Drug Deaths Out of Control

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Heroin and Prescription Drugs Deaths Out of Control in the U.S.

According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention, (CDC), drug related overdoses and deaths are out of control and have reached epidemic level.

In 2013 there were over 43,000 deaths or 120 a day caused by drugs, with heroin the leading drug of choice.  Drug deaths are now greater than deaths from being shot or deaths from motor vehicle crashes.  These numbers are two years old, and there is no way of knowing what the 2015 death toll will be, but we know that it is up if the epidemic prediction from CDC is accurate.

Why Heroin?  Because it is cheaper than prescription drugs and is readily available everywhere in the U.S.  Heroin has invaded the upper crust and poorest communities with equal speed and with the same results; increased overdoses and deaths, higher crime rate overall and more inmates behind bars.

The economic costs of those hooked on drugs is huge.  The most recent data pertaining to the economic cost is from 2007 and was stated to be at $193 billion.  One can only guess about 2015, but some have estimated the annual cost of lost productive time, healthcare and the judicial system including jails at over $300 billion.

The U.S. government has recognized the epidemic, resulting in more emphases on treatment and less on jail time.  There are over 23 million Americans undergoing treatment and recovery today.  The importance of this should not be lost on the U.S. citizens.  The Obama administration has recently announced a Recovery Branch at the Office of National Drug Control Policy to support those in recovery.

The DEA recently reported a whopping 232 percent increase in drug arrests along the U.S./Mexico border.  The DEA goes on to report that they believe there is a connection between drug cartels and street gangs.  Which of course take us to the street level where drugs are an everyday occurrence in many communities.  No city or county in the U.S. is exempt from the drug epidemic as recent local arrests have revealed.

Breckenridge Commons

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Breckenridge Commons is the name.  And, the 1,000 seat performance venue, which is connected to the H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library through McGregor Hall, now has an executive director.

Tommy Deadwyler’s first day was Tuesday here in Henderson.  He comes from Rincon and Springfield, GA, just outside Savannah.  There he helped restart Mars Theatre, which had been dormant for nearly 50 years when the city purchased it, this according to an article published September 2 by the Effingham Herald.

Chairman of the Embassy Cultural Foundation, John Wester, said, “He is as sharp as a tack.  He’s reflective in his approach to things.  He has operation experience and good ideas.  He is management, but he is also technically gifted.”

Mark Hopper is the chair of the operations board of Breckenridge Commons.  In speaking about Deadwyler, Hopper said, “He is wonderful.  He is exactly what this project needs, exactly what Henderson needs.  It is a perfect fit.  He could have grown up here.”

The idea for more than 15 years now in Henderson has been for things like Breckenridge Commons, McGregor Hall, the new Perry Library and the new police station to be the centerpiece for downtown growth, community revitalization and a catalyst for economic development, not to mention the performing arts and educational opportunities for local citizens.  Now that much of the bricks and mortar is in place, times ahead will show ultimately if this stimulus will have an overall positive effect.

Deadwyler’s previous venue, The Mars Theatre which seats about 230 people, has apparently become a draw for out-of-town visitors.  Deadwyler told the Effingham Herald in the article referenced above, “We are turning into a regional venue.  Anytime you bring people from out of town into your town, that’s a good thing.”

Hopper said, “There are no delusions that Vance County will be the sole occupants of Breckenridge Commons.  It’s a regional facility with a local impact.”

A December/January time frame is reasonable in terms of the opening act.  It is apparent that a grand opening is not in the works, however a series of events.  Hopper said, “Those events will be of interest to the entire community, from local gospel groups to the North Carolina Symphony.”  He emphasized the importance of the events being of interest to everyone here.  According to Hopper, Deadwyler gets what life is like in a small town, and he knows what we value.

As to the process of choosing Deadwyler, Wester said, “We started with 30 candidates and picked from two extremely qualified people.”

The opportunity exists to book some big shows too.  Not only is Breckenridge Commons all new, but the stage as well as audio, lightening and rigging are all cutting-edge systems.

Millions of dollars have been raised privately to complete the performing arts center phase of this project, 15 years overall in the making.

SHIIP

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Senior’s Health Insurance Information Program

Questions about Medicare?
SHIIP can help!
Choose from the list of questions below or call:
855-408-1212 (toll free)

How do I contact SHIIP and find out what’s going on with the Program?

I’m new to Medicare, what do I do?

Is there help available to pay for my Medicare Part B (health insurance) premium?

Are you considering purchasing a Medicare Supplement Plan that is designed to work with Original Medicare?

What is a Medicare Advantage/Medicare Health Plan (Medicare Part C), and do I need it?

I need a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. What are my options, and is there help available to assist in paying for my medications and/or premiums?

What are my options if I am on Medicare due to a disability?

Will Medicare cover any of my diabetic supplies or durable medical equipment?

Do you have retiree employer group health insurance plan (EGHP) that will continue beyond your 65th birthday?

Operation Medicine Drop

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Dispose of Your Unused, Expired Prescriptions

Take-back event offers public safe, secure way to dispose of their medications.

Operation Medicine Drop Advisory

WHO:                          Safe Kids Vance County Coalition, Henderson Police Department

WHAT:           Prescription drug take-back event where the public can dispose of expired, unused prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications and keep them out of the wrong hands. Operation Medicine Drop cannot accept biohazard materials

WHERE:          Henderson Family YMCA at 380 Ruin Creek Road

WHEN:            Saturday, September 26, 8:00-11:00 A.M.

 WHY:             Unintentional poisoning from prescription medications is on the rise in North Carolina – Since 1999, approximately 6,900 people have died from prescription poisonings. Operation Medicine Drop offers the public a free and convenient option for disposing of their prescription and over the counter medications to protect their families and the environment.

 CONTACT:      Katrina Boone, Safe Kids Vance County Coalition Coordinator, at FGV Smart Start, 252-433-6387 ext 225

Smart Start 20th Anniversary

Vance Superior Court

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Henderson, NC – Vance County Criminal Superior Trial Court was held the week of September 8, 2015. Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Robert H. Hobgood presided for the term. District Attorney Michael D. Waters along with Assistant District Attorneys Bill Williamson, Melissa Pelfrey, and Steve Gheen appeared on behalf of the State of North Carolina.

A jury was empaneled and heard evidence involving a 2014 incident where Robert Wright was charged by Deputies with the Office of Vance County Sheriff Peter White. This jury trial resulted in a verdict of guilty against Wright for Delaying a Police Officer and not guilty of several driving offenses. Wright was sentenced to 60 days in the Vance County jail and that sentence was suspended for 18 months of probation.

Jaleel Duncan received an active prison sentence of 13-25 months in the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Division of Adult Corrections (DAC) as a result of his plea of guilty to Assault Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.

Jamal Harris received an active prison sentence of 13-25 months in the DAC as a result of his plea of guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.

James Glover pleaded to Fleeing to Elude and Driving While Impaired and was sentenced to 8-19 months in the DAC. His sentence was suspended for 18 months of probation. These three cases were investigated by patrol officers from the Henderson Police Department under the direction of Chief Marcus Barrow.

Gary and Rameek Holden received sentences from their involvement in several shoot outs in Vance County during the years of 2012 and 2013. Gary Holden pleaded to misdemeanor Inciting a Riot and received an active sentence of 45 days in the Vance County jail. Rameek Holden pleaded to felony Inciting a Riot and was sentenced to 3-13 months in the DAC and that sentence was suspended for 18 months of probation. The Holden’s pleas resolved several cases that were investigated by detectives and patrol officers of the Henderson Police Department under the direction of Chief Marcus Barrow working together with agents from the SBI where other defendants had pleaded in the deaths of two Vance citizens.

Reggie Hicks pleaded guilty to two counts of Felony Identity Theft. Hicks was reported to the Henderson Police Department and the FDIC by officials with Union Bank after the crimes were uncovered. Union Bank reimbursed the two victims immediately and assisted detectives with the Henderson Police Department in the investigation. The prosecution of Hicks was deferred for a period of 18 months because he did not have any prior criminal record, he made full restitution to the bank and that he agreed not to work in an FDIC insured institution again.

(vance090815pressrelease)

Stronger Economies Together

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Stronger Economies Together (SET) Coming To Our Area Soon

A federal program started in 2010 that is in place in over 50 regions in 28 states is about to have its Kick Off organizational meeting on October 5th at 8:30 A.M. at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center.

SET is a program designed to develop a plan for fostering economic development within a specific region.  In this instance, it is for Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin and Person Counties, with the organizers being the USDA Rural Development and the NC Cooperative Extension at NC State.  They chose the Kerr-Tar Regional Development District to create a plan for the five counties that will lay out strategies for developing and implementing an economic development blueprint that strategically builds on the current and emerging economic strengths of the region.

Will Brooks of the Kerr-Tar Regional Council is leading the project, and this event will be the first of its kind in the local area.

Other attempts of organizing counties together have been successful in cross-marketing each of the counties’ industrial parks; however this will be the first attempt to develop a strategic plan with Regional Economic Goals combining the five counties’ strengths and weakness together into one document using the Three Waves of Economic Development, plus capitalizing on known assets:

  • Industrial Recruiting – Going after outside businesses
  • Cost Competition – Retain and expand existing businesses
  • Regional Competitiveness – Identify regional resources to promote business opportunities
  • Asset Promotion – Building on natural features

A “Civic Engagement Forum Kick-Off” will be held at the Granville County Convention & Expo Center  at 8:30 A.M. on October 5th.  According to Brooks, there will be about 20 stakeholders from different areas who will develop the strategic plan.  This Regional Economic Development Plan will serve as the road map for the future economic development efforts of The Kerr-Tar Regional Economic Development District.

Candidates Forum 2015 Audio

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Unedited Audio From City Council and Mayoral Candidates Forum 2015

Who:  Henderson Municipal Election Candidates for Mayor and City Council organized by The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, The Daily Dispatch and WIZS Radio

When: Sunday, Sept 19, 2015 from 4:30 P.M. until 6:30 P.M.

Where: Old Courthouse Downtown, County Commissioners’ Meeting Room

[wonderplugin_audio id=”21″]

The City of Henderson will be holding its 2015 municipal election on Oct. 6. The offices of 1st Ward – Ward Seat, 2nd Ward – Ward Seat, 3rd Ward At-Large Seat, and 4th Ward At-Large Seat as well as the position of Henderson Mayor will be up for election. In order to vote upon these positions you must live within Henderson and be registered to vote by September 11, 2015. For more information regarding Henderson elections as well as other upcoming elections in Vance County you can visit the “Vance County Board of Elections” page on the Vance County website at: https://www.vancecounty.org/departments/board-of-elections/.

New Dixie Mart Robbery Arrest Made

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Press Release- September 18, 2015

On Monday, August 31, 2015, Henderson Police Department officers responded to the New Dixie Mart, 1201 the Dabney Drive in response to a report of an armed robbery.  The clerk advised a black male suspect entered the store brandishing a firearm and removed the cash drawer. During the robbery, the clerk received minor injuries as the result of an assault.  An undisclosed amount of currency was taken from the residence.

*****Update*****

Davis FrancisOn Thursday, September 17, 2015, members of the Henderson Police Department Criminal Investigation Division arrested Francis Davis, 50, 2391 Thomas Road Lot 10, Henderson.  Davis has been charged with one count of robbery with a dangerous weapon.  He was placed in the Vance County Jail after failing to post a 100,000.00 secured bond.  A preliminary hearing has been scheduled in Vance County District Court on October 15, 2015.

Authority: Chief Marcus Barrow

Federal Indictment Served

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Press Release- September 17, 2015

On Tuesday, September 15, 2015, members of the Henderson Police Department served a federal indictment on Jermaine Lamont Bullock, 40, 130 Booth Avenue, Henderson.  Bullock was taken into custody at the Vance County Jail at which time he was transported to Raleigh and placed into the custody of U. S. Marshalls.

Jermaine Bullock

Bullock’s charges stem from an incident on February 17, 2015 in which he was found in possession of a firearm after fleeing from Henderson Police Officers.  Bullock was held in custody pending a detention hearing on September 18, 2015 in U. S. District Court.

 

 

 

Authority: Chief Marcus Barrow

Death Investigation – 4TH Arrested

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Press Release — 4TH ARREST LISTED BELOW

Death Investigation

On Saturday, September 5, 2015, members of the Henderson Police Department responded to the 100 block of Pinkston Street, Henderson in response to a deceased individual. Officers arrived on scene and found an individual lying near the roadway.

Willard Harris Crosson, 44, 430 Vicksboro Road, Henderson was pronounced deceased at the scene. A cause of death was not readily apparent and the decedent (was) transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Raleigh so that an autopsy (could) be conducted.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141, Vance County Communications at 252-492-0202 or Henderson/Vance Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925. The investigation into Mr. Crosson’s death is ongoing and more information will be released at the appropriate time.

**********Update**********

On Wednesday, September 16, 2015, members of the Henderson Police Department Criminal Investigation Division have arrested three individuals in the above referenced matter. The investigation into this matter revealed that the victim, Willard Crosson had been struck by a motor vehicle and left lying by the roadside.

Rikki MottenRikki Jovanna Moten 18, 1013 Harriett Street, Henderson has been charged with one count of felonious hit and run failing to notify authorities. She was placed in the Vance County Jail after failing to post a 15,000.00 secured bond. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Vance County District Court on September 28, 2015.

shaniceMeadowsShanice Meadows, 19, 1091 Buchanan Road, Henderson has been charged with one count of a passenger failing to give information or aid. She was released from custody after posting a 5000.00 bond. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Vance County District Court on September 28, 2015.

Barbara MotenBarbara Ann Moten, 62, 1013 Harriett Street, Henderson has been charged with one count of being an accessory after the fact to a felony. She was released from custody after posting a 7,500.00 bond. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Vance County District Court on September 28, 2015.

*****Additional Update*****

Nico BullockOn Thursday, September 17, 2015 Henderson PD Detectives made an additional arrest in this matter.  Nico Bullock, 26, 1820 Raleigh Road, Henderson was charged with one count of being an accessory after the fact to a felony.  He was released from custody after posting a 7,500.00 secured bond.  A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Vance County District Court on September 28, 2015.

Authority: Chief Marcus Barrow