Mike Waters

Superior Court Session Hands Down Sentences In Several Local Cases

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A Creedmoor man has been sentenced to more than three years in prison recently for a 2022 incident that occurred at a local food mart.

Jordan Lee Turnage had pleaded guilty to discharging a weapon into occupied property and one felony count of inciting a riot for the May 28 incident, which involved gunfire at Gate City Foods and North Henderson Heights Apartments on West Andrews Avenue. His case was heard during a session of Vance County Superior Court, held during the week surrounding Aug. 23, with Superior Court Judge Josephine Kerr Davis presiding.

The office of District Attorney Mike Waters was represented by assistant DAs Charity D. Wilborn, Beau Boyer, Theodore “TJ” Marsh, and Walter T. Ramsey.

In other cases before the court:

  • Datwain Scott Henderson pleaded guilty to one count of discharging a weapon into a moving vehicle for shooting a Wake Electric Membership Corporation vehicle on June 23, Henderson was sentenced to 20-36-months in prison, suspended for 24 months. Henderson was placed on supervised probation, which includes 60 days in the Vance County Jail.
  • Richard Durham, pleaded guilty to trafficking cocaine (28-199 grams) and was sentenced to a 35-51 month active prison sentence. Durham was ordered to begin serving that sentence once his current sentence has been completed.
  • Kelly Jean Hemann pleaded guilty to attempted trafficking of methamphetamine (28-199 grams) and possession with intent to sell, deliver and manufacture Hemann was sentenced to two active prison sentences of 16-29 months, and 6-17 months, to run consecutively.

TownTalk: Rebuilding Hope Chicken Plate Fundraiser

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Rebuilding Hope is making plans for its barbecued chicken fundraiser later this month, and Randolph Wilson invites the community to come on out on Friday, Sept. 29 to buy the plates to support the group’s efforts.

Tickets are $10, and Wilson said last year’s drive-thru process worked so well that they’ll probably do it the same way this year.

“Last year, we did it in a hurricane,” Wilson said on Wednesday’s TownTalk, so this year should be a piece of cake.

Thanks to the support, dedication and hard work of volunteers, the chicken plate fundraiser is a big success. Wilson, who is founder and director of the non-profit, said they’re getting all the details worked out to make sure things run smoothly on chicken plate day.

Plate pick-up continues from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you order five or more plates, delivery is available.

Rebuilding Hope send volunteer crews out to Vance and surrounding counties to help people with home repair projects and construction projects.

This summer’s Servants on Site program built ramps and put five roofs on homes in the area. And there were 32 participants in the Kids Construction Camp, which provides hands-on training for young people who want to learn more about using hand tools.

It’s a volunteer-driven organization, and Wilson said the volunteers that give their time and talent to Rebuilding Hope have created something special.

“I can’t ask for better volunteers – they do a fabulous job,” he said. “You’d be surprised at the skills that come here every week.”

The organization has been at its current location, 414 Raleigh Rd., for about seven years. Locally known as the former Coca-Cola Bottling Co., the familiar sign on the front of the 1930’s-era brick building offers visitors a reminder of the building’s past.

Rebuilding Hope is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit www.rebuildinghopeinc.com to learn more or call 252.438.5132.

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Vance County Early College Alums Invited To Come Share In Homecoming Festivities Sept. 22

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-information courtesy of Aarika Sandlin, VCS chief officer of Communication & Innovative Support

Attention, all graduates of Vance County Early College High School! You’re invited to come back and enjoy Homecoming festivities later this month, alongside current students and others.

Things “kick off” with a tailgate experience on Friday, Sept. 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Vance County High School. It’s a time to mingle with old friends, make some new memories and enjoy some food and drinks.

The fun continues at 7 p.m. at the football field – come cheer the team to victory. The highlight of the evening will take place at halftime when the Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned.

Aarika Sandlin, VCS chief officer of Communication & Innovative Support, explained that each high school – Vance County High and the Early College High School – crowns its own king and queen for Homecoming. “”It worked great last year, so continuing that excitement” is the goal for this year, she said. Students from all the schools play as Vipers for athletics, she continued.

Her favorite tagline is “In Vance County, we are all Vipers.”

If you need to find something special to wear that shows your VCEC spirit, look no further than VCEC Spirit Wear.

Before the big game, make sure to gear up in style! Explore the collection of spirited merchandise, specially designed for current students, proud alumni, and more. Grab your favorite items to showcase your VCEC pride wherever you go.

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and let’s make this Homecoming event a truly unforgettable event. Whether you’re a former student, a current attendee, or part of our wonderful community, we can’t wait to see you there!

To learn more, contact Vance County Early College at 252.738.3580.

Deputies Arrest Two On Drug Charges, More Following Traffic Stop

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-information courtesy of Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

Two people face a variety of charges following a motor vehicle stop made early on Friday, Sept. 1.

Deputies from the Vance County Sheriff’s Office stopped a car about 3:30 a.m. on Southerland Mill Road for a revoked license plate, according to information from Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame.

A search of the vehicle resulted in drug charges for the driver,

Devonte Venable, 26,  and passenger Kiana Epps, 22, Brame said in a statement to WIZS News on Tuesday.

Venable and Epps were each charged with possession of heroin. Venable also was charged with driving while license revoked and displaying a revoked registration plate, in addition to having outstanding warrants for failure to appear in court and for violating probation.

Epps also was charged with two counts of failure to appear in court, one count of second-degree trespass, resisting a public officer and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. She was placed under a $51,000 secured bond and has a court date of Sept. 22, 2023.

Venable was placed under a $90,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 19, 2023.

Both were transported to the Vance County Detention Center.

 

 

The Local Skinny! Baskerville Funeral Home Hosts Mental Health Community Info Series

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The community is invited to attend an informational session on Sept. 12 to learn more about programs offered by Greater Outreach Services.

Charlie Baskerville has held numerous community info events to share resources with people in the area, and the one scheduled for next week will provide information about mental health and other programs and counseling services.

The meeting will take place at Baskerville Funeral Home, 104 S. Chestnut St., and Baskerville said it’s a way for him to give back to his community. It begins at 6 p.m. and will last about an hour, with time for questions afterward, as well as light refreshments.

His experience as a pastor and a military veteran contributed to his idea about providing and serving.

“Those things enlightened me about service,” Baskerville said on Tuesday’s The Local Skinny!

He’s a retired pastor now, but he considers the community info series a type of ministry.

It’s a way to “inform the community of the resources available…to make the community a better place.”

Call 252.430.6824 to learn more.

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N.C. Rep. Sossamon To Sponsor Sept. 18 Meeting To Learn About Broadband Progress In The Area

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Want to learn more about the state of broadband internet access in your area?

Rep. Frank Sossamon has organized a community forum to share information about what may be in store for the area with regard to broaband internet access.

The meeting will take place on Monday, Sept. 18 at Perry Memorial Library, 205 Breckenridge St. and will begin at 6 p.m.

Staff from the N.C. Department of Information Technology are scheduled to be present to provide residents with the most up-to-date information about this issue.

 

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VGCC To Host Community Engagement Nights

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Vance Granville Community College has scheduled a series of “Community Engagement Nights” through its four-county service area to allow individuals to partner with school leaders and plan for the future. The first one is Thursday, Sept. 7 in Warrenton; please RSVP to let college officials know you’re planning to attend.

The discussions will be from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., according to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel.

VGCC strives to be a catalyst in developing strong communities where everyone can experience a fulfilling quality of life, which comes “through educating, inspiring and supporting a diverse community of learners to achieve professional and personal success.”

 

VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais and attendees of the events will engage in strategic planning activities, which will help leaders make recommendations about various areas of the institution. Light refreshments will be served.

Attendance at each event is limited; sign up at www.vgcc.edu/events.

Below is a list of the Community Engagement Night sessions:

 

  • Thursday, Sept. 7 – Warren County Armory Civic Center, Warrenton
  • Tuesday, Sept. 12 – Perry Memorial Library, Farm Bureau Room
  • Wednesday, Sept. 13 – VGCC Main Campus Civic Center
  • Thursday, Sept. 14 – Wake Electric Operations Facility, Youngsville
  • Thursday, Sept. 19 – Karl T. Pernell Public Safety Complex, Louisburg
  • Wednesday, Sept. 20 – Mary Potter Center for Education, Oxford
  • Wednesday, Sept. 27 – VGCC South Campus, Room G1131, Creedmoor

TownTalk: The 2023 Ducky Derby is Here!

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There’s a deluge expected in downtown Henderson next month, but you won’t find details on any weather app or forecast – not even the farmer’s almanac. Flooding will be minimal and isolated to Garnett Street, officials say – just long enough for that last little rubber ducky to cross the finish line.

No need to gather your rain gear just yet – it’s just the 14th annual Ducky Derby!

This year’s event takes place Saturday, Sept. 16 in downtown Henderson, with the Henderson Fire Department supplying the water and Greystone Concrete Products pouring the ducks from one of its cement mixers.

The Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start hosts the annual fundraiser and Garry Daeke was on Tuesday’s TownTalk to share details and how to purchase tickets.

“We hope to have a good day and have fun – it’s always a blast,” Daeke said.

Ducks are $5 each, or you can purchase more than one and save a little cash – a Quack Pack is 5 ducks for $20 and a Flock gets you 25 ducks for $100. Tickets are available the day of the derby, too.

“I’m continually excited about how much fun people have” Daeke said. The fun includes children’s games, food trucks and music. This year, there’s a “blender bike” that kids can use to pedal their way to create their own smoothies.

And there are prizes for the top three finishers, as well as for that last little straggler to cross the finish line.

First prize is $1,000, second prize is Chick-fil-A for a year and third prize is a $250 gas card from Sheetz. The last duck wins $100.

Tickets are available from FGV staff or board members and by calling the FGV office at 252.433.9110. You can reach Daeke at the office or at 252.432.3145.

The event begins at 11 a.m. and continues through 2 p.m.

The race begins at Garnett and Breckenridge streets and the finish line is at Orange Street.

Sponsorships are available; contact Daeke to become a sponsor.

“We get new folks every year that want to be a part of what’s going on downtown,” he said.

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