Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Maintenance At Dozens Of CSX RR Crossings In March; Drivers, Expect Detours

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Drivers in Vance County who typically cross the CSX railroad tracks, the one that goes right through downtown Henderson, may encounter a detour or two starting March 3 and continuing until March 28th.

Perhaps you’ve already seen the piles of crossties along the line. Maintenance work is scheduled, with some closures lasting from 2-to-5 days. Major crossings like those at Warrenton Road, Andrews Avenue, Chavasse Avenue and Bearpond Road are expected to be completed on the same day.

New railroad ties will be installed on the track from Manson almost as far south as Franklinton.  Work is scheduled to begin in Warren County, continue through Vance County and end in Franklin County.

Initial projections have the work at Warrenton Road being done March 10 with the work going through Henderson that week and reaching Bearpond Road on March 17.

Southern Commercial Development is the traffic control contractor coordinating the project for CSX and will be in charge of creating detours during the various road closures.

There are 32 crossings in Vance County that will see work, as well as two each in Warren and Franklin counties. Eleven of the 32 involve either private roads or one-way access roads and work crews will try to complete those projects within 24 hours.

According to the Director of Media Relations Austin Staton of CSX, the project is estimated to take four weeks and should be wrapped up by Mar. 28.

The length of time the railroad crossings are closed will be dictated by the type of maintenance they are set to receive, but crossings will not be closed for the duration of the project.

To see which crossings are scheduled for maintenance, click on the link below, which lists each crossing and the estimated dates the maintenance should occur:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1IX49r53Iuc2CC94RdcjTDQzuWHiclT0&usp=sharing

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Jennifer Williams Appointed As County Tax Administrator

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Jennifer Williams has been appointed to the position of Vance County Tax Administrator, according to County Manager C. Renee Perry.

Williams, who most recently served as deputy tax assessor in the Vance County Tax Office, began her new duties on Monday, Feb. 24, succeeding Porcha Brooks, who is retiring.

“We are thrilled to have Jennifer promoted into this role,” Perry said. “With her extensive experience in tax administration and commitment to serving our community, I am
confident that she will bring strong leadership and expertise to this important role.”

Williams began her career in 2004 in Wake County in ad valorem taxation. After 13 years there, she worked as assistant tax administrator in Vance County and tax listing manager in Chatham County before coming back to Vance County as deputy tax assessor.

Williams has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration from Ashford University and is a certified Real & Personal Property Appraiser. She also is a certified Assessor.

The Local Skinny! SBI Called In On Officer-Involved Shooting That Left One Citizen Dead

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UPDATED MONDAY, FEB. 24 AT 2:59 PM

 

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF VANCE COUNTY SHERIFF CURTIS BRAME

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office wishes to provide the following update regarding the 22 February 2025 Officer Involved Shooting. 

Shortly before noon on the date listed above a Vance County Deputy Sheriff conducted a traffic stop on US 1 in the Kittrell area. During the stop it was discovered that the driver, Johnny Mayfield, had numerous outstanding orders for his arrest. The Deputy, following his lawful duty, attempted to take Mayfield into custody at that time. Mayfield refused to comply with commands from the Deputy and a brief foot chase ensued. 

 

Mayfield, after running across numerous lanes of traffic on US 1, returned to his vehicle, entered into the driver’s seat and continued his flight from the Deputy, leaving the female occupant of his vehicle on the roadside. The Deputy continued his pursuit of Mayfield north into Henderson. The vehicle pursuit ended after Mayfield wrecked his vehicle on West Bell Street in the city limits of Henderson. Mayfield exited his vehicle and fled again. 

 

The Deputy exited his patrol car and began to pursue Mayfield on foot a second time. Mayfield continued his flight onto West Young Avenue. As the Deputy continued the pursuit onto West Young Avenue Mayfield walked into the roadway carrying a glass bottle and began to walk towards the Deputy stating “I’m going to kill you”. The Deputy drew his weapon and began to walk backwards away from Mayfield as he continued to walk towards the Deputy, again Mayfield stated “I’m going to kill you”. While attempting to distance himself from Mayfield the Deputy lost his footing and fell to the ground onto his back. As the Deputy fell to the ground Mayfield broke the bottle on the roadway and continued to walk towards to the Deputy, now with the remainder of the broken bottle in his right hand, stating again “I’m going to kill you”. 

 

The Deputy regained his footing and stood up facing Mayfield. Mayfield then lunged at the Deputy with the broken bottle in his hand. The Deputy discharged his weapon striking Mayfield. The Deputy reported over the radio that shots had been fired and requested emergency assistance. The Deputy, and other units, attempted life saving measures on Mayfield until such time as EMS units arrived on the scene. 

 

The Deputy involved has been placed on Administrative Leave, as is standard procedure, pending the results of the NCSBI Investigation. The Vance County Sheriff’s Office is cooperating with the NCSBI including the preservation of all video recordings.

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UPDATED MONDAY, FEB. 24 AT 12:45 PM

The investigation continues into an officer-related shooting that resulted in the death of a person on Saturday morning in Henderson.

In a press statement issued Saturday, Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame confirmed that the person died from injuries received in the incident.

The sheriff notified the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, and the SBI issued the following statement:

“At the request of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office and the 11th Prosecutorial District Attorney, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday morning in Henderson, NC.

Preliminary investigations suggest that a series of incidents occurred between a Vance County Deputy and a citizen. As a result, an altercation ensued, and a deputy drew his service weapon and fired, striking and killing the citizen.

No law enforcement officers were injured in this incident. SBI agents on the scene collected evidence and are conducting interviews. The findings of the SBI investigation will be shared with the Vance County District Attorney for his review and consideration.”

Additional details will be provided as they become available.

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Vance County Sheriff: Investigation Ongoing Into Death Of Walmart Distribution Center Employee, Work-Related Accident

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— Press Release from the office of Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

On February 19, 2025, at approximately 12 noon, Vance County Sheriff’s Office units responded to the Walmart Distribution Center located at 680 Vanco Mill Rd. Henderson, regarding a reported Industrial Accident.

Upon arrival, deputies were escorted inside the facility and directed to the south end of the building where an employee had been found injured moments earlier.

The victim, identified as Josue David Virella Rivera of Henderson, was operating a mechanical tow motor in an effort to move product when the accident occurred.

EMS and Fire First Responders arrived on the scene and attempted life saving measures, however Rivera had succumbed to his injuries prior to their arrival.

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident in conjunction with other outside agencies.  No witnesses to the accident have been identified as of the date and time of this release.  Further updates will be provided as they become available.

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VGCC Gets ‘Leader College’ Designation From National Organization

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— information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Vance-Granville Community College has been designated a Leader College by Achieving the Dream, a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing and economic mobility in their communities.

The announcement was made Thursday, Feb. 20 at ATD’s DREAM 2025 conference in Philadelphia. VGCC President Dr. Rachel Demarais was on hand to receive the award.

“VGCC is honored to be recognized as a Leader College for the ATD Network as we work to achieve student excellence and success,” Desmarais said. “Continuous improvement is the fuel to advance the people and communities we serve.”

Leader Colleges are recognized for their role in accelerating the adoption of effective practices within the ATD Network and across higher education. They have demonstrated quality work in whole-college reform, resulting in increased completion rates for all students. Leader Colleges develop innovative ways to work with other colleges to share knowledge and facilitate an exchange of ideas about evidence-based reform strategies.

In 2018, VGCC joined the ATD Network, a coalition of more than 300 colleges across the nation which support student success at their institutions and promote economic vitality in their communities. The school’s Leader College designation continues for three years, at which time VGCC will have the opportunity to be recertified.

“We are proud to recognize our 2025 Leader Colleges and Leader Colleges of Distinction for their extraordinary commitment to student success,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. “These colleges exemplify excellence within the ATD Network, achieving measurable gains in student outcomes and fostering impactful change within their institutions and communities. Their dedication to using data-informed approaches to create meaningful opportunities for students and their communities serves as a powerful example for all institutions of higher education and especially for those in the ATD Network.”

WIZS Weather-Related Radio Announcements

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1450 AM / 100.1 FM Radio Announcements

Send to johncharles@wizs.com or text (two-five-two)—four-three-two—zero-seven-seven-four.

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NC SBI

TownTalk: SBI Reports Arrest In Connection With Warren County Woman’s Body Found In Vance County Pond

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— Information from N.C. State Bureau of Investigation website

On Tuesday, Feb. 18, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) received information regarding the location of a suspect in a missing person case from Warren County, NC. As a result, 37-year-old Bryan David Griffin Jr. was located at a hotel on Ocean Blvd in Myrtle Beach, SC. He has been taken into custody by personnel from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Myrtle Beach Police Department. The SBI would also like to thank the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in locating Griffin.

In January 2024, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office requested the SBI’s assistance regarding a missing person case from 2023. Dana Leigh Mustian was last seen on November 30, 2023, on Dorothy Drive in Warrenton, NC. On January 30, 2025, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Henderson Police Department, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, the Youngsville Rescue and EMS Dive Team, and the SBI, conducted searches in Vance County. While searching a pond near Henderson, possible human remains were discovered. These remains were sent to the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office for identification and were confirmed to be those of Dana Leigh Mustian. Her family has been informed, and the investigation is ongoing.

Griffin has been charged with concealment of a death and is currently awaiting an extradition hearing at a Myrtle Beach Detention Facility.  No further information is available at this time.

This morning, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) received information regarding the location of a suspect in a missing person case from Warren County, NC. As a result, 37-year-old Bryan David Griffin Jr. was located at a hotel on Ocean Blvd in Myrtle Beach, SC. He has been taken into custody by personnel from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Myrtle Beach Police Department. The SBI would also like to thank the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in locating Griffin.

In January 2024, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office requested the SBI’s assistance regarding a missing person case from 2023. Dana Leigh Mustian was last seen on November 30, 2023, on Dorothy Drive in Warrenton, NC. On January 30, 2025, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Henderson Police Department, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, the Youngsville Rescue and EMS Dive Team, and the SBI, conducted searches in Vance County. While searching a pond near Henderson, possible human remains were discovered. These remains were sent to the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office for identification and were confirmed to be those of Dana Leigh Mustian. Her family has been informed, and the investigation is ongoing.

Griffin has been charged with concealment of a death and is currently awaiting an extradition hearing at a Myrtle Beach Detention Facility.  No further information is available at this time.

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29-Year-Old Arrested On Charges Of Trafficking Heroin, Opioids

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— from Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

On Tuesday, February 18, 2025 members of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and Henderson Police Department executed a search warrant at 252 New Bethel Church Rd. Lot 6 Henderson, NC 27537 after complaints narcotics were being sold from the residence. The main target of this investigation, Andre “KV” Khan, 29 was arrested. Khan was charged with two counts of trafficking heroin, two counts of trafficking opioids, possession of firearm by a convicted felon, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver heroin, felony maintaining a dwelling for selling controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia. Khan was placed in Vance County Jail under no bond due to having pending charges.

Henderson Lands $8M Syntec Precision Technology Production, Warehouse Facility

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Gov. Josh Stein announced high-precision manufacturer Syntec Precision Technology Corporation will create 34 new jobs in Vance County. The company will invest $8 million to establish its first North American production and warehouse facility in the city of Henderson.

“Syntec has made a great decision to make its North American home in our state,” Stein said.  “Global manufacturers like Syntec need strong communities with a steady pipeline of talent and infrastructure to support their long-term growth strategies, and we’re proud that Vance County fits the bill.”

Syntec Precision Technology is a leader in engineering and producing precision machining parts for the hydraulic, life sciences, and transportation industries. The company provides research and development, manufacturing, assembly and testing services for its customers. Syntec’s expansion to the United States will support the development, production, and distribution of its high-quality parts for medical devices, diagnostic equipment, and orthopedic products as well as new equipment.

Vance County Economic Development Director Ferdinand Rouse told WIZS News that the international company will be locating at 145 Technology Lane, which is in Triangle North Corporate Park on Poplar Creek Road – across I-85 from Vance-Granville Community College.

“They plan to begin ramping up operations this year,” Rouse said, with initial plans to  buy equipment and up-fit the site before hiring people and beginning production.

“On behalf of my family and our team, I am thrilled to announce our plans to establish a manufacturing facility in North Carolina,” said Lei Wang and Bin Wang, Owners of Syntec Precision Technology Corporation. “We are deeply grateful to the State of North Carolina, Vance County, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, and the N.C. Community College System, for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout this process. Your partnership has been instrumental in making our vision a reality, and we are excited to contribute to the growth and success of this vibrant community. We look forward to a strong and prosperous future together in North Carolina.”

“North Carolina has the largest manufacturing workforce in the southeastern United States,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Our ‘First in Talent’ workforce development system continues to provide a highly trained, dedicated workforce for dynamic manufacturers like Syntec.”

While wages for technicians, inspectors, engineers and other personnel vary by position, annual wages for new positions will average $46,985. The average wage in Vance County is $45,193. These new jobs could potentially create an annual payroll impact of more than $1.5 million.

A performance-based grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund awarded to Syntec Precision will help the company locate to Vance County. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All OneNC grants require a matching participation from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

“We welcome these new jobs to Vance County,” said N.C. Sen. Lisa S. Barnes. “Syntec is a fantastic addition to our existing supply chain, and we look forward to partnering with the company as it builds its new home here in rural North Carolina.”

In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in this project include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, Vance-Granville Community College, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments, Vance County, Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission, Duke Energy and the City of Henderson.

— information courtesy of the office of N.C. Gov. Josh Stein

(This story was updated 2-18-25. It was originally published on WIZS 2-17-25.)

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Chamber Member Spotlight: Sams Furniture And Mattress Center

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— Part of a paid ad by Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

Representatives of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce stopped in this week at Sams Furniture and Mattress Center for a Member Spotlight presentation. Britt Sams and staff offered a warm welcome to Chamber staff and board members.

Sams Furniture and Mattress Center is a family-owned and operated business owned by Britt Sams and it celebrates 24 years in business this year. Established right here in downtown Henderson in 2001, Sams Furniture and Mattress Center was voted the #1 furniture store and the #1 mattress store in 2024 – an honor it has received many years out of the last 20.

They deliver all throughout Henderson, Vance County and the surrounding counties, up into Virginia and all the way to the beach. They offer three floors packed with living room, bedroom, dining room furniture, lift chairs, home entertainment, home accents and mattresses and have six employees.

Located at 515 S. Garnett St., Britt has a passion to attract people downtown to shop local and is glad to be a part of downtown Henderson. They offer a personal touch in servicing all products that they sell. Sandra Wilkerson, President of the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce, and Kevin Wade, HV Chamber Board member, thanked them for their continued support of the Chamber and for the service that they provide to Henderson and surrounding areas.

Call Sams Furniture and Mattress Center at 252.762.0500.

Consider paying them a visit today and check out their beautiful showrooms. We are fortunate to have Sams Furniture in downtown Henderson and we wish them many more years of continued success!