Tag Archive for: #towntalk

TownTalk: Boutique Contributes To Downtown Revitalization

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At the corner of Garnett and Montgomery streets, the plate-glass storefront that once showcased shiny stoves and refrigerators now offer up a different view, and it’s a welcome sign for downtown revitalization.

Kissy Robertson opened Rustic Barn Boutique last week, and she welcomes the folks from the community and beyond to stop in for a visit.

Thomas Appliance occupied this desirable location for many years, and Robertson told John C. Rose on Tuesday’s TownTalk that she is excited to give the retail location new life.

The store houses a collection of home décor, handcrafted items and custom clothing from a group of vendors, but “it’s not a cubicle layout,” Robertson explained. “It’s like walking into a store with (different) vendors’ items all mixed in.”

She said she knew that the city was trying to revitalize the downtown area. “I thought it was a great idea to open this in Henderson and be a part of this revitalization,” she said. It’s just another way to keep business local.

Shoppers will find an array of home décor and more, from refurbished furniture from Shabby Apple to fragrant hand-poured candles, custom jewelry and painted items, wreaths and door hangers, just to list a few.

The vendors are local and she hopes that shoppers will be, too. Robertson said she would routinely drive 30 minutes to an hour to shop simply because there were no stores close by.

She still has her day job, so has help to operate the store right now. She hopes to be able to embrace her “crafty” side soon and run the store herself full-time.

There’s still room for more vendors to join those already in the space, but there’s open space that would be perfect to host small events like baby showers and birthday parties.

And stay updated on their Facebook page to learn about upcoming pop-up events, vendor parties, paint parties and more.

Store hours are Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call the store at 252.572.2495 for more information.

 

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TownTalk: Henderson Police Considering Installation Of License Plate Readers

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Update 9:45 p.m. Monday:

The Henderson City Council unanimously approved, with two council people absent, both measures presented in more detail in the original noon news update listed below.

With those votes of approval, each sworn Henderson Police officer will receive $6,456 more in base salary except for exempt staff like captains, assistant chief positions and HPD Chief Marcus Barrow.  It sounded like from what City Manager Terrell Blackmon said during the meeting, those command positions would soon also receive a comparable increase and that it may be the same amount of $6,456.  In addition, the funding equivalent of the annual pay and benefits of one police officer, which is already funded but an unfilled position, will be used to implement the License Plate Readers.

Barrow said in the meeting that his patrol and investigation divisions need the most help right now.  He said the LPRs would help in both those areas and thus the whole police department.

The LPRs are electronic data, and Barrow said it was electronic data that led to the arrest of the three suspects in the recent Gholson Avenue homicides.

Chief Barrow provided a few additional facts the public may like to hear as well.

He said, “They are visible.  They are not hidden from the public.  They are motion sensitive.  They are not constantly recording.  They are identical to what is used at the toll booths.  This is not for speeding.  It will not take pictures of people, just motor vehicles.  This is the least invasive.”

He said to be fair the placement of the devices would be totally data driven.

Original Update Noon Monday:

The Henderson City Council is expected to act tonight on a couple of requests aimed at giving local law enforcement officers more money in their pockets and an additional tool to help them in their job of keeping the city safe.

The police department is allotted 52 sworn law enforcement positions, but it currently has about a dozen vacancies. In two separate requests spelled out in tonight’s agenda information packet, Chief Marcus Barrow wants to take the equivalent of one police officer’s salary – $66,000 – and use it to place throughout the city 25 camera-like devices that can read license plates.

Barrow, along with city staff, want to take some of that unused money from the salary pot and put it to work to help the current officers who patrol the city’s streets and neighborhoods.

The license plate readers, or LPRs, are small and only weigh about 3 pounds but they can have a powerful impact. Police can enter license plate information into the system and the LPR will “look” for matching tags. Whether it’s a stolen vehicle or a vehicle associated in other criminal activity, the LPR can help police narrow down searches.

Flock Safety will provide 25 license plate readers for the police department to use, and will in essence, take the place of one law enforcement officer.

Numerous nearby municipalities are already using Flock Safety or have contracted with them for deployment in the near future. Local law enforcement is in constant contact with those agencies to help solve crimes that travel through various jurisdictions.

“Filling positions has become increasingly difficult, and law enforcement agencies across the nation are seeking alternative solutions to supplement their shortages with technology and tools to assist their workforce,” states information from the council’s agenda packet.

But additional technology isn’t the only thing that Barrow is asking council members to consider: He wants them to bump up the salaries of current sworn officers by more than $6,000 to make the base pay more competitive with nearby agencies.

The city raised the base pay a couple of years ago, and Barrow said that helped retention rates tremendously. But now, surrounding agencies are upping their game and implementing pay adjustments of their own.

“We are just past the midterm of our fiscal year and anticipate a $400,000 to $500,000 surplus in our approved salaries, wages and benefits. With most agencies in the Wake County area at a $50,000 starting salary, and comparable sized agencies at or near this mark, it is necessary that we develop a salary adjustment that will align with the market trend to help with officer retention and recruitment,” as stated by Barrow and other city staff in information included in the agenda packet.

The salary adjustment of $6,456 for each sworn employee would bring the hiring salary for an entry-level sworn officer to $48,959 – just shy of Wake County agencies, but more in line with neighboring counties’ pay rates.

“If nothing is done, we expect shortages to continue and retention efforts to dwindle as competing agencies further the gap,” according to the agenda information.

If implemented this month, March 2023, the total cost, including benefits but not including the pending retirement of a lieutenant in March or April, is approximately $102,000. In FY 23-24, the total increase would be $315,000 in the Salary/Wage line item.

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TownTalk: Spring Events In Granville County

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Anyone who attempts to keep up with Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen better be wearing a good pair of sneakers. Or better yet, roller skates. Between now and the end of April, she’ll be putting a lot of miles on her car to attend all the events scheduled for Granville County.

“We’ve got tons of stuff going on,” Allen told Bill Harris on Thursday’s TownTalk. “We’ve got some very creative people around here in Granville County – and they love spring.”

From egg hunts to traditional Scottish games, there’s something for residents and visitors over the next couple of months. “We do have so many people come to visit,” Allen said, adding that Granville County “may be small, but it’s definitely mighty and definitely welcoming to anyone who wants to come and have a good time.”

Kicking things off on Saturday, Mar. 11 is Spring Fling at the Orpheum in downtown Oxford.

This event is free to attend, but Allen said VIP ticketholders get a swag bag filled with items from downtown merchants as well as a mimosa and front-row seats to the fashion show.

Local is the name of the game at this event, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

The fashion show includes the latest trends from downtown retailers C2, Nan’s Fashions and Bobo’s.

Here’s a rundown on the other upcoming events:

Saturday & Sunday, Mar. 25-26 – The Viking Experience at The Barn at Vino in Stem. This is the second year that the Vikings invade Granville County, featuring 30+ cast members who will be in character both days to interact with those in attendance. There will be food and craft vendors on site, and lots of opportunities to participate. Weekend passes are $30, with daily passes available as well. Day passes for Saturday’s 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. events are $18; Sunday events run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and  tickets are $15. Special activities like “Viking in training fight pit” and an escape room require an extra fee.

Folks came from all over the country for last year’s event, Allen said. “I’m excited to see it again and (see) what they’ve added for this year.”

Friday, Mar. 31

Cedar Creek Gallery opens its studios and then plans to be open for the next two weekends, offering demonstrations in glass blowing, pottery and woodturning, just to name a few. There will be live music and different food trucks each day of the festival, rain or shine.

Saturday, Apr. 1, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  • Carlee Farms “Eggstravaganza” eaturing local food and craft vendors, as well as a photo session with the Easter Bunny and a petting zoo. Admission to the event is free; proceeds benefit Tar River Elementary School.
  • “Paws for Granville” 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Barn at Vino. Dinner, silent auction and musical entertainment to benefit the Humane Society and the Granville County Animal Services. Tickets are $35 and available on the Paws For Granville Facebook page.

Sunday, Apr. 2, 1-3 p.m.

            3rd annual Easter Egg hunt at The Barn at Vino. No charge to attend, but $15 per child to participate in egg hunt, which includes a photo with the Easter Bunny. Kids 3 and under will have a special spot roped off for them and the kids 4 and older will be in a larger area. Look up the event on Eventbrite or find out more information on the Barn at Vino Facebook page.

Saturday Apr. 8, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

            Jimbo’s Backyard BBQ at The Barn at Vino. Tickets $15, $30 for People’s Choice. Proceeds benefit Wreaths Across America. Find ticket info on Jimbo’s Backyard BBQ or the Barn at Vino Facebook pages

Food  and vendor trucks will be on site, and beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Saturday, Apr. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Granville Gardeners present the 2nd full-fledged expo at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center. What began as an herb sale a few years ago has become a daylong event that includes workshops and demonstrations, as well as dozens of craft vendors and local growers who share information about plants and gardening.

Celebrate Earth Day at the Expo. Learn more at www.thegranvillegardeners.org

Saturday, Apr. 29, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Oxford Main Street Art and Wine, featuring live music and a whole mix of craft vendors, artists and wine tasting. The event is free, but tickets are required for the wine-tasting. Beer and wine are available for purchase at The Hub on Main.

Allen said she likes the experience of mixing culture and art with this event.

Saturday, Apr. 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Come to the campus of Central Children’s Home, 211 W. Antioch Drive, Oxford for the 2nd annual Central Carolina Highland Games. “This one’s for all my Braveheart fans,” Allen said. This daylong series of Scottish athletic events, from caber toss to stone’s throw, features pipe band performances and traditional Scottish dancers.

What’s a caber, you ask? Here’s Allen’s explanation: “I am talking about a huge big tree that people sign up to throw across a field,” she said.

Admission is free, and parking is $20. Proceeds benefit the Central Children’s Home.

Visit https://www.centralhighlandgames.com/ to learn more.

There’s so much planning and organizing that goes in to making these events happen, Allen said. “It’s pretty awesome to see this displayed in our community.” People get to “have fun, give back and learn something new.”

And, as always, find out more about all the things going on in Granville County at Allen’s webpage, www.visitgranvillenc.com

 

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TownTalk: Jail To Close For Repairs

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The 50-plus inmates of the Vance County Detention Center could find themselves in a different jail soon – at least temporarily – while contractors replace old doors to provide better security.

The Vance County Commissioners approved spending up to $90,000 to pay for the inmates’ stays at other facilities, but there’s one condition: Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame must get, in writing, confirmation from the contractor that the work can and will be done within a 30-day period.

During that 30-day window, the jail would be closed as far as housing inmates is concerned. Closing a jail sounds like a severe measure, but it is what needs to happen for  the repairs and installations to be completed.

Brame and longtime sheriff’s office employee Weldon Bullock were at the commissioners’ meeting Monday to make the request. They shared details of yet another example of unsafe conditions at the jail – an inmate lay unconscious for at least five minutes after being attacked in a fight over the weekend.

He was transported to Duke University Hospital and had surgery for a broken eye socket, Bullock reported during his remarks to the commissioners. He also stated that the doors are broken and can’t be secured properly. But physical conditions aside, Bullock said what really bothered him was that the inmate could have died. “The guy could have laid there and died – I don’t want somebody to get killed because we can’t lock the doors.”

The new doors have been purchased and are ready to be installed, to the tune of about $400,000. Once the sheriff gets written confirmation from the contractor that the work can be done within a 30-day period, the plan can proceed.

As chief law enforcement officer in the county, the sheriff is responsible for the hiring and firing of employees within the sheriff’s office, but salaries and other capital expenses are the responsibility of the county commissioners.

Brame has long said that the county needs a new jail and more staff to adequately cover the jail. The facility has gotten deficiencies on state inspection reports for various problems, from broken doors to non-functioning cameras and peeling paint.

A comprehensive feasibility study was initiated last year to evaluate the jail and to help county leaders decide whether to repair or replace the 30-year-old structure.

The Vance County Jail will close for thirty days to replace doors.

 

TownTalk: Pink With Passion Focus On Cancer Survivors

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The second “Pink With A Passion” cancer walk planned for Saturday, April 15 in Warren County grew out of one woman’s desire to pay it forward.

Amena Wilson is president of the nonprofit group, which she founded after a 2017 breast cancer diagnosis – thus, the color in the organization’s name.

But Wilson told John C. Rose that she hopes there will be all colors associated with particular cancers present for the event, which will be held at the Warren County Rec Complex from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It’s going to be “a day of celebration for patients, survivors, caregivers,” Wilson said on Wednesday’ TownTalk. There will be food trucks and vendors, as well as music and other entertainment throughout the day.

Walkers are encouraged to wear whatever color represents the cancer that has affected them or loved ones they’ve cared for. “It’s going to be a day with great meaning,” she said.

This event is NOT a fundraiser, Wilson emphasized; rather, it’s just a small way to show support and encouragement to cancer patients and to survivors.

And it’s not just for Warren County residents – “we welcome anybody, near and far…we would love to have you,” Wilson said.

Interested in being a vendor? There’s still time, Wilson said. Call her at 252.213.5735 to learn more.

Here are some common cancers and their colors:

  • Lung cancer: white
  • Brain cancer: grey
  • Breast cancer: pink
  • Liver cancer: emerald green
  • Lymphoma: lime green
  • Prostate cancer: light blue
  • Stomach cancer: periwinkle blue
  • Bone cancer: yellow
  • Leukemia: orange
  • Skin: black
  • Colon: dark blue

 

 

TownTalk: Vance County Republican Convention Coming Up

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Local Republican Party leaders are putting the finishing touches on plans for upcoming county conventions, that vital first step of electing delegates that will ultimately select delegates for upcoming state and national events in advance of the 2024 elections.

Jimmy Barrier chairs the Vance County GOP, which plans to have its county convention on Friday, Mar. 24 at Pool Rock Reception and Convention Center. He was joined by Mike Magnanti, vice-chair of the Granville GOP and David Woodson, Warren County GOP treasurer on Tuesday’s TownTalk with John C. Rose.

Granville County will host its county convention one day before the Vance County event – Thursday, Mar. 23 at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center. Doors open at 4:30, Magnanti said.

Warren County held its convention Saturday, Mar. 4, Woodson said. The GOP doesn’t have a large presence in Warren County, “but it’s growing,” Woodson reported.

“I’m excited about the momentum,” he said. “2024 will be here before you know it – we need to be ready.”

Political activity begins at the precinct levels in February, which leads to county conventions in March – that’s usually when the group elects officers and district delegates. The district and state conventions are held in June, followed by the national convention in July, Magnanti explained.

“It’s all about organizing the county, so that we can move forward to the state convention and the national convention,” he said.

As chairman, Barrier said his job is simple, but not always easy. “My job is to get candidates elected,” he said. He would like to see more Republicans throw their hats into the ring to run for local office.

“Come in and help us and show us what you want us to do,” he said, inviting the community to attend the upcoming Vance County convention. “It’s ‘us,’” he said. “It’s our party.”

Barrier said everyone is welcome to attend the Vance GOP convention, but only registered Republicans will be able to take part in any votes during the business portion; registration and credentialing begins at 5:30 p.m. and the business meeting begins at 7 p.m.

Scheduled to speak are State Sen. Lisa Stone Barnes and N.C. Rep Frank Sossamon.

Magnanti said State Treasurer Dale Folwell heads up a long list of speakers, including elected officials as well as other candidates running for office.

“This is a great meeting to…get to see what’s going on,” he said. “This is a great one to come to.”

The county conventions are certainly a time to conduct the business of the organization, but Woodson said, “it’s definitely a rally and it’s a community outreach.” Calling local conventions the grassroots of this nation’s political system, he continued by saying, “This is where it really all happens. “People are getting interested…they want to hear some answers and hear some options.”

Vance County GOP:

vancegop@gmail.com or find Vance County NC Republican Party on Facebook

Granville County GOP:

www.granvillegop.org or email info@granvillegop.org; find them on Facebook and Twitter

Warren County GOP:

warrennc.gop@gmail.com or find them on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

TownTalk: The Future of Economic Development in Vance County

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Economic development across Vance County seems to be perking up, and if 2022’s report is any indication, the trend is on an upward trajectory.

County Economic Development Director McKinley Perkinson is scheduled to present a review of 2022 at tonight’s monthly meeting of the county commissioners, and she’s going to paint a rosy picture.

She joined John C. Rose on Monday’s TownTalk and hit some of the highlights from last year, but looked forward to the coming months to talk about what’s on the horizon for Vance County.  (Listen Here)

Between investments and expansion, 2022 brought more than $12 million to the county, Perkinson said. “That’s a very positive number for Vance County,” she noted.

This year will see the completion of the shell building during Phase III at the industrial park, as well as an additional 19,000 square-foot building that will be marketed as flex retail space.

“Steel is actually going up on the walls today,” Perkinson said of the shell building. The additional flex retail space will hopefully be a place that will offer restaurant space for workers to grab during the day as well as provide some retail opportunities for area residents.

The bids are set to go out soon to identify a contractor to complete the additional sewer line project and road paving at the industrial park.

With more than $760,000 in federal grant money, coupled with more from the N.C. Department of Commerce, this project will result in completed water and sewer lines and replacement of the current gravel road into the park, Perkinson said.

There are many signs of economic activity across the county, from expansions at M.R. Williams, Robco and Walmart to new retail shopping and restaurants – Perkinson listed Marshall’s, Petco, Jersey Mike’s and the new construction of Mazatlan on Ruin Creek Road – “there’s a lot of big investments being made in the county.”

Perkinson said Robco is “a huge asset to have as an industry partner in Vance County.” The aluminum dock manufacturer got its start here and now sends its products to be installed in lakes and waterways across the country.

Robco and the industrial park are located very close to U.S. 1, which connects Vance County with points south, including Raleigh.

Perkinson said Vance County is well positioned to land more business and industry from counties like Wake and Durham where land is at a premium.

Those small- to medium-sized companies are “looking north,” she said, for more affordable spots to set up shop. Having a completed shell building will “put us a little bit ahead of the competition.”

The downtown area also is getting a bump in interest, with the addition of several new businesses along Garnett Street. “We have hit the ground running,” said Perkinson, who also serves on the Downtown Development Commission. “It’s truly amazing to see all the businesses that are opening up in Henderson…(people) have access to so many things that weren’t here before.”

The Bridges on Parkview is another such example – it’s an upscale assisted living retirement community, Perkinson said, that’s going up beside the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.

The construction alone will create about 40 jobs, she said, and, once completed, it will offer a nice independent living option for older residents looking to simplify their lifestyle.

 

 

TownTalk: Geneaology Basics, Pt. 2

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There is so much information at our fingertips in the 21st century world of genealogy, but people who want to learn more about their ancestors still have to use those tried-and-true research to obtain the most accurate results.

Bill Harris and Mark Pace, North Carolina Room Specialist at Oxford’s Thornton Library discussed different types of records, from family Bibles to courthouse files in Thursday’s tri-weekly history segment of TownTalk.

Before the days of online subscriptions that help individuals fill in family tree information, genealogists had to go to the source; oftentimes, that was the local courthouse.

“The court was all powerful back in the day,” Pace said, adding that you can find “all sorts of crazy records,” from the usual wills and deeds, to the bounty that someone was paid for bringing in a wolf hide.

Court records are considered “primary sources,” Pace said, as are family Bibles, tombstones and church records.

“Secondary sources are a little trickier to document,” he continued. A secondary source may be something like a newspaper article or obituary and books on local history, all of which technically contain second-hand information.

Of course, there are many books that chronicle the history of a place or a family that are considered very reliable and upon which many genealogists rely for information.

Pace said in his 40-plus years of researching history of some sort or another, he said it’s always gratifying to find that bit of missing information that had previously eluded him.

“You’ll hear a ‘whoopee’ in a quiet library,” he said, and it’s a sure sign that another researcher has found an elusive tidbit as well. “They’ve found what they’re looking for,” he said. “It‘s very rewarding.”

 

 

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TownTalk: Economic Summit To Be Held In Littleton

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The Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments and the Kerr-Tar Workforce Development Board are teaming up to host a regional economic development summit later this month with the theme “Innovate 2023: Question. Design. Thrive.”

The half-day event will take place in Littleton at the Lakeland Cultural Arts Center on Thursday, Mar. 23 and will be packed with workshops, panel discussions, guest speakers and more, according to information from the KTCOG.

Participants from Region K, which includes the four-county area that WIZS serves will “explore the power of innovation, and its ability to ignite change within,” said Kenia Gomez-Jimenez, KTCOG’s communications & administrative coordinator.

Registration is required by Mar. 21. To register, visit https://www.kerrtarcog.org/innovate-2023/

The workshop will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. During that time, speakers will cover a range of issues including how failure and resilience can lead to innovation, challenging bias and creating room for innovation in hiring practices and workplace culture, self-determination, innovative education for a more purpose-driven workforce and more. Participants will hear from a variety of speakers on relevant issues and be challenged to think about solutions to problems in new and innovative ways.

The workshop kicks off with an activity called “Unlocking Your Innovative Spirit,” courtesy of Innovate Carolina. Author and entrepreneur Inez Ribustello will share her thoughts on becoming resilient through experiencing personal tragedy, and a panel discussion on innovative human resource practices and innovative approaches in education.

This event is for anyone who has a stake in the economic future of the workforce, and specifically human resources, hiring managers, educators, government  employees, small business owners, executive directors and CEOs.

Collaborative partners include: Franklin County Economic Development Commission, Granville County Economic Development Commission, Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, Person County Economic  Development Commission, Piedmont Community College, Vance-Granville  Community College, Granville County Chamber of Commerce, Roxboro Area Chamber of Commerce, Person County Tourism Development Authority,  Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission, Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce, and Warren County Economic Development Commission.

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Downtown Henderson

TownTalk: Shamrocks Coming To Downtown Henderson

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Make plans to visit downtown Henderson on St. Patrick’s Day for Shamrocks on Breckenridge. You may not find a pot of gold, but there will be plenty of other items to enjoy, from food trucks to live music.

Amanda Walker Ellis, vice chair of the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission board invites the community to join in the fun on Friday, Mar. 17 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Ellis spoke with John C. Rose on Tuesday’s TownTalk about this event and other activities on the horizon.

There’s still time to be listed as a sponsor; there are several levels to choose from: Leprechaun for $250, Shamrock for $500 and Pot O’ Gold for $1,000.

Ellis said last year’s event got some good feedback, and plans are shaping up for another fun time this year.

People enjoyed being outside and downtown, she noted. In addition to the food trucks, music and dancing, a variety of community organizations will be on hand to share information about services and resources.

Events like Shamrocks on Breckenridge do more than just provide entertainment, Ellis said. They also serve to shine a positive light on the community.

The negative stuff always gets broadcast, she said, but positive news like Shamrocks helps residents feel “proud of where you are – trying to make it a better place all around,” Ellis said.

Other events being planned include a downtown Juneteenth celebration and the annual gala that has become known as Downtown Live on Young, which features live music and outdoor dining.

“We’ve got stuff coming up,” Ellis said. “It’s steadily coming in and we’re working on it.

Right now, Shamrocks on Breckenridge is the main focus,” she noted, adding that future events will fall into place.

The planning for all these events comes amid a renewed effort to collaborate with other local groups, including the local tourism authority. The DDC also has recently decided on a new logo and is currently undergoing a website makeover.

“We’re all trying to work together rather than independently,” Ellis said. It shouldn’t be long before the new website is up and running, and the address is the same: www.hendersonncdowntown.org.

To learn more, contact Ellis at

amanda@rogersandrogerslawyers.com or amandaleigh486@hotmail.com or call Dr. Alice Sallins at 252-767-4579.

 

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