Brame to Face Pulley for Vance Co. Sheriff; Ellis & Hartness Keep Their Seats
The unofficial results of Tuesday’s primary election are in and Vance County residents have selected their Democratic candidates for the November 6, 2018, general election.
With 56 percent of the votes, Democratic candidate Curtis Brame will face off against Republican challenger Charles Pulley for the seat of Vance County Sheriff. Brame received a total of 2,646 votes in the primary election – 1,431 on election day, 1,201 through one-stop early voting and 14 by absentee ballot.
Sheriff’s candidate Billy Gooch received a total of 1,379 votes, or 29 percent, while candidate Melissa Elliott ended the day with 661 votes, or 14 percent.
Vance County Board of Education incumbents Margaret Ellis (Dem) and Ruth Hartness (Dem) won the majority of votes to retain their seats as representatives for District 6 and District 7 respectively.
Ellis received 394 votes, or 76 percent, beating out challenger Omega Perry’s 125 votes, or 24 percent.
Hartness received 579 votes, or 69 percent, beating out challenger Marcia Allen’s 262 votes, or 31 percent.
Overall numbers indicate that of the 25,536 voters registered as a Democrat or as unaffiliated in Vance County, 4,691 voted in Tuesday’s election. This represents approximately 18 percent of eligible registered voters.
Any candidate who filed that is unopposed in Vance County will be on the November 6th general election ballot.
Posted election results are considered unofficial until official results are released later next week.
Granville County Relay for Life – This Friday, May 11!
— courtesy Granville County Chamber of Commerce | Ginnie Currin, Executive Director ~ 919-693-6125 ~ ginnie@granville-chamber.com
The annual Granville County Relay for Life event will be held Friday, May 11, 2018, at JF Webb High School’s track field, 3200 Webb School Road in Oxford.
A Survivor’s Reception will begin at 4:30 p.m., with opening ceremonies starting at 6 p.m.
Businesses, schools and churches are encouraged to “paint the town purple” the week of Relay. Most downtown businesses are displaying the Relay promo poster.
Oxford Baptist Church Youth will be selling large purple bows to businesses for $6 each. Contact Cindy Joy or Martha Denny at (919) 693-5181 or email csjoy@embarqmail.com for additional information.
“Beatle Mania Mystery” at the Historic Hotel Norlina
— 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.
Two Henderson City Council Committees to Meet Tomorrow
-Information courtesy Esther J. McCrackin, City Clerk, City of Henderson
The Henderson City Council’s Public Safety Committee will meet on Thursday, May 10, 2018, at 1 p.m. in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 134 Rose Avenue. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss general public safety issues.
The Henderson City Council’s Boards and Commissions Committee will meet on Thursday, May 10, 2018, at 2 p.m. in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 134 Rose Avenue. The purpose of the meeting is to consider applications for various citizen committees.
The public is welcome to observe.
St. John Baptist Church, Women’s Day Service Sunday, May 13
St. John Baptist Church, 490 Jacksontown Road, Middleburg NC, will be celebrating a Women’s Day Service on Sunday, May 13, 2018, during the Worship Service at 11:15 a.m.
Guest Speaker will be Min. Viola Calixte of United Solid Rock Faith Ministries, Warrenton, NC. and Sis. Joyce Durham will be the Presider.
The public is invited to attend.
Henderson Lions Club Meets Tomorrow
-Information courtesy Randy Oxendine, president of the Henderson Lions Club
The Henderson Lions Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Henderson Country Club on Thursday, May 10, 2018. The speaker will be Lion Melvin Hanks.
To learn more or join the Lions Club and be part of an active community service organization, contact any Lions Club member
or President Randy Oxendine at (252) 438-8034.
Ashely Grove Baptist Church Holds Special Mother’s/Women’s Day Celebration
Ashley Grove Baptist Church, 2425 Nutbush Road in Henderson, will be celebrating Mother’s Day/Women’s Day on Sunday, May 13, 2018, at 11 a.m.
Speaker: Rev. Jerri T. Jones of Ashley Grove Baptist Church
Music will be rendered by Ashely Grove Youth Choir and soloist Ms. Tykia Martin of Raleigh, N.C. Mistress of Ceremony will be Mrs. Linda Terry.
Rev. Perry Sharpe, pastor and congregation are inviting the public to attend.
JF Webb High School Senior Parade
– Information courtesy Dr. Stan Winborne, Public Information Officer, Granville County Public Schools
The senior class at JF Webb High School would like to invite you to come see their parade through Granville County elementary schools decked out in their graduation regalia. Our seniors will show elementary students the result of their hard work! It is also a chance for seniors to reflect on their time in the Granville County Public School system.
It will be a meaningful event for all involved, and we would love for you to come and be a part of it. On Wednesday, May 23, seniors will begin at 9 a.m. at West Oxford Elementary School, 412 Ivey Day Rd, then travel to CG Credle Elementary School, 223 College St, between 9:30 and 9:45 a.m., and finish at Stovall-Shaw Elementary School, 7696 US-15, around 10:30 a.m. These are estimated times but should be close.
Please RSVP by email to Leslie Magnanti, JF Webb English teacher at magnantily@gcs.k12.nc.us if you plan to attend.
We look forward to seeing you there!
(This is not a paid advertisement)
Oxford Preparatory School Announces Awards Day Recipients
-Information courtesy Victoria Bradsher, School Director, Oxford Preparatory School
During Awards Day on Friday, May 4, Oxford Preparatory School (OPS) announced their honor graduates, Spirit of The Griffin award, marshals, leadership and service awards and Directors’ awards. Students were also recognized for excellence in academics, fine arts and athletics. In addition to school awards, two students received honors and scholarship from local civic organizations.
At Oxford Prep students earn Latin distinctions. Summa cum laude cords of gold, purple and orange are presented to students who have a weighted GPA greater than 4.5. Mary Catherine Stallsmith will graduate with the summa cum laude distinction and will speak at graduation on May 26, 2018. Catherine will attend Elon in the fall.
Students who have a cumulative weighted GPA between 4.25 and 4.5 earn the magna cum laude distinction and will wear cords of purple and gold. This year that honor goes to Layla Alashmli, Maddie Stallsmith, Jackson Vaughan and Jacinthia Williams.
Ten students earned cum laude distinction by achieving a GPA between 4.0 and 4.24. They are Megan Ayscue, Andrew Crumpler, Whitt Daniel, Kaleb Evans, Chelsea Gatewood, Ca’rin Green, Jose Kyle Maghanoy, Emily Oswald, Bo Puckett and Nicoria Williams.
Each year the staff chooses a student graduation speaker who they feel best represents the Spirit of the Griffin. The Spirit of the Griffin is the person who has taken full advantage of the academic opportunities at OPS. It is the person who has grown and taken on active and verifiable leadership roles both within and outside of the school. The student chosen as the Spirit of the Griffin speaker demonstrates service to others as an individual, as a representative of OPS and in the larger community in which we live. To be selected as the Spirit of the Griffin speaker the student must have a commitment to attend a four-year university. The Spirit of the Griffin for 2018 is Chelsea Gatewood. At the awards ceremony, Chelsea also received the DAR service award and scholarship.
OPS Marshalls were formally presented with their sashes during the awards ceremony. At OPS marshals are those students chosen from the sophomore and junior class who have maintained a GPA greater than a 4.0. The chief marshal is selected from the junior representatives and is the student with the highest GPA. The Chief Marshal for 2017-2018 is Shawn Matthews from Oxford, NC.
The remaining marshals who will serve this year are Wes Aitken, Sala Algathi, Alex Bare, Ey’Mania Alston, Hannah Brewer, Erica Evitts, Claire Gordon, Robert Hopper, Kaylah Hunt, Emily Iannuzzi, Abbie Mann, Nathan Metcalf, Sophia Metcalf, Mira Patel and Ian Simmons.
Leadership awards are selected by the entire OPS staff and are presented to those students from any grade who demonstrate positive leadership that helps to guide others in achieving excellence in academics, sports, the arts or service. Leadership awards were presented to Mary Catherine Stallsmith, Caleb Hunt, Alex Bare, Cesar Ponciano-Quintana, Sophia Metcalf, Zenia Hart, Holly Currin, Samantha Huff and Tripp Brewer.
Zenia Hart, captain of the girls’ basketball team then presented her teammates with star awards for their continued demonstration of leadership in the school and representation of the highest levels of sportsmanship, perseverance, positivity, determination and team support. Team members are Cassidy Stokes, Kayla Whirley, Catherine Slack, Sarah Slack, Carla Rodriquez. The team has an overall average GPA greater than 3.3 (unweighted) and has received the NCHSAA Scholar-Athlete Team Award.
The Outstanding Senior Athlete Award is given each year to a graduating senior who best exemplifies Scholarship, Athletic Skills, Athletic Involvement, Sportsmanship, Teamwork, and Cooperation. They must have maintained at least a 3.0 grade point average (weighted) through the first semester of their senior year, possess athletic skills of superior quality and a high level of success and skill at their sport(s), and have earned a minimum of four Varsity letters. Candidates are nominated by other senior student-athletes and a single male and female are selected by varsity head coaches and the athletic director. The Female Outstanding Senior Student-Athlete of 2018 is Maddie Stallsmith and the Male Outstanding Senior Student-Athlete is Whitt Daniel.
Service to the community is a key component of the OPS mission. Being honored for excellence in service were Avieri Sievert, Katie Redman, Jaci Crute, Luis Rodriguez, Elijah Griffin, Chelsea Gatewood, Cassidy Stokes, Rick O’Neal and Ey’mania Alston.
Avery Thomas received high honors in service for his ongoing commitment and contributions to the school, to family, and to the local community. Senior Whitt Daniel was presented with the Service Award and Scholarship from the Henderson Optimist Club.
The Directors’ award for 2018 was conferred on 18 students. To be eligible for the Directors’ award, students must have a clear discipline record and an academic record that reflects excellent performance. Students who receive the Directors’ award demonstrate the principles upon which Oxford Prep was founded. The very special young people receiving the Directors’ award this year are Trey Reese, Kim Campbell, Cassidy Griffin, Adam Corbett, Nick Corren, Alex Rote, Annette Carlos-Tejada, Jane Faulkner, Mona Mohamed, Ashlyn Roberson, Isaac Watkins, Matt Wilkinson, Taylor Firtick, Sydney Sinnema, Emma Hicks, Alexis Wilson, Reese Newton and Carson Reese.
Graduation for OPS Griffins will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2018, at 1:30 pm. The ceremony will be at McGregor Hall in Henderson. Entry to the commencement exercise is by ticket only.