Reminder About Precinct Changes In Advance Of Oct. 7 Election

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— information courtesy of Vance County Board of Elections Director Haley Rawles

A reminder to Henderson voters planning to go to the polls on Tuesday, Oct. 7 – there are a couple of different polling places as a result of precinct consolidation.

According to information from Vance County Board of Elections Director Haley Rawles On behalf of the Vance County Board of Elections, the following changes are in effect:

  • North Henderson 1 & East Henderson 1 voters will now vote at Central Henderson (the gym on the former Eaton Johnson campus), 500 N. Beckford Dr.
  • Hilltop & South Henderson 2 voters will now vote at South Henderson (Perry Memorial Library), 205 Breckenridge St.

These changes are permanent, Rawles said and will apply to the upcoming nonpartisan municipal election and all future elections.

Another reminder from Rawles: Only residents living within the City of Henderson are eligible to vote in the city election. Voters living in Vance County but outside the city limits are not eligible to vote in this election.

Updated voter cards were mailed to all voters affected by the precinct change, and Rawles said anyone with question should call the Board of Elections office at 252.492.3730 or visit ncsbe.gov to check their voter information.

Marsha Overby 2025 Recipient Of VGCC Distinguished Alumni Award

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— information courtesy of Vance-Granville Community College

The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation named Marsha Overby of Franklin County as its 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award as part of the annual Scholarship awards luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 25.

“Each year, we are honored to recognize one of our outstanding alumni whose journey began right here at VGCC,” said Tanya Weary, VGCCF Executive Director. “This award not only celebrates individual achievement but also inspires current students to pursue their goals with confidence and purpose.”

Overby graduated from VGCC with an associate degree in Computer Information Technology.  She has since demonstrated outstanding leadership and character throughout every facet of her life and career. Currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer of the State Highway Patrol, she is known for her professionalism, integrity and visionary leadership—qualities that inspire those around her and uphold the highest standards of public service. Beyond her professional achievements, Overby remains a passionate advocate for her community. She actively supports youth and community programs through her church, 4-H initiatives and the Oxford Preparatory School Board Finance Committee. Her involvement reflects a strong dedication to empowering young people, fostering creativity, and promoting leadership and service.

The VGCC Foundation hosts the scholarship luncheon annually to connect scholarship recipients with the donors who support their educational dreams. The Distinguished Alumni Award has become a highlight of the event, shining a spotlight on the lasting impact of a VGCC education.

For more information about The VGCC Foundation and its programs, visit www.vgcc.edu/foundation.

The Local Skinny! Triangle’s Got Talent at McGregor Hall

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Where in the world can you see performances by cloggers and Bollywood dancers, Gospel choirs and more?

Right here in Henderson, on Saturday night at McGregor Hall, of course!

The 2025 edition of ‘Triangle’s Got Talent’ comes to Henderson for an evening that’s sure to entertain. It’s a fundraiser for Henderson-based Hubzone Technology Initiative, which takes donated laptops and converts them to Chromebooks to be distributed to students and others who need them.

Ron Taylor, operations director at Hubzone Technology Initiative, said this year’s top prize is $1,000. There are 17 acts that will be vying for bragging rights – and the case prize.

A silent auction is underway now through Saturday, when all the items will be on display. One of the auction items is a couple of tickets to the McGregor Live! series, Taylor said on Thursday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

The doors open at 5:30 p.m. to give folks a chance to view and bid on the silent auction items. Then the show begins at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at the McGregor Hall box office, online at hubzonetech.org/tgt or at the door on Saturday.

Adult tickets are $30 and $16 for children 13 and under.

This is the first year the event has been held in Henderson, and Taylor said the folks at McGregor Hall couldn’t have been more accommodating, the way staff has worked with contestants, and making sure all the lighting, audio/visual equipment and more is ready for the big event. People have gone “above and beyond” to make sure everything’s in place for the talent competition.

“We’re a grassroots organization based in Henderson,” Taylor said, and much of the work HTI does benefits people in Henderson and the surrounding areas, so it’s fitting that the competition take place where so much of the work happens.

HTI plows the proceeds from Triangle’s Got Talent back into donating those converted laptops to people in households, enabling them to thrive and have accessibility to further their careers or education advancement, he said.

“We want to be able to bridge that Digital Divide and give people no barriers to access,” Taylor said.

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TownTalk: McGregor Hall 2025 Live Series Lineup!

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This year’s McGregor Live! series includes something for everyone – from a revenge-seeking barber to a performing dog troupe, with some Christmas tunes, beach music and the Wizard of Oz thrown in for good measure.

The McGregor Live! series package is $135, which Mark Hopper said represents a 25 percent discount from the single-ticket prices.

The season kicks off on Saturday, Nov. 1 with a four-show run of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

This Stephen Sondheim classic won multiple Tony awards in 1979, Hopper said. “This one has a thriller of a story,” he said.

The local production features a 22-member professional orchestra and a cast and crew of about 60.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1 and Nov. 8, with Sunday matinees on Nov. 2 and Nov. 9.

The stage welcomes ‘Plaid Tidings’ for performances on Friday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec.  20.

This show tells the story of four young men who form an a capella “doo wop” group that performs all your Christmas favorites, Hopper said. With an air of nostalgia, the show makes lots of references to bygone days when celebrities like Ed Sullivan and Perry Como entertained families with TV specials and radio tunes.

The Wizard of Oz On Ice is an interesting addition and came to be because the team at McGregor Hall is thinking outside the box. The performance is Saturday, Jan. 31 at 3 p.m.

“There is no way we could afford this as a one-off, meaning a single performance,” Hopper explained. Plus, there’s the whole issue of “ice.”

A California-based company is going on a national tour of the production, which is a reimagined production of the classic story about the girl from Kansas who found her way to the Emerald City.

“We worked out a deal with them to come and do their technical rehearsals here, and in exchange we’re going to get to enjoy a show that otherwise would be way, way, way beyond our reach. This is a really high-end professionally done show with all the characters you know and love – this will be a great, great family show,” Hopper said.

Then, on Feb. 15, the Chairmen of the Board will come to Henderson, bringing with them that toe tappin’ sound that makes you want to get up and dance. Most of the band members are not original members, but Hopper said they all knew the great General Norman Johnson. The band’s current vocalists and band members are real stewards of the band and the music it’s known for, from “You’ve Got Me Dangling On A String” to “Carolina Girls” and more.

The series finale features a man and his mutts – Johnny Peers & the Muttville Comix, to be precise.

Join the fun on Sunday, Apr. 26 at 3 p.m. as Peers puts his pups through a series of challenging and hilarious tricks. This group has performed its slapstick comedy routine at Ringling Brothers & Barnam and Bailey Circus and on the David Letterman show. You won’t want to miss it!

Find out more at https://www.mcgregorhall.org/shows-events.

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Maria Parham Cancer Center Welcomes Radiation Oncologist Dr. Ryan Fecteau

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   — information courtesy of Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health announces the addition of Dr. Ryan Fecteau, MD, PhD, as the newest Radiation Oncologist at the Maria Parham Cancer Center. Fecteau brings extensive clinical training and a patient-centered philosophy to the Cancer Center, where he will specialize in the treatment of genitourinary cancers, including prostate and bladder cancer.

Fecteau earned both his MD (2017) and PhD (2015) from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Ohio. He completed his residency training in Radiation Oncology at two of the nation’s most prestigious institutions: New York Presbyterian (2018–2021) and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (2021–2022) in New York City.

With a deep clinical interest in research and innovation, Fecteau has been actively involved in national clinical trials to treat prostate cancer and renal cell carcinoma.

Fecteau says his motivation for pursuing radiation oncology stems from the opportunity to use cutting-edge technology to both cure cancer and improve patients’ quality of life.

“When I meet someone for a consult, I like to gain an understanding of who they are and where they are coming from so that we can come up with a management plan that aligns with their values,” he said. “I believe one of the most important aspects of my job is education — ensuring that every patient fully understands the treatment options available so they can feel confident about their decisions.”

Outside of his clinical practice, Fecteau enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, traveling, watching Clemson football and exploring the Durham food scene.

“Dr. Fecteau’s exceptional training, compassionate approach, and commitment to innovation make him an outstanding addition to our team,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health.  “His arrival enhances our ability to provide advanced, patient-centered cancer care right here in Henderson, and we are excited to welcome him to our community.”

Patients can schedule consultations with Dr. Fecteau by contacting the Maria Parham Cancer Center directly at 252.436.1148.

One Arrested In Connection With Proposed Threat Posted On Social Media

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— information from Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow

 

On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, the Henderson Police Department received information regarding a proposed threat directed toward local governing bodies. The post on a social media platform, identified as belonging to Tracy S. Greenway, age 50, of Henderson, was perceived to be a threat directed at both the Vance County and City of Henderson governments.

The Henderson Police Department immediately initiated an investigation and coordinated with external partners. As a result of the investigation, Tracy S. Greenway has been arrested and charged with Solicitation to Commit Terrorism/Mass Shooting (NCGS 14-2.6, 14-10.1). Greenway was taken into custody and arraigned before a Vance County Judicial Official.

He is being held under a $90,000 secure bond and was remanded to an area detention facility.

This investigation remains ongoing. While no further details can be shared at this time, the Henderson Police Department is working closely with its partners to ensure the continued safety of our community.

 

TownTalk: DMV Commissioner Offers Insight, Updates To Increase Customer Satisfaction

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When Paul Tine stepped into his new role as the state’s DMV commissioner back in May, he knew his role was largely to steer the department through some upgrades and challenges that presented lots of roadblocks to customer service. Hours of waiting in line just to get in the door and impossible-to-get appointments were common complaints, and Tine said he and his team continue to work to make things better.

“Demand is certainly high,” Tine said on Wednesday’s TownTalk, “based on population and the Real ID initiative.”

He acknowledges the need for greater efficiency with internal processes, including upgrading and replacing the record-keeping technology that DMV uses. Customers expect a strong platform, he said, and he hopes to deliver before too long. He said he hopes to award by year’s end a contract to modernize the DMV technology. Until then, Tine and the DMV staff are constantly looking for ways to improve customer satisfaction.

The COVID-19 era requirement that customers make appointments is over, and walk-ins are welcome any time. Tine said 87 percent of clients are walk-ins these days, with the other 13 percent making appointments to conduct their business at DMV.

Moving toward more online transactions is helping ease the crunch at brick-and-mortar DMV offices, and there’s a new queueing system in place that allows customers to wait in their vehicles or other locations nearby instead of braving adverse weather conditions while they wait to get inside the DMV office.

“You can wait wherever you like,” Tine said, and a quick text message from DMV will let customers know when it’s their turn for assistance.

Thanks to more funding from the state legislature, Tine said more examiners have been hired – “the majority of those people in 30 days,” he said. The department is clearing a backlog of employee training by shifting to “in the field” training, which allows employees to serve while they are learning, he said.

Having third-party contractors step in to provide services is proving to be beneficial, too. There are self-serve kiosks in selected areas of the state, and a recent announcement that teen drivers can take their driving tests with a driver education group are just two examples of this partnership.

“We’re hoping to have that first certificate coming in the office any day,” Tine said.

The vast majority of North Carolinians will have to conduct business with the DMV at some time or another, and Tine said he’s sure about one thing:

“Our customers do not care about me…they care about that person they talk to in the office, on the phone, and how good our website is.”

Visit www.ncdmv.gov to learn more.

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