U.S. Department of Justice

OXFORD MAN SENTENCED FOR FELON IN POSSESSION AND POSSESSION OF A FIREARM IN FURTHERANCE OF A DRUG TRAFFICKING CRIME

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— press release courtesy of the U.S. Department of Justice

NEW BERN – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that yesterday afternoon in federal court, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced ROY LEE TERRY, 53, of Oxford to 101 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.

TERRY was named in a three-count Indictment filed on August 23, 2016. On November 16, 2016, TERRY subsequently pled guilty to one-count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and one-count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Crime.

The investigation began when the Oxford Police Department (OPD) received information that TERRY was dealing in drugs. On August 26, 2015, the OPD received information from a confidential source (CS) indicating that TERRY was storing and selling cocaine base at his residence. With the assistance of the CS, authorities conducted four purchases of narcotics from TERRY.

On September 10, 2016, the OPD executed a search warrant at TERRY’S residence. A cooperating witness (CW) informed law enforcement that TERRY had been seen with a handgun and cocaine in his bedroom prior to OPD’s arrival. Present at the time, in addition to Terry was Terry’s mother, who was charged by the State of North Carolina, two females and juveniles. During the subsequent search of the residence, authorities located the following in TERRY’S bedroom: a stolen .380 semi-automatic handgun loaded with 8 rounds; approximately 9.34 grams of cocaine base; approximately 15.5 grams of off-white powder; a plastic bag with cocaine residue; $680 in U.S. currency, a digital scale, plastic baggies, and other related items. In a bedroom next to TERRY’S bedroom, a box containing 42 rounds of 9 mm ammunition was located. After waiving his rights, Terry confessed to knowingly possessing the firearm. Further investigation revealed that the firearm was stolen.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

The Oxford Police Department, the North Carolina State Crime Lab, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette handled the prosecution of this case for the government.

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Polar Plunge Raises Funds for Vance County Special Olympics

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By: Kelly Bondurant, Freelance Writer for Hire

Held on a chilly morning earlier this month, the 2018 Special Olympics Vance County Polar Plunge saw a total of 53 courageous people brave the freezing water of Kerr Lake.

The sixth annual event took place on Saturday, February 3 and began at 9:30 am with participants checking-in at the Satterwhite Point Glass House. Participants were required to raise at least $30 to take part in the plunge. Hot cocoa and a t-shirt were provided to all plungers, with additional t-shirts being sold to assist fundraising efforts.

Participants were asked to come dressed to impress, with costumes highly encouraged. Rules included no wetsuits allowed, tennis or water shoes required and warm, dry clothes to change into recommended.

Before the lake plunge began, prizes were awarded for best individual and team costume, most money raised by both an individual and a team and largest team.

The contest was followed by the main event-the icy plunge into the lake. Vance County Special Olympics Local Coordinator Crystal Allen reported that participants did everything from sticking their toes in the water to running in.

The event raised over $7,000 for the Special Olympics, with proceeds going directly to equipment, uniforms and supplies for Vance County athletes.

“We are so appreciative that you have helped us to fulfill our goals,” Allen said. “We hope to have even more participation next year!”

Special Olympics North Carolina is a non-profit amateur sports organization offering year-round training and competition in 19 Olympic-type sports to nearly 40,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The organization relies on generous support from individuals, businesses, and foundations to provide services.

According to the Special Olympics North Carolina website, approximately $2.57 million dollars has been raised for athletes in NC since 2000. These funds were raised by over 46,000 donors and made possible by over 5,000 fundraising events.

“Special Olympics strives to provide children and adults with intellectual disabilities hope for a healthier, longer and more fulfilling life through sports training and competition that keeps them engaged in regular physical activity within a structured peer network,” said Allen. “Through participation in Special Olympics, our athletes build self-confidence and improve their overall health and well-being.”

Anyone interested in volunteering, donating or coaching a Special Olympics sport is asked to contact Allen at (252) 431-6091. “Without volunteers from the community, we could not provide a program for our local athletes,” Allen said.

Allen thanks all who made the fundraiser successful, “On behalf of the local committee, athletes and community participants of Special Olympics Vance County, I would like to offer a sincere thank you for your generous contribution to our annual Polar Plunge.”

Mark your calendar for next February’s Polar Plunge, get your friends or co-workers together to form a team and plan to wear your best lake-diving costume.

Dispatch earns 9 awards from N.C. Press Association

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(Congratulations to The Daily Dispatch!)

— by Dispatch staff

— republished with permission

The Daily Dispatch received nine awards in its division in the annual North Carolina Press Association contest, which included entries from October 2016 to September 2017.

“I am thrilled to see our staff’s work honored,” said Nancy Wykle, publisher and editor of The Daily Dispatch. “We do our best every day to serve our advertisers and readers, and this reaffirms the dedication our staff has to serving this community.”

Advertising account representatives Stephanie Ranes and Diane Robbins received awards.

Ranes received first place for Best Community Service Signature Page or Best Shared Page for the “In Loving Memory” ad.

Robbins took both first and second place for Best Entertainment Ad for Carolina BBQ & Chicken and iExteriors 2017 NGAA, respectively.

In the newsroom, sports editor Logan Ulrich won second place for sports enterprise writing for his piece “Local football coaches deal with low turnout.” He also took second place for sports photography for the photo accompanying “Spartans advance to title game on PKs.”

Ulrich also placed third for sports feature writing for the article “Thoughts of family fuel Daye” and third for sports news reporting for the article “Kerr-Vance state title game.”

Reporter David Irvine placed third for headline writing.

The paper’s staff also won first place for the special section celebrating the Henderson’s 175th anniversary. “The win for the 175th section was really a win for the entire community because we had so many people here contribute to the section to make it successful,” Wykle said.

The newspaper received the awards Thursday in Raleigh.

News 02/23/18

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Public Health Serving You 02/21/18

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West End Community Watch 2-20-18 Write Up

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— information based on written submission of Claire Catherwood

The West End Community Watch group met February 20, and the speaker was Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow.

He began by recounting recent police activity which has been heavy over the last week, including an officer involved shooting, a shooting near a popular local establishment and a bank robbery.

Chief Barrow also provided information about the “Ring” app, which can be used on Wi-Fi or with a smart phone.  The “Ring” app is a doorbell-like device which takes a picture and sends it to your computer or phone when anyone comes near your door.  The person does not need to actually ring the bell to trigger the camera.  It does cost about $200.  Chief Barrow stressed that while he did not wish to advertise a product, it is worthwhile to look into any technology which will keep people safer.

The remainder of the meeting was taken up by topics opened by those in attendance.  The final discussion was about the need of stressing and taking advantage of the good things about Henderson and Vance County.

Chief Barrow expressed his love of our area and his desire for all to recognize and celebrate the good.

(WIZS thanks Claire Catherwood for her written account of the meeting.)

SBI and Vance Sheriff Asking for Information in Ellington Murder Case

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SBI and Vance Sheriff Asking for Information in Ellington Murder Case

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018 – Press Release

HENDERSON – The State Bureau of Investigation and the Vance County Sheriff’s Office are asking for the public’s help in solving an October murder case.

A $25,000 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the death of Tommy Ellington, 61, who was found shot to death outside his rural home about 6 a.m. on Oct. 2. Ellington was a farmer and owner of Quality Equipment LLC in Henderson.

Anyone with information about the murder is urged to call the SBI at 1-800-334-3000, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 252-738-2206, or Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925. Callers may remain anonymous.

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Vance County NC

Two Vance County Committees to Meet Feb 26 and Feb 27

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Two Vance County Committees to Meet Feb 26 and Feb 27

Please review two press releases from Kelly Grissom, clerk to the board and executive assistant, with Vance County and the board of commissioners.

Please note that the County’s water committee (Wilder, Brummitt, Taylor) is scheduled to meet Monday, February 26 at 4:00 p.m. in the administrative conference room. Topics include incentives and revenue options.

All commissioners are invited to attend.

Please be informed that the County’s public safety committee (Wilder, Brummitt, Faines) is scheduled to meet Tuesday, February 27th at 3:00 p.m. in the administrative conference room. Topics to be discussed include fire and rescue services, purchase of cascade system and fire commission guidelines.

All commissioners are invited to attend.

Franklin County Logo

Edward Best Convenient Site Open Until 7 p.m. (2-22-18)

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According to a press release from Franklin County, the convenient site on Highway 56, the Edward Best site, will be open today until 7 p.m.  In the release, Franklin County apologized for “difficulties/inconveniences citizens have experienced over the last two business days.”

The site is normally closed on Thursday, but, in light of the unusual circumstances, an extra day of service was planned.

The release concludes by thanking all for patience and understanding.

News 02/22/18

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