News 07/31/19
100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College
Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 106 students earned President’s List academic honors and another 126 earned Dean’s List academic honors for the spring 2019 semester, while three earned such honors for the summer 2019 term.
The President’s List recognizes students who achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) while carrying a “full load” (of at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student had to earn a GPA that was at least 3.5 but less than 4.0, and have no grade lower than “B,” while carrying a “full load” of such courses.
Spring Semester President’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.
Accounting & Finance:
Trina M. Leapley of Louisburg;
Aidan Colvin of Raleigh.
Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:
Hubert T. McDonald of Bahama;
Zavious D. Oakley of Oxford.
Associate in Arts:
Clay T. Boyd and Rickelle T. Harrison, both of Creedmoor;
Sarah R. Frizzle and Kimberly Ross, both of Franklinton;
Mason B. Boone, Emani’ D. Foster, Emily Y. Isidro, Angelica N. Montano, Caroline A. Nutt, Joseph E. Penny, Brian Ramirez, Josie M. Roberson, Alondra M. Torres-Ornelas and Hannah D. Wells, all of Henderson;
Ashley E. Bolling of Kittrell;
Christian L. Jamgochian of Louisburg;
Christy L. Beasley, Spencer B. Boyd, Jacob N. Carver, Ker’Telian S. Fields and Alexander C. Wilkinson, all of Oxford;
Brittany L. Petrimoulx of Stem;
Kamiyah E. Wiggins of Townsville;
Luc Henry of Wake Forest.
Associate in General Education – General Science:
Kyra E. Corrigan of Wake Forest.
Associate in Science:
James Geary of Franklinton;
Amanda J. Cease, Tanisha Davis and Evin F. Swilley, all of Henderson;
Monica A. Botros and Isaac A. Saleh, both of Oxford;
Quavion C. Basyden of Willard.
Automotive Systems Technology:
David D. Bragg of Franklinton;
Toby J. Bradsher, III, of Henderson;
Xavier Durham of Warrenton.
Business Administration:
Charlene A. Kearney of Creedmoor.
College Transfer Pathway:
Michael E. Slaton of Henderson;
Jillian Hanchey of Louisburg;
Erica L. Evitts of Oxford;
Jacob A. Comer and Kristina K. Durham, both of Rougemont;
Paige B. Biallas, Jillian Stegemann and Eric Walston, all of Wake Forest;
Rose M. O’Malley of Warrenton;
Rebecca Lynam of Youngsville;
Micah D. Hall of Zebulon.
Cosmetology:
MacKenzie D. Hutson, Irina Z. Letts and Skylar N. Mulhollen, all of Henderson;
Kristen L. Smith of Raleigh;
Janice P. Shehata of Warrenton;
Kelley R. Oakley of Youngsville.
Criminal Justice:
Tanya Beal Smith of Butner;
Alexis R. Lincoln of Franklinton;
Brooke T. Bendel of Louisburg;
Mikayla Pendergrass of Stem.
Early Childhood Education:
Courtney Crute of Bullock;
Stephanie L. Griffin of Creedmoor;
Milena F. Nelsen of Franklinton;
Lakee’ D. Steed and Rochelle D. Williams, both of Henderson;
Catherine A. Mendell of Oxford.
Histotechnology:
Melissa B. Anderson of Butner;
Michael A. Parziale of Cary;
Linda J. Livingston of Louisburg;
Rawia Dafalla of Raleigh.
Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:
Christian A. Hargrove of Oxford.
Information Technology:
Robert D. Osborne of Franklinton;
David B. Ayscue, Jr., and Koty R. Glover, both of Henderson;
Ebony Thomas of Kittrell;
Spencer B. Duncan of Louisburg;
Emily Durling of Oxford.
Medical Assisting:
Destini L. Foster of Butner;
Katie A. Fuller, Danielle B. Groves and Kaylor M. Lawrence, all of Creedmoor;
Briana T. Barnwell and Crystal C. Williams, both of Louisburg.
Medical Office Administration:
Beverly Fearrington of Chapel Hill;
Margaret Avery, Kelsey B. Ivey, Maryjo M. Parks and Jerri L. Wilson, all of Henderson;
Robin E. Dorsett, Shalinda L. White and Elizabeth L. Wiggins, all of Louisburg;
Felicia B. Fuller of Oxford.
Paralegal Technology:
Evelyn Nolasco and Brandol J. Pahuamba, both of Louisburg;
Jennifer C. Norton of Wake Forest.
Radiography:
Paige D. Snider of Creedmoor;
Kacie L. Gann of Durham;
Kimberly Henderson of Raleigh;
Jesslyn E. Bader and Megan T. Whitman, both of Youngsville.
Supply Chain Management:
Jerome W. Richardson of Oxford.
Welding Technology:
Sean M. Stephenson of Creedmoor;
Lacy E. Hidalgo-Gato of Franklinton;
Sarah L. Fowler of Oxford;
Jacob K. Cash of Raleigh.
Spring Semester Dean’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.
Accounting & Finance:
Joseph Sill of Louisburg.
Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:
Christian A. Dockum of Creedmoor;
Tyrell Terry of Henderson;
Russell W. Hinnant of Youngsville.
Associate in Arts:
Amir L. Branch of Creedmoor;
Randi A. Bowen, Brittney A. Smith and Ashley L. Woods, all of Franklinton;
Areli Clemente, Danielle Daniels, Alejandro Duran, Jorge Alberto M. Gomez, Kaitlyn M. Harris, Aaliyah S. Jackson, Isaiah A. Johen, Jadyn M. Jones, Wendy H. Jordan, Evan A. O’Geary, Nychelle M. Robinson, Jessica A. Steed, Saray Trejo-Vega and Cristian J. Ventura, all of Henderson;
Robert J. Holovnia, Bethany R. Lee and Kaleb M. Pulley, all of Louisburg;
Chance P. Taylor of Omaha, Nebraska;
Savannah L. Brogden, Daniel F. Burnette, Calli S. Massey, Alyssa M. Thorpe, Erin P. Whitt and Hunter S. Wilkins, all of Oxford;
Tyshii L. Scarborough of Rose Hill;
Lily R. Averette of Rougemont;
Conner G. Bryant of Warrenton;
Ashlynn Basnight and Christopher D. Peace, both of Youngsville.
Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts:
Naomi Harrison-Carder of Henderson;
Samantha T. Marchese of Wake Forest.
Associate in General Education – General Science:
Autumn J. Julian of Henderson;
Carly M. West of Littleton;
McKenzie B. Howerton of Rougemont.
Associate in Science:
Joshua N. Meader and Astrid Portillo-Granado, both of Creedmoor;
Jacklyn C. Stanley of Durham;
Galen J. Day of Franklinton;
Fatima N. Hawter, Dylan T. Jackson, Shadi M. Nagi, Penny Phan and Charne A. Robinson, all of Henderson;
Ethan A. Cole and Brichelle K. Wright, both of Kittrell;
Amber E. Newton of Louisburg;
Keon D. Fogg of Manson;
Emily P. Willis of Norlina.
Business Administration:
Gadiel A. Ogaz of Franklinton;
Tara L. Burwell and Jennifer S. Crabtree, both of Kittrell;
Joseph H. Abbott of Stovall.
College Transfer Pathway:
Emma M. Cascino of Durham;
Mira M. Patel of Henderson;
Abigail D. Dickerson of Oxford;
Lilly A. Day of Youngsville.
Cosmetology:
Kandace N. Rutter of Creedmoor;
Shanquia M. Coward of Franklinton;
Cannon G. Bigham of Louisburg;
Logan B. Breedlove of Oxford;
Jazmin L. King of Rougemont;
Laura E. O’Hara and Samantha J. Tackema, both of Wake Forest.
Criminal Justice:
Christy P. Valerio of Durham;
Keyla Lewis of Henderson.
Culinary Arts:
Noah O. Hendrick of Oxford.
Early Childhood Education:
Seham H. Mansour of Creedmoor;
Mia B. Harrison of Henderson;
Selita E. Taylor of Louisburg.
Human Services Technology:
Emili J. Hernandez Gaona of Butner.
Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:
Grace A. Ohlandt of Franklinton;
Noah D. Yeargin of Oxford.
Information Technology:
Douglas Boulia of Creedmoor;
Benjamin A. Johnson and Elizabeth H. Wonsetler, both of Henderson;
Timon W. Bailey of Louisburg;
Lewis K. Carr of Raleigh;
Christopher R. Deitz of Stem;
Cody Brandenburg of Youngsville.
Mechatronics Engineering Technology:
Derek K. Gay of Franklinton;
Herbert H. Davis of Henderson.
Medical Office Administration:
Yamileth D. Portillo of Creedmoor;
Savannah N. Jones of Durham;
Sarah M. Cassell, Ashley A. Hedgepeth, Raeann Johnson, Denise M. Woodard and Roslyn C. Wynn, all of Henderson;
Holly R. Heston of Louisburg;
Lisha T. Harris, KeShonda A. McMannen and Kirstyn S. Woodall, all of Oxford.
Office Administration:
Tonya N. House of Henderson.
Paralegal Technology:
Lastacey D. Burwell of Kittrell;
Megan B. O’Quinn of Oxford;
Monica N. Woodlief of Wake Forest.
Pharmacy Technology:
Katelyn M. Cooper of Henderson;
Dawn C. Irby and Diana Aparicio Rodriguez, both of Oxford.
Radiography:
Shanice D. Alleyne, Karene K. Anderson, Matthew S. Battistel, Dwayne D. Huneycutt and Yvonne A. Stills, all of Creedmoor;
Michelle A. Matthews, Amber D. Peoples and Brooklyn Rooker, all of Henderson;
Angela J. Basili of Hillsborough;
Shayla A. Cash of Louisburg;
Megan I. Proctor of Macon;
Crystal G. Sorrell of Oxford;
Samantha Pierce of Raleigh;
Rubi J. Coyote Baizabal and Treva D. Gordan, both of Roxboro;
Marina E. Rombout of Stem;
Sabrina E. Bedard of Wake Forest.
Welding Technology:
Alexander-Ali M. Khafaga of Louisburg;
Dylan P. Lawson of Oxford.
Summer President’s and Dean’s List honorees are listed below.
President’s List: Spencer B. Boyd of Oxford (Associate in Arts) and Mary W. Wanjiku of Cary (Practical Nursing);
Dean’s List: James Geary of Franklinton (Associate in Science).
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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 that United States District Judge James C. Dever, III, sentenced DOMINIQUE WILLIAMS, 31, of Henderson to 72 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised released.
On March 12, 2019, WILLIAMS pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
On March 17, 2018, the Norlina and Warrenton Police Departments conducted a joint-agency license check on U.S. Highway 1 South in Warrenton, NC. As a part of that license check, a car occupied by WILLIAMS was stopped and officers detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. A search of WILLIAMS revealed 10 bindles of heroin in his pocket. A search of the car revealed a loaded 9mm handgun which had been reported stolen.
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 Warrenton Police Department, and the Norlina Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case for the government.
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Tracey Dreibelbis and Mary Paschall, local MAR (Missing Animal Response) trained volunteers, were on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk to discuss their lost pet recovery process.
Dreibelbis, who also volunteers at the Granville County Animal Shelter, said she began the MAR training process for lost pet consultants in 2015 and received her completion certificate in 2016.
Her love for animals and the satisfaction of reuniting pets with their loved ones fuels her drive. “Once you find a match and you get a pet back home, it snowballs and you have to keep doing it,” Dreibelbis said.
Paschall, a Vance County native, met Dreibelbis last year when the two helped recover a dog that was involved with a transport escape on I-85.
“It’s been fun and I’ve enjoyed being involved,” said Paschall. “In the past, if I saw a lost dog along the road, I would stop and wonder why I could never get them to come to me. Then I had my training and I realized there are certain techniques involved; you just can’t go after a dog.”
Recently, Paschall was instrumental in locating “Titan,” a Shiba Inu that went missing after a car accident on I-85 southbound in June.
After seeing a Facebook posting about Titan’s situation, Paschall reached out to the dog’s owner Cecilie Taylor who lives in Apex.
“I started working with Cecilie to put out flyers and put up posters around the area,” said Paschall. “Then we set up a feeding station and heard nothing for several days.”
After a few days with no leads, Paschall said she received a text that there was a sighting of Titan. She then drove over to the area, spoke to another volunteer and, surprisingly, Titan “poked his head out.”
Using techniques she learned in MAR training, including remaining calm and using treats to pique the dog’s interest, Paschall was able to safely secure Titan and contact Taylor with the good news.
“It was a nice reunion to see,” said Paschall. “We got it on video. It was the way you want it to turn out.”
To hear the interview with Dreibelbis and Paschall in its entirety, 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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-Information courtesy Rebuilding Hope, Inc.
Rebuilding Hope’s annual Kids’ Construction Camp (KCC) is scheduled for August 5 – 7 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. each day.
KCC gives second through sixth graders hands-on experiences with basic construction skills as they rotate through stations such as Hammer and Nails, Electrical and Plumbing, Block Laying and building a take-home project.
“So many people in our communities have construction skills, and they’re generous with their time and help with the camp,” says RHI coordinator Randolph Wilson.
“While campers rotate through areas of construction, we want them to be aware of how they are building their lives.”
“One of the stations in the camp is Bible study. Last year the theme of the study was ‘What Type of Reputation Are You Building?’”
At camp’s end participants are given certificates of completion.
Registration forms are available at www.rebuildinghopeinc.org.
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-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center
The Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department will be hosting Community Bingo for Seniors, ages 55 or better, at the Vance County Senior Center (126 South Garnett St.) on Thursday, August 1 and Thursday, August 15, 2019, from 12:45 until 1:45 p.m.
Please note that this is a location change. The Aycock Rec Center is closed through the end of August for renovations.
For more information, please contact Crystal Allen at callen@ci.henderson.nc.us or (252) 431-6091.
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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College
Vance-Granville Community College and Henderson-based Charles Boyd Chevrolet Buick GMC are teaming up to try to meet the demand for more skilled workers in the automotive service field.
According to Tony Crabtree, the service manager for the dealership, VGCC and Charles Boyd have worked together for many years, particularly through the college’s Automotive Systems Technology program. The company is also a longtime supporter of the VGCC Endowment Fund and was a sponsor of the recent 35th annual Golf Tournament. Now, however, the dealership is working for an enhanced partnership, because of the urgent need to build a pipeline of future employees.
“Technicians are getting scarce,” Crabtree said. “Automotive is a good field to go into, because the demand is there, so technicians are making great money. VGCC is stepping up to help us get more students interested in this career.”
The strategy being developed now is a formal paid apprenticeship program, in which VGCC Automotive Systems Technology students will work alongside Charles Boyd employees for an extended period of time (perhaps as long as two years) while continuing their studies. Students could, for example, go to class at VGCC in the morning and then work at Charles Boyd every afternoon during a typical week. Crabtree has personal experience with such a program. “I started in this field as an apprentice at age 16 in Durham through a high school program,” he said.
The field of servicing cars and trucks has changed dramatically through Crabtree’s years in the business. “There is so much to learn now. The hard part is not replacing some part of the car, but the biggest thing is diagnosing what’s wrong with it, using computers. Some cars have 50-60 computers on them. And we want to give students the hands-on experience so they can see how complex and rewarding it can be.”
At the same time, Crabtree said, apprenticeships help students “test-drive” their career. “It would give students a taste of this field and they could find out if it really fits them,” Crabtree said. “It’s a win-win for all parties, the students and us.” Crabtree and his colleagues could train apprentices in the particular way that the dealership operates and could incorporate General Motors’ apprentice training program into the student experience. Training is essential to work as a technician at Charles Boyd, anyway.
“Our goal is quality work, and our technicians have to be trained constantly,” Crabtree said. “There are always new vehicles coming out that we’ve got to learn. I have to meet certifications myself.”
He added that the term “grease monkey” is a relic of the past. “Technicians are respected now,” Crabtree said. “With technology now, you can’t fix a car as a mechanic under the shade tree. And everybody wants their car to run, so there’s always a need.”
Eddie Ellington, the Director of Business Development & Public Relations at Charles Boyd Chevrolet, said that the dealership is fortunate to have Crabtree’s knowledge, experience and professionalism to help collaborate with VGCC. “GM Technicians are held to a higher standard and training,” Ellington said. “When you enter into an apprenticeship, you are learning what we strive for and our goal is that when you’re done, you’ll move right into full-time employment within our company.”
Ellington has a personal connection to the college. “I actually graduated from VGCC myself and transferred to Appalachian State,” he said. “To be just down the interstate from us and to offer the excellent training that Vance-Granville does, we are so thankful for the partnership we have. We’re a full-service General Motors dealership and Vance-Granville is a fully accredited community college. That’s a winning combination.”
Several Charles Boyd employees are products of the community college’s Automotive Systems Technology program. The head of the program, Fred Brewer, worked for Charles Boyd many years ago, and he has recommended graduates to Crabtree.
Charles Boyd has also worked with Brewer on Work-Based Learning opportunities, which typically take the form of internships that last for a single semester. A long-term apprenticeship, however, would be new.
Statewide, apprenticeships have long been associated with manufacturing, but are now found in a wide variety of businesses and trades. As Crabtree put it, “We’ve already got a great partnership with Vance-Granville, and we can only make it better.”
For more information on this partnership, contact Eddie Ferguson at fergusone@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3264. For more information on the VGCC Automotive program, contact Fred Brewer at brewerf@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3204.
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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center
PART OF THE ROSEMYR CORPORATION HENDERSON REC PLAYERS 2019 SUMMER SEASON AND SPONSORED BY KILIAN ENGINEERING, INC.
The Henderson Rec Players will present Neil Simon’s “Rumors” on Friday, August 9 and Saturday, August 10, 2019, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, August 11, 2019, at 2 p.m.
In this classic Neil Simon comedy, four couples gather to celebrate one of the couple’s tenth wedding anniversary, and they all experience a severe attack of Farce. Much confusion and miscommunication add to the hilarity of the evening.
Tickets may be purchased by:
DROP IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m
CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)
CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)
(This is not a paid advertisement)
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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that United States District Judge James C. Dever, III, sentenced MARK ANTHONY CRUDUP, 27, of Henderson to 192 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised released.
On April 15, 2019, CRUDUP pled guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and THCa products.
On October 29, 2015, CRUDUP, a convicted felon, was located at a residence in Henderson where a search was executed and was found in possession of a loaded 9mm pistol.
In an unrelated incident, on September 15, 2018, the Henderson Police Department (HPD) attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by CRUDUP who fled from the officer at speeds of 60 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone. While fleeing, CRUDUP tossed a large bag containing approximately 474 grams of marijuana from the vehicle. Then, CRUDUP jumped and ran from the vehicle on foot while holding a firearm with an extended magazine.
The pursing HPD officer gave chase and caught up with CRUDUP and a struggle ensued during which he bit the officer’s arm.
Throughout the struggle, CRUDUP remained armed with the loaded firearm and when he and the officer fell to the ground, CRUDUP’S firearm was pointed at the officer. CRUDUP also pulled at the officer’s duty belt.
Additional officers arrived and officers placed CRUDUP into custody at which point they found heroin laced with fentanyl in his pocket. The firearm was loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition and had been reported stolen.
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 Henderson Police Department, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, and the Oxford Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case for the government.