Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Dept. Welcomes Toshia Somerville

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-Information courtesy Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks

The Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department is excited to introduce Toshia Somerville as the new Administrative Support Specialist.

Toshia Somerville is the new Administrative Support Specialist for the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department. (Photo courtesy H-V Rec & Parks)

Toshia is a native of Hampton Roads, Virginia. She graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fashion Buying and Marketing.

Following graduation, she enlisted in the US Army and served seven years as an Arabic Linguist. After her service, she attended Regis University where she received a Master of Business Administration Degree.

Toshia is married to Corei Somerville and they have 4 children – Alexis, Corei Jr., Jaelen and Jeremiah. Toshia enjoys giving back to her community and is excited to be part of the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks team.

U.S. Department of Justice

Henderson Man Sentenced to 26 Years for Heroin, Firearm Violations

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that yesterday in federal court, United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced JONATHAN ANTWAN MITCHELL, 34, of Henderson, North Carolina to 312 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

MITCHELL was named in an Indictment filed on December 4, 2018, charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On July 22, 2019, MITCHELL pled guilty to that charge.

According to the investigation, in August of 2018, agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted a controlled purchase of heroin from MITCHELL. This purchase occurred in Henderson, North Carolina.

A few days later, a trooper with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a car that MITCHELL was driving. MITCHELL sped away, reaching speeds of up to approximately 80 mph in a 45 mph zone. After a couple of miles, MITCHELL lost control and wrecked the car in a ditch. MITCHELL ran from the car and after a struggle with the trooper, was ultimately placed under arrest. Agents from the Vance County Sheriff’s Office and the State Bureau of Investigation arrived at the scene to assist.

As a result of the arrest and a search of the car, agents recovered over 1,200 dosage units of heroin, approximately $31,000 in US currency, a semiautomatic pistol, and a 50-round extended magazine. MITCHELL later admitted to agents that he had been dealing heroin in the Henderson and Vance County area since 2014.

This case is part of 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. For more information about this initiative click here:  https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/tbnc

Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; the State Bureau of Investigation; the Vance County Sheriff’s Office; and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol conducted the investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Nick J. Miller represented the government.

Town Talk 02/17/20: Jones’ Sunday Morning Motivation on WIZS Encourages, Uplifts

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WIZS Sunday Morning Motivation “The Help Center NC” with Twanna J. Jones aired on Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m. Sunday Morning Motivation airs every Sunday morning on 100.1 FM/ 1450 AM WIZS at 10:30 a.m.

Jones, along with her husband Bobby, owns and operates The Help Center NC in Vance and Granville County. According to the Help Center’s website (www.thehelpcenternc.com), the ministry was established in 2016 to share the Gospel and advocate for the poor, elderly and young by providing the tools needed for families to become self-sufficient through training and educational programs.

Serving those in Franklin, Vance, Warren and Granville counties, the program assists with food, housing referrals and resources to enhance the physical, social, emotional, and economic health of poor and homeless citizens.

Sunday Morning Motivation on WIZS is a way for the service area to hear positive, encouraging messages to improve mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. The February 16 presentation, re-aired for Monday’s Town Talk, addressed the “loneliness” Jones said some residents have stated they feel around holidays, especially romantic holidays like Valentine’s Day. Putting these emotions into a spiritual context, Jones shared biblical passages on love and handling feelings of disappointment.

The program also featured local author Terry Alston Jones who discusses her book “A Summer With No Ice Cream.” Told through the eyes of a 12-year-old, this novel discusses the importance of making good health and lifestyle choices while young to avoid negative consequences later in life. It is the first in a planned series entitled “Embracing Myself and My Health” aimed at addressing health disparities in the African American community.

For more information about The Help Center and its programs, please call (252) 572-3203 to speak with a representative or email info@TheHelpCenterNC.com.

To hear the Sunday Morning Motivation with Twanna J. Jones in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

‘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.