The Local Skinny! MPH Gets C.O. For Phase Two Of Emergency Dept. Renovation

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– Courtesy of Maria Parham Health 

Maria Parham Health has received a Certificate of Occupancy for Phase Two of its Emergency Department renovation on the Henderson campus, marking a significant milestone in the hospital’s ongoing efforts to expand access to high-quality care—particularly for patients facing behavioral health challenges in Henderson and Vance County.

Construction on Phase Two began in September 2025 and was designed to better serve vulnerable populations across the region. The project focuses on creating dedicated spaces within the Emergency Department to meet the growing need for behavioral and mental health services, while also improving patient safety, privacy, and dignity.

“This milestone represents more than just the completion of a construction phase—it reflects our deep commitment to caring for every patient who comes through our doors,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “By expanding and modernizing our Emergency Department, we’re ensuring that our community has access to compassionate, comprehensive care, especially for those in crisis who need it most.”

Key improvements include purpose-built behavioral health treatment areas designed with safety and comfort in mind, as well as operational enhancements that will streamline patient flow and support staff well-being.

The renovation was made possible through funding secured in October 2023 as part of a collaborative initiative involving the Vance County District Attorney’s Office, Granville Vance Public Health, the Vance County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina General Assembly. This investment underscores a shared regional commitment to strengthening mental health care infrastructure and improving outcomes for patients across the area.

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Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Native Plants

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Wayne Rowland, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:

Native Plants can benefit your landscape and also help wildlife as well.

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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Henderson Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign 2025

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The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign got off to a good start in Vance County on Friday morning, with local dignitaries and members of the community on hand to get the holiday season officially underway.

Maj. Staci Gainey welcomed those gathered in front of Belk in Henderson to set the tone for the weeks ahead that lead up to Christmas. She, along with husband, Maj. Jonathan Gainey joined the local Salvation Army as Corps Officers in June.

“This moment marks the beginning of weeks filled with generosity, community spirit, and lives changed because people chose to give,” Staci Gainey said.

She thanked local businesses and community leaders for welcoming the volunteers who ring the bell by the iconic red kettles to accept donations from shoppers and others who pass by.

She also thanked those volunteers who ring the bell, calling them the “heartbeat” of the annual campaign. “Rain or shine, warm or cold, you show up with a smile, a cheerful greeting, and that familiar bell that reminds people what this Christmas season
is really about giving hope,” she said.

“May this be our best year yet,” Gainey added.

The Salvation Army provides food and other support throughout the year to those who need it, but it’s those red kettles and the tinkling bells in the hands of caring volunteers that stand out as a symbol of hope and of caring in the community.

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(The above text and audio originally posted November 14, 2025)

Community Invited To Attend Henderson Family YMCA Groundbreaking Ceremony Nov. 18 At 2 P.M.

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The community is invited to attend a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. as the Henderson Family YMCA begins a project that will transform and renovate the facilities inside and out.

The plans include a new wellness facility that will have a full-size basketball gym, an upper-level walking track and smaller studios for classes.

Outdoor improvements include a retractable-dome pool suitable for swim meets, as well as a new playground, multi-purposed sports field and an updated outdoor track.

Interim CEO David Caudle said the event will be held outside and will include remarks from YMCA leaders and from community partners before the ceremonial groundbreaking takes place.

The Henderson Family YMCA is located at 380 Ruin Creek Rd. The groundbreaking will take place behind the former Social Services building that is located beside the Y building.

Two Men Arrested, Drugs Seized

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– From the office of Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

On Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 members of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office VICE/Narcotics Unit, The Henderson Police Department and the SBI executed a search warrant at 1242 N. Pine Street Henderson, NC 27537. Investigators located and seized Heroin, Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Marijuana, and SCH II narcotics along with drug manufacturing equipment. Clayton Batchelor and Kavius Tyler were arrested as a result of this investigation. Batchelor was charged with PWIMSD Cocaine and Felony Maintaining a Dwelling. Batchelor was released after posting a $50,000.00 secured bond and has court on 12/17/2025. Tyler was charged with PWIMSD Heroin (X2), Felony Possession of Cocaine, Felony Maintaining a dwelling, Possession of CS on Jail Property and Simple Possession of SCH II and was remanded to the Vance County Jail under no bond pending court on 12/17/2025

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The Local Skinny! Vance County Forms Local Emergency Planning Committee

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Vance County convened a local emergency planning committee on Wednesday, Nov. 12, with the task of crafting an emergency response plan that ultimately will become part of the county’s emergency operations plan.

With an early January 2026 reauthorization deadline, the committee was able to check off numerous items in its first meeting, including the election of Steve Reavis as chair and Adam Pegram as vice-chair.

Vance County Emergency Management Specialist Willie T. Kearney, III will serve as the group’s secretary.

By-laws will be voted on at the next meeting, set for December.

In North Carolina, most emergency planning districts operate at the county level.

 

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Vance County Food Drive Donations Accepted Nov. 13-20 For Nov. 21 Distribution

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Vance County is sponsoring a food drive beginning Thursday, Nov. 13 and continuing through Nov. 20. The food distribution will take place on Friday, Nov. 21.

It’s a chance to come together as a community to make a positive impact on the lives of those facing food insecurity.

Donations of canned goods and other shelf-stable food items can be brought to the Vance County Courthouse parking lot, 156 Church St.

The distribution will take place from 12 noon to 2 p.m. on Nov. 21, or as long as supplies last.

County Manager C. Renee Perry stated, “In light of the current issues surrounding SNAP benefits, we are coordinating a county-wide food drive. Your generosity helps support local families in need and reflects the spirit of service that defines Vance County Government.”

The point of contact is Willie Kearney, Emergency Management Specialist. To learn more or to volunteer to pack the food bags, contact Kearney by phone – 919.702.5520, email at wkearney@vancecounty.org or on social media @Willie Kearney.

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