts), Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana (2 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Marijuana (1 count).
Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $40,000 secured bond.
Shawn Andre Alston 195 Baileys Creek Kittrell, NC 27544 DOB: 02/02/1973
Charged with the following: Sell Cocaine (3 counts), Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (3 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Cocaine (3 counts), Possess Heroin (1 count), Possess Cocaine (1 count), Resist, Delay and Obstruct, Simple Possession of Marijuana.
Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $155,000 secured bond.
Julia Jones Tharrington 137 Rice Drive Wake Forest, NC 27587 DOB: 05/14/1960
Charged with the following: Sell and Deliver Heroin (1 count), Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Heroin (1 count), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Heroin (1 count).
Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.
Charged with the following: Trafficking, Opium or Heroin (3 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substance (1 count).
Placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $20,000 secured bond.
Donathan Domica Perry 161 Happy Valley Trail Franklinton, NC 27525 DOB: 10/27/1976
Charged with the following: Trafficking, Opium or Heroin (4 counts), Maintain a Vehicle for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substance (1 count).
Placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $100,000 secured bond.
For more information regarding this operation or to provide information to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at 919-496-2186.
Antonio Devonlee Diggs, 58 Cureton Dr., Youngsville, NC, has been arrested by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for warrants obtained by the Wake Forest Police Department in connection with the armed robbery that occurred early Wednesday evening at Triangle Dry Cleaners.
Diggs, 18, was arrested without incident at the Franklin County Courthouse and charged with Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon.
At approximately 6:20 p.m. on Wednesday, officers responded to a robbery call at the Triangle Dry Cleaners, 3325 Rogers Road, Suite 118. An employee reported that a black male displaying a knife forced her to hand over an undisclosed amount of money. The employee, who was not harmed, called 9-1-1 after the suspect fled on foot.
Anyone who believes they may have information concerning this is encouraged to call the Police Department Tip Line at 919-435-9610. All calls are confidential.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0124_Untitled-1.png.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-07-26 16:56:032018-07-26 16:09:48Franklin Co. Resident Arrested for Armed Robbery of Triangle Dry Cleaners
-Information courtesy Franklin Co. Sheriff Kent Winstead’s Facebook page
The Mona Pants Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit dog rescue group, is donating bullet-proof vests to four K9 Officers – two from the Henderson Police Department and two from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department.
The lucky recipients of the “vestification” project, started by the Mona Pants Foundation in 2016, include Franklin Co. K9 Officer Ace (Corporal A. Barrett), Franklin Co. K9 Officer Oli (Corporal K. Gunter), Henderson K9 Officer Deli (Sergeant J. Thomas) and Henderson K9 Officer Nero (Officer Machelick).
These bullet-proof and stab-proof vests are in the process of being made and should be ready for the K9 Officers in a few weeks.
For more information, including pictures of the officers, please click here.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsresize_0000s_0080_vancepolice.png.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-07-25 17:00:392018-07-25 16:03:51Four Local K9 Officers to Receive Bullet-Proof Vests
Thousands of people have responded to the emergency call for blood and platelet donations issued by the American Red Cross in early July. Still, there continues to be an emergency need for donors of all blood types, especially type O, to give now to address a severe blood shortage.
Red Cross blood donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in, and right now there is less than a five-day blood supply on hand. The Red Cross strives to keep a five-day supply of blood to meet the needs of patients and to be prepared for emergencies that require significant volumes of donated blood products.
“Patients don’t get a summer break from the need for lifesaving treatments, so it is critical that hospitals have access to blood products each and every day,” said Maya Franklin of the Carolinas Blood Services Region. “We sincerely appreciate those who have responded to the call to help save lives, but the emergency need remains. Those who haven’t rolled up a sleeve to give are urged to do so today.”
There is a particular need for type O blood, which plays an important role in ongoing patient care and emergencies. Type O positive is the most transfused blood type and can be given to patients with any Rh-positive blood type. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be given to any patient. It’s what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine the blood type of patients in the most serious situations.
In thanks, all those who come to donate blood or platelets July 30 through Aug. 30, 2018, will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0032_American-Red-Cross.jpg.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-07-25 16:59:102018-07-25 16:05:22Red Cross Blood Shortage Continues; Critical Need for Type O Donors
-Information courtesy Brian K. Short, Director of Emergency Operations, Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for Central North Carolina through Tuesday evening. Periods of showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain may produce flash flooding through Tuesday night. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches, with 5 inches locally, will be possible.
Recent heavy rain has led to nearly saturated grounds. Additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms will produce rapid runoff and possibly flash flooding. The heavy rain and storms may last well into the overnight hours Monday and Tuesday.
Flash Flooding often results in rapid water rises. Take precautions now! Visit www.floodsafety.noaa.gov for more information on flood safety.
For more information on the flood hazard threats, stay tuned to our social media accounts, NOAA Weather Radio, and our website: www.weather.gov/rah.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/national-weather-service-logo.jpg266504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-07-23 17:00:102018-07-23 16:32:22Flash Flooding Possible Through Tuesday Night
At their regular bi-monthly meeting held July 16, the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees re-elected Danny W. Wright as the chair of the board for the 2018-2019 fiscal year, Herb Gregory as vice-chair, and Deborah F. Brown as secretary after nominations from a committee chaired by Trustee L. Opie Frazier, Jr.
Retired North Carolina Ninth District Court Judge Henry Banks swore in two Trustees for additional terms. Trustee Barbara Cates Harris was reappointed by the Granville County Board of Education for a second four-year term on the board. Chair Wright was appointed to a new four-year term by the Vance County Board of Commissioners. Wright had been appointed in 2015 to fill an unexpired term on the board. He was also a commissioner in 2011-2013 when he was appointed by the governor.
Building Update
In his update on capital projects, Trustee Donald C. Seifert, Sr., reported that preparations will begin in August to renovate seminar rooms in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus.
VGCC Trustee Danny W. Wright is sworn in for a new four-year appointment on the college’s board by Retired District Court Judge J. Henry Banks. Also serving as the chair of the board, Wright was appointed by the Vance County Board of Commissioners. He also served in 2011-2013 when appointed to an unexpired term by the governor. From left are Judge Banks, Wright, and Wright’s wife, Betty Wright. (VGCC Photo)
The assessment phase of an exterior masonry repairs project on Main Campus was completed in May, and a design service proposal has been sent to the State Construction Office (SCO) for review. The project is expected to be bid out in February 2019 with renovations starting the following April. The majority of the masonry work is being funded by the Connect NC State Bond passed by North Carolina voters in March 2016.
Seifert also reported the SCO is expected to issue a design contract this month for fire alarm replacements and renovations to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems on the Main Campus. The fire alarm replacements will be completed first with the HVAC renovations expected to start in 2020.
The second phase of renovations to the newest building on campus, Building 10, are expected to start in August and be completed in December, Seifert said. Space is being renovated to add a Practical Simulation Lab for Basic Law Enforcement Training, Fire/Rescue and Emergency Medical Services programs, among other expansions.
Retired District Court Judge J. Henry Banks administers the oath of office to Vance-Granville Community College Trustee Barbara Cates Harris of Oxford. She has been reappointed by the Granville County Board of Education for a second four-year term on the college Board of Trustees. From left are Judge Banks; Harris; Maurice Harris, Jr., Harris’ grandson; and her husband, Phillip Harris. (VGCC Photo)
Budget Amendments
The 2017-2018 Budget Resolution was amended upon recommendation from the Budget Committee, chaired by Trustee Abdul Sm Rasheed. The State Current Fund increased $1,959,983 to a total of $21,512,238, the County Current Fund was unchanged at $2,578,292, and the Institutional Fund increased $340,947 to a total of $9,993,779, for a combined Amended Operating Budget of $34,084,309. The Capital Improvement Budget increased $348,943 to a total of $889,653. The total Combined Amended Budget is $34,973,962.
Other Action
In other action:
The Trustees voted to terminate Warren County High School as an off-campus site with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The site had been approved in November 2015; however, the high school has requested that dually enrolled students take their college courses at VGCC’s Warren County Campus in Warrenton. No college classes are currently being offered at WCHS, and students are completing their work at the Warren Campus, according to Trustee Harris, chair of the Curriculum Committee. The change will be effective as of the Fall 2018 academic term.
An informational report on new employees, retirements, resignations and changes in positions was given by the Personnel Committee, chaired by Trustee Sara C. Wester.
New and amended board policies for the 2018-2019 Policy Manual were approved by the Trustees on a recommendation from the Executive Committee, chaired by Trustee Wright. The policies cover areas of organizational structure, public information and campus safety, personnel policies, academic affairs, institutional research and technology, and finance and operations.
Trustee Frazier, chair of the Investment Committee, reported on the progress of the college’s investments.
A Board Retreat has been scheduled for August 7, and the Trustees will participate in Ethics Training on August 29. The next meeting of the VGCC Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, September 17, at the Main Campus.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/VGCC-Trustee-Danny-Wright.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-07-20 16:57:342018-07-20 16:57:34Wright Re-elected Chair of VGCC Board; Two Trustees Reappointed
Dr. Stelfanie Williams, Vance-Granville Community College’s president, was recognized on July 16 for her honor as the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges President of the Year for 2018.
Jim Rose, vice chair of the State Board, presented Dr. Williams with a plaque at a dinner held in the Civic Center on Main Campus prior to the regular bimonthly meeting of the VGCC Board of Trustees.
“I’m here to celebrate Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of the college here and the President of the Year for all 58 community colleges,” said Rose. “We had a grueling and tough interview process that you go through” to be selected as the President of the Year, he added. “Dr. Williams really took our committee by storm and it was an easy choice for us to make.”
Jim Rose, vice chair of the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges, left, presents the State Board’s President of the Year Award to Dr. Stelfanie Williams, Vance-Granville Community College’s president, at a dinner on July 16 in the Civic Center on the Main Campus. (VGCC Photo)
Appointed by the governor to the State Board, Rose chaired the special committee to select the 2018 award recipients. He is regional president for the Raleigh market at United Community Bank, serving on the finance, legislative and policy committees of the 21-member board.
“I think about Dr. Williams as a lifter of people,” he said. “I believe the administration that she has built here and the culture that she has built here is one of lifting up people.”
He cited several accomplishments of Dr. Williams during her tenure at Vance-Granville, among them unprecedented grant funding, development of career training programs in Advanced Manufacturing, the increase in the use of technology for online instruction, accelerated College Transfer opportunities, and the nationally recognized VanGuarantee need-based scholarship program.
“This is truly an honor, and I thank you, Mr. Rose, and the State Board for selecting me and recognizing the great work taking place at Vance-Granville Community College,” Dr. Williams said. “I know that you all do a lot of work leading and supporting the great 58 community college institutions. We appreciate that. I’m really glad to work at the greatest institution out of the 58.
“As I think about the Trustees (of Vance-Granville) and look around the room and see the wonderful leadership and support you provide, this truly is a great institution, a great place to learn and to work. And I’m grateful to each and every one of you for your support and your guidance over these years as we have led and served together.”
Dr. Williams was joined at the dinner by members of her family, Trustees who are currently serving on the board, former Trustees who served during her tenure, and the spouses of Trustees.
Dr. Williams has announced she is taking the position of Vice President for Durham Affairs at Duke University, effective Aug. 13. “Dr. Williams has laid a great foundation for us to continue to go forward with, and we’ll certainly miss her,” said VGCC Board of Trustees Chair Danny W. Wright, who thanked Rose and others for their attendance.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/VGCC-Dr.-Williams-State-Award.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-07-18 16:59:112018-07-18 16:59:11VGCC President Dr. Williams Recognized For State Award
The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces that the United States and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety have signed a civil settlement agreement resolving the State’s liability for civil penalties stemming from recordkeeping violations relating to the dispensing of controlled substances to inmates at the Central Prison Healthcare Complex and the North Carolina Correctional Center for Women. The State agreed to pay $190,000 rather than contest a potential fine that could have been as high as $880,000.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Unit conducted an audit of the Central Prison Healthcare Complex (CPHC) and the North Carolina Correctional Center for Women (NCCCW). Investigators found that on at least 88 occasions during the period of September 2, 2014, through October 4, 2016, medical staff at CPHC and NCCCW failed to properly document the dispensing and disposal of controlled substances at CPHC and NCCCW. While no unlawful use of controlled substances was detected, the substandard recordkeeping provided fertile ground for improper diversion.
In addition to payment of the civil penalty, because of the investigation, State officials initiated their own investigation and took remedial measures. Included among such measures were changes in existing policies and procedures, implementation of better and more effective employee education and training, and the development of better monitoring, reporting, and compliance processes.
“The handling of prescription controlled substances inside our prisons poses some unique challenges,” says U.S. Attorney Higdon, “and yet given the possibility of illegal diversion to inmates and others, scrupulous recordkeeping and tracking of controlled substances is essential. Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States, eclipsing deaths from motor vehicle crashes or firearms. This matter underscores the continued need for robust regulatory and enforcement measures against all medical providers to stop diversion of controlled prescription drugs and end the lax recordkeeping environments which may be fertile ground for diversion.”
Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Atlanta Field Division stated, “DEA and its law enforcement partners will continue to expend time, energy and resources in an effort to stem the tide against the growing opioid epidemic. The spirited level of cooperation by the N.C. Board of Pharmacy and the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, and the prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office made this investigation a success.”
Assistant United States Attorney Steve West represented the government in this matter.
News releases are available on the U. S. Attorney’s webpage at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_EDNC.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/U.S.-Department-of-Justice.jpg265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-07-13 17:02:332018-07-13 17:02:33NC Dept. of Public Safety to Pay $190K in Civil Penalties for Violations
Kamia Oshea Jones 6625 Dealous Drive Zebulon, NC 27597 DOB: 7/14/1997
Travis Wesley Jones 55 Scarboro Drive Bunn, NC 27508 DOB: 12/8/1979
Jerrick Lemont Ellis. 86 Buddys Way Zebulon, NC 27597 DOB: 07/18/1979
David Sidney Smith 130 Smooth Rider Road Louisburg, NC 27549 DOB: 09/01/1994
Anthony Callie Proctor 140 Cattle Drive Zebulon, NC 27597 DOB: 01/13/1979
Thomas Joseph Wilkins 142 Bridle Trail Youngsville, NC 27596 DOB: 07/14/1996
Shawn Andre Alston 195 Baileys Creek Kittrell, NC 27544 DOB: 02/02/1973
Julia Jones Tharrington 137 Rice Drive Wake Forest, NC 27587 DOB: 05/14/1960
Timothy Mark Shearin 394 Moulton Road Louisburg, NC 27549 DOB: 05/26/1970
Donathan Domica Perry 161 Happy Valley Trail Franklinton, NC 27525 DOB: 10/27/1976
