The Warren County Farmers Market opens Saturday, Apr. 26 and judging from the volume of phone calls Tamara Small has been getting from curious customers, it won’t be a moment too soon.
People are looking forward to starting their Saturday mornings at the farmers market, Small said. She said it’s a great atmosphere, with vendors’ produce and other goods under pop-up tents dotting the parking lot of the Warren County Health Department on Ridgeway Street.
Small said the farmers market folks are fortunate and grateful to have had that central location to set up shop, but next year the market will be located at its new permanent location just a block or two up the road.
The engineering firm that’s been working on the project expects the new farmers market to be ready in March 2026. Passersby can expect to see some groundbreaking and construction work as early as June or July, she said.
Until the new market is ready, Small said residents can stop by the health department parking lot on Saturdays between 8 a.m. and 12 noon to pick up local produce and other products like eggs, honey, local beef and pork and so much more.
“Everything comes together beautifully,” Small said. “It is hard work, don’t get me wrong…
but it always ends up being beautiful.” She recalls only one rainy market day last season, and she hopes fair weather prevails this season, too.
Many vendors are returning from last year, but there will be some new faces in the mix, too.
And thanks to a $10,000 grant from Triangle North Healthcare Foundation, senior adults can take advantage of Double Up Food Bucks again this year.
Visit the market manager’s info table on market day to get signed up for the program.
“We’re putting more food on people’s plates” and increasing access to healthy, nutritious local food, Small said.
You’ll find Small on market days taking photos to post on the market’s social media platform as one way to get younger people’s attention.
“Hey, we’re here and we’re a great place to shop,” she said. “I want to show people this is the place to be,” Small said. Vendors interact with customers and answer their questions, which builds community and strengthens relationships, she added.
In addition to familiar vendors, customers can look for new vendors that include Happy Chaos Homestead and Coley’s Vegan Treats, among others.
Special Opening Day activities include live music a 10 a.m. butterfly release to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators and there will be a special stationary exercise bike with a paint attachment for people to “pedal paint” butterfly pictures.
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WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 04-17-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
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TownTalk: Warren Farmers Market Opening Day Saturday, Apr. 26
/by Laura GabelThe Warren County Farmers Market opens Saturday, Apr. 26 and judging from the volume of phone calls Tamara Small has been getting from curious customers, it won’t be a moment too soon.
People are looking forward to starting their Saturday mornings at the farmers market, Small said. She said it’s a great atmosphere, with vendors’ produce and other goods under pop-up tents dotting the parking lot of the Warren County Health Department on Ridgeway Street.
Small said the farmers market folks are fortunate and grateful to have had that central location to set up shop, but next year the market will be located at its new permanent location just a block or two up the road.
The engineering firm that’s been working on the project expects the new farmers market to be ready in March 2026. Passersby can expect to see some groundbreaking and construction work as early as June or July, she said.
Until the new market is ready, Small said residents can stop by the health department parking lot on Saturdays between 8 a.m. and 12 noon to pick up local produce and other products like eggs, honey, local beef and pork and so much more.
“Everything comes together beautifully,” Small said. “It is hard work, don’t get me wrong…
but it always ends up being beautiful.” She recalls only one rainy market day last season, and she hopes fair weather prevails this season, too.
Many vendors are returning from last year, but there will be some new faces in the mix, too.
And thanks to a $10,000 grant from Triangle North Healthcare Foundation, senior adults can take advantage of Double Up Food Bucks again this year.
Visit the market manager’s info table on market day to get signed up for the program.
“We’re putting more food on people’s plates” and increasing access to healthy, nutritious local food, Small said.
You’ll find Small on market days taking photos to post on the market’s social media platform as one way to get younger people’s attention.
“Hey, we’re here and we’re a great place to shop,” she said. “I want to show people this is the place to be,” Small said. Vendors interact with customers and answer their questions, which builds community and strengthens relationships, she added.
In addition to familiar vendors, customers can look for new vendors that include Happy Chaos Homestead and Coley’s Vegan Treats, among others.
Special Opening Day activities include live music a 10 a.m. butterfly release to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators and there will be a special stationary exercise bike with a paint attachment for people to “pedal paint” butterfly pictures.
Click Play!
Cooperative Extension with Jamon Glover: Why Teaching Responsibilities Matters
/by WIZS StaffCooperative Extension with Jamon Glover
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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SportsTalk: Playoffs Are Upon Us
/by Scout HughesSportsTalk 12:30 p.m. M-Th
Scout Hughes and Doc Ayscue speak on the upcoming and current playoffs in the NBA and the NHL. Doc also gives a tribute to Ronald Stainback Sr., who recently passed away That and much more on SportsTalk.
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TownTalk: Of Henderson, By Henderson, & For Henderson
/by John C. RoseThis is John Charles Rose of TownTalk and WIZS Radio. I am of Henderson, by Henderson and for Henderson. Are you?
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Marvin Harrison Named Vance County Fire Department Chief
/by WIZS StaffVance County has named Marvin Harrison as chief of the Vance County Fire Department.
Harrison begins the new job on Monday, April 21, according to information from County Manager C. Renee Perry.
With more than 14 years in the fire service, Harrison brings experience in leadership roles as well as operational expertise along with a deep commitment to public safety.
His previous department is accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International and Harrison served in key leadership roles, including interim Division Chief of Budget and Logistics and Battalion Chief. His experience in a CFAI-accredited organization has given him firsthand expertise in high-level operations, strategic planning, and fiscal responsibility.
“I am honored to lead the Vance County Fire Department and to serve the residents of this great community,” Harrison said in a press statement. “My experience in an internationally accredited department has prepared me to guide this organization forward with a focus on professionalism, operational excellence, and community trust. I look forward to building upon the strong foundation already in place.”
Chief Harrison has outlined a forward-thinking leadership agenda that includes strengthening recruitment and retention, expanding diversity within the department, and prioritizing professional development for all personnel. He also emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with the community and ensuring firefighters are supported with the tools, training, and leadership necessary to succeed.
“This is a historic moment for Vance County. Chief Harrison brings an exceptional blend of experience, education, and vision that aligns perfectly with our goals for the future of public safety. His leadership in an internationally accredited department and his passion for service make him the right person to move our fire department forward. We are excited to welcome him to the team and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our community,” Perry said.
A native of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Harrison holds a bachelor’s degree in Fire and Emergency Services Administration from Fayetteville State University. He also earned an associate’s degree in emergency management from Nash Community College and an associate’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Phoenix.
Home and Garden Show
/by WIZS StaffOn the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.
The Vance County Cooperative Extension is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536
The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536
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WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 04-16-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
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Reducing Contraband At Detention Center
/by Laura GabelVance County Detention Center Administrator Maj. William Mitchell, Sheriff Curtis Brame and others are working feverishly to comply with a corrective action letter requiring improvement in five different areas at the jail – from staffing shortages to making repairs, supervision schedules to contraband.
It sounds an awful lot like the carnival game Whack A Mole at times, as one area is addressed another two or three pop up.
If there were more corrections officers at the jail, maybe there would be fewer instances of detainees destroying property. If property weren’t in disrepair, maybe detainees wouldn’t be able to sneak in contraband through a hole cut in a perimeter fence.
With the recent dismissal of several corrections officers, Mitchell told Vance County commissioners Monday afternoon at a special called meeting to discuss next steps at detention center, Mitchell said “somehow the contraband has dramatically slowed down.”
Another policy that is being put in place at the jail requires two people to be present when there’s any contact with a detainee. It can be two corrections officers, a CO and a deputy sheriff, Mitchell explained, but always two people.
And as for staff going off site for “smoke breaks” without being screened again upon return to the facility?
“Those days are over,” Mitchell said.
Neither Brame nor Mitchell is in favor of having staff go through the body scanner, however.
The scanner is used every day for detainees entering or returning to the jail, Mitchell said, but not for staff because of its “intrusive” nature.
Two stand-alone units – one for cell phone detection and one for metal detection have been ordered and should arrive soon, he added.
“The greatest success will be in no single (person) contact with inmates,” Mitchell emphasized as he offered details about reducing the amount of contraband entering the jail.
And from the “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up” Department comes this from Mitchell, when asked about a rumor going around about a detainee and Bojangle’s food.
“That’s not a rumor,” Mitchell said, referring to the food item simply as a breakfast treat.
“There was a video or picture taken by an inmate and posted on social media, so we all know it happened.”
The correction officer in question no longer employed at the detention center. “And we presume that the cell phone was recovered,” Mitchell said.
SportsTalk: Two NC State Players Drafted in the WNBA Draft
/by Scout HughesSportsTalk 12:30 p.m. M-Th
Scout Hughes and Steve Lewis give their analysis of the WNBA Draft, which occurred on Monday night. The guys also talk about two players from NC State that got drafted, both in the first round, Saniya Rivers and Aziaha James. That and much more on SportsTalk!
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