6-Year-Old Victim Dies Of Gunshot Wound; Father Charged With Felony Child Abuse

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A six-year-old Vance County child is dead and his father has been charged with felony child abuse in connection with the weekend shooting death.

In a press statement from Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame, deputies were dispatched to 67 Hoyle Lane on Saturday afternoon. The boy, whose name has not been released, was taken to Maria Parham Hospital, where he was ultimately pronounced dead from a gunshot wound.

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit, with the assistance of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, responded to the scene to conduct an investigation into the incident.

During the investigation, the juvenile’s father,  identified as Eric Eugene Allen Rowe, 31, was arrested and charged in connection with the incident. Rowe was given a $90,000 secured bond for the charge and was bonded out a short time later.

No further details were made available.

The investigation is still ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 252.738.2200.

Rasheed To Receive Honorary Degree Dec. 10 From Alma Mater, Elizabeth City State University

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Abdul Sm Rasheed, current chair of the Vance-Granville Community College board of trustees, will soon add another accolade to his list of credentials.

Rasheed is scheduled to receive an honorary Doctor of Public Service from Elizabeth City State University during the university’s winter commencement exercises on Saturday, Dec. 10. A part of the ECSU Class of 1971, Rasheed has since served as president of the ECSU National Alumni Association, chair of the ECSU Foundation Board and chair of the ECSU Board of Trustees.

This latest honor marks a lifetime of service.

Rasheed founded and served as the CEO of the North Carolina Community Development Initiative and Initiative Capital. Across two decades, those efforts produced retail/commercial ventures, industrial projects, housing for seniors and families, jobs and services in low-income areas. From 2014 through 2016, he served as interim CEO of the Center for Leadership Innovation, managing a national grant and leadership development program for nonprofits. He then served as CEO of Wildacres Leadership Initiative from 2016 to 2017. Currently he serves as CEO and senior advisor to the board of Franklin Vance Warren Opportunity, Inc.

The honorary doctorate from ECSU is just the latest academic achievement for Rasheed. He already holds an honorary doctorate from Livingstone College, a bachelor of sciencedegree in basic business from ECSU, a master’s in education in counseling and personnel services from Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey) and a master’s of science in community economic development from Southern New Hampshire University. He is also a graduate of the senior executive management program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Rasheed lives in Henderson with his wife Marolyn; they have five children and seven  grandchildren.

TownTalk: Exciting Times For Vance Charter Cheerleading

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Members of the Vance Charter School cheer team weren’t able to get a lot of practice time in before last weekend’s state championship competition – it was that weeklong trip to New York City to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade that kept them off the practice mat.

But just like their months-long fundraising efforts to get all 20 of the VCS high school cheerleaders to make the trip, things turned out OK.

Actually, better than OK.

They brought home another state championship, winning in the the large varsity, no-tumble division.

“The girls put in the work and made it happen,” said Coach Stacey Long, clearly satisfied with the outcome of all the events that have transpired in the last few weeks.

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But Long isn’t just talking about the most recent competition. She’s talking about the way the girls went out into the community, seeking the $70,000 in donations to help get the whole team to New York, all expenses paid.

That was their goal, she said, and that’s exactly what happened. Thanks to the generosity of more than 50 sponsors across Vance and Granville counties – and beyond – the entire cheer team spent a whole week in the Big Apple, for what surely is a trip of a lifetime.

They visited the Empire State Building, took a harbor cruise to see the Statue of Liberty, visited the 911 Memorial and took in a Rockettes show and a Broadway performance, Long said, all thanks to generous sponsors.

“But the actual Thanksgiving Day parade was very magical,” Long told John C. Rose on Tuesday’s TownTalk. “The girls were just so excited to be a part of that.”

The parade organizers had many activities planned for the participants, but Long and Assistant Coach Shelley Whitehead planned additional outings. But the girls and their chaperones also had some free afternoon time over the course of the trip, too. Some went shopping, visited Central Park and did a little ice skating, among other activities.

“They really got a lot of New York in,” Long said.

And although the iconic tree at Rockefeller Center wasn’t ready for viewing, they did get to see the Saks Fifth Avenue light show display.

“Every day we got up, there was a little more Christmas,” Long said. “The girls really enjoyed seeing that part of New York.”

But no sooner had they returned home than they set their sights on last weekend’s state championship, held in Raleigh on Dec. 3. Add to that cheering for their Knights’ basketball games and next week’s exam schedule, the girls have maintained a tight schedule.

With practices at 6 a.m. and then again in the afternoon, they put the finishing touches on their 2:30-minute routine.

“These girls have put in at least 12-14 hours (of practice) since May,” Long estimated. Logging all those practice hours has paid off, she added.

With another trophy added to the school’s awards case, Long said she wants the young women to take a little time off from practice and focus their attention to next week’s exams.

Then she hopes they’ll take some time to enjoy the holidays with their families. “We’ll let them reset and recharge,” Long added.

Because as soon as the New Year kicks in, they’ll be back on the practice mats. They have another state competition on Jan. 28 in Raleigh. And they’ll be looking to defend their title, which they won last year.

Here’s a list of cheer team members:

Abby Cole

Brianna Dickerson

Helena Florez

Kelcey Hardee

Catherine Hedgepeth

Emma Hicks

Emma Long

Olivia Long

Maya Lloyd

Shakera Macon

Ziya Perry

Mia Satterwhite

Pearla Tabor

Kelsey Waddle

Cheyanne Burroughs

Kate Carrington

Summer Francis

Alina Gonzalez

Ashley Hennessey

Lauren Taylor

Stacey Long- Coach
Shelley Whitehead- Assistant Coach

Following is a list of Sponsors, provided by the VCS cheer coaches:

Platinum Sponsors:

Oxford Cheer Elite

Spectrum Medical Solutions

Stainback & Satterwhite Law Office

Better Beach Rentals & Sales

Silver Sponsors: 

Parkview Office Plaza

2000/5 Partners, Inc.

Sprinkle Properties

Drake & Seymour Dentistry

Bronze Sponsors:

Currin Dental Lab, Inc.

Shadowing Oaks

Carrington’s Clearing & Grading

Floyd Management & Realty, Inc.

Goddard & Peterson, PLLC

Wilson’s Carpet

Coffeys Bail Bonds

Dr. Hal & Betty Westerholm

Cloninger Law Office, PLLC

Kim Hedgepeth

Joe Rebo & Associates, Inc.

Larry’s Service Company

Kilian Engineering, Inc.

Granville Haunt Farm/Granville Christmas Farm

The Church of the Holy Innocents

Carolina Sunrock

Margier White State Farm Insurance

EFP Capital, Inc.

Henderson Optimist Club

Roberson Family Dentistry

Individual Sponsors:

Medical Arts Pharmacy

The Pegram Agency

River Wind Farm

C&P Body Shop

Jean Burwell

Milano’s in Oxford

Shalag

Jonathan Care, Attorney at Law, PA

C Squared

Wesco, Inc.

Johnny & Callie Yount

Sammie McCraw

Danny & Jane Williams

Union Bank

Oxford Lions Club

Jerry & Dorcel Edmonds

Skippers Forsyth’s BBQ Inc.

John Young

Bojangles

Ray’s Window Cleaning Services

Newcap Inc.

Ed & Angela Reeves

Sparkly Strands Fairy Hair

Susan Crews

John Wyche

The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance 12-06-22

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The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for December 6, 2022. The Chamber compiles the information, and it is presented here and on the radio. Contact the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce at 438-8414 or email Michele@hendersonvance.org to be included.

Company  Wal-Mart Distribution

Job Title  Orderfiller – Multiple positions open.  Competitive Pay – Starting salary at $18.65, increasing to $29.15.

How To Apply  Apply online at www.storejobs.wal-mart.com/HiringCenter.  Note:  An in-person Job Fair at the Wal-Mart Distribution in Mebane NC will take place on Thursday, Dec 8 from 11 am – 2 pm, at 2837 Senator Ralph Scott Parkway.

 

Company  Next Level Kennels

Job Title  Kennel Tech.  Looking to hire a long-term, dependable, responsible worker.  Shifts consist of days, evenings, week days, and weekends.  Responsible for daily training, boarders and personal animals (feeding, watering, cleaning, walking, bathing, etc.).  Must be willing and eager to learn.  Responsible for keeping kennels, office, lobby, and grooming room neat, clean, tidy and organized.

How To Apply   Apply in-person at Next Level Kennels, located at 1776 Walter Bowen Road, Henderson, NC or call 252-438-4459. Or email resume to petresort@nextlevelkennels.com

 

Company  Brewer Cycles

Job Title  Service Technician.  Full-time. A qualified candidate must have automotive or power sports mechanical experience; be able to follow directions; how own tools; and be able to lift and/or move 50 lbs.

How To Apply  Fill out an application on Brewer Cycles website https://www.brewercycles.com.  Print out application, fill out and email to brewer@brewercycles.com.  For more information, contact Chris Brewer at 252-430-9723.

 

Company  Henderson Collegiate Charter School

Job Title  Teacher Positions Open.  $1000 teacher signing bonus.  No license required.

How To Apply  Attend in-person Teacher Career Fair at Henderson Collegiate High School on Wednesday, December 14, 9 am – 10:30 am.  Location:  1071 Old Epsom Road in Henderson.  Bring yout resume.  Breakfast served.

 

Company  Mako Medical Labs

Job Title  1. IT Service Help Desk Analyst – 3rd Shift.  Responsible for providing technical assistance and support related to desktop computer systems, hardware, or software as well as mobile devices. Monitor and runs diagnostic programs, isolates problem, and determine and implement solution within prescribed standards and procedures.  2. Medical Technologist Full-Time.  This team member will be responsible for preparing patient specimens as required for laboratory testing, performing compliantly ordered laboratory tests, monitoring test results to assure test quality and validity, and communicate results in a timely manner, especially those that may be life threatening to the patient.

How To Apply  Apply online at https://makomedical.com/careers/.

Company  Vance-Granville Community College (main campus)

Job Title  Evening Custodian.  Salary range $31,200 – $34,986 a year.  Full-time.  Responsible for the overall cleanliness an proper upkeep of assigned areas of the facility.  This position will serve as the lead for maintaining floors including stripping, buffing and waxing.  This position is also responsible for closing and securing the campus.  Monday – Thursday 3 pm – 12 am, and Friday 2 pm – 8 pm.  Qualifications: high school diploma, experience in industrial cleaning and good customer service.  Floor Tech experience strongly preferred but not required.  Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, climb and work from ladders, work in extreme weather conditions, and move tables/chairs.

How To Apply  Online at https://www.vgcc.edu/vgcc-employment-opportunities/.

 

Company  Spectrum Medical Solutions

Job Title  CNA/Home Care.  This position will have the autonomy to work with patients in the field while having the support of a dedicated and experienced nursing and operations team.  Spectrum strives to provide person-centered care with optimal outcomes for every patient.  CNA/Home Care Aides will assist clients with daily activities.

How To Apply  Send your resume with your credentials and experience to April Wright – april@spectrummedsolutions.net.  For questions, call 919-892-7086

 

Some of these businesses are present or past advertisers of WIZS.  Being an ad client is not a condition of being listed or broadcast.  This is not a paid ad.

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Cooperative Extension with Paul McKenzie: What Works in the Garden

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Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

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Mike Waters

Vance Man to Spend Rest of Life in Prison

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A Vance County man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in the 2019 murder of Brittany Pruitt.

Patrick Watson was convicted of first-degree murder and was sentenced on Nov. 23 in Vance County Superior Court, according to information from the office of District Attorney Michael Waters.

The jury trial began on Nov. 14 and concluded with Watson’s conviction on Nov. 22. He was sentenced the next day.

The defendant was represented by attorney Mitchell G. Styers, and the State of North Carolina was represented by Assistant District Attorney Brent W. Groce.

Pruitt was found shot on the morning of June 10,, 2019, at Watson’s residence on Stewart Farm Road. She was pronounced dead shortly thereafter, according to the press statement from the district attorney. Following an investigation by the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, primarily led by Sgt. Michael Hawley (now retired), and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, primarily led by Special Agent Michael Ludwig,

Watson was charged with first-degree murder on June 28, 2019.

During the jury trial, evidence was presented through multiple witnesses, including investigators, lay persons, and expert witnesses.

Pruitt was survived by her three children, her parents, and her siblings.

“Our office thanks the jury for its commitment to listen to all of the evidence presented during the trial which spanned seven days. We are also thankful that Brittany’s family had faith in our office to seek a just result. Although Mr. Watson has been brought to justice, this will not absolve the pain inflicted upon Brittany’s family,” Waters stated.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

GVPH Community Assessment Released

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Every three years, health departments across the state evaluate community health priorities and create a community health assessment to guide their efforts and inform programs and projects that are important to the people they serve.

Granville Vance Public Health recently released its 2021 health assessment, in partnership with the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, local agencies and Triangle North Healthcare Foundation. According to the document, the top three community health priorities in Vance and Granville counties are:

  • mental health and substance use disorder
  • access to health care – including affordability
  • engaging youth to advance community health and safety

“The CHA demonstrates synergy and informs Granville and Vance County residents about the strengths of our local community as well as opportunities for improvement,” said GVPH Director Lisa Harrison.
“The CHA results are used regularly by many groups in grant applications, program development, and can serve as an important consideration for economic development opportunities,” Harrison said in a press statement accompanying the health assessment document.

The CHA includes information collected from a variety of focus group meetings of area residents, as well as other data from agencies like the U.S. Census Bureau, local government agencies, school districts and the state and federal health agencies. A steering committee met regularly to guide the process and members of the community offered feedback throughout the process.

The Community Health Improvement Plan, conducted in October, engaged partners in the two counties to develop measurable objectives to address each priority, identify evidence-based strategies to achieve those objectives, and plan evaluation and accountability throughout the next three years.

Next steps include identifying specific evidence-based interventions and programs to incorporate into their overall plan for health services that address the three health priorities that were identified in the community assessment.

The comprehensive report provides a wealth of information about the two counties served by the health district, from high school graduation rates and access to grocery stores, to safety and recreational outlets.

View the full report at http://www.gvph.org/wp 

content/uploads/2022/09/GVPH-2021-CHA-Report_v2.pdf.

The Local Skinny! Vance Granville Community Band Plans Christmas Concert

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Press “pause” on your holiday decorating and shopping for about an hour on Monday, Dec. 12 and head over to McGregor Hall – Brian Miller says you won’t be disappointed.

Miller conducts the Vance Granville Community band, which will be performing a free community concert beginning at 7:30 p.m.

He understands the importance of timing – he’s been a high school band instructor for 30 years – and he said he always remembers advice his Mom gave him: “Keep it short. Make the audience want more, not wish the thing were over,” he told John C. Rose on Monday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

“We’re not going to keep you long,” Miller said, adding that the performance would be “an evening of nostalgic enjoyment.”

Selections include holiday music, but there are sure to be some toe-tappin’ favorites, including some good ol’ fashioned band marches and an overture based on folk songs from Mexico as well. And who knows? Miller said there just may be a special visitor at the end of the concert.

“We’re a very traditional band playing very traditional music,” Miller said, adding that “bands should play marches and traditional things – things that sound good!”

The band consists of about 30 members, and Miller said they’re always looking for more.

“We’d love to have you join us,” he said. Ages range from students all the way up to “folks in very much their adult years.”

Practice takes place on Monday evenings, from 7 p.m. to about 8:30 p.m. and will resume after the holidays at VGCC’s Main Campus in Henderson.

 

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