One Dead In Single-Car Accident Sunday On West Andrews Avenue

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Press Release from Henderson Police Department

 

On September 27, 2026, at approximately 2:17 a.m., officers with the Henderson Police Department were dispatched to West Andrews Avenue, between Chestnut Street and Garnett Street, in reference to a single-vehicle collision involving a rollover.

Upon arrival, officers located a male and female occupant. The female was identified as Aleida Matias, 17, of Henderson. Matias was pronounced deceased at the scene. The male occupant was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the vehicle was traveling in excess of the posted speed limit prior to the collision. The investigation remains ongoing as officers work to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision. No charges have been filed at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Henderson Police Department at 252.438.4141, Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers at 252.492.1925 or submit information through the P3 app.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available and as appropriate while the investigation continues.

 

Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Wrapping Up September, Ushering In October at Perry Memorial Library

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The theme for the Thursday, Oct. 1 Story Time at Perry Memorial Library is Firefighters, and Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters has lined up the perfect “show and tell” afterward – a shiny red firetruck courtesy of the City of Henderson.

The story time is at its regular time of 11 a.m. and the firetruck will be parked in the Winder Street parking lot outside the library at 11:30 a.m. Peters hopes lots of kids will come to the story time and then head outside to explore the truck.

Later that day, Henderson native Curtis M. Harvey, Jr. will bring his latest children’s book to the afternoon Story Time crowd at 4:30 p.m. “The Roots of Rhythm,” Harvey’s third children’s book, explores the history of Black music in the United States.

“It’ll be a busy week,” Peters told WIZS’s Scout Hughes on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny.

Other activities during the week include the September Read-Out at Fox Pond Park. The community is invited to come out to the park, located at 467 Vicksboro Rd., and celebrate the joy of reading between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The bookmobile will be on site, and there will be free books and coloring sheets to share. This program is a collaboration with the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department, the city of Henderson and Pathways 2 Peace.

A couple of new programs are on the calendar for the fall, including a Writer’s Workshop from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the second Tuesdays of each month. The first one will be Tuesday, Oct. 6 in the Maker’s Studio. It’s for young people of all ages, Peters said.

And then the library is hosting some “lounge” sessions for middle schoolers that will focus on mental health.

Peters said research and new ideas are pointing to the need for young people to have a more relaxed setting to talk about their feelings. In collaboration with the Poe Center in Raleigh, Peters said the “lounge” time will provide that relaxed setting to learn and share about topics ranging from mindfulness to navigating social media.

The topic of the first session on Wednesday, Oct. 7 is Mind 101, a discussion about navigating the concept of mindfulness. Other sessions include discussions about online safety and social media, media myth busting, standing up to bullying and more.

Peters said today’s young people face a barrage of information coming at them, and it’s vital that they have the critical-thinking skills needed to tell what is real from what is not.

“It’s a whole different world,” she said. “I want to be able to give kids these skills – in a safe space.”

Visit www.perrylibrary.org for a complete list of programs and events the library offers.

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Cooperative Extension with Michael Ellington: Bringing Houseplants Inside

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You’ve enjoyed those container plants on your deck or porch all summer, and now it’s time to think about bringing them in as fall and cooler weather approaches.

But N.C. Cooperative Extension Agent Michael Ellington has a short checklist before you hall in those hibiscus or bring in those Boston ferns for the winter.

When nighttime temps begin dipping into the 50s, those tropical plants can get a little stressed, said the agent in charge of horticulture and field crops for Vance County. Those cooler temperatures also signal the plants that growing season is over and it’s time to rest for a bit.

Ellington offers a few quick reminders before you grab them and drag them all inside.

First, give them a thorough rinse with the hose attachment nozzle set to the shower setting. Check underneath leaves and where the leaves meet the stems to get rid of any insects that may be hanging out.

Second, wipe down the outside of the pot and flush the soil with water to take care of any soil-dwelling pests.

If you do notice insects, use an insecticidal soap or oil and then place the plants in a shady spot until they’re completely dry.

When you do bring in the containers from outside, consider grouping the plants together – and away from your indoor houseplants – for a couple of weeks, just in case some critters did manage to hitchhike in.

Some plants can be forced into dormancy and then the tubers can be removed from the soil and kept in a cool, dark spot. An unheated attached garage or crawlspace may be a good spot for them to spend the winter months.

They’ll need a minimal amount of water, but no light.

If you’re planning on keeping the plants over the winter, remember that they don’t need fertilizer in their resting periods, and they should be kept away from heat vents or drafty areas.

By the time spring rolls around, your plants likely will be ready for warmer weather.

Questions? Contact Ellington at the N.C. Cooperative Extension office at 252.438.8188 or visit www.vance.ces.ncsu.edu/

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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Maria Parham’s Breast Cancer Awareness Day Turns It Pink On Oct. 13

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Maria Parham Health will observe Breast Cancer Awareness Day on Tuesday, Oct. 13, as part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness of breast cancer, encourage screening and support those affected by the disease.

Maria Parham Health team members encourage the community to wear pink on Oct. 13 to show their support for breast cancer patients, survivors and families and to help spread awareness throughout the community.

Pink has become a widely recognized symbol of breast cancer awareness and represents hope, strength, support and the ongoing fight against the disease.

Team members are encouraged to wear their favorite pink shirt, accessories, shoes or other pink items. Photos will be taken throughout the day and shared on Maria Parham Health’s social media channels.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed each October and emphasizes the importance of education, early detection, appropriate screening, research and treatment. The campaign also provides an opportunity to recognize breast cancer survivors and support individuals currently facing the disease.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Day is an opportunity for our team to come together and show our support for everyone whose life has been touched by breast cancer,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “By wearing pink, we can help keep this important conversation going and remind our community about the importance of awareness and screening.”

For more information about Maria Parham Health, visit mariaparham.com or follow Maria Parham Health on social media.

The Local Skinny! Watkins Fire Dept. BBQ & Chicken Plate Sale October 2

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The cooks at Watkins Volunteer Fire Department aren’t shying away from a challenge – the chicken and barbecue plate fundraiser back in May sold out, so they’re upping the ante for this Friday’s fundraiser in hopes for another sellout of 1,800 plates.

The plates will be ready for pickup at 11 a.m. and are $12 for chicken OR barbecue with two sides, bread and dessert or $15 for a combo plate with two sides, bread and dessert.

Eat-in customers have a choice of iced tea, lemonade or water, as well as a variety of desserts, said Watkins Chief Brandon Link.

One-pound containers of barbecue is available for $10 a pound.

Link said they moved 1,000 plates during the first hour at the May event and ended up selling out the 1,600 plates by mid-afternoon. In fact, the past five sales have sold out, so don’t wait until the last minute to stop by the department at 1590 Horseshoe Bend Rd this Friday, Oct. 2.

“A sellout is what we shoot for,” Link said on Monday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

They’ll take pre-orders so they’ll be ready for you to come and pick up. And, as usual, deliveries of 10 or more plates is an option, too.

The two fundraisers are the major sources of funding for the department, and Link praised the community for its continued support with preparation and by purchasing plates.

“They put in their time…advertise for us and advocate for us,” he said.

“It’s a bunch of work, but it’s fun,” he said.

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NCDOT

NCDOT: Bear Pond Road Railroad Crossing Closing Sept. 29 Until Sept. 30

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— information courtesy of NCDOT Spokesperson Kim Deaner

CSX Transportation plans to temporarily close the railroad crossing located on Bear Pond Road between Raleigh Road and U.S. 1 Bypass.

The closure is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Sept. 29, with the crossing expected to reopen by 5 a.m. Sept. 30, weather permitting.

Signs will be in place directing motorists to the designated detour route.

TownTalk: Vance Furniture Celebrates 85 Years

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For 85 years, Vance Furniture Co. has been an anchor for downtown Henderson. And on Friday morning, the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon-cutting to recognize the local business for its long-standing commitment to the community.

With well-wishers and Chamber board members looking on, Craig and Maria Bailey, along with company employees, welcomed the group into the main floor showroom.

“This just doesn’t ‘happen,’” said Vanessa Jones, the Chamber’s director of programs. “It takes hard work and dedication to the community to make it to 85 years,” Jones said in opening remarks.

Bailey’s father, Hayden Bailey, established the business in September 1941.

“We all know what happened in 1941,” Bailey said, referring to the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7 of that year.

After a two-year tour in the Pacific, the elder Bailey came back to Henderson to focus on the business and starting a family.

Another name with a long association to the company co-owner Sam Harper, who as co-owner spent six decades with Vance Furniture Co. Harper died in 2024.

Craig Bailey said he has a rich history with the furniture company. “I’ve been here most of my life,” he said. “It’s been fun, it’s been an experience,” he added.

Chamber Board Chair the Rev. Abidan Shah said the iconic five-story building represents downtown in the best possible way.

“Thanks for all your sacrifices and service,” Shah told Bailey and staff.

With his office literally across the street from Vance Furniture, Vance County Economic Development Director Ferdinand Rouse said he is glad the county – and downtown – has a business with the staying power of Vance Furniture and said he hopes that it will continue to loom large as revitalization efforts continue.

Downtown Development Director Tracy Madigan said her parents had been loyal customers since they moved here in 1970.

Madigan said she understands now more than ever how important it is to support local businesses, especially when there are so many options available.

“It is amazing that we have a store like this in Henderson,” she said, that serves not just the local community but touts a wide customer base.

After the ribbon-cutting, Bailey said folks come in from all over the area, including Wake Forest, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and recreational areas like Kerr Lake and Lake Gaston.

Customers can roam around showrooms on all five floors and get an extra thrill when they step into that elevator that transports them to each level.

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Maria Parham Seeks Partners For Oct. 28 ‘Trunk Or Treat’ Event

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Maria Parham Health is inviting local businesses, schools, civic organizations and community groups to help make Halloween special for local children and families by participating in its annual Trick-or-Treat Event on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

The event will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and will bring hundreds of local children and families together for an evening of Halloween fun in a safe, family-friendly environment.

Maria Parham Health is seeking community partners to host treat stations during the event. Businesses, schools, civic organizations, first responders, nonprofits, faith-based groups, clubs and other community organizations are encouraged to participate.

Participating organizations are asked to:

  • Decorate a treat station.
  • Dress in costume.
  • Hand out candy and other treats.
  • Showcase their organization while giving back to the community.

Organizations can go all out with elaborate decorations and costumes or keep things simple. Every participating group helps create a memorable experience for local children and families.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate Halloween while creating special memories for local children and families,” said Donna Young, public information officer for Maria Parham Health. “We are grateful to the businesses and organizations that help make this event possible each year.”

Organizations interested in participating should email donna.young@lpnt.net for more information or to reserve a treat station.