Council To Review Dual Role Of Manager/Attorney

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The Henderson City Council voted 7-1 Monday to review in nine months the dual roles of city manager and city attorney, the current position of Hassan T. Kingsberry.

The Council convened a special called meeting for Monday at 3:30 p.m. to go into closed session to discuss a personnel matter.

When the council returned from the closed session, Council Member Lamont Noel made a motion to review the dual role in nine months’ time. Council Member Geraldine Champion cast the lone dissenting vote. All council members were present for the vote.

Voting yes were Council members Noel, Sara Coffey, Sam Seifert, Michael Venable, Garry Daeke, Ola Thorpe-Cooper and Tami Walker.

Kingsberry was sworn in as the city’s attorney on Dec. 10, 2024; he 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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Cooperative Extension with Michael Ellington: Most Common Ticks

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On the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report from Michael Ellington:

Today’s show covers the four most common ticks and why they’re a problem. Also included are reminders for upcoming events and deadlines.

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 Logo

Jeffrey Percy Hired To Be Vance County Facilities Maintenance Director

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Jeffrey Percy has been named Vance County’s Facilities Maintenance director, succeeding Brad Weatherington, who retired in December 2024.

Percy will begin his new job Tuesday, April 29, according to information from the office of County Manager C. Renee Perry. Percy has more than two decades of experience to the county, and has a background in electronics, project management and facility operations.

“I’m honored to serve the citizens of Vance County in this new role,” said Mr. Percy. “I look forward to using my experience to enhance our county facilities and provide safe, well-maintained environments for our employees and the public.”

Most recently, Percy worked in facilities maintenance at N.C. Specialty Hospital, where he was responsible for ensuring seamless operation and upkeep of healthcare infrastructure.

As Facilities Maintenance director, Percy will be responsible for administrative and supervisory work in planning and directing the maintenance, repair, cleaning and security of county buildings, grounds and other facilities, according to the job description.

In addition to supervising housekeeping and maintenance staff, Percy also will supervise and participate in semi-skilled level trades repairs for carpentry, plumbing and other needs by staff, as well as oversee contracted repairs. The director also oversees building security and courier services.

“We are excited to welcome Mr. Percy to our team. His broad expertise, hands-on technical knowledge, and strong project management skills make him a valuable asset to our county. We look forward to the improvements and innovation he will bring to our facilities operations,” Perry said.

Perry also stated that Percy could play a role as the county considers construction of new jail and EMS facilities.

Special Projects Coordinator Frankie Nobles had served as interim director since Weatherington’s retirement, Perry said.

A Southern Durham High School graduate, Percy earned an Associate of Science degree in Electronics from DeVry University in Atlanta. His technical career began at IBM in Research Triangle Park, where he worked in robotic and test equipment maintenance. As global manufacturing operations evolved, he transitioned into IBM’s purchasing division, where he served as a parts data analyst and Engineering Change analyzer.

Percy advanced into a leadership role with CTG as an account manager, overseeing a large team of contract employees working on-site in coordination with IBM. Later, he spent a decade as a project manager in the reconstruction industry, managing complex restoration projects with precision and efficiency.

Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Fire Ants In The Landscape

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On the Vance Cooperative Extension Report from Wayne Rowland:

Fire ants can be controlled in the landscape by using fire ant baits.

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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TownTalk: National Day of Prayer, May 1st at VCMS

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Local churches and interested individuals are invited to come out on Thursday, May 1 to take part in Vance County’s observance of the National Day of Prayer.

The event will take place on the football field of Vance County Middle School beginning at 6 p.m., and organizer Delilah Marrow welcomes all.

It’s not just one church participating, “we want all of the churches,” Marrow, an ordained minister, said on Monday’s TownTalk.

“Everyone is really glad that we are getting together and having a National Day of Prayer” observance, she said. It’s a time for everyone to come together to pray for the community.

“We are the body of Christ, one church – the church of Jesus Christ,” she said.

“When we pray, something happens…when we, in a city, come together we see the hand of God move. When you pray and believe God, something happens,” she said.

Marrow said the idea came to her during her daily prayers before Easter. A prayer partner provided encouragement to act on her vision, and her pastor mentioned the upcoming National Day of Prayer, observed each May 1.

“That ignited me to move forward,” she recalled. “God just laid out every piece of the puzzle (and) everything began to fall in place.”

To learn more, call Marrow at 252.422.1202.

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Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Come Visit The ‘Food Farmacy’ Friday, May 2 At Vance County Farmers Market

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The Vance County Cooperative Extension is hosting a community event on the eve of Opening Day of the Vance County Regional Farmers Market – perfect timing to learn more about how what we eat and how we move affect our overall health and wellness.

The Food Farmacy, as it’s called, will take place at the farmers market this Friday, May 2 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The farmers market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson.

It’s a time for the community to come together to learn how food choices and physical activity can have a positive impact on health while addressing some health-related challenges facing the community.

Tyler Chisholm is one of those working to organize this year’s event and he told WIZS recently that in addition to the educational component of the Food Farmacy, participants will enjoy themselves, too.

Vance County has higher rates of heart disease, diabetes and obesity, Chisholm said, and a goal of The Food Farmacy is to promote broad access to food and also to spotlight exercise and physical activity as important components to overall wellness.

Gun Found Inside Vance County Middle School Classroom; No Injuries Reported

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– press release from Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

On April 24, 2025 the Vance County Sheriff’s Office responded to Vance County Middle School located at 293 Warrenton Rd. Henderson, NC regarding a firearm being found inside a classroom.

The weapon was immediately secured by the School Resource Officer who then notified Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office for further investigation. One juvenile was detained and transported to the Sheriff’s Office for further investigation. The juvenile’s parents were also notified of the incident. There were no injuries reported during this incident.

The incident is currently under investigation.

Kittrell Tent Revival Coming Up April 27th-30th

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The 3rd annual Kittrell Tent Revival will begin a 4-night run beginning Sunday, Apr. 27, and organizers have lined up preachers and music for each night that’s sure to be inspiring.

The revival is getting bigger and better each year, and organizers are looking forward to this year’s event, which will be held at 27 W. Main St., Kittrell – just across from the Kittrell Fire Department.

As the flyer states, the revival is organized by “one group for one purpose, to lead people to Christ.”

Enjoy free hotdogs beginning at 6 p.m. on Sunday and then stay for the evening program that will feature Renita Timberlake and the Revive Church of God Choir. The revival continues through Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Here’s the schedule for the rest of the revival:

  • Monday, Apr. 28: Jason Brown will be the speaker, and the Freedom Life Choir will perform.
  • Tuesday, Apr. 29: Jayden Watkins will be the speaker, and Unashamed will provide music.
  • Wednesday, Apr. 30: Paul Faucette will be the speaker, and Grace Ministries Choir will provide music.

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(This was originally published on April 17, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.)