Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss his collaboration with other law enforcement departments as well as to provide some reassuring statistics related to crime in the local area.
Barrow, who has been involved with various divisions within the Henderson Police Department for the last 20 years, said his long-standing working relationship and friendship with newly elected Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame further assists the collaboration between the two offices.
“The Sheriff and I have had a good relationship – a friendship – since I started working here in 1998,” Barrow said. “We have a mutual respect for one another and our collaborations [since Brame became sheriff] are just like we picked up where we left off.”
The two meet weekly to discuss the goings-on in their respective divisions, though Barrow admits “sometimes we just talk about life and provide that support to each other.”
Both Barrow and Brame have disclosed to WIZS that they also have a good working relationship with Mike Waters, district attorney for the 9th Judicial District which includes Vance, Granville, Franklin, Warren and Person counties.
“I’ve had a close relationship with DA Waters since the onset. I made it a priority to get to know him and to be in his office as much as possible.”
Since Waters’ time as DA, Barrow said has seen a noticeable increase in both the collaboration with detectives and departments and the number of cases tried. “We are making some really good decisions on whether cases need to stay here locally in the state court system or go federal.”
According to Barrow, the recent increase in homicide convictions alone shows that cases are being tried more effectively. “I think our numbers show that we are tough on crime. Our use of the federal system proves that we are extremely tough on crime.”
In 2018, Barrow reports that the area had 39 federal indictments and 47 executed drug search warrants. “I think they are going to bust those drug numbers wide open this year. We don’t report on all of them because they are not all so news-worthy, but I believe [the drug unit] has executed 7-8 so far this year.”
The two larger HPD drug busts that have been in the news recently include arrests made at residents on Hamilton and State Street in Henderson. Both involved various drug charges including possession of cocaine, heroin and Ecstasy in addition to the seizure of money and weapons.
While such news can make residents worry about the safety of the community, Barrow said that crime rates are actually at a 25-year low, with 2017 being the lowest year on recent record.
When looking at statistics, Barrow said it is important to remember that while crime is often unpredictable, high crime areas are often known and “hot-spot mapped” to ensure officers are spending their time where they can best keep residents safe.
Barrow also said that crime, especially crime sprees that occur within days of each other such as break-ins, are often related and can usually be traced back to the same 1-2 suspects.
When asked if he personally felt safe in the community, Barrow responded “absolutely.” He elaborated by saying that he moved his mother, a life-long resident of Zebulon, to Henderson last year and would not have done so if he did not feel she would be safe.
Upon his recommendation, Barrow’s sister also moved to the area and is now a teacher in the school system.
Encouraged by the strengthened collaborations between law enforcement offices, decreases in crime levels and the growth of Henderson’s business segment, Barrow said he is glad to call Henderson home.
“I’m proud of this city; I love this place!”
To hear the interview in its entirety, please click here.
‘Know It, Control It’ to Help Warren Residents Manage Blood Pressure
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy the NC Cooperative Extension – Warren County Center
NC Cooperative Extension-Warren County is offering a new high blood pressure management program for adults created by the Community and Clinical Connections for Prevention and Health Branch of the North Carolina Division of Public Health. “Know It, Control It” is a community-based blood pressure management program designed to help participants self-monitor their blood pressure and make healthy lifestyle changes to control high blood pressure. Trained blood pressure coaches teach this program using evidence-based strategies to manage cardiovascular disease.
“High blood pressure is the leading cause of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease in the United States,” said the American Heart Association (AHA). “Knowing your blood pressure numbers can help you take action NOW to prevent or delay the development of more serious complications.”
Almost one out of every three adults in the United States – 29% or about 75 million people – has been diagnosed with high blood pressure. Among adults 65 years and older, two out of three have high blood pressure and half of them do not have it under control. “All adults should consult with a health care provider, learn their blood pressure numbers, learn to self-monitor their blood pressure and take steps to get healthy,” spoken on behalf of the AHA.
“Know It, Control It” classes are open to people who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. During each class, blood pressure coaches will lead a discussion on a healthy habit that will help participants control their blood pressure. On class days, the blood pressure coach will also assist each participant with measuring and logging his/her blood pressure with the goal of having them become proficient at tracking and measuring their blood pressure on their own.
For available class dates and registration information, please click here or call 252-257-3640.
Town Talk 01/25/19
/by LarryLocal News 01/25/19
/by John C. RoseLocal News: Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow on collaboration with other law enforcement and reassuring statistics; HPD Drug Bust; Software Glitch With Some Effects Locally on Student Grades
Farmhouse on Glebe Rd. a ‘Total Loss’ After Evening Fire
/by John C. RoseOn Wednesday evening, January 23, 2019, at approximately 7 p.m., a major fire occurred at an older two-story farmhouse on Glebe Road in Henderson. The home belongs to Wayne and Karmen Meadows. No one was reported injured, but the house is a total loss according to Vance County Fire Chief Chris Wright.
Wright said, “When the first unit got on scene, there was heavy fire on the left-hand side of the house, wrapping around towards the back. It took a while to bring it under control. The fire marshall was called, and he came out and started a preliminary investigation.”
According to Wright, Vance County Fire Marshall Keith Duncan will continue his investigation as to the origin and cause of the fire.
The house was occupied by Wayne Meadows at the time of the fire according to Wright. Meadows was forced to break a window to escape the blaze.
The Vance County Fire Department, Hicksboro Fire Department, Townsville Fire Department, Watkins Fire Department, Rescue Squad and EMS responded to the scene.
Davis, of Hamilton St. in Henderson, Arrested on Numerous Drug Charges
/by WIZS StaffPress Release – Henderson Police Department
On January 23, 2019, members of the Henderson Police Department Special Operations Division along with the Special Response Team executed a search warrant at the residence of 221 Hamilton St. in Henderson, NC.
During the execution of the search warrant over 30 grams of marijuana packaged for distribution, cocaine, 70 dosage units of heroin, 8 Ecstasy pills, over $800 in US currency and five firearms, along with several rounds of ammunition, were located and seized.
Peter Anthony Davis AKA “Tony,” 58, of 221 Hamilton St. in Henderson, NC was arrested and charged. He was charged with PWIMSD SCH. I, PWIMSD SCH. II, Manufacturing Schedule I, Manufacturing Schedule II, Felony Possession of Schedule I, Felony Possession of Schedule II, Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling, Firearm by Felon x5 and Felony PWIMSD Controlled Substance within 1000 ft of a child care center.
His bond was set in the amount of $250,000 secured. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 5, 2019.
Peter Anthony Davis AKA “Tony,” 58, of 221 Hamilton St. in Henderson, NC was arrested and charged on January 23, 2019, with PWIMSD SCH. I, PWIMSD SCH. II, Manufacturing Schedule I, Manufacturing Schedule II, Felony Possession of Schedule I, Felony Possession of Schedule II, Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling, Firearm by Felon x5 and Felony PWIMSD Controlled Substance within 1000 ft of a child care center. (Photo Credit: Henderson Police Dept.)
During the execution of the search warrant at 221 Hamilton St., in Henderson, NC, over 30 grams of marijuana packaged for distribution, cocaine, 70 dosage units of heroin, 8 Ecstasy pills, over $800 in US currency and five firearms, along with several rounds of ammunition, were located and seized. (Photo Credit: Henderson Police Dept.)
Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow Talks Crime, Local Collaborations
/by Kelly BondurantHenderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss his collaboration with other law enforcement departments as well as to provide some reassuring statistics related to crime in the local area.
Barrow, who has been involved with various divisions within the Henderson Police Department for the last 20 years, said his long-standing working relationship and friendship with newly elected Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame further assists the collaboration between the two offices.
“The Sheriff and I have had a good relationship – a friendship – since I started working here in 1998,” Barrow said. “We have a mutual respect for one another and our collaborations [since Brame became sheriff] are just like we picked up where we left off.”
The two meet weekly to discuss the goings-on in their respective divisions, though Barrow admits “sometimes we just talk about life and provide that support to each other.”
Both Barrow and Brame have disclosed to WIZS that they also have a good working relationship with Mike Waters, district attorney for the 9th Judicial District which includes Vance, Granville, Franklin, Warren and Person counties.
“I’ve had a close relationship with DA Waters since the onset. I made it a priority to get to know him and to be in his office as much as possible.”
Since Waters’ time as DA, Barrow said has seen a noticeable increase in both the collaboration with detectives and departments and the number of cases tried. “We are making some really good decisions on whether cases need to stay here locally in the state court system or go federal.”
According to Barrow, the recent increase in homicide convictions alone shows that cases are being tried more effectively. “I think our numbers show that we are tough on crime. Our use of the federal system proves that we are extremely tough on crime.”
In 2018, Barrow reports that the area had 39 federal indictments and 47 executed drug search warrants. “I think they are going to bust those drug numbers wide open this year. We don’t report on all of them because they are not all so news-worthy, but I believe [the drug unit] has executed 7-8 so far this year.”
The two larger HPD drug busts that have been in the news recently include arrests made at residents on Hamilton and State Street in Henderson. Both involved various drug charges including possession of cocaine, heroin and Ecstasy in addition to the seizure of money and weapons.
While such news can make residents worry about the safety of the community, Barrow said that crime rates are actually at a 25-year low, with 2017 being the lowest year on recent record.
When looking at statistics, Barrow said it is important to remember that while crime is often unpredictable, high crime areas are often known and “hot-spot mapped” to ensure officers are spending their time where they can best keep residents safe.
Barrow also said that crime, especially crime sprees that occur within days of each other such as break-ins, are often related and can usually be traced back to the same 1-2 suspects.
When asked if he personally felt safe in the community, Barrow responded “absolutely.” He elaborated by saying that he moved his mother, a life-long resident of Zebulon, to Henderson last year and would not have done so if he did not feel she would be safe.
Upon his recommendation, Barrow’s sister also moved to the area and is now a teacher in the school system.
Encouraged by the strengthened collaborations between law enforcement offices, decreases in crime levels and the growth of Henderson’s business segment, Barrow said he is glad to call Henderson home.
“I’m proud of this city; I love this place!”
To hear the interview in its entirety, please click here.
Software Glitch Prompts Vance Co. Schools to Reassess Student Grades
/by Kelly BondurantSoftware used by multiple school systems across the state suffered a glitch in programming that resulted in miscalculated student grades recently, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Terri Hedrick, public information officer for Vance County Schools said the local school system was affected by the software glitch.
“We use the software for grade calculations for our high school semester grades in PowerSchool, which is the online application used by public school systems throughout the state to manage student information – from their personal information to test scores and classroom grades.”
“When we assessed our students’ grades, we found only a small number of students were affected. As we checked their first semester grades, we found that any student affected had a grade that was incorrectly increased by one point, in most cases. In all cases, no student grades were negatively affected or incorrectly calculated at a greatly inflated rate,” Hedrick explained.
According to Hedrick, the school system will continue to assess student data on a regular basis.
Granville Co. Social Services Accepting Applications for Energy Assistance
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, County of Granville
The Granville County Department of Social Services is currently accepting applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). Applications will be taken through March 31, 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. Visit granvillecounty.org for more details about the programs and services provided by the local Social Services Department.
Cooperative Extension with Jamon Glover 01/24/19
/by CharleneNews 01/24/19
/by Larry