TownTalk: Accident Interferes With Phone And Internet Service
Internet and phone services interrupted by accident early this morning plus Halloween is today!
CLICK PLAY!
Early-Morning Crash Shuts Down Vance County’s Verizon, Spectrum Services
A trash truck struck a low-hanging line near the intersection of NC 39 North and Spring Valley roads early Thursday morning, creating major disruptions to customers with Spectrum internet and Verizon wireless services.
According to Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow, the crash occurred at 4:30 a.m. Barrow said at this time, services are expected to be restored sometime Friday, Nov. 1.
As of Thursday morning, Vance County 911 calls are being forwarded to Granville County for dispatch during the service disruption.
Among other services affected include KARTS, which cannot receive calls during this outage. Additionally, a social media post from Vance County government states that county offices “have lost internet connectivity in all county buildings, and lost network, server and phone access in most buildings.”
TownTalk: Winder Street Signs To Get Special Designation To Honor Eddie Hicks
The City of Henderson is officially honoring the late Eddie Hicks by attaching his name – literally – to the street where he grew up.
In a ceremony scheduled for Friday, Nov. 1 at 11 a.m., local leaders, dignitaries and others will gather at the corner of Garnett and Winder streets in downtown Henderson to witness the unveiling of the new Winder Street signs, which will have a second sign attached to it bearing Hicks’s name.
City Manager Terrell Blackmon gave a sneak preview to Hicks’s widow, Jackie, and others present at the October City Council meeting. Hicks died on Oct. 31, 2022 at the age of 67.
“This council took the time to take action to recognize Mr. Hicks, based on his commitment to this community,” Blackmon said in remarks during the meeting. Hicks had a long association with the Henderson Vance Recreation and Parks Department, having worked there as a teenager and during the summers when he was in college. A college football standout at ECU, Hicks returned to his hometown – and the recreation and parks department – following a successful NFL career with the New York Giants.
“We wanted to honor his name on Winder Street, where he grew up,” Blackmon said. And the city’s Public Works Department created a design that honors Hicks without having to change the street name.
The city will dedicate Winder Street to remember one of Henderson’s most beloved residents. Each street sign along Winder Street will have the second sign bearing Hicks’s name, Blackmon explained.
Click Play!
TownTalk: More Treats Than Tricks in Granville This Halloween
Granville County Tourism Development Authority Director Angela Allen has some advice for folks gearing up for a lively holiday season – buckle up! The ride is just beginning in Oxford and across the county.
The Halloween fun cranks up with downtown Oxford’s “Spooktacular” beginning at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31. Kids in costumes can collect treats from participating merchants and businesses throughout Williamsboro, College, Hillsboro and Main streets.
“As the candy starts to give out, you can transition to Main Street for family activities,” she said. There will be vendors and more along Main Street to continue the festivities until about 8 p.m.
The towns of Creedmoor and Butner also will have trick-or-treat activities available. Visit downtown Creedmoor from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to get treats from downtown merchants. The town of Butner will host the first “Track-n-Treat at the Butner Athletic Park from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For all those who like scary stuff, you’ve still got time to get tickets to the Granville Haunt Farm. They’ll be open on Halloween from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and then again on Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2. Check the website for times and prices.
Other activities include:
- Friday, Nov. 1 – Cluck ‘N Shuck Oyster Roast, an annual event of the Granville County Chamber of Commerce. Call 919.693.6125 for tickets. Leon Nixon Catering provides steamed oysters, fried chicken, shrimp and fish with all the sides. It’s an all-you-can-eat food fest from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 2 – The Hub on Main’s Craft and Brew Holiday Festival. Free event, but you must purchase a ticket to sample beers from the dozen or so breweries that will be represented. Festival is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Check out The Hub on Main Facebook page to purchase tickets.
- Sunday, Nov. 3 – Wedding and Event Expo at Creedmoor Community Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is a donation of non-perishable food items or toiletry items that will be donated to Families Living Violence Free. All types of venue representatives, photographers, caterers and more will be in one place to discuss your upcoming wedding plans or other special occasion. Purchase a $10 tasting ticket to sample foods, or go for the $20 ticket which includes a VIP bag along with the tastings.
- Saturday, Nov. 9 – Operation Green Light celebration and Veteran’s Day Parade in downtown Oxford. Activities begin at 12 noon to honor military veterans. The parade begins at 3 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 9 – Holiday Extravaganza Parade in Stem – Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas parade, all in one event. The parade begins at 2 p.m. on East Tally Ho Road, with special guest Miss Teen North Carolina Kamryn Hollowell.
- Saturday, Nov. 9/Sunday, Nov. 10 – Holiday Open House at Cedar Creek Gallery in Creedmoor. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy hot cider and cookies as you browse the handcrafted décor and other unique gifts in the gallery. Visit with Santa from 12 noon to 3 p.m. each day.
- Monday, Nov. 11 – Butner Veteran’s Day Observance – 11 a.m. at Soldier Memorial Sports Arena.
Check out all the things going on across Granville County at www.visitgranvillenc.com.
CLICK PLAY!
TownTalk: New Corbitt Book – ‘Tar Heel Treasures’
A new book is out that captures, in words and photographs, some of the most admired and loved products ever to be made in Henderson – the Corbitt truck.
Tar Heel Treasures: Richard J. Corbitt and the Corbitt Motor Co. is available for purchase now, and Corbitt truck enthusiast Kenneth Stegall said the book is the result of several years’ work by its author, Richard Gabrick.
Stegall is archivist, treasurer and webmaster for the Corbitt Preservation Association. He was a guest on Monday’s TownTalk and had nothing but praise for the book, which contains several hundred photographs of the buggies, automobiles and trucks that rolled off the production lines at the factory just off Dabney Drive. He called it “the most complete edition that you’ll be able to get your hands on” about the different types of vehicles that rolled off the production lines in Henderson for more than 50 years.
“It’s amazing to have it in your hand after about 5 or 6 years of preparing for it,” Stegall said. His role was to send photographs and to make sure the photos were properly credited, he said.
“We’re proud now that it’s done,” he said, adding that the author also is pleased with the result.
At one time, Corbitt was the largest truck builder in the South, and cranked out those behemoth workhorses used in World War II.
But when the war ended, so did the government contract. And $12 million was a lot of money to leave on the table in the 1940’s. That, along with the fact that other truck manufacturers were moving to diesel engines, stalled the meteoric ascent that Corbitt had enjoyed during its heyday.
“When the war ended, we were still in the gas truck business,” Stegall explained. “Nobody really wanted a gas truck any more…we just couldn’t get the diesel engines that others were able to get.” And with nobody left in the Corbitt family to carry on the brand, the choices were slim: either shut it down or try to sell, he said.
The company halted production in 1955, and only one other truck was completed – using leftover parts – and was titled in 1960. That vehicle is still in existence, Stegall said.
The factory that began producing horse-drawn carriages in 1899 also went on to produce a variety of vehicles that include trucks, horseless buggies, automobiles and tractors.
“Between 1899 and 1917, we were building buggies, cars AND trucks in Henderson,” Stegall said.
A self-proclaimed Corbitt enthusiast since the age of 13, Stegall said he’s learned a lot as he contributed to the book project. “We continue to learn so much,” he added. The internet has helped others who live far away from the Corbitt “epicenter” of Henderson and it’s helped immensely to gather more information about vehicles that still exist – some tractors are still being used in Brazil, he said.
And Stegall has a hunch that the company produced more automobiles than what is known about. “I think 100 automobiles is a rally low number,” he said.
He’d love to get his hands on production documents, but none have surfaced so far. Stegall remains optimistic, however.
Take the fairly recent attic discovery of a trove of photographs headed for the trash. The photos were rescued and donated to the Corbitt Preservation Association, and more than a few ended up in Gabrick’s book – with proper credit.
“It’s amazing that people kept them and I’m so glad that they did,” he said.
“I look forward every day to find that picture that I’ve never seen.”
To request a copy of Tar Heel Treasures, call Stegall at 252.432.6476 or email him at gjammer35@aol.com. The book costs $42.95.
If you need it shipped, the total price is $48.33. Visit https://corbitttrucks.com/bulletin-board/ to learn more.
Click Play!
TownTalk: Vance County Retirement Community Designation Ceremony
With Kerr Lake as a backdrop, local officials and community leaders witnessed Vance County receiving its official designation as a certified retirement community. It joins 17 other communities across the state, marking an achievement that has been some years in the making.
In welcoming remarks, Vance County Manager C. Renee Perry called the designation a significant milestone in the life of the community. “It’s not just a badge of honor,” Perry said, “it’s a testament to the vibrant quality of life, welcoming spirit and rich resources that make Vance County a wonderful place to live, work, and now – officially – retire.”
Visit NC’s Andre Nabors said North Carolina attracts people who are looking for “small town Americana” in retirement. But they aren’t quite ready to sit in rocking chairs, he said. “Some are looking to start businesses…and be great volunteers in the community as well.”
With amenities that include Kerr Lake, as well as McGregor Hall, quality health care facilities and proximity to larger cities, Vance County is poised to be a destination for retirees.
It’s a win-win situation: retirees enjoy what the county offers and the county enjoys the boost in economic development that accompanies an infusion of residents.
Through VisitNC, N.C. Department of Tourism markets the designated retirement communities. And Nabors was quick to point to the economic impact that retirees have before and after they make the all-important decision about where to live in retirement.
“Before they make a decision to call another place home, they’re going to visit four to seven times before they make a decision,” Nabors said. “That’s tourism dollars” that come in the form of gas tank fillups, lodging, dining in local restaurants and visiting coffee shops.
“They’re in their ‘fun’ phase,” he continued, describing youthful retirees as folks who may want to start a small business or engage in community and civic activities.
“North Carolina is continuing to be an asset for those who are looking to view their Golden Years in another location,” Nabors said. With this new designation, Vance County will be included in marketing materials, like a new RetireNC guidebook that will be placed in the state’s nine welcome centers and visitor centers.
Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce President Sandra Wilkerson said the chamber predicts positive results from the retirement community designation. “We’re not selfish. We want to share our beautiful community with others. I believe this designation will put a welcoming spotlight on us,” she told the group gathered for the presentation.
Vance County’s new Economic Development Director, Ferdinand Rouse, agreed.
The designation “reflects progress we are making to a prosperous future where all residents, whether starting a career or enjoying retirement can thrive…I look forward to what’s next in Vance County.”
CLICK PLAY!
TownTalk: County Tax Rate Discussion
In a follow-up to recent criticism aimed at the recent tax-rate increase adopted by Vance County by a concerned citizens group, Manager C. Renee Perry told WIZS News Wednesday that she is working with County Attorney Jonathan Care to determine next steps.
Representatives of the Concerned Citizens of Vance County addressed the board of commissioners during the public comment portion of the Oct. 7 meeting. Commissioners only receive comments during that time and do not respond.
“…we haven’t decided what action to take as far as a response goes,” Perry said in an email to WIZS.
In remarks during that public comment period, citizen Caroline Burnette asserted that the commissioners were violating public meeting laws by not having written minutes of the June 13 work session. Minutes are supposed to be voted on or adopted by a majority of the board, she said.
Perry said minutes of that June 13 work session will be taken to the board at its Nov. 4 meeting for approval; once approved, the clerk to the board will post the minutes to the website.
“Historically, official minutes have NOT been kept for budget work session, work sessions, or committee meetings,” Perry told WIZS. “Moving forward, we will keep official minutes for all budget work sessions, work sessions, and committee meetings.”
Burnette also said she wanted commissioners to allow county residents to pay the taxes they paid in 2023 and “to direct the tax administrator to take no action on delinquent taxes if the 2023 amount has been paid.”
Perry said commissioners “have not indicated that’s a direction they want to take.”
The foreclosure process can begin when a property owner is two years behind in paying taxes.
According to information on the Vance County Tax Administration’s webpage, tax bills not paid by Jan. 6 will be charged a 2 percent interest on unpaid taxes due.
CLICK PLAY!
TownTalk: Masonic Home For Children Homecoming Recap
The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford welcomed throngs of visitors to its campus last weekend for annual Homecoming festivities, which included activities for the kids, live music, food and tours of some of the facilities.
And don’t forget the parade, said MHCO Administrator Kevin Otis.
“The weather cooperated and a lot of people seemed to really have a great time,” Otis said Wednesday on TownTalk.
A couple of dozen barbecue teams got all set up on Friday in advance of the Saturday cookoff, which began shortly after the traditional parade.
The parade route, however, wasn’t the traditional march down College Street onto the campus – this year’s parade was contained on the campus itself. And Otis said it all worked out fine.
“It was a very good parade, with a lot of people coming to watch it,” he said.
“The entire parade route, even though it was short, had a lot of people” lining the drive to check out all the entries.
Otis was pleased with the community support, from school bands and Scout groups to dance teams and cheer squads.
Visitors got a chance to tour the chapel, museum galleries and even one of the residential cottages. Otis said he has received positive feedback from those who said they appreciated learning more about the children’s home and what it offers young people and families.
“What we’re doing is helping families in need,” he said, whether it’s caring for children while parents work to get back on their feet or grandparents who become guardians of their grandchildren.
Otis said cottage parents co-parent with biological parents or guardians to make sure the children’s needs are being met while in residence at the home.
But there also is an independent living program for young adults ages 18-21 who may be struggling to make it on their own. They get set up in their own apartment while learning how to become independent.
“We’re doing a lot of good work and not just for local kids, but all over North Carolina.
Learn more at 919.693.5111 or visit https://mhc-oxford.org/.
Click Play!
TownTalk: The Evolution of 4-H
Most anybody who has participated in 4-H at one time or another can probably remember what the four H’s stand for.
If you came up with Head, Heart, Hands, Health, give yourself a pat on the back.
And although its roots are based in agriculture-related programs, today’s 4-H clubs are pivoting to embrace the growing fields of STEM – science, technology, engineering and math.
Micah Sharpe is Vance County’s Extension agent for 4-H Youth Development. Sharpe said on Tuesday’s TownTalk segment that 4-H clubs tend to reflect the counties in which they operate.
“We still have farming, poultry,” Sharpe said, but 4-H’ers are also “coding robots, flying drones (and) using iPads to create digital marketing.”
4-H is for young people between 5 and 18, and Sharpe said programs and activities can look different, depending on the age group.
The 4-H Clover Buds, as the 5- to 7-year-old group is called, tend to get more hands-on, fun activities, Sharpe said. They’re eager to learn but their attention span is short.
Tweens and teens can sit still a bit longer, so they can handle discussions about topics including civic engagement and the importance of voting, for example.
Sheronika Sharp is the STEM specialist at Vance County Cooperative Extension, and Sharpe said he values their collaboration to create programs, trainings and more.
Sharpe said he has programs that can be taught in school settings, but it can be challenging to gain inroads in that program delivery method.
He said he likes to talk about his 4-H programs and curricula with school counselors, Career and Technical Education teachers, and principals; he trains teachers to carry out the programs as after-school activities, so even if he cannot be there, instructors will know what to do.
Sharpe did not grow up with 4-H – in fact, his first exposure to the program was last year.
But it hasn’t taken long for him to realize the benefits 4-H offers young people.
He tells them, “You’ve got to do what’s right for yourself,” but he follows up with “It’s cool to be knowledgeable.”
Whether they’re learning the basics of cooking through the Dinah Gore challenge or learning to fly drones, 4-H brings together head, heart, hands and health to support young people along their journey to adulthood.
To learn more, contact Sharpe at 252.438.8188, mosharpe@ncsu.edu or even just drop by the office at 305 Young St.
CLICK PLAY!
TownTalk: Concerned Citizens Group Vocal On Tax Rate, Budget Process
A group of concerned citizens has been gaining momentum and voicing their disapproval of the process used by city and county elected officials to approve the 2024-25 budget, including the jump in property tax bills brought on by the recently completed revaluation.
During the public comment period at recent council and commissioners’ meetings, representatives of the citizens’ group have called for both bodies to allow taxpayers to pay the amount of their 2023 taxes without penalty for failure to pay the 2024 amount.
Concerned Citizens of Vance County had about 300 people at their Sept. 17 meeting; the Oct. 17 meeting attracted about 75 people, according to organizers.
Several individuals associated with the group have appeared before the Henderson City Council and the Vance County Board of Commissioners. Most recently, Caroline Burnette and Melissa Lemmond, both Henderson residents, were critical of the way that the city and county turned their backs on revenue-neutral budgets in favor of a tax rate increase. County commissioners approved a 10-cent increase; the City Council voted for a 20-cent increase. Burnette is a N.C. District Court judge; Lemmond practices law in Henderson.
In comments to the City Council on Oct. 14, Lemmond said, “I’m back here again about the tax issue because I think this city council has done a real disservice to the citizens of Henderson…I don’t think you thought about how it was going to affect people,” she said.
In comments to the county commissioners on Oct. 7, Burnette asserted that commissioners violated the Public Meetings Law by not having written minutes of June budget work sessions.
“The board gave consensus to bring back a balanced budget with a 10-cent tax increase,” Burnette said. “That was transacting business – real or apparent,” she said, quoting a portion of the law in question. Minutes are supposed to be voted on or adopted by a majority of the board, she added.
“So, the June 24 (budget) approval could be found null and void by a Superior Court judge,” Burnette said, for what she said was the commissioners’ failure to comply with the law. “An injunction could also be issued so that this will never happen again and you could also be ordered personally to pay attorneys’ fees,” she continued.
“Commissioners, it’s time to do the right thing. I implore you to let the citizens of Vance County pay the taxes they paid in 2023 (and) to direct the tax administrator to take no action on delinquent taxes if the 2023 amount has been paid.”
In her comments to the City Council on Oct. 14, Lemmond said the 20-cent city tax increase, along with the 10-cent county increase, will have dire consequences.
“Y’all are going to cause foreclosures… cause people to lose their homes, cause renters to be forced out,” she said. She was one of a handful of citizens who spoke to voice their concern for the way the budget process was handled.
“When you passed the 65 cents, there was no discussion. So either you talked about it ahead of time and everybody agreed, and it wasn’t in a meeting, or you just didn’t care enough and said ‘oh yeah, we’ll make it 65 cents,’” Lemmond said.
She made similar remarks to commissioners on Sept. 3 on the budget approval and tax rate increase. “It had to have been discussed somewhere, sometime for it to have passed that quickly,” she said.
“I understand the need for more money, we all need more money,” Lemmond said. “But that was a really big tax hike and I don’t’ think the county thought through what it was going to do to a lot of these people…it shouldn’t have been that big of an increase.”
Concerned Citizens for Vance County meets at the local headquarters of the Republican Party, located at 605 S. Garnett St. every third Thursday of the month. The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 21 at 7 p.m.
The group’s email address is concernedforvance@gmail.com and a Facebook page is being worked on as of this date.
Click Play