Benny Finch, chairman of the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission, was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the commission’s current “number one priority,” the designation of Downtown Henderson and the City of Henderson as both a North Carolina and a National Main Street Program.
A part of the Main Street Program from the mid-1980s until approximately 2010, Finch said that a lapse in the process cost the downtown area the distinction. “Once there is a lapse, you have to complete the preparatory work, applications and requirements all over again.”
According to Finch, the benefits provided to a Main Street community are well worth the time that the commission is currently putting into completing the re-certification process.
One of the more time-consuming projects, according to Finch, is Main Street’s requirement of a detailed inventory, including photos, of each building in downtown Henderson. Finch said the commission is currently working on the best way to successfully complete that requirement.
“It is a three-year [overall] process and we are more than halfway there,” Finch said. “We expect to successfully complete all requirements by 2020. This will get us back into the Main Street Program which provides design expertise, grant expertise and networking opportunities.”
To facilitate the process, Finch said the director of the State Main Street Program was invited to Henderson to provide a status report on the commission’s progress. “We are a little behind, but we are going to catch up and get it done,” said Finch.
Beyond simple bragging rights, the grants and opportunities provided by the Main Street designation help with the business growth and vitality of an area. “When you are interested in relocating to a new city, you often check out the downtown area to get an idea of the health of the community,” said Finch.
The success of McGregor Hall and the promise of the still-in-the-works Breckenridge Pavilion all add to the vitality of the downtown area and will ultimately help attract businesses, according to Finch.
“Once we become designated as a Main Street Program, we can increase our focus on business growth. Phase one is to be a Main Street City to get state and federal advantages and then grow from there.”
One on-going source of contention and an area that will have to be addressed before Main Street status is granted, is the requirement of a full-time director’s position. For the past several years, the director’s position has been funded on a part-time basis only.
“Our direction right now is looking at a full-time director funded by the City,” Finch said. The director’s salary has previously been paid by a combination of City and County funds.
“I have surveyed over 60 Main Streets across NC – a third are private, non-profits, a third are funded by the city and a third are a combination of funding,” said Finch. “There is no specific funding requirement other than the position be full-time when the process is complete.”
Finch said progress is being made in better establishing the director’s position and the downtown development office. “At one time, the director was housed inside the Chamber of Commerce building. It now has an office of its own in the fire station building. That gives us a presence and a home-base to work from.”
Getting all of the requirements completed for Main Street accreditation, including the change in director status, is at the forefront of Finch’s mind. “I want to be out front with the Main Street committee when we take the picture at the fire station. I want Henderson to be recognized in the region and across the state as a great Main Street City.”
To hear the interview with Benny Finch in its entirety, please click here.
Benny Finch: Main Street Status Downtown Committee’s ‘Number One Priority’
/by Kelly BondurantBenny Finch, chairman of the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission, was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the commission’s current “number one priority,” the designation of Downtown Henderson and the City of Henderson as both a North Carolina and a National Main Street Program.
A part of the Main Street Program from the mid-1980s until approximately 2010, Finch said that a lapse in the process cost the downtown area the distinction. “Once there is a lapse, you have to complete the preparatory work, applications and requirements all over again.”
According to Finch, the benefits provided to a Main Street community are well worth the time that the commission is currently putting into completing the re-certification process.
One of the more time-consuming projects, according to Finch, is Main Street’s requirement of a detailed inventory, including photos, of each building in downtown Henderson. Finch said the commission is currently working on the best way to successfully complete that requirement.
“It is a three-year [overall] process and we are more than halfway there,” Finch said. “We expect to successfully complete all requirements by 2020. This will get us back into the Main Street Program which provides design expertise, grant expertise and networking opportunities.”
To facilitate the process, Finch said the director of the State Main Street Program was invited to Henderson to provide a status report on the commission’s progress. “We are a little behind, but we are going to catch up and get it done,” said Finch.
Beyond simple bragging rights, the grants and opportunities provided by the Main Street designation help with the business growth and vitality of an area. “When you are interested in relocating to a new city, you often check out the downtown area to get an idea of the health of the community,” said Finch.
The success of McGregor Hall and the promise of the still-in-the-works Breckenridge Pavilion all add to the vitality of the downtown area and will ultimately help attract businesses, according to Finch.
“Once we become designated as a Main Street Program, we can increase our focus on business growth. Phase one is to be a Main Street City to get state and federal advantages and then grow from there.”
One on-going source of contention and an area that will have to be addressed before Main Street status is granted, is the requirement of a full-time director’s position. For the past several years, the director’s position has been funded on a part-time basis only.
“Our direction right now is looking at a full-time director funded by the City,” Finch said. The director’s salary has previously been paid by a combination of City and County funds.
“I have surveyed over 60 Main Streets across NC – a third are private, non-profits, a third are funded by the city and a third are a combination of funding,” said Finch. “There is no specific funding requirement other than the position be full-time when the process is complete.”
Finch said progress is being made in better establishing the director’s position and the downtown development office. “At one time, the director was housed inside the Chamber of Commerce building. It now has an office of its own in the fire station building. That gives us a presence and a home-base to work from.”
Getting all of the requirements completed for Main Street accreditation, including the change in director status, is at the forefront of Finch’s mind. “I want to be out front with the Main Street committee when we take the picture at the fire station. I want Henderson to be recognized in the region and across the state as a great Main Street City.”
To hear the interview with Benny Finch in its entirety, please click here.
‘Busy Year’ Ahead for Rebuilding Hope, Inc.
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy the Rebuilding Hope, Inc. February 2019 Newsletter
Rebuilding Hope, Inc. volunteers for 2018 numbered 646. That number and others make up a year-end report that also shows that the volunteers worked 20,638 hours, building 31 wheelchair ramps, replacing 13 roofs and completing 19 other projects. Among the other projects was hurricane disaster relief in Jones County.
“This is going to be a busy year, too,” said RHI coordinator Randolph Wilson.
While dates have been set for annual projects, Randolph says that RHI wants to build a portable shower trailer that can also be loaned to churches and ministry groups. Roof repair for offices and warehouses and building a shelter for RHI vehicles are other projects eyed for 2019.
RHI’s first annual project is the Spring Barbecue Chicken Fundraiser on April 26, 2019.
Registration is already underway for the June 22-29 SOS (Servants on Site), which brings together hundreds of youth each year for a week of hands-on ministry projects in our communities.
“In August we have our Kids’ Construction Camp,” Randolph says. “Once again we’ll teach basic construction skills.” The camp is set for August 5-7.
The Fall Barbecue Chicken Fundraiser is set for September 27.
The Men’s Ministry Weekend is slated for October 25-26.
“We welcome volunteers who have a heart for ministry to join us,” Randolph says.
For more on the annual events, call the RHI office at (252) 438-5132 or go to www.rebuildinghopeinc.org.
Areas Where You Can Serve at RHI:
AC/Heating ~ Accounting ~ Office ~ Carpentry/Framing & Finishing ~ Carpet/Vinyl Installation ~ Cleaning ~ Computer ~ Cooking ~ Doors ~ Drafting ~ Drywall ~ Electrical ~ Evangelism ~ Internet ~ Organization ~ Painting ~ Plumbing ~ Ramps ~ Reception ~ Roofing ~ Siding ~ Secretarial ~ Telephone ~ Windows ~ Welding/Sheet Metal ~ Writing
Groundbreaking Ceremony Planned for Granville’s Law Enforcement Center/Animal Shelter
/by WIZS Staff-Information and photos courtesy Granville County Government
Please SAVE THE DATE for Tuesday, March 12, 2019, for a “groundbreaking” ceremony for Granville County’s new Law Enforcement Center/Animal Shelter.
The ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. at the construction site, 525 New Commerce Drive in Oxford. The public is invited to attend.
History of Law Enforcement Center/Animal Shelter:
Granville County closed on 35 acres at 525 New Commerce Drive, Oxford in August of 2017. Situated just off of I-85, the location is easily accessible from Butner, Creedmoor and Oxford and is a short drive from the Granville County Courthouse.
For economies of scale, the Board also approved the addition of an animal shelter the following month, to be constructed on the same site.
Rendering of Granville County Law Enforcement Center – designs by Moseley Architects.
The new Law Enforcement Center will include the Sheriff’s Office, the 911 Call Center and the 176-bed Detention Center.
The new Animal Shelter will include additional kennel space and administrative offices for Animal Shelter staff and Animal Control – all under one roof – as well as a spacious outdoor exercise area for the animals housed there.
The building which will house the Law Enforcement Center totals 88,231 square feet. Almost 50,000 square feet will be dedicated to the detention center/sally port. A Sheriff’s office and 911 call center will adjoin this portion of the building and totals 24,790 square feet. A separate pre-engineered Sheriff’s vehicle storage and warehouse facility of approximately 6,000 square feet will also be provided on site. (The building now used for the Sheriff’s Office/911 Call Center is approximately 4,900 square feet, with the current Detention Center at less than 5,000 square feet.)
Rendering of Granville County Animal Shelter – designs by Moseley Architects.
Due to space limitations, many of the intakes taken to the current detention center are often sent to other counties each month. The new detention center will initially include 176 beds for both men and women, with an ultimate capacity of 250 beds if additional housing units are added to meet future needs.
The Animal Shelter facility will be approximately 8,500 square feet, more than doubling its current 3,800 square footage. In its new facility, the Animal Shelter will be able to provide kennel space for 40 to 60 dogs and 40 to 60 cats, an increase in the number that is presently housed.
In addition, the new shelter will have more outdoor room for any “roaming” livestock that is picked up from Animal Control until the animal’s owners are located. The goal is to increase adoptions and to decrease the number of animals euthanized due to space restrictions.
Construction is expected to be completed by June 2020 with the Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center to transition into their new respective buildings in the months following.
Wilton Express Library Back in Service; One of Three Express Locations in Granville
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy the County of Granville
The Granville County Library System announces that the Wilton Express Library is now back in service after being temporarily out of operation.
There are three Express Library locations – in Wilton, Oak Hill and Stovall – which consist of lockers, a computer kiosk with access to the library catalog and a book return. Materials can be placed on hold from home or from the Express Library site and delivered to a locker at the site by choosing this option when placing your “hold” request. Transit deliveries are made on Monday and Thursday evenings.
The Wilton “Express Library Center” is located at 2547 Hwy. 96 South, on the same property as the Wilton EMS Station, next door to Wilton Elementary School.
For more details, contact the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford, the main branch of the Granville County Library System, at 919-693-1121 or visit https://granville.lib.nc.us.
The Granville County Library System announces that the Wilton Express Library is now back in service after being temporarily out of operation. The express library is located at 2547 Hwy. 96 South, on the same property as the Wilton EMS Station, right next door to Wilton Elementary School. (Photo Credit: County of Granville)
Cooperative Extension with Paul McKenzie 01/30/19
/by CharleneHome and Garden 01/29/19
/by CharleneNews 01/30/19
/by LarryTown Talk 01/30/19
/by LarryJonas Wheeling III, 19, Arrested on Multiple Drug Charges
/by WIZS Staff-Information and photos courtesy the Henderson Police Department
On January 29, 2019, members of the Henderson Police Department Special Operations Division along with the Special Response Team executed a search warrant at the residence of 452 Ford St. in Henderson, NC.
Upon SRT entering the home, the suspect fled from the backdoor which led to a brief foot pursuit. He was apprehended without incident. The suspect was in possession of narcotics and a firearm during this encounter.
During the execution of the search warrant over 8 grams of cocaine, 105 grams of marijuana, $335 in US Currency, miscellaneous paraphernalia/manufacturing supplies, electronic video surveillance equipment and one firearm along with several rounds of ammunition were located and seized.
Jonas Wheeling III, 19, of 452 Ford St. Henderson, NC was arrested and charged. He was charged with PWIMSD Cocaine, PWIMSD Marijuana, Manufacturing Schedule II, Manufacturing Schedule VI, Felony Possession of Marijuana, Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia not Schedule VI, and Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia.
Wheeling’s bond was set in the amount of $70,000 secured. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 5, 2019.
On January 29, 2019, members of the Henderson Police Department Special Operations Division along with the Special Response Team executed a search warrant at the residence of 452 Ford St. in Henderson, NC. Jonas Wheeling III, 19, was arrested and charged with PWIMSD Cocaine, PWIMSD Marijuana, Manufacturing Schedule II, Manufacturing Schedule VI, Felony Possession of Marijuana, Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia not Schedule VI, and Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia. (Photo Credit: Henderson Police Dept.)
During the execution of the search warrant of 452 Ford St. in Henderson over 8 grams of cocaine, 105 grams of marijuana, $335 in US Currency, miscellaneous paraphernalia/manufacturing supplies, electronic video surveillance equipment and one firearm along with several rounds of ammunition were located and seized. (Photo Credit: Henderson Police Dept.)
MADD, Crime Stoppers Aim to Get Drunk Drivers/Criminals Off the Streets
/by Kelly BondurantJames Baines, secretary of the local chapter of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and president of the Vance County Crime Stoppers, was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss his involvement with both organizations.
MADD
In explaining the mission of MADD, Baines said the simple answer is that it is a volunteer group of people who care about the community and want to help get drunk drivers off the roads. “We need the community’s support; we can’t do this alone,” explained Baines.
Volunteers are needed in the following areas:
According to Baines, court monitors receive training on how to record the proceedings and outcomes of local DWI trials, while volunteers at sobriety checkpoints assist by providing law enforcement with meals and refreshments.
While he did not have exact figures, Baines said sobriety checkpoints typically result in 3 – 4 charges of DWI, no operator’s license, no auto insurance coverage and underage drinking.
To help combat the problem of underage drinking and driving, MADD has started a “Power of You(th)” program aimed at educating high school students.
Baines has seen his fair share of young lives ruined by drunk driving in his over 30-year career with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office. “The kids need to know that they could kill or injure someone if they drink and drive. You don’t want to ruin your life. We want them to know if they do drink, they need to find someone else to drive.”
The local chapter of MADD meets once a quarter – on the fourth Tuesday of the given month – at 6 p.m. in the County Commissioners’ Room inside the “old courthouse” on Young St. in Henderson. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 23, 2019.
If you are interested in joining or volunteering, please call Lorraine Watkins, president of the local MADD chapter, at (252) 492-8407.
Vance County Crime Stoppers
Switching hats, Baines, the recently named president of the Vance County Crime Stoppers, discussed the organization’s mission and fundraising opportunities.
Baines said his love for his community and for its leaders and citizens prompted him to join the organization five years ago. “I wanted to make a better community for our kids and grandkids. I’m going to do my best [as president] to make Henderson and Vance County a safer place to live and work.”
Crime Stoppers works much the same way that it has for its now 25-year history – those that witness a crime can call the hotline at (252) 492-1925 to report an anonymous tip. If that tip leads to an arrest or a conviction, the caller can be paid up to $2,000. Tips can also be reported by text via the P3 app.
Various Crime Stopper fundraisers, including the annual Kerr Lake golf tournament and annual recognition and award banquet, provide money for paying out eligible hotline tips.
“We want the community to be our eyes and ears. Our law enforcement officers get up every morning and don’t know if they are going to make it home to their families. If you see anything, say it! Don’t be afraid to call and leave a tip.”
Vance County Crime Stoppers is always looking for new members and is currently accepting applications for volunteers to serve on the Advisory Board. With questions or more information on joining Crime Stoppers, please call James Baines at (252) 430-9218.
To hear the interview with James Baines in its entirety, please click here.