The Local Skinny! Curtis McRae Ends House District 32 Campaign

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In light of Curtis McRae’s recent announcement that he is withdrawing from the House District 32 race, Vance and Granville County Democratic leaders are planning meetings this week to discuss possible replacements in the upcoming election.

“Recent personal health challenges have made it clear that I need to focus my time and energy on my health and my family,” McCrae said in a statement on Friday. “I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported this campaign, volunteered, donated, offered encouragement, or simply believed in our vision for the district.”

Vance County Democratic Party Chairperson Angela Thornton told WIZS News Monday that representatives from the two counties that comprise House District 32 will meet this week – most likely several times – to determine a replacement.

“The committee will meet and discuss appointing a replacement for (Mr. McRae),” Thornton said.

“It’s too late in the election cycle for a candidate to say ‘I want to run for this seat,’” Thornton explained. The committee – three representatives from Granville County and two representatives from Vance County – will appoint a replacement and will inform the House Caucus of its decision before an announcement is made.

The counties’ representatives have not met yet, but plan to this week, she said.

The seat is currently held by Democrat Bryan Cohn, who announced that he would not seek re-election. McRae defeated Melissa Elliott in the March primary. The Democratic replacement will face Republican challenger Frank Sossamon, who held the seat before being beaten by Cohn in the last election.

When asked Monday about whether he was reconsidering his decision, Cohn told WIZS Monday that he’s “evaluating that now.” Elliott told WIZS that she has “inquired about the process” of being considered by the local committee for consideration as a replacement candidate.

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Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Insect Pests

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Wayne Rowland, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:

Insect pests of vegetables can be controlled  by non chemical means if the insects are identified early.

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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Faith In Mental Health Initiative Plans Programs For Vance, Granville Churches

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The Faith in Mental Health initiative has two free events coming up in June to share information with churches about ways to support a faith-informed approach to mental health and addiction programs.

The “Faith-informed Responses to Youth Mental Health and Well Being” takes place on Monday, June 15 from 6 p.m.to 8 p.m. in the Maria Parham Health auditorium, 566 Ruin Creek Rd.

It’s open to any church in Vance and Granville counties, said Karl Johnson, program coordinator. There will be a youth panel and presentations from youth-oriented organization, as well as presentations from behavioral health specialists and community leaders.

Food will be provided.

The second event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23 at Cornerstone Christian Community Church in Oxford.  This event is an in-person webinar screening featuring Dr.Andrea Clements a professor of psychology at East Tennessee State University and author of The Trauma Informed Church: Walking With Others toward Flourishing.

The presentation will provide participants with a better understanding about caring for those with addiction and mental health struggles through a trauma-informed approach.

Cornerstone Christian Community Church is located at 3237 Knotts Grove Rd., Oxford.

Refreshments will be provided.

Contact Johnson at kjohnson@gvph.org or call him at 616.298.5626.

VCS ‘Educators Of Excellence’ Celebration Recognizes Teachers, Administrators

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— Information courtesy of Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools honored outstanding educators and school leaders during its annual Educators of Excellence Celebration on Tuesday, June 2 at the Henderson Country Club.

The event recognized each school’s Teacher of the Year and Beginning Teacher of the Year, while also celebrating nominees for Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year. These educators and administrators exemplify dedication, innovation, and excellence in serving students across the district.

“We are honored to recognize the incredible work taking place in our schools each day,” said Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett. “Our students deserve the absolute best education and these accomplished educators and administrators inspire students, support colleagues, and prepare our students for success.”

VCS recognized Zeb Vance Elementary’s Grant Hairston as Teacher of the Year and Aycock Elementary’s Kevon Allen as District Beginning Teacher of the Year. Kristen Boyd, principal at E.O. Young Elementary was selected for Principal of the Year honors and Razvan Tegean of L.B. Yancey Elementary was selected as Assistant Principal of the Year.

The following educators were recognized as Teacher of the Year for their respective schools:

Advance Academy – Sheila Taylor

Aycock Elementary – Tracey Fontanet

Carver Elementary – Marinda Daye

Clarke Elementary – Venessa Lofters

Dabney Elementary – Tyreka Ward

Kelvin Henderson, E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy

E.O. Young Elementary – Emily Hunsinger

L.B. Yancey Elementary – Jamie Chin

New Hope Elementary – Jasmine Rogers

Pinkston Street Elementary – Marlou Fabruada

STEM Early High – Roanna Evans

Vance County Early College – Vicki Ann Fullwood-Barrett

Vance County High – Selvaraj Arulappan

Vance County Middle – Tashalie Nelson-Sleugh

Vance Virtual Village Academy – Angela Foster

Zeb Vance Elementary – Grant Hairston

Beginning Teacher of the Year honorees, by school, are:

Advance Academy – Gay Charisse Beran

Aycock Elementary – Kevon Allen

Carver Elementary – Kayla Boyd

Clarke Elementary – Sarah Pelos

Dabney Elementary – Nichole Campbell Gordon

E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy – David Rincon

E.O. Young Elementary – Chrystal Primiano

L.B. Yancey Elementary – Doris Gomez

New Hope Elementary – Angel Gilchrist

Pinkston Street Elementary – Deborah Hawley

STEM Early High – Alexandra DeGuzman

Vance County Early College – Ashley Bolling

Vance County High – Ronique Golding

Vance County Middle – Garnet Brooks

Zeb Vance Elementary – Kiangi Hill

The district recognized the following Principal of the Year nominees: Dr. Shannon Bullock (Vance County Middle School), Kristen Boyd (E.O. Young Elementary School) and Jessica Austin (STEM Early High School).

Assistant Principal of the Year nominees included Chabre’ Phillips (Aycock Elementary School), Sharita Jones (Carver Elementary School), David Cooper, Jr. (E.O. Young Elementary School), and Razvan Tegean (L.B. Yancey Elementary School).

Following is more information about each of the award recipients:

From left: Kevon Allen, Kristin Boyd, Razvan Tegean and Grant Hairston

Grant Hairston – Vance County Schools Teacher of the Year

Grant Hairston has a passion and dedication that define exceptional teaching. A graduate of East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Science Education, Hairston has spent the past 10 years inspiring students through engaging, hands-on learning experiences, including seven years serving the students of Vance County Schools at Zeb Vance Elementary School.

As a fifth-grade Science and Math teacher, Hairston is known for creating a classroom environment where curiosity thrives and learning becomes an adventure. He encourages students to ask questions, explore the world around them, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. His teaching philosophy centers on learning alongside students, modeling curiosity, problem-solving, and a lifelong love of discovery.

His commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. International experiences studying education and culture in Korea and serving as an instructional leader in South Africa have broadened Hairston’s perspective and strengthened his belief in the power of education to connect people, expand horizons, and create meaningful opportunities for students. He brings these global insights back to his classroom, enriching learning experiences and helping students see themselves as part of a larger world. Hairston finds joy in helping students build confidence, develop new skills, and discover their potential, celebrating each “lightbulb moment” that sparks a lifelong love of learning.

As the 2026–2027 Vance County Schools Teacher of the Year, Hairston represents the very best of the teaching profession as an educator whose enthusiasm, innovation, and unwavering commitment to students make a lasting impact on the lives of children and the future of our community.

Kevon Allen – Vance County Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year

Kevon Allen’s dedication and heart define him as an outstanding educator. A graduate of St. Joseph’s Teachers College with a Bachelor of Education in Primary Education, Allen has quickly distinguished himself as a talented educator and leader during his first year at Aycock Elementary School, where he teaches fourth-grade Mathematics.

Although education was not his original career aspiration, Allen believes teaching became his calling. Since entering the profession, he has embraced the opportunity to shape young lives, exceed expectations, and help develop future leaders. He approaches each day with the mindset of a lifelong learner, understanding that education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and opening doors for students.

Allen is known for building relationships with his students and creating a classroom environment where every child feels valued, supported, and capable of success. He believes that teaching extends far beyond academics and that the lasting impact of an educator is found in the encouragement, confidence, and sense of belonging they provide. His students are inspired by his unwavering belief in their potential and his commitment to helping them move from “I can’t” to “I can.”

As the 2026–2027 Vance County Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year, Allen represents the promise and potential of the next generation of educators. His passion for

student success, commitment to relationship-building, and dedication to fostering a positive learning environment make him a deserving recipient of this honor and a bright example of excellence in education.

Kristen Boyd – Vance County Schools Principal of the Year

Kristen Boyd’s educational journey is a testament to dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Vance County Schools. A proud graduate of East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and North Carolina State University with a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, Boyd has devoted her entire 25-year career to serving the students, staff, and families of Vance County.

She began her career in 2001 as a second- and third-grade teacher at Aycock Elementary School, where her passion for student success and instructional excellence quickly distinguished her as a leader among her peers. After serving as assistant principal from 2007 to 2014, she served as principal of Aycock Elementary from 2014-2024 and in 2024, was named Principal of E.O. Young Elementary where she continues to inspire excellence and innovation.

Throughout her career, Boyd has been recognized for her exceptional leadership and commitment to continuous improvement. Her honors include Aycock Teacher of the Year in 2006, Superintendent’s Leadership Award, Disruptive Innovator Award, Vanceformation Award, and 2017-2018 VCS Principal of the Year. She has also participated in numerous leadership development programs, including Future Ready Leadership, Leadership Vance, NC Leaders in Personalized and Digital Learning, and Opportunity Culture Fellowship.

Known for her visionary leadership, strong relationships, and relentless focus on student achievement, Boyd has made a lasting impact on Aycock Elementary and the entire Vance County Schools community. As the 2026–2027 Vance County Schools Principal of the Year, she exemplifies the very best of educational leadership and the profound difference one dedicated educator can make in the lives of students and colleagues alike.

Razvan Tegean – Vance County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year

Razvan Tegean exemplifies the leadership, dedication, and student-centered focus that define exceptional school administrators. He is a graduate of Babes-Bolyai University in Romania with a degree in K-12 Physical Education and High Point University with a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership. As the assistant principal at L.B. Yancey Elementary School, Mr. Tegean is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where every student feels safe, valued, and empowered to reach their highest potential.

An advocate for student achievement, Tegean’s hands-on approach to leadership is evident through his work supporting diverse student populations, strengthening intervention efforts, and providing instructional support to both students and teachers. Through innovative initiatives and targeted academic support, he has helped drive measurable gains in student performance while ensuring every child has access to opportunities for success.

Tegean is deeply invested in the professional growth of educators. Through classroom visits, coaching conversations, walkthroughs, and actionable feedback, he supports teachers in refining their practice and continuously improving outcomes for students. His commitment to collaboration and professional learning helps build leadership capacity throughout the school and strengthens a culture of excellence.

Known for his unwavering commitment to students and ability to inspire those around him, Tegean has made a lasting impact on L.B. Yancey Elementary and the broader Vance County Schools community. As the 2026–2027 Vance County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year, he exemplifies the power of building relationships, supporting growth, and creating opportunities for success for every student and educator.

The Educators of Excellence Celebration highlights the commitment and impact of educators across Vance County Schools and serves as an opportunity for the district and community to celebrate those who make a difference in the lives of students each day.

For more information about Vance County Schools, visit the district website or follow Vance County Schools on social media.

City Manager: Regional Water System Committed To Customers, Finding Solution For Franklin County Supply

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Henderson City Clerk Tracey Kimbrell sent the following press release to WIZS News Wednesday afternoon from the office of City Manager Paylor Spruill. The information appears below in its entirety:

KERR LAKE REGIONAL WATER PARTNERSHP / FRANKLIN COUNTY  

The formation of the Kerr Lake Regional Water Partnership can be traced back to 1972 when discussions among Floyd McKissick, Developer of Soul City; Mayor Hugh Currin and City Manager Tom Ragland of Oxford; Mayor George Boyd, City Manager Melvin Holmes and City Attorney John Zollicoffer, Jr. of Henderson took place. They traveled many times to Washington, DC and Atlanta, GA to meet with federal officials of the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that was administering grant and loan guarantees approved in the New Communities Act of July 1972. Mr. McKissick envisioned a community in Warren County of 50,000 residents by the year 2000 with a health clinic, industrial park, fire station, recreational areas and water treatment facilities. At a crucial time in the discussions with HUD in Washington, D.C., Mr. McKissick asked for a telephone. (No cell phones then.) That was brought to the meeting table and plugged into the wall. He brought a piece of paper from his wallet and dialed a number. Then President Richard Nixon personally answered the call.

Warren County would eventually become successor to Floyd B. McKissick Enterprises, Inc. with a 20% partnership position. The City of Oxford also has a 20% position and the City of Henderson 60%. The original regional water supply system had an estimated cost of $9 million ($75 million today.) And the City of Henderson has successfully managed and operated the system since then for over half a century!

The City of Henderson purchases water from the partnership and sells it directly to Franklin County. This began under a 1998 agreement which has been successfully amended many times to accommodate the relationship. The City of Henderson through the Kerr Lake Regional Water Partnership is committed to helping Franklin County solve its water supply problems. However, our first responsibility is to our residents, customers and taxpayers. We will not enter into an agreement with Franklin County, or anyone else, until we know we can satisfy our own obligations – now and in the future.

The Partnership has identified several ways in which we might be able to help Franklin County. We are completing our analysis of those options and expect to propose a solution before the end of this month.

The Kerr Lake Regional Water Partnership encourages Franklin County to direct future communications solely to us. Negotiating in public does not build trust and is rarely successful.

CITY OF HENDERSON

Office of the City Manager

Paylor Spruill, City Manager

 

TownTalk: What If Vance County Had A Data Center?

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For the past few months, county residents have spoken up to express their opposition to data centers.

They’ve signed up to speak during the public comment portion of regular monthly Vance County Board of Commissioners meetings.

They’ve been vocal on social media, offering opinions and posting information about all the bad stuff that happens in communities where data centers are located.

And multiple speakers at Monday’s commissioners meeting called on the board to establish a moratorium on data center development.

Commissioner Valencia Perry asked the board to think about a moratorium. “May I speak about what they’re talking about?” she asked Chair Carolyn Faines. “’Cause evidently they ain’t going nowhere,” which got a round of applause from the audience.

County Manager Renee Perry recommended that commissioners discuss researching a data center moratorium at its next work session.

To recap, the Vance County Planning Board recommended in April that about 40 acres along U.S. Hwy 158 be rezoned from EIA – Employment Institutional Area – to Light Industrial.

There currently are no plans for development of the property under discussion, but, because a name on the rezoning request included a name associated with a Maryland-based data center developer, residents concluded that the site would be the site of a data center in the future.

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VGCC Foundation’s $5M ‘Building Futures Campaign’ Well On Its Way To Goal

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The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation’s $5 million fundraising campaign is well on its way, with more than $1 million raised since the campaign kicked off in March.

Building Futures: Empowering Students, Strengthening Communities is a 10-month campaign to raise money to address a funding deficit and ensure the successful completion of two transformational workforce training facilities, namely the Center for Advanced Manufacturing & Applied Technology (CAMAT) and the Transportation Training & Technology Center (TTTC).

The $1,051,000 in philanthropic support demonstrates strong early momentum, donor confidence, and measurable community impact, according to school officials.

Building Futures represents a high-impact workforce development initiative, advancing economic mobility and career pathways for students across Vance, Granville, Franklin, and Warren counties.

While state funding and grants have supported both facilities, increased construction costs have created a funding shortfall. The Building Futures fundraising plan seeks to raise $5 million in transformational philanthropic investment to ensure both facilities open fully equipped with modern technology and industry-grade training equipment.

This investment directly supports student success, workforce readiness, and long-term regional economic growth, while strengthening the talent pipeline for high-demand industries.

The Center for Advanced Manufacturing & Applied Technology will serve as a state-of-the-art training center designed to prepare students for high-demand, high-wage careers in welding, mechatronics, electrical systems, and HVAC.

This facility will expand access to quality jobs, industry-recognized credentials, and upward economic mobility, while supporting employers seeking a highly skilled workforce.

The Transportation Training & Technology Center will expand and modernize instruction in CDL-A and B, heavy equipment operations, and diesel and heavy equipment mechanics.

This facility addresses critical workforce shortages while providing hands-on, career-connected learning opportunities that lead directly to employment and family-sustaining wages.

Together, these two facilities represent a transformative investment in community impact, workforce innovation, and economic development. By aligning education with industry demand, VGCC is advancing scalable workforce solutions, employer partnerships, and student-centered outcomes that strengthen communities and regional competitiveness.

The Building Futures initiative reflects a commitment to evidence-based impact, measurable outcomes, and expanding opportunity at scale—key priorities for national philanthropic leaders investing in systemic change.

Individuals, families, corporations, and philanthropic organizations are invited to participate in the Building Futures initiative through a variety of major gift and naming opportunities. Donors may choose to name classrooms, labs, and more.

For more information about supporting workforce training, transformational giving opportunities, philanthropic partnerships, or community impact investments, please contact the VGCC Foundation at foundation@vgcc.edu or 252.738.3264 or visit www.vgcc.edu/building-futures.