TownTalk: Henderson Reports 18.98 Percent Drop In Overall Crime For 2025

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Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow said he knew the city’s crime numbers would be down, but the statistics in the data dashboard confirm it, and Barrow said it’s “fantastic news” for the city.

Overall crime was down 18.98 percent from 2024 to 2025, including a 39.62 percent decrease in violent crime and 42.70 percent drop in aggravated assaults, according to the City of Henderson Crime Dashboard.

The police department keeps track of crime statistics and has been submitting reports to the federal and state governments since 1985, Barrow said on Wednesday’s TownTalk. The information that is collected and reported makes the department eligible to apply for a variety of law enforcement grants.

“If we don’t report, we’re not eligible for grant funding,” he said. “We report, we report correctly and those are the numbers.”

And it seems those numbers are trending down, which is good news for the police department, the city and its residents. But it’s more than just a one-year drop, he said. Since 2020, there’s been a 47 percent decrease in violent crime, a 47.34 percent drop in aggravated assaults and a 46.47 percent drop in burglaries in the city.

Barrow attributes the decrease to a combination of factors, starting with the work of his officers. “We put out a warning at the beginning of the year, that we wre all getting ready to see some important things – progress being made,” he said.

But he gives a nod also to the office of District Attorney Mike Waters and to federal prosecutors, too.

“We’re seeing a lot more movement with our cases,” Barrow said. People who need to be incarcerated are being convicted and put behind bars. He cited a recent case where an individual got 18 years for possession, sale and delivery of fentanyl.

Barrow said while he’s encouraged by the progress, there remains work to be done.

Crime statistics “represent people, families, victims, neighborhoods, and lives affected by crime,” he said. Continued progress depends on strong partnerships, community support and adequate resources to address public safety.

“A safer Henderson means more than lower crime numbers. It means stronger neighborhoods, greater opportunities for economic investment, stronger businesses, and a community where families can live and grow with confidence.

We are encouraged by the direction we are moving, but we are not satisfied with simply improving the numbers,” Barrow said.

Barrow said he wants Henderson to reap the benefits of decreased crime and hopes that word will get out and have a positive effect on economic development, the housing market, retail and small business and “diminish some of the negativity” in social media posts.

Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott’s social media post is filled with positivity and kudos to Barrow and the police department.

“Today, we celebrate positive progress and recognize the dedication of the men and women of the Henderson Police Department,” the mayor’s post began.
The recent crime trend dashboard reflects significant reductions in crime throughout our city, including an overall crime decrease of nearly 19%, a reduction in violent crime, aggravated assaults, and other offenses.

These numbers represent more than statistics — they represent safer neighborhoods, families protected, and the continued commitment of those who serve our community every day.”

Elliott continued by thanking Barrow and the department’s officers for their

professionalism, sacrifice and tireless work to keep residents safe. “Your commitment to proactive policing, community partnerships, and protecting the citizens of Henderson does not go unnoticed,” Elliott stated.

“Public safety is a shared responsibility, and these results show what can happen when dedicated law enforcement officers, community leaders, and residents work together toward a common goal.

“Thank you, HPD, for your service, your courage, and your continued commitment to making Henderson a safer place to live, work, and raise our families.

“Together, we will continue building a stronger and safer Henderson.”

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TownTalk: Information Series Gives Insight On Vance County EMS

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Who: Baskerville Funeral Home

What: Community Information Series. Presented by Maribel Cortez, Lieutenant and Outreach Program Coordinator with Vance County EMS.

When: Tuesday, August 11th from 6pm-7pm

Where: Baskerville Funeral Home Chapel, 104 S. Chestnut St., Henderson, NC 27536

Why: You’ll learn about different topics:

  • Education & Safety
  • When Should You Call 911?
  • Community Events
  • Special Awareness Events
  • Community Partnerships
  • Explore Career Opportunities in EMS

Additional Details: Contact Baskerville Funeral Home at (252) 430-6824 for more information

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TownTalk: Vance County Commissioners, Planning, Environmental Committees Will Meet Aug. 10 To Discuss Possibility Of Moratorium On Data Centers

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The Vance County Board of Commissioners Chair Carolyn Faines has called for a planning and environmental committee meeting on Monday, Aug. 10 to discuss requirements for a moratorium as part of the ongoing debate about the possibility of a proposed data center on a parcel of land recently rezoned along Hwy. 158 Business.

Commissioner Leo Kelly said he had planned to enter a motion at Monday’s regular monthly meeting calling for a moratorium, but was informed that it would not comply with North Carolina General Statutes.

Kelly recalled last week’s town hall community forum at Bearpond Fire Department, during which he spoke briefly about his opinions surrounding the idea of a data center locating in Vance County. “I was for slowing the process down,” Kelly said following the public comment portion of Monday’s meeting, during which more than a half dozen people signed up to speak – most in opposition to data centers coming to Vance County.

Kelly said the upcoming meeting will be a step toward considering the issues and concerns raised by community members and to see what next steps should be taken.

“I hope that we can reach a decision that will benefit us all,” he said.

Find the reference to the state law at https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/BySection/Chapter_160D/GS_160D-107.pdf

The meeting will begin at 4 p.m. in the commissioners’ meeting room, 122 Young St. and will be streamed on the county’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUMNYAAhyvKx5leijt5iK6Q

 

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TownTalk: McGregor Live! Series Cranks Up With Sept. 13 Performance By The Manhattans Featuring Henderson’s Own Gerald Alston

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The silky smooth rhythm and blues sound of the Manhattans kicks off the 2026-27 McGregor Live! series with a performance on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 3 p.m.

It’ll be the third time that the group – featuring Henderson’s own Gerald Alston – has performed at the Henderson performing arts venue, but it’s the first time being included in the McGregor Live! series, said Mark Hopper, McGregor Hall’s executive and artistic director.

“We’re real excited that they’re kicking off things,” Hopper said.

The concert marks a culmination of weekend activities for Henderson Institute’s 50th reunion, he said on Monday’s TownTalk. “We’ve had a good time working with them closely and being partners with them on this.”

Following on the heels of the Manhattans is a strong lineup that includes theater, movie adaptions brought to the stage, ballet and tributes to a couple of pop music icons.

“I am more proud of this series than anything we have ever done,” Hopper said. “I will go out on a limb and say this is the best bargain in North Carolina for live entertainment…We’re super proud of this series.” And tickets for all five shows between September 2026 and March 2027 are a bargain at $140 each.

Auditions for the Broadway musical Frozen are coming up on Aug. 8 and 10 for the production that will take the stage for four performances on consecutive weekends Nov. 7-8 and Nov. 14-15.

And there will be an event for children to come have tea with Elsa and Anna, too, before the Nov. 14 show. Stay tuned for details about tickets for this special treat.

Bringing “Frozen” to McGregor Hall is a pretty big deal, and Hopper said it’s one of the first two amateur theaters around to present the full Broadway original version of the wildly popular Disney musical that includes princesses, magic and humor to create a timeless story of sisterhood, acceptance and the real meaning of true love.

“This is a big one,” Hopper exclaimed, adding that the cast will include ultra-talented people from the region who are drawn to McGregor Hall for its growing reputation for quality productions.

Before you know it, the holiday season will be on our doorstep – and on McGregor Hall’s, too. Ballet North Carolina brings its production of The Nutcracker to Henderson for a Sunday afternoon performance on Dec. 6.

Get into the holiday spirit without having to drive to Raleigh, “This is the big one that’s done at  Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh every year. This is huge, huge,” Hopper said.

Students at the local Ballet Arts studio will play the roles of mice, joining professional dancers on stage to recreate the beloved holiday story.

“We’ll be able to give those students a chance to interact with some professionals in the field,” he said, and the 3 p.m. show makes it perfect for families.

The Tony-winning play “Dear Evan Hansen” is next up in the lineup with four performances in February. The opening night is Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and includes an optional add-on Valentine’s Day dinner before the show. The other performances are at 3 p.m. on Feb. 14, 20 and 21.

Originally a play that opened on Broadway in 2016, “Dear Evan Hansen” deals with some heavy topics but manages to infuse a good dose of humor into the story of title character who comes from a single-parent household who is struggling and wants to go to college and, as Hopper puts it, “gets himself into a big, big pickle.”

“We’re going to be the first amateur theater in the state to present this,” he said, adding that McGregor Hall has developed quite a reputation among regional theaters for its productions and professionalism – some cast members travel from a couple of hours away to the nightly rehearsals, he said.
“We have become the destination for people who want to do really first class theater, musical theater, especially…We’ve established ourselves as the name in the Triangle. Nobody is doing theater at the level, at the scale, that we do it.”

The final show in the series is a tribute show called “52nd St. & Captain Fantastic,” and will feature the music of legends Billy Joel and Elton John.

“It’s a show where you get to hear all your favorites from two artists in the same night,” Hopper said. There will be top-shelf pianists, a live band – not to mention out-of-this-world costumes, Hopper said.

The show is set for Sunday, Mar. 14 at 3 p.m.

“We’re very proud of what we’re able to do, and the people that we’re able to bring to Henderson because of it,” he said.

Buy tickets online at www.mcgregorhall.org or call or stop by the box office. The box office is open Monday – Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is located at 201 Breckenridge St. The number is 252.598.0662

 

 

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Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney Sworn In As New Vance County Schools Superintendent

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Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney was sworn in Friday morning as superintendent of Vance County Schools.

With her family at her side, District Court Judge Adam Keith administered the oath of office.

In brief remarks after her swearing-in, Ross-Putney said she is deeply grateful and honored, and ready to lead and serve the school district.

She acknowledged that the “weight of leadership will be heavy to bear” at times, and she pledged to lead with integrity.

“I will not promise perfection, but I will promise purpose, honesty, courage and a whole lot of hard work,” she said. “Most of all, I promise to never forget the children whose futures depend on every decision that we make today.”

Ross-Putney is a Vance County native and a graduate of Vance County Schools.

Her mother, Michelle Ross, said her youngest child has worked hard for this county that she loves. “She loves this county, and loves the children,” Ross said of her daughter in remarks before she was sworn in.

Ross-Putney said accepting the job of superintendent represents more than a new title.

“It represents a journey shaped by faith, opportunity, hard lessons, second chances and so many people who believed in me along the way,” she said.

She said being in a leadership role often asks something not only of the person serving but also of the people who love them. She acknowledged her husband, Michael, for his support.

With the prospects of long nights and lots of work facing her, Ross-Putney said she is reminded of the different roles ahead of her.

“Before I am a superintendent, I am still a wife, a mother, a daughter and a sister.”

(News text above originally posted Friday, July 31, 2026; Audio embedded below added Monday, Aug 3, 2026.)

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TownTalk: Data Centers Monopolize Time At Wednesday’s Town Hall-Style Forum In District 4

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Folks filled up Bearpond FD Wednesday to take part in the first in a series of community forums hosted by Vance County commissioners.

At a previous commissioners’ meeting, District 4 Commissioner Dan Brummitt volunteered to host the first one; future gatherings are scheduled for the county’s other six districts.

For the first 10 minutes or so of the hour-long session, Brummitt reviewed questions that had been submitted and provided basic answers, but it didn’t take long to get to the topic that no doubt was of interest and concern to many in the room: data centers.

He distributed copies of a three-page “fact sheet” from county staff that addressed six issues associated with data centers, including property tax impacts and infrastructure and environmental considerations.

While the commissioner reiterated previous information that the county has, to date, received no applications for permits, he did state that there’s some site work being done now on at least a portion of the roughly 550 acres in the area of U.S. 158, Poplar Creek Road and I-85.

“We’re aware that (developer Tom) Natelli is working on their plan right now,” Brummitt said, adding that any work would be through agreements with the landowners and not because any permits have been requested or granted.

At times, the crowd was loud as it expressed disagreement and all but drowned out Brummitt’s comments. Several asked about the possibility of a moratorium on data centers. Four other commissioners were among those present at the community forum, and one participant asked to poll those commissioners to find out whether they’d also support a moratorium, an idea Brummitt had suggested in previous meetings that he may willing to get behind.

Commissioner Leo Kelly acknowledged the controversy surrounding data centers, and said he’d had reservations at first. While he didn’t state which side he’d come down on – moratorium or no moratorium, he did say that a moratorium would “kill” the idea of a data center.

“If we slow the process down, how do we meet the needs?” Kelly said, referring to county-funded projects like building a new jail and paying higher supplements to attract and retain teachers.

“We’ve got issues in this county that we’re not able to fund,” Kelly said. “If we have a moratorium, then we’ve got to find revenue to meet those needs.”

But Henderson resident Anne Rivera, who has been a vocal critic of the data center, asked: “What’s the resistance to allowing more time?”

Brummitt said he has received comments from residents who are in support of data centers as well as those who oppose location of such a facility in Vance County.

“We have to listen to all of it and then wait for the facts,” he said.

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TownTalk: Shenandoah Concert Aug. 15 At McGregor Hall

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Everybody wins when a good plan comes together, and an upcoming concert at McGregor Hall is proof of what happens when persistence is mixed in with just a bit of kismet.

The country music group Shenandoah is performing one show on Saturday, Aug. 15 – it’s the only stop in North Carolina on the group’s current tour, said Mark Hopper, McGregor Hall’s executive and artistic director.

“We’re pretty proud to have made this happen,” Hopper said on Wednesday’s TownTalk. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Persistence just comes with the territory when it comes to booking shows and scheduling performances, but the kismet part of the story is that the band’s agent happens to live in Raleigh.

With Grammy, CMA and ACM awards to their credit, Shenandoah is known for songs that tell stories like “Two Dozen Roses” and “Church on Cumberland Road,” just to name a couple.

For Hopper, “Sunday in the South” is a particular favorite from the Shenandoah playlist.

As the son of a pastor growing up in rural western North Carolina, this song resonates.

Although trained as a classical musician, Hopper listened to country music growing up. “I grew up with it…most people would never know that about me,” he said.

He remembers sitting in the family’s den, listening to the radio tuned in to a Greenville, SC station and then hearing a different kind of music on Sundays at church.

The song, he said, describes how he lived “every single week growing up in western North Carolina…Our entire world rotated around Sunday and church.”

Church was a place – besides school – where he could socialize with other kids. And folks would bring casseroles and desserts to the parsonage for absolutely no reason except to take care of the pastor and his family, he recalled.

“There’s real comfort in that tradition,” Hopper said. “It’s where values are born.”

Whether you’ve listened to Shenandoah since the band came on the scene in 1989 or whether you’re curious to hear more from a group that was part of a return to the country-western style of music, the concert is sure to please.

“Shenandoah was a bit of a return to country roots,” Hopper explained. In the 1970’s artists like Charley Pride and George Jones were embracing a “wall of sound” concept, using orchestras instead of steel guitars and fiddles to complement their songs.

When Shenandoah came on the scene, the pendulum was swinging back to that original western country music sound – getting back to its roots, he said.

Get tickets for Shenandoah online at www.mcgregorhall.org or call or stop by the box office, located at 201 Breckenridge St. Monday-Friday 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The phone number is 252.598.0662.

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TownTalk: 2nd Annual ‘Shaping the Future’ Taking Shape For Aug. 8

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As plans take shape for the 2nd annual free community event on Saturday, Aug. 8 in downtown Henderson, organizer Jayden Watkins says the event has something for all ages.

It’s called “Shaping the Future: A Community Extravaganza,” and Watkins hopes to see youth and adults of all ages from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. along Breckenridge Street outside Perry Memorial Library to take in all the sights and sounds that go along with an event of this nature.

In addition to food trucks, a bouncy house, live entertainment, free health screenings and even a blood drive, Watkins said more than 600 bookbags – filled with school supplies – will be distributed during the event. And college students, take note: you can register for the chance to get a free laptop computer, he added.

A youth talent showcase gets underway at 12 noon, and Watkins said he’s hopeful that youth and young adults will contact him to join in the fun.

“If you know someone or if you… want to participate,” there will be a stage, microphones, the works, Watkins explained on Tuesday’s TownTalk. Some of the acts include dance and spoken word, among others.

Planning an event for the whole community is no small task, and Watkins said he’s still looking for donations of school supplies to go along with the very generous donation of 3,000 items given by House of Toyz, one of two presenting sponsors. Margier White is the other presenting sponsor.

Those school supplies won’t pack themselves, so volunteers are needed Friday, Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. to fill bookbags.

Turning Point CDC is bringing its mobile learning lab, and a couple of event-decorating companies are pitching in with balloon installations and chairs to create a festive, comfortable atmosphere.

“Every detail of the event matters to me,” Watkins said.

Watkins, now 18, has accomplished a lot in a short time – in addition to being a minister, author, podcaster and youth organizer, he has formed and leads the non-profit Higher is Waiting.

So far, God’s plans for him have been in Henderson, his hometown.

“I am mission- and vision-focused,” he said, but added that in just a few weeks, his focus is most likely going to shift as he heads off to UNC-Chapel Hill.

He’s asked himself more than once how he’s going to balance being a college student and continue being involved in his community.

The answer, he says simply, is by being very discerning. He may not be able to say “yes” to everything God is putting in his path.

“He wants me to do them, but He doesn’t want me to do them now,” Watkins said.

And although he’ll be away at school, he said Henderson will always be close by – in his heart and mind.

“I have to go so I can grow,” he said. “I’m going to always come back to Henderson.

I may move because God wants me to grow and learn and explore, but I’m never going to forget my humble beginnings.”

Call or text Jayden at 252.425.0354, find him and his non-profit on Facebook or visit  https://jaydenwatkins.com/higher-is-waiting to learn more.

 

 

 

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TownTalk: Byrne Running For NC Court of Appeals

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When it comes to local contests, voters may not need much time to decide who they’re going to support at election time. But statewide contests – like the N.C. Court of Appeals, for example – may cause voters to spend a few minutes longer at the polls before deciding who to vote for.

Michael Byrne is the Republican nominee whose name will appear on the November ballot. He faces incumbent John Arrowood, who was appointed to the court in 2017, for Seat 1 on the 15-judge court.

Byrne, 59, has been an administrative law judge for the past six years, and he said that experience, coupled with close to 20 years focused narrowly on representing state employees and police officers, gives him the skill set needed to be an effective court of appeals judge.

Appeals Court judges serve an eight-year term, Byrne explained on Monday’s TownTalk, and the N.C. Court of Appeals is the second highest court in the state behind the State Supreme Court.

Byrne said 85 percent of cases end at the N.C. Court of Appeals level.

As an attorney, Byrne said he’s argued more than 20 cases at both the state Supreme Court and appellate level – “I was fortunate,” he said. “I never lost a law enforcement case on appeal.”

The 15 appellate judges cover the entire state and usually hear and deal with more than 1,000 cases a year.

Compared to the state Supreme Court, that’s a lot. Appellate judges have to be able to do their jobs quickly and efficiently, he said.

Similarly, administrative court judges handle a lot of cases, too. Byrne said he’s issued more than 400 decisions; the 10 that went to the court of appeals were all unanimously affirmed, he added.

He announced his candidacy one year ago, and since then, he’s been putting lots of miles on his trusty Volvo station wagon as he travels the state meeting people and campaigning.

And although he’s been a registered Republican since he was 18, Byrne said political affiliation plays no role in his work as a judge.

“My number one concern is fairness and due process for everyone,” he said. “I’m never going to let political considerations affect a ruling that I make. The law’s the law for everyone.”

His philosophy is simple, he said, something he learned from his mentor Julian Mann: “Get it right.” My overall saying is ‘A fair judge. Period. For everyone. Period.’”

More than anything else, people want to know that the judge that’s hearing their case is fair, he said, that they don’t favor one side or the other.

Byrne said he hears cases involving agencies that have been headed by Democrats and others by Republicans.

“The difference in the way I treat them is nothing,” Byrne said. “Because the law’s the same for everybody.”

You can learn more about Byrne and his candidacy at www.mb4nc.com and about all contests in the upcoming November elections at https://ncvoterguide.org/ and https://ncvoterguide.org/profiles/

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(This is not a paid ad. WIZS offers equal time to candidates.)

Henderson Police Investigating Shooting Incident That Injured 2 On July 22

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– From Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow

At approximately 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to the 700 block of Marshall Street following reports of shots fired.
Upon arrival, officers located 37-year-old Shiquan Clark suffering from a non-life-threatening wound to the head. Clark was provided medical assistance at the scene and transported to a regional medical center for treatment.
A short time later, 26-year-old Zavid Person arrived at a local emergency department with a gunshot wound believed to have been sustained during the same incident.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation. Detectives are actively working to determine the events leading up to the incident and the involvement of those connected to it.
The Henderson Police Department is asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist investigators to contact the Henderson Police Department at 252. 438.4141 or Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers at 252.492.1925. Information may be provided anonymously.

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