Press Release from DA Mike Waters

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Louisburg, NC – On Monday, August 10, 2015, the Franklin County Grand Jury returned a true bill of indictment against Garry A. Yarborough for the First Degree Murder of Tracy Williams.  Garry A. Yarborough was also indicted for the following charges: Burning Personal Property, First Degree Kidnapping, Felony Breaking and or Entering and Felonious Assault With a Deadly Weapon Intent to Kill. Indictments returned against the defendant are not evidence of guilt and Mr. Yarborough is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Mr. Yarborough remains in the custody of the Franklin County Sheriffs Office.

A Rule 24 Hearing will be scheduled for August 27, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. before the Honorable Robert H. Hobgood.

(Full Yarborough Press Release)

H-V Crime Stoppers Breakfast

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Wednesday morning at 7:30, local law enforcement, community leaders and the Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers board enjoyed a celebratory breakfast at the local Golden Corral.  The Crime Stoppers Annual Law Enforcement breakfast is put on each year as means of simply saying thank you.H-V Crime Stoppers breakfast 2015

As it so happens, September 25, 2015 will mark the 30th year for Crime Stoppers here in Vance County.

Lorraine Watkins, who also owns and operates Screen Master downtown, is the H-V Crime Stoppers board chair.  She was present, speaking one on one with many in attendance and offered words of thanks.  Clarence Hicks is the present day vice chair.

Lt. Irvin Robinson, now retired from full-time duty with the Henderson Police Department, servers at the Crime Stoppers coordinator.  Robinson said well over 100 crimes have been solved in Vance County since the year 2000 as a result of Crime Stoppers, with 10s of thousands of dollars having been paid out anonymously.

Robinson is only the second coordinator in these 30 years.  Sam Pearson, who retired from the Henderson Police Department in 2000, was the original coordinator.  Pearson was well known and well respected in this community.

Tom Long was the original chairperson when Crime Stoppers began in the Henderson area on September 25, 1985.  Long was the long-time instructor of law enforcement training at Vance Granville Community College.

The Crime Stoppers Association actually began here in 1982, but apparently it was a few more years before the organization was fully operational as we know it today.

 

Gov. McCrory Signs New Bills

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Raleigh, N.C.— Governor Pat McCrory has signed the following bills into law.

 

  • H.B. 566 – A bill to amend the Eyewitness Identification Reform Act. The bill clarifies that law enforcement officers may be eyewitnesses. The bill defines and sets minimum standards for show-ups, a procedure used by law enforcement to determine whether an eyewitness is able to identify the perpetrator of a crime, and requires the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission to develop additional policies on the conduct of show-ups.
  • H.B. 724 – A bill to revise the membership of the North Carolina Medical Board by increasing the number of appointees by the Governor from five to six to provide that at least one physician assistant and at least one nurse practitioner must serve as members of the Board.
  • H.B. 814 – A bill to require the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to establish a medical examiner training program that includes training regarding Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), thereby enabling the state’s medical examiners to identify deaths attributable to SUDEP. 
  • H.B. 284 – A bill to clarify that imposition of a fine is not an allowable sanction for civil contempt. 
  • H.B. 584 – A bill to amend the State Government Ethics Act to permit a covered person to mention their public position in certain letters of reference, responses to inquiries of potential employers, and in a letter written at the request of a person seeking employment. A “covered person” is a legislator, public servant, or judicial officer as identified by the State Ethics Commission.
  • H.B. 800 – A bill to make omnibus technical and clarifying changes to North Carolina’s Motor Vehicle Dealers and Manufacturers Licensing Law.
  • S.B. 336 – A bill to amend the law governing estate planning and fiduciaries to amend the Uniform Trust Code and to establish a Uniform Powers of Appointment Act.
  • S.B. 386 – A bill to specify fees for filing instruments governed by the Uniform Commercial Code with registers of deeds.
  • H.B. 538 – A bill to make omnibus changes to statutes authorizing water and sewer authorities created under Article 1 of Chapter 162A.
  • S.B. 273 – A bill to authorize counties to reduce or waive interest or penalties on delinquent motor vehicle taxes for tax years prior to July 1, 2013.

Vance County Board of Commissioners Committee / Special Meeting Schedule

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Please be informed that the Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, August 18 at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Conference Room.  The purpose is to enter into closed session to discuss a personnel matter.

The following committee meetings will be held in the administrative conference room.

Public Safety Committee (Brummitt, Brown, Wilder)

Wednesday, August 19 at 4:00 p.m.

Purpose: Review Animal Shelter Drawings

Tax Reval Ad Hoc Committee (Brummitt, Brown, Garrison)

Monday, August 31 at 2:00 p.m.

Purpose:  Tax Revaluation matters

Water Planning Committee (Garrison, Brummitt, Taylor)

Monday, August 31 at 3:00 p.m.

Purpose:  Water Project matters

Properties Committee (Brown, Brummitt, Hester)

Tuesday, September 1 at 9:00 a.m.

Purpose: Property matters

VGCC Names New Director of Student Activities & Athletics

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Jeffrey Allen has been named the director of student activities and athletics at Vance-Granville Community College.

Allen will oversee clubs, organizations and extracurricular activities that engage students on campus, as well as the college’s intercollegiate athletics program, which includes men’s basketball and women’s volleyball teams. He will also serve as the advisor for the VGCC Student Government Association (SGA). Allen was active in student government when he was an undergraduate, and feels passionately about involving VGCC students in such opportunities.jeff-allen-2015b

A resident of southern Granville County, Allen has been a member of the VGCC staff since May 2012, when he became coordinator of Basic Skills at the college’s Franklin County Campus. In January 2014, he was named VGCC’s Director of Leadership and Professional Development.

Allen earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at North Carolina Central University and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Western Governors University. He had a 14-year career in education at the K-12 level prior to joining VGCC. Allen has served as a math teacher for Vance County Schools, a math teacher and dean of students at New Century Charter High School in Chapel Hill, and a math teacher and assistant principal at Christian Faith Center Academy in Creedmoor. During his last three years at Christian Faith Center, Allen also served as the school’s athletic director.

“In all of his roles at VGCC, Jeffrey has shown his commitment to the mission, vision and values of our college, as well as a passion for student learning, engagement and success. Now, we look forward to his leadership in providing exciting opportunities and experiences outside the classroom for all of our Vanguards,” VGCC Vice President of Employee and Public Relations Stacey Carter-Coley said. “Under his direction, we will also continue to develop our athletic program, which not only offers excellent opportunities for our student-athletes, but also serves and enriches our whole community of fans and supporters.”

Duke FB Depth vs Injuries

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August 11, 2015

DURHAM, N.C. – Duke head football coach David Cutcliffe announced on Tuesday that redshirt junior running back Jela Duncan will be out of action indefinitely after suffering a partially torn right pectoral muscle during Monday’s morning practice.  Cutcliffe also noted that two other running backs – redshirt sophomore Joseph Ajeigbe and sophomore Shaun Wilson – are nursing lower body injuries and are currently sidelined from contact drills.

“Just when you feel comfortable with four experienced running backs on the depth chart, three of them are in the training room,” Cutcliffe said.  “Jela’s injury is obviously disappointing because we know how hard he’s worked to get back into the thick of things following the two shoulder surgeries.  Joe and Shaun aren’t available right now, but neither appears to be out long term.”

The Blue Devil offensive coaching staff has shifted redshirt freshman Nicodem Pierre from quarterback to running back.

“I’m really proud of Nico and how he’s handled this situation,” Cutcliffe said.  “With his unselfishness and commitment to this program, he is displaying the traits of the ultimate teammate.  And I absolutely love it because it’s a great sign of the growth of our program when the young men take ownership of the organization and have the passion to contribute in any way possible.”

Duncan rushed 222 times for 1,115 yards and seven touchdowns as a two-year letterman in 2012-13 before missing the 2014 campaign.  As reserves in 2014, Ajeigbe had 41 rushing attempts for 150 yards and Wilson totaled 78 carries for 598 yards.  Pierre, who entered the fall as the third string signal-caller behind redshirt junior Thomas Sirk and redshirt sophomore Parker Boehme, did not see game action a season ago while serving as the primary scout team quarterback.

Additionally, junior cornerback Bryon Fields, who started all 13 games a season ago while posting 70 tackles and one interception, will miss extended time during preseason camp due to a leg injury.  Sophomore Alonzo Saxton II, who appeared in eight games in 2014 and registered 12 tackles, has been the primary replacement for Fields with the first unit.

“Injuries create opportunities for others,” Cutcliffe noted.  “While it is never easy to replace a starter, we’re certainly confident in the depth we’ve established.  The bottom line is that our young guys have to be ready for the challenge when their number is called.”

The Blue Devils open the 2015 season at Tulane on Thursday, September 3 (9:30 p.m.; CBS Sports Network).  Duke season tickets are available online at www.GoDuke.com/footballtix or by calling the Duke Athletic Ticket Office at 919-681-BLUE.

Vance County Schools On The Air

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Vance County Schools Public Information Officer Terri Hedrick can be heard live on WIZS each Monday afternoon between 4:35pm and 4:55pm.

August 10, 2015 — New Vance County Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson was officially sworn in one week ago.  At the Vance County Board of Education meeting August 10th, Dr. Jackson took part in a ceremonial swearing in and oath of office.  It took place at the VCS Administrative Services building on Graham Avenue.  The meeting started at 7pm.

Vance County Schools will host two “Meet the Superintendent” events for parents, students, school system employees and community residents to meet new Superintendent Anthony Jackson.

The events will be held on Monday, August 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the cafeteria at Northern Vance High School and on Wednesday, August 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the cafeteria at Southern Vance High School. Both events are floating receptions with Dr. Jackson available to meet everyone, talk about the new school year and answer questions. Light refreshments will be provided.

All local residents are invited to attend one or both events.

In other news, there are close to 100 new school teachers in Vance County this year.  August 10th was their first day, and a breakfast was held in the cafeteria of Northern Vance High School.  Superintendent Jackson headlined those welcoming the new teachers.

Orientation sessions continue on Tuesday and Wednesday at Northern Vance for all the new teachers here in Vance County.

Thursday, August 13th, all employees return to work to start the new school year.  All 10, 11 and 12-month employees.  All 1,100-plus Vance County Schools employees will join in a convocation on Thursday at 8:30am at Northern Vance to celebrate the new school year.

Entire Show from August 10, 2015

CARS Tour Race at Orange County Speedway

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Rougemont, NC

There was a time when stock car auto racing was so popular that a touring division known as the Hooters Pro Cup Series thrived at local short tracks across the east coast. However, in recent years, NASCAR and all of racing has taken a hit.

The CARS Tour that invaded Orange County Speedway on August 1st is a little different. The CARS Tour was born from the remains of the now defunct USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series, but they now use super late models, and late model stock cars like you would see at a short track on the tour. This allows the drivers more flexibility as to where they can run their racecar on a weekly basis.

Brandon Setzer, son of longtime NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Dennis Setzer, won the super late model race at Orange County Speedway on August 1st. The CARS Tour super late models allow young drivers like Brandon Setzer to drive high horsepower racecars in preparation for future days in NASCAR.

Josh Berry, driver of the SPEEDCO Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, raced at Orange County Speedway the week before the CARS Tour came to town to dial in his machine. He won the late model stock portion of the CARS Tour Race at Orange County.

From JoshBerry.net, “I’m really proud of all our guys for working so hard this weekend. This series is really competitive, so to be able to get two wins in our first two starts is impressive. It really turned into a long race with a lot of cautions, so I just had to keep focus and get good restarts to keep the lead. The outside groove seemed to really work for us, so it was real important to stay out front to have lane control for the restarts. I feel like racing at OCS last weekend really helped me learn the track, and I was able to use it to my advantage in the CARS race.”

In the NASCAR racing we see on TV, those drivers do not get a chance to practice at the track that they’re racing at next week, and that is what makes the CARS Tour different and exciting to fans and competitors.

Shriner’s Fish Fry 2015

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On Wednesday, May 20th 2015 the Henderson Shrine Club held its annual fish fry at Vance Square Shopping Center on Old Super 10 Raleigh Rd. in Henderson, NC. Members of the Henderson Shrine Club served hand-breaded white fish, fresh cut potatoes, and hushpuppies all cooked and prepared on site with a side of Cole slaw and a fountain drink for $8 a plate. Many members of the community were in attendance for the annual fish fry which was held to raise funding for the Greenville Shriners Hospital for Children in Greenville, SC. Slices of cake and other desserts were also sold to help raise money. WIZS staff members Kevin Bullock and Jason Walsh were on the scene to provide live coverage and commentary of the event. Among the many friendly faces who approached the WIZS table to discuss the event on-air, Charles Britt as well as several other members of the Shrine Club talked with Kevin Bullock at length about the history of the Henderson Shrine Club and annual fish fry as well as what the organization is doing to support the Greenville Shriners Hospital. The event ran from 11AM until 7PM as many in the Vance county community showed up for a delicious meal and to help the cause. For more information or to donate to the Greenville Shriners Hospital for Children visit their website at https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/ .



H-V Crime Stoppers August Crimes of the Month

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Shooting Case:

On August 3, 2015 around 12:21 AM, officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to Highland Green Apartments, 111 S. Pinkston Street Henderson, NC in reference to shots being fired. While in route, officers were advised that there was a 9 year-old female that was transported by a personal vehicle to a local medical facility with injuries. The 9 year-old victim is currently being treated for her injuries. Officers on scene at Highland Green Apartments located a 19 year-old female, Aisha Taylor, of Henderson, who was suffering from a gunshot graze to her arm. Ms. Taylor later went to a local medical facility for treatment. The incident was reported to have occurred when a vehicle pulled up to a group of people that were standing in front of the apartments and began firing a firearm.

The incident is under further investigation by members of the Criminal Investigations Division. The Henderson Police Department encourages anyone with information related to this crime to contact the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141 or Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925. You can put anonymous tips on the web site.  (www.hvcrimestoppers.com)  Callers may remain anonymous. Crime Stoppers offers a reward up to $2,000 for information that leads to an arrest.

Larceny Case

On July 27, 2015 at approximately 7:21 am, the Vance County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to Sunset Gardens, 3174 US-158 Business, in reference to a larceny. Upon arrival Deputies talked to William Haithcock, who stated that someone during the night had taken a red Toro zero-turn mower from the shed. The Vance County Sheriff’s Office encourages any person with information related to this case to contact Henderson –Vance Crime Stoppers at 492-1925 and also you can put anonymous tips on the web site.  (www.hvcrimestoppers.com)  Citizens with information can also contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at 738-2200.

Larceny Case

On July 17, 2015 at approximately 3:35pm, Vance County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to Kids World Daycare, 420 Red Oak Road, in reference to a larceny. Upon arrival, Deputies talked to Ms. Stewartson who stated that someone had taken during the night an air conditioner unit from the property. The Vance County Sheriff’s Office encourages any person with information related to this case to contact Henderson – Vance Crime Stoppers at 492-1925 and also you can put anonymous tips on the web site.  (www.hvcrimestoppers.com)  Citizens with information can also contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at 738-2200.