Vance Co. Man Arrested for 850 Dosage Units of Heroin and 84 Grams of Fentanyl

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— joint press release, courtesy of the HPD

On May 14, 2026, following a prolonged joint operation, the Henderson Police Department, Nash County Sheriff’s Office, Vance County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) executed a search warrant at 310 Little Mill Road in Vance County, resulting in an arrest and the seizure of a large quantity of narcotics.

During the execution of the search warrant, investigators and agents located and seized eight hundred fifty (850) dosage units of Heroin, eighty-four (84) grams of fentanyl M30 pills, one (1) semi-automatic rifle, $5,100.00 in U.S Currency, and other drug manufacturing items.

Arrestee: Ta’Shawn Ty’Quaill Baskerville, 310 Little Mill Road Henderson, North Carolina, 27537

Charges:

  • (2) Trafficking Heroin
  • (2) Trafficking Fentanyl
  • (1) Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, Deliver Heroin
  • (1) Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, Deliver Fentanyl
  • (1) Manufacture Schedule I Controlled Substance
  • (1) Maintain Dwelling Place for a Controlled Substance
  • (1) Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon
  • (1) Possess Marijuana up to one half ounce

Baskerville was held under no bond and remanded to Vance County Detention Center, where he will remain, pending future court hearings at the state and/or federal level.

Marcus W. Barrow
Chief of Police

The Local Skinny! Maria Parham Franklin Hosting ‘Stomp the Stigma’ 5K May 30

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Lace up your running – or walking – shoes for the second “Stomp the Stigma” 5k on Saturday, May 30 in Louisburg to support mental health awareness and care for mental health treatment.

Not feelin’ it for the 5k?

There’s a Family Fun Run and a Kids Dash, too, thanks to event organizers from the Maria Parham Franklin campus, where the focus is on mental health and behavioral health.

Emilee Johnson, vice president of operations at Maria Parham, said this year’s event is shaping up to be another success.

May is National Mental Health Awareness month, a time when mental health professionals emphasize the normalization of seeking help when it’s needed.

Last year’s inaugural event raised about $5,000, Johnson said. “This year we want to do a lot more,” she said on Thursday’s The Local Skinny! This year’s recipient again is First in Families of North Carolina, a local nonprofit that supports people receiving mental health care.

They’ve been able to touch many lives through last year’s donation, Johnson said and they’re very excited and very supportive of this year’s fundraiser.

The stigma that needs stomping is the stigma around mental health and people’s reluctance to talk about it, learn about it and seek treatment for it.

Morgan Barnes, MPH’s manager of Human Resources, said “I feel that mental health is not a ‘someone else’ issue.” It affects us all, she said, from family and friends to co-workers. Whether identified as stress, anxiety, burnout or something else, there are resources available to support and promote positive mental health.

Making treatment more of the norm goes a long way to stomp the stigma, Johnson said. “We’re really excited to do something that benefits the community.”

Mark Speed returns this year, bringing his DJ skills to the day’s activities. Speed is a big proponent of the hospital, Johnson said. “He brought a lot of fun and energy last year to the crowd” she added. Having 150 participants join in the fun last year was a good start. “If we could double that, that would be amazing,” Johnson said. The event provides a fun activity for the community to participate in and also helps support a great cause, she added. “It’s a win all around.”

Everyone who registers at least two weeks before the event will get a t-shirt and swag bag. Register at https://runsignup.com/. There’s also a place on the event’s link to sign up as a volunteer. Register at least two weeks before the event to get a volunteer t-shirt.

The race route takes participants from the hospital, through the town’s historic district around Louisburg College and the downtown area and then back to the hospital, located at 100 Hospital Dr. off Hwy 39.

It’s designed for fun, but for those with a competitive edge, awards will be given to the top three male finishers and top three female finishers. The first 150 to cross the finish line will get race medals.

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(This content was originally published on May 7, 2026.)

Mayor Pro Tem Walker Gets OK To Form Committee That Will Create Welcome Packet For Developers

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Henderson Mayor pro tem Tami Walker said she heard Finance Director Joey Fuqua “loud and clear” at Monday’s City Council meeting when he presented the FY 2027 budget: The cost of everything is going up and that means that something has to be done to bring more money in – development is a critical part of the budget equation.

“Revenue, revenue, revenue – we’re hearing you loud and clear,” Walker said. “Let’s not waste another minute.”

She got consensus from Council members – all were present except Council Member Garry Daeke – to form a committee that will create a welcome packet for prospective developers who are looking at Henderson for any variety of projects.

Council Member Michael Venable asked Fuqua about ways to get developers to move more quickly, getting them interested and locked in to projects in the area.

Fuqua said he’s been asking for a packet for the past several years to give developers an idea of what’s available in the area to encourage and entice development.

“In the last two or three budget presentations, I’ve implored Council to develop a local package” that would include all pertinent information that a prospective developer would need. “We could also infuse economic incentives to further that process in our favor,” Fuqua said. “Make it easy for them. Schmooze them. Get them in here.”

Fuqua cited growth in towns like Franklinton and Oxford and said Henderson could really benefit from similar growth.

With the recent tousle over water allocations and attempts by Franklin County to get the General Assembly to grant it unilateral authority to take control of property in several counties that stand between it and the water supplies of Kerr Lake and Lake Gaston, Fuqua said it wouldn’t take much for legislative lobbyists to say “Hey, look what we’re doing. They’re (Henderson’s) not doing anything. We want that water.”

With expenditures outstripping revenues in the proposed budget by close to $3 million, Fuqua and staff had to rely on about $5.5 million from fund balance – again – to create a balanced budget.

As Fuqua explained it, until the FY 26 audit is complete, he won’t know exactly how much fund balance was actually needed to prop up the present budget. But the trend for the past several years has been to draw fund balance from the city’s undesignated general fund – its savings account, if you will – so it stands to reason that there will be even less money available when it comes to balancing the FY 28 budget.

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Convicted Drug Dealer Gets 21-Year Federal Prison Term In Connection With 2024 Overdose Death In Franklin County

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— from the office of U.S. Attorney Eastern District N.C. Ellis Boyle

A federal judge sentenced Cordell Antonio Mendoza to 21 years in federal prison for selling fentanyl that caused an individual in Franklin County, North Carolina to overdose and die. On February 17, 2026, Inmate Mendoza pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sell and possess with the intent to sell heroin and fentanyl, and selling of fentanyl resulting in death.

In a press statement issued Thursday, May 7, U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle stated, “Selling poison that you know kills people goes far beyond just run-of-the-mill dealing. The defendant accepted death as the cost of doing business, and went right back to the street to find his next victim after he knew of at least one dead customer. 21 years in federal prison protects the residents of the EDNC for decaes and punishes this murderous scofflaw for his heinous crimes. Simple Lesson: Drugs Kill, Prison Awaits – Do Right.”

In October 2024, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) found an individual at his home in Franklin County who died from a drug overdose. FCSO found fentanyl in the victim’s pocket with the label “Try This” and empty fentanyl bindles in the trash can eponymously labeled “Dead on Arrival.” FCSO and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case and determined that Inmate Mendoza sold the victim the deadly fentanyl just over an hour before the victim was found dead. Two days later, Inmate Mendoza spoke on a recorded telephone call describing how one of his customers had died from an overdose from using his product, before immediately pivoting to say he would keep selling drugs. In November 2024, law enforcement searched Inmate Mendoza’s house and found 102 bindles of a fentanyl and heroin mixture.

“This sentence underscores the relentless efforts of federal and local law enforcement to deliver justice when drug trafficking leads to a tragic loss of life,” said Mark M. Zito, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in North and South Carolina. “The combined dedication of the FCSO, HSI, and the EDNC United States Attorney’s Office demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting the community. HSI will continue to pursue and hold accountable those dealers who knowingly distribute deadly fentanyl, recognizing the devastating impact these actions have on families and neighborhoods.”

“The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has made addressing drug trafficking in our county a priority and this case and the results of it are proof that we can and will hold those individuals accountable for the tragedies they cause when dealing drugs that kill. I am grateful for our investigators and the relationships we have with HSI and the EDNC United States Attorney’s Office to partner together to enhance our efforts.” said Franklin County Sheriff Kevin White.

Boyle made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II.  HSI and the FCSO investigated the case and Assistant United States Attorney Casey L. Peaden prosecuted the case.

Click play to hear this story.

The texted above was originally posted May 8, 2026.

76-Year-Old Man Shot and Killed on Lamb Street

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— from Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow

At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to the Lamb Street area of North Henderson in reference to a reported shooting.

Upon arrival, officers located Willie Satterfield, 76, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the abdomen. Mr. Satterfield was transported by emergency medical personnel to an area hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators with the Henderson Police Department have been working diligently to gather evidence and information related to this incident in an effort to identify those responsible. Assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has been requested, and SBI agents are actively assisting alongside HPD investigators.

This investigation remains active and ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident, or who may know someone involved, is encouraged to contact the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141, through Facebook Messenger, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925.

Home and Garden Show

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

  • The Vance County Regional Farmers Market Spring Fling is this Saturday, May 9th, from 8am-1pm.
  • The Vance-Warren Beekeepers Association will meet on Monday, May 11th at 7pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market
  • Deer eating your garden? Use an electric fence.
  • Use drip irrigation or a soaker hose for irrigation.
  • Spray a very small area of weeds with weed killer to check if weeds are actively growing and will take up the chemical and die. Before spraying a large area of weeds.
  • Purchase two sprayers label one for weed killers and  label one for insecticides.
  • If you have a bee swarm contact Cooperative Extension we have bee keepers that can retrieve the swarm.
  • Check ponds for aquatic weeds, bring us a sample so you can have a positive ID before purchasing a chemical.
  • Gardens need at least 1 inch of rain or irrigation per week.
  • Continue your fruit spray program according to product directions.
  • Clean out your rain gauges to accurately measure the amount of rain.
  • Get your vegetable publications from Cooperative Extension.
  • Check houseplants dust weekly with a soft cloth.
  • Check storage areas for mice.

The Vance County Cooperative Extension Building is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536

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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Preparing for Summer Reading Program at Perry Memorial Library

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With springtime programming now in the rear-view mirror, the staff at Perry Memorial Library is taking a little bit of a pause, but Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters said it’s not much of a breather. After all, they’ve got to decorate the library for summertime programs.

Plus, there’s a whole dinosaur to build.

Between February and April, the library presented 94 programs for 2,100 participants, and Peters said she expects a big turnout for programs, including the Summer Reading Program.

This year’s theme is “Unearth A Story,” and the kickoff is Tuesday, June 16 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The reading program will feature dinosaurs and paleontology – hence, the dinosaur construction. Peters said she’s still deciding whether it’s going to be a brontosaurus or a brachiosaurus. Either way, it’s going to be pretty big.

Peters invites families to come on in to the library and register for the summer reading program so they can put it on their calendars.

“You can fill up a calendar pretty quickly with some library programs,” she said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

“It’s about being intentional,” she said, adding that she wants families to make regular library visits a priority, especially during the summer.

“Get the kids involved, get them engaged…when you put it in your calendar, you’ll show up.”

Visit www.perrylibrary.org for a full schedule and listing of programs and events at Perry Memorial Library.

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From HPD: Multi-Agency Operation Yields Drug Arrests

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— From HendersonPolice Chief Marcus Barrow

Joint Operation Press Release:

Through a joint operation conducted on May 1, 2026, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Henderson Police Department, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Raleigh-Durham Safe Streets Task Force) executed two search warrants within Vance County, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of a significant quantity of narcotics.

Location 1: 1843 Vicksboro, Lot 22 – Henderson, NC 

Seized – 31,100 dosage units of Heroin, 3,044 Grams of Methamphetamine, 1,100 Grams of Fentanyl, 296 grams of M30 pills, 958 grams of Marijuana, $4,247 in US Currency, 3 firearms (1 stolen), other drug manufacturing equipment and associated material.

Michael Lewis Miles (33)
120 Spring Lane, Henderson, NC
Charges:

  • (2) Trafficking Methamphetamine
  • (4) Trafficking Opium/Heroin
  • (2) Trafficking Fentanyl
  • PWISD Methamphetamine
  • PWISD Heroin
  • PWISD Fentanyl
  • PWISD Marijuana
  • PWIMSD Schedule I Controlled Substance
  • Felony Possession of Marijuana
  • Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon
  • Possession of a Stolen Firearm

Lee Arthur Adams (43)

4340 County Home Road, Greenville, NC

Charges:

  • (2) Trafficking Methamphetamine
  • (4) Trafficking Opium/Heroin
  • (2) Trafficking Fentanyl
  • PWISD Methamphetamine
  • PWISD Heroin
  • PWISD Fentanyl
  • PWISD Marijuana
  • PWIMSD Schedule I Controlled Substance
  • Felony Possession of Marijuana
  • Possession of a Stolen Firearm

Location 2: 31 South Oliver Drive, Lot 10 – Henderson, NC

Seized – $2,445 in US Currency, 29 Grams of Methamphetamine, 3 grams of Fentanyl Pills, 1- Glock 9mm, and Machine gun conversion device.

Omir Khaseed Gibbs (21)

29 Coyote Court – Henderson, NC

Charges:

  • (2) Trafficking Methamphetamine
  • Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling for Controlled Substances
  • Exposing Children to a Controlled Substance
  • PWISD Schedule II Controlled Substance
  • PWIMSD Methamphetamine
  • Possession of a Machine Gun
  • Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon

Michael Lewis Miles, also known as “Mike Mike,” is currently on federal probation.

All individuals were held under no bond and transported to the Vance County Detention Center, where they remain pending court proceedings at the state and/or federal level.

Sheriff Curtis Brame and Chief Marcus Barrow commend the coordinated efforts of all agencies involved. This operation reflects the strength of continued partnerships and a shared commitment to removing dangerous narcotics and firearms from our community.

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SportsTalk: Former Vance County AD Joe Sharrow Named NCHSAA AD of the Year

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Joe Sharrow is a familiar name around Vance County. Although Sharrow didn’t grow up here, he claims Henderson as his second hometown because he grew here, with more than 10 years working in Vance County Schools and becoming a high school athletic director – first at Southern Vance and then at Vance County High School.

So when Sharrow was named the winner of this year’s Dave Harris Athletic Director Award of Excellence by the N.C. High School Athletic Association, there was no doubt he wanted to make sure that folks in Vance County heard the news.

At the time, the 26-year-old was the youngest AD in North Carolina, and he said he learned from mentors like Ed Wilson and Dave Jennings. They always were there for him, helping him grow in his role as athletic director

When Sharrow left Vance County in 2022 for Jordan High School in Durham, it took little time for him to create a championship atmosphere there.

Now he’s finishing up his first year at Felton Grove High School in Wake County – a place where he’s had to lean on his previous experiences to get things done.

If you’re thinking that Felton Grove High School doesn’t sound familiar, there’s a good reason – it’s still under construction.

The school opened in August 2025, in the general area where Cary, Apex and Holly Springs converge, Sharrow explained to WIZS’s Scout Hughes and “Doc” Ayscue on SportsTalk Wednesday. The school has 9th and 10th graders this year and will add a class each year for the next couple of years.

It’s a pretty impressive structure, Sharrow said, with a 4-story parking deck and a 500,000 square-foot building.

Just like workers are physically building the structure, AD Sharrow has had to build the athletic program from the ground up.

And his “blueprints” have presented interesting challenges throughout the year.

The school fielded all varsity sports this year (except football), despite having only freshmen and sophomores.

But Sharrow said he’s already got the feeling that the school will be poised for greatness in the next couple of years. The men’s lacrosse and women’s volleyball teams have been impressive; he predicts one of those teams will win a state championship before the school moves from current 6A classification to 8A in a few years.

It’s been a lot to create a whole athletic program from scratch, but Sharrow said Wake County Public Schools System recognized his leadership abilities from the way he navigated a high school consolidation and then turning around the program at Jordan so quickly.

One of the things Sharrow said he had to do during the high school consolidation was to take inventories at Southern Vance and Northern Vance to determine which equipment to keep and use in the new Vance County High School.

And although combining existing inventories isn’t quite the same as starting from scratch, Sharrow said that experience proved helpful.

“I have inventory lists from Vance County – that’s what Felton Grove was based on,” he said.

“We had to order all of it, but the knowledge was there and that came from Vance County.”

Something else that he took away from Vance County is dealing with a unique mascot.

Felton Grove’s mascot is Galaxy. He’s working with it.

Sort of like how he worked with the Vance County High School Viper.

The Felton Grove Galaxy colors are Columbia blue and red (think Houston Oilers football), and Sharrow no doubt will be loyal to the school’s teams.

But there’s also no doubt, he said, that he’ll always “bleed” Viper green and black and Raider blues and white.

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Home and Garden Show

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

  • The Vance County Regional Farmers Market opens this Saturday, May 2nd, open from 8am-1pm.
  • Know what insect you have in your garden before spraying, it might be a beneficial insect.
  • Use a soaker hose to irrigate raised beds.
  • Refrain from using weed  killers until weeds and grass start back actively growing.
  • Use row covers to protect seedlings from birds. Ex: corn seedlings.
  • If you have a bee swarm contact Cooperative Extension we have bee keepers that can retrieve the swarm.
  • Check ponds for aquatic weeds, bring us a sample so you can have a positive ID before purchasing a chemical.
  • Gardens need at least 1 inch of rain or irrigation per week.
  • Continue your fruit spray program according to product directions.
  • Clean out your rain gauges to accurately measure the amount of rain.
  • Get your vegetable publications from Cooperative Extension.
  • Check houseplants dust weekly with a soft cloth.
  • Check storage areas for mice.

The Vance County Cooperative Extension Building is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536

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