Vance County residents who want to learn more about the revaluation process and just how it will affect their tax bill can attend an information session on May 20 at 4 p.m. The info session will take place in the county administration building, known commonly still as “the old courthouse.”
One tidbit of information that may have been helpful for a handful of residents who appeared before the board of equalization and review last week: Have proper documentation to support your case for a lower valuation.
Another important tidbit: The appeals process ends June 3. It’s almost mid-May, so property owners who want to contest their revaluations need to get busy.
The county’s board of commissioners doubles as the board of equalization and review, and although some residents provided anecdotal evidence and even photographs to support their remarks, commissioners time and again said they needed written documentation.
Each of the five cases that were heard also were continued, and commissioners offered suggestions to help the property owners understand what was needed.
“A common theme tonight is that some people just don’t understand what information they need to bring,” said Commission Chair Dan Brummitt. Brummitt also said more information needs to be shared with the public about several exemptions that are available for property owners.
“They all have evidence…but they didn’t bring it,” Brummitt said.
One woman spoke and said there was no way her home could be valued at $103,000 – she lives among at least two abandoned homes, squatters living in a former business nearby and a hoarder one street away. She had pictures but nothing in writing, so commissioners, although sympathetic, said she didn’t have proper documentation to support her appeal.
Upon learning that the boarded-up house next door had sold for $12,000, commissioners encouraged the homeowner to request that public information – available at the tax office – to then present to the E & R on appeal.
Another woman who lives near Kittrell said her property value went from $50,000 to $109,000.
“I live in a doublewide, an old doublewide,” she said. And although she no longer has the swimming pool, outbuilding or deck on her property, “my property tax went up,” she said.
Brummitt said each property listing has a tax card that includes comparable properties. They’re on the back of the tax card, he said.
This resident said $75,000 is a more realistic price for her property, but Brummitt asked what documentation she had to support that claim. Comps could be one way to document similar properties and their values.
The county’s website has posted a lot of pertinent information about the appeals process, and tax office staff is available to answer questions, said Commissioner Yolanda Feimster.
“They’re there to answer your questions,” Feimster said, adding that staff is willing to extend any assistance needed to residents.
Not everybody is computer savvy or computer literate, and Commissioner Leo Kelly said senior adults especially may need a little extra help. “The information is overwhelming,” he said. “It’s just too much information all at one time.”
County Manager C. Renee Perry told WIZS in an earlier interview that the county is working on a tight deadline. Perry said “the plan is for the Board of E&R to open on May 6 and close on June 3. The last day to appeal will be June 3.”
Visit www.vancecounty.org/departments/tax-overview to learn more. Call the tax office at 252.738.2040.
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TownTalk: Board of Equalization and Review Hears Appeals
/by Laura GabelVance County residents who want to learn more about the revaluation process and just how it will affect their tax bill can attend an information session on May 20 at 4 p.m. The info session will take place in the county administration building, known commonly still as “the old courthouse.”
One tidbit of information that may have been helpful for a handful of residents who appeared before the board of equalization and review last week: Have proper documentation to support your case for a lower valuation.
Another important tidbit: The appeals process ends June 3. It’s almost mid-May, so property owners who want to contest their revaluations need to get busy.
The county’s board of commissioners doubles as the board of equalization and review, and although some residents provided anecdotal evidence and even photographs to support their remarks, commissioners time and again said they needed written documentation.
Each of the five cases that were heard also were continued, and commissioners offered suggestions to help the property owners understand what was needed.
“A common theme tonight is that some people just don’t understand what information they need to bring,” said Commission Chair Dan Brummitt. Brummitt also said more information needs to be shared with the public about several exemptions that are available for property owners.
“They all have evidence…but they didn’t bring it,” Brummitt said.
One woman spoke and said there was no way her home could be valued at $103,000 – she lives among at least two abandoned homes, squatters living in a former business nearby and a hoarder one street away. She had pictures but nothing in writing, so commissioners, although sympathetic, said she didn’t have proper documentation to support her appeal.
Upon learning that the boarded-up house next door had sold for $12,000, commissioners encouraged the homeowner to request that public information – available at the tax office – to then present to the E & R on appeal.
Another woman who lives near Kittrell said her property value went from $50,000 to $109,000.
“I live in a doublewide, an old doublewide,” she said. And although she no longer has the swimming pool, outbuilding or deck on her property, “my property tax went up,” she said.
Brummitt said each property listing has a tax card that includes comparable properties. They’re on the back of the tax card, he said.
This resident said $75,000 is a more realistic price for her property, but Brummitt asked what documentation she had to support that claim. Comps could be one way to document similar properties and their values.
The county’s website has posted a lot of pertinent information about the appeals process, and tax office staff is available to answer questions, said Commissioner Yolanda Feimster.
“They’re there to answer your questions,” Feimster said, adding that staff is willing to extend any assistance needed to residents.
Not everybody is computer savvy or computer literate, and Commissioner Leo Kelly said senior adults especially may need a little extra help. “The information is overwhelming,” he said. “It’s just too much information all at one time.”
County Manager C. Renee Perry told WIZS in an earlier interview that the county is working on a tight deadline. Perry said “the plan is for the Board of E&R to open on May 6 and close on June 3. The last day to appeal will be June 3.”
Visit www.vancecounty.org/departments/tax-overview to learn more. Call the tax office at 252.738.2040.
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The Local Skinny: Granville Vance Public Health Receives Recognition
/by WIZS StaffThe Care Management High Risk Pregnancy Program at Granville Vance Public Health has received the “Friend of WIC” award by the NC Dept. of Health and Human Community Nutrition Service section for its commitment to providing quality services and advocating for its participants.
The award follows the nomination of GVPH Care Manager and social worker, Phylicia Evans, for the Institute for Family’s 2024 Family Champion Award, according to information from GVPH. Evans was recognized for her work as a social worker in North Carolina who goes the extra mile to support her community and to connect countless families in the community to essential services and resources.
The Friend of WIC award recognizes continued collaboration and outstanding support of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program. Selection is based on demonstration of commitment to improving WIC Program services and continual advocacy for program services and participants.
Kristy Walker, Pregnancy Care Management Supervisor, accepted the award on behalf of Granville Vance Public Health (GVPH). “The ongoing collaboration between the Care Management High Risk Pregnancy Program (CMHRP) Program and the WIC Program reflects a shared commitment to advocating for the well-being of participants,” Walker stated. “Through regular reporting, communication channels, and coordinated efforts, both programs work together to enhance service delivery and participant satisfaction.”
The CMHRP Program at GVPH has established several proactive initiatives to ensure that all patients have access to improved WIC Program services, including streamlining the enrollment process to increase WIC Program participation. GVPH staff also leverage Medicaid eligibility with WIC benefits to provide additional nutritional support and use technology to identify participants who may need additional assistance from care managers.
The CMHRP Program also promotes WIC Program services by facilitating direct communication during office visits or remote interactions to provide comprehensive support and guidance regarding WIC benefits. Program staff advocate for a holistic care approach that addresses participants’ nutritional needs alongside their high-risk pregnancy management.
Lauren Faulkner, GVPH WIC director, said she is “thrilled” that CMHRP Program has been recognized for the honor. “It’s a reminder of the impact we can make and motivates us to keep improving and evolving our services for the community.”
For more information on GVPH maternal health programs, please go to our website: www.gvph.org/clinic/maternal-health-clinic
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WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 05-13-24 Noon
/by WIZS StaffClick Play to Listen. On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: integrated pest management
/by Bill HarrisListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.
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Granville County Hazardous Household Material Collection Event Saturday, May 18
/by WIZS StaffGranville County residents can start collecting all those half-used jugs of household chemicals, paint and other materials that may be stored on garage shelves and storage sheds in preparation for the Saturday, May 18 household hazardous waste collection event.
Load up all those unwanted items and come out to the Granville County Convention and Expo Center, 4185 US Hwy. 15 in Oxford between 8 a.m. and 12 noon.
The event is open to Granville County residents only – no business or commercial waste will be accepted.
For more information and a list of accepted items and prohibited items visit granvillecounty.org or call 919.691.0928 or email jason.falls@granvillecounty.org.
Following is a list of acceptable items to drop off at the collection event:
Schools Provide Support To Students Facing First Weekend At Emergency Shelter
/by Laura GabelThe 70 or so children who have spent this week with their families and others at a local shelter face their first weekend away from the place they once called home.
The situation is certainly not ideal, but Vance County Schools Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett told WIZS News earlier Friday that district staff has put together some activities for the children to help get through the next couple of days when they’re not in school and things are far from “normal.”
“For the weekend, we are providing totes with art supplies, reading materials, board games and indoor/outdoor physical education items,” Bennett said.
On Monday, about 40 families moved to a shelter that was set up in the gym on the former campus of Eaton Johnson Middle School.
They had been extended-stay residents at a hotel located on Parham Road – some for longer than a year.
Earlier this week, Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott said she was encouraged to see the community support as churches, schools and city and county leaders have rallied to create a caring network for the families who had to move to the shelter.
Henderson City Manager Terrell Blackmon said the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is in charge of the shelter, with the cooperation of Vance County. The city’s role is limited and one of support to NCDHSS and other agencies in charge, Blackmon explained. “Our role at this point is to be an advocate for the families and to ensure that the motel remains closed for occupancy until the owners mitigate the violations at the property and bring it into compliance with the state building code.”
The city issued a zoning violation in addition to various fire code violations, Blackmon said, the majority of which are related to the state building code, which falls under the county inspections department.
The circumstances have been challenging, to be sure, but Bennett said that the district has worked to provide food, transportation and more to the children who attend Vance County Schools and their families.
“All of the VCS students who are staying in the shelter are still attending school- we have rerouted our buses to ensure they are picked up and delivered back to the shelter each day,” Bennett said in an email.
Members of the district’s Students Services team members are helping the shelter to get the children off to school in the morning and to greet them up on their return in the afternoon, she said.
The Student Behavioral Health Team is working with parents to identify new clothing that has been donated for the children, and breakfast and lunch are provided at no charge each day.
“Students who are displaced are identified as McKinney-Vento and additional resources are being added when needed. The district has also had a social worker, nurse and counselor at the shelter each day this week to support the families and help connect them with community resources,” Bennett explained.
“We are there to support in any way we can,” Blackmon said of the city’s response to the situation. But, he added, “the services currently most needed by these families at the shelter are provided by the state, county and local nonprofit agencies.”
One Man Arrested On Drug Charges; Cocaine, Heroin, Fentanyl And Guns Seized
/by WIZS Staff-information courtesy of Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow
On May 09, 2024 the Henderson Police Department and Vance County Sheriff’s Office served two narcotic search warrants at 561 McBorn St. and 394 South Lake Lodge Rd., Lot 3.
During the service of both warrants, approximately 192 grams of cocaine, 63 grams of heroin, 101 grams of Fentanyl, drug manufacturing equipment and two firearms were seized.
Keylan Douglas Johnson, 31, was arrested in relation to the investigation. Johnson was on pretrial release at the time of the arrest, Barrow said.
Johnson was charged with three counts of trafficking heroin, one count of trafficking cocaine, one count of possession with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver schedule II, one count of manufacturing schedule I, one count of manufacturing cocaine, one count of possession with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver heroin, one count of possession with intent to manufacture, sell, deliver cocaine, three counts of maintaining a dwelling place for a controlled substance, one count of possession of marijuana paraphernalia, one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, not marijuana, two counts of firearm by felon and one count of possession of a weapon of mass destruction.
Johnson received no bond and was remanded to the Vance County Detention Center until his next court date.
Granville County Veterans Services Hosting Breakfast on May 20
/by WIZS StaffGranville County Veterans Services will host a Veterans breakfast on Monday, May 20 at 8:00 a.m. at Family Diner (1213 Goshen Street D) in Oxford. This event is made possible by the Joel Fund, Brynn Marr Hospital, Holly Hill Hospital and Old Vineyard Behavioral Health Services.
Veterans will be able to enjoy a breakfast and fellowship free of charge in recognition of their service in any branch of the United States Armed Forces.
For more information, contact the Granvile County Veterans Services Office at 919-693-1484 or visit 141 Williamsboro Street in Oxford Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 111 Masonic Street in Creedmoor on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Additional information about the programs and services offered by the Granville County Veterans Services Office
are available on the Granville County website – www.granvillecounty.org/residents/veterans-services.
— Information courtesy of Granville County Veterans Services
A.R. Perry Inc. Named Chamber’s 2023 Small Business Of The Year
/by Laura GabelOver its more than 100 years, A.R. Perry, Inc. has provided vital services to the community and its residents. First established to repair Corbitt buggies and farm equipment, it went through a period that handled scrap metal and more before evolving into a glass repair and replacement service.
Of the many employees that have worked at Perry Glass (as many locals know it), owner Richard Davis said there have been 8 sets of brothers, 4 sets of sisters, 5 sets of fathers and sons, 3 sets of mothers and daughters, 3 sets of mothers and sons, and 2 sets of fathers, sons and daughters.
Gives new meaning to a family-operated business, doesn’t it?
But since Davis’s grandfather, A.R. Perry, first set up shop in Henderson, there have only been 2 married couples who have worked together. One of those couples is Richard and Mariana Davis.
They joined other Chamber of Commerce members and board representatives at a luncheon, during which A.R. Perry Inc. was named 2023 Small Business of the Year.
Chamber Board Chair Margier White introduced the winner, calling it a company that provides “top-notch glass products and installation,” as well as commercial oxygen for welding.
Perry and his brother-in-law were the only employees when they launched their business, but the company creates lasting personal relationships with its customers in the local area and beyond to keep the company vibrant.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Perry Glass installed countless plexiglass and glass protection barriers throughout the community – often free or at-cost. And it’s not unusual for Davis himself to answer “glass emergencies” nights and weekends.
The company volunteers throughout the community to provide their professional services to make repairs or to donate to local events. The Davises are very involved in various aspects of their church, The Church of the Holy Innocents and are instrumental in the upkeep and preservation of historic St. John’s Episcopal Church in Williamsboro.
In remarks at the awards ceremony, Davis said it’s an “extreme honor” to be recognized as the Small Business of the Year.
It hasn’t always been easy, he said. In fact, it has taken lots of work to stay viable. “There are some tough days – years – in a business like this,” he said.
“I’m here because all of you are here,” Davis said. He recalled the heyday in Henderson – when like textile mills and Rose’s Stores kept smaller companies like Perry Glass busy. “They fed us business – from all over the state and all over the Southeast…that’s what Henderson people did – they took care of their own,” he said of those big corporations that called Henderson home.
Today, you’ll find A.R. Perry in the Mobile community of Henderson. But when it was in the scrap metal business, there also was some property on Ruin Creek Road, Davis said.
In those days, there were no fences to keep people out – or inventory in, he said. “People would come in and get pieces of iron, pieces of cars,” and then bring them back to Davis’s Uncle Vernon.
He knew where the scrap had come from, Davis said. But, “he’d always buy it back from them.”
SportsTalk: Oxford Prep Looking For Playoff Success
/by Bill HarrisHigh school teams from all across our area are now in the state playoffs, and Oxford Prep is no exception. The school’s athletic director, John Hammett, was on SportsTalk Thursday to discuss how his school is doing. “Our baseball team is young,” he said. Despite the youthfulness of the squad, Oxford Prep came from behind in the seventh inning to secure an 8-7 win over Clover Garden earlier this week to afford them the opportunity to go on the road to take on Pinetops. “Pinetops is an athletic school that does well in all sports,” Hammett said.
Meanwhile, the softball team is also on the road but with a much shorter trip as they will play Vance Charter at Oxford Park Friday afternoon at 5 p.m. Oxford Prep is coming off a convincing 16-0 win in three innings this week at Northwest Halifax. The Vance Charter game is a huge rivalry. “Everybody knows everybody. Vance Charter plays hard and hits the ball well,” Hammett said. Expect a huge turnout in Oxford for that game Friday afternoon.