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TownTalk: Does Vance County Know Where Its Money Is?

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Vance County Manager C. Renee Perry has confirmed that there is an open investigation into the practices of the county’s former finance director after a recent audit found deficiencies in financial processes that involves $1.1 million in county funds.

The audit presented at the June 3 Board of Commissioners meeting revealed that the former finance director “wired, from the County’s bank account, funds equating to approximately $1.1 million dollars through the end of fiscal year 2023, with subsequent wire transfers occurring into fiscal year 2024.”

Katherine Bigelow had served as the county’s finance director since 2019. She was dismissed in February 2024; on May 10, Perry sent an email to county staff informing them of Bigelow’s “recent passing.”

The county has 60 days from the June 3 audit report presentation to present a plan of action to the Local Government Commission.

In an email to WIZS earlier today, Perry said the audit – a public record – disclosed some of the information, adding that there is little else she can say at this point, per the FBI.

“The County was deprived of its monetary resources, resources which should have gone to covering legitimate expenditures and projects which the County has undertaken,” the audit report stated.

The audit report identified four “significant” audit findings: budget violation, reconciliation of records, internal controls and timeliness. In his presentation to commissioners, Thomas Price said his team at Whiteville-based Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams, and Co., P.A. noted that the county failed to comply with General Statutes by not having a two-signature process in place as it pertains to county funds.

This lack of secondary approval or oversight allowed for the finance director to post entries in the county’s financial software; the audit pointed to lack of sufficient training and cross-training practices to ensure proper handling of financial matters.

Citing timeliness of the numbers and the accuracy of the numbers they were provided, Price said they discovered issues that they couldn’t get satisfactory answers for.

“By November, she (Bigelow) wasn’t giving us information in a timely way,” Price said.

Price conceded that his team could have done a better job briefing Perry – who only came on board in November 2023.

“At that point, we didn’t suspect foul play, but we didn’t know,” Price said.

Over the past three or four months, county staff and the audit team have communicated weekly – sometimes daily, and Perry said, “We’ve had conversations…moving forward, things will be different.”

Commission Chair Dan Brummitt said he would like to see an agreement “defined in writing. There appears to have been some miscommunication along the way,” he said. Brummitt said he would go so far as to create an Audit Committee, made up of commissioners and others with accounting experience.

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Cooperative Extension With Jamon Glover: Bedtime Problems, Pt. 4

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Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

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Home and Garden Show

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

 Wayne Rowland of the Vance Co. Extension Service provides tips for gardeners.

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TownTalk: Juneteenth and July 4th, Vance Tourism

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July 4 falls on a Thursday this year, which makes for a long weekend just right for vacationers and campers to enjoy a few extra days in and around Kerr Lake. We’ll turn our attention to the skies around Satterwhite Point on Saturday, July 6 for the annual fireworks show, but come early and enjoy all the festivities that await, local tourism officials said.

Norman Dickerson and Pam Hester said this year’s activities include music by DJ Jay, as well as a variety of area vendors selling everything from wings and cheesesteaks to shaved ice treats.

The festivities begin around 4 p.m., and vendors will be set up and ready by 2:30 p.m. Dickerson said.

There’s a $7 state park gate fee – that’s per car, not per person. And a reminder: No alcohol is allowed in state parks. The community is invited to come out to enjoy the afternoon and stay for the fireworks display, which will begin sometime between 9:15 and 9:30, Dickerson said.

As in years past, the show should last 30 minutes or a little bit longer.

Once the last oohs and aahs have drifted into the night sky, Satterwhite Point Road will be transformed into a two-lane exit. The State Highway Patrol will close Satterwhite Point Road at Anderson Creek about the time the fireworks start to make sure festival goers can depart efficiently and safely.

RJ’s Grill, Bun on the Run and Warehouse Barbecue of Youngsville will provide burgers, dogs and more, while other vendors will have everything from corn dogs to pretzels and ice cream.

There also will be novelty items – think all things glow-in-the-dark – and the kids will be happy.

Dickerson and Hester appreciate the considerable support that more than a dozen area agencies provide to get what Hester called a “massive undertaking” like the holiday festival up and running.

From fire departments and the Highway Patrol, Sheriff’s Office, Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and, of course, the N.C. State Parks system, Vance County’s tourism officials give a solid pat on the back.

If it were left to the two of them to pull off,  the celebration would look less like fireworks and more like sparklers, they said.

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Vance County Hitting All The Right Notes For ‘Make Music Day’ On June 21

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What are you doing this Friday?

The Vance County Arts Council invites you to join in “Make Music Day” – performances are popping up all over Henderson and Vance County in celebration of the global event that involves more than 1,000 cities all over the world.

The performances are free, and Dr. Alice Clark Sallins hopes people come out to hear and appreciate all the different types of music that will be created.

“By establishing one specific day each year, June 21, to celebrate music, Vance County Arts Council encourages both amateur and professional music-making, and empowers individuals to seek out ways to help celebrate music in their community,” stated Sallins.

Over the course of 12 hours – 9:45 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. – music of all types will be heard throughout the county.

“Vance is one of the most musically talented counties in the state of North Carolina and we want to give our citizens a music-making opportunity to display such talents on June 21,” Sallins said.

In case someone needs a reason to enjoy creating or listening to music, the local Arts Council hopes to give community members “of all ages, creed, and musical persuasions the chance to experience the joy of making music together,” Sallins said. “The Vance County Arts Council is committed to hosting quality art experiences and performances, as well as creating opportunities for learning and participation. There are several benefits in having the arts, mostly helping to shape create and critical thinking minds.”

Feel like strumming your guitar in the backyard? Great! Got a harmonica that needs a little exercise? Super! Wherever people feel like playing – and listening – is fine with Sallins. Maybe you’d just like to park downtown near the Baptist Church about 10:30 a.m. and listen to the melodious sounds coming from the church’s pipe organ – gotcha covered.

Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott is scheduled to kick off the festivities when she issues a proclamation at City Hall at 9:45 a.m.

Here’s a rundown of specific performances already scheduled:

  • 9:50 a.m. – Evelyn C. Couch at City Hall, 134 Rose Ave
  • 10:10 a.m. – Opening Ceremony: Heart and Soul at McGregor Hall, 200 Breckenridge Street
  • 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Mario Davis (instructor) Bucket Drumming classes at Henderson Family YMCA
  • 10:30 a.m. – David Cole at First Baptist Church, Downtown Henderson (park and listen to the pipe organ)
  • 11 a.m. – David Westbrook at McGregor Hall
  • 11 a.m. – Keshawn Yancey at Hair in Motion, 1302 N. Garnett St. (percussionists)
  • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Live Karaoke at the Vance Senior Center, 500 Beckford Dr.
  • 11 a.m. – 12 noon – Boomwhackers with the Whacking Band at Adcock Recreation Center
  • 12 noon – 1 p.m. Tristan Beradi – Perry Memorial Library (lunch hour performance)
  • Lunchtime Ben Parker and Mikayla Williams at Versatrim, 101 Eastern Mineral Rd.
  • 1 p.m. James Williams on Facebook Live for a tribute to Frazier Park
  • 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Jimmy & The Sound Barriers at Satterwhite Point State Park. First set 3 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.: Dancing to the Oldies; Second set 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. Bluegrass on the Grass (They will have the grill hot if you want to throw some hot dogs and hamburgers on it)
  • 6 p.m. Hendfact Henderson Fuerza Activa Drumming and Dance at 715 Garnett Street
  • 7:30 p.m. Just Friends Band and other groups at McGregor Hall for closing activities

However or wherever you choose to create or listen, there’s something for everyone on Friday, June 21.

In addition to the Vance County Arts Council, the event is sponsored by Vance County Tourism, the N.C. Arts Council and the N.C. Dept. of Natural & Cultural Resources.

To learn more about Vance County Make Music Day, visit: https://www.makemusicday.org/vancecounty

Second Round Of VCS Commencement Exercises Held June 14

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-information courtesy of VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin

The second round of high school graduations concluded for Vance County Schools on Friday, June 14, with a total of 83 students turning tassels and receiving diplomas in two separate graduation exercises for AdVance Academy and Vance Virtual Village Academy.

Fifty-three students received their diplomas from AdVance Academy in a ceremony that began at 3 p.m. in the Wayne Adcock Auditorium at The Center for Innovation.

AdVance Academy Principal Nowell Brooks expressed excitement for the Class of 2024 and said the day marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and perseverance. Brooks shared well-wishes with the graduating class as they embark upon their next journey.

As part of the ceremony, graduates were each presented with a rose to share with someone who supported their journey toward achieving this milestone. During the commencement ceremony, scholarships were awarded. Courtney Tenbosch, the Vice President of Campus Operation for Graduation Alliance awarded scholarships in the amount of $1,250 for students to continue their education. Recipients included Autumn Chambliss, Damien Jones, Shadaja Galloway and Dineshia Glasco.

Dr. Ralphel Holloman, Sr. presented the Ronald E. Gregory Scholarship to Dineshia Glasco.

VCS Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett and Board of Education member Dr. Omega T. Perry joined Brooks in presenting the diplomas.

Another 30 students from Vance Virtual Village Academy received their high school diplomas on June 14, with a ceremony that began at 6 p.m. in the Wayne Adcock Auditorium at The Center for Innovation.

Vance Virtual Village Principal Dr. Jessica Perry shared words of wisdom with the graduating class encouraging them to embrace this moment. Perry emphasized, “I know that you, the Class of 2024, can conquer your doubts and take the risks. To do so, you must welcome new experiences. You must set goals and dreams and continue to go after them even when the journey seems unreachable.” She reminded them they must never give up or give up on their dreams.

VCS Superintendent Bennett and Dorothy Gooche, VCS Board of Education cice-chair, joined Perry on stage to present diplomas.

Class of 2024 Fast Facts: 

  • 3 students are graduating Magna Cum Laude (weighted GPA 3.6-3.9) ● 3 seniors have secured full-time employment.
  • 16 seniors were accepted into a 2 or 4-year college/university.
  • Students graduated with a variety of honors:

○ National Honor Society

○ National Beta Club

○ President’s Award for Educational Excellence

○ President’s Award for Educational Achievement

 

Vance County High School and Vance County Early College had graduation exercises in May.

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TownTalk: More Information on Revaluation and Tax Rate Increase

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Vance County commissioners are divided on the issue of how often to conduct a property reappraisal and revaluation – state law requires the revaluation occur at least every 8 years, but many counties have opted to have them more often.

According to Commissioner Sean Alston, only about 20 percent of the state’s 100 counties – 22 counties – are on an 8-year cycle.

Wake County, for example, does a reval every two years, but others have chosen to be on four- or six-year cycles.

But local commissioners do not, so far, anyway, see eye to eye on what the frequency should be.

It was a topic of discussion at the June 13 budget work session, and at that time, the commissioners agreed on tabling the discussion for now and revisting it next year.

Commissioner Sean Alston said the county didn’t need to wait 8 years for the next revaluation. Judging from citizens’ responses to the most recent revaluation, many were surprised at the jump in property values.

Having revals more often “reduces the shock value,” said Commissioner Archie Taylor. “Our community was shocked this time,” Taylor said.

Commissioner Leo Kelly said he leans toward revals every four or six years. “The real estate market is volatile,” Kelly said.

The cost of a revaluation right now is in the neighborhood of $700,000, a figure that Commission Chair Dan Brummitt balked at shelling out more often than every eight years.

Alston and Kelly, however, said spending the money for more frequent reappraisals could reap benefits – in addition to not overwhelming property owners with large increases, more frequent revals could put the county in a position where it could return to a revenue-neutral rate, maybe even lower, said Kelly.

In arriving at consensus on the 10-cent tax increase per $100 valuation, Taylor said he didn’t want to pay the higher tax bill, but he was willing to do so.

“I want my county and my community I live in to get better,” he said.

Alston said the county can’t keep “using Band-aids” to create temporary fixes. “We’re running out of Band-aids…we have to have growth.”

The Vance County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to meet at 4 p.m. on Monday, June 24 and could formally adopt the FY2024-25 budget at that time.

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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Events At Perry Library

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Perry Memorial Library’s Youth Services Director Melody Peters took a few minutes Tuesday from tending to last-minute summer reading program details to talk about upcoming events that will be taking place soon at the library.

There’s a lot going on at the library, but Peters said she’s especially excited about the summer reading program kickoff. “I am expecting a big crowd – I really am!” she exclaimed on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

Readers of all ages and abilities can complete reading journals and turn them in during the summer in exchange for cool prizes.

“Cool” is the name of the game today – the first 200 participants were going to get Pelican Sno Balls.

Library patrons can enjoy a musical performance at the library as part of “Make Music Day” throughout the city and county.

Clarinetist Tristan Beradi, a student at N.C. A&T State University, will perform in the gallery from 12 noon to 1 p.m.

Then, on Sunday afternoon, gather the family and head over to the library for Family Story Time. Peters said she listened to comments from busy parents who just can’t swing a library program during the week. And with sports activities on Saturdays, the only day left is Sunday.

So Peters said she’ll be curious to see how many folks turn out.

“We’re trying it out and hope people come,” she said.

Visit https://www.perrylibrary.org/ to learn more about all the programs at Perry Memorial Library.

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