Today, Governor Roy Cooper and First Lady Kristin Cooper visited Chimney Rock State Park and local shops to highlight North Carolina’s record-breaking tourism industry including our beautiful state parks and thriving small businesses ahead of Labor Day. The Governor and First Lady were joined by park leadership and local officials as he visited the summit of Chimney Rock and Chimney Rock Village, emphasizing the importance of protecting North Carolina’s natural environment and supporting the tourism economy.
Press Releases
Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that the State is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Jaishon Banks, age 36.On June 26, 2019, officers responded to a vehicle collision at the 1900 block of Merritt Drive. Upon arrival, officers found Jaishon Banks, inside the vehicle. Mr. Banks was deceased after suffering a fatal gunshot wound. His death is being investigated as a homicide.
Governor Roy Cooper announced today $17.9 million in grants to fund 46 local parks and recreation projects across the state through the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF). The Parks and Recreation Authority approved the grants at an Aug. 23 meeting.“These awards through the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund and the Accessible Parks Grant will bring tremendous impact to communities across North Carolina by providing more parks, more trails and more accessible recreation,” said Governor Cooper.
Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that the State is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Martha Maxwell, age 51.On January 20, 1994, Martha Maxwell was found stabbed to death in her home on 806 Blue Street in Elizabethtown, North Carolina. Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. offered a reward on September 12, 1994. The SBI Cold Case Unit reopened the investigation on January 25, 2021.
Today, Governor Roy Cooper visited Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro where he met with base leadership and joined officials on a tour of the base including the 333 Fighter Generation Squadron of F-15E Strike Eagles. The Governor was joined by North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Secretary Grier Martin, Colonel Morgan Lohse Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Commander and other base leadership as he learned about current base operations and opportunities for the state to partner with Seymour Johnson Air Force Base to better support our military.
Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that the State is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the disappearance of Madalina Cojocari.Madalina Cojocari, age 11, was last seen publicly on November 21, 2022, getting off her school bus at her home on Victoria Bay Drive in Cornelius. She was reported missing on December 15, 2022.Anyone having information concerning this case should contact Cornelius Police Department at (704) 892-1363 or the State Bureau of Investigation at (919) 662-4500.
Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that the State is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Uriah Diondreus McCree, age 19.On March 22, 2022, at approximately 5:42 p.m., officers responded to a reported shooting on southbound Interstate 85 near Exit 13, within the Bessemer City limits. When officers arrived on the scene, Mr. McCree was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Mr. McCree was transported to the hospital where he later died from his injuries.
Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that the State is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the disappearance of Venus Shawn Rose.On December 29, 2008, Venus Rose, age 32, was reported missing by her mother. She was last seen on May 19, 2008. New information was reported to the High Point Police Department on February 22, 2021 suggesting that Ms. Rose was a victim of a homicide.
Today, Governor Roy Cooper hosted a roundtable discussion highlighting the current reproductive care landscape in North Carolina and the harmful impacts of Senate Bill 20, the abortion ban passed last year by North Carolina Republicans. The group also discussed how any further restrictions on abortion in North Carolina would be even more dangerous for women’s health. The Governor was joined by the White House Gender Policy Council Director Jennifer Klein and medical professionals as they discussed the negative effects of abortion bans on reproductive health care in North Carolina.
With a new school year beginning in North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper will continue highlighting the outstanding work being done in North Carolina public schools and urging the legislature to fully fund public education and make meaningful investments in teacher pay.