Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce President Sandra Wilkerson is looking forward to the day when the trains will again rumble down the tracks near downtown Henderson. The city’s history is closely linked to rail service that has all but dried up over the past few decades, but with talk of the S-Line passenger rail that will run through Henderson, there’s a buzz around town about what it could mean for the city.
This year’s annual Chamber banquet theme, in fact, is “All Aboard the Chamber Express,” which Wilkerson said embraces the idea of this county’s ties to the railroad – past, present and future.
“We know that Vance County really started with the train coming through,” Wilkerson said on Monday’s TownTalk. “We’re looking forward to the train coming back.”
As 2025 gets underway, Wilkerson has announced this year’s leadership team on the board:
Chair of the board of directors is Scott Burwell with Kennametal, Inc. Joining Burwell as first vice chair is Dr. Abidan Shah of Clearview Church; second vice chair is Mike Jones of MGM Products, Inc; treasurer is Desiree Brooks, with the Kerr-Tar Council of Government; Duke Energy’s Elizabeth Townsend will serve as secretary. Margier White is immediate past chair.
There are five new members to the board:
- Nichole Turner – Flex Desk 360
- Sam Seifert – Maria Parham Health
- Cara Gill – S.A.M. Advocacy Center
- Kevin Wade – Farm Bureau Insurance
- Richard Davis – A.R. Perry, Inc.
Wilkerson said the board members come from varied business backgrounds to form a cohesive group that works to make the community better. Each year, the board chair selects a theme to guide the Chamber’s efforts and help inform decisions. Wilkerson said Burwell has chosen “year of commitment” to reinforce the idea that working together is critical for a community’s growth and health.
Leadership Vance is one program the Chamber offers to those who live and work in Vance County. The deadline to submit an application for the 2025 Leadership Vance class is Jan. 24, and Wilkerson said there is space for 18 participants. Contact the Chamber office at 252.438.8414 to learn more about Leadership Vance or about the benefits of joining the Chamber of Commerce.
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Warren County Senior Center Plans Jan. 23 Field Trip To Local Vineyard, Winery
/by WIZS StaffJoin the Warren County Senior Center for a tour and lecture at Kim’s Vineyard and Winery on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. The lecture will focus on the science behind wine making, and the challenges to maintain a vineyard to produce the perfect grape. The group will depart the Senior Center at 11 a.m. and return by 2 p.m. There outing is free and lunch will be provided. Kim’s Vineyard and Winery offers a variety of homegrown canned vegetables and fruits for purchase at your own expense.
Kim’s Vineyard was started in Warren County by Cheryl and Walter Royster in 1995. It began as a hobby of planting a few rows of grapes by Royster to test out his “green thumb.” Over the years, more rows were planted which grew into Kim’s Vineyard. In 2004 Kim’s Vineyard expanded by adding a winery. The grape vineyard itself covers more than five acres of land and the winery sits on two acres. This is a “mom and pop” operated business that caters to everyone. Although the vineyard is seasonal, Kim’s Vineyard and Winery is open all year long. Kim’s Vineyard provides more than 18 different types of wine.
Call the Warren County Senior Center at 252.257.3111 to reserve your spot. Seating is limited.
The Local Skinny! Bryan Cohn Sworn In NC House 32
/by WIZS StaffBryan Cohn was sworn in last week to begin his term as District 32 representative in the N.C. House, which includes Vance and Granville counties.
Cohn edged out incumbent Frank Sossamon by a final total of 228 votes in one of several close races in the Nov. 5 general election.
Following appeals and challenges, the N.C. State Board of Elections certified the results on Jan. 6.
Although he officially took office Jan. 8 during a swearing-in event that was part of the legislature’s opening day activities, Cohn told WIZS News Monday that a ceremonial swearing-in will take place at McGregor Hall in Henderson Sunday, Jan. 19 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve the people of District 32 in the North Carolina House of Representatives,” Cohn said in a press statement. “This community has placed its trust in me, and I am committed to working tirelessly on behalf of all residents to ensure our district’s voice is heard and our needs are met.”
“The electoral process demonstrated the resilience of our democracy, and I am proud to represent a district that values fairness and integrity,” Cohn added. “Now it is time to focus on what matters most—working together to create a brighter future for all North Carolinians.”
As the new representative for District 32, Cohn’s legislative priorities include expanding access to affordable healthcare, investing in public education, supporting small businesses, and protecting the natural resources of the Kerr Lake region.
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TownTalk: H-V Chamber Vision, Partnerships, 2025 Commitment
/by WIZS StaffHenderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce President Sandra Wilkerson is looking forward to the day when the trains will again rumble down the tracks near downtown Henderson. The city’s history is closely linked to rail service that has all but dried up over the past few decades, but with talk of the S-Line passenger rail that will run through Henderson, there’s a buzz around town about what it could mean for the city.
This year’s annual Chamber banquet theme, in fact, is “All Aboard the Chamber Express,” which Wilkerson said embraces the idea of this county’s ties to the railroad – past, present and future.
“We know that Vance County really started with the train coming through,” Wilkerson said on Monday’s TownTalk. “We’re looking forward to the train coming back.”
As 2025 gets underway, Wilkerson has announced this year’s leadership team on the board:
Chair of the board of directors is Scott Burwell with Kennametal, Inc. Joining Burwell as first vice chair is Dr. Abidan Shah of Clearview Church; second vice chair is Mike Jones of MGM Products, Inc; treasurer is Desiree Brooks, with the Kerr-Tar Council of Government; Duke Energy’s Elizabeth Townsend will serve as secretary. Margier White is immediate past chair.
There are five new members to the board:
Wilkerson said the board members come from varied business backgrounds to form a cohesive group that works to make the community better. Each year, the board chair selects a theme to guide the Chamber’s efforts and help inform decisions. Wilkerson said Burwell has chosen “year of commitment” to reinforce the idea that working together is critical for a community’s growth and health.
Leadership Vance is one program the Chamber offers to those who live and work in Vance County. The deadline to submit an application for the 2025 Leadership Vance class is Jan. 24, and Wilkerson said there is space for 18 participants. Contact the Chamber office at 252.438.8414 to learn more about Leadership Vance or about the benefits of joining the Chamber of Commerce.
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Driver License Office in Henderson Closed; Scheduled to Reopen at 1 p.m. January 15, 2025
/by WIZS Staff— courtesy of the North Carolina Department of Transportation
The Driver License office in Henderson will be closed Tuesday and half a day on Wednesday for scheduled optimization.
The closure is for scheduled office upgrades such as the installation of new workstations for examiners, new wiring for computers, computer upgrades, and new furniture in the customer waiting area.
Customers who had appointments have already been rescheduled.
The office is scheduled to reopen at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.
WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 01-13-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
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Cooperative Extension With Wayne Rowland: Timber Sales
/by WIZS StaffCooperative Extension
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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Sheriff Brame: Henderson Man’s Death Being Investigated As Homicide
/by WIZS StaffUPDATED JAN. 14, 2:10 PM
Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame told WIZS News Tuesday that the death of Donnie Allen Ayscue is being investigated as a homicide. If anyone has information about this case, you are asked to contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office or call 911.
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From Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame –
In the early morning hours of January 11, 2025, deputies from the Vance County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 1300 block of Walters St. Henderson, NC, regarding a shooting.
Upon arrival, deputies located one male victim with an apparent gunshot wound. The victim, identified as Donnie Allen Ayscue of Henderson, NC succumbed to his injuries while at the scene.
Detectives from the Vance County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations are investigating the case. If you or anyone you know has information that will assist in the investigation, you are asked to contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office or call 911.
The investigation continues.
County Commissioners Moving Forward To Find Replacement For Vacant District 3 Seat
/by WIZS StaffThe process to appoint a replacement for the District 3 seat on the Vance County Board of Commissioners continues, with the application now posted on the county’s webpage for interested individuals to complete and return.
The application can be found here. Submit completed applications to Kelly Grissom, clerk to the board, to the address listed on the application. The commissioners have 60 days from Jan. 1 to choose a replacement.
Completed applications may be submitted to Kelly Grissom, Clerk to the Board on or before Jan. 24, 2025 to the address provided on the application. Eligibility will be verified with the Vance County Board of Elections.
Interested individuals should keep in mind several criteria – applicants must be of legal voting age, reside in District 3 and be a member of the Democratic party.
The board needs to appoint a person to fill out the remainder of the District 3 term following the resignation of Sean Alston, who took a job as a magistrate in Warren County on Jan. 1.
Visit www.vancecounty.org to learn more.
District 7 Rep. Matthew Winslow Begins Third Term In N.C. House
/by WIZS StaffN.C. Rep. Matthew Winslow was sworn in Wednesday to begin the 2025-26 legislative session as District 7 representative in the N.C. House. District 7 includes parts of Vance County and all of Franklin County.
Wednesday’s swearing-in ceremony marks the beginning of Winslow’s third term in the House. “It is always an honor to serve my state, and I am very thankful for the opportunity once again to do just that. My family and I truly appreciate all the support from family, friends, and colleagues and I look forward to a productive legislative session,” he said in a written statement released Friday.
The oath of office was administered by the newly installed Speaker of the House, Destin Hall.
SportsTalk: Kerr-Vance Volleyball Get Their State Championship Rings
/by Scout HughesSportsTalk 12:30 p.m. M-Th
Debra Medlin, Head Coach of Kerr-Vance Volleyball, and her team joined Scout Hughes and George Hoyle on SportsTalk to speak on the State Championship Ring Presentation today at Kerr-Vance Academy. Coach Medlin and her team also talk about this past season, what it mean to them, and what’s coming up for not just volleyball, but athletics as a whole at Kerr-Vance Academy.
Coach Medlin and her team at the State Championship Ring Presentation at Kerr-Vance Academy. Picture from Kerr-Vance Academy Facebook Page.
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