U.S. Department of Justice

Warren Co. Man Sentenced to Six Years on Child Pornography Charges

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that yesterday, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle, sentenced MICHAEL WYATT COLLIUS, 23, of Norlina, NC to 72 months’ imprisonment, followed by a five-year term of supervised release. COLLIUS was also ordered to pay more than $68,000 in restitution to known child pornography victims identified through the investigation.

COLLIUS pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement on November 13, 2019, to one count of receipt of child pornography.

In September 2016, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Raleigh, North Carolina, assisted the Spanish National Police Cyber Child Pornography Group II, Technology Investigation Unit, with an investigation into Dropbox users sharing child pornography. Investigators were able to determine that one of the accounts responsible for sharing child pornography belonged to COLLIUS.

Following additional investigation, a search warrant was obtained for COLLIUS’ residence. On May 3, 2018, investigators with the FBI and Warren County Sheriff’s Office executed the warrant and seized COLLIUS’ phone. A later forensic review recovered over 800 images and over 200 videos containing child pornography. COLLIUS agreed to speak with investigators at the time of the search and admitted to receiving, sharing and possessing child pornography.

This case is part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level.

For more information about this important national initiative, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Raleigh, North Carolina, conducted the investigation of this case with assistance from the Spanish National Police Cyber Child Pornography Group II, Technology Investigation Unit and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Bryan M. Stephany represented the government.

Warren Co. Memorial Library Celebrates Women’s History Month

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Warren County Government 

Warren County Memorial Library celebrates Women’s History Month through literacy, culture, and the arts. The highlight will be three special programs featuring scholars offering a unique look into women’s history. In addition to these programs, the library will have celebratory book displays, bookmarks, reading lists and activities.

Joanna Liguz will host an Exhibit and Mini-Workshop on March 6, 2020, from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. (Photo courtesy Warren Co. Govt.)

The first of the three featured programs will be a Quilt Exhibit and Mini-Workshop on March 6, 2020, from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Local quilter Joanna Liguz of Material Blessings will host this exhibit and workshop. Stop by to see several beautiful examples of her work and learn the basics of quilting by watching as she quilts an example quilt square.

The second featured program will be Women of Dance on March 16, 2020, from 12 until 1 p.m. Vernita “Nana Vee” Terry presents this look into the history and creative influences of several women of color who became leading figures in the world of dance.

Vernita “Nana Vee” Terry will present “Women of Dance” on March 16, 2020, from 12 until 1 p.m. (Photo courtesy Waren Co. Govt.)

The third and final featured program will be “The Crusade Against Illiteracy in the United States: The Life and Times of Cora Wilson Stewart” on March 24, 2020, from 3 until 4 p.m. Long before it became popular to decry the problem of adult illiteracy, Cora Wilson Stewart was leading public crusades to solve this problem.

In this program, Road Scholar Willie Nelms will describe Stewart’s life, her role as a woman, and the literacy movement. This project is made possible by funding from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit & affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views expressed by this program do not necessarily represent those of the North Carolina Humanities Council.

To learn more about Women’s Month 2020, visit the official website: https://womenshistorymonth.gov/. To view the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ celebration of the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women’s constitutional right to vote, go to https://www.ncdcr.gov/about/featured-programs/she-changed-world-north-carolinawomen-breaking-barriers.

Road Scholar Willie Nelms will present “The Crusade Against Illiteracy in the United States: The Life and Times of Cora Wilson Stewart” on March 24, 2020, from 3 until 4 p.m. (Photo courtesy Warren Co. Govt.)

For more information on library programs, go to www.wcmlibrary.org for event details and additional programs offered. All library programs are free and open to the public. Visit the library for more information and resources at 119 S. Front Street, Warrenton, NC 27589.

 

U.S. Department of Justice

Deported Alien, Found in Warren Co., Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Wilmington has returned indictments charging OMAR LABRA-TREJO, age 50, of Mexico, and JOSE GUILLERMO LEIVA-GALVAN, age 34, of Honduras, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.

If convicted of illegal reentry, LABRA-TREJO, previously deported twice and found in Warren County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

LEIVA-GALVAN, previously deported and found in New Hanover County, is alleged to have been previously removed subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction (felony larceny). Therefore, if convicted, he would face a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.

Warren County Logo

Tax Assistance Available for Veterans, Elderly/Disabled Warren Residents

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Warren County Government

The Warren County Tax Administrator encourages all eligible Warren County residents to apply for appropriate tax assistance programs.

Disabled Veterans Homestead Exclusion Program
The Disabled Veterans Homestead Exclusion program excludes the first $45,000 of assessed value for specific real property or a manufactured home from property taxes; this program is for permanent residents that own their property (name must be on deed).

A disabled veteran is defined as a veteran whose character of service at separation was honorable or under honorable conditions and who has a total and permanent service-connected disability or who received benefits for specially adapted housing under 38 U.S.C. 2101.

There are no age or income requirements for the Disabled Veterans Homestead Exclusion program. Applicants for this exclusion must meet the following requirements:

• be an honorably discharged veteran who has a 100% total and permanent disability that is service-connected or be the unmarried surviving spouse of a qualifying veteran;
• be certified by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs of the permanent total disability that is service-connected;
• be a qualifying veteran with specially adapted housing per 38 U.S.C. 101.

This benefit is also available to a surviving spouse (who has not remarried) of either:

• a disabled veteran as defined above;
• a veteran who died as a result of a service-connected condition whose character of service at separation was honorable or under honorable conditions, or
• a service member who died from a service-connected condition in the line of duty and not as a result of willful misconduct.

Elderly or Disabled Exclusion Program
This program is available to permanent residents of Warren County age 65 or older, or permanent residents that are totally and permanently disabled individuals. Residents 65 or older or that are permanently disabled must also meet the Annual Income Eligibility Limit. The Annual Income Eligibility Limit is set every year by the NC Department of Revenue. The limit for this year is $31,000 for income received from all sources during the prior calendar year.

Qualifying owners must apply with the Warren County Tax Assessor’s Office between January 1 and June 1. If you qualify, you can receive an exclusion of the taxable value of your residence of either $25,000 or 50% (whichever is greater).

As of January 1 of the year for which the exclusion is claimed, applicants will need to meet the following requirements:

• The applicant’s name must be on the deed or title to the residence.

• The residence must be the applicant’s primary residence.

• The applicant must be a North Carolina resident.

• The applicant must be at least 65 years of age or totally and permanently disabled. Total and permanent disability is a disability that substantially hinders a person from obtaining gainful employment.

• If claiming disability, the applicant must provide proof of the disability in the form of a certificate from a physician licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina or a governmental agency authorized to determine qualification for disability benefits.

• Meet the combined spousal income eligibility limit, *whether or not both spouses are on the title. The income determination is described below.

Documentation that shows the applicant’s income is required. For married applicants living with their spouse, the income from both spouses must be included on the application even though the property is not in both names. Income from all sources must be listed on the application, with the exception of gifts or inheritances received from a spouse, lineal (direct) ancestor or lineal descendant. Examples of income include disability payments, IRA distributions, pensions and annuities, social security benefits, capital gains, and veteran benefits. This example does not include all sources of income.

More information on reporting income is included in the cover letter sent with the Tax Relief Application Packets. The packets will be made available after January 1, 2020, for the 2020 tax year.

For more information, contact the Warren County Tax Administrator at 252-257-4158.

Potential Warren County Grocery Store Seeks Community Input

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Warren County Government 

A grocery store considering opening in the former Just Save location, East Macon Street, Warrenton, wants to know what Warren County citizens consider most important in a grocery store.

Citizens are invited to attend a meeting at the Warren County Armory Civic Center at 6:30 p.m. on March 5, 2020, where they will be allowed to voice their opinions and preferences.

How do citizens choose a grocery store? How important are convenience and quality? Please join to share ideas about what will make a successful local grocery store.

For more information, contact Stacy Woodhouse, Warren County Economic Development Commission Director, 252-257-3114, or Robert Davie, Town of Warrenton Administrator, 252-257-1122.

Faith Dove

Oak Level UCC: Appreciation Program to Recognize Milton Hargrove

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy Rayenna Wimbush, Oak Level United Church of Christ

The Oak Level United Church of Christ will hold an Appreciation Musical Program for Bro. Milton Hargrove on Sunday, March 1, 2020, at 3 pm. Various groups will be singing at this program.

If Bro. Hargrove has touched your life in some way through his music, please come out and support this great celebration of his many years of service for the Lord Jesus Christ.

The church is located at 5631 Jacksontown Road, Manson, NC.

The Kingsmen & The Perrys to Perform Gospel Hits at McGregor Hall

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

The Kingsmen and The Perrys, two gospel music greats, will be performing at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center on Friday, March 20, 2020, at 7 p.m.

For more than half a century, no group has secured such a far-reaching legacy as The Kingsmen. Through the late 1970s and 1980s, they recorded hit after hit, including “Old Ship of Zion,” “Beautiful Home,” and “Saints Will Rise.” In 1981, “Excuses” became The Kingsmen’s biggest hit of the era, steady at number one for 18 months, making it the longest-running number-one song in Southern Gospel Music History.

If you have ever seen The Perrys in concert, you have undoubtedly sensed the power and conviction with which they sing. From the high-octane, hand-clapping hit, “I Wish I Could Have Been There,” to the anointed anthem, “If You Know Him,” the Dove Award-winning group has been delivering soul-stirring performances across North America for nearly five decades.

Tickets for this event 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)

Coop Extension’s Annual Symposium to Focus on ‘Conservation Through Gardening’

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension

Join the Vance/Warren Extension Master Gardener volunteers on Saturday, March 28, 2020, for the annual Garden Symposium entitled “Petals, Pollinators & Passerines” at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market. The market is located at 210 Southpark Dr. in Henderson.

The theme this year is “conservation through gardening,” with lessons on how garden practices can help birds, bees and native plants.

Outstanding presenters include Dr. Elsa Youngsteadt, noted pollinator researcher at NCSU and author of The Bees of North Carolina; Dr. Annabel Renwick, native plants curator at Duke Gardens; and Christina Harvey with the Wake County chapter of Audubon North Carolina.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with the program starting at 9 a.m. sharp. Register by March 17 for the early bird price of only $30, which includes refreshments and lunch.

There will also be an optional afternoon workshop on Upcycling which will demonstrate how to make garden treasures out of items usually found in the trash or recycling bin. Pre-registration is strongly preferred.

All the details, including the registration form, are posted at https://go.ncsu.edu/vancegarden or call the Vance County Extension Center at 252-438-8188.

The Symposium is co-sponsored by the Vance County Extension Center and the Vance/Warren Master Gardener Volunteer Association (Gardeners of Kerr Lake).

Warren Co. Animal Ark Extends Free ‘Fix Your Pit’ Event

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy the Warren County Animal Ark’s Facebook page

The Warren County Animal Ark has extended its free “Fix Your Pit” spay and neuter event through the month of February. According to the Ark, pit bulls and pit bull mixes are one of the most overbred breeds and often end up in a shelter.

If you are a Warren County resident, simply call the Warrenton Animal Clinic at (252) 257-0737 and let them know you want to “Fix Your Pit” free-of-charge.

Town Talk 02/17/20: Jones’ Sunday Morning Motivation on WIZS Encourages, Uplifts

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

WIZS Sunday Morning Motivation “The Help Center NC” with Twanna J. Jones aired on Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m. Sunday Morning Motivation airs every Sunday morning on 100.1 FM/ 1450 AM WIZS at 10:30 a.m.

Jones, along with her husband Bobby, owns and operates The Help Center NC in Vance and Granville County. According to the Help Center’s website (www.thehelpcenternc.com), the ministry was established in 2016 to share the Gospel and advocate for the poor, elderly and young by providing the tools needed for families to become self-sufficient through training and educational programs.

Serving those in Franklin, Vance, Warren and Granville counties, the program assists with food, housing referrals and resources to enhance the physical, social, emotional, and economic health of poor and homeless citizens.

Sunday Morning Motivation on WIZS is a way for the service area to hear positive, encouraging messages to improve mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. The February 16 presentation, re-aired for Monday’s Town Talk, addressed the “loneliness” Jones said some residents have stated they feel around holidays, especially romantic holidays like Valentine’s Day. Putting these emotions into a spiritual context, Jones shared biblical passages on love and handling feelings of disappointment.

The program also featured local author Terry Alston Jones who discusses her book “A Summer With No Ice Cream.” Told through the eyes of a 12-year-old, this novel discusses the importance of making good health and lifestyle choices while young to avoid negative consequences later in life. It is the first in a planned series entitled “Embracing Myself and My Health” aimed at addressing health disparities in the African American community.

For more information about The Help Center and its programs, please call (252) 572-3203 to speak with a representative or email info@TheHelpCenterNC.com.

To hear the Sunday Morning Motivation with Twanna J. Jones in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.