Tag Archive for: #warrencountynews

VGCC Board Of Trustees Votes Against Hosting Educational Forum On Data Centers

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In a special called meeting on Thursday, Sept. 3, the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees decided against hosting an educational forum to discuss the issue of data centers.

At its regularly scheduled meeting on July 20, the board heard two requests from residents during the Public Comment period requesting the board consider hosting a public forum to give the community an opportunity to learn more about data centers, which has been a hot-button topic in Vance County for months.

At that meeting, the board instructed VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais to create a framework for a public forum.

“They specified that the framework should include a forum structure and guidelines,” Desmarais said in a statement Friday afternoon to WIZS News. “They also requested that I articulate the pros and cons of hosting such a forum and give them a recommendation on whether the College should indeed host such a forum.”

At Thursday’s meeting, the board reviewed the proposal, and, after what Desmarais described as “lengthy” discussions, Trustee Gordon Wilder made two motions, the first of which was withdrawn and replaced with a second motion to remove the VGCC administration from the responsibility of organizing an educational forum regarding data centers.

Trustee Tony Cozart seconded the motion and it passed unanimously in a roll-call vote.

Wilder’s first motion included keeping the college as a possible host site for a forum if a request came from a county commission or other recognized group from Vance, Granville, Warren or Franklin counties, which comprise the VGCC service area.

Desmarais said the board members considered a variety of concerns and options during their discussion, including risks of disruption from possible protests and the strain on college resources and staff that such an event could create.

According to Desmarais, Trustee Carolyn Faines – who also chairs the Vance County Board of Commissioners – questioned the logic of organizing an educational event before any formal application or filing for a data center has been made in Vance County. Desmarais said Faines characterized it as “putting the cart before the horse.”

Several board members suggested that another group could rent the Civic Center to host a forum and indicated a certain degree of comfort with providing a venue rather than hosting the event and the college would not be seen as organizing or endorsing the event.

In addition to Desmarais, trustees in attendance were Tony Cozart, Tare Davis, Carolyn Faines, Tom Harris, Dorwin Howard, Bruce Howerton, Abdul Rashid, Michael Schriver, Archie Taylor, Corey Thornton, Elaine Trujillo, Sara Wester, Gordon Wilder, Brenda Williamson, Xavier Wortham and Danny Wright.

Warren County Health Dept. Launches Smile Warren Kids Dental Program To Promote Oral Hygiene

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The Warren County Health Department’s new oral health initiative, Smile Warren Kids Dental Program, is designed to provide oral health education and dental hygiene supplies to children throughout the county.

The program, funded by Delta Dental Foundation, began at Soul City Head Start with children engaging in hands-on lessons on proper oral hygiene. The children learned the importance of brushing their teeth twice a day, flossing daily, eating healthy foods, and visiting the dentist regularly to help prevent cavities and maintain good oral health.

Each child also received a dental hygiene kit containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, a brushing timer and educational materials to encourage healthy habits at home.

The Smile Warren Kids Dental Program was created to increase oral health awareness while reducing barriers to preventive care by providing children with the tools and knowledge they need to care for their teeth. The program will continue to expand throughout the county by partnering with schools, childcare centers, and community organizations to reach more children and families.

Research underscores the importance of early oral health education. According to data from the National Children’s Oral Health Survey conducted by the Delta Dental Plans Association, parents in the United States report that about 30%—approximately 8.6 million—of children ages 6 to 12 have missed school due to an oral health problem, not just for routine dental checkups. This finding highlights the need for preventive efforts like the Smile Warren Kids Dental Program to support children’s health and school attendance.

The Smile Warren Kids Dental Program is one of many efforts by the Warren County Health Department to improve community health through education, prevention, and strong community partnerships. Additional educational sessions will be offered throughout the coming months as the program continues to grow and serve more children across Warren County.

For more information about the Smile Warren Kids Dental Program or other Health Education services offered by the Warren County Health Department, please contact the Health Education Division at 252.257.6017 or visit www.warrencountyhd.com.

TownTalk: Around Old Granville – Major Events Since 1960 Part 1

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Local historians Mark Pace and WIZS’s Bill Harris are “of an age” now that things they remember when they were youngsters are now being considered as parts of local history that, with the benefit of hindsight, are proving to be noteworthy and important to the area.

The two history buffs usually discuss people, places and events from the very beginnings of the formation of what they refer to as Old Granville County, but this week they talked about several events that have found their way into the headlines since 1960.

Depending on your perspective, some of these events functioned much like the proverbial double-edged sword.

Henderson was where Paul H. Rose founded Rose’s, which at its peak, had something like 175 stores across the region. But Henderson had the first one, and it was located on Garnett Street, right in the heart of downtown.

That was back in 1915, when downtowns were where shopping happened. Needed shoes? Downtown. Wanted a piece of jewelry for a special gift? Downtown. Groceries? A&P on one end of Garnett, Colonial on the other. Clothing, sporting goods and more all were found downtown.

Rose’s stood its ground when Kmart and Mammoth Mart came to town, Pace said. But it had difficulty competing with Walmart, and Rose’s emerged from two years of bankruptcy in 1995 and then sold to Variety Wholesalers in 1997.

But Rose’s took a chance back in the late 1960’s when developers constructed the Henderson Mall.

The mall, all 185,000 square feet of it, opened in July 1969. Pace remembers that he and his brother pestered their mother until she took them there for the first time.

Harris said the mall drew patrons from nearby counties, too. People could park their cars, go inside the mall and get all their shopping done.

“It was a big deal,” Harris said, adding that the mall had “a huge impact on the entire region.”

With those benefits, however, came consequences – especially for the downtown area. The mall “changed the focus of the entire community,” Pace said.

Of course, what happened in Henderson was happening all over the place with malls and suburban retail spaces luring business away from downtowns

People still went downtown for staples like the post office, the library and the courthouse, but the mall was where folks went to shop, eat and where young people could hang out with friends.

Just as malls shaped people’s shopping habits, so did the nation’s growing interstate system shape how people got from one place to another way back in the 20th century.

It was in 1960 that the first stretch of I-85 in the area was completed – 18 miles from Henderson to about Wise in Warren County.

And finally, in 1972, the final bit – dubbed “the Missing Link” connected Oxford and Butner. Pace said John K. Nelms was instrumental in completion of the Granville County section.

The original plans had the interstate going around Henderson to the east, hitting Gillburg and Kittrell before heading to Wilson and ultimately linking with Durham.

“The powers that be lobbied long and hard (and it was) with quite a great deal of effort that Oxford got included in the 85 path,” Pace said.

In close proximity to I-85 in Warren County was where Floyd McKissick planted the seed for Soul City, a planned city that, had it taken hold, was supposed to have 55,000 inhabitants by the year 2000.

The idea never really took off, but McKissick is someone locals point to as the person who helped bring a regional water system to the area.

McKissick, a Republican, was very influential in the political arena and he knew Richard Nixon.

After Nixon was elected president, Pace said McKissick “called in a marker” with his pal and said he wanted a regional water system.

Those efforts resulted in the creation of the Kerr Lake Regional Water System in 1976.

Listen back to the complete story at wizs.com to learn about other events that helped shape local history around Old Granville.

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Warren County Issues Advisory To Encourage Voluntary Water Conservation

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— information from Warren County

Warren County issued Monday a water conservation advisory and officials are asking residents to be mindful of their water usage as water levels in Kerr Lake continue to remain below normal levels. At this time, there is no formal restriction on water use. However, residents are encouraged to voluntarily conserve water and avoid unnecessary usage while lake levels remain low.

Simple conservation measures can make a meaningful difference. Residents are encouraged to limit activities such as unnecessary lawn watering, washing vehicles, filling swimming pools, and other non-essential uses of water. Residents should also consider repairing leaking faucets, toilets, and outdoor spigots and using water wisely whenever possible.

SECTION 3    DECLARATION OF VOLUNTARY CONSERVATION:

 

Whenever the governing body of the Kerr Lake Regional Water System, finds the water level in Kerr Lake is nearing elevation 294, it shall declare that Voluntary Conservation conditions exist, and that the Director of the Kerr Lake Regional Water System shall, on a daily basis, monitor the lake level and the water use demand.

In addition, the Kerr Lake Regional Water System shall call upon its bulk customers to employ voluntary water conservation measures within 48 hours of receiving notice (see Addendum) to limit water use (especially Class 3 uses) and eliminate the waste of water. It shall be the responsibility of each of the bulk customers to employ voluntary water conservation measures on their water customers. The goal for water reduction shall be 5%.

Nominees For N.C. Lt. Governor’s ‘Medal Of Valor’ Accepted Now Through Sept. 15

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–– Information courtesy of the Office of N.C. Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt

N.C. Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt has announced the opening of submissions for the 2026 Medal of Valor award.

Awarded by the lieutenant governor, the Medal of Valor award is a meaningful way for local governments to honor first responders who have performed great acts of heroism beyond the call of duty. The award is presented annually as designated by statute. Mayors and local governments are encouraged to submit nominations based on recommendations from leaders of their local first responder units. A “first responder” includes any firefighter, paramedic, law enforcement officer, emergency medical services personnel or rescue squad member.

“Every day across North Carolina, brave first responders put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. They answer the call without hesitation, no matter the hour, no matter the danger,” said Hunt. “With the Medal of Valor, we honor their courage and recognize their sacrifices.”

How to Nominate

Submissions may be sent to LtGov-medalofvalor@nc.gov and must be received by Tuesday, Sept. 15. Nominations from colleagues and community members are strongly encouraged. Self-nominations will not be eligible for consideration.

Each nomination must include:

  • Biography: Details of the nominee, including years of service in North Carolina, and any great acts of heroism performed while under threat of personal risk to safety, beyond the call of duty in the field. Please also include contact info for the nominee.
  • Letters of Recommendation: From anyone who can speak to the nominee’s service, work ethic, character, leadership, community involvement, or volunteerism — including congressional leaders, former teachers, coworkers, community or religious leaders, mentors, students, or friends. Recommendations should not be completed by immediate family members.

Recognition Ceremony

A ceremony will be held in November to honor the selected recipients.

For any questions or additional information about the Medal of Valor or the submission process, please contact Toby Neal at toby.neal@nc.gov.

For more information about the Medal of Valor, click here.

Warren Tourism Development Authority Approves $8K Grant For Truffle Festival In Warrenton

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— Information from Warren County Tourism Development Authority

The Warren County Tourism Development Authority announces its first Tourism Promotion mini-grant for fiscal year 2026-27.

The TDA has budgeted $50,000 for the mini-grant program to support projects that attract visitors, enhance tourism experiences and generate economic activity throughout Warren County.

The board approved an $8,000 grant for the Carolina Truffle Festival, an innovative agritourism project that highlights one of Warren County’s unique agricultural assets while creating a new visitor experience expected to encourage tourism and overnight stays.

The Tourism Promotion Mini-Grant Program remains open, with applications accepted throughout the fiscal year while funding is available. The program is designed to encourage new tourism experiences, strengthen existing attractions and events, and foster partnerships that enhance Warren County’s appeal as a destination.

Visitors can learn about all the things that make Warren County a destination at a newly launched website, VisitWarrenNC.com.

The new website serves as Warren County’s official tourism resource, offering visitors and residents a central location to explore attractions, outdoor recreation, dining, lodging, shopping, accommodations, and upcoming events throughout the county.

A key feature of the website is its community events calendar, which allows municipalities, nonprofit organizations, businesses, churches, civic groups, and event organizers to submit public events for inclusion at no cost. The online event submission form is located at the bottom of the website’s homepage, with all submissions reviewed by Tourism staff before publication.

“Launching our new tourism website and approving the first Mini-Grant award represent important milestones as we continue building Warren County’s tourism program,” said Cherie Nielsen, tourism manager for Warren County. “Our goal is to provide resources that help local organizations promote their events, support innovative tourism projects, and encourage visitors to discover everything Warren County has to offer.”

Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the website often as new events, attractions, and visitor information continue to be added. Organizations planning public events are encouraged to submit them through the website to help build a comprehensive countywide calendar.

Tourism plays an important role in Warren County’s economy by attracting visitors who support local restaurants, retailers, lodging providers, attractions, and service businesses. Investments in tourism promotion and product development help generate economic activity while showcasing the unique people, places, and experiences that make Warren County a destination worth exploring.

For more information, to submit an event, or to learn more about the Tourism Promotion Mini-Grant Program, visit VisitWarrenNC.com or Cherie Nielsen, Tourism Manager, Warren County Tourism Development Authority, 252-257-3115, cherienielsen@warrencountync.gov.

NC DIT Campaigns Reminds Callers About Texting 911 When It’s Not Safe To Call

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— From the N.C. Dept. of Information Technology

The N.C. 911 Board, which operates under the North Carolina Department of Information Technology has launched a statewide campaign to raise awareness of Text‑to‑911. This critical service allows residents to reach emergency responders by text message when calling 911 is not possible or safe.

The 16‑week public service campaign is airing statewide across traditional linear television, streaming and connected TV platforms, and mobile streaming services. Its goal is to ensure the public understands when and how to use Text‑to‑911, especially in situations where every second counts.

Text‑to‑911 is designed to support individuals who may be:

  • Unable to speak due to a medical emergency
  • In unsafe situations where placing a voice call could increase the risk of harm
  • Deaf, hard of hearing, or experiencing a speech‑related disability

Produced in collaboration with Spectrum Reach, the PSA reinforces a message central to public safety: “Call if you can, text if you can’t.” Ensuring residents know this option exists can directly influence how quickly emergency responders can reach them.

“When calling is not possible or safe, texting gives people another lifeline to reach trained 911 professionals who are ready to respond,” said L.V. Pokey Harris, executive director of the N.C. 911 Board.

NCDIT leadership underscored the importance of statewide awareness of this capability.
“Everyone should be able to reach 911, even when making a voice call is not possible or safe,” said Nate Denny, NCDIT secretary and state chief information Officer, who chairs the N.C. 911 Board. “Text-to-911 provides a critical connection to emergency assistance, and this campaign will help ensure North Carolinians know that when they cannot call, they can still reach help.”

In 2025, more than 70,000 Text‑to‑911 messages were sent to emergency communication centers across North Carolina. This high volume underscores the essential role Text‑to‑911 plays in providing residents with multiple, reliable ways to reach help during an emergency.

This statewide campaign reflects the N.C. 911 Board’s ongoing commitment to strengthening public safety and making emergency communications accessible to every resident, no matter their circumstances.

View the public service announcement here.

 

TownTalk: Around Old Granville – The History of Alcohol

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In 1748, when North Carolina was just a colony and had to follow England’s rules, the first “ordinary” was opened in Granville County. The proprietor had to pay $30 in “proclamation” money for a license and he had to promise to provide food and lodging for travelers and their horses.

As local historian Mark Pace explained it on Thursday’s Around Old Granville segment of TownTalk, ordinaries provided food and drinks for a fixed price as compared to inns – which provided rooms and meals and maybe drinks. And taverns were places where alcohol was first on the menu, accompanied possibly by food.

But anyone who wanted to open one of these establishments had to go to court and get a bond – pay money.

Prior to the Revolution, for the price of one shilling (about $35 in today’s economy), you and your horses would get room and board. But for drinks stronger than water, you probably had to pay extra.

Choices for alcohol were probably quite limited back then, with port, stout and rum figuring highest on the list, Pace said.

Nowadays, we have a multitude of craft beers, wine and spirits to tickle our taste buds. But whether you enjoy the occasional adult beverage or you’re a teetotaler, the stories about the history of alcohol in North Carolina are nothing short of entertaining.

After the Revolution, George Washington’s federal style of government put an excise tax on alcohol.

“This did not go over well with everybody, particularly with Pennsylvania,” Pace said, and the tax led to the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794.

“It was the first time the federal government had issued a tax and the first time the people had risen up in arms against that tax,” he said. After all, they’d just fought a Revolution to get out from under British rule, and here they were, getting taxed again.

Washington sent 13,000 troops to quash the rebellion, and they made quick work of it.

When Thomas Jefferson took the Presidential oath in 1801, he abolished the tax.

And liquor was not taxed again until 1862, when it was reinstituted to raise money for the Civil War.

During that period leading up to the Civil War, it was perfectly legal to make your own alcohol, with no taxes imposed. And that’s what a lot of farmers in and around Granville County did, Pace explained.

One particular area in the vicinity where present-day southern Granville County meets Franklin County, achieved local notoriety for being rife with moonshine stills.

The dense orange-red  clay in the area known as the “Harracan” wouldn’t grow tobacco, but it would grow corn.

So resourceful farmers and others took the opportunity to turn that crop into something they could make money with – and that was alcohol, Pace said. You may even be able to find the remains of stills along creeks or other water sources in the Haracan, “just down the road a little ways,” as old-timers recall.

After the Civil War, the feds started allowing people to have large-scale distilleries, and many towns had them, including Henderson, Oxford and Warrenton.

These distilleries were licensed and there were hefty federal taxes involved. Back then, a  gallon of alcohol cost about $2.50 – and $1 of that was tax.

That was a bitter pill to swallow for some, Pace said. And that’s what led to bootlegging.

From 1870 to 1908 or so, bootleggers were running up, down, across and through the state with their untaxed spirits.

People figured out they could get their alcohol cheaper from their neighbor than they could from a licensed distillery, so business was booming for a good while.

In 1908, North Carolina passed a law stating that distilleries could be located in incorporated towns only.

Layer on that the 18th Amendment to the Constitution that enacted Prohibition and the black market for alcohol became even more important and intriguing.

The bootleggers needed to be able to outrun the revenuers, Pace said, and they created souped-up vehicles that paved the way for NASCAR racing, a perennial favorite for many.

One bootlegger from Wake County has a road named after him in the southern part of Granville County. Bruce Garner was arrested a bunch of times, paid his fines and kept on making liquor.  He found religion, however, and turned from the liquor business. After World War II he moved to Raleigh and opened up a couple of restaurants. The burger joint he started in 1960? Yep. It’s called Char-Grill.

The 13 years or so that made up the Prohibition era was anything but dry, however. And when the 21st Amendment repealed Prohibition in 1933, North Carolina was one of the states that, in essence, got into the liquor business when the Alcohol Beverage Control board was established a couple of years later.

Vance, Warren and Franklin counties set up ABC stores in 1935. It took Granville County until 1963 to join the party.

Pace said at one time there was a bus route that ran from Oxford to the train station in Henderson – which was conveniently located across from the town’s ABC store on William Street.

Locals felt like having a liquor store right across from the station was a blemish on Henderson’s reputation, Pace said. But apparently that didn’t bother the folks who made the round trip from Oxford one little bit.

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NC Dept of Agriculture

Grants Up To $25K Available To Help Eligible Large-Animal Vets

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— From the N.C. Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services

Large animal veterinarians in North Carolina are eligible to apply for up to $25,000 in funding to help support their large animal practices.

The Large Animal Healthcare Enhancement funding opportunity is available to veterinarians who practice in one of the 70 North Carolina counties with a population of 100,000 or fewer and who spend at least 30 percent of their patient care providing large animal veterinary services.

“Large animal veterinarians are essential to North Carolina agriculture, but too many rural communities continue to face shortages of these critical professionals,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This program helps veterinarians invest in their practices, reduce educational debt and continue serving the livestock producers who depend on them.”

Grant funds may be used for repayment of educational loans related to the recipient’s veterinary degree, the purchase of equipment or technology for use in the recipient’s large animal veterinary practice or other uses approved by the advisory committee to promote and develop large animal veterinary practice in eligible counties.

The application period opens Aug. 14 and closes Oct. 14. Applicants who received funding during both of the two most recent funding rounds are not eligible to apply this year but may reapply in a future funding cycle. Other previous recipients remain eligible to apply.

Applications are available online at ncagr.gov/grants by clicking on the Large Animal Healthcare Enhancement Fund link. More information about the grant program is available on the program’s frequently asked questions page at ncagr.gov/large-animal-health-enhancement-fund-faq/download?attachment or by emailing LargeAnimalVetGrants@ncagr.gov.

The Large Animal Health Enhancement Advisory Committee will determine grant awards based on eligible applications. The committee includes the N.C. Commissioner of Agriculture, the State Veterinarian of North Carolina, the chief executive officer of the N.C. Agricultural Finance Authority, one designee from the Food Animal Scholars Program at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, two practicing large animal veterinarians, two representatives of the livestock industry, one designee appointed by Troxler and one designee appointed by the state veterinarian Dr. Mike Martin.

VGCC Foundation Craft Fair Vendor Deadline Sept. 25 For Oct. 9 Event

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— Information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation will host the 4th annual “Fill the Pantry” Craft Show on Friday, Oct. 9, from 2–7 p.m. inside the VGCC Civic Center in Henderson.

This popular community event brings together local artisans, crafters, and vendors for an afternoon of shopping, creativity, and giving back. Proceeds from the event will directly support the VGCC Food Pantry, which provides essential resources to students facing food insecurity across Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties.

The Foundation is currently seeking vendors to participate in this year’s event. Booth spaces are available for $25 for each 10′ x 10′ space ($50 for a 10′ x 20′ space), plus a donated item to be used for raffles. This event offers an affordable opportunity for local businesses and creators to showcase and sell their products while supporting a meaningful cause.

“The ‘Fill the Pantry’ Craft Show continues to grow each year, thanks to the incredible support of our community,” said Angela Douglas, Food Pantry assistant. “This event not only highlights local talent but also helps ensure our students have access to basic needs so they can focus on their education and future success.”

Community members are encouraged to attend, shop, and support the cause. A wide variety of handmade goods, crafts and unique items will be available. The entry fee for shoppers is three canned goods or non-perishable items.

To register as a vendor, complete the online interest form at https://bit.ly/4vQVsyR. Please note vendors will not be considered registered unless they have paid before the deadline of Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Vendors must offer items for sale.

For additional information or questions, please contact Angie Douglas douglasa@vgcc.edu or 252.738.3323.

(This news text above was originally published July 17, 2026.)

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