Tag Archive for: #hendersonnews
Benny Finch: Main Street Status Downtown Committee’s ‘Number One Priority’
Benny Finch, chairman of the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission, was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the commission’s current “number one priority,” the designation of Downtown Henderson and the City of Henderson as both a North Carolina and a National Main Street Program.
A part of the Main Street Program from the mid-1980s until approximately 2010, Finch said that a lapse in the process cost the downtown area the distinction. “Once there is a lapse, you have to complete the preparatory work, applications and requirements all over again.”
According to Finch, the benefits provided to a Main Street community are well worth the time that the commission is currently putting into completing the re-certification process.
One of the more time-consuming projects, according to Finch, is Main Street’s requirement of a detailed inventory, including photos, of each building in downtown Henderson. Finch said the commission is currently working on the best way to successfully complete that requirement.
“It is a three-year [overall] process and we are more than halfway there,” Finch said. “We expect to successfully complete all requirements by 2020. This will get us back into the Main Street Program which provides design expertise, grant expertise and networking opportunities.”
To facilitate the process, Finch said the director of the State Main Street Program was invited to Henderson to provide a status report on the commission’s progress. “We are a little behind, but we are going to catch up and get it done,” said Finch.
Beyond simple bragging rights, the grants and opportunities provided by the Main Street designation help with the business growth and vitality of an area. “When you are interested in relocating to a new city, you often check out the downtown area to get an idea of the health of the community,” said Finch.
The success of McGregor Hall and the promise of the still-in-the-works Breckenridge Pavilion all add to the vitality of the downtown area and will ultimately help attract businesses, according to Finch.
“Once we become designated as a Main Street Program, we can increase our focus on business growth. Phase one is to be a Main Street City to get state and federal advantages and then grow from there.”
One on-going source of contention and an area that will have to be addressed before Main Street status is granted, is the requirement of a full-time director’s position. For the past several years, the director’s position has been funded on a part-time basis only.
“Our direction right now is looking at a full-time director funded by the City,” Finch said. The director’s salary has previously been paid by a combination of City and County funds.
“I have surveyed over 60 Main Streets across NC – a third are private, non-profits, a third are funded by the city and a third are a combination of funding,” said Finch. “There is no specific funding requirement other than the position be full-time when the process is complete.”
Finch said progress is being made in better establishing the director’s position and the downtown development office. “At one time, the director was housed inside the Chamber of Commerce building. It now has an office of its own in the fire station building. That gives us a presence and a home-base to work from.”
Getting all of the requirements completed for Main Street accreditation, including the change in director status, is at the forefront of Finch’s mind. “I want to be out front with the Main Street committee when we take the picture at the fire station. I want Henderson to be recognized in the region and across the state as a great Main Street City.”
To hear the interview with Benny Finch in its entirety, please click here.
‘Busy Year’ Ahead for Rebuilding Hope, Inc.
-Information courtesy the Rebuilding Hope, Inc. February 2019 Newsletter
Rebuilding Hope, Inc. volunteers for 2018 numbered 646. That number and others make up a year-end report that also shows that the volunteers worked 20,638 hours, building 31 wheelchair ramps, replacing 13 roofs and completing 19 other projects. Among the other projects was hurricane disaster relief in Jones County.
“This is going to be a busy year, too,” said RHI coordinator Randolph Wilson.
While dates have been set for annual projects, Randolph says that RHI wants to build a portable shower trailer that can also be loaned to churches and ministry groups. Roof repair for offices and warehouses and building a shelter for RHI vehicles are other projects eyed for 2019.
RHI’s first annual project is the Spring Barbecue Chicken Fundraiser on April 26, 2019.
Registration is already underway for the June 22-29 SOS (Servants on Site), which brings together hundreds of youth each year for a week of hands-on ministry projects in our communities.
“In August we have our Kids’ Construction Camp,” Randolph says. “Once again we’ll teach basic construction skills.” The camp is set for August 5-7.
The Fall Barbecue Chicken Fundraiser is set for September 27.
The Men’s Ministry Weekend is slated for October 25-26.
“We welcome volunteers who have a heart for ministry to join us,” Randolph says.
For more on the annual events, call the RHI office at (252) 438-5132 or go to www.rebuildinghopeinc.org.
Areas Where You Can Serve at RHI:
AC/Heating ~ Accounting ~ Office ~ Carpentry/Framing & Finishing ~ Carpet/Vinyl Installation ~ Cleaning ~ Computer ~ Cooking ~ Doors ~ Drafting ~ Drywall ~ Electrical ~ Evangelism ~ Internet ~ Organization ~ Painting ~ Plumbing ~ Ramps ~ Reception ~ Roofing ~ Siding ~ Secretarial ~ Telephone ~ Windows ~ Welding/Sheet Metal ~ Writing
Jonas Wheeling III, 19, Arrested on Multiple Drug Charges
-Information and photos courtesy the Henderson Police Department
On January 29, 2019, members of the Henderson Police Department Special Operations Division along with the Special Response Team executed a search warrant at the residence of 452 Ford St. in Henderson, NC.
Upon SRT entering the home, the suspect fled from the backdoor which led to a brief foot pursuit. He was apprehended without incident. The suspect was in possession of narcotics and a firearm during this encounter.
During the execution of the search warrant over 8 grams of cocaine, 105 grams of marijuana, $335 in US Currency, miscellaneous paraphernalia/manufacturing supplies, electronic video surveillance equipment and one firearm along with several rounds of ammunition were located and seized.
Jonas Wheeling III, 19, of 452 Ford St. Henderson, NC was arrested and charged. He was charged with PWIMSD Cocaine, PWIMSD Marijuana, Manufacturing Schedule II, Manufacturing Schedule VI, Felony Possession of Marijuana, Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia not Schedule VI, and Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia.
Wheeling’s bond was set in the amount of $70,000 secured. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 5, 2019.
On January 29, 2019, members of the Henderson Police Department Special Operations Division along with the Special Response Team executed a search warrant at the residence of 452 Ford St. in Henderson, NC. Jonas Wheeling III, 19, was arrested and charged with PWIMSD Cocaine, PWIMSD Marijuana, Manufacturing Schedule II, Manufacturing Schedule VI, Felony Possession of Marijuana, Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia not Schedule VI, and Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia. (Photo Credit: Henderson Police Dept.)
During the execution of the search warrant of 452 Ford St. in Henderson over 8 grams of cocaine, 105 grams of marijuana, $335 in US Currency, miscellaneous paraphernalia/manufacturing supplies, electronic video surveillance equipment and one firearm along with several rounds of ammunition were located and seized. (Photo Credit: Henderson Police Dept.)
MADD, Crime Stoppers Aim to Get Drunk Drivers/Criminals Off the Streets
James Baines, secretary of the local chapter of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and president of the Vance County Crime Stoppers, was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss his involvement with both organizations.
MADD
In explaining the mission of MADD, Baines said the simple answer is that it is a volunteer group of people who care about the community and want to help get drunk drivers off the roads. “We need the community’s support; we can’t do this alone,” explained Baines.
Volunteers are needed in the following areas:
- Community Outreach – volunteers who will create awareness of MADD’S mission
- Court Monitors – volunteers who are trained to observe court process and record court decisions
- Sobriety Checkpoints – volunteers who will support law enforcement officers at checkpoints
- Victims Advocate Services – volunteers who are trained to assist in the healing journey by offering emotional support for families who endure a loss of a loved one due to a drunk driver
According to Baines, court monitors receive training on how to record the proceedings and outcomes of local DWI trials, while volunteers at sobriety checkpoints assist by providing law enforcement with meals and refreshments.
While he did not have exact figures, Baines said sobriety checkpoints typically result in 3 – 4 charges of DWI, no operator’s license, no auto insurance coverage and underage drinking.
To help combat the problem of underage drinking and driving, MADD has started a “Power of You(th)” program aimed at educating high school students.
Baines has seen his fair share of young lives ruined by drunk driving in his over 30-year career with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office. “The kids need to know that they could kill or injure someone if they drink and drive. You don’t want to ruin your life. We want them to know if they do drink, they need to find someone else to drive.”
The local chapter of MADD meets once a quarter – on the fourth Tuesday of the given month – at 6 p.m. in the County Commissioners’ Room inside the “old courthouse” on Young St. in Henderson. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 23, 2019.
If you are interested in joining or volunteering, please call Lorraine Watkins, president of the local MADD chapter, at (252) 492-8407.
Vance County Crime Stoppers
Switching hats, Baines, the recently named president of the Vance County Crime Stoppers, discussed the organization’s mission and fundraising opportunities.
Baines said his love for his community and for its leaders and citizens prompted him to join the organization five years ago. “I wanted to make a better community for our kids and grandkids. I’m going to do my best [as president] to make Henderson and Vance County a safer place to live and work.”
Crime Stoppers works much the same way that it has for its now 25-year history – those that witness a crime can call the hotline at (252) 492-1925 to report an anonymous tip. If that tip leads to an arrest or a conviction, the caller can be paid up to $2,000. Tips can also be reported by text via the P3 app.
Various Crime Stopper fundraisers, including the annual Kerr Lake golf tournament and annual recognition and award banquet, provide money for paying out eligible hotline tips.
“We want the community to be our eyes and ears. Our law enforcement officers get up every morning and don’t know if they are going to make it home to their families. If you see anything, say it! Don’t be afraid to call and leave a tip.”
Vance County Crime Stoppers is always looking for new members and is currently accepting applications for volunteers to serve on the Advisory Board. With questions or more information on joining Crime Stoppers, please call James Baines at (252) 430-9218.
To hear the interview with James Baines in its entirety, please click here.
Henderson Man Sentenced for Receipt of Firearm While Under Indictment
-Press Release, U.S. Dept. of Justice
United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced TYQUEL ALSTON, 19, of Henderson, North Carolina to 54 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
ALSTON was named in an Indictment filed on May 16, 2018, charging him with receipt of a firearm while under indictment. On August 7, 2018, ALSTON pled guilty to that charge.
On May 9, 2018, ALSTON was pulled over leaving a known drug area by law enforcement officers with the Henderson Police Department. ALSTON was driving erratically and at a high rate of speed when law enforcement initiated the traffic stop. Officers could smell marijuana in his car and subsequently searched the car. Under the passenger seat officers found a Leinad Inc., Model M-11, 9mm pistol with an extended magazine. The magazine was loaded with 16 rounds. ALSTON is a prohibited possessor of firearms because he was under Indictment for Trafficking in Heroin, Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle and Possession of a Handgun by a Minor. Those charges were then pending in the Vance County Superior Court.
The Court granted the Government’s request for an upward departure in the defendant’s sentence because ALSTON was likewise under indictment for his participation in a drive-by shooting that occurred on May 25, 2017. During that shooting, an unintended victim, a pregnant 17-year-old female, was shot in the leg when one of the bullets went into her home that was located across the street from the shooting location. ALSTON previously threatened his girlfriend with firearms in March and May 2018. On both occasions his girlfriend reported to police that ALSTON pointed a firearm at her and threatened to kill her during a domestic dispute. The indictment related to this shooting was pending in Vance County Superior Court at the time he possessed the weapon that was the subject of the federal charges.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
That effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Henderson Police Department as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charity Wilson.
News releases are available on the U.S. Attorney’s webpage at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_EDNC.
Dr. Sydney Short Joins Maria Parham Cardiology
-Information and photo courtesy Maria Parham Health
Maria Parham Health today announced that Sydney Short, M.D., has joined its staff and will be offering cardiology services to patients throughout Vance County and the surrounding communities. Dr. Short brings more than 30 years of clinical experience to Maria Parham and is the first cardiologist to join the hospital’s medical staff this year.
“Dr. Short has years of experience in treating a range of heart conditions, and he is an excellent addition to our hospital team,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Heart disease is an increasing concern in our communities, and Dr. Short’s expertise will be important as Maria Parham Health strives to meet our region’s evolving healthcare needs and make our community healthier.”
Dr. Short is a Duke Health physician and joins Maria Parham Health from Duke Cardiology of Lumberton, where he also sees patients. Before Duke Cardiology of Lumberton, he was a staff cardiologist at Duke Health Center of Sanford.
Dr. Short graduated from West Virginia University School of Medicine in 1983. He completed his internal medicine residency and a cardiology fellowship at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Dr. Short is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Cardiology. He is a Member of the American Society of Echocardiography, Physicians for Compassionate Care and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology.
When he is not working, Dr. Short enjoys spending time with his family, gardening, woodworking and running.
Dr. Short will see patients at Maria Parham Cardiology located at 568 Ruin Creek Rd., Suite 128 in Henderson, North Carolina. For a referral or to schedule an appointment, please call 252.436.1085.
Henderson Men’s Shelter in Need of Supervision & Meal Volunteers
-Information courtesy Community Partners of Hope
Several of the churches who have helped at the Henderson Men’s Shelter in the past are no longer involved or have reduced the number of weeks or days that they will cover. Other individual contributors have moved, changed jobs or have health concerns and can no longer help.
The result is that we just don’t have enough people to help with shelter supervision – particularly on the welcome shift.
We can use men or women (working along with trained staff) from 5:30 – 9 p.m.
PLEASE CALL (252) 432-9494 to volunteer and please take a look at the Shelter Calendar (click here) to see if you as an individual or your church or organization can fill in the blanks for supervision and/or meals.
JANUARY & FEBRUARY NEEDS:
We still need welcome shift volunteers for January 30 and 31.
For volunteers and meals in February, please check the calendar at www.cp-hope.org
Please consider giving one evening of your life to help provide a safe shelter for men in Henderson and the surrounding counties!
SUPPLIES NEEDED AT THIS TIME:
Large bottles of hand sanitizer
Large refill bottles of hand soap
Cans of foot powder or Athletes Foot spray
Tall kitchen trash bags (13-Gallon Size)
Laundry detergent
7-ounce adjustable air fresheners
Pine-sol type cleaner – gallon containers
Toilet bowl cleaner – gel type
Soap – small sample size (or hotel supplies)
NO REAL FOOD ITEMS NEEDED AT THIS TIME (EXCEPT FOR SUPPERS – SEE CALENDAR)
CLOTHING NEEDED– NEW ONLY!* (take used clothing to a thrift store, please)
*Please leave all underwear and socks in original packages
Men’s Undergarments (all sizes)
Waterproof men’s gloves
Men’s sweatshirts (Sizes L, XL, XXL)
Men’s thermal sets (Sizes L, XL, XXL)
White tube socks
NOT NEEDED: Shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, instant oatmeal, deodorant, dress socks and coffee mugs.
A NOTE ABOUT DONATIONS:
All contributions are tax deductible.
You may send a check to:
Community Partners of Hope, Inc., P.O. Box 1791, Henderson, NC 27536
Donations can be taken to:
First Baptist Church (9-5 Monday thru Thursday or 9-12 Friday)
First Presbyterian Church (10-1 Monday thru Thursday)
WIZS Radio Station
or call Betty Boyd (252) 432-3967 to arrange delivery
(This is not a paid advertisement)