Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Vance County NC

Local Officials Hold ‘Open House’ for Raleigh Real Estate Team

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Dennis Jarvis, Henderson-Vance Economic Development Director, was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss a “familiarization meeting and information exchange” between local government officials and representatives from the Raleigh branch of the commercial property brokerage company, NAI Carolantic Realty.

According to Jarvis, approximately 20 Carolantic professionals heard from a delegation of Henderson and Vance County representatives from the City and County, including Mayor Eddie Ellington, City Manager Frank Frazier and County Manager Jordan McMillen, among several others.

“Our group spoke to the Carolantic team on real estate opportunities in the area from an economic development standpoint,” Jarvis explained. “We discussed the quality of life in this area, the diverse economy and the opportunity for ready-to-go sites.”

Jarvis said McMillen did “an excellent job” in presenting information to the Carolantic team on the County’s recent purchase of 84 acres for expansion of the Henderson-Vance Industrial Park while emphasizing the amenities of the area including water, sewer, natural gas and rail.

“We set the table [by saying] we have the workforce, we have the sites and we have the amenities,” said Jarvis.

As is often touted, Vance County’s proximity to major highways, short travel distance to the Raleigh/Durham area and less expensive operating costs were also mentioned by both groups as a potential boon to business growth.

With an organization that deals with real estate on a national and international level, Jarvis said it would be easy to think representatives wouldn’t be aware of specific opportunities in Vance County, NC. “You think you are going to be speaking with a group that doesn’t have any idea about Vance County, but they had one-on-one knowledge of properties for sale and industry clients.”

Based on Jarvis’ observations, both groups were impressed with what they heard. “I was pleased with Carolantic’s knowledge of the area. They understood the Kerr Lake aspect of the economy, the importance of the community college and were impressed with McGregor Hall.”

“They were also impressed with how the Embassy Foundation and the Perry Library started in a private sense, with no local dollars spent. They said it shows how our community can come together to create a vision, implement change and succeed.”

While no contracts were signed or promises made at this initial meeting, Jarvis said it was a very positive interaction. “Using the real estate context, it was like an open house for Vance County. We showcased who we are and familiarized them with the government officials they will potentially be working with moving forward.”

Jarvis said city and county officials plan to host two similar delegations with commercial brokerages between now and the end of March.

To hear the Town Talk interview in its entirety, please click here. 

Terry Garrison

Rep. Terry E. Garrison Co-Sponsors Bill to Expand Medicaid in NC

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-Information courtesy Rep. Terry E. Garrison, District 32, NC General Assembly

Yesterday, Representative Terry E. Garrison co-sponsored House Bill 5 (HB 5), a proposal to expand Medicaid in North Carolina and increase access to affordable health care for more than 500,000 North Carolinians, including approximately 1748 in Vance County; 759 in Warren County; and 1,672 in Granville County alone.

“I am proud to co-sponsor HB 5 which would expand Medicaid and increase health care coverage for families combined across District 32. This bill would help more than 4179 families in District 32 gain access to coverage, but the full effects would be felt by our entire community. North Carolinians shouldn’t be forced to put the health of themselves and their families on the back burner because they can’t afford insurance. We can and should ease that burden this year,” said Representative Garrison.

By introducing a bill to expand Medicaid as the first bill of the 2019 legislative session, state Democrats are signaling their number one priority is helping working families. In addition to making health care more affordable for hundreds of thousands of our people, this proposal would boost our economy and create jobs. According to an analysis prepared by the Center for Health Policy Research at George Washington University, if Medicaid expansion had occurred by 2016, then its impact by 2020 would have been:

• Created 86 jobs in Vance County; 24 jobs in Warren County; 80 jobs in Granville County
• Created $79.9 million in new business activity for Vance County; $11.6 million in new business activity for Warren County; and $87 million in new business activity for Granville County.
• Created $52.1 million in new county revenue for Vance County; $7.1 million in new county revenue for Warren County; and $49.7 million in new county revenue for Granville County.

According to state estimates, expanding Medicaid will overwhelmingly be paid for by the federal government. Any remaining costs would be funded by a small assessment on hospitals and other health care providers.

“Expanding Medicaid is good for our people, good for our economy, and good for our Rural Veteran families or those struggling with addiction, and I look forward to speaking with people across my district about why this is such a critical step we must take together,” Representative Garrison concluded.

Rural North Carolina has the most to gain from Medicaid expansion. Rural hospitals are struggling. Since 2010, five rural hospitals in North Carolina have closed and two have lost critical services like maternity and labor wards. But rural hospitals located in states that have expanded Medicaid are 84% less likely to close. Expanding Medicaid will keep the doors open on rural hospitals, providing vital health care to our communities.

NC Dept of Agriculture

First Round of State’s Agriculture Disaster Checks Headed to Farmers

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced today that the first round of checks from the state’s $240 million Agricultural Disaster Relief Program of 2018 have been sent to farmers.

“More than $15.2 million in payments were mailed today, and a second batch will go out Friday, Feb. 1,” Troxler said. “By week’s end, we anticipate having around 2,000 applications processed.”

Nearly 7,000 applications for assistance were submitted to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as part of the program. The N.C. General Assembly unanimously approved funding in response to more than $1.2 billion in estimated agricultural losses from Hurricane Florence and Tropical Storm Michael. Gov. Roy Cooper signed the legislation into law.

The applications are being processed randomly and are not being done on a county-by-county basis. Complete applications, not missing any information or documentation, are being processed first. Applications missing information will require follow-up calls in order to be verified and approved.

“This is the most important thing I have worked on since becoming Ag Commissioner,” Troxler said. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and it was absolutely pummeled in 2018. Many farmers are hurting and may not be able to secure funding to start the 2019 growing season. While this money does not come close to making whole the crop losses, I hope it will help farmers get financing for the coming year and help jump-start the economies of rural North Carolina.”

A total of 70 of the state’s 100 counties received a presidential or secretarial disaster declaration, qualifying farmers for the program.

The federal government shutdown created some delays in getting applications processed, but work is continuing to verify and approve the remaining applications.

Applicants had to submit the Farm Service Agency form 578 with their applications, which includes acreage being grown.

Other information considered in determining payments includes the five-year average price for commodities, the county average yield and the county estimated losses, which were determined by an ad-hoc committee made up of county FSA officials, cooperative extension agents, forest service staff and soil and water conservation district staff.

Checks will continue to be processed weekly as they are verified and approved.

Benny Finch: Main Street Status Downtown Committee’s ‘Number One Priority’

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Benny Finch, chairman of the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission, was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the commission’s current “number one priority,” the designation of Downtown Henderson and the City of Henderson as both a North Carolina and a National Main Street Program.

A part of the Main Street Program from the mid-1980s until approximately 2010, Finch said that a lapse in the process cost the downtown area the distinction. “Once there is a lapse, you have to complete the preparatory work, applications and requirements all over again.”

According to Finch, the benefits provided to a Main Street community are well worth the time that the commission is currently putting into completing the re-certification process.

One of the more time-consuming projects, according to Finch, is Main Street’s requirement of a detailed inventory, including photos, of each building in downtown Henderson. Finch said the commission is currently working on the best way to successfully complete that requirement.

“It is a three-year [overall] process and we are more than halfway there,” Finch said. “We expect to successfully complete all requirements by 2020. This will get us back into the Main Street Program which provides design expertise, grant expertise and networking opportunities.”

To facilitate the process, Finch said the director of the State Main Street Program was invited to Henderson to provide a status report on the commission’s progress. “We are a little behind, but we are going to catch up and get it done,” said Finch.

Beyond simple bragging rights, the grants and opportunities provided by the Main Street designation help with the business growth and vitality of an area. “When you are interested in relocating to a new city, you often check out the downtown area to get an idea of the health of the community,” said Finch.

The success of McGregor Hall and the promise of the still-in-the-works Breckenridge Pavilion all add to the vitality of the downtown area and will ultimately help attract businesses, according to Finch.

“Once we become designated as a Main Street Program, we can increase our focus on business growth. Phase one is to be a Main Street City to get state and federal advantages and then grow from there.”

One on-going source of contention and an area that will have to be addressed before Main Street status is granted, is the requirement of a full-time director’s position. For the past several years, the director’s position has been funded on a part-time basis only.

“Our direction right now is looking at a full-time director funded by the City,” Finch said. The director’s salary has previously been paid by a combination of City and County funds.

“I have surveyed over 60 Main Streets across NC – a third are private, non-profits, a third are funded by the city and a third are a combination of funding,” said Finch. “There is no specific funding requirement other than the position be full-time when the process is complete.”

Finch said progress is being made in better establishing the director’s position and the downtown development office. “At one time, the director was housed inside the Chamber of Commerce building. It now has an office of its own in the fire station building. That gives us a presence and a home-base to work from.”

Getting all of the requirements completed for Main Street accreditation, including the change in director status, is at the forefront of Finch’s mind. “I want to be out front with the Main Street committee when we take the picture at the fire station. I want Henderson to be recognized in the region and across the state as a great Main Street City.”

To hear the interview with Benny Finch in its entirety, please click here.

‘Busy Year’ Ahead for Rebuilding Hope, Inc.

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-Information courtesy the Rebuilding Hope, Inc. February 2019 Newsletter

Rebuilding Hope, Inc. volunteers for 2018 numbered 646. That number and others make up a year-end report that also shows that the volunteers worked 20,638 hours, building 31 wheelchair ramps, replacing 13 roofs and completing 19 other projects. Among the other projects was hurricane disaster relief in Jones County.

“This is going to be a busy year, too,” said RHI coordinator Randolph Wilson.

While dates have been set for annual projects, Randolph says that RHI wants to build a portable shower trailer that can also be loaned to churches and ministry groups. Roof repair for offices and warehouses and building a shelter for RHI vehicles are other projects eyed for 2019.

RHI’s first annual project is the Spring Barbecue Chicken Fundraiser on April 26, 2019.

Registration is already underway for the June 22-29 SOS (Servants on Site), which brings together hundreds of youth each year for a week of hands-on ministry projects in our communities.

“In August we have our Kids’ Construction Camp,” Randolph says. “Once again we’ll teach basic construction skills.” The camp is set for August 5-7.

The Fall Barbecue Chicken Fundraiser is set for September 27.

The Men’s Ministry Weekend is slated for October 25-26.

“We welcome volunteers who have a heart for ministry to join us,” Randolph says.

For more on the annual events, call the RHI office at (252) 438-5132 or go to www.rebuildinghopeinc.org.

Areas Where You Can Serve at RHI:

AC/Heating ~ Accounting ~ Office ~ Carpentry/Framing & Finishing ~ Carpet/Vinyl Installation ~ Cleaning ~ Computer ~ Cooking ~ Doors ~ Drafting ~ Drywall ~ Electrical ~ Evangelism ~ Internet ~ Organization ~ Painting ~ Plumbing ~ Ramps ~ Reception ~ Roofing ~ Siding ~ Secretarial ~ Telephone ~ Windows ~ Welding/Sheet Metal ~ Writing

Jonas Wheeling III, 19, Arrested on Multiple Drug Charges

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-Information and photos courtesy the Henderson Police Department

On January 29, 2019, members of the Henderson Police Department Special Operations Division along with the Special Response Team executed a search warrant at the residence of 452 Ford St. in Henderson, NC.

Upon SRT entering the home, the suspect fled from the backdoor which led to a brief foot pursuit. He was apprehended without incident. The suspect was in possession of narcotics and a firearm during this encounter.

During the execution of the search warrant over 8 grams of cocaine, 105 grams of marijuana, $335 in US Currency, miscellaneous paraphernalia/manufacturing supplies, electronic video surveillance equipment and one firearm along with several rounds of ammunition were located and seized.

Jonas Wheeling III, 19, of 452 Ford St. Henderson, NC was arrested and charged. He was charged with PWIMSD Cocaine, PWIMSD Marijuana, Manufacturing Schedule II, Manufacturing Schedule VI, Felony Possession of Marijuana, Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia not Schedule VI, and Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia.

Wheeling’s bond was set in the amount of $70,000 secured. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 5, 2019.

On January 29, 2019, members of the Henderson Police Department Special Operations Division along with the Special Response Team executed a search warrant at the residence of 452 Ford St. in Henderson, NC. Jonas Wheeling III, 19, was arrested and charged with PWIMSD Cocaine, PWIMSD Marijuana, Manufacturing Schedule II, Manufacturing Schedule VI, Felony Possession of Marijuana, Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia not Schedule VI, and Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia. (Photo Credit: Henderson Police Dept.)

During the execution of the search warrant of 452 Ford St. in Henderson over 8 grams of cocaine, 105 grams of marijuana, $335 in US Currency, miscellaneous paraphernalia/manufacturing supplies, electronic video surveillance equipment and one firearm along with several rounds of ammunition were located and seized. (Photo Credit: Henderson Police Dept.)

MADD, Crime Stoppers Aim to Get Drunk Drivers/Criminals Off the Streets

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James Baines, secretary of the local chapter of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and president of the Vance County Crime Stoppers, was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss his involvement with both organizations.

MADD

In explaining the mission of MADD, Baines said the simple answer is that it is a volunteer group of people who care about the community and want to help get drunk drivers off the roads. “We need the community’s support; we can’t do this alone,” explained Baines.

Volunteers are needed in the following areas:

  • Community Outreach – volunteers who will create awareness of MADD’S mission
  • Court Monitors – volunteers who are trained to observe court process and record court decisions
  • Sobriety Checkpoints – volunteers who will support law enforcement officers at checkpoints
  • Victims Advocate Services – volunteers who are trained to assist in the healing journey by offering emotional support for families who endure a loss of a loved one due to a drunk driver

According to Baines, court monitors receive training on how to record the proceedings and outcomes of local DWI trials, while volunteers at sobriety checkpoints assist by providing law enforcement with meals and refreshments.

While he did not have exact figures, Baines said sobriety checkpoints typically result in 3 – 4 charges of DWI, no operator’s license, no auto insurance coverage and underage drinking.

To help combat the problem of underage drinking and driving, MADD has started a “Power of You(th)” program aimed at educating high school students.

Baines has seen his fair share of young lives ruined by drunk driving in his over 30-year career with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office. “The kids need to know that they could kill or injure someone if they drink and drive. You don’t want to ruin your life. We want them to know if they do drink, they need to find someone else to drive.”

The local chapter of MADD meets once a quarter – on the fourth Tuesday of the given month – at 6 p.m. in the County Commissioners’ Room inside the “old courthouse” on Young St. in Henderson. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 23, 2019.

If you are interested in joining or volunteering, please call Lorraine Watkins, president of the local MADD chapter, at (252) 492-8407.

Vance County Crime Stoppers

Switching hats, Baines, the recently named president of the Vance County Crime Stoppers, discussed the organization’s mission and fundraising opportunities.

Baines said his love for his community and for its leaders and citizens prompted him to join the organization five years ago. “I wanted to make a better community for our kids and grandkids. I’m going to do my best [as president] to make Henderson and Vance County a safer place to live and work.”

Crime Stoppers works much the same way that it has for its now 25-year history – those that witness a crime can call the hotline at (252) 492-1925 to report an anonymous tip. If that tip leads to an arrest or a conviction, the caller can be paid up to $2,000. Tips can also be reported by text via the P3 app.

Various Crime Stopper fundraisers, including the annual Kerr Lake golf tournament and annual recognition and award banquet, provide money for paying out eligible hotline tips.

“We want the community to be our eyes and ears. Our law enforcement officers get up every morning and don’t know if they are going to make it home to their families. If you see anything, say it! Don’t be afraid to call and leave a tip.”

Vance County Crime Stoppers is always looking for new members and is currently accepting applications for volunteers to serve on the Advisory Board. With questions or more information on joining Crime Stoppers, please call James Baines at (252) 430-9218.

To hear the interview with James Baines in its entirety, please click here.

U.S. Department of Justice

Henderson Man Sentenced for Receipt of Firearm While Under Indictment

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

United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced TYQUEL ALSTON, 19, of Henderson, North Carolina to 54 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

ALSTON was named in an Indictment filed on May 16, 2018, charging him with receipt of a firearm while under indictment. On August 7, 2018, ALSTON pled guilty to that charge.

On May 9, 2018, ALSTON was pulled over leaving a known drug area by law enforcement officers with the Henderson Police Department. ALSTON was driving erratically and at a high rate of speed when law enforcement initiated the traffic stop. Officers could smell marijuana in his car and subsequently searched the car. Under the passenger seat officers found a Leinad Inc., Model M-11, 9mm pistol with an extended magazine. The magazine was loaded with 16 rounds. ALSTON is a prohibited possessor of firearms because he was under Indictment for Trafficking in Heroin, Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle and Possession of a Handgun by a Minor. Those charges were then pending in the Vance County Superior Court.

The Court granted the Government’s request for an upward departure in the defendant’s sentence because ALSTON was likewise under indictment for his participation in a drive-by shooting that occurred on May 25, 2017. During that shooting, an unintended victim, a pregnant 17-year-old female, was shot in the leg when one of the bullets went into her home that was located across the street from the shooting location. ALSTON previously threatened his girlfriend with firearms in March and May 2018. On both occasions his girlfriend reported to police that ALSTON pointed a firearm at her and threatened to kill her during a domestic dispute. The indictment related to this shooting was pending in Vance County Superior Court at the time he possessed the weapon that was the subject of the federal charges.

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 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 Henderson Police Department as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charity Wilson.

News releases are available on the U.S. Attorney’s webpage at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_EDNC.

Dr. Sydney Short Joins Maria Parham Cardiology

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-Information and photo courtesy Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health today announced that Sydney Short, M.D., has joined its staff and will be offering cardiology services to patients throughout Vance County and the surrounding communities. Dr. Short brings more than 30 years of clinical experience to Maria Parham and is the first cardiologist to join the hospital’s medical staff this year.

“Dr. Short has years of experience in treating a range of heart conditions, and he is an excellent addition to our hospital team,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Heart disease is an increasing concern in our communities, and Dr. Short’s expertise will be important as Maria Parham Health strives to meet our region’s evolving healthcare needs and make our community healthier.”

Dr. Short is a Duke Health physician and joins Maria Parham Health from Duke Cardiology of Lumberton, where he also sees patients. Before Duke Cardiology of Lumberton, he was a staff cardiologist at Duke Health Center of Sanford.

Dr. Short graduated from West Virginia University School of Medicine in 1983. He completed his internal medicine residency and a cardiology fellowship at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Dr. Short is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Cardiology. He is a Member of the American Society of Echocardiography, Physicians for Compassionate Care and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology.

When he is not working, Dr. Short enjoys spending time with his family, gardening, woodworking and running.

Dr. Short will see patients at Maria Parham Cardiology located at 568 Ruin Creek Rd., Suite 128 in Henderson, North Carolina.  For a referral or to schedule an appointment, please call 252.436.1085.

Maria Parham Health Opens Multispecialty Clinic in Louisburg

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– Press Release, Maria Parham Health 

Maria Parham Health has opened a new multispecialty physicians clinic in Louisburg to provide more access to medical care for the residents of Franklin County and the surrounding communities. Maria Parham Multispecialty Clinic provides a rotation of specialty care that currently includes primary care, general surgery, physiatry, nephrology and orthopaedics. For added convenience, the clinic will offer primary care seven days a week.

“Our new clinic will allow us to better meet the growing demand in Franklin County by bringing more specialty care to the community,” said Bert Beard, Chief Executive Officer at Maria Parham Health. “It is important to be able to offer patients and local businesses access to quality medical care in their own community and we are excited to expand access to specialty care in Louisburg.”

Maria Parham Multispecialty Clinic is conveniently located in the medical office building adjacent to Maria Parham Franklin so new and existing patients can see physicians in five medical specialties with the added convenience of having additional clinical services located right next door. “Our goal is to not only expand access to health care in Franklin County but to also make it a convenient process for our patients,” stated Beard. “Patients can see a primary care provider or specialist at our multispecialty clinic and step right next door to Maria Parham Franklin for lab work or imaging needs. We want to make it easy for people to get the health care they need.”

Maria Parham Multispecialty Clinic is now open at 1501 N Bickett Blvd, Suite E. in Louisburg, North Carolina. Appointments can be made by calling (919) 497-8380.