The 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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SportsTalk: Wilkerson And UNC Gear Up For Baseball
/by Scout HughesSportsTalk 12:30 p.m. M-Th
Former Kerr-Vance Player and UNC Baseball Coach Daniel Wilkerson joins SportsTalk with Scout Hughes and George Hoyle to discuss the upcoming season for the Tar Heels.
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TownTalk: Mobility Hub Funding
/by Bill HarrisThe Henderson City Council made its selection Monday for where the Mobility Hub would be located, which in turn sets in motion the next steps for the overall plan to bring passenger rail service back to Henderson.
The Council chose the iconic downtown First National Bank building over the Garnett Street Station, even though – ironically – that building once served as a train depot.
City and NCDOT officials presented both sites to the Council during its Feb. 10 meeting, complete with artist renderings and a list of pros and cons for each potential site.
Ultimately, the Council voted for the bank building, which has been vacant for decades.
It is unclear just how much it will cost to renovate the building in preparation for use as a mobility hub, which is one component included in the $21 million train station project.
If the mobility hub needed to be completed right now, the city would need to foot the bill. According to information from City Public Information Officer Salonia Saxton, however, that mobility hub won’t be needed for several more years – which gives local and NCDOT staff a bit of time to identify funding sources to help defray the cost.
Building construction and renovation, parcel acquisition, site development and a pedestrian railroad overpass are just a few of the facets of the project the city expects to fund, Saxton said.
She said the mobility hub is a supporting facility to the rail station and its platforms and is only a part of the $21 million estimate.
Next up for the site is completion of an environmental study by NCDOT.
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WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 02-13-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
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Deon Linshawn Bullock is Wanted in Connection to Donnie Ayscue’s Homicide
/by WIZS StaffUPDATE 2-13-25
(WIZS write up to follow here soon)
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For Immediate Release – From Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame – Date: January 24, 2025
On Saturday, January 11, 2025, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) received a 911 call at approximately 1:54 a.m. about a gunshot victim at 1300 Walters Street in Henderson, North Carolina. Vance County EMS and VCSO Deputies responded and discovered Donnie Ayscue suffering from a single gunshot wound. Ayscue died as a result of his injuries at his residence.
After an intensive investigation, 19-year-old, Deon Linshawn Bullock was identified as a person of interest.
Deon Linshawn Bullock is wanted in connection to Ayscue’s homicide. Bullock was last seen wearing a grey hoodie with grey joggers on January 24, 2025. See photo below.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is assisting the Vance County Sheriff’s Office in this active and ongoing homicide investigation.
Contact: Anyone with information on Deon Linshawn Bullock’s whereabouts should contact Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers (252) 492-1925, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office (252) 738-2200, or the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations (1-800-334-3000 or sbiwebcontact@ncsbi.gov).
(Original post made to WIZS.com on Jan. 24, 2025)
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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.
CLICK PLAY!
WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 02-12-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
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