H-V Industrial Park Board Votes Unanimously To Sell Shell Building For $3M

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The Henderson-Vance Industrial Park Board approved Wednesday afternoon to sell the shell building and 10 acres of property in the park to Linde Gas & Equipment, Inc., a leading global industrial gases and engineering company.

County Attorney Jonathan Care said this deal is better by about $300,000 than previous deals to purchase the building. Two other companies had expressed interest in the building, but both deals fell through.

Board President Tommy Hester called the meeting for 4 p.m. Wednesday, after getting the go-ahead from commissioners to sell for $135,000 three acres of land in the park to Linde in addition to the building and the seven acres it sits on. The industrial park board owns the building and the seven acres, located at 39 Commerce Dr. inside the Henderson-Vance Industrial Park near the U.S. 1 Bypass.

It took less than 10 minutes for the board to reach a unanimous vote in favor of the sale, which will total $3,135,000. Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott made the motion, seconded by Vance County Commissioner Leo Kelly and the motion passed unanimously. Hester and Henderson Mayor Pro Tem Michael Venable, along with Elliott and Kelly, comprise the board.

Hester called it “one of the best deals ever for this community.” The company has said the plan is to finish out the building with a $25 million investment and initially hire about 30 employees before ramping up to 50 or 60 soon thereafter.

Hester told WIZS News that he had gotten endorsements from N.C. Sen. Lisa Barnes and N.C. Rep. Matthew Winslow, who fully support the project.

“We don’t need to miss this,” Hester said. And with endorsements from local legislators, Hester said it helps attract more projects to the county in the future.

The sale of the shell building and adjacent property is a win all the way around, Hester said – for the county, the city and for economic development.

One of the drawing cards to Vance County for Linde, Hester said, is the area’s commitment to invest in the community. “If you build it, they’ll come,” Hester said at the outset of the Wednesday meeting.

Linde is willing to put down $60,000 in earnest money, complete a 90-day due diligence process, with the possibility of an extra 30 days if needed. After the due diligence is completed, they’ll be able to close within 15 days.

The company did ask the county and the industrial park board to consider future zoning to ensure that any future “neighbors” would not be inconsistent with itsoperation.

The county will provide any environmental studies that are available, and the park board will pay 3 percent to the buying agent at closing.

As Hester explained, Linde will buy the building and seven acres for $3 million, then invest $25 million to finish it out. The average worker’s salary is about $60,000, so it will help Vance County’s status as a Tier 1 county. He said company officials have already stated they want to eventually expand the building from the current 57,000 square feet to 97,000 square feet.

Expanding the tax base, hiring workers and putting the shell building back on the tax books all spell progress and growth, Hester said.

And although city leaders at the time chose not to share the costs for constructing the shell building, the city will get the benefit of having the new occupant pay for water and sewer, which the city furnishes.

According to Hester, Linde’s home office is in New Jersey. This facility will be used to create a high-pressure and liquid filling facility for industrial, specialty and medical gases to serve the Research Triangle Park, as well as other markets in North Carolina and Virginia.

“They don’t have anything else on the East Coast for manufacturing,” he said.

They’re going to pay cash, and there are no incentives offered to locate here, Hester said.

Care said Linde is looking to expand and grow. “This was the property that they concentrated on,” he said, adding that the prospective buyer has done everything that they said they were going to do during the process.

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Home and Garden Show

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

  • The Vance-Warren Beekeepers Association will have their May meeting on May 12th, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • Cooperative Extension has publications on most vegetables and fruits that can be grown in  the central piedmont of  North Carolina call 252-438-8188 or come by the Cooperative Extension Offices during 8:30am til 5pm M-F.
  • Weed killers will work well after the recent rains.
  • If you plan to grow vegetables in containers be sure to use a container mix or potting mix rather than compost or garden soil.
  • Prune azaleas after they have finished blooming only if they need it. Prune back no more than ⅓ of the plant.
  • Check ponds for aquatic weeds and identify weeds before applying any weed control to your pond.
  • Identify your insects on plants before buying a control chemical.
  • In order to protect Bees avoid spraying insecticides on plants that are blooming.
  • Attract pollinators by planting wildflowers.
  • Continue your fruit tree spray program according to the label directions of the product that you are using.
  • Monitor strawberries closely. They ripen quicker than you know.
  • Check houseplants dust weekly with a soft cloth.
  • Check storage areas for mice.      

The Vance County Cooperative Extension 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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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! May leading into Summer at Perry Memorial Library

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May is a time when the Perry Memorial Library staff kind of catches its breath – it’s a lull of sorts sandwiched between a jam-packed April and the big push of programs and activities that happen over the summer.

Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters is busy, busy, busy behind the scenes to put the finishing touches on the summer reading program, which kicks off in just a few weeks.

Peters joined WIZS’s Scout Hughes to provide details about upcoming events on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

On Tuesday, May 13, the Edmonds Tennis & Education Foundation visits the library for a program that combines reading and tennis. The Edmonds team includes adults and high school-aged interns, and they’ll put on a clinic in the Gallery outside the library after Peters reads a book the foundation brings along about a famous tennis player.

“They do such a wonderful job,” Peters said, to promote the importance of education and to teach younger children a thing or two about tennis. They’ll divide participants into groups and work on specific skills, she said.

“Kids don’t get exposed (to tennis),” she said, “and lessons can be expensive.”

Geared for the K-8 crowd, high schoolers are welcome as well.

If you head out to this weekend’s 5K for AIM High, you may see Peters out there as well. She’ll be walking, but she’ll also do a Story Walk at the Kids’ Fun Run that starts at 8:30 a.m.

The big summer reading program kick-off takes place on Tuesday, June 17 in the parking lot of the library, weather permitting. Bring the kids between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. for a fun afternoon.

Last year’s program had 200 or more participants at the kick-off event, and Peters said there will be games, arts and crafts activities and much more.

“It’s a rain or shine event,” she said. If the weather does not cooperate, Plan B is to have the event in the Gallery.

The first 200 children will get summer reading bags, supplies, reading logs and more, she said. Several area businesses will be set up as well to provide other goodies to the summer reading program participants.

If you’d like to help at these or other activities, please contact Peters at the library 252.438.3316 ext. 225 or send her an email at mpeters@perrylibrary.org.

Visit https://www.perrylibrary.org/home to learn about all the programs and services available at your local library.

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S-Line Rail Corridor

The Local Skinny! Open Houses for Mobility Hub Coming Soon

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The community is invited to attend upcoming information sessions to learn more about the Mobility Hub project that is set to transform the former First National Bank building in downtown Henderson into a spot that will become a place where numerous types of transportation will be available for the public to use, from bike/pedestrian paths to passenger rail service.

The Henderson City Council selected the former bank building as the site of the hub, which is part of the S-Line project that ultimately will complete the rail corridor from Florida to the Northeast.

As part of the public engagement phase of the project, staff from the N.C. Dept. of Transportation will be in town Tuesday, May 13 and Wednesday, May 14 to hold information sessions.

The Tuesday session will be held in the Farm Bureau room at Perry Memorial Library from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Wednesday session will be held from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the site of the future mobility hub, 213 S.  Garnett Street.

The meetings will give the public a chance to ask questions, view a video about the project and provide feedback about design, construction and scale.

A mobility hub is a public facility with regional and local transportation options, offering users choices from walking and biking to bus, shuttle and rideshare options.

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Free Community Forum Monday, May 5 Features Panel Discussions About Educational And Legal Rights

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Jayden Watkins, teen minister and founder of the local nonprofit Higher is Waiting is hosting a free community forum on Monday, May 5 to share information with young people and their families about their educational and legal rights.

The forum is called “EMPOWER Youself!” and will take place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Perry Memorial Library. Watkins said it is designed to educate and equip youth, parents and community members with the knowledge of their rights in educational and legal settings.

“I’d love to see the room packed with youth, parents and community members,” Watkins said.

Watkins will serve as moderator as the forum presents two interactive panel discussions – one with local law enforcement and court officials who will provide insight into how the justice system works and the rights of individuals when interacting with law enforcement, and the other with experienced educators who will speak on student rights in school, classroom discipline and parent advocacy.

The goal is to create a safe, informative space where attendees can ask questions, gain understanding and leave feeling more confident, empowered and prepared to navigate real-life situations, Watkins stated.

Refreshments will be provided, and all are welcome.

Scheduled panelists include: Sgt. Brandon Barnes, Capt. Lloyd Watkins, Sr., Deputy Kendrick Wilkins, Magistrate Bratanya Simmons, Rita Jones, Dean Smith, Kendrick Vann and Earlene Bullock.

Home and Garden Show

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

  • The Integrated Pest Management For The Home Garden Workshop will be on May 5th, 2025 at 6:30pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • If you have questions about insect and disease problems call or come by the Cooperative Extension call (252) 438-8188. During 8:30 am until 5pm M-F.
  • When using weed killers try to spray the weeds when they are actively growing, 2 to 3 days after a good rain, and always follow the label directions.
  • Recycle metal discarded window blinds into garden row markers.
  • Check planted vegetables that are turning yellow. They may be nitrogen deficient.
  • Check ponds for aquatic weeds and identify weeds before applying any weed control to your pond.
  • Use row covers to keep birds from picking young seedlings from out of the ground.
  • In order to protect Bees avoid spraying insecticides on plants that are blooming.
  • Try planting a wildflower bed from seed.
  • If you are purchasing transplants directly from the greenhouse, keep plants outside for a few days before planting.
  • Monitor strawberries closely. They ripen quicker than you know.
  • Check houseplants dust weekly with a soft cloth.
  • Check storage areas for mice.      

The Vance County Cooperative Extension 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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RCAPS Pet Palooza Coming May 3rd

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Bring the whole family out to Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society’s Spring Fling Pet Palooza on Saturday, May 3 for a day of fun activities, all to raise awareness about animal stewardship.

The event will take place at the former Boyd dealership, 284 US 158 bypass from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

RCAPS Executive Director Tracy Tsoumbos said there will be vendors and food trucks as well as arts and crafts activities to enjoy, as well as a dog obedience demonstration and a martial arts demonstration.

The Vance County Animal Shelter’s adoption van will be on site, too, loaded with adoptable animals from the shelter.

It’s a fundraiser for RCAPS, Tsoumbos said, but just as important as raising money is the idea of raising awareness in the community about issues surrounding pets – including the importance of having pets spayed and neutered to reduce the number of unwanted pets that often end up at the shelter.

“The shelter remains full,” Tsoumbos said. “We want to get more awareness of the shelter situation,” she said, adding that adopting animals to loving homes or finding a rescue organization to foster them has proven more challenging recently than in the past.

Having pets spayed or neutered is one of the best ways to help reduce the number of unwanted pets.

A fairly new program called “Dog Day Out” pairs trained volunteers with one of the adoptable dogs at the shelter to get them out into the community for an adventure.

It’s already paid off for Copper, who’d already spent more than 300 days at the shelter. After taking the dog out, along with posting photos, the dog found its new home.

“Getting those dogs out of there, getting them exposed to an environment outside the shelter,” is proving to be a positive step toward adoption, she said.

And if you’d like to help raise funds in another way, join the Downtown Dog Walking Club, which offers incentives through a phone app called Wooftrax. The app tracks your steps when you’re walking your dog, which translates into a financial reward to the shelter.

Check out RCAPS on Facebook to learn more about both programs.

Council To Review Dual Role Of Manager/Attorney

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The Henderson City Council voted 7-1 Monday to review in nine months the dual roles of city manager and city attorney, the current position of Hassan T. Kingsberry.

The Council convened a special called meeting for Monday at 3:30 p.m. to go into closed session to discuss a personnel matter.

When the council returned from the closed session, Council Member Lamont Noel made a motion to review the dual role in nine months’ time. Council Member Geraldine Champion cast the lone dissenting vote. All council members were present for the vote.

Voting yes were Council members Noel, Sara Coffey, Sam Seifert, Michael Venable, Garry Daeke, Ola Thorpe-Cooper and Tami Walker.

Kingsberry was sworn in as the city’s attorney on Dec. 10, 2024; he was then chosen to assume the role of city manager after former manager Terrell Blackmon tendered his resignation effective Jan. 10, 2025.

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Kerr-Tar COG Young Adult Hiring Event Is April 29; All Job Seekers Welcome

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Despite its title, the Kerr-Tar COG’s 4th annual Young Adult Hiring Event scheduled for Tuesday, Apr. 29 at the Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre is rated for All Audiences.

Job seekers of any age are welcome said NC Works Business Services Representative Stacey Williams, one of the job fair’s organizers.

The job fair will run from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Williams said. So far, upwards of 40 employers will be on hand to chat with prospective job seekers about careers and positions available at their companies.

The job fair geared for students began during the time of COVID-19 restrictions, Williams explained, as a way to connect high school juniors and seniors not necessarily interested in attending college with local businesses and manufacturers and other employers – in an outdoor setting.

The location proved to be popular, and this is the fourth one planned in the outdoor setting.

“It’s easy to get excited about this event,” Williams said, adding that the students bring an energy that he finds contagious.

Not everyone is looking to go to college, and this hiring event is one way the Kerr-Tar COG can assist future employees learn more about prospective employers. “We’re trying to provide alternatives to those that are not interested in college,” he said.

His #1 piece of advice to job seekers? A positive attitude.

“Your attitude will take you far,” he said. Paired with determination and drive create an employee profile that employers are looking for. “You have to show up, you have to be ready, you have to be prepared and you have to be positive,” he said.

Job seekers need to do a little interviewing of their own, Williams said, when considering a particular field of work that employers should keep in mind.

“They’re looking for something that’s going to be a solid position for them,” he said. An entry-level job that can turn into something bigger and better is desirable. Companies with strong foundations, stability and a solid pay scale also are what employees are looking for.

Williams, a Henderson native, said he is happy to be back home where he is able to serve the community he grew up in. “It’s an awesome feeling to be able to support someone find a career.

Schools from all five counties in the Kerr-Tar region are planning to bring groups of students to the hiring event; other individuals from the area are welcome to just come out to the Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre, 336 Raleigh Rd., Henderson between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. No prior registration is needed.

To learn more, visit https://www.kerrtarcog.org/

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(This story text was originally published on Friday, April 25 based on the interview you can hear above. However, the interview did not air on WIZS until Monday, April 28 on TownTalk, recorded for presentation at that time.)

The Local Skinny! Working Conditions for City Employees

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City of Henderson employees will receive a survey in a few weeks to give feedback about working conditions.

As City Manager/City Attorney Hassan T. Kingsberry explained to Council members at the April 14 meeting, the survey will be anonymous – employees will not be asked to give their names. Kingsberry told Council members that some employees and some directors had shared some concerns with him, so he suggested a survey would be in order.

Kingsberry told WIZS News Wednesday that a working conditions survey is standard practice in other places where he has worked. “I want to make sure staff is comfortable and thriving as we work together for the betterment of the City.”

He said the specific statements or questions that will make up the survey are still being worked on, but he expects that department heads will receive their surveys next week and the rest of the staff will be receive theirs around the mid-May mark.

As for what actions may result, Kingsberry said, “We will see how staff responds and address the issues that need to be addressed to ensure a healthy climate and work culture.”

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