Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Town Talk 02/18/20: Daeke Discusses Potential McGregor Hall Funding

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Garry Daeke, Henderson City Council member, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Daeke briefly mentioned the upcoming Focus 20/20 Regional Economic Development Summit to be held at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center on Thursday, February 20, 2020, and discussed the success of another downtown entity, Sadie’s Coffee Corner.

“What a great venue, and a great community space where people can come together,” said Daeke. “Sadie’s is a great place for anyone and everyone to come together in downtown, relax and enjoy good food and drinks.”

In light of a recently completed economic development study quantifying McGregor Hall’s impact on the local economy, including increased traffic at downtown business and restaurants, McGregor Hall representatives requested City and County funding to assist with its remaining $2.9 million debt.

The results of the study, prepared by the Municipal Research Lab at NC State University, were sent to Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen and former City of Henderson Manager Frank Frazier. While McGregor Hall did not list a specific monetary amount in its funding request, it pointed out the following, as indicated in the study:

  • McGregor Hall is directly responsible for injecting $2.4 million into the Henderson economy during the 12 months preceding April 2019.
  • McGregor Hall is directly responsible for 5.5% of all economic growth in Vance County over the past three years.
  • McGregor Hall, with a 1,000 seating capacity, is the only performing arts center with over 750 seats in NC (not connected with an educational institution) that does not receive any kind of municipal or county funding.

With an annual budget of $491,839 as of 2018, McGregor Hall currently operates with one full-time employee and three part-time employees. The rest of the blanks are filled by numerous volunteers and donors, a feat that Daeke admitted will be hard to maintain in the long-run.

“I don’t think it can continue, in my opinion, with the level of quality they provide now with just so many volunteers,” Daeke said. “It’s very important that the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center continues to grow, thrive and be a pinnacle centerpiece for Vance County.”

Providing a history of the construction of McGregor Hall and other Breckenridge buildings, including the Henderson Police Department, Daeke stated that the City has already invested quite a bit of money into the project and suggested the County may be the place to turn to for additional funding.

“The City has a couple of million dollars in the facility already whereas the County was not involved in that funding,” explained Daeke. “The County benefits greatly from the sales tax [generated by McGregor Hall], the City to a lesser degree. For every $3 that’s generated by McGregor Hall, $2 goes to the County and $1 to the City.”

Daeke said the impact study has helped to shine a light on the extent of McGregor Hall’s economic reach and believes the County appreciates the results as well.

“A very fair and economical way of helping would be for the County to step up and provide some help; they get return from it. I do think the County sees its role in continuing to help McGregor Hall.”

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

H-V Chamber Logo

H-V Chamber of Commerce Releases Agenda for Regional Economic Dev. Summit

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-Information courtesy The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce has released the agenda for Focus 20/20, the Regional Economic Development Summit to be held at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson on Thursday, February 20, 2020. The summit kicks off at 9:30 a.m.

Agenda:

8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Networking and Registration

9:30 – 9:45 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks

Diane Cox, Executive Director, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments
Gordon Wilder, Chairman, Vance County Board of Commissioners
Eddie Ellington, Mayor, City of Henderson
Benny Finch, Board Chairman, Henderson Vance Downtown Development Commission
John Wester, Embassy Cultural Center Foundation

9:45 – 11 a.m. Opening Act: Setting the Stage – Hear about the condition of today’s economy and how our region compares to the country and the state. Learn how investment in vital infrastructure is key to creating good jobs and promoting full economic development.

Facilitator: Richie Duncan, Economic Development Director, Franklin County

Speakers:
Dr. Michael Walden, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Extension Economist at North Carolina State University

Jennifer Lantz, Executive Director, Wilson Economic Development Council

Hillary Sherman, NC Economic Development Representative, US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration

11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Second Act: Advancing Entrepreneurship – Supporting an entrepreneurial ecosystem is a critical building block for community and economic development. Learn about advancing entrepreneurship to encourage the development of new and innovative businesses that support a resilient economy.

Facilitator: Stacy Woodhouse, Economic Development Director, Warren County

Speaker: Thom Ruhe, President & CEO, NC IDEA

12 – 1 p.m. Lunch/Invocation

Harry Mills, Economic Development Director, Granville County

1 – 1:15 p.m. Introduction: Jordan McMillen, County Manager, Vance County
Remarks from North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Anthony M. (Tony) Copeland

1:15 – 2:30 p.m. Third Act: Developing Talented and Innovative People – Retaining, retraining, and retooling our citizens to prepare them for the jobs of the future is of utmost importance. Connecting top talent with quickly changing business needs will further change the workforce landscape as responsiveness and adaptability become paramount. Hear about innovative workforce initiatives that are preparing our workforce.

Facilitator: Sherry Wilborn, Economic Development Director, Person County

Speakers:
Dr. Jenni Harris, Executive Director of Business Services,
North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Solutions

Dawn Michelle Tucker, Dean of Continuing Education and College & Career Readiness, Vance-Granville Community College

Dr. Pamela G. Senegal, President, Piedmont Community College

Judy Bradsher, M.Ed., Director, CTE Programs/GEAR UP Liaison, Person County Schools

Rhonda L. High, Customized Training Director, Halifax Community College

2:30 – 4 p.m. Final Act: 13 Ways to Kill Your Community – Author and former politician Doug Griffiths provides a revelatory and insightful look at the often universal challenges that limit community success and how to overcome them.

Introduction: Walter Gardner, Board Officer, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments

Keynote Speaker:
Doug Griffiths, President and CEO, 13 Ways, Inc.

Closing Remarks:
Dennis Jarvis II, Economic Development Director, Vance County

Event Sponsored by:
Franklin County Committee of 100, Henderson-Vance Industrial Park, Tommy and Jenny Hester and Region K Community Assistance Corporation.

Lunch Sponsored by:
Franklin County Economic Development Commission, Granville County Economic Development Commission, Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission, Person County Economic Development Commission and
Warren County Economic Development Commission.

Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Dept. Welcomes Toshia Somerville

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-Information courtesy Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks

The Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department is excited to introduce Toshia Somerville as the new Administrative Support Specialist.

Toshia Somerville is the new Administrative Support Specialist for the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department. (Photo courtesy H-V Rec & Parks)

Toshia is a native of Hampton Roads, Virginia. She graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fashion Buying and Marketing.

Following graduation, she enlisted in the US Army and served seven years as an Arabic Linguist. After her service, she attended Regis University where she received a Master of Business Administration Degree.

Toshia is married to Corei Somerville and they have 4 children – Alexis, Corei Jr., Jaelen and Jeremiah. Toshia enjoys giving back to her community and is excited to be part of the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks team.

U.S. Department of Justice

Henderson Man Sentenced to 26 Years for Heroin, Firearm Violations

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that yesterday in federal court, United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced JONATHAN ANTWAN MITCHELL, 34, of Henderson, North Carolina to 312 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

MITCHELL was named in an Indictment filed on December 4, 2018, charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On July 22, 2019, MITCHELL pled guilty to that charge.

According to the investigation, in August of 2018, agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted a controlled purchase of heroin from MITCHELL. This purchase occurred in Henderson, North Carolina.

A few days later, a trooper with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a car that MITCHELL was driving. MITCHELL sped away, reaching speeds of up to approximately 80 mph in a 45 mph zone. After a couple of miles, MITCHELL lost control and wrecked the car in a ditch. MITCHELL ran from the car and after a struggle with the trooper, was ultimately placed under arrest. Agents from the Vance County Sheriff’s Office and the State Bureau of Investigation arrived at the scene to assist.

As a result of the arrest and a search of the car, agents recovered over 1,200 dosage units of heroin, approximately $31,000 in US currency, a semiautomatic pistol, and a 50-round extended magazine. MITCHELL later admitted to agents that he had been dealing heroin in the Henderson and Vance County area since 2014.

This case is part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement. For more information about this initiative click here:  https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/tbnc

Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; the State Bureau of Investigation; the Vance County Sheriff’s Office; and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol conducted the investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Nick J. Miller represented the government.

Town Talk 02/17/20: Jones’ Sunday Morning Motivation on WIZS Encourages, Uplifts

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

WIZS Sunday Morning Motivation “The Help Center NC” with Twanna J. Jones aired on Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m. Sunday Morning Motivation airs every Sunday morning on 100.1 FM/ 1450 AM WIZS at 10:30 a.m.

Jones, along with her husband Bobby, owns and operates The Help Center NC in Vance and Granville County. According to the Help Center’s website (www.thehelpcenternc.com), the ministry was established in 2016 to share the Gospel and advocate for the poor, elderly and young by providing the tools needed for families to become self-sufficient through training and educational programs.

Serving those in Franklin, Vance, Warren and Granville counties, the program assists with food, housing referrals and resources to enhance the physical, social, emotional, and economic health of poor and homeless citizens.

Sunday Morning Motivation on WIZS is a way for the service area to hear positive, encouraging messages to improve mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. The February 16 presentation, re-aired for Monday’s Town Talk, addressed the “loneliness” Jones said some residents have stated they feel around holidays, especially romantic holidays like Valentine’s Day. Putting these emotions into a spiritual context, Jones shared biblical passages on love and handling feelings of disappointment.

The program also featured local author Terry Alston Jones who discusses her book “A Summer With No Ice Cream.” Told through the eyes of a 12-year-old, this novel discusses the importance of making good health and lifestyle choices while young to avoid negative consequences later in life. It is the first in a planned series entitled “Embracing Myself and My Health” aimed at addressing health disparities in the African American community.

For more information about The Help Center and its programs, please call (252) 572-3203 to speak with a representative or email info@TheHelpCenterNC.com.

To hear the Sunday Morning Motivation with Twanna J. Jones in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

‘One Noble Journey’ to Pay Tribute to Black History Month at McGregor Hall

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

In celebration of Black History Month, McGregor Hall will feature “One Noble Journey: A Black History Month Tribute” on Tuesday, February 18, 2020. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

ONE NOBLE JOURNEY is a moving play telling the story of Henry “Box” Brown, an African American born into slavery in Louisa, Virginia. Henry devised an ingenious escape plan — sealing himself in a wooden box for shipment to friends and freedom in Philadelphia.

Tickets for this event may be purchased by:

DROP-IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Henderson’s First Biscuitville to Open on Dabney Dr. Thurs., Feb. 20

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Biscuitville Fresh Southern®

Biscuitville Fresh Southern®, a local family-owned restaurant widely known for its authentic, Southern cooking, will open its first Henderson restaurant on Thursday, February 20 at 5 a.m. The restaurant is located at 1537 Dabney Drive and will be open from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Biscuitville Fresh Southern®, a local family-owned restaurant widely known for its authentic, Southern cooking, will open its first Henderson restaurant on Thursday, February 20 at 5 a.m. The restaurant is located at 1537 Dabney Drive and will be open from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sundays. (Photo courtesy Biscuitville Fresh Southern®)

Biscuitville guests will be able to celebrate the opening of the new location beginning at 5 a.m. until noon with a chance to win prizes from the prize wheel (while supplies last) beginning at 7 a.m. Guests also will be able to sign-up for a chance to win Free Breakfast for a Year*. Biscuitville will award Free Breakfast for a Year by randomly selecting 20 of the entries received on opening day. No purchase necessary to enter. Selected winners will be notified the following week.

As part of its opening, Biscuitville is partnering with the local Salvation Army to support those in need. Everyone who brings a non-perishable food item donation for the Salvation Army Food Pantry to the new Biscuitville on opening day will receive a coupon for a free biscuit of their choice to use on their next visit. Suggested donation items include dry pasta, pasta sauces, boxed dinner meals, canned fruits and vegetables, rice, oatmeal, grits and individual snacks of any kind.

“The Henderson community has been asking for their own Biscuitville for quite some time. We’re thrilled to be opening our very first Henderson restaurant and look forward to building long-lasting relationships in the community,” Biscuitville President Kathie Niven said. “What makes this opening particularly special is it is the hometown of Sanford Milling—our partner who supplies flour for all 61 of our restaurants.”

Tracy Meadows will serve as operator of the Henderson Biscuitville.  Meadows has been a member of the Biscuitville family since 2019. Born and raised in Kittrell, NC, she earned her associate degree in business administration at Vance-Granville Community College in Henderson.  She brings to Biscuitville more than 25 years of quick-service restaurant experience.

Biscuitville, which has 61 restaurants in North Carolina and Virginia, has remodeled dozens of its existing locations during the last three years as part of a growth phase and has also introduced several new, innovative menu items, such as the Spicy Chicken and Honey Biscuit.

All of Biscuitville’s new restaurants, the remodeled locations and new menu items are built on Biscuitville’s foundation of serving fresh, scratch-made food using locally sourced ingredients, including custom-milled flour from Henderson; country ham cured in Wilkesboro; coffee roasted in Concord; eggs from Monroe; all-natural chicken from Mt. Airy, Georgia; and pickles from Mt. Olive.

They are known for their biscuits made fresh every 15 minutes TM and as part of the new signature design, Biscuitville features a large biscuit window, which allows guests to view the biscuit-making process. This feature is so iconic to Biscuitville’s brand, the company proudly posts Home of the Biscuit Window Since 1966® in front of its biscuit makers. In addition to the biscuit window, other highlights of the new Henderson restaurant include:

  • Exterior features resembling a reclaimed southern barn, with a tin roof, barn doors and gooseneck lights
  • Interior features that combine a modern look and feel with southern heritage through industrial hardware, blue painted ceilings inspired by southern porches, and mixed materials like wood, metal and tile
  • Large photos and artwork that capture scenes of the local Henderson neighborhood and community
  • An enhanced beverage area with expanded drink options, including Salisbury-based Cheerwine®
  • Conveniences such as free Wi-Fi and electrical access for devices

For more information about Biscuitville Fresh Southern ®, visit the company’s website at biscuitville.com.

*20 free breakfast combo coupons will be awarded.

 (This is not a paid advertisement)

Kittrell Food Mart Struck by Armed Robber Twice; Suspect Charged

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-Press Release, Vance County Sheriff’s Office

On Thursday, February 13, 2020, at 9:56 p.m. the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division responded to Kittrell Food Mart, located at 1243 U.S. Highway I South in reference to an armed robbery and an assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.

Tyric Keith (VCSO photo)

Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division arrived at the scene and developed a person of interest.

After conducting interviews, Tyric Keith, age 21, became a suspect. Keith was charged with one count of Attempted Armed Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury. Keith was also charged with Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon for an incident that occurred at the same location on February 1, 2020.

Keith’s bond was set at $500,000.00. His court date is February 26, 2020.

This investigation is continuing.

Reminder: Focus 20/20 Regional Economic Development Summit – Feb. 20

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-Press Release, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments

The Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments announces Focus 20/20, a Regional Economic Development Summit to be held at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson on February 20, 2020. The summit kicks off at
9:30 a.m.

Keynote speaker for the event is Doug Griffiths, author of the bestselling book, 13 Ways to Kill Your Community. Doug works with communities across the US and Canada to identify and overcome challenges that prohibit their ability to become thriving, sustainable, and desirable.

UPDATE: We are pleased to announce that NC Department of Commerce Secretary Anthony Copeland will also be making remarks at the Summit.

Other featured speakers for the Summit include:

● Dr. Michael Walden, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Extension Economist at North Carolina State University
● Hillary Sherman, NC Economic Development Representative, US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration
● Thom Ruhe, President & CEO, NC IDEA
● Jennifer Lantz, Executive Director, Wilson Economic Development Council
● Dr. Jenni Harris, Executive Director of Business Services, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Solutions
● Dawn Michelle Tucker, Dean of Continuing Education and College & Career Readiness, Vance Granville Community College
● Dr. Pamela G. Senegal, President, Piedmont Community College
● Judy Bradsher, M.Ed., Director, CTE Programs/GEAR UP Liaison, Person County Schools
● Rhonda L. High, Customized Training Director, Halifax Community College

“This Summit is a timely and relevant event for citizens who seek to learn more about the advantages and challenges of preparing their communities for economic development success. It will provide best practices and examples that can be applied locally.” -Diane Cox, Executive Director, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments.

Summit presentations will focus on the following:
● Setting the Stage for Economic Development in Your Community
● Advancing Entrepreneurship
● Talent Development-Best Practice Workforce Initiatives
● 13 Ways to Kill Your Community – Lessons on what really makes the difference between a prospering community and a failing one.

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation 2020 Grant Cycle is Now Open

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-Information courtesy Triangle North Healthcare Foundation

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation has announced the launch of its 2020 grant cycle, accepting applications now through May 1, 2020.

A regional healthcare grantmaking organization based in Henderson, NC, Triangle North Healthcare Foundation was established in 2011, following the merge of Maria Parham Medical Center and Duke Lifepoint.

The Foundation seeks programs and projects that will provide positive results in one or more of the five focus areas: Child Well-Being, Chronic Disease, Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, Nutrition and Physical Activity, and Reproductive Health. Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and schools are eligible to apply.

The link to the Foundation’s online grant portal is available at the website: https://www.tnhfoundation.org

The Foundation’s mission– to encourage, support, and invest in quality efforts that measurably improve health in the Triangle North area— is achieved through funding programming that focuses on improving health. The Foundation also supports programs that build capacity and develop leaders for nonprofits in the region.

Since beginning its grantmaking in 2013, the Foundation has invested over $1.8 million in over 70 programs that serve the four counties in the region: Franklin, Granville, Vance, and Warren.

According to the Foundation’s Executive Director Val Short, the Foundation Board’s hope is that through grantee organizations and the people they serve, the Board’s vision for the future of our region will be realized… “to live in a healthy community.”

“Our hope is that the Foundation’s investment of grant funds in our communities will result in long-lasting improvements in the health and wellbeing of our children and adults,” Short said.

Short and the Foundation’s Grants Coordinator Carolyn Powell are currently available to discuss ideas for grant projects or to assist with grant writing. Call 252-430-8532 to schedule an appointment.  Information about current and past funded programs and projects is also available on the Foundation’s website.