Jarvis Dante Perry, Suspect in Vance Co. Murder, Found in Oxford

Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow told WIZS News that as of 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 13, 2019, Jarvis Dante Perry was in custody.

Perry is a suspect in a shooting case in Henderson.

According to an earlier press release from Chief Barrow, Saturday, February 9 around 2 a.m. in the 400 block of Charles Street, shots were fired into a vehicle occupied by Ileana Jones, age 37, and two others.

Ileana Jones was struck by the gunfire and later succumbed to her injuries at a medical facility.

Barrow said Wednesday afternoon that Henderson Police received “reliable information that he was located in Oxford. We went and swore out a search warrant for the location in Oxford.”

Barrow said, “Our guys went over there, got up with Oxford PD, and went and executed the search warrant, and took him into custody without issue.”

Wednesday night, Barrow issued the following press statement, “Today, the 13th day of February, the Special Operations Division of the Henderson Police Department developed information that Javius Dan’te Perry was located in the apartment complex on Hillside Drive, Oxford NC. Agents contacted Oxford Police Department and ascended on this location, taking Javius Dan’te Perry into custody. Perry was brought back to Henderson for questioning and will be taken to the Vance County Jail after his appearance before the Magistrate.

“The Henderson Police Department is grateful for the assistance and support received from the SBI, Vance County Sheriff’s Office, the Oxford Police Department, and especially the family of the victim.”

Dabney Drive

Section of Dabney Dr. to Close This Evening for Sewer Line Repair

-Information courtesy Esther J. McCrackin, City Clerk, City of Henderson

Dabney Drive will be closed for through traffic from Coble Boulevard to Roanoke Avenue beginning Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at 10 p.m. The work should be completed by 12 p.m. on Thursday, February 14, 2019.

This closure is necessary to repair a sewer line across Dabney Drive. The City of Henderson does not anticipate any interruption of water or sewer service to customers during the repair.

Traffic will be detoured around the closure utilizing Coble Boulevard, Nelson Street and Roanoke Avenue.

Local traffic will have access to and from properties within the closed portion of Dabney Drive.

New Orleans-Themed ‘Mardi Paws’ Fundraiser to Benefit Local Animal Services

Frankie Nobles, chief of Vance County Animal Services, was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the upcoming “Mardi Paws” fundraiser to be held at Kerr Lake Country Club in Henderson on Saturday, February 23, 2019, from 7 p.m. until midnight.

Hosted by West Hills Veterinary Centre, the Mardi Gras-themed event will include live music from The Soul Psychedelic Orchestra, heavy hors d’oeuvres from Henderson’s own Next Door Bistro, cocktails, a full cash bar and a silent auction.

The New Orleans-inspired menu will include a crawfish boil, shrimp & grit cakes, muffaletta, sweet & spicy corn fritters, catfish bites, Cajun fries, bread pudding & whiskey sauce and a bananas foster station.

Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the door the night of the fundraiser, by visiting West Hills Vet or by calling (252) 654-9738. Individual tickets are $60; $100 per couple. Each ticket includes two beer/wine tickets.

Guests are encouraged to dress accordingly in cocktail and Mardi Gras-inspired attire, complete with a mask to match the masquerade theme. This is a 21-and-over event and it is asked that you leave your pets at home.

Money raised at the fundraiser will benefit the Vance County Animal Shelter and the Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society.

Nobles said he is thankful for fundraising efforts by organizations such as West Hills Vet because his job would be “impossible” without the support of local vets and the community.

“We invite you to come out and support local animal services,” said Nobles. “It is going to be a fun night with beads, dancing and all sorts of things.”

To hear the Town Talk interview with Frankie Nobles in its entirety, please click here.

Granville Vance Public Health Announces Funding Still Available for WIC Program

-Information courtesy Granville County Government’s Facebook page 

UPDATE FROM GRANVILLE VANCE PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT:

The WIC program still has funding available, even with the risk of a second (potential) government shutdown. NC eWIC cards will still work at grocery stores that accept WIC benefits.

Call your local WIC office at 919-693-1333 (Granville County) or 252-492-3147 (Vance County) if you have any questions.

NC Dept of Agriculture

Regulators Notify Industry Regarding CBD Products in the Marketplace

-Press Release, N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is sending out letters next week to manufacturers and retailers who sell products containing CBD oil, detailing what is legal to sell in North Carolina.

“Under federal Food and Drug Administration laws, CBD is considered a drug,” said Joe Reardon, NCDA&CS assistant commissioner of consumer protection. “North Carolina state laws mirror federal laws. This means that CBD cannot legally be added to any human food or animal feed that is for sale.”

The product can also not make health claims, including statements that the product may prevent, treat or cure any disease. Failure to comply could result in embargo or seizure of products.

“We are taking an educate before regulate stance with industry,” Reardon said. “We know they may not be aware of the state laws regarding the addition of a drug to a food product. However, we reserve the right to be more assertive, as other states have been, if we need to be in the future. Our main concern is consumer health and safety with any product that falls under our regulatory authority.”

“We also urge consumers to be smart shoppers and ask questions before choosing to purchase any tincture that contains cbd öl or hemp extract. Find out how the product is manufactured, if the company has purity standards and what the potency may be,” he said.

Industry with questions about the regulation of CBD can call the Food and Drug Protection Division, 919-733-7366.

News 02/13/19

Thomas Arrested on 52 Felony Drug Violations; Million Dollar Bond Set

-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On February 6, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit, Special Response Team, Community Action Team and agents with North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE), arrested Vance County resident, Jhi’Tay Thomas, on 52 Felony drug violations.

This investigation began when the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit received information that Jhi’Tay Thomas was involved in the illegal distribution of controlled substances throughout Franklin and surrounding counties.

Drug Unit Detectives and ALE Agents began what resulted in a two-month investigation in which the allegations were confirmed. During the investigation, Thomas brought and sold Marijuana and Ecstasy (MDMA) on numerous occasions. The investigation and arrest resulted in 675 Ecstasy Pills and 80 grams of Marijuana being seized. The street value of these drugs totaled $18,465.

On February 6, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit, Special Response Team, Community Action Team and agents with North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE), arrested Vance County resident, Jhi’Tay Thomas, on 52 Felony drug violations. (Photo: FCSO)

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “This investigation was extremely important because the intended recipient of Ecstasy Pills is often teenagers. Removing these pills and those who sell them off our streets will make our communities safer. The partnerships and teamwork exhibited during these types of operations continue to provide positive results for our County.”

In addition to ALE, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit was assisted in this investigation by the Louisburg Police Department, Henderson Police Department and the North Carolina National Guard Counter Drug Task Force.

Jhi’Tay Thomas

1840 Farm Street

Henderson, NC 27536

DOB: 03/11/1998

Jhi’Tay Thomas was issued a citation on the following:

  • Flee to Elude
  • Misdemeanor Driving While License Revoke
  • Left of Center

Jhi’Tay Thomas was charged with the following:

  • Trafficking by Possession of MDMA (4 Counts)
  • Trafficking by Transportation of MDMA (4 Counts)
  • Trafficking by Delivery of MDMA (1 Count)
  • Trafficking by Selling MDMA (3 Counts)
  • Conspire to Traffic MDMA (2 Counts)
  • Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana (8 Counts)
  • Sell and Deliver Marijuana (8 Counts)
  • Maintain a Dwelling/Vehicle for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substances (10 Counts)
  • Sell and Deliver MDMA (5 Counts)
  • Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver MDMA (5 Counts)
  • Conspire to Sell and Deliver MDMA (2 Counts)
  • Jhi’Tay Thomas is currently being held in the Franklin County Jail on $1,080,000 secured bond.

For more information regarding this investigation, or to provide information regarding drug activity in your community, please contact Sergeant Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.

Bundy Appointed Chief Finance Officer for Vance County Schools

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Michael Bundy has been appointed as the new chief officer for Finance and Business Operations for Vance County Schools. Members of the Vance County Board of Education approved his appointment at their regular monthly meeting this evening.

Bundy is joining Vance County Schools after serving since September of 2015 as the finance officer for Moore County Schools in Pinehurst.

“It will be an honor and privilege to serve the students, staff and community of Vance County Schools,” Bundy said. “It is rewarding to know that I will have a small part in the success of students in their journey to achieve their goals of a bright future.”

Michael Bundy has been appointed as the new chief officer for Finance and Business Operations for Vance County Schools. Bundy is joining Vance County Schools after serving since September of 2015 as the finance officer for Moore County Schools in Pinehurst.

Bundy has held finance positions at the state level. Prior to serving in Moore County Schools, he served in the finance department in the Cumberland County School System. He also is a former president of the N.C. Association of School Business Officers and is highly regarded and recognized as one of the best finance officers in the state.

“Mr. Bundy is imminently qualified and brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the areas of school finance, accounting and auditing to us,” said Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent of Vance County Schools.

“We are indeed fortunate to get someone with Mr. Bundy’s background, experience and of his caliber,” Jackson added. “I am confident that he will lead our finance team to the next level of excellence and will enable us to stay on our positive trajectory organizationally and financially.”

He is a certified public accountant and a certified school business officer. He received his bachelor of science degree in accounting from Wingate University and his master’s of business administration degree from Campbell University.

Bundy will officially begin his employment with Vance County Schools on April 1.

He succeeds Jennifer Bennett, who has taken the finance leadership position with Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools.

McGregor Hall

Hopper: 5th Dimension, Other Headlining Acts Offer ‘World-Class’ Entertainment

Mark Hopper, chair of the Embassy Cultural Center Foundation, was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center’s ability to attract big headlining acts.

One such act, 5th Dimension, will be performing this Saturday, February 16, 2019, at 8 p.m. at the performing arts center located at 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson.

Formed in 1965, the Grammy-winning group currently performs with two of their original members, including Florence LaRue.

Classic songs including “Up, Up, and Away, “One Less Bell to Answer,” “Last Night I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” and the iconic “Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine In” are sure to delight.

According to Hopper, 5th Dimension is one of the biggest acts to grace McGregor Hall and demonstrates the positive impact the venue is having on the local economy.

“It’s exactly what we wanted to do,” said Hopper. “From the very first germination of this idea the project was an economic one more than an artistic one; the arts just happened to be the vehicle that we were using.”

“We knew the way to get people involved and to get the economic engine running was to make what we put on stage was the very best it could be. We’ve proven we can bring the very best in world-class entertainment right here to Henderson and Vance County.”

Tickets are still available for Saturday’s performance and may be purchased by:

Drop In: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. (Monday – Friday from 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

Call: (252) 598-0662 (Monday – Friday from 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

Online: www.McGregorHall.org (Use the eTix official site; online fees apply)

To hear the Town Talk interview with Mark Hopper in its entirety, please click here. Hopper’s interview begins at approximately the 10:20 mark. 

Perry Library to Feature ‘Dramatic & Moving’ Black History Month Presentation

Amanda Yetter, Youth Services Librarian at Perry Memorial Library in downtown Henderson, was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the library’s upcoming Black History Month presentation on Monday, February 18, 2019, at 4:30 p.m.

The presentation, titled “Struggle for Freedom: The Life of Dr. King” will be held in the library’s Farm Bureau Room and will be performed by the Asheville-based Bright Star Touring Theatre.

According to Yetter, “Struggle for Freedom” is a 45-minute production that seeks to honor the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. The life and work of Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. provide the backdrop to scenes that recreate the Montgomery bus boycott, the march on Washington, the Woolworth sit-ins and much more.

With excerpts from famous speeches, Civil Rights era songs and a variety of characters, this production has been hailed as one of ‘the finest touring shows available for young audiences.”

The moving performance will demonstrate that the story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of both triumph and tragedy, said Yetter. “In this dramatic show, audiences come to see that the rights won during the American Civil Rights Movement came with a heavy price.”

The show is free of charge and is recommended for ages 8 through adult.

For more information, or to view the variety of programs and services offered by Perry Memorial Library, please click here.

To hear the Town Talk interview with Amanda Yetter in its entirety, please click here.