Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

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VGCC Schedules 2 Commencement Ceremonies At McGregor Hall May 14, 15 At 7 P.M.

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Vance-Granville Community College spring 2026 commencement exercises will take place at McGregor Hall on Thursday, May 14 and Friday, May 15.

Because of the growing number of graduates, school leaders decided to split the graduation ceremonies. Graduates are assigned a date based on their program of study:

Thursday, May 14:

  • College and Career Readiness Programs
  • School of Business, Applied Technology and Public Safety
  • School of Health Sciences

Friday, May 15:

  • School of Arts and Sciences

McGregor Hall, located at 201 Breckenridge St., is wheelchair accessible and equipped with accessible seating.

Each graduate is guaranteed four guest tickets for their assigned ceremony, which must be claimed in advance. Tickets are scheduled to be electronically distributed to graduates on Wednesday, May 6. Graduates are responsible for distributing tickets to their guests.

Unclaimed tickets will be released, and graduates will have an opportunity to claim additional tickets.

An important reminder for those who plan to attend either of the graduation ceremonies: Each guest must present a ticket with a unique, scannable QR code to enter McGregor Hall. Guests without a scannable ticket will not be admitted. All attendees aged three (3) and older must have a ticket to enter the ceremony, including current VGCC students who plan to attend as guests. Children under the age of three do not need a ticket if they will sit on a guest’s lap during the ceremony. Graduates do not require a ticket.

Those unable to attend in person may join the event livestream on the official VGCC YouTube channel.

Visit vgcc.edu/student-portal/graduation-information for developing event information.

From HPD: Multi-Agency Operation Yields Drug Arrests

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— From HendersonPolice Chief Marcus Barrow

Joint Operation Press Release:

Through a joint operation conducted on May 1, 2026, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Henderson Police Department, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Raleigh-Durham Safe Streets Task Force) executed two search warrants within Vance County, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of a significant quantity of narcotics.

Location 1: 1843 Vicksboro, Lot 22 – Henderson, NC 

Seized – 31,100 dosage units of Heroin, 3,044 Grams of Methamphetamine, 1,100 Grams of Fentanyl, 296 grams of M30 pills, 958 grams of Marijuana, $4,247 in US Currency, 3 firearms (1 stolen), other drug manufacturing equipment and associated material.

Michael Lewis Miles (33)
120 Spring Lane, Henderson, NC
Charges:

  • (2) Trafficking Methamphetamine
  • (4) Trafficking Opium/Heroin
  • (2) Trafficking Fentanyl
  • PWISD Methamphetamine
  • PWISD Heroin
  • PWISD Fentanyl
  • PWISD Marijuana
  • PWIMSD Schedule I Controlled Substance
  • Felony Possession of Marijuana
  • Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon
  • Possession of a Stolen Firearm

Lee Arthur Adams (43)

4340 County Home Road, Greenville, NC

Charges:

  • (2) Trafficking Methamphetamine
  • (4) Trafficking Opium/Heroin
  • (2) Trafficking Fentanyl
  • PWISD Methamphetamine
  • PWISD Heroin
  • PWISD Fentanyl
  • PWISD Marijuana
  • PWIMSD Schedule I Controlled Substance
  • Felony Possession of Marijuana
  • Possession of a Stolen Firearm

Location 2: 31 South Oliver Drive, Lot 10 – Henderson, NC

Seized – $2,445 in US Currency, 29 Grams of Methamphetamine, 3 grams of Fentanyl Pills, 1- Glock 9mm, and Machine gun conversion device.

Omir Khaseed Gibbs (21)

29 Coyote Court – Henderson, NC

Charges:

  • (2) Trafficking Methamphetamine
  • Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling for Controlled Substances
  • Exposing Children to a Controlled Substance
  • PWISD Schedule II Controlled Substance
  • PWIMSD Methamphetamine
  • Possession of a Machine Gun
  • Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon

Michael Lewis Miles, also known as “Mike Mike,” is currently on federal probation.

All individuals were held under no bond and transported to the Vance County Detention Center, where they remain pending court proceedings at the state and/or federal level.

Sheriff Curtis Brame and Chief Marcus Barrow commend the coordinated efforts of all agencies involved. This operation reflects the strength of continued partnerships and a shared commitment to removing dangerous narcotics and firearms from our community.

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Swift Local Reaction Against Section 5 Of SB 214 Results In Removal Of Controversial Wording

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A new version of the conference report known as Senate Bill 214 has been released and no longer contains Part V, Section 5 that would have allowed Franklin County to take property from Vance, Warren and Halifax counties without the approval or consent of those counties’ leadership.

N.C. Rep. Bryan Cohn represents District 32 in the N.C. House, and he told WIZS News that he could confirm that the Section 5 wording had been removed. “I was standing in the principal clerk’s office when the new version came down,” Cohn said on Wednesday.

N.C. Speaker of the House Destin Hall told colleagues in the House Chamber on Tuesday that the issue needs to be worked out locally.

Cohn reiterated remarks he made to members of the Henderson City Council during a special called meeting on Monday in calling for good faith discussions going forward to find a solution to the water issue.

“We are still working in good faith to make sure that we have this water issue worked out and that we do so locally…this is consistent with what I told Henderson City Council members on Monday,” he said.

Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott was among a contingent of local residents who traveled to Raleigh on Tuesday to show up in person at the Legislative Building to express opposition to the controversial wording contained in the bill.

Elliott told WIZS Wednesday, “We believe in collaboration, not overreach. Section 5 of SB 214 in North Carolina removes local voices from decisions that directly impact our land, our water, and our future – and that’s something we cannot support.”

Community Partners Of Hope Name New Executive Director

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Community Partners of Hope announces the appointment of Jhanderys (Jhan) Dotel-Vellenga as its executive director.

Dotel-Vellenga brings a foundation in community development, pastoral leadership and cross-cultural partnership building to the role. She steps into the role with a clear vision for advancing the organization’s mission and expanding its impact across the Henderson region, according to a press statement from CPOH.

As the new executive director, Dotel-Vellenga will provide strategic and operational leadership for the organization and will oversee shelter and program operations, financial management, fundraising and community engagement efforts. She will work closely with the board of directors and supervise program leadership to ensure excellence across all services.

Community Partners of Hope provides integrated services through its men’s shelter, Hope House, and the Freedom Bridge Resource Center, supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and those affected by substance use disorder. Under Dotel-Vellenga’s leadership, the organization aims to build on its strong foundation while pursuing sustainable growth and innovation.

“Community Partners of Hope represents the kind of collaborative, compassionate work that transforms lives and strengthens communities,” said Dotel-Vellenga. “I am honored to serve in this role and to help guide the organization as we deepen partnerships, expand access to resources, and walk alongside individuals on their journey toward stability and hope.”

Dotel-Vellenga’s professional background reflects a deep commitment to service and leadership among vulnerable populations. Most recently, she served as a mission co-worker through the Presbyterian Church, in Managua, Nicaragua, where she helped to coordinate community development initiatives, cultivated partnerships, and supported programs focused on food security, women’s empowerment, and pastoral formation. Her experience includes program coordination, stakeholder engagement, and cross-cultural collaboration—key elements of effective nonprofit leadership.

Her work also includes extensive involvement in prison ministry, restorative justice programs, and reentry support, as well as volunteer service in women’s shelters and mentoring programs. These experiences have equipped her with a nuanced understanding of the challenges surrounding homelessness, substance use disorder, and reintegration.

Dotel-Vallenga will work closely with the entire board of directors, but particularly with Jeanette Floyd and Jane King, co-chairs of the board. “Jhan brings both strategic insight and a deep sense of compassion to this role,” said Dr. Floyd, “Her leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our programs and expanding our reach in the community.”

“I look forward to having Jhan assume many of the essential tasks that have previously been spread among various board members” said Jane King. “She will add much needed continuity and direction.”

N.C. Gov. Stein’s ‘Rural Listening Tour’ Schedules Stop In Henderson Wednesday, Apr. 29

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N.C. Gov. Josh Stein’s Rural Listening Tour continues on Wednesday, Apr. 29 with a scheduled stop in Henderson.

Stein won’t be here in person, though. He’s sending Department of Revenue Secretary McKinley Wooten, Jr. and State Budget Director Kristin Walker to represent him, according to information from the Governor’s office.

The public open session begins at 3:45 p.m. in the Civic Center at Vance-Granville Community College. An invitation-only roundtable discussion is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Last week, the governor announced his recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 that advances strategies to support and strengthen opportunity in rural North Carolina.

Earlier this year, Governor Stein launched “100 Counties Strong,” a dashboard highlighting how his administration is investing in people and places across the state.

Learn more about the Rural Listening Sessions at https://governor.nc.gov/josh-stein/investing-rural-nc

Eckerd Connects Is Latest Member Spotlight Recipient From Henderson-Vance Chamber Of Commerce

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Eckerd Connects is the latest Chamber Member Spotlight recipient, a program of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce.

Lorena Marquiz, a recruiter for the past four years at Eckerd Connects, accepted the presentation on Apr. 23 from Chamber Board member Dr. Wykia Macon.

Eckerd Connects operates programs in 20 states and the District of Columbia, including four residential programs in North Carolina. The local program serves girls ages 13-17 who are involved in the juvenile justice system.

At the Eckerd Girls Residential Academy at Kerr Lake, located near Manson, the girls attend a school on site, have access to mental health professionals and treatment options for substance use, among many other opportunities for care.

The girls typically are in the program for up to nine months, with follow-up for two years after that. The local program partners with various organizations as well as Job Corps centers.

Eckerd Connects was established in the early 1960’s by Jack and Ruth Eckerd, owners of Eckerd Drugs. The first program was created for boys in Florida. Since then, programs have been established across the country to provide opportunities for young people to get back on track with school, develop skills and return to their homes and communities.

Statement From Dist. 7 Rep. Winslow On Senate Bill 214, Future Water Needs And Future Negotiations

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Editor’s note: WIZS News received the following press statement Monday afternoon at 4:58 p.m. from the office of Rep. Matthew Winslow. The statement appears below, in its entirety:

Regarding Part V, Section 5 of SB 214 Proposed Conference Committee Substitute, Representative Matthew Winslow (R-Franklin and Vance Counties) shares the following statement:

“Franklin County faces a growing water supply challenge that threatens both residential growth and economic development. Our county has carefully reserved limited allocations for future homes and job-creating projects. Once those reserves are exhausted, the primary alternative is Kerr Lake. However, current arrangements with the City of Henderson have proven difficult.

For nearly 20 years, good-faith negotiations between Franklin County and Henderson have yielded little progress on securing adequate additional water at reasonable rates. Henderson has sought to restrict allocation volumes— requiring repeated future negotiations—and to charge Franklin County citizens rates nearly four times higher than those paid by other users. Passing exorbitant costs directly to our residents would be the easy choice, but it would not serve the long-term interests of our community.

Henderson’s position stems from geography, not ownership. The water in Kerr Lake, which is one of the largest in the state, belongs to the people of North Carolina. Franklin County needs reliable access to support responsible growth, while Henderson requires support for system upgrades. This mutual dependence has created a prolonged standoff and missed opportunity.

SB 214 provides a targeted, common-sense solution. It authorizes Franklin County to draw raw water directly from Kerr Lake and treat it locally. This would eliminate the need to pay inflated rates compared to our neighbors and give Franklin County greater control over its water future. Importantly, the bill is narrowly tailored: it limits these authorities to counties adjacent to the lake, unlike 12 other North Carolina counties that currently have  broader, unrestricted annexation or condemnation powers across the state.

To address concerns circulating in the community:

  • This is not a data center project.
  • It does not authorize Franklin County to condemn or seize Henderson’s existing water treatment plant.
  • The provision is strictly for constructing a direct raw water line from Kerr Lake to a future Franklin County treatment facility. The 10 million gallons per day that Franklin County has requested from the Army Corps by comparison is extremely minor compared to the 10 billion gallons a day that cross over the dam.

As the elected Representative for Franklin and Vance Counties (and previously Nash and Granville Counties as well), I evaluate issues through a regional lens focused on what best serves all our citizens. When Franklin County leaders approached me about this language, I did not take the request lightly and I asked for a meeting to discuss.  They explained this was their last resort after exhausting all other avenues and negotiations. This closed session meeting was attended by all seven Franklin County Commissioners. Prior to this meeting, they had all been informed and updated long before we met, but I wanted the attorney to go through everything one more time so there would be no miscommunications. After the attorney revisited the strategy, I asked each member if they agreed.  They all said yes, then I asked again if anyone was against this and no one spoke up.

I continue to pray for a successful regional solution. A cooperative water system across our communities would equitably share costs, maintain affordable rates, create jobs, and drive economic growth for everyone involved. SB  214 is not intended to replace partnership—it serves as a necessary backstop if negotiations continue to stall.”

Henderson City Council Approves Resolution Opposing Part V, Section 5 Of N.C. Senate Bill 214

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The Henderson City Council voted unanimously Monday to approve a resolution to oppose specific wording in Senate Bill 214 that would
allow Franklin County to take property from Vance and two other counties named in the Section 5 portion of the draft legislation.

N.C. District 32 Rep. Bryan Cohn updated Council members during a 1 p.m. meeting on the status of the bill.  He said he was optimistic that the bill wouldn’t come back to the House this week.

Cohn paused his remarks to Council to check his phone at 1:19 p.m. to see if the matter, known as a “conference report,” had been removed, and while it had not been removed at that time, it was removed a short time later Monday afternoon.  At this publication, the matter is not on the House calendar but does remain on the Senate calendar.

Seven Council members were present for the special called meeting, scheduled on Apr. 23 by Mayor Melissa Elliott; Council Member Lamont Noel was not present but joined electronically. Council Member Garry Daeke made the motion, which was seconded by Council Member Michael Venable.

Last week, the conference report, which you can continue to think of as Senate Bill 214, was put on the calendar for discussion on Tuesday, Apr. 28; Cohn told the Council Section 5 language was inserted sometime between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.

What Cohn said he was expecting to be an uneventful week back in session turned into a frenzied reaction from local government leaders and elected officials across Vance, Warren, Granville and Halifax counties who called special meetings and adopted resolutions in opposition to the idea that Cohn described to Council as “egregious” in his remarks at the 1 p.m. meeting on Monday.

“It’s un-democratic, it’s un-American, and frankly it’s likely unconstitutional,” he said. Furthermore, if the legislation passes, he
said it would open a Pandora’s box for future attempts by other counties to do the same.

“I think we made a case on the House floor,” Cohn said of remarks he and colleague N.C. Rep. Rodney Pierce, who represents Halifax and Warren counties, made last week. “I’m extremely optimistic that we are headed in the right direction,” Cohn said, adding that he feels a lot better about things now than he did last week.

“We’re talking now about what it is that Franklin County needs, what is it that the region needs, what are the issues that are continuing to
come up and affect the city of Henderson, the water plants and its partners – those are positive things, and it’s a much better place to be.”

Elliott said a bus will leave the Henderson Police Department parking lot at 7 a.m. Tuesday to take interested individuals to the Legislative
Building in Raleigh to voice their opposition to legislators.

Cohn was at the Council meeting to provide an update, but he also asked for the council to remain open to possibilities and “have discussions in good faith” regarding the future of the Kerr Lake Regional Water System and the needs of both its partners and of its customers.

As majority partner in the regional water system, the City of Henderson has a 60 percent interest in the way the water plant is currently
structured.

“We’re 2 and 0 in stopping shenanigans with the water plant, but I can’t guarantee that we’ll be 3 and 0. I say that with confidence. I can’t
guarantee that.” Decisions need to be made about how this water plant is going to continue.

But Cohn reminded Council members that the state has the authority to remove that ownership through a variety of means. “We don’t ever want to get to that point,” he said. “This city has worked hard to make sure that this plant is operated and has continued to serve the people of Henderson, Warren County, the City of Oxford and all the bulk water customers throughout the region for many, many decades. That needs to be honored and respected and Henderson absolutely must have a seat at the table.”

He urged Council members to work with the city manager, consulting partners as well as the other entities with an ownership stake to
discuss what the future looks like and what it means for the city of Henderson.

Although he did not file for re-election to represent House District 32, Cohn said he would continue to work for a resolution to the issue.

“I will be with you every step of the way,” he said, “so you’ll have my undivided attention until January – and beyond.”

Cohn responded to questions and comments from several Council members, including Council Member Garry Daeke, who mentioned the current water plant expansion project that is nearing completion.

Daeke cited several factors that he said could have had an adverse effect on fruitful conversations in the past, including disruptions
caused by COVID, as well as having new leadership in key roles, both in Franklin County as well as the city of Henderson. The city has had several city managers in the recent past, as well as city attorneys; similarly, Franklin County has had changes in its leadership as well.

A recent study of the water plant is something that Daeke and Cohn point to that can help inform future discussions about KLRWS.

Reading from a prepared statement, Council Member Kenia Gómez-Jimenez said the regional water system is “not just a pipeline. It is a regional partnership built over time, led in large part by the city of Henderson. We are not just a participant, we are the primary steward and Franklin County, they are not outsiders to the system – they are already a customer.”

She said new infrastructure would be redundant, and “not the most efficient option, not the most collaborative option and certainly not
the most responsible use of Franklin County taxpayer dollars.”

One Arrested On Drug Charges In Apr. 25 Traffic Stop

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— From the office of Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

On Saturday, April 25, 2026, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle violation in the area of Carey Chapel Road and Newton Dairy Road, Henderson NC. 

 The driver/owner of the vehicle, Kevin Carter, was taken into custody for an outstanding warrant for Obtaining Property by False Pretense out of Franklin County.  Carter was also charged with Resisting Public Officer, Open Container Alcohol Violation, Possession with Intent to Manufacture Sell & Deliver Schedule II Controlled Substance (Methamphetamines), Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling Place Controlled Substance, Possess Drug Paraphernalia and No Liability Insurance.  

Carter was placed in the Vance County Detention Center without bond with a court date scheduled in Vance County Court on May 22, 2026.

 

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Vance Commissioners Adopt Resolution Opposing Section Of SB 214

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The Vance County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution opposing wording in N.C. Senate Bill 214 that would give Franklin County the authority to take property from Vance County without the commissioners’ approval.

The vote was swift and unanimous and the emergency special called meeting lasted less than 10 minutes.

The vote was 6-0; Commissioner Yolanda Feimster was not present at the meeting, which began at 4 p.m. in the commissioners’ meeting room in the county administration building.

Commissioner Tommy Hester made the motion to approve adoption of the resolution.

After the vote, Hester stated, “Vance County is in support of the city of Henderson. We’re doing this in support of them.”

County Manager C. Renee Perry said she received a call Wednesday from Rep. Rodney Pierce who represents Halifax and Warren counties about Part V Section 5 of the bill, which names Vance, Warren and Halifax counties as the three counties from which Franklin County would be able to acquire property “without consent or approval.”

Perry said other counties and municipalities are considering resolutions opposing the bill as well and she recommended that the Vance County board follows suit, “to try to fight this as much as we can.”

Commissioner Leo Kelly said he’d been in Raleigh Friday speaking with legislators about the bill and local ramifications if it passes. The bill is on the calendar for Tuesday, Apr. 28.

County Attorney Jonathan Care was unavailable to attend the meeting, but Perry shared his comments with the board.

“The more noise that we can make the better,” Perry said Care had told her, adding that the bill was “fundamentally wrong.”

Board Chair Carolyn Faines said she considered the action “unethical to suggest even such a thing” as acquiring property without approval of the board of commissioners.

“To me, it’s like robbery,” Faines said. “You come to take, instead of partner to see what’s needed to be done to help fix  a situation or issue. It’s one of the most unethical behaviors from another government body that I have experienced.”