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City Council to Amend Zoning Ordinances, Reject Beckford Dr. Widening

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-Information courtesy the City of Henderson

The Henderson City Council will meet on Monday, December 14, 2020, at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 134 Rose Ave. in Henderson, NC.

Due to COVID-19 health mandates issued by Governor Cooper, the number of citizens allowed into Council Chambers is limited. However, members of the community are strongly encouraged to provide questions/comments for Council in writing as follows and to listen via Zoom:

Written Comments:

  1. Email written comments to emccrackin@ci.henderson.nc.us
  2. Emails received by 3 p.m. the day of the meeting will be read aloud at the meeting. Comments are limited to three minutes per person.

Join Zoom Meeting:

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Meeting ID: 842 9975 0616

Passcode: 124394

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Agenda Items Include:

Amending the Zoning Ordinance by Defining and Adding Indoor Farming as a Use.

Amending the Zoning Ordinance by Increasing the Density within the R-6 and R-8 Zoning Districts.

Providing for the Disposition of Jointly Owned Properties by the City and County Identified as Andrews Avenue, Recorded in Vance County Tax Deed Book 1275, Page 988, Further Identified as PIN #0079 03036 and 0 East Avenue, Recorded in Vance County Tax Deed Book 1275, Page 985, Further Identified as PIN #0079 03038.

Directing the Code Compliance Director to Remove or Demolish the following Structures for Failure to Comply with Abandoned Structure Code (Chapter 21A):

  • 413 Brick Street
  • 926 Champion Street
  • 113 Main Street
  • 413 East Rockspring Street
  • 842/846 Vaughan Street

Awarding the CARES Act Improvements Project to Yes Real Estate Construction Group for Division 1 and 2, and H.G. Reynolds for Division 3.

Rejection of the Beckford Drive Widening Project U-4916.

Awarding Department Handgun and Badge to Retiree Captain Steven T. Vaughn.

Authorizing the Acceptance of Grant Funding from the US Department of Justice BJA Local Law Enforcement Crime Gun Intelligence Center Integration Initiative.

Adopting a Title VI Policy for the City of Henderson, North Carolina to Prohibit Discrimination in Programs and Services and Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance.

Click here to view previous and current Henderson City Council meeting agendas and minutes.

Youngsville, NC

Youngsville Christmas Parade Press Generates $11K for Needy Children

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-Press Release, Town of Youngsville

At the end of a year that found too many Americans isolated and dejected due to a wide variety of challenges, the annual Christmas parade in Youngsville, North Carolina helped encourage warm-hearted people from across the nation to respond in the most Christmas-like of ways.

At the conclusion of a hectic week leading up to the town’s Christmas parade, Mayor Fonzie Flowers appeared live on the nationally broadcast ‘Fox and Friends’ television show just two hours before the parade began. After reiterating the town’s careful guidance and precautions to facilitate a safe parade, Mayor Flowers then asked viewers to consider donating to the town’s Shop with a Cop program.

In the 24 hours that followed the mayor’s appearance on national TV, the town received more than $11,000 in donations from at least 500 individual donors – over ten times what the program brought in last year.

This outpouring of support was no surprise to town leaders since the response to the decision to move forward with the Youngsville parade was overwhelmingly positive. In a video published via the town’s YouTube channel, Mayor Fonzie Flowers said, “a tally of the responses to the town’s social media communications regarding our parade has yielded a total of 1,001 positive responses and only 30 negative responses. In other words, more than 97% of community members support the town’s decision. Rest assured that – at least in Youngsville – the will of the people will always be heard.”

Youngsville Chief of Police J. G. Whitley proclaimed, “We never expected this type of response. All I can say is there will be a lot of very happy children this year in Youngsville. All these donations will bring immeasurable joy into the homes of some Youngsville families that are most in need. We cannot thank our community and these generous donors enough.”

The Shop with a Cop event will begin at the town’s community building (115 E. Main Street) at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15, 2020. Residents can donate by clicking on the pop-up notification on the town’s website (townofyoungsville.org) or by visiting tinyurl.com/donate-shop-cop.

Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen

Vance County Manager Jordan McMillan Named Kerr-Tar Manager of the Year

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Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen was recently named county manager of the year. The Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Goverments presented the award to McMillen last week.

Vance County Commissioner Tommy Hester nominated McMillen and told WIZS News the county manager is exceptional and someone who goes beyond the call of duty. Hester said, “He puts service above self. His job is to make the quality of life better for every citizen of Vance County.”

The director of the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments, Diane Cox, said, “Jordan McMillen is very deserving of the Outstanding County Manager award for the Kerr-Tar region. Over the past few years, Jordan has been instrumental in regional projects focused on expanding broadband options, ensuring critical infrastructure for economic development and supporting services for all Vance County residents. He believes in consensus-building, has the highest level of integrity and is an extremely dedicated public servant.”

McMillen told WIZS he enjoyed the recognition. “It makes me feel good,” he said, “but I’m not the best at talking about it.”

He said, “Those that know me know, I enjoy seeing what the County does as a whole, and my role as manager allows me to see that perspective. I’ve been fortunate to meet a lot of people, and the relational side of the county manager role is what I enjoy the most.”

Where there are needs McMillen tries to address them. He said his role allows him to do that.

Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen

Vance County Manager Jordan McMillan Named Kerr-Tar Region’s Manager of the Year

“With all that said,” McMillen continued, “the County has outstanding department heads, office heads. They lead every day. We have employees who come to work everyday, and they make the choice to make a difference in someone’s life.”

That’s a choice you can make, according to McMillen, whether you’re in local government or not. He said, “But in local government, we’re in a constant position everyday where we get to help.”

Hester explained when Vance County bought the Kittrell Water Association, it was McMillen who got it all straight. Hester said the project was nearing a break even point much sooner than expected and essentially was saying McMillen’s work was a big reason why. “He is saving tax payers money, and that’s one example of him moving forward as far as that’s concerned,” Hester said.

Commissioner Hester explained an additional economic development project is presently underway and that the county engineer is involved because of land. Hester said we needed the engineer and “I called the engineer that afternoon (after the meeting at 10 o’clock in the morning), and the engineer told me Jordan had already called. He’d done it in an hour’s time. He jumps on things. He does what he needs to do. He moves forward. Vance County is fortunate to have him.”

Local News Audio

Noon News 12-10-20 Eddie Ellington; Chamber Banquet; Covid19

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Stories include:

–  Mayor Eddie Ellington discusses his life and role as Mayor of Henderson

– Chamber of Commerce Banquet postponed

– Covid19 case counts

– Covid testing event

For full details and audio click play. 

Brides on Wheels

Granville Wedding Vendors Invited: Register for 2021 ‘Brides on Wheels’ Tour

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County vendors are invited to participate in the 2021 “Brides on Wheels” Bridal Tour, scheduled for March 28, 2021. Brides planning a 2021-2022 wedding will be taking a scenic “caravan” tour to learn more about wedding locations and resources available to help plan the “perfect” event.

The day includes stops at five wedding/reception venues, Cedar Grove Acres (Creedmoor), The Barn at Vino (Stem), Carlee Farm (Oxford), Thorndale Oaks (Oxford), and The Orpheum (Oxford). Florists, photographers, caterers, event planners, disc jockeys, rental companies, etc. will be set up to welcome new brides throughout the tour and to display a variety of wedding service options.

Vendors interested in participating in the “Brides on Wheels” Bridal Tour are requested to register by Jan. 8, 2021. Space is limited, with first priority being given to Granville-based vendors. After Jan. 8, vendors outside of Granville County will be able to sign up to participate, depending on space limitations and availability. All vendors need to register by Feb. 5, 2021.

Sponsorships are also available, as well as opportunities to distribute items to future bridal couples in “VIP bags” given out to all who participate in the Bridal Tour.

For more information about the Bridal Tour, contact Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen by phone at (919) 693-6125 or by email at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org. Brides who would like to save a seat on the “Brides on Wheels” caravan tour can register at https://granvillebows2021.eventbrite.com.

Granville County Public Schools

GCPS Celebrates Joy of Reading With ‘Books for Break’

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Granville County Public Schools is celebrating reading and readers with Books for Break – Celebrating the Joy of Reading! As part of its commitment to early literacy, GCPS is giving a book to every student in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 3rd grade to keep and enjoy at home.

WHO: Students in Pre-K through 3rd grade

WHAT: Books for Break, a literacy initiative of Granville County Public Schools

WHEN: Friday, December 11, 2020 (Group B students)

Tuesday, December 15, 2020 (Group A students)

During Packet Pick-Up at the School (Virtual students)

WHERE: All elementary schools

WHY: To encourage students to continue reading during winter break

During the winter break, we hope students enjoy reading not only these books about characters’ adventures in the snow but also continue reading their personal favorite books. In the words of children’s book author Tomie dePaola, “Reading is important because if you can read, you can learn anything about everything and everything about anything.“

We hope these books offer your family the opportunity to find joy in reading together.

Mike Waters

Vance & Granville Disposition Court Canceled Dec. 17-18

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(NOTE: THE TEXT OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S INFORMATION PROVIDED BELOW FROM THURSDAY (12-10-20) IS NOT CHANGED.  HOWEVER, THIS UPDATE FROM FRIDAY (12-11-20) FROM THE VANCE COUNTY CLERK OF COURT AND INFORMATION FROM OTHER JUDGES MEANS THE COURTS AND DWI DEFENDENT PROCEDINGS ARE ALL CANCELED NOW.)

UPDATE 12-11-20 at 4:45pm

From the Clerk of Court in Vance County, the Hon. Henry L. Gupton, the DWIs are cancelled as well.

Gupton said, “After talking with our judges per notification we have received from AOC in Raleigh, beginning on Monday, December 14th and continuing for 30 days, all of our District Court Sessions have been cancelled. However, we will be conducting 96 hr, 48 hr hearings and any other statutory cases that need to be heard. All defendants will be notified in reference to a new court date. Also we have Superior Court scheduled for next week beginning on Monday.  However Monday is cancelled.  We are going to leave Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday open right now to determine if we will proceed with those days.  We do have our Grand Jury scheduled to convene on Wednesday.  That will go on as scheduled. Also, we will be holding our Small Claims Court session as scheduled.”

Updated 12-10-20

-Information courtesy the Office of District Attorney Michael D. Waters

After careful consideration, Vance and Granville County court officials have decided to cancel the office hours portion of Vance Disposition Court on Thursday, December 17, 2020, and Granville Disposition Court on Friday, December 18, 2020.

Defendants with DWI charges set for those days will still need to appear on their court date.

We feel that having a large group of people gather, even while social distancing and wearing masks, is unwise given the rising numbers of community spread COVID–19 cases in Vance and Granville counties.

If you have a court case that is NOT a DWI on one of those two dates, your case will be continued.

Christian Lockamy

Vance County Announces Christian Lockamy as Economic Development Director

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-Press Release, County of Vance

Vance County is pleased to announce the hiring of Christian Lockamy as the Director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission.

Lockamy comes to Vance County with over seven years of experience in economic development, most recently serving as the Economic Development Director with the Elizabeth City/Pasquotank County EDC. He previously served with the City of Greenville, North Carolina as a City Planner/GIS Specialist, Economic Development Research Manager, Senior Economic Developer and Interim Director of Economic Development.

Vance County is pleased to announce the hiring of Christian Lockamy as the Director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission. Lockamy will be relocating to Vance County and beginning his new duties effective January 19, 2021. (Photo courtesy County of Vance)

“We believe Christian’s skill set and experience will transition well to Vance County,” said County Manager Jordan McMillen. “His background in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and planning will complement well with his experience in business recruitment and retention, industrial site management and product development, grant writing and administration, and overall economic development management. We are excited to welcome Christian to Vance County.”

In Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County, he worked with others to develop a strategic plan, led efforts to launch a new economic development website and was instrumental in securing a large industrial site and certifying two industrial parks. Most recently he coordinated expansion efforts for Telephonics Corporation, Hockmeyer Equipment Corporation, and SAS Industries.

Lockamy holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning from East Carolina University and previously served in the US Navy onboard the USS Thorn, a Spruance Class Destroyer. He has already completed some coursework leading to the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification through the International Economic Development Council.

Lockamy was attracted to Henderson and Vance County due to its strategic location along a major Interstate highway, proximity to the Triangle Area, and recent company announcements by Mako Medical Laboratories and Select Tissue.

Lockamy stated, “Henderson and Vance County are perfect for industrial companies seeking a convenient, business-friendly location along the I-85 corridor. I’m also very excited to work with the County Commissioners and the EDC Board and would like to give a special shout-out to EDC Chairman and County Commissioner, Tommy Hester. Mr. Hester has been a champion of economic development for Vance County and the State of NC. I am looking forward to coupling my experience with his, and that of the EDC Board members to take Henderson and Vance County to the next level. This community and its people are first class, and I can’t be happier about this opportunity.”

Lockamy will be relocating to Vance County and beginning his new duties effective January 19, 2021.

TownTalk 12-10-20 Local History With Mark Pace

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Emigrating Over the Horizon; Where Did They Go?

WIZS TownTalk host Bill Harris and guest Mark Pace discuss emigration from Old Granville County.

What were the reasons people left the area in the early to mid 19th Century?  The need of land was one reason and land was cheap in areas such as Tennessee and Alabama. Land grants from the Revolution also provided incentive, and larger quantities of land were needed as large families with eight to 10 to 12 children grew.  Land quality was a factor as well because without enough land, proper crop rotations could not occur.

Where did they go? Numerous communities such as Macon, Georgia or Granville, Tennessee were named for people or locations in the immediate vicinity of Henderson and Oxford. Many families moved to and founded the communities in these areas for better opportunities.

For more details and TownTalk audio click play…and continue reading below…

Additionally, many people with roots here went on to become famous nationally and internationally. Playwright Tennessee Williams, Gen. Braxton Bragg, former Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley and “Lady Bird” Johnson all had or have roots tying them to the area.

Just as Vance, Granville, Warren & Franklin Counties were shaped by those who moved here from Southern and Tidewater Virginia, many areas in Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas and other southern states were equally influenced by those who left here to make their mark in these states and others.

For more on local history and genealogy visit Mark Pace at the NC Room at Thornton Library in Oxford and visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/fgvwgeneaology on the web for more information on Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren county history and genealogy.

H-V Emergency Operations

Vance County Reaches 2,000+ Total, 592 Active COVID Cases

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Director Brian Short, Henderson-Vance Co. Emergency Operations

Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations released the following information on the spread of COVID-19:

As of this morning, the total number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Vance County is 2,010.

Of those 2,010 cases, 1,827 are associated with community spread, 58 are associated with Pelican Health of Henderson, 51 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home (two of which are still active), 73 are associated with Senior Citizens Nursing Home (four of which are still active) and one is associated with Alliance Rehabilitative Care.

These numbers also include the 61 individuals who have tragically lost their lives to this illness in Vance County.

A total of 1,357 individuals have now been released from isolation, and 22 more remain hospitalized.

As of this morning, we have 592 known active cases of COVID-19 in Vance County. It is still very likely that our cases will continue to increase over the days and weeks ahead. At this time, our coordinated response posture remains the same and we are not altering our recommendations to the general public.

Testing is ongoing through Maria Parham Health, Granville Vance Public Health and private institutions.

There are currently 410,527 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in North Carolina, with 2,440 currently hospitalized and thus far 5,661 deaths. Please visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services Coronavirus statistics page at the following link to stay current on the number of cases in our state: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/covid-19-case-count-nc

Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations is monitoring this event very closely and will continue to issue informational releases as the situation develops.