The Vance County Board of Commissioners got updates Monday on several matters that involve the detention center, ranging from repairs to the existing facility, plans for a new facility and new hires to help close the gap in staffing.
Blair Bordeaux, president of Bordeaux Construction, and Todd Davis, vice president of Moseley Architecture, are heading up the design/build team and talked through with commissioners the process that will help achieve the ultimate goal of having a functioning jail while a new one is being built.
County Manager C. Renee Perry was scheduled to meet today (Wednesday) with the design/build team to get details on just how the process will unfold as sufficient renovations are made to the existing facility as plans for a new jail are made.
They did a walk-through of the current jail on July 1 and mentioned numerous areas that need attention, including the video security system.
“In looking at the cameras and security electronics system, the first thing we noticed, it’s not a digital system,” Davis said. There is one server, designed to accommodate maybe 55 or 60 cameras. The jail’s single server has closer to 90 cameras, but 22 weren’t working when they checked them out during the walk-through.
“That needs to be changed, right off the bat,” Davis said.
One problem creates additional problems, and when you combine a staff shortage with the age of the jail and its less-than-perfect design, the problems soon mount.
Brame told commissioners that he’s hired eight new officers and hopes to hire five more in the next few weeks. Six of the eight new hires still have to complete detention center training.
The sheriff reminded commissioners that detention center staff may not always on site at the jail – they often are transporting inmates to and from other detention centers or in court.
Over the past couple of months, Special Project Coordinator Frankie Nobles has been overseeing repairs to the jail.
During that time, county maintenance workers have checked off a number of repairs, from replacing dropped ceiling tiles and making sure that all doors can be secured to cleaning, sanitizing and repairing bathrooms and fixtures.
“Frankie Nobles and his team have done all that they can do,” said Sheriff Curtis Brame, adding that he’s ready to “let the professionals with the skill sets and tools come in” to complete more specialized repairs.
The trouble is, some detainees damage property almost as quickly as repairs can be made – a source of concern for commissioners. The staff shortage, coupled with an inadequate security system, means that supervision is less than ideal.
“You’ve got some very improper sight lines, Davis said. “If you can’t get those sight lines better and you can’t get control over when these inmates come out and who comes out,” it’s going to continue to be difficult to properly supervise the detainees.
“Staffing is going to continue to be a problem, it’s not just here, it’s everywhere,” Davis said.
“Your jail is too old to try to patch,” Davis said. “You’ve got to increase that supervision better – no way around it, but you can’t do that with one or two people. In my opinion, you’re in a bad situation.”
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TownTalk: Update on the Vance County Jail
/by WIZS StaffThe Vance County Board of Commissioners got updates Monday on several matters that involve the detention center, ranging from repairs to the existing facility, plans for a new facility and new hires to help close the gap in staffing.
Blair Bordeaux, president of Bordeaux Construction, and Todd Davis, vice president of Moseley Architecture, are heading up the design/build team and talked through with commissioners the process that will help achieve the ultimate goal of having a functioning jail while a new one is being built.
County Manager C. Renee Perry was scheduled to meet today (Wednesday) with the design/build team to get details on just how the process will unfold as sufficient renovations are made to the existing facility as plans for a new jail are made.
They did a walk-through of the current jail on July 1 and mentioned numerous areas that need attention, including the video security system.
“In looking at the cameras and security electronics system, the first thing we noticed, it’s not a digital system,” Davis said. There is one server, designed to accommodate maybe 55 or 60 cameras. The jail’s single server has closer to 90 cameras, but 22 weren’t working when they checked them out during the walk-through.
“That needs to be changed, right off the bat,” Davis said.
One problem creates additional problems, and when you combine a staff shortage with the age of the jail and its less-than-perfect design, the problems soon mount.
Brame told commissioners that he’s hired eight new officers and hopes to hire five more in the next few weeks. Six of the eight new hires still have to complete detention center training.
The sheriff reminded commissioners that detention center staff may not always on site at the jail – they often are transporting inmates to and from other detention centers or in court.
Over the past couple of months, Special Project Coordinator Frankie Nobles has been overseeing repairs to the jail.
During that time, county maintenance workers have checked off a number of repairs, from replacing dropped ceiling tiles and making sure that all doors can be secured to cleaning, sanitizing and repairing bathrooms and fixtures.
“Frankie Nobles and his team have done all that they can do,” said Sheriff Curtis Brame, adding that he’s ready to “let the professionals with the skill sets and tools come in” to complete more specialized repairs.
The trouble is, some detainees damage property almost as quickly as repairs can be made – a source of concern for commissioners. The staff shortage, coupled with an inadequate security system, means that supervision is less than ideal.
“You’ve got some very improper sight lines, Davis said. “If you can’t get those sight lines better and you can’t get control over when these inmates come out and who comes out,” it’s going to continue to be difficult to properly supervise the detainees.
“Staffing is going to continue to be a problem, it’s not just here, it’s everywhere,” Davis said.
“Your jail is too old to try to patch,” Davis said. “You’ve got to increase that supervision better – no way around it, but you can’t do that with one or two people. In my opinion, you’re in a bad situation.”
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Home and Garden Show
/by WIZS StaffOn the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.
The Vance County Cooperative Extension 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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WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 07-09-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
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SportsTalk: Carolina Panther Greats Pt. 1
/by Scout HughesSportsTalk 12:30 p.m. M-Th
Scout Hughes and Steve Lewis talk about the All-Time Greats from the Carolina Panthers, whether it’s someone from the Carolina Panthers Ring of Honor or from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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The Local Skinny! Farmers Market Brimming With Fresh Produce
/by Laura GabelThis time of year, the vendors at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market have to squeeze together just a bit to accommodate the tables of fresh produce, baked goods and more that are available on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“The bay doors are full,” said Market Manager Pat Ayscue. “We kind of slip and slide a little closer to each other this time of year.”
In addition to the sweet corn, butterbeans, peas and more, there’s a new local producer who’s bringing in peaches. “He fills the back of his truck up, and they are so delicious!” Ayscue said.
Come on out to the market on Saturday, July 26 to celebrate the birthday of long-time vendor Calvin Adcock.
There will most likely be a cake with candles, but who knows – there could be candles in a birthday watermelon – the market also is celebrating Watermelon Day that day.
“Everybody loves and appreciates Mr. Adcock so much…it just all works together really well for both days to be together,” Ayscue said. “He’s a real inspiration to us all.”
To mark Watermelon Day, Ayscue said she’ll be giving away free watermelons every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to noon.
It’s shaping up to be a great watermelon harvest, she said, unlike last year when untimely drought and then heavy rains took tolls on the summertime favorite.
“Last year was a rough season on watermelons,” Ayscue said. “This season is looking really good…this year, we’ve hit it just right.”
Be on the lookout for Sugar Baby, Charleston Gray and Jubilee varieties.
Eligible customers can stretch their produce budget with the Senior Voucher and Double Bucks programs. EBT is accepted as well.
“If you use your EBT card at our market, I can match that with Double Bucks to stretch your food dollars,” she said.
The Senior Voucher program is a state program, and Ayscue said the vouchers can be used at any farmers market that is certified.
Artis Crews with Green Rural Redevelopment Organization will be at the market this Saturday to sign up seniors for the voucher program.
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Garman Troup Gets Governor’s Volunteer Service Award For Work Building Ramps With Granville County Senior Services
/by WIZS StaffThe Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center has recognized Granville County Senior Services volunteer Garman Troup with the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award at a ceremony held recently at the Durham Performing Arts Center.
Senior Services Director Kathy May nominated Troup for his contributions to the county’s program to build and install ramps for residents in need.
Troup moved to Granville County during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been leading volunteer ramp builders for the past four years. He is a retired contractor and former Housing and Home Improvement Director at Resources for Seniors in Wake County. During his 35-year career, he built more than 2,500 ramps and wasted no time in bringing his decades of skill and knowledge to helping seniors in Granville County.
“A home can suddenly turn into a prison when a physical impairment or disability occurs,” said May. “We have been so lucky to have a person like Garman dedicate so much time, energy, and passion into helping our residents maintain freedom and quality of life through this simple and imperative addition to their homes.”
Troup has been responsible for the construction of approximately 50 ramps for older adults in Granville County since 2021. He has led numerous teams filled with church groups, Boy Scout troops, and seasoned carpenters who were willing to dedicate their time to help make this program successful.
Triangle North Health Care Foundation Awards Health Department $62K For GVPH’s ‘Tooth Club’
/by WIZS Staff— Information courtesy of Granville Vance Public Health
Granville Vance Public Health has received a $62,500 grant from the Triangle North Health Care Foundation to expand and strengthen its School-Based Oral Health Program, also known as the “Tooth Club.”
This marks the third consecutive year TNHF has supported the program, reflecting the foundation’s mission to improve health outcomes across Vance, Granville, Warren, and Franklin counties.
The Tooth Club brings preventive dental care directly to students in both Granville County Public Schools and Vance County Schools, as well as public charters Henderson Collegiate and Falls Lake Academy. GVPH’s Carolina Fellows Family Dentistry runs the program and focuses on serving students who may not otherwise have access to regular dental services.
“This grant is an important step forward in our mission to protect and promote health in our communities,” said Dr. Navid Nesab, CFFD lead dentist. “We’re thankful for TNHF’s continued trust and support, and for the strong partnerships we have with our schools and local families.”
The funding will allow GVPH to purchase a new portable dental unit, enabling the dental team to expand services and reach more students where they are – at school. The clinics offer preventive services such as dental cleanings, X-rays, sealants to protect teeth from cavities, fluoride treatments, oral health checkups and take-home oral health report cards for parents.
Care is provided at no cost to families. If a student is covered by Medicaid or private insurance, those plans will be billed. However, families will not be responsible for co-pays, deductibles, or any other costs for services not covered by insurance.
Parents and guardians will be notified of the program’s availability through flyers, school announcements, and email. Registration is available through the Tooth Club registration link on the GVPH dental clinic webpage: www.gvph.org/clinic/dental, as well as https://gra.identalcloud.com/GranvilleVance/Patient/_practice/2/Registration
With oral health linked closely to overall well-being, GVPH leaders say the Tooth Club is helping students stay healthy, confident, and ready to learn.
“We want every child to have a healthy smile, regardless of their family’s income or insurance status,” Nesab said. “That’s what this program is all about.”
TownTalk: Granville County Tourism Lines Up Events In July And Beyond
/by WIZS StaffAs summer heats up, so too does the events calendar in Granville County – there’s plenty to do, from outdoor activities to those inside air-conditioned environs.
Grab a ticket for the weekend performance of Drinking Habits 2: Caught in the Act, a production of Granville Little Theatre. The curtain rises at 7 p.m. for evening performances run from Thursday, July 10 to Saturday, July 12 and there’s a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, July 13. The comedy is the sequel to last season’s Drinking Habits, featuring the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing, and the antics involved as they try to save an orphanage.
“It’s guaranteed to be a good time,” said Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen.
The show takes place at the Ox Theatre, located inside the Oxford City Hall, 300 Williamsboro St.
Find a link to tickets at www.visitgranvillenc.com.
Stroll along the sidewalks of downtown Oxford to snatch up some cool summer discounts at the July 12 Tent Sale. A number of businesses are scheduled to take part in a 21st century version of the old-fashioned Sidewalk Sale. Bliss Nutrition, C Squared, Nan’s, Home Decorator Shoppe, Angel Wings Book Store and Bistro, The Hub on Main, Southern Style Mercantile and Makynlee
& Co. will have some discounted prices on some really great items, Allen said. The sales are sure to be hot on the outside, but customers can find some great deals – and some A/C – inside, too, she said.
The Oxford Armory Farmer’s Market is hosting its own version of an Iron Chef competition on Saturday, July 12. Three groups will compete for bragging rights as they use local produce found at the market. This event is being held in partnership with the Culinary Arts program at Vance-Granville Community College.
The market, located on the grounds of the former National Guard Armory at 105 W. Spring St., launched in May. Its summer hours are 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
A couple of weeks later, on July 26, come to the market to take part in an event that pairs yoga and animal adoption. The Pose, Paws, Adopt event will include yoga and adoptable animals from the Granville County Animal Shelter from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
“All fees for the yoga class will be donated to the animal shelter or toward your adoption fee,” Allen said.
This is one example of partnership that Allen finds delightful.
“That’s what I love so much,” she said, “the collaboration to make these things happen. It’s not just an entity standing alone, but making those partnerships with different businesses, organizations and nonprofits” that not only attracts visitors, but also has a positive impact in the local community.
Here’s a quick rundown of other activities in July and beyond:
Read more about these events and more at www.visitgranvillenc.com.
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WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 07-08-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
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Two Face Charges, One Suspect Still At Large In Connection With Break-In Of Slot Machine At Local Mini Mart
/by WIZS Staff— Press release from Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame
On July 7, 2025, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office responded to a larceny call for service at the New Hope Mini Mart (10289 NC 39 North, Henderson, NC 27537)
Upon arrival, the store clerk stated that the lock was broken off the slot machine and that the machine was $9,000.00 to $10,000.00 short.
Shortly after, Deputy T. Macon spotted a white BMW, traveling South on NC 39 North just past Haywood Wright Road.
A traffic stop was initiated which resulted in the front passenger fleeing on foot and two other occupants being detained.
The driver, identified as Dkendre Myliek Andrews (DOB: 11/05/2003), was charged with felony conspiracy, received a $65,000.00 secured bond, and has a court date of Wednesday, July 9. Andrews remains in custody at the Vance County Detention Center.
The rear passenger, identified as Alexus Murphy (DOB: 11/12/1999), was charged with felony conspiracy, received a $65,000.00 secured bond, and has a court date of July 9, 2025. Murphy remains in custody at the Vance County Detention Center.
After further investigation, the front passenger was later identified as Dayvon DyShiek Person (DOB: 09/04/1990). Person is still on the run and has the following outstanding charge(s): break/enter into coin/currency operated machine, damaging coin/currency operated machine, resist/delay/obstruct, and felony larceny.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Person is encouraged to contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 252-738-2200 or Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925 or through the P3 app.