Vance Co. High School Students Display Their Talent in ‘Art of Protest’ Event

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Twelve students at Vance County High School shared their artwork and their important voices in the school’s “Art of Protest” event held in the school’s Music Room during the evening of March 5, 2019.

The “Art of Protest” event was a joint effort between the English Department and Art Department at the school to enable the very talented students to show through their artwork their focus on societal issues about which they share a passion.

Marsha Harvey of the English Department, and Amy Simpson of the Art Department, coordinated plans for the event. They wanted the students to speak through their art and be able to share their opinions about issues they feel are important and need special attention.

Students who participated in the “Art of Protest” and their work included:

  • Jose Gonzalez, “Sweet Relief” painting, focusing on the lack of awareness for mental health issues
  • DeAndre Johnson, “The Color of Piece” painting, focusing on racism issues
  • Madonna Baselios, “(I’m)migrant” painting, focusing on American politics and the treatment of immigrants
  • Christian Green, “Silent Revolt” painting, focusing on the dictatorship in government
  • Samej Brown, “Not My Hero” charcoal drawing, focusing on youth brainwashing
  • Qe’Shaun Hargrove, “Relic” painting, focusing on the inherited legacy of African Americans from their white forefathers
  • Anterrahn Harris, “Of Body & Mind” painting, focusing on the lack of recognition of African Americans in the arts
  • Stephanie Salazar, “Free Yourself” painting, focusing on society’s treatment of the LGBT community
  • Edgar Trejo, “Rise” painting, focusing on the courage of immigrants in the current political climate
  • Susanna Hernandez, “Illusion v Reality” painting and art rendering, focusing on homelessness for military veterans
  • Jordan Lewis, “Voices” painting, focusing on lack of freedom of speech in America
  • Kintochia Barnes, “Silent Traffic” painting, focusing on the problem of sex trafficking

All of the students’ artworks were excellent. Members of the audience, who included educators, parents and community members, were able to view each piece of art and speak with the student artists about their message conveyed through their art. A silent auction for the artwork also was held and several art pieces received purchase bids.

Miracle Chin, a senior at Vance County High School, also recited a powerful poem that stressed a person’s true beauty comes from within and should not be determined by the person’s outward appearance.

Dr. Ellen McLarney, a professor at Duke University, presented the featured lecture at the event. She showed several pieces of national and international photos and paintings, both historical and present day, that are widely acclaimed for their depiction of people concerning key societal issues today throughout the world. She noted that art throughout time has always been an expression of the artist’s opinions on all types of issues. She encouraged the students to continue to pursue their passion for art and to continue to voice their opinions through their work.

Anterrahn Harris talks with an “Art of Protest” attendee about his painting, “Of Body & Mind,” and how it depicts the lack of recognition of African Americans in the arts. (Photo courtesy VCS)

“Art of Protest” work done by, from left, Madonna Baselios, Semaj Brown and DeAndre Johnson are displayed for the silent auction. (Photo courtesy VCS)

West End Baptist

West End Baptist Men to Sponsor Fish Fry Fundraiser at 220 Seafood

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-Information courtesy Jerry Parrish, West End Baptist Church

The Baptist Men of West End Baptist Church in Henderson will be sponsoring a Trout Fish Fry Fundraiser to support our local ministries on Monday, March 18, 2019, from 4 until 7 p.m. at the 220 Seafood Restaurant located at 1812 Norlina Rd. in Henderson.

Plates will include trout, cole slaw, french fries and hush puppies for $7 per plate. Eat in or take out (beverage provided with eat in meals only).

All proceeds will be used to support our local ministries, which include ACTS, Lifeline Ministries, Rebuilding Hope, GRACE Ministries and many others.

Tickets can be purchased in advance from any West End Baptist Church member. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Spring Valley United Methodist to Hold Pancake Supper Fundraiser

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-Information courtesy Rusty Renshaw, Spring Valley United Methodist Men 

A Pancake Supper fundraiser will be held by Spring Valley United Methodist Men at Spring Valley United Methodist Church, 955 Spring Valley Road in Henderson, on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Cost is $7 each for the pancake supper, which also includes sausage. Eat in or take out. A drink will be provided for those that eat in.

Causey, Insurance Comm./State Fire Marshal, Talks Recent Vance County Visit

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North Carolina Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss his recent visit to various volunteer fire departments in Vance County.

Causey, who visited the Watkins, Bearpond, Epsom and Hicksboro volunteer fire departments on February 28, said it was a pleasure to make his first official visit to Vance County since taking office in January of 2017.

During his day-long visit, Causey presented grant checks for needed improvements, congratulated departments on their improved insurance ratings and discussed efforts to modernize the insurance industry with Joel T. Cheatham Insurance and Jeffrey Ayscue Allstate Agency representatives.

According to a press release from the NC Department of Insurance, Causey presented ceremonial grant checks in the following amounts: Watkins Community Volunteer Fire Department ($29,752); Epsom Fire Department ($11,572); Hicksboro Volunteer Fire Department ($29,765) and Bearpond Volunteer Fire Department ($5,893).

Causey reported that all NC fire department inspections are up-to-date, a feat that he said was accomplished by increasing the number of department inspectors from five to eight.

Prior to his taking office, some fire departments had not been inspected for 25+ years, according to Causey. “You want a department to be inspected, ideally, every five years. Since hiring more inspectors in 2017, we don’t have a single fire department that is backlogged.”

Two of the fire departments on Causey’s Vance County tour – Bearpond and Epsom – recently received improved fire ratings following inspections. Achieving a better rating can result in lowered insurance rates for businesses and homeowners in that fire district.

“Bearpond and Epsom have some real fine buildings; the people are first-class, dedicated firefighters,” said Causey. “It’s easy to see they’ve done the things they needed to do, including mutual aid agreements, to bring their fire rating up.”

When questioned on the national and state-wide trend of decreasing volunteerism, Causey replied, “It’s becoming harder to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters, that’s why you are seeing some departments going to a paid/volunteer combination. We are doing as much as we can at the state level to help the counties and volunteer departments.”

Causey’s trip followed a recent 4-3 vote by the Vance County Board of Commissioners to move ahead with a fire restructuring plan that includes funding paid part-time positions in the County’s volunteer fire departments.

“Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of fire departments across this nation. Across the state, 70% of firefighters are strictly volunteer,” Causey explained.

Junior firefighter programs aimed at getting the younger generation interested in firefighting is the best way to ensure the future of the business, according to Causey. “More and more high schools across the state are offering cadet programs for junior firefighters. Firefighters also go into elementary schools to get children interested.”

In the long run, Causey said the success of a fire department all comes down to the people involved. “You can have the best equipment, the most modern, up-to-date technology, but if you don’t have dedicated, committed people, it’s not going to work. I met good, dedicated people in Vance County.”

A Word of Thanks From the Family of Margaret Ellis

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-Letter courtesy Ericka M. Ellis-Stewart – granddaughter of Margaret Ellis

To the Community of Vance County, North Carolina,

We, the family of Margaret Alston Ellis, would like to thank each of you (friends, extended family, and members of the public) for all your acts of kindness and bravery as you helped reunite us on Saturday, March 2, 2019. Many of you assisted by using social media to spread the word, or offered words of encouragement. We have heard stories where some of you organized (to assist with the) search parties and drove around looking for her. This community truly came together in support of one of your own.

We are especially grateful to Ms. Vicky Marshall of Robersonville, NC for alerting the Greenville Police Department (GDP) that Margaret was in the TJ Max/Harris Teeter parking lot. We thank the first responders (Henderson Police Department and the Vance County Sheriff’s Office) who took our calls, calmed us down, and issued a statewide Silver Alert, and GPD Officer Terence Daltroff for being first on the scene and confirming her identity. The Henderson Police Department and Vance County Sheriff’s Office worked diligently with law enforcement from other counties enlisting their help in locating a treasured Vance County community member. Finally, we thank the various media outlets, the National Center for Missing and Endangered, and the NC Center for Missing Persons for helping to make the public aware.

As many of you know by now Margaret was found, unharmed, in Greenville, NC and has since been reunited with her family. Please know we are grateful for all the thoughts, prayers, and acts of kindness as we went through the process of locating and reuniting with our loved one.

Thank You!

The Family of Margaret Alston Ellis

Vehicle Access Across John H. Kerr Dam Restricted March 11-22

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-Press Release, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Wilmington District, announced that the road across the John H. Kerr Dam will restrict vehicular traffic beginning on March 11 through March 22, 2019. All vehicles should follow the posted detour signs.

The restricted access is a necessary precaution to ensure public safety until the staff can perform maintenance and repairs to the bridge across the dam.

Many motorists use the John H. Kerr Road in their daily commutes across the Kerr Dam, and the restriction may add to their travel time. Signs located at each end of the road are in place to notify the public of its restricted accessibility of traffic.

For more information contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers John H. Kerr Powerhouse at 434-738-6633.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market Announces 2019 Advisory Board Meeting Dates

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-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, Vance/Warren Counties, NC Cooperative Extension

The Advisory Board for the Vance County Regional Farmers Market was established in early 2014 for the purpose of making recommendations for the operation, promotion, support and growth of the Market. The Board generally has four meetings each year, all of which are open to the public. The Board is always glad to receive comments from the public.

This year (2019), the Board will meet on the following dates: March 14, May 2, August 1 and November 7. Each of these meetings will convene at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market at 2 p.m. The address is 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC

For more information, please contact either of the following: Tracy Madigan, Market Manager (tmadigan@vancecounty.org or 252-598-0814) or Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent (paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu or 252-438-8188).

Plank Chapel UMC to Hold Chicken Dinner Fundraiser for Youth

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-Information courtesy Carolyn Roy, Plank Chapel United Methodist Church 

Plank Chapel United Methodist Church will have a Grilled Chicken Dinner fundraiser on Saturday, March 16, 2019, from 5 – 7 p.m.  This event is a youth fundraiser for BASIC UMYF – a group of youth from Plank Chapel and Rehoboth that have been in ministry together for four years.

Plates are $8.00 each – eat in or take out. Dinner includes 1/2 chicken, boiled potatoes, green beans, hush puppies, drinks (for those who eat in) and dessert.

The dinner will be held at Plank Chapel UMC, 3047 Bobbitt Road, Kittrell, NC. Reserving plates can be done through Plank Chapel’s Facebook Page.

Nits Nats Music Celebrates 50 Years in Business

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Bill Harris, co-owner of Nits Nats Music in Henderson, was on Monday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the music stores recent 50th anniversary.

Originally opened in downtown Oxford in 1969 by Phillip and Cheryl Hawkins, the business has called several locations in Oxford, Henderson and Louisburg home during its 50 years in operation. For the past several years, Nits Nats has been located at 1680 Parham St. in Henderson, a part of the shopping center known as “Corbittville.”

Harris said he became a faithful customer of the store in 1977 as a young teenager. At that time, the business was located inside the Henderson Mall.

Bill Harris stands behind the counter of Nits Nats Music located at 1680 Parham St. in Henderson. Nits Nats, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, carries a wide variety of music genres including rock, country, pop, classical and gospel in formats ranging from new and used vinyl to CDs and cassette tapes.

Fifteen years ago, when the Hawkins decided to sell the business, Harris said it was Cheryl who pulled him aside to encourage him to pursue the opportunity. “She said, ‘you know music and you know how to talk to people, why don’t you buy it.’ I said, ‘I’m not going to buy this,’ but I kept thinking and listening and she kept talking and I here I am 15 years later.”

Nits Nats carries a wide variety of music genres including rock, country, pop, classical and gospel in formats ranging from new and used vinyl to CDs and cassette tapes. In the current age where people are developing their interest in music and performing their own scale search to gain more knowledge, having a place which has the music belonging to the golden ages is truly required.

“Anything I don’t carry in the store, I can find it and track it down for you,” said Harris.

The store also offers gift certificates with the same traditional black and white checkerboard logo that customers have come to recognize. “When the Hawkins opened the store in 1969, there was racial tension in Oxford. Her [Cheryl’s] idea was to make the store for everyone, hence the black and white checkerboard,” explained Harris. “I think it was a great idea then and is a great idea now; music is for everyone.”

In a world that is becoming more and more digital, Harris said it can be a struggle to promote a physical music format. Those that prefer the more traditional format of music, as well as a resurgence in the popularity of vinyl records, keep Nits Nats in business.

“There are still people who refuse to go digital, most are 40 and older, and the young kids have discovered vinyl,” said Harris. “We’ve sold more vinyl in the last 4-5 months than we have in the past 15 years.”

Of a collection of 700-800 records that Harris acquired in the past three weeks, he estimates 500 have already been sold. “There’s a romance about vinyl. There’s something about digging through crates of records, there’s something about the sound and about the covers. I think people feel disconnected from everything being digital; vinyl gives you that authentic listening experience.”

Looking ahead to the future, Harris said Nits Nats should be just fine as long as people still desire a physical music format and continue to support local small businesses.

“I realize you can buy music from Amazon, but that does nothing for our local economy,” Harris said. “If you come in here to buy something, well, I’m going to take that money and run to Roses to buy something or downtown to the office supply store to buy supplies. Local small businesses are what gives a community its feeling and its character. I like to think this place gives Henderson some character.”

WIZS sincerely hopes Harris and Nits Nats Music continue to add to the character of the community for the next 50 years.

Harris, in fact, has been an employee of WIZS for the last 30 years. According to WIZS’ own John Charles Rose, “Bill is a very knowledgeable and well-rounded person to have working at a radio station. He has worked at WIZS in several full and part-time positions, and can think on his feet, is never at a loss for words and absorbs content quickly. It would seem that many of these same qualities serve him well at Nits Nats. WIZS is very glad he remains a part of our staff.”

Harris invites the community to join Nits Nats Music on National Record Store Day, Saturday, April 13, 2019. The store will feature unique music releases, hot dogs, Harris’ wife’s “famous chili” and cold drinks. 

To hear the Town Talk interview with Bill Harris in its entirety, please click here. 

City of Henderson Logo

City of Henderson Reports Discharge of Untreated Wastewater

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-Information courtesy Esther J. McCrackin, City Clerk, City of Henderson

Discharge of Untreated Wastewater

The City of Henderson experienced heavy rain on Sunday, March 3, 2019, that caused the Sandy Creek Pump Station to overflow and discharge untreated wastewater. The discharge was an estimated 10,800 gallons at the Sandy Creek Pump Station, located at 482 Rock Mill Road, and was discharged into Sandy Creek, a part of the Tar Pamlico River Basin.

The Division of Water Resources was notified of the event on Monday, March 4, 2019. The City continues to find sources of stormwater that is entering the system, as well as pumping efficiency to stop the overflows at the station.

For more information contact the City of Henderson Water Reclamation Facility at (252) 431-6080.