Vance Sheriff: Two Arrested On Drug Charges In Separate Traffic Stops

/by

-Press releases from Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

The Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Division of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office made two arrests and seized several different types of pills and controlled substances in two different traffic stops this week.

On Monday, July 8, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle operated by Kenneth D. Bullock of Henderson.

Agents located and seized a quantity of both Hydrocodone and Oxycodone pills, along with a single dosage unit of the street drug Ecstasy, a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance.

Bullock was arrested and charged with the following criminal offenses:

  • Felony Possession of a Schedule 2 Controlled Substance
  • Felony Possession of a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance
  • Felony Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver a Schedule 2 Controlled Substance
  • Felony Maintaining a Vehicle to Keep/Sell/Transport a Controlled Substance

Bullock was placed under a secured bond in the amount of $30,000.

The second traffic stop took place on Wednesday, July 10, involving a vehicle found to be operated by Quintavious Alston of Henderson.

During this encounter, agents located and seized a quantity of Oxycodone pills, marijuana and a single dosage unit of the street drug Ecstasy.

 Alston was arrested and charged with the following criminal offenses:

  • Trafficking a Schedule 2 Controlled Substance
  • Felony Possession of a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance
  • Felony Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver a Schedule 2 Controlled Substance
  • Felony Maintaining a Vehicle to Keep/Sell/Transport a Controlled Substance
  • Simple Possession of marijuana
  • Carrying a Concealed Weapon

Alston was surrendered to the Vance County Detention Facility under no bond as he was currently out on bond for a prior arrest also related to drug violations.

Distinguished Alumni Award Due To VGCC Foundation Board By Aug. 31

/by

The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation board is seeking nominations for its third annual Distinguished Alumni award. Nominations are due by Aug. 31.

Throughout its 55-year history, VGCC has served the citizens of Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, preparing them for careers and further secondary education in dozens of certificate and curriculum programs.

Many alumni of VGCC have gone on to make significant impact in their communities and careers. Two years ago, the Vance-Granville Community College Foundation began recognizing one outstanding VGCC alumnus each year with the Distinguished Alumni Award. The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes and honors outstanding alumni who have made significant contributions to their community, college or career. Mara Shelton was the 2022 recipient; Dr. Priscilla Chavis-Lockley was honored in 2023.

Alumni who have completed a diploma or degree program at VGCC are eligible for the award. Current VGCC Foundation Board members are not eligible. Selection will be based on the following criteria:

  • Exhibits outstanding leadership and character
  • Achieved significant accomplishments in career area
  • Exhibits outstanding service to the community
  • Supports VGCC in some capacity

Visit www.vgcc.edu/foundation to complete the nomination form or request one via email at foundation@vgcc.edu. Please note that nominees remain nominated for three years after the receipt of their nomination.

The award will be presented during the annual the VGCC Foundation Scholarship Awards Luncheon on Sept. 26.

Sossamon Plans Concert Tuesday, July 23

/by

Pastor Frank Sossamon has scheduled a concert for Tuesday, July 23 at Freedom Life Church of God. Come listen to some good old Southern gospel music and hymns, featuring Sossamon, accompanied by Marsha Ranes on piano.

The performance begins at 4 p.m. and will highlight the activities of Community Partners of Hope. Sossamon said the event’s offering would benefit this worthwhile ministry and its ongoing activities.

Come out for a great time of worship, inspiration and fellowship at Freedom Life Church of God, located at 1001 Martin Creek Rd.

Call 252.432.1469 for more information.

Pop The Hood: Know The Difference Between Coolant And Antifreeze

/by

— For our sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, as part of a paid radio sponsorship on WIZS.

Although the terms often are used interchangeably, it’s important to know that antifreeze and coolant are NOT the same thing.

Coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze; antifreeze contains either ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, which keep your engine from freezing in winter or overheating in summer.

And while it may sound strange to be talking about “anti-freeze” products in the middle of summer, it’s always good to know just what your vehicle needs to operate efficiently in any type of weather. Let the professionals at Advance Auto Parts help you choose the product that’s just right for your needs.

Michael Puckett, a district manager at the Advance Auto on Raleigh Road, said different types of antifreeze come in different colors, according to their particular uses and ingredients.

Vehicle owners should follow the original manufacturer’s specifications when choosing antifreeze.

Coolants are usually 50/50 mixes of distilled water and the glycol, but different brands may offer different ratios.

In addition to raising the boiling point and lowering the freezing point of water, coolant also helps prevent corrosion.

Unless it’s an emergency situation, it’s never a good idea to put plain ol’ water in your vehicle’s radiator. But it IS always a good idea to disconnect the battery cables and make sure the engine is cool enough to work on before adding any fluids, even if you’re just topping off.

When your car or truck engine is not running, the coolant is in the radiator. When the engine is running, however, the coolant courses through passageways in the engine, absorbing heat before returning to the radiator to be cooled by fresh air.

If you find you’re having to top off coolant levels often, it could be a sign that there’s a leak in the system somewhere.

It’s a good idea to think about doing a system flush every few years, but that depends on the make and model of the vehicle.

The information contained in this post is not advice from Advance Auto Parts or WIZS.  Safety First!  Always seek proper help.  This is presented for its informational value only and is part of a paid advertising sponsorship.

TownTalk: NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey on Rates and More

/by

 

Anyone who owns a vacation home or rental property may know the difference between a homeowner’s insurance policy and a dwelling policy. They are two distinct types of coverage, and N.C. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey has successfully negotiated an agreement that provides for a rate increase of 8 percent for dwelling policies.

The Rate Bureau had requested a 50.6 percent increase, but as the head of what Causey calls a consumer advocate agency, it’s his job to keep an eye on the bottom line to make sure that people who want and need insurance have access to the best information to make decisions about coverage.

“My job is to protect consumers…to make sure they’re getting a fair shake and (insurance) companies are financially solvent so that they can pay claims when needed,” he said on Thursday’s TownTalk.

Although the rates vary across the state – higher rates in counties along the coast and lower in some of the western counties, Vance County’s rate is just over half of that 8 percent level, Causey said – 4.8 or 4.9 percent.

The new rates take effect on Nov. 1.

Renters need to remember, however, that a dwelling policy is for the structure; renters still need to consider renters’ insurance to protect their personal property against, loss, theft or damage.

Causey explained that, as insurance commissioner, he is only able to offer two responses to a Rate Bureau for a rate request: yes or no.

So far, in his 8 years, his answer has always been “no,” which puts the request on a path that involves going to court. The dwelling policy rate request had been scheduled for later this month, but it was canceled when an agreement was reached in May.

“I’ve beem criticized for not going to court,” Causey said, but court cases are expensive and those costs get passed along to taxpayers. The way he sees it, “getting as close to 0 as you can get – that’s much better than going through that court process.”

So far, a request for a homeowner’s insurance rate increase is still on for October. During the required public comment period, Causey said he received more than 25,000 comments – not surprisingly – asking that rates not go up.

“I heard the message loud and clear,” Causey said.

With his consumer advocacy hat on, Causey reminds current policy holders to review their coverage regularly, shop around and choose financially sound companies that will be able to pay claims.

Make sure you ask your insurance agent about deductibles and make sure you ask for replacement value coverage.

“If you don’t have replacement value coverage, you’re not going to be happy with your claim,” he said. Having this type of coverage may cost a few dollars more in premiums, he said, but “it’s worth its weight in gold.”

Oh, and don’t fall for TV and internet ads. Choose local agents with local companies, he said.

Email him at mike.causey@ncdoi.gov, visit www.complaint.ncdoi.gov to file a complaint or phone the department 855.408.1212.

“We’re here to help and that’s the message I want to get out,” Causey said.

 

CLICK PLAY!

Vance County Logo

County’s New Chief Code Enforcement Officer Set To Begin Work Monday, July 15

/by

Vance County has selected Bob Rosch as the new Chief Code Enforcement Officer, effective Monday, July 15.

The code enforcement office is located in the same office as planning, but it will function as a separate department with Rosch as the department head, according to information received Wednesday from Kelly Grissom, clerk to the board of county commissioners.

Prior to joining Vance County, Rosch served as a multi-trade building and fire inspector for the town of Morrisville. He is certified by the N.C. Dept. of Insurance Level III in all  building trades and he holds several certifications from the National Fire Administration as a Fire Inspector and Fire Plan Reviewer.

“I am happy to return to Vance County where I previously resided for many years and look forward to serving the community,”  Rosch said.

“I am more than thrilled to bring Mr. Rosch on board with the rest of the Vance County team,” said County Manager C. Renee Perry. “His inspections experience will definitely be of benefit to Vance County.”

Vance Sheriff: Butner Man Held Under $2M Bond On Kidnapping, Sex-Related Charges

/by

–      press release from Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

On July 8, 2024, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office received a report for a Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division opened an investigation into the allegation.

The reporting person alleged that Dhamani Fields, age 27 of Butner, NC had solicited a female juvenile for the purposes of performing sexual acts multiple times.

As a result of the investigation, Fields was charged with two counts of 2nd Degree Kidnapping, one count of 1st Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, two counts of Indecent Liberties with a Minor, two counts of Soliciting a Minor for Prostitution, and two counts of Statutory Sexual Offense of a Child 15 years or younger.

On July 9, 2024, with the assistance of Butner Public Safety, Fields was taken into custody without incident in Butner, NC and transported back to Vance County, NC. Fields received a $2,000,000 secured bond for the charges listed and was confined to the Vance County Jail.

The investigation into this incident is still ongoing and anyone with additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 252.738.2200, or Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers at 252.492.1925 or through the P3 app.

TownTalk: Renee Perry’s First 8 Months As County Manager

/by

Vance County Manager C. Renee Perry has been on the job for eight months, and during that time, she’s had plenty of issues to deal with – filling vacant positions, finalizing the county’s budget and getting up to speed about ongoing challenges involving possible restructure of the fire services, a revaluation and dismissal of a key county official.

For a “glass-half-empty” person, navigating these sometimes choppy waters could be overwhelming. But Perry’s glass seems to always be  at least half-full, and when she came on board, she said she was “excited to begin the journey.”

Perry’s first day on the job was Nov. 1, 2023, having been the deputy county manager in Halifax County.

She viewed numerous director vacancies in four county departments not as negatives, but as opportunities to build her leadership team and move forward. One director took another position within the county, another left citing family needs, and others left the county to pursue other opportunities. The finance director, however, was dismissed in February 2024 amid a cloud of suspicion of fraud and other allegations that remain under investigation.

And, one by one, those vacancies have been filled: Budget and Finance director, Animal Services manager, Planning director, Elections director.

On Tuesday, Perry announced that Ferdinand Rouse would begin his role as the county’s economic development director on Monday, July 15.

All the while, Perry was putting together the county’s budget with the added wrinkle of considering results of a property revaluation that occurs every 8 years and guiding commissioners to set a palatable tax rate that would allow the county to continue planning several capital projects, including a new jail, EMS building, 911 call center and more.

And there’s still four months until Perry celebrates her first year of occupying the county manager’s office.

CLICK PLAY!