TownTalk: Local Elections And Voter ID

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Local elections officials are gearing up for the fall municipal elections as they set about to comply with the new state law that requires voters to present a photo ID when they go to the polls to cast their vote.

Henderson residents will vote for a new mayor and four City Council seats in the Oct. 10 nonpartisan elections; Voting in Kittrell and Middleburg will take place on Nov. 7, according to Vance County Board of Elections Deputy Director Shelly Wood. Early voting for the Henderson elections begins Sept. 21 and ends Oct. 7.

Most registered voters can simply show their driver’s license, but non-drivers have a variety of options for acceptable photo IDs that meet the criteria from the State Board of Elections.

The photo ID must be a government-issued ID, such as a passport or DMV identification card, available free of charge. Soon, voters can request free photo ID cards from their local elections offices, but they are not available right now.

The main point for voters to understand is that they will be allowed to cast their vote with or without an acceptable photo ID. Those without an acceptable photo ID will complete provisional ballots and submit additional information to be reviewed and certified by the local board of elections.

School IDs and employee identification cards issued by state and local governments could also be used, as long as they have been approved in advance.

State Board of Elections Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell said educational institutions and and other government employers have until June 28 to provide the necessary information for approval.

“We strongly encourage all eligible educational institutions and government employers to apply for their IDs to be approved for voting. Getting their IDs approved will help ensure their students and employees are best equipped to participate in our state’s elections,” Bell said in a press statement.

Poll workers in the state’s 100 counties will only be looking at the photo to determine that it reasonably resembles the voter; there’s a process in place for when it doesn’t.

In such a case, the voter will complete a provisional ballot, which will be included in the final tally when the ID is verified.

Local elections officials have about a month before the filing window opens for the three municipal elections in Vance County – candidates may file between 12 noon on Friday, July 7 and 12 noon on Friday, July 21.

The State Board of Elections has a survey open until June 23 to collect public comment on the proposed changes. Find it here: Public Comment Portal: Photo ID Rules. You can also send comments via email to rulemaking.sboe@ncsbe.gov or by regular mail: Attn: Rulemaking Coordinator, PO Box 27255, Raleigh, NC 27611-7255.

There also will be a virtual public hearing on June 19 at 11 a.m. Participants can join by phone or computer. The links are below:

  • Online: Webex
    • Access code: 2435 046 5077
    • Passcode: NCSBE (62723 from phones and video systems)
  • By Phone: (415) 655-0003
    • Access code: 2435 046 5077#
    • Passcode: 62723

To learn more, visit https://www.ncsbe.gov/

 

 

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Proposed City Budget Includes 3.8-Cent Tax Increase, $3 Hike In Sanitation Fees

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The Henderson City Council is expected to adopt the 2023-24 budget at its June 12 meeting, with a few adjustments that have been made since the proposed budget was presented on May 8.

Those changes include a 3.8-cent tax increase, a $3 increase in sanitation rate and 50 percent reduction in non-payment fees for water/sewer customers, from $50 to $25.

City Manager Terrell Blackmon said the tax increase would mean an extra $318,437 in additional revenue for the city. The increase in sanitation fees will add $196,200, Blackmon said.

Council member Lamont Noel told WIZS News Friday afternoon that the council had reached consensus on the changes over the course of a string of budget work sessions, the most recent of which included a public hearing that took place Tuesday, May 31.

No member of the public spoke for or against the proposed budget at the public hearing, and no member of the council said anything of substance during the May 31 meeting.

A June 5 budget work session that had been announced on the city’s website has been cancelled, according to information from Blackmon Friday afternoon.

The next chance for the public to comment on the budget will be during a public hearing scheduled to take place at the beginning of the June 12 City Council meeting.

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These proposed increases would be the first since 2014, and Blackmon said there could be a slight increase in the water rate as well, now that financing for the Kerr Lake Regional Water System has been secured. That increase hasn’t been determined yet and it’s still being studied.

“Additional revenues will help sustain a stable fund balance to balance the budget and to help meet increased costs related to salaries, utilities, supplies such as chemicals, and other expenses impacted by inflation,” Blackmon stated Friday.

He added that the Council has a policy of maintaining a 30 percent fund balance available in reserves during periods of declining revenues, to be used for emergencies and unforeseen expenses.

It may take a couple of years before the budget is “revenue neutral,” he added. The upcoming county tax revaluation will take effect in January 2024, so that could mean more dollars coming to the city coffers, which would keep the fund balance at a healthy level.

Chamber, Rotary Team Up To Host “State Of The State” June 21

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The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce and The Henderson Rotary Club are hosting the annual “State of the State Address and Luncheon” Wednesday, June 21 at 12 noon.

State Sen. Lisa Barnes and N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon will bring news and updates from the General Assembly to those in attendance.

Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson said this event is designed to give business leaders and engaged citizens insight and information about what’s happening in Raleigh, especially as it pertains to government budgets, resources, initiatives and more.

Chamber members, staff and guests are invited to attend the luncheon. The price is $30 a person; tables of 8 can be reserved as well.

Registration for the luncheon should be made before June 15. Contact the Chamber at 252.438.8414 or email tanya@hendersonvance.org.

Vance County Early College Celebrates the Class of 2023

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Press Release Courtesy of Vance County Schools —

Vance County Early College High School awarded 33 students with their high school diplomas Friday evening (May 26, 2023) at The Center for Innovation. 29 students also received their Associates of Arts or Science degree from Vance-Granville Community College.

Principal Debbie Hite shared words of encouragement to the graduating class, and VCECHS Class of 2023 graduates Jayson Otts and Katia Portillo-Chavez, delivered farewell addresses to their fellow classmates.

Jayson Otts talked about his journey through senior year, and reminded his classmates that “if you are having a bad day, God woke you up for a reason.”

Katia Portillo-Chavez encouraged the Class of 2023 to, “let us never forget the lessons we’ve learned here, as we go on new roads. Whether it is furthering our education, entering the workforce, enlisting into the military or pursuing our passions. Remember that we all have our destinies and travels to follow.”

Students were presented their diplomas by Principal Debbie Hite, Superintendent, Dr. Cindy Bennett, Mrs. Gloria J. White, VCS Board of Education Chair, and Dr. Rachel M. Desmarais, President of Vance-Granville Community College.

Congratulations, Vance County Early College High School Class of 2023!

VCECHS Class of 2023 Fast Facts:

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  • VCECHS Class of 2023 has received over $4.9 million in scholarships.
  • The following seniors are enlisting into the military:
    • Alexander Cruz – U.S. Marines
    • Morris Gene Langley, III – United States Air Force
    • Keyon O’Shea Tunstall – U.S. Marines
  • 31 students are graduating with distinction:
    • 8 seniors are graduating Cum Laude (weighted GPA 3.25-3.5)
    • 7 seniors are graduating Magna Cum Laude (weighted GPA 3.6-3.9)
    • 16 seniors are graduating Summa Cum Laude (weighted GPA 4.0+)
  • 29 seniors earned their Associates Degree from Vance Granville Community College.
  • VCECHS students have earned a total of 1824 transferable college credits.
  • 23 seniors were accepted into a 2 or 4 year college/university.
  • Students graduated with a variety honors:
    • National Honor Society
    • North Carolina Scholar
    • National Beta Club
    • President’s Award for Educational Excellence
    • President’s Award for Achievement

Vance Virtual Village Academy graduates on Saturday, June 10 at 9 a.m. followed by AdVance Academy at 11 a.m. All ceremonies are at the Center for Innovation and require a ticket to enter.

Drug Complaint Leads to Investigation and May 26th Arrest

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From HPD Chief Marcus W. Barrow — 

On May 26, 2023, members of the Henderson Police Department, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, and the State Bureau of Investigation served a narcotic’s search warrant at 125 Wyche Street Henderson, North Carolina, Apartment 304, in response to a drug complaint.

During the service of the warrant approximately 75 grams of cocaine, drug manufacturing equipment and $13,964.00 in cash proceeds from drug sales were seized.

65-year-old Christopher Williams was arrested in relation to this investigation.

Williams was charged with, two counts of Trafficking Cocaine, one count of Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, Deliver Cocaine, one count of Felony Manufacturing Cocaine, two counts of Maintaining a Dwelling Place for a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Williams received a $150,000.00 secured bond (from the magistrate).

Williams was remanded to the Vance County Detention Center.

Williams is currently on Federal Probation for prior drug related charges.

If anyone has information about any ongoing criminal activity, please contact us through Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers at (252- 492-1925 or P3 app), call us at 252-438-4141, or contact us through Facebook or Instagram.

(Henderson Police Department Press Release)

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The Local Skinny! Pop The Hood: Belts and Hoses

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

Getting ready for that annual vacation and you’ve made a mental to-do list before you pile in the car for that much-needed getaway:

Lights turned off and front door locked? Check.

Stopped by the bank for some cash? Check.

Grocery store for snacks and drinks for the ride? Check.

Popped the hood looking for cracked belts or bad hoses?

Umm, well, no.

Michael Puckett of the Advance Auto Parts store on Raleigh Road says if you see bubbles along hoses or cracking along your vehicle’s belts, it’s probably time to replace them. A blown hose or broken belt can leave you stranded, delaying your arrival to that vacation destination.

If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, Advance offers a loaner tool program to its customers to handle hose clamps and that all-important belt tensioner tool that helps you thread the belt in place.

Not a DIY-er? No problem.

“We have some local shops that we can recommend,” Puckett said, to send customers in the right direction.

It’s important to do a visual check of belts and hoses, but drivers also need to pay attention to those squealing noises coming from under the hood. It could mean a bad pulley or tensioner.

Paying attention to unusual sounds and looking for signs of wear are two good ways to avoid breakdowns and keep your vehicle running well and keeping you safe.

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

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New Sandy Creek VBS June 26-29

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New Sandy Creek Baptist Church is hosting a Vacation Bible School June 26-29. The program theme is “Ready, Set, Move” and runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and is free and open to any young person from 0 to 12th grade, according to information from Jackie Ayscue. The church is located at 1699 Weldons Mill Rd. Dinner will be served each night, with a special “family night” on June 29 to conclude the program.

Register online at  www.myvbs.org/newsandycreek.