TownTalk: 07-16-25 Henderson City Council
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TownTalk: Henderson City Council July Meeting, Investigations Coming
The Henderson City Council met Monday night for its regular monthly meeting to conduct routine city business but then went into closed session to discuss a personnel matter.
Mayor Melissa Elliott said she would entertain a motion to go into closed session.
The Council did vote to adjourn into closed session, which had not been included on the agenda that was sent to the press and posted on the city’s webpage.
Upon returning to open session, it was learned that Mayor pro tem Garry Daeke and Councilperson Geraldine Champion will work together to be the liaisons for separate, independent, third-party investigations that will be taking place into two matters: one involving employee surveys pertaining to the mayor and a second that involves accusations made against the manager.
The Council voted unanimously to make Daeke the liaison between the council and the two independent, third-party investigating entities that will look into the matters.
Champion requested that all information that is learned during the investigation be shared with the entire council, to which Daeke replied that would certainly be the case.
The procedure of discussion and voting got a bit complicated when Elliott suggested that Champion join Daeke as a liaison, but that suggestion did turn into what happened.
It’s unclear whether there was an addendum to the original motion or whether a secondary motion was made to include Champion as a liaison. Nevertheless, the vote was 6-2, with Council members Lamont Noel and Sam Seifert voting against the motion.
No further details were discussed about who will conduct the investigations, when they will commence, how long they should take or when results will be available.
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TownTalk: Business Spotlight – Vanco Crawl Space
Will Bumgarner said the work his team at Vanco Crawlspace and Restoration does isn’t glamorous or fancy. In fact, he described it as dirty, nasty work. But it’s good, honest work, he said. And when homeowners or business owners need professionals to take care of problems under their homes or businesses, Vanco is the one to call.
Vanco Crawlspace and Restoration is the newest member of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, and Bumgarner said he’s been in business for about 4 ½ years. The company’s general manager is Angel Perez.
The company has two teams that do all kinds of work in crawlspaces from insulation and sump pumps to foundation drainage, mold remediation and installing dehumidifiers.
“Pretty much anything that’s underneath a house, we handle,” Bumgarner said during a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Chamber office.
They’re based in Henderson and serve Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin counties, but they also do work from Greensboro to the coast.
“My game plan is to provide that (top) level of service for Henderson so the citizens of this county don’t have to look elsewhere,” Bumgarner said.
Sam Seifert, a member of the Chamber board, was among a handful of local dignitaries on hand to welcome Bumgarner to the Chamber.
Seifert said he’d recently had to go under his own house and said he’d likely be calling Vanco soon. “I appreciate you and Angel who are doing that kind of work,” Seifert said. “I appreciate keeping it local.”
Call Vanco Crawlspace and Restoration at 919.999.9572 or visit www.vancocrawlspace.com to learn more.
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Estate Sale To Benefit American Cancer Society In Full Swing Through Saturday, July 19
To some, she’s Sally Garrett. Others call her Frances. And sometimes it seems like she’s doing the work of two people – or more. But whatever name she answers to, rest assured that she’ll tell you right quick why she enjoys raising money for the American Cancer Society.
Garrett is a five-time cancer survivor, she told WIZS’s Scout Hughes when he sat down to talk with her during the estate sale, going on now at the former INCO building at 602 S. Garnett St.
She was doing some research after completing treatment for her third bout with cancer, and she said, “Every treatment that I had at that time had been funded or partially funded by the American Cancer Society,” and that’s when she decided to do something to help keep that research going.
Each year, a representative from each Congressional district goes to Washington, D.C. to present their checks from fundraising efforts.
And last year, this Congressional district was the largest contributor, she said.
The estate sale concept is part of the success, she noted. Auctions had sort of run their course, she said, and once the idea of having an estate sale format gained traction, they were off to the races.
“We just did great,” she said. “We made $14,000 that first sale and that really fired us all up…we can do this!”
She said it speaks well of the community the size of Henderson and Vance County that she and her team of volunteers can raise that kind of money. “It all comes from friends getting together and doing something we love,” she said.
Not to brag, but Sally & Friends was the top fundraiser group at last year’s Relay for Life in Granville County with $30,000 going to the cause to find a cure for cancer.
“You have an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life,” Garrett said. “We don’t know who this money is going to help, but it’s going to help somebody…it could be my family, your family or somebody across the world.”
The sale is scheduled to continue through the week, but Garrett said it would depend on how many items are left and how many people are coming in to shop.
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The following was the original post of this story on Friday, July 11, 2025:
Come check out the items up for grabs at the annual estate sale to benefit the American Cancer Society. Sally Garrett and Friends are conducting the sale, which kicked off Thursday and continues through the weekend.
Stop by between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and then 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The sale picks up again on Tuesday, July 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and could continue as long as Sunday, July 20, depending on how sales go, said Frances Garrett, one of the organizers.
This is the second year for the sales, said Chuck Martin, another volunteer who helps with the sale. The items are donated by people who may be downsizing or who have things left from other sales. This sale takes place at the former INCO building, located at 602 S. Garnett St, and features furniture, home furnishings and more.
Visit https://www.estatesales.net/ to see photos of the featured items.
“Every dime goes to the Cancer Society,” said Martin. “Sally Garrett represents the American Cancer Society and assures that all money raised is accounted for and deposited with the state ACS in Raleigh,” he added.
The building space is donated by Jason Stewardson.
Public Safety Committee, Fire Commission Plan Joint Meeting July 29 To Discuss Fire Study, Future Of Rescue Squad
The county’s Public Safety Committee and the Vance County Fire Commission have scheduled a joint meeting on Tuesday, July 29 at 4 p.m. to discuss the fire study.
The public safety committee consists of Commissioners Dan Brummitt, Valencia Perry and Board Chair Carolyn Faines.
At Monday’s regular monthly meeting, commissioners discussed the pros and cons of having a separate county rescue squad. The contract extension ended on June 30, but commissioners approved a 90-day extension to allow for more discussion before making a final decision.
Commissioners heard from Rescue Squad Chief Doyle Carpunky about the role of the rescue squad and the specialized certifications necessary for rescue squad members to perform several different types of rescues, including high-angle and water rescues.
Carpunky spent the early moments of his presentation refuting information shared at the previous meeting about the status of rescue squads in other counties.
He talked about the extensive training involved in the rescue certification process. Members of the rescue squad do more than water rescues, but besides the City of Henderson fire department, only Watkins Volunteer Fire Department is heavy-rescue certified. More than half of the rescue squad members are fire certified, he said.
The commissioners agreed to a 90-day contract extension so allow time for the county to purchase equipment and Vance County Fire Chief Marvin Harrison shared information about various pieces of equipment that he’s been researching.
“All departments should be self-sufficient in every way,” he said. Harrison is looking at an all-terrain vehicle, as well as different types of water craft, including one that rescuers can dive from, and an inflatable craft. Harrison said whatever equipment is purchased would be available to any of the county’s fire departments.
Commissioner Dan Brummitt said sending the issue back to the public safety committee would allow for more in-depth conversation. He said the county shouldn’t be spending taxpayers’ money “duplicating things that we already have that we could be working together on.”
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Maria Parham Celebrates Phase 1 Of Emergency Department Renovation
Wednesday’s ribbon cutting that marks the near-completion of Phase 1 of the Maria Parham Health Emergency Department renovation is a giant step toward creating a safer space for staff and law enforcement officers working to help individuals experiencing a mental health crisis get the care they need.
If the final inspections go as planned, the Phase 1 project could open as soon as July 24, said Donna Young, MPH’s communications officer.
It’s been six years in the making, but this phase of the renovation creates specialized space that will serve individuals with mental health challenges.
In remarks during the event, MPH CEO Bert Beard told those gathered that the project is a perfect example of a public/private partnership to make things happen. Tours were offered to show just how the patients will move through the ED more efficiently to get the care they need.
Noting the somewhat smaller waiting area, Beard said “it shouldn’t be about waiting.” Like a home renovation to better accommodate a family’s needs, the ED design and construction better addresses the particular needs of those in mental health crises.
Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame said, “I’m definitely excited about it, especially having the space for the sheriff’s office and the Henderson Police Department to bring people who have mental issues out here and have them evaluated.” Officers will no longer have to sit out here with them 24 or 48 hours at a time while they await evaluation and treatment or transportation to another facility. “And they’ll have a secure location, not only for the deputies but for the staff here at Maria Parham Hospital,” Brame said.
The Rev. Frank Sossamon, MPH’s lead chaplain, spoke about helping to secure $5 million in funding from the General Assembly when he served District 32 in the N.C. House.
Sossamon said the project has many positive aspects, including providing mental health care for patients and protecting the safety of everyone involved, from hospital staff to law enforcement officers who bring patients to the ED for help.
This renovation contributes to the hospital’s role as an economic driver, too, he said.
The event was an official ribbon cutting of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce.
Post Originally Made on July 2nd, 2025
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TownTalk: Update on the Vance County Jail
The Vance County Board of Commissioners got updates Monday on several matters that involve the detention center, ranging from repairs to the existing facility, plans for a new facility and new hires to help close the gap in staffing.
Blair Bordeaux, president of Bordeaux Construction, and Todd Davis, vice president of Moseley Architecture, are heading up the design/build team and talked through with commissioners the process that will help achieve the ultimate goal of having a functioning jail while a new one is being built.
County Manager C. Renee Perry was scheduled to meet today (Wednesday) with the design/build team to get details on just how the process will unfold as sufficient renovations are made to the existing facility as plans for a new jail are made.
They did a walk-through of the current jail on July 1 and mentioned numerous areas that need attention, including the video security system.
“In looking at the cameras and security electronics system, the first thing we noticed, it’s not a digital system,” Davis said. There is one server, designed to accommodate maybe 55 or 60 cameras. The jail’s single server has closer to 90 cameras, but 22 weren’t working when they checked them out during the walk-through.
“That needs to be changed, right off the bat,” Davis said.
One problem creates additional problems, and when you combine a staff shortage with the age of the jail and its less-than-perfect design, the problems soon mount.
Brame told commissioners that he’s hired eight new officers and hopes to hire five more in the next few weeks. Six of the eight new hires still have to complete detention center training.
The sheriff reminded commissioners that detention center staff may not always on site at the jail – they often are transporting inmates to and from other detention centers or in court.
Over the past couple of months, Special Project Coordinator Frankie Nobles has been overseeing repairs to the jail.
During that time, county maintenance workers have checked off a number of repairs, from replacing dropped ceiling tiles and making sure that all doors can be secured to cleaning, sanitizing and repairing bathrooms and fixtures.
“Frankie Nobles and his team have done all that they can do,” said Sheriff Curtis Brame, adding that he’s ready to “let the professionals with the skill sets and tools come in” to complete more specialized repairs.
The trouble is, some detainees damage property almost as quickly as repairs can be made – a source of concern for commissioners. The staff shortage, coupled with an inadequate security system, means that supervision is less than ideal.
“You’ve got some very improper sight lines, Davis said. “If you can’t get those sight lines better and you can’t get control over when these inmates come out and who comes out,” it’s going to continue to be difficult to properly supervise the detainees.
“Staffing is going to continue to be a problem, it’s not just here, it’s everywhere,” Davis said.
“Your jail is too old to try to patch,” Davis said. “You’ve got to increase that supervision better – no way around it, but you can’t do that with one or two people. In my opinion, you’re in a bad situation.”
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TownTalk: Granville County Tourism Lines Up Events In July And Beyond
As summer heats up, so too does the events calendar in Granville County – there’s plenty to do, from outdoor activities to those inside air-conditioned environs.
Grab a ticket for the weekend performance of Drinking Habits 2: Caught in the Act, a production of Granville Little Theatre. The curtain rises at 7 p.m. for evening performances run from Thursday, July 10 to Saturday, July 12 and there’s a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, July 13. The comedy is the sequel to last season’s Drinking Habits, featuring the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing, and the antics involved as they try to save an orphanage.
“It’s guaranteed to be a good time,” said Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen.
The show takes place at the Ox Theatre, located inside the Oxford City Hall, 300 Williamsboro St.
Find a link to tickets at www.visitgranvillenc.com.
Stroll along the sidewalks of downtown Oxford to snatch up some cool summer discounts at the July 12 Tent Sale. A number of businesses are scheduled to take part in a 21st century version of the old-fashioned Sidewalk Sale. Bliss Nutrition, C Squared, Nan’s, Home Decorator Shoppe, Angel Wings Book Store and Bistro, The Hub on Main, Southern Style Mercantile and Makynlee
& Co. will have some discounted prices on some really great items, Allen said. The sales are sure to be hot on the outside, but customers can find some great deals – and some A/C – inside, too, she said.
The Oxford Armory Farmer’s Market is hosting its own version of an Iron Chef competition on Saturday, July 12. Three groups will compete for bragging rights as they use local produce found at the market. This event is being held in partnership with the Culinary Arts program at Vance-Granville Community College.
The market, located on the grounds of the former National Guard Armory at 105 W. Spring St., launched in May. Its summer hours are 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
A couple of weeks later, on July 26, come to the market to take part in an event that pairs yoga and animal adoption. The Pose, Paws, Adopt event will include yoga and adoptable animals from the Granville County Animal Shelter from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
“All fees for the yoga class will be donated to the animal shelter or toward your adoption fee,” Allen said.
This is one example of partnership that Allen finds delightful.
“That’s what I love so much,” she said, “the collaboration to make these things happen. It’s not just an entity standing alone, but making those partnerships with different businesses, organizations and nonprofits” that not only attracts visitors, but also has a positive impact in the local community.
Here’s a quick rundown of other activities in July and beyond:
- Creedmoor’s City Tavern, 404 N. Main St., hosts the First Annual 90’s Field Day on Saturday, July 12, where Allen says “you get to act like a big kid for the day.” Check out all the details at https://www.facebook.com/CreedmoorCityTavern
- The Town of Butner hosts Groovin’ at the Gazebo on Saturday, July 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be lawn games, food trucks and fun for the whole family. Bryan’s Hill Band will perform on the brand-new performance stage at the park, located at 416 Central Ave.
- Clement Farm presents the inaugural “Watermelon Crawl” event on Saturday, July 26 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Another family-friendly event that includes music by Blake Howell and all things watermelon. Tickets are $5, and kids 12 and under get in free. You can even learn how to do the Watermelon Crawl line dance. When you’re not dancin’ you may want to sit, so Allen said to bring a lawn chair. Clement Farm is located at 5081 Lucy Averette Rd. off Old Hwy. 75.
- The 2nd annual Next Door Music Festival cranks up on Saturday, Aug. 16 for a full day of music, from Americana to emo and everything in between. Six bands will perform throughout the day, and 100 percent of the proceeds goes to Families Living Violence Free. The featured band is Ohio-based Noise Beneath the Floor. The festival will be staged on the grounds of the Armory from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and then the crowd will head over to Tobacco Wood Brewing Co. for an “after-party” from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Mark your calendars for Sept. 12-13 for the annual Hot Sauce Festival in downtown Oxford
- Circle Sept. 20, when musicians take over downtown Creedmoor for the annual Creedmoor Music Festival
- The Masonic Home for Children in Oxford Homecoming is scheduled for Oct. 11
Read more about these events and more at www.visitgranvillenc.com.
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TownTalk: DSS plus City Housing Permits
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Mrs. Lula Shearin’s 75th Birthday Celebration Concert
Jordan Shearin got a big hint from his grandmother, Mrs. Lula Shearin, about what she wanted for her birthday. It’s not the sort of present that can be wrapped in pretty paper with big bow, however.
Mrs. Lula Shearin is getting a gospel concert for her 75th birthday, and it’s open to all in the community to enjoy.
The program will be held on Saturday, July 5 at White’s Grove Christian Church, 328 St. Tammany Rd in Norlina. The doors open at 3 p.m. and the concert will begin at 4 p.m. Pastor Daryn Thomas is the emcee, and numerous groups are scheduled to perform.
“She’s been talking about it since last year,” Jordan Shearin said. “I said, ‘OK, Grandma, I’m going to make it happen for you.’”
Jordan, one of Shearin’s four grandsons, said his grandmother’s actual birthday is July 1. The concert isn’t a surprise, he said, but it will be something that shows how much she means to her family and to the community.
“She’s honorable, she’s humble…so sweet in her own way, and everybody loves her,” Jordan said. “She does a lot for people,” and he said this is a way “to give her her flowers while she can smell them.”
He called his relationship with his grandmother “like no other. My grandma helped my mom raise me,” he said, and she still takes time to help him when he needs it.
“She paved the way for me,” and the concert is a way for him to let her know how much she means to the family.
“There is nothing like a grandmother’s love. I love her dearly and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her at all. This will make her feel real special.”
Groups scheduled to perform are Faithful, The Gospel Disciples, The Terain Family, Men of Faith, The Gospel Harmoneers, Sister Shirley McCaden & Co. and The Soul Lifters.
Contact Jordan Shearin at 252.820.5878 to learn more.
Mrs. Shearin’s children are Julian Smith, Diane Shearin-Terry and Roberta Shearin. In addition to Jordan, her grandchildren are Deshawn Smith, Julian Smith,III and Jeremy Smith.
Mrs. Shearin also has one great-grandchild, Ariana Smith.
She has three living siblings: Robert Seward, Emmanuel Seward and Elizabeth Williams and she was married to Elijah Shearin, Jr.
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