Tag Archive for: #towntalk

TownTalk: Around Old Granville: North Carolina Furniture

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North Carolina is world-renown for many things, including its contributions to tobacco production, textiles manufacturing and the furniture industry. And while much has been written about tobacco and textiles, Granville County native and author Eric Medlin said he was somewhat surprised to learn that nobody had written a book on the history of the North Carolina furniture industry.

So he set about writing one.

“Sawdust In Your Pockets” came out last week and Medlin was a guest on TownTalk’s Around Old Granville segment Thursday to talk about how the beginnings of the furniture industry and its continued presence across the state and what the future may hold in store.

Medlin said the problem with writing the first book about a topic means that there aren’t many secondary sources to delve into when doing research. “I had to dive in and start with company records, newspapers, and things like that,” he said. He said he was fascinated to learn more about the rise of the furniture industry, the increased sophistication of the pieces that were produced and then sent all over the globe.

In the early days, the state had the three key ingredients that fueled the rise in the industry: cheap labor, access to cheap woods and access to railroad connections. Medlin cited small towns that had small furniture operations – Goldsboro and Dunn, for example – but they were overshadowed by the competition of agriculture to become leaders in the industry.

And although the manufacturing operations were called “factories,” the furniture factories weren’t like the giant textile factories with mechanized looms, Medlin said. And assembly lines weren’t the rage yet, either. The workers were equipped with basic tools like electric saws and staple guns to produce the furniture.

North Carolina, Medlin said, remains the leading furniture-producing state in the U.S., but mammoth local furniture manufacturers have scaled back in recent years, thanks to outsourcing to other countries where labor costs are lower.

The future of the state’s furniture industry, Medlin predicted, lies in the production of customized, bulky pieces – things that are not cost-effective to put in shipping containers and load on ships to sell back in the U.S.

Medlin’s book can be found on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, the University of Georgia Press and Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh.

 

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Domestic Violence Awareness Month

TownTalk: Think Community Event To Raise Awareness About Domestic Violence

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There may be someone in the audience at Clearview Church on Saturday afternoon who has been a victim of domestic violence in the past; that person may be alongside someone who is trying to muster up the courage to break free from an abusive situation.

That’s exactly what Debbie Scott expects from the Think Community event that begins at 3 p.m.

Scott, a domestic violence educator with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, has worked to organize the event, which will feature local speakers and musical talent. She wants everyone in attendance to be inspired by the musical performances and draw courage from the speakers they hear during the fifth annual event to observe October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“It will be a great day of inspiration for victims and survivors,” Scott said on Wednesday’s TownTalk. “It’s a day of raising awareness, a day of educating our residents…of educating victims,” she said.

Besides just gathering together to provide emotional support, Scott said there will be lots of information about resources that she hopes will serve to empower people to “break the cycle, stop the violence” surrounding domestic violence and abuse.

“When people attend this event from year to year…they find the strength to do better about problem-solving,” she said, to make different decisions and change the direction their lives are taking.

In her role as advocate, Scott said she meets with individuals who come to the sheriff’s office for help. She shares the importance of having a safety plan for the individual and other family members who may be at risk. She can walk individuals through the process of getting a domestic violence protective order, for example, and other legal processes that can help.

“We’re making progress,” Scott said, with the number of calls that come in about domestic assaults or disputes. Five years ago, when the first Think Community event was held, Scott said emergency operations received 1,304 calls. Five years later, than number is down 20 percent – a total of 1,038 calls have been reported.

 

TownTalk: Military History Show Is This Saturday

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The 8th annual Military History Show will take place at the Henderson-Oxford Airport Saturday, Oct. 28 and organizer Harry Coombs said he’s looking forward to another successful event during which attendees can see military hardware up close and better understand what men and women of the military may have endured during their time in combat.

Coombs said he expects a bevy of re-enactors to be on hand for the event, which takes place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There have been re-enactors, in full military gear, from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World Wars I and II, among others, he said on a recent TownTalk.

“It’s the same every year,” he said, “but it’s different every year,” he added, since he doesn’t always know well ahead of time exactly who is going to show up. Proceeds benefit the Granville County Veterans Affairs Committee. The airport is located at 6514 Airport Rd., just over the Granville/Vance line.

One thing that will return, he said, is the popular silent auction. Items are available for viewing during the event, and high bidders can claim a variety of items and services.

And Total Flight Solutions is back once more to provide helicopter rides – just be prepared to pay the ticket price and wait in line, Coombs said. “It’s always very popular.”

There’s no charge for admission to the event, but there is a donation bucket for anyone inclined to “throw some money into the bucket.”

And any student who may be interested in getting some community service hours is welcome to contact Coombs – there seems always to be a need for parking attendants.

Once parked, individuals can see displays of how camps may have been set up, depending on the era in which the war took place. Tents will be set up, and there will be some equipment on display. Re-enactors are available to answer questions as well.

The yellow Navy bi-plane may be on display again this year, Coombs said. A weapons demonstration will be held – firing blanks – and there could be a couple of heavy artillery pieces as well.

So whether you’re a military history buff or want to learn more about military history, mark your calendars for Saturday, Oct. 28. It promises to be an entertaining, educational event for the whole family.

To learn more, contact 919.691.7697.

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TownTalk: Halloween Safety Tips

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From tech to costumes, learn about keeping everyone safe during Halloween.

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TownTalk: Chief Barrow and “The State of the Police Department”

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Like most law enforcement leaders, Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow would prefer a lower crime rate. But Barrow said he’s pretty satisfied with the level of protection that his officers provide throughout the city. And until that crime rate is zero, he said he will “keep fighting the good fight and looking for innovative ways to improve” the department he oversees.

Barrow provided business leaders and others from the community a “State of the Police Department” report during a Chamber of Commerce event in September, and he reviewed those comments on Monday’s TownTalk.

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“I think we’re doing well,” he said, but added that “you always want to improve – always want things to be better.”

The Flock camera system that has recently been installed is proving useful, Barrow said. “I did give up one (officer) position for Flock,” he said. “That was a smart move.”

“Flock is very beneficial to everything we do,” he said. “I’ve seen it work…and I’m a true believer.”

Law enforcement officers will take help – whether it’s in the form of a camera system or from other agencies who come together to execute search warrants and seize illegal drugs and weapons.

The Henderson Police Department is allocated 51 sworn positions, with 40 active officers and 5 more in training. There are 6 vacancies at the present time.

The police force has shrunk by 7 officers since Barrow arrived in 1998, he said he’s satisfied with the number. “I’m trying to make it cost effective for the city,” he said.

Interested in becoming a police officer? They’re hiring. And Base pay is close to $49,000; certain experience and education levels boost that base pay.

That competitive pay is, well, paying off. Barrow said a recent hire moved from a job in another town because Henderson offered a better pay package.

Henderson police officers are on track this year to handle more drug search warrants than last year, and they’re also on track to seize more guns than last year. Last year, officers collected 170 guns. Through September, officers have taken 145.

It leaves Barrow in a bit of a dilemma as to what to do with the upwards of 1,500 guns currently sitting in his evidence vault.

State law says the guns could be returned to their rightful owner – after lots and lots of research into who actually owns them. They also can be sold to a gun dealer or put into use by the police department.

They may only be destroyed if they are damaged or unable to be fired safely, Barrow added.

For Barrow, that limits his options. “I don’t want to put them back on the street,” he said, adding that he would only be willing to sell to a dealer that specializes in law enforcement weapons. He’d trade them in for other equipment his officers could use.

 

NCDOT

TownTalk: NC DOT Has Local Job Openings

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The N.C. Dept. of Transportation has openings for more than a dozen jobs in the area, and representatives will be at NC Works Career Center next week to share information, accept applications and interview on the spot.

The hiring event will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the NC Works Career Center, located at 826 S. Garnett St. in Henderson.

The state DOT is looking to fill 17 positions, including six auto mechanic jobs in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Person counties, according to information from NCDOT Division 5 Road Maintenance Engineer Jonathan Arnold. Eleven additional transportation workers are needed – 10 in Franklin County and one in Vance County, Arnold noted.

“We are excited to partner with NC Works to host this hiring event for our 17 openings, and help job seekers in the area begin a great career start with NCDOT,” Arnold said in a press statement. “We are looking for qualified candidates who are passionate about making a difference in their community.”

Workstations will be available for candidates to apply the day of the event, and computers will be reserved for military veterans, who receive preference in the hiring process.

There are several websites to check out in advance of the hiring event:

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TownTalk: Medicare Open Enrollment is Here

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The open enrollment period to make changes to Medicare plans runs through Dec. 7, and Amber Gregory at the Vance County Senior Center encourages Medicare beneficiaries to take some time to review their current plans – there may be some tweaks to make that can save you some money.

“We want to find the best cost savings plan for you,” Gregory said on Wednesday’s TownTalk, “to save you money in the coming year.” Gregory works with the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program, or SHIIP.

Medicare beneficiaries may already know that Part D is all about prescription drug plans, but Gregory said there are changes each year to be aware of to ensure that you’re getting the best price for medications.

“Get those plans checked,” she said. The open enrollment officially began Oct. 15, and between now and Dec. 7, Gregory said she’d be focusing on seeing those folks who want to make sure they are getting the most from their Medicare plans.

Gregory tells clients to check with their medical providers before making changes, since not all offices accept all insurances.

“I have many clients who are faithful to certain drug stores, and that’s perfectly fine,” Gregory said. She can help clients compare prices for prescription drugs among different pharmacies.

Most senior centers have a SHIIP counselor, Gregory said.

Call the state SHIIP office at 1.855.408.1212 to speak with a counselor who can help with Medicare questions.

The Vance County Senior Center is located at 500 N. Beckford Drive.

Contact Gregory at amber.gregory@vance.nc.gov or call 252.430.0257 to make an appointment.

 

 

TownTalk: Mayoral Election Runoff (NOT) Delayed

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UPDATE 5 P.M. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 18, 2023

Mayoral Runoff Election Early Voting Starts 10-19-23

Geocoding issue resolved

WIZS Radio 5pm News Segment 1 From 10-18-23 Henderson Municipal Election Canvass

Click Here to Play – wizs.com/wizs-radio-5pm-news-segment-1-from-10-18-23-henderson-municipal-election-canvass/

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UPDATE 11 A.M. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 18, 2023 on TownTalk

 

Vance County Logo

TownTalk: Perry Named Vance County Manager

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The Vance County board of commissioners has appointed Renee Perry to the position of county manager. Perry, currently Halifax County’s deputy manager, will begin Nov. 1, according to a press statement issued Tuesday morning.

“I am grateful to the Vance County board of commissioners for the opportunity to serve Vance County,” Perry stated in the press release. “I appreciate their faith in me to further their mission and to make Vance County an even greater place to live, work and raise a family. I am excited to begin this journey,” she continued.

Board Chair Yolanda Feimster stated that a recruitment process over the summer resulted in Perry’s selection and that Perry “will assist the board in continuing to achieve its ongoing goals as well as execute major capital projects.”

Commissioner Dan Brummitt told WIZS News Tuesday that commissioners are looking forward to Perry coming on board. “We’re looking forward to her coming in and hitting the ground running,” Brummitt said, adding that Perry would bring “some good energy to the county.”

Before being promoted to the position of deputy manager in Halifax County, Perry spend five years there in leadership roles in Human Resources. She started her work in local government 17 years ago in Greensboro and then spent time in Rockingham County before going to Halifax County.

Perry has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from UNC-Greensboro and a master’s in Public Administration and Human Resource Management from Capella University.

 

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Corbitt Trucks

TownTalk: Corbitt Trucks Roll Into Henderson On Saturday

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The Corbitt trucks are rolling in to town this weekend for the annual car show – not as many as rolled out of town during the vehicle maker’s heyday, but that’s ok with Ken Stegall.

He is one of the locals who helps keep the memory of the Corbitt truck alive and well, and he said if the weather’s nice, there could be a dozen or more vehicles on display during the Show, Shine, Shag and Dine event in downtown Henderson Saturday.

Take the 1926 fire truck, for example. It’s one of only six that the Corbitt Preservation Society knows about that rolled off the line here in Henderson. It originally was sold to a Washington, D.C. area hospital for the insane, Stegall said on Tuesday’s TownTalk.

“When we found it, it was in really bad shape,” he said. Untold hours of loving restoration went into giving it new life. “We’re going to have it there Saturday,” Stegall said.

He said he hopes the oldest running Corbitt vehicle will be on display, too. It’s locally owned, he said. There should be some farm tractors on display as well.

Not sure whether the big 6 by 6 military truck will make it, but Stegall said that’s the one that put Corbitt on the map.
The one that John Richard Hedgepeth has restored “is probably as good or better today than when it came out of the factory,” Stegall said. “That military truck is immaculate.” Corbitt in Henderson spit out 3,400 during 1939 and 1945. There were others that manufactured the vehicle, he noted, but they all used the Corbitt design.

Stegall welcomes any and all interested in volunteering with the museum or in other ways to join the preservation effort. Membership fees have been discontinued in favor of donations, he said, to encourage more people to join the likes of founders Charles Powell and the late Mac Renn to celebrate the Corbitt Trucking Co.

Before it was producing vehicles with gas-powered engines, Corbitt was producing horse-drawn buggies.

“They were making as many as 250 buggies a month” in Henderson, Stegall said. But finding one of those buggies has proven to be a challenge.

“Something we are desperately looking for is a Corbitt buggy,” he said. “That’s the thing we made the most of in this county,” he said.

Surely there’s a buggy out there somewhere with that iconic Corbitt tag under the chassis.