Since 1985, Area Congregations in Ministry has been helping Granville County residents who find themselves facing hardship – and its new executive director, Ann Riley, has seen firsthand faith, through action, in the few short weeks since she’s had the job.
ACIM’s mission has long been to relieve hunger, Riley said on Thursday’s TownTalk. These days, the phrase “food insecurity” is being used to describe how many people find themselves needing the help that ACIM offers.
Any Granville County resident who needs help can come once a month to the 634 Roxboro Road facility on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to get food and other household and personal hygiene items that may be available.
The warehouse shelves contain a variety of items like canned goods, non-perishables and household supplies, Riley said. The walk-in coolers hold fresh produce and the freezers are for meats and other products that are donated.
“We just never know from day to day, from week to week, what’s going to be in those boxes” of food that volunteers wheel out to clients’ vehicles.
She has spent her first few weeks on the job putting some finishing touches on her office and learning the role that so many volunteers play to keep the food bank doors open. She said she is struck by the level of support from the community – from businesses and corporations who donate goods to church congregations who send food, money and people to help out.
It seemed like a natural fit for Riley, who said she has always had a desire, a “want” to help people.
“I have been blessed in my life through many changes and I feel like I can be a blessing to others,” she said.
Volunteers are welcome to help during the hours that ACIM is open, but they also are needed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
“That’s when we do some of our stocking and preparing our boxes for the next day,” she said.
Riley is the only full-time employee of the nonprofit, but Kristine Williford is the warehouse manager and she’s the one who keeps things rolling.
“She is such a vital team member at ACIM,” Riley said. Williford keeps the pantry running smoothly and lines up pickups and deliveries. “She’s invested in what ACIM does,” Riley added.
The Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot is one of the biggest donation events of the year, and she looks forward to an upcoming planning meeting with host church Oxford United Methodist.
“We have a lot of good things coming up,” Riley said, including a planned Open House to allow everyone in the community a chance to come and see the operation first-hand.
“You don’t have to be on food stamps to come and get food boxes,” Riley said. ACIM provides food and other items to anyone facing a hardship – senior adults on fixed incomes, families struggling to make ends meet or someone who’s lost a job or is between jobs.
Although ACIM’s mission is to serve clients who live in Granville County, Riley said she would try to help anyone find resources.
“We want to see them get help, whether we can provide it or someone else can provide it.”
Call 919.690.0961 or visit https://www.acimgranville.org/ to learn more.
Police Search for Driver After Damage at McGregor Hall
/by WIZS StaffFrom Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow —
At approximately midnight (Sat. 9-21/Sun. 9-22), a vehicle veered off the road and collided with a bench outside McGregor Hall on Breckenridge Street, resulting in damage to a large window.
The driver abandoned the scene in an unregistered red Chevrolet Impala. Preliminary information suggests the suspect is a Hispanic male who may have departed from a gathering at the nearby Church of the Holy Innocents.
We are seeking additional information regarding this incident and encourage anyone with knowledge to contact Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925 or with the P3 app, or reach out by phone at 252-438-4141 or on social media platforms Facebook and Instagram.
2025 Leadership Granville Class Applications Available Now
/by WIZS StaffThe 2025 class of Leadership Granville is forming now, and individuals interested in participating have until the end of November to submit applications.
Applications and payment should be received no later than Nov. 30, 2024, according to information from Granville County Chamber of Commerce Director Cynthia Ratliff. Applications are available online. Class participants will be notified at the beginning of 2025.
Partnering with Granville County Schools and Vance-Granville Community College, the Chamber offers the class to strengthen participants’ engagement with and create a deeper understanding of the county where they live and work.
Through this program, participants gain insights into the county’s structure, history and key issues while building connections within the community. The program fosters personal and professional growth by offering unique opportunities to become more involved and informed citizens.
The Leadership Granville Steering Committee will kick things off in February 2025 and the class will culminate with a graduation ceremony in the fall. The program primarily consists of field trips and presentations held during work hours. Participants will also complete a class project by the program’s end. Individuals interested in taking on leadership roles within their organizations or the community are strongly encouraged to apply.
Participants must agree to and accept the program’s commitment requirements and guidelines as part of their enrollment. Please refer to the 2025 schedule to help you make an informed decision about joining the LG Class of 2025.
To access the application or learn more about the program, visit the Chamber website.
There also are sponsorship opportunities for Chamber members interested in supporting Leadership Granville. These sponsorships provide a unique way to invest in our community’s future leaders while gaining visibility for your organization.
Portion Of Hillsboro Street In Oxford Getting Resurfaced
/by WIZS StaffPart of Hillsboro Street in Oxford is getting a facelift, and city staff have said the improvements will take several weeks to complete.
Beginning on Monday, Sept. 23, Hillsboro Street, from Lewis Street to College Street will be affected, so drivers in and around that area can expect detours. No street parking will be allowed between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., but city staff said nearby public parking is available.
Vehicles parked on the street within the work zone during the day may be subject to towing.
H.G. Reynolds is in charge of the project, which begins with the milling of the existing asphalt followed by resurfacing.
“While we aim to minimize disruptions, some road closures and detours will be necessary. However, one lane will remain open for through traffic,” according to a statement issued by City Communications Specialist Sabrina Richards.
Portion Of I-85 In Warren County Named In Honor Of Eva Clayton
/by WIZS StaffA section of Interstate 85 in Warren County has been named in honor of former Congresswoman Eva Clayton.
Officials from the N.C. Department of Transportation, along with friends and family, gathered this weekend to celebrate both Clayton’s birthday and the highway dedication. Signs on I-85 from Ridgeway Drewry Road (Exit 226) to the Warren-Vance County line commemorate Clayton’s legacy in North Carolina.
Clayton earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte and a master’s in biology and general science from N.C. Central University. In 1982, she was elected to the Warren County Board of Commissioners and served as the chair until 1990, before making history in 1992 as the first Black woman to represent North Carolina in Congress. She was elected to serve in Washington, D.C. and served for 10 years, during which time she advocated for the interests of North Carolina’s First Congressional District in the northeast portion of the state.
Her involvement in civic and political affairs was sparked by the civil rights movement. In 2022, Gov. Roy Cooper presented Clayton with the North Carolina Award, the state’s highest civilian honor.
Clayton continues to reside in Warren County, where she remains active in the community.
VCS Students Complete Tiny House; First Open House Sept. 20
/by Laura GabelFor the next two Fridays, the Vance County High School parking lot will be the location of an Open House.
Wait. In the parking lot?
Yep. That’s where the Tiny House is located, and high school CTE students built it.
And it’s for sale.
The open house events will be held Friday, Sept. 20 and Friday, Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to information from Vance County Schools.
CTE stands for Career and Technical Education and includes the trades that are responsible for home construction. Students on the Construction Path performed the work.
There is a minimum bid of $25,000. Sealed bids must be received by VCS Chief Finance Officer John Suther, 1724 Graham Ave., Henderson, NC 27537 no later than noon, Oct. 1, 2024.
This tiny home is 30-foot by 12-foot vinyl-sided building that has a total of 360 square feet. There’s a tankless water heater and laminate flooring throughout. The full bath includes toilet, vanity and shower.
Learn more about the tiny house at the following link: https://bit.ly/vcstinyhouse
Vance Hires Jeremy T. Jones As Assistant County Manager
/by WIZS StaffVance County will have a new assistant county manager on Oct. 1, 2024. Jeremy T. Jones will join County Manager C. Renee Perry and other county staff, bringing more than 10 years of experience in public service and law enforcement to the job.
“I am honored to step into this new role and continue my commitment to public service,” said Jones. “I look forward to working with the talented team here at Vance County to enhance the quality of life for all our residents and foster a safe, thriving community.”
As assistant county manager, Jones will provide strategic guidance for the county’s public safety departments, maintenance, solid waste and animal services while also streamlining operations, improving service delivery and ensuring the county continues to meet the needs of its growing population. Additionally, he will serve as the county’s public information officer
“We are thrilled to have Jeremy join our team,” Perry said in a press statement.
“His extensive background in law enforcement and management will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our county’s services and ensure the safety and well-being of our residents.”
Jones’s background in public safety will be a wealth of added knowledge with the many public safety projects that are forthcoming. Jones also has a great deal of experience as a public information officer and has a reputable reputation for interacting with the media.
Jones has been employed with the Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office since June 2017 as the Administrative Sergeant but started his career in December 2013 with the Elizabeth City Police Department. Jones holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Elizabeth City State University, a Master of Science degree in Administration from Central Michigan University and has completed the Administrative Officer’s Management Program through N.C. State University.
TownTalk: Area Congregations In Ministry
/by Laura GabelSince 1985, Area Congregations in Ministry has been helping Granville County residents who find themselves facing hardship – and its new executive director, Ann Riley, has seen firsthand faith, through action, in the few short weeks since she’s had the job.
ACIM’s mission has long been to relieve hunger, Riley said on Thursday’s TownTalk. These days, the phrase “food insecurity” is being used to describe how many people find themselves needing the help that ACIM offers.
Any Granville County resident who needs help can come once a month to the 634 Roxboro Road facility on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to get food and other household and personal hygiene items that may be available.
The warehouse shelves contain a variety of items like canned goods, non-perishables and household supplies, Riley said. The walk-in coolers hold fresh produce and the freezers are for meats and other products that are donated.
“We just never know from day to day, from week to week, what’s going to be in those boxes” of food that volunteers wheel out to clients’ vehicles.
She has spent her first few weeks on the job putting some finishing touches on her office and learning the role that so many volunteers play to keep the food bank doors open. She said she is struck by the level of support from the community – from businesses and corporations who donate goods to church congregations who send food, money and people to help out.
It seemed like a natural fit for Riley, who said she has always had a desire, a “want” to help people.
“I have been blessed in my life through many changes and I feel like I can be a blessing to others,” she said.
Volunteers are welcome to help during the hours that ACIM is open, but they also are needed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
“That’s when we do some of our stocking and preparing our boxes for the next day,” she said.
Riley is the only full-time employee of the nonprofit, but Kristine Williford is the warehouse manager and she’s the one who keeps things rolling.
“She is such a vital team member at ACIM,” Riley said. Williford keeps the pantry running smoothly and lines up pickups and deliveries. “She’s invested in what ACIM does,” Riley added.
The Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot is one of the biggest donation events of the year, and she looks forward to an upcoming planning meeting with host church Oxford United Methodist.
“We have a lot of good things coming up,” Riley said, including a planned Open House to allow everyone in the community a chance to come and see the operation first-hand.
“You don’t have to be on food stamps to come and get food boxes,” Riley said. ACIM provides food and other items to anyone facing a hardship – senior adults on fixed incomes, families struggling to make ends meet or someone who’s lost a job or is between jobs.
Although ACIM’s mission is to serve clients who live in Granville County, Riley said she would try to help anyone find resources.
“We want to see them get help, whether we can provide it or someone else can provide it.”
Call 919.690.0961 or visit https://www.acimgranville.org/ to learn more.
TownTalk: Javion Magee Press Conference
/by Bill HarrisA review of the press conference held Wednesday about the death of Javion Magee.
The Local Skinny! Vote For Chestnut Street Park Project To Win $100,000
/by Laura GabelCharles Turrentine Jr. got word about 24 hours ago that the Chestnut Street Park renovation project is among five finalists from across the country vying for $100,000 from Bobcat Company.
The project to make improvements to the basketball courts that operate under the city’s recreation and parks department is going to be a “game-changer,” Turrentine said. And getting a $100,000 infusion of cash would be a big deal indeed.
“We need everyone to share and support and vote for the Chestnut Street Park revitalization,” Turrentine said on Thursday’s segment of The Local Skinny!
The project that gets the most votes wins, and Turrentine wants to spread the word so this local project comes out on top. Voters have to provide just a couple of bits of information to register and can cast one vote daily until the contest closes on Oct. 3.
Click on https://www.bobcat.com/na/en/campaigns/park-rec-makeover-2024 to cast your daily vote.
When the project was first talked about earlier this year, Turrentine said, the costs were somewhere around $100,000 to resurface the courts, add breakaway goals and lighting. That number swelled to more like $1 million to include a playground, shelter, water and bathroom facilities and a shed roof.
Turrentine reeled off some of the rough estimates: $20,000 to resurface the courts, $30,000 for new fencing, breakaway goals at $4,000 each and lights for extra security another $60,000. And that’s just for starters.
He said Kendrick Vann and the Henderson Rec and Parks Department is a partner, and the city of Henderson has committed to put in water that will allow for restrooms.
When it’s completed, it’ll change the whole landscape, Turrentine said. “We can see what redevelopment looks like.”
Turrentine and other park supporters want the city park to be a place for the whole community to enjoy; he wants the park to be known as a nice, modernized park where everyone has fun.
But it’s going to take everyone working – and voting – collectively, he said, to make the dream a reality.
“We can change the narrative of Henderson…we can get on that one path to change the narrative.”
When the construction gets underway in January 2025 – the fencing comes down, the asphalt removed and the rebuilding begins, “everybody in the city of Henderson will be well-pleased.”
If all goes to plan, the courts will be ready for action by May 2025.
And it hopefully won’t be much longer to wait to enjoy the additional amenities that will be part of the new and improved Chestnut Street Park.
Vote at https://www.bobcat.com/na/en/campaigns/park-rec-makeover-2024
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SportsTalk: Vipers Travel To Southern Durham Friday
/by Scout HughesUPDATE – FINAL SCORE
SOUTHERN DURHAM 26
VANCE COUNTY 14
RECAP MONDAY ON SPORTSTALK
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SportsTalk on WIZS 12:30 p.m. M-Th
Northern Lakes Conference play starts on Friday as the Vance County Vipers take on the Spartans of Southern Durham. Scout Hughes and George Hoyle had Coach Aaron Elliott join SportsTalk on WIZS to talk all about it.
Vance County defeated Northern Durham last Friday night by a score of 28-0. The game was suspended early in the second quarter. Coach Elliott spoke on how his team improved in last week’s game against the Knights, “We talked all week about being more physical, you know being more aggressive on both sides of the football. Our kids really came out and kind of exposed that and showed it a little bit and we talked about finishing drives on offense which we were able to do. So you know everything looked good.”
Moving onto Southern Durham on Friday, Head Coach Aaron Elliott gives us an insight into what he saw on film from the Spartans. “We watch them on film and kinda try to dissect them the best we could. They’re a good football team. All three years that I’ve been here, playing this game for the most part this has probably been the conference championship game. So our kids know that. Our kids always lock in and they’re more focused this week than they’ve been in any other week because they know what we got to do. They know what it’s going to take. We expect them to come in and we’re playing at their place and they definitely don’t want to lose to us at home. We told our kids all week if we eliminate the explosive plays, they scored on an 84-yard touchdown pass that Wake Forest kind of missed coverage on their part.”
The Vipers are on the road once again for the fourth time in five games this season. This aspect of the 2024 campaign doesn’t seem to phase Vance County. “I think we’re still used to it. Obviously, we were super excited to play at home last week. Before that game even started we had a lot of energy just by being at home. So hopefully, you know, we can get a good crowd at Southern Durham that will help tremendously.”
Coach also mentions that his team is free of injuries which is always a good thing. “Everybody is healthy. We talked about having Camarion Ragland out against Orange and then we let him sit last week just for cautionary reasons. Just to give him another week on his knee and he’s back, fully healthy this week. He had a great week of practice and just having him back is a plus. We are doing pretty good with the injury bug.”
Vance County beat Southern Durham last year 14-12 in Henderson. Southern Durham may have something to prove since the Spartans lost last year. Coach Elliott is fully aware of the situation. “We have a target on our back now. We went 10-0 in the regular season last year. Southern Durham wants us to have a loss this year.”
In order for Vance County to beat Southern Durham, it’s simple to Coach, play Viper Football, “We just got to make less mistakes than Southern Durham does. We got to play our football game offensively and defensively and let him make mistakes and we will come out with the win.”
Coach’s message to fans for Friday night, “Just show up and support us!”
We will Coach! Go Vipers!
Vance County travels to Southern Durham for Week 5 of the 2024 season on Friday, September 20th and you can hear all the action on WIZS 1450AM, 100.1FM, and online at wizs.com with pregame starting at 6:50 p.m. and kickoff thereafter at 7:00 p.m.
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