-Notes courtesy Claire Catherwood
Notes from the West End Community Watch meeting held on April 16, 2019:
West End Community Watch met on Tuesday, April 16. The speaker was Garry Daeke. Daeke discussed the City Council’s progress and plans since his joining the council 12 years ago.
In 2006, the City Council was very short on funds and the city was in danger of shutting down. Finances are now greatly improved. Taxes are not expected to be increased any time soon.
Many streets need resurfacing, and they are now being done. Resurfacing is very expensive.
City employee salaries had to be increased because Henderson has not been keeping up with the pay for city employees in neighboring cities. The city is still not on par with surrounding areas.
New equipment has been added; this is also very expensive.
About 80% of city employees’ time is spent on water, sewer, and street maintenance. The city has 100 miles of water and sewer line.
Asked about the THM pollutant in the city water supply, Daeke noted that Henderson was “just over the edge” in recent tests. The problems existed only at the “dead ends” of water lines that were all outside of city limits.
The City Council realizes that changes must be made in housing and is working towards redevelopment through private and public funding. Cost is the problem. Some of the plans are expected to be “very unique.” Attention is being placed on the entryways to the city; particularly Highway 39/Andrews Avenue. Lighting and signage will soon be added to some areas.
Downtown development is expected soon. An outdoor theater on Breckenridge Street, just outside the police station, has been contracted and will be the final stage of “Breckenridge Commons.” Also, a grant has been procured for a park to be developed at the site of the old Vance Hotel. An “open-air market” and a park, to include a “splash pool,” is planned for the site.
Beckford Drive is to be widened soon. Original plans included Beckford being wider when first built, however, due to inflation, the money saved was insufficient by the time the road was built.
Dabney Drive is being redesigned. There are currently two separate, projected plans. One widens Dabney Drive only as far as Parker Lane. The second widens it all the way to the Hardees location.
Additional businesses are coming to Dabney Drive. A coffee shop and a bank are soon to be added to the new Aldi’s. After that, additional shops are expected to open. These will add to the traffic in this already congested area.
Daeke said he is pro-sidewalks, but they are very expensive. With the city population decreasing, little progress has been made on building sidewalks.
The council is trying to get more kids involved with the Recreation Center. There are many activities available to Henderson children, but many parents are not aware of offerings. To name just a few opportunities, Henderson has PALS, The Boys’ and Girls’ Club, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the “Y”, the Henderson-Vance Recreation Department, Fox Pond Park, Aycock Recreation Center, Rollins Park, the Perry Memorial Library, etc.
From the floor, it was suggested that the police department and/or the City Council post a list on social media so that parents can see the many options open to their kids.
The City Council, realizing that the perception of the city needs to change, is soon to start a trash and litter program. Also, not enough people recycle. Daeke would like to see the existing garbage carts become recycle bins and smaller carts be used for garbage. Both of these goals require a change in the mentality of our citizens.
Complaints are often issued about the cost of the city’s water. Daeke noted that our water is actually much lower than areas around Henderson; however, it is expected that our rates will soon increase. Our sewer rates are, admittedly, already high.
The group asked about the development behind the hospital. Daeke noted that this is outside city limits and beyond the responsibility of the city council.
Vance Co. Schools: May 1 Declared Student Holiday, Optional Teacher Workday
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, Vance County Schools
After consultation with school system leadership and the Vance County Board of Education, Superintendent Anthony Jackson has recommended, and the Board of Education has approved, a change in our school calendar to accommodate the N.C. Association of Educators’ Rally for Public Education planned for Wednesday, May 1, 2019, in Raleigh.
The day will be changed to an optional teacher workday in all Vance County Schools and a holiday for students.
This decision has been made because of the large number of educators in our schools who have asked for the day off to participate in the public education rally. The missed day of instruction will not be made up for students.
School system employees who want to be out of work on May 1 must use annual leave time or, if they don’t have available leave time, must take the day off without pay or report to work.
West End Community Watch Hears From Daeke; Positive Changes Ahead for Henderson!
/by WIZS Staff-Notes courtesy Claire Catherwood
Notes from the West End Community Watch meeting held on April 16, 2019:
West End Community Watch met on Tuesday, April 16. The speaker was Garry Daeke. Daeke discussed the City Council’s progress and plans since his joining the council 12 years ago.
In 2006, the City Council was very short on funds and the city was in danger of shutting down. Finances are now greatly improved. Taxes are not expected to be increased any time soon.
Many streets need resurfacing, and they are now being done. Resurfacing is very expensive.
City employee salaries had to be increased because Henderson has not been keeping up with the pay for city employees in neighboring cities. The city is still not on par with surrounding areas.
New equipment has been added; this is also very expensive.
About 80% of city employees’ time is spent on water, sewer, and street maintenance. The city has 100 miles of water and sewer line.
Asked about the THM pollutant in the city water supply, Daeke noted that Henderson was “just over the edge” in recent tests. The problems existed only at the “dead ends” of water lines that were all outside of city limits.
The City Council realizes that changes must be made in housing and is working towards redevelopment through private and public funding. Cost is the problem. Some of the plans are expected to be “very unique.” Attention is being placed on the entryways to the city; particularly Highway 39/Andrews Avenue. Lighting and signage will soon be added to some areas.
Downtown development is expected soon. An outdoor theater on Breckenridge Street, just outside the police station, has been contracted and will be the final stage of “Breckenridge Commons.” Also, a grant has been procured for a park to be developed at the site of the old Vance Hotel. An “open-air market” and a park, to include a “splash pool,” is planned for the site.
Beckford Drive is to be widened soon. Original plans included Beckford being wider when first built, however, due to inflation, the money saved was insufficient by the time the road was built.
Dabney Drive is being redesigned. There are currently two separate, projected plans. One widens Dabney Drive only as far as Parker Lane. The second widens it all the way to the Hardees location.
Additional businesses are coming to Dabney Drive. A coffee shop and a bank are soon to be added to the new Aldi’s. After that, additional shops are expected to open. These will add to the traffic in this already congested area.
Daeke said he is pro-sidewalks, but they are very expensive. With the city population decreasing, little progress has been made on building sidewalks.
The council is trying to get more kids involved with the Recreation Center. There are many activities available to Henderson children, but many parents are not aware of offerings. To name just a few opportunities, Henderson has PALS, The Boys’ and Girls’ Club, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the “Y”, the Henderson-Vance Recreation Department, Fox Pond Park, Aycock Recreation Center, Rollins Park, the Perry Memorial Library, etc.
From the floor, it was suggested that the police department and/or the City Council post a list on social media so that parents can see the many options open to their kids.
The City Council, realizing that the perception of the city needs to change, is soon to start a trash and litter program. Also, not enough people recycle. Daeke would like to see the existing garbage carts become recycle bins and smaller carts be used for garbage. Both of these goals require a change in the mentality of our citizens.
Complaints are often issued about the cost of the city’s water. Daeke noted that our water is actually much lower than areas around Henderson; however, it is expected that our rates will soon increase. Our sewer rates are, admittedly, already high.
The group asked about the development behind the hospital. Daeke noted that this is outside city limits and beyond the responsibility of the city council.
Parham Road Bridge Closure Starts Monday
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Transportation
The Parham Road bridge over Interstate 85 in Henderson will be closed for three weeks starting Monday, April 29, 2019. The closure is needed so a contractor can safely put a concrete latex overlay in place on the bridge’s road surface, extending its life and making it a smoother ride for motorists.
Exit and on-ramps for I-85 at the location will remain open.
A signed detour will be in place. Travelers going east on Parham Road will be sent onto I-85 South to the next exit (N.C. 39), where they should turn left at the end of the ramp and then left again onto I-85 North to get back to Parham Road. Westbound drivers have a similar detour, instead going north on I-85 to the next exit (Satterwhite Road), where they can turn around onto I-85 South to return to Parham Road on the other side of the bridge.
Drivers should use caution as they approach the closure from either side and should anticipate needing more time to travel through the area because of the detour.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
Granville Co. Board of Education to Hold Financial Work Session – Thurs., April 25
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools
NOTICE TO PUBLIC AND PRESS
The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a Financial Work Session on Thursday, April 25, 2019, at 4:30 p.m. at the Granville County Public Schools Central Office, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina for the purpose of receiving a financial presentation and financial updates from staff on School System finances.
The next regular scheduled Board meeting is set for Monday, May 6, 2019, at 6 p.m.
Cooperative Extension with Paul McKenzie 04/24/19
/by LarryNews 04/24/19
/by LarryTown Talk 04/24/19
/by LarryNew Location for Tri-County Shrine Club’s Annual Fish Fry
/by Kelly BondurantThe Tri-County Shrine Club, formerly Henderson Shrine Club, will hold its 56th annual Shriners Fish Fry on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Changing the name to more accurately reflect the members’ residing counties, the Tri-County Shrine Club looks forward to the spring fish fry each year.
Treasurer Donald Seifert, who was interviewed on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program, said the name of the club is not the only difference this year – the location has also changed.
“Our former fish fry location on Raleigh Road was leased and is no longer available,” said Seifert. “The Shrine Club has been meeting at 210 Industry Drive behind Lowe’s Home Improvement in Henderson for some time now, so we decided to adapt that location to work for this year’s fish fry.”
The fish fry will be drive-through pickup only; no plates will be consumed on the premises. Deliveries will be available for 10 or more plates.
For $8 a ticket, supporters will receive a “generous portion” of fried fish, coleslaw, potato salad and hushpuppies.
As in prior years, proceeds benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children, a fact that Seifert says hasn’t changed throughout the fundraiser’s history.
“We certainly hope we can continue to support those hospitals because they do such great work for children. It’s a wonderful association.”
To purchase a ticket, please call Seifert at (252) 438-8355 or WIZS’ own John Charles Rose at (252) 432-0774. Rose has volunteered to help with deliveries on the day of the event.
To hear the Town Talk interview with Donald Seifert in its entirety, click here.
Education Veteran to Address VGCC Basic Skills Grads
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College
Vance-Granville Community College will hold commencement exercises dedicated exclusively to new graduates of Adult Basic Skills programs on Thursday, May 2, 2019.
The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County. Those being honored will include students who have completed either the Adult High School Diploma program or the High School Equivalency program in the past year.
Rev. Dannie T. Williams, a longtime leader in education, will deliver the principal commencement address at VGCC’s Adult Basic Skills graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 2, 2019. (Photo courtesy VGCC)
Rev. Dannie T. Williams, a longtime leader in education, will deliver the principal commencement address. Williams is a Franklin County native and a GED High School Equivalency graduate himself. He went on to graduate from Shaw University with a B.A. in Criminal Justice, along with a minor in Sociology and Public Administration, from Christian Bible College in Rocky Mount with a Master of Theology, and from North Carolina State University with both a Master’s in School Administration and an Ed.S. in School Supervision and Administration.
Most recently, he has completed all required coursework for his doctoral degree (Ed.D.) and is currently working on his dissertation.
Williams has had numerous experiences in the field of public education. He began his career as a teacher assistant/bus driver. After receiving his Lateral Entry teacher certification, he taught the subjects of Social Studies, Science, Mathematics and English, and served at times as a basketball coach and coordinator of character education. He has served as a member of the Board of Education in Franklin County.
In administration, he was an assistant principal, principal, executive director for human resources and auxiliary services and is currently the chief of human resources with the Franklin County Schools.
Rev. Roberta Egerton will speak on behalf of graduating students at VGCC’s Adult Basic Skills graduation. (Photo courtesy VGCC)
In addition, Williams is a Christian educator. He served as the Minister for Church Life and Education for the Southern Conference, United Church of Christ (UCC), and currently is the President of the Board of Directors of the Southern Conference, UCC. He has been the Senior Pastor and Teacher of the Melfield UCC in Haw River, N.C., for 23 years and has over 43 years of ministry experience.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating students during the ceremony will be Rev. Roberta Egerton of Louisburg. She completed her High School Equivalency earlier this year after attending classes on VGCC’s Franklin County Campus. She is also a Monmouth Bible Institute graduate and an ordained Baptist minister.
Egerton has enrolled in curriculum classes at VGCC with plans to obtain an Associate’s Degree in Nursing.
Let’s End School Bullying! ‘Stop Bullying for Jacob’ Forum – May 6
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy the Vance County Tourism Authority’s Facebook Page
BoHo’s Party Place & Restaurant, 214 Raleigh Rd in Henderson, will hold an anti-bullying forum titled “Stop Bullying for Jacob” on Monday, May 6, 2019, at 6 p.m.
Parents, teachers, government officials and the media are invited to attend this event to discuss ways to prevent bullying and save lives.
(This is not a paid advertisement)