Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

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List of Local Four-County Independence Day Celebrations

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

WIZS wishes everyone a fun and safe July 4th holiday weekend. To help you celebrate, we’ve compiled a list of Independence Day events planned for the local four-county area:

VANCE COUNTY:

Fireworks in the Park

Where: Fox Pond Park – 467 Vicksboro Rd in Henderson

Date: Friday, July 5, 2019

Time: Jazz in the Park festivities begin at 6:30 p.m.; fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.

Note: No parking will be allowed at Fox Pond Park; shuttling from nearby Aycock Recreation Center will begin at 5:30 p.m.

For additional details, click here. 

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VANCE COUNTY

Fireworks Under the Stars at Kerr Lake

Where: Kerr Lake’s Satterwhite Point

Date: Saturday, July 6, 2019

Time: Activities are planned from 3 until 10 p.m.; fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

Note: Kid’s activities planned for this year’s celebration; no alcohol allowed.

For additional details, click here. 

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GRANVILLE COUNTY

Fireworks Display at Lake Holt

Where: Lake Holt, Old Highway 75, Butner, NC

Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Time: Gates open at 6 p.m.; fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.

Note: Concessions will be available; no alcohol

For additional details, click here. 

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GRANVILLE COUNTY

Creedmoor’s Fourth of July Picnic

Where: Lake Rogers Park, Shelter #1 at 1711 Lake Road in Creedmoor, NC

Date: Thursday, July 4, 2019

Time: Activities planned from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Note: Event is open to the public and features music, food, beverages and a cake baking contest.

For additional details, click here. 

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WARREN COUNTY

Wise’s 19th Annual Independence Day Parade & Festival

Where: “Main Street” (US Hwy 1) of Wise, NC

Date: Thursday, July 4, 2019

Time: Activities planned from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Note: Parade begins at 10 a.m.; festival will follow at Wise Baptist Church

For additional details, click here. 

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FRANKLIN COUNTY

Fireworks at Louisburg High School

Where: Louisburg High School, 201 Allen Lane, Louisburg, NC

Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Time: Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; fireworks go off at dark

Note: Food, music, inflatables and games; rain date is Saturday, July 6

For additional details, click here.

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Vance Commissioners Approve County-Wide Broadband Agreement

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The Vance County Board of Commissioners has approved a multi-year incentive agreement with Open Broadband to provide high-speed wireless internet for residential and commercial customers throughout the county.

While a public hearing was held at the July 1 Commissioners’ meeting, no public comments were made.

According to Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen, Open Broadband will provide high-speed internet service at more competitive rates than current providers.

In return for the commitment of installing broadband service and select free WiFi zones, an economic development grant in the amount of $264,000 will be provided over four years ($66,000 per year) with the source of funds being appropriated from the Vance County General Fund Balance.

This incentive is being combined with a state GREAT grant totaling $344,000.

Commissioners and officials will have a kickoff meeting with Open Broadband on Monday, July 15, 2019.

Background on county-wide broadband service (information taken from July 1 meeting agenda):

Vance County participated in a regional effort with Granville and Franklin Counties to deploy broadband throughout the county and region. This work began informally in 2016 with a committee of individuals representing Vance County, Vance County Schools, Vance-Granville Community College, the City of Henderson, and the Kerr-Tar COG.

The committee developed a citizen survey which was released in late 2016, and by spring 2017 the results indicated areas of Vance County in need of high-speed internet service and/or better service. This work led to the regional initiative which brought Mighty River, LLC on board in early 2018 as a consultant.

During 2018, a regional broadband strategy was developed, additional surveys were completed in Granville and Franklin Counties, and a Request for Proposals (RFP) was released to potential internet providers.

The RFPs were released in August 2018 and a total of four companies – NC Broadband Partnership, Open Broadband, Foresite & Riverstreet – responded by the October 18, 2018, deadline.

The counties have since reviewed the proposals, narrowed the selection down to two wireless providers (NC Broadband Partnership and Open Broadband) and appropriated funding in the budget process.

The Vance County Board of Commissioners voted on July 1, 2019, to award the contract to Open Broadband.

Reminder: ‘Guys and Dolls’ Performances Begin This Weekend

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

The McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center, 201 Breckenridge St. in Henderson, will feature “Guys and Dolls” as presented by the Henderson Rec Players on the following dates:

Friday, July 5, 2019, @ 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 6, 2019, @ 8 p.m.

Sunday, July 7, 2019, @ 2 p.m.

Friday, July 12, 2019, @ 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 13, 2019, @ 2 p.m.

Part of the Rosemyr Corporation Henderson Rec Players 2019 Season –

“Guys and Dolls” tells the story of a couple of big New York City gamblers and the women who love them. With music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, this energetic show features the hit songs “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” “Luck, Be a Lady,” and “Bushel and a Peck.”

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)

Special Olympics Basketball to Offer Participants Physical Fitness, New Skills

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-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center

The Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department is currently registering children and adults with intellectual disabilities for Vance County Special Olympics Basketball. Those interested must preregister by August 13, 2019, and must be at least 8 years old to participate.

Participants will develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and learn new skills.

Basketball games will be held at the Aycock Recreation Center in Henderson on Tuesday nights beginning September 3 through November 5, 2019, from 6 – 7 p.m.

For more information, contact Crystal Allen at (252) 431-6091 or email callen@ci.henderson.nc.us

Vance County Sheriff's Office

Watson Charged With Shooting Death of Brittany Pruitt

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-Press Release, Vance County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Curtis R. Brame announced that on Friday, June 28, 2019, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office charged Patrick Watson, age 22 of 1262 Stewart Farm Road, Henderson, NC with the shooting death of Brittany Pruitt.

On June 10, 2019, Ms. Pruitt was found dead from a gunshot wound inside Watson’s residence.

The arrest is the result of a cooperative investigation that included the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, the NC State Bureau of Investigations, the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office.

Watson is currently in the Vance County Jail without bond.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Stock Up for July 4th at Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

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Vance County Regional Farmers Market (VCRFM) invites you to stop by tomorrow and stock up on all of your Fourth of July cookout needs. The market will be open from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3.

According to Tracy Madigan, market manager, a variety of meats including pasture-raised pork, beef, hamburgers, hotdogs and Boston Butt will be available.

Madigan, who was on air for a segment of Tuesday’s Town Talk edition, said fresh, local tomatoes are now available at the market and are always a fan-favorite. “We have Heirloom, Celebrity, Better Boy and other varieties,” said Madigan. “Everyone looks forward to the fresh tomatoes coming in.”

Fresh vegetables, including zucchini, squash, beets, turnips, string beans and corn, will also be available Wednesday.

In addition to the current selection of summer fruits, Madigan announced the arrival of the always popular Ridgeway cantaloupes to the market on Saturday, July 6.

Those that are having weekend cookouts will find an equally impressive selection of meats, produce, sauces and baked goods on Saturday. “If you decide to do your hamburgers on the 4th, well go on and throw a steak on the grill on Saturday,” Madigan said.

The VCRFM is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. SNAP/EBT are welcomed.

The market is located at 210 Southpark Drive in Henderson, NC.

Contacts:

Market Manager: Tracy Madigan – (252) 598-0814

Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie – (252) 438-8188

(This is not a paid advertisement)

 

Town Talk: Rescue Squad Chief Carpunky Provides Water Safety Tips – 07/02/19

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With scorching hot temperatures and the July 4th holiday upon us, many local residents are planning activities at a lake, beach or a swimming pool.

Vance County Rescue Squad Chief Doyle Carpunky was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the best ways to stay safe in and around the water this summer.

“The biggest things are to wear a life jacket, never go swimming alone and be mindful of designated swimming areas and weather conditions,” said Carpunky.

For more safety tips from the National Safety Council, click here.

To hear the interview with Carpunky 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.

 

Faith Dove

Emmanuel Community Church to Hold Special Sunday Service

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Emmanuel Community Church will hold a special service on Sunday, July 7, 2019, at 11 a.m.

Led by Bishop William C. Harrison, Jr. and Rhonda Hanks, guest speakers for the service will include Evangelist Brenda Cheek of Henderson and Pastor Kenneth Bender of Warrenton.

The service will also feature the Emmanuel Community Church Choir, with a solo by Sister Crystal Cheek of Henderson.

The public is invited to attend.

The church is located at 216 Chestnut Street in Henderson, NC. For more information, please call (252) 213-0011.

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Vance Co. Sheriff Offers Tips for a Safe July 4th Weekend

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-Press Release, Vance County Sheriff’s Office

With the July 4th weekend approaching, Vance County Sheriff Curtis R. Brame asks all citizens to join him in making this Fourth of July holiday happy, enjoyable and safe for everyone.

Vance County citizens should remember that fireworks, as enjoyable as they are to watch, can be dangerous and should only be handled by professionals. According to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission, there are nearly 13,000 emergency room-treated injuries associated with fireworks a year. You can enjoy a safe Fourth of July by following these safety tips:

  • Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
  • Keep a supply of water close-by as a precaution.
  • Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
  • Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
  • Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
  • Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
  • Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

Brame also wants citizens to use caution when swimming at a beach or at a pool. Brame said, “Sadly, most deaths from drowning occur within a few feet of safety. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim.”

The Red Cross offers swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To find out where lessons are offered, or to enroll in a CPR/AED or first aid course, contact your local Red Cross chapter,

Traditionally during the July 4th Holiday, NC highways experience one of the highest traffic flows of the year. Brame reminds all Vance County residents to follow these safety tips:

  • Always shift your attention every few seconds, constantly scanning the road ahead and behind you. Never blankly stare ahead nor fix your gaze on one point on the road.
  • When passing an automobile, always glance at the ground beside the front wheel of the car you intend to pass. You will know instantly if the car is about to veer – giving you an extra few seconds to respond.
  • You should pull out into the opposite lane of traffic when passing while you are still well behind the car in front. This should give you some time and space to build up speed and will enable you to pull back into your own lane should the need arise. Never cut abruptly out of your lane into the opposite lane when passing.
  • Always signal your intentions with your brake lights, turn signals, horn and/or headlights so that other drivers will see you well before you change course.
  • Drivers should always “aim high” in steering. That is, you should glance frequently at points well ahead of you. Not only will this help your steering, but it will also help you check the position of vehicles in front of you as well as on-coming ones.
  • Never follow too close. Remember that, as your speed increases, it takes you substantially longer to stop. Also remember that it’s good to have an extra cushion of space in front of you if you’re being tail-gated, on a slippery road, or in low visibility conditions.

“Lastly, I would remind all motorists to practice the Golden Rule when driving. Be courteous and tolerant of other drivers. Please don’t get angry with bad drivers or reckless ones – just get out of their way,” Brame said in closing.

“Let’s make this summer a safe one on the roads in Vance County.”

U.S. Department of Justice

Williams Sentenced in Federal Court on Drug, Ammunition Charges

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that United States District Judge James C. Dever, III, sentenced CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS, 59, of Henderson to 57 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised released. Judge Dever also ordered that WILLIAMS’ one-third interest in his residence be forfeited to the federal government.

On March 11, 2019, WILLIAMS, pled guilty to two counts of distribution of cocaine base (crack), possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack), maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of distributing cocaine base (crack) and aiding and abetting, and being a felon in possession of ammunition.

In early 2018, WILLIAMS and others were identified by the Vance County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) as trafficking in narcotics out of his residence located at 310 Yancey Lane in Henderson, North Carolina. A series of controlled purchases of narcotics were made from WILLIAMS at that residence by a confidential informant.

Thereafter, VCSO sought and obtained a search warrant for WILLIAMS’ residence. Upon the execution of that warrant, VCSO encountered WILLIAMS with crack cocaine and ammunition. At the time of the offense, WILLIAMS was a convicted felon and, therefore, was prohibited from possessing ammunition or firearms.

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 violence crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.

For more information about this initiative please click https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/tbnc.

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

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

News releases are available on the U.S. Attorney’s webpage at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc.