#vancecountynews - WIZS

Henderson Man Who Injured Deputies Sentenced to 15+ Years in Federal Prison

October 29, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

A Henderson man was sentenced today to 189 months in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Included in this sentence is 24 months in prison for violating the terms of his federal supervised release.

Jasmele Robinson (Photo courtesy Vance Co. Sheriff’s Office)

According to court documents, on September 13, 2019, Jasmele Robinson, 37, fled from deputies of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office when they attempted to serve a search warrant at his residence. Deputies obtained a search warrant after they utilized a confidential informant to purchase heroin from Robinson at his Henderson residence.

When deputies arrived to serve the warrant, Robinson fled the residence in a car. Deputies attempted to block his car with their patrol vehicles and Robinson rammed their cars and drove away before striking a tree. Robinson continued to struggle with deputies after he wrecked his vehicle and threw a bag underneath the wrecked car. When deputies recovered the bag, they found a quantity of heroin.

Upon Robinson’s arrest, he was found with a loaded firearm, which had been stolen from Granville County. Four deputies sustained injuries in the incident, two of them suffering serious injuries, which required hospitalization and surgery. At the time of the incident, Robinson was on federal supervised release following a prior conviction in federal court for felon in possession of a firearm.

Jasmele Robinson (Photo courtesy Vance Co. Sheriff’s Office)

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the Henderson Police Department, and the Vance County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the U.S. Department of Justice’s website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-CR-500-BO.

Early Voting Ends Saturday; Vance Co. Reports Approx. 11,000 Early Votes

October 28, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Vance County Board of Elections

According to Vance County Board of Elections Director Faye Gill, 10,986 Vance County residents have participated in early voting as of Monday, October 26. Early voting began October 15 and ends October 31, 2020.

In Vance County, early voting is being held at the Henderson Operation Center (900 S Beckford Dr., Henderson) and Aycock Recreation Complex (307 Carey Chapel Rd., Henderson). There is no early voting at the Board of Elections Office due to COVID restrictions.

You must have “proof of residence;” however, no photo ID is required for this election.

The last regular day to register to vote in the November General Election was Friday, October 9, 2020. If you missed that deadline, you can register and vote at the early voting sites.

REMAINING One-Stop Early Voting Schedule for the November 3, 2020 General Election

Locations: Aycock Recreation Complex and Henderson Operation Center

Wednesday, October 28, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 29, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Friday, October 30, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 31, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you are not sure if you are registered to vote, please call the Vance County Board of Elections at (252) 492-3730 to verify your status.

Aycock Rec Center Pool Closed Until Further Notice

October 28, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Henderson Vance Recreation and Parks Department

Aycock Recreation Center’s pool will be closed beginning Tuesday, October 27, 2020, until further notice.

For more information, please contact Lauren Newlin at (252) 438-3160 or (lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us).

Resurfacing Projects Awarded for Vance, Franklin and Warren Counties

October 28, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, N.C. Department of Transportation

Thanks to five new contracts awarded by the N.C. Department of Transportation, totaling more than $17 million, nearly 120 miles of area roadway will be resurfaced.

Under a $3.5 million contract, Carolina Sunrock of Raleigh will mill and resurface pavement and improve shoulders along 17.7 miles of state-maintained roads throughout Durham County.
Under a $2.8 million contract, Carolina Sunrock will mill and resurface pavement and improve shoulders along 29.7 miles of state-maintained roads throughout Franklin County.
Under a $3.8 million contract, Carolina Sunrock will mill and resurface pavement and improve shoulders along 29.4 miles of state-maintained roads throughout Vance and Warren counties.
Under a $3 million contract, Carolina Sunrock will mill and resurface pavement and improve shoulders along 11.6 miles of state-maintained roads throughout western Wake County.
Under a $4.1 million contract, Fred Smith Company of Raleigh will mill and resurface pavement and improve shoulders along 30.4 miles of state-maintained roads throughout southern Wake County.

This work can start as soon as March 15, 2021, with most of the projects completed before the unofficial end of the paving season in mid-November, and all roads done by the end of July 2022.

For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.

VGCC Golf Tournament Brings in More Than $110,000

October 27, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College recently held its annual Endowment Fund Golf Tournament at the Henderson Country Club, raising more than $110,000. Proceeds will help fund scholarships for deserving students and support the mission of the college.

Delayed from its traditional spring date due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 36th annual tournament was presented by Gupton Services, Inc., of Henderson. This year’s fundraiser brought the total amount generated by all VGCC golf tournaments since 1985 to more than $1.2 million.

“We are extremely grateful for the community’s continuing support of VGCC, as expressed through yet another successful tournament,” said VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. “Our region’s civic and business leaders know that our community college is a key driver of workforce and economic development.”

“Thanks to the contributions of numerous golfers and sponsors, our Endowment Fund will have more resources to help students continue their education so that they can prepare for careers and enjoy a brighter future,” added VGCC Endowment Director Eddie Ferguson.

A total of 128 golfers played this year, with 64 competing on Monday, Sept. 14, and the other 64 playing in a separate round on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

In the Monday round, the MR Williams team of Chris Cheever, Dennis Lambert, Daniel Faulkner and Tyler Beauchamp took home the “first net” trophy. The Golden Skillet team of David Fairey, Steven Wright, Steve Wright and Steve Wright won “second net.” The “first gross” trophy went to the Novozymes team of Fred Reikowsky, James Massey, Vinny Veruto and Mark Lasher. The Mast Drug team of Andrew Flye, Jan Fletcher, Rusty Crocker and Kirt Meadows took home “second gross.”

In the Tuesday round, the Salvation Army team (sponsored by Gupton Services) of Derrick Smith, Chad Langley, Wes MacLawhorn and Danny Wilkerson finished with the “first net” score. The Carolina Commonwealth team of Kenny Abbott, David Farrie, Mike Faulkner and Tommy Ross won “second net.” The “first gross” trophy went to the Institutional Interiors team of Tim Hill, Mike Baskett, Billy Stanton and Macy Foster. The Carolina Sunrock team of Blake Montgomery, Zach Satterwhite, Greg Johnson and Eric Royster took home “second gross.”

P.J. Schleiger took the longest-drive prize on Hole 1 on Monday, and Trey Watkins won the closest-to-the-pin prize on Hole 11.

Danny Wilkerson had the longest drive on Tuesday, while Greg Johnson won the closest-to-the-pin prize.

Numerous companies and individuals supported the VGCC tournament as sponsors, along with presenting sponsor Gupton Services, Inc.

Premier Sponsors included Henderson Fruit and Produce, Glen Raven, Wester Insurance Agency, Durham Coca-Cola, First Citizens Wealth, Charles Boyd Chevrolet Buick GMC, Duke Energy, Private Wealth Management of N.C., Novozymes North America, Inc., Universal Leaf North America U.S., Inc., Robling Medical, Union Bank, Bridgestone Bandag Tire, Carolina Commonwealth, Rose Oil Company, Inc., CertainTeed, Altec, Granville Health System, John Nelms, Jr., MR Williams, Kilian Engineering, Mast Drug Company and Coldwell Banker Advantage.

Platinum Sponsors included Core & Main, Variety Stores, Inc., Institutional Interiors, Henderson Collegiate and Oxford Prep.

Gold Sponsors included Winston International, Golden Skillet and Carolina Sunrock.

Contributors included Mako Medical Laboratories, Joe and Betty Jo Hamme, Newton Instrument Company, Jim Beck, Tru-Green Landscaping, Jim Crawford, ARC3 Gases, Dr. Ben Currin, B & R Properties & Development, Judge Henry and Mamie Banks, Donald Seifert, Sarah Baskerville and Walmart Distribution.

Green Sponsors included Greystone Concrete Products, Backyard Retreat, Barnett Real Properties, Inc., RFR Metal Fabrication, Wake Electric Membership Corp., Nick & Sons Truck Repair, Vescom North America, JM White Funeral Home, Watkins Plumbing, HG Reynolds, NT Techno, May & Place, Dill Air Controls Products and International Paper.

Tee Box Sponsors included AAA Gas & Appliance Company, Hight Warehouse, Encore Tech, Comfort Zone, Granville County EDC, Hicks & Wrenn, Mosely Plumbing Company, Inc., WOW Wash on Wheels, Sunrise Biscuits of Oxford, Century 21 Country Knolls Realty, Inc., One Source Document Solutions, Carolina Country Snacks, Banzet, Thompson, Styers & May, City Tire, Inc., Cross & Currin Attorneys, Southern Educational Systems, Vance Construction Company, Stainback, Satterwhite & Zollicoffer, PLLC, Phillips Dorsey Thomas Waters & Brafford, P.A., Whitco Bug Warriors, Robco, Frazco, Inc. Insurance – Real Estate, Marsha J. Nelson, Brame Specialty, William L. Stark and Company, Dave Carver, Pete Smith’s Tire and Quick Lube, Dabney Drive Animal Hospital, Alex Drake, DDS, PA, Sherman & Boddie, Inc., Riggs-Harrod, Ahner Security, H & W Investments, Henderson-Vance EDC, Benchmark Community Bank, Medical Arts Pharmacy, Ag Carolina Farm Credit, Hall’s Floor Fashions, Inc., Will Jakes-Edward Jones, Fred’s Towing & Transport, Inc., Professional Pharmacy, C & P Body Shop, Mack Choplin, Postal Plus Business Center, Waste Industries, MPACT Solutions, LLC and Eddie and Debra Ferguson.

Each year, the golf tournament is the major fundraising event for the VGCC Endowment Fund, through which more than 9,700 scholarships have been awarded to students since 1982. Scholarships have been established by individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff.

For more information, call (252) 738-3409.

Paul McKenzie, Ag. Extension Agent, Receives Distinguished Service Award

October 27, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, National Association of County Agriculture Agents (NACAA)

Paul McKenzie received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agriculture Agents (NACAA) during the 2020 Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference. McKenzie was one of several honorees who represented the top two percent of the membership selected by their peers and the Director of Extension.

Paul McKenzie received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agriculture Agents (NACAA) during the 2020 Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference. (Photo courtesy NACAA)

McKenzie has served over twenty years as an agricultural extension agent in four different counties, the last eleven years as an area agent serving Vance and Warren counties. In that capacity, McKenzie has implemented a comprehensive education program serving farmers, gardeners, woodland owners and licensed/certified pesticide applicators.

He oversees a Master Gardener volunteer program consisting of almost forty volunteers that contribute well over 1,000 hours of service to the community each year. In addition to gardening workshops, youth education projects, and informative newsletters, the Master Gardeners have implemented various educational gardening projects. The most recent and ambitious is a pollinator habitat garden at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.

McKenzie was also instrumental in the campaign to raise grant money for the construction of the Vance County Regional Farmers Market and continues to support it through training and technical assistance for produce farmers and other vendors.

For several years, McKenzie has partnered with the local offices of the NC Forest Service to conduct educational workshops for woodland owners so they can make better management decisions that benefit wildlife, timber production, natural resources, and profitability.

Educational workshops, seminars and tours are a key component of his educational efforts, and he is involved in implementing dozens each year on topics such as pesticide safety, timber harvesting, high tunnel production, alternative crops, vegetable gardening and more. These well-run events have strong attendance, positive reviews and many repeat customers.

McKenzie is well-respected among co-workers both locally, regionally and across the state, having been called to serve as a mentor for several early-career Extension Agents. Through his good work and commitment to serve, he has fostered strong relationships with many partner agencies, including Farm Service Agency, Soil & Water District, the Small Business Center at Vance-Granville Community College and others.

Farmers and gardeners alike rely on Paul to provide accurate and reliable advice regarding garden problems, pondweeds, crop production, pest management and more.

GVPH Local COVID-19 Update as of 10/26/20

October 27, 2020/by WIZS Staff

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

The following is an update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of October 26, 2020. Granville Vance Public Health numbers correlate with the NC Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NCEDSS) data.

The county case numbers reported on the NC county map from the NC Department of Health and Human Services may differ from the ones reported locally as they are updated at different times and may change once residence is verified.

Granville County

1,991 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,991, 1,311 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 1,311, 1,153 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,991, 527 cases are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County and 501 of those 527 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,991, 153 are associated with outbreaks at long-term care facilities, including 47 at Murdoch Development Center and 95 at Universal Health Care.

The outbreaks at Central Regional Hospital, Brantwood and Granville House are no longer active.

Of the 153 cases in long-term care facilities in Granville County, 112 have been released from isolation.

Five individuals in Granville County are hospitalized

There have been a total of 51 deaths in Granville County: six in the community, one associated with Central Regional Hospital, one associated with Murdoch Development Center, 21 associated with Universal Health Care and 22 associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.

Vance County

1,156 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,156, 1,031 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 1,031, 889 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,156, 125 cases are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities.

The outbreaks at Kerr Lake Nursing Home, Alliance Rehabilitative Care, Senior Citizens Home and Pelican Health Nursing Home are no longer active.

Of the 125 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 97 have been released from isolation.

Four individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 47 deaths in Vance County: 14 associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 12 associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, two associated with Senior Citizens Home and 19 in the community.

Unfortunately, there has been a recent death in the community: a 78-year-old female passed away on October 23.

WIZS Note: There are 142 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 158 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers). One additional COVID-19 related Vance County death and one additional Granville County death have been reported in the last week.

Additional Information

The number of those who have been ‘released from isolation’ is determined by the CDC Guidance for discontinuation of isolation for persons with COVID-19.

Please visit GVPH’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard (click here) for tables and graphs that are updated daily.

‘Cardinal Innovations Goes Pink’ for Breast Cancer, Mental Heath Awareness

October 26, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Cardinal Innovations Healthcare

Join us on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, for Cardinal Innovations Goes Pink, a two-session virtual event to increase awareness around breast cancer and mental health in Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Vance and Warren counties.

Session One: Community Presentation & Panel Discussion

Learn information about Breast Cancer and ways to increase awareness from Guest Speaker, Estena Bradley, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified. Immediately following the presentation, learn about available resources from local agencies, health providers, and regional influencers.

Session Two: Secondary Trauma & Self-Care

Individuals who work in various helping fields often do not recognize their potential to experience secondhand trauma. This training is designed to help those working in the field recognize the symptoms of secondary trauma and how to take care of themselves during times of stress.

To Register:

Session One: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Community Presentation & Panel Discussion (Click here)

Session Two: 2 to 3 p.m.
Secondary Trauma & Self-Care (Click here)

For more information or to submit questions for the panel, contact Monae Davis at monae.davis@cardinalinnovations.org

Halloween Safety Tips From Vance Co. Sheriff Curtis Brame

October 26, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Vance County Sheriff’s Office

Soon our streets will be scattered with little ghosts, goblins, and witches trick-or-treating for Halloween. “Halloween should be filled with surprise and enjoyment and following some common-sense practices can keep events safer and more fun,” said Sheriff Curtis Brame of Vance County.

The Sheriff reminds all Vance County residents to follow these safety tips:

COVID-19

Follow State and County health policies.
Limit participating in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children who go door-to-door.
Halloween costume masks are not suitable to provide COVID-19 protection.
Promote the use of hand sanitizer by trick-or-treaters and their families.
Announce if there are any curfews in place.
Encourage social distancing.
Decline trunk-or-treat where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lots.
Do not attend crowded costume parties held indoors.
Avoid going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming
Discourage going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household.

Motorists

Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.

Parents

Make sure that an adult or an older responsible youth will be supervising the outing for children under age 12.
Check the sex offender registry at www.ncdoj.gov when planning your child’s trick-or-treat route. You can view maps that pinpoint registered offenders’ addresses in your neighborhood and sign up to get email alerts when an offender moves nearby.
Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow.
Know the names of older children’s companions.
Make sure older kids trick-or-treat in a group.
Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.
Teach your children to stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well-lit and never to enter a stranger’s home.
Establish a return time.
Tell your youngsters not to eat any treats until they return home.
Review all appropriate trick-or-treat safety precautions, including pedestrian/traffic safety rules.
All children need to know their home telephone number and how to call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.
Pin a slip of paper with the child’s name, address, and telephone number inside a pocket in case the youngster gets separated from the group.

Costume Design

Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes.
Costumes should be loose so warm clothes can be worn underneath.
Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard.
Make sure that shoes fit well to prevent trips and falls.
If children are allowed out after dark, outfits should be made with light-colored materials. Strips of retro-reflective tape should be used to make children visible.

Face Design

Do not use masks as they can obstruct a child’s vision. Use facial make-up instead.
When buying special Halloween makeup, check for packages containing ingredients that are labeled “Made with U.S. Approved Color Additives,” “Laboratory Tested,” “Meets Federal Standards for Cosmetics,” or “Non-Toxic.” Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes.

Accessories

Knives, swords, and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible materials. Do not allow children to carry sharp objects.
Bags or sacks carried by youngsters should be light-colored or trimmed with retro-reflective tape if children are allowed out after dark.
Carrying flashlights with fresh batteries will help children see better and be seen more clearly.

While Trick-or-Treating

Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision.
Walk; do not run, from house to house.
Do not cross yards and lawns where unseen objects or the uneven terrain can present tripping hazards.
Walk on sidewalks, not in the street.
Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic, if there are no sidewalks.

Treats

Give children an early meal before going out.
Insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten.
Wash fruit and slice it into small pieces.
Throw away any candy that is unwrapped or partially wrapped or has a strange odor, color, or texture.

Homeowners/Decorations

Keep candles and Jack-O’-Lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.
Remove obstacles from lawns, steps, and porches when expecting trick-or-treaters.
Keep candles and Jack-O’-Lanterns away from curtains, decorations, and other combustibles that could catch fire.
Do not leave your house unattended.

“Halloween is a fun time in Vance County,” Sheriff Brame concluded, “but let’s make it a safe time as well. The major dangers are not from witches or spirits but rather from falls and pedestrian/car crashes.”

Vance Planning/Environmental Committee to Discuss White Goods Relocation

October 26, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy the County of Vance

Vance County’s Planning/Environmental Committee (Faines, Kelly, Wilder) is scheduled to meet Wednesday, October 28, 2020, at 4 p.m.

The meeting will be held in the Administrative Conference Room of the Vance County Administration Building located at 122 Young Street, Henderson, NC.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the possible relocation of white goods.

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