Franklin-Vance-Warren Opportunity, Inc. occupies the red brick building with the low profile up on the hill at 180 S. Beckford Dr. Through its efforts over the course of the last 60 years, FVWOPP has woven itself into the fabric of the communities it serves.
From this location, FVWOPP interacts with the community through a variety of programs that benefit pre-school age children all the way up to senior adults. The building began as Jubilee Hospital, and once served as Henderson City Hall.
By the time Abdul Sm Rasheed joined about five years ago as FVW’s CEO and senior advisor to the board, he said the first thing they had to do was fix the roof.
Community leaders gathered on Aug. 5 to launch a $3 million Jubilee Center renovation and transformation of the property, which includes much more than fixing a leaky roof. And Rasheed said it’s one way to give the facility new life by embracing its history and the role it played locally, statewide and beyond.
“We’re hoping that as we give the Jubilee facility new life,” Rasheed explained, “it will give inspiration, particularly to our young people in our community, and have them see how the future can look.”
“This project really grows out of my love for my community,” he said. “I love my community…I’m a product of this community and not a victim of all the history that some of us may want to point to and embrace. I’d rather embrace the triumphs of our community, and I consider what we are trying to do today with the Jubilee Center is a triumph that we want to announce to the world.”
The artist renderings of the project reflect the idea of bringing new life to the building. It’s not a restoration project, but more of a reimagining. Rasheed said the project isn’t abandoning the history, “but we do want to advance the image, the look, hopefully the inspiration that this facility can bring to all citizens of our community and visitors to our community.”
Roy Brown, Jr. is FVWOPP’s media and communications coordinator, and he said the groundbreaking event “Celebrating Triumphs” is bringing FVWOPP into the 21st century. Longtime programs like Head Start and Section 8 housing are making room for new programs like YouthBuild as some of the services that FVW offers.
“We want to present the public something nice,” Brown said. In addition to the outward transformation, there are plans for the building’s interior to honor numerous African Americans who have had a lasting effect on their communities. “It’s inspirational to look at a building, and the history, and where we came from and where we’re going…to inspire change throughout the whole city.”
The bulk of the funding – $2.7 million came from a U.S. Dept. of Agriculture lending program for small, rural communities.
Another $150,000 came from the Cannon Foundation and the roof repairs a few years ago were made possible by a $150,000 loan from First National Bank.
Rasheed’s 40+ years in the area of community development have cemented for him the need for public/private partnerships in projects like this.
“Public/private is the only way to address our major issues in our communities and neighborhoods,” he said.
The Section 8 housing program is sort of like that public/private partnership. The program subsidizes rents for qualified individuals.
Rasheed said it’s a $3 million initiative that brings dollars into the community for residents “to realize stable, safe housing” and pays landlords directly. “That’s a direct investment into local real estate owners,” he said.
The YouthBuild program provides wraparound services for young people 16-24 years who want to get their GED or trade certificate to make themselves employable. Rasheed said the program has helped 65 or so young people so far.
The Early Head Start and Head Start programs may be familiar to many, providing a preschool education experience before kindergarten. There are close to 500 children in both programs, he added.
With a current annual budget of about $12 million, Rasheed said there are more than 100 employees on the FVW payroll. “It has been bringing capital into this community and investing that capital into people to improve themselves and contribute to the health of the community,” he said.
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SportsTalk: Minor League Baseball Update and a look at NFL Preseason
/by Scout HughesSportsTalk 12:30 p.m. M-Th
Scout Hughes and Doc Ayscue give an update on what happened in Minor League Baseball from teams in North Carolina. The guys also talk about some of the NFL Preseason games that occurred this past weekend.
Friday MiLB Scores:
Saturday MiLB Scores:
Sunday MiLB Scores:
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TownTalk: Franklin-Vance-Warren Launches $3M Jubilee Center Project
/by WIZS StaffFranklin-Vance-Warren Opportunity, Inc. occupies the red brick building with the low profile up on the hill at 180 S. Beckford Dr. Through its efforts over the course of the last 60 years, FVWOPP has woven itself into the fabric of the communities it serves.
From this location, FVWOPP interacts with the community through a variety of programs that benefit pre-school age children all the way up to senior adults. The building began as Jubilee Hospital, and once served as Henderson City Hall.
By the time Abdul Sm Rasheed joined about five years ago as FVW’s CEO and senior advisor to the board, he said the first thing they had to do was fix the roof.
Community leaders gathered on Aug. 5 to launch a $3 million Jubilee Center renovation and transformation of the property, which includes much more than fixing a leaky roof. And Rasheed said it’s one way to give the facility new life by embracing its history and the role it played locally, statewide and beyond.
“We’re hoping that as we give the Jubilee facility new life,” Rasheed explained, “it will give inspiration, particularly to our young people in our community, and have them see how the future can look.”
“This project really grows out of my love for my community,” he said. “I love my community…I’m a product of this community and not a victim of all the history that some of us may want to point to and embrace. I’d rather embrace the triumphs of our community, and I consider what we are trying to do today with the Jubilee Center is a triumph that we want to announce to the world.”
The artist renderings of the project reflect the idea of bringing new life to the building. It’s not a restoration project, but more of a reimagining. Rasheed said the project isn’t abandoning the history, “but we do want to advance the image, the look, hopefully the inspiration that this facility can bring to all citizens of our community and visitors to our community.”
Roy Brown, Jr. is FVWOPP’s media and communications coordinator, and he said the groundbreaking event “Celebrating Triumphs” is bringing FVWOPP into the 21st century. Longtime programs like Head Start and Section 8 housing are making room for new programs like YouthBuild as some of the services that FVW offers.
“We want to present the public something nice,” Brown said. In addition to the outward transformation, there are plans for the building’s interior to honor numerous African Americans who have had a lasting effect on their communities. “It’s inspirational to look at a building, and the history, and where we came from and where we’re going…to inspire change throughout the whole city.”
The bulk of the funding – $2.7 million came from a U.S. Dept. of Agriculture lending program for small, rural communities.
Another $150,000 came from the Cannon Foundation and the roof repairs a few years ago were made possible by a $150,000 loan from First National Bank.
Rasheed’s 40+ years in the area of community development have cemented for him the need for public/private partnerships in projects like this.
“Public/private is the only way to address our major issues in our communities and neighborhoods,” he said.
The Section 8 housing program is sort of like that public/private partnership. The program subsidizes rents for qualified individuals.
Rasheed said it’s a $3 million initiative that brings dollars into the community for residents “to realize stable, safe housing” and pays landlords directly. “That’s a direct investment into local real estate owners,” he said.
The YouthBuild program provides wraparound services for young people 16-24 years who want to get their GED or trade certificate to make themselves employable. Rasheed said the program has helped 65 or so young people so far.
The Early Head Start and Head Start programs may be familiar to many, providing a preschool education experience before kindergarten. There are close to 500 children in both programs, he added.
With a current annual budget of about $12 million, Rasheed said there are more than 100 employees on the FVW payroll. “It has been bringing capital into this community and investing that capital into people to improve themselves and contribute to the health of the community,” he said.
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WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 08-18-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
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Free Computer Classes Offered At Warren County Senior Center; Registration Required
/by WIZS StaffThe Warren County Senior Center is the location for Basic and Intermediate Computer Classes beginning on Sept. 16 for county residents who want to learn more about using computers.
The six-week course, taught by an instructor from Vance-Granville Community College, is designed for beginner and intermediate learners, according to information from Warren County.
The course provides a supportive and engaging environment for seniors to build confidence and enhance their computer skills. Whether you are brand new to using a computer or looking to expand your current knowledge, this class offers a great opportunity to learn at your own pace with expert guidance.
Classes will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Warren County Senior Center. The class is free, but registration is required. For additional information or registration, contact Senior Center Activity Director Aquayla Lynch at 252.257.3111.
Early registration is recommended – the space is limited to 7 participants.
The Local Skinny! Dequante Terry Sentenced To Life Without Parole In 2020 Murder
/by WIZS Staff– Information courtesy of the office of District Attorney Mike Waters
A Vance County man was sentenced to life in prison without parole plus 19 years for the October 2020 murder in Henderson.
During the week of the Aug. 4 session of Vance Criminal Superior trial court, Dequante Jabree Terry was found guilty of first-degree murder, along with a string of additional charges related to an attempted armed robbery on Oct. 13, 2020 at a house on David Street during which Williard Ray Dement, Jr. was shot and killed.
Terry also was found guilty of attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to information from the office of District Attorney Mike Waters, during the robbery, Terry fired several shots inside of the residence, striking Misty Boyd and Haley Boyd. An unknown assailant outside shot multiple times into the residence and struck Dement, causing his death. Terry was apprehended within a block of the murder scene, with Dement’s DNA on his pants and a 9mm handgun in his pocket. The 9mm weapon was determined by a firearms expert to have been fired inside of the David Street residence.
The Vance County Sheriff’s Office and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. The State of North Carolina was represented by Assistant District Attorneys Allison Capps and Theodore J. Marsh, Jr. Mr. Terry represented himself.
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Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Wildlife Habitats
/by WIZS StaffWayne Rowland, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:
Wildlife Habitat can be improved on your property when you consider the wildlife you want to attract.
Listen 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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Warren County Sept. 9 ‘Let’s Talk’ Session Focuses On Entrepreneurs, Small Business
/by WIZS StaffWarren County residents are invited to join county staff and leaders for a “Let’s Talk” Warren County – Small Business event on Tuesday, Sept. 9, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Buck Spring Park, 217 Nathaniel Macon Drive in Littleton.
This event will give local entrepreneurs, small business owners and those considering starting a business a chance to chat with county Economic Development staff about available resources, support programs and opportunities to help their business grow and thrive.
Light refreshments will be provided, and participants can stop in at any time during the two-hour event to ask questions, share ideas, or simply learn more about doing business in Warren County.
The “Let’s Talk” Warren County series is an initiative spearheaded by the chair of the Warren County board of commissioners, aimed at increasing civic engagement and giving residents a better understanding of local government practices and resources. Each event in the series has focused on a specific topic important to the community, from County Resources to Emergency Preparedness.
“This event will be a great opportunity for our business community and future business owners to have an open conversation with county staff, get connected to resources, and share their vision for Warren County’s economic future,” said Angelena Kearney-Dunlap, chair of the board of commissioners.
For more information, contact Warren County Economic Development at 252.257.3037 or email meganwilliams@warrencountync.gov.
State Health Plan Board Approves Premium Increases For 2026
/by WIZS Staff– information from the office of N.C. Treasurer Brad Briner
State Health Plan board of trustees approved Friday a plan that puts into effect higher 2026 health insurance premiums for many active employees on the State Health Plan.
This is the final step in the three-pronged effort to provide financial stability as the Plan faces a half billion-dollar deficit.
The approved premiums include increases for active members and, notably, a cost reduction for some employees who choose to cover children on their plan. To lessen the financial burden on the state’s lowest paid employees, the Plan will be introducing salary-based premiums in 2026.
Health Plan members include teachers, state employees and retirees. Active Plan members have seen little change in premiums or benefits for the last seven years, in part because the Plan used cash reserves to keep premiums flat while the Plan’s costs continued to rise, according to a press release issued Friday by the office of N.C. Treasurer Brad Briner, whose office oversees the health insurance program. Those cash reserves are now nearly depleted, and the current board of trustees was saddled with a $507 million deficit.
The General Assembly approved, and Gov. Josh Stein signed into law, an additional $100 million for 2026 to the Plan. Doctors and health care systems across the state have agreed to reduce their rates for Plan members – doing the same work for less money. The final step came from the Board of Trustees who approved 2026 benefit changes – which it voted on in May – followed by Friday’s vote on premium increases.
“Today’s vote was not easy, but these increases were necessary to keep the Plan solvent and to keep this benefit in place for those that serve and have served the state of North Carolina,” said Briner, who chairs the board. “The goal now is to move forward and focus on ways to improve benefits through transparency and better partnerships and programs to keep our members healthy.”
Plan members will receive more information regarding benefits and premium rates prior to the 2026 Open Enrollment period, which will take place Oct. 13-31, 2025.
The full board presentation, which includes all premium rates approved at today’s meeting is available on the Plan’s website.
WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 08-15-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
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SportsTalk: Vipers Prepare for Southern Nash Scrimmage
/by Scout HughesSportsTalk 12:30 p.m. M-Th
Vance County Head Football Coach Aaron Elliott joins SportsTalk to discuss the scrimmage that the Vipers will have on Thursday night when they travel to Bailey to take on Southern Nash. The guys also inquire about the offseason and how it has gone for Vance County.
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