No Doubt About It: Council Votes To Formally Adopt FY 2025-26 Budget At Special Called Meeting Monday

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The Henderson City Council took just a few minutes Monday to formally adopt the FY 2025-26 budget during a special called meeting that took place at 12 noon in Council chambers.

City Manager/City Attorney Hassan T. Kingsberry introduced the budget and Council Member Tami Walker made a motion – seconded by Council Member Garry Daeke – to approve.

Council Members Geraldine Champion, Sam Seifert, Michael Venable, Daeke and Walker voted yes.

Council Members Sara Coffey, Lamont Noel and Ola Thorpe-Cooper were not present for the meeting.

The budget adoption had been on the agenda at the June 9 regular monthly meeting, but there was some confusion about whether the council actually took a vote to formally adopt the $54 million budget.

Mayor Melissa Elliott remarked at the special called meeting that she didn’t request an addendum to the budget when she called for the vote at last week’s meeting.

That confusion was cleared up by the vote taken during the special called meeting.

The budget must be approved before July 1, when the new fiscal year begins.

Arrest Made in Double Homicide Investigation

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This morning, at approximately 9 (o’clock), Michael Sharron Wright (age 41) was taken into custody without incident by Sheriff Robert Fountain of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office. Wright was apprehended in connection with the June 15, 2025, double homicide on Maple Street in Henderson.

Following his arrest, investigators from the Henderson Police Department processed Wright alongside the Granville County deputies, and he was presented before a Granville County Magistrate for formal warrant service. He was ordered held without bond pending his initial court appearance and is currently being housed at the Granville County Detention Center.

The Henderson Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to Sheriff Robert Fountain and the deputies of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office for their swift and professional partnership as they worked in conjunction with our agency throughout the night. We also wish to thank the Vance County and Franklin County Sheriff’s Offices for their support during the course of this investigation.

This remains an active investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141 or Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925.

— press release 6-16-25 at 11:06 a.m.

Marcus W. Barrow
Chief of Police

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On Sunday, June 15, 2025, at approximately 6:45 PM, officers with the Henderson Police Department were dispatched to the 900 block of Maple Street in reference to a reported shooting.

Upon arrival, officers located two victims suffering from gunshot wounds: Teresa Davis, age 63, and her son, Joseph Jeffreys Jr., age 26, both of Maple Street. Sadly, both individuals were pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel.

This is an active and ongoing investigation. Based on information gathered thus far, detectives have obtained warrants for Michael Sharron Wright, age 41, for the homicide of both victims. Wright was last seen fleeing the area in a white Hyundai Sonata bearing North Carolina license plate KEE-6554.

Wright is considered armed and dangerous. Do not approach. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the Henderson Police Department at (252) 438-4141 or call 911 immediately. Tips that can aid in the apprehension of the suspect or assist the ongoing investigation are strongly encouraged.

No further details can be released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation.

— press release 6-15-25 at 10:19 p.m.

Marcus W. Barrow
Chief of Police
Henderson Police Department
200 Breckenridge Street
Henderson, NC 27536
Tele: (252)431-6055
Fax: (252)438-7311

Cooperative Extension: Ants Can Be Controlled with Baits in Homes

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Wayne Rowland, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:

Ants can be controlled with baits in homes using the correct bait.

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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Vance County Schools ‘Excellence In Education’ Honorees Recognized At June 11 Ceremony

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— information courtesy of Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools honors the 2025 Educators of Excellence: Brian Schlessinger of Vance County Early College as Teacher of the Year, Simone Harris of Vance County Middle as Beginning Teacher of the Year, LaVonda Williams of Pinkston Street Elementary as Assistant Principal of the Year, and Dr. Carnetta Thomas of E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy as Principal of the Year.

The awards were presented at the district’s annual Excellence in Education banquet, which was held on Wednesday, June 11 at the Henderson County Club. The banquet honored teachers, staff and administrators from across the district, representing their respective schools.

Schlessinger and Thomas will represent Vance County Schools will advance to the regional competitions for Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year, respectively.

Schlessinger was named Vance County Schools 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year. Schlessinger earned his Bachelor of Education in Secondary Social Studies from PennWest Edinboro in Edinboro, PA. He earned a Master of Science in Instructional Technology from Grand Canyon University.  He has been in education for 10 years and is the Lead Social Studies Teacher at Vance County Early College.  He shared a meaningful quote by Julia Child that captured his perspective: “The measure of achievement is not winning awards. It’s doing something that you appreciate, something you believe is worthwhile.”

Beginning Teacher of the Year

Harris, a Vance County Middle School science teacher, was recognized as the 2025-2026 Beginning Teacher of the Year. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology Education from Church Teachers’ College in Mandeville, Jamaica. She has been with Vance County Schools since 2023 but has 10 years of experience as an educator. She shared, “I am truly honored and humbled to receive this recognition. It affirms my passion for teaching and my commitment to inspiring students to explore, question, and discover the wonders of science every day.”

Assistant Principal of the Year

Williams is the VCS 2025-2026 Assistant Principal of the Year and serves as an Assistant Principal at Pinkston Street Elementary.  She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Mt. Olive and a Master’s Degree in School Administration from North Carolina State University. Williams began her career in education in 2009 with Vance County Schools. She strives to be impactful and make a difference with a quote from Maya Angelou at the forefront of all she does: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Principal of the Year

Thomas, principal at E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy, was recognized as the 2025-2026 Principal of the Year. Thomas earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from North Carolina Central University. She earned her Doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix. She has been in education since 2001 and was the District Principal of the Year in 2018-2019. She shared a quote from Jack Welch that guides her: “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”

2025-2026 Vance County Schools Teacher of the Year Nominees: 

  • Nino Robles, AdVance Academy
  • Tamekia Thompson, Aycock Elementary
  • Fe McCoy, Carver Elementary
  • Ebony Jones, Clarke Elementary
  • Patricia Roberson, Dabney Elementary
  • Amber Baker, E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy
  • Orlinda Terry, E.O. Young Elementary
  • Christian Alexander, L.B. Yancey Elementary
  • Tina Terry, New Hope Elementary
  • Jennivise Lindsay, Pinkston St. Elementary
  • Christian Salinas, STEM Early High
  • Brian Schlessinger, Early College
  • Bobbi Parks, Vance County High
  • Len Manley, Vance County Middle
  • Penny Britty, Vance Virtual Village
  • Mary Landis, Zeb Vance Elementary

2025-2026 Vance County Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year Nominees:

  • Gay Charisse, Advance Academy
  • Hadassah Dixon, Aycock Elementary
  • Hailey Stroud, Carver Elementary
  • Shakera Roach-Thompson, Clarke Elementary
  • Natasha Williams, Dabney Elementary
  • Constance Seward, E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy
  • Marcia Cobbs, E.O. Young Elementary
  • Kimberley Reid, L.B. Yancey Elementary
  • JaCari Diggs, New Hope Elementary
  • Kaylom Crawley, Pinkston St. Elementary
  • Alexandra De Guzman, STEM Early High School
  • Ashley Bolling, Vance County Early College
  • Cortez Jones, Vance County High
  • Simone Harris, Vance County Middle School
  • Munirah Ali, Vance Virtual Village
  • Jeffrey Bagagnan, Zeb Vance Elementary

2025-2026  Vance County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year Nominees: 

  • McShell Edmonds, Vance County High
  • Facetia Branch, Vance County Middle
  • LaVonda Williams, Pinkston Street Elementary
  • Harold Thompson, Zeb Vance Elementary

2025-2026 Vance County Schools Principal of the Year Nominees:

  • Shannon Bullock, L.B. Yancey Elementary
  • Carnetta Thomas, EM Rollins STEAM Academy
  • Joy Suther, Zeb Vance Elementary
  • Letitia Fields, New Hope Elementary
  • Edward Ortega, STEM Early High
NC Coop Extension

Master Gardener Volunteer Class Forming Now For Aug. 14 Kickoff

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A new Master Gardener Volunteer class is getting underway in mid-August and gardeners and plant enthusiasts of all levels are invited to sign up.

The classes will be held on Thursdays at the Berea Fire Station or the Vance County Regional Farmers Market beginning Aug. 14 and running through Nov. 20, according to information from the Vance and Granville offices of the N.C. Cooperative Extension.

Tuition is $175 and includes all materials and resources needed for the class. Participants will receive training on soils and plant nutrients, native plants, diagnostics and much more.

To register, contact Vance County Agent Michael Ellington at 252.438.8188 or email maelling@ncsu.edu or Granville County Agent Johnny Coley at 919.603.1350 or email jwcoley@ncsu.edu.

Perry Memorial Library

Community ‘Read-In’ Event Kicks Off Wednesday, June 25

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Calling all readers to join in a community “Read-In” that will be held this summer on the last Wednesdays of the months of June, July and August. The last Wednesday in June is June 25.

Bring a chair or a blanket and a book, magazine or newspaper and spend an hour on the lawn across from Perry Memorial Library. The events begin at 4 p.m. and last for an hour.

Participants are requested to silence all electronics during this time to create a quiet space as readers do what they love to do – READ!

In case of inclement weather, the “read-in” will take place in the gallery between McGregor Hall and the library.

Visit www.perrylibrary.org or call the library at 252.438.3316/ext. 225 to learn more.

The event is being sponsored by the City of Henderson, Perry Memorial Library, Pathways 2 Peace and Vance County Tourism.

June 30 220 Fundraiser To Support Local Magistrate Who Lost Home In Fire

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A 220 Fundraiser will take place on Monday, June 30 to support Vance County Magistrate Mike Massenburg and his family, who lost their home and its contents in a house fire.

Tickets are $10 and are available for purchase at the Vance County clerk’s office and at the magistrate’s office.

The event will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for takeout only, and tickets must be offered for proof of purchase – To purchase tickets, please visit the clerk’s office or the magistrate’s office at 156 Church St., Suite 101.

 

Vance County Schools Announces Several Leadership Changes For 2025-26 School Year

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–Information courtesy of VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support Aarika Sandlin 

Vance County Schools has announced several leadership appointments for the upcoming school year, including principals at two schools and several district-level positions, according to information from VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support Aarika Sandlin.

Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett expressed her enthusiasm about this transition: “We are intentional about cultivating strong leaders who believe in the potential of every child. The Board of Education takes pride in being able to elevate proven leaders from within our district, while also welcoming back individuals who know and value our community. It is a leader’s wish to develop others so that they can continue to advance their personal and professional growth while maintaining our high standard for the profession.”

Dr. Shannon Bullock has been appointed principal of Vance County Middle School. Bullock most recently served as Principal of L.B. Yancey Elementary and is a former assistant principal at VCMS. Bullock holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from High Point University, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from East Carolina University, and an Associate of Arts from Vance-Granville Community College.

Facetia Branch has been named Principal of L.B. Yancey Elementary School. She most recently served as Assistant Principal at Vance County Middle School. Branch holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from North Carolina Central University. She went on to earn a Master of Public Administration from Strayer University and a Master of Education in School Leadership from Gardner-Webb University.

Dr. Stephanie Ayscue moves from her role as principal at VCMS into the role of executive director of Secondary Education and Professional Learning. Ayscue also has worked at AdVance Academy and Southern Vance High School. Dr. Ayscue holds a Doctorate in Education from Liberty University, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Western Carolina University, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Lourdes College. Ayscue is also a U.S. Air Force veteran.

Kristian Herring is returns to Vance County Schools as the principal of Dabney Elementary School. He most recently served as a District Coach in Edgecombe County Schools, but is no stranger to VCS—having previously led STEM Early High and Zeb Vance Elementary. Herring is working towards his Doctorate in Education from the University of Phoenix. He earned a Master of School Administration from East Carolina University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Elaine Webb will return to Vance County Schools as the director of Career and Technical Education. Her diverse educational background includes roles as a Career Development Coordinator, Special Education Teacher, and Career & Technical Education Teacher within the district.

Webb holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Winthrop University, a Master of Education in Exceptional Children from Converse College, an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from East Carolina University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.

Salvation Army

Henderson Salvation Army Welcomes Majors Jonathan And Staci Gainey As Corps Officers

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The Salvation Army announces the appointment of Majors Jonathan and Staci Gainey as new Corps Officers for The Salvation Army in Henderson. Their ministry will officially begin on Sunday, June 15 to serve in Vance, Granville, Franklin, Warren, Halifax and Northampton counties.

The Gaineys bring more than two decades of faithful service as Salvation Army officers, with deep roots in both personal and pastoral ministry, according to information from Gina Eaves, office coordinator at the Henderson office on Ross Mill Road.

Married in November 1988 in Jacksonville, FL, Jonathan and Staci have four children and also enjoy being grandparents.

Staci was born into a family of Salvation Army officers and raised in a life of ministry, with her parents, Majors Thomas and Kareen Nicholls, now retired from active service. Jonathan, on the other hand, had no personal connection to The Salvation Army before meeting Staci. After 10 years of marriage, he began attending the Salvation Army corps in Jacksonville with Staci and their children. There, he experienced the transforming call of God upon his life and responded with a wholehearted commitment to ministry.

Jonathan is also a veteran of the U.S. Army and active-duty National Guard, having served honorably for more than five years before his discharge in 1998. In 2002, the Gaineys were commissioned and ordained as Salvation Army officers as part of the Crossbearers session, beginning a journey that would take them across North Carolina, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Alabama in seven different corps appointments.

Jonathan has also served as a local pastor in the United Methodist Church from 2012 to 2015 and as ordained clergy within the Global Methodist Church from 2023 until earlier this year.

Their educational backgrounds reflect their dedication to spiritual formation and Christian leadership. Staci holds a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership from Nazarene Bible College and is especially known for her gift of pastoral care and leadership.

Jonathan holds both a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He has a strong passion for biblical study and theology, and he enjoys helping others grow in their understanding of Scripture and faith.

Music also plays a central role in their lives and ministry. Staci is an accomplished pianist who enjoys playing for worship and is often invited to provide accompaniment at divisional and territorial events throughout The Salvation Army. Her musical sensitivity brings richness and depth to the worship experience. Jonathan plays both acoustic and electric guitar, offering rhythm and lead accompaniment that enhances congregational singing and contemporary praise. Together, their musical gifts help create Spirit-filled worship environments that are both reverent and joyful.

They describe their leadership style as both delegative and coaching—empowering others through encouragement, accountability, and intentional development. They uphold an open-door policy and strive to create a culture of approachability, professionalism, and care. They believe in cultivating meaningful relationships with staff, volunteers, donors, and members of the community.

Jonathan and Staci are already in prayer for the corps family, staff, Advisory Board, friends of The Salvation Army, and the many lives that are touched through its outreach in the Henderson region. They look forward to building upon the excellent work of Major Beth Mallard, whose faithful service has made a lasting impact.

They said they are excited to continue the ministries of The Salvation Army, including providing food for those in need, serving children through the Red Shield Club’s after-school and summer programs, offering excellent worship experiences, and growing lasting relationships with volunteers, supporters and community partners throughout the region.

In both life and ministry, the Gaineys are guided by the words of Micah 6:8 (NIV): “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

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Henderson City Council Special Called Meeting Set For Monday To Formally Adopt FY 2025-26 Budget

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Update 6-16-25 at 1 p.m.

The Henderson City Council took just a few minutes Monday to formally adopt the FY 2025-26 budget during a special called meeting that took place at 12 noon in Council chambers.

City Manager/City Attorney Hassan T. Kingsberry introduced the budget and Council Member Tami Walker made a motion – seconded by Council Member Garry Daeke – to approve.

Council Members Geraldine Champion, Sam Seifert, Michael Venable, Daeke and Walker voted yes.

Council Members Sara Coffey, Lamont Noel and Ola Thorpe-Cooper were not present for the meeting.

The budget adoption had been on the agenda at the June 9 regular monthly meeting, but there was some confusion about whether the council actually took a vote to formally adopt the $54 million budget.

Mayor Melissa Elliott remarked at the special called meeting that she didn’t request an addendum to the budget when she called for the vote at last week’s meeting.

That confusion was cleared up by the vote taken during the special called meeting.

The budget must be approved before July 1, when the new fiscal year begins.

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Depending on whom you ask, the Henderson City Council voted Monday to adopt the 2025-26 budget.

But because of the uncertainty and confusion generated since that meeting, a special called meeting has been scheduled for 12 noon on Monday, June 16 to make official the formal adoption of the $54 million budget.

Information about the special called meeting comes from City Clerk Tracey Kimbrell. The meeting will take place at City Hall in City Council Chambers, 134 Rose Ave.

“On Monday night, the Henderson City Council technically voted on CAF 25-45, Ordinance 25-16, (Adoption of the FY26 Budget).   A correction sheet (labeled “CAF 25-45, Ordinance 25-16 water and sewer adjustments) regarding water and sewer rate adjustments was given to Council members prior to the meeting on Monday because calculations were incomplete at the time the agenda was distributed, preventing updates to the Schedule of Fees in the Budget Ordinance (25-16),” according to information Thursday afternoon from the clerk.

In a follow-up question from WIZS News Tuesday evening about whether the budget had been voted on, City Manager/City Attorney Hassan Kingsberry said it had been, when the council voted to increase a line item in the budget about McGregor Hall.

Whichever of these two votes was intended to adopt the budget, it’s apparently been decided by virtue of the upcoming special called meeting that neither one of the votes on Monday night was formal enough.

According to information in the agenda packet, the Council was to consider CAF 25-45 – adoption of the FY 26 annual budget.

Otherwise, as the information below indicates, the process leading up to the vote had been very productive despite some difficulties with data loss and the need to adjust the water and sewer rates. Information from the agenda packet reads as follows:

“CAF 25-45 Adoption of the FY 26 Annual Budget

“Requested by: Finance Director Joey Fuqua

“Explanation: On 12 May 2025 the FY 25-26, a balanced Recommended Budget was presented to the City Council followed by two budget work sessions on 19 May and 20 May and a public hearing on 22 May. After all reviews, answered questions and discussions, the City Council reached a consensus on accepting the FY 25-26 budget as presented. Submitted herewith, the City of Henderson FY 25-26 annual budget is presented for formal adoption at the 9 June 2025 regular City Council meeting.

“Recommendation: Approval of the Ordinance”

So while a consensus may have been reached following the budget work sessions and a public hearing, a vote specifically to formally adopt the budget did not occur at the Monday meeting.

Otherwise, another roll call vote was taken following Council Member Tami Walker’s motion to reinstate Michael Venable as mayor pro tem. That motion failed in a 5-3 vote, which means that Council Member Garry Daeke remains mayor pro tem. Council Members Sara Coffey, Lamont Noel, Sam Seifert, Ola Thorpe-Cooper and Daeke voted against the motion; Council Members Geraldine Champion, Tami Walker and Venable voted yes.

Council Member Noel brought up for discussion hiring an independent legal counsel for the purpose of reviewing recent city employee surveys and complaints that have surfaced as a result of the surveys.

Following some discussion, Council Member Seifert made a motion, seconded by Daeke, to approve hiring the firm, which will be tasked with conducting a complete review of the information contained in the surveys to render an independent and unbiased report on the findings. The motion was approved in a 5-3 vote, with Coffey, Noel, Seifert, Daeke and Thorpe-Cooper voting yes and Walker, Venable and Champion voting no.

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