Dr. Emma White Joins Maria Parham Women’s Care

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-Information and photo courtesy Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health (MPH), a Duke LifePoint hospital, is excited to announce that Emma White, DO has joined their women’s care practice, Maria Parham Women’s Care. Dr. White joins the community from Pitman, New Jersey where she has completed her residency program.

Dr. White earned her medical degree from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She completed a residency program at the Rowan School of Medicine in Stratford, New Jersey.

Dr. White is a member of the American Medical Women’s Association, American College of Osteopathic Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Osteopathic Association and the North Carolina Osteopathic Medical Association.

When she is not working, Dr. White enjoys sporting activities, mountain recreations, reading, traveling and quality time with her friends and family.

Dr. White is now accepting patients at Maria Parham Women’s Care located at 1209 SE Industry Drive in Oxford, North Carolina. This practice offers women’s health care services including well woman visits, obstetrical care, birth control management, high risk pregnancy care and menopause management.

To schedule an appointment, please call (252) 492-8576.

U.S. Department of Justice

Blacknall, of Henderson, Sentenced to Federal Prison for Heroin, Gun Convictions

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that United States District Judge James C. Dever, III, sentenced JERMILL BLACKNALL, 31, of Henderson, North Carolina, to 81 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised released.

On June 6, 2019, BLACKNALL pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On January 21 and 28, 2018, officers of the Henderson Police Department (HPD) conducted controlled purchases of heroin using a confidential informant from BLACKNALL’S residence.

Subsequently, a search warrant was executed at that location where officers recovered a loaded assault rifle with two extended magazines and a 50-round magazine “drum.” HPD also found raw heroin, a blender with heroin residue, digital scales, and packaging materials.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

Since 2017, the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case is also part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violence crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Henderson Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case for the government.

Vance County Logo

Vance Co. Board of Commissioners Meeting Set for Mon., Sept. 9

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to Board/Executive Asst., County of Vance

The Vance County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, September 9, 2019, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 122 Young Street, Henderson. The Invocation will be given by Pastor Ron Cava, First Baptist Church.

Public Comments (for those registered to speak by 5:45 p.m. – each speaker is limited to five minutes)

2. Appointment 6 p.m. Kendrick Vann, Recreation Director Recognition of Baseball and Softball Teams

3. Appointment 6:15 p.m. Porcha Brooks, Tax Administrator Online Business Listings

4. Water District Board

a. Staff Report

b. Monthly Operations Report

5. Committee Reports and Recommendations

a. Public Safety Committee

– Emergency Operations Plan

– Fire District Redistricting

b. Planning/Environmental Committee

– Land Clearing and Inert Debris Landfill

– Zoning Ordinance Amendment

– Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Amendment

6. Finance Director’s Report

a. Surplus Property

7. County Manager’s Report

a. Fall Litter Sweep Proclamation

b. Appointment of Finance Officer

c. Fire Engine Donation

d. Justice Assistance Grant

e. Evans & Associates – Tax Audit Renewal Contract

8. County Attorney’s Report

a. REO Property Bid Acceptance

– 340 Davis Street – Parcel 0027 07015

– Gun Club Road – Parcel 0407 01024B

– Woodsworth Road – Parcel 0303 02005

b. REO Property – New Offers

– 14 Colenda Lane – Parcel 0325A02011

– Cedar Cove Road – Parcel 0593 01031

9. Consent Agenda Items

a. Budget Amendment

b. Tax Refunds and Releases

c. Monthly Reports

d. Minutes

10. Closed Session

a. Personnel Matters

Click here to view current and prior Board agendas.

City of Henderson Logo

Henderson City Council to Hold Regular Meeting Sept. 9

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

The Henderson City Council will hold their regular meeting on Monday, September 9, 2019, beginning at 6 p.m. in the R.G. (Chick) Young, Jr. Council Chambers of the Municipal Building located at 134 Rose Avenue in Henderson, NC.

Agenda items include:

Public Hearing: Consideration of Approval of Ordinance 19-34, Rezoning 108 & 109 Wortham Court, Vance County Tax Parcel 0208A 01006 & 0208A 01005 from OIA (Office Institutional “A” District) to B-2A (Highway Commercial “A” District).

Consideration of Approval of Resolution 19-40, Authorizing the Sale of a Parcel of City Owned Land Located at 725 Roberson Street, Recorded in Vance County Tax Deed Book 1164, Page 212, Further Identified as PIN #0068 01014 and to Advertise for Upset Bids Per North Carolina General Statute 160A-269.

Consideration of Approval of Ordinance 19-35, Authorizing the Closing and Vacating of 315 Davis Street for Failure to Comply with Minimum Housing Standards.

Consideration of Approval of Ordinance 19-36, Authorizing the Removal or Demolition of 724 Hughes Street for Failure to Comply with the Abandoned Structure Code.

Consideration of Approval of Resolution 19-38, Approving the Sixth Amendment to the Kerr Lake Regional Water System (KLRWS) Agreement.

Consideration of Approval of Resolution 19-39, Approving Rent Increase and Continuation of CSX Transportation, Inc. Lease Agreement No. CSX 015161 and a Memorandum of Understanding with Vance-Granville Community College and the City of Henderson Regarding Use of the Kenneth K. Roberson Training Center (Henderson Police Training Center).

Consideration of Approval of Ordinance 19-39, FY 19-20 Budget Amendment #5, Authorizing the Transfer of Funds from the Henderson Police Department Federal Asset Forfeiture Account to the Overtime Account of the Police Operations Budget.

Consideration of Approval of Resolution 19-41, Approving a Transfer of Real Estate Located at 709 Arch Street, Vance County PIN #0091 01002 to Mr. Omega Perry Under North Carolina General Statutes §160A-457.2 Urban Homesteading Program.

Consideration of Approval of Ordinance 19-33, Amending Sanitation Ordinance Chapter 17, Section 17-3, Garbage and Trash Collection Policy.

Consideration of Approval of Tax Releases and Refunds from Vance County for the Month of July 2019.

Work Session: Consideration of Ordinance 19-37, Amending the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.

Click here to view previous and current Henderson City Council meeting agendas and minutes. 

Aycock Rec. Center to Expand Offering of Fall Swim Lessons

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-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center

Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks will offer fall swim lessons at the Aycock Recreation Center for ages 3 – adults on six consecutive Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays beginning the week of September 10.

The fee for the series of lessons is $30.

For additional information, including class times by age and registration deadlines, please see the posted flyer below.

Contact:

Lauren Newlin, Aquatics Program Supervisor

lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us ~ (252) 438-3160

https://ci.henderson.nc.us/departments/recreation-and-parks/

News 09/06/19

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Duke Energy

Duke Energy Reports First Storm Outages, Provides Important Reminders

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Please check the WIZS website, Facebook page and listen live to WIZS 1450 AM and 100.1 FM for storm updates. The latest briefing from the National Weather Service can be found any time by clicking here.

-Information courtesy Tanya Evans, District Manager, Duke Energy

We are beginning to see the first storm-related outages this afternoon as Hurricane Dorian storm bands reach our state. And while we aren’t expecting hurricane force winds locally, we do anticipate severe weather conditions which will lead to outages.

Across the state, we are still projecting as many as 700,000 customers or more could experience extended outages from this storm.

How to see outages in your area

See the outage map at www.duke-energy.com/outages.

You can view outages in a few ways. On all devices, you can use the search bar to find a specific address or location.

When looking at the map, you will see circle icons of varying sizes indicating the location and number of customers without power. One outage on the map could represent multiple homes and businesses. Pan the map and select a circle to zoom in on your location.

Or you can select the zoom (+/-) in the lower right corner of the map, and then use the mouse to drag left, right, up or down to navigate to the location you want to view. Or, you can select the zoom (+/-) in the lower right corner of the map, and then use the mouse to drag left, right, up or down to navigate to the location you want to view.

On a mobile device, use the pinch open gesture to zoom in and the pinch close gesture to zoom out, and then use the drag gesture to move the outage map to the desired location.

Email and text communication

We have been sharing prepare messages and updates with customers who have email addresses registered with us. In addition, a text message was sent today to customers who do not have an email on file with us:

“Duke Energy Storm: Dorian is bringing high winds & excessive rainfall to parts of our state. Prepare for dangerous conditions & extended outages. Our crews are nearby and ready to move as soon as conditions allow.  Visit https://duk.us/06 for latest info. Heed all warnings and stay safe. Text STOP to cancel.”

 Outage reporting  

Customers who experience an outage during the storm can report it by:

Visiting duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device.

Texting OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).

Calling the automated outage-reporting system at 800.419.6356.

For storm or power restoration updates, follow Duke Energy on Twitter (@DukeEnergy) and Facebook (Duke Energy). See the outage map at www.duke-energy.com/outages.

Important reminders

The following tips can help you and your family stay safe if the power goes out:

  • Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging. Consider all lines energized as well as trees, limbs or anything in contact with lines.
  • Charge cellphones, computers and other electronic devices in advance of the storm to stay connected to important safety and response information. Consider purchasing portable chargers and make sure they are fully charged as well.
  • Maintain a plan to move family members – especially those with special needs – to a safe, alternative location in case an extended power outage occurs or evacuation is required.
  • Pet owners should make arrangements to stay at evacuation shelters that accept pets; friends’ or family members’ homes; or pet-friendly hotels.
  • Report all power line hazards using the following phone numbers:
  • Duke Energy Carolinas customers – 800.769.3766
  • Duke Energy Progress customers – 800.419.6356
  • Please do not use 911 to report a downed power line unless it is a life-threatening emergency. If a power line falls across a car that you’re in, stay in the car and dial 911. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.Click here for a video demonstration and to read more about safety around power lines.
Henderson Police Department

HPD: Suspect Caught on Video Breaking Into ACTS Located, Arrested

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-Press Release, Henderson Police Department

On September 3, 2019, at 11:46 a.m., officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to ACTS, 305 South Chestnut Street, in reference to a breaking and entering to the business. Forced entry was made into the business and several items were taken. With the assistance from employees on scene and video footage, the suspect was identified.

On September 4, 2019, at 8 p.m., officers with the Henderson Police Department reported to 825 Nicholas Street locating Quincey Fuller. Mr. Fuller was taken into custody and most of the items taken previously were recovered.

Mr. Fuller was charged with B&E, larceny after B&E, possession of stolen property and injury to real property. Mr. Fuller received a $40,000 secured bond and was secured at the Vance County Jail.

As always, information can be given by contacting the Henderson Police Department directly at 252-438-4141, through contacting Crime Stoppers 252-492-1925 or through the P3 mobile app.

Vance Co. Schools Surpass State Graduation Rate for First Time

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

The performance of the Vance County Public Schools ticked up last year in several areas and revealed areas needing continued focus on the state’s annual School Performance Grade accountability measurements. This year more schools met or exceeded expectations for student gains and more schools earned grades of C or better than in previous years. VCS also posted the highest graduation rate in the history of the district.

At the end of our first year with our newly consolidated schools, while improvements were made at both schools, these data reveal mixed reviews. Vance County High School, while improving its biology scores by 26 points from 23% in 2018 to 49.4% in 2019, earned a school performance grade of D, missing improving their overall grade to a C, by less than one percentage point.

Additionally, Vance County Middle School, while making tremendous progress including increases in grade level proficiency by 6.2 points in reading from 30% in 2018 to 36.2% in 2019; 12 points in math, from 13.9% in 2018 to 26.4% in 2019 and 20.5 points in science from 34% in 2018 to 54.7% in 2019, earned a school performance grade of F. This was extremely disappointing, as they missed earning the next letter grade of D, by less than .04 of a percent.

The district also had several other bright spots in the report – 9 of 15 schools (60%) earned a letter grade of C or better.

Two schools – STEM Early High Middle School and Vance County Early College High School – earned the School Performance Grade of A.

Seven schools – Aycock, Carver, Clarke, Dabney, LB Yancey, Pinkston, and Zeb Vance – earned the School Performance Grade of C.

Four schools – EM Rollins, EO Young, New Hope and VCHS – earned the School Performance Grade of D and one school – VCMS earned the School Performance Grade of F.

8 of 15 schools (54%) met or exceeded growth – VCECHS, STEM-EH, Aycock, Carver, Dabney, EO Young, New Hope, and Pinkston Street.

Additionally, we are extremely proud of our STEM Early High Middle School and Vance County Early College students who posted perfect scores of 100% on the 8th grade science end-of-grade test and the Biology end-of-course exam.

We are also pleased to report that our 2018-2019 graduation rate is 86.7%, compared to the states graduation rate of 86.4.  This represents an increase of four-points over last year’s four-year graduation rate and a 21.8 point increase in six years.  This is the highest graduation rate in the district’s history and the first time VCS has ever surpassed the state average.

Superintendent, Dr. Anthony Jackson said, “This is a tremendous accomplishment and credit must be given to our entire team. We have worked diligently to implement strategies over the last few years to address the graduation rate and we are pleased to see a return on these efforts.”

Six years ago, Vance County Schools’ posted a graduation rate of 64.9% – the lowest in the state. “The graduation rate this year is a huge jump and we certainly are proud of that,” said Jackson. “The high school diploma gives our students options after graduation to pursue higher education, enlist in the military or to join the workforce prepared to be successful. We will not be satisfied until all of our students graduate on time, the stakes are too high to accept otherwise.”

The district is already working to address areas of deficit, train staff and implement new structures to support students. The district invites the community to its annual State of OUR Schools address on Wednesday, September 25, 2019, at 6 p.m. at Vance County High School to hear both our challenges and accomplishments as well as our plans for continuous improvement.

Town Talk 09/05/19: H-V Crime Stoppers to Hold 24th Annual Banquet

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The 24th Annual Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers Awards Banquet will be held Thursday, September 19, 2019, at Vance-Granville Community College’s Civic Center at 6:30 p.m.

James Baines, Crime Stoppers president, was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk to encourage the public and business community to support the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year.

Individual tickets for $12 and reservation of tables are available by contacting Lorraine Watkins at Henderson’s Screen Master on S. Garnett St., John Faucette at Carolina Carpet & Flooring on Parham Street or by calling Baines at (252) 430-9218.

Speaker for the occasion will be Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, with dinner provided by Ted Wheeler Catering.

The Tom Long Memorial Award, Sam Pearson Memorial Award, Community Award and Citizen of the Year Award, among others, will be issued to deserving community members and are always a big draw for the banquet.

“I’m hoping the community will come out and support Crime Stoppers because we support our community and our law enforcement,” Baines said.

To hear Baines’ interview in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.