100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
Sheriff Curtis Brame was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk to provide updates on matters pressing to Vance County and the Sheriff’s Office.
West End Community Watch
Brame was the guest of honor at Tuesday’s meeting of the West End Community Watch held at West End Baptist Church in Henderson.
At the gathering of concerned citizens, Brame reported on the county’s current drug problem and recent “senseless” shootings.
“The recent crimes are of great concern to the law enforcement community,” said Brame. “The rapport-building and the unity between the Sheriff’s Office and the Henderson Police Department have allowed us to come together and bring in outside resources such as the SBI and US Marshals.”
Brame told the crowd that a notable difference is being made on drug activity in the county. “Yes, we are making an impact. We have arrested some of the known targets and are working on infiltrating others.”
Issues with drug activity and crime are not unique to Vance County, Brame explained, “I get a little upset when people talk about Henderson being the worst place in the world to live. That is not true! All surrounding counties face the same issues that Vance County faces.”
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Brame was asked his opinion on NC Governor Roy Cooper’s recent veto of a proposal that would have made it mandatory for state and local law enforcement to comply with requests to detain illegal immigrants until an ICE agent could retrieve them.
“I was glad that happened [the veto]. The citizens of Vance County and the citizens of other counties voted their sheriff into office. I hate to think the federal government can step in and allow an ICE agent, not a magistrate or a judge – an agent, to override the sheriff,” said Brame.
One of the major discrepancies in the proposal, according to Brame, was how long illegal immigrants were to be detained while waiting for an ICE agent to arrive.
“If ICE doesn’t come and get them within a certain period of time, they aren’t going to stay in jail because they will meet the qualifications of being bonded out by a licensed bondsman, by cash or by property. If someone meets these criteria, I have no legal authority to hold them,” said Brame.
Brame said he believes such authority should only come from a judge or magistrate. “If you order a sheriff to hold someone in detention, there needs to be judge’s or magistrate’s signature on a federal level. Me, the police chief, officers and deputies do not have the authority to put someone in jail unless we have a judge’s signature.”
Available Positions at the Vance County Sheriff’s Office
While the Sheriff’s Office is looking to hire for several positions, Brame reported issues with attracting prospects.
“There is a problem all across the country with filling law enforcement positions,” Brame said. “Locally, it is hard to attract people and hard to retain people when they can leave Vance County and go to surrounding counties and make $4,000 – $6,000 more a year.”
Brame said this figure far exceeds the $29,000 annual salary granted to detention officers at the Vance County Jail or the $33,000 starting pay for deputies.
One way Vance County citizens can do their part to make law enforcement a more attractive field, according to Brame, is to “support your sheriff and police chief now and in the future, no matter who they are.”
“Support your local law enforcement. Go to City Council meetings and County Commissioners meetings and tell them to pay these deputies, pay these police officers, pay these first responders. Pay these people!”
Town Talk 08/26/19: VGCC’s Continuing Education Provides Skilled Local Workforce
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
Dawn Michelle Tucker, Dean of Adult Basic Skills and Continuing Education at Vance-Granville Community College, was the guest of honor on Monday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk.
Celebrating 50 years of serving and educating the community, Tucker said the college continues to excel because it adapts to the changing needs of both residents and employers alike.
Dawn Michelle Tucker, Dean of Adult Basic Skills and Continuing Education at Vance-Granville Community College, was the guest of honor on Monday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk. Celebrating 50 years of serving and educating the community, Tucker said the college continues to excel because it adapts to the changing needs of both residents and employers alike. (WIZS photo)
“While there are careers that require a two-year or four-year degree, there are also careers that require a specific skillset or certifications,” said Tucker. “VGCC’s Continuing Education Department works to quickly ascertain the needs of the workforce and then builds a skilled workforce for the employers.”
In fact, Tucker said VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais has been committed to providing an educated workforce to meet the current and future needs of local employers since taking the helm in January.
“One of Dr. Desmarais’ visions is that we meet the needs of our workforce in a short-term, workforce development kind of way,” said Tucker.
On the Adult Basic Skills side of the house, Tucker said the majority of jobs now have a minimum requirement of an Adult High School Diploma or High School Equivalency (GED).
“When you complete an Adult High School Diploma or receive your High School Equivalency, you are laying the groundwork to an employer that you are capable of completing a basic level of education. They know if you complete a high school credential then you have a certain level of academic skill,” explained Tucker.
Offering programs primarily to adult learners 18 years and older, VGCC provides High School Equivalency classes free of charge at all four campus locations. Daytime and evening classes are available.
Other programs and areas that fall under the Con. Ed. umbrella include Fire and Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, Law Enforcement Training, Occupational Extension, Occupational Healthcare, Personal Enrichment and VGCC’s Small Business Center.
For more information on VGCC’s Continuing Education division or to register, please visit www.vgcc.edu/coned, register in person at any campus location, or call (252) 738-3324/(252) 738-3345.
To hear Tucker’s interview in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.
Address Canvassing Begins for 2020 U.S. Census
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Information courtesy Granville County Government
Every ten years, America comes together to count all the residents and households in the country, providing the basis for reapportioning congressional seats, redistricting and distributing federal funds that support vital programs in communities, counties, states and across the nation.
Census results impact housing, education, transportation, employment, health care and public policy. Your community benefits the most when the census counts everyone.
Address canvassing for the 2020 Census has begun, with representatives of the U.S. Census Bureau in the field to update and verify local addresses.
These address listers may be knocking on doors across the area and asking a few simple questions to confirm the address and to request information regarding additional living quarters on the property.
For identification purposes, badges and briefcases will be visible indicating affiliation with the Census Bureau.
This operation is one of several activities the Census Bureau conducts for an accurate and complete count and will continue through mid-October as the 2020 Census prepares to officially start counting people in March 2020.
For more details, visit the Census Bureau website a https://www.census.gov/.
Two Louisburg Residents Arrested on Narcotics Charges
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and Special Response Team, arrested Franklin County residents, Rodney Antwan Allen and Disherea Mattquie Forrest on August 22, 2019. The arrest took place during a search warrant at their residence located at 350 Wilders Lane, Louisburg, NC.
Rodney Antwan Allen, 31 years old, resident of 350 Wilders Lane Louisburg, was arrested August 22, 2019, on 21 felony charges. (FCSO photo)
This investigation into illegal drug activity began as a result of citizen complaints alleging Mr. Allen was involved in selling illegal narcotics throughout Franklin County. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit validated Mr. Allen’s illegal activities and began an investigation. As a result of this investigation, the Drug Unit determined Ms. Forrest was also engaged in illegal drug activity. Mr. Allen was ultimately charged with 21 Felony charges and Ms. Forrest was charged with 7 Felony charges.
In addition to the original charges, Narcotics Detectives also seized Cocaine, Marijuana, pills, US Currency, drug scales and other drug paraphernalia during the search.
Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “We encourage the public to be observant and report drug activity when they observe it occurring in their neighborhood. We continue to use the information our citizens provide to actively pursue those who sell drugs in our communities”.
Disherea Mattquie Forrest, 29 years old, resident of 350 Wilders Lane Louisburg, was arrested August 22, 2019, on seven felony charges. (FCSO photo)
Rodney Antwan Allen is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $250,000 secured bond.
Disherea Mattquie Forrest is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $150,000 secured bond.
Rodney Antwan Allen, 31 years old, 350 Wilders Lane Louisburg, NC 27549
Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance (6 Counts)
Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance (4 Counts)
Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling for the purpose of Storing/Selling a Controlled Substance (7 Counts)
Trafficking Opiates (3 Counts)
Conspire to Sell Cocaine
Disherea Mattquie Forrest, 29 years old, 350 Wilders Lane Louisburg, NC 27549
Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance
Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance
Trafficking Opiates (4 Counts)
Conspire to Sell Cocaine
If you have information regarding this case or you would like to report drug activity in your area, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186, a criminal defense lawyer has already been assigned to the case.
VCS Bus Drivers Wanted; Next Training Scheduled for Sept.
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Information courtesy Vance County Schools
Want to be a child’s hero? Greet students every morning and see them home in the afternoon as a Vance County School’s bus driver. VCS is looking for folks who have a class B license with P and S endorsements.
Please contact VCS transportation at (252) 438-5012 ext. 1, or stop by the transportation department to complete an application. Make sure you bring your license.
Don’t delay…. the next bus driver training class is September 23-25, 2019.
Vance Co. Planning Committee to Discuss Flood Ordinance, ‘Stump Dump’
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Executive Assistant/Clerk to Board, Vance County Board of Commissioners
Please be informed that Vance County’s Planning Committee (Faines, Kelly, Wilder) is scheduled to meet Thursday, September 5, 2019, at 3:45 p.m. in the Administrative Conference Room, Vance County Administration Building, 122 Young Street, Henderson, NC.
Topics to be discussed include:
– Flood Ordinance Update
– Zoning Ordinance Amendment for LCIDs (stump dump)
Coach’s Corner 08/26/19
/by Charlene100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 08/26/19
/by Charlene100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
News 08/26/19
/by Larry100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
Sheriff Curtis Brame Talks Drug Activity, ICE, Low Deputy Pay
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
Sheriff Curtis Brame was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk to provide updates on matters pressing to Vance County and the Sheriff’s Office.
West End Community Watch
Brame was the guest of honor at Tuesday’s meeting of the West End Community Watch held at West End Baptist Church in Henderson.
At the gathering of concerned citizens, Brame reported on the county’s current drug problem and recent “senseless” shootings.
“The recent crimes are of great concern to the law enforcement community,” said Brame. “The rapport-building and the unity between the Sheriff’s Office and the Henderson Police Department have allowed us to come together and bring in outside resources such as the SBI and US Marshals.”
Brame told the crowd that a notable difference is being made on drug activity in the county. “Yes, we are making an impact. We have arrested some of the known targets and are working on infiltrating others.”
Issues with drug activity and crime are not unique to Vance County, Brame explained, “I get a little upset when people talk about Henderson being the worst place in the world to live. That is not true! All surrounding counties face the same issues that Vance County faces.”
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Brame was asked his opinion on NC Governor Roy Cooper’s recent veto of a proposal that would have made it mandatory for state and local law enforcement to comply with requests to detain illegal immigrants until an ICE agent could retrieve them.
“I was glad that happened [the veto]. The citizens of Vance County and the citizens of other counties voted their sheriff into office. I hate to think the federal government can step in and allow an ICE agent, not a magistrate or a judge – an agent, to override the sheriff,” said Brame.
One of the major discrepancies in the proposal, according to Brame, was how long illegal immigrants were to be detained while waiting for an ICE agent to arrive.
“If ICE doesn’t come and get them within a certain period of time, they aren’t going to stay in jail because they will meet the qualifications of being bonded out by a licensed bondsman, by cash or by property. If someone meets these criteria, I have no legal authority to hold them,” said Brame.
Brame said he believes such authority should only come from a judge or magistrate. “If you order a sheriff to hold someone in detention, there needs to be judge’s or magistrate’s signature on a federal level. Me, the police chief, officers and deputies do not have the authority to put someone in jail unless we have a judge’s signature.”
Available Positions at the Vance County Sheriff’s Office
While the Sheriff’s Office is looking to hire for several positions, Brame reported issues with attracting prospects.
“There is a problem all across the country with filling law enforcement positions,” Brame said. “Locally, it is hard to attract people and hard to retain people when they can leave Vance County and go to surrounding counties and make $4,000 – $6,000 more a year.”
Brame said this figure far exceeds the $29,000 annual salary granted to detention officers at the Vance County Jail or the $33,000 starting pay for deputies.
One way Vance County citizens can do their part to make law enforcement a more attractive field, according to Brame, is to “support your sheriff and police chief now and in the future, no matter who they are.”
“Support your local law enforcement. Go to City Council meetings and County Commissioners meetings and tell them to pay these deputies, pay these police officers, pay these first responders. Pay these people!”
FGV Smart Start to Hold 10th Annual Ducky Derby
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Information courtesy FGV Smart Start
Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start will hold its annual Ducky Derby Festival and rubber duck race, a fundraiser for the local Smart Start program, on Saturday, September 21, 2019, in downtown Henderson, NC.
At noon, the festival begins on Breckenridge Street between the library and police station. This years’ activities include a bounce house and slide, as well as face painting and balloon animals for the children. Other activities are corn hole and ring toss. Vendors will be on hand serving hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, sausage dogs, fish sandwiches, corn on the cob, funnel cakes, ice cream, and snow cones.
Entertainment will include a DJ, singing performances from several daycare programs, and music from Henderson Collegiate, Mary Potter Elementary School band and choir, as well as the drumline from Granville Central High School.
The YMCA will lead line dancing and Zumba in the street. Children can man a real firehose with the assistance of the Henderson Fire Department, and Smart Start will be giving each child at the event a free book, as well as the opportunity for the parent to enroll any child age 0 to 5 in the Imagination Library, a program that sends a book each month to the child at their home.
Safe Kids will also be present and will set up childcare safety seat inspections for those parents with children still in car seats. Local nonprofits will have booths with information for families and children as well.
At 2 p.m., the entertainment switches to Garnett Street, where the rubber duck race will take place. Up to 2,000 rubber ducks will be poured into the Garnett Street “river” by a cement mixer provided by Greystone Concrete. The first duck to cross the finish line at Orange Street wins $1,000, second place $500, third place finish is $250, and the last duck to cross the finish line wins $100.
There will be an additional drawing at the end of the race for Chick-fil-A for a year. Winners of the cash prizes do not have to be present to win; however, the winner of the ‘Chick-fil-A for a Year’ prize must be present to claim the 52 meal tickets.
In Henderson, tickets are on sale at EZ Car Care, Dots Hallmark, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce and the State Employees Credit Union. All Smart Start staff and board members also have tickets, please call (252) 433-9110.
Tickets will also be on sale the day of the race until 1 p.m. Ducks are $5 each, a Quack Pack of 6 tickets is $25, and a Flock of 25 tickets is $100.