News 08/09/19
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Town Talk 08/08/19: Owens, Mayoral Candidate, Discusses ‘Concern’ for Henderson
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Sharon Owens, candidate for the position of Henderson Mayor, was the guest of honor on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk.
A resident of Montgomery Street in Henderson, Owens is running against incumbent Eddie Ellington in the October 8, 2019, City of Henderson election.
Noting that her decision to run for mayor has been a topic of much self-reflection over the past year, Owens, a budget analyst with Durham Public Schools and an evangelist with Greater Refuge Church Henderson, said it was both prayer and her concern for the City of Henderson that led her to file.
Sharon Owens, candidate for the position of Henderson Mayor, is running against incumbent Eddie Ellington in the October 8, 2019, City of Henderson election. (Photo courtesy Sharon Owens)
“I have a deep concern for the City of Henderson,” Owens said. “When I look at the area now and compare it with other cities of the same size, or even compare it to our past, I am concerned.”
Owens, who has lived in Henderson all of her life minus a year she spent in Richmond, VA, said she is saddened by what issues such as crime, drugs, gangs and lack of viable job opportunities have done to the area she calls home.
“It breaks my heart when I look at how the downtown buildings have gone down, the stores have moved; nothing is like it used to be,” lamented Owens. “I can’t help but wonder what is the mindset of the City Council for downtown development and the city as a whole.”
Citing economic development as one of Henderson’s major issues, Owens said she would like to focus on bringing more jobs to the area by offering companies additional incentives. “We need to give some kind of incentive for jobs to come to the City of Henderson. When people have income and good housing, it makes them feel good about themselves and makes them want to do better.”
Acknowledging that the mayor works very closely with the city manager, Owens said she’d like to see those two positions take a more grassroots approach to affecting change in the community.
“I think that relationship should be such that we could go out into neighborhoods and talk to people at their level about [issues such as] drugs, gangs and murder, talk to people who it directly affects,” said Owens. “If we are being honest, it does not affect everyone.”
After stating the entire City of Henderson should be treated as a whole, Owens conceded, “Some areas of the city require a little more attention than others, especially the areas of high poverty.”
Owens said that she feels progress is being made in addressing issues that often accompany areas of high poverty but believes more can be done. She also believes that she is just the person to do it.
“I’m not saying that the Mayor and City Council aren’t doing a great job; they are doing a magnificent job,” Owens said.”I just believe that I can take it a little bit further.”
For more information on Owens’ campaign, visit her website by clicking here.
(This is not a paid political advertisement. WIZS is in communication with incumbent Eddie Ellington to participate in a similar interview.)
To hear Owens’ Town Talk interview in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.
Leadership Vance Graduates 14 Community Participants
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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce
Fourteen participants have successfully completed the 2019 Leadership Vance program. Leadership Vance is a Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce program designed to create a group of informed and dedicated leaders who will contribute to the community.
The program is organized into twelve sessions which began February 5 with an orientation breakfast at Perry Library in the Farm Bureau Room and concluded on July 9 with a graduation ceremony and dinner at Hillside Farms in Henderson.
Participants are exposed to various aspects of Henderson and Vance County, specifically in regard to city and county government, health and community resources, economic development, agriculture and natural resources, history, media, criminal justice and law.
The Leadership Vance Graduates for 2019 include (left front): Lemondre’ Watson, Sharita Jones, Jason Varner, McKinley Perkinson, Evelyn Harris, Fantasia Johnson. (Left back): Brian Williams, Lee Andrew Faines, Jr., Elgin Lane, Pam Hester, Norman Dickerson, Jr., Sandra Wilkerson, Chamber Events Director and Andrew (Joel) Beckham. Not pictured: Cathy Renn and Ray Gronberg. (H-V Chamber photo)
Supervisors and guests were in attendance to celebrate the achievements of the graduates.
Jason Varner and Pastor Joel Beckham shared reflections regarding the program on behalf of the class. Varner said, “Henderson and Vance County is a great place to live.” He challenged his classmates to use their leadership experience to make Henderson and Vance County an even better place.
Joel Beckham stated, “I have been inspired.” Beckham encouraged the group to take what they have experienced and make a difference in the community.
McKinley Perkinson shared the class project which was a battery collection for smoke detectors to assist the Fire Department in their Smoke Detector initiative.
Chief Steve Cordell and Captain Lee Edmonds of the Henderson Fire Department were present to receive the donations and shared their gratitude to the group for taking on the initiative. The group collected over 350 9 volt batteries to support the battery replacement program for smoke detectors.
Garrison Says He’ll ‘Continue Seeking Relocation of DHHS’ to Granville County
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As stated by NC House District 32 Representative Terry Garrison in his recent newsletter message:
Passing a biennium budget during a long session and odd year of the North Carolina General Assembly is the most important work that this legislative body will do while in session. During this 2019-2020 session of the General Assembly, both chambers of the NC House and NC Senate passed its version of a biennium budget in June.
The two budget versions had differences which then required them to be referred to a Conference Committee to develop a consensus budget. A consensus budget was completed and approved largely along political party lines. As Republicans hold majority memberships in both the House and Senate, they also largely comprised the Consensus Committee. As a result, the Consensus Bill, HB 966, 2019 Appropriations Act was also approved along political party lines, on June 27, 2019.
HB 966 (Appropriations Act) did not include Medicaid Expansion which was the number one budget priority for Democratic Governor Roy Cooper and the Democratic Party. Additionally, the conference budget did not allow citizens a choice on deciding whether to invest in a bond for much-needed school construction as desired by the Governor.
Further, the conference budget provides an average of 3.8% teacher pay increase as opposed to 9.1% sought by the Governor; gives all state employees a $1,000 raise as opposed to 2% or $800 raise, whichever is greater; and provides a 1% cost of living increase for state retirees as opposed to a 2% cost of living increase sought by the Governor.
A few differences between the conference committee and the Governor’s budget are shared here, but there a number of other differences between the two budgets which were objected to by Democrats in both the House and Senate as well as the Governor.
The Republicans included a number of perks within the conference bill which mainly benefited their constituents.
The relocation of the headquarters of the NC Department of Health and Human Services to Granville County was included in the conference budget by the Senate without any special conditions. However, the House changed the relocation to the Triangle North Granville Business and Industrial site in Oxford on condition of my commitment to override the Governor’s veto of the budget. While I fully support the relocation of DHHS to Granville County, and particularly to the Triangle North Granville site, I cannot in good conscience vote to override the Governor’s veto.
Governor Cooper vetoed HB 966 as expected. The state is currently operating under a continuing budget resolution, or more specifically, operating under the 2018 budget until a new biennium budget is passed. A vote on the override of the Governor’s veto is pending and has not occurred as of this time. If an override of the Governor’s veto of budget does not occur, then the budget will have to be renegotiated until a consensus budget can be achieved.
It is my plan to continue seeking relocation of DHHS to Granville County, and particularly to the Triangle North site. While the Governor is leaning toward a study bill for the relocation of DHHS, I am optimistic that Granville County will remain the target site for consideration of such project relocation.
Further, it is my goal to advocate for more jobs and related initiatives promoted by the state within Granville, Vance and Warren Counties within this upcoming biennium.
Kittrell Community Watch to Hear From Animal Control at Aug. Meeting
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-Information courtesy Edward Woodlief, Kittrell Community Watch
The Kittrell Community Watch will meet Thursday, August 15, 2019, at 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the Union Chapel United Methodist Church, 6535 Raleigh Road, Kittrell, NC.
Guest speaker will be Frankie Nobles, Chief Animal Control Officer for Vance County.
Light Refreshments will be served.
All are welcome, even if you reside outside the Kittrell area.
News 08/08/19
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VGCC Inaugurates Seventh President
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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College
Vance-Granville Community College formally welcomed its new leader on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, with an inauguration ceremony for Dr. Rachel M. Desmarais, the college’s seventh president, in the Civic Center on the Main Campus in Vance County. The historic occasion was also part of a series of events held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the community college, which was established in 1969 as Vance County Technical Institute.
Vance-Granville Community College formally welcomed its new leader on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, with an inauguration ceremony for Dr. Rachel M. Desmarais, the college’s seventh president, in the Civic Center on the Main Campus in Vance County. (VGCC photo)
Danny Wright, chair of the VGCC Board of Trustees, performed the ceremonial investiture of the president, who has been on the job since earlier this year. In his remarks, Wright said, “We take this opportunity to look back on the rich tradition we have of providing education and training to our community. At the same time, we mark the start of a new era, and consider all the possibilities of the future.”
He then presented Desmarais with a medallion, featuring the college’s seal, to represent the authority of the president’s position.
Making her inaugural address, Desmarais remarked, “Vance-Granville Community College has been shining the light of education and opportunity in Vance, Granville, Franklin, and Warren counties for 50 years. I am proud of this legacy of learning and service. Indeed, I am honored to have been called to this college — to serve these communities. My life’s goal is to ‘make a difference’ in whatever I do. Likewise, I believe this institution has made a difference and will continue to make a difference in people’s lives. As we embark upon the next 50 years of learning and service, we have an opportunity to renew our commitment to being a community educator, convener, and partner.”
Several dignitaries brought greetings on behalf of the state and the four counties served by the college: Peter Hans, the president of the N.C. Community College System; Archie B. Taylor, Jr., chair of the Vance County Board of Commissioners; Dr. Alisa McLean, superintendent of Granville County Schools; Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager; and Vincent Jones, Warren County Manager.
VGCC students also played key roles in the event. Tyshii Scarborough, president of the VGCC Student Government Association, gave welcoming remarks, and two recent alumnae of the college, Angelica Bridges and Evan O’Geary, presented musical selections.
Special guests included not only local community leaders but also presidents of several community colleges from across the state.
Open Broadband, LLC Will Expand into Vance; Waitlist Signups Now Accepted
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-Press Release, Open Broadband, LLC
Open Broadband, LLC (www.openbb.net) is pleased to announce our upcoming expansion of fixed-wireless broadband internet service into Vance County, NC. The deployment plan will address areas within the county which lack sufficient broadband service to meet the needs of government, residences and commercial businesses.
In August 2018, the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments (Kerr-Tar COG) led a joint broadband enhancement Request for Proposal (RFP) for Vance, Granville and Vance Counties. North Carolina based Open Broadband, LLC was selected and has entered a seven-year contract with Vance County to provide internet speeds of at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload to unserved areas.
In addition to the Vance County contract, Open Broadband was also awarded a North Carolina GREAT grant to provide broadband to unserved areas of Vance County. The GREAT grant funds will go toward specific underserved areas in the Northwest and Southwest corners of Vance County, while the county’s funds will pay for the remaining areas.
“This is a big deal for the county,” said Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen. “The FCC defines broadband as a minimum 25 Mbps speed. However, many of our citizens are limited to DSL, which is not a ‘true’ high-speed service. Our primary goal is to serve the unserved and the underserved areas of the county, but once you have fixed-wireless broadband, many more residents can be served. At a starting price of $39.99/month the service is affordable for most residents.”
Open Broadband provides hybrid fiber and fixed-wireless internet service, up to gigabit speed, to many communities across North Carolina. Service is provided to residents, small and medium-sized businesses, technology incubators, universities, and government locations including police, fire, town hall, and airport facilities.
Open Broadband also provides free public Wi-Fi zones in downtown areas, parks, and campuses.
Network deployment in Vance County will take place in phases over the next four years. The first customer service activation is planned for the end of 2019.
“We are excited to bring our fixed-wireless broadband service into Vance County,” said Open Broadband CEO Alan Fitzpatrick. “The need for higher internet speeds is universal as the internet has become a core component of our daily lives. Applying for jobs, access to medical records, access to student coursework, and online banking all require good internet infrastructure. Affordable internet options also help address the Digital Divide. We believe everyone should have access to home broadband internet service and are pleased to be awarded the contract with Vance County to bring service to those in need.”
Open Broadband is now accepting waitlist signups on the Vance County tab of the website: https://openbb.net/vanceco/ Those on the waitlist will receive regular updates on the progress of the network build and will be contacted once service is made available in their area.
Vance Commissioners Discuss Fire Trucks, Possible Board of Elections Move
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The Vance County Board of Commissioners held a regularly-scheduled monthly meeting on Monday, August 5, 2019. Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen provided WIZS a briefing on items discussed:
Fire Trucks
The Board is considering the donation of two fire trucks to fire departments in need – a 1994 model and a 1984 model that will be available if the Hicksboro Fire Department accepts the available 1994 truck.
“Regarding the fire trucks, we must provide notice and create the necessary donation documents, so the Board did not take action on formally donating either [of the vehicles]. They did declare the 1994 County truck as surplus with the intention of donating it to the Hicksboro Fire Department at the next meeting,” McMillen explained.
“The old Kerr Lake station truck is the 1984 model which Hicksboro will be giving back to the County once they take on the 1994 model. Watkins Volunteer Fire Department has now declined interest in the 1984 model, so that will still be on hand if another department needed it.”
Vance County Board of Elections
The Vance County Board of Elections has requested a move to the former Eaton Johnson Middle School building, 500 N. Beckford Drive, Henderson. According to McMillen, the Vance County Properties Committee will meet to discuss this further and “may have a larger discussion on the Henry A. Dennis Building in the future.”
“Once the Department of Social Services moves to the Eaton Johnson building, we will have some spaces come available which will afford us the opportunity to make some departmental moves should the Board decide to do so.”
Kids’ Summer Camp Teaches Construction, Life Skills
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-Information courtesy Rebuilding Hope, Inc.
Twenty-four second through sixth graders participated in Rebuilding Hope’s Kids’ Construction Camp August 5 – 7, 2019.
Campers rotated through six stations: Hammer & Nails, Masonry, Electrical & Plumbing, Roofing & Shingles, Bible Study and Take-Home Project.
“So many people in our communities have construction skills, and they’re generous with their time and help with the camp,” says RHI coordinator Randolph Wilson.
“While campers rotate through areas of construction, we want them to be aware of how they are building their lives.”
This year’s project was building a wooden tray and we were in collaborating with picplumbing.com to help us with teaching the kids various tips and tricks. Each camper also took home a tool apron, goggles, a tape measure and carpenter’s pencil.
At the end of camp, participants received certificates of completion.
Rebuilding Hope volunteers Jerry Ayscue (right) and Richard Roberts teach youth nail gun safety at the ministry’s annual Kids’ Construction Camp. (RHI photo)