Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

‘One Noble Journey’ to Pay Tribute to Black History Month at McGregor Hall

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

In celebration of Black History Month, McGregor Hall will feature “One Noble Journey: A Black History Month Tribute” on Tuesday, February 18, 2020. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

ONE NOBLE JOURNEY is a moving play telling the story of Henry “Box” Brown, an African American born into slavery in Louisa, Virginia. Henry devised an ingenious escape plan — sealing himself in a wooden box for shipment to friends and freedom in Philadelphia.

Tickets for this event may be purchased by:

DROP-IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Henderson’s First Biscuitville to Open on Dabney Dr. Thurs., Feb. 20

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Biscuitville Fresh Southern®

Biscuitville Fresh Southern®, a local family-owned restaurant widely known for its authentic, Southern cooking, will open its first Henderson restaurant on Thursday, February 20 at 5 a.m. The restaurant is located at 1537 Dabney Drive and will be open from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Biscuitville Fresh Southern®, a local family-owned restaurant widely known for its authentic, Southern cooking, will open its first Henderson restaurant on Thursday, February 20 at 5 a.m. The restaurant is located at 1537 Dabney Drive and will be open from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sundays. (Photo courtesy Biscuitville Fresh Southern®)

Biscuitville guests will be able to celebrate the opening of the new location beginning at 5 a.m. until noon with a chance to win prizes from the prize wheel (while supplies last) beginning at 7 a.m. Guests also will be able to sign-up for a chance to win Free Breakfast for a Year*. Biscuitville will award Free Breakfast for a Year by randomly selecting 20 of the entries received on opening day. No purchase necessary to enter. Selected winners will be notified the following week.

As part of its opening, Biscuitville is partnering with the local Salvation Army to support those in need. Everyone who brings a non-perishable food item donation for the Salvation Army Food Pantry to the new Biscuitville on opening day will receive a coupon for a free biscuit of their choice to use on their next visit. Suggested donation items include dry pasta, pasta sauces, boxed dinner meals, canned fruits and vegetables, rice, oatmeal, grits and individual snacks of any kind.

“The Henderson community has been asking for their own Biscuitville for quite some time. We’re thrilled to be opening our very first Henderson restaurant and look forward to building long-lasting relationships in the community,” Biscuitville President Kathie Niven said. “What makes this opening particularly special is it is the hometown of Sanford Milling—our partner who supplies flour for all 61 of our restaurants.”

Tracy Meadows will serve as operator of the Henderson Biscuitville.  Meadows has been a member of the Biscuitville family since 2019. Born and raised in Kittrell, NC, she earned her associate degree in business administration at Vance-Granville Community College in Henderson.  She brings to Biscuitville more than 25 years of quick-service restaurant experience.

Biscuitville, which has 61 restaurants in North Carolina and Virginia, has remodeled dozens of its existing locations during the last three years as part of a growth phase and has also introduced several new, innovative menu items, such as the Spicy Chicken and Honey Biscuit.

All of Biscuitville’s new restaurants, the remodeled locations and new menu items are built on Biscuitville’s foundation of serving fresh, scratch-made food using locally sourced ingredients, including custom-milled flour from Henderson; country ham cured in Wilkesboro; coffee roasted in Concord; eggs from Monroe; all-natural chicken from Mt. Airy, Georgia; and pickles from Mt. Olive.

They are known for their biscuits made fresh every 15 minutes TM and as part of the new signature design, Biscuitville features a large biscuit window, which allows guests to view the biscuit-making process. This feature is so iconic to Biscuitville’s brand, the company proudly posts Home of the Biscuit Window Since 1966® in front of its biscuit makers. In addition to the biscuit window, other highlights of the new Henderson restaurant include:

  • Exterior features resembling a reclaimed southern barn, with a tin roof, barn doors and gooseneck lights
  • Interior features that combine a modern look and feel with southern heritage through industrial hardware, blue painted ceilings inspired by southern porches, and mixed materials like wood, metal and tile
  • Large photos and artwork that capture scenes of the local Henderson neighborhood and community
  • An enhanced beverage area with expanded drink options, including Salisbury-based Cheerwine®
  • Conveniences such as free Wi-Fi and electrical access for devices

For more information about Biscuitville Fresh Southern ®, visit the company’s website at biscuitville.com.

*20 free breakfast combo coupons will be awarded.

 (This is not a paid advertisement)

Kittrell Food Mart Struck by Armed Robber Twice; Suspect Charged

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-Press Release, Vance County Sheriff’s Office

On Thursday, February 13, 2020, at 9:56 p.m. the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division responded to Kittrell Food Mart, located at 1243 U.S. Highway I South in reference to an armed robbery and an assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.

Tyric Keith (VCSO photo)

Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division arrived at the scene and developed a person of interest.

After conducting interviews, Tyric Keith, age 21, became a suspect. Keith was charged with one count of Attempted Armed Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury. Keith was also charged with Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon for an incident that occurred at the same location on February 1, 2020.

Keith’s bond was set at $500,000.00. His court date is February 26, 2020.

This investigation is continuing.

Reminder: Focus 20/20 Regional Economic Development Summit – Feb. 20

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-Press Release, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments

The Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments announces Focus 20/20, a Regional Economic Development Summit to be held at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson on February 20, 2020. The summit kicks off at
9:30 a.m.

Keynote speaker for the event is Doug Griffiths, author of the bestselling book, 13 Ways to Kill Your Community. Doug works with communities across the US and Canada to identify and overcome challenges that prohibit their ability to become thriving, sustainable, and desirable.

UPDATE: We are pleased to announce that NC Department of Commerce Secretary Anthony Copeland will also be making remarks at the Summit.

Other featured speakers for the Summit include:

● Dr. Michael Walden, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Extension Economist at North Carolina State University
● Hillary Sherman, NC Economic Development Representative, US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration
● Thom Ruhe, President & CEO, NC IDEA
● Jennifer Lantz, Executive Director, Wilson Economic Development Council
● Dr. Jenni Harris, Executive Director of Business Services, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Solutions
● Dawn Michelle Tucker, Dean of Continuing Education and College & Career Readiness, Vance Granville Community College
● Dr. Pamela G. Senegal, President, Piedmont Community College
● Judy Bradsher, M.Ed., Director, CTE Programs/GEAR UP Liaison, Person County Schools
● Rhonda L. High, Customized Training Director, Halifax Community College

“This Summit is a timely and relevant event for citizens who seek to learn more about the advantages and challenges of preparing their communities for economic development success. It will provide best practices and examples that can be applied locally.” -Diane Cox, Executive Director, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments.

Summit presentations will focus on the following:
● Setting the Stage for Economic Development in Your Community
● Advancing Entrepreneurship
● Talent Development-Best Practice Workforce Initiatives
● 13 Ways to Kill Your Community – Lessons on what really makes the difference between a prospering community and a failing one.

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation 2020 Grant Cycle is Now Open

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-Information courtesy Triangle North Healthcare Foundation

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation has announced the launch of its 2020 grant cycle, accepting applications now through May 1, 2020.

A regional healthcare grantmaking organization based in Henderson, NC, Triangle North Healthcare Foundation was established in 2011, following the merge of Maria Parham Medical Center and Duke Lifepoint.

The Foundation seeks programs and projects that will provide positive results in one or more of the five focus areas: Child Well-Being, Chronic Disease, Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, Nutrition and Physical Activity, and Reproductive Health. Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and schools are eligible to apply.

The link to the Foundation’s online grant portal is available at the website: https://www.tnhfoundation.org

The Foundation’s mission– to encourage, support, and invest in quality efforts that measurably improve health in the Triangle North area— is achieved through funding programming that focuses on improving health. The Foundation also supports programs that build capacity and develop leaders for nonprofits in the region.

Since beginning its grantmaking in 2013, the Foundation has invested over $1.8 million in over 70 programs that serve the four counties in the region: Franklin, Granville, Vance, and Warren.

According to the Foundation’s Executive Director Val Short, the Foundation Board’s hope is that through grantee organizations and the people they serve, the Board’s vision for the future of our region will be realized… “to live in a healthy community.”

“Our hope is that the Foundation’s investment of grant funds in our communities will result in long-lasting improvements in the health and wellbeing of our children and adults,” Short said.

Short and the Foundation’s Grants Coordinator Carolyn Powell are currently available to discuss ideas for grant projects or to assist with grant writing. Call 252-430-8532 to schedule an appointment.  Information about current and past funded programs and projects is also available on the Foundation’s website.

Vance County Logo

Vance Commissioners to Hold Special Meeting on Industrial Park Contract

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to Board/Executive Asst., County of Vance

This memorandum will serve as notice that Chairman Gordon Wilder has called a special meeting for Monday, February 17, 2020, at 4 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Conference Room, Vance County Administration Building, 122 Young Street, Henderson, NC.

The purpose of the meeting is to:

1. Award contract for Industrial Park Phase III construction

2. Approve project ordinance

3. Approve memorandum of negotiation

4. DSS salary adjustment request

5. Other items as necessary

Henderson-Vance Industrial Park Phase III Construction Project

The County’s engineer (Tim Carpenter with LKC Engineering) will be on hand to provide an overview of the bidding process and value engineering exercise which has been completed in order to bring the project within the existing grant budget. A total of six bidders submitted bids with the low bidder (ELJ, Inc.) providing a bid that was approximately $700,000 over budget.

The county’s engineer and staff have finalized a value engineering exercise to reduce the project scope and associated costs within budget. The main impact is that the new roadway will not be paved throughout the entire project area.

The project is funded with NC Rural Ready Grant funds and the NC Department of Commerce has agreed to the reduced project scope. In order to proceed, the board will need to approve a memorandum of negotiation between the county and the contractor outlining the negotiated and reduced project scope and will also need to award the contract to the low bidder. The staff has also provided a budget transfer for review that allocates grant funds into the appropriate line items in the county’s budget.

Recommendation: Approve the memorandum of negotiation and award the Henderson-Vance Industrial Park Phase III construction contract to ELJ, Inc. totaling $2,149,457 subject to final attorney review of contract documents.

Please click this link to view the full agenda: https://www.vancecounty.org/departments/board-of-commissioners/agenda/.

U.S. Department of Justice

Kittrell Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years on Drug, Gun Charges

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge James C. Dever, III, sentenced PRESTON OBRYAN MILES, 35, of Kittrell to 78 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

MILES was named in a two-count Indictment on July 10, 2019, charging him with possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On November 1, 2019, he pled guilty to the Indictment.

According to the investigation, on Saturday, July 21, 2018, a Franklinton Police Department officer was on patrol near NC 56 in Franklinton, North Carolina, when he saw a black Toyota Camry with heavily tinted windows. As he began following the Camry, he could smell marijuana, and he noticed that the smell diminished when he switched lanes away from the car. The officer ran the tag and also found that the registered owner had an expired license.

The officer initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, who was identified as MILES. The smell of marijuana was strong, and the officer spotted several partially smoked marijuana cigarettes inside the car. Backup arrived and officers searched the car. They noticed that the carpet liner in the trunk was not attached on the edges. In the space between the carpet liner and the frame of the car, officers found a plastic bag containing a cardboard box, which itself contained two bricks of heroin—approximately 100 single-dose bags. The box also contained two loose bindles of 10 bags each, a plastic baggie of approximately 3 grams of raw heroin, and tools of the drug trade, including a wooden stamp with a Mercedes symbol, a bag of small rubber bands, and scotch tape. Further back between the carpet liner and side of the car, officers found a black FN 5.7x28mm pistol.

Officers later reviewed communications from jail, in which MILES, in discussing his car, directed a woman to get items out of “the head” and stated that “I got a brick in the head.”  On July 26, 2018, law enforcement obtained a search warrant to re-search the car. They found a digital scale hidden in a hole in the bottom of the passenger seat headrest, and behind the scale, they found a brick of heroin and a plastic bag of cocaine. Using a camera to search deeper into the area between the carper liner and the passenger side of the car, officers located a second handgun, a Smith & Wesson revolver.

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 in those communities on a sustained basis to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

The Franklinton Police Department, State Bureau of Investigation, and Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh represented the government.

Harvey Recognized by NC Governor

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-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

Marsha Harvey, an English teacher at Vance County High School, received the Governor’s Education Discovery Award, entitling her to a stipend for professional development within her field.

She has committed to attend Paper to Stage at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre Company.

Vance County Schools is proud of Ms. Harvey’s accomplishment and looks forward to what she brings back to share with her fellow teachers and students.

Pictured L to R: Vance County Board of Education Chair Edward Wilson, Vance County High School teacher Marsha Harvey and Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson. (VCS photo)

Henderson Kiwanis Club to Hold Trout Dinner Fundraiser at 220 Seafood

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-Information courtesy Henderson Kiwanis Club

The Henderson Kiwanis Club will hold a Trout Dinner Fundraiser for the “benefit of children,” on Monday, March 9, 2020, from 4 – 7 p.m. at 220 Seafood Restaurant, 1812 Norlina Rd. in Henderson.

Trout, cole slaw, fries and hushpuppies will be available for $8 per plate. Plates are available for eat-in or take out. Beverage – tea or coffee – provided with eat-in meals only.

Your support of this event is greatly appreciated.

Town Talk 02/12/20: Lower ISO Ratings = Savings for Homeowners, Businesses

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Vance County Fire Marshal Keith Duncan appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m. Duncan discussed the new insurance ratings for County fire departments, the addition of paid part-time personnel and plans for redistricting.

Insurance (ISO) Ratings:

After a county-wide review by the Department of Insurance Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) in October 2019, Duncan is pleased to announce that all inspected Vance County fire departments were able to reduce their ISO ratings.

The routine inspections look for proper staffing levels, sufficient equipment, proper maintenance of equipment, communications capabilities and availability of a water source, among other items.

Based on the outcome of these inspections, the North Carolina Response Rating System (NCRRS) assigns a score ranging from one (best) to 10 (not recognized as a certified fire department by the state), with most rural departments falling into the 9S category.

This score, in turn, determines the rating the Insurance Services Office (ISO) uses to charge homeowners and businesses for insurance.

“We have good news for the citizens of Vance County,” Duncan said. “We have reduced rates that just came in this week and will go into effect May 1 of this year. This means an insurance savings of approximately $150 or more for homeowners.”

Prior to the recent inspection, many County departments had an ISO rating of 9, meaning citizens in those districts paid more for homeowners insurance. Duncan said through the hard work of department staff and appropriate funding, all seven inspected departments were able to improve their score to a 5 or a 6.

New ratings are as follows:

Kittrell Fire District = 6

Golden Belt Fire District = 5

Drewry Fire District = 5

Cokesbury Fire District = 5

Townsville Fire District = 6

Watkins Fire District = 6

Hicksboro Fire District = 6

The Bearpond Fire Department and Epsom Fire Department are on a different schedule and have been previously inspected. The Bearpond rating is currently a 5 for residents within 1,000 feet of a hydrant. Epsom, a border department shared with Franklin County, is also currently ranked at a 5.

The previously mentioned ratings apply to County fire districts and departments and are not to be confused with the City of Henderson that currently has an ISO rating of 2.

Duncan credited increased funding, purchased equipment, training hours and a myriad of other items, including an increase in fire tax, for the improved scores.

“It took the increase in fire tax over the past couple of years to get appropriations for departments that were in such dire need of these funds to equip their stations, to get volunteers and part-time positions. The return residents are going to get from their ISO rates being lower should far exceed any tax increase they paid.”

Paid Part-Time Positions:

Briefly addressing the much-discussed move to fund paid part-time positions in volunteer fire departments, Duncan said the addition of personnel indirectly helped with the improved ISO grade but was never the primary mission.

Citing faster response times and the need for paid positions in a world with fewer volunteers, Duncan stated the move was a partnership between Vance County Commissioners and County departments.

“It has worked out so great for the citizens here. Response time has lowered in two of our districts – our most remote districts – by four to five minutes. When you talk about a loved one that’s having a heart attack or a wood fire that’s threatening a home, time is of the essence.”

Fire Redistricting:

Now that department inspections have been completed and updated ISO ratings released, Duncan expects the County to revisit redistricting talks that were “put on the back burner” last year.

“The reason redistricting ever came up was because we were looking at lowering response times and determining the closest department to come to your house or business,” Duncan explained. “It only makes sense that the closer they are, the faster they get there.”

The main area of focus is the five-mile overlap area between fire districts. “We were looking at which department could get to that overlap area faster and discussed adjusting the line pretty much halfway,” said Duncan.

“We were not going to do anything until we got the ISO rates back. We didn’t want to move anyone out of a 5 district and into a 9 district, for example, and cost them money. Now that we have the ratings back, moving the line should not be any trouble because the [insurance] savings will be virtually the same.”

To hear the interview with Duncan in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.