TownTalk: Low-ABV Spirits in NC

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Visitors to the Outer Banks can experience the convenience and novelty of any one of five Brew Thru locations in the area, delighting in the fact that they can drive their Jeeps, SUVs and other vehicles literally through the store to pick up cold drinks from sodas to beer and more.

As Philip Foreman, the company president and owner, prepares to celebrate 50 years of Brew Thru next year, he said he’d like to be able to add some spirits-based ready-to-drink beverages to his coolers for folks to pick up instead of having to make a special trip to the ABC store.

It seems that many people are looking for seltzer-based beverages that contain spirits like vodka, not malt-based.

These beverages often have fewer calories and a lower alcohol content, but it’s the wrong kind of alcohol – spirits can only be sold in the state’s ABC stores.

“These canned cocktails are not hard liquor,” he explained, and he wants to be able to add them to the products that he can legally sell.

Foreman said he’s excited about the 50-year anniversary coming up, and he thinks it’s only fair that these ready-to-drink products find themselves on Brew Thru shelves along with their other choices, which range from beverages to t-shirts and other merchandise.

“Everybody comes through for the first time and then they’re hooked,” he said in a recent interview. “It’s a fun way to shop,” he said. “We work really hard to make sure our employees are super friendly – it’s an experience going to a Brew Thru versus going to a store.”

Foreman is advocating for passage of a bill which would allow these RTDs to be sold in retail locations and not just at ABC stores.

N.C. District 32 Rep. Bryan Cohn told WIZS that House Bill 921 would allow retailers who are licensed to sell beer and wine to carry canned cocktails that could contain up to 9.9 percent ABV, but that bill has not cleared the full House. The Senate’s version – Senate Bill 198 – does not include retail RTD access, Cohn said, but both bills remain active.

According to Cohn, State Sen. Tim Moffitt (R-Dist. 48) has said publicly that if the House bill clears, the Senate will take it up. “Until that happens, nothing changes,” Cohn said.

Moffit told NC Newsline (see link here) and reporter/writer Brandon Kingdollar of the publication in a Tuesday story (link here), “The Senate’s approach to alcohol legislation this biennium was more of a technical corrections type of bill where we were working directly with the ABC Commission on some of the hurdles that a lot of our ABC permittees have to deal with.” Sen. Moffitt told NC Newsline, “If the House can get their bill over to the Senate, then the Senate will consider it.”

Senate Bill 198 and House Bill 921 haven’t been passed yet and seem to be somewhat stuck. There’s some wording that has to be refined, Foreman said, but he’s hopeful that the omnibus bills will pass.

He said he’s not trying to take any business away from the ABC stores; rather, he contends that the drinks should be more accessible and convenient to purchase.

North Carolina is one of 17 states that emerged from the Prohibition era with controls over the sale of spirits. Of those 17 states, 12 already have revised their laws to allow for a low-beverage spirit-based RTD to be sold in retail outlets. And Foreman wants to add North Carolina to that list.

“That’s not fair,” Foreman said. “I just want to be treated fairly. It’s not only me upset about this.”

“It’s not getting rid of the ABC system,” Foreman said. “I’m just against controlled states competing with taxpaying retailers on a low alcohol beverage cocktail.”

Nothing in the bills change the way the alcohol is regulated – that part remains the same, he explained. But it would allow for wholesalers to deliver RTDs to restaurants and retail outlets along with the wine and beer they currently put on their trucks and which often have a higher ABV than the canned cocktails.

(This is not a paid ad. The text above and audio below explore social, business and legislative issues in NC. This is not a promotion of any kind or for alcohol consumption. “TownTalk” is a public affairs presentation of WIZS News.)

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TownTalk: Bee Jubilee Coming to Granville Expo Center June 27

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The 10th annual Bee Jubilee coming up in Granville County on Saturday, June 27 is the perfect chance to ask all those questions that you’ve been wondering about: Does that beekeeper suit really protect you from stings? Exactly what is a varroa mite? Where can I get some mead?

Christi Henthorn, one of the event planners and organizers, can probably help answer those questions – and more.

The daylong Bee Jubilee will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Granville County Convention & Expo Center in Oxford with plenty of fun, food, info and more.

“We’ve grown so much,” Henthorn told WIZS. “It’s really awesome to think back and see the way we’ve added things and changed things and grown.” Like previous events, the 2026 Bee Jubilee features honey, arts, crafts, bee products and supplies, demonstrations, a live raffle, food trucks and a raffle for free honey for a year.

Late June in the Piedmont is most likely going to be warm, and Henthorn said this year, planners decided to move the sound stage to the northern end of the Expo Center to take advantage of shade provided by a nearby tree line.

Henthorn said the Bee Jubilee simply wouldn’t be possible without help from local beekeepers, who volunteer to put on this labor of love – which includes a fair amount of sweat, too, because, well, it’s June in the Piedmont.

A group of beekeepers is going to set up an ‘Ask the Beekeeper’ workshop for curious participants, she said, and will be available to answer questions from the comfort of their rocking chairs.

Another local bee expert is going to be available to educate the public about how to manage swarms of bees that find their way into unlikely places like buildings and homes.

Last year, people came from as far as several hours away to see what the Bee Jubilee was all about. Thanks to a partnership with the Granville Tourism Department, organizers got a grant for advertising that really paid off – attendance swelled from 2,500 to more than 4,000.

Whether you’re a real bee enthusiast or you just like honey, the Bee Jubilee has something for you, Henthorn said.

Check out the Bee Jubilee at https://granvillecobeekeepers.wildapricot.org/BEE-JUBILEE or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/beejubilee/.

Join the Granville Beekeepers Association, which meets on the first Thursday of the month. Visit https://granvillecobeekeepers.wildapricot.org/ to learn more.

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(This story was originally published June 8, 2026.)

TownTalk: America 250 Events Calendar for Vance County

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Celebrating the country’s 250th birthday adds an extra layer of excitement to the annual July 4 festivities being planned in the area, and Henderson-Vance Economic Development Director Ferdinand Rouse is joining forces with other local community leaders to make sure the celebration is one for the books.

Stay informed about a variety of events and activities in the area by checking out a calendar of events at perrylibrary.org/americas-250/a250-community-calendar or vancecountyedc.com (then scroll to the bottom). Find out about what’s happening in the area through the summer.

Rouse said he’s grateful for community partners who are teaming up to make sure events like the July fireworks at Satterwhite Point, for example, go off without a hitch. The annual fireworks display takes place on Friday, July 3. Remember there’s a $10 a car fee to enter the state park area. Alcohol is not allowed. But there will be plenty of fun, food, music and more, Rouse said.

Planning activities as part of the America 250 celebration has truly been a partnership, Rouse explained.

“It’s always great to have people who have passion for the community…that know the history and can help spread that information out to the general public,” Rouse said.

This kind of collaboration also serves to bolster economic development, he said, adding that it’s a crucial part of the social fabric that shows community pride.

“It helps folks understand that if you come to Vance County, you’re coming in to a community that believes in being part of the history of America…it’s important,” Rouse said.

If you would like to learn more and hear about the America 250 Committee process and calendar, Click Play!

TownTalk: Edmonds Tennis and Education Foundation $1k Scholarships/Mentors

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On Saturday, June 13, the Edmonds Tennis and Education Foundation celebrated its scholarship recipients and honored its donors with an evening of outdoor dining.

Edmonds Tennis and Education Foundation (ETEF) goes beyond traditional youth programs by integrating tennis, education and nutrition to provide a more holistic approach to development here in rural North Carolina.

Not only is a scholarship recipient better off financially for their next step, by being in ETEF they have a permanent home base of mentors and are particularly paired up with a mentor for their first year after graduation.

Since forming as a non-profit in 2018, over 3,000 students have participated in ETEF tennis and education programs.

President Dr. Jerry Edmonds told WIZS, “This past Saturday, due to generous private donations, ETEF awarded academic scholarships of $1,000 each to six college bound area high school graduates.”

He said, “The biggest takeaway was the amazing accomplishments of the six students and their future aspirations to serve others through careers including Nursing, Law, STEM and Ministry.”

Keynote speaker Kelly Gaines, executive director of the NC Tennis Association (USTA North Carolina) delivered an inspiring speech, according to Edmonds, highlighting the importance of mentorship throughout one’s career. Kelly encouraged the students to begin forming their personal board of directors, consisting of experienced leaders who can help them navigate their careers.

This past Friday, June 12, the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce presented its most recent Member Spotlight to ETEF and President and Founders Dr. Jerry Edmonds and spouse Dorcel Edmonds. The Chamber said, “Through tennis, students learn discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and confidence—skills that extend far beyond the court. By pairing athletic opportunities with educational support and character-building experiences, the Foundation helps youth unlock their full potential, pursue their goals, and become leaders in their communities.”

Edmonds Tennis offers tennis clinics for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced training.

For youth tennis camps or to learn more, visit www.edmondstennis.org or call (833) 751-5400.

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Henderson-Oxford Airport Funding

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At the regular June meeting of The Henderson City Council, the local airport manager and board chair, Amanda Welsh and David Thomas respectively, presented economic impact information, answered questions and updated the council in advance of the final FY27 City Budget.

A loss of funding or lower funding would have its biggest impact on the airport’s ability to go after grants and larger funding sources because of required matching funds like percentage matches, according to Steve Welsh, who also spoke. He’s an instructor and father-in-law to Amanda Welsh.

As presently written, Henderson will provide just over $33,000 in the FY27 budget, and the airport receives appropriations from Oxford as well as Vance County and Granville County.

Thomas asked the council to consider the airport’s proposal and to continue to support it. His appearance follows a recent council budget work session discussion about savings to the budget by cutting funding to the Henderson-Oxford airport.

Amanda Welsh said, “Supporting the Henderson-Oxford Airport, supports this town of Henderson and those in it. End of story. Period.”

Thomas said, “One of the greatest values lies not in the planes based here today but in the business jobs, in the investments, it can attract over the next 5 to 10 to 20 years.”

He said in response to a question from Councilperson Kenia Gomez-Jimenez, “Henderson is the first name on the airport. And if the funding is not appropriated for the airport, then I lose my position as representative for the City of Henderson. By losing that, we lose the name of Henderson on the airport.”

Thomas said it could be viewed negatively by those looking to invest here, and “they look at that and say, well, ‘what happened to the name Henderson Oxford Airport? Henderson would not support the airport.’ So the industry, in my opinion, is going to look at it and say, ‘well, we don’t need to come to Henderson if they can’t support their own airport.’ … We’ve got one of the better airports around.”

Following a question from Mayor Pro Tem Tami Walker, Amanda Welsh said, “…if you just remember the return on investment, I know that it is tempting and necessary sometimes to look at budgets and say cut, cut, cut. You cutting could just be unfortunate for the City overall.”

Steve Welsh said a $1 million project really only costs the four contributors $100,000. He said, “So to the extent that you cut it back, the airport would obviously still exist, but the ability to go after some of those grants where it’s a 90-10 (percent split) or a 5-95 (percentage split) or an 80-20 or something like that, where somebody brings the 80 and we have to come up with a 20, we would not be able to make the updates as quick.”

(The story continues below this audio. Click Play for more information and the TownTalk broadcast.)

The Henderson City Council seemed to indicate it would like regular updates from the Henderson-Oxford Airport in addition to the airport’s annual report to the council and notification of any airport board meetings the council’s representative may attend.

Councilperson Sam Seifert said, “…it’s good for our community. It’s good for business. And it’s good for economic development. We may not see it right now, but it will pay dividends down the road. … What Henderson provides is really a nominal amount, but it demonstrates support of a resource here in town that you just can’t measure the impact it has now and what it could have in the future.”

Thomas said, “From 2022 to today’s date, we have done $12,326,000 worth of updates, repairs, and replacements in the airport.”

Also about the big money and upgrades, recall back to March when WIZS reported as follows:

The Henderson-Oxford Airport has gotten a $9.4 million infusion of local, state and federal funds to make some major upgrades and renovations to its facility, located just inside Granville County.
At its March 16 meeting, the Granville County Board of Commissioners OK’d $300,000 for a water infrastructure project that will bring municipal water to the airport.
Tack on $232,500 in state funds for a taxiway project and an earlier half a million dollars from the state for the water project and it all adds up to significant improvements to the airport, located 10 miles northwest of the City of Henderson and about five miles from Oxford.
Back in December 2025, the NCDOT Division of Aviation notified HNZ Chairman David Thomas, Henderson’s board appointee, that the airport had been approved for $8.8 million for the airport’s taxiway relocation project. Then in February, another $600,000 from the Golden LEAF Foundation came through for the water main extension project.
“We are very appreciative that the Division of Aviation has recognized HNZ’s contribution to the state aviation system and seen fit to partner with us on the funding the taxiway relocation,” Thomas stated. “The financial support from the federal, state, and Granville County government, as well as the Golden LEAF Foundation, will get a great deal of work done in improving our airport.”
Granville County Commissioner Rob Williford represents the district in which the airport is located. “We believe in the airport’s potential, and we believe in our county and in our region,” Williford said. “This investment in getting water to the airport isn’t just a water project; it’s an investment in the economic development of Granville County and the Kerr-Tar region.”
“Both of these projects are building blocks for us,” commented Jon Carver, the Authority’s vice-chair and the Granville County appointee to the Authority’s board. “This funding helps kick start a capital improvement program that includes a new FBO and a lot more hangar space for more diverse and larger aircraft.”
“The expansion potential at HNZ is exciting. We just needed this 12” line and now we have it. We’re ready to grow our business presence at HNZ,” said Carver.
Officially titled “the Aeronautics Authority of the City of Henderson, City of Oxford, County of Granville, and County of Vance”, the HNZ Authority was enabled by state legislation introduced in 1945. The Authority is a partnership between the City of Oxford, Granville County, the City of Henderson, and Vance County; each entity appoints a member to the HNZ authority board.
Construction began at the airport in 1966, and it became fully operational in 1971. By 1982, the original 3500′ runway had been extended to 5,002′ and lighting was added to the runway and taxiway. In 2014, the runway and taxiway were extended to 5501’x100′. In 2020, T-Hangar “A” was constructed.
HNZ handles more than 25,000 annual operations. HNZ and the woman- and family-owned fixed base operator offer aircraft hangar and tie-down rentals, fuel services, aircraft maintenance and safety support, corporate and business aviation operations, community engagement activities and youth aviation exposure. The private business, Empire Aviation Flight School, located at HNZ in 2009 and offers private pilot training (including ground school), discovery flights, and leisure flights.
For more information about HNZ, visit www.flyHNZ.com.

Trout Plate Fundraiser for “Night to Shine” June 22nd at 220 Seafood

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Who: Brick Power Team

What: Fish Plate Fundraiser

When: June 22nd from 4-7 p.m.

Where: 220 Seafood Restaurant, 1812 N. Garnett St., Henderson, NC

Why: To help the “Night to Shine” program associated with North Henderson Baptist Church for children with special needs.

Additional Details: Trout Plates are $11. Each plate includes trout, fries, slaw & hushpuppies. Pickup only. Tickets will be available or can be purchased at 220 Seafood the day of the event. Contact Harry Orr for more information at (252) 432-4196 or horr2553@yahoo.com.

Orr said he went to North Henderson Baptist and observed some of the work North Henderson does with special needs children. He said to be a church of any size “that would take the time to do this, it means a whole lot. And they just put it on my heart to help them out.”

Orr told WIZS about the children having a good time and feeling like part of the community and feeling like part of the world and enjoying things. “And that’s what it’s all about,” he said.

When he joined his church, Freedom Life Church, Orr said, “We established the weightlifting team.  We started to use that and using events for fundraisers, the money we raised, (to) go ahead (to) try to make a difference in people’s lives that need help.”

He said the Brick Power Team has a vision to help others.

Orr told WIZS this fundraiser also will be connected with what is raised during another event later, a bench press event in September for the “Night to Shine” for special needs children and others in the North Henderson Baptist Church program.

Please enjoy more of the interview with Orr by clicking play!

(This post was originally made on June 9, 2026.)

TownTalk: Henderson City Council Emergency Meeting Wednesday Regarding City Manager

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Editor’s Note: “The City of Henderson and The City Council and Staff” TownTalk broadcast was added June 11 just below. Click Play to listen. The written report of the City’s emergency meeting follows the audio and was posted June 10, 2026.

When the Henderson City Council met Wednesday to hold an emergency meeting, it took formal action regarding the city manager’s employment, and that action came in three parts based ultimately on three separate motions made by Mayor Pro Tem Tami Walker.

The employment contract for City Manager Paylor Spruill was terminated. Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department Director Kendrick Vann, who has been an assistant to the city manager, was made interim city manager until the city can find a permanent manager. The assistant to the city manager position that Vann had been occupying was eliminated.

With all eight members of the City Council present, the board took action to, as City Attorney Dan Hertzog put it, memorialize the action which stemmed from Monday night’s closed session.

In the matter of ending Spruill’s contract, the council voted 4 to 4, with the tie broken by Mayor Melissa Elliott to end the contract. Similarly, the council voted 4 to 4 to appoint Vann as the interim manager, with Mayor Elliott casting the tie breaking vote in favor of Vann holding the position. As to the matter of Vann’s previous position of assistant to the city manager, the vote was unanimous to eliminate the position.

Overall, the proceedings were necessarily formal to protect the release of any personnel information. It also became necessary for the council to go into a closed session for about 20 minutes.

The net result of the meeting is virtually the same as what members of the community have been talking about for several days.

Voting for Walker’s motion to end Spruill’s contract, which was seconded by Geraldine Champion, were Champion, Michael Venable, Catherine Gill and Walker. Voting against the motion to end Spruill’s contract were Sam Seifert, Kenia Gomez-Jimenez, Lamont Noel and Garry Daeke.

Voting for Walker’s motion to appoint Vann as interim manager until a permanent manager is selected, which was seconded by Venable, included Champion, Venable, Gill and Walker. Voting against the motion to appoint Vann as interim manager were Gomez-Jimenez, Noel, Seifert and Daeke.

To open the proceedings, Hertzog said, “So at the last meeting we had a closed session discussion, which I cannot reveal the closed session discussion, but pursuant to general statute … any final action on a personnel matter needs to be taken in open session.

“So we will need to vote consistent … with the board’s discussion on Monday night. That needs to be memorialized in a vote in open session. So that’s why we’re here today.”

The council went through the necessary steps to get its wording right and to hear and vote on the correct motions to accomplish the task at hand, which at one point included withdrawing a single, initial motion and breaking it into three parts so the result was clean and clear.

Click Play if you would like to hear more WIZS Radio coverage of the City Council and the budget from before the meeting.

TownTalk: Juneteenth Festival Coming to Downtown Henderson

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Who: Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks

What: Juneteenth Festival

When: Saturday, June 13, 2026

Where: Vance County Courthouse Square from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and the fireworks show at dusk at Fox Pond Park

Additional Details: The festival is the 6th annual event here. It includes music, food trucks, vendors, bingo, games for kids, a raffle and live performances downtown. And for the fireworks show at Fox Pond, there is a shuttle starting at 7 p.m.

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 – June 19, 1865 – when Union troops reached Galveston, TX and announced the news to the last enslaved people in the country.

The Civil War had ended, the Emancipation Proclamation issued and Union troops traveled widely throughout the Confederacy spreading the word that slavery was over and enslaved people were free.

But that news didn’t make it to Texas until June 19, 1865 – hence the name Juneteenth.

Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021.

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TownTalk: Pearls, Tea, & Wellness Coming to Henderson

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Who: S!STERS SPEAK LIFE

What: Pearls, Tea and Wellness

When: Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Where: Center For Innovation, 219 Charles Street, Entrance 3

Additional Details: Call 252-204-8435 or visit Sistersspeaklife on Facebook as this free community event requires pre-registration. You can also email sistersspeaklife@gmail.com.

Freddie Ann Harris, founder and CEO, told WIZS, “This free community gathering will provide encouragement, wellness information, fellowship, and awareness for survivors, caregivers, and supporters.”

Harris, a two-time cancer survivor, has hosted numerous events in this community to provide access to free mammograms.

Expect tea, brunch and fellowship along with wellness conversations, laughter is like medicine, info on understanding swelling after treatment, survivorship encouragement and “The Pearl Moment – Honoring You.”

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TownTalk: Henderson City Council Voted, Approved Motion NOT To Pass Budget

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Despite previously reaching a consensus to adopt the FY 26-27 budget, the Henderson City Council on Monday night heard, duly seconded and passed a motion NOT to pass the budget.

Mayor Melissa Elliott voted yes, to not pass the budget, in order to break a 4-4 tie otherwise.

The motion to not pass the budget was made by Geraldine Champion and seconded by Catherine Gill at the regular June 8 monthly meeting.

Champion said she could not approve the budget the way it looks.

Members who voted in favor of not passing the budget included Champion, Gill, Mayor Pro Tem Tami Walker, and Michael Venable.

Members who voted against the motion were Garry Daeke, Kenia Gomez-Jimenez, Lamont Noel and Sam Seifert.

The City Attorney reminded that a budget needed to be passed, and the City Manager suggested a special called meeting. The date and time of that special called meeting has not been announced, and it will require at least a 48-hour notice be made to the public.

Champion used an analogy to make the trimming of the budget akin to cutting down a tree, and she took issue with “starting at the bottom,” near the root. In Champion’s analogy the money to be cut, the big money, was at the top of the tree.

She said very rarely does a person start at the root with cutting because it’s going to fall and cause damage.

“That’s what I see that happened in this particular budget. You started at the bottom. You’re trying to cut a $22,000 a year job, but you didn’t go to the top of the tree. And at the very top of that tree is where the tremendous amount of money is.”

The big money Champion is talking about is cuts to staffing.

“It’s just my opinion that some of those departments don’t need all those people,” she said, citing, “That’s just my opinion. I don’t work there. I’m not the expert on that.”

The $22,000 a year job, referred to by Champion, is in her analogy down at the root, important, and that job is the position of Assistant to the Mayor.

Champion said of Finance Director Joey Fuqua, “Yes. You have been thorough with what you’ve done. You’ve said everything you need to say.”

Gomez-Jimenez said after Fuqua reviewed the timeline, including strategies to save throughout FY 26-27, it’s “not a feel-good budget but a culmination of paths to this point.” She spoke of an opportunity to improve the City’s organization and told Fuqua, “You have produced a good budget.”

On May 11, 2026 the FY 26-27, a balanced recommended budget was presented to the City Council followed by two budget work sessions on May 12 and May 14, a public hearing on May 21 and a final work session on May 28.

To hear more, including audio from the June 8 regular monthly meeting, please click play!