The Henderson City Council is expected to adopt the 2023-24 budget at its next regular meeting, a budget that uses federal ARPA dollars and the city’s fund balance to keep tax rates from going up to pay for all the services a municipality provides its residents.
But there’s something brewing in the General Assembly that has the attention of folks here in Henderson and in other cities across the state which also could affect future budgets.
Senate Bill 675 would, among other things, remove a city’s extra-territorial jurisdiction – ETJ, for short.
Council Member Garry Daeke was a guest on Thursday’s TownTalk, and he explained the concept of the ETJ, which is basically a 1.5 mile buffer around Henderson’s city limits.
“It’s a great planning tool,” he said, which allows for some oversight for particular uses of properties as well as for providing city infrastructure.
At its meeting on Monday, the Council unanimously approved a resolution to oppose the bill’s passage and Mayor Eddie Ellington is expected to sign a letter that will be sent to State Sen. Lisa Barnes asking her and her colleagues to oppose passage.
Following is an excerpt from the draft letter, sent by City Manager Terrell Blackmon:
“The use of extraterritorial planning and zoning serves to protect the property values of communities by regulating the types of uses that can be constructed in areas that transition from rural to urban in nature. Further, the extraterritorial jurisdiction is vital to protect residents by regulating the establishment of incompatible uses adjacent to their residential neighborhoods. Residents of extraterritorial areas are represented on the City’s Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustment by members appointed by the Vance County Board of Commissioners, thereby providing a voice in the future development of the extraterritorial areas. Elimination of extraterritorial areas in Vance County will result in residents of these areas having no voice in the development of properties immediately adjacent to their residences.”
“There’s a lot of growth coming our way in general,” Daeke said, and having an ETJ helps cities like Henderson manage growth so that everybody’s happy. That ETJ buffer provides extra real estate for prospective growth – growth that has an economic impact on the city and the county. Blackmon said the requests before the city now all are within the ETJ and not within the city limits.
Without getting too bogged down in the process, Daeke explained that new project proposals are presented to the city to determine how it fits with the city’s comprehensive plan.
Sometimes properties need to be re-zoned, and so the plan goes before a planning board for input and approval before coming back to the Council for a final yes or no.
Zoning boards of adjustment have ETJ representatives appointed by the county, and they have full voting power, not just for ETJ-related issues, but for city-related issues as well.
“The city needs growth,” Daeke said. Without it, residents can almost be assured of an increase in their tax rate to fund city services.
Blackmon told WIZS News that losing the ETJ would mean a developer or property owner could develop under county development standards, which are sometimes less stringent than the city’s standards and then seek annexation into the city.
“We would certainly welcome the opportunity to gain additional property tax revenue, but the concern would be whether or not the development to be annexed is compatible to our existing land use,” Blackmon stated.
CLICK PLAY!
Award-Winning Quilt On Display At Berea Branch Of Granville Library System
/by WIZS Staff– information courtesy of Granville Cuonty Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood
Visitors to the Berea Branch Library of the Granville County Library System will get a special welcome thanks to the generosity and creativity of one local quilter. A floral queen-sized quilt that was hand appliqued and hand quilted by Pauline O’Neal, 95, of Henderson is on display in the library this summer. It was submitted for display by her daughter, Phyllis O’Neal of Oxford. Both women are Berea Library patrons.
The quilt was awarded “first premium blue ribbon” in the in-home furnishing category at the North Carolina State Fair in 2008. O’Neal’s amazing work was noted in the judges’ comments, which included “elegant colors, super applique.”
Special thanks to the Lord Granville Agricultural Association for lending a quilt rack for this display. If you have a quilt that you would like to include in their 16th Annual Harvest Show, they are welcoming additions. For more information visit their website at www.lgaha.com.
The community is encouraged to come see the quilt along with all the Berea Branch Library regularly has to offer. The Berea Branch Library is located at 1211 US Highway 158, Oxford and normal operating hours are Tuesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursdays 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Those interested are also invited to attend meetings of the Quilt Club that meets regularly at the Stovall Branch Library located at 300 Main St., Stovall.
For more information about the quilt display, contact the Berea Branch Library at 919.693.1231. For more information about the Quilt Club, contact the Stovall Branch Library at 919.693.5722.
To learn more about the Granville County Library System and all programming, including special summer reading events for adults and children, visit www.granville.lib.nc.us.
Chamber, Rotary Team Up To Host “State Of The State” June 21
/by WIZS StaffThe Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce and The Henderson Rotary Club are hosting the annual “State of the State Address and Luncheon” Wednesday, June 21 at 12 noon.
State Sen. Lisa Barnes and N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon will bring news and updates from the General Assembly to those in attendance.
Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson said this event is designed to give business leaders and engaged citizens insight and information about what’s happening in Raleigh, especially as it pertains to government budgets, resources, initiatives and more.
Chamber members, staff and guests are invited to attend the luncheon. The price is $30 a person; tables of 8 can be reserved as well.
Registration for the luncheon should be made before June 15. Contact the Chamber at 252.438.8414 or email tanya@hendersonvance.org.
Vance County Early College Celebrates the Class of 2023
/by WIZS StaffPress Release Courtesy of Vance County Schools —
Vance County Early College High School awarded 33 students with their high school diplomas Friday evening (May 26, 2023) at The Center for Innovation. 29 students also received their Associates of Arts or Science degree from Vance-Granville Community College.
Principal Debbie Hite shared words of encouragement to the graduating class, and VCECHS Class of 2023 graduates Jayson Otts and Katia Portillo-Chavez, delivered farewell addresses to their fellow classmates.
Jayson Otts talked about his journey through senior year, and reminded his classmates that “if you are having a bad day, God woke you up for a reason.”
Katia Portillo-Chavez encouraged the Class of 2023 to, “let us never forget the lessons we’ve learned here, as we go on new roads. Whether it is furthering our education, entering the workforce, enlisting into the military or pursuing our passions. Remember that we all have our destinies and travels to follow.”
Students were presented their diplomas by Principal Debbie Hite, Superintendent, Dr. Cindy Bennett, Mrs. Gloria J. White, VCS Board of Education Chair, and Dr. Rachel M. Desmarais, President of Vance-Granville Community College.
Congratulations, Vance County Early College High School Class of 2023!
VCECHS Class of 2023 Fast Facts:
ADVERTISEMENT
Vance Virtual Village Academy graduates on Saturday, June 10 at 9 a.m. followed by AdVance Academy at 11 a.m. All ceremonies are at the Center for Innovation and require a ticket to enter.
Drug Complaint Leads to Investigation and May 26th Arrest
/by WIZS StaffFrom HPD Chief Marcus W. Barrow —
On May 26, 2023, members of the Henderson Police Department, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, and the State Bureau of Investigation served a narcotic’s search warrant at 125 Wyche Street Henderson, North Carolina, Apartment 304, in response to a drug complaint.
During the service of the warrant approximately 75 grams of cocaine, drug manufacturing equipment and $13,964.00 in cash proceeds from drug sales were seized.
65-year-old Christopher Williams was arrested in relation to this investigation.
Williams was charged with, two counts of Trafficking Cocaine, one count of Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, Deliver Cocaine, one count of Felony Manufacturing Cocaine, two counts of Maintaining a Dwelling Place for a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Williams received a $150,000.00 secured bond (from the magistrate).
Williams was remanded to the Vance County Detention Center.
Williams is currently on Federal Probation for prior drug related charges.
If anyone has information about any ongoing criminal activity, please contact us through Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers at (252- 492-1925 or P3 app), call us at 252-438-4141, or contact us through Facebook or Instagram.
(Henderson Police Department Press Release)
ADVERTISEMENT
SportsTalk: Crossroads Celebrates 4th State Championship
/by Bill HarrisCrossroads Christian School has just wrapped up its girls soccer season with the school’s fourth state championship. The school had previously won a championship in golf and has had two consecutive boys cross country championship teams. The girls soccer team has come a long way in the last couple of years, according to the school’s athletic director Scottie Richardson.
“We were 11-10 in 2022,” Richardson said on Thursday’s SportsTalk on WIZS. “This year we exploded. We were ranked number 1 most of the year. We lost our first game but went on to win fifteen straight games,” Richardson added. The team, consisting of mostly 8th, 9th and 10th graders, featured two all state freshmen. “We are still a young team,” Richardson said.
Next year is shaping up as a good one for Crossroads as Richardson said boys soccer will return most of its players after a deep run in the playoffs this season. Richardson also has high hopes for volleyball and feels that the girls cross country team could add to the championship banners at Crossroads Christian.
CLICK PLAY!
WIZS Radio Local News Audio 06-01-23 Noon
/by Bill HarrisClick Play to Listen. On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
The Local Skinny! Pop The Hood: Belts and Hoses
/by Laura Gabel— For our sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, as part of a paid radio sponsorship on WIZS.
Getting ready for that annual vacation and you’ve made a mental to-do list before you pile in the car for that much-needed getaway:
Lights turned off and front door locked? Check.
Stopped by the bank for some cash? Check.
Grocery store for snacks and drinks for the ride? Check.
Popped the hood looking for cracked belts or bad hoses?
Umm, well, no.
Michael Puckett of the Advance Auto Parts store on Raleigh Road says if you see bubbles along hoses or cracking along your vehicle’s belts, it’s probably time to replace them. A blown hose or broken belt can leave you stranded, delaying your arrival to that vacation destination.
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, Advance offers a loaner tool program to its customers to handle hose clamps and that all-important belt tensioner tool that helps you thread the belt in place.
Not a DIY-er? No problem.
“We have some local shops that we can recommend,” Puckett said, to send customers in the right direction.
It’s important to do a visual check of belts and hoses, but drivers also need to pay attention to those squealing noises coming from under the hood. It could mean a bad pulley or tensioner.
Paying attention to unusual sounds and looking for signs of wear are two good ways to avoid breakdowns and keep your vehicle running well and keeping you safe.
The information contained in this post and accompanying audio is not advice from Advance Auto Parts or WIZS. Safety First! Always seek proper help. This is presented for its informational value only and is part of a paid advertising sponsorship.
CLICK PLAY!
TownTalk: City Requests State To Continue ETJ’s
/by Laura GabelThe Henderson City Council is expected to adopt the 2023-24 budget at its next regular meeting, a budget that uses federal ARPA dollars and the city’s fund balance to keep tax rates from going up to pay for all the services a municipality provides its residents.
But there’s something brewing in the General Assembly that has the attention of folks here in Henderson and in other cities across the state which also could affect future budgets.
Senate Bill 675 would, among other things, remove a city’s extra-territorial jurisdiction – ETJ, for short.
Council Member Garry Daeke was a guest on Thursday’s TownTalk, and he explained the concept of the ETJ, which is basically a 1.5 mile buffer around Henderson’s city limits.
“It’s a great planning tool,” he said, which allows for some oversight for particular uses of properties as well as for providing city infrastructure.
At its meeting on Monday, the Council unanimously approved a resolution to oppose the bill’s passage and Mayor Eddie Ellington is expected to sign a letter that will be sent to State Sen. Lisa Barnes asking her and her colleagues to oppose passage.
Following is an excerpt from the draft letter, sent by City Manager Terrell Blackmon:
“The use of extraterritorial planning and zoning serves to protect the property values of communities by regulating the types of uses that can be constructed in areas that transition from rural to urban in nature. Further, the extraterritorial jurisdiction is vital to protect residents by regulating the establishment of incompatible uses adjacent to their residential neighborhoods. Residents of extraterritorial areas are represented on the City’s Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustment by members appointed by the Vance County Board of Commissioners, thereby providing a voice in the future development of the extraterritorial areas. Elimination of extraterritorial areas in Vance County will result in residents of these areas having no voice in the development of properties immediately adjacent to their residences.”
“There’s a lot of growth coming our way in general,” Daeke said, and having an ETJ helps cities like Henderson manage growth so that everybody’s happy. That ETJ buffer provides extra real estate for prospective growth – growth that has an economic impact on the city and the county. Blackmon said the requests before the city now all are within the ETJ and not within the city limits.
Without getting too bogged down in the process, Daeke explained that new project proposals are presented to the city to determine how it fits with the city’s comprehensive plan.
Sometimes properties need to be re-zoned, and so the plan goes before a planning board for input and approval before coming back to the Council for a final yes or no.
Zoning boards of adjustment have ETJ representatives appointed by the county, and they have full voting power, not just for ETJ-related issues, but for city-related issues as well.
“The city needs growth,” Daeke said. Without it, residents can almost be assured of an increase in their tax rate to fund city services.
Blackmon told WIZS News that losing the ETJ would mean a developer or property owner could develop under county development standards, which are sometimes less stringent than the city’s standards and then seek annexation into the city.
“We would certainly welcome the opportunity to gain additional property tax revenue, but the concern would be whether or not the development to be annexed is compatible to our existing land use,” Blackmon stated.
CLICK PLAY!
Cooperative Extension with Jamon Glover: Managing Work Stress
/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.
Click Play!
New Sandy Creek VBS June 26-29
/by WIZS StaffNew Sandy Creek Baptist Church is hosting a Vacation Bible School June 26-29. The program theme is “Ready, Set, Move” and runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and is free and open to any young person from 0 to 12th grade, according to information from Jackie Ayscue. The church is located at 1699 Weldons Mill Rd. Dinner will be served each night, with a special “family night” on June 29 to conclude the program.
Register online at www.myvbs.org/newsandycreek.