Stories include:
– Vance and Granville Co. Disposition Court cancelled
– Vance Co. Manager receives award from Kerr Tar COG
– Lockemy named Henderson-Vance Economic Development Director
– Toy drive at Roses
For Full Details and audio click play.
100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy the City of Henderson
The Henderson City Council will meet on Monday, December 14, 2020, at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 134 Rose Ave. in Henderson, NC.
Due to COVID-19 health mandates issued by Governor Cooper, the number of citizens allowed into Council Chambers is limited. However, members of the community are strongly encouraged to provide questions/comments for Council in writing as follows and to listen via Zoom:
Written Comments:
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84299750616?pwd=VzV6SlcrSGNIRnp0Zk5nakp3clB4QT09
Meeting ID: 842 9975 0616
Passcode: 124394
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,84299750616#,,,,,,0#,,124394# US (Washington D.C)
+13126266799,,84299750616#,,,,,,0#,,124394# US (Chicago)
Agenda Items Include:
Amending the Zoning Ordinance by Defining and Adding Indoor Farming as a Use.
Amending the Zoning Ordinance by Increasing the Density within the R-6 and R-8 Zoning Districts.
Providing for the Disposition of Jointly Owned Properties by the City and County Identified as Andrews Avenue, Recorded in Vance County Tax Deed Book 1275, Page 988, Further Identified as PIN #0079 03036 and 0 East Avenue, Recorded in Vance County Tax Deed Book 1275, Page 985, Further Identified as PIN #0079 03038.
Directing the Code Compliance Director to Remove or Demolish the following Structures for Failure to Comply with Abandoned Structure Code (Chapter 21A):
Awarding the CARES Act Improvements Project to Yes Real Estate Construction Group for Division 1 and 2, and H.G. Reynolds for Division 3.
Rejection of the Beckford Drive Widening Project U-4916.
Awarding Department Handgun and Badge to Retiree Captain Steven T. Vaughn.
Authorizing the Acceptance of Grant Funding from the US Department of Justice BJA Local Law Enforcement Crime Gun Intelligence Center Integration Initiative.
Adopting a Title VI Policy for the City of Henderson, North Carolina to Prohibit Discrimination in Programs and Services and Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance.
Click here to view previous and current Henderson City Council meeting agendas and minutes.
Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen was recently named county manager of the year. The Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Goverments presented the award to McMillen last week.
Vance County Commissioner Tommy Hester nominated McMillen and told WIZS News the county manager is exceptional and someone who goes beyond the call of duty. Hester said, “He puts service above self. His job is to make the quality of life better for every citizen of Vance County.”
The director of the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments, Diane Cox, said, “Jordan McMillen is very deserving of the Outstanding County Manager award for the Kerr-Tar region. Over the past few years, Jordan has been instrumental in regional projects focused on expanding broadband options, ensuring critical infrastructure for economic development and supporting services for all Vance County residents. He believes in consensus-building, has the highest level of integrity and is an extremely dedicated public servant.”
McMillen told WIZS he enjoyed the recognition. “It makes me feel good,” he said, “but I’m not the best at talking about it.”
He said, “Those that know me know, I enjoy seeing what the County does as a whole, and my role as manager allows me to see that perspective. I’ve been fortunate to meet a lot of people, and the relational side of the county manager role is what I enjoy the most.”
Where there are needs McMillen tries to address them. He said his role allows him to do that.
Vance County Manager Jordan McMillan Named Kerr-Tar Region’s Manager of the Year
“With all that said,” McMillen continued, “the County has outstanding department heads, office heads. They lead every day. We have employees who come to work everyday, and they make the choice to make a difference in someone’s life.”
That’s a choice you can make, according to McMillen, whether you’re in local government or not. He said, “But in local government, we’re in a constant position everyday where we get to help.”
Hester explained when Vance County bought the Kittrell Water Association, it was McMillen who got it all straight. Hester said the project was nearing a break even point much sooner than expected and essentially was saying McMillen’s work was a big reason why. “He is saving tax payers money, and that’s one example of him moving forward as far as that’s concerned,” Hester said.
Commissioner Hester explained an additional economic development project is presently underway and that the county engineer is involved because of land. Hester said we needed the engineer and “I called the engineer that afternoon (after the meeting at 10 o’clock in the morning), and the engineer told me Jordan had already called. He’d done it in an hour’s time. He jumps on things. He does what he needs to do. He moves forward. Vance County is fortunate to have him.”
Stories include:
– Mayor Eddie Ellington discusses his life and role as Mayor of Henderson
– Chamber of Commerce Banquet postponed
– Covid19 case counts
– Covid testing event
For full details and audio click play.
100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, County of Vance
Vance County is pleased to announce the hiring of Christian Lockamy as the Director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission.
Lockamy comes to Vance County with over seven years of experience in economic development, most recently serving as the Economic Development Director with the Elizabeth City/Pasquotank County EDC. He previously served with the City of Greenville, North Carolina as a City Planner/GIS Specialist, Economic Development Research Manager, Senior Economic Developer and Interim Director of Economic Development.
Vance County is pleased to announce the hiring of Christian Lockamy as the Director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission. Lockamy will be relocating to Vance County and beginning his new duties effective January 19, 2021. (Photo courtesy County of Vance)
“We believe Christian’s skill set and experience will transition well to Vance County,” said County Manager Jordan McMillen. “His background in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and planning will complement well with his experience in business recruitment and retention, industrial site management and product development, grant writing and administration, and overall economic development management. We are excited to welcome Christian to Vance County.”
In Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County, he worked with others to develop a strategic plan, led efforts to launch a new economic development website and was instrumental in securing a large industrial site and certifying two industrial parks. Most recently he coordinated expansion efforts for Telephonics Corporation, Hockmeyer Equipment Corporation, and SAS Industries.
Lockamy holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning from East Carolina University and previously served in the US Navy onboard the USS Thorn, a Spruance Class Destroyer. He has already completed some coursework leading to the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification through the International Economic Development Council.
Lockamy was attracted to Henderson and Vance County due to its strategic location along a major Interstate highway, proximity to the Triangle Area, and recent company announcements by Mako Medical Laboratories and Select Tissue.
Lockamy stated, “Henderson and Vance County are perfect for industrial companies seeking a convenient, business-friendly location along the I-85 corridor. I’m also very excited to work with the County Commissioners and the EDC Board and would like to give a special shout-out to EDC Chairman and County Commissioner, Tommy Hester. Mr. Hester has been a champion of economic development for Vance County and the State of NC. I am looking forward to coupling my experience with his, and that of the EDC Board members to take Henderson and Vance County to the next level. This community and its people are first class, and I can’t be happier about this opportunity.”
Lockamy will be relocating to Vance County and beginning his new duties effective January 19, 2021.
Emigrating Over the Horizon; Where Did They Go?
WIZS TownTalk host Bill Harris and guest Mark Pace discuss emigration from Old Granville County.
What were the reasons people left the area in the early to mid 19th Century? The need of land was one reason and land was cheap in areas such as Tennessee and Alabama. Land grants from the Revolution also provided incentive, and larger quantities of land were needed as large families with eight to 10 to 12 children grew. Land quality was a factor as well because without enough land, proper crop rotations could not occur.
Where did they go? Numerous communities such as Macon, Georgia or Granville, Tennessee were named for people or locations in the immediate vicinity of Henderson and Oxford. Many families moved to and founded the communities in these areas for better opportunities.
For more details and TownTalk audio click play…and continue reading below…
Additionally, many people with roots here went on to become famous nationally and internationally. Playwright Tennessee Williams, Gen. Braxton Bragg, former Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley and “Lady Bird” Johnson all had or have roots tying them to the area.
Just as Vance, Granville, Warren & Franklin Counties were shaped by those who moved here from Southern and Tidewater Virginia, many areas in Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas and other southern states were equally influenced by those who left here to make their mark in these states and others.
For more on local history and genealogy visit Mark Pace at the NC Room at Thornton Library in Oxford and visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/fgvwgeneaology on the web for more information on Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren county history and genealogy.
The Henderson-Vance Chamber Banquet 2020 has been postponed due to covid-19.
Normally, the Chamber schedules the event each year in January. In a recent email to member businesses, the announcement was made, and the following statement released.
“We look so forward to seeing you, networking, and announcing the Citizen of the Year; however, due to the pandemic, our meeting will be held later in the year. We will send out emails to the membership asking for nominations for the 2020 Citizen of the Year, so start thinking of that person that has been an asset to our community and deserves to receive this honor.”
The announcement concluded by thanking everyone for understanding and said “we look forward to seeing you all later in the year for a meeting and celebration.”
Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m. Ellington was interviewed by WIZS guest host Brandon Boyd.
Prior to discussing his role as mayor and the City of Henderson’s present standing and future outlook, Ellington talked about growing up in Henderson, his Castello Loughlin family history and the creation of the circus.
When asked by Boyd if being mayor met his expectations for the role, Ellington replied, “I have enjoyed it, but I wear a lot of it on my shoulders and take it personally. Even though things happen that are not related to me, I’m the mayor and it falls back on me. When you’re the mayor for the city, you’re the ambassador and spokesperson for the city.”
(To hear this episode of TownTalk, click play below. TownTalk airs M-F at 11 a.m. on WIZS 1450 AM / 100.1 FM.)
According to Ellington, the on-going COVID-19 pandemic has made this year particularly challenging. “The Henderson City Council, City Manager and I have tough decisions to make. We’re a small, rural community, and we’ve all been hit by the same deal. You take your cards, you play them and you make the best decisions for the public’s well-being.”
In more upbeat news, Ellington reported that the City of Henderson, despite the pandemic, is doing well financially. “The City is in better financial shape than it has been in years,” stated Ellington. “Frank Frazier, the previous city manager, did a wonderful job of balancing the budget every year. Terrell Blackmon, current city manager, has done a wonderful job as well, and he’s going to bring a budget to us in the upcoming months.”
Ellington also reported that Mako Medical, with facilities currently located in Henderson and Raleigh, is in talks of moving its operation to Henderson, resulting in the creation of 100 new jobs for the local area.
“Economic development is the key,” explained Ellington. “When you have jobs, when the poverty rates are low, when people can make a living and provide for their families, when people can go off to college and have something to come back home to, the community thrives.”
Stories include:
– Latest Covid19 statistics
– community testing event
– enhanced rail service possibly coming to Henderson
– Granville County Schools
– VGCC partner with Elizabeth City State for degree program
For full details and audio click play
100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
In a special edition of WIZS Town Talk on Tuesday at 11 a.m., WIZS staff – past and present – and others fondly remembered George Blackmore Rush, Jr., former WIZS general manager. Rush passed away at his home on Saturday, December 5, 2020, at the age of 87.
Born in Aliquippa, PA on July 31, 1933, he was the son of the late Dr. George Blackmore Rush, Sr. and Cassie Federer Rush. George attended Grove City College, earned his MBA from the University of South Carolina and was a Veteran of the United States Army.
His professional experience included management of credit and collection personnel and sales, consulting, general management and newscasting. He was also a member of First Presbyterian Church in Henderson where he formerly served as a deacon and elder.
(Click play below for audio)
Rush retired from WIZS in 2018, in his mid-eighties, after more than 15 years with the station.
“George was there for us many different times and led us through quite a number of trials and tribulations. He was also there enjoying the good times,” said WIZS General Manager John Charles Rose. “In particular, for me, was the time my own father passed away. George was right there to step in, not only as a friend but as a fatherly-figure and someone who could help the radio station continue to sustain what we had and continue to grow at a very difficult time.”
Rose continued, “He was a great businessman; he really knew how to run and operate a business.”
In a special edition of WIZ Town Talk on Tuesday at 11 a.m., WIZS staff – past and present – and others fondly remembered George Blackmore Rush, Jr., former WIZS general manager. Rush passed away at his home on Saturday, December 5, 2020, at the age of 87. (Photo courtesy J.M. White Funeral Home)
Trey Snide, WIZS account manager, said Rush was a “wealth of information” and was always willing to lend a helping hand. “Every time I had a question or a problem, he was able to help solve it. I’ve been here at WIZS going on four years now, and what I remember the most is the knowledge George had of the local Vance County community. I’m grateful he was part of my beginning steps at the station.”
WIZS Program Manager Bill Harris said Rush was “a joy to work with.”
“I don’t think I ever saw George mad,” said Harris. “He always had a kind word to say about people and was extremely nice and considerate. He was always the perfect gentleman.”
Harris said he was impressed by how quickly and thoroughly Rush, a PA native, adapted to the local area. “He had so much knowledge and very much acclimated himself to this area.”
This sentiment was echoed by Tom Hannon, Rush’s former WIZS Town Talk co-host and supervisor while employed at Roses Stores: “George adapted himself to Vance County. He brought a knowledge of national and local implications of such things as gross national product, interest rates and the stock market and explained how these could affect the everyday person in Vance County.”
Matthew Handley, who worked for WIZS while on break from college during the summers, said Rush stands out in his mind as being one of the people to help launch his career. “George was in the room when I had my first interview at WIZS,” Handley explained. “I look back on that interview as being the start of my career in this industry, and that’s one of the things I’m going to remember him for. He took a chance on me that allowed me to get to the point where I am now with a full-time career in Michigan.”
Sherman Wilson, George’s former co-host on Friday’s Town Talk Trivia, said, “It was a pure joy to work with him on that show. I think he enjoyed it as much as I did. Sometimes on Town Talk we acted silly and had a lot of fun, but make no mistake about it, George was a really smart guy. No matter who came on the show, no matter what the subject, he could interview them. He did it with ease and made the people he was interviewing feel comfortable.”
Brandon Boyd, Town Talk guest host, said, “We mourn the loss, and we celebrate the life of George Rush. George loved Henderson; he loved Vance County and its people; he loved our stories. George Rush was a name we all knew and a voice we recognized, and George loved WIZS Radio.”
Rush is survived by his wife, Jane Negus Rush of the home; his daughter, Catherine Rush-Braswell and husband, Joseph of Durham; his son, George Warren Rush and wife, Linda of Henderson; a granddaughter, Kelly Twisdale; a grandson, Benjamin Rush; and a sister, Susan Bean and husband, David of Mason, OH. (Obituary information courtesy J.M White Funeral Home.)
A private memorial service will be held today at First Presbyterian Church by Rev. Matthew Copple. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 726, Henderson, NC 27536.
