Siplen Arrested, Charged with First Degree Murder

/by

— Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame Press Release

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of Suzette Siplen for the First Degree Murder of Xavier “Peter” Vann.

Vann was located in the front yard of his residence located at 1609 Nicholas Street, Henderson N.C., on the morning of the 5th day of August 2021. It was determined that Vann was suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Vann was transported to Duke University Medical Center where he later died.

Through investigative technique Siplen became a person of interest in this incident. Investigators with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office established Probable Cause for an Arrest Warrant on Suzette Siplen on the 17th day of August 2021.

Having obtained warrants for the arrest of Siplen the investigation then focused on the apprehension of the suspect.

On the 24th day of August Suzette Siplen, age 52, was located in Durham N.C. residing in a local motel. Siplen was arrested without incident.
Siplen has been placed in the Vance County Detention Facility on a single charge of First Degree Murder. No bond has been set at this time.

Assisting with the investigation were the N.C. SBI and the Durham County Sheriff’s Office.

TownTalk: Vance GOP Chair Barrier Planning 9/11 Memorial Event

/by

So many Americans can remember exactly where they were and what they were doing on that morning almost 20 years ago when the 9/11 attacks occurred.

When Jimmy Barrier realized that there were no local plans to commemorate the 20th anniversary of that fateful day, he wasn’t about to let the day go unnoticed.

Barrier, chairman of the Vance County GOP, has planned a public memorial event on Saturday, Sept. 11 in Henderson to honor those whose lives were lost in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.

“It was almost like war,” Barrier told John C. Rose on Thursday’s Town Talk, as he recalled the events of that day in 2001. “It was unfathomable to people – people were horrified by it and didn’t know what was going on.”

Anyone old enough to remember may have similar feelings as Barrier, but for those who may be too young to remember, Barrier said he wants to hear about what they think about the events of 9/11.

The public is invited to attend the event, which will begin at 10 a.m. and should run until about noon. It will be held outside the American Legion hut on Garnett Street and will include music and several different speakers, from local youth to state-level politicians.

Barrier said it’s actually an event for military veterans, firefighters, law enforcement officers and other front-line workers – people in these fields “who right now are the backbone and strength of America.”

— TownTalk Audio, Click Play —

One of the speakers is Will White, a 15-year-old from Henderson. Barrier said it’s important to hear the perspective of someone who wasn’t even alive in 2001.

Although Barrier said he is still working out details of the morning’s agenda, he said local pastor Bruce LeGates will offer an opening prayer, and Stephanie Cole is scheduled to sing the National Anthem. Steve Wilson is set to sing the Lee Greenwood hit “God Bless the U.S.A.” and Ronnie Lassiter, a retired firefighter and Navy veteran also is scheduled to speak.

If his schedule permits, Trey Allen, a UNC law professor and a candidate for the N.C. Supreme Court, will pay a visit to the event, Barrier noted.

And he’s invited Police Chief Marcus Barrow and Vance Sheriff Curtis Brame, as well as members of all the volunteer fire departments to come and have a presence at the event.

WIZS will broadcast the event live.

Sheriff Curtis Brame

Vance Sheriff Brame’s Advice To Avoid Phone Scams: “Don’t Do What I Did”

/by

When the phone rings, the first reaction many of us have is to anwer the call. These days, however, unless a name pops up on the screen that you recognize, perhaps the best thing to do is – let it ring. You just may avoid getting caught up in a scam.

Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame wishes he had followed the advice that he so often dispensed to others about that very thing; it may have saved him the inconvenience of contacting his bank and associated credit cards.

Brame told John C. Rose in an email Wednesday about getting a call from someone who claimed to be with Duke Energy. The caller said Brame’s electricity would be cut off, “due to delinquency and not paying my bill on time.”

At the time, the sheriff was in a hospital waiting room, and was in a vulnerable state because his wife had just undergone back surgery. “I was worried, concerned, not thinking straight,” Brame wrote in the email to WIZS News. He was waiting to go in and see his wife in recovery, and what he did next is what he tells others all the time NOT to do: He furnished information to that person on the other end of the phone.

The last thing he needed, after being at the hospital with his wife, was to return home to no electricity, he said.

When he was able to get to a computer and access his account online, he realized his mistake. Of course, “I had already paid my bills on time and had a zero balance with Duke Energy,” Brame said.

The worry and concern for his wife in the hospital shifted to Brame being “furious, upset and disturbed” for being a victim of a phone scam.

Now came the hassle of contacting his bank, put it on alert and cancel his cards.

“Please, please, please, don’t do what I did,” Brame said. “They are out there, regardless of who you are.”

— The Local Skinny! Audio, Click Play —

Vance Volunteer Fire Departments Awarded More Than $140,000 Through State Grant Fund

/by

Six volunteer fire departments in Vance County received grant funding from a state program designed to help smaller departments purchase equipment and make capital improvements.

In addition, two departments that serve Vance and adjoining counties received funding, which brings the total to more than $140,000, according to Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen.

Fire departments send requests each year for funding from the state’s Volunteer Fire Department Fund, which distributes money in the form of grants. The grants must be matched dollar for dollar, up to $30,000.

Here’s a breakdown by department:

  • Bearpond Rural Fire Department, Inc. –  $6,630
  • Cokesbury Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. – $28,530
  • Hicksboro Fire Department – $8,115
  • Kittrell Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. – $29,968.41
  • Townsville Rural Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. – $1,328.60
  • Watkins Community Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. – $30,000

The total amount for the Vance County departments is $104,572.01, but that number climbs to $140,696.74 when grant funding to Epsom Fire Department, serving Vance and Frankin counties, is added ($11,128.12) and grant funding to Drewry, serving Vance and Warren counties, is added ($25,440.50).

Granville County received grants totaling more than $176,000 in the most recent disbursement of funds.

Fire departments in Warren County received $213,576.50 and Franklin County departments were awarded $73,454.55, according to the complete listing from N.C. Department of Insurance.

The Volunteer Fire Department Fund was created to assist North Carolina’s volunteer fire departments with purchasing equipment and making capital expenditures. It is administered through the N.C. Department of Insurance/Office of the State Fire Marshal. Eligible volunteer fire departments must be rated/certified by the N.C. Department of Insurance.

Town Talk Logo

TownTalk: Parolees and those on Probation Can Register to Vote in NC

/by

DEVELOPING…

State and local boards of elections are bound to comply with a court order issued Monday that restores voting privileges to convicted felons who are no longer incarcerated but are still on parole or probation.

Patrick Gannon, public information director for the N.C. Board of Elections told WIZS News Wednesday, “We are required to comply with court orders, so those who are (on) probation, parole, or post-release supervision are able to re-register to vote at this time.”

If the ruling stands, more than 55,000 people in North Carolina would be allowed to re-register to vote, Gannon noted. A three-judge panel of Wake County Superior Court entered a preliminary injunction Monday to restore voting rights to all North Carolinians on felony probation, parole or post-release supervision.

The ruling stems from a lawsuit Community Success Initiative v. Moore, which claimed that convicted felons who were no longer incarcerated but still on parole or probation, were unfairly denied restoration of their right to vote. Previously, convicted felons no longer in jail or prison were not allowed to register to vote if they were still on parole or probation.

Gannon said state elections board attorneys are reviewing the decision.

“If a court were to reverse the preliminary injunction, we would need to work with the department of public safety to update the felon data that we receive,” Gannon said.

It would fall to county boards of elections to perform regular list maintenance to remove ineligible voters.

Boards of elections and the department of public safety have regular voter roll list maintenance and automated checks of new registrants, Gannon said.

He said elections officials do not keep numbers of felon voters by county, so it is unclear just how many potential felon voters reside in the four-county area.

Melody Vaughan, deputy director of the Vance County Board of Elections, told WIZS News Tuesday that, as far as the upcoming municipal elections in Middleburg and Kittrell are concerned, only residents who live inside the towns’ city limits may cast ballots.

Local boards, including Vance, are waiting for guidance from the state board to allow this disenfranchised population to regain voter privileges. If and when that happens, Vaughan said individuals have until Oct. 8 to register. There is no same-day registration for the Nov. 2 elections, Vaughan said.

TOWNTALK AUDIO HERE

VGCC Dr. Levy Brown

VGCC’s Brown Selected For National Leadership Fellows Program

/by

Dr. Levy Brown, Jr., vice president of learning, student engagement & success at Vance-Granville Community College, has been selected to participate in the 2021-22 class of Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship, a national leadership program designed to prepare the next generation of community college presidents.

Brown is one of 40 community college administrators chosen for the 10-month fellowship, which begins in November. He is one of two from North Carolina to be selected.

Nationally, almost 80 percent of community college presidents plan to retire in the next decade, according to information provided by VGCC. The Aspen fellowship program works to equip the next generation of leaders to meet the challenges of the future.

“The opportunity to be a part of the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship is something I do not take for granted,” Brown said. “I am truly humbled and grateful for the chance to develop lasting professional relationships, exchange innovative ideas and engage in deep thought about what community college excellence looks like, both now and in the future.”

Brown and the other 39 participants were selected because they share a commitment to make higher education better by being transformational leaders, according to Monica Clark, director of leadership initiatives at the College Excellence Program. “To become institutions that truly advance social mobility and talent development, community colleges must have presidents with a clear vision for equitable student success,” Clark said.

VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais said being selected is an honor for the college and for Brown, who has been with VGCC for four years.

“As an Aspen Community College Presidential Fellowship Cohort 2 participant, I know the incredible value and honor of being selected for this program,” Desmarais said in a statement to WIZS News. “On behalf of Vance-Granville Community College, I am incredibly proud that Dr. Brown has been admitted to this program and will benefit both professionally and personally from participation. Dr. Brown will be able to hone his transformational leadership skills amongst the senior fellows and incoming participant fellows in this auspicious program.”

During the program, fellows will be mentored by current and former community college presidents who have achieved exceptional outcomes for students during their careers in education. Through collaboration with the Stanford Educational Leadership Initiative, participants will learn strategies to improve student outcomes in and after college, lead internal change and create strong external partnerships with K-12 schools, four-year colleges, employers and other community partners.

Brown was vice president of student services at VGCC, and in his current role, serves as the college’s chief academic and student affairs officer. He is responsible for leading and working collaboratively with faculty and staff in the areas of academic programs, teaching and learning, student success, equity and inclusion, enrollment management, K-12 partnerships and other areas.

Before coming to VGCC, Brown was dean of arts & sciences at Lenoir Community College. He is a graduate of East Carolina University, and has a master’s degree in library science from North Carolina Central University and a doctorate in educational leadership with a focus on higher education from East Carolina University.

Sweet Finesse a Business Sweet Dream Come True

/by

Opening a new business can be a nerve-wracking experience. Opening a new business during a pandemic is something that Hillary Hipps-Burwell never anticipated, but she and her business partner defied the odds to realize their dream.

Sweet Finesse is a new clothing store in Henderson, and Hipps-Burwell and business partner Brittney Phipps are working hard to offer more clothing choices for the area.

The two women work in day care, and they originally thought about opening a kiddie club house. “But when COVID hit, I got to thinking: thinking what does Henderson need?” Hipps-Burwell told John C. Rose on Tuesday’s Town Talk.

Sweet Finesse carries brand names like Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren for males and fashion labels like Pink and Off White for females.

She said clothing at an affordable price is the goal – clothing that “people can purchase without breaking their pocket.”

Hipps-Burwell describes herself as a plus-size woman, and her vision is to offer more plus-size choices. Sweet Finesse carries women’s clothing, including casual clothes and summer dresses from size small to 5X. They also carry purses.

“I’m very honest about all the clothing we have,” she said. “I want everything to fit you and be comfortable. I want to serve the plus-size community as much as I can.”

LISTEN TO THIS FULL STORY HERE FROM TOWNTALK

Once she and Phipps get the clothing side organized, Hipps-Burwell said the plan is for her husband, Brian, to bring in a shoe department. She said he knows what buyers are interested in and current “hot” styles.

The Aug. 9 ribbon cutting was the culmination of a long process of establishing the business, Hipps-Burwell said. The first challenge was finding a suitable location, and once that happened, then the worry about opening and being able to make it when the rent kicked in. And then, once open, the worry would be possibly having to shut down again quickly because of COVID, she said.

With all those worries churning, however, they located a site – “then we had a building and couldn’t do anything with it,” she recalled, because “that’s when the world shut down.”

Finally, in true entrepreneur fashion, she said they “kind of shook it off and decided to go ahead and fill it up with clothes.”

The store has been in operation a couple of weeks now and Hipps-Burwell hopes to get the word out that they’re open for business.

The store is open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The location is 1700 Parham St., which is the former Nits, Nats building.

Hipps-Burwell laughed and said she’s had people wander in expecting to find the record store, only to browse her inventory and even make some purchases.

Jobs in Vance for 8-24-21

/by

The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for August 24, 2021. The Chamber compiles the information, and it is presented here and on the radio. Contact the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce at 438-8414 or email christa@hendersonvance.org to be included.

——————————————————

Hollander Sleep Products
Jobs Available: Looking for Mechanics, quality Inspectors, Machine Operators and Sewers
Method of Contact: If interested in applying go online to www.hollandersleepdecor.com

——————————————————

Mako Medical Laboratories
Jobs Available: Covid Accessioning Associate, Covid QC Auditor and Covid Accessioning Auditor
Method of Contact: if interested please apply with NC Works

——————————————————

Turning Point CDC
Jobs Available: Instructional Assistant – Should have experience with educational settings, tutoring/academic support and youth development. An Associate degree and 2 years childcare/education experience are preferred . This is a part time position.
Method of Contact: Apply on website at www.turningpointcdc.org/get-involved. Applicants with questions can call 252-621-5190

——————————————————

Granville Vance Public Health
Jobs Available: Community Development Specialist I/ Community Systems Change Consultant – Minimum qualifications for this position are graduation from a four-year college or university and three years of experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience with community system change and community development or experience in management of community coalitions is strongly preferred.
Method of Contact: To apply for this position, interested applicants must submit the following: a completed state application (PD 107), college transcript, and three work-related reference contacts. Submit via email to humanresources@gvdhd.org or mail to Personnel Director, Granville- Vance District Health Department, PO Box 367 Oxford, NC 27565

——————————————————

Variety Wholesalers, Inc.
Jobs Available: Human Resources Coordinator – provides administrative support for the Human Resources Team.
Method of Contact: to apply go to the Hiring Center at 218 S. Garnett St. Henderson, NC

Variety Wholesalers, Inc.
Jobs Available: Buyer’s Assistant – Determines the best sources, recommends vendors and orders supplies and fixtures within budget to support achievement of departmental goals and objectives
Method of Contact: to apply go to the Hiring Center at 218 S. Garnett St. Henderson, NC

Variety Wholesalers, Inc.
Jobs Available: Henderson Distribution Positions – General Warehouse Associates, Lift Drivers, Team Leads, Yard Drivers, Housekeeping/ Custodial Sanitation, OTR and Local Truck Drivers (CDL required). Available shift are 1st shift: Monday- Friday (with some scheduled Saturdays); start times from 6:00am – 8:00am. 2nd shift –Monday – Friday (with some scheduled Saturdays) 8-hour shifts, start time 3:00 pm with $1.00 hour shift premium
Method of Contact: To apply go to the Hiring Center at 218 S. Garnett St, Henderson, NC

*****National Hiring Event!!!! August 26th – 30th Variety Wholesalers are interviewing on the spot for Cashiers, Stockers and Store Management for both full and part time. If interested go to any Variety Wholesaler Store and inquire inside******

——————————————————

Select Tissue of NC
Jobs Available: Truck drivers CDL license Class A, Supervisor 2nd shift (handles discipline and termination of employees, resolves and troubleshoots issues, monitors manufacturing processes, and works with Operations Manager), Maintenance Mechanics 1st and 2nd shifts (Knowledge of PLC’s Alan Bradley & Siemens knowledge a plus, ability to read schematics & prints, mechanical ability, general electrical, pneumatics and hydraulics knowledge, equipment installation, rebuilds and repairs, minor building repairs/maintenance including electrical and plumbing)
Method of Contact: Apply in person at Select Tissue located at 1133 Poplar Creek Rd, Henderson, NC 27537.

——————————————————

Lowe’s Home Improvement
Jobs Available: Customer Service Associates (various departments), Head Cashier, Cashiers, Day Stocker and Pro Loader
Method of Contact: apply online at Lowes.com/careers

——————————————————

Belk, Inc. of Henderson
Jobs Available: Seeking full and part time sales associates. Associates will enjoy competitive pay, flexible scheduling and associate discounts.
Method of Contact: Apply online at Belkcareers.com or text jobs to belk4u (235-548)

——————————————————

Express Employment Professionals
Jobs Available: Immediately hiring for Warehouse Workers Warehouse Pick/packers: for a Henderson Distribution Center – Sunday- Thursday start time 11:00, hours vary, Pay $12.50 an hour, 2 years or more of warehouse experience preferred. Also looking for 50 Warehouse order pullers: Monday – Friday Day shift 6:00 am – 2:30 pm, pay $13.00 an hour with a $1,000.00 Completion Bonus available. Also looking for Manufacturing Supervisor: 3 years of Management experience preferred. Evening shifts, Monday – Friday 3:00 pm – 11:00pm pay $20.00 – $23.00 an hour PLUS shift differential pay.
Method of Contact: For immediate consideration call 919-693-1730

——————————————————

Express Employment Professionals
Jobs Available: Looking for multiple Administrative Assistants – 2 or more years experience in MS Office,, data entry and customer service, experience in Quickbooks is a plus, pay range: $12.00 – $16.00 an hour
Method of Contact: For immediate consideration call 919-693-1730

——————————————————

Servpro of Franklin, Vance and Granville Counties
Jobs Available: Technicians – on the job training is available for water, fire and mold mitigation and restoration. Lots of opportunity to grow. Full time hours but college students are welcome to apply.
Method of Contact: Apply in person at Industry Drive in Henderson or call 252-433-0005 to receive an application by email.

——————————————————

Some of these businesses are present or past advertisers of WIZS. Being an ad client is not a condition of being listed or broadcast. This is not a paid ad.