It looks like a newspaper box, but the contents of this special vending machine outside the Warren County Memorial Library are life-saving resources to reverse opioid overdoses.
The Warren County Health Department joined the library and other local partners at a ribbon cutting on May 29 to announce the placement of the Naloxone vending machine outside the library.
It’s available 24 hours a day and includes an instructional video as well as risk-reduction supplies such as Naloxone, fentanyl/xylazine testing strips, medication lockboxes and more. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is the opioid overdose reversal medication that has proven results saving the lives of individuals who have overdosed from opioid drugs, according to information from Warren County officials.
Guest speakers included Warren County Health Director Dr. Margaret Brake, Library Director Tanika Alston and Emergency Services Director Chris Tucker.
In her remarks, Alston stated, “We are excited to be part of this initiative aimed at preventing overdose deaths and creating a healthier community for everyone.”
The health department’s Health Educator Brittley Harris highlighted the supplies displayed in vending machine and described their use.
Supporting partners participating in the ceremony included representatives from Warren County Government, Emergency Medical Services, Sheriff’s Office, Detention Center, Parks & Recreation, Trillium Health Resources and Wilson County Substance Prevention Coalition.
In addition, the Health Department also provides the ONEbox™ emergency overdose reversal kits containing two doses of the opioid reversal medication, Naloxone, to local organizations, businesses, churches and county government offices. This will enable anyone in those places to administer naloxone quickly and safely to a person overdosing in an effort to save their life. If your business, church or organization is interested in receiving the ONEbox™, please call 252. 257.6017.
Health Department staff also provide training on how to use the kit.
ONEbox™ (Opioid Naloxone Emergency Box) is a self-contained, video-enabled opioid overdose reversal kit intended to contain two doses of the opioid reversal medication Naloxone, along with personal protective equipment and video instruction (in English and Spanish) that are activated when ONEbox™ is opened. ONEbox™ was invented by West Virginia native and entrepreneur Joe Murphy, who created the box after seeing the devastation the opioid crisis caused in his hometown community in Huntington, West Virginia.
Both the free vending machine supplies and the ONEbox™ are available to the community thanks to a grant partnership with Wilson County Substance Prevention Coalition.
Brake said, “We are pleased that our local partners support Naloxone training and access for populations most at-risk for overdose. We also recognize the importance of having access to the right tools at the right time to help in preventing an overdose. Awareness has never been more critical.”
Tucker noted that, “anyone is susceptible to overdose, not just those individuals experiencing addiction to drugs. Deaths from overdose are preventable through the timely administration of Naloxone/Narcan and appropriate response to overdose situations.”
Anyone interested in receiving free training on Overdose Prevention, Naloxone/Narcan administration and Hands-Only CPR can attend a two-hour training on Tuesday, June 24 at the Warren County Emergency Services Building. Please contact Chris Tucker 252.257.1191 or Rhonda Mushaw 252.257.6012 for more information and to register. Naloxone/Narcan will be available to those individuals who participate in the training.
Granville Vance Public Health Community Health Assessment Participants Needed
/by Laura GabelResidents of Vance and Granville counties have until around mid-July to help Granville Vance Public Health gather information for the 2025 Community Health Assessment.
GVPH Director Lisa Harrison said the survey takes 15 or 20 minutes to complete, and the data will be used to guide the health department in developing programs that address health priorities in the two counties it serves over the next four years.
Harrison called residents in the two counties “our main customer, our main patient,” and the surveys will help her and health department staff understand what the priorities are within the community.
Anyone with a computer or a cell phone can access the survey, Harrison said on Monday’s TownTalk. Find it here: https://survey.sogolytics.com/r/GN8UoS
Paper copies also are available by calling GVPH’s Oxford office at 919.693.2141.
The most recent community health assessment, completed in 2021, revealed that folks are interested in affordable health care options, focusing on the health and safety of youth and substance use prevention and treatment options.
Having those three priorities helps Harrison and others focus attention – and money – on areas that are important to folks locally.
“It is really critical that we figure out priorities,” Harrison said. “It is your chance, as our community, to tell us really what’s important to you and what you want us to focus our limited resources on.”
Using data from the community health assessment helps Harrison and her team focus on the right issues, she said.
She hopes to get about 500 completed surveys from each county.
“We don’t do anything in public health without community at our side and as our focus,” Harrison said. “It is the thing we love. We do take everybody’s opinion seriously and make sure that we capture it regularly so that we make the right kind of progress for our local comm, not just what’s happening everywhere else in the world.”
“We welcome everyone’s opinion, in every different neighborhood and crossroad” from retirees to youth, Harrison said she wants the community health assessment to capture different opinions and perspectives.
The survey is anonymous, and Harrison said participants have the option to skip questions they don’t want to answer and complete the survey over more than one sitting. The survey will most likely be open until July 11 to make sure people have enough time to go through it.
“Health is critical for all the things we do in life. If we’re not healthy, we can’t be productive, word-hard citizens…we can’t be good family members, we can’t be safe drivers…all the things go back to our health. We’re proud to be your folks working on that every day.”
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Naloxone, Other Opioid Reversal Medications Available In Vending Machine Outside Warren County Memorial Library
/by WIZS StaffIt looks like a newspaper box, but the contents of this special vending machine outside the Warren County Memorial Library are life-saving resources to reverse opioid overdoses.
The Warren County Health Department joined the library and other local partners at a ribbon cutting on May 29 to announce the placement of the Naloxone vending machine outside the library.
It’s available 24 hours a day and includes an instructional video as well as risk-reduction supplies such as Naloxone, fentanyl/xylazine testing strips, medication lockboxes and more. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is the opioid overdose reversal medication that has proven results saving the lives of individuals who have overdosed from opioid drugs, according to information from Warren County officials.
Guest speakers included Warren County Health Director Dr. Margaret Brake, Library Director Tanika Alston and Emergency Services Director Chris Tucker.
In her remarks, Alston stated, “We are excited to be part of this initiative aimed at preventing overdose deaths and creating a healthier community for everyone.”
The health department’s Health Educator Brittley Harris highlighted the supplies displayed in vending machine and described their use.
Supporting partners participating in the ceremony included representatives from Warren County Government, Emergency Medical Services, Sheriff’s Office, Detention Center, Parks & Recreation, Trillium Health Resources and Wilson County Substance Prevention Coalition.
In addition, the Health Department also provides the ONEbox™ emergency overdose reversal kits containing two doses of the opioid reversal medication, Naloxone, to local organizations, businesses, churches and county government offices. This will enable anyone in those places to administer naloxone quickly and safely to a person overdosing in an effort to save their life. If your business, church or organization is interested in receiving the ONEbox™, please call 252. 257.6017.
Health Department staff also provide training on how to use the kit.
ONEbox™ (Opioid Naloxone Emergency Box) is a self-contained, video-enabled opioid overdose reversal kit intended to contain two doses of the opioid reversal medication Naloxone, along with personal protective equipment and video instruction (in English and Spanish) that are activated when ONEbox™ is opened. ONEbox™ was invented by West Virginia native and entrepreneur Joe Murphy, who created the box after seeing the devastation the opioid crisis caused in his hometown community in Huntington, West Virginia.
Both the free vending machine supplies and the ONEbox™ are available to the community thanks to a grant partnership with Wilson County Substance Prevention Coalition.
Brake said, “We are pleased that our local partners support Naloxone training and access for populations most at-risk for overdose. We also recognize the importance of having access to the right tools at the right time to help in preventing an overdose. Awareness has never been more critical.”
Tucker noted that, “anyone is susceptible to overdose, not just those individuals experiencing addiction to drugs. Deaths from overdose are preventable through the timely administration of Naloxone/Narcan and appropriate response to overdose situations.”
Anyone interested in receiving free training on Overdose Prevention, Naloxone/Narcan administration and Hands-Only CPR can attend a two-hour training on Tuesday, June 24 at the Warren County Emergency Services Building. Please contact Chris Tucker 252.257.1191 or Rhonda Mushaw 252.257.6012 for more information and to register. Naloxone/Narcan will be available to those individuals who participate in the training.
No Doubt About It: Council Votes To Formally Adopt FY 2025-26 Budget At Special Called Meeting Monday
/by WIZS StaffThe Henderson City Council took just a few minutes Monday to formally adopt the FY 2025-26 budget during a special called meeting that took place at 12 noon in Council chambers.
City Manager/City Attorney Hassan T. Kingsberry introduced the budget and Council Member Tami Walker made a motion – seconded by Council Member Garry Daeke – to approve.
Council Members Geraldine Champion, Sam Seifert, Michael Venable, Daeke and Walker voted yes.
Council Members Sara Coffey, Lamont Noel and Ola Thorpe-Cooper were not present for the meeting.
The budget adoption had been on the agenda at the June 9 regular monthly meeting, but there was some confusion about whether the council actually took a vote to formally adopt the $54 million budget.
Mayor Melissa Elliott remarked at the special called meeting that she didn’t request an addendum to the budget when she called for the vote at last week’s meeting.
That confusion was cleared up by the vote taken during the special called meeting.
The budget must be approved before July 1, when the new fiscal year begins.
Magnolia Ernest Summer Pool Hours Begin Tuesday, June 17
/by WIZS StaffMake a splash at the Magnolia Ernest Recreation Center – the pool is opening Tuesday, June 17!
Summer pool hours are:
The fee is $1.00 per session.
The Magnolia Ernest Recreation Complex pool is located 252 Duke Dr. in Norlina.
Weather and lifeguard availability may affect pool open status. In case of inclement weather, please call the rainout line at 252.242.5502, extension 10.
For more information, contact Parks and Recreation office at 252.257.2272 or parksandrecreation@warrencountync.gov.
Arrest Made in Double Homicide Investigation
/by WIZS StaffThis morning, at approximately 9 (o’clock), Michael Sharron Wright (age 41) was taken into custody without incident by Sheriff Robert Fountain of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office. Wright was apprehended in connection with the June 15, 2025, double homicide on Maple Street in Henderson.
Following his arrest, investigators from the Henderson Police Department processed Wright alongside the Granville County deputies, and he was presented before a Granville County Magistrate for formal warrant service. He was ordered held without bond pending his initial court appearance and is currently being housed at the Granville County Detention Center.
The Henderson Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to Sheriff Robert Fountain and the deputies of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office for their swift and professional partnership as they worked in conjunction with our agency throughout the night. We also wish to thank the Vance County and Franklin County Sheriff’s Offices for their support during the course of this investigation.
This remains an active investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141 or Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925.
— press release 6-16-25 at 11:06 a.m.
Marcus W. Barrow
Chief of Police
********************
On Sunday, June 15, 2025, at approximately 6:45 PM, officers with the Henderson Police Department were dispatched to the 900 block of Maple Street in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located two victims suffering from gunshot wounds: Teresa Davis, age 63, and her son, Joseph Jeffreys Jr., age 26, both of Maple Street. Sadly, both individuals were pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel.
This is an active and ongoing investigation. Based on information gathered thus far, detectives have obtained warrants for Michael Sharron Wright, age 41, for the homicide of both victims. Wright was last seen fleeing the area in a white Hyundai Sonata bearing North Carolina license plate KEE-6554.
Wright is considered armed and dangerous. Do not approach. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the Henderson Police Department at (252) 438-4141 or call 911 immediately. Tips that can aid in the apprehension of the suspect or assist the ongoing investigation are strongly encouraged.
No further details can be released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation.
— press release 6-15-25 at 10:19 p.m.
Cooperative Extension: Ants Can Be Controlled with Baits in Homes
/by WIZS StaffWayne Rowland, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:
Ants can be controlled with baits in homes using the correct bait.
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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Vance County Schools ‘Excellence In Education’ Honorees Recognized At June 11 Ceremony
/by WIZS Staff— information courtesy of Vance County Schools
Vance County Schools honors the 2025 Educators of Excellence: Brian Schlessinger of Vance County Early College as Teacher of the Year, Simone Harris of Vance County Middle as Beginning Teacher of the Year, LaVonda Williams of Pinkston Street Elementary as Assistant Principal of the Year, and Dr. Carnetta Thomas of E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy as Principal of the Year.
The awards were presented at the district’s annual Excellence in Education banquet, which was held on Wednesday, June 11 at the Henderson County Club. The banquet honored teachers, staff and administrators from across the district, representing their respective schools.
Schlessinger and Thomas will represent Vance County Schools will advance to the regional competitions for Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year, respectively.
Schlessinger was named Vance County Schools 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year. Schlessinger earned his Bachelor of Education in Secondary Social Studies from PennWest Edinboro in Edinboro, PA. He earned a Master of Science in Instructional Technology from Grand Canyon University. He has been in education for 10 years and is the Lead Social Studies Teacher at Vance County Early College. He shared a meaningful quote by Julia Child that captured his perspective: “The measure of achievement is not winning awards. It’s doing something that you appreciate, something you believe is worthwhile.”
Beginning Teacher of the Year
Harris, a Vance County Middle School science teacher, was recognized as the 2025-2026 Beginning Teacher of the Year. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology Education from Church Teachers’ College in Mandeville, Jamaica. She has been with Vance County Schools since 2023 but has 10 years of experience as an educator. She shared, “I am truly honored and humbled to receive this recognition. It affirms my passion for teaching and my commitment to inspiring students to explore, question, and discover the wonders of science every day.”
Assistant Principal of the Year
Williams is the VCS 2025-2026 Assistant Principal of the Year and serves as an Assistant Principal at Pinkston Street Elementary. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Mt. Olive and a Master’s Degree in School Administration from North Carolina State University. Williams began her career in education in 2009 with Vance County Schools. She strives to be impactful and make a difference with a quote from Maya Angelou at the forefront of all she does: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Principal of the Year
Thomas, principal at E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy, was recognized as the 2025-2026 Principal of the Year. Thomas earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from North Carolina Central University. She earned her Doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix. She has been in education since 2001 and was the District Principal of the Year in 2018-2019. She shared a quote from Jack Welch that guides her: “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”
2025-2026 Vance County Schools Teacher of the Year Nominees:
2025-2026 Vance County Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year Nominees:
2025-2026 Vance County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year Nominees:
2025-2026 Vance County Schools Principal of the Year Nominees:
Master Gardener Volunteer Class Forming Now For Aug. 14 Kickoff
/by WIZS StaffA new Master Gardener Volunteer class is getting underway in mid-August and gardeners and plant enthusiasts of all levels are invited to sign up.
The classes will be held on Thursdays at the Berea Fire Station or the Vance County Regional Farmers Market beginning Aug. 14 and running through Nov. 20, according to information from the Vance and Granville offices of the N.C. Cooperative Extension.
Tuition is $175 and includes all materials and resources needed for the class. Participants will receive training on soils and plant nutrients, native plants, diagnostics and much more.
To register, contact Vance County Agent Michael Ellington at 252.438.8188 or email maelling@ncsu.edu or Granville County Agent Johnny Coley at 919.603.1350 or email jwcoley@ncsu.edu.
Warren County Nominees Needed For ‘Heroic Hands’ Recognition
/by WIZS StaffThe North Carolina Association of County Commissioners has launched an initiative called “Heroic Hands” to recognize a county government employee from each of the 100 counties across the state who goes “above and beyond in serving their county.
Warren County Commissioner Tare “T” Davis is president of the association, and it’s Warren County’s turn to submit a name for consideration.
Nominations will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, according to information from Warren County. The nomination form is available at https://www.warrencountync.com/, or it can be accessed directly at Warren County Government Employee Heroic Hands Nomination Form.
If you have any questions, please contact Paula Pulley at paulapulley@warrencountync.gov or by phone at 252.257.3115.
Community ‘Read-In’ Event Kicks Off Wednesday, June 25
/by WIZS StaffCalling all readers to join in a community “Read-In” that will be held this summer on the last Wednesdays of the months of June, July and August. The last Wednesday in June is June 25.
Bring a chair or a blanket and a book, magazine or newspaper and spend an hour on the lawn across from Perry Memorial Library. The events begin at 4 p.m. and last for an hour.
Participants are requested to silence all electronics during this time to create a quiet space as readers do what they love to do – READ!
In case of inclement weather, the “read-in” will take place in the gallery between McGregor Hall and the library.
Visit www.perrylibrary.org or call the library at 252.438.3316/ext. 225 to learn more.
The event is being sponsored by the City of Henderson, Perry Memorial Library, Pathways 2 Peace and Vance County Tourism.