Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Three Face Murder Charges In February Killings

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Three people have been arrested and charged with murder after two men were found dead in a vehicle in a Henderson neighborhood last month.

On Monday, Henderson police, along with officers from the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Oxford Police Department and the SBI made the arrests, according to information from Police Chief Marcus Barrow.

Antonio Ray Townes, 29, and Shyheem Burton, 27, both of Vance County, were arrested, along with Tiffany Greene, 30, of Oxford.

Each faces two counts of first-degree murder in relation to the deaths of Kentrell Venable, 18, and Quavon Champion, 22. The men were found in a car parked on Gholson Avenue in Henderson on Feb. 7. Both men had been shot.

The suspects have been remanded to the custody of the Vance County Detention Center without bond pending future court proceedings.

Older Than 45? Time For A Colonoscopy

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-information courtesy of Maria Parham Health and Colleen Truax MSN, APRN, FNP-C

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. If you are 45 or older, it’s time to think about getting a colonoscopy.

Health experts say screening increases the chance of early detection – which increases greatly the odds of successful treatment. During a colonoscopy, polyps can be removed before they become cancerous, according to Colleen Truax, a nurse practitioner in gastroenterology at Maria Parham Health.

The American Cancer Society recommends people get screened at age 45 – or younger for those at higher risk. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women, excluding skin cancers. It is also the third leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. And while most of these cases occur in people 50 and older, the disease can occur in men and women at any age.

Fortunately, colonoscopies are an easier procedure than many realize. Shortly before the procedure, you will be given medications to minimize your discomfort. This procedure is so tolerable, in fact, that many people will ask, “When will we start?” only to be told the procedure has already begun. During the approximately 30-minute procedure, any polyps found will be removed by the doctor, and tissue samples will be sent to a lab for a biopsy.

Colonoscopies are critical to diagnosing cancer early because the beginning stages of colorectal cancer can often appear without symptoms. A colonoscopy can detect cancer early, making it much easier to treat. In fact, thanks in large part to colonoscopies, the overall incidence of, and death rates associated with, colorectal cancers have been on the decline for more than a decade. But this downward trend is mostly in older adults.  In people younger than 50, rates have been increasing by one to two percent a year since the mid-1990’s. Although the early stages of colorectal cancer are often symptomless, there are some common signs of colorectal cancers you should be aware of, according to the American Cancer Society, including:

  • Bleeding from the rectum;
  • Blood in the stool or in the toilet after having a bowel movement;
  • Dark or black stools;
  • Change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a narrowing of your stool, that  lasts for more than a few days;
  • Cramping, pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen;
  • Weakness and fatigue; and
  • Decreased appetite and unintentional weight loss.

While these symptoms can also be indicative of other health conditions, you should always talk to your doctor about them so he or she can help you get to the root of the issue and determine the underlying cause. In addition to scheduling your colonoscopy and keeping an eye out for common symptoms, you can be proactive in preventing colon cancer by living a healthy lifestyle that includes daily exercise, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting your alcohol intake and eliminating smoking.

Contact Maria Parham Health at 800.424.DOCS or visit MariaParham.com to schedule your colonoscopy today. For more information about colorectal cancer, visit https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon.

West End Baptist

West End Community Watch Meeting Mar. 21

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Join the West End Community Watch for its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, Mar. 21.

The speakers for the meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m., will be Paul Ross, executive director of the Henderson Family YMCA, according to an announcement from Claire Catherwood.

Members of law enforcement also will be present to provide a police report.

The meeting will take place in the fellowship hall of West End Baptist Church, 619 Dabney Drive.

Red Cross Announces March Blood Drive Dates

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The American Red Cross has announced several opportunities to donate blood across the four-county area in March, which also marks the 80th annual observance of the national organization.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the original proclamation in 1943, but the American Red Cross was established more than 140 years ago by Clara Barton, a nurse who tended wounded soldiers during the Civil War. In 1869, she learned about the Red Cross during a trip to Switzerland and subsequently founded the American Red Cross in the United States.

Whether it’s donating blood, setting up emergency shelters and providing emotional support to those whose lives have been affected by storms, fires or other natural disasters, the American Red Cross honors the legacy of its founder.

“When help can’t wait during emergencies, people in North Carolina rally together to provide relief and hope for neighbors in need,” said Barry Porter, regional CEO of  American Red Cross North Carolina. “This humanitarian spirit is at the heart of our community, and we are proud to honor all those who make our mission possible during this year’s Red Cross Month celebration. You can join in their commitment by donating, volunteering, giving blood or platelets, or taking a lifesaving skills course.”

If you can’t donate blood or platelets, you can always donate money or volunteer your time. Visit redcross.org to learn more. Later this month, on Mar. 22, the organization celebrates Red Cross Giving Day, a campaign designed to raise money to help provide shelter, food, relief items and support to individuals who have suffered disasters large or small.  Visit redcross.org/givingday to give.

Blood drives happen all year long, but when individuals donate blood, platelets or plasma in March, they will receive by email a $10 Visa prepaid card. And they also will be automatically entered for the chance to win a $3,000 Visa prepaid card.

Consider signing up for one of the following local blood drives:

Vance County

  • Friday, Mar. 17: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Maria Parham Health, 566 Ruin Creek Rd.
  • Tuesday, Mar. 28: 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Kerr Lake Country Club, 600 Hedrick Rd.
  • Thursday, Mar. 30: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Raleigh Road Baptist Church, 3892 Raleigh Rd.

Granville County

  • Friday, Mar. 24: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Ave., Creedmoor

Warren

  • Saturday, Mar. 11: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Reverend C.H. Building, 130 Saponi Trail, Warrenton

Franklin

  • Tuesday, Mar. 28: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Rock Spring Baptist Church, 34 Rock Springs Church Rd., Louisburg
  • Friday, Mar. 31: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., State Employees Credit Union, 28 Burke Blvd., Louisburg
NC State Board of Elections

Vance County Elections Officials Work To Keep Voter Lists Accurate

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If you get a card in the mail from the Vance County Board of Elections asking you to confirm some information, it’s part of ongoing maintenance to keep the most updated voter rolls as possible. Vance County joins other county boards of elections across the state to conduct required processes designed to keep the state’s voter rolls accurate.

Elections Director Melody Vaughan told WIZS News this week that the office has sent out 177 cards requesting updated information from residents on the voter rolls. Vaughan said she anticipates another round of cards to go out in July.

These routine processes are required by state and federal laws, according to information from the N.C. State Board of Elections. Accurate voter rolls are maintained by removing voters who have moved or died or are otherwise ineligible to vote in that jurisdiction. Voter roll list maintenance is important because it ensures ineligible voters are not included on poll books during elections.

As a result of these processes, the number of North Carolina voter registrations will decrease in the first half of 2023. As of Feb. 25, about 7.2 million voters were registered in the state, down from more than 7.4 million on January 1.

A Biennial List Maintenance occurs early in odd-numbered years, so the cards that were sent from Vance County are part of the process to voters that have not voted in the previous two statewide elections and the county board of elections has had no contact with that person. In Vance County, the cards were sent to those with whom there has been no contact since Oct. 9, 2020.

If the voter doesn’t return the card within 30 days – and the elections office doesn’t get it back as undeliverable, the voter’s record will be marked “inactive” in the state’s voter registration database. Inactive voters are still registered voters, however; if an inactive voter shows up to vote, the person will be asked to verify their address and update it, if necessary.

The registrations of these voters will be canceled if they do not vote or otherwise confirm their registration by January 2027.

County boards of elections also have begun to remove certain “inactive” voters from the rolls. Voters will be removed from registration lists this year after being sent a no-contact mailing in 2019. Any voter removed in this way would not have had any contact with their county board of elections for four consecutive federal election cycles, not voted in any election during that time and not responded to a confirmation mailing.

Statewide, more than 264,000 inactive voters have been removed in 2023. Any removed registrant must be reinstated if the voter appears to vote and gives oral or written affirmation that the voter has not moved out of the county and has maintained residence continuously within the county. These voters’ votes will be counted absent evidence that they moved out of the county.

Voters may check their registration status at any time using the State Board’s Voter Search tool.

To learn more about registering to vote in North Carolina, visit: Registering.

 

 

 

 

Aycock Pool Closed This Weekend

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If you were planning to get in a few laps at the Aycock Recreation Center pool this weekend, you’ll want to take note: the pool will be closed Saturday and Sunday, according to Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Assistant Director DeAnne Brown.

The weekend closing is due to a staffing shortage, Brown told WIZS News.

She said that there just aren’t sufficient candidates with lifeguard certifications to employ.

The recreation and parks department is willing to offer lifeguard courses for those seeking employment, Brown added, but candidates must be able to pass the prerequisites to be eligible to take the course.

Brown said she would be happy to hear from anyone interested in becoming a lifeguard. Contact her at deannebrown@henderson.nc.gov.

‘Got To Be NC’ Festival A Great Spot To Display – And View – Antique Farm Equipment

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If that old tractor that your granddaddy used all those years ago still runs, whether it’s that special shade of green or red or blue, there may be a spot for it during the upcoming Got to Be NC Festival later this spring.

Festival organizers say there’s still space for those farm-equipment items that hobbyists and others can display during the festival, scheduled to take place May 19-21 at the N.C. State Fairgrounds.

Organizers are on the hunt for collectors of antique tractors and farm equipment to join a display of more than 1,000 pieces of machinery. Tractors in working order also can participate in the daily tractor parade through the fairgrounds. Participation is free, but pre-registration is required.

There also are booth spaces available for N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Got to Be NC members, independent vendors and concessionaires at the festival. Applications for all vendor locations are due by April 1.

The Got to Be NC Festival is a family-friendly event that highlights the best of North Carolina agriculture. Visitors can roam through the antique farm equipment, sample and purchase locally made products at the Food Lion Local Goodness Marketplace, enjoy the excitement of the carnival and relax to live music on an outdoor stage.

Registration forms and vendor applications are online at https://www.gottobencfestival.com/Vendors.htm

 

Join Maria Parham Health On Feb. 28 For Healthy Heart Day Community Event

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February is Heart Month, and Maria Parham Health is holding a Healthy Heart Day heart fair on Tuesday, Feb. 28, featuring information and resources to help the Henderson/Vance County community live longer and stronger.

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives each year.  More than four out of five CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes, and one-third of these deaths occur prematurely in people under 70 years of age. Heart disease is also the leading cause of death in the United States, for both men and women.

Healthy Heart Day at Maria Parham Health will offer tools and resources that individuals need to live a heart-healthy lifestyle and to reduce or prevent cardiovascular disease, according to information from Donna Young, the hospital’s Marketing & Communication Coordinator.

Registered nurses will be on hand to provide free blood pressure and pulse/oximeter readings, and exercise physiologist Chris Cole will be there with Maria Parham athletic trainers, to consult with attendees about the best heart-healthy exercises for their lifestyles. Guests of the heart fair can speak with a registered dietitian about heart-healthy eating, and Director of Cardiac Services Lisa McGhee will give virtual tours of Maria Parham’s state-of-the-art heart catheterization lab, and is available to share information about the cardiac care services the hospital offers.

It’s also a time to learn how to properly administer Hands-Only CPR from emergency medical services professionals. Hands-Only CPR is performed with chest compressions only, and can be crucial to helping heart attack victims to survive until medical assistance arrives.

Also important to heart health is the mind-body connection. Mental health professionals will be on hand at this event to talk to attendees about how mental health is directly connected to heart health.

Heart fair attendees will also be treated to free samples, giveaways, and can register for door prizes.

The Maria Parham Health Healthy Heart Day is free and open to the public, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28. No registration is necessary; the event will be held in the front lobby of the hospital, and all are invited to simply come through the hospital’s main entrance to participate.

To learn more, call 252.436.1408, or email donna.young@lpnt.net.

(This story was originally published on WIZS.com on Feb. 15, 2023.)

RR Crossings At Chavasse Avenue, St. Matthews Street Scheduled To Close For Maintenance

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A couple of railroad crossings in the Henderson area will be closed for some planned maintenance in the next couple of weeks.

Southern Commercial Development made the announcement as it handles traffic control for CSX. SCD’s Chief Operations Officer Angela Nelis said her team will be creating a traffic detour during the closures. NC DOT crews will assist with paving the areas.

The Chavasse Avenue crossing is scheduled for maintenance beginning at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21. It will remain closed until Thursday, Feb. 23 at 5 p.m.

The crossing at St. Matthews Street is scheduled for work beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 27 and will remain closed until Wednesday, Mar. 1 at 5 p.m.

As a reminder, during this maintenance work, no vehicles will be able to cross the tracks.

Feb. 22 Workshop To Discuss Leadership Development For Firefighters

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Vance County firefighters and others involved in fire service are invited to attend a class next week on leadership development.

Vance County Fire Chief Chris Wright said the class, titled “It’s Not About You: Forging Sovereign Leadership” will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wright told WIZS News that Erick Mohn, who works with the Wake Forest Fire Department, will lead the session, which will take place at the Vance County Rescue Squad, 1735 Maynard St.

Although mainly geared to fire personnel, Wright said the workshop teaches how to be a humble leader.

“Being a leader, (it’s) not just about yourself, but being a leader for others and for the community,” he said.

Wright said he’s known Mohn for a long time, and when the opportunity presented itself to do the training, Wright was all for it.

Firefighters are used to lots of training – but this strays a bit from the typical training they must complete.

“We can pull hose and throw ladders” all day long, Wright said, but the training is designed to “get down to the heart of why we do what we do and who we do it for.”