CARS Tour Race at Orange County Speedway

/by

Rougemont, NC

There was a time when stock car auto racing was so popular that a touring division known as the Hooters Pro Cup Series thrived at local short tracks across the east coast. However, in recent years, NASCAR and all of racing has taken a hit.

The CARS Tour that invaded Orange County Speedway on August 1st is a little different. The CARS Tour was born from the remains of the now defunct USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series, but they now use super late models, and late model stock cars like you would see at a short track on the tour. This allows the drivers more flexibility as to where they can run their racecar on a weekly basis.

Brandon Setzer, son of longtime NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Dennis Setzer, won the super late model race at Orange County Speedway on August 1st. The CARS Tour super late models allow young drivers like Brandon Setzer to drive high horsepower racecars in preparation for future days in NASCAR.

Josh Berry, driver of the SPEEDCO Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, raced at Orange County Speedway the week before the CARS Tour came to town to dial in his machine. He won the late model stock portion of the CARS Tour Race at Orange County.

From JoshBerry.net, “I’m really proud of all our guys for working so hard this weekend. This series is really competitive, so to be able to get two wins in our first two starts is impressive. It really turned into a long race with a lot of cautions, so I just had to keep focus and get good restarts to keep the lead. The outside groove seemed to really work for us, so it was real important to stay out front to have lane control for the restarts. I feel like racing at OCS last weekend really helped me learn the track, and I was able to use it to my advantage in the CARS race.”

In the NASCAR racing we see on TV, those drivers do not get a chance to practice at the track that they’re racing at next week, and that is what makes the CARS Tour different and exciting to fans and competitors.

Shriner’s Fish Fry 2015

/by

On Wednesday, May 20th 2015 the Henderson Shrine Club held its annual fish fry at Vance Square Shopping Center on Old Super 10 Raleigh Rd. in Henderson, NC. Members of the Henderson Shrine Club served hand-breaded white fish, fresh cut potatoes, and hushpuppies all cooked and prepared on site with a side of Cole slaw and a fountain drink for $8 a plate. Many members of the community were in attendance for the annual fish fry which was held to raise funding for the Greenville Shriners Hospital for Children in Greenville, SC. Slices of cake and other desserts were also sold to help raise money. WIZS staff members Kevin Bullock and Jason Walsh were on the scene to provide live coverage and commentary of the event. Among the many friendly faces who approached the WIZS table to discuss the event on-air, Charles Britt as well as several other members of the Shrine Club talked with Kevin Bullock at length about the history of the Henderson Shrine Club and annual fish fry as well as what the organization is doing to support the Greenville Shriners Hospital. The event ran from 11AM until 7PM as many in the Vance county community showed up for a delicious meal and to help the cause. For more information or to donate to the Greenville Shriners Hospital for Children visit their website at https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/ .



H-V Crime Stoppers August Crimes of the Month

/by

Shooting Case:

On August 3, 2015 around 12:21 AM, officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to Highland Green Apartments, 111 S. Pinkston Street Henderson, NC in reference to shots being fired. While in route, officers were advised that there was a 9 year-old female that was transported by a personal vehicle to a local medical facility with injuries. The 9 year-old victim is currently being treated for her injuries. Officers on scene at Highland Green Apartments located a 19 year-old female, Aisha Taylor, of Henderson, who was suffering from a gunshot graze to her arm. Ms. Taylor later went to a local medical facility for treatment. The incident was reported to have occurred when a vehicle pulled up to a group of people that were standing in front of the apartments and began firing a firearm.

The incident is under further investigation by members of the Criminal Investigations Division. The Henderson Police Department encourages anyone with information related to this crime to contact the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141 or Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925. You can put anonymous tips on the web site.  (www.hvcrimestoppers.com)  Callers may remain anonymous. Crime Stoppers offers a reward up to $2,000 for information that leads to an arrest.

Larceny Case

On July 27, 2015 at approximately 7:21 am, the Vance County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to Sunset Gardens, 3174 US-158 Business, in reference to a larceny. Upon arrival Deputies talked to William Haithcock, who stated that someone during the night had taken a red Toro zero-turn mower from the shed. The Vance County Sheriff’s Office encourages any person with information related to this case to contact Henderson –Vance Crime Stoppers at 492-1925 and also you can put anonymous tips on the web site.  (www.hvcrimestoppers.com)  Citizens with information can also contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at 738-2200.

Larceny Case

On July 17, 2015 at approximately 3:35pm, Vance County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to Kids World Daycare, 420 Red Oak Road, in reference to a larceny. Upon arrival, Deputies talked to Ms. Stewartson who stated that someone had taken during the night an air conditioner unit from the property. The Vance County Sheriff’s Office encourages any person with information related to this case to contact Henderson – Vance Crime Stoppers at 492-1925 and also you can put anonymous tips on the web site.  (www.hvcrimestoppers.com)  Citizens with information can also contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at 738-2200.

Commissioners Will Meet Sept 8th, not 7th

/by

RESOLUTION
by the
Vance County Board of Commissioners

Changing the Date of the September 2015 Commissioners’ Meeting

WHEREAS, the Vance County Board of Commissioners normally holds its regular
meetings on the first Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m.; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-40 provides that in the event the Board
of Commissioners desires to change the date and time of a regular meeting, that the
Board may do so by adopting a resolution at least ten (10) days before such meeting;
and

WHEREAS, the Vance County Board of Commissioners desires to change its regular
meeting scheduled for Monday, September 7, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. to Tuesday
September 8, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Vance County Board of
Commissioners that it does hereby change its regular meeting date from September
7, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. to September 8, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at the usual place, the
Commissioners’ Conference Room, Vance County Administration Building,
Henderson, NC.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution is to be posted on the
Courthouse bulletin board, and the news media within Vance County is to be made
aware of this change.

New DHHS Secretary

/by

Governor McCrory Appoints Brajer

Secretary of DHHS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           919-814-2100

Wednesday, August 5, 2015                                                              govpress@nc.gov

Raleigh, N.C. — Governor Pat McCrory today announced the appointment of Rick Brajer as the new secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).  Brajer succeeds Aldona Wos, MD, who has served as secretary since January 2013.

“I want to thank Secretary Wos for her dedication and service over the last two and half years,” said Governor McCrory. “Under her leadership, the Department of Health and Human Services has undergone a dramatic transformation of efficiency and improvement. I am grateful for her role in making that happen.”

Under Secretary Wos’ leadership, North Carolina’s Medicaid program has finished with a cash surplus over the past two years. She has also championed improvements in mental health and substance use disorder services and was instrumental in helping complete the agreement with the City of Raleigh on the sale of the Dix campus.

Brajer comes to DHHS after decades of senior leadership roles in the healthcare and medical industry. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer and Director of Pronerve, Inc. Before that, he served as the President, CEO and Director of Liposcience, Inc. from 2003 to 2013. Other previous leadership roles including president of BD Diagnostics and president of BD Preanalytical Systems.

“I am honored to be asked by Governor McCrory to serve North Carolina in this role,” said Brajer. “I look forward to continuing building upon the progress that Secretary Wos has made at DHHS during her tenure.”

“Rick Brajer brings a unique set of experience and skills to DHHS,” said Governor McCrory. “His background in healthcare and in business is the perfect fit for the department and the work that lies ahead.”

Brajer earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University and his MBS from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He and his wife have three sons. An avid long distance runner since high school, Brajer has been active in the community as chairman of Habitat for Humanity of Wake County, member of the Ravenscroft Board of Trustees, and board of directors of Communities in Schools of Wake County.

Brajer will begin his role as secretary on August 17.

###

City of Henderson Committees

/by

Volunteers Needed –The City of Henderson has Committee openings that need to be filled. You can help. These openings are for City Committees that usually meet once a month to (1) Hear citizens’ concerns and complaints (2) Review pending changes and make recommendations to the City Council (3) Make plans for upcoming events/organize subcommittees or group events.

Interested?  Openings are available for the following Committees for City residents.

  • Board of Adjustments (Zoning)
  • Henderson Community Appearance Committee
  • Planning Board (matters involving Land Use)
  • Henderson-Vance Recreation And Parks Commission

Applications are available on the City’s web site or from the City Clerk or by clicking here ci.henderson.nc.us. Applications are available for any of the Committees as openings are often available.

Below is a complete list of Boards, Commissions and Committees for the City of Henderson.  You can apply for any of these and the City will keep your application on file.

  • Airport Authority
  • E-911 Advisory Board
  • Henderson Community Appearance Commission
  • Henderson Planning Board
  • Henderson Redevelopment Commission
  • Henderson-Vance Human Relations Commission
  • Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Commission
  • Perry Memorial Library Board of Trustees
  • Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission
  • Henderson Board of Adjustment

TownTalk Tribute to Dr. Franklin Mills

/by

HENDERSON- Dr. John Franklin Mills, age 61, a resident of Henderson died Monday, July 27, 2015 at his home. Born April 30, 1954 in Vance County, he was the son of the late Dr. Randolph Dennis Mills and Marion Callaway Mills. He graduated from Wake Forest University and Bowman Gray School of Medicine.Dr. J. Franklin Mills

Dr. Mills was a well respected family physician at Duke Primary Care of Henderson, formerly Henderson Family Medicine. He loved his patients and had continued to make house calls until the day before his death. He was a member of The First Baptist Church of Henderson, NC where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church by Dr. Ronald S. Cava. He is survived by his wife, Janet Thigpen Mills of the home; his son, Benjamin Bryan Mills of Charlotte; his daughter, Taylor Callaway Winters and husband, Jeremiah of Richmond, VA; two sisters, Jane M. Hicks and husband, David and Kathy M. Williams and husband Paul of Henderson; his father and mother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Thigpen of Williamston, NC; brother-in-law, Joel Thigpen and fiance Pam Kirks; sister-in-law, Jenny Thigpen; four grandchildren, Henry Lawrence Winters, Callaway Robert Winters, Mills Bryan Winters and Lindley Corrine Winters; and an aunt, Hallie Frank Mills Pegram, of Henderson. He was preceded in death by his brother, Randolph D. Mills, Jr.

The family received friends following the service in the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church on Wednesday and at other times were at the home. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to First Baptist Church, Henderson, PO Box 75, Henderson, NC 27536 or Boys and Girls Club of North Central North Carolina (BGCNCNC-Vance Unit), PO Box 176, Oxford, NC 27565.

Date of Death: Monday, July 27, 2015

Arrangements for Dr. John Franklin Mills by J.M. White Funeral Home of Henderson.

Dog Flu in North Carolina

/by

WIZS is an affiliate of the North Carolina News Network, and NCNN programming can be heard hourly, Monday-Friday from 5:55am until 4:55pm.  NCN News is also available on WIZS Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon.

A highly contagious canine flu virus that blanketed the Midwest in the spring made it’s way to North Carolina in July. Dr. Patricia Norris — director of the State Ag Department’s Animal Welfare office — says just like the flu that we’re susceptible to, the dog flu is more worrisome with young dogs (puppies), older dogs, and those who may already have a medical condition. Otherwise…


So far only a handful of cases have been confirmed, but there may be more cases that health officials don’t know about, as canine influenza is not a reportable disease in North Carolina.

June Employment Figures Released

/by

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 95 of North Carolina’s counties in June, decreased in four counties, and remained unchanged in one county.

Graham County had the highest unemployment rate at 12.3 percent while Buncombe County had the lowest at 4.7 percent. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases. Among the Metro areas, Rocky Mount at 8.9 percent experienced the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 5.0 percent. The June not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 6.1 percent.

The full release is available here.

Vance County has a labor force of 17,988 with 1,683 unemployed, giving you a rate of 9.4 percent.  Granville County has 28,513 workers with 1,563 out of work, giving you a rate of 5.5 percent.  Warren County employs 7,250 with 653 out of work, giving you an unemployment rate of 9.0 percent.  Just south in Franklin County, there are 29,134 in the labor force with 1,795 out of a job, giving you a rate of 6.2 percent.

Vance County’s unemployment rate increased .6 percent from May to June.  May’s figure was 8.8 percent, while June’s is 9.4.  The unemployment rate in June of 2014 was 9.6 percent, meaning a .2 percent decrease when compared to one year ago.

Vance County has the fifth worst unemployment rate in the state with Graham, Scotland, Edgecombe and Wilson Counties respectively being the four counties with the worst rates.

june unemployment state

Vance Board of Commissioners Meeting

/by

The next regular meeting of the Vance County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Monday, August 3 at 6:00pm.  The Commissioners meet the first Monday of each month in the Commissioner’s Meeting Room, 122 Young Street, Henderson, NC.

On the agenda:

  • County-wide water planning committee reports including wrap up of Phase 1, information about five crews working in Phase 2, with discussion about road work, USDA grant applications and refunds of early sign up fees.  The Water Board previously (April 2014) approved issuing refunds in Phase 1A and also approved allowing residents within any phase who receive refunds to “reserve” the initial signup fee of $125 if county water service is made available to them in the future. With construction wrapping up in Phase 2, it is necessary to take action authorizing the refunds along those roads that will not be included within the current project. VANCECOUNTYThe committee recommended proceeding with the issuance of refunds along the roads indicated in the attachments. Anticipated Recommendation: Authorize staff to issue refunds in Phases 2A and 2B for those roads as presented where water will not be available for the foreseeable future.
  • The properties committee will report to the full board concerning numerous properties jointly owned by the City and the County.  Some properties have been foreclosed, others have pending sales while still more are dilapidated and in need of demolition.