Vance County Schools Named National District Of Distinction By National Beta

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— information courtesy of Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools has been named a 2024-2025 National District of Distinction by National Beta, an independent nonprofit organization that recognizes high academic achievement and encourages service to others.

This award is given to school districts which offer National Beta in all schools in their district and induct qualifying students in grades 4-12. Vance County Schools is one of only 78 districts to receive this award nationwide, according to information from VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Support Aarika Sandlin

Through the exceptional efforts of Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett, club sponsors and deserving Beta members, Vance County Schools has flourished since the district’s initial Beta charter. This national award speaks highly of our district’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and service involvement, and illustrates our dedication to preparing students for college and career readiness. The students in their district understand the importance of these qualities and exemplify the Beta motto, Let Us Lead by Serving Others.

“This recognition is evidence of the incredible work happening in every school across our district,” said Dr. Cindy Bennett, Superintendent of Vance County Schools. “To be named a National Beta District of Distinction again speaks volumes about the character of our students, the dedication of our staff, and our shared belief in service, leadership, and academic excellence. We are honored to celebrate this achievement together.”

Vance County has been named a Beta Club District of Distinction for the last 7 years, yearly since 2019. Vance County Schools will receive a National Beta District of Distinction plaque to display at the district office. In addition, National Beta District of Distinction principals will receive a plaque to display at their schools.

The District Beta Club Coordinator for Vance County Schools is Mr. Andrew Markoch, Director of Fine Arts and Physical Education. Following is a list of schools, their principals and Beta Club advisers.

  • Aycock Elementary: Principal, Donald Johnson III; Beta Club advisers, Raegan Ross and Caroline Boyd
  • Carver Elementary: Principal, Regina Rainey; Beta Club adviser, Michelle Morgan-Edwards.
  • Clarke Elementary: Principal, Dr. C’monee Wilkins; Beta Club adviser, Lori-Ann Lewis
  • Dabney Elementary: Principal, Dr. Michael Putney; Beta Club adviser, Michelle Foster
  • E.M. Rollins: Principal, Dr. Carnetta Thomas; Beta Club adviser, Nicole Anderson
  • E.O. Young Elementary: Principal, Kristen Boyd; Beta Club adviser, Marian Faulkner
  • L.B. Yancey: Principal, Dr. Shannon Bullock; Beta Club adviser, Wendy Oakley
  • New Hope Elementary: Principal, Letitia Fields; Beta Club adviser, Barbara Young
  • Pinkston Street Elementary: Principal, Canecca Mayes; Beta Club adviser, Yolanda Dixon
  • Zeb Vance Elementary: Principal, Joy Suther; Beta Club adviser, Colleen Tyburski
  • Vance County Middle School: Principal, Dr. Stephanie Ayscue; Beta Club adviser, Sheneika Campbell-Thomas
  • STEM Early High: Principal Edward Ortega also serves as Beta Club adviser
  • Vance County High School: Principal, Dr. Nealie Whitt III; Beta Club adviser, Lindsey Ramsey
  • Vance County Early College High School: Principal, Debbie Hite: Beta Club adviser ,Vicki Fullwood-Barrett
  • Vance Virtual Village: Principal, Dr. Jeff Batten; Beta Club adviser, Anton Wesley

 

 

‘Got To Be NC Festival’ Kicks Off May 16 For A Weekend Of Fun, Ag-Related Activities

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— from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences

North Carolina’s No. 1 industry — agriculture — will be on display along with a colorful lineup of tractors, N.C. food and beverage products, and plenty of family-friendly activities when the Got to Be NC Festival returns to the State Fairgrounds May 16-18 in Raleigh.

In addition, this free event features a daily tractor parade at 1 p.m., carnival rides and games, a butterfly barn, kids’ activities, dairy milking classes, a pig birthing exhibit, antique farm equipment, an N.C. Craft Beer Garden and N.C. Craft Cocktail Garden, an antique tractor pull, fair food and music.

The Got to Be NC Pavilion will feature nearly 100 North Carolina food and beverage vendors showcasing some of North Carolina’s tastiest products. Visitors can sample and shop the Pavilion for their favorite items. Admission to the Pavilion is $3.

Daily grounds entertainment includes the King BMX Stunt Show, the Kenya Safari Acrobats, a puppet show, herding dog demonstrations with Quack Pack USA, demonstrations with K-9 officers with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office and Boomer’s Farm Truck that offers photo opportunities for youngsters and the young at heart.

The Got to Be NC Music Stage will feature a variety of music throughout the weekend including, country, rock, R&B, jazz, folk, Latin and Americana. Check the Got to Be NC website for the concert lineup.

On Saturday, May 17, the Carolina Pig Jig will feature more than 20 chapters of Masons in a BBQ competition to benefit the Masonic Homes for Children at Oxford and Central Children’s Home. BBQ and fixings will be served to the public beginning at 11 a.m, following judging. Stretchy pants are definitely recommended for this all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet. Tickets are $20 for ages 11 and older, $10 for youth 5 to 10 years old, and free for kids 4 and under.

Also on Saturday, catch the antique tractor pull from 2 to 8 p.m. in the N.C. Education Lottery Grandstand.

On Sunday, enjoy a gospel performance by The Master’s Men a capella group during the Heritage Church Service at 10:30 a.m.

Festival gate hours are Friday, noon to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Building and exhibit hours are Friday noon to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Carnival hours are Friday noon to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Carnival hours may extend one hour depending on attendance.

TownTalk: Author Martha Gayle Book-Signing Event Saturday At Sadie’s Coffee Corner

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Author Martha Gayle will be at Sadie’s Coffee Corner Saturday morning, May 17, for a book signing event for her second book, When Jesus Leads. Come out to chat with Gayle between 10 a.m. and 12 noon at Sadie’s located at 324 S. Garnett St.

When Jesus Leads picks up chronicling the lives of Mary and Jimmy, and picks up where the first book, When Jesus Calls, ends.

“Both of the books are all real life,” Gayle said, and recall events in her own life journey.

Through these characters, Gayle said, she hopes to share the importance of learning to trust God above all else.

“When we walk in His way and His will, it’s always perfect, always beautiful on the other side. That’s a lot of what these stories share is just trusting God above all else,” she said on Thursday’s TownTalk.

Martha Gayle, her pen name, said it’s a humbling experience to speak to others about her life. “That’s why God gave us this life, to share it.”

Gayle said she has found healing in writing the books.

“Writing has been the easiest part of the journey,” she said.

The first book was published in 2023, and When Jesus Leads was published in January of this year. She working on a third now – she’s on Chapter 7, so far.

“It’s a story that just continues,” she said, but wouldn’t give away any secrets about what happens in the lives of her characters Mary and Jimmy in this second book.

“There’s a twist in the second book,” she said, “I’m not going to say anything else, because it’s pretty awesome, actually.”

She said reviews have been positive thus far, and she read from one that said called When Jesus Leads a “heartfelt and faith-driven novel” that deals with themes of redemption, forgiveness and faith.

“Believing, trusting and walking in the will of God is the only thing that any of us need to do,” Gayle said. “It’s not always easy but to see the blessings and to see God glorifying himself in those moments – there’s nothing like it in the world.”

She gave a little clue at what the third book may include, but readers will just have to wait until it’s out to know for sure. “I believe this third book…is going to be a healing season for Jimmy, not as much for Mary,” she hinted.

 

A line of Scripture that features prominently in her life, her writing and her website is John 11:40, which reads: “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

For Gayle, that verse is central to her life and to her endeavors as an author.

“God has planned this to the minute of what’s happening,” she said. The reviews and rewards (are) just been total confirmation that I’m doing exactly what God wants me to do in telling the story.”

 

Gayle dedicated her first book to her father; the second book is dedicated to her father and to her daughter.

We’ll have to wait and see to whom the third – and maybe more – books are dedicated.

Both books will be available for purchase at Saturday’s book signing, and Gayle said anyone who wants to bring books they’ve already purchased, she’ll sign those, too.

Visit www.marthagayle.com to learn more. She welcomes comments and prayer requests, too.

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Cooperative Extension with Jamon Glover: The Decision-Making Muscle

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Vance County Cooperative Extension with Jamon Glover

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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The Local Skinny! County Manager Releases Revised Budget

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Vance County Manager C. Renee Perry said that her $64.3 million proposed budget presented to commissioners last week had some missing information, which prompted a line-by-line review of the numbers to create a revised budget.

The revised budget seems to be about $600,000 more than the original budget, coming in at $64,933,833.

“I know errors happen, but I hated for this to happen,” Perry told WIZS News. ”There was an issue with the data transfer from one spreadsheet to the next, and some of the expenditures and some of the requests did not make it in my budget,” she explained.

Perry said she and her team used a different process with the spreadsheets used to create the budget and “when we merged the data, we didn’t catch that some of the departments’ recommendations were missing, so it threw my numbers off.”

Perry said “something was on my mind” after the Monday, May 5th presentation to commissioners, and when she started looking through the spreadsheets, she realized something was missing.

She emailed commissioners first thing the next day, Tuesday morning May 6, to inform them of the issue.

“As soon as I was aware, I made them aware,” she said.

Perry said she and her team reviewed the budget over the last week, “making sure that we budgeted properly and that what I’m presenting to the commissioners are the things that they need to consider. I don’t want to go after July 1 and realize, ‘Oh, my God!’ we don’t have money for that,” she said.

“I need to present what we need for fiscal year 25-26 in its entirety, and I did not do that (at the Monday meeting). I’m taking full accountability, being transparent…to be able to present what I need to present to my commissioners.”

The revised budget was posted on the county’s website this Wednesday, May 14, giving commissioners a week to review before the scheduled May 20 budget work session.

The public hearing on the budget remains scheduled on June 2 at the regular monthly commissioners’ meeting.

If you happened to notice the first scheduled budget work session for this past Monday, May 12th, was cancelled.  This is the reason why.

In Perry’s cover letter to the budget presented to commissioners, she wrote:

“With all funds balanced and revenues and expenditures noted, this budget will not only meet statutory requirements but primarily seek to move Vance County forward in the next fiscal year by continuing to address needs within our infrastructure, services, and targeting opportunities of growth to capitalize on the inherent strengths of the communities across the County. The following message will outline points of emphasis and funding within the budget and highlight characteristics of the County that point toward continued strength and growth.”

The manager’s proposed budget does not include an increase nor a decrease in the general fund property tax rate of .7129 per $100 in value. The budget does not include an increase nor a decrease to 5.94 cents fire tax rate.

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Tri-County Shriners Fish Fry Takes Over New Location At Tony’s Auto & Tire, 415 Raleigh Rd.

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The fish was being battered and fried, hot hush puppies were piling up and the slaw and potato salad were mixed and ready to put on plates – and, just like clockwork – the Tri County Shrine Club Fish Fry was underway, serving plates for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

WIZS had a live broadcast from its newest location, Tony’s Auto & Tire, 415 Raleigh Rd. Over the past six decades, the Shrine Club Fish Fry fundraiser has been held in several different locations, including the Henderson Armory, former grocery stores and more.

When COVID-19 restrictions were in place, the fish fry became take-out only. But this year, thanks to Tony and Tammy Sanford, patrons can choose a dine-in option again.

This is the first time that Amran Temple Potentate Kyle Carlson has come to the Henderson Fish Fry, now in its 61st year. The Amran Temple has eight Shrine Clubs and Carlson said he’s come to see the fundraiser in person, to watch and learn for when the Temple hosts a similar fundraiser later in the year.

“It’s a great turnout every year,” he said. “Come out and support the Shriners so we can support the hospitals.”

The closest Shriners Hospital is located in Greenville, SC and serves orthopedic patients.

Frankie Nobles, the county’s Special Projects coordinator, spent part of his lunch hour inside Tony’s with a plate of fish and sides.

Nobles said he always tries to support the Shriners’ efforts. His daughter received care after a sports injury damaged a knee.

Sanford and his wife, Tammy, have been working on the interior of the former Toyota dealership for the past four years and have transformed it into a ‘50’s style diner, complete with red and white furnishings and a couple of jukeboxes in the dining area.

Shriner Randy Newman said this location is “first class.” Previous dine-in locations were basically empty spaces, and Shriners and volunteers had to set up tables and chairs to accommodate patrons.

At Tony’s, everything’s already set up. “This place is nice – we are enjoying it so far,” Newman said, noting that having a kitchen area for prepping the sides had been another bonus.

“It’s just real, real good for us to work in,” Newman said.

The Shriners, their spouses and other volunteers come together to make the fundraiser a success each year.

As Newman explained, “Once you go to the Shriners’ Hospital and see the work they do, you’ll do anything you can for these kids.”

WIZS caught up with long-time Shriner and worker Donald Seifert, who seemed right at home inside the space, which is filled with Coca-Cola memorabilia.

“We’ve had a good turnout today,”Seifert said. “This new location has worked out very well…(people) have an eat-in option…and the folks who have been inside have been happy, socializing with one another.

He said the Sanfords were gracious to offer their unique spot. “I hope we can come back,” Seifert said.

The money was still being counted, but Seifert said he estimated that the fish fry’s proceeds would top $7,000 for the Shriners Hospital.

“Last year we were able to send them a check for $8,000.” Last year, he said they’d sold between 1,500 and 1,600 plates.

By 6 p.m. Wednesday, they’d sold about 1,500 plates. “I think we’ll top that before the evening’s out,” Seifert said.

 

 

 

Vance County Logo

State Takes Temporary Leadership Of Vance County DSS Child Welfare Services Wednesday, May 14

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— Information courtesy of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services

 

Effective tomorrow, Wednesday, May 14, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services will temporarily assume leadership of child welfare services at the Vance County Department of Social Services, as authorized under state law.

Vance County leadership and Vance County DSS staff received this letter earlier today. Both have expressed support for this temporary action by the state.

“We take very seriously the department’s role in protecting the safety and well-being of children and families involved in the child welfare system,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “This urgent, temporary action is necessary for us to work directly with Vance County staff, improve the county’s ability to effectively administer child welfare services, and ensure better outcomes for children and families in the county moving forward.”

NCDHHS has been working closely with Vance County DSS since July 2024 to address serious concerns over their practice and delivery of child welfare services. Vance County DSS has not demonstrated significant progress toward addressing these concerns, resulting in a substantial threat to the safety and welfare of children in the county who receive or are eligible for these services.

Due to the urgency of this situation, NCDHHS is taking action to assume control over Vance County’s child welfare services and will be on-site administering services as of Wednesday, May 14.

“To all DSS Partners, in spirit together we stand successfully, divided we will continue to fall. We can achieve climbing this mountain,” said Rev. Dr. Leonard Frieson Sr, Vance County DSS Board Chairman.

“We have a strong team at the Department of Social Services and as we move forward with shifting these services to DHHS, our goal is simple: make sure kids and families get the support they need, when they need it. This isn’t about stepping back—it’s about making smart changes that help us serve the community even better,” said Vance County Manager Renee Perry.

NCDHHS staff will remain on-site at Vance County DSS throughout this interim period and will work closely with staff to manage and stabilize child welfare services. The department is also working with the county to develop a plan to bring their child welfare services into compliance with all applicable laws and appropriate practices. This temporary action is authorized under N.C.G.S. § 108A-74.

Read the letter here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/vance-county-assumption-authority-secretary/open

 

TownTalk: Henderson City Council Meeting Budget Presented

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Henderson Finance Director Joey Fuqua presented the FY 2025-26 proposed budget of $54.5 million to the City Council Monday. The balanced budget means that no tax increase will be called for, but the city will have to dip big into its fund balance – to the tune of $4,058,000.

Fuqua called the budget “conservative” and “really challenging,” indicating that he had to deal with a shortfall of about $880,000.

In broad terms, increased salaries that outpace revenues from proposed development are a big reason for the shortfall, and Fuqua said the city implemented savings strategies in January to help as much as possible. The total budget – 54,517,011 – represents a very conservative 1 percent increase over last year’s budget.

Facing a $880,000 shortfall, Fuqua  turned to cost-saving measures in January 2025 to help stem the tide. He also turned to the city’s department heads to look for savings.

“Police and fire collectively were able to come up with $300,000 in savings within their budget,” Fuqua told WIZS Monday. The rest of the savings came from across other departments, further chipping away at the shortfall.

Those cost-saving measures and a healthy fund balance are what enabled Fuqua to keep the current tax rate.

Water and sewer rates will be going up, however. Water rates will increase 13.5 percent over the next two years. Sewer rates will rise by 7 percent over the next two years.

Property tax and sales tax are the city’s primary source of revenue. In Fuqua’s presentation to the Council, he said collections are pacing ahead of last year’s total as of April. Tax collections have remained essentially even to 2024 at 97.26 percent.

He said he did question some numbers coming from the county’s tax department, adding that he expected some of those figures to be adjusted in the city’s favor.

Projected increases in the tax base are just that – projections. And Fuqua told Council members several times during his presentation that the city needs to grow – in population to create new taxpayers and in development to increase the tax base.

“We are not being saved by development because we aren’t having development,” he said. Simply put, until the city can afford to pay for services like public safety and more, the tax rate will not be going down.

“.65 is the rate that would be necessary to pay for the salaries that the city has arrived at over a number of recent years,” Fuqua explained to WIZS Monday night after the meeting concluded. “We’re on the hook for those that hit the bottom line…when you factor in those salary levels and all the fringe, .65 is what’s going to pay for it. We don’t have other forms of revenue to supplement what we have to do to make that mark.”

The City Council has scheduled its first budget work session for May 19 at 6 p.m. The new budget must be adopted by July 1, 2025 when the new fiscal year begins.

 

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The Henderson City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 12 for its regular monthly meeting.  Items on the agenda include presentation of the 2025-26 city budget and a discussion of water and sewer rate increases.

Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott has announced a special called meeting set for 5 p.m. as well, to discuss a personnel matter, according to information from Clerk Tracey Kimbrell. Water and sewer rates have remained the same for six years, and results of a study were presented to Council during a September 2024 work session. The study concluded that a significant adjustment to the water rates was needed, while a less substantial adjustment to the sewer rates was also required. The Council is expected to act on the resolution to increase the rates.

Anyone wishing to address the Council must do so in person or submit questions/comments to the City Clerk by 3 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

Join the Zoom Meeting at the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81365676350?pwd=B5woNmYx1X0G0s3VTpBOptHqPWY2eA.1

Originally written and posted on May 12, 2025

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TownTalk: Council Restricts Mayor’s Time At City Hall, Reinstates Daeke As Mayor Pro Tem

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The Henderson City Council voted 6-2 Monday to limit the time Mayor Melissa Elliott can spend at City Hall to no more than two hours twice a week until it can review information contained in recent employee surveys.

It was one of two items added to Monday’s agenda at the request of Council Member Lamont Noel. The other item concerned removing Michael Venable as mayor pro tem and reinstating Garry Daeke.

Daeke, Noel and Council Member Sara Coffey were not present when Venable was voted in as pro tem back in February. The action violates the rule that all members be present to vote on agenda additions.

Coffey made the motion, which Venable seconded. The motion passed 7-1, with Council Member Geraldine Champion voting no.

Coming on the heels of the mayor pro tem vote was Noel’s recommendation to restrict – temporarily – the amount of time that the mayor can spend at City Hall.

Noel told WIZS News Monday night that the move was made “to offer relief based on the complaints that we have received in the employee surveys. The findings were rather alarming,” he said, without going into any details.

Noel continued by saying the Council needs to carefully review and consider the information in the employee surveys to determine next steps. In the meantime, Elliott was to turn in her key fob and limit her time to no more than two hours a day, twice a week at City Hall.

Council Member Sam Seifert made a motion to accept Noel’s recommendation. Council Member Daeke seconded the motion and it passed 6-2. Voting no were Council members Champion and Venable.

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