The Local Skinny! Brick Power Team Lifts The Spirit Through Weights

The Brick is sponsoring the Henderson Open Championships later this summer, and winners qualify to participate in the World Championships, scheduled for mid-November in Virginia Beach.

The Brick is a weight-lifting ministry affiliated with – and located beside – Freedom Life Church of God on Martin Creek Road. Part of the group’s ministry, according to Harry Orr, is to put on fundraisers like the Henderson Open Championships, which takes place on Sept. 8 and 9.

“We’ve got a good weightlifting team out there,” Orr said of the Brick on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

Orr said his group is hosting the meet for 100% RAW Powerlifting Federation, and classes of events include bench press and curls. Register before Aug. 31 online at https://rawpowerlifting.com/.

Orr, who turns 70 next month, is a hall of famer in the weightlifting world. He said he enjoys seeing others get involved in the sport as well.

“I just love to see people get in it…and have fun with it,” he said. In a world where there are so many bad things people can get tangled up in, it’s good to see people get involved in something positive like powerlifting. “It’s something good for them to do,” he said.

Freedom Life’s pastor, Jeff Prewer, is among the ministry’s biggest supporters, Orr said, having them come before the congregation after big wins.
“We want to serve the Lord the best we can,” Orr said. “People have other methods of doing it – we do it through weightlifting.”

The Brick is located at 1001 Martin Creek Rd.

Weigh-ins are Friday, Sept. 8 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and again on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. Lifting begins at 9 a.m.

Weightlifters must present an acceptable form of photo ID – driver’s license, state ID, school ID and passport are acceptable. Work ID badges and recreational/social club ID cards are not acceptable. All participants must show proof of membership in the 100% Raw Powerlifting Federation as well; annual memberships are $40.

Entry fees for the Henderson Open Championships are $65 for bench press, deadlift and strict curl; $75 for push/pull division and $35 for crossover. These fees should be paid, along with completed registration, no later than Saturday, Aug. 31.

Contact Paul Bossi, one of the meet directors, at 252.339.5025 or by email at rawlifting@aol.com to register. Visit https://rawpowerlifting.com/ to find registration documents and rules and regulations.

Contact Orr at 252.432.4196 to learn more about The Brick.

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Cooperative Extension With Paul McKenzie: What Works in the Garden

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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Henderson Police Arrest Two After Gunshots Fired

-information courtesy of Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow

Henderson police arrested two men in connection with a shooting incident that occurred last week.

According to information received Monday from Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow, officers were dispatched to the 200 block of E. Rockspring Street at 4:49 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12 in reference to gunshots being fired.

When officers arrived, they located a male identified as Tyrell Sneed, 32, of Franklinton.

Officers also were dispatched to less than a mile away to Henry Street in reference to another male subject involved in the incident. The second subject was identified as Tyriek Yarbrough, 23, of Hillsborough.

Upon further investigation by the department’s Criminal Investigations and Operations divisions, it was determined that both subjects were actively shooting at each other, which initiated the original call.

Both men were arrested and charged with going armed to the terror of the public, discharging a firearm in the city limits, discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill.

Sneed received a $500,000 secured bond; Yarbrough received a $550,000 secured bond. Both were remanded to the Vance County Detention Center.

Warren Meeting To Discuss Use Of Opioid Settlement Funding Set For July 31

Warren 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

With 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

(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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Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Timber Theft

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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Mayor Ellington Will Not Run For A Third Term

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