Tag Archive for: #warrencountynews

“Beatle Mania Mystery” at the Historic Hotel Norlina

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— courtesy The Chamber of Commerce of Warren County | Craig Hahn, Executive Director ~ 252-257-2657 ~ info@warren-chamber.org ~ Facebook

— by Craig Hahn

***Photographs courtesy Leigh Traylor***

As many of you know from earlier Warren County Historical Tidbits and daily drives thru Norlina, we have a diamond in the rough and 100+ year old treasure in the Hotel Norlina right on US #1 in Norlina.

The Historic Hotel Norlina as it appeared in 1973

Recently, a Warren County resident, Margaret Moseley has begun working with the current owner of the Hotel Norlina to bring it back to life and open a new chapter for this regal building. As they’ve worked to host sales before Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter for local home-businesses that attracted up to 200 shoppers in a day, Margaret and the owner have been working to take the steps necessary to earn funding and support for the Historic Hotel Norlina over the recent months. Part of their work has been doing extensive research into the history of this hotel.

In doing that research, one “local legend” that kept tugging at Margaret was that of a visit in the 1960’s by Beatles’ members John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Could she find proof? Check out the telling of this story by Margaret herself…

“Beatle Mania Mystery”

By Margaret H. Moseley

As some of you may or may not know, the owner of Historic Hotel Norlina is in the beginning process of restoring the old building to her former glory and has plans to start a historic museum/library. We have been researching the history of the hotel and of the town of Norlina and want to incorporate the library/museum to retain the history of its past and record the present day activities for generations to come.

For decades it has been rumored that “The Beatles”, well at least a couple of them, stopped at Hecht Hardware Store’s Indian Museum in Norlina during the 1960’s. It was rumored that John Lennon and Paul McCartney visited and other rumors stated it was John Lennon and Ringo Starr.

I wondered why no one has ever tried to find the answer. My curiosity got the better of me so I was on a mission to find the truth behind the legend. Through extensive research, detective work, numerous phone calls and communications I located the person in possession of the log book and pleaded for just a copy of the pages. I recently received the coveted copies of the Museum Log Book from the present owners. Upon reviewing some of the log pages, I thought we had found the proof necessary to verify that the famous entertainers did indeed stop in Norlina. There it was in black and white, John Lennon and George Harrison’s names dated 12/22/1969. I was ecstatic that we finally had proof of their visit. However; a little voice of reasoning was nagging, “You need to research the authenticity of the signatures”. Although it would have been the easy thing to do and just say we have proof, I listened to the voice of reason and with the confidential help of a friend and “Norlina native”, began an extensive research of authentic certified autographs from both John Lennon and George Harrison.

Much to our dismay, the signatures bear no resemblance to that of the certified autographs. Not only do they not resemble the original signatures, we found that there is absolutely no way possible that John Lennon would have been here in Norlina on that date as there is documentation proving otherwise. You see, December 16, 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono left England on a tour to Canada. This was their “War is Over, Give Peace a Chance” marking the end of their two-year protest of war. https://www.beatlesbible.com/1969/12/16/john-lennon-yokoono-fly-to-toronto-canada/.

Now I have more questions than answers and have begun a new search for some facts. I have always believed that where there is rumor, there is also some truth; therefore, I need the assistance of anyone who actually may have seen, know of someone who saw, or have any other proof that the Beatles were at the museum at Hecht’s Hardware Store. If anyone has any information, could you please come forward and assist us in solving the mystery. You can contact Margaret Moseley at 252-820-8032 or via email at mhmoseley1@gmail.com.

So, there you have it. Can you help? I’m confident that there is someone in our wonderful County that can shed some light on this story. Please keep me in the loop as you pass along your information. Here’s to solving our “Beatle-Mania Mystery!”

Wherever you turn in Warren County we have a jewel… “Warren County Historical Tidbits” is a project of The Chamber of Commerce of Warren County.

NC Coop Extension

NC Cooperative Extension Seeking Summer 4-H Youth Interns

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-Information courtesy Crystal M. Smith, County Extension Director, N.C. Cooperative Extension Service – Warren Co.

NC Cooperative Extension is seeking summer 4-H youth interns to assist in Warren County. Interns will help with 4-H Summer Palooza, assist with 4-H activities, attend an educational field trip, greet youth and parents, attend meetings and have fun!

This program is for teens ages 13 – 18 who want to develop and improve their leadership skills. Teens must apply for an internship position, participate in leadership training, commit to volunteering in 4-H summer fun day camps, and complete a leadership project record book and resume.

This is also a great way for high school students to complete volunteer hours needed for graduation.

Interns must volunteer 35 hours from June – August.

Applications may be found online and should be completed by Thursday, May 31, 2018.

A youth training session will be held Monday, June 11, 2018, from 1 – 5:30 p.m. A parent meeting will be held from 6 – 7 p.m., on Tuesday, June 5. Both sessions will be held at the NC Cooperative Extension Office, Warren County Center, 158 Rafters Lane, Warrenton.

For more information, please call NC Cooperative Extension, Warren County office at 252-257-3640 or contact Crystal Smith via email at cmsmith2@ncsu.edu.

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Grooms Charged with First Degree Murder, Sentenced to Life Without Parole

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-Press Release, Office of District Attorney Mike Waters

Warrenton, NC – Warren County Criminal Superior Trial Court was held during the week of April 30, 2018. Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Henry W. Hight, Jr. presided over the term. The State of North Carolina was represented by District Attorney Mike Waters and Assistant District Attorney Onica Fuller.

Much of the week was devoted to the murder trial of Kadeem Grooms, who, along with Marquis Davis, Montrell Davis and Darren Alston, was charged with First Degree Murder, five counts of Attempted Murder, two counts of Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle and one count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon with the Intent to Kill.

The acts occurred in the early morning hours of August 9, 2015, when six men from Oxford traveled to the Connect 25 nightclub in Warren County. As the six men were leaving Connect 25, they were fired upon. Michael Pressley, a passenger in one of the vehicles, was shot and died as a result of his wounds.

A Warren County jury deliberated approximately 70 minutes before returning guilty verdicts on all counts. Judge Hight sentenced Mr. Grooms to life in prison without parole for the First Degree Murder conviction, plus 70 years for the other offenses. Darren Alston and Montrell Davis had previously plead in the matter. Marquis Davis is scheduled for trial during the September trial term of Warren County Superior Court and is innocent until and unless proven guilty.

This matter was investigated by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

Upcoming I-85 Closures for May

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— courtesy The Chamber of Commerce of Warren County | Craig Hahn, Executive Director ~ 252-257-2657 ~ info@warren-chamber.org ~ Facebook

I-85 Monday (5/7/18) – I-85 northbound traffic will be shifted on a median crossover just north of US-1. I-85 traffic will be in a two-way one-lane pattern from just north of US 1 until northbound traffic crosses back to the northbound lanes just north of Manson Road.

The following ramps will be closed this entire phase (will be reopened this fall):

(I-85 northbound off-ramp at Flemingtown), reference TMP-65 for Detour

(I-85 northbound on-ramp at Flemingtown), reference TMP-66 for Detour

(I-85 northbound on-ramp at Manson), reference TMP-68 for Detour

This shift will build the last northbound section of I-85, scheduled to be completed by mid-November 2018.

Wednesday/Thursday (05/09/18 to 05/10/18) – Flemingtown Road will be shut down for two days starting on Wednesday, May 9 for the I-85 northbound bridge demo. I-85 southbound will not be impacted because the I-85 southbound off-ramp to Flemingtown and southbound on-ramp from Flemingtown will be open to traffic. I-85 northbound ramps will already be closed, so no additional impacts.

Flemingtown road traffic will be detoured from US 158 to Jacksontown to Jackson-Royster Road and the same detour route will be used in the opposite direction for traffic trying to get from Flemingtown Road to US 158.

For real-time travel information at any time, visit DriveNC.gov, or follow NCDOT on Twitter.

Munn Pleads Guilty to Two Counts of First Degree Murder

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-Press Release, Office of District Attorney Michael D. Waters

On Monday, April 30, 2018, during a session of Warren County Criminal Superior Trial Court, Kevin Burton Munn entered pleas of guilty in two counts of First Degree Murder. One count of First Degree Murder in the death of Vance County businessman James Thomas “Tommy” Ellington, Jr., and one count of First Degree Murder in the death of Lake Gaston resident Nancy Bowling Alford.

As part of his agreement, Mr. Munn will cooperate with authorities as to the investigation of other individuals involved in these cases, in exchange for two consecutive life sentences. Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Henry W. Hight, Jr. continued sentencing in this matter.

Below are statements from the Ellington and Alford families:

“The Ellington family continues to be grateful for the dedication of local and state law enforcement working in conjunction with the DA’s office to pursue justice in Tommy’s murder case. While today’s events will not replace the void we all feel with Tommy’s loss, our prayer is that it will aid the healing process for family and friends, as well as bring more peace of mind to the community. As this is an ongoing investigation, we are not able to comment further at this time.” – The Ellington Family

“The events of March 9, 2018, changed our family forever. We will forever be grateful to all of the law enforcement officers who worked tirelessly to apprehend the men responsible and who continue still to work in the investigation process. We are also very thankful to the Office of the District Attorney for their dedication to this case. We know that all of these people have put us on the path toward justice and pray daily for their continued resolve to bring safety to the communities they serve.” – The Alford Family

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Local Foods Celebration & Forums in Warrenton/Lake Gaston

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Are you one of the early birds at the farmers market or someone who pulls over to support the many roadside farm stands scattered across Warren County? Are you a proponent of local foods and supporting family farms and local businesses? If you answered yes, then the Warren County Local Foods Celebration and Public Forums are the events for you!

These events are being hosted by the Warren County Local Foods Promotion Council on two dates: Tuesday, May 15, 2018, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Warren County Senior Center and Thursday, May 31, 2018, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Buck Spring Park. The purpose of these Forums is to show how Warren County citizens can get involved with the LFPC, to spread the knowledge of local food and farm leaders, and to collect ideas from the public about what kind of local food system they would like to see in Warren County. Refreshments will be provided along with live music and door prizes. 

The Forums are free and open to the public but attendance is limited! Please RSVP by calling 252-257-0205 or register online at https://go.ncsu.edu/warrenfoodforum. If you cannot attend but would like to stay connected through our email listserv, please email paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu.

The Warren County Senior Center is located at 435 W Franklin St, Warrenton, NC; Buck Spring Park is located at 217 Nathaniel Macon Dr, Warrenton, NC.

Photo provided and taken by Paul McKenzie, NC Cooperative Extension Agent

Health Sciences Dean Honored For Leadership At VGCC

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-VGCC Press Release

Angela M. Thomas, dean of health sciences at Vance-Granville Community College, was recently honored with the President’s Leadership Award from Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of the college.

The honor is one of three Glen Raven Excellence in Teaching and Leadership Awards presented to VGCC employees during each academic year. The others, the Faculty Member of the Year and Staff Member of the Year awards, are presented in the fall semester. Glen Raven, Inc., the manufacturer with a site in Norlina, is a longtime VGCC partner. The company’s support includes sponsoring the annual stipends to recognize outstanding VGCC instructors and staff members and endowing many scholarships for students.

President Williams praised Thomas for her dedication and commitment. “Under the leadership of Dean Thomas, our Health Sciences division has continued to demonstrate excellence in preparing students for successful careers, while also growing with the addition of three new credential offerings, including the associate degree in Histotechnology, as well as new partnerships with four-year universities,” she said. The president added that Thomas had directly led two departments during the past year, along with her duties as dean. In one case, she obtained a certification outside of her discipline (Radiography) in order to take on such a responsibility.

In accepting the award, Thomas gave credit to her Health Sciences team and thanked them for their support of her efforts to provide leadership and to assist them with their growth.  

A resident of Hillsborough, Thomas graduated with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology from Pitt Community College and a bachelor of arts in Forensic Science from Guilford College, before completing a master’s degree in Health Care Management from Ashworth College. Thomas continues to work as a radiologic technologist at UNC Hospitals.

She started her association with VGCC in 1997 as a part-time Radiography instructor, later becoming the program’s full-time clinical coordinator and then head of the program. Thomas was named VGCC’s Faculty Member of the Year in 2011. As dean of health sciences since 2013, she leads a division that includes the Histotechnology, Nursing, Human Services Technology, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technology and Radiography programs. Thomas is a graduate of the North Carolina Community College Leadership Program and completed the Executive Leadership Program through the College of Education at N.C. State University.

                                                                                                                                       Angela Thomas holds her plaque for the leadership award. (VGCC photo) 

                                                                               

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Warren County Farmers Market Now Open!

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-Courtesy of Chamber Connections, the Chamber of Commerce of Warren County’s weekly newsletter

The Warren County Farmers Market is now open!

Here’s a little of what you’ll find in 2018:

Produce – Spring onions – Turnip greens – Purple kale – Bok Choy – Small organic freshly cut Nozaki Chinese cabbages – Lettuce  Plants – Pineapple Sage – English Lavender – Thyme – Tri-Color Sage – Oswego Tea – Blood Sorrel – Peppermint – French Tarragon – Stevia – Fraises Des Bois – Eggs – Chicken – Duck Meat -Steaks, roasts, a variety of beef sausages and ground beef – Whole chickens as well as skinless, boneless breasts and skinless legs/thighs; Sauces – Curry (Hot and Mild) – Jerk (Hot and Mild) – Brown (Hot and Mild); Baked goods – Blueberry crumb cake – Lemon pound cake – Chocolate pound cake with lemon drizzle – Old-fashioned pound cake – Cheese bread – Cranberry/orange muffins – Brownies – Banana nut bread.

Syrups – Honey – Blackstrap molasses; Flowers – Flower bouquets – Shasta Daisy potted plants – Planted bulbs of Stargazer & Casablanca Lilies – Flower Photographs; Framed Poetry; Crafts Fit of Pique Garden Pots, including Strawberry Jars; Diffuser brackets; Dog Treats – Organic and All Natural Biscuits, Crunchy Peanut Butter and Bacon Cheddar Barley Bones including a “Lucky Buck” for $1 discount on future Farmers Market purchases.

If you have any questions, please call Danylu Hundley at 252-213-1795. The Warren County Farmers Market is located in Historic Downtown Warrenton in the BB&T parking lot at the corner of Macon & Bragg Streets and open Saturdays from 8 a.m. – Noon. Looking for more information? Call 252-257-3640 or visit www.warrengrowers.com.

According to Hundley, “Our vendors will be excited to see you, and we hope that you will enjoy seeing “seasoned” vendors and meeting new ones! We are excited that our market is growing this year and will continue to grow as the season moves forward. Come out and support your Warren County farmers and craftspeople. We have been hard at work during the cold weather in preparation for YOU!”

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Warren Co. Chamber of Commerce Office Moving

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In the next several weeks, the office of the Chamber of Commerce of Warren County will be moving just down the block and across the street. The new location will be at 131 South Main Street – in the Warrenton Insurance building.

SBI Requesting Help To Find This Car (Warren Home Invasion)

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(Be sure to share on Facebook and re-tweet on Twitter)

— press release from the SBI, click here to view it on SBI web page

SBI Requests Public Help in Finding Stolen Mercedes Following Warren County Home Invasion and Deadly Fire

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the State Bureau of Investigation are asking for the public’s help in locating a 4-door 2011 sliver Mercedes C-300, license plate BDH-7568. The car belonged to Nancy and John Alford, the victims of a home invasion, kidnapping and deadly fire in the Lake Gaston area of Warren County on Friday, March 9. If you have any information please call the Warren County Sheriff’s Office at 252-257-3456 or the State Bureau of Investigation at 919-779-8188 (M-F, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.) or 1-800-334-3000 (after hours and weekends).