TownTalk: One Stop Shop “Plan B” for City and County Planning and Inspection Office

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Vance County Chief Code Enforcement Officer Bob Rosch may have found a “Plan B” when it comes to creating a one-stop shopping concept to house the city and county planning and inspection offices under one roof.

And it would come at a substantial savings to the county.

Rosch told the Vance County Board of Commissioners Monday that the county can make room at the county-owned space at 305 Young St., Suite B, for city staff.

When he looked at the big picture, he and staff decided that they can stay in their current location, make space for city staff and save the county some money in the process.

“We can fit everybody into that space for a lot less money,” Rosch said, adding that City Manager Paylor Spruill was “very impressed.”

No motion was made, but commissioners offered consensus for county staff to continue discussions with the city. County Manager Renee Perry said pursuing this project aligns with the commissioners’ goal to improve relationships with elected city officials that was discussed at their recent board retreat.

Rosch appeared before the Henderson City Council in February with the idea that the county would pay for $300,000 in renovations and upfits to a city-owned building, putting the city and county planning and inspections offices in one spot.

The motion was narrowly defeated in a 5-4 vote – Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott cast the tie-breaking vote to break the deadlock. At the time, Elliott said she felt the 20-year lease – at $1 a year, was inadequate.

Rosch told commissioners Monday that this Plan B would cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $100,000 to add partitions to make new offices and make room for the city staff. That’s a savings of $200,000.

Commissioner Tommy Hester said, “I don’t see a negative to it.” Rosch said the city is looking into the possibility of leasing or purchasing a property at the corner of Walnut and Montgomery streets to provide additional parking if needed.

Rosch said, “It has been made clear to the city that we will not share any revenue. There will be no revenue given to the city.”

Rosch told commissioners that he expects the City Council will discuss the project at its upcoming meeting on Monday; the topic likely will be on the commissioners’ April agenda.

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National Weather Service

During Severe Weather Preparedness Week, Governor Stein Reminds North Carolinians about Readiness Tips

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March 1-7 Is Severe Weather Preparedness Week

During Severe Weather Preparedness Week, Governor Josh Stein is joining emergency management officials in urging North Carolinians to be prepared should severe weather impact their communities.

“North Carolina is no stranger to severe weather that can strike anywhere in the state,” said Governor Josh Stein. “North Carolinians can get prepared now by updating their emergency kits, having preparedness plans, and staying informed. Visit readync.gov to learn more.”

Governor Stein is also encouraging North Carolinians to participate in this year’s statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 4, at 9:30 a.m. by going to the lowest floor of the building they’re in and finding the most interior room. Knowing the location of the safe place at home or at work is essential for withstanding severe weather. Tornadoes form during severe thunderstorms when winds change direction and increase in speed. These storms can produce large hail and damaging winds that can reach 300 miles per hour.

In addition to Governor Stein, the National Weather Service indicates online at weather.gov/rah/severeprep, “This week is North Carolina’s annual Severe Weather Preparedness Week. This week the National Weather Service and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety are teaming up to bring this severe weather safety campaign to all of North Carolina’s residents. With warmer weather quickly approaching, now is the time to prepare for the severe weather season. If each North Carolina resident would take a few moments this week to learn about severe weather safety and implement a safety plan, then we would all be better off when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes inevitably strike our state and the likelihood of injury and fatalities caused by severe weather could be minimized.”

“A tornado can develop rapidly with little warning, which is why we encourage families, businesses, and individuals to have plans in place so they can respond quickly to a tornado and get to safety,” said Will Ray, Director of North Carolina Emergency Management. “We encourage all North Carolinians to participate in the statewide tornado drill to ensure that you, your family, and your coworkers know where to go and what to do in the event a tornado or other severe weather impacts you.”

Test messages will be broadcast via the Emergency Alert System on radio and TV and on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios when the drill begins.

The NWS states, “On Wednesday, March 4th at 9:30 AM, the National Weather Service in cooperation with local broadcasters will conduct a statewide tornado drill. The alarm test, which will come in the form of a Required Monthly Test, will activate the State Emergency Alert System and be carried by local radio broadcasters. Every school, business, and residence is encouraged to participate in this drill. It’s really easy: at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, take a few moments to practice your severe weather safety plan, and seek shelter for a few minutes as if a tornado was headed your way. Practicing this when the weather is good will allow you to react more quickly when the weather turns bad.”

Across the state in 2025, North Carolina recorded 16 tornado touchdowns, 113 large-hail events, 710 damaging thunderstorm wind events, and 216 flood or flash flood events.

Emergency Management officials recommend the following safety tips:

  • Develop a family emergency plan so each member knows what to do, where to go, and who to call during an emergency.
  • If thunder roars, go indoors! Lightning is close enough to strike you.
  • Know the location of the nearest safe room, such as a basement or interior room away from windows.
  • Know the terms: WATCH means severe weather is possible. WARNING means severe weather is occurring; take shelter immediately.
  • Assemble an emergency supply kit for use at home or in your vehicle. Make sure to include a 3-day supply of non-perishable food, essential medication, and bottled water for each person and pet.
  • If driving, leave your vehicle immediately to seek shelter in a safe structure. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle, and do not stop under an overpass or bridge.
  • If there is no shelter available, take cover in a low-lying flat area.

To learn more about how you, your family, or your business can become more resilient and prepared for all hazards, visit readync.gov.

(Information courtesy of the National Weather Service, the State of North Carolina and the Office of Gov. Josh Stein.)

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Woman Dies In House Fire; Cause Appears Accidental

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A woman died in a house fire Saturday night on Westover Drive in Henderson.

According to Henderson Fire Chief Tim Twisdale, the fire happened about 11 p.m. on Saturday at 2506 Westover Drive.

The victim was identified as Kathryne Powell King, Twisdale said.

Twisdale said fire officials spent much of Saturday night investigating the cause of the fire.

An initial investigation is calling the fire accidental at this time, Twisdale said.

Local Powercord Manufacturer Receives Governor’s 2025 Rural Business Export Award

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A local supplier and manufacturer of specialty power cords for data centers and industrial markets has received the 2025 Rural Business Export Award at this year’s Governor’s Export Awards, presented by Gov. Josh Stein and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.

Henderson-based StayOnline, established in 1987, has grown from a regional retailer into an internationally recognized manufacturer, holding ISO 9001:2015 certification and serving customers worldwide from its Vance County facility, according to information from the Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission.

“StayOnline is exactly the kind of company that makes Vance County special,” said Ferdinand Rouse, CEcD, Director of the Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission. “They’ve built a world-class operation right here in Henderson — manufacturing a specialized product, serving a global market, and doing it with decades of expertise. This award is well-deserved, and it’s a reminder that companies that call Vance County home have everything they need to reach customers anywhere in the world.”

The Governor’s Export Awards, now in its ninth year, honors North Carolina companies that have expanded their presence in international markets. StayOnline was recognized in the Rural Business category, which highlights companies based outside major metro areas that have successfully competed on a global scale.

EDPNC’s International Trade team supported 418 businesses across the state in the past year, with nearly half located in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties like Vance County. The company offers custom-assembled and molded products with same-day shipping and worldwide reach. Learn more at stayonline.com.

SportsTalk: Vance Charter Booster Club Hosts 5th Annual Golf Tournament April 2

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The Vance Charter School Athletic Booster Club has room for a few more teams at the 5th golf tournament, scheduled for Thursday, Apr. 2 at Henderson Country Club.

Get that team registration in by the Friday, Mar. 6 deadline to ensure a spot in the tournament, which has a 12 noon shotgun start. The tournament will cap entries to 22 four-person teams.

Don’t know a birdie from a bogey or a wood from a wedge? No worries – you can still come out to the post-tournament gathering that begins about 6 p.m. Tickets to that event are just $25. Come out for food, fellowship, a cash bar and live music from Whiskey Bent, a Granville County band.

VCS Athletic Director Lance Stallings said the school works to provide its student-athletes, and students as a whole, with the best experience possible. “It’s not possible without the booster club and the athletic department,” Stallings said. “We’re very fortunate to have the best of the best at Vance Charter School.”

The golf tournament is one of the booster club’s major fundraisers each year, and Booster Club President Caroline Overby said the activities surrounding the tournament will include again this year a silent auction. Tournament winners will be announced at the evening event as well.

The golf tournament has several presenting sponsors – Drake & Seymour Dentistry, Sossamon Funeral Home and Chick-fil-A – but there are other sponsorship levels to choose from, too:

  • Blue level – $700 – includes entry fees and all the things during and following play
  • Silver level – $1,250 – builds on Blue level, plus a Mulligan package and signage on two holes
  • Gold level – builds on Silver level, plus signage on 3 holes and the scoreboard, as well as four polo-style shirts

The golf tournament is designed to be a fun event, but organizers are keeping their sights on the real reason for the tournament – raising money that will provide meals, additional equipment and uniforms for the school’s athletic program.

Proceeds also go to fund scholarships, awarded to two seniors to help with their post-graduation plans.

Citing the school’s non-profit status, Overby said, “every single penny goes back straight back to the kids.”

Visit https://www.vancecharter.org/page/athletics to learn more or find them on Facebook or other social media platforms.

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The Local Skinny! March Community Information Series Focuses On Treatment, Medications For Opioid Use Disorder

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Come to the Mar. 10 Community Information Series program at Baskerville Funeral Home to learn more about treatment options for opioid use disorder and more from an expert with VANCE RECOVERY.

The event is from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the chapel of Baskerville Funeral Home, 104 S. Chestnut St., Henderson.

Katie Lee, a registered nurse and director of Vance Recovery, will present information to educate and offer support to individuals and families dealing with the effects of opioid use disorder.

Topics of discussion include: Mood & Mental Health

  • Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
  • Understanding Treatment Options
  • Reducing Stigma & Building Support

For additional information, please contact 252.430.6824.

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TownTalk: March is Full of Non-Profit Fish Fry Fundraisers

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It’s takeout only at 220 Seafood in Henderson on Mondays. There’s no dining room service on Mondays either, but the kitchen is cooking on all cylinders. Monday at 220 is for fundraisers.

The first three Mondays in March are booked for local organizations that include a school, a church and a nonprofit organization.

The menu is fresh fried trout, cole slaw, French fries and hushpuppies. The price is $11. Repeat customers know the drill: Just stop by the restaurant at 1812 N. Garnett St. between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. – no advance ticket purchase needed.

The Mar. 2 fundraiser benefits Vance County Middle School. There are tickets available for purchase at the school’s front desk, but customers don’t have to purchase that ticket in advance.

On Mar. 9, the trout plate fundraiser is being sponsored by the Men’s group at West End Baptist Church to support a number of local ministries.

“We get our money from fish fries,” said organizer Jerry Parrish.

The church recently made financial donations to ACTS, Lifeline, G.R.A.C.E. Ministries and Rebuilding Hope.

Then on Mar. 16, stop by 220 to pick up a trout plate to support ACTS, Area Christians Together in Service. ACTS has a food pantry and makes hot meals daily for those in need in the area.

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