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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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— 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.
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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— 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!
Maria Parham Health Hosts is kicking off the 2025 Lunch and Learn series this month with a focus on heart health.
February is Heart Health month and on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 12 noon, two interventional cardiologists are scheduled to present information with a focus on prevention, early detection and cardiac care.
Dr. Araba Ofosu-Somuah, who will discuss heart and vascular disease with a specific focus on the unique needs of women’s cardiac care. Dr. Benjamin Dao, who will share essential insights on heart and vascular disease, as well as emphasizing prevention and early detection.
This free event is open to all community residents, and a complimentary lunch will be provided. Seating is limited, so online registration is required. Secure your spot by visiting MariaParham.com/event/62 today.
For more information or to register, please contact Donna Young, Marketing & Communication coordinator, at 252.436.1408.
UPDATE 2-13-25
(WIZS write up to follow here soon)
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For Immediate Release – From Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame – Date: January 24, 2025
On Saturday, January 11, 2025, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) received a 911 call at approximately 1:54 a.m. about a gunshot victim at 1300 Walters Street in Henderson, North Carolina. Vance County EMS and VCSO Deputies responded and discovered Donnie Ayscue suffering from a single gunshot wound. Ayscue died as a result of his injuries at his residence.
After an intensive investigation, 19-year-old, Deon Linshawn Bullock was identified as a person of interest.
Deon Linshawn Bullock is wanted in connection to Ayscue’s homicide. Bullock was last seen wearing a grey hoodie with grey joggers on January 24, 2025. See photo below.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is assisting the Vance County Sheriff’s Office in this active and ongoing homicide investigation.
Contact: Anyone with information on Deon Linshawn Bullock’s whereabouts should contact Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers (252) 492-1925, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office (252) 738-2200, or the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations (1-800-334-3000 or sbiwebcontact@ncsbi.gov).
(Original post made to WIZS.com on Jan. 24, 2025)
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— Information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel
More than 300 miles separate Vance-Granville Community College and Western Carolina University—but thanks to a new partnership, the two schools are now much closer than the physical distance that separates them.
On Thursday, Feb. 6, VGCC President Rachel Desmarais, WCU Chancellor Kelli R. Brown and colleagues from both institutions met by video call to sign a memorandum of understanding, guaranteeing admission to WCU for all Vance-Granville graduates who satisfy certain requirements. The agreement will offer a direct pathway for Vanguards to earn their four-year degree at WCU.
“We are pleased to be a participant in the Catamount Connections program offering a direct-entry admission opportunity to qualified VGCC graduates,” said Desmarais. “Western Carolina University offers unique programs of study, and we are excited to offer a pathway to these possibilities.”
Brown is excited Western Carolina can help make higher education more accessible to students in VGCC’s four-county service area.
“WCU continues to make the process of transferring to WCU as smooth as possible for the graduates of all our community college partners across the region and the state,” Brown noted. “This memorandum of understanding is an important tool in providing Vance-Granville Community College graduates with the resources and access to continue their higher education journey.”
Participating students must satisfy the following conditions:
VGCC students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university may find more resources at www.vgcc.edu/transfer. For additional information, contact Robinette Fischer, Department Chair of Transition, Student Success, & College Transfer, at 252-738-3255 or fischerr@vgcc.edu.
This is the time of year that gardeners have been waiting for all winter – they’re perusing seed catalogs and making plans for what to plant and what new vegetable varieties to try this growing season.
It’s also the time for those producers that sell – or want to sell – their produce, fruit and more at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market. Market Manager Pat Ayscue invites all interested individuals to attend the annual market meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. and will last until 8 p.m.
Ayscue said the meeting will be a chance for vendors to come together, renew friendships and make new connections.
The market is located at 210 Southpark Dr.
Call or text Ayscue at 252.425.2092 or email payscue@vancecounty.org.
Maria Parham Health will host an RN Open House on Thursday, Feb. 20 and invites all Registered Nurses, as well as nursing students and recent graduates to attend.
The Open House, which will take place at the hospital from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., provides an opportunity for nurses and future nurses to explore job opportunities in the field of nursing.
Event Highlights:
RSVP at MariaParham.com or contact Ryan Randall at 252.436.1125 for additional information.
