Tag Archive for: #towntalk

Duke Energy

TownTalk: Avoid Utility Scammers With ‘Slow Down, Verify, Report’ Approach

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The phone rings and, when you answer it, you hear a recorded voice that says your power is going to be disconnected. All you have to do is make an easy, online payment to avoid a disruption in service.

Many consumers recognize this for what it is – a SCAM!

And as utility companies like Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas know all too well, their customers often must navigate choppy internet waters to avoid becoming victims of online schemes and scams.

Duke Energy’s Beth Townsend offers some tips to stay safe as the utility recognizes Wednesday, Nov. 19 as the 10th annual Utility Scam Awareness Day—a decade-long commitment to helping communities slow down, verify and stop utility scams.

Townsend said Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas will never:

  • Specify how you must pay
  • Threaten immediate service interruption
  • Ask for personal info or payment details by phone, email or in person

“If you’re targeted, hang up, shut the door, or delete the message,” she said. Contact your utility using the info on your bill or the utility’s official website. And if you ever feel unsafe, call 911.

Townsend, Duke’s East Region director for Government and Community Relations, said the utility received more than 5,600 scam reports in 2025, with 2,338 coming from North Carolina.

“Scammers often demand immediate payment, threaten service cut-off or request payment via prepaid cards or cryptocurrency. Utilities will never do this,” Townsend said.

The most common types of scams, she said, include disconnection threats, links to fake webpages, a promise to mail refund checks and utility worker imposters, she noted.

Customers can protect themselves in several different ways:

 

  • Slow Down: If a payment request feels urgent or suspicious, pause and protect yourself.
  • Verify: Always use the official phone number or website from your bill.
  • Stop the Scam: Report any suspicious contact to your utility and law enforcement.

 

Townsend included the following resources to report scams or to learn more:

 

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TownTalk: Vance County Sheriff’s Office Hosting Harvest Festival Saturday, Nov. 22

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The Vance County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a Harvest Festival on Saturday, Nov. 22 and Sheriff Curtis Brame invites the community out to enjoy an afternoon of fun, food, music, vendors and more.

The event is free, Brame says, so come on out between 12 noon and 4 p.m. to the courthouse parking lot. There will be games, face painting, and more for the kids, along with complimentary hotdogs, chips and drinks for all.

Having an event like the Harvest Festival is a way to bring people together, Brame said – “to let people know the Vance County Sheriff’s Office is here to serve them.”

He said he encourages his deputies to stop by schools to meet young people on a positive note and let them know that “we’re here to serve and protect.”

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Green Rural Redevelopment (GRRO)

Join GRRO At ‘Rural Health Day’ Fair Thursday, Nov. 20 At Vance County Regional Farmers Market

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Henderson-based Green Rural Redevelopment Organization – GRRO – is partnering with several other groups to host a Rural Health Day Fair Thursday, Nov. 20 at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.

As GRRO co-founder Ardis Crews explained, the national celebration of Rural Health Day occurs each year on the third Thursday of November. And this year, GRRO is making the celebration local.

In addition to the farmers market, partners include Duke University Rural Health Equity Hub, and the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.

More than 30 vendors will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to share information, resources and more with participants.

And GRRO will share food boxes, filled with healthy fresh options with all participants as well, Crews said on Wednesday’s TownTalk.

“One of the things we believe here at GRRO is that food is medicine, so certainly that which you consume is important,” she said.

There are so many health conditions that could be corrected by good food and healthy living, Crews said, adding that addressing other things that affect health – like mental health, for example – could prevent problems from arising.

“One must take a holistic approach to health,” she said, “and that includes all the determinants of health.”

Crews said she and husband Henry are honored and humbled to serve the community through GRRO. Originally interested in housing, Crews said GRRO’s focus turned to food availability in the community.

“This is my best life,” she said. “I love being in Henderson, I love being in Vance County and I love what I do. I just wish we had the capacity to do more.”

In a press release, GRRO Executive Director Henry Crews said, “National Rural Health Day was founded by the national organization of the State Office of Rural Health. It’s about honoring the people and places that sustain the Power of Rural. We are proud to celebrate the providers, partners, and residents who are creating a healthier, more vibrant future for our rural communities. GRRO is all about ‘Rural’ and we’re grateful for the people and organizations that are helping us make this work possible.”

Come out to the farmers market, 210 Southpark Dr. to learn more about rural health resources and opportunities.

Learn more at https://www.grronc.org/

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TownTalk: Henderson Police Department Update

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Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow calls himself an “old-school” police officer, but that doesn’t transfer to the officers in his department – he wants the younger officers to bring their technological skills with them – from flying drones to using AI to streamline inter-office guidelines.

“I think we’re probably a step ahead of everybody in the region,” Barrow said on Tuesday’s TownTalk. Besides using facial recognition software to help solve crimes, the city of Henderson also has more FLOC cameras in use than nearby municipalities.

“We’re the smallest agency in the United States to have a NIVEN entry site,” Barrow continued. NIVEN analyzes shell casings to aid in police investigations.

And there are the drones, a tool that he said will most likely continue to grow, based on what he hears at conferences and reads in professional publications.

Mixing in the use of the latest technology means that the department is constantly learning and adapting to new concepts and equipment while maintaining high expectations for police performance.

Each year, the police department must be reaccredited through CALEA, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. There’s a site visit every four years now, and March 2025 marks the eighth time the police department has received its reaccreditation certificate.

“We’ve been working on accreditation since I got here in 1998,” Barrow said. There are 461 standards to meet.

The CALEA standards include every facet of police work, from swearing in of officers to how arrestees are processed to how documents and other material is stored electronically.

Barrow said Capt. Chris Ball informed him recently that there soon will be two more added to the list – one involving how the department uses AI in its daily duties.

AI can be a very useful tool, but Barrow said he, like others in law enforcement, want to see how the courts system accepts the use of AI.

He said one of the first questions a judge may ask an officer providing testimony is whether his report is in his own words. Of course, an AI-generated report may not satisfy that question, so Barrow said he’d like to see AI used to make something better, not as a replacement for an officer-generated report.

Take policy manuals, for example, he said. A policy manual could be cranked into an AI program and it could quickly spot inconsistencies and redundancies.

That’s using technology in a way that makes things better.

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TownTalk: Festive Events Coming To Vance County

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The Henderson Christmas Parade is set for Saturday, Dec. 6 and Dr. Alice Sallins with the Vance County Arts Council reminds those still who still need to turn in their registrations to participate do so by this Saturday, Nov. 22.

The registration document, along with parade rules, can be found at

https://vanceartscouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Christmas-Parade-2025-Rules-and-Regulations-2.pdf

“We’re looking for a good turnout,” Sallins said on TownTalk. So far, there are more than 100 entries, and she said there are a half dozen or more new businesses and schools that are planning to join the parade this year.

The parade begins at 2:30 p.m., so spectators should grab a good vantage point along the parade route. All entries in the parade should be lined up by 1:30 p.m. or so – no later than 2:15 p.m., she said.

If you’re looking for a little holiday cheer before the Christmas parade, look no further than Nov. 29 – a mere two days after Thanksgiving – for the 10th annual Tidings of Comfort and Joy performance at McGregor Hall.

The doors open at 3:30 p.m. for the 4 p.m. performance, and Sallins said there will be a good mix of returning groups and newcomers to help folks get into the holiday spirit.

“We want to get you in the mood to celebrate” the season, she said.  The arts council wanted to bring a free event to the community “that would bring a bit of joy” to those who were sad during the Christmas season.

In addition to Clearview’s Dr. Abidan Shah sharing the Christmas Story from the Gospel of Luke, there will be music from Evelyn Couch, Tia “Catillia” Cheek, Jimmy & the Sound Barriers and Eugene Taylor & Jimmy Williamson, among others.

Get more information at https://vanceartscouncil.com/.

 

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TownTalk: G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Getting Ready for Pre-Thanksgiving Community Feeding

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As G.R.A.C.E. Ministries prepares for its 8th annual pre-Thanksgiving community feeding this Saturday, Nov. 22, organizers say that folks can show up at the church or any of several locations throughout the city and county to get plates for themselves or to share with others.

Bobby West said this year’s goal is to serve up and distribute 2,000 plates of food, which will be lovingly served with a side of caring and prayers.

And what Thanksgiving meal would be complete without a slice of cake? When planning to serve 2,000, that’s a lot of cakes. They’ve gotten commitments for 85 so far, and West predicts that they could use another 15 or so.

“Sometimes, just a little meal means a lot,” West said on Monday’s TownTalk.

That food doesn’t plate itself, however, and West said volunteers are welcome to join the small army of volunteers who will gather at the church, located at 215 Crozier St., to start work by 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.

More than half the plates – about 1,400 – will be delivered to the following locations:

  • Raleigh Road Baptist Church
  • West End Baptist Church on Dabney Drive
  • Auto Brite Car Wash across from Belk and Walmart
  • 506 E. Andrews Ave. near the standpipe
  • Delight in Manson
  • Little Hotel in Norlina

Individuals who come to G.R.A.C.E. Ministries for a meal can choose to dine in or take it to-go.

The meal preparation and distribution is a way for people “to reach out and love on their neighbors,” West said. “We need a whole lot more of that right now.”

To learn more, contact West at 252.432.7124.

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Vance County Food Drive Donations Accepted Nov. 13-20 For Nov. 21 Distribution

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Vance County is sponsoring a food drive beginning Thursday, Nov. 13 and continuing through Nov. 20. The food distribution will take place on Friday, Nov. 21.

It’s a chance to come together as a community to make a positive impact on the lives of those facing food insecurity.

Donations of canned goods and other shelf-stable food items can be brought to the Vance County Courthouse parking lot, 156 Church St.

The distribution will take place from 12 noon to 2 p.m. on Nov. 21, or as long as supplies last.

County Manager C. Renee Perry stated, “In light of the current issues surrounding SNAP benefits, we are coordinating a county-wide food drive. Your generosity helps support local families in need and reflects the spirit of service that defines Vance County Government.”

The point of contact is Willie Kearney, Emergency Management Specialist. To learn more or to volunteer to pack the food bags, contact Kearney by phone – 919.702.5520, email at wkearney@vancecounty.org or on social media @Willie Kearney.

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TownTalk: Gate City Seahawks Earn Way to East Wake Super Bowl

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The Seahawks are in the Super Bowl!

No, not those Seahawks. And not that Super Bowl.

It’s our own local Seahawks team – the 8U Gate City Seahawks with the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Dept. – who will travel to Benson on Saturday, Nov. 15 to face the Strong Center Cardinals of Fuquay-Varina in the East Wake Football League Super Bowl.

And for Michael Faulkner, the 8U head coach, Saturday’s game marks the culmination of months of practice and a great 9-1 season.

The championship game begins at 1 p.m. at West Johnston High School in Benson, but there’s a flag game at 10 a.m., followed by an awards ceremony, then a “fifth quarter” game at 12:30 p.m.

Faulkner – “Coach Mike” to his players – said this team is not only talented, but also hard-working.

“Saturday is only a display of what you do all week,” Faulkner said he reminds the players. They spend about an hour playing a game during the regular season,  but put in a couple of hours at practice.

He said he reminds them that if they train hard, they get great results.

And, “if you don’t like something, put in the work to change it.”

Coach Mike said he played rec ball when he was a kid, but all the games were local. This 8U team travels other counties for conference play – Johnston, Wake, Durham and Granville, just to name a few.

“Not only are they displaying that we’re disciplined and hard-working,” Faulkner said. The Seahawks are proving that they’re a team that can compete against other U8 teams in what he called a “very competitive” league.

The team’s only loss this season was to a Durham team, and Saturday’s opponent is 10-0.

He said he tells the team, “We celebrate wins and we learn from losses.”

For Coach Mike, it’s important that he teach the kids about handling adversity and maintaining their composure – on and off the football field.

“I’m working hands-on with the kids every day,” he said. “I see a lot of will, determination –  they’re hard working. I like to teach kids and set goals and achievements in life so you have something to work towards.”

Some of these 8-year-old Seahawks will be tomorrow’s players at the middle school, or even go on to play JV or varsity at the high school level.

“Henderson is a special place with a special group of kids, very talented,” Faulkner said. When they put their minds to what they want to do, there’s nothing they can’t achieve.

Good luck to the Gate City Seahawks on Saturday!

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TownTalk: Economic Impact Of Vance County Tourism

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The duo that IS Vance County Tourism – Pam Hester and Norman Dickerson – are still riding high after another successful car show in downtown Henderson, but they’re not spending too much time looking in the rear-view mirror. They’ve got some other fish to fry, figuratively speaking.

That’d be the gigantic catfish, that 8-foot, 11-inch 750-pound behemoth that became the newest addition to last year’s New Year’s Eve activities at Satterwhite Point on Kerr Lake.

He’s also set to make a pre-NYE appearance at the upcoming Christmas parade on Dec. 6, said Hester.  Look for him on a Fred’s Towing vehicle.

“Fred’s is a huge community supporter,” Hester said on Wednesday’s TownTalk segment. The Foggs and the late Charles Bowman were among the small army of folks who adorned the giant fish with lights just days before it made its debut to usher in 2025.

Those volunteers, Dickerson said, are invaluable to the events that are planned and carried out each year in Vance County. Take putting the light on that catfish, for example. Stringing lights on that giant fish was no small task, but volunteers never let Hester and Dickerson down – they’re always ready to help.

The community showed up for the inaugural Catfish Drop, and this year, Hester said, she hopes it’ll be even bigger and better.

The fish drops a few hours earlier than midnight – at 7 p.m. – which gives families a chance to enjoy an afternoon filled with activities, vendors, music and food.

The Mike Davis Experience will perform, bringing his one-man show to Satterwhite Point.

“It’s just going to be an afternoon, early evening event of fun for everybody,” Hester said.

Kerr Lake is just one of the “jewels” in Vance County that Hester and Dickerson promote.

Another “jewel” is McGregor Hall, which brings folks from all over to attend plays, performances and competitions throughout the year.

According to state statistics from 2023, tourism spending in Vance County totaled about $70 million.

Whether it’s attending a car show, participating in a fishing tournament or dance competition, people are coming into Vance County and spending money. “Just think of what we could do if we had the capability of housing more events,” Hester said.

Hotels and motels generate occupancy tax revenues – to the tune of more than $500,000.

“Just think of what we could do if we had more hotels,” Hester mused. “We’ve got everything it takes to blow this county out of the water.”

A single fisherman who comes into town for a fishing tournament spends an average of $189, Hester said. Now imagine what a McGregor Hall dance competition involves: one young dancer translates into a family and friends who attend the competition will spend money on food, lodging, gas and the practically obligatory trip to Walmart.

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TownTalk: Fall in Full Swing with Granville County Tourism

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Granville County is squeezing a lot into an already-busy time of year, but Granville Tourism Authority Director Angela Allen encourages the community to jump in and embrace the seasons – you can walk, trot, run, eat, shop, march and drive your way through the various programs and events that will take place in the next few weeks as the holidays approach.

Downtown Oxford retailers are preparing for Christmas with a Holiday Open House Saturday, Nov. 15. You’ll see festive storefronts dotting the downtown district, who want to entice folks to shop local this season.

“Here in Granville County, we’re welcoming the season,” Allen said on Tuesday’s TownTalk.

Get all the tastes of Thanksgiving a week early at Thorndale Oaks on Nov. 18. Make reservations by calling 919.603.3701. The cost is $32.95 for adults and $19.95 for children.

The City of Oxford has refurbished its auditorium and rebranded it the OX Theater. Located within the municipal building at 300 Williamsboro St., the theater will host Shana Tucker on Thursday, Nov. 20 for “An Evening of Sade,” The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tucker is a cellist and a vocalist and, along with a band and backup singers, will entertain the audience with the smooth, sultry sounds of the singer popular in the mid-1980’s and 1990’s.

Burn some calories in advance of that Thanksgiving meal with the 20th annual Turkey Trot to benefit Area Congregations in Ministry, the local food bank. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. for the 9 a.m. event, which sends walkers and runners along a 2-mile path from Oxford United Methodist Church down College Street to the Masonic Home for Children and back.

Four cans of food or a monetary donation to ACIM gets you in – make plans to join in the fun to support the food bank mission of feeding hungry people in Granville County.

Once Thanksgiving is in the rear-view mirror, it’s full-steam ahead to all things Christmas, and Allen reeled off an impressive list of events that begin before all the leftovers are gone.

“I’m excited for the holiday season,” Allen said, “because that’s when I feel our community really sines and comes together – we’re creating community and memories.”

Find out all the details at https://visitgranvillenc.com/, but here’s a partial list of what’s happening in Granville County:

  • Granville Christmas Farm – opens Friday, Nov. 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Get tickets at https://www.granvillechristmasfarm.com/. The farm will open daily the week before Christmas through New Year’s Eve.
  • Corn Hill Farm – a local tree farm that will have a special Christmas Connection on Friday, Nov. 28, complete with arts and crafts for the kids, vendors, food and Santa from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visit https://cornhillfarms.com/
  • Back to the OX Theater for Celtic Angels on Dec. 1. The show starts at 7 p.m. Then it’s Nashville Noel on Dec. 14. Visit https://www.oxfordnc.org/ to purchase tickets.
  • The Lighting of the Greens and Parade in Oxford is Friday, Dec. 5 beginning at 4 p.m. The parade begins at 7 p.m. The City of Oxford also will have its tree lighting on Dec. 5.
  • Parade season continues with parades in Creedmoor and Butner on Saturday, Dec. 6 – Creedmoor in the morning and Butner in the afternoon.
  • Christmas Buffet Dinner at Thorndale Oaks on Saturday, Dec. 6. It’s a full buffet, $58.95 Children 12 and under: $24.95 Children 5 and under are free. Call 919.603.3701 or 919.725.5201 to reserve your table.

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