NCDOT and Highway Patrol Implement “Quick Clearance Law” Due to Impending Winter Storm
NORTH CAROLINA STATE HIGHWAY PATROL·THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016
For the safety of the traveling public and to ensure that plow, salt and sand trucks can effectively work to clear roads, NCDOT is working closely with the State Highway Patrol and local law enforcement to identify and move abandoned vehicles that are blocking travel lanes or constitutes an immediate safety hazard.
Under the current state of emergency and North Carolina’s Quick Clearance Law, NCDOT’s IMAP (Incident Management Assistance Patrol) trucks are moving cars to the shoulder when possible. In other cases, the Highway Patrol and local law enforcement are coordinating with towing companies to have the vehicles removed.
Troopers, National Guard soldiers, other law enforcement and IMAP crews will be checking all abandoned vehicles to ensure they are not occupied. Drivers whose vehicles are abandoned within a city limits need to call their local police department. If the vehicle is off the roadway and is not considered a safety hazard, it will NOT immediately be towed.
For drivers to locate abandoned vehicles outside city limits, please visit NCDPS – Towed / Stored Vehicle Search.
NCDOT crews will be working to clear roads and restore safe driving conditions as quickly as possible as the impending winter storm approaches.
Local Governments Declare State of Emergency
Local Proclamation of a State Of Emergency Winter Storm Jonas
PROCLAMATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY
The following Proclamation is issued by the Mayor of the City of Henderson and the Chairman of the Vance County Board of Commissioners:
WHEREAS, information from the National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other sources indicate that a significant winter storm is approaching North Carolina and is likely to produce considerable frozen precipitation; and
WHEREAS, this frozen precipitation is expected to be comprised snow, sleet and freezing rain, which is expected to cause power outages; and
WHEREAS, there is a high probability that this storm will create travel and other hazards for the citizens of Vance County and the City of Henderson within the next several hours; and WHEREAS, the weather conditions associated with this winter storm are such as to constitute a potential and imminent threat to life and property;
NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority contained in Article 1 of N.C.G.S. Chapter 166A, Article 36A ofN.C.G.S. Chapter 14, and Section 5 of the Local Emergency Management Ordinance, I, Eddie Ellington, Mayor of the City of Henderson, and I, Gordon Wilder, Chairman of the Vance County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim that a State of Emergency exists within the City of Henderson and County of Vance.
I further proclaim that the ordinances set forth below, which are contained in Section 5 of the Local Emergency Management Ordinance of Vance County are necessary in order to maintain an acceptable level of public order, services, and protection of lives, safety and property during this emergency, and that the same shall be in effect within the City of Henderson and County of Vance until this Proclamation
expires or is rescinded. I hereby order all City and County law enforcement officers, public safety personnel and all other emergency management personnel subject to my control to cooperate in the enforcement and implementation of the emergency ordinances
set forth below.
A. General Emergency Protective Measures are in place. No public restrictions are imposed at this time.
I further proclaim that the Emergency Operations Plan adopted by the City of Henderson and County of Vance, and all applicable mutual assistance compacts and agreements are in effect and shall remain in effect until this proclamation expires or is rescinded. All emergency personnel are hereby ordered to cooperate in the implementation of the provisions of the Emergency Operations Plan and all applicable mutual assistance compacts and agreements, and to furnish assistance thereunder.
I direct that copies of this Proclamation be disseminated to the mass
communications media for publication and broadcast, and that a copy of this Proclamation be posted in City Hall as well as the Vance County Courthouse and other public buildings as appropriate.
This Proclamation shall be effective immediately and shall remain in effect for a Period of five days unless sooner rescinded pursuant to a.s. 14-288.16.
(This document as supplied to WIZS News is signed by Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington and Gordon Wilder, Chairman of the Vance County Board of Commissioners.)
N.C. Gov. Declares State of Emergency
Press Release
Governor Declares State of Emergency as North Carolina Prepares for Winter Storm
Snow and ice could cause power outages, dangerous driving conditions
Raleigh, N.C. – Governor Pat McCrory is urging North Carolinians to prepare for winter weather and monitor local forecasts as the state’s first significant winter storm moves in later today. McCrory will activate the State Emergency Response Team today and has declared a State of Emergency to prepare for expected snow and ice accumulations over the next 36 to 48 hours.
“Given the snow and ice accumulations that are predicted, combined with gusty winds and already saturated grounds, this storm has serious potential,” said Governor McCrory. “Ice accumulations of one quarter inch or more can weaken tree limbs and lead to downed power lines. Needless to say, we’re watching this storm very carefully.”
Wednesday’s cold front brought two to four inches of snow to the mountains, while portions of central North Carolina saw a trace of snow. The storm system moving into the state later today is expected to bring another eight to 18 inches of snow across much of the mountains; four to eight inches of snow plus one quarter inch of ice across the Triad; one to four inches of snow plus one quarter to one half inch of ice across the Triangle; and two to four inches of snow with an additional one quarter to four-tenths inch of ice in the Charlotte region. Eastern and coastal counties are expected to get mostly rain with perhaps a mix of freezing rain.
The wintery conditions caused two weather-related fatalities late Wednesday. A Forsyth County woman died after she lost control of her car on a sleet and snow-covered road and struck another vehicle head on. In Stokes County, a woman died after she lost control of her car on a snow-covered road and ended up in a creek.
“As we’ve already seen, these conditions can be treacherous,” said Department of Public Safety Secretary Frank L. Perry. “If you can stay off the roads when the frozen precipitation begins, please do. If you must be out, we can’t overemphasize the importance of following safe driving tips.”
Governor McCrory said state agencies began preparing for the storm Tuesday. North Carolina Emergency Management has been working with counties to assess and mobilize resources and state transportation crews have been treating roadways. Already, NCDOT crews have spread more than 1.1 million gallons of brine, a salt and water solution which prevents ice from bonding to the roadways.
Other state preparations include:
- All state highway patrol troopers activated or on standby
- 15 teams of National Guard soldiers in Humvees are positioned across western and central North Carolina to assist stranded motorists
- Chain saw crews are on standby to quickly clear blocked roadways
- NCDOT has staged extra equipment and personnel near typical travel trouble spots along I-77 in Surry County; I-40 in McDowell County and I-26 in Polk and Henderson counties.
Late Wednesday, the governor signed a State of Emergency declaration and issued executive orders waiving certain vehicle weight and service hour requirements. Executed under the Emergency Management Act, the State of Emergency declaration enables the governor to mobilize the necessary resources to respond to a storm. It also is the first step in seeking federal funds to help defray the cost of providing emergency services, clearing debris and repairing any damaged public infrastructure. The executive order waives restrictions on weight and the hours of service for fuel, utility and other truck drivers that may be working to deliver supplies, restore services or clear debris in response to the winter storm. Both orders are in effect for 30 days but could be canceled earlier if conditions warrant.
“Our state agencies are ready for this winter storm,” said North Carolina Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry. “We need North Carolinians to partner with us in storm preparation by getting their emergency supply kits together, fueling their vehicles and gathering needed heating supplies.”
More information about storm response and recovery efforts can be found on www.ReadyNC.org or by following @NCEmergency on Facebook and Twitter. Real-time information about weather and road conditions and other emergency preparedness actions can be found via the free ReadyNC mobile app.
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Underage Alcohol and Tobacco Sales
Henderson Police Department Press Release
January 21, 2016
On Tuesday, December 29, 2015, members of the Henderson Police Department Special Operations unit conducted an operation to check compliance of the state’s alcohol and tobacco sales law. Officers utilized an underage (17 year old) informant and sent him into retail outlets to check compliance. The underage minor was able to purchase alcohol and tobacco products in 19 retail establishments. The following individuals have been charged as a result of this investigation:
New Dixie Mart
1201 Dabney Drive
Yovenn Milller
Charges- 1 count of selling alcohol and one count of selling tobacco products to a minor.
Valero
555 Dabney Drive
Mohamed Saleh
Charges- 1 count of selling alcohol and one count of selling tobacco products to a minor.
Kwik Stop
923 Nicholas Street
Hesham Muntaser
Charges- 1 count of selling alcohol and one count of selling tobacco products to a minor.
The Corner Store
1043 S. William Street
Saba Alashmali
Charges- 1 count of selling alcohol and one count of selling tobacco products to a minor.
Star Grocery
201 Harriett Street
Fayez Saleh
Charges- 1 count of selling alcohol and one count of selling tobacco products to a minor.
Brother’s Food Mart
525 S. William Street
Sameh Abutaleb
Charges- 1 count of selling alcohol and one count of selling tobacco products to a minor.
Party Pick Up
655 N. Garnett Street
Saham Hauter
Charges- 1 count of selling alcohol and one count of selling tobacco products to a minor.
A and A Food Mart
200 W. Andrews Avenue
Abdil Almuwallard
Charges- 1 count of selling alcohol and one count of selling tobacco products to a minor.
N- A- Minute Food Shop
1727 E. Andrews Avenue
Hesham Ajhmali
Charges- 1 count of selling alcohol and one count of selling tobacco products to a minor.
Vance Mini Mart
1174 Newton Diary Road
Kaiser Hauter
Charges- 1 count of selling alcohol and one count of selling tobacco products to a minor.
Henderson Food Mart
420 E. Andrews Avenue
Medhat Dawoud
Charges- 1 count of selling alcohol and one count of selling tobacco products to a minor.
Parade-Valero
1551 Dabney Drive
Adel Eshak
Charges- 1 count of selling alcohol and one count of selling tobacco products to a minor.
Best Bet
615 Raleigh Road
Fuad Ameri
Charges- 1 count of selling alcohol and one count of selling tobacco products to a minor.
Oxford Road Convenient Mart
2303 Oxford Road
Wagd Hauter
Charges- 1 count of selling alcohol and one count of selling tobacco products to a minor.
Fiddle Stix
1421 E. Andrews Avenue
Muhammad Ather
Charges- 1 count of selling alcohol and one count of selling tobacco products to a minor.
Speedway
929 S. Garnett Street
Yalonda Henderson
Charges- 1 count of selling alcohol and one count of selling tobacco products to a minor.
Raleigh Road Convenient Mart
525 Raleigh Road
Saleh Azzmemi
Charges- 1 count of selling alcohol and one count of selling tobacco products to a minor.
Mojo’s
1206 East Andrews Avenue
Rama Kadavant
Charges- 1 count of selling alcohol and one count of selling tobacco products to a minor.
One individual remains to be charged as a result of this investigation. These violations have been refered to the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Agency for possible sanctions. The Henderson Police Department considers sales of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products to underage individuals to be a grave problem and investigations such as this will be conducted randomly to ensure compliance.
Authority: Chief Marcus Barrow
News 01/21/16
https://soundcloud.com/user-96612206/news-012116
Wed/Thur Winter Wthr/Closings
Update 11:00 P.M. Wednesday:
Vance County Schools on 2 hour delay Thursday for all students and school system employees.
Victory Christian school and daycare will operate on a 2 hour delay Thursday.
Crossroads Christian will be on a 2 hr delay Thursday morning.
[spacer height=”default”]Winter weather Wednesday evening may affect area travel and result in closings or delays that last into Thursday morning. A quick dusting of snow is possible. Check back here (wizs.com, facebook.com/wizsradio, twitter.com/wizsradio) for a list of closings or delays.
The latest National Weather Service briefing as supplied by Brian Short, Director of Emergency Operations for Henderson and Vance County, states, “Light snow and snow showers will develop this afternoon as an upper level disturbance tracks rapidly east across the Carolinas. A dusting to less than a half inch of snow accumulation is possible. However, roads are cold, so despite the light nature of the snow, hazardous travel impacts could still quickly develop.”
Not skipping ahead, but in addition to this first winter weather, the greater concern right now appears to be what is forecast versus what will actually happen later this week, Thursday night, Friday and into Saturday.
As of 4:00 P.M. Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Raleigh had issued a WINTER STORM WATCH, which is in effect from late Thursday night through Saturday afternoon.
The NWS briefing continues, “Confidence is growing that a major winter storm is taking shape for central North Carolina for early Friday through Saturday. While a winter storm appears probable, significant uncertainty remains regarding details on timing, precipitation type, amount, and possible impacts. Residents of central North Carolina are urged to pay close attention to the forecast as the week progresses.”
In regard to the second storm, Short has called an 8:30 A.M. local briefing on Thursday for local officials needing to prepare, and it is likely that if you are one of those local officials you have received that notification by email.
On Tuesday afternoon, Department of Transportation crews began brining operations on interstates and major highways and their ramps, as well as bridges. Crews resumed the brining process after morning rush hour on Wednesday. Residential streets were brined in the Henderson area by local crews.
In a press release issued by Governor Pat McCrory, citizens are urged to review winter safety tips:
- Keep alternative heating sources prepared. If you have a fireplace, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them.
- Do not use charcoal grills or generators indoors; the fumes can be deadly.
- Turn off electrical appliances that were on when the power went off to avoid a power surge when the electricity is restored.
- Use flashlights. Do not use candles; they greatly increase the chance of having a fire in your home.
- Limit your activities to no more than two rooms and close off unneeded rooms.
- Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors and cover windows at night to keep cold air out and warm air in.
- If you have well water, fill up tubs and buckets with water so if the power goes out you still have water.
- Remember to eat and drink regularly. Food provides the body with energy to produce its own heat.
- Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Wear layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Layering clothes keeps you warmer than a single layer of heavy clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.
Meeting at VGCC Provides Information on Statewide Bond
An informational meeting organized by North Carolina State University and North Carolina Cooperative Extension to discuss the upcoming Connect NC bond referendum was held at Vance-Granville Community College’s South Campus on Jan. 14.
Among those in attendance were community leaders from Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, VGCC trustees and officials, and a representative from Piedmont Community College in Person County. The event was one of 22 such educational meetings being held across the state in advance of the vote on the bond, which is set for March 15.
Among the featured speakers was Dr. Travis Burke, the interim associate dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NCSU and interim director of N.C. Cooperative Extension. Burke explained that, if approved by voters, the Connect NC Public Improvement Bond would benefit agriculture, higher education, parks, the N.C. National Guard and other public services, without requiring an increase in taxes. “The state is growing and has infrastructure needs,” Burke said. “We have added two million people since the last statewide bond referendum in 2000.”
The North Carolina Community College System would receive $350 million from the bond. That includes a little more than $7.6 million specifically for VGCC, which could be used for construction, renovation and repairs across the college’s four campuses. Only seven of the state’s 58 community colleges would receive more funding than VGCC.
“The community college system is one of the state’s crown jewels, not only for education but also for economic development,” said Dr. Marshall Stewart, also of N.C. State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, at the meeting. Stewart provided a breakdown of investments that the state would be able to make if Connect NC is approved. More than half of the proceeds are earmarked for higher education, including 49% for the University of North Carolina system and 17% for community colleges. The remainder is divided as follows: 16% for water/sewer projects and local parks; 9% for agriculture; 5% for state parks (including Kerr Lake) and the North Carolina Zoo; and 4% for public safety.
Other speakers at VGCC included Paul Westfall, Granville County director for N.C. Cooperative Extension; Richard Campbell of NCSU’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; and Matthew Hebb, a regional field director for the Connect NC Committee.
(Information provide by press release from VGCC.)
