The Daily Dispatch

05/29/2026

NORLINA — Warren Young Explorers School will host a community and family Fun Day on Saturday at the Warren County Recreation Complex. And less than three months later, the Tri-County’s newest public charter school will open its doors to approximatel…

NORLINA — Warren Young Explorers School will host a community and family Fun Day on Saturday at the Warren County Recreation Complex. And less than three months later, the Tri-County’s

05/29/2026

Following an email message from Councilwoman Tami Walker Thursday morning obtained by the Dispatch calling for the resignation or termination of City Manager Paylor Spruill, a source close to the situation believes that is what will happen during the special called meeting at city hall today at 5:30 p.m.

Spruill, who served as assistant city manager for 10 years before taking over following the firing of Hassan Kingsberry in September 2025, would be replaced by Kendrick Vann, director of Recreation & Parks and assistant to the city manager.

No reason was given in the letter Walker wrote for making this change after Spruill served for only 8 months in the city manager position.

05/28/2026

HENDERSON — A 65-inch video screen photo display was recently installed on the second floor of Perry Memorial Library featuring 1,484 photographs of Henderson and Vance County subjects. The photos revolve in a random loop played every day that the l…

HENDERSON — A 65-inch video screen photo display was recently installed on the second floor of Perry Memorial Library featuring 1,484 photographs of Henderson and Vance County subjects. The photos

05/28/2026

The Dispatch has obtained an email in which Mayor Pro Tem Tami Walker appears to call for the resignation or termination of City Manager Paylor Spruill.

In the email sent from Walker's city email at 9:25 a.m. this morning to members of the city council, City Attorney Dan Harzog, City Clerk Tracey Kimbrell and Spruill, Walker first wished the group good morning.

“At this time, I am requesting the termination of our city manager Paylor Spruill,” the email reads. “Immediately making Kendrick Vann interim city manager for 6 months or until a new city manager is hired. Letting Christy Lipscomb remain as assistant city manager and immediately eliminating the position of assistant to assistant city manager [sic].”

Walker didn't explain her reasoning in the email. Besides Spruill, none of the staffers mentioned in the email were listed as recipients of the email.

05/28/2026

WARRENTON — Imagine it’s 2032. You’re toggling through Summer Olympics TV and web coverage for the Games in Brisbane, Australia and NBC Sports commentator Mike Tirico shares the story of a new Olympic sport — mounted archery — and how a rural area i…

WARRENTON — Imagine it’s 2032. You’re toggling through Summer Olympics TV and web coverage for the Games in Brisbane, Australia and NBC Sports commentator Mike Tirico shares the story of

05/28/2026

NORLINA — An explosion inside International Paper’s Norlina facility Tuesday left one driver with minor injuries.

05/28/2026

HENDERSON — If all goes according to plan, American Legion Post 60 will unveil the Vance County Veterans Memorial in front of the Henderson Police Department on the Fourth of July — the country’s 250th birthday.

HENDERSON — If all goes according to plan, American Legion Post 60 will unveil the Vance County Veterans Memorial in front of the Henderson Police Department on the Fourth of

05/27/2026

FUMC Tag Sale for Missions open this Saturday

Suzanne Cheever, Pat Tillotson, Cynthia Walker, Marsha Fowler, Carolyn Farmer and Jeanetta Jennings prepare a bag lunch and hot meal for the soup kitchen at First United Methodist Church. The soup kitchen ministry is partially supported by the church’s Tag Sales for Missions, which is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on fifth Saturdays. The last day of the spring glassware and first day of the tableware sale will be Saturday, May 30, from 9 a.m. to noon. The soup kitchen will also start at noon on Sunday.

05/26/2026

05/26/2026

OXFORD — In soccer, playing and producing on a reputable club team tends to be paramount for players hoping to attract the attention of college coaches. That was no different for Oxford Prep’s Egan Tyler — a product of Triangle-based North Carolina …

OXFORD — In soccer, playing and producing on a reputable club team tends to be paramount for players hoping to attract the attention of college coaches. That was no different

05/26/2026

HENDERSON — Magic, spirit and tight-knit-ness have long been thematic staples of Kerr-Vance Academy commencements. On Saturday morning, the traditional motifs remained, accompanied by a palpable sense of gratitude permeating Crawford Gymtorium despi…

HENDERSON — Magic, spirit and tight-knit-ness have long been thematic staples of Kerr-Vance Academy commencements. On Saturday morning, the traditional motifs remained, accompanied by a palpable sense of gratitude permeating