Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Town Talk 09/24/19: Vance County Fair Opens Tomorrow With New Rides, Shows

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

With only one day to go until the Vance County Fair brings lights, food and entertainment to Henderson’s Fairgrounds, fair managers Ron and Mary Weber joined WIZS’ Town Talk to discuss new attractions and ways to make your visit more affordable.

An annual event for the community for nearly 100 years, Ron said the Webers “really want to revitalize the fair and the fairgrounds.”

“We’ve brought in a lot of great entertainment, running a bunch of great specials, setting up new rides and offering a variety of food stands; the fair is going to be as big and as full as it has been in a long, long time,” Weber said.

The fair will be open from 5 until 11 p.m. Wed., Sept. 25 through Fri. Sept 27 and 12 until 11 p.m. on Sat. Sept. 28.

General admission is $6 and visitors may purchase an unlimited rides wristband for $25. General parking is available for free, with a $5 charge for premium parking.

Additional savings are available on opening night, or what the Webers refer to as “$2 night.” Admission for anyone entering the fair on Sept. 25 is $2, with all rides also available at $2 each.

The savings continue on Thurs., Sept. 26 for Carload Night – up to eight people properly seated with seatbelts on gain admission to the fair and receive unlimited rides for $50 per vehicle. Weber said this is a great way to make the fair more affordable for the entire family.

Additional advanced sale savings are available online by visiting www.vancecountyfairnc.com.

With new attractions such as the Super Shot Drop Tower and Rock Star, thrill acts such as “The Globe of Death,” a lion and tiger educational show, a petting zoo and a variety of games and food vendors, the Weber’s are expecting a very successful and entertaining 2019 Vance County Fair.

To hear the Webers’ interview in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

Vance County Logo

Vance Public Safety Meeting Rescheduled for Sept. 26

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-Information courtesy Esther J. McCrackin, City Clerk, City of Henderson, NC

The Henderson City Council’s Public Safety Committee will meet on Thursday, September 26, 2019, at 10 a.m. in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 134 Rose Avenue in Henderson.

This meeting was rescheduled from its original date of September 20.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss Emergency Operations Plan Update, Proposed Golf Cart Ordinance and IT Services Update.

The public is welcome to observe.

Rasheed Sworn In for New Term as VGCC Trustee

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Abdul Sm Rasheed of Henderson recently took the oath of office for another term as a member of the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees.

He is the retired president/CEO of the N.C. Community Development Initiative and currently serves on the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority board. He has also been a trustee of his alma mater, Elizabeth City State University.

Rasheed was reappointed to the board for a four-year term by the Vance County Board of Education.

The Board of Trustees has 12 voting members, with some appointed by the Governor of North Carolina and some by the county commissioners and the boards of education of Vance and Granville counties.

From left, retired District Court Judge Randolph Baskerville administers the oath of office to VGCC Trustee Abdul Sm Rasheed, alongside Rasheed’s granddaughter, Jada Lewis; and wife, Marolyn Rasheed (holding granddaughter Lenox Rasheed). (VGCC photo)

FGV Smart Start’s 10th Annual Ducky Derby Sees ‘Record Turnout’ Crowd

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With over 2,250 tickets/ducks sold, the Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start’s 10th Annual Ducky Derby fundraiser in downtown Henderson, held Saturday, Sept. 21, was a sellout event.

“We had a record turnout, approximately 500 people this year,” said F-G-V Development Coordinator Garry Daeke. “The race was lined with people all the way to the finish line! With Baby Shark and Paw Patrol performing, along with the appearance of the Chick-fil-A cow and great weather, children had a great time.”

Children and parents alike eagerly cheered on the ducks as they raced down the Garnett Street “river” towards the Orange Street finish line.

Winners of the race included:

1st Place – $1000, Davina Inman, Granville County

2nd Place – Chick-fil-A for a Year, Tracy Boyd, Henderson

3rd Place – $250 Gas Card, Mary Williams, Louisburg

Last Duck – $100, Ellen Lindsey

As an additional prize this year, F-G-V offered one lucky duck a month free of childcare (up to $1,000 value) available to any ticket buyer who had a child in childcare. Domenick Hicks-Smith, from St. Paul’s Presbyterian Childcare in Louisburg won the prize.

All proceeds from the Ducky Derby are used to fund Smart Start programs.

Reminder: McGregor Hall to Present ‘KING MICHAEL’ This Sat.

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

“KING MICHAEL: A Spectacular Tribute to the King of Pop” will be performed at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center, 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson, this Saturday, September 28, 2019, at 7:30 p.m.

From early moments with his brothers to his stratospheric rise to become “the greatest entertainer of all time,” this sensational tribute will include all Michael Jackson’s most popular songs.

Performed by a LIVE band, dancers, and backup singers, this stunning spectacle will bring to life the energy and charisma for which KING MICHAEL was so famous.

Tickets 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)

Town Talk 09/23/19: Founder Melissa Elliott Discusses Gang Free’s Mission

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Melissa Elliott, Henderson City Council member and founder of Gang Free, Inc., was on Monday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to provide updates on the organization’s mission and focus.

Elliott founded Gang Free Inc. in 2009 to serve at-risk youth and adults. Stating she was once an at-risk youth with many of the same issues as the children she serves, Elliott credited “lots of prayer, a servant’s heart and a resilient spirit” for her success in life.

With a focus on local youth, the mission of Elliott’s organization is to “educate and empower individuals to live a life liberated of crime through innovative programs and services.”

Recently, Elliott said the focus has shifted slightly to preventing juvenile delinquency at the elementary school level before problems arise. Gang Free participants include children from L.B. Yancey, Pinkston Street, Clark and E.O. Young elementary schools.

“We are trying to reach these students before they actively become engaged in a gang or turn to juvenile delinquency,” said Elliott.

Located at 940 County Home Rd. in Henderson, the organization offers after school programs, summer camps, two homeless shelters and assistance for those suffering from food insecurities.

“We have a garden on our premises and we teach children about horticulture and growing their own food,” Elliott said. “In addition to the items from our garden, we distribute 60,000 pounds of food per month to those in need.”

Lack of adequate food and nutrition is just one obstacle facing many children in the community, according to Elliott, who said issues in the home often manifest themselves as “problem or troubled” behavior in the classroom and in public.

“Oftentimes, students that get involved in gang activity have a lot of barriers in the home. We’ve learned that you can’t just deal with one thing; it’s a domino effect,” explained Elliott.

While the bigger picture of what leads to juvenile delinquency and a life of crime are complicated and varied, Elliott said showing children they are cared for and valued at an early age can prevent gang involvement in the future.

“It’s not rocket science,” she said. “Children need to be loved and know that they are loved and cared for.”

To learn more about Gang Free Inc., to become a volunteer or to donate, please visit the organization’s website at www.gangfreeinc.org.

To hear Elliott’s interview in its entirety, including information on Gang Free funding, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

 

Operation 310 Results in 31 Arrests in Vance County

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-Press Release, U.S. Marshals Service

The U.S. Marshals Service, Eastern District of North Carolina Violent Fugitive Task Force, in coordination with various federal, state and local partners, wrapped up an operation last week dubbed “310.” This operation combined the expansive resources of the participating agencies with the goal of locating subjects wanted on outstanding warrants and conducting searches of high-risk individuals under the supervision of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.

Conducted in Vance County September 10 – 11, this operation was the culmination of months of planning and resulted in the arrest of 31 subjects, two of whom are being considered for federal prosecution. 63 charges were cleared and 8 firearms were recovered.

Additionally, officers seized quantities of heroin, marijuana, and cocaine. Searches were attempted at the residences of 99 high-risk probationers or parolees, with 43 searches successfully completed. Participating agencies will continue to investigate information developed during the operation and additional arrests are likely.

Significant arrests included:

• Jaquantray Bullock, 23, of Henderson, charged with Violation of Post-Release Conditions, Possession of a Firearm by Felon, and Possession with Intent to Sell/Deliver Cocaine.

• Dennis Burt, 31, of Oxford, charged with Attempted 2nd Degree Forcible Rape, Statutory Sex Offense with Child by Adult, and Indecent Liberties with a Child.

• Clyde Penny, 27, of Durham, charged with absconding from Parole based on an original offense of Indecent Liberties with a Child and Failure to Report New Address – Sex Offender.

• Tony Mayo, 49, of Henderson, charged with Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Larceny of a Firearm.

“This operation was dedicated to Officer Brandon Mitchell with the Henderson Police Department who was shot approximately eight weeks ago, just doing his job,” said Michael East, United States Marshal for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “We are committed to the citizens and our law enforcement partners in this area and are working tirelessly to make them safe. I can promise the criminal element in Henderson and Vance County that we are not going to rest and we are not going away. We are going to work continually with all of our partners to address the violent crime in Vance County.”

“My office supports the U.S. Marshals Service’s proactive actions, in conjunction with federal, state and local law enforcement, to locate and secure violent offenders with outstanding criminal warrants,” stated United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. “We are committed to this type of cooperative effort to make Vance and other counties in Eastern North Carolina safe from those who choose to engage in violent or drug trafficking activity, to include attacks on law enforcement officers.”

The agencies that participated included U.S. Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; District Attorney for the 11th Prosecutorial District of North Carolina; Henderson Police Department; N. C. Department of Public Safety Division of Community Corrections and Special Operations Intelligence Unit; N.C. State Bureau of Investigation; N.C. Information Sharing and Analysis Center; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina; U.S. Probation Office; and Vance County Sheriff’s Office.

H-V Crime Stoppers Banquet Recognizes Those Who ‘Protect and Serve’

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers held its 24th Annual Awards & Recognition Banquet at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center Thursday evening. The annual banquet brings together supporters of Crime Stoppers and reminds the community that emergency personnel “have a job that is never done.”

Special guest speaker for the evening, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, addressed NC’s growing opioid crisis and provided sobering statistics on the steadily increasing death rate from drug abuse.

Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers held its 24th Annual Awards & Recognition Banquet at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center on September 19, 2019. Special guest speaker for the evening, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, addressed NC’s growing opioid crisis and provided sobering statistics on the steadily increasing death rate from drug abuse. (WIZS photo)

Now the number one cause of accidental death in the state, Marshall stated that five people die in NC each day as a result of an opioid overdose – more than car accidents or a medical illness.

Such statistics show that an “all hands on deck” approach is required for dealing with the epidemic, support that includes many of the law enforcement officers and first responders present at the banquet, Marshall said.

Marshall’s remarks were followed by the award presentation segment of the banquet. Award recipients and presenters included:

Community Watch Award – presented by Dr. Gene Wood to Cobblestone Community Watch. Bernice Price accepted the award on behalf of the association.

Local Citizen Award – presented by Clarence Hicks to John D. Faucette, operator of Carolina Carpet and Flooring.

Public Service Award – presented by Lorraine Watkins to Pastor Abidan Shah of Clearview Church.

Corporate Award – presented by Danny Wright to Maria Parham Health. CEO Bert Beard accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

Business Award – presented by Tonya Moore to Screen Master. Victoria Martin accepted the award on behalf of the business.

Board Member of the Year Award – presented by Tonya Moore to McKinley Perkinson.

Following this presentation, five Crime Stoppers Law Enforcement Awards were given to individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to protecting and serving the community. Awards included:

Sam Pearson Memorial Award – presented by Henderson Police Assistant Chief Vance Johnson to Lt. David Elliott of the Henderson Police Department.

In presenting the award, Johnson said of Elliott, “Sometimes I have to tell him to go home and take a break because he is so dedicated.”

Tom Long Memorial Award – presented by Cheri Martin to Sgt. Andre Alston of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office.

Martin said Alston is extremely hardworking, positive and “the finest on the force.”

N.C. State Highway Patrol Award – presented by Sgt. Jeff Rowan to Trooper Chris Lanham.

“Trooper Lanham is professional on and off duty and has been instrumental in removing drunk drivers from NC highways,” said Rowan.

Vance County Animal Services Award – presented by Chief Frankie Nobles to Billy Spain.

Nobles said he is confident that Spain can fill in where needed at any time and Vance County Animal Services “would be in good hands.”

Vance-Granville Campus Police Award – presented by Chief Sean Newton to Sgt. Michael Brodie.

“When we started the VGCC Campus Police Department in 2013, I knew I needed to make an extremely strong first hire, and I found that in Michael Brodie,” Newton said.

Nelson Woodhouse provided music for the banquet. Catering was provided by Ted Wheeler’s Catering Service.

Clarence Hicks, Vice President of the Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers, served as emcee for the evening.

U.S. Department of Justice

Henderson Pair Charged in Federal Court After Vance Co. Deputies Injured

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-Press Release, U.S. Dept. of Justice

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces the arrest of two defendants pursuant to Federal Criminal Complaints for federal narcotics offenses. The arrests occurred after law enforcement attempted to serve a search warrant in Henderson, North Carolina.

The defendants injured four Vance County Deputy Sheriffs, in their attempt to flee the area where the search warrant was being executed.

JASMELE ROBINSON, 36, of Henderson, is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, and maintaining a premises for the purpose of manufacturing and distributing heroin, and aiding and abetting.

If convicted of these charges, ROBINSON could be sentenced to at least five years’ imprisonment up to life, and up to five years supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

KRISHANA WILLIAMS, 30, of Henderson, was charged with maintaining a premises for the purpose of manufacturing and distributing heroin, and aiding and abetting. She faces up to twenty years’ imprisonment and up to three years of supervised release.

The charges and allegations contained in the Criminal Complaints are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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.

This case is also 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.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, and the Henderson Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson is handling the case for the government.

H-V Emergency Operations

H-V Emergency Operations Successfully Transitions to Next Generation 911

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-Press Release, Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations

At 11:32 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, the Henderson-Vance County Emergency Communications Center officially transitioned to Next Generation 911.

This move was several years in the making and places our 911 center at the forefront of the latest technology and allows us to offer the highest level of service to our citizens.

Next Generation 911 works by connecting every PSAP (911 Center) in the State to the Emergency Services IP Network or ESI Net. This new technology allows for faster call delivery, more accurate location technology, enhanced call transfer options and improved texting capabilities just to name a few of the many improvements from the previous system.

Vance County was the sixteenth county to make the transition to the ESI Net, with more and more jurisdictions set to follow every week.

Having all 911 centers in NC on the same system will allow us to transfer misrouted 911 calls to the correct 911 center even in locations that previously belonged to another phone company with ease.

It will also greatly improve our ability to help each other during times of crisis by allowing a 911 center to take calls for another 911 center that may be down due to equipment failure, weather event or any other situation that renders them inoperable.

More technology enhancements are on the horizon and will be occurring in the coming days including enhanced GIS mapping components and the latest in call routing technologies.