Interim Vance County Manager Scott Elliott said he fell in love with North Carolina during an internship at the Forsyth County Planning Department during the summer when he was in college at the University of Wisconsin.
In the decades since that internship, Elliott has worked in various counties across the state. He retired after more than 20 years in Pitt County, coming off 15 years in Robeson, Alamance and Guilford.
If you’re counting, that’s only five of the state’s 100 counties, but Elliott said it didn’t seem to faze local leaders that their prospective interim manager had only seen Vance County from inside a vehicle traveling along I-85.
“I knew very little to nothing about Vance County,” Elliott said in an interview recorded for Wednesday’s TownTalk. “I think the board actually liked that,” because it meant that he could deal with situations in an objective way – “no preconceived notions,” he added.
Case in point: the county’s fire services. Elliott said commissioners did take the staff recommendation for a fire services study to take place. Requests for proposals went out last week as a first step toward resolution, and Elliott said a selection could be made this month.
The search process for a county manager is underway, and Elliott said there could be an announcement sometime in the fall.
He’s only been in place for about a month, but Elliott’s early evaluation is positive.
“There are a lot of good things here in Vance County,” Elliott said. The I-85 corridor and the industrial park are just two bright spots that show potential, he said, adding that there were some job announcements “brewing” that could come to fruition soon.
Bringing consensus to the board room is always a goal, and Elliott said it’s always good when commissioners listen and approve staff recommendations. When dealing with any group – elected officials or otherwise – there’s bound to be numerous opinions and perspectives.
“There will always be disagreement,” Elliott said, “but it can be a productive disagreement.”
WIZS Radio Local News Audio 07-06-23 Noon
/by Bill HarrisClick Play to Listen. On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
Cooperative Extension With Paul McKenzie: What Works in the Garden
/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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Chamber Accepting Items For New Teacher Bags Until July 11
/by WIZS StaffThe Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce is preparing 130 welcome bags for the new teachers preparing to come to work in the Vance County area.
But the Chamber needs your help! If you or your business would like to donate an item to help fill these bags, please contact us at 252.438.8414 or bring the items (in quantities of 130, please) to the Chamber office, 414 S. Garnett St., no later than Tuesday, July 11
The schools include those in Vance County Public Schools as well as Henderson Collegiate, Crossroads Christian School, Kerr-Vance Academy and Vance Charter School.
Some suggestions for donations include: pens, pencils, pads, hand sanitizer, coupons /discount cards, key chains, etc.
The Chamber staff thanks you in advance for your kind donation. Questions? Please call 252.438.8414 to learn more.
Tim Twisdale Named New Henderson Fire Chief
/by WIZS StaffThe City of Henderson has selected Battalion Chief Tim Twisdale as chief of the Henderson Fire Department.
Twisdale has worked for more than 20 years with the department, and “is a very valuable asset for our city,” according to an announcement posted on social media Wednesday.
Interim Fire Chief Curtis Tyndall retired effective July 1, and City Manager Terrell Blackmon hinted last week that an announcement of a new chief was imminent.
Tyndall was deputy fire chief and stepped in as interim chief following the death of Chief Steve Cordell, who died in January.
The post on social media went on to say that “although we will miss both of them dearly, we must move forward for our community and our department. Change is inevitable, but great things can come from change.”
County Officials Unveil GAP Sponsor Mural
/by WIZS StaffGranville County Commissioners and staff gathered recently with local community partners to dedicate the new sponsor mural at the Granville Athletic Park. The mural is located on the restroom shelter facility in Phase III of the park, adjacent to the accessible playground, tennis and sand volleyball courts.
“Today we are unveiling a mural that will serve not just as recognition for our sponsors, but a testament to the strength of Granville County and the desire by all of those named to make our community a better place to live,” said Russ May, chair of the Granville County Board of Commissioners. “This mural will add to the beauty of our park while also encouraging others in the future to show the same dedication to their community that these sponsors have.”
The covered mural was unveiled to reveal the initial sponsors: Carolina Sunrock, Duke Energy, Granville Health System, Hicks & Koinis, PLLC, Bailey Farms, Inc. and Paul and Jane Reeder.
Several spaces on the mural are still available. There are four sponsorship levels available at multiple price points ranging from $1,000 to $7,500. Each tier offers a different level of prominence and visibility on the mural to allow a business or family donation to be permanently recognized and featured for the thousands of visitors that visit the GAP each year.
For more information about having the GAP sponsor mural wall, visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/recreation/granville-athletic-park-gap-2/granville-athletic-park-sponsors-mural/.
Since opening in 2004, the GAP has truly become the crown jewel recreational complex for Granville County residents. The park consists of miles of paved walking trails, an 18-hole disc golf course that weaves through tall pines and hardwoods, ball fields framed by foliage, an outdoor amphitheater perfect for showcasing open-air performances, and an outdoor classroom surrounded by plant life and sunshine. Other features at the GAP include numerous amenities like the large sports pavilion, picnic shelters, children’s musical sound garden, outdoor fitness equipment, spray park, and a Storywalk® display. Granville County’s recreation master plan, currently being developed, will guide future planning and development of recreational spaces for the public beyond the GAP.
To rent a facility at the GAP for private use, visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/facility-rental/.
The GAP is located at 4615 Belltown Road, Oxford.
TownTalk: McGregor Hall To Host Book Signing For Local Author
/by WIZS StaffChanel N. Scott created CheMinistry in 2015, and now Scott is on a national tour to promote her new book “Relationship Matters.” She’ll be at McGregor Hall this weekend as part of that tour.
Scott has local roots, and she’ll be back in the area on Saturday beginning at 3 p.m. for a book signing.
“CheMinistry” is now a show on FOX Soul, during which a panel of celebrities and influencers share their experiences – and expertise – on a variety of topics that center around romantic relationships in the 21st century.
She’s gained the moniker “Queen of Relationship Talk” as a result of her conversations and candid dialogue geared toward sustaining intimate relationships between a man and a woman, according to information on her website.
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TownTalk: Interim County Manager Sees Potential
/by Laura GabelInterim Vance County Manager Scott Elliott said he fell in love with North Carolina during an internship at the Forsyth County Planning Department during the summer when he was in college at the University of Wisconsin.
In the decades since that internship, Elliott has worked in various counties across the state. He retired after more than 20 years in Pitt County, coming off 15 years in Robeson, Alamance and Guilford.
If you’re counting, that’s only five of the state’s 100 counties, but Elliott said it didn’t seem to faze local leaders that their prospective interim manager had only seen Vance County from inside a vehicle traveling along I-85.
“I knew very little to nothing about Vance County,” Elliott said in an interview recorded for Wednesday’s TownTalk. “I think the board actually liked that,” because it meant that he could deal with situations in an objective way – “no preconceived notions,” he added.
Case in point: the county’s fire services. Elliott said commissioners did take the staff recommendation for a fire services study to take place. Requests for proposals went out last week as a first step toward resolution, and Elliott said a selection could be made this month.
The search process for a county manager is underway, and Elliott said there could be an announcement sometime in the fall.
He’s only been in place for about a month, but Elliott’s early evaluation is positive.
“There are a lot of good things here in Vance County,” Elliott said. The I-85 corridor and the industrial park are just two bright spots that show potential, he said, adding that there were some job announcements “brewing” that could come to fruition soon.
Bringing consensus to the board room is always a goal, and Elliott said it’s always good when commissioners listen and approve staff recommendations. When dealing with any group – elected officials or otherwise – there’s bound to be numerous opinions and perspectives.
“There will always be disagreement,” Elliott said, “but it can be a productive disagreement.”
Home And Garden Show
/by Bill HarrisOn the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.
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WIZS Radio Local News Audio 07-05-23 Noon
/by Bill HarrisClick Play to Listen. On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
Winborne Sworn In As Granville County Schools Superintendent
/by WIZS StaffThe Granville County Board of Education approved several changes in leadership during a work session Thursday, but the big change occurred at the conclusion of that session, when Dr. Stan Winborne was sworn in as the district’s new superintendent.
Dozens of colleagues, city and county officials, family and friends were present for the ceremony, which took place at 5 p.m. at the Mary Potter Center for Education.
The Hon. Caroline Burnette administered the oath of office.
Winborne officially begins his new role on July 1 when Dr. Alisa McLean retires with 30 years of education service – the last six years in Granville County.
Other leadership changes include: