Driver License Office in Henderson Closed; Scheduled to Reopen at 1 p.m. January 15, 2025

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— courtesy of the North Carolina Department of Transportation

The Driver License office in Henderson will be closed Tuesday and half a day on Wednesday for scheduled optimization.

The closure is for scheduled office upgrades such as the installation of new workstations for examiners, new wiring for computers, computer upgrades, and new furniture in the customer waiting area.

Customers who had appointments have already been rescheduled.

The office is scheduled to reopen at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

Sheriff Brame: Henderson Man’s Death Being Investigated As Homicide

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UPDATED JAN. 14, 2:10 PM

Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame told WIZS News Tuesday that the death of Donnie Allen Ayscue is being investigated as a homicide. If anyone has information about this case, you are asked to contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office or call 911.

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From Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame –

In the early morning hours of January 11, 2025, deputies from the Vance County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 1300 block of Walters St. Henderson, NC, regarding a shooting.

Upon arrival, deputies located one male victim with an apparent gunshot wound. The victim, identified as Donnie Allen Ayscue of Henderson, NC  succumbed to his injuries while at the scene.

Detectives from the Vance County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations are investigating the case. If you or anyone you know has information that will assist in the investigation, you are asked to contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office or call 911.

The investigation continues.

Vance County Logo

County Commissioners Moving Forward To Find Replacement For Vacant District 3 Seat

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The process to appoint a replacement for the District 3 seat on the Vance County Board of Commissioners continues, with the application now posted on the county’s webpage for interested individuals to complete and return.

The application can be found here. Submit completed applications to Kelly Grissom, clerk to the board, to the address listed on the application. The commissioners have 60 days from Jan. 1 to choose a replacement.

Completed applications may be submitted to Kelly Grissom, Clerk to the Board on or before Jan. 24, 2025 to the address provided on the application.  Eligibility will be verified with the Vance County Board of Elections.

Interested individuals should keep in mind several criteria – applicants must be of legal voting age, reside in District 3 and be a member of the Democratic party.

The board needs to appoint a person to fill out the remainder of the District 3 term following the resignation of Sean Alston, who took a job as a magistrate in Warren County on Jan. 1.

Visit www.vancecounty.org to learn more.

 

District 7 Rep. Matthew Winslow Begins Third Term In N.C. House

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N.C. Rep. Matthew Winslow was sworn in Wednesday to begin the 2025-26 legislative session as District 7 representative in the N.C. House. District 7 includes parts of Vance County and all of Franklin County.

Wednesday’s swearing-in ceremony marks the beginning of Winslow’s third term in the House. “It is always an honor to serve my state, and I am very thankful for the opportunity once again to do just that. My family and I truly appreciate all the support from family, friends, and colleagues and I look forward to a productive legislative session,” he said in a written statement released Friday.

The oath of office was administered by the newly installed Speaker of the House, Destin Hall.

N.C. Safety Awards Recognize Businesses For Workplace Safety

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The N.C. Department of Labor is taking applications now for 2024 Safety Awards which highlights businesses, local governments and other agencies for excellence in safety in the workplace.

Businesses and other organizations are encouraged to submit applications to be recognized for meeting safety requirements for employees.

The annual awards banquet, jointly sponsored by the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce and the Granville County Chamber of Commerce, will take place in Granville County this year, according to H-V Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson.

In a written statement, N.C. Labor Commissioner Luke Farley said the department presented 2,058 safety awards last year – 1,737 gold and 321 silver. Gold award recipients achieved a rate of days away from work, job transfer or restriction that is at least 50 percent below the industry rate. The silver award criteria include lost workday cases but not restricted work activity and the applicant must attain a rate of cases with days away from work that is at least 50 percent below the industry rate.

Applications are due by Saturday, Feb. 15. The application can be found at

2024 Safety Award applications as well as  instructions for completing the application, according to NCDOL Safety Awards Coordinator Kiley Willard.

 

In addition to the gold and silver safety awards, Million-Hour Safety Awards are presented to companies that accumulate one million employee hours with no cases of injury or illness that involve days away from work. Million-Hour Awards are also presented during the local annual safety awards ceremony. Access the online application at million-hour safety awards.

 

For help completing the applications or to find out more, call 919.707.7855 or email safety.awards@labor.nc.gov.

Granville Human Relations Commission Hosts Annual MLK Jr. Program Jan. 20

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The Granville County Human Relations Commission will host its annual fellowship breakfast and program to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at 9:30 a.m.  on Monday, Jan. 20 at Oxford Baptist Church, 147 Main St., Oxford.

Tickets are free, but are required for entry. Contact the Granville County Administration Office at 919.693.5240 to request tickets to the event or email jessica.todd@granvillecounty.org.

In addition to the breakfast, a program titled “Continuing the Dream: How Has Dr. King’s Legacy Inspired Me Today?” will feature readings by the winners of the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. essay contest. This year’s contest entries came from G.C. Hawley Middle School, Granville Early College, and J.F. Webb High School.

Town of Butner Mayor Dr. Linda Jordon will serve as the keynote speaker and there will be musical performances by Tim Johnson and Benaiah Adesoji.

The event will also serve as a donation drive for Area Congregations in Ministry and attendees are encouraged to bring high-need items like deluxe-types of macaroni and cheese, tuna, peanut butter, cereal, oatmeal, granola bars, packaged meals, canned soup, spaghetti sauces,  tomato products, crackers, lunch-box items, condiments, personal care items, paper products, diapers,  cleaning products or any non-perishable food items.

The Granville County Human Relations Commission invites the community to celebrate diversity and unity while honoring the academic achievement and writing talent of local students.

Brad Knott Sworn In As Congressman Representing N.C. District 13

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Brad Knott took the oath of office last week to become North Carolina’s congressman representing the 13th Congressional District, comprised of eight counties, including Granville and Franklin counties.

“It is an honor to now serve as the representative for North Carolina’s 13th District. I am both excited and eager to begin working for stronger law enforcement, a secure border, safer communities and a prosperous future for North Carolina and the United States,”  Knott said in a written statement released Monday, Jan. 6.

Knott, a Republican, will serve on the House Judiciary, Transportation & Infrastructure and Homeland Security committees.

Constituents may contact Knott’s office for assistance with service requests at knott.house.gov or by calling 202.225.4531.

Vance County Sheriff: Two Arrested On Drug Charges

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— from Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

On Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, members of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and Henderson Police Department executed a search warrant at 117 Foster Rd. Extension in Henderson.

Brandon Troy Pat David, age 29, and Rodriekgus Johnson Jr., age 20 were arrested.

David was charged with two counts of trafficking heroin, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver heroin, felony maintaining a dwelling for selling controlled substances and simple possession of Sch VI controlled substance. David was placed in Vance County Jail under no bond due to having pending felony charges.

Johnson Jr. was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver heroin and maintaining a dwelling for selling a controlled substance. Johnson Jr. was placed in Vance County Jail under a secured bond of $60,000. Both individuals appear in court on March 19 in Vance County.