TownTalk: Henderson-Vance Black Leadership Caucus Offers Endorsements

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The Henderson-Vance Black Leadership caucus met Saturday, Sept. 6 to hear from candidates in the upcoming municipal elections and then offer endorsements.

There are four seats on the Henderson City Council up for grabs in the Oct. 7 election. Early voting in one week, Thursday, Sept. 18.

The at-large seats in Ward 1 and Ward 2 are on the ballot, as are the Wards 3 and 4 seats.

The caucus endorsed Geraldine Champion for the Ward 1 at-large seat, and incumbents Lamont Noel for the Ward 2 at-large seat, Garry Daeke for Ward 3 and Ola Thorpe-Cooper for Ward 4.

Caucus President Terry Garrison said he was pleased with how things turned out – the candidates in attendance thoughtfully answered questions posed to them and the audience was attentive and respectful.

Former judge and current Oxford City Commissioner S. Quon Bridges served as moderator. “I think his presence made a difference as well,” Garrison said.

Garrison said the voting members of the caucus went into a special session to consider which candidates to endorse and then returned to announce the endorsements.

The Ward 1 at large contest was very close, Garrison said. Geraldine Champion got the endorsement with 8 votes over challenger Kenia Gómez-Jimenez with 7 and incumbent Sara Coffey with 6.

“It doesn’t get much closer than that,” Garrison said.

Champion currently holds the Ward 1 seat, but filed for the at-large seat during the most recent filing period. Another challenger, Clementine “Tina” Hunter was absent from the forum. She didn’t receive any votes from the caucus.

 

Following is a breakdown of votes for the other three contests awarded by the caucus:

Ward 2 at large:

Incumbent Lamont Noel – 15 votes

George Mayo – 6 votes

 

Ward 3:

Incumbent Garry Daeke – 13 votes

Deryl vonWilliams – 5 votes

Jason Spriggs – 2 votes

Clifford High – 0 votes

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TownTalk: Vance County Annual Opioid Update Meeting Now Set For Sept. 22

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Vance County’s annual meeting to discuss the state of opioid and substance use is scheduled for Monday, September 22 beginning at 4 p.m. in the county administration building.

The meeting date was changed from September 16 to September 22.

Participants will hear a progress report concerning Vance County’s share of the opioid settlement funds – about $2.4 million so far – and they’ll also get a chance to provide input about how to spend that money.

So far, Vance County hasn’t spent any of its allocation.

During the commissioners’ work session on Monday, Aug. 18, County Manager C. Renee Perry said, “We definitely need to start spending some funds.” Recalling advice she said she’d received from her professional association, “Don’t necessarily be in a rush when you spend your money, just make sure it’s beneficial to your community.”

Perry told commissioners that she’d like to see the county’s Opioid Committee expanded to include representatives from other area agencies and organizations.

Perry said, “I think it should be more than just three commissioners.” Originally, Commissioners Yolanda Feimster, Carolyn Faines and former Commissioner Sean Alston made up the committee.

At Monday’s work session, commissioners agreed by consensus to have Commissioners Dan Brummitt, Charisse Fain and Feimster serve on the committee.

Perry said she will work to get representatives from the health department, law enforcement and the courts system added.

The county sent out a request Tuesday for service providers, community organizations and people with “lived experiences” to complete applications that will be reviewed for possible appointment at the October commissioners’ meeting. The committee could have somewhere between 9 and 15 members.

Perry said she would then push for an initial meeting of the committee sometime in October.

The opioid committee serves only in an advisory capacity, Perry said, and would be offering recommendations to commissioners who ultimately will decide how to spend the money.

Some counties have funded positions and others have issued requests for proposals for programs that align with local priorities to combat the opioid crisis.

Granville County, for example, has partially funded a position within the Granville-Vance Health District. Halifax and Edgecombe counties funded community paramedic positions, Perry said. Another county has established a co-responder model and others have created peer services and support for improved access for people who can’t afford transportation and treatment.

The $2.4 million is part of what will be at least a $6.3 million funding stream to Vance County from the multi-billion opioid settlement through 2038. North Carolina’s portion of the settlement is about $1.4 billion.

Applications for the opioid committee may be obtained at https://www.vancecounty.org/or by contacting Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to the Board at kgrissom@vancecounty.org. Please submit completed applications to 122 Young St., Suite B, Henderson, NC 27536 or kgrissom@vancecounty.org.

Visit https://ncopioidsettlement.org/ to learn more about the opioid settlement funding plan.

(The text above and audio below was originally posted here Aug. 20, 2025.  The bold text at the top of the post and the headline were updated Sept. 10, 2025.)

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SportsTalk: Louisburg College Football vs. HVCC Preview and other Week 3 College Games

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Scout Hughes and George Hoyle have an interview with Louisburg College Football Head Coach Quinderra Spellman to preview their next game against Hudson Valley Community College. The guys also talk about some of the other college games going on for week 3.

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Juvenile’s Self-Inflicted Gun Shot Wound Leads to Two Arrests and Juvenile Petitions

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On September 8, 2025, at approximately 5:34 p.m., officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to the 1600 block of North Garnett Street regarding a report of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers observed signs that an individual had been injured. A sixteen-year-old juvenile was located and treated by EMS at the scene for a non-life-threatening wound. The juvenile was transported to a local medical facility for further treatment.

Through further investigation, it was determined that the injury sustained by the juvenile was self-inflicted.

During the course of the investigation, officers observed a black Honda Accord leaving the area at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was stopped a short time later by deputies with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office near 2101 North Garnett Street. Four individuals were detained from the vehicle: two 17-year-old juveniles, Kyriek Alston (19), and Rashad Gray (18).

Investigators discovered that one of the juveniles and Alston were in possession of heroin. Gray was found to be in possession of marijuana. Henderson Police Department Investigators responded to assist deputies and took custody of the individuals. Two firearms were also recovered during the investigation, one is believed to have been used in this incident, and the other was confirmed to have been reported stolen.

Charges filed to date include:

  • Kyriek Alston (19): Charged with Felony Possession of Schedule I Controlled Substance. Alston was transported to the Vance County Magistrate’s Office, where he received no bond due to being on pretrial release for a separate matter. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 7, 2025. He was remanded to the Vance County Detention Facility.
  • Rashad Gray (18): Released on a citation for Simple Possession of Marijuana.
  • Juveniles: Juvenile petitions are being pursued in connection with the drug and firearm offenses.

This case remains under active investigation.

The Henderson Police Department extends its appreciation to the Vance County Sheriff’s Office for their proactive response and assistance in this matter.

— Henderson Police Department Press Release

Marcus W. Barrow
Chief of Police
Henderson Police Department
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Home and Garden Show

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

  • The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is now open only on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.
  • Soil Sample Season Is Now!
  • Sow tall fescue now through September 15th.
  • Irrigation is needed on newly planted grass and newly planted transplants.
  • Control Fire Ants now that the weather is cooler.
  • Check for Pecan trees for Pecan weevil. Tie a burlap bag around the portion of the pecan tree. If weevils are visible under the burlap bag after a few days. Treat the base of the tree and ground around the tree with liquid Sevin.
  • Check for insects on any recently planted transplants.
  • Record what went well and not so well  in your garden journal. Include varieties.
  • When purchasing transplants look for a dark green color of leaves, stay away from pot bound transplants.
  • Carolina lawns is the best publication for having a good lawn.
  • Start ordering your fall planting bulbs now.
  • Check houseplants dust weekly with a soft cloth.
  • Check storage areas for mice.

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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TownTalk: Candidate Participation in the Upcoming Election

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As part of its continuing effort to keep listeners and readers up-to-date on local issues, WIZS Radio has sent candidates a list of questions in an effort to gather responses to be included in a special elections project that will be published and aired before the early voting period begins.

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Campaign signs are popping up along roadsides and in people’s yards, indicators that early voting for the upcoming Henderson municipal elections are not far off. Registered voters can cast ballots during the early-voting period at 500 N. Beckford Drive beginning Thursday, Sept. 18. Early voting continues Sat. Oct. 4.

Tuesday, Oct. 7 is the official Election Day, when voters will determine four seats on the eight-member City Council.

The Council Ward 1 at-large seat includes not one, but two incumbents – Council member Sara Coffey is seeking re-election, and Council member Geraldine Champion, who has the Ward 1 seat until the 2027 elections, has added her name as an at-large candidate. Newcomer Kenia Gomez-Jimenez and Clementine “Tina” Hunter also filed as candidates for the at-large seat.

Ward 2 at-large Council Member Lamont Noel is seeking to defend his seat against challengers Benjamin Buckner and George Mayo, although Buckner suspended his campaign Aug 28 and endorsed Noel.

In the contest for the Ward 3 seat, incumbent Garry Daeke faces Clifford “Cliff” High, former Council Member Jason Spriggs and Deryl “Ms. Dee” vonWilliams.

And in the Ward 4 contest, incumbent Ola Thorpe-Cooper faces challengers Catherine “Kitty” Gill and Fred Robertson.

Anyone who lives in the city and still needs to register to vote has until 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12 to do so.

The N.C. State Board of Elections has issued a press release with details and requirements about voter registration.

“To vote in a municipal election, you must be a resident of the municipality. Working within city, town, or village limits does not make a voter eligible to vote in municipal elections. Similarly, while a voter’s postal address may indicate a municipality, that does not always mean their residence is within the incorporated boundaries of the municipality,” the press release stated.

Eligible individuals who miss the regular registration deadlines may register and vote at the same time during the in-person early voting period at any early voting site in their county.

Eligible individuals have many options to register to vote, including the following:

Individuals with a North Carolina’s driver’s license or other NCDMV identification may submit a voter registration application online. Learn more at Complete Your Registration Online Through the DMV. Eligible individuals may also register in person at DMV offices.

Eligible individuals may also register to vote when applying for services at a number of state agencies. Learn more at National Voter Registration Act (NVRA).

Any eligible resident can complete a Voter Registration Application in English or Spanish on paper and return it to their county board of elections office by 5 p.m. the day of the deadline:

There are 450 voters living throughout Vance County who need to provide additional information to the N.C. State Board of Elections to complete their voter registration, according to information from the SBE’s Registration Repair Project.

Individuals with incomplete voter registrations have received, or will receive, letters stating that they need to provide additional information – their driver license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number – to update their registration.

This can be done in several different ways, including by mail, in person at their county Board of Elections office or by visiting the NCDMV secure website payments.ncdot.gov. There is no fee associated with the online method and updating will not be made over the phone.

Check to see if your name is on the list at ncsbe.gov/registrationrepair.

TownTalk: Henderson City Council Meeting 9-8-25

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The Henderson City Council voted Monday to accept the resignation of City Manager/Attorney Hassan T. Kingsberry – effective immediately – and appointed Paylor Spruill as interim city manager.

The Council also voted 6-1 to censure Council Member Geraldine Champion for violation of the city’s social media policy.

The regular monthly meeting had gone on for about two hours before Council voted to go into closed session to discuss a personnel matter.

Upon returning to open session, Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott announced that the Council had voted unanimously to accept the resignation of the city manager/city attorney, which originally was submitted at the August meeting and then rescinded at a subsequent special called meeting.

Elliott also said that the city would seek guidance from the N.C. League of Municipalities with regard to the city attorney position.

The vote to censure Champion was 6-1, with Council Member Michael Venable casting the dissenting vote. Champion recused herself from the vote.

Champion appeared in Vance County Superior Court at 9:30 Tuesday morning regarding a no-contact order filed by Charles J. Turrentine, Jr. on Aug. 21. That case was continued until Oct. 2, according to information from Turrentine to WIZS News, and the judge recused himself.

In speaking to Council members Monday, Turrentine asked for a formal censure as well as assurances that he and his family be protected from future encounters – verbal or otherwise – from Champion.

Council Member Sam Seifert made the motion to publicly censure Champion, which was seconded by Council Member Lamont Noel.

Referring to the city’s policy about social media postings by elected officials, Seifert reminded the Council that adoption of that policy some months ago was “as a result of an action of our colleague, Ms. Champion.”

Seifert said he’d reviewed the policy, Turrentine’s letter to Kingsberry and to City Clerk Tracey Kimbrell and said he was satisfied that there was a violation of “some of the conduct standards that we, this body, set.

“I’ve seen enough. I don’t need to see the video itself – I think these comments, we’ve got quotes on them – that’s enough for me to publicly censure Council Woman Champion,” Seifert said before making the motion.

Other action from the Council on Monday included:

  • Approval of a rezoning request for the former fairgrounds property on Andrews Avenue. The property had been rezoned to multi-family last year, but Arpan Makam with the Raleigh development group making the request said the residential mixed-use zoning included in the city’s updated UDO plan would be a better fit for future development of the property. Plans would “reorient” the potential development and would blend housing with locally focused businesses. He painted a picture that includes greenspace, a dog park, walking areas and pickle ball court. “It brings new life to that part of town – we’re not trying to change the character of the area; we’re trying to strengthen it. Council Member Michael Venable made a motion to approve, with a second by Council Member Ola Thorpe-Cooper and the motion passed unanimously.
  • Downtown Director Tracy Madigan asked Council’s approval to apply for grant funding to make improvements downtown, including purchase of new Christmas banners, five new trash cans and solar lights for the trunks of some of the trees located in the downtown district. The banners and the brackets needed to hang them will cost about $7,000, the trash receptacles – which will match the ones already placed downtown – will cost about $4,250 and the solar lights have a price tag of about $3,700. The request or funding will be made to the N.C. Community Foundation’s Frances Abbot Burton Powers fund, which was established in 2012 to support programs that benefit the city of Henderson.

Click play to hear our audio from September 9th, 2025 after the Henderson City Council Meeting!

Click Play to hear our audio from September 8th, 2025 before the Henderson City Council Meeting!

SportsTalk: Minor League Update and Panther Woes

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Scout Hughes and Steve Lewis give an update on the latest of Minor League Baseball around North Carolina. The guys also explain the sad song that is the Carolina Panthers.

Friday MiLB Scores:

  • Durham Bulls 8 Gwinnett 0
  • Charlotte 12 Jacksonville 5
  • Greenville 7 Winston-Salem 5
  • Hudson Valley 3 Greensboro 1
  • Bowling Green 10 Asheville 0
  • Fayetteville 13 Salem 7
  • Hickory 8 Charleston 6
  • Fredericksburg 5 Carolina Mudcats 1
  • Kannapolis 8 Augusta 1

Saturday MiLB Scores:

  • Gwinnett 4 Durham Bulls 3
  • Jacksonville 11 Charlotte 3
  • Hudson Valley 1 Greensboro 0
  • Asheville 8 Bowling Green 0
  • Winston-Salem 4 Greenville 3
  • Kannapolis 13 Augusta 4
  • Salem 13 Fayetteville 9
  • Charleston 2 Hickory 1
  • Fredericksburg 5 Carolina Mudcats 0

Sunday MiLB Scores:

  • Durham Bulls 4 Gwinnett 2
  • Charlotte 9 Jacksonville 7
  • Greensboro 4 Hudson Valley 1
  • Bowling Green 6 Asheville 2
  • Double Header
    • Winston-Salem 13 Greenville 2
    • Greenville 9 Winston-Salem 1
  • Augusta 10 Kannapolis 0
  • Salem 3 Fayetteville 2
  • Carolina Mudcats 6 Fredericksburg 3
  • Charleston 12 Hickory 8

Tuesday Games Today:

  • Durham Bulls vs. Norfolk – 6:35pm
  • Charlotte vs. Omaha – 1:05pm
  • Division Series Playoffs, Game 1
    • Greensboro vs. Brooklyn – 6:30pm

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