WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 10-29-24 Noon
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Click Play to Listen. On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
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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A new book is out that captures, in words and photographs, some of the most admired and loved products ever to be made in Henderson – the Corbitt truck.
Tar Heel Treasures: Richard J. Corbitt and the Corbitt Motor Co. is available for purchase now, and Corbitt truck enthusiast Kenneth Stegall said the book is the result of several years’ work by its author, Richard Gabrick.
Stegall is archivist, treasurer and webmaster for the Corbitt Preservation Association. He was a guest on Monday’s TownTalk and had nothing but praise for the book, which contains several hundred photographs of the buggies, automobiles and trucks that rolled off the production lines at the factory just off Dabney Drive. He called it “the most complete edition that you’ll be able to get your hands on” about the different types of vehicles that rolled off the production lines in Henderson for more than 50 years.
“It’s amazing to have it in your hand after about 5 or 6 years of preparing for it,” Stegall said. His role was to send photographs and to make sure the photos were properly credited, he said.
“We’re proud now that it’s done,” he said, adding that the author also is pleased with the result.
At one time, Corbitt was the largest truck builder in the South, and cranked out those behemoth workhorses used in World War II.
But when the war ended, so did the government contract. And $12 million was a lot of money to leave on the table in the 1940’s. That, along with the fact that other truck manufacturers were moving to diesel engines, stalled the meteoric ascent that Corbitt had enjoyed during its heyday.
“When the war ended, we were still in the gas truck business,” Stegall explained. “Nobody really wanted a gas truck any more…we just couldn’t get the diesel engines that others were able to get.” And with nobody left in the Corbitt family to carry on the brand, the choices were slim: either shut it down or try to sell, he said.
The company halted production in 1955, and only one other truck was completed – using leftover parts – and was titled in 1960. That vehicle is still in existence, Stegall said.
The factory that began producing horse-drawn carriages in 1899 also went on to produce a variety of vehicles that include trucks, horseless buggies, automobiles and tractors.
“Between 1899 and 1917, we were building buggies, cars AND trucks in Henderson,” Stegall said.
A self-proclaimed Corbitt enthusiast since the age of 13, Stegall said he’s learned a lot as he contributed to the book project. “We continue to learn so much,” he added. The internet has helped others who live far away from the Corbitt “epicenter” of Henderson and it’s helped immensely to gather more information about vehicles that still exist – some tractors are still being used in Brazil, he said.
And Stegall has a hunch that the company produced more automobiles than what is known about. “I think 100 automobiles is a rally low number,” he said.
He’d love to get his hands on production documents, but none have surfaced so far. Stegall remains optimistic, however.
Take the fairly recent attic discovery of a trove of photographs headed for the trash. The photos were rescued and donated to the Corbitt Preservation Association, and more than a few ended up in Gabrick’s book – with proper credit.
“It’s amazing that people kept them and I’m so glad that they did,” he said.
“I look forward every day to find that picture that I’ve never seen.”
To request a copy of Tar Heel Treasures, call Stegall at 252.432.6476 or email him at gjammer35@aol.com. The book costs $42.95.
If you need it shipped, the total price is $48.33. Visit https://corbitttrucks.com/bulletin-board/ to learn more.
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The staff at Rebuilding Hope, Inc. has announced that its application office will be closed from Wednesday through Friday of this week so the driveway and parking lot can be repaved.
This is a project that has been needed for some time, according to Randolph Wilson. The nonprofit organization’s Project Roll On fundraiser has been going on for several months now, culminating in the paving project that will take place later this week.
Visit www.rebuildinghopeinc.org to learn about the programs and services offered at the 414 Raleigh Rd. location or to make an online donation.
Congratulations to Kerr-Vance Academy on winning the 1A Volleyball State Championship this past weekend.
FINAL SCORE
Kerr-Vance 3
Lee Christian 1
Also, Scout Hughes and Doc Ayscue recap the weekend that was in high school football by recapping the Vance County vs. Carrboro football game last Friday Night.
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Usher in November with a trip to downtown Henderson Friday evening to join in the fun of Friday Night Live’s “November Noel Edition.”
Things get underway Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. and Tracy Mosley, executive director of Helping All People Excel, said the evening will conclude at 9 p.m.
But in those three hours, folks will be able to enjoy food trucks and other vendors to kick off the holiday shopping season. Jim Quick and Coastline is the headliner band, performing favorite Carolina beach music to the stage on Breckenridge Street, and Mosley said “It’s sure to be a night to remember.”
The Vance County Arts Council will host a kids’ craft station onsite, ensuring fun for all ages. Mosley reminds those planning to attend to bring your lawn chairs – and your dancin’ shoes!
Food vendors include Not ‘Cho Waffle, Bun on the Run and The Jones BBQ. A beer bar also will be on site. Bring cash for purchases.
Other vendors participating include
Mosley encourages everyone to bring blankets to donate that will be sent to the western part of the state to help those affected by the devastation brought by Hurricane Helene.
“We look forward to an evening of live music, great food and holiday shopping as we kick off the season in style. Let’s celebrate downtown Henderson and support those impacted by the storm,” Mosley said.
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Cooperative 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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Kerr-Vance is the 1A Volleyball State Champion!
UPDATE – FINAL SCORE
Kerr-Vance 3
Lee Christian 1
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SportsTalk on WIZS 12:30 p.m. M-Th
Scout Hughes and George Hoyle were joined by Kerr-Vance Volleyball Head Coach Debbie Medlin and her players Wednesday as they prepared for the Volleyball State Championship on Saturday against Lee Christian.
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— Press release courtesy of VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin
Vance County Early College gets an A – for the 9th year in a row – and is ranked among the top 5 percent of public schools across the state for the 2023-24 school year.
More than 80 percent of VCEC graduates enroll in a four-year college or university after graduating high school, a figure that highlights the way the school prepares its students for higher education and future success, according to a press statement from Vance County Schools Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin.
“This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved—our students who strive for excellence, our teachers and staff who inspire and support them, and our parents who play an essential role in their education,” said Principal Debbie Hite.
Hite said she appreciates the support from the school district and said the school’s culture for success is a collective effort. “It truly takes all of us! From our instructional coaches and child nutrition staff to the dedicated members of the superintendent’s cabinet and our transportation team, every individual plays a crucial role in supporting our students and enriching their educational experiences. I would also like to commend the leadership of our superintendent, whose vision and commitment to academic excellence have been instrumental in guiding our district toward success.”
Of Vance-Granville Community College, VCEC’s educational partner, Hite said, “We want to extend our gratitude to Vance-Granville Community College. Their support and resources have been essential in enhancing our students’ learning experiences and paving the way for their future success.”
VCEC offers an innovative educational model in partnership with VGCC. The school is located on VGCC’s main campus, giving students a unique opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an associate’s degree simultaneously. This blend of high school and college courses equips students with a head start on their higher education journey and helps them develop the skills and knowledge to excel in college and beyond.
VCS Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett praised Hite and the school’s commitment to teaching and learning. “The collaborative approach to teaching and learning, a focus on personalized learning pathways, and the commitment to an environment where students and staff are supported, challenged, and constantly learning and evolving is truly a model for success,” Bennett stated.