The concept for situating a mobility hub in downtown Henderson is taking shape, and the public has a chance to share opinions and ideas about what the actual facility should – and could – look like.
Grady McCollum is one of many at the N.C. Dept. of Transportation who is helping to move the plan from the vision board stage to the brick-and-mortar stage. McCollum, senior project coordinator of NCDOT’s Integrated Mobility Division, said having a mobility hub in Henderson can be transformational for transportation options and beyond.
The information sessions will be held Tuesday, May 13 and Wednesday, May 14 in Henderson. The May 13 session will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Farm Bureau Room at Perry Memorial Library; the May 14 session will take place from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the site of the proposed mobility hub – the former First National Bank Building on South Garnett Street.
Although plans for the S-Line rail corridor may be on pause as a result of efforts at the federal level to reduce wasteful spending and make government more efficient, McCollum said on Wednesday’s TownTalk that he and his team at the state level will keep working toward completion of mobility hubs along the S-Line Corridor until they’re told there’s definitely a major change happening.
“We’re planning on the money coming, and we’re anticipating the money coming,” he said.
Until they hear otherwise, it’s “full steam ahead – pardon the pun,” McCollum said.
Having a mobility hub in place will make sure Henderson is “ready” for rail service, he said. The former bank building is centrally located, right in the heart of downtown Henderson, and the concept is to have it be a central location for all types of transportation used by residents, as well as those coming to visit or using Henderson as a stop to a future destination.
It’s a place to meet and gather, too, he said – “a catalytic spark to future development.”
A mobility hub would offer amenities like restrooms and bike racks but also give people a place to connect that is new, exciting, convenient and inviting.
What better place than a former bank building to purchase a train ticket, reserve a KARTS micro-transit ride or just stop in to meet up with like-minded friends?
“Being in the center of downtown is what makes it a good site,” McCollum said. “It brings in excitement to downtown,” and the plan to revitalize the area across the railroad tracks along William Street helps to broaden the scope of the total project.
The bank building, although in need of some major renovation, is unique among the half dozen or more spots along the S-Line corridor that the NCDOT is working with.
McCollum called it an anchor of the city, and he is excited “to build that up and make it as impressive and cool” as it can be.
“It gets your mind racing with all it could be,” he continued, adding that having an actual bank vault as a backdrop to a ticket counter? “It’s a unique and interesting space I think that brings a lot of character with it.”
Other communities along S Line don’t have the luxury of lots of community gathering places, and McCollum said this mobility hub could serve as a way to bring the community together for events in addition to helping to move people around in the easiest, most convenient way possible.
Click Play!
Cooperative Extension with Jamon Glover: Supporting Father Involvement Program
/by WIZS StaffOn the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report from Jamon Glover:
We learn about the Supporting Father Involvement Program at Cooperative Extension
Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.
Click Play!
Upcoming Improvements for Franklin County Roads
/by WIZS StaffThe N.C. Department of Transportation has awarded a $2.3 million contract to Sunrock Industries LLC to improve more than 16 miles of roadway in Franklin County.
The project will include milling, resurfacing and shoulder reconstruction.
The roads to be improved are:
Work may begin this spring and is expected to be completed by late fall 2026.
— press release information courtesy of NCDOT
Home and Garden Show
/by WIZS StaffOn the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.
The Vance County Cooperative Extension is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536
The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536
Click Play!
Celebrate Local Artists May 8 At Oxford City Hall Art Exhibition Opening
/by WIZS StaffCheck out a variety of works by local artists during a celebration of arts Thursday evening at the Oxford Art Exhibition Opening Night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Presented by the City of Oxford and Granville Arts, the event features an Art Talk, gallery tour and live performances, according to information from Oxford’s city communications specialist Sabrina Richards.
The exhibition is located on the second floor of Oxford City Hall, 300 Williamsboro St. and will be up for viewing through July.
Visit https://oxfordncarts.org/ to learn more about Oxford Arts.
‘Stomp The Stigma’ Events At Maria Parham Franklin On May 31 To Promote Mental Health Awareness
/by WIZS Staff— information courtesy of Donna Young, Maria Parham Health Public Information Officer
Step out and step up to support National Mental Health Awareness Month at ‘sMaria Parham Franklin’s “Stomp the Stigma” 5K run and walk on Saturday, May 31 in Louisburg.
Check-in begins at 8 a.m. at the Maria Parham Franklin campus, 100 Hospital Dr. in Louisburg. There are three events for participants: the 5K run/walk begins at 9 a.m.; the 1-mile family fun run/walk begins at 9:30 a.m. and the Kids’ Dash is at 10 a.m.
Maria Parham Franklin and the MPF Behavioral Health team are coming together to raise awareness around mental health, reduce stigma and foster support for the needs of the local community.
Join others from across the community for a day of events designed to “Stomp the Stigma” surrounding mental health and encourage individuals to seek help when needed.
5K Run/Walk – Starting at 9:00 a.m., this race will begin and end at Maria Parham Franklin and wind through downtown Louisburg. The 5K is open to all participants, regardless of skill level, and encourages people to move at their own pace in support of mental health awareness.
1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk – Kicking off at 9:30 a.m., this event is perfect for families and participants of all ages. It will be a relaxed and enjoyable run/walk, emphasizing fun and inclusivity while supporting the cause.
Kids’ Dash – Beginning at 10:00 a.m., this race is designed just for the kids and will take place entirely on the hospital grounds. It’s a short, fun, and active event that allows children to get involved in raising awareness about mental health.
Event Details:
T-shirts and Swag Bags: Every registered participant will receive an event t-shirt and a swag bag filled with surprises. Be sure to register at least two weeks prior to the event to be guaranteed a t-shirt and swag bag.
Awards & Prizes: Medals will be awarded to the top 3 male and top 3 female finishers of the 5K, and medals will also be presented to the first 100 participants who finish the race.
Registration: Participants can sign up for any of the events https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Louisburg/StompTheStigmaK
“We are excited to host these events as part of our ongoing commitment to raising awareness about mental health and encouraging people to prioritize their well-being,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Stigma around mental health can prevent people from seeking the help they need, and our goal is to help change that through these fun and meaningful events.”
The Stomp the Stigma event aims to bring the community together in a positive and supportive way while making it clear that seeking help for mental health is not only acceptable, but encouraged.
Maria Parham Franklin encourages everyone to get involved, whether by participating in one of the events, volunteering, or simply showing support for this important cause. Together, we can work to end the stigma surrounding mental health and help normalize seeking the help and support that everyone deserves.
TownTalk: Mobility Hub Info Sessions In Henderson May 13, 14
/by Laura GabelThe concept for situating a mobility hub in downtown Henderson is taking shape, and the public has a chance to share opinions and ideas about what the actual facility should – and could – look like.
Grady McCollum is one of many at the N.C. Dept. of Transportation who is helping to move the plan from the vision board stage to the brick-and-mortar stage. McCollum, senior project coordinator of NCDOT’s Integrated Mobility Division, said having a mobility hub in Henderson can be transformational for transportation options and beyond.
The information sessions will be held Tuesday, May 13 and Wednesday, May 14 in Henderson. The May 13 session will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Farm Bureau Room at Perry Memorial Library; the May 14 session will take place from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the site of the proposed mobility hub – the former First National Bank Building on South Garnett Street.
Although plans for the S-Line rail corridor may be on pause as a result of efforts at the federal level to reduce wasteful spending and make government more efficient, McCollum said on Wednesday’s TownTalk that he and his team at the state level will keep working toward completion of mobility hubs along the S-Line Corridor until they’re told there’s definitely a major change happening.
“We’re planning on the money coming, and we’re anticipating the money coming,” he said.
Until they hear otherwise, it’s “full steam ahead – pardon the pun,” McCollum said.
Having a mobility hub in place will make sure Henderson is “ready” for rail service, he said. The former bank building is centrally located, right in the heart of downtown Henderson, and the concept is to have it be a central location for all types of transportation used by residents, as well as those coming to visit or using Henderson as a stop to a future destination.
It’s a place to meet and gather, too, he said – “a catalytic spark to future development.”
A mobility hub would offer amenities like restrooms and bike racks but also give people a place to connect that is new, exciting, convenient and inviting.
What better place than a former bank building to purchase a train ticket, reserve a KARTS micro-transit ride or just stop in to meet up with like-minded friends?
“Being in the center of downtown is what makes it a good site,” McCollum said. “It brings in excitement to downtown,” and the plan to revitalize the area across the railroad tracks along William Street helps to broaden the scope of the total project.
The bank building, although in need of some major renovation, is unique among the half dozen or more spots along the S-Line corridor that the NCDOT is working with.
McCollum called it an anchor of the city, and he is excited “to build that up and make it as impressive and cool” as it can be.
“It gets your mind racing with all it could be,” he continued, adding that having an actual bank vault as a backdrop to a ticket counter? “It’s a unique and interesting space I think that brings a lot of character with it.”
Other communities along S Line don’t have the luxury of lots of community gathering places, and McCollum said this mobility hub could serve as a way to bring the community together for events in addition to helping to move people around in the easiest, most convenient way possible.
Click Play!
WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 05-07-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
Click Play!
15th Annual Kiwanis Golf Tournament May 22 At Kerr Lake Country Club
/by WIZS StaffThe Kiwanis Club of Henderson, in partnership with local community sponsors, is hosting its 15th Annual Kiwanis Golf Tournament on Thursday, May 22, at Kerr Lake Country Club.
Register now to take part in this fundraiser to serve and support the children of Vance County.
The tournament will follow a Captain’s Choice (Superball) format, with four-person teams and a shotgun start at 12 noon. Check-in and lunch will be available between 11 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.
Registration is open to both full teams and individual players, according to information from Jesus Peralta, with entry fees set at $240 per team or $60 per individual. Fees include green fees, cart rental and lunch.
“Every dollar raised from this tournament goes right back into programs that benefit kids in our community,” said Danny Wilkerson, tournament coordinator and Kiwanis president. “It’s a fun and meaningful way for golfers of all levels to come together and make a difference.”
First-place team takes home a $400 prize and second-place team gets $300. There also are door prizes, a 50/50 raffle and hole-in-one prizes – including a new automobile.
Registrations are due by Monday, May 19. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged.
For entry forms or more information, contact Danny Wilkerson at (252) 430-4304 or Jesus Peralta at (202) 669-0350.
Duke Energy Accepting Applications For $25K Grant
/by WIZS Staff— information courtesy of Duke Energy
Duke Energy Foundation is accepting grant applications from eligible organizations for a $25,000 grant. Successful applications will describe the local environmental impact program and how the organization will use the funds.
Applications are being accepted until Monday, June 30, at 5 p.m.
Examples of potential proposals include:
Qualifications
To qualify for grant funding consideration, your organization must meet the following criteria:
Visit https://foundation.duke-energy.com/ for details.
SportsTalk: The Carolina Hurricanes 28-Year History
/by Scout HughesSportsTalk 12:30 p.m. M-Th
On this day, 28 years ago, the then Hartford Whalers announced that they were relocating to North Carolina to become the Carolina Hurricanes! Scout Hughes and Steve Lewis talk about how the move happened and how it has impacted our area in North Carolina. Right here on SportsTalk!
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference 2nd Round on ESPN Tuesday Night at 7pm.
Click Play!