TownTalk 04-07-21 Juvenile Offenders; Gun Violence

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What are some of the steps taken in North Carolina when a juvenile is a suspect or person of interest in a crime?

For one thing, it matters if the crime is a felony and if so what letter.  Felonies are grouped by letters, with letter A, for example, being first degree murder.  A felony with a letter of I, for example, might be a drug crime of some sort.  A second thing that matters is has the juvenile been tried and convicted as an adult before – the once an adult, always an adult law (N.C. G.S. 7B-1604).

North Carolina juvenile delinquency law as of Dec. 1, 2019 looks at ages 6-15 as being juveniles for all offenses and ages 16-17 for all non-motor vehicle offenses as being juveniles.  The exception is – any juvenile with a previous criminal conviction, other than a misdemeanor or infraction motor vehicle offense not involving impaired driving, must be processed as an adult.

How the juvenile may be processed when felony charges are involved and he/she is 16 or 17 years old follows a bit of a flow chart as well.  An A-G felony with a finding of probable cause or return of bill of indictment results in a mandatory transfer to superior court.  An H-I felony with a finding of probably cause results in a discretionary transfer to superior court.

The “Raise the Age” Initiative, an NC Legislature-passed law, raised the age of juvenile jurisdiction for nonviolent crimes to age 18 effective December 1, 2019.

In March of 2019, District Attorney Mike Waters told WIZS TownTalk the change would significantly increase the juvenile court workload as the majority of 16 and 17-year-olds, currently tried automatically as adults in NC, will be tried as juveniles when the law goes into effect.

Under the new law, exceptions exist for 16 and 17-year-olds who commit felonies that are classified as A-D – including murder, robbery and burglary – in addition to DWI and other traffic offenses, firearm charges and gang-related offenses.

“North Carolina is one of the last two states in the nation to charge 16-year-olds as adults,” Waters said at the time in 2019. “I want to reassure the public that, under the new law, the DA’s office will have the discretion to prosecute juveniles that commit serious crimes as adults.”

As for the reason behind raising the age limit for juvenile prosecutions, Waters said research and statistics make a compelling case.

“Research shows that many 16 and 17-year-olds that get involved in the court system may not get involved with it again. Tracking someone forever and giving them a record at a young age creates a certain outcome. Also, 16 and 17-year-olds are not thinking the same way that 18, 19 and 21-year-olds are thinking.”

If you follow the suspect, warrant, arrest pattern for adults, those 18 and over, it is just that.  First a suspect with warrant issued for arrest, or arrested on-view with the State as complainant, then appearing before a magistrate and being charged and detained or bonded or released — in the most simple of terms.

Also in broad terms, once a juvenile is taken into custody, then juvenile services comes and a decision is made on whether to transport the juvenile to a secure facility.  The juvenile is granted a probable cause hearing and the decision about being transferred to superior court is made.

For the Wednesday, April 7, 2021 broadcast of TownTalk, hosts John C. Rose and Bill Harris discussed juvenile offenders and gun violence in the local area and nation.

<This is a news article.  This is not legal advice.>

For complete details and audio click play.

 

Vance County Sheriff's Office

A 21 Year Old is Dead; A Juvenile Person of Interest Remains At Large

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A juvenile suspect in an apparent shooting Monday remains at large.  He is considered to be armed and dangerous.

A 21 year old was pronounced dead at the hospital Monday, according to Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame.

In a press release Tuesday afternoon, Brame said, “The Vance County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division responded to 906 Fred Royster Road, Henderson (in reference to) a person being shot multiple times.  Deputies later discovered that the incident actually had taken place at 69 Cousins Lane, Henderson.”

Those two addresses are about a half mile apart north of Henderson after you turn off the Glebe Road.

Brame said, “When deputies arrived, they discovered two known females at the scene along with the victim Demonte Southerland, 21, who was laying on the ground with what appeared to have been multiple gunshots to his body.”

As the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Division began to conduct interviews and process the scene, it helped detectives identify a suspect.

“Detectives identified a known juvenile as a person of interest and sought a juvenile petition for the juvenile’s arrest,” Brame said.

The investigation in continuing.

Jury Duty Summons Not Open for Interpretation

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Jury trials have been back in session since March 1, and Clerk of Court Henry Gupton wants it to stay that way. But, he said, there’s one thing that could have a negative effect on the return to a smoothly running courts system: Vance County residents are not responding to their summons to appear for jury duty.

The official letters, which begin with “You are hereby summoned to personally appear for jury service” is not open for interpretation. It is a legal summons to appear, and when the recipient does not respond to the letter, it could result in a sheriff’s deputy knocking at your door wanting to know why.

Gupton said the summons has options and directions on it for the potential juror to follow – individuals can phone, send an email or return by mail their response. The important thing is to respond to, not ignore, the letter that comes in the mail. “Our situation is…we do not have enough people responding to the summons,” Gupton told WIZS News Tuesday.

Included in the summons is a list of questions for the recipient to answer, as well as how to be excused from jury duty, Gupton said. The presiding judge could hold the individual in contempt if he or she does not respond. “We are not trying to push anyone in to anything they do not feel comfortable doing during these times,” he said. “However, we do need their help in administering justice in our Courts here in Vance County.”

According to the summons, “North Carolina law provides that jury service is the solemn obligation of all qualified citizens. Failure to appear may result in an order for arrest and a fine (pursuant to N.C.G.S. 9-13).”

There are several Vance County Superior Court jury sessions scheduled in the coming weeks, and juror summons have been issued, according to Sheriff Curtis Brame.  Currently, there is an “unusually large percentage of persons summoned for jury service that have not responded to the summons. Those who do not respond to the jury summons may be personally served by the Sheriff to ensure sufficient jurors for each session,” Brame said in a statement Tuesday.

Brame advised that anyone who has received a juror summons to “respond immediately in one of the methods specified on the summons.” He added that individuals also could phone the sheriff’s office ( 252.738.2200) to acknowledge receipt of the summons.

Gupton said it was unfortunate that he had to issue a press release reminding the public of their civic duty. “We are trying to get back to somewhat of a norm with our courts and we must have jurors to help us administer justice,” he said.

Horse Owners – EEE Vaccine Reminder Spring 2021

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Area horse and donkey owners, take note: It’s time to start thinking about making sure your equines are vaccinated against a couple of mosquito-borne illnesses that often prove fatal to the animals that contract them.

N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus are two illnesses that can be prevented with a simple vaccination.

“Mosquito-breeding season in North Carolina lasts from spring until the first frost and horses are at risk if not properly vaccinated,” Troxler stated in a press release. “EEE is fatal 90 percent of the time in horses and WNV has a fatality rate of 30 percent.”

North Carolina reported nine recorded cases of EEE in 2020, a relatively high number, according to Troxler. “Horse owners need to act now to vaccinate their animals,” Troxler said.

State Veterinarian Dr. Doug Meckes recommends that equine owners talk to their veterinarians about an effective vaccination protocol to protect horses from mosquito-borne diseases. The combination vaccination initially requires multiple injections for horses, mules and donkeys that have no prior vaccination history.

Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts for more than four days, so removing any source of standing water can reduce the chance of exposing animals to WNV or EEE. Keeping horses in stalls at night, using insect screens and fans, and turning off lights after dusk can also help reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Insect repellants can be effective if used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

· Symptoms of EEE include impaired vision, aimless wandering, head pressing, circling, inability to swallow, irregular staggering gait, paralysis, convulsions and death. Once a horse has been bitten by an infected mosquito, it may take three to 10 days for symptoms to appear.

· Symptoms of WNV include fever, weakness or paralysis of hind limbs, impaired vision, head pressing, seizures and aimless wandering.

“If your horses or other equine animals exhibit any symptoms of EEE or WNV, contact your veterinarian immediately,” Meckes said.

People, horses and birds can become infected from a bite by a mosquito carrying the diseases, but there is no evidence that horses can transmit the viruses to other horses, birds or people through direct contact.

“It’s also a great time to make sure your animal is current on its rabies vaccination,” Troxler said. “In North Carolina, we see about five cases of rabies in livestock each year. Horses are naturally curious animals, which puts them at risk for a bite if a rabid animal gets through their fence line.”

Perry Memorial Library

Perry Memorial Library Reopened April 5

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As of Monday, April 5, Perry Memorial Library is open for all those book lovers who have missed browsing shelves for their next interesting read. The library Patrons can again enter the building to check out books and use the computers.  The library will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Curbside pickup in still available during the week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Patrons must wear masks and practice social distancing while in the library.

For more information, call the library at 252.438.3316.

Jobs in Vance Update Mar 6; The Local Skinny!

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JOBS IN VANCE UPDATE MARCH 6, 2021

The following information was compiled by the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce and is presented here as a public service.

 

Lowe’s Home Improvement has openings for Customer Service positions.  Contact Eric Kitchen, Lowes Manager at (252) 436-0050.

 

The Henderson Family YMCA

Actively recruiting for the following positions:

Aquatics Director:   Seeking responsible, engaging and determined candidate to join our Aquatics team in providing a safe environment for our swimming members and participants. Maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck, and surrounding areas. Creates a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.  Minimum age of 21. Bachelor Degree in Physical Education, Recreation, or other related field or related experience is preferred. Experience in aquatics management, leadership, motivation, public relations and staff supervision. Previous experience in water safety, swim instruction and pool management helpful.

Nursery Attendant:  Part time position for drop-in childcare.  Promote a nurturing, caring, and professional atmosphere by providing excellent childcare and exemplifying our YMCA values. Enthusiastically greet parents and their children as they arrive. Provide courteous and efficient service, communicate with parents, and supervise a group of children in a nursery setting.

Member Services:  Part time position for Front Desk.  Staff is responsible for welcoming members and guests into the facility, for answering and transferring calls, and for communicating policy and program information. The individual must be able to provide exceptional customer service with a positive and welcoming attitude by helping multiple people at one time, uphold standards and policies and handle situations that require conflict resolution.  Minimum requirements: Age 18; basic math and reading skills; computer skills; phone skills and accountability with money.

 

Select Products in Vance County

Type of Employment:

    • Full Time day shift 6:00am-6:00pm Monday – Thursday
    • Full Time second shift 6:00pm-6:00am Monday – Thursday
    • Full Time third shift 6:00am-6:30pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday includes a four-hour bonus if 36-hour shift is completed.

Hiring for:

Production Packing Employees

Fork Truck Operator Employees

Machine Operator Employees

Supervisor

Call NC Works to apply and for details about each position; 252-438-6129

Brewer Cycles

Job openings:

Service Technician

Service Writer

Detailer

Set Up/Assembly person

Stop by Brewer Cycles on 420 Warrenton Road, Henderson to fill out an application.

Granville-Vance Public Health Department

Job Opening for a Processing Assistant III

Contact NC Works office to apply:  857 S Beckford Drive, Suite G, Henderson, NC  or call 252-438-6129

Benchmark Bank

Job Opening for a Relationship Teller position.

Contact NC Works office to apply:  857 S Beckford Drive, Suite G, Henderson, NC  or call 252-438-6129

Fred’s Towing and Transport

Job Opening for a Second Shift Dispatcher – 5 pm – 11 pm during the week, and every other weekend 12 hours on Saturday and Sunday.  Some light office work included (answering phones and dispatching calls).  Apply in person to Karrie Fogg, owner, at Fred’s Towing, 340 Industry Drive in Henderson during the week, M-F, 8 am – 5 pm.

 

 

Rotary Day of Service at Local Salvation Army

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The Henderson Rotary Club is sponsoring a food pantry drive for the local Salvation Army during the annual observation of the Rotary Day of Service. The event will be held on Saturday, April 17 at the Henderson Salvation Army, 2292 Ross Mill Rd.

From 9 a.m. to noon, the public is invited and encouraged to bring items like bottled water, cleaning supplies, health-care items, canned foods, toilet paper and other shelf-stable food items, according to Brad Baldwin, president of the Henderson club.

All Rotary clubs in District 7710 are participating in some type of community service project on April 17, and the local club chose the Salvation Army to partner with.

“The Rotary Club of Henderson felt that partnering with the Salvation Army was an ideal way to serve the community,” Baldwin said. “This has been a difficult year for many folks in our area and this is an opportunity to assist those in need. Our goal is to have widespread participation from the people of Henderson in donating items that the Salvation Army needs for their food pantry,” he added.

Baldwin said club members will be on site at the Salvation Army to accept donations. “We thank the folks of Henderson for their support and thank the Salvation Army for the work they do in our community,” Baldwin said.

Cash and check donations also will be accepted.

For more information visit www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/henderson.

Vance County Regional Farmers Market Spring Fling April 17, Opening Day

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The Vance County Regional Farmers Market will present its 2021 Spring Fling Market on Saturday, April 17th. As has normally been the case, the Spring Fling Market will last from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. and serve as the market’s opening day for the season.

You’ll find produce, plants, meats, honey, canned goods, jams, jellies and sauces.  According to a flyer about the event, not only will you find lots of crafts but there will also be lots of experts on hand to answer spring and summer gardening questions.

According to an email from Annette Roberson, administrative assistant with NC Cooperative Extension in Vance County, bedding plants for the garden including vegetables, herbs and flowers will be available as well.

Roberson wrote, “Persons interested in selling at the VCRFM may contact Tracy Madigan, 252-598-0814 or Paul McKenzie at 252-438-8188. The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr. Henderson, NC, off S. Beckford Dr. behind the DaVita Dialysis Center.

“Until further notice, COVID-19 protocols will be in effect at the market including mandatory face coverings/masks and social distancing.”