City of Henderson Logo

Coffey Discusses Kerr Lake Regional Water Meeting, Possible Rate Changes

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Sara Coffey, member of the Henderson City Council, was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the City’s recent meeting with the Kerr Lake Regional Water Partners.

Attendees of the November 27 meeting held at City Hall included representatives from the City of Henderson, the City of Oxford and Warren County.

The KLRW Advisory Board reviewed the system upgrade project, discussed a possible revision of the partners’ rate structure and reviewed results from a recent study projecting water usage over the next 10 years.

According to Coffey, the meeting focused mainly on a potential new rate structure and the partners’ capacity needs.

“No decisions were made at this meeting, other than to move forward with the rate structure discussion,” said Coffey. “We will meet again in December to decide how to proceed.”

Several factors necessitate a rate structure change, Coffey said, including the increase in cost to operate the water plant, the cost of new equipment and the increase in costs of water and water treatment measures.

“We [Henderson] are 60 percent partners, so 60 percent of the debt is on the City of Henderson,” said Coffey. “We need a different rate structure; ours has been the same for a good, long time now.”

Additional discussions focused on the capacity needs of each partner, a task that, according to Coffey, is hard to determine exactly. To help with this process, a study was conducted to project water usage for the next 10 years according to a variety of scenarios.

Plans to change the rate structure are still in the infancy stage, but, according to Coffey, the project will move forward.

“All we came away with yesterday was to know the project wasn’t going to be scrapped. Warren County has $3 million and we [Henderson] have $3 million to use. It does not need to be sent back. It needs to go into the water and water plant.”

To hear the interview in its entirety, including discussion on current and upcoming events in and around Henderson, please click here.

Community Partners of Hope

Henderson Men’s Shelter in Need of Volunteers, Donations for December

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-Information courtesy Jane King, Community Partners of Hope

Community Partners of Hope and the Henderson Men’s Shelter recently released their list of December 2018 volunteer and donation needs, including:

VOLUNTEER NEEDS

SUPERVISION (sign up for full week or any part of one)

  •        December 2 – 8 (both shifts)
  •        December 13 – 15 (both shifts)
  •        December 20 –  22 (both shifts)
  •        December 23 – 29 (both shifts)

MEALS (full week or any part of a week)

  •        November 30
  •        December 14 & 15
  •        December 17, 18, 20, 21, 22

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

  • Large bottles of hand sanitizer
  • Large refill bottles of hand soap
  • Cans of foot powder or Athletes Foot spray
  • Tall kitchen trash bags (13 Gallon Size)
  • Laundry detergent
  • 7-ounce adjustable air fresheners
  • Febreeze Fabric Freshener (unscented)
  • Pine-sol type cleaner – gallon containers
  • Toilet bowl cleaner – gel type
  • Soap – small sample size (or hotel supplies)
  • Hand warmers
  • Instant Grits
  • Crackers & nabs
  • Cup of Noodles (with cup)
  • Coffee & creamer
  • Peanut butter & jelly
  • Four-pound bags of sugar
  • CLOTHING – NEW ONLY and in original packages (please take used clothing to thrift store)
  • Men’s undergarments (all sizes)
  • Waterproof men’s gloves
  • Men’s sweatshirts (Sizes L, XL, XXL)
  • Men’s thermal sets (Sizes L, XL, XXL)
  • White tube socks

NOT NEEDED: Shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, instant oatmeal, deodorant, dress socks, and coffee mugs

Donations can be taken to:

  •             First Baptist Church (9 – 5 Monday thru Thursday or 9 – 12 Friday)
  •             First Presbyterian Church (10 – 1 Monday thru Thursday)
  •             WIZS Radio Station
  •             Or call Betty Boyd (252) 432-3967 to arrange delivery

A NOTE ABOUT DONATIONS

We depend on lots of donated clothing (NEW only) and supplies to keep the shelter running and our men warm and dry.    Sometimes we get donations that we cannot use and then several of us must go through them and “regift” them to other agencies.  Please be sure to let your churches know what we do and do not need this year! Also, it is much easier for us if items are donated in their original packaging instead of repackaged in sets.

All contributions are tax deductible.

You may send a check to:

Community Partners of Hope, Inc,

P.O. Box 1791, Henderson, NC 27536

*You can see our calendar at any time from our website www.cp-hope.org. Just click on the SHELTER CALENDAR tab at the top.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Board of Education to Discuss Possible School Consolidation, Closure

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

The Board of Education will meet for its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, December 3. The agenda will include a presentation of a study regarding the possible consolidation of Mary Potter Middle School and Northern Granville Middle School.

The Board will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, December 4, at 5:30 p.m., at Joe Toler Oak Hill Elementary School located at 8176 Hwy 96 Oxford, NC 27565. The purpose of the meeting is for the Board to receive additional information compiled by staff regarding the study of the potential closure of Joe Toler Elementary School.

At 7 p.m. on December 4 at Joe Toler Oak Hill Elementary School, located at 8176 Hwy 96 Oxford, NC 27565, the Board will hold a public hearing on the possible closure of Joe Toler Elementary School.  Members of the public wishing to speak on this topic may sign up beginning at 6:30 p.m. Each speaker who has signed up prior to 7 p.m. will be given the opportunity to address the Board on this topic for up to four minutes.

Vance-Granville Community Band to Present Free Winter Concert on Dec. 3

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

The Vance-Granville Community Band will present its 11th annual winter concert on Monday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. in McGregor Hall at 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson. The concert is free and open to the public.

“The concert is a classic old-fashioned band concert,” said Brian D. Miller, director of the band. “Bands should always play music that is appealing and makes sense. We have had a great tradition of performing good, solid, traditional band music in the Vance-Granville Community Band. It was John Philip Sousa’s philosophy that music should always be attractive and have great audience appeal. There is no better model for band administration and performance than the one set forth by Sousa.”

The band’s repertoire for the December concert includes a march by Sousa, the seldom-heard “Keeping Step with the Union,” a march Sousa composed in 1921 and dedicated to Mrs. Warren G. Harding, wife of the 29th president of the United States. “Sousa wrote 136 great marches,” Miller said, “but we don’t get to hear the rare ones. It’s a lot of fun to present Sousa’s lesser-known marches.”

Above: Brian Miller conducts the Vance-Granville Community Band during its 2017 winter concert. (VGCC photo)

The band will also perform a rare 1914 march entitled “Radium King.” “This march came from a golden time period of the circus march and celebrated the wonder of radium as a newly-discovered element,” Miller said. Other pieces on the concert include a famous 1960s band composition entitled “Overture In Bb,” a transcription of music from the movie “The Greatest Showman.”

Christmas season music will also be featured on the concert as well, Miller added. Patrons will hear “All Is Well,” “Greensleeves,” and a Christmas march transcribed by band member Bob Salzmann.

“We are certainly fortunate to have Bob Salzmann with us in the band,” said Miller, “because not only is he an excellent musician, he is a fine arranger. It’s great having our own arranger create music for the band.”

The audience will hear two well-known medleys of Christmas favorites, including Leroy Anderson’s all-time classic “Christmas Festival,” referred to by Miller as “one of the greatest Christmas band pieces ever.”

The band has shown significant numerical and musical growth under the baton of veteran band director Miller, who established his identity in the area as the longtime director of the Louisburg High School Band, which grew into one of the state’s largest bands in one of the state’s smallest schools and whose Symphonic and Concert Bands became known in the regional area for performance of traditional band overtures and old-fashioned Sousa marches.

Miller said his philosophy is simple: “Play good, traditional music that is appealing to the audience.”

“We hope that everyone will come enjoy this great cultural experience in historic downtown Henderson,” Miller added. “We want everybody to hear the Vance-Granville Community Band.”

The Community Band, which is sponsored by the VGCC Division of Arts and Sciences, includes people of all ages, from all walks of life, and from throughout the region. No auditions are required. Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7 – 9 p.m. at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center, on the Main Campus in Henderson, at Exit 209 on Interstate 85 (Poplar Creek Road).

For more information, contact Brian Miller at (919) 496-5877 or at bmiller9302@vgcc.edu or Betsy Henderson at hendersonb@vgcc.edu.

Hughes Receives Scholarship From WGU North Carolina

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-Press Release, WGU North Carolina

Despite the rainy weather outside, nothing could dim Shellie Hughes’ smile as she and several coworkers gathered for a special scholarship presentation on Nov. 12. Hughes, a coordinator with CenturyLink, the second largest U.S. communications provider to global enterprise customers, was presented with a $2,000 institutional partner scholarship from WGU North Carolina, the state affiliate of the national nonprofit online Western Governors University.

Shellie Hughes, coordinator with CenturyLink (left), is presented with a $2000 scholarship by Lynne Barbour (right), WGU North Carolina Strategic Partnerships Manager. Hughes is working toward her Master of Science Management and Leadership degree and will use the scholarship to help offset the cost of tuition. (Photo Credit: WGU North Carolina)

Hughes is working toward her Master of Science Management and Leadership degree and will use the scholarship to help offset the cost of tuition. CenturyLink is an institutional partner with WGU, and as such, promotes employee professional development and continuing education. Hughes won the scholarship based on her academic record, readiness for online study at WGU, and current competency in the field of information technology.

WGU is an accredited online university offering more than 60 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. The university has more than 100,000 students enrolled nationwide, including more than 2,600 in North Carolina.

“Shellie is a bright young woman who would be an asset to any organization,” said WGU North Carolina Strategic Partnerships Manager Lynne Barbour, who presented the scholarship. “One of my favorite parts of this job is traveling throughout the state and presenting scholarships to deserving individuals who are seeking to further their careers through education, and Shellie definitely exemplifies that desire.”

For more information about WGU North Carolina, visit https://www.wgu.edu/north-carolina.html.

Editor’s Note: Hughes is the daughter of Chris and Debra Hughes of Henderson.

Restoration Family Center to Hold Community Yard Sale; Free Food While it Lasts

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-Information courtesy Pastor Adrian Poole, Restoration Family Center 

Restoration Family Center, located at 735 East Rockspring St. in Henderson, will hold a community yard sale on Saturday, December 1, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free food will be available while it lasts. The yard sale will include some free items.

 

News 11/28/18

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Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant Destroyed by Fire, Cause of Blaze Under Investigation

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Henderson’s Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant on Ruin Creek Road caught on fire overnight. No one was injured.

The popular eating place, beloved by many, is a total loss, according to Henderson Fire Chief Steve Cordell.

The cause is under investigation.

Please scroll below for pictures taken by WIZS staff.

 

 

 

 

Local Protection Society’s Work Reduces Number of Euthanized Shelter Animals

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Alan Hedgepeth and Michelle Wood, volunteers with the Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society (RCAPS), were the guests of honor on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program. RCAPS is a group of volunteers dedicated to finding homes for animals at the Vance County Animal Shelter located on Brodie Rd. in Henderson.

“We started with seven or eight volunteers and, over time, have developed procedures to work with rescue groups in the Northeast,” said Hedgepeth.

According to Hedgepeth, the volunteers spend the majority of their time searching for no-kill rescue groups who will commit to providing a temporary or “foster” home for the animals at the shelter. “We find rescue groups during the week, and each Friday night a transport is arranged so the animals can go to the approved rescue groups up north.”

From there, rescue groups place the animals in “pre-approved and pre-screened” foster homes where they will stay until they are adopted.

When asked why so many of the rescue groups were located up north, Hedgepeth replied, “In the Northeast, they have spay and neuter laws, and those laws are enforced. They don’t have the overpopulation of dogs like we do here in the South.”

One way RCAPS reaches out to the rescue groups is via social media. Photos of each animal in the shelter are posted, along with personal bios and videos, to Facebook for viewing.

“It is a very cumbersome and expensive process,” said Hedgepeth. “Michelle does a lot of the work and has her hands full.”

According to Hedgepeth, weekly transport can cost over $1,000 a week. “That’s why fundraising is so important for us; it costs a lot of money to do what we do.”

Wood reported that 195 animals were transported from the Vance County Animal Shelter to rescue groups in the month of October alone. Hedgepeth said the overall totals are even more astounding with an estimated 16,000 to 20,000 animals placed in foster homes since the group started in 2011.

The group’s hard work, coupled with policies put in place by Chief Frankie Nobles and the Vance County Animal Shelter, has paid off, said Hedgepeth. “When we first started at Ruin Creek, the intake at the shelter was around 4,500 animals a year. Last year, I believe it was around 2,200.”

Hedgepeth was also happy to report that the number of animals euthanized by the shelter has significantly decreased from previous years. “The majority of euthanized animals, at this point, are feral cats; the dog rate is extremely low.”

Wood clarified that the majority of the dogs that are euthanized are not picked up by a rescue group or are injured beyond vet care.

In addition to costs related to transport, RCAPS also has the expense of providing medical care to animals in need. “RCAPS tries to provide medical care for any animal that we reasonably believe can be saved,” said Hedgepeth. “The shelter, often times, doesn’t have the capacity or funds to offer this care and that’s when we step in.”

When asked what his ultimate wish would be for the group, Hedgepeth responded, “Additional funds. I can’t say it enough! The work we do is expensive, and fundraising is essential to keep the group going.”

To listen to the interview in its entirety, please click here.

Granville County Logo

Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Granville Co., Residents and Bite Victim Notified

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-Press Release, County of Granville

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Granville County Animal Control was called last week about a possibly rabid cat who had contact with a person in the area of Dorsey Road and Ed Harris Road. The animal was part of a larger cat colony that had not been rabies vaccinated or spayed/neutered. The cat tested positive for the rabies virus on Nov. 27. Residents of the area have been notified, as well as Granville Vance Public Health and the bite victim. Animal Control has also been working to remove the remaining cats on the property.

All pet owners are reminded to please be sure pets are rabies-vaccinated. North Carolina law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age and that vaccinations be kept current. The Granville County Animal Shelter offers one-year rabies vaccines for dogs and cats for only $6, Monday through Friday from noon until 4:30 p.m. and is located at 5650 Cornwall Road in Oxford.

For more information, call 919-693-6749. To find out when your pet needs its next booster shot, please contact your local veterinarian.