“KING MICHAEL: A Spectacular Tribute to the King of Pop” will be performed at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center, 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson, this Saturday, September 28, 2019, at 7:30 p.m.
From early moments with his brothers to his stratospheric rise to become “the greatest entertainer of all time,” this sensational tribute will include all Michael Jackson’s most popular songs.
Performed by a LIVE band, dancers, and backup singers, this stunning spectacle will bring to life the energy and charisma for which KING MICHAEL was so famous.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/King-Michael-Tribute.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-09-23 16:54:192019-09-23 16:54:19Reminder: McGregor Hall to Present ‘KING MICHAEL’ This Sat.
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Melissa Elliott, Henderson City Council member and founder of Gang Free, Inc., was on Monday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to provide updates on the organization’s mission and focus.
Elliott founded Gang Free Inc. in 2009 to serve at-risk youth and adults. Stating she was once an at-risk youth with many of the same issues as the children she serves, Elliott credited “lots of prayer, a servant’s heart and a resilient spirit” for her success in life.
With a focus on local youth, the mission of Elliott’s organization is to “educate and empower individuals to live a life liberated of crime through innovative programs and services.”
Recently, Elliott said the focus has shifted slightly to preventing juvenile delinquency at the elementary school level before problems arise. Gang Free participants include children from L.B. Yancey, Pinkston Street, Clark and E.O. Young elementary schools.
“We are trying to reach these students before they actively become engaged in a gang or turn to juvenile delinquency,” said Elliott.
Located at 940 County Home Rd. in Henderson, the organization offers after school programs, summer camps, two homeless shelters and assistance for those suffering from food insecurities.
“We have a garden on our premises and we teach children about horticulture and growing their own food,” Elliott said. “In addition to the items from our garden, we distribute 60,000 pounds of food per month to those in need.”
Lack of adequate food and nutrition is just one obstacle facing many children in the community, according to Elliott, who said issues in the home often manifest themselves as “problem or troubled” behavior in the classroom and in public.
“Oftentimes, students that get involved in gang activity have a lot of barriers in the home. We’ve learned that you can’t just deal with one thing; it’s a domino effect,” explained Elliott.
While the bigger picture of what leads to juvenile delinquency and a life of crime are complicated and varied, Elliott said showing children they are cared for and valued at an early age can prevent gang involvement in the future.
“It’s not rocket science,” she said. “Children need to be loved and know that they are loved and cared for.”
To learn more about Gang Free Inc., to become a volunteer or to donate, please visit the organization’s website at www.gangfreeinc.org.
To hear Elliott’s interview in its entirety, including information on Gang Free funding, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.
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-Press Release, U.S. Marshals Service
The U.S. Marshals Service, Eastern District of North Carolina Violent Fugitive Task Force, in coordination with various federal, state and local partners, wrapped up an operation last week dubbed “310.” This operation combined the expansive resources of the participating agencies with the goal of locating subjects wanted on outstanding warrants and conducting searches of high-risk individuals under the supervision of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.
Conducted in Vance County September 10 – 11, this operation was the culmination of months of planning and resulted in the arrest of 31 subjects, two of whom are being considered for federal prosecution. 63 charges were cleared and 8 firearms were recovered.
Additionally, officers seized quantities of heroin, marijuana, and cocaine. Searches were attempted at the residences of 99 high-risk probationers or parolees, with 43 searches successfully completed. Participating agencies will continue to investigate information developed during the operation and additional arrests are likely.
Significant arrests included:
• Jaquantray Bullock, 23, of Henderson, charged with Violation of Post-Release Conditions, Possession of a Firearm by Felon, and Possession with Intent to Sell/Deliver Cocaine.
• Dennis Burt, 31, of Oxford, charged with Attempted 2nd Degree Forcible Rape, Statutory Sex Offense with Child by Adult, and Indecent Liberties with a Child.
• Clyde Penny, 27, of Durham, charged with absconding from Parole based on an original offense of Indecent Liberties with a Child and Failure to Report New Address – Sex Offender.
• Tony Mayo, 49, of Henderson, charged with Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Larceny of a Firearm.
“This operation was dedicated to Officer Brandon Mitchell with the Henderson Police Department who was shot approximately eight weeks ago, just doing his job,” said Michael East, United States Marshal for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “We are committed to the citizens and our law enforcement partners in this area and are working tirelessly to make them safe. I can promise the criminal element in Henderson and Vance County that we are not going to rest and we are not going away. We are going to work continually with all of our partners to address the violent crime in Vance County.”
“My office supports the U.S. Marshals Service’s proactive actions, in conjunction with federal, state and local law enforcement, to locate and secure violent offenders with outstanding criminal warrants,” stated United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. “We are committed to this type of cooperative effort to make Vance and other counties in Eastern North Carolina safe from those who choose to engage in violent or drug trafficking activity, to include attacks on law enforcement officers.”
The agencies that participated included U.S. Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; District Attorney for the 11th Prosecutorial District of North Carolina; Henderson Police Department; N. C. Department of Public Safety Division of Community Corrections and Special Operations Intelligence Unit; N.C. State Bureau of Investigation; N.C. Information Sharing and Analysis Center; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina; U.S. Probation Office; and Vance County Sheriff’s Office.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/US-Marshal.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-09-20 16:52:372019-09-20 16:52:37Operation 310 Results in 31 Arrests in Vance County
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Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers held its 24th Annual Awards & Recognition Banquet at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center Thursday evening. The annual banquet brings together supporters of Crime Stoppers and reminds the community that emergency personnel “have a job that is never done.”
Special guest speaker for the evening, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, addressed NC’s growing opioid crisis and provided sobering statistics on the steadily increasing death rate from drug abuse.
Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers held its 24th Annual Awards & Recognition Banquet at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center on September 19, 2019. Special guest speaker for the evening, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, addressed NC’s growing opioid crisis and provided sobering statistics on the steadily increasing death rate from drug abuse. (WIZS photo)
Now the number one cause of accidental death in the state, Marshall stated that five people die in NC each day as a result of an opioid overdose – more than car accidents or a medical illness.
Such statistics show that an “all hands on deck” approach is required for dealing with the epidemic, support that includes many of the law enforcement officers and first responders present at the banquet, Marshall said.
Marshall’s remarks were followed by the award presentation segment of the banquet. Award recipients and presenters included:
Community Watch Award – presented by Dr. Gene Wood to Cobblestone Community Watch. Bernice Price accepted the award on behalf of the association.
Local Citizen Award – presented by Clarence Hicks to John D. Faucette, operator of Carolina Carpet and Flooring.
Public Service Award – presented by Lorraine Watkins to Pastor Abidan Shah of Clearview Church.
Corporate Award – presented by Danny Wright to Maria Parham Health. CEO Bert Beard accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
Business Award – presented by Tonya Moore to Screen Master. Victoria Martin accepted the award on behalf of the business.
Board Member of the Year Award – presented by Tonya Moore to McKinley Perkinson.
Following this presentation, five Crime Stoppers Law Enforcement Awards were given to individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to protecting and serving the community. Awards included:
Sam Pearson Memorial Award – presented by Henderson Police Assistant Chief Vance Johnson to Lt. David Elliott of the Henderson Police Department.
In presenting the award, Johnson said of Elliott, “Sometimes I have to tell him to go home and take a break because he is so dedicated.”
Tom Long Memorial Award – presented by Cheri Martin to Sgt. Andre Alston of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office.
Martin said Alston is extremely hardworking, positive and “the finest on the force.”
N.C. State Highway Patrol Award – presented by Sgt. Jeff Rowan to Trooper Chris Lanham.
“Trooper Lanham is professional on and off duty and has been instrumental in removing drunk drivers from NC highways,” said Rowan.
Vance County Animal Services Award – presented by Chief Frankie Nobles to Billy Spain.
Nobles said he is confident that Spain can fill in where needed at any time and Vance County Animal Services “would be in good hands.”
Vance-Granville Campus Police Award – presented by Chief Sean Newton to Sgt. Michael Brodie.
“When we started the VGCC Campus Police Department in 2013, I knew I needed to make an extremely strong first hire, and I found that in Michael Brodie,” Newton said.
Nelson Woodhouse provided music for the banquet. Catering was provided by Ted Wheeler’s Catering Service.
Clarence Hicks, Vice President of the Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers, served as emcee for the evening.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Secretary-of-State-Elaine-Marshall.png265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2019-09-20 16:52:002019-09-20 16:52:00H-V Crime Stoppers Banquet Recognizes Those Who ‘Protect and Serve’
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-Press Release, U.S. Dept. of Justice
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces the arrest of two defendants pursuant to Federal Criminal Complaints for federal narcotics offenses. The arrests occurred after law enforcement attempted to serve a search warrant in Henderson, North Carolina.
The defendants injured four Vance County Deputy Sheriffs, in their attempt to flee the area where the search warrant was being executed.
JASMELE ROBINSON, 36, of Henderson, is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, and maintaining a premises for the purpose of manufacturing and distributing heroin, and aiding and abetting.
If convicted of these charges, ROBINSON could be sentenced to at least five years’ imprisonment up to life, and up to five years supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
KRISHANA WILLIAMS, 30, of Henderson, was charged with maintaining a premises for the purpose of manufacturing and distributing heroin, and aiding and abetting. She faces up to twenty years’ imprisonment and up to three years of supervised release.
The charges and allegations contained in the Criminal Complaints are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, and the Henderson Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson is handling the case for the government.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/U.S.-Department-of-Justice.jpg265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-09-20 16:51:332019-09-20 16:51:33Henderson Pair Charged in Federal Court After Vance Co. Deputies Injured
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-Press Release, Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations
At 11:32 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, the Henderson-Vance County Emergency Communications Center officially transitioned to Next Generation 911.
This move was several years in the making and places our 911 center at the forefront of the latest technology and allows us to offer the highest level of service to our citizens.
Next Generation 911 works by connecting every PSAP (911 Center) in the State to the Emergency Services IP Network or ESI Net. This new technology allows for faster call delivery, more accurate location technology, enhanced call transfer options and improved texting capabilities just to name a few of the many improvements from the previous system.
Vance County was the sixteenth county to make the transition to the ESI Net, with more and more jurisdictions set to follow every week.
Having all 911 centers in NC on the same system will allow us to transfer misrouted 911 calls to the correct 911 center even in locations that previously belonged to another phone company with ease.
It will also greatly improve our ability to help each other during times of crisis by allowing a 911 center to take calls for another 911 center that may be down due to equipment failure, weather event or any other situation that renders them inoperable.
More technology enhancements are on the horizon and will be occurring in the coming days including enhanced GIS mapping components and the latest in call routing technologies.
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Vance-Granville Community College recently brought together students, faculty, staff and community members to mark the 50th anniversary of the college, with festivities on all four of its campuses. The original charter for the college, then known as Vance County Technical Institute, was issued on Sept. 4, 1969.
VGCC Board of Trustees Chair Danny Wright and VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais cut the “birthday cake” on the college’s Main Campus to celebrate the institution’s fiftieth anniversary. (VGCC photo)
During the week of the actual anniversary, celebratory ceremonies featuring speakers and refreshments were held on each campus: the Warren County Campus on Sept. 3, Main Campus (in Vance County) on Sept. 4, South Campus (in Granville County) on Sept. 5, and the Franklin County Campus on Sept. 6.
In addition, Main Campus hosted an anniversary ‘bash’ on Sept. 4 with the band, “Liquid Pleasure,” performing, and food trucks on hand.
“We are grateful to everyone who attended our 50th anniversary events, and to the citizens and businesses who made contributions to support this celebration,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of VGCC. “We have reflected on the educational opportunities that this college has provided to Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, while we have also looked forward to the next 50 years of shining the light of education in service to our communities.”
The “Liquid Pleasure” band performs in front of the gazebo on VGCC’s Main Campus during the 50th anniversary ‘bash.’ (VGCC photo)
Guest speakers at the anniversary events included Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen; Franklin County Manager Angela L. Harris; Devon Suitt, a VGCC alumnus and Granville Early College High School graduate; Zelodis Jay, chair of the Granville County Board of Commissioners; Gary Massenburg, a VGCC alumnus and Warren Early College High School graduate; and Tare “T” Davis, chair of the Warren County Board of Commissioners.
Two VGCC staff members who are also alumni of the college made remarks, as well. Amy O’Geary, director of student success, spoke at Main Campus. “As a graduate and longtime employee, Vance-Granville Community College has been a part of my life for over 30 years,” O’Geary said. “This college guided me in my career path and has allowed me the opportunity to do what I truly love: help students reach their own potential.”
O’Geary recalled that after graduating from VGCC, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. “I quickly realized that I was not cut out for a career in sales; however, I can sell one thing,” she said. “I can ‘sell’ Vance-Granville Community College, because I believe in our mission and what we have done for this community for 50 years!”
Devon Suitt speaks during a celebration of VGCC’s 50th anniversary at the college’s South Campus. He is currently a social work investigator and a graduate student at North Carolina Central University. (VGCC photo)
Julie Jones, the college’s distance education coordinator, spoke at the Franklin Campus. That was where she first became a student, as a single mother who had recently lost her job due to company downsizing. At the time, Jones had been out of school for 17 years.
“The counselor at the time saw that I was anxious about starting back to school,” she recalled. “She was very encouraging and got me set up with my program of study and first classes. That is when I took my first computer course and knew I wanted a career working in I.T. My first computer instructor had enough confidence in my ability to do well that he asked me to apply for the part-time position of Open Computer Lab Technician. I started to believe in myself and gained the confidence that I could actually make it through college.”
Julie Jones (standing) speaks during a celebration of VGCC’s fiftieth anniversary held at the college’s Franklin County Campus. Seated, from left, are VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais, VGCC Board of Trustees Chair Danny Wright, VGCC Franklin County Campus Dean Bobbie Jo May and Franklin County Manager Angela Harris. (VGCC photo)
Jones excelled in her academics and, after graduation, became a full-time employee in the campus computer lab. She would go on to earn a bachelor’s degree, as well.
“What I found at VGCC was a home and a supportive family,” Jones said. “Without the encouragement I found along the way, I would not be where I am today.”
The September events capped off a series of activities throughout the year that helped celebrate 50 years of excellence, including a Dinner Theater in April; the 35th annual Endowment Fund Golf Tournament in May, commencement exercises for VGCC’s 50th graduating class in May, and the formal inauguration of President Desmarais in August.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/VGCC-50th-Celebrations.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-09-20 16:50:292019-09-20 16:50:29VGCC Celebrates 50 Years on Four Campuses
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-Information courtesy the Vance County Tourism Development Authority
Don’t miss the 18th Annual Show, Shine, Shag & Dine on Friday, October 18 and Saturday, October 19, 2019, in downtown Henderson. 1988 and older antique cars, classic cars, nostalgia drag cars, muscle cars, street rods, rat rods and trucks will cover a ten-block area of Garnett Street in Historic Downtown Henderson.
The weekend festivities include car judging, live entertainment, food vendors, miscellaneous vendors and much more.
The Corbitt Preservation Association will also host their annual Corbitt Truck Show and Reunion on Saturday, October 19 in downtown Henderson from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The association will have its newest find, a rare 1911-1912 Corbitt Automobile body, on display.
Additionally, the Corbitt Museum will be open to visitors on Saturday. The museum is located at 180 Church Street, Henderson.
This world-class car show is one of the largest tourism draws and economic boosts to Vance County each year. Local hotels, gas stations, restaurants, stores and places of entertainment all benefit from the dollars spent over the weekend.
2019 Show, Shine, Shag & Dine Schedule:
Friday, October 18
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. ~ Pre-show Cruise-in and BBQ cookout for $12 per plate. Meal served 12 – 2:30 p.m. Open to all makes and models 1988 and older and all spectators. Location: Satterwhite Point Park, Kerr Lake, I-85 – Exit 217.
5 – 9 p.m. ~ Southern Classic Cruise-in will be held at 117 Horner Street in downtown Henderson. A DJ will be spinning your favorite tunes from the past and Chick-fil-A will be on site. Cruise-in parking will be located in the 700 block of S. Garnett St. Watch for signs.
Saturday, October 19
7:30 – 11 a.m. ~ Car registration – enter from W. Winder Street. Open to all makes and models 1988 and older. Antique cars, classic cars, nostalgia drag cars, muscle cars, street rods, rat rods and trucks. Judged cars $25; other vehicles $20. Dash plaques to the first 400 cars.
7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. ~ MAIN EVENT – 18th Annual Show, Shine, Shag & Dine Car Show and East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame. Live entertainment, kids entertainment, DJ, food, vendors, judging and award presentations on Garnett St. in downtown Henderson.
For more information, please visit www.kerrlake-nc.com or call 1-866-438-4565.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/2019-Show-Shine.png265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2019-09-19 16:59:092019-09-19 16:59:09Downtown’s 18th Annual ‘Show, Shine, Shag & Dine’ Set for Oct. 18-19
