WIZS Radio Local News Audio 03-06-24 Noon
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Failure to Stop at Stop Sign Results in HPD Making Drug Arrests
According to Henderson Police, on March 2 around 11:27 p.m., an officer observed a blue Hyundai passenger vehicle fail to stop for the stop sign at Pettigrew and Walnut Streets. The officer initiated a traffic stop and observed an object being thrown from the vehicle on Pettigrew Street.
The vehicle stopped on Orange Street and the occupants were detained.
Another officer was able to locate the object that was thrown from the vehicle, which ended up being approximately 172 dosage units of heroin and 6 grams of crack cocaine. A search of the vehicle located 24 grams of marijuana.
Ry Wynn, 21, of Briggs Road, Henderson and Antarious Harrington, 28, of Barclay Lane, Henderson were arrested and charged with possession with intent to manufacture and deliver cocaine, heroin, and marijuana; manufacture cocaine; and possession of drug paraphernalia. Wynn was also charged with misdemeanor flee to elude.
Both received no bond and were remanded to the Vance County Jail.
Primary Election Coverage in Vance County; Commissioner Taylor Unseated
Valencia Perry unseated incumbent Archie Taylor in Tuesday’s Democratic primary election for the District 2 seat on the Vance County Board of Commissioners.
It was a fairly close contest through the evening as the county’s 12 precincts reported, and WIZS News was able to call the race for Perry by 9 p.m. Perry had 251 votes to Taylor’s 213. Perry got more votes than Taylor in each of the precincts in District 2, according to tallies Tuesday night by the Vance County Board of Elections.
The other local race determined on Super Tuesday was the District 5 Board of Education race. Incumbent Linda Cobb successfully defended her seat by defeating challenger William Earl Purvis 308 to 138 – that’s 69 percent for Cobb and 31 percent for Purvis.
WIZS News contacted Perry by phone Tuesday evening after the results were in. “I thank everyone who voted for me,” Perry said. “I’m so grateful… I will be proud and humble to serve the people of Vance County.”
On the campaign trail, Perry said she heard concerns about schools, mental health and the county jail – issues that she also had emphasized as priorities.
“The people came out and voted for me,” she said. “They listened to me and they gave me a chance.”
Taylor congratulated Perry on her win and said he would support her any way he could.
“I wish her all the best going forward,” he said in a phone interview with WIZS News Tuesday.
First elected in 2012, Taylor said he would continue to serve on the boards he’s on to the utmost of his abilities.
Between now and December, when Perry will be sworn in as District 2 Commissioner, Taylor said he would continue to work with his fellow commissioners on issues including the budget, on the revaluation process and “this revenue neutral business with the taxes.”
After the polls closed at 7:30 p.m., results rolled in smoothly to the local board of elections office through the evening.
A total of 5,656 votes were cast in Vance County – 3,338 Democrat ballots and 2,305 Republican ballots were tallied. There are 28,296 registered voters in the county, so 5,656 represents roughly 20 percent that came out to vote in this primary election.
This overall voter turnout is lower than the previous two March primaries – turnout in March 2020 was 24.6 percent. In March 2016, almost 32 percent of voters cast votes.
— UPDATED 10:38 p.m. March 5, 2024
By Laura Gabel. John C. Rose contributed.
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TownTalk: Sossamon Hosts Human Trafficking Forums
N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon wants to get the word out about a couple of upcoming community forums that he hopes will shed a little light on the topic of human trafficking – what it is, what it can look like and how to seek help or report suspicions. Scheduling forums like the ones next week is just one way that Sossamon continues to pastor to the community.
The first forum will be held Tuesday, Mar. 12 at Perry Memorial Library, Sossamon said on Tuesday’s TownTalk. There’s a special session for law enforcement representatives from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., followed by the community forum open to the public at 6 p.m.
He said there will be representatives from a variety of agencies and nonprofits well-versed in the issue of human trafficking to inform and educate and help attendees “better understand this enormous and egregious problem.”
The second forum will be held at the Granville Expo Center in Oxford on Thursday, Mar. 14, following the same format as the Henderson event.
When you hear the term “human trafficking,” what often comes to mind is either sex trafficking or labor trafficking.
Oftentimes, Sossamon said, people don’t know what signs to look for, and instances of trafficking could be happening “right up under our noses.”
Attend one of the two forums and come away with information, some training and a better level of understanding about the problem.
Victims of human trafficking are often under such control that they often never say a word, never try to escape, Sossamon explained. Sometimes they wear bulky clothing or stay covered up to hide malnutrition or markings from abuse.
“It’s beyond me to fully comprehend…to be taken against their will…and do whatever they’re told to do,” he said. “It’s such a large topic when you begin to dive into it – it covers so many different scenarios.”
He recalled a recent case that happened here in Vance County when a law enforcement officer discovered a case of trafficking.
Thanks to training that the State Highway Patrol officer had received, he was able to identify and capture the perpetrator and save the victim.
“One of the big things is awareness, even among those who are sworn to protect,” Sossamon said, adding that there are so many demands on law enforcement officers, the more the community can do to help, the better.
“It takes all of us to have a level of awareness and understanding,” he said, adding that it’s important for individuals to be on the lookout, too.
Holding forums in his district is just one way to help keep the community safe, involved and informed.
“It takes all of us to be involved,” Sossamon said.
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The Local Skinny! Sossamon Pastors To Community
N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon wants to get the word out about a couple of upcoming community forums that he hopes will shed a little light on the topic of human trafficking – what it is, what it can look like and how to seek help or report suspicions. Scheduling forums like the ones next week is just one way that Sossamon continues to pastor to the community.
The first forum will be held Tuesday, Mar. 12 at Perry Memorial Library, Sossamon said on Tuesday’s TownTalk. There’s a special session for law enforcement representatives from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., followed by the community forum open to the public at 6 p.m.
He said there will be representatives from a variety of agencies and nonprofits well-versed in the issue of human trafficking to inform and educate and help attendees “better understand this enormous and egregious problem.”
The second forum will be held at the Granville Expo Center in Oxford on Thursday, Mar. 14, following the same format as the Henderson event.
When you hear the term “human trafficking,” what often comes to mind is either sex trafficking or labor trafficking.
Oftentimes, Sossamon said, people don’t know what signs to look for, and instances of trafficking could be happening “right up under our noses.”
Attend one of the two forums and come away with information, some training and a better level of understanding about the problem.
Victims of human trafficking are often under such control that they often never say a word, never try to escape, Sossamon explained. Sometimes they wear bulky clothing or stay covered up to hide malnutrition or markings from abuse.
“It’s beyond me to fully comprehend…to be taken against their will…and do whatever they’re told to do,” he said. “It’s such a large topic when you begin to dive into it – it covers so many different scenarios.”
He recalled a recent case that happened here in Vance County when a law enforcement officer discovered a case of trafficking.
Thanks to training that the State Highway Patrol officer had received, he was able to identify and capture the perpetrator and save the victim.
“One of the big things is awareness, even among those who are sworn to protect,” Sossamon said, adding that there are so many demands on law enforcement officers, the more the community can do to help, the better.
“It takes all of us to have a level of awareness and understanding,” he said, adding that it’s important for individuals to be on the lookout, too.
Holding forums in his district is just one way to help keep the community safe, involved and informed.
“It takes all of us to be involved,” Sossamon said.
CLICK PLAY!
WIZS Radio Local News Audio 03-05-24 Noon
Click Play to Listen. On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
The Local Skinny! Lunch And Learn With Maria Parham Health
Maria Parham Health will host a Lunch and Learn program on Thursday, Mar. 21 to talk about colorectal cancer early detection and prevention.
Register online at mariaparham.com/event/50 or by calling 252.436.1605. The program will be from 12 noon to 1 p.m. and will be held in the classroom of the hospital, located at 566 Ruin Creek Rd.
Although colorectal cancer is a significant health concern, health experts say awareness and early detection make it highly preventable and treatable.
“We are committed to raising awareness about colorectal cancer and providing our community with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health,” said Kimberly Smith, Director of the Maria Parham Cancer Center.
“Through events like this, we hope to highlight the importance of early detection and screening in preventing colorectal cancer, ultimately saving lives,” Smith said.
The Lunch and Learn Event will feature board-certified gastroenterologist Varnita Tahiliani, MD, who will discuss various aspects of colorectal cancer, including risk factors, symptoms, screening options, treatment modalities, and lifestyle modifications for prevention. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with healthcare professionals in an interactive setting.
Lunch will be provided. Due to space restrictions, registrations will be limited to the first 30 attendees that register.
For more information about the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Lunch and Learn Event, please visit www.mariaparham.com.
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MPH, South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Team Up For May 3 Cancer Survivor Dinner
Maria Parham Health Cancer Center is planning a Cancer Survivor Dinner on Friday, May 3 to honor the strength and resilience of community members who have been affected by the disease.
The dinner will begin at 6 p.m. at South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church, located at 905 American Rd., Henderson, according to information from hospital officials.
The dinner will be a celebration of life, courage and hope and serves as a tribute to the unwavering spirit of individuals who have faced the challenges of cancer with bravery and determination.
“We are honored to host this special event to recognize the incredible journey of cancer survivors in our community,” said Kimberly Smith, Director of Maria Parham Health Cancer Center. “This dinner is a heartfelt expression of gratitude and admiration for their courage and resilience.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring along one guest to share in the celebration. Please register to attend by calling 252.436.6485.
The Cancer Survivor Dinner promises to be an evening of fellowship, joy and reflection. It provides an opportunity for survivors and their loved ones to come together, share their stories, and draw strength from one another.
“We believe that by standing united, we can inspire and uplift each other in our journey towards healing and recovery,” Smith stated.. “Together, let us embrace the spirit of solidarity and resilience that defines the cancer survivor community.”
Maria Parham Health Cancer Center is committed to supporting cancer survivors and their families throughout their journey. The Cancer Survivor Dinner is just one of the many initiatives aimed at providing comprehensive care and support to individuals affected by cancer.
For more information or to RSVP, please call 252.436.6485.
WIZS Radio Local News Audio 03-04-24 Noon
Click Play to Listen. On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
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Vance Commissioner Sean Alston Participates In UNC School Of Government Leadership Program
Vance County Commissioner Sean Alston has completed the Advanced Leadership Corps training offered each year to select local elected officials by the UNC-CH School of Government in Chapel Hill.
The ALC is described as an intensive leadership development program designed by the School’s Center for Public Leadership and Governance. The weeklong residential program is a dynamic experience that helps participants learn about their own leadership styles, inspire others to work toward a shared vision and gain insights into how to work together to build better relationships and achieve far-reaching results.
More than 200 local elected leaders from across North Carolina have completed this selective program since it began in 2013.
“I don’t try to compete with anyone and I never try to be better than anyone,” Alston said in a press statement. “I simply try to be better than I was yesterday. Look, listen and learn! Small steps make giant waves.”
Alston said he ran for office to make a difference in his district and in the county. “I wanted to be able to make the best decisions for our citizens because they matter the most. I am developing myself professionally so that I can give back to my community. I see true growth on the horizon and I am here for the long run. I believe Vance County is situated perfectly and ready for much needed change.”
The leadership program, through support by the N.C. Association of County Commissioners and Empower Retirement, allows elected officials from across the state to attend with only a modest cost to the local unit of government.
For more information about the Advanced Leadership Corps and other programming for elected officials offered by the Center for Public Leadership and Governance at the UNC School of Government, contact Patrice Roesler at 919.843.4167 or proesler@sog.unc.edu.