Local News Audio

WIZS Local Noon News 10/15/20

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Today (Oct. 15) is the First Day of Early Voting

Medicare Open Enrollment Begins Today (Oct. 15) and Ends December 7, 2020

Dequante Jabree Terry Arrested in Shooting Incident on David St.

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City of Henderson Logo

Henderson’s Loose Leaf Collection Season Begins Oct. 26

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-Press Release, City of Henderson

The City of Henderson’s Loose Leaf Collection Season will begin the week of October 26, 2020, and will end on January 15, 2021. During this period of time, it is permitted to place rows or piles of loose leaves or pine straw at the roadside for the City’s Public Works Department to collect.

Please note that rows or piles of loose leaves or pine straw shall:

  • Be placed behind the curb not to interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
  • Not be placed in an open ditch, gutter or street area as this can interfere with the City’s storm drainage system.
  • Be free of trash and debris such as glass, cans, rocks, limb cuttings, etc. as this may damage collection equipment.
  • Not be placed on top of your water meter.

Loose leaves and pine straw will generally be picked up on a two or three-week rotation; however, this is dependent on weather conditions and leaf accumulation.

Please know you may continue to bag leaves or place them in a container during loose leaf season, however, it is not required. Keep in mind, if leaves or pine straw are placed at the curb in loose form before loose leaf season begins and after loose leaf season ends, a $75 charge will be added to your sanitation bill.

If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at (252) 431-6115 or (252) 431-6030.

GEER

VGCC Awarded Funds for Continuing Education Scholarships

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College recently received just over $188,000 from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund to help local residents obtain job training. 

The GEER Fund, created as part of the federal CARES Act, will provide scholarships for eligible VGCC continuing education students pursuing short-term workforce training programs within certain pathways that will lead to state or industry-recognized credentials. Students can receive up to $750 in assistance per course. Scholarships can potentially help cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies, credentialing tests, transportation, or childcare. 

At VGCC, the eligible pathways include the following programs: 

  • Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET), 
  • BioWork Process Technician,
  • Electronic Health Records,
  • EMT-Basic,
  • EMT-Paramedic,
  • Heavy Equipment Operator,
  • Healthcare Billing and Coding,
  • HVAC – Cooling,
  • HVAC – Refrigeration,
  • Introduction to Welding,
  • Nurse Aide, Levels 1 and 2,
  • Phlebotomy,
  • Production Tech, and
  • Truck Driver Training.

VGCC officials may add more programs to the list, based on local workforce needs.

“We are excited about the opportunities that the GEER Fund will open up for many students, especially those who have lost their jobs and suffered financially due to the pandemic,” said Dr. Jerry Edmonds, vice president of Workforce Development and Community Engagement for VGCC. “There are jobs available and many employers need talented workers, so now is a great time to retrain and gain new skills, so that you can prepare for a new career or advance in your chosen field.”

Governor Roy Cooper announced the initial allocations of North Carolina’s GEER Fund in August. At that time, Bill Carver, the interim President of the North Carolina Community College System, said, “North Carolina Community Colleges are uniquely positioned to offer short term workforce preparation to assist in the State’s economic recovery. This funding will be used for targeted programs providing cost-effective, high-quality opportunities for North Carolinians wanting credentials leading to career advancement.” 

For more information, contact Dawn Michelle Tucker, Dean of Continuing Education & College + Career Readiness, at (252) 738-3288 or tuckerd@vgcc.edu

Henderson Police Department

Suspect Arrested in Shooting of 18-Year-Old Alveante Holden

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-Press Release, Henderson Police Department

As previously released, on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at approximately 8:43 p.m., officers of the Henderson Police Department were dispatched to the 600 block of E. Andrews Avenue to investigate gunfire.

When they arrived, they located Alveante (Al) Markeith Holden (18), of Vance County, suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper torso. Mr. Holden was seated inside a vehicle he had been operating earlier in the parking lot of “The Wash House,” a laundromat. Mr. Holden had succumbed to his injuries prior to deputies’ arrival.

A press release was composed and sent to the local media, including news stations in the Raleigh/Durham area. We requested the assistance of the public and later released a short video clip of the suspect’s vehicle leaving the scene.

Within a few days of the incident, we received information that has now led to warrants being obtained for the arrest of Wallace Wayne Yarbrough (44) of Person County (photo not available at this time).

Yarbrough is currently being held in the Wake County Detention Center for charges pending out of the Wake County area, and his warrants are awaiting service by a jurisdictional agency.

Mr. Holden’s family was notified of the news yesterday evening by the case agent.

The Henderson Police Department is again thankful to our citizens for their assistance in these investigations and the media for their informative coverage of this case in particular.

As always, the Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers is vital to our agency and an anonymous means to helping our community solve crimes. We implore anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at (252) 492-1925 or through the P3 app on their smart device or contact the HPD directly at (252) 438-4141.

The Henderson Police Department is still actively investigating this case.

Shooting Suspect Terry Arrested; Charged with 1st Degree Murder

Press Release – October 13, 2020 – Vance County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Curtis Brame

On Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at 7:52p.m., the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division and the Henderson Police Department’s Patrol Division responded to 956 David Street, Henderson, North Carolina regarding a shooting. Once at the scene, Deputies discovered gunshot wounds to the deceased victim Willard Ray Dement Jr. (Age 38), Misty Boyd (Age 42) and a juvenile. Misty and the juvenile were transported to Maria Parham Hospital. Misty was later air lifted to Duke Medical Center and the juvenile was treated and released from Maria Parham Hospital.

Deputies and Police Officers patrolled the area and located a person of interest Dequante Jabree Terry (Age 24). Terry was detained and brought to the Vance County Sheriff’s Office. The Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division arrived at the scene along with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and began to conduct interviews in the neighborhood.

Terry was later charged with 1st Degree Murder, 2 counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon with the Intent to Kill, Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon and Attempted Armed Robbery.

Terry is being held without bond on the 1st Degree Murder charge and $750,000.00 bond for his other charges. Terry’s court date was set for October 20, 2020.

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information regarding this incident. Please contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 252-738-2200. This investigation is continuing.

Sincerely

Sheriff Curtis Brame

Local News Audio

WIZS Noon News 10/14/20


WIZS Noon News 10/14/20 Audio

– Dist 2 Vance County Commissioners Election
– Sewer Overflows
– Earthquake Drill
– Plan C and local sports

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Henderson Christmas Parade

Drive-Thru Christmas Parade Planned for Downtown Henderson

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-Information courtesy the H-V Downtown Development Commission

The Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission and the Vance County Arts Council will sponsor a Drive-Thru Christmas Parade in downtown Henderson on Saturday, December 5, 2020. The parade begins at 5 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m.

Cars will drive through from Raleigh Road along Garnett St. to Rose Avenue to view the parade.

The lineup will be in the left lane of Garnett St. beginning at the House of Toyz to Rose Avenue near Sunrise Biscuit.

Parade forms for interested participants will be available beginning November 1 at www.hendersonncdowntown.org, at the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce office or by calling (252) 767-4579.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

GVPH COVID-19 Update as of 10/13/20

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

The following is an update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of October 13, 2020. Granville Vance Public Health numbers correlate with the NC Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NCEDSS) data.

The county case numbers reported on the NC county map from the NC Department of Health and Human Services may differ from the ones reported locally as they are updated at different times and may change once residence is verified.

Granville County

1,852 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,852, 1,190 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 1,190, 1,097 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,852 cases, 526 are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County, and 501 of those 526 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,845, 136 are associated with outbreaks at long-term care facilities including 30 at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center and 95 at Universal Health Care.

The outbreak at Granville House is no longer active.

Of the 136 cases in long-term care facilities in Granville County, 112 have been released from isolation.

Two individuals in Granville County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 50 deaths in Granville County: five in the community, one associated with Central Regional Hospital, one associated with Murdoch Development Center, 21 associated with Universal Health Care and 22 associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.

Vance County

1,078 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,078, 953 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 953, 836 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,078, 125 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities including 49 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.

The outbreaks at Alliance Rehabilitative Care, Senior Citizens Home and Pelican Health nursing home are no longer active.

Of the 125 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 96 have been released from isolation.

Five individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 46 deaths in Vance County: 14 associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 12 associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, two associated with Senior Citizens Home and 18 in the community.

WIZS Note: There are 117 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 93 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers). Two additional COVID-19 related Vance County deaths and no additional Granville County deaths have been reported in the last two weeks.

Additional Information

The number of those who have been ‘released from isolation’ is determined by the CDC Guidance for discontinuation of isolation for persons with COVID-19.

Please visit GVPH’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard (click here) for tables and graphs that are updated daily.

Mike Waters

Man Who Struck Trooper With Vehicle Sentenced in Superior Trial Court

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-Press Release, Office of District Attorney Michael D. Waters

During the October 5, 2020, session of Vance County Criminal Superior Trial Court, with Superior Court Judge John M. Dunlow presiding, Justin Venable entered a plea of guilty to DWI, Felony Hit and Run with Serious Injury, and Felony Failure to Move Over Causing Serious Injury.

Mr. Venable received an active sentence of 12 months in the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Division of Adult Correction (DAC), followed by 16 to 29 months, and 6 to 17 months of supervised probation, suspended for 36 months

On October 22, 2019, Trooper Craig Hundley with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) was conducting a routine traffic stop in Vance County when he was struck by a vehicle. Thanks to the quick actions of the citizen who Trooper Hundley had pulled over, and of Trooper Eugene Burrell, the defendant‘s vehicle was identified.

Trooper Burrell was able to stop the defendant and found he was impaired by alcohol. The defendant, identified as Justin O. Venable, was taken into custody and charged with DWI, Felony Hit and Run with Serious Injury, Reckless Driving, and Felony Failure to Move Over Causing Serious Injury.

This was a harrowing experience for Trooper Hundley who was airlifted to the hospital and has suffered lifechanging injuries that may not allow him to return to his position as a Trooper with the NCSHP. It is our continued hope that Trooper Hundley achieves a full recovery. 

This case was resolved by Assistant District Attorney Stormy Ellis from the Vance County office of District Attorney Mike Waters.

NC Forest Service

NC’s Fall Wildfire Season Begins

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-Press Release, N.C. Forest Service

In North Carolina, the fall wildfire season typically lasts from mid-October until mid-December. During this time, the N.C. Forest Service and the USDA Forest Service urge residents and visitors to be cautious with campfires and when burning yard debris.

“The leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina is debris burning,” said North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “As leaves begin to fall and vegetation starts to dry out, it’s important for everyone to use extreme caution when burning debris of any kind. Let’s all remember that our best defense against wildfires starts at home.”

For people who choose to burn debris, the N.C. Forest Service offers the following tips:

  • Consider alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass and stubble, may be of more value if used for mulch instead.
  • Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
  • Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any authorized permitting agent open for business or online at www.ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit.
  • Don’t pile vegetation on the ground; instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle away from overhead branches and wires. Keep your pile small, not tall.
  • Stay informed about the weather and possible weather changes. Postpone outdoor burning during high winds or gusts, or periods of low relative humidity. Even if you have a valid permit, stop burning if strong winds develop.
  • Household trash should be hauled away to a trash or recycling station. It is illegal to burn anything other than yard debris.
  • Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
  • Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up debris burning.
  • Stay with your fire until it is completely out.
  • Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris.

When burning agricultural residue and forestland litter, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time. Before doing any burning in a wooded area, contact your county ranger.

Defensible space around your home is important. Clear debris from your roof and gutters. Store firewood and other combustible items at least 30 feet from your home, uphill if possible. For more information and tips to help create a defensible space around your home and protect your property from wildfire, visit www.resistwildfirenc.org.

The USDA Forest Service also reminds campers to be cautious with campfires. Use existing fire rings, if possible, and clear a safe area around them of at least 15 feet. Never leave campfires unattended, and ensure they are completely out before leaving.

The USDA Forest Service offers the following guidelines for safely extinguishing campfires and helping to prevent wildfires:

  • Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible.
  • Pour lots of water on the fire, drown ALL embers, not just the red ones.
  • Pour until the hissing sound stops.
  • Stir campfire ashes and embers with a shovel.
  • Scrape the sticks and logs to remove any embers.
  • Stir and make sure everything is wet and that embers are cold to the touch.
  • If you do not have water, use dirt. Pour dirt or sand on the fire, mixing enough dirt or sand with the embers to extinguish the fire.
  • Continue adding or stirring until all remaining material is cool.
  • Do NOT bury the fire as the fire will continue to smolder and could catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire.

Always exercise caution with any outdoor burning. Even when burn bans are not in effect, weather conditions may not be favorable for outdoor fires, Troxler said. Outdoor burning is discouraged during periods of low humidity or high winds.

To learn more about fire safety and preventing wildfires and loss of property, visit www.ncforestservice.gov  or contact Granville County Ranger Rob Montague at (919) 693-3154.