Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers Recognizes Local ‘Heroes’ at Annual Banquet

/by

The resounding message at the Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers 23rd Annual Awards & Recognition Banquet held at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center Thursday evening was that Vance County has many positive aspects.

“Stay positive and stay above the negativity. This community is tremendous,” commented Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow.

Vance County Sheriff Peter White agreed with Barrow, “When you are out and about and you hear people talking negative, don’t agree with that stuff. Crime is on the downward trend and has been for several years.”

Lt. Governor Dan Forest addresses the crowd at the Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers 23rd Annual Awards & Recognition Banquet held at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center on Thursday, September 20, 2018.

White, who was attending his last Crime Stoppers banquet as Sheriff, said he is proud to call Vance County home. “I’m not satisfied [with crime levels] but I feel better. I’m not leaving and I’m not moving. This is our community and this is our home and it’s not going to get any better unless we all pitch in.”

Special guest for the evening, Lt. Governor Dan Forest, addressed the numerous first responders in attendance by praising the work they do in the face of dangerous, and often times underappreciated, circumstances. “There is a certain call on your life to go into harm’s way when no one else wants to. First responders run in because that’s what they do. There is something special about that.”

Forest further explained that events such as 9/11 and the recent destruction of Hurricane Florence prove that first responders are the real heroes of society. “You’re always going to do the right thing no matter what the cost is – not politicians, not Hollywood, not professional sports; you are the heroes.”

Forest’s remarks were followed by the award presentation segment of the banquet and included:

Community Watch Award – presented by Nowell Brooks to Kittrell Community Watch

Local Citizen Award – presented by Pastor Abidan Shah to Lee Anne Peoples

Public Service Award – presented by Frankie Nobles to Jamie Elliott

Public Service Award – presented by Tonya Moore to Randolph Wilson

Corporate Award – presented by Danny Wright to Maria Parham Health

Business Award – present by Clarence Hicks to Golden Corral

Board Member of the Year Award – presented by Lorraine Watkins, vice president of Crime Stoppers, to Edward Woodlief

Following this presentation, four Crime Stoppers Law Enforcement Awards were given to individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to protecting and serving the community.

Officer Joshua Justice is shown with his Sam Pearson Memorial Award as presented by Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow. Barrow described Justice as showing “true dedication” and being among the best the Henderson Police Department has to offer.

The Sam Pearson Memorial Award was presented by Chief Barrow to Officer Joshua Justice. Barrow described Justice as showing “true dedication” and being among the best the Henderson Police Department has to offer.

Barrow described a recent traffic stop involving Justice on Roanoke Avenue in Henderson involving a suspect who tossed a gun in a pond.

“That night, [Justice] took off his shoes and climbed in the water in uniform to try to find the gun. He didn’t find it that night but went back on his own time with a couple of officers the next day, climbed back in the murky water and found the gun. That’s the type of officers we have at the Henderson Police Department,” said Barrow.

Barrow went on to detail Justice’s accomplishments while on the force including 120 arrests, seizure of 12 firearms, 400 grams of marijuana, 1200 dose units of heroin and interruptions of robberies in progress.

The next award, the Tom Long Memorial Award, was presented by White to Lt. of Investigations John Christopher Shelton. “If [Shelton] gets a clue, somebody is going to get arrested. He will track them and somebody is going to have a bad day,” White said.

The N.C. State Highway Patrol Award was presented by Sgt. Jeff Rowan to the 2018 Trooper of the Year Joseph Thomas.

The Vance County Animal Services Award was present by Chief Frankie Nobles to shelter assistant Ellen Wilkerson. “This lady comes to our shelter 3 – 4 times a week and files every report and every piece of paper we have. This allows our small staff to be out working,” Nobles said.

Music for the banquet was provided by Nelson Woodhouse; catering by Ted Wheeler’s Catering Service.

Community Gets First Look at City’s New Fire Engine

/by

Local leaders and residents gathered at Henderson’s Fire Station #2 on Friday for the community’s first peek at the new fire engine.

Fire department staff were on-hand to demonstrate the nearly half-a-million-dollar engine. The new model replaces one of the City’s older year models from 1990 and includes newer, faster technology and safety features.

Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the newly renovated fire department and adjoining municipal building that previously served as the police department.

Local community leaders admire the City’s new fire engine in front of Fire Station #2 on N. Garnett St. in downtown Henderson. (Photo Credit: Kaine Riggan, Downtown Development Director)

‘Stars of the Grand Ole Opry’ to Delight Country Music Fans

/by

-Information and flyer courtesy the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

“Stars of the Grand Ole Opry” presented by Branson’s Ozark Jubilee will perform Saturday, October 13, 2018, at 8 p.m. at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson.

The all-star cast of the Jubilee will be performing the music of the great stars of the Grand Ole Opry. This year’s Jubilee features the Australian Sensation, “Jennifer Simmons.” The Jubilee also features Branson’s funniest comedian and world-class fiddler, Doofus Doolittle. If you like Country music and good, clean family entertainment, you’ll want to bring all your friends and come out to see the Ozark Jubilee!

“Star of the Grand Ole Opry” is part of the McGregorLive! Performance Series. Doors open one hour before the show.

Tickets on sale for $32.03 and may be purchased by:

DROP IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m
CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)
CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance Co. Republican Party to Hold “Get Out The Vote” Rally at Pool Rock

/by

-Information courtesy Judy Satterwhite, Vance County Republican Party

Vance County GOP will hold a “Get Out The Vote” Rally and free hot dog dinner on Thursday, October 4, 2018, at 6 p.m. – until at Pool Rock Plantation, 1305 Pool Rock Road (off Hwy 39 North) in Henderson.

Live music will be provided by Jimmy Barrier & Friends.

Meet the Candidates:

Roger Allison (U.S. House of Representatives)
Chuck Early (N.C. Senate)
Charles Pulley (Vance County Sheriff)
Mark Robinson (speaking on Freedom, NRA, 2nd Amendment)
& other candidates

All Republicans, conservatives and “anyone that loves America” is welcome.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

News 09/21/18

/by

17th Annual ‘Show, Shine, Shag & Dine’ Only One Month Away!

/by

Vance County Tourism Development Director Pam Hester and Administrative Assistant Norman Dickerson were on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss tourism news and upcoming events.

The next tourism-sponsored event will be the 17th Annual Show, Shine, Shag & Dine on Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20 in downtown Henderson. 1978 and older antique cars, classic cars, nostalgia drag cars, muscle cars, street rods, rat rods and trucks will cover a ten-block area of Garnett Street in Historic Downtown Henderson.

With only one month to go until the big event, the tourism department is busy preparing for the thousands of guests who will be visiting Henderson and Vance County.

This world-class car show is one of the largest tourism draws and economic boosts to Vance County each year. Local hotels, gas stations, restaurants, stores and places of entertainment all benefit from the dollars spent over the weekend.

2018 Show, Shine, Shag & Dine Schedule:

Friday, October 19

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. ~ Cruise-in and BBQ cookout for event guests. Meal served 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. $12 per plate cover charge at the door. Location: Satterwhite Point Park, Kerr Lake, I-85 – Exit 217.

7 – 10 p.m. ~ Receptions at host hotels (for their guests) – Hampton Inn, Baymont Inn & Suites, Red Roof Inn Plus and Sleep Inn.

7 – 11 p.m. ~ Cruise around town on your own or visit Raleigh Road Outdoor Drive-In Theatre.

Saturday, October 20

7:30 – 11 a.m. ~ Car registration – open to all makes and models 1978 and older. Antique cars, classic cars, nostalgia drag cars, muscle cars, street rods, rat rods and trucks. Judged cars $25; other vehicles $20. Dash plaques to the first 400 cars.

7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ~ Show and Shine, live entertainment, DJ Cliff Cox, food, vendors, judging and awards.

7:30 – 11 p.m. ~ Cruise around town on your own or visit Raleigh Road Outdoor Drive-In Theatre.

No personal golf carts, bicycles or pets allowed. Golf cart taxi rides will be provided for people needing assistance for health reasons. Children ride with adult supervision only.

For more information, please visit www.kerrlake-nc.com or call 1-866-438-4565.

Vance Co. Animal Services Recipient of $7K+ Spay/Neuter Grant

/by

-Press Release, County of Vance

Vance County Animal Services is pleased to announce that they are a recipient of a $7,500 Spay/Neuter Grant from Community Partnership for Pets. This grant was received from the Margaret T. Pietrie Spay/Neuter Foundation out of Chapel Hill, NC.

This grant was applied for on September 16, 2018, and will be used for:

Pet spay/neuter services for citizens in the community that do not qualify for the state-funded spay/neuter program.

These funds will help citizens in our community get their personal pets spayed/neutered to reduce the number of unwanted animals being born in the community. This will also reduce the number of animal intakes at the Vance County Animal Shelter.

‘Laugh It Up!’ Comedy Show to Entertain at McGregor Hall

/by

-Information and flyer courtesy the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

The Laugh It Up! Comedy Show featuring headlining acts Alonzo “Hamburger” Jones and  Shucky Ducky will be performing at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center on Saturday, September 22, 2018, at 8 p.m.

HHHAAAMM – BBBUURRRGGGEEERR!!!!!

Alonzo “Hamburger” Jones has become a people’s favorite all over the world. Comedian Hamburger is on a mission to let people know they are not living right. In doing so, Hamburger tries not to use profanity, like gentlemen of the old west who did not swear in front of the ladies. Instead, comedian Alonzo Jones has substituted profanity with one word…..HAMBURGER.

QUACK – QUACK!!!!!

Cecil “Shucky Ducky” Armstrong has appeared on “Def Comedy Jam.” He has also been the ringmaster of the UniverSoul Circus. He is known for the catchphrase “Shucky Ducky Quack Quack.” He describes his catchphrase as meaning disappointment or excitement.

The night’s emcee is Les Long. Tara “Sister Bigbone” Sharp and Darren Fleet join in on the fun.

The Comedy Show is part of the Heritage! Performance Series. Doors open one hour before the show.

Tickets on sale for $32.03 and may be purchased by:

DROP IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m
CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)
CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

‘A Dash of Hope’ 5K Run/Walk to Raise Funds for Community Partners of Hope

/by

-Information courtesy Rev. Dr. Carolyn Roy, Community Partners of Hope and the Dash of Hope website

Come join us for a 5K Run/Walk at beautiful Kerr Lake/Satterwhite Point to raise funds and awareness for Community Partners of Hope  They are working to transform the lives of homeless men by uniting community partners to offer these men hope, help, and resources that enable growth into physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually healthy contributors to their families and the community.

Community Partners of Hope operates an emergency temporary shelter for men only from November 1 through March 31 every year. The shelter has been in operation since 2009.

Community Partners of Hope operates Hope House which is a transitional housing unit which offers the next level of assistance to a select group of men who show promise of once again becoming self-sufficient contributors to our community. Once admitted to Hope House, these men will be assigned trained mentors, and will receive the resources, encouragement, and guidance needed for them to one day live in homes of their own.

The 5K run/walk is held at Satterwhite Point in Henderson (6254 Satterwhite Point Road for your GPS) beginning at 9 am.  Plank Chapel United Methodist Church in Kittrell organizes the event.

​Click here to download a course map.

In its inaugural race last year, seventy-six runners and walkers signed up to participate in the event. Dave Arner led all finishers in 22:27. Jolie Stevenson was the top woman finisher in 28:52.

Entrants can sign up as a timed or not timed participant. Timed entrants will receive an official finishing time for their effort, will be listed in the official results, and will be eligible for awards. The non-timed entrants will not receive an official time but will be able to see their finishing times on a digital clock at the finish line.

The entry fees are $25 (if entered NLT May 31), $30 (June 1 – August 31) and $35 thereafter up to and including race day. The entry fee includes a t-shirt guaranteed to all those entered by September 29.

The top male finisher and the top female finisher will each receive a comforter from Hollander, while the second place male and the second place female will each receive a set of memory foam pillows. Awards will also be given to the youngest male finisher, to the youngest female finisher and to the oldest finisher, regardless of gender.

​Click here to download a mail-in entry form. Visit the A Dash of Hope website by clicking here.

Town Talk 09/20/18

/by