Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington will not seek another term in the upcoming municipal elections.
On Friday, Ellington called his decision “bittersweet” but said after two terms as mayor, he looks to a new chapter in life.
“Holding on for too long leads to entrenched leaders, which diminishes new ideas and creative thinking,” Ellington said.
He said he vividly remembers his first days in office, and said he was “driven with passion and vision” for the city.
In his eight years as mayor, Ellington cited successes such as the $79.6 million expansion of the regional water system and the $600,000 renovation and expansion of the downtown fire station.
“We celebrate our successes but the let-downs can truly wear on you. I have seen and lived both sides of politics and it can be hurtful and hard not to take it personally,” he noted.
Being mayor of a city during the COVID-19 pandemic proved especially challenging, and Ellington said it’s a point of pride that he, with the assistance of City Manager Terrell Blackmon, “courageously and emotionally led us as a city and community through hard decisions of the COVID pandemic that touched us all.”
Ellington said it’s important to realize that problems must be faced if improvements are to be made.
“Looking back, I have devoted the past eight years and two terms to ensure a brighter future while establishing a broad range of relationships on the state and federal level across both sides of the aisle. Being the official ambassador and lobbyist for the City of Henderson I can proudly say I have ties and political courtesy with both governors past and present, as well as officials in Washington, DC who will answer the phone if I call. That goes a long way for us here at home. Coming from the business sector and often at times frustrated but knowing that government moves a lot slower, we have shared success with many goals and projects that gives us a promise for the days to come,” Ellington stated.
In addition to the projects noted above, Ellington shared some more projects that have taken shape during his time as mayor, including:
- adoption of a new Comprehensive Land Use Policy
- completion of the West End Urban Redevelopment Area Plan and the Flint Hill Neighborhood Strategy
- new Water and Exercise Park on William and Montgomery streets
- new Economic Development initiatives that led to the location of Mako Medical, M.R. Williams Frozen Food Expansion, new state-of-the-art Maria Parham Cardiac Catheterization Lab
- support and vision for the new S-Line corridor
- re-establishment of our NC Main Street Community Program
- re-enacted the City Redevelopment Commission
- the creation of the first city-wide Unified Development Ordinance
- declared gun violence a public health crisis
- implementation, along with Henderson Police Department, the new FLOCK system with neighborhood cameras and license plate readers
Warren Meeting To Discuss Use Of Opioid Settlement Funding Set For July 31
/by WIZS StaffWarren County leaders and others from the local area are invited to attend a community meeting later this month to learn more about how best to spend the opioid settlement funding the county will receive.
In addition to county leaders, leaders from the towns of Warrenton, Norlina and Macon are amond those expected to attend the July 31 meeting, which will begin at 6 p.m. at the Warren County Armory Civic Center, 501 US Hwy 158 Business East in Warrenton.
Attendees will learn more about the N.C. Opioid Settlement and evidenced-based strategies from staff of the N.C. Association of County Commissioners. In addition, community members will have the opportunity to share their ideas/experiences relating to the need and barriers to receiving behavioral health services. Local service providers will also be on-hand to answer questions and provide information on what services are currently available to residents.
For more information, contact Vincent Jones, County Manager at 252.257.3115, or Public Health Director Dr. Margaret Brake at 252.257.1185.
TownTalk: Events In Granville County
/by Laura GabelWith the heat of summer in full swing, Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen has some options for indoor activities to keep folks cool.
The National Teapot Festival continues at Cedar Creek Gallery through September 10, and Allen said a trip to this Creedmoor gem won’t disappoint. Part working studio, part art gallery, Cedar Creek is open seven days a week. The Teapot Show features hundreds of teapots on display.
In and around downtown Oxford, things are popping up as fast as a summer thunderstorm.
There’s karaoke on Wednesdays at The Orpheum. Enjoy a signature drink and the music from 8 p.m. to midnight, Allen said.
If you think you’d like to light up the night, visit The Orpheum on Saturday, July 22 for Glow Night. Allen said $5 gets you in the door, along with whatever you wear that glows – necklaces, clothing, use your imagination. It’s from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Check out Verdigris, Oxford Oaks Distillery’s restaurant.
On Wednesdays, stop in for Verdigris Vibes, live music by local artists from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. They’ve got $10 tapas & cocktails on Thursdays from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Visit https://www.oxfordoaksdistillery.com/ to learn more.
If you’re in the mood for pizza (and who isn’t?), reserve your spot now at Thorndale Oaks for Thursday, July 20. For $21.95, enjoy all-you-can-eat pizza, pasta and more. Make sure to call and reserve a spot at 919.603.3701. Follow Thorndale Oaks on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all their events.
The city of Oxford will observe National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Allen said local law enforcement agencies, including Oxford Police Department and Oxford Fire Department will be on hand as the community joins together to enjoy food, activities, games and more.
Learn about these events and more at https://visitgranvillenc.com/.
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The Local Skinny! Vance County Schools Preps For Opening
/by WIZS Staff(This script features a correction from its first version specically about the open house event. The Viper Nation Fall Open House will be held for all high school students on August 3rd at 5 p.m.)
That day that everyone knew was coming, but hoped it wouldn’t be here quite so fast, is suddenly knocking on the proverbial door – Open House and orientations for Vance County High School.
The orientation for students who will be in 12th grade is scheduled for Monday, July 31, beginning at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the orientation session will begin at 6 p.m.
Students in the 10th and 11th grades will have orientations on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Tenth graders will assemble at 5 p.m. and 11th graders will gather for a 6 p.m. orientation.
Last, but not least, 9th graders will attend their orientation on Thursday, Aug. 3 at 4 p.m.
The Viper Nation Fall Open House will be held for all high school students on August 3rd at 5 p.m.
Vance County High School Principal Dr. Nealie Whitt III said the upcoming orientations will provide families and students valuable information about the 2023-24 school year.
“In an effort to ensure families and students have the necessary information for the upcoming year, we are hosting individual grade-level orientations and Open House,” Whitt stated. “During orientation, families will have the opportunity to meet our administrators and office staff, update contact/pick up information, and sign up to volunteer and join our booster club.”
Visit https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/ to learn more about VCS.
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WIZS Radio Local News Audio 07-17-23 Noon
/by Bill HarrisClick Play to Listen. On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Timber Theft
/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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Mayor Ellington Will Not Run For A Third Term
/by Laura GabelHenderson Mayor Eddie Ellington will not seek another term in the upcoming municipal elections.
On Friday, Ellington called his decision “bittersweet” but said after two terms as mayor, he looks to a new chapter in life.
“Holding on for too long leads to entrenched leaders, which diminishes new ideas and creative thinking,” Ellington said.
He said he vividly remembers his first days in office, and said he was “driven with passion and vision” for the city.
In his eight years as mayor, Ellington cited successes such as the $79.6 million expansion of the regional water system and the $600,000 renovation and expansion of the downtown fire station.
“We celebrate our successes but the let-downs can truly wear on you. I have seen and lived both sides of politics and it can be hurtful and hard not to take it personally,” he noted.
Being mayor of a city during the COVID-19 pandemic proved especially challenging, and Ellington said it’s a point of pride that he, with the assistance of City Manager Terrell Blackmon, “courageously and emotionally led us as a city and community through hard decisions of the COVID pandemic that touched us all.”
Ellington said it’s important to realize that problems must be faced if improvements are to be made.
“Looking back, I have devoted the past eight years and two terms to ensure a brighter future while establishing a broad range of relationships on the state and federal level across both sides of the aisle. Being the official ambassador and lobbyist for the City of Henderson I can proudly say I have ties and political courtesy with both governors past and present, as well as officials in Washington, DC who will answer the phone if I call. That goes a long way for us here at home. Coming from the business sector and often at times frustrated but knowing that government moves a lot slower, we have shared success with many goals and projects that gives us a promise for the days to come,” Ellington stated.
In addition to the projects noted above, Ellington shared some more projects that have taken shape during his time as mayor, including:
Upcoming Blood Drives Help Fill A Huge Need
/by WIZS StaffThe American Red Cross is concerned about the drop in blood donations. If you can help by signing up at a local blood drive, you can help provide a life-saving donation that is desperately needed.
The Red Cross has collected about 50,000 fewer blood donations than needed over the last two months. Donors are asked to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now to avoid a looming blood shortage.
Just to entice prospective donors to make an appointment during July, the Red Cross is teaming up with Warner Bros. Discovery for the 35th anniversary of Shark Week and the theatrical release of Meg 2: The Trench.
There are several blood drives coming up in Granville County:
Creedmoor
7/21/2023: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Creedmoor Community Center, 116 Douglas Dr.
7/28/2023: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Ave.
Oxford
7/19/2023: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Public Works Building, 127 Penn Ave.
To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767).
SportsTalk: Wake Forest Fungo Baseball Finds Success
/by Bill HarrisBrad Mize, General Manager of the Wake Forest Fungo Baseball Team, discusses the club’s success.
‘Way To GROW!’ Festival Set For Downtown Henderson Aug. 12
/by WIZS Staff-information courtesy of Gateway Community Development Corporation
Entrepreneurs, get ready! Downtown Henderson is the place to be on Aug. 12 for a street festival that will be the culminating event of “Way to GROW! Entrepreneurship Week, hosted by Gateway Community Development Corporation.
The week leading up to the street festival will bring inspiring and educational activities to the area, including talks from successful business leaders, panel discussions, workshops and networking opportunities, according to information from Gateway CDC President Heather Joi Kenney. All the presentations are designed to provide information about starting a business, scaling operations, marketing strategies and embracing innovation in a rapidly changing business landscape.
The Way to GROW! festival will showcase vendors who are entrepreneurs from the Triangle and surrounding areas, a variety of area food vendors and local artists. Special musical guests are Jim Quick and the Coastline band, along with other local and regional talent.
In order to provide opportunities for small business owners at all stages, including those who are just launching their ventures and those with experience, qualified businesses can participate as vendors at the festival free of charge.
Downtown Development Manager Tracy Madigan said she’s looking forward to having the festival come to Garnett Street. “We are thrilled to host the ‘Way to GROW!’ Entrepreneurship Week and Festival in downtown Henderson. This event is a testament to our city’s commitment to supporting local businesses, fostering innovation, and creating a vibrant downtown experience,” Madigan stated.
Everyone is invited to share in this week of inspiration, celebration and community building. The event is made possible through funding provided by NC IDEA, local businesses and community partners, all of which recognize the importance of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth and job creation.
To stay updated on the latest news and announcements, visit the event website at www.thegatewaycdc.org. There are sponsorship opportunities available. Contact Tracy Mosley at 252.432.1131 or tmosley@helpingallpeopleexcel.com.
Estate Sale in Henderson Fri-Sun, July 14-16
/by John C. RoseSPONSORED: A three-day estate sale takes place this week at the home of Bill Mast, who died in May 2022.
Mast founded Mast Drug Company in Henderson in 1962 and developed it into a successful chain of retail drug stores.
He was born in the mountains of North Carolina, but found his way to Henderson not too long after graduating from UNC’s Pharmacy School in 1957.
An auction company is handling the sale, which begins on Friday and continues through Sunday at 550 Deepwood Dr.
In addition to artwork and china, there are many collectibles as well as office equipment, home décor and more.
The sale is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, July 14, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 15 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 16, according to information from Howie and Huggins Estate and Moving Sales (Pinehurst, NC), the auction company handling the sale.
Visit https://www.howieandhuggins.com to see photos.
— written by Laura Gabel; John Rose contributed to this story
— THIS ORIGINATED AS PART OF AN ADVERTISEMENT ON WIZS RADIO