Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Perry Memorial Library Ready For DINOvember!

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It’s “DINOvember” at Perry Memorial Library, and Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters is capitalizing on young people’s fascination with the now-extinct animals that roamed the Earth millions of years ago to create special activities with a dinosaur theme.

“Most kids love dinosaurs,” Peters told WIZS’s Scout Hughes on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

The month’s theme is a way to stir a young person’s imagination and sense of wonder, she said. There will be a dinosaur-related story time at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13 and then a Dino-Mite Family Story Time on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 3:30 p.m.

Kids will get a chance to participate in a scavenger hunt in the library for young people of all ages throughout November, and a special “Adopt-a Dinosaur” program for youngsters to promote reading.

On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the library will host a program from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in observance of Native American Heritage month. Peters said participants will enjoy a story, a song and then have a make-and-take craft activity.

While some of the regular programming is preparing for a break until after the holidays, Peters and the library staff are gearing up for the final Fun Friday activities that will take place this Friday, Nov. 7.

“It’s just a day of fun,” Peters said. “I have a BALL!”

The day gets started with Baby Rave at 10:30 a.m. It’s a time when the youngest kiddos – 0-2 years, get a chance to play together with their parents or caregivers. Parents enjoy watching their kids interact with other kids, Peters said. And Baby Rave is a prime opportunity for that to happen.

Then, from 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon, it’s Parachute Play for the 3-5 year olds. “Kids love the big parachute,” Peters said, calling it “good active play” for the preschool age.

She said she wanted something special for the preschool-aged children who aren’t in formal preschool during the week. And Parachute Play was born.

It’s important for children to interact with others, Peters said, but not everyone has a chance to do that in a formal school setting.  Another popular library program serves homeschooled children. Home School Social Hour is just what it sounds like, Peters said, and children and their parents/teachers can gather together beginning at 1 p.m. on Fridays during the regular programming year to play games, use computers and create in the Maker Space. Friday’s session is the final one for the year, but like other regular programming, it’ll crank back up in January.

Find out about all the library’s programs and services at www.perrylibrary.org.

 

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TownTalk: The State of Economic Development in Vance County

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In his first year as the county’s economic development director, Ferdinand Rouse has become better acquainted with the area he is charged with promoting to recruit new business and industry. Rouse had set some short- and long-term goals for himself in his new role, and he said on Tuesday’s TownTalk that he’s satisfied those first-year goals and he looks forward to what the future holds.

“My one-year goal was to understand the community, take stock of our inventory – land and existing buildings, businesses and major employers,” Rouse said.

He said he feels well-equipped to go out and spread the word about why Vance County is the place that businesses should come to and invest in.

Change is inevitable, and Rouse said that there is lots changing in Vance County. “I just want to make sure that I’m providing the information and choosing and trying to create industry to make sure that change is a positive one” in Henderson and Vance County.

When it comes to economic development, Rouse said he and the Henderson-Vance Economic Development board are poised to make Vance County and Henderson a better place to live and to invest resources.

The board is eager to figure out new methods for us to either gain more resources, find new strategies to be successful in bot attraction of new businesses and retaining existing ones, he said.

One innovative idea – construction of a shell building in the industrial park – is just waiting for the right person or business to come along.

The shell building located in the industrial park has been a source of interest since construction began in late 2022. Proponents theorized that prospective buyers would be interested in being able to purchase a structure and then upfit it to meet their specific needs.

The news had been back in May that the shell building had a buyer, but Rouse said that deal had fallen through.

It’s a puzzle to Rouse and others why that building remains on the market, but he chalks it up to a combination of the uncertainties of the current national economic climate and plain old bad luck.

“The shell building has been caught up in unfortunate occurrences,” Rouse said, adding that nothing or nobody in particular is at fault. “The times haven’t been cooperating in selling this building and getting it off the market.”

A new enterprise locating off Poplar Creed Road is getting a little more traction, however.

Syntec Precision Technology, which Gov. Josh Stein announced in February 2025 would establish its first North American production and warehouse facility here, is upfitting the space to fit its needs and is in the process of hiring managers. The company engineers and produces precision machining parts for the hydraulic, life sciences and transportation industries.

Maintaining strong partnerships with entities like Vance-Granville Community College. the Kerr-Tar  COG, the local tourism authority and the Chamber of Commerce – not to mention the city of Henderson, are critical components to attract new business and industry to the area, Rouse said.

Syntec will add dozens of jobs when it opens, but Rouse said economic developers are always talking about “employment multipliers” when they are thinking about recruiting new business and industry.

“When you recruit industry, that industry creates direct jobs,” he said, but that industry also has a ripple effect out into the wider community. Those employees will need housing, they’ll eat in area restaurants, get haircuts, he said. Other businesses who supply materials or service machinery at that industry may decide to relocate, too. That ripple effect has a positive impact on the overall economy of the county, he said.

“That’s what we try to do – create an environment where folks invest in our community and bring in others.”

Sometimes, a prospective business may be attracted by certain incentives – often financial incentives in the form of grants or tax breaks – but Rouse said there are other types of incentives that could prove useful. Things like fine-tuning the permitting process to cut down on wait times may be beneficial. And for those companies that may be creating dozens or hundreds of jobs, well, they need to have some special designation, Rouse said, “to make sure they go to the front of the line.”

Rouse praised the county’s inspections and planning departments, adding that “we all have our part to play when it comes to creating an environment for our businesses to be successful.”

Sometimes, it’s visitors who help spread the word about Vance County and the opportunities that are to be had here, Rouse said. The county’s tourism authority does a great job with events like the recent car show, the annual fireworks display at Kerr Lake and, now the Catfish drop on New Year’s Eve.

“Tourism’s essential,” Rouse said. “A lot of the things that tourism does attracts visitors to our community.” As people move farther from Durham and Wake counties, we have an opportunity to attract additional industry and residential housing, he said.

The county’s recent designation as a Retirement Community, along with signage proclaiming Henderson a Purple Heart Community all serve to promote positive branding, he said.

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American Flag

Vance County America 250 Committee

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UPDATE 11-3-25:

UPDATE 10-30-25:

The Vance County America 250 committee convened Thursday afternoon to begin making plans to celebrate the 250th birthday of these United States.

Vance County Economic Development Director Ferdinand Rouse led the meeting, but the group will be chaired by Barbara Harrison, with Angie Ryan serving as vice chair and Tem Blackburn serving as secretary.

Dr. Tim Hall, K-12 Social Studies instructional coordinator for Vance County Schools, also was present at the meeting.

Harrison is Regent of the John Penn chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution located in Oxford and Blackburn is vice president of the Vance County Historical Society.

This initial meeting was a brainstorming session, and Rouse provided some context for the local group. The group will meet again on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 4 p.m. at a location to be determined.

The N.C. Department of Cultural Affairs is the point agency for North Carolina, and the official kickoff was in April 2025. Of course, the big event will be July 4 of 2026, but Rouse said events and activities may continue until 2033. The county group will have access to logos and emblems to use for local activities, both existing and new that the committee may create.

County Manager Renee Perry had told commissioners that the county had received a $10,000 grant to fund local America 250 activities and events.

There are existing activities that could be aligned with the special commemoration – think July 4 fireworks at Kerr Lake, for example.

And Blackburn said the historical society is working to secure grant funding to place two-sided banners on Garnett, Breckenridge and Chestnut streets to honor the 125 Vance County individuals who died in wars from World War I to the Iraq War.

Blackburn said the thinking is to put up the banners and have a special ceremony for each war, beginning with the 22 soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.

They’ve got photos of 60 of the 125, but they’ll need help to continue tracking down photos – preferably of the individuals in their uniforms – of the others.

The Veterans Memorial that will be installed in front of the police station is another existing activity that can be aligned with the 250th celebration. Blackburn said the plan is to have that installation complete by July 4, 2026.

Harrison, who is Regent of the John Penn Chapter of the DAR in Oxford, said she’s put in a lot of hours working to get the 13-mile stretch of U.S. 158 between Henderson and Oxford officially recognized as the John Penn Highway.

Apparently, way back in 1927, the highway was given the designation, but there never were any signs placed.

“It’s been granted,” Harrison said of the name designation. “Now it’s a matter of getting the signs.”

Other ideas discussed included the possibility of having a special performance at McGregor Hall of the Broadway show “1776.” If not a live production, then at least a showing of the movie. Concerts by the Community Band or by school bands or choral groups with a theme of patriotic music also were discussed.

Visit https://www.america250.nc.gov/ to learn more about what’s happening at the state level to commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday.

To view a recording of the meeting, click  here – from the Vance County YouTube Channel.

But we will have more to post here soon.

UPDATE 10-29-25:

The Vance County America 250 Committee will meet October 30, 2025 for the first time.  The meeting will take place in the commissioner’s meeting room (old courthouse/Admin Building) starting at 4 p.m. and is scheduled to last as long as two hours.

The County intends to make it available on the County’s YouTube Channel as well (here).

Evidenced in the agenda below from the County’s web page, the committee intends to establish itself more formally and begin the earliest stages of planning.

  • Welcome and opening remarks – County Manager
  • Brief introductions of all attendees (name, role, and interest in the committee)
  • Nominations and election of officers: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer (if applicable)
  • Discussion of officer roles and responsibilities
  • Background on the national and state America 250 celebrations
  • Overview of local goals and opportunities for participation
  • Identify key focus areas (e.g., education, community engagement, heritage, arts and culture, events)
  • Brainstorming ideas for local America 250 events and initiatives
  • Identification of potential partners (schools, civic groups, historical societies, etc.)
  • Summary of decisions made and action items
  • Determine frequency of meetings (monthly, quarterly, etc.)
  • Set next meeting date and location
  • Closing remarks from the Chair

WIZS will continue to update this post and provide details on the radio.

Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Woody Ornamentals

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Wayne Rowland, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:

Woody ornamentals can make your landscape more interesting.

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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Henderson City Council Special Called Meeting Thursday, October 30 at 3 p.m.

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UPDATE 10-30-25 at 5:20 p.m.

In a special called meeting on Thursday afternoon, the Henderson City Council named Gary “Paylor” Spruill as city manager. The Council went into closed session at 3 p.m.

The vote was unanimous, with Council Member Sara Coffey absent.

Spruill was appointed interim city manager at the Sept. 8, 2025, City Council meeting, after the Council accepted the resignation of Hassan T. Kingsberry, who had served as city manager since January 2025.

Kingsberry had been serving in the dual roles of city manager/city attorney. He was sworn in as city attorney on Dec. 10, 2024 and was then chosen to assume the role of city manager after former manager Terrell Blackmon tendered his resignation effective Jan. 10, 2025.

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UPDATE 10-29-25 at 11:20 a.m.

Along with the community, WIZS News hopes to learn more about the City’s process to hire an attorney, or at least contract with an attorney or firm, as well as efforts to hire a new city manager.

If so, it will require Mayor Melissa Elliott, or a council member or Interim City Manager Paylor Spruill to make an announcement, presumably after the meeting, because the entire meeting is listed as a closed session.

As of now, the public notice below has been issued but an actual agenda for the meeting has not been forwarded to WIZS or placed on the City’s web page.

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Public Notice

The Henderson City Council will hold a Special Called Meeting on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers, City Hall, 134 Rose Avenue. The purpose of the meeting is to enter into Closed Session pursuant to NCGS § 143-318.11 (a)(6) regarding a Personnel Matter.   The public is welcome. https://youtube.com/@CityofHenderson-NC

TownTalk: H-V Rec And Parks Posts Q-And-A Video With Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott In ‘Know Your Rights’ Campaign

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The Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department went right to the top to land a special guest for ‘Know Your Rights’ video it created and posted on social media – Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott.

With a picture of the City of Henderson seal in the background, Elliott fielded questions from members of the department’s Youth Services Outreach program for just over 36 minutes, touching on topics that ranged from the mayor’s and City Council’s role in municipal governance to knowing your rights when interacting with law enforcement.

Antonio Perry, Youth Services Outreach administrator, and Rebecca Marcelin, Youth Services Outreach specialist, took turns asking questions to create an informal, but informative, session with Elliott, who was elected mayor in 2023.

Elliott described herself as an advocate, whether for the city she represents in a Tier 1 county or as the founder of Gang Free, Inc., which seeks to deter youth from gang participation.

In a Poli Sci 101 kind of way, she explained that the mayor “sets the vision” for the city. “The mayor has no control over employees,” she said. That’s the job of a city manager. The mayor presides over City Council meetings, but casts no votes unless there’s a tie.

She teased out the difference in “equal” versus “equitable,” and said one of her responsibilities as mayor is to ensure that all city residents are treated fairly, drawing a distinction between equal and equitable.

“Everything doesn’t work for everybody,” she said, “but everybody should have a voice.”

City residents can voice their opinions in several different ways, she said, from attending Council meetings and signing up to speak during the public comment periods.

“People have a lot they want to say and they may not come to City Hall,” Elliott said. “We encourage them to come to City Hall, but sometimes it’s user-friendly when you actually go to where they are.”

She said she’d like to revive the concept of Town Hall meetings, which would take City Council members into the community to interact with constituents on their own turf.

City residents can talk to their ward representative, contact the mayor’s office or even submit written requests when they have concerns that aren’t being addressed, Elliott said.

“Some people don’t do well in public speaking,” she said. “They can write it out and submit it. They can organize their neighbors and get a champion in their community to speak for everybody,” she said.

The important thing to remember is to make your voices heard and participate in local government.

“Your city needs you,” Elliott said. Not just your vote, she continued, but your voice, your ideas, your energy.

She said she has established a number of committees since she took office for various groups, including the faith-based community, Hispanics, LGBTQ and seniors. She also would like to form a Youth Council, to “give them space and let them talk – let them say what’s on their mind…let them give the answers,” Elliott said.

In a recent talk with young people at a school to discuss a walkability study, Elliott was curious about why youth weren’t walking.

“Know the number one reason why they didn’t walk? – no sidewalks,” Elliott said. “It wasn’t gunshots, it wasn’t ‘I’m scared to go outside,’” she continued. “Sidewalks and dogs – they were scared they were going to get bit.”

This is the kind of information that Elliott said, once city leaders know about it, it’s time to take action and find a solution.

Whether it’s finding a way to create sidewalks or improve lighting in certain areas to make folks feel safer, Elliott said she’s all about reaching into the community and listening to residents.

“Show up!” she said, “Show up in numbers – this city belongs to the community members. No one player…can say this is my city – this city belongs to us all. We need everybody’s voice at the table, not a select few. We need all people to come forward.”

In response to a question about how to interact with others – whether it’s by the police or when paying your water bill – Elliott said it’s important to be kind and courteous and to know your Constitutional rights.

“No one should be treated unfairly (or) unjustly,” she said.

If you feel like your rights are being violated in some way, request to speak to a supervisor, she said.

On the topic of affordable housing, Elliott said Henderson is thousands of units below where it should be when it comes to housing. “We do not have enough housing in our community,” she said, and added that the city is working to tackle some of the challenges to overcome the hurdles, from new homes on First Avenue to strengthening the minimum housing code.

A resource map is in the works that will be posted on the city’s website to assist residents who are looking for housing.

Recently, when a local motel was shut down, displacing numerous families who were living there, Elliott said the city took action. “We are not social services, but we can be innovative in our practices,” she said. Those families received $2,000 to aid them in finding new housing.

“We have the power to give people hope, no matter what color they are,” she said.

“I like doing that.”

View the complete interview at https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02CYZsXiBVTyRvUb7svYKQ8eSYdYjJfp7DjTKsCzKncSvSzQ29XvUXGiyvdxu5eQs7l&id=100063481573860

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The Local Skinny! CPOH Ministry Freedom BRIDGE Opens Monday

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Freedom BRIDGE, a ministry of Community Partners of Hope, is scheduled to open its doors next week and there are still plenty of ways to help the nonprofit in the way of donations.

Danette McKnight is the new program coordinator, and she has created a wish list of items still needed. There’s a list at SignUp Genius.com. Search for Furnishings for Freedom Bridge.

Take a look to see if there is anything you can offer. The ministry is particularly looking for set of old folding chairs or tables that a church or other organization no longer uses that could be donated. The list ranges from bookshelves and inspirational posters and artwork to a refrigerator and folding tables.

The new program is opening at 12 noon on Monday, Nov. 3 with a mission to connect individuals affected by or at risk for opioid use disorder with the support they need to heal and thrive. The office is located at 936 W. Andrews Ave., next to Vance Recovery.

Through accessible classes, compassionate counseling, prevention programs, and recovery services, Freedom BRIDGE is designed to empower people to reclaim their lives and build stronger, healthier communities. It also will offer services to families of those affected by opioid use.

Learn more at https://www.cp-hope.org/freedombridge 

Contact Danetta McKnight at bridge@cp-hope.org or call 252.572.2067.

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