District Attorney Mike Waters was on Monday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the “Raise the Age” Initiative, an NC Legislature-passed law that will raise the age of juvenile jurisdiction for nonviolent crimes to age 18 effective December 1, 2019.
According to Waters, this change will significantly increase the juvenile court workload as the majority of 16 and 17-year-olds, currently tried automatically as adults in NC, will be tried as juveniles when the law goes into effect.
Under the new law, exceptions exist for 16 and 17-year-olds who commit felonies that are classified as A-D – including murder, robbery and burglary – in addition to DWI and other traffic offenses, firearm charges and gang-related offenses.
“North Carolina is one of the last two states in the nation to charge 16-year-olds as adults,” said Waters. “I want to reassure the public that, under the new law, the DA’s office will have the discretion to prosecute juveniles that commit serious crimes as adults.”
Waters also explained that, as of December 1, a 16 or 17-year-old convicted of a serious crime will fall under the “once an adult, always an adult” adage; once tried as an adult, any subsequent convictions will be tried as an adult as well.
As for the reason behind raising the age limit for juvenile prosecutions, Waters said research and statistics make a compelling case.
“Research shows that many 16 and 17-year-olds that get involved in the court system may not get involved with it again. Tracking someone forever and giving them a record at a young age creates a certain outcome. Also, 16 and 17-year-olds are not thinking the same way that 18, 19 and 21-year-olds are thinking.”
While juvenile court often results in some form of punishment, Waters said the primary purpose is “therapeutic” in nature. “In juvenile court, you’re trying to get the juvenile on the straight and narrow so they do not have to come back [into the court system].”
Waters and other district attorneys across NC will be asking state legislators for additional assistant district attorneys and support staff to help with the expected increase to the juvenile court workload.
“The NC Conference of District Attorneys will be asking the legislature for 54 additional assistant district attorneys across the state with the expectation that we will have one of those in our district,” Waters said.
Waters and his office serve Vance, Granville, Franklin, Warren and Person counties. This five-county area compromises the 9th Judicial and the 11th Prosecutorial districts in North Carolina.
To hear the Town Talk interview with DA Mike Waters in its entirety, click here.
Henderson Kiwanis Club to Hold Annual Azalea Sale
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy Arthur Faulkner, Henderson Kiwanis Club
The Henderson Kiwanis Club will hold its annual Azalea Sale, Friday, April 12 from 1 to 6 p.m. and Saturday, April 13, 2019, from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. in front of Wendy’s on Dabney Drive in Henderson.
Azaleas (1 and 3-gallon sizes), Knock-Out Roses, Helleri Holly (3-gallon size) and other shrubs will be available.
Your support helps the Henderson Kiwanis Club with their various community projects that benefit children in the local area.
(This is not a paid advertisement)
City Council’s Public Works Committee to Meet March 29
/by WIZS StaffInformation courtesy Esther J. McCrackin, City Clerk, City of Henderson
The Henderson City Council’s Public Works Committee will meet on Friday, March 29, 2019, to discuss items relative to applications for funding, bid award and generator replacement.
This meeting will take place at 3 p.m. in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 134 Rose Avenue in Henderson. The public is welcome to observe.
Granville Co. Social Services Still Accepting Energy Assistance Applications
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy the Granville Co. Government’s Facebook page
The Granville County Department of Social Services is currently accepting applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). Applications will be taken through Friday, March 29, 2019, or until funds are exhausted.
This program provides assistance to local residents for payment of their heating bills. To be eligible, applicants must meet income and resource requirements and be responsible for payment of their own energy bill.
All interested in completing an application should bring valid Identification and provide Social Security numbers for everyone in the household, as well as proof of income for the prior month. Applicants should also provide a copy of their heating bill – which includes account number – and a bank statement.
If applying for someone else, a statement giving permission to apply on that person’s behalf will also be required.
The Granville County Department of Social Services is located at 410 W. Spring Street in Oxford. For more information, contact Social Services at (919) 693-1511.
Privette Arrested on Breaking & Entering, Stolen Vehicle Charges
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
On March 21, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit arrested Dustin Privette, a Franklin County resident.
Dustin Privette was charged with the following: one (1) count of Break and Enter, one (1) count of Larceny after Break and Enter, and one (1) count of Felony Larceny of Stolen Vehicle.
Dustin Privette is currently in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $30,000.00 secured bond.
Dustin Privette, 3001 Sledge Road Louisburg, N.C. 27549, DOB 10/04/1989.
On March 21, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit arrested Dustin Privette, a Franklin County resident. Dustin Privette was charged with the following: one (1) count of Break and Enter, one (1) count of Larceny after Break and Enter, and one (1) count of Felony Larceny of Stolen Vehicle. (Photo courtesy FCSO)
Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Dept. to Hold Indoor Yard Sale
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department
There will be an indoor yard sale on Saturday, April 6, 2019, from 7 a.m. until noon at the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department located on US Highway 1 in Ridgeway, NC.
Money from this sale will go to help high school youth from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 03/26/19
/by CharleneNews 03/26/19
/by LarryTown Talk 03/26/19
/by Larry‘Charlotte’s Web’ to Delight School Children, Families Alike
/by WIZS StaffPart of the Educational Series
The heartwarming literary classic “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White comes to life on stage! Enjoy this beautifully staged production that will be presented by children for children.
Two performances will be available for schools at 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2019.
*Approximate length: 2 hrs, 15 mins, suggested grades: 2nd – 5th. $10 per student or parent. Add popcorn and bottled water for $3 more. Two free teacher/teacher assistant admissions with each class. For more information, contact info@mcgregorhall.org or call (252) 598-0662.
FAMILIES – make it a family night/afternoon at the theater by attending the shows on Saturday, April 6 at 8 p.m. or Sunday, April 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets are now available!
Tickets 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)
DA Waters: 16 & 17-Year-Olds to be Tried as Juveniles Effective Dec. 1
/by Kelly BondurantDistrict Attorney Mike Waters was on Monday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the “Raise the Age” Initiative, an NC Legislature-passed law that will raise the age of juvenile jurisdiction for nonviolent crimes to age 18 effective December 1, 2019.
According to Waters, this change will significantly increase the juvenile court workload as the majority of 16 and 17-year-olds, currently tried automatically as adults in NC, will be tried as juveniles when the law goes into effect.
Under the new law, exceptions exist for 16 and 17-year-olds who commit felonies that are classified as A-D – including murder, robbery and burglary – in addition to DWI and other traffic offenses, firearm charges and gang-related offenses.
“North Carolina is one of the last two states in the nation to charge 16-year-olds as adults,” said Waters. “I want to reassure the public that, under the new law, the DA’s office will have the discretion to prosecute juveniles that commit serious crimes as adults.”
Waters also explained that, as of December 1, a 16 or 17-year-old convicted of a serious crime will fall under the “once an adult, always an adult” adage; once tried as an adult, any subsequent convictions will be tried as an adult as well.
As for the reason behind raising the age limit for juvenile prosecutions, Waters said research and statistics make a compelling case.
“Research shows that many 16 and 17-year-olds that get involved in the court system may not get involved with it again. Tracking someone forever and giving them a record at a young age creates a certain outcome. Also, 16 and 17-year-olds are not thinking the same way that 18, 19 and 21-year-olds are thinking.”
While juvenile court often results in some form of punishment, Waters said the primary purpose is “therapeutic” in nature. “In juvenile court, you’re trying to get the juvenile on the straight and narrow so they do not have to come back [into the court system].”
Waters and other district attorneys across NC will be asking state legislators for additional assistant district attorneys and support staff to help with the expected increase to the juvenile court workload.
“The NC Conference of District Attorneys will be asking the legislature for 54 additional assistant district attorneys across the state with the expectation that we will have one of those in our district,” Waters said.
Waters and his office serve Vance, Granville, Franklin, Warren and Person counties. This five-county area compromises the 9th Judicial and the 11th Prosecutorial districts in North Carolina.
To hear the Town Talk interview with DA Mike Waters in its entirety, click here.