Vance County News - WIZS

Southern Vance High School Graduates Final Class

June 11, 2018/by WIZS Staff

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

The final graduating class of Southern Vance High School, with 169 seniors, received high school diplomas on June 9 during the school’s Graduation and Commencement Exercises held in the morning at McGregor Hall in Henderson.

Principal Rey Horner led the proceedings as he watched his graduates march into the auditorium, which was packed with almost 1,000 parents, siblings, other family members, school staff members, school system officials and community residents. Horner congratulated the seniors for their achievements and urged each of them to go out into the world and make a real difference.

Itzy Chavarin Contreras delivers the valedictory address on behalf of her fellow graduates. (Photo courtesy Vance County Schools)

Itzy Chavarin Contreras was the class valedictorian. She gave a very emotional speech to her classmates and those in the audience. She took the time to especially thank her father for his influence and work in helping her to achieve what she has achieved so far in life.

The class salutatorian was Crystal Marrow.

After all of the graduates processed into the auditorium, the Vance County Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard presented the colors. Jykira Benson, a graduating senior, sang the “National Anthem.”

Six members of the graduating class sang a special song they wrote as the “Class Song.” Those graduates providing the excellent rendition were Timothy Massenburg, Jordan Alston, Kevon Perry, Desmond Mills, Justus Baldwin and Shamond Lyons.

Each graduate’s name was announced and they walked across the stage to receive their diploma. The diplomas were presented by Horner, Superintendent Anthony D. Jackson, Vance County Board of Education Chairwoman Darlynn Oxendine, and Assistant Superintendents Cindy Bennett, Trixie Brooks and Jennifer Bennett.

The Class of 2018 at Southern Vance has accepted a total of over $2 million in scholarship funds to attend colleges and universities in the fall. Most of the graduates will go on to further their education in a community college or two-year or four-year college and university. Some of the graduates plan to enter the military and a few will go directly into the workforce.

Principal Rey Horner stands at the podium as he addresses the Class of 2018 at Southern Vance High School and the audience at the Graduation and Commencement Exercises. (Photo courtesy Vance County Schools)

Those seniors in the graduating class who completed their high school careers in the top 10 percent academically were Itzy Chavarin Contreras (ranked #1), Crystal Marrow (ranked #2), Kailee Ball, Reina Banda Orozco, Cody Edwards, Adriana Evans, Cynthia Hernandez, Walter Hernandez, Emily Isidro, Perla Lopez, Brandon Loyd, Ashley Mosley, Litzy Renteria, Onjahlaya Robinson, Karen Sandoval, Kaitlyn Tant, Antoinette Watson, Destiny Williams and Aliyah Wright.

Students in the Southern Vance High junior class who served as graduation marshals included: Madonna Baselios (lead marshal); Wendy Portillo (lead marshal); Eleodoro Aldana; Dylan Allgood; Sarah Burns; Miracle Chin; Shel’Nyia Hargrove; Deana Hawkins; Mya McKnight; April Pendergrass; John Pendergrass; Shannon Riggan; Aaliyah Simril; Robert Susewell; Tar’Naja Thorpe; and Gabriela Ventura.

Vance Co. Cooperative Extension – Weekly Parenting Tip

June 11, 2018/by WIZS Staff

-Weekly parenting tips provided courtesy of Jean Bell, Parenting Education Coordinator, Vance County Cooperative Extension

Parenting tip week of 6/11/18

Rules

Rules help families function smoothly. Rules let your kids know what is expected of them and help them to understand limits and develop self-discipline. Rules about safety, bedtime and respect are important. Make sure your rules fairly address the important issues. Don’t have too many rules.

Every family has a different set of rules that work for them. Taking time to think about your family rules, involving kids in the creation of rules, and having fair consequences when rules are broken can head off conflicts.

“Operation Thunderstruck” Nets 11 Vance & Granville Defendants

June 8, 2018/by WIZS Staff

-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

As part of the “Take Back North Carolina Initiative,” the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces that “Operation Thunderstruck,” a heroin and opioid centered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF) resulted in the arrest of twelve (12) defendants for outstanding federal charges in a coordinated warrant enforcement operation. In addition, at least one defendant related to this operation was found to be in the custody of the North Carolina Department of Corrections. A federal detainers has been filed against this subject. Also, one subject was arrested on state charges.

This operation was conducted as part of the Eastern District of North Carolina’s “Take Back North Carolina Initiative” as part of the federal focus on the alarming level of opioid use and the deaths associated with it. This initiative is bringing the full weight and resources of the federal court system in the fight against crime in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren Counties in partnership with District Attorneys’ Offices and federal, state, and local law enforcement.

The following individuals were charged by way of Criminal Indictment. The individual charges for each defendant are contained in the parenthesis following the personal information.

• Lorenzo Alston, 28, of Henderson, NC (Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin)

• Jermill Keith Blacknall, 30, of Henderson, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, Maintaining a Place for Manufacture & Distribution of Heroin)

• Odell Terrance Burrell, 40, of Vance County, NC (Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack) and Marijuana & Maintaining a Place for Manufacture and Distribution of Cocaine Base (Crack) and Marijuana)

• Kyle Victor Fisher, 29, of Granville County, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm & Ammunition)

• Roy Lee Fowler, 53, of Vance County, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm)

• Dominique Renna Russell, 30, of Henderson, NC (Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Aiding and Abetting, Maintaining a Place for Manufacturing & Distributing Heroin, aiding and abetting, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.)

• Daryl Russell, 31, of Henderson, NC (Felon in Possession of a Firearm)

• Mario Jamal Steed, 29, of Henderson, NC (Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Felon in Possession of a Firearm)

• James Edward Downey, 41, of Oxford, NC (Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack))

• Markest Foye, 32, of Oxford, NC (Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack))

• Jamal Kendale Watson, 27, of Fayetteville, NC (Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack))

• Toney Fields, 42, of Oxford, NC (Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (Crack)

The charges and allegations contained in the Indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The enforcement operation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives, (ATF), the United States Marshal Service, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Henderson Police Department, Oxford Police Department, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Granville County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina Ninth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Probation Office.

News releases are available on the U. S. Attorney’s webpage at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_EDNC

Listen to Friday’s news conference held at the Henderson Police Department here:

Vance County Revenues Expected to Increase for FY 2018-19

June 8, 2018/by Kelly Bondurant

The Vance County budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year, a grand total of $56,131,498, was adopted unanimously at the June 4, 2018, Vance County Board of Commissioners meeting.

According to County Manager Jordan McMillen, despite a lack of increase in the general fund tax rate or water rates, revenues will increase slightly over prior years with property tax and sales tax providing an additional $934,675 in revenue. This increase is due to natural growth and other considerations as outlined below:

 Property Taxes – Increase of $607,938 or 2.7% due to natural growth. The tax collection rate increased from 96.39% to 96.65% which had a positive impact of $62,000 on the tax revenue; 1 cent on tax rate totals $257,523.

 Sales Taxes – Projected 3.7% or $326,737 increase over FY 18 budget which is attributable to natural growth and an expansion of the items and services currently taxed. The county continues to receive sales tax proceeds from the states Article 44 redistribution which began in FY 17. It is estimated the county will receive $262,186 in FY 19 from this distribution which must be designated for economic development, schools or the community college.

 Ambulance Revenue – Decrease of $115,000. Revenues remain consistent with the levels from previous in-house collections and are adjusting down based upon increases in previous two years from catching up current year collections. Changes in Medicaid payments and state personal income tax laws impacting debt setoff collections have had a negative impact as well. As per recommendation from billing company, EMS billing fees change from set fee based upon type of service (i.e. ALS, BLS, etc.) to a percentage of the allowable Medicare reimbursable rate and includes billing insurance for supplies utilized.

 Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Revenue – level at $140,000. The county receives 85% of the net revenue from the ABC profits.

 Overall state DSS revenues are projected to decrease $2,323,591 while federal and local DSS revenues remain level. The decrease is due to the state taking over payment of the daycare subsidies and Medicaid transportation programs with a minor decrease in foster care/ adoption expenditures due to a lower number of children in the program.

 Building inspection revenues – level at $300,000. Residential development is rebounding, which has helped this revenue remain stable with the recent decline in solar farm activity. The budget includes minor additions and changes to the inspection fee schedule.

 Jail Revenues – Increase of $63,000 due to jail commissary commissions

 School Resource Officer Revenue – Increase of $72,639 due to adding 5th SRO position and associated costs. This cost is paid for 100% by Vance County schools.

 Lease Proceeds Revenue – Decrease of $19,000

 Register of Deeds Revenue – Increase of $12,500; Animal Services revenue increases $7,900 due to the higher number of adoptions and includes fee schedule additions to establish fees for various animal types and for additional microchip service.

 Investment earnings – Increase of $5,500

 Revenues from other funds decreased $119,082 primarily due to transferring less sales tax dollars into the general fund to fund school capital outlay projects.

 Appropriations from fund balance – $1,455,008 compared to $1,159,957 in FY 17-18. We anticipate spending approximately $500,000 of this due to pay go in the CIP and to allow a portion of fund balance to be spent.

Anderson Weighs in on Downtown Henderson

June 8, 2018/by Kelly Bondurant

Tom Anderson, a member of the community and downtown property owner for approximately 20 years, was on WIZS’ Town Talk program Thursday to discuss revitalization efforts and issues concerning the downtown Henderson area.

Shortly after moving to Vance County Anderson, along with his wife Letha, purchased the old Farmers & Merchants Bank Building at 135 S. Garnett St., and later the Interiors & Gifts Too building. According to Anderson, he and his wife invested quite a bit of money into the downtown area, without a decent return for their efforts.

“It’s difficult to sell a building in Henderson, especially in downtown Henderson, and get what you put into it,” Anderson said.

An on-going discussion regarding downtown Henderson includes the need for a full-time downtown development director. Downtown Director Kaine Riggan is currently contracted on a part-time basis.

Vance County recently denied a request made by the Downtown Development Commission to increase County funding by $18,500 to convert the part-time downtown development director’s position to a full-time position as required for Main Street Program status. The County did fund $1,500 for the position, an amount equal to previous years’ allotment.

“The City of Henderson is willing to put up a certain amount of money to fund a [full-time] downtown development position. The County, in the past, has put up $1,500 per year. If we want to have a full-time person, the City and County are both going to have to come up with additional funds,” said Anderson.

Anderson believes Riggan’s efforts to revitalize the downtown area are already paying off. “Kaine does a good job of trying to recruit people to the community and get storefronts open and operating,” said Anderson. “He works 20 hours on the books and another 20 hours off the books. You can’t expect him to work for nothing.”

Anderson said he feels downtown Henderson is a safe area, although he admits that difficulties parking can be a deterrent to visitors. The bigger issue, Anderson believes, is the lack of funds.

“What is the priority? We are a Tier 1 County and are economically distressed,” Anderson said. “There’s not enough money to put into all of the buckets.”

According to Anderson, whatever the solution or solutions, “You have to have a vibrant downtown area in order to have a vibrant community.”

Vance Co. Middle and High School Announce Mascots and School Colors

June 8, 2018/by WIZS Staff

The mascots and school colors for Vance County High School and Vance County Middle School were revealed on Thursday, June 7, 2018, at school assemblies for the students who will be attending the schools in 2018-2019.

The high school mascot is the Vipers and the school colors are green, black and white.

The middle school mascot is the Jaguars and the school colors are black and gold.

Let’s go Vipers and Jaguars!!!

Maria Parham Health Announces Exciting Community Partnership

June 8, 2018/by WIZS Staff

-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health (MPH) is excited to announce a partnership with community members from the communities they serve. The MPH Patient and Family Advisory Board (PFAB), will provide a formal communication vehicle for patients and families to take an active role in improving the patient experience at MPH.

The board will focus on discovering what programs and practices represent the most successful patient and family experiences within MPH and will help replicate and share those best practices across the community. Guided by MPH’s mission, vision, and values, the PFAB is dedicated to ensuring that our patients and families have a safe, quality, compassionate and supported healthcare experience.

Front row, left to right: Pat Daniel and Linda Hicks, PFAB Chair Second row, left to right: Amanda Wilkins-Registered Nurse, Dena Hunter-CNA, and Ja’Lonte Williams- PFAB Chair-Elect, Bert Beard- Chief Executive Officer, Maria Parham Health Third row left to right: Misty Woodward- Chief Nursing Officer, Maria Parham Health, Ursula Kennedy, Director of Patient Experience, Maria Parham Health; Jim Johnson, Chair, Maria Parham Health Board of Trustees and Woody Caudle (Photo courtesy Maria Parham Health)

News 06/08/18

June 8, 2018/by Larry

Chick-fil-A Princess Night to Feature Miss NC & Miss Henderson (TONIGHT)

June 7, 2018/by Kelly Bondurant

Miss North Carolina Victoria Huggins and Miss Henderson Shanice Street will be the guests of honor at Chick-fil-A of Henderson’s Princess Night being held Thursday, June 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to dress up like their favorite princess and enjoy princess-themed items and activities. Huggins and Street will be on-hand to talk to guests and sign autographs.

To add to the feeling of royalty, John Faucette of Carolina Carpet & Flooring has donated a red carpet for the occasion.

Both Huggins and Street were recently on WIZ’s Town Talk program to discuss their participation in Princess Night and their experiences as Miss NC and Miss Henderson, respectively.

Huggins, who was crowned in June 2017 and whose year as the reigning Miss NC will soon be over, had this to say about her experience, “For two more weeks, I’m the 80^th Queen of the Tarheel State. I love my job as Miss North Carolina. I’ve literally traveled from Murphy to Manteo, over 36,000 miles in my Ford and now with 301 appearances under my belt.”

While Huggins has enjoyed her experience, she said she is looking forward to a break and some downtime. “Winning the crown means 365 days of full-time service to NC, said Huggins. “You have to stop your job and your education for that year. You have to dedicate your life to the citizens of NC. It has been my greatest honor.”

Along with the responsibility of traveling and making hundreds of appearances, Huggins said winning Miss NC also meant “a $20,000 scholarship, an apartment in Raleigh, use of a car for a year and free Chick-fil-A meals for a year.”

Huggins explained that her main motivation for entering the pageant was for the scholarship opportunities so that she could graduate college debt free. “I have now earned over $30,000 in scholarships which has allowed me to graduate from UNC Pembroke debt-free and will allow me to complete my master’s degree from John Hopkins University online debt-free as well.”

According to Huggins, the Miss America organization is the leading scholarship provider for young women in the world.

“My goal of completing school debt-free was all possible because of what some people see as just a crown and a sash. It is so much more – it has made me an empowered, confident and educated young woman.

Shanice Street, the reigning Miss Henderson, hopes to be crowned Huggins’ successor as Miss North Carolina. The Miss North Carolina 2018 Finals will be televised live on ABC11 and ABC11.com on Saturday, June 23 at 8 p.m.

Street, who was crowned Miss Kerr Lake in September 2017 and Miss Henderson in February 2018, is currently busy “practicing my dance routine, figuring out wardrobe, exercising and reading current events to prepare for the interview portion of the competition.”

While attending classes and cheerleading for Wake Forest University, Street also finds the time for a job which enables her to pay for all of her own competition expenses.

“Sometimes I do struggle,” said Street. “I’m human and I get tired. The most important thing I’ve learned is to persevere and continue on despite obstacles. Everything isn’t going to come to me easily but working for it makes it so worth it.”

Street’s motivation is serving as a role model for others. “As a little girl, you always look up to these women as role models,” Street said. “It really is an honor for me to have the opportunity to hopefully be that to someone else.”

Perry Memorial Library Announces Summer Reading Programs for Youth

June 7, 2018/by WIZS Staff

-Information courtesy the H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library and www.perrylibrary.org

Join the H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library for Summer Reading 2018!

June 16 – August 3

Fun weekly prizes, exciting entertainment, storytimes, reading incentives and grand prizes!