Challenger Gill Overtakes Incumbent Thorpe-Cooper In Runoff To Win Ward 4 Seat On Henderson City Council

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It took two tries, but it appears that Catherine “Kitty” Gill  has defeated incumbent Ola Thorpe-Cooper to win the Ward 4 seat on the Henderson City Council.

Thorpe-Cooper trailed the challenger Gill after the Oct. 7 election, and a runoff was declared.

Gill got 132 votes – accounting for 61.11 percent – to 84 – 38.89 percent for Thorpe-Cooper.

The final tally was released by the Vance County Board of Elections just about one hour after the polls closed at 7:30 p.m.

A total of 262 Ward 4 voters cast ballots in the runoff, accounting for just under 12 percent of the 2,237 eligible voters. Unofficial counts by precinct showed that Central Henderson had the most voters turn out – 105 for Gill and 75 for Thorpe-Cooper. The Sandy Creek precinct had 7 votes for Gill and 4 for Thorpe-Cooper; South Henderson voters cast 20 votes for Gill and 5 for Thorpe-Cooper. Not a single voter in the Northern Vance precinct cast a vote.

In other municipal elections in the county, Kittrell Mayor Gene Pulley ran unopposed and earned another term. Pulley received 23 votes of 26 total votes cast; there were three write-in votes.

Kittrell Town Commissioners – all incumbents – were re-elected as well. Mary Jo Floyd got 22 votes, Susan Pulley got 23 votes and Robert B. Tunstall got 20 votes.

In Middleburg, incumbent Mayor Ray Bullock, running unopposed, got 18 votes out of 18 total votes cast. Incumbent Council members Hazel A. Baskett got 13 votes, Shirley H. Bullock got 18 and Mamie Turner got 14 votes.

The returns are unofficial until the Nov. 14 canvass, when the results will be finalized beginning at 11 a.m.

Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Perry Memorial Library Ready For DINOvember!

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It’s “DINOvember” at Perry Memorial Library, and Youth Services Librarian Melody Peters is capitalizing on young people’s fascination with the now-extinct animals that roamed the Earth millions of years ago to create special activities with a dinosaur theme.

“Most kids love dinosaurs,” Peters told WIZS’s Scout Hughes on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

The month’s theme is a way to stir a young person’s imagination and sense of wonder, she said. There will be a dinosaur-related story time at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13 and then a Dino-Mite Family Story Time on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 3:30 p.m.

Kids will get a chance to participate in a scavenger hunt in the library for young people of all ages throughout November, and a special “Adopt-a Dinosaur” program for youngsters to promote reading.

On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the library will host a program from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in observance of Native American Heritage month. Peters said participants will enjoy a story, a song and then have a make-and-take craft activity.

While some of the regular programming is preparing for a break until after the holidays, Peters and the library staff are gearing up for the final Fun Friday activities that will take place this Friday, Nov. 7.

“It’s just a day of fun,” Peters said. “I have a BALL!”

The day gets started with Baby Rave at 10:30 a.m. It’s a time when the youngest kiddos – 0-2 years, get a chance to play together with their parents or caregivers. Parents enjoy watching their kids interact with other kids, Peters said. And Baby Rave is a prime opportunity for that to happen.

Then, from 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon, it’s Parachute Play for the 3-5 year olds. “Kids love the big parachute,” Peters said, calling it “good active play” for the preschool age.

She said she wanted something special for the preschool-aged children who aren’t in formal preschool during the week. And Parachute Play was born.

It’s important for children to interact with others, Peters said, but not everyone has a chance to do that in a formal school setting.  Another popular library program serves homeschooled children. Home School Social Hour is just what it sounds like, Peters said, and children and their parents/teachers can gather together beginning at 1 p.m. on Fridays during the regular programming year to play games, use computers and create in the Maker Space. Friday’s session is the final one for the year, but like other regular programming, it’ll crank back up in January.

Find out about all the library’s programs and services at www.perrylibrary.org.

 

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The Local Skinny! CPOH Ministry Freedom BRIDGE Opens Monday

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Freedom BRIDGE, a ministry of Community Partners of Hope, is scheduled to open its doors next week and there are still plenty of ways to help the nonprofit in the way of donations.

Danette McKnight is the new program coordinator, and she has created a wish list of items still needed. There’s a list at SignUp Genius.com. Search for Furnishings for Freedom Bridge.

Take a look to see if there is anything you can offer. The ministry is particularly looking for set of old folding chairs or tables that a church or other organization no longer uses that could be donated. The list ranges from bookshelves and inspirational posters and artwork to a refrigerator and folding tables.

The new program is opening at 12 noon on Monday, Nov. 3 with a mission to connect individuals affected by or at risk for opioid use disorder with the support they need to heal and thrive. The office is located at 936 W. Andrews Ave., next to Vance Recovery.

Through accessible classes, compassionate counseling, prevention programs, and recovery services, Freedom BRIDGE is designed to empower people to reclaim their lives and build stronger, healthier communities. It also will offer services to families of those affected by opioid use.

Learn more at https://www.cp-hope.org/freedombridge 

Contact Danetta McKnight at bridge@cp-hope.org or call 252.572.2067.

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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 County Regional Farmers Market is open on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.
  • The Vance-Warren Beekeepers Association will meet on November 10th at 7pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • Collect soil samples as soon as the soil dries some. The soil sample turn-around is 3 weeks.
  • Plan to purchase fruit trees for planting this fall.
  • Harvest sweet potatoes now.
  • Keep leaves off newly established grass.
  • Top dress cole crops if needed.
  • Compost your leaves this year. Do Not Burn them!
  • Check vegetables that have been in storage. Ex: Irish potatoes.
  • Avoid pruning right now.
  • Check cole crops for disease and insects.
  • Remember to use the proper personal protective equipment when doing fall chores.
  • 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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First Methodist Church

The United Women in Faith at FUMC of Henderson Fall Bazaar Saturday, November 1

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Who: The United Women in Faith at FUMC of Henderson

What: Fall Bazaar

When: Saturday, November 1st from 7am-11am, there will be a country ham breakfast from 7am-10am. Shop at the Bazaar until 11am! They have casseroles. pickles, crafts, cakes, pies, breads & more. They also have their Tag Sale with vintage and antique furniture, rugs, framed, prints, glassware, china, silver, gifts, quality accessories and home décor.

Where: First United Methodist Church of Henderson, 114 Church St.

Why: All proceeds go to missions.

Fee: The Country Ham Breakfast is $10

Contact: First United Methodist Church of Henderson for more information

Phone/email: (252) 438-8791

The Local Skinny! Mammogram Bus Rolls to Aycock, Nov. 1

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Wearing pink in October and tying pink ribbons around lamppost and trees are visual reminders to Freddie Harris about just how much community support there is for breast cancer awareness. And she wants a big showing of support on Saturday at a community event to learn more about how breast cancer awareness.

The Invision Diagnostics bus is pulling in to Aycock Rec Center on Saturday, Nov. 1 to provide free 3-D mammograms. The slots are filling up, Harris said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny! but there’s still time to take part. Call 877.318.1349 to schedule your appointment. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The service is for those with or without insurance, Harris said. Although appointments are preferred, Harris said anyone who comes out Saturday without scheduling first will get assistance.

“No one will miss an opportunity,” she said. “We’ll figure it out.”

Harris, a two-time cancer survivor and founder of the nonprofit Sisters Speak Life, said there’s more to Saturday’s event than mammograms. Inside the Aycock gym will be vendors and others just waiting to provide participants with information, resources and more.

Feeling nervous about entering the bus to have the mammogram? “Step inside the gym and someone will go with you,” Harris said.

In addition to resources and information, Harris said they’ll show a video titled “Metamorphosis of the Butterfly,” which captures survivors’ journeys through diagnosis and treatment.

And the Wall of Hope is a place to share information about a survivor – whether yourself or someone you know.

People who’ve had their world turned upside by a cancer diagnosis can feel uplifted by the support they feel, Harris said. “Not just from family and friends, but the community. I think that what makes a difference.”

Harris said Saturday’s event is another way to promote awareness of breast cancer, but that’s not all. It’s a way for people to come together to show support for one another.

Find out more at https://www.facebook.com/sistersspeaklife/

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Youth and Community See Joy, Diversity with Phase 1 of 3 and Re-Dedication

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Kendrick Vann looked out over the crowd gathered for the Chestnut Street park rededication Thursday afternoon, with its bright blue basketball courts and nearby playground and picnic areas and commented on another beautiful aspect: the folks who’d come together to be a part of the activities.

“The most beautiful thing about this project,” Vann said, “You look around – we’ve got a diverse group out here. And these kids are a diverse group – that’s beautiful for our area,” he said.

Vernon Brown spent many an hour honing his basketball skills on the Chestnut Street courts back in the early 1970’s. The longtime member of the Recreation Advisory Committee, Brown recounted the history of the courts – located on the site of a warehouse that burned during a tumultuous period of boycotts and unrest in the city.

Those blacktop courts proved to be so popular, Brown said kids waited in line for at least an hour to have their turn to play.

“Soon, and very soon,” Brown said, “there will be hundreds of people out here and these basketball courts will be full.”

Thursday’s rededication marked the completion of Phase 1 of the project, which took off in earnest in January 2024 when Joshua Jones, Charles “C.J” Turrentine, Jr. and others talked about making some modest improvements.

Those modest improvements turned into a $100,000 revitalization project, fueled by generous donors and grants. “We’ve got two more phases to go,” Turrentine said. “This is not the end – we’re just getting started.”

Recreation Advisory Council Chair Donna Stearns, a retired employee of the recreation and parks department, recalled how busy the park was in the mid-1980’s.

“I find joy that we found this to do together,” Stearns said in remarks at the event. “I’ve never seen it look so good. This is a community-oriented project. And look what we’ve done!”

Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott said the rededication also is a celebration of what can be achieved through partnerships with the community, government agencies and the faith-based community.

Elliott thanked Turrentine for the vision and everyone who participated in the project.

“This is not just a rededication,” she said. “This is hope… for our students and our families to come together.”

Click Here to Listen Including Ceremony Audio

(This news post originally appeared on WIZS.com on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025)

Veterans And Military Families Health And Resource Fair Coming To VGCC Civic Center Nov. 1

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UPDATE OCT 23:

The upcoming health and resource fair for military veterans and their families is going to be bigger this time around because organizers have cast a wider net to include those in Vance, Warren, Franklin, Person counties along with Granville County.

“It’s so important for us to bring these resources to the veterans and to their families,” said co-chair Lyn Breisacher of the Granville County Veterans Affairs Committee. She and fellow co-chair Anne Williams have planned the event, which will take place at Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center on Saturday, Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The space will be full of vendors and agencies eager to share resources and information to help veterans and their families with all types of services, from educational opportunities and financial services to employment, housing and social services.

Representatives from the Veterans Administration will be there to answer questions about claims, benefits and other services.  Additionally, Walgreens will be offering free flu vaccines to all attendees, including any VGCC student who wants to get the vaccine. Refreshments will be available, too, along with door prizes. Thomas Grill will have its food truck on site, and veterans will receive a discount on their food purchase, Breisacher said.

Veterans should bring their military ID or DD-214, especially if they intend to check on the status of a claim or to start a claim with the VA at their mobile unit, which will be set up to help vets and families, she said.

Individuals can talk to a real person, “one on one, face to face,” Breisacher said, instead of exchanging emails and making phone calls to try to get information about services and claims.

“This makes it a whole lot easier and adds a personal touch,” she said.

The resource and health fair kicks off a month-long national observance of military veterans and families, and Breisacher said it’s just one way to show support for veterans.

Veterans Day is Nov. 11, and many organizations and municipalities plan ceremonies on that day – 11-11 at 11 a.m. – to honor those who have served in the military.

“We want to salute them the whole month,” she said. Operation Green Light is another way communities can show support, she noted. Replace your porch light or other outdoor light with a green light bulb and let it shine during November.

The Committee welcomes all the veterans in our area to take advantage of this event.

Contact Lyn Breisacher at 919.693.8947 or Anne Williams at 919.892.5471 to learn more.

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UPDATE OCT 14:

November is just a few short weeks away, and the Granville County Veterans Affairs Committee is gearing up to celebrate Veterans and Military Families Appreciation Month with an event on Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center.

The committee is hosting a Veterans Health and Resource Fair, open to all area veterans.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and there will be a variety of exhibitors on hand to provide information about all types of services of interest to veterans, from educational opportunities and financial services to employment, housing and social services.

Representatives from the Veterans Administration will be there to answer questions about claims, benefits and other services.

additionally, Walgreens will be offering free flu vaccines to all attendees.  Refreshments will be available, too, along with door prizes.

The Committee is looking forward to welcoming all the veterans in our area to take advantage of this event.  Also, if you’re an agency or organization who has resources available for these veterans and you haven’t been contacted by one of our committee members, please contact Lyn Breisacher at 919.693.8947 or Anne Williams at 919.892.5471.

Stovall Harvest Festival and Celebration of John Penn Saturday, Oct. 25

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North Carolina boasts three signers of the Declaration of Independence, one of whom was John Penn, born in Virginia, but married a Granville County gal and lived on a farm near Stovall.

As the nation’s 250th anniversary draws near, the town of Stovall is hosting a Harvest Festival and a celebration of John Penn on Saturday, Oct. 25.

The festivities run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include “modern-day” attractions like a cruise-in at the brand-new North Granville Senior Center, Kid Zone with bouncy houses and games, Halloween-themed activities and the customary food trucks juxtaposed with an appearance by the esteemed Mr. Penn himself, who will arrive in a horse-drawn carriage to bring remarks to those gathered.

Local historian and Penn reenactor Mark Pace will perform as Penn at 12 noon and again at 2 p.m., discussing America’s revolution, the Declaration and impending war with England.

The very first state historical marker was placed in Stovall back in 1936 to recognize John Penn.

Stovall leadership and others in the community have joined forces to pay tribute to a good harvest and to a history not shared by many communities across the nation.

The town of Stovall is located on Highway 15 North, less than 10 miles from Oxford. The public is welcome and invited to come out and celebrate – there’s something for everyone!

Here’s a breakdown of events:

STOVALL HARVEST FESTIVAL EVENT TIMELINE

• 11:00 – 11:15 a.m. – Opening Ceremony – Main Stage

• 11:15 a.m. – Cake Walk – Rural Medical Center Front Lawn

– Trunk or Treat – Stovall Methodist Church

– Classic Car Cruise‑In – North Granville Senior Center

• 11:30 a.m. – SVFD Gear Demonstration – Stovall Community Park

• 12:00 p.m. – John Penn Reenactment by Mark Pace – Stovall Library (30–45 mins)

• 12:45 p.m. – SVFD Hose Demonstration – Stovall Community Park

• 1:00 p.m. – Cornhole Tournament – Behind Town Hall

– Costume Contestants gather at Main Stage

• 1:30 p.m. – Costume Contest (12 and under; prizes for Scariest, Cutest, Most Creative) – Main Stage

• 2:00 p.m. – John Penn Reenactment by Mark Pace – Stovall Library (30–45 mins)

• 2:30 p.m. – SVFD Extinguisher Demonstration – Stovall Community Park

• 2:40 p.m. – Pie in the Face – Main Stage

• 2:45 p.m. – Raffle Drawing – Main Stage

• 3:00 – 3:15 p.m. – Closing Ceremony – Main Stage

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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 County Regional Farmers Market is open on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.
  • There will be a Home Composting Workshop on October 27th at 6:30pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • Collect your soil samples now! Avoid the rush!
  • Before tilling in your garden take a picture of what grew where, this will help you rotate your vegetables next year.
  • Make plans to purchase landscape & fruit trees. Do your research.
  • Keep leaves off newly established grass.
  • If cole crops are not dark green they may need top dressing.
  • Winterise any equipment that you will not use till next spring.
  • Check vegetables that have been in storage. Ex: Irish potatoes.
  • Avoid pruning right now.
  • Check cole crops for disease and insects.
  • Remember to use the proper personal protective equipment when doing fall chores
  • 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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