Vance County Arts Council Presents ‘Tidings Of Comfort And Joy’ At McGregor Hall Nov. 29

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Get into the Christmas spirit on Saturday, Nov. 29 at “Tidings of Comfort and Joy,” a free event for the community sponsored by the Vance County Arts Council.

Join family and friends at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center, 200 Breckenridge St., sit back and enjoy performances by more than a half dozen soloists and groups of musicians and dancers.

The doors open at 3:30 p.m. and the show begins at 4 p.m.

Performers include:

  • Arianna Long
  • Clearview Church Praise Team
  • Davida Lewis
  • Evelyn C. Couch
  • St. Mary’s Praise Dancers
  • Sequoia Epps
  • The Royal Holiday Pageant
  • The Brotherhood
  • Jimmy and the Sound Barriers
  • Tia “Catillia” Cheek
  • Eugene Taylor & Jimmy Williamson

Visit https://vanceartscouncil.com/ to learn how to become a sponsor for this event.

Henderson City Council Will Get $5K Refund From Law Firm That Conducted Investigation Following Working Conditions Survey

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The law firm that conducted an investigation of results from a working conditions survey of city employees and Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott has apologized for tardiness in producing the report and said it will refund the city’s payment of $5,208.

At the regular monthly meeting of the Henderson City Council on Monday, Council Member Tami Walker read the short statement from the Brough Law Firm, LLC, which follows in its entirety:

“We sincerely apologize for the delay in producing the report and have discussed the matter with the attorney. We agree that the report should have been provided to you already as work on the investigation has been completed. The attorney’s final report will be given to you by 11-6-25.

The city will not be charged for the investigation and the report. Also, we will provide the city a full refund of the fees charged to date for the investigation and report. The attached client ledger shows that the city has been billed a total of $5,828. The city has paid us $5,208 all of which will be refunded to you. The remaining $620 will be written off.”

Walker’s remarks came after Elliott read a letter aloud that she addressed to the Council:

It read:

“Dear members of the Council:

I want to formally acknowledge receipt of the investigative report conducted by the attorney Brough Law Firm, which was commissioned to review allegations made by various individuals concerning my role as mayor of Henderson.

I have fully cooperated with the investigation and supported a transparent process from the outset, as I believe deeply in accountability and ethical governance. After a careful review of the findings, it is clear that there is no criminal conduct, no ethical violations, and no substantiated wrongdoing found.

The report instead reflects on a collection of unverified statements, opinions and hearsay, primarily originated from individuals with different political or personal perspectives. Such narratives, while concerning, do not constitute credible evidence.

It is important to underscore that no legal or policy breach was identified. I have always upheld the highest standard of public service and work diligently to improve our city’s operations, community programs and partnerships.

I will continue to do so with transparency, fairness and the best interests of our residents at heart. I recognize that leadership can invite scrutiny, lots of scrutiny in my case, and I welcome any process that strengthens trust between our government and the citizens we serve.

However, it is equally vital that future actions and reports be guided by facts rather than conjecture.

Henderson’s residents deserve governance based on integrity and truth, not unfounded allegations.

In my closing, I remain steadfast in my commitment to serve all citizens of Henderson, with honesty, humility and dedication.

I look forward to continuing work collaboratively with the council to advance our shared mission of building a stronger, safer and more unified community.”

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Cooperative Extension with Michael Ellington: Asian Lady Beetles

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Michael Ellington, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:

Today we examine Asian Lady beetles and how to prevent them from coming inside.

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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Salvation Army Kettle Bell

Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Kicks Off Friday, Nov. 14

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The Henderson Salvation Army 2025 Kettle Kickoff is scheduled for Friday, November 14th at 10 a.m., taking place at Belk again this year.

Henderson Salvation Army Majors Jonathan and Staci Gainey will be participating in their first Red Kettle Drive here locally since taking over back in June.

Alongside the iconic Salvation Army symbol of giving, the bell ringers invite shoppers to donate during the holiday season to help provide food and gifts to seniors and children across Vance County and the surrounding counties it serves.

 This event is also a ribbon cutting event for the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce.  At last year’s event, then chair of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce board, Margier White said the kettles ignite a spirit of generosity in our community. She said, “Each bell that rings this season (is) not just signalling a donation,” it’s a connection that we make with people who are in need.

Henderson Police Make Arrest In Church Break-In

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Press release from Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow

On November 9, 2025, at approximately 8:20 p.m., officers of the Henderson Police Department responded to West End Baptist Church, located at 619 Dabney Dr., in reference to an alarm activation.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a broken window and observed a suspect inside the building. The individual, identified as Derrick Ricks, age 34, was taken into custody without incident. Ricks sustained minor injuries during his forced entry and was transported to a local medical facility for treatment.

Following his release from medical care, Ricks was taken before a magistrate where he was charged accordingly. He received a $30,000 secured bond and was remanded to the Vance County Detention Center.

Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Thinning Pine Stands

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Wayne Rowland, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:

Pine stands can be improved by thinning unproductive trees.

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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City Council Retains Raleigh Law Group In Absence Of City Attorney

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In a special called meeting on Wednesday, the Henderson City Council approved retaining a Raleigh law firm to provide legal counsel in the absence of a city attorney.

When the Council reconvened following a closed session, Council member Sara Coffey made the motion, seconded by Council Member Tami Walker, to retain the services of Hartzog Law Group.

In making the motion, Coffey said, “After careful consideration, talking with everyone, that we go ahead and retain the law firm of Hartzog to represent the city and get this taken care of so that we will have a law firm on hand when we need them, as we need them.”

The vote was 5-1, with Council member Sam Seifert casting the “no” vote.

Council members Garry Daeke and Lamont Noel were not present.

The city has been without an attorney since Sept. 9, when City Manager/City Attorney Hassan T. Kingsberry’s resignation was accepted by the City Council.

According to information on its website, Hartzog Law Group specializes in employment law, municipal law and education law.

Henry A. Dennis Building Turns Green For ‘Operation Green Light’ To Honor Veterans

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From Nicola Goslin-Ricks, Vance County Veterans Service

 

The Henry A. Dennis Building in downtown Henderson will be illuminated green through the month of November as part of Vance County’s participation in Operation Green Light, a national initiative to support military veterans.

With Veterans Day next week, local residents have a chance to participate in Operation Green Light, too, by swapping out clear light bulbs for green ones to show support. The Vance County Veterans Service office is located in the Henry A. Dennis Building, 300 S. Garnett St.

It’s all part of a new initiative spearheaded by the National Association of Counties and other national organizations.

NACo President Denise Winfrey said, “Operation Green Light is a simple way to express our collective appreciation for the public service of our veterans. We encourage everyone to join us in displaying a green light for our veterans and to also reflect on how we, as a nation and at the county level, assist our military service personal back into civilian life upon completion of their service to our country.”

In addition to lighting the Henry A. Dennis Building, residents and businesses are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their house to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends.

By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. While this event is focused around the week of Veterans Day (November 4th – 11th ), participants are encouraged to continue shining the light year-round. Residents can share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.

Visit naco.org/operationgreenlight for more information and links to resources available to veterans.