Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Vance County Tourism

New Vance Co. Tourism Director Focused on Annual Show, Shine, Shag & Dine

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With just 29 days as executive director of the Vance County Tourism Development Authority under her belt, Pam Hester is already working diligently on the annual car show, planning new events and discovering “hidden treasures” in the area.

Hester, who began her new role on July 2, 2018, previously worked with Henderson’s Main Street Program organizing, directing and coordinating overall operations of the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission and the Main Street Program.

Along with Norman Dickerson, administrative assistance for Vance County Tourism, Hester was on-air Tuesday with WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss Vance County’s largest tourism event – the annual Show, Shine, Shag and Dine Car Show. This popular event, held on Garnett Street in historic downtown Henderson, will celebrate its 17th year entertaining locals and visitors alike on Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20, 2018.

“Right now, we are working daily on the car show,” said Hester. “We are expecting 25,000 people to come to town.”

With the exception of 2016, when a hurricane literally rained on the parade, Dickerson said the show continues to grow, “We have a lot of repeats [attendees], but we also have new people that come each year. This is the show’s 17th year, so it has a good foundation.”

While working hard to put the finishing touches on the car show, Hester and Dickerson are also keeping other ideas on the “backburner.” “We are working on having a bass television show come and do a segment on Kerr Lake and Vance County,” Hester said. “We are also working on fishing tournaments and contracts.”

Perhaps Hester’s biggest accomplishment in her less than a month in office has been the creation of the Vance County Tourism Facebook page. “I’m big into social media, so we’ve created a Facebook page and we are trying to promote what I’m calling the ‘hidden treasures’ of the area.”

Hester has been pleasantly surprised by the number of Vance County residents who are sharing information from the new page, “I think it’s huge that so many people are helping us promote tourism. We have a great city in Henderson and a great county in Vance County.”

In addition to social media, Hester believes the key to successfully promoting tourism in the area includes “marketing, teamwork, building partnerships, community support and capitalizing on the resources that we have.”

And, according to Hester, Vance County has many current resources that can be promoted in new ways, “Vance County is so fortunate to have a state-of-the-art facility in McGregor Hall, a state-of-the-art library, Kerr Lake and many hidden treasures.”

Hester has spent some time in her first month in office exploring areas of Vance County that she was previously unfamiliar with. “As a life-long resident, I can say some of the things I’ve been exposed to in my less than 30 days [on the job], I did not realize were here.”

Starting the job mid-year, Hester said she set two goals for herself, “My goals [for this year] when I came on-board were to make the car show happen and to bring in one new event and I think we already have that secured.”

Hester said details about new events are in the early planning stages and will be revealed in the near future.

F-G-V Smart Start Seeking Sponsors for 9th Annual Ducky Derby Fundraiser

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-Information courtesy Sandra Wilkerson, Director of Admin and Events, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start, Inc. will hold its 9th annual Ducky Derby fundraiser in downtown Henderson on Saturday, September 15 at 2 p.m.

Garnett Street will be filled with a river of rubber ducks and a fun time for everyone. Tickets will be sold to purchase ducks and the chance to win the Grand Prize – $1,000; 2nd Prize – $500; 3rd Prize – $250. Even the last duck wins a $100 prize!

There will also be a drawing at the end of the race for Chick-fil-A for a year (must be present to win this prize).

FGV Smart Start needs sponsors to assist with the cost of our event. Sponsorship levels are: Super Duck – $500; Top Duck – $250; Feathered Friend – $100; Quacker Backer – $50.

All sponsors for this year’s event will be recognized on Ducky Derby posters throughout the three-county area, radio advertisements, newspaper articles, the FGV Smart Start website and Facebook page and the Smart Ducky Derby website. We hope that you will consider being a sponsor for our newest event. Together, we are “Building Brighter Futures for Children.”

For information about being a sponsor, please call Garry Daeke at 252-433-9110, extension 227.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Henderson Rotary Club Yard Sale to Last Until ‘There is Nothing Left’

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-Information courtesy the Henderson Rotary Club

The Henderson Rotary Club will hold a yard sale on Saturday, August 4, 2018, from 7 a.m. until “there is nothing left.”

The yard sale will be held in the old Rose Gin & Supply Co. beside Rose Oil Company on US-158 Bypass, Henderson.

Money raised will benefit local community projects of the Henderson Rotary Club.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

July’s Volunteer Spotlight Shines Bright on Fern Ellington

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-Information posted, with permission, from the Rebuilding Hope, Inc. July 2018 newsletter

After 38 years in banking, Fern Ellington offered her considerable skills to Rebuilding Hope, Inc. (RHI). Today, she volunteers two days a week in the office where she posts information about donations and accounts payable into a computerized bookkeeping system.

With 22 years of service, Fern is a member of West End Baptist Church and a member of the choir who says her involvement with RHI started before her retirement in 2014.

About five years ago, the bank branch manager and her staff volunteered in a community service project sponsored by RHI.

“I met people who benefitted from RHI’s work,” says the Vance County native. “I see the value of having an organization like this in our community.”

Of her work at RHI, Fern says that “it lets me continue with the things I know how to do. I like interacting with the public. It’s a very pleasant environment.”

Fern, who chairs the board of the YMCA where she’s a 20-year member, says, “I support things in our community that are positive.”

An avid walker, Fern has two grown children and a grandson, all of whom live in Vance County.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Farmers Market Site of Second Thurs. Food Distribution, Aug. 9

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-Information courtesy Betty Boyd

The Second Thursday Food Distribution will be held at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market off Beckford Drive, Henderson, on Thursday, August 9, 2018, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

This is a partnership of St. James Missionary Baptist Church and First Baptist Church offered to supplement the food resources of Vance County citizens. Recipients remain in their vehicle. No identification is required.

Contact Betty Boyd at 252-432-3967 if you would like to volunteer or have questions.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance County Logo

Vance Co. Fire Commission to Meet Wed., August 1

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to the Board, Vance County

Please be informed that the Vance County Fire Commission is scheduled to meet Wednesday, August 1, 2018, at 3:30 p.m. in the Administrative Conference Room, Vance County Administration Building, 122 Young Street, Henderson, NC.

Free Community Fun at 35th Annual Henderson-Vance Night Out Against Crime

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Lieutenant Jessica West and Sergeant Marti Stewart with the Henderson Police Department were on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Alliance Against Crime, a public affairs program, to discuss the Henderson -Vance 35th Annual National Night Out Against Crime event.

This year’s Night Out will be held Tuesday, August 7, 2018, from 5 – 8 p.m. on Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson. Free hot dogs, drinks, souvenir cups, face painting and bounce houses will be available.

West estimated that 30-50 vendors will be on-hand to interact with the community and provide information on their programs and services. Vendors still interested in participating may contact West or Stewart at the Henderson Police Department.

In addition to the Henderson Police Department, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Henderson Fire Department, Vance County Fire Department, EMS personnel, NC State Highway Patrol, Crime Stoppers, Vance County Department of Social Services, and Infinite Possibilities, Inc. will also be among the organizations represented at Night Out.

“Night Out is held for everyone to see what our community has to offer,” said West. “It’s about getting together, having fun and learning about law enforcement; get to know officers one-on-one.”

In case of heavy rain, Night Out will be held the following Tuesday, August 14, 2018 – same time and location.

Other Updates and Upcoming Events:

St. Baldrick’s Day

The 2018 St. Baldrick’s Day event “Cops vs. Cancer” was held at Fox Pond Park in May to raise money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping fight childhood cancer. According to West, who shaved her head in support of the foundation, the event has currently raised approximately $11,000 – $12,000. Donations will continue to be accepted through the end of the year. Please visit the event page if you wish to donate.

Community Health Assessment

The Henderson Police Department is partnering with Granville Vance Public Health (GVPH) to conduct a door-to-door community health assessment in Vance County through Saturday, July 28. Volunteers will be identified by a GVPH visor. Participation is important to ensure an accurate reflection of the community’s health needs.

Community Watch Groups

Residents interested in starting a Community Watch group are encouraged to contact West or Stewart. Established groups meet monthly, bimonthly or quarterly. According to Stewart, a police representative attends the meetings to answer citizens’ questions, provide crime statistics on the area and to gather information on what the Henderson Police Department can do to better assist the community.

Franklin County Sheriff

Operation ‘Tip Line’ Nets 10 Arrests on Felony Drug-Related Charges

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Terry M. Wright – Chief of Staff

On July 27, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Team concluded Operation “Tip Line” with the arrests of 10 individuals on 62 felony drug-related charges. This operation and arrests were the direct result of information provided by the citizens of Franklin County. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Branch of the SBI (ALE), Louisburg Police Department and Henderson Police Department assisted the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit during this operation.

Operation “Tip Line” began as a result of numerous complaints received by the Sheriff’s Office on individuals who were allegedly involved in the sale of controlled substances throughout the county. Over the past few months, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit substantiated the information and made purchases of controlled substances from these individuals. During Operation “Tip Line” Heroin, Crack Cocaine, Powder Cocaine, Marijuana and Prescription Pills were purchased and seized.

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Operation Tip Line” is a great example of how information is received from the public, analyzed and then used in intelligence-driven investigations. These arrests complement our drug enforcement strategy of addressing both short-term and long-term investigations that meet the needs of particular communities within our county. Citizen-provided information continues to be instrumental to our overall drug enforcement strategy in Franklin County.”

The following individuals were arrested during Operation Tip Line:

Kamia Oshea Jones 6625 Dealous Drive Zebulon, NC 27597 DOB: 7/14/1997

Charged with the following: Sell Cocaine (3 counts), Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (3 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Cocaine (3 counts).

Placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.

Travis Wesley Jones 55 Scarboro Drive Bunn, NC 27508 DOB: 12/8/1979

Charged with the following: Sell Cocaine (2 counts), Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (2 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Cocaine (2 counts).

Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.

Jerrick Lemont Ellis. 86 Buddys Way Zebulon, NC 27597 DOB: 07/18/1979

Charged with the following: Sell Cocaine (3 counts), Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (3 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Cocaine (3 counts), Possession of Cocaine.

Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.

David Sidney Smith 130 Smooth Rider Road Louisburg, NC 27549 DOB: 09/01/1994

Charged with the following: Sell Heroin (1 count), Possess with the intent to Sell and Deliver Heroin (1 count), Maintain a Vehicle for the purpose of Selling Heroin (1 count).

Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.

Anthony Callie Proctor 140 Cattle Drive Zebulon, NC 27597 DOB: 01/13/1979

Charged with the following: Sell Marijuana (3 counts), Possess with the intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana (3 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Marijuana (3 counts).

Placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under $35,000 secured bond.

Thomas Joseph Wilkins 142 Bridle Trail Youngsville, NC 27596 DOB: 07/14/1996

Charged with the following: Sell Marijuana (2 counts), Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana (2 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Marijuana (1 count).

Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $40,000 secured bond.

Shawn Andre Alston 195 Baileys Creek Kittrell, NC 27544 DOB: 02/02/1973

Charged with the following: Sell Cocaine (3 counts), Possess with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine (3 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Cocaine (3 counts), Possess Heroin (1 count), Possess Cocaine (1 count), Resist, Delay and Obstruct, Simple Possession of Marijuana.

Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $155,000 secured bond.

Julia Jones Tharrington 137 Rice Drive Wake Forest, NC 27587 DOB: 05/14/1960

Charged with the following: Sell and Deliver Heroin (1 count), Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Heroin (1 count), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Heroin (1 count).

Currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond.

Timothy Mark Shearin 394 Moulton Road Louisburg, NC 27549 DOB: 05/26/1970

Charged with the following: Trafficking, Opium or Heroin (3 counts), Maintain a Dwelling for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substance (1 count).

Placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $20,000 secured bond.

Donathan Domica Perry 161 Happy Valley Trail Franklinton, NC 27525 DOB: 10/27/1976

Charged with the following: Trafficking, Opium or Heroin (4 counts), Maintain a Vehicle for the purpose of Selling Controlled Substance (1 count).

Placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $100,000 secured bond.

For more information regarding this operation or to provide information to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at 919-496-2186.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NBA Star Phil Ford Speaks at Central Baptist Church

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-Information and photo courtesy Central Baptist Church

Former UNC and NBA star Phil Ford recently spoke at the closing program of the week-long Vacation Bible School at Central Baptist Church, 2574 Ruin Creek Road, Henderson. Vacation Bible School was held July 23-27. Ford encouraged students to study their Bibles and attend church.

Following the talk, Ford (left in photo) posed for pictures with students and families and signed autographs.

Former UNC and NBA basketball star Phil Ford posed for pictures with students and families and signed autographs at Central Baptist Church (Photo courtesy Central Baptist Church)

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Plenty to Choose From at the Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

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-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Market Manager, Vance County Regional Farmers Market

What You Will Find at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market This Week

Beets, blueberries, butter beans, cantaloupe, corn, cucumbers, eggs, eggplant, garlic, green beans, onions, peaches, pork, potatoes, purple hull & crowder peas, squash, tomatoes (green, red & heirloom), watermelon and zucchini.

We also have plenty of canned vegetables, honey, molasses, salsa, chow-chow, bbq sauces, jellies, jams, soaps, bath salts, scented candles, cut sunflowers, cupcakes and unique handmade crafts.

Anticipated Vendors – Saturday, July 28, 2018:

Adcock Farm

Cakes Delish

Culver Farms Honey

Donation Station

The Eclectic Peacock

Faulkner Family Farms

Glover Gifts & Crafts

Honeyberry Hills Farm

Jerri’s Things

JW Creek Farms

LouMag Ent.

Material Blessings

Pretty Tough Stuff Jewelry

Short’s Family Farms

Woodwick Designs

Contacts:

Market Manager: Tracy Madigan @ 252-598-0814

Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie @ 252-438-8188

 

VCRFM open Wednesdays & Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

VCRFM Welcomes SNAP/EBT

The Farmers Market building is available for rent. Contact Annette Roberson, Vance County Cooperative Extension Center, 252-438-8188 for pricing and available dates.