Short Term, Depopulate; Long Term, What Does Architect Firm Think

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At a Vance County Board of Commissioners special called meeting Monday afternoon at 4 o’clock, a motion was voted on and passed 4 to 2 in favor of moving forward with an existing request for quote (RFQ) between the county and Mosley Architects for work at the existing jail as well as building a new jail.

Commissioner Tommy Hester made the motion, and it was seconded by Commissioner Leo Kelly.

The main idea appears to be to get an updated quote and find out the architect’s recommendation.

Sheriff Curtis Brame and Major William Mitchell spoke to commissioners at the regular monthly meeting a week ago, February 3, and emphasized the need to reach some decision about addressing the needs of the jail and to develop a plan of action.

The vote now will show state officials some progress here in Vance County, and it does put a plan of action into motion.

Following its most recent inspection in December, inspectors extended until February 21 the deadline for Brame and staff to address 88 deficiencies outlined in the inspection report.  Mitchell indicated the commissioners’ decision would be helpful.

Commissioner Dan Brummitt said some officials in Granville County continue to be receptive to a regional facility and that it could be done, perhaps for less than $45 million. Brummitt spoke of a larger jail and voiced his opinion that a regional facility makes sense in the long run.

He and commissioner Valencia Perry voted against the motion.

Hester said he didn’t think four or five counties would work and said, “We’ve got to do what we have to do for the folks in Vance County and move forward. Hire the architect and move forward right now.”

Board chairperson Carolyn Faines indicated Vance County had been “back and forth with Granville County about the regional concept,” and she said she didn’t think it was going to work. She said she thought Granville would have given Vance a yes by now.

Major Mitchell voiced in the special meeting a scenario that would cut down or perhaps reduce or eliminate the need to spend money on the current facility.

Mitchell talked about keeping 20 detainees in house here at The Vance County jail and housing 80 at other facilities.

An open dorm and holding cell here would allow those arrested here locally to still be detained immediately before being moved to another holding location.

Mitchell said he had spoken with the chief jail inspector for the State of North Carolina, Chris Wood, and it is likely that the state would sign off on that scenario.

In an example, Mitchell used what he called a safe figure annually of $2.5 million to house detainees out of the county. He cited the 2024 jail budget of $4.9 million and said that the county could conceivably have a cost savings while doing a remodeling or rebuilding of the jail.

Through memorandums of understanding with the out-of-county facilities, the example figure of $70 per detainee would include meals, bedding and incidentals. If so, Vance County would be responsible for transportation and outside medical, specifically hospitalization, for example.

Additionally, there are so many unfilled positions right now within the jail that the lapsed salaries and the “money savings” from the lapsed salaries would help cover some of these expenses.

Hester said Vance County is in a position now that it has to move forward.  He spoke of planning and construction of a new jail taking three to four years to complete and $50 million. County Manager Renee Perry could be heard agreeing with Hester’s remarks.

Mitchell indicated actions were already underway to depopulate the jail.

Commissioner Perry cited concerns with this same group of detainees being taken elsewhere and possibly being brought back again for misconduct. It has happened before. She said these same detainees continue to be so disruptive and indicated that she could not see how this proposal would be different.

Using Mitchell’s estimate of $70 per day per detainee figure from last week’s regular meeting, he reminded the board at the special called meeting that $511,000 is saved annually for every 20 detainees removed who do not have to be held somewhere else.

Sheriff Brame said that he was planning to speak with 22 sheriffs Tuesday, February 11 about the continued need to depopulate the Vance County Jail.

Mitchell also disclosed in the special called meeting that the district attorney had arranged special sessions of court where attorneys could discuss a case with the detainee, then appear before a judge.

Apparently, the judges are on board, and the district attorney’s office and the sheriff’s office are working together with over 40-some cases already worked on towards either a bond for the detainee, time served or removal to the Department of Adult Corrections.

Part of the delay in moving detainees out, according to what Mitchell said, is attorneys have not wanted to go to the jail to see clients and the space for attorney/client meetings at the jail is inhospitable, lacking even an electrical outlet to power a laptop computer that may develop a dead battery after an hour or so.

To combat that impediment, Brame and staff have, in the last 30 days, been bringing detainees to the sheriff’s office so they can meet with their attorneys.

Maria Parham Health To Hold RN Open House Feb. 20

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Maria Parham Health will host an RN Open House on Thursday, Feb. 20 and invites all Registered Nurses, as well as nursing students and recent graduates to attend.

The Open House, which will take place at the hospital from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., provides an opportunity for nurses and future nurses to explore job opportunities in the field of nursing.

Event Highlights: 

  • Meet Experienced Nurses and Healthcare Leaders: Gain firsthand knowledge and  advice from those shaping the future of healthcare.
  • Explore Job Opportunities and Career Paths: Discover exciting career options and  new areas of specialization within the organization.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow nurses and industry professionals to  expand your professional network.

RSVP at MariaParham.com or contact Ryan Randall at 252.436.1125 for additional information.

The Local Skinny! Tommy Farmer Recognized By The NC Association Of Soil & Water Conservation

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Tommy Farmer has been a member of the local soil and water conservation district for 30 years – he was recently recognized for his decades of service at the annual statewide meeting in Durham.

“Time has really flown by fast,” Farmer said on Monday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

As the name implies, a local conservation district helps county residents conserve soil and water – whether that’s by helping to create management plans or helping defray costs of practices that are good for land and water.

“Farmland is disappearing,” Farmer said, which has a direct impact on crop and food production. “Without the soil, we don’t eat,” he said.

The conservation district supports local farmers who may want to plant cover crops – to help keep the soil in place between food crops, create field borders and even pond development or cleanouts.

Farmer, who is the group’s vice-chair, said the conservation district is interested in making sure the soil is in good shape for future crop production and make sure the water supply is suitable for use by farms as well as for drinking.

Vance County is one of 11 counties that comprise District 4 of the statewide conservation group. Franklin and Wake counties also are in District 4, and Farmer said all it takes is a drive along Capital Boulevard to see the burgeoning commercial and residential growth happening there, and you can’t help but think about the additional demands placed on the local water supply.

District 4 doesn’t usually have to deal with issues that other districts face – flooding, for example. “We’re in a good situation here,” he said.

There’s an opening on the local district board, and Farmer said they’ve got their eye on one individual who may be appointed to fill an unexpired term.

Visit www.vancecounty.org and click on Departments to learn more about the programs and services of the soil and water conservation district.

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TownTalk: Carolina Peanut Factory, Deli Rekindle Local Retail Outlet Following Fire

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Carol Monahan said she and husband John thought they were going to have a peanut store with a little deli on the side, but the way things are going, it’s the other way around – the Deli has been open for about six months and Carol said they’ve been thrilled with the response from the community and beyond.

The Monahans opened The Peanut Roaster on Zeb Robinson Road in 1995 and for years sold gourmet nut products – including those famous super, extra-large peanuts – at the store in Henderson and online.

After a brief stint in “retirement,” the Monahans are back in their Zeb Robinson Road location, creating those tins of delicious nuts again. But this go-round, customers can order specialty sandwiches, soups and breakfast items from the deli.

The building was significantly damaged in a fire several years ago, and Carol said it was their son, Josh, who spurred them back into business.

“We need to be in the peanut business again,” she remembered him saying to his parents soon after the fire.

And, so, after a couple of years of reconstruction and remodeling, the store – almost called “Phoenix” because it rose from the proverbial ashes – is known as The Carolina Peanut Factory.

After the Monahans retired from The Peanut Roaster business, they pivoted to help son Josh with his own business, the Carolina Kettle potato chip brand.

The Carolina Peanut Factory is a “comeback” of sorts for Carol and John. “We started helping our son with the potato chips – he was our boss,” Carol said.

After the fire, they began to think about reimagining the space. They wanted a spot where they could showcase those crunchy, delicious peanuts but they also wanted a spot where folks could sit for a while, bring the whole family and enjoy an array of specialty, handcrafted sandwiches.

“We wanted it to be an experience,” she said. “That’s really what we were looking for.”

Stop by the store and check out special treats especially for Valentine’s Day – that’s this Friday, for you procrastinators – there are big, heart-shaped decorated cookies and chocolate-dipped strawberries (pre-sold only) alongside those tins of gourmet nuts.

Right now, the store is observing winter hours of operation 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit ncpeanutfactory.com to see the deli menu, sandwich selections and more.

What you won’t find on the menu is fries.

“We have the best potato chips around,” Carol said. Josh’s Carolina Kettle chips. Choose from 11 flavors.

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(This is not a paid ad. However, The Carolina Peanut Factory is a sponsor on WIZS Radio.)

Cooperative Extension With Wayne Rowland: Thinning Pine Stands

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Cooperative Extension

Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

On Vance County Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland, Wayne talks about thinning pine stands can improve your pine forests.

Reminder that The Vance-Warren County Beekeepers Association will have their February meeting tonight. Monday, February 10th at 7pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.

The Vance County Cooperative Extension is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536

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SportsTalk: National Signing Day For Vance County Football

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SportsTalk 12:30 p.m. M-Th

For four of Vance County’s Football Seniors, Wednesday was a major stepping stone to make their dreams a reality. Wednesday was National Signing Day, where athletes all across the nation sign their Letter of Intent to play football at the collegiate level.

The official signing ceremony took place at the Vance County High School Media Center, where VCHS Athletic Director Philip Weil kicked things off. “This is a big milestone for Vance County High School and for our student-athletes.”

Head Football Coach Aaron Elliott spoke on his players just before the signing went underway, “They have all been leaders…we always talk about doing things the right way. My family is here. My kids wanted to get out of school early because these players have treated my family just as I have treated them…we talk about how this is not just a 4-year plan this is a 40-year plan. There is life outside of football. You guys are going to be great, no matter where you end up at.”

First to sign his letter of intent was Camarion Ragland, known as CJ. CJ will play football at North Carolina A&T as a Tight End. But Ragland also says, “They are actually looking at me to play both ways on defense as well.” Ragland also stated that, “I’m not from Henderson, but when I moved here everyone always treated me like family. This is always going to be a place that I can come back to and call home.”

Second to put the pen-to-paper was Antione Doyle Jr. Antione will suit up for the Braves of UNC-Pembroke where he will be a linebacker. Doyle Jr. says he will major in accounting and “hopefully double-major in business as well. I’m hoping to go four years and see where it takes me. Maybe go to The League (NFL), but if not then I’ll get a job in accounting.” Antione is also not from Henderson but he expresses the same gratitude towards VCHS and the community. “I came here last year and played here for two years…everybody just felt like a family atmosphere.” Doyle added that, “Everybody here made me enjoy coming to school every day.”

The third student-athletic to make his commitment official was two-way player Javion Vines-Holder, known as ‘Juice’. Vines-Holder will wear the Rams Helmet when he goes to Winston-Salem State for his collegiate career. Javion will be playing safety while nodding the Red and Black. “I plan to major in Sports Medicine,” said Vines-Holder. The senior had many to thank for this moment. “My supporters, my four years of high school, life in general has played a big important part of my life. Thank you.”

To round out signing day at Vance County High School was Maurice Jackson Jr. He has made his commitment to Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia. Maurice will be a defensive lineman while playing for the Panthers. Jackson Jr. will join the reigning CIAA Conference Champions when he steps foot on campus. Maurice will study health sciences and plans to become an athletic trainer. He is grateful to his family, his coaches, and his fellow teammates for where he is now. For Jackson Jr., the 252 holds a special place in his heart. “I want to thank Henderson. I’m not from here, but the last two years y’all have took me in and have shown me ‘home’. Thank y’all!”

There was one more senior who already made his commitment. Taeshawn Alston signed his letter of intent to play at the University of South Carolina during Early Signing Day back in December. Alston is now enrolled at South Carolina and is already with the Gamecocks Squad.

What these student-athletes have shown during their time at Vance County is absolutely remarkable. During their time at the varsity level, this group has compiled a record of 19-3 on the field. Two playoff appearances. A Northern Lakes Conference Championship in 2023. Along with the first 10-win season from any team in Vance County since Southern Vance met the mark in the 2007 campaign.

We congratulate these amazing student-athletes and wish them the best of luck in college! Go Vipers!

From left to right. CJ Ragland (NC A&T), Javion Vines-Holder (Winston-Salem State), Maurice Jackson Jr. (Virginia Union), and Antione Doyle Jr. (UNC-Pembroke).

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TownTalk: Community Information Series To Feature Mayor Elliott

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Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott can be found at the city building on Rose Avenue for monthly Council meetings, but you’re also likely to spot her most anywhere across town in any number of places promoting the city and supporting its residents.

Elliott was at the Senior Center Thursday morning to help senior adults create “vision boards.”

And on Tuesday, Feb. 11, she’ll be the speaker at the Community Information Series at Baskerville Funeral Home.

The title of the program, which runs from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., is “Understanding City Government.”

“There are a lot of things that people don’t understand about city government,” Elliott said on Thursday’s TownTalk. She wants everyone to understand that no one person makes all the decisions or all the rules.

“We work as a team,” she said of herself, Council members and city staff, “and that’s how we pass law…(and) govern the city.

She said the elected officials need to be available to their constituents. “We want to hear what people have to say,” she added.

The business of government is about people, Elliott emphasized. The whole business of governing IS people, she said, and it’s important for the city to invest in its people.

“We are in the business of helping people and moving a community forward,” she said, even when resources are scarce.

The vision board activity is part of the mayor’s health and wellness initiative, and it’s one way to invest in people.

Today, it’s senior adults, and a month ago, she spent time with a bunch of teens as they created their own vision boards. It’s a way to focus on positive mental health practices, she noted. Participants create a collage of how they want to “see” themselves – healthy and happy and secure.

Spending time with folks as they create these boards is also a way Elliott gets to interact with constituents

“You put on your board what you want to look like and what you want your city to look like,” she said.

She said she welcomes people’s comments because their voice matters – whether it’s a complaint or praise.

Reach out to Elliott at 252.425.5220 or call the city clerk at 252.430.5705 to learn more.

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The Local Skinny! Free Health Clinic Returning To Henderson

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Free medical, dental and vision services are returning to Henderson for a third year in early March when the Duke Remote Area Medical clinic sets up shop at Vance Charter School.

The two-day clinic is scheduled for Saturday, Mar. 1 and Sunday, Mar. 2.

The clinic doors open at 6 a.m. each morning and will operate on a first come, first served basis.

Because of possible time constraints, clients can choose either dental or vision services, but are welcome to get one service on one day and the second service on the second day.

Clients can arrive in the parking lot of the school, located at 2090 Ross Mill Rd., as early as midnight on Friday, Feb. 28. Once in the parking lot, clients will receive additional information about the services that are available.

RAM clinics provide these services free of charge; clients will not be asked to show identification or proof of insurance.

Visit www.ramusa.org to learn more.

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