Trial in Vance County Superior Court leads to First Degree Rape Conviction
Henderson, NC – Vance County Criminal Superior Court was held during the week of November 30, 2015. Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Robert H. Hobgood presided during the session. The Office of District Attorney Mike Waters was represented by Assistant District Attorneys Melissa D. Pelfrey, Onica F. Fuller, William J. Williamson and Stephen T. Gheen, according to a press release issued by Waters.
The primary focus of the week-long session was the trial of State of North Carolina vs. Daquan K. Foster. Mr. Foster was charged with a First Degree Rape and Second Degree Kidnapping which were alleged to have occurred on March 28, 2013. Mr. Foster was represented by Attorney E. N. Bagshawe. At the close of State’s evidence Judge Hobgood dismissed the Second Degree Kidnapping charge. At the close of all evidence and arguments of counsel, the jury convicted Mr. Foster of First Degree Rape, the press release said.
Judge Hobgood re-empaneled the jury for the consideration of aggravating factors to enhance sentencing. The jury found, as an aggravating factor, that the victim suffered from mental and physical disabilities. Judge Hobgood continued sentencing, at the request of Mr. Foster’s attorney, until after January 7,2016. Mr. Foster will receive an active sentence between 144 to 420 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, according to the release.
Pending a sentencing hearing, Mr. Foster’s bond was revoked, and he is being held in the custody of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, the release said.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Melissa D. Pelfrey and Onica F. Fuller. The case was investigated by Det. Brandon Logue, Sgt. Jessica West and Lt. Christopher Ball of the Henderson Police Department under the leadership of Chief Marcus Barrow, according to the release.
Waters told WIZS News, “I am very proud of the brave victim who testified about what is perhaps the worst thing that ever happened to her. I appreciate the hard work and professional way in which this case was prepared by the Assistant District Attorneys and the Henderson Police Department.”
News 12/08/15
/by LarryCitizens Aligned to Take Back Henderson Holds Second Meeting
/by WIZS StaffOn Monday night at the Maria Parham Medical Center Auditorium, a group of concerned citizens known as “Citizens Aligned to take back Henderson, NC”, met to discuss the state of dilapidating structures within the city limits. Steve Cordell, fire chief for the City of Henderson, and Alan Faulkner, of Faulkner Grading & Landscaping, addressed concerned citizens and provided quality answers to questions.
Cordell broke down the process of burning down a structure. Cordell said, “We have to evaluate the home for asbestos, check tax leans, financial considerations, process of removal, it’s a lot.” Cordell went on with, “…apply for demolition permits…file for air quality, get state approval, and do a cost benefit analysis.”
The process of burning abandoned houses in the City of Henderson is going to take time and money. However, there are other options.
Faulkner said, “It costs as much tear down a house as it does to take it to the landfill.”
The general consensus of the meeting was whether it is burning down abandoned homes or tearing them down, something must be done for the appearance and perception of the City of Henderson and all of Vance County.
The next step for the group is to take their cause to both the Henderson City Council and Vance County Board of Commissioners.
To learn more about Citizens Aligned to take back Henderson, like them on Facebook at facebook.com/cleanuphenderson.
Granville Chamber Banquet to feature WRAL’s Scott Mason
/by WIZS StaffThe Granville County Chamber’s Annual Banquet has been scheduled for Monday evening, January 25th, 6:30 pm in Vance-Granville Community College’s Main Campus Civic Center.
Meetings committee chairman William Adcock announces that the evening will once again include the presentation of the Chamber’s most prestigious award, the John Penn Citizen of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding community service.
Guest presenter for the evening will be Scott Mason, Reporter, WRAL-TV and “The Tarheel Traveler”. Mason is a broadcast journalist with more than 30 years of television experience. Scott has worked as a reporter and bureau chief for several network affiliates. His success caught the attention of WRAL-TV. In April, 1997, Scott became the station’s Documentary Producer. He researched, wrote and produced nine documentaries before adding his talents to the nightly news team as a reporter specializing in features.
Today, Scott is known as the Tar Heel Traveler. His Monday-Thursday features series on WRAL takes viewers along the back roads of North Carolina where he meets memorable characters, finds out-of-the-way places and unearths fascinating historical footnotes. The series has become so popular it has led to Tar Heel Traveler half-hour specials, which Scott produces each quarter.
A buffet dinner will be provided by Chamber member Ted’s Catering. Tickets are $40 each. Corporate tables of 8, with reserved seating, are available for $300.00. Corporate tables of 10, reserved seating, are available for $380.00. Tickets/reservations are required prior to the event – by January 15th. Checks or credit card payments are accepted by contacting one of the Chamber’s offices – 919.693.6125/Wanda, wanda@granville-chamber.com or 919.528.4994/Toni Anne, tawheeler@granville-chamber.com.
Banquet sponsors are: Duke Energy/Presenting Sponsor; BB&T, CertainTeed, Granville Health System, The School of Graphic Arts and Time Warner Cable.
Corbitt Celebration held in Henderson
/by WIZS StaffOn Monday morning at 10:00 a.m. the Corbitt Preservation Association in partnership with the City of Henderson, and the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce held at ribbon cutting to celebrate the Bennett H. Perry Jr. Museum in downtown Henderson.
Local dignitaries joined together to celebrate the rich history of The Corbitt Company as well as the City of Henderson.
Charles Powell, president of the Corbitt Preservation Association, said, “This event is a culmination of hard work. We worked 14 years to get to this point. We stayed true to our mission of preserving the Corbitt name, Corbitt products, Corbitt buildings and property, and founding a Corbitt Museum, and we’ve done it.”
However, Powell noted that there is still work to be done.
He said, “There are still people that do not know what a Corbitt is.”
The hours for the Bennett H. Perry Jr. Museum are Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. To find out more information about the Bennett H. Perry Jr. Museum, the Corbitt Preservation Association, and the history of The Corbitt Company please visit www.corbitttrucks.com.
First Degree Rape Conviction
/by John C. RoseTrial in Vance County Superior Court leads to First Degree Rape Conviction
Henderson, NC – Vance County Criminal Superior Court was held during the week of November 30, 2015. Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Robert H. Hobgood presided during the session. The Office of District Attorney Mike Waters was represented by Assistant District Attorneys Melissa D. Pelfrey, Onica F. Fuller, William J. Williamson and Stephen T. Gheen, according to a press release issued by Waters.
The primary focus of the week-long session was the trial of State of North Carolina vs. Daquan K. Foster. Mr. Foster was charged with a First Degree Rape and Second Degree Kidnapping which were alleged to have occurred on March 28, 2013. Mr. Foster was represented by Attorney E. N. Bagshawe. At the close of State’s evidence Judge Hobgood dismissed the Second Degree Kidnapping charge. At the close of all evidence and arguments of counsel, the jury convicted Mr. Foster of First Degree Rape, the press release said.
Judge Hobgood re-empaneled the jury for the consideration of aggravating factors to enhance sentencing. The jury found, as an aggravating factor, that the victim suffered from mental and physical disabilities. Judge Hobgood continued sentencing, at the request of Mr. Foster’s attorney, until after January 7,2016. Mr. Foster will receive an active sentence between 144 to 420 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, according to the release.
Pending a sentencing hearing, Mr. Foster’s bond was revoked, and he is being held in the custody of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, the release said.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Melissa D. Pelfrey and Onica F. Fuller. The case was investigated by Det. Brandon Logue, Sgt. Jessica West and Lt. Christopher Ball of the Henderson Police Department under the leadership of Chief Marcus Barrow, according to the release.
Waters told WIZS News, “I am very proud of the brave victim who testified about what is perhaps the worst thing that ever happened to her. I appreciate the hard work and professional way in which this case was prepared by the Assistant District Attorneys and the Henderson Police Department.”
Late Night Shooting Downtown
/by John C. RoseOn Saturday, December 05, 2015, at approximately 2:30 A.M., members of the Henderson Police Department Patrol Operations Division responded to the area of 200 South Garnett Street, Henderson just outside KO’s in response to someone shot. When officers arrived, they found two victims, one male and one female suffering from gunshot related injuries. The injured (were) transported to area medical facilities for treatment of their injuries.
The two individuals injured in this matter have been identified as Darius Robinson, 22, of 188 Franklin Road, Henderson and Jasmine Elise Spruiell, 21, of 201 Hillside Drive, Oxford.
The investigation into this matter has been turned over to the Criminal Investigation Division. Anyone having information or who may have been in the area is asked to contact the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141 0r Sgt Jessica West at 252-432-1558. For those wishing to remain anonymous, callers can contact Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925. Crime Stoppers offers rewards of up to 2,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of individuals involved in criminal behavior.
Information will be updated at the appropriate time.
(Information provided to WIZS by Press Release Under The Authority of Chief Marcus Barrow)
150 Years of Henderson Masonic Lodge
/by jeannie roseSamuel W. “Butch” Brummitt was awarded Mason of the Year Saturday night at the 150th anniversary celebration of the Henderson Masonic Lodge No 229. Pictured are Butch and his wife Kim.
Saturday, December 5th marked 150 years of the Henderson Lodge which was chartered December 5, 1865 beginning with the leadership of Col. James B White. Members and guests enjoyed a dinner buffet and special anniversary cake.
Master Bill Bouknight began the program. Ray Fields introduced widows and guests. Donald Seifert gave a brief history of the Lodge from 1865 to the present. The present Lodge was built in 1976.
Masons have a proud heritage in their pursuit of making things better for all.
Mrs. Cathy Currin presented the poem “Thoughts of a Mason’s Wife.” Eddie Dickerson of Lodge No 122 in Oxford told his early life story. He was raised at the Masonic Home in Oxford. He told how the Home provides a place to call home and provides an extended family for the children.
The work of Masons provides an investment in the future. Celebrating 150 years of friendship, morality, and brotherly love – the Henderson Lodge No 229 has pledged to continue the work of this fraternal institution.
News 12/07/15
/by LarryUNC vs Clemson; ACC Champ
/by John C. RoseAirtime on WIZS 1450 AM is 7:00 P.M.
The ACC Championship is tonight at 8:00 P.M. from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Top-ranked Clemson and 10th-ranked North Carolina.
With all the offensive firepower that will take the field, both head coaches are talking about defense.
Specifically Tiger Coach Dabo Swinney says turnovers are a definite factor in the game. He said, “You don’t want to give a team like North Carolina a short field, and they don’t want to give us a short field. So, the turnover margin, probably which defense can get the most stops, that’s probably the difference in the game.”
A Tiger win secures Clemson’s place in the College Football Playoff.
A UNC victory will give North Carolina its first ACC championship in 35 years, and possibly open a window to the football playoffs, if Alabama loses.
Tar Heel Coach Larry Fedora, who now has a new seven year deal with UNC, clearly says Clemson is better than any other opponent Carolina has faced this season. He said, “This is the best offense we’ve faced this year, no doubt about it, and this is the best defense we have faced this year. This is the best football team we have faced. They are the number one team in the country, and they’ve been that way for how many weeks? 10 weeks? A long time, as long as you guys can remember, so they’re really good. They’re really good.”
Ellington set to lead Henderson-Vance Community Watch Association
/by WIZS StaffMayor-elect Eddie Ellington is going to be a busy man. Last night at the Golden Corral in Henderson, Eddie Ellington was voted as the next president of the Henderson-Vance Community Watch Association. Ellington succeeded Dr. Gene Wood of the Calvary Baptist Church. Dr. Wood had held the position for the last three years.
Leonard Hight was voted by the board of directors as the new vice president of the Henderson-Vance Community Watch Association at the same meeting to replace Ellington’s vacated seat.
The Henderson-Vance Community Watch Association is widely regarded in North Carolina as it is the only such association in the state.