Warren Co. Father/Daughter & Mother/Son Dance, Fri., June 15

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— courtesy The Chamber of Commerce of Warren County | Craig Hahn, Executive Director ~ 252-257-2657 ~ info@warren-chamber.org ~ Facebook

Families are invited to dance the night away at the annual Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Dance on Friday, June 15, 2018, from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Warren County Armory Civic Center.

This fun event for everyone is just $20 per couple and is presented by the Warren County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension. For more information, contact 252-257-3640 or visit www.warren.ncsu.edu.

NC Coop Extension

Vance Co. Cooperative Extension – Weekly Parenting Tip

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-Weekly parenting tips provided courtesy of Jean Bell, Parenting Education Coordinator, Vance County Cooperative Extension

Parenting tip week of 6/11/18

Rules

Rules help families function smoothly. Rules let your kids know what is expected of them and help them to understand limits and develop self-discipline. Rules about safety, bedtime and respect are important. Make sure your rules fairly address the important issues. Don’t have too many rules.

Every family has a different set of rules that work for them. Taking time to think about your family rules, involving kids in the creation of rules, and having fair consequences when rules are broken can head off conflicts.

Henderson Police Department

“Operation Thunderstruck” Nets 11 Vance & Granville Defendants

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

As part of the “Take Back North Carolina Initiative,” the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces that “Operation Thunderstruck,” a heroin and opioid centered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF) resulted in the arrest of twelve (12) defendants for outstanding federal charges in a coordinated warrant enforcement operation. In addition, at least one defendant related to this operation was found to be in the custody of the North Carolina Department of Corrections. A federal detainers has been filed against this subject. Also, one subject was arrested on state charges.

This operation was conducted as part of the Eastern District of North Carolina’s “Take Back North Carolina Initiative” as part of the federal focus on the alarming level of opioid use and the deaths associated with it. This initiative is bringing the full weight and resources of the federal court system in the fight against crime in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren Counties in partnership with District Attorneys’ Offices and federal, state, and local law enforcement.

The following individuals were charged by way of Criminal Indictment. The individual charges for each defendant are contained in the parenthesis following the personal information.

• Lorenzo Alston, 28, of Henderson, NC (Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin)

• Jermill Keith Blacknall, 30, of Henderson, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, Maintaining a Place for Manufacture & Distribution of Heroin)

• Odell Terrance Burrell, 40, of Vance County, NC (Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack) and Marijuana & Maintaining a Place for Manufacture and Distribution of Cocaine Base (Crack) and Marijuana)

• Kyle Victor Fisher, 29, of Granville County, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm & Ammunition)

• Roy Lee Fowler, 53, of Vance County, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm)

• Dominique Renna Russell, 30, of Henderson, NC (Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Aiding and Abetting, Maintaining a Place for Manufacturing & Distributing Heroin, aiding and abetting, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.)

• Daryl Russell, 31, of Henderson, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm)

• Mario Jamal Steed, 29, of Henderson, NC (Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Felon in Possession of a Firearm)

• James Edward Downey, 41, of Oxford, NC (Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack))

• Markest Foye, 32, of Oxford, NC (Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack))

• Jamal Kendale Watson, 27, of Fayetteville, NC (Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack))

• Toney Fields, 42, of Oxford, NC (Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack)

The charges and allegations contained in the Indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The enforcement operation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives, (ATF), the United States Marshal Service, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Henderson Police Department, Oxford Police Department, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Granville County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina Ninth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Probation Office.

News releases are available on the U. S. Attorney’s webpage at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_EDNC

Listen to Friday’s news conference held at the Henderson Police Department here:

Vance County NC

Vance County Revenues Expected to Increase for FY 2018-19

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The Vance County budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year, a grand total of $56,131,498, was adopted unanimously at the June 4, 2018, Vance County Board of Commissioners meeting.

According to County Manager Jordan McMillen, despite a lack of increase in the general fund tax rate or water rates, revenues will increase slightly over prior years with property tax and sales tax providing an additional $934,675 in revenue. This increase is due to natural growth and other considerations as outlined below:

 Property Taxes – Increase of $607,938 or 2.7% due to natural growth. The tax collection rate increased from 96.39% to 96.65% which had a positive impact of $62,000 on the tax revenue; 1 cent on tax rate totals $257,523.

 Sales Taxes – Projected 3.7% or $326,737 increase over FY 18 budget which is attributable to natural growth and an expansion of the items and services currently taxed. The county continues to receive sales tax proceeds from the states Article 44 redistribution which began in FY 17. It is estimated the county will receive $262,186 in FY 19 from this distribution which must be designated for economic development, schools or the community college.

 Ambulance Revenue – Decrease of $115,000. Revenues remain consistent with the levels from previous in-house collections and are adjusting down based upon increases in previous two years from catching up current year collections. Changes in Medicaid payments and state personal income tax laws impacting debt setoff collections have had a negative impact as well. As per recommendation from billing company, EMS billing fees change from set fee based upon type of service (i.e. ALS, BLS, etc.) to a percentage of the allowable Medicare reimbursable rate and includes billing insurance for supplies utilized.

 Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Revenue – level at $140,000. The county receives 85% of the net revenue from the ABC profits.

 Overall state DSS revenues are projected to decrease $2,323,591 while federal and local DSS revenues remain level. The decrease is due to the state taking over payment of the daycare subsidies and Medicaid transportation programs with a minor decrease in foster care/ adoption expenditures due to a lower number of children in the program.

 Building inspection revenues – level at $300,000. Residential development is rebounding, which has helped this revenue remain stable with the recent decline in solar farm activity. The budget includes minor additions and changes to the inspection fee schedule.

 Jail Revenues – Increase of $63,000 due to jail commissary commissions

 School Resource Officer Revenue – Increase of $72,639 due to adding 5th SRO position and associated costs. This cost is paid for 100% by Vance County schools.

 Lease Proceeds Revenue – Decrease of $19,000

 Register of Deeds Revenue – Increase of $12,500; Animal Services revenue increases $7,900 due to the higher number of adoptions and includes fee schedule additions to establish fees for various animal types and for additional microchip service.

 Investment earnings – Increase of $5,500

 Revenues from other funds decreased $119,082 primarily due to transferring less sales tax dollars into the general fund to fund school capital outlay projects.

 Appropriations from fund balance – $1,455,008 compared to $1,159,957 in FY 17-18. We anticipate spending approximately $500,000 of this due to pay go in the CIP and to allow a portion of fund balance to be spent.

Anderson Weighs in on Downtown Henderson

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Tom Anderson, a member of the community and downtown property owner for approximately 20 years, was on WIZS’ Town Talk program Thursday to discuss revitalization efforts and issues concerning the downtown Henderson area.

Shortly after moving to Vance County Anderson, along with his wife Letha, purchased the old Farmers & Merchants Bank Building at 135 S. Garnett St., and later the Interiors & Gifts Too building. According to Anderson, he and his wife invested quite a bit of money into the downtown area, without a decent return for their efforts.

“It’s difficult to sell a building in Henderson, especially in downtown Henderson, and get what you put into it,” Anderson said.

An on-going discussion regarding downtown Henderson includes the need for a full-time downtown development director. Downtown Director Kaine Riggan is currently contracted on a part-time basis.

Vance County recently denied a request made by the Downtown Development Commission to increase County funding by $18,500 to convert the part-time downtown development director’s position to a full-time position as required for Main Street Program status. The County did fund $1,500 for the position, an amount equal to previous years’ allotment.

“The City of Henderson is willing to put up a certain amount of money to fund a [full-time] downtown development position. The County, in the past, has put up $1,500 per year. If we want to have a full-time person, the City and County are both going to have to come up with additional funds,” said Anderson.

Anderson believes Riggan’s efforts to revitalize the downtown area are already paying off. “Kaine does a good job of trying to recruit people to the community and get storefronts open and operating,” said Anderson. “He works 20 hours on the books and another 20 hours off the books. You can’t expect him to work for nothing.”

Anderson said he feels downtown Henderson is a safe area, although he admits that difficulties parking can be a deterrent to visitors. The bigger issue, Anderson believes, is the lack of funds.

“What is the priority? We are a Tier 1 County and are economically distressed,” Anderson said. “There’s not enough money to put into all of the buckets.”

According to Anderson, whatever the solution or solutions, “You have to have a vibrant downtown area in order to have a vibrant community.”

Vance Co. Middle and High School Announce Mascots and School Colors

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The mascots and school colors for Vance County High School and Vance County Middle School were revealed on Thursday, June 7, 2018, at school assemblies for the students who will be attending the schools in 2018-2019.

The high school mascot is the Vipers and the school colors are green, black and white.

The middle school mascot is the Jaguars and the school colors are black and gold.

Let’s go Vipers and Jaguars!!!

Maria Parham Health Announces Exciting Community Partnership

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-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health (MPH) is excited to announce a partnership with community members from the communities they serve. The MPH Patient and Family Advisory Board (PFAB), will provide a formal communication vehicle for patients and families to take an active role in improving the patient experience at MPH.

The board will focus on discovering what programs and practices represent the most successful patient and family experiences within MPH and will help replicate and share those best practices across the community. Guided by MPH’s mission, vision, and values, the PFAB is dedicated to ensuring that our patients and families have a safe, quality, compassionate and supported healthcare experience.

Front row, left to right: Pat Daniel and Linda Hicks, PFAB Chair Second row, left to right: Amanda Wilkins-Registered Nurse, Dena Hunter-CNA, and Ja’Lonte Williams- PFAB Chair-Elect, Bert Beard- Chief Executive Officer, Maria Parham Health Third row left to right: Misty Woodward- Chief Nursing Officer, Maria Parham Health,  Ursula Kennedy, Director of Patient Experience, Maria Parham Health; Jim Johnson, Chair, Maria Parham Health Board of Trustees and Woody Caudle (Photo courtesy Maria Parham Health)

 

Oxford Commissioners to Hold June’s Board Meeting Tues., June 12

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-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

The City of Oxford Board of Commissioners will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, City Hall.

Among the agenda items:

-Public Hearing for the FY 2018 – 2019 Budget.

-Consider adopting the FY 2018-2019 Budget Ordinance and associated schedule of fees or call for a Special Meeting to adopt the budget prior to June 30, 2018.

-Public Hearing to consider a rezoning request from Attorney James C. Wrenn, Jr. on behalf of HEW Rental.

-Consider amending the Oxford Zoning Ordinance for 4.8 +/- acres of land located at 322 Lewis Street from B-2 (Highway Business to 1-2) General Industrial as well as approving the consistency statement of declaring that this also amends the comprehensive plan in an effort to meet the development needs of the community as a factor in rezoning the property.

-Consider formally including the portion of Professional Park Drive, not currently on the Powell Bill list.

-Consider adopting a demolition ordinance for 614 Granville Street.

-Consider awarding the Fiscal Years 2017-18 & 2018-19 Audit Contract to Preston Douglas & Associates. LLP.

-Consider formally offering a 7.5% raise to the manager in recognition of his performance and leadership this past year.

Warren County Logo

Historic 1830’s Grape Hill Home in Need of a New Location

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— courtesy The Chamber of Commerce of Warren County | Craig Hahn, Executive Director ~ 252-257-2657 ~ info@warren-chamber.org ~ Facebook

Here’s what they have to say on the Preservation North Carolina website about Grape Hill: (you can also see plenty of great interior pictures here)

“Built during the agricultural boom years of the 1830’s, Grape Hill is an unusual blend of sophisticated interior woodwork emblematic of Antebellum Warren County architecture within an exterior of elegant simplicity.

Architectural & Historical Information

Built for the Joshua Davis Jr. family near Locust Grove, the seat of his parents’ plantation, it appears to be a simple two-story Federal-Adamesque I-house, but on a much grander scale. Archival photographs show its original entry porch was more Greek Revival in style with a pedimented portico supported by a Doric entablature.

The tall five-bay façade with side addition accommodates two stories of nine-over-nine windows, a molded box cornice, tall stone chimneys stuccoed and scored to give a refined ashlar finish, all resting on a high stone foundation under which is located a basement with summer kitchen and workspace.

The double-leaf entry doors lead into a wide highly ornamented hallway with tall marbleized baseboards, heavily molded door surrounds with bullseye corner blocks and a low wainscot. The stairway is located at the back of the wide center hall and features a single-run stair with ogee bracket ends and marbleized risers. The enormous main parlor shares similar woodwork to the center hall including marbleized baseboards, low wainscot with a heavy band creating a chair rail.

The highlight of the main parlor is a mantel which shares intricate detail with some of the finest early houses in Warren County showcasing wide molded engaged pilasters supporting a multi-paneled frieze topped by a delicately carved lozenge band below the deep molded shelf. Both parlor mantels were stolen years ago, but happily, the mantel from the main parlor was recovered and has been safely stored off-site. The remaining first floor rooms share more simplified versions of the parlor and center hall woodwork such as a low wainscot, six-panel doors and a post-and-mantel with molded detailing in the side addition. Plaster walls and beautiful wide board wood floors can be found throughout the house. The former gabled rear porch located at the back of the center hall was enclosed decades ago and includes a bathroom.

Second floor details are fine yet predictably more modest and include simple paneled mantels, six-panel doors, chair rails, and a simplified version of the first-floor stair that continues up to two large attic rooms. The second story is also divided by a stair hall with one large bedroom on one side and three rooms on the other side of the hall. Much original paint remains on doors and trim (red and blue-gray).

Grape Hill has been vacant for many years and has been used for storage for the surrounding farm. The house must be moved or it will be lost to demolition. The house appears to be very sturdy, but will require a complete rehabilitation once moved to its new site.”

Click here for interior pictures available at the Preservation North Carolina website.

Grape Hill – Structure Only – 1471 U.S. Highway 1 North Norlina, NC 27563 Warren County

$10,000    2,900 square feet    Lot Size: N/A acres / Zoning: N/A

Contact: Cathleen Turner, Regional Director Preservation NC, Piedmont Office 919-401-8540, cturner@presnc.org

(This is not a paid advertisement)

News 06/08/18

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