Tag Archive for: #towntalk

Town Talk 12/19/19: Daeke Talks City Growth, ‘New Energy’ of Council

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Garry Daeke, Henderson City Council member and Franklin-Granville-Vance Development Coordinator, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

Daeke discussed the recent swearing-in of newly elected City Council officials and said he is encouraged by the “slow but steady progress” he has seen with the City, especially over the past year.

Recent collaborations between the City, County, Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission and Downtown Development Commission have led, in part, to new businesses opening in both the downtown and Dabney Drive areas of Henderson, the approval of construction plans on an outdoor pavilion to be located near McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center and inquiries from outside businesses interested in Henderson, Daeke reported.

“There’s a lot going on with the City; we are going through some exciting times with growth right now,” said Daeke. There’s a new energy and new things happening that I feel really good about.”

To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Downtown Henderson

Town Talk 12/18/19: Jarvis Provides H-V Economic Development Updates

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Dennis Jarvis, II, director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m. to provide updates related to the HVEDC.

Jarvis said it was announced at yesterday’s Downtown Development Board meeting that the City plans to submit its application to reinstate downtown to Main Street Program status by the second quarter of 2020.

A part of the Main Street Program from the mid-1980s until approximately 2010, a lapse in the completion of requirements cost the downtown area the coveted distinction.

The City has been working diligently towards completing the requirements of reinstatement, Jarvis said, not the least of which was the recent hiring of full-time Downtown Development Director Kathy Walters.

Benefits to achieving Main Street status include technical assistance with building restoration and access to grant money, perks that can go a long way to attracting new businesses to downtown and helping existing businesses renovate.

Funds and assistance from the program will enhance a revitalization movement that is already visibly coming together, an accomplishment that Jarvis said can be seen in the recent opening of Sadie’s Coffee Corner, Calico Paw Books & Gifts, Citizens’ Pub and Grill and the recent relocation of Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant.

Jarvis reported that Dr. Stephen Pearson, co-owner of Sadie’s Coffee Corner, told the EDC Board at its Tuesday meeting that he is considering opening a second business venture downtown and is interested in joining the Board to assist with the revitalization effort.

It takes entrepreneurs investing in the local area, and for the community to support those local businesses, to keep the economy healthy, Jarvis stated.

“The central business district is a driver of things that come off your arteries – US-1 and I-85,” he said. “In the city, we’ve seen Aldi, the announcement of a Biscuitville and a Starbucks and Planet Fitness. All these things drive the local economy forward; entrepreneurs see the ability to grow and invest here instead of elsewhere.”

To hear the interview with Jarvis in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Town Talk 12/17/19

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Town Talk 12/16/19: Hibernia’s First Extended Camping Season Deemed a Success

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Frank Timberlake, Lead Public Affairs with the Kerr Lake Park Watch, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Following up on a press release sent to WIZS in October, Timberlake was “thrilled” to announce that the first-ever extension of Hibernia’s camping season into late fall/early winter was deemed a success.

While Timberlake said he’d “love to have some totally accurate numbers” to share with listeners, he could report that within days of the NC State Parks & Recreation’s initial announcement of the extension, over 100 reservations were made.

Prior to this year, winter camping for Kerr Lake’s seven state recreational areas was restricted to certain parts of Nutbush and Satterwhite Point. For the 2019 season, Hibernia’s Area 2 remained open through December 2.

Hibernia previously closed around October 25 each year and reopened between March 15-20.

For nine years, Timberlake said the Kerr Lake Park Watch has advocated extending the camping season as an increasing number of RVs are equipped for cold-weather camping.

“I would like to see that season extended even further, at least until December 20,” said Timberlake. “Think about the people who might come to Christmas festivals, the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center and Christmas parades if they could bring their RV and stay at Kerr Lake.”

Timberlake believes longer seasons equals more than just happier campers, as he estimates that those camping on Kerr Lake contribute approximately $100 a day to the local economy.

“After you get past October, you don’t see a whole lot of week-long campers. A Thursday, Friday and Saturday night stay, or even a Friday and Saturday night stay, add to the coffers of the state. More than that, it adds to the economic impact of Vance, Warren and maybe even Granville counties,” explained Timberlake.

The Kerr Lake Park Watch has long maintained that the salaries for rangers, maintenance and support staff for the recreation areas go year-round, so more of the parks should be open for longer seasons.

“It wouldn’t cost more because the staff is already full-time. Another cost would be the electricity used, but that is covered in the campsite fees,” Timberlake stated.

The seven state recreational areas include Kimball Point, County Line, Bullocksville, Satterwhite Point, Nutbush, Hibernia and Henderson Point. For more information on each area, including a link to make online reservations, please click here.

For more information on the Kerr Lake Park Watch, visit www.kerrlakeparkwatch.org.

To hear the interview with Timberlake in its entirety, including more on the history and accomplishments of the Kerr Lake Park Watch, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Town Talk 12/13/19

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Grace Ministries

Town Talk 12/12/19: Grace Ministries Accepting Toy Donations; Distribution Dec. 21

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Jamie Elliott, founder of Grace Ministries in Henderson, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

With the recent completion of a successful Thanksgiving event, where the ministry was able to feed approximately 5,000 people in the community, the organization now turns its attention to Christmas.

On Saturday, December 21 at 10 a.m., Grace Ministries will hold its Third Annual Toy Drive for Children at 961 Burr Street in Henderson.

According to Elliott, families in attendance will be shown a video with the story of Jesus’ birth and then will have a time of prayer. Afterward, toys will be distributed to children. Elliott said children must be in attendance to receive the toys.

Elliott thanked local businesses, such as Roses and Dollar General, for assisting with toy donations and welcomed any interested organizations or churches to volunteer or donate as well.

In addition to allowing the ministry to use the parking lot for toy collection, Elliott said the Roses location on Dabney Drive and Norlina Road, as well as local Dollar General locations, have set up boxes inside the store for customer donations.

To further support the cause, the Dollar General in Kittrell – off of US-1 – will be holding a bake sale this Saturday, December 14 with proceeds going directly to the toy donation.

Monetary donations and/or toy donations are needed for both boys and girls from toddler age up to 13 years old. Donations can be brought to a participating store or may be brought in-person to Grace Ministries (961 Burr St.) Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. or Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Elliott, who openly admits his past addiction to drugs and alcohol, said that giving back to the community in this way is a healing process and allows him “to share the hope of God’s promise, his son Jesus Christ” with the community.

In addition to community events, the ministry has ongoing, twice-weekly addiction recovery meetings.

Those struggling with addiction, or those who wish to help loved ones struggling, are encouraged to attend Grace Ministries’ 12-Step meetings on Tuesday and Friday evenings at 7 p.m.

All are welcome to attend this addiction recovery process based on biblical passages. Elliott assured listeners that no one who seeks help is judged, and all discussions are kept confidential.

For more information on Grace Ministries, visit the website at www.graceofhenderson.org. With questions or to volunteer to assist with the toy drive, please call Elliott at (252) 204-3617 or Bobby West at (252) 432-7124.

 To hear the interview with Elliott in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Town Talk 12/11/19

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Town Talk 12/10/19: Frazier Receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine, Honored With Luncheon

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

At Monday evening’s Henderson City Council meeting, City Manager Frank Frazier was presented with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina government’s highest civilian honor.

Since 1963, NC governors have reserved this honor for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.

Frank Frazier (center), wife Sherri, son Chad & Chad’s fiancé Morgan stand with Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington as Betty Jo Shepheard, a representative from US Senator Richard Burr’s office, presents Frazier with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. (Photo courtesy Steve Cordell)

Persons named to The Order become North Carolina “ambassadors” with their names and award dates recorded on a roster maintained by The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society.

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington, along with Betty Jo Shepheard, Senator Richard Burr’s representative, presented an unsuspecting Frazier with the award.

“I was totally surprised and consider it a great honor,” said Frazier, who has been with the City for 35 years. “I was certainly not expecting that!”

In a night dedicated to swearing in newly elected City officials, Frazier, who is set to retire on January 31, 2020, was re-appointed to his position.

Since announcing his retirement plans in July, Frazier has been working with the City Council and Ellington to select a successor. WIZS recently received an update from Ellington that the field has been narrowed down, with an announcement expected soon.

In a continuation of honoring Frazier, WIZS sponsored a luncheon at 11 a.m. today at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.

Henderson City Manager Frank Frazier (left) and John Charles Rose with WIZS (right) pictured at the WIZS-hosted luncheon honoring Frazier’s service to the City. The event was held on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at the Vance Country Regional Farmers Market. (WIZS photo)

Frazier said he was surprised yet again by an event held in his honor that included, among others, City and County staff and department heads, law enforcement, fire department officials and media representatives.

As the ongoing support of both entities has made his job possible, it was fitting to have this group in attendance, said Frazier.

“We’ve tried to build a team over the years and work together to get the job done no matter what,” Frazier explained. “No one entity can do it all, and we have to work together. What’s good for the City is good for the County.”

In his remarks, Ellington said Frazier leaves the City in excellent financial condition. “The entire time Frank Frazier has been manager, there has been no tax increase. We are in the best financial shape we’ve been in in the last decade.”

Vance County Commissioner and NC Senate District Three candidate Tommy Hester reiterated comments made on Frazier’s strong work ethic.

“You couldn’t ask for anybody any better than Frank; he is dedicated and from his heart. He works hard and he’s going to be difficult to replace. He’s a true friend to this county and a true friend to Henderson, NC.”

To hear the segment with Frazier in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Town Talk 12/09/19

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Town Talk 12/06/19

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