The Henderson City Council on Monday voted to remove Council Member Garry Daeke as mayor pro tem and replace him with Council Member Michael Venable.
Daeke was not present at the meeting but told WIZS News Tuesday afternoon that he was not totally surprised by the decision.
“We saw this coming a month or so ago,” Daeke said, referring to the Council’s December meeting when Council member Geraldine Champion inquired about appointing a new mayor pro tem. “I had thought it was going to happen at some point, but I didn’t particularly know it would be last night,” he said.
“Childish shenanigans is what I’d call it,” he said. He said he had no idea why the change was made, in the middle of what normally is a two-year appointment, but said the Council needs to be talking about infrastructure, roads, water system and other matters that will help city residents.
“When you don’t know why it’s being done, you try to figure out what’s the reason behind it,” Daeke mused. “I don’t see any logic behind it – I see emotion or something else.” He described himself as someone who likes to have information before making decisions and not someone who automatically agrees with everything being said. “I like information and like to know both sides of the issue and I like to make my decisions based on informed information,” he said. “And I don’t think that’s appreciated.”
The mayor pro tem’s role is to fill in for the mayor when needed. And Daeke said he had only been called on a couple of times to fill in for Mayor Melissa Elliott, which he did.
“I wasn’t being utilized…for whatever reason,” he said. “You’re only utilized when you’re called to be utilized.”
Monday’s vote was 4-1, with Council Member Sam Seifert casting the no vote on the motion to make Venable the mayor pro tem, which was made by Council Member Geraldine Champion and seconded by Council Member Tami Walker. Champion, Walker, Venable and Council Member Ola Thorpe-Cooper voted in favor of the motion.
In addition to Daeke, also absent were Council Members Sara Coffey and Lamont Noel.
The vote took place after the council returned to the open meeting following a closed session to discuss a lawsuit, but it was not listed on the agenda as an item for discussion. Neither was that portion of the meeting available via livestream as the first part of the meeting; according to City Clerk Tracey Kimbrell, the IT person left the meeting after the council went into closed session.
City Manager/City Attorney Hassan T. Kingsberry told WIZS News Tuesday that he was “unaware that the Council would be removing Councilman Daeke yesterday,” and added that he had no other details than what was provided in the meeting.
According to information from the UNC School of Government, councils must choose a mayor pro tem at the organizational meeting, but it also can choose – with or without cause – to “vote to remove the MPT at any time, and appoint a new one.”
There was no discussion following the motion and the second before the vote was called.
WIZS News has reached out to Venable, Champion and Elliott for comment, but have not heard back as of 4 p.m. Tuesday.
CLICK PLAY for the 11 a.m. broadcast of TownTalk!
Cooperative Extension with Jamon Glover: Navigating the Teenage Years
/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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VGCC, Western Carolina University Partnership Turns Vanguards Into Catamounts
/by WIZS Staff— Information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel
More than 300 miles separate Vance-Granville Community College and Western Carolina University—but thanks to a new partnership, the two schools are now much closer than the physical distance that separates them.
On Thursday, Feb. 6, VGCC President Rachel Desmarais, WCU Chancellor Kelli R. Brown and colleagues from both institutions met by video call to sign a memorandum of understanding, guaranteeing admission to WCU for all Vance-Granville graduates who satisfy certain requirements. The agreement will offer a direct pathway for Vanguards to earn their four-year degree at WCU.
“We are pleased to be a participant in the Catamount Connections program offering a direct-entry admission opportunity to qualified VGCC graduates,” said Desmarais. “Western Carolina University offers unique programs of study, and we are excited to offer a pathway to these possibilities.”
Brown is excited Western Carolina can help make higher education more accessible to students in VGCC’s four-county service area.
“WCU continues to make the process of transferring to WCU as smooth as possible for the graduates of all our community college partners across the region and the state,” Brown noted. “This memorandum of understanding is an important tool in providing Vance-Granville Community College graduates with the resources and access to continue their higher education journey.”
Participating students must satisfy the following conditions:
VGCC students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university may find more resources at www.vgcc.edu/transfer. For additional information, contact Robinette Fischer, Department Chair of Transition, Student Success, & College Transfer, at 252-738-3255 or fischerr@vgcc.edu.
Franklin County Gets $1M Investment With Addition Of Building Materials Manufacturer In Youngsville
/by WIZS Staff— information courtesy of Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks III
An Arizona-based manufacturer is expanding its East Coast presence with a new facility in Youngsville, resulting in a $1 million investment for the county and the creation of between five and 10 jobs.
Quail Run Building Materials, Inc. — a leading manufacturer of cold-formed steel building components — will expand its operations with the establishment of a 10,000-square-foot manufacturing plant at 265 Northbrook Drive in Youngsville, according to information from Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks III.
“We are excited to welcome Quail Run Building Materials to Franklin County,” said Barbara Fiedor, Franklin County Economic Development director. “Their investment and job creation will not only strengthen our local economy but also enhance our reputation as a prime location for companies in the manufacturing sector and demonstrate Franklin County’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment for new development and investment.”
Quail Run was established in 1986 and is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. The company is known for its high-quality products and commitment to innovation in construction solutions.
“We are thrilled Quail Run Building Materials has chosen Franklin County for their East Coast expansion,” said Ryan Preble, Franklin County interim county manager. “Their presence will bolster our local manufacturing sector and provide valuable opportunities for our community.”
This new facility marks the company’s strategic move to North Carolina to better serve the East Coast market and strengthen its industry presence.
“Quail Run Building Materials is excited to expand operations with our new facility in North Carolina. Both the Town of Youngsville and Franklin County have been great partners in the development of this project, and we are excited to work with neighboring businesses as well as the local community to create additional growth and economic opportunity,” said Craig Gautschi, Senior Vice President, East Coast Division.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening event are planned for late April 2025. For additional information about the grand opening or to learn more about employment opportunities, email CraigGautschi@qrbm.com or by visit the company website at www.qrbm.com.
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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TownTalk: Council Amends Mayor’s Office Project And Programming Budget
/by WIZS StaffThe Henderson City Council approved a resolution Monday that amends the Projects and Programming Budget to include $5,000 to be used by Mayor Melissa Elliott to pay for training and other programs she attends in her role as mayor.
The vote was 4-1, with Council member Sam Seifert casting the no vote. Voting in favor were Council members Michael Venable, Geraldine Champion, Ola Thorpe-Cooper and Tami Walker. Council members Sara Coffey, Garry Daeke and Lamont Noel were absent.
“We’re not asking for more money,” City Manager/City Attorney Hassan T. Kingsberry explained during the meeting, “we’re asking for the purpose to be expanded.”
Champion and Thorpe-Cooper both expressed support and said in the meeting that Elliott shouldn’t have to pay out-of-pocket for the various trainings she attends in her role as mayor.
“I see it as being unfair for her to have to come out of pocket…for training for the city,” Champion said.
Thorpe-Cooper agreed, adding that the trainings are beneficial. “We’re being taught – we’re being trained – so we can better serve. I am all in favor of it.”
Given the fact that the city has instituted a hiring freeze – an indication that revenues are not flowing in as predicted at this point – Seifert said he would prefer that the city consider using “fiscal constraint” at least while the hiring freeze is in effect.
He suggested that the city “keep the scope narrow as it was defined so that we show our part in keeping expenses down…while we’re under a freeze.”
According to the resolution presented to Council on Monday, the $5,000 is “subject to the fiscal controls and standard operating procedures currently in place and administered through the City’s Finance Department.”
The resolution further explains that Elliott has created several ad hoc committees created to help the city’s elected officials better understand the community with its diverse needs and desire for inclusivity, and that there needs to be a “nominal” budget to cover reasonable and justifiable expenses that arise with those committees and other special projects, continuing education, conferences, seminars and other programs.
Any expenditure would require approval by the city manager.
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WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 02-12-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
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TownTalk: City Council Removes Daeke As Mayor Pro Tem, Replaces Him With Michael Venable
/by Laura GabelThe Henderson City Council on Monday voted to remove Council Member Garry Daeke as mayor pro tem and replace him with Council Member Michael Venable.
Daeke was not present at the meeting but told WIZS News Tuesday afternoon that he was not totally surprised by the decision.
“We saw this coming a month or so ago,” Daeke said, referring to the Council’s December meeting when Council member Geraldine Champion inquired about appointing a new mayor pro tem. “I had thought it was going to happen at some point, but I didn’t particularly know it would be last night,” he said.
“Childish shenanigans is what I’d call it,” he said. He said he had no idea why the change was made, in the middle of what normally is a two-year appointment, but said the Council needs to be talking about infrastructure, roads, water system and other matters that will help city residents.
“When you don’t know why it’s being done, you try to figure out what’s the reason behind it,” Daeke mused. “I don’t see any logic behind it – I see emotion or something else.” He described himself as someone who likes to have information before making decisions and not someone who automatically agrees with everything being said. “I like information and like to know both sides of the issue and I like to make my decisions based on informed information,” he said. “And I don’t think that’s appreciated.”
The mayor pro tem’s role is to fill in for the mayor when needed. And Daeke said he had only been called on a couple of times to fill in for Mayor Melissa Elliott, which he did.
“I wasn’t being utilized…for whatever reason,” he said. “You’re only utilized when you’re called to be utilized.”
Monday’s vote was 4-1, with Council Member Sam Seifert casting the no vote on the motion to make Venable the mayor pro tem, which was made by Council Member Geraldine Champion and seconded by Council Member Tami Walker. Champion, Walker, Venable and Council Member Ola Thorpe-Cooper voted in favor of the motion.
In addition to Daeke, also absent were Council Members Sara Coffey and Lamont Noel.
The vote took place after the council returned to the open meeting following a closed session to discuss a lawsuit, but it was not listed on the agenda as an item for discussion. Neither was that portion of the meeting available via livestream as the first part of the meeting; according to City Clerk Tracey Kimbrell, the IT person left the meeting after the council went into closed session.
City Manager/City Attorney Hassan T. Kingsberry told WIZS News Tuesday that he was “unaware that the Council would be removing Councilman Daeke yesterday,” and added that he had no other details than what was provided in the meeting.
According to information from the UNC School of Government, councils must choose a mayor pro tem at the organizational meeting, but it also can choose – with or without cause – to “vote to remove the MPT at any time, and appoint a new one.”
There was no discussion following the motion and the second before the vote was called.
WIZS News has reached out to Venable, Champion and Elliott for comment, but have not heard back as of 4 p.m. Tuesday.
CLICK PLAY for the 11 a.m. broadcast of TownTalk!
The Local Skinny! City Council Chooses Iconic Downtown Bank Building As Site Of Local Mobility Hub
/by Laura GabelThe Henderson City Council chose Monday night the former First National Bank building to be the site of the mobility hub for the S-Line railway project.
In a unanimous vote, at its regular monthly meeting, the Council selected the historic building located in the middle of downtown Henderson. Council members Sara Coffey, Garry Daeke and Lamont Noel were absent from the meeting.
Assistant City Manager Paylor Spruill and N.C. DOT representatives reviewed progress with the project thus far and said next steps were waiting the final site selection.
The Mobility Hub and Rail Station is a separate project from the actual rail project, which will help connect by rail Raleigh and Richmond.
Henderson is one of the stops along the 85-mile stretch of rail line that will provide commuter and passenger service.
The city’s Land Planning Committee met in November and December to consider the two sites under consideration – the city-owned First National Bank property and the Garnett Street Station.
Renovating a major building in the downtown was seen as a strong catalyst to further confidence by private investment in downtown’s redevelopment, according to information contained in Monday’s agenda package.
The historical significance of the bank building, with covenants in place to preserve the architecture, would likely not attract private investors. But putting the building to use as a public space could be a good way to preserve the building and provide benefits to the community.
Council member Sam Seifert sits on the Land Planning Committee and said choosing the historic building would send “a strong message” about downtown development, adding that the transformed building could become a “statement piece” along the S-Line project.
Staff from the DOT’s Integrity Mobility Division attended Monday’s Council meeting and said although the program is facilitated by DOT, “we want to make sure it’s led by the city of Henderson.”
They want to ensure that the mobility hub provides connectivity to William Street and Garnett Street, giving pedestrians safe options to walk in the area when they come to visit.
With the feasibility study completed, next steps include an environmental study before getting to the design and construction phases. But DOT needed a decision from city leaders before moving on.
Cost estimates are preliminary but could be more than $21 million to bring the old building back from disrepair, due to age and damage and the fact that it has been vacant for so long.
The façade appears ok and in good shape, but the interior needs extensive work.
Also, there are businesses on the William Street side that will be displaced because of the project, so there will need to be money set aside for acquisitions. And because of its historic significance, there need to be extensive coordination with state historic preservation officials.
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WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 02-11-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
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Annual Farmers Market Meeting Feb. 18 At 6 PM for Interested Vendors
/by WIZS StaffThis is the time of year that gardeners have been waiting for all winter – they’re perusing seed catalogs and making plans for what to plant and what new vegetable varieties to try this growing season.
It’s also the time for those producers that sell – or want to sell – their produce, fruit and more at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market. Market Manager Pat Ayscue invites all interested individuals to attend the annual market meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. and will last until 8 p.m.
Ayscue said the meeting will be a chance for vendors to come together, renew friendships and make new connections.
The market is located at 210 Southpark Dr.
Call or text Ayscue at 252.425.2092 or email payscue@vancecounty.org.