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TownTalk: Commissioners Take Up Fire Services At Board Meeting

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Thanks to the wonders of technology, Vance County Board of Commissioners meetings are recorded for the public to play – and, in some cases, replay. WIZS replayed a portion of the July 10 regular monthly meeting during Tuesday’s TownTalk segment, during which the contentious topic of a fire study was discussed.

At its July meeting, the commissioners were expecting to hear from Interim County Manager Scott Elliott about the status of the much-discussed fire study, including staff recommendations that would move forward two of the six bids received from entities interested in completing the work.

Instead, Board Chair Yolanda Feimster invoked her privilege to send to the Public Safety Committee all six bidders for review, after which the committee would make recommendations to the full board at a future meeting.

“So we’re not discussing this tonight?” asked Commissioner Tommy Hester, upon hearing Feimster’s request, who in essence interrupted Elliott as he prepared to make his report to the board.

When Hester asked Feimster the reason for her decision, she replied that she didn’t have to give one. Hester argued that the whole board approved that a study be done, and Commissioner Leo Kelly, Jr. echoed Hester’s sentiments that it should be the board’s decision to make and not the Public Safety Committee.

Hester then made a motion that the whole board consider the fire study, which Commissioner Archie Taylor seconded.

That motion later was withdrawn, however, following discussion by various commissioners – sometimes talking over one another – about how the process should be carried out.

A subsequent motion was made by Hester, seconded by Taylor, to postpone any decision until the August meeting.

Commissioners Hester, Archie Taylor and Leo Kelly, Jr. voted in favor of the motion. Commissioners Dan Brummitt, Sean Alston and Carolyn Faines voted against the motion, giving Feimster, as chair, the tie-breaking vote. The motion failed on her nay vote and the issue of the fire study will be sent to the Public Safety Committee for review.

County staff reviewed the six proposals and recommended two for consideration by the board – the whole board.

But now, the Public Safety Committee will review – again – all six proposals and is expected to make its own recommendation to the commissioners in August.

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The Local Skinny! Brick Power Team Lifts The Spirit Through Weights

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The Brick is sponsoring the Henderson Open Championships later this summer, and winners qualify to participate in the World Championships, scheduled for mid-November in Virginia Beach.

The Brick is a weight-lifting ministry affiliated with – and located beside – Freedom Life Church of God on Martin Creek Road. Part of the group’s ministry, according to Harry Orr, is to put on fundraisers like the Henderson Open Championships, which takes place on Sept. 8 and 9.

“We’ve got a good weightlifting team out there,” Orr said of the Brick on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

Orr said his group is hosting the meet for 100% RAW Powerlifting Federation, and classes of events include bench press and curls. Register before Aug. 31 online at https://rawpowerlifting.com/.

Orr, who turns 70 next month, is a hall of famer in the weightlifting world. He said he enjoys seeing others get involved in the sport as well.

“I just love to see people get in it…and have fun with it,” he said. In a world where there are so many bad things people can get tangled up in, it’s good to see people get involved in something positive like powerlifting. “It’s something good for them to do,” he said.

Freedom Life’s pastor, Jeff Prewer, is among the ministry’s biggest supporters, Orr said, having them come before the congregation after big wins.
“We want to serve the Lord the best we can,” Orr said. “People have other methods of doing it – we do it through weightlifting.”

The Brick is located at 1001 Martin Creek Rd.

Weigh-ins are Friday, Sept. 8 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and again on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. Lifting begins at 9 a.m.

Weightlifters must present an acceptable form of photo ID – driver’s license, state ID, school ID and passport are acceptable. Work ID badges and recreational/social club ID cards are not acceptable. All participants must show proof of membership in the 100% Raw Powerlifting Federation as well; annual memberships are $40.

Entry fees for the Henderson Open Championships are $65 for bench press, deadlift and strict curl; $75 for push/pull division and $35 for crossover. These fees should be paid, along with completed registration, no later than Saturday, Aug. 31.

Contact Paul Bossi, one of the meet directors, at 252.339.5025 or by email at rawlifting@aol.com to register. Visit https://rawpowerlifting.com/ to find registration documents and rules and regulations.

Contact Orr at 252.432.4196 to learn more about The Brick.

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Henderson Police Arrest Two After Gunshots Fired

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-information courtesy of Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow

Henderson police arrested two men in connection with a shooting incident that occurred last week.

According to information received Monday from Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow, officers were dispatched to the 200 block of E. Rockspring Street at 4:49 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12 in reference to gunshots being fired.

When officers arrived, they located a male identified as Tyrell Sneed, 32, of Franklinton.

Officers also were dispatched to less than a mile away to Henry Street in reference to another male subject involved in the incident. The second subject was identified as Tyriek Yarbrough, 23, of Hillsborough.

Upon further investigation by the department’s Criminal Investigations and Operations divisions, it was determined that both subjects were actively shooting at each other, which initiated the original call.

Both men were arrested and charged with going armed to the terror of the public, discharging a firearm in the city limits, discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill.

Sneed received a $500,000 secured bond; Yarbrough received a $550,000 secured bond. Both were remanded to the Vance County Detention Center.

The Local Skinny! Vance County Schools Preps For Opening

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(This script features a correction from its first version specically about the open house event. The Viper Nation Fall Open House will be held for all high school students on August 3rd at 5 p.m.)

That day that everyone knew was coming, but hoped it wouldn’t be here quite so fast, is suddenly knocking on the proverbial door – Open House and orientations for Vance County High School.

The orientation for students who will be in 12th grade is scheduled for Monday, July 31, beginning at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the orientation session will begin at 6 p.m.

Students in the 10th and 11th grades will have orientations on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Tenth graders will assemble at 5 p.m. and 11th graders will gather for a 6 p.m. orientation.

Last, but not least, 9th graders will attend their orientation on Thursday, Aug. 3 at 4 p.m.

The Viper Nation Fall Open House will be held for all high school students on August 3rd at 5 p.m.

Vance County High School Principal Dr. Nealie Whitt III said the upcoming orientations will provide families and students valuable information about the 2023-24 school year.

“In an effort to ensure families and students have the necessary information for the upcoming year, we are hosting individual grade-level orientations and Open House,” Whitt stated. “During orientation, families will have the opportunity to meet our administrators and office staff, update contact/pick up information, and sign up to volunteer and join our booster club.”

Visit https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/ to learn more about VCS.

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Mayor Ellington Will Not Run For A Third Term

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Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington will not seek another term in the upcoming municipal elections.

On Friday, Ellington called his decision “bittersweet” but said after two terms as mayor, he looks to a new chapter in life.

“Holding on for too long leads to entrenched leaders, which diminishes new ideas and creative thinking,” Ellington said.

He said he vividly remembers his first days in office, and said he was “driven with passion and vision” for the city.

In his eight years as mayor, Ellington cited successes such as the $79.6 million expansion of the regional water system and the $600,000 renovation and expansion of the downtown fire station.

“We celebrate our successes but the let-downs can truly wear on you. I have seen and lived both sides of politics and it can be hurtful and hard not to take it personally,” he noted.

Being mayor of a city during the COVID-19 pandemic proved especially challenging, and Ellington said it’s a point of pride that he, with the assistance of City Manager Terrell Blackmon, “courageously and emotionally led us as a city and community through hard decisions of the COVID pandemic that touched us all.”

Ellington said it’s important to realize that problems must be faced if improvements are to be made.

“Looking back, I have devoted the past eight years and two terms to ensure a brighter future while establishing a broad range of relationships on the state and federal level across both sides of the aisle. Being the official ambassador and lobbyist for the City of Henderson I can proudly say I have ties and political courtesy with both governors past and present, as well as officials in Washington, DC who will answer the phone if I call. That goes a long way for us here at home. Coming from the business sector and often at times frustrated but knowing that government moves a lot slower, we have shared success with many goals and projects that gives us a promise for the days to come,” Ellington stated.

In addition to the projects noted above, Ellington shared some more projects that have taken shape during his time as mayor, including:

  • adoption of a new Comprehensive Land Use Policy
  • completion of the West End Urban Redevelopment Area Plan and the Flint Hill Neighborhood Strategy
  • new Water and Exercise Park on William and Montgomery streets
  • new Economic Development initiatives that led to the location of Mako Medical, M.R. Williams Frozen Food Expansion, new state-of-the-art Maria Parham Cardiac Catheterization Lab
  • support and vision for the new S-Line corridor
  • re-establishment of our NC Main Street Community Program
  • re-enacted the City Redevelopment Commission
  • the creation of the first city-wide Unified Development Ordinance
  • declared gun violence a public health crisis
  • implementation, along with Henderson Police Department, the new FLOCK system with neighborhood cameras and license plate readers

‘Way To GROW!’ Festival Set For Downtown Henderson Aug. 12

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-information courtesy of Gateway Community Development Corporation

Entrepreneurs, get ready! Downtown Henderson is the place to be on Aug. 12 for a street festival that will be the culminating event of “Way to GROW! Entrepreneurship Week, hosted by Gateway Community Development Corporation.

The week leading up to the street festival will bring inspiring and educational activities to the area, including talks from successful business leaders, panel discussions, workshops and networking opportunities, according to information from Gateway CDC President Heather Joi Kenney. All the presentations are designed to provide information about starting a business, scaling operations, marketing strategies and embracing innovation in a rapidly changing business landscape.

The Way to GROW! festival will showcase vendors who are entrepreneurs from the Triangle and surrounding areas, a variety of area food vendors and local artists. Special musical guests are Jim Quick and the Coastline band, along with other local and regional talent.

In order to provide opportunities for small business owners at all stages, including those who are just launching their ventures and those with experience, qualified businesses can participate as vendors at the festival free of charge.

Downtown Development Manager Tracy Madigan said she’s looking forward to having the festival come to Garnett Street. “We are thrilled to host the ‘Way to GROW!’ Entrepreneurship Week and Festival in downtown Henderson. This event is a testament to our city’s commitment to supporting local businesses, fostering innovation, and creating a vibrant downtown experience,” Madigan stated.

Everyone is invited to share in this week of inspiration, celebration and community building.  The event is made possible through funding provided by NC IDEA, local businesses and community partners, all of which recognize the importance of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth and job creation.

To stay updated on the latest news and announcements, visit the event website at www.thegatewaycdc.org.  There are sponsorship opportunities available. Contact Tracy Mosley at 252.432.1131 or tmosley@helpingallpeopleexcel.com.

Democratic Party

TownTalk: Brodie Works To Engage Local Democrats

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The Vance County Democratic Party is sponsoring an informational event next week designed to increase awareness throughout the community about a variety of issues including voter registration, as well as the state’s new voter ID law.

Joseph Brodie is first vice chair of the group and he said although the event, scheduled for Saturday, July 22, is sponsored by the local Democratic Party, it’s open to anyone who wants to learn more.

Maybe you just need to update an address or contact information – that can all be handled on July 22. The meeting will be held in the second-floor county commissioners’ meeting room, 122 Young St. Doors open at 9:30 and the meeting will begin at 10 a.m., Brodie said on Thursday’s TownTalk.

The Oct. 10 municipal elections are non-partisan, but Brodie said state and national elections are just around the corner.

“We’re trying to round up the troops to get ready for the next municipal election and the next Presidential election in 2024,” Brodie said.

He didn’t go too far down the path of endorsing candidates for president at this time, but Brodie did indicate that the local Democratic Party would be behind whoever the candidate is for the 2024 Presidential race.

The local party has a core group of officers who each bring their own issues and passions for consideration, Brodie said.

Angela Thornton is the local group’s chair. “She is really working hard for the voters out there and the Democratic Party as a whole,” Brodie said.

Others on the executive committee include local businessman Dennis Tharrington, second vice chair; Hilda Delbridge, third vice chair; Kathy Allen, secretary; Rev. Dr. Willie T. Ramey III, treasurer; Wanda Moncreith, assistant secretary.

The event is sponsored by the local Democratic Party – uppercase D – but Brodie said tackling challenges we face in our local community and across the nation is too big a task for just a few.

“It’s going to take a whole team of people to tackle some of these problems,” he said. “Some are just too big for one person or party…it’s going to take all of us working together.”

Brodie said the Democratic Party in Vance County is “at the point now where we can really serve the voters in Vance County. We have our foothold down and now it’s time to branch out” to support Democrats in the community.

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“Pop The Hood” Change Your Oil, Keep Your Engine Hummin’

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— For our sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, as part of a paid radio sponsorship on WIZS.

Today’s cars and trucks let their owners know when it’s time to change the oil, but drivers who are used to keeping up with it themselves may still have the “every 3,000 miles” ingrained into their thoughts.

However you keep up with it, changing the oil is probably the single most important thing you can do to prolong the life of your vehicle’s engine.

And for those do-it-yourselfers, the knowledgeable staff at Advance Auto Parts can help steer you to the proper oil and oil filter for your vehicle.

Most motorists know that oil changes have to happen at least periodically, even if they don’t know precisely when or how often.

The folks at Advance Auto can help you with questions about brands, types, weights of oil.

If you decide to change the oil yourself, always remember Safety First!

Following are a few reminders when changing the oil in your car or truck:

  • Park on a level surface and put chocks behind the tires.
  • It doesn’t hurt to put a jack stand under the car – even if it isn’t jacked up – for extra protection.
  • Gather tools and materials – gloves, eye protection, funnel, drain pan.
  • Don’t over-tighten the oil plug or filter.
  • Let the oil drain for about 15 minutes.
  • Make sure the old oil filter gasket doesn’t stay stuck to the engine!

Advance Auto Parts stores have oil disposal receptacles. Please dispose of used oil and filters properly.

The information contained in this post is not advice from Advance Auto Parts or WIZS.  Safety First!  Always seek proper help.  This is presented for its informational value and is part of a paid advertising sponsorship.

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