Friday Ceremony Names Satterwhite Point Bridge Over I-85 For Master Trooper Brent Montgomery

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Dozens of uniformed State Highway Patrol troopers stood solemnly Friday afternoon around a crowd of easily more than 100 friends and family members gathered for the first part of a dedication ceremony to honor the late Master Trooper James Brent Montgomery.

The bridge that carries SR 1319 – Satterwhite Road – over I-85 in northern Vance County was officially named in Montgomery’s memory.

Montgomery died in March 2021 of complications from COVID-19. He was 50.

In opening remarks, Brandon Jones, division engineer for NCDOT, said Montgomery will be remembered for the integrity and compassion that he displayed in the pursuit of law and order.

“He was a loving husband, father and friend,” Jones said, and active in his community and church.

Pastor Gary Harper offered the invocation and benediction for the brief ceremony held indoors at Kerr Lake Country Club. Harper said he married Montgomery and his wife, Heather, and he dedicated their children.

He called Montgomery a “dreamer,” someone with a vision – whether it was for a good-looking vehicle or a fancy watch, both things he was fond of.

SHP Maj. William P. Moore II was one of several speakers who recalled his friend and colleague and said the sign on the bridge will serve as a public reminder of the sacrifices that law enforcement officers make every day in the line of duty.

Montgomery’s compassion wasn’t something he learned, Moore said; rather, that compassion was “simply the core of Brent’s spirit.”

That green highway sign with the words “Master Trooper Brent Montgomery Bridge “is an outward reminder of (our) gratitude for his service…we owe it to our fallen heroes to uphold his memory.”

N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon recalled how the whole community rallied around Montgomery and his family when illness struck. There was an outpouring of support to pull together fundraisers during his sickness and everybody pitched in to make them successful.

“He left us too soon…but he gave us so much,” Sossamon noted. “He was loved, respected, valued and appreciated.”

Unlike the other speakers, N.C. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson said he had not had the pleasure of knowing Montgomery. Robinson said he recalled attending the trooper’s funeral, and felt a little awkward because this was someone that he really didn’t know.

“But I see him every day in the faces of the troopers…in other police officers across this state…in the faces of all these people in this room,” Robinson said.

When people drive across the newly named bridge, some of them will only know that a law enforcement officer who lost his life is remembered by the state.

“There are many more people…who will ride across that bridge and smile,” because they knew just who Brent Montgomery was.

“His name on that bridge is more than a plaque,” Robinson said. “It stands as a legacy.”

And speaking directly to the trooper’s family seated on the front row, he asked them to consider one thing when they pass over the Master Trooper Brent Montgomery Bridge and remember their loved one: “Don’t shed a tear, but smile.”

A steady drizzle Friday afternoon didn’t affect the procession of Highway Patrol cars, blue lights blazing, down the ramp to northbound I-85 at Parham Road to reach their destination at the Satterwhite Road bridge. Rescue vehicles and fire trucks of all shapes and sizes blocked traffic to allow the entourage to pass unhindered. A ladder truck was parked along the interstate at the Satterwhite Road bridge displaying a giant American flag as part of the dedication ceremony.

One Man Injured In Shooting On N. Clark Street

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PRESS RELEASE from Henderson Police Department

On Wednesday, March 13, around 10:28 PM, officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to 213 N. Clark Street in reference to a person who had been shot. Upon arrival, officers found a 67-year-old male suffering from a single gunshot wound to the abdomen.

The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment and has since been released from the hospital. Members of the Henderson Police Department Criminal Investigations Division are actively investigating the incident and following up on promising leads.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Henderson Police Department at 252.438.4141, your local law enforcement agency, Crime Stoppers at 252.492.1925, or use the P3 app on a smartphone or tablet device. Callers may remain anonymous. Crime Stoppers offers rewards for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of suspects involved in criminal acts.

VGCC Logo

Tickets On Sale Now For VGCC Foundation Beer, Wine Tasting Fundraiser Apr. 13

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– information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation is hosting a wine and beer tasting event on Saturday, April 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at HighRock Farms in Granville County. Tickets are $75. Proceeds of the fundraiser will be used to help support students who find them facing unforeseen financial crises.

The theme for the event is “Be the Light in a Student’s Life,” and there will be an array of wineries represented to highlight their signature wines. Local brewery Tobacco Wood Brewing Company will be showcasing their craft beers  Guests will be able to pair their beverages with an assortment of sweet and savory foods, including seafood, chicken and beef, according to a press release from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel.

Unexpected burdens can easily derail some students. Having initiatives like a stocked food pantry, emergency assistance, transportation vouchers, and career closet, The VGCC Foundations steps in to meet students’ basic needs when the unexpected gets in the way of their academic progress.

Attendees will receive a souvenir wine glass and have the option to purchase their favorite finds. In addition, a variety of silent auction items will be on display for bidding throughout the evening. A short program showcasing students who have benefited from donor contributions will open the evening, and local students will provide the event’s entertainment.

Beth and David Hollister operate HighRock Farms, a 200-acre property located at 2317 Enon Rd., Oxford. The venue is handicap accessible.

Dress for the evening is business attire.

Purchase tickets at The VGCC Foundation office, online at www.vgcc.edu/the-vgcc-foundation-online-gifts and enter “Gala” in the Designation box. To purchase tickets using any other form of payment, please contact The VGCC Foundation by email at foundation@vgcc.edu or by calling 252.738.3264.

GVPH Director Lisa Harrison Receives State Honor As Health Director Of The Year

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Granville Vance Public Health Director Lisa Macon Harrison was named Health Director of the Year at the North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors’ annual awards ceremony in Raleigh.

Harrison, who has been at the helm of GVPH for 12 years, was selected based on her commitment to public health and “lifting the work, value and voice of health departments locally, statewide and at the national level,” according to a press release.

NCALHD President Quintana Stewart presented the award to Harrison. “Lisa is a leader not only for her health department but also for several local health departments in North Carolina and across the United States as she has shared their stories and passion while advocating for needed resources to support their dedication to improving the lives of our neighbors,” Stewart stated.

In a telephone interview Wednesday with WIZS News, Harrison said the award was “a huge surprise – I wasn’t expecting it.” She did say, however, that as she sat in the audience, listening to the presenter talk about the not-yet-named recipient, she thought the list of accomplishments sounded familiar.

“I thought, ‘That sounds a lot like my resume,’” Harrison said. “And then, all of a sudden, comes in the leadership team and  Michael,” her husband. “It totally surprised me – I didn’t know a thing about it until the end,” she added.

“It’s been such a fun experience,” Harrison said. “Being in public health is working with some really caring, skilled, talented, smart people who are just nice to work with. It’s just such a pleasure to get up and go to work every day – I’m very lucky.”

Harrison called her leadership team “amazing,” and said the staff of 100 works hard every day. “There’s so much work to be done in a health department and our people just do it really, really well, so we’re held up as an example in rural public health,” Harrison said.

Growing up in Cullowhee in the western part of the state and working in a largely rural area has shaped her career – and her passion – for rural North Carolina. Harrison became a leader and champion for rural communities throughout the state and nation and focusing on the importance of public health in all communities.

During her 12 years at GVPH director, Harrison has created, led and supported a multitude of public health service enhancements and expansions. The health department’s budget has increased by 129 percent under her leadership, a testament to her advocacy efforts with local and state elected officials as well as her gift of successful grant writing.

Since 2015, GVPH has secured more than $6 million in grant funding to combat mental health and substance use disorder challenges in the two counties it serves. GVPH was the first health department in North Carolina to offer Medication Assisted Treatment, building on the success of the primary care services model to provide regular visits with a healthcare provider and linking individuals to behavioral healthcare and support resources. As a result, the National Association of Counties selected GVPH for a Peer Exchange site visit in April 2023, bringing leaders from across the U.S. to the rural communities in Vance and Granville counties.

Since 2016, GVPH has offered comprehensive primary care services to ensure whole-person care, including preventive services for obesity, diabetes, hypertension and medical nutrition therapy.

In addition, GVPH has also implemented, supported, or led partnerships aimed at reducing the number of people with mental illness in jails along with 30 agencies representing law enforcement, jail administration, public health agencies, EMS, social work agencies, behavioral  health agencies, and community through the Stepping Up program. Harrison brought together organizations and community members to help kids stay healthy through the Working on Wellness Coalition, which implements and evaluates the impact of evidence-based interventions focused on nutrition, physical activity and prevention of chronic disease to improve child health and well-being in Granville and Vance counties.

Harrison also makes sure that the health department provides “safety net” care for its clients. Since 2016, GVPH has offered comprehensive primary care services to ensure whole-person care, including preventive services for obesity, diabetes, hypertension and medical nutrition therapy.

But her influence extends beyond county lines as she has proven herself to be an unwavering champion for local public health in North Carolina and across the nation. Harrison has often represented local health departments in media campaigns, on commissions and to statewide leaders. She served as a Task Force Chair for the N.C. Institute of Medicine’s Future of Local Public Health Task Force and was inducted as a member of the N.C. Institute of Medicine.

In October 2021, as the COVID pandemic continued to affect so many people’s lives and livelihoods, Harrison, as president of the National Association of County and City Health Officials, presented testimony to the Subcommittee on Health of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce highlighting the national public health workforce crisis and explaining that no other healthcare providers have the breadth of responsibility for communicable disease control as public health workers.

As a result of being a part of this national discussion, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra spent a day visiting Granville and Vance counties in November 2023 and participated in a GVPH-led roundtable discussion highlighting efforts to expand healthcare access and lower healthcare costs in rural areas.

GVPH Medical Director Dr. Shauna Guthrie, called Harrison a champion and strong voice for local public health in the state and nationally.

“Whether in her community, across the 100 counties of North Carolina, or the almost 3,500 local health departments across the nation, Lisa is a public health warrior,” Guthrie said. “She is an innovative leader who has highlighted Granville and Vance counties for community efforts to improve their health, and who finds partnerships across various healthcare groups to further the practice of public health.”

By partnering with agencies and organizations throughout the counties it serves, GVPH can effect positive change. Whether it’s with schools, hospitals or the juvenile justice system, these partnership touch people’s lives. “That’s what success means to me in public health,” Harrison said.

 

 

Bill Martin – Troop C District 4 – Order of the Long Leaf Pine

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William “Bill” Nission Martin retired as a Master Trooper with the State Highway Patrol. His 30 years with the law enforcement agency – every one spent with Troop C District 4 – was a remarkable achievement.

But N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon put some icing on the proverbial cake Sunday, Mar. 10 and presented Martin with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian honor the state gives.

Sossamon presented Martin with the award at Tungsten Baptist Church with family, friends, retired co-workers, current Highway Patrol employees, members of the community and members of the church looking on.

Throughout his career, Martin garnered numerous accolades and recognitions for his exceptional service to the community. As a Trooper Training Officer, he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of law enforcement professionals, imparting his wisdom and expertise to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens he swore to protect.

This dedication was underscored by the acquisition of several certificates, each a testament to his commitment to excellence. He earned an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Vance Granville Community College, laying the educational foundation for a distinguished career. He was also certified as a VASCAR Operator, Radar Operator, and Breathalyzer Operator, all of which showcased his proficiency in the latest law enforcement technologies and techniques.

Beyond his career in law enforcement, Martin is a proud Mason, exemplifying his commitment to principles of fellowship, charity, and personal growth. He has been a member at Tungsten Baptist Church since 1973, which is a testament to his strong faith and enduring dedication to his community.

Following his retirement from the SHP, Martin continued his service as a Vance County deputy sheriff for eight years. During this tenure, he served as both security for the court and court Bailiff, ensuring the smooth administration of justice in the county.

Within his cherished Tungsten Baptist Church, Martin has held various vital roles, including deacon, Sunday School teacher, and Superintendent of Sunday School. He is known to lend his technical skills by operating the soundboard during church services and offering comfort through prayer when needed.

Bill Martin’s life is a remarkable journey of dedication, faith and service. His enduring commitment to his community, both in his career and within the church, has left an indelible mark that continues to inspire and uplift those around him. Martin’s legacy is one of selflessness, and his impact on Troop C District 4 and Tungsten Baptist Church will be remembered for generations to come.

Vance Sheriff Curtis Brame: Two Arrested On Drugs, Weapons Charges

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– Information from Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

On Friday, Mar. 8, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant for illegal drugs at a residence located at 87 Pueblo Lane near the Vance and Franklin county line.  Entry into the home was gained by tactical units from both counties. No injuries were reported.

Two men were arrested and charged with various drug offenses:

Demarius Vass was charged with:

Possession of a Weapon of Mass Destruction (A Glock pistol converted to fully automatic)

Felony Maintaining a Dwelling

Possession of Marijuana

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Vass was placed under a $20,000 bond.

A second person, Jatavious Boyd, was charged with:

Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Heroin (2 Counts)

Felony Maintaining a Dwelling

Possession of Marijuana

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2 Counts)

Possession of a Firearm by a Felon

No bond was issued for Boyd because at the time of his arrest, he was out on bond for a previous charge.

Law enforcement officers recovered 100 Dosage Units of Heroin as well as approximately 2 grams of a substance suspected to be Cocaine Hydrochloride.  Four firearms and an undisclosed amount of US Currency was also seized.

Multi-Agency investigations into illegal drug trafficking will continue throughout both Vance and Franklin counties, to include the assistance of the NCSBI and other local jurisdictions.

 

 

Maria Parham Offers Program To Raise Awareness of Colorectal Cancer

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Maria Parham Health will host a Lunch and Learn program on Thursday, Mar. 21 to talk about colorectal cancer early detection and prevention. Seats are still available for this event; register online at MariaParham.com or by calling 252.436.1605. The program will be from 12 noon to 1 p.m. and will be held in the classroom of the hospital, located at 566 Ruin Creek Rd.

According to information from the American College of Radiology, colorectal cancer is now the leading cancer killer in men under 50 and the second leading cause of cancer death for women under 50.

African Americans are also the most likely to die from this terrible disease.

But colorectal cancer is nearly always treatable if caught early and can even be prevented through timely screening. It is recommended that you should talk to your doctor about colorectal screening beginning at age 45.

“We are committed to raising awareness about colorectal cancer and providing our community with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health,” said Kimberly Smith, Director of the Maria Parham Cancer Center.

“Through events like this, we hope to highlight the importance of early detection and screening in preventing colorectal cancer, ultimately saving lives,”Smith said.

Federal law requires private insurers to cover not only colonoscopy – but also virtual colonoscopy and other less-invasive screening options at no cost to patients.

A virtual colonoscopy is an American Cancer Society-recommended screening exam to be done every five years for those at average risk. The virtual exam may also be an option for those at increased risk who can’t physically tolerate a colonoscopy. The more people are aware of virtual colonoscopy as an option, the more people choose to be screened, and the more lives will be saved.

The Lunch and Learn Event will feature board-certified gastroenterologist Varnita Tahiliani, MD, who will discuss various aspects of colorectal cancer, including risk factors, symptoms, screening options, treatment modalities, and lifestyle modifications for prevention. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with healthcare professionals in an interactive setting.

Lunch will be provided. Due to space restrictions, registrations will be limited to the first 30 attendees that register.

For more information about the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Lunch and Learn Event, please visit www.MariaParham.com.