The Local Skinny! Watkins Fire Dept. BBQ & Chicken Plate Sale October 2

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The cooks at Watkins Volunteer Fire Department aren’t shying away from a challenge – the chicken and barbecue plate fundraiser back in May sold out, so they’re upping the ante for this Friday’s fundraiser in hopes for another sellout of 1,800 plates.

The plates will be ready for pickup at 11 a.m. and are $12 for chicken OR barbecue with two sides, bread and dessert or $15 for a combo plate with two sides, bread and dessert.

Eat-in customers have a choice of iced tea, lemonade or water, as well as a variety of desserts, said Watkins Chief Brandon Link.

One-pound containers of barbecue is available for $10 a pound.

Link said they moved 1,000 plates during the first hour at the May event and ended up selling out the 1,600 plates by mid-afternoon. In fact, the past five sales have sold out, so don’t wait until the last minute to stop by the department at 1590 Horseshoe Bend Rd this Friday, Oct. 2.

“A sellout is what we shoot for,” Link said on Monday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

They’ll take pre-orders so they’ll be ready for you to come and pick up. And, as usual, deliveries of 10 or more plates is an option, too.

The two fundraisers are the major sources of funding for the department, and Link praised the community for its continued support with preparation and by purchasing plates.

“They put in their time…advertise for us and advocate for us,” he said.

“It’s a bunch of work, but it’s fun,” he said.

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Warren County Initiates Water Conservation Efforts As Kerr Lake Levels Remain Low

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— From Warren County government

 

Warren County issued a press release Thursday asking all water customers to immediately conserve water due to critically low water levels in Kerr Lake, the county’s primary water source.

 

Effective immediately, residents and businesses are required to limit water use and avoid all unnecessary consumption. Please refrain from activities such as watering lawns and gardens, washing vehicles, filling swimming pools, and other non-essential uses of water. Residents are encouraged to take additional steps to conserve water, including taking shorter showers, repairing leaks, and only running dishwashers and washing machines when full.

 

This mandatory conservation measure will remain in effect until water levels in Kerr Lake improve and conditions allow the county to lift the restriction. The lake level Thursday was recorded at 288.88 feet, more than 11 feet below full pool level.

 

Warren County appreciates the cooperation of all residents and businesses as we work together to protect our community’s water supply.

Find a copy of the county’s Water Shortage Response plan at https://www.warrencountync.com/DocumentCenter/View/6406/Mandatory-Water-Conservation-Notice

 

Home and Garden Show

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

  • The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 8am-1pm.
  • We have some rain. Now is the time to collect your soil samples. It should take 2 weeks of analysis time.
  • Check the germination rate on grass seed bags. Look for 90% germination rate.
  • Lawn renovation season is now! Plant tall fescue. Use a three-variety mix of fescue seed.
  • Obtain your Carolina Lawns publication before you renovate your lawn.
  • Use newspaper or cardboard to keep down weeds in your garden rows.
  • Use row covers to protect young transplants.
  • Keep your garden journal updated each day you work in your garden.
  • Put a board under growing pumpkins.
  • Get your copy of the Central Piedmont Vegetable Planting Guide.
  • Get your vegetable publications from Cooperative Extension.
  • Check houseplants, dust weekly with a soft cloth.
  • Check storage areas for mice.

The Vance County Cooperative Extension Building is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536

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The Local Skinny! Henderson City Council Agrees on Granite Benches for Veterans Memorial

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American Legion Post #60’s Hartwell Wright appeared before the Henderson City Council and was almost apologetic about it, prefacing his request with a comment along the lines of “you’re probably tired of seeing me here.”

But it was Council Member Garry Daeke who spoke up first, making a motion that was seconded by Council Member Michael Venable to approve Wright’s request: permission to purchase and install eight 5-foot long polished granite benches, putting the finishing touches on the newly installed Veterans Memorial on Breckenridge Street outside the Henderson Police Department.

“We’re prepared to order them,” Wright said, keeping good on Post 60’s plan to first create the memorial and then install benches that will provide visitors a comfortable spot to view the monument and reflect on what it represents.

Interim City Manager Kendrick Vann said Kelley Wade Perdue proposed the addition of a POW/MIA flag on the Purple Heart flagpole, recently dedicated in honor of former City Council Member Sara Coffey.

Perdue was not at the Council meeting, Vann said, because she was at the Vance County Board of Commissioners’ meeting making a similar request of county leaders.

In a statement to WIZS News Tuesday, Perdue provided an update on the project.

An event is being planned for Veterans Day – Nov. 11 – to celebrate, honor and recognize Vance County as a POW*MIA County, with the hope that a flag will be permanently displayed at the Veterans Memorial. The ceremony will begin at 8 a.m.

The commissioners approved a resolution presented by Perdue at its Sept. 14 meeting and Friday, Sept. 18, the POW/MIA flag replaced the Purple Heart flag for the National Day of Recognition, Perdue said.

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The Local Skinny! Vance County Names Robert Smith As New Fire Marshal

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— Press Release from Vance County

Vance County Manager C. Renee Perry is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Smith as Vance County Fire Marshal, effective August 31, 2026. Smith brings 29 years of fire service experience to Vance County, with an extensive background in fire prevention, investigation, code enforcement, emergency response, and community risk reduction.

Prior to joining Vance County, Smith served as a Deputy Fire Marshal with the Fayetteville Fire Department and as Fire Marshal for the Beaufort Fire Department. His previous experience also includes serving as a Fire Inspector/Fire Investigator with the Gastonia and Hickory fire departments and as a Fire Engineer/Fire Inspector with the Valdese Fire Department.

“Mr. Smith brings a tremendous amount of knowledge, experience, and leadership to Vance County,” said County Manager C. Renee Perry. “His extensive background will be a great asset to our organization and community. We are excited to welcome him to the Vance County team and look forward to his leadership as we continue strengthening fire prevention and life safety efforts throughout the county.”

Smith holds several professional certifications through the State of North Carolina, including NC Fire Inspector Level III, NC Certified Fire Investigator, and NC Fire & Life Safety Program Manager. He also serves as a North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (NCOSFM) Fire Inspector Instructor and holds the designation of Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) through the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI).

Smith earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration/Fire Investigations from Columbia Southern University and an Associate Degree in Emergency Management from Gaston College. His combination of education, professional certifications, instructional experience, and nearly three decades of fire service experience provides a strong foundation for leading Vance County’s fire prevention, investigation, code enforcement, and community risk-reduction efforts.

As Vance County Fire Marshal, Smith will work to protect the lives and property of Vance County citizens through professional fire code enforcement, thorough and objective fire investigations, effective fire and life safety education, and continued collaboration with local fire departments, government agencies, businesses, and community partners.

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Register Now For Youth Safety Symposium Set For Friday, Sept. 25

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Plans for a day-long community symposium set for Friday, Sept. 25 in downtown Henderson have been firmed up – speakers, panelists – and food! – are nailed down, and all that’s left is to register to attend, if you haven’t already done so.

According to Debbie Scott, Vance County Sheriff’s Office’s domestic violence, gang resources educator and juvenile outreach coordinator, the symposium will bring together people from across the community to discuss youth safety, with a focus on gun violence.

“We are ready!” Scott exclaimed on the Wednesday segment of The Local Skinny!

So far, more than 70 people from Vance and surrounding counties are registered. The event is free to attend, and Scott said there’s still time to register.

The symposium is being sponsored by the Vance County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council with support from partners like Chick fil A and First United Methodist Church, the site of the event.

The church is located at 122 Church St. in downtown Henderson.

Check-in and registration is from 7:45 a.m. to 8:25 a.m. in advance of the 8:30 start time.

Following opening remarks by Nancy Hux with Vaya Health – another sponsor – Vance Schools Superintendent Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney, the Rev. Johnny LLerena (Yeh RAY nuh) from First United Methodist and Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame, Scott said the morning sessions would include updates about youth gang activity in the state and an address from Richard Mickey Hayes, a local youth advocate with a ministry called “Mickey Cares.”

There will be a question-and-answer period for a panel of experts in the session right before lunch, then the afternoon will be dedicated to discussion of existing goals and the creation of an action plan moving forward.

The symposium is dedicated to the youth of the community and beyond, Scott said.

“We do better when we come together to work to give our youth what they deserve,” she said.

“It is about making those connections and building relationships that builds partnerships, she added.

“The more people at the table, we can make the connections to the services and the resources..that they have about what we can do that works best.”

Call 252.738.2235 or email dscott@vancecounty.org to learn more.

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Brick Power Team Fundraising for NHBC’s Night to Shine

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There’s a weightlifting fundraiser coming up Saturday, Sept. 19 at The Brick, located beside Freedom Life Church, 1001 Martin Creek Rd. Henderson.

Proceeds from the event will go to North Henderson Baptist Church’s Night to Shine, which is a prom-style event for individuals with special needs 14 years and older. Harry Orr is organizing the fundraiser, and he said he’s happy to try to help another church with a worthwhile project.

“We feel like it’s a good thing to do,” Orr said. We try to reach out and help ones that need a little help – we do the best we can with what we have.”

The entry fee for this “touch and go” rules event is $50 for adults and $40 for teens, Orr said. There’s a Friday weigh-in from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and another one on Saturday morning from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Participants can choose whichever time is more convenient.

The rules review begins at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday and the meet begins at 10 a.m. sharp.

There will be time for weightlifters to warm up before the competition begins, Orr said.

Call Orr at 252.432.4196 to register.

The Brick Power Team Ministry is just one of the church’s ministries. “We’ve got the ability to do it, God blessed us to be able to do it, and people have gotten behind us,” Orr said.

Trophies will be given for 1st and 2nd place winners in the different weightlifting categories.

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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Exciting Events For September at Perry Memorial Library

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In the spirit of being a good community partner, Perry Memorial Library Youth Services Director Melody Peters said she’s going all in for Saturday’s Ducky Derby: She bought a Quack Pack (five ducks for $20) for the annual fundraiser that supports local Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start and its programs.

The festivities surrounding the Derby begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, and Peters said library staff will be on site downtown to show off the Bookmobile and provide crafts and other fun things for young people to enjoy before the race begins at 2 p.m.

“It’s a great family day,” Peters said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny! with WIZS’s Scout Hughes.

The first duck to make it across the finish line wins a cool $1,000 for its owner; second prize is Chick-fil-A for a year.

There’s still time to purchase the numbered ducks – visit https://fgvsmartstart.org/ and click on the link to purchase ducks or sponsor the event.

September finds library staff busy with programs inside and out, and Peters invites young people and the adults in their life back to the library on Monday, Sept. 21 for Tobacco 101 and Project Open Air.

The program begins at 5:30 p.m., but don’t fret – there will be pizza, Peters said.

This is the first time the library has hosted the program, which melds education and discussion about tobacco use and vaping with the creation of a video that can be used to inspire change in others.

It’s a way to include people in the conversation, Peters said. “A lot of people really enjoy being included in the conversation. People like to be part of the solution and people always enjoy creativity,” she said.

Young people will get a chance to create artwork that promotes a positive message for other kids.

The next Monday, on Sept. 28, the library will open its doors – literally – from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for an open house.

Many in the community already know about the library and all it offers, but Peters said it’s always good to remind people about all the services the library provides.

Come to learn more, make a cool button with the library’s button-making machine and learn more by participating in an interactive bookmark activity.

There will be things to see and do all across the library – upstairs, downstairs, on the patio (weather permitting) and in the Farm Bureau room

You won’t want to miss it.

Peters said the library will show the movie “Encanto” at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29 as the library celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. In addition, there are a couple of book displays featuring authors that represent the diverse backgrounds that span Spanish-speaking countries and cultures from around the world.

Visit www.perrylibrary.org to learn about all the programs and services at Perry Memorial Library.

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(This information and the embedded audio are not offering medical advice.)
Vance County Logo

Data Center Developer Files Plan With County Amid Talk Of Moratorium, UDO Revision

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A data center developer has sent a letter to county leaders stating that it has “reluctantly” made a decision to file a plan for development of a site along U.S. Hwy. 158.

The letter, dated Sept. 9, was sent via email to the Vance County Board of Commissioners and the Vance County Planning Board in care of County Manager Renee Perry and was signed by Tom Natelli, with Natelli Holdings.

“Given the extensive efforts already underway and our ongoing reliance on the current County ordinances governing land use and development of this site, we have been closely following the discussions around the possible imposition of a moratorium and adoption of new regulations under the existing or revised UDO to more fully regulate Data Centers. The uncertainty this causes is very problematic for us at this stage of our efforts. We therefore reluctantly made the decision today to file a plan for development of the site.”

The county is in the process of updating its UDO – Unified Development Ordinance – and Natelli cited several proposed items within that document that “would need some refinement to be workable in the circumstance.”

Included along with the letter was a “red-lined” copy of the UDO with preferred edits to wording regarding everything from setbacks and buffers to cooling systems and decommissioning protocols.

Natelli said they’ve conducted a wide range of planning, engineering and design work “to confirm that a data center campus can be responsibly developed on this site,” along with environmental impact studies and talks with Duke Energy to make sure adequate energy is available “without causing adverse consequences” to the local community and ratepayers.

He said community engagement meetings would be planned at an appropriate time; there are still details that “must all come together for the project to be viable,” Natelli stated.

Acknowledging that he did not believe they’d be able to satisfy everyone, “I do think we can try to reasonably address matters of concern and explain how we intend to responsibly approach development of this campus.”

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Vance Commissioners Set Public Comment Period Sept. 14 To Consider Data Center Moratorium, Zoning Amendment Info

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The Vance County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a legislative hearing for Monday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. to receive public comments about two topics surrounding data centers – including the possible adoption of a 60-day moratorium and the proposed zoning ordinance amendment that deals with data center development.

The hearing is on the agenda for the regular commissioners’ meeting, which will be held in the commissioners’ meeting room, located on the second floor of the county administrative office building, 122 Young St. The agenda can be found at https://www.vancecounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Masterfile-1.pdf.

According to published legal ads notifying the public about the hearings, the moratorium ordinance being considered would address “the acceptance, processing, and approval of development applications for data centers submitted after the adoption of the moratorium within Vance County.

Questions can be directed to Vance County Planning Department at 252.738.2080. For more information, visit

https://www.vancecounty.org/departments/planning-and-development/planning-board/.

Individuals with a disability who want to attend the meeting should contact the office of the clerk to the board at 252.738.2003 by 12 noon Friday, Sept. 11 to provide enough time to arrange accommodations.