Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Fourth Suspect Arrested In Durham Following May 28 Shootout

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The fourth suspect was taken into custody Thursday in connection with an exchange of gunfire that occurred last weekend outside a West Andrews Avenue convenience store.

Detectives of the Henderson Police Department were in Durham Thursday when Durham police officers took Jaymon Gibson, 24, into custody, the last remaining adult suspect in the May 28 incident at Gate City Foods. One suspect, already in custody, is a juvenile.

Gibson faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, discharging a weapon into occupied property and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Police served a search warrant was served on the residence where he was taken into custody and recovered an AR-style pistol, according to Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow.

Gibson was remanded to the Vance County Detention Center without privilege of bond due to a parole violation and charges stemming from the May 28 shootout.

According to Barrow, Jordan Turnage, Charles Green and one juvenile all surrendered themselves to authorities earlier this week.

Turnage, 21, of Creedmoor, is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, discharging a firearm into occupied property and discharging a firearm in the city limits. His secured bond was set at $65,000. Green, 23, also was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, discharging a firearm into occupied property and discharging a firearm in the city limits. His secured bond was set at $115,000, Barrow said.

A juvenile petition was filed against a 17-year-old in connection with the incident, who received a temporary secured custody order.

Anyone with information about the May 28 incident is asked to call 911, Henderson Vance Crime Stoppers at +1 (252) 492-1925, or contact us through the P3 app or Facebook Messenger.

Vance County Logo

Recount Upholds Alston’s Election To Commissioners’ District 3 Seat

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After a recount of votes in the Vance County Commissioners’ District 3 race Thursday morning, challenger Sean Alston’s election to the seat was confirmed. According to the Vance County Board of Elections Director Melody Vaughan, Alston received 269 votes to incumbent Gordon Wilder’s 260 votes.

The recount took place at 9 a.m. today.

The original vote count from the May 17 primary showed Alston with 270 votes, but Vaughan told WIZS News Thursday the count was adjusted after it was discovered that one vote was removed from the count.

An individual came to vote during the early voting period on May 12 and completed a same-day registration.

“On May 13, 2022 the state board removed the voter and I sent him a certified letter telling him we had him as a felon and if he had completed his time to bring in the proper papers so his vote would count,” Vaughan said in an email update. The individual did not return, however, and the state board of elections officials instructed the Vance County elections officials to remove the vote, which resulted in the change in the final count.

NC Forest Service

Forestry Field Day June 24 In Oxford

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-information courtesy of Vance County Cooperative Extension

A Forestry Field Day is scheduled for Friday, June 24 to help area landowners with best practice strategies to enhance their woodland resources. Participants will learn first-hand about the possible benefits of forest management techniques of herbicide application and prescribed fires.

This free event will begin at 2 p.m. at the N.C. Forest Service office in Granville County, located at 911 Hillsboro St, Oxford.

From there, the group will proceed to two different field sites that show the results of the respective practices. Transportation to the field sites will be available, or participants may travel in personal vehicles.

The sponsors of the Field Day are the N.C. Forest Service office for Granville County, along with the N.C. Cooperative Extension County Centers in Granville and Vance counties.

Registration is required.

For more information, visit http://go.ncsu.edu/manageyourwoods or call 252.438.8188 or 919.603.1350.

RAM Clinic Helped 150 Clients At Recent Pop-Up Medical Clinic

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The Duke Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic held recently in Henderson was a roaring success and organizers want to make the free pop-up medical clinic at least an annual event.

According to follow-up information received from one of the Duke University students that helped organize the event held May 14-15 at Vance Charter School, the clinic saw 150 different patients and provided close to $150,000 in free medical, dental and vision care over the course of the two-day clinic.

“Sadly, demand for the services was so high that we had to start turning people away at 7 a.m. on Saturday and 5 a.m. on Sunday,” said Avni Charvu, who will team up with Saajan Patel to be the lead organizers for next year’s clinic.

The goal , Charvu said, is to learn from this first experience to make the clinic an annual event, working up to multiple Duke RAM clinics a year. This year’s lead organizers Rishi Dasgupta and Rishabh Jain graduated last month, and Charvu said he and Patel are already making plans for next year’s Henderson clinic,

“For each patient we were able to serve, there were scores more who would have benefited and couldn’t be seen…We enlisted local nonprofits to distribute free Narcan, sexual health products, dental care product and more,” Charvu said.

The NC Navigator Consortium was also helping under- and uninsured patients sign up for Medicaid. For patients who were diagnosed with longer-term chronic conditions or may require emergency care in the coming days after surgical procedures, we identified over a dozen private practices, regional hospitals and outpatient clinics in the area for follow-up care at a reduced cost.

The clinic was especially crucial for low-income, low-education, and minority populations, Charvu explained. A breakdown of patients showed that 37 percent were Hispanic, 43 percent were African American. About half of the patients  had a high school education or less and many of the were non-English speakers.

“It was incredible to see such an enthusiastic response from volunteers and community organizations, with 120 people traveling from as far as Washington state to volunteer their time,” Charvu said.

3 Charged In W. Andrews Ave. Gunfire Exchange

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Three individuals are in custody in connection with the exchange of gunfire that occurred last weekend outside a West Andrews Avenue convenience store.

According to Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow, Jordan Turnage, Charles Green and one juvenile all surrendered themselves to authorities.

Turnage, 21, of Creedmoor, is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, discharging a firearm into occupied property and discharging a firearm in the city limits. His secured bond was set at $65,000. Green, Green, 23, also was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill discharging a firearm into occupied property and discharging a firearm in the city limits. His secured bond was set at $115,000, Barrow said.

A juvenile petition was filed against a 17-year-old in connection with the incident, who received a temporary secured custody order.

According to Barrow, Jaymon Gibson is the only individual left with outstanding warrants following the exchange of gunfire that occurred just before 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 28 outside Gate City Foods, located at 601 W. Andrews Ave.

If anyone has information about the location of Gibson, please call 911, Henderson Vance Crime Stoppers at +1 (252) 492-1925, or contact us through the P3 app or Facebook Messenger.

Blackwell Named 2022 Mercy Award Winner

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-information courtesy of Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health’s Kelly Blackwell has been recognized as the facility’s 2022 Mercy Award winner.

The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of LifePoint Health’s facilities who “profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded,” according to a press statement from Donna Young, MPH’s Coordinator  of Marketing & Communications.

The Mercy Award is an annual recognition program established in 2002 to honor the life and contributions of Scott Mercy, LifePoint’s founding chairman and chief executive officer. The award is considered the highest honor a LifePoint employee can receive.

“At Maria Parham Health we share LifePoint’s commitment to making communities healthier, and we recognize this is supported by the good work and service of our employees on and off the job,” said MPH CEO Bert Beard.

“We are extremely proud to recognize Kelly Blackwell for her efforts on behalf of our patients and our community. She goes above and beyond each and every day to ensure that every person she encounters receives the highest level of care and compassion,” Beard continued.

Blackwell has been a registered nurse for 36 years, working across the spectrum of care and currently working in the hospital’s Cancer Center. Beyond her work in the Cancer Center, Kelly volunteers for mission work, taking her skills to Haiti, Honduras and Uganda multiple times. Blackwell participates in various ministries, including widow’s ministry, children’s ministries, and mission team.

As a member of Maria Parham’s team since 1995, Blackwell’s dedication, empathy and kindness has bonded her to our team and her patients. Her service to the hospital and the community is inspiring to others. She is a leader among our team, and she leads through service to others.

Blackwell and the other Mercy Award winners will vie for company-wide Mercy Award; the companywide winner will be announced later in the summer at a ceremony in Nashville, TN.

Red Cross Offers Safety Tips for Memorial Day, Summertime Activities

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Red Cross officials have some safety suggestions for people as they prepare for the Memorial Day holiday – and don’t forget pets as we head into the warmer summer months.

“Summer is a great time of year to get outside and have fun with your friends and loved ones,” said Barry Porter, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross Eastern North Carolina Region. “But there are dangers if you don’t swim, camp or grill properly. We here at the Red Cross want you to have a safe summer and offer these steps you can follow.”

Read the suggestions below whether you’ll be enjoying watersports, camping or grilling.

PET SAFETY

Summer’s heat can be dangerous for your family pets. Follow these steps to take to help ensure your pet stays safe this summer.

  • Don’t leave your pet in a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees even with the windows cracked open.
  • Animals can suffer heat stroke, a common problem for pets in the warmer weather. Dogs with short noses or snouts, like the boxer or bulldog, are especially prone to heat stroke, along with overweight pets, those with extremely thick fur coat or any pet with upper respiratory problems such as laryngeal paralysis or collapsing trachea.
  • Some of the signs of heat stroke in your pet are heavy panting and being unable to calm down, even when lying down, brick red gum color, fast pulse rate and being unable to get up.
  • If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, take their temperature rectally. If the temperature is above 105 degrees, cool the animal down. The easiest way to do this is by using the water hose. Stop cooling the animal when the temperature reaches 103 degrees.
  • Bring your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible as heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage. Download the Red Cross Pet First Aid appfor instant access on how to treat heat stroke, other emergencies and general care for cats and dogs and take the Cat and Dog First Aid Online Training

WATER SAFETY

Every day, an average of 11 people die in the U.S. from unintentional drowning — and one in five of those are children 14 or younger according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Red Cross wants everyone to know critical safety knowledge and skills that could save your life in and around the water. We encourage families to build confidence in the water by learning to be safe, making good choices, learning to swim and how to handle emergencies.

  • Preventing unsupervised access to water, providing constant, active adult supervision and knowing how to swim are critical layers of protection to help prevent drowning.
  • Classes to learn how to swim are available for both children and adults. Check the map for Learn-to-Swim providers in your community. Everyone should learn first aid and CPR too, so they know what to do in an emergency.
  • Download the Red Cross Swim app, sponsored by The ZAC Foundation, for safety tips, kid-friendly videos and activities, and take the free Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers online course in English or in Spanish.
  • It’s best to swim in a lifeguarded area. Always designate a “water watcher” whose sole responsibility is to keep a close eye and constant attention on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.
  • Drowning behavior is typically fast and silent. Unless rescued, a drowning person will last only 20 to 60 seconds before submerging. Reach or throw, don’t go! In the event of an emergency, reach or throw an object to the person in trouble. Don’t go in! You could become a victim yourself.

CAMPING SAFETY

If a camping trip is in your plans, know the level of ability of the people in your group and the environment around you. Plan accordingly.

  • Sprains and falls are some of the most common misfortunes travelers may face. Falls are the biggest threat, many due to poor decision-making, lack of skill or not being properly prepared. Dehydration is also a danger. Plan ahead for these dangers.
  • Share your travel plans and locations with a family member, neighbor or friend.
  • Bring nutritious food items and water, light-weight clothing to layer and supplies for any pets.

GRILLING SAFETY

More than three-quarters of U.S. adults have used a grill — yet, grilling sparks more than 10,000 home fires on average each year. To avoid this, the Red Cross offers these grilling safety tips:

  • Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
  • Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
  • Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to help keep the chef safe.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Keep Road Safety At Top Of Memorial Day To-Do List

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Even with today’s high gas prices, the State Highway Patrol expects about 35 million folks to be on the road during the long Memorial Day weekend. And although the following safety suggestions aren’t new, they do bear repeating as a way to ensure safe travels on the state’s 80,000 miles of roads, highways and interstates.

This time last year, the average prices of a gallon of regular gas in North Carolina was $2.91, compared to $4.36 this year, according to AAA. But families are apparently ready to get out of town for the four-day holiday, some long overdue for even a short vacation.

This weekend traditionally kicks off the unofficial start to summer, and AAA predicts an increase of almost 5 percent in the number of people who will travel by car compared to last year, when COVID-19 precautions still had people sticking close to home.

The Highway Patrol will be out in full force, taking steps “to monitor driver behavior in an attempt to reduce collisions that occur from speeding, impaired and distracted driving, as well as reducing the severity of collisions through seat belt use enforcement.  Using the Vision Zero approach, law enforcement officials hope to report zero fatal collisions throughout the holiday weekend,” according to a press release from the North Carolina Dept. of Public Safety.

The Highway Patrol is again teaming up with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission to participate in the annual “On the Road, On the Water” campaign. The same rules apply to boat operators as apply to drivers of motor vehicles – don’t drink and drive.

Additionally, the SHP is partnering with the NC Governor’s Highway Safety Program’s “Click It or Ticket” campaign.  This campaign began Monday, May 23 and continues through June 5, with an emphasis being placed on seat belt violations.

Motorists are encouraged to follow these suggestions while traveling:

  • Plan Ahead – Plan routes in advance to include secondary routes, detours and possible road closures.  Up-to-date information regarding delays and closures can be found at www.DriveNC.gov.
  • Slow Down – Obey the posted speed limit and be mindful of speed limit reductions within work zones.
  • Use Restraint Devices – Seat belts must be worn in both front and back seats if available.  Children should be properly restrained in compliance with child passenger safety laws, www.buckleupnc.org.
  • Don’t Drive Distracted – Avoid any distraction(s) while driving that reduces your ability to drive safely.
  • Plan Ahead if Consuming Alcohol – Have a predetermined plan to arrive home safely by identifying a designated driver or by utilizing one of the many ride sharing services.
  • Reporting Dangerous Drivers or Other Emergencies – Motorists are encouraged to dial *HP(47) or 911 if they encounter a situation needing a law enforcement response.

Henderson Sears Closing Its Doors June 27

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There’s been a Sears store in Henderson for more than 60 years, but that’s about to change: the Sears store on Dabney Drive is closing its doors on June 27. Friday marked Day 1 of a liquidation sale, and Store Manager T.W. Floyd said business has been brisk.

Business used to be brisk when Floyd’s dad, Thomas Floyd,  was the manager of the Sears store, too, from 1956 to 1986.

The senior Floyd retired after 30 years, and he reflected about his time with the company.

“I gave my life to Sears,” he told WIZS News via telephone Friday. There were long hours, to be sure, but Floyd said he loved every minute of it. “We were the center of sales,” he recalled. “We were busy, busy, busy.”

The first Sears location was right in the center of downtown on Garnett Street, Floyd recalled From there, the store moved to Rose Avenue and then ultimately, to its current 9,100 square foot location on Dabney Drive. Each store was bigger than the previous one, Floyd said, trying to keep up with demand for goods from customers.

But over the years, consumers’ buying habits changed, and corporate philosophy shifted to the smaller, hometown store model. The Henderson store is one of about 85 still in operation, but T.W. Floyd said that between the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuing supply chain challenges that retailers face, he decided to close the doors when the current contract is up.

Floyd owns the building where Sears is located, and he said Friday he didn’t expect any trouble finding a new tenant.

Floyd, who has managed the current store for 28 years, said both he and his dad followed the “old school” way of putting customer service at the top of the priority list. “It has served us well,” he added.

“We were fortunate to be in business for as long as we have been,” the younger Floyd said, and he said the store had always enjoyed good local support.

Both men said that change is a part of life that should be embraced. “Nothing in life stays the same,” Thomas Floyd said. “We have to adapt to change.”

One thing that IS the same, however is a freezer in the older Floyd’s basement. “I put it there in 1959,” he said proudly, “and it’s never given me a moment’s trouble.

No need to wonder where he purchased it – the brand name was Coldspot before it underwent a name change. To, you guessed it – Kenmore.

Kids Invited To Fish May 25 At Fox Pond

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Young people between the ages of 5 and 18 are invited to come fishing at Fox Pond Park next week – just show up at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25 and fish to your heart’s content until 7 p.m. All Fishing equipment will be provided and there is no registration to complete. The event is sponsored by The Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department and the Edmonds Tennis & Education Foundation.