Harbor Freight

Harbor Freight Tools to Open New Henderson Store August 1

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Harbor Freight Tools

Harbor Freight Tools, America’s go-to store for quality tools at the lowest prices, will open its new store in Henderson on Saturday, August 1, 2020, at 8 a.m. 

The Henderson store, located at 1249 Dabney Drive, is the 38th Harbor Freight Tools store in North Carolina. The new store brings approximately 35 new jobs to the community.

As a designated essential service, the store will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. It will resume its regular hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday after the COVID-19 crisis has passed.

“We’re ready to serve and deliver value to customers in Henderson and all of Vance County,” said Marc Simpson, store manager. “At Harbor Freight, we recognize that now, more than ever, our customers depend on Harbor Freight for the tools they need to get the job done at an affordable price. We are the place for quality tools at the lowest prices for mechanics, contractors, homeowners and hobbyists—any tool user who cares about value.” 

The store will stock a full selection of tools and accessories in categories including automotive, air and power tools, storage, outdoor power equipment, generators, welding supplies, shop equipment, hand tools (which come with a lifetime warranty) and much more. At 17,400 square feet, the stores are easy to shop.

During the COVID-19 crisis, all Harbor Freight stores have implemented more frequent cleaning and are following the guidelines from the Center for Disease Control, including social distancing to protect the health and safety of customers and associates. Any individual who has any COVID-19 symptoms is asked to shop on our website, www.harborfreight.com rather than in our stores. 

Company Background 

Harbor Freight Tools was founded in Southern California in 1977 when 17-year-old Eric Smidt began transforming his father’s small sales business into a successful mail-order company. That first year, Eric cut out the middlemen and sourced tools directly from the factories, realizing that if he could buy tools directly for less, he could pass the savings on to the customer. 

Today, Harbor Freight has over 1,000 stores across the country with over 20,000 employees. The company is still family-owned and remains true to its humble beginnings while serving more than 40 million customers who depend on Harbor Freight’s quality and value to earn a living, repair their homes and cars, and pursue their hobbies. 

With core values of excellence, continuous improvement and doing the right thing, Harbor Freight Tools is working to constantly improve the quality of its products and is introducing hundreds of new tools and accessories each year with the features, performance and durability of the best brands on the market—but at a fraction of the price. 

Harbor Freight Tools offers customers even deeper discounts with special coupon pricing. Customers can sign up to receive a monthly coupon book by mail with dozens of product coupons and additional discounts. Customers can also receive additional discounts by email. To sign up, visit HarborFreightSignUp.com. 

Giving Back 

Another of the company’s core values is giving back to the communities it serves. 

In order to help protect healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients, Harbor Freight recently donated its entire stock of nitrile gloves, N-95 masks and face shields to hospitals in every community served by a Harbor Freight Tools store. 

Harbor Freight Tools is also a major supporter of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, an initiative of The Smidt Foundation, established by the company’s founder Eric Smidt, to advance excellent skilled trades education in public high schools America. The program’s flagship initiative is the annual Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, which honors 18 public high school skilled trades teachers and their programs with $1 million in cash awards. This year’s winners will be announced in October 2020. For more information, visit harborfreighttoolsforschools.org. 

Harbor Freight Tools also supports non-profit organizations that serve K-12 public education, first responders and veterans. For more information on the gift card donations program, visit harborfreightgivingback.com. 

For more information about Harbor Freight Tools, visit harborfreight.com. Follow the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Time to Unwind Concert

Town Talk 07/15/20: It’s Almost ‘Time to Unwind’ Virtually With Greg Milton & Friends

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

Greg Milton, of the musical group Greg Milton and Friends, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Milton announced that McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center will present “Time to Unwind,” a musical concert featuring Greg Milton & Friends virtually via Facebook on Thursday, July 16, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.

This free evening of music will consist of spirituals, hymns, jazz standards, R&B classics, Gospel and much more.

Greg Milton and Friends includes Milton, Deron Keyes (organ), Julian Allred (drummer), Willie Lewis (saxophone) and Clifton Graves (bass).

In addition to Milton’s group, the concert will feature the musical talents of Blakely Bates, Dr. Aliza McLean, Karen Leigh Allen, Stella Jones, Alice Sallins and others.

“This is a great group of musicians, and we’re going to have a great time,” Milton said. “We want folks to kick their shoes off, recline their chairs back at home and just have a good time with us.”

Tune in through McGregor Hall’s Facebook page (click here for link) on Thursday to enjoy the show.

A link will also be provided on McGregor Hall’s Facebook page for those who wish to give a donation to help support the arts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

(This is not a paid advertisement)

H-V Chamber Logo

H-V Chamber Extends Deadline for New Teacher Bag Items, Thanks Donors

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce is preparing to welcome new teachers to the Vance County area. The schools include Vance County Public Schools, Henderson Collegiate, Crossroads Christian School, Kerr-Vance Academy and Vance Charter School.

Approximately 140 new teachers will be welcomed to the area this year. The H-V Chamber is looking for donations from local business owners to pack into bags for these teachers. Suggested items include pens, pencils, pads, hand sanitizer, coupons/discount cards, key chains, etc.

The deadline to donate items has been extended to Friday, July 17.

If your business would be able to donate an item for each teacher, or with any questions, please contact the Chamber at (252) 438-8414.

The Chamber thanks the following businesses who have already made donations:

  • WIZS
  • State Farm/Margier White
  • Henderson Wellness Center
  • Walmart Distribution
  • 3HC
  • Quick Print
  • Benchmark
  • Maria Parham Health
  • Henderson Fire Department
  • Henderson-Vance Parks and Recreation
  • Clearview Church
  • Vance-Granville Community College
  • Variety Wholesale
  • Southern Laundry
  • Prim Residential
  • Outside the Box
  • Fred’s Towing
  • Chick-fil-A
Local News Audio

Local News Audio Noon 07/15/20

/by

Local News WIZS Audio Noon 07/15/20

Your Community Voice

  • Schools Plan B in Vance and Granville County
  • Henderson City Council Dabney Drive Rezoning Request
  • Henderson Man Sentenced to 14 Years

 

Granville County Library System

Granville County Library System to Ease Restrictions on July 21

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Granville County Government

The Granville County Library System will ease restrictions to the public beginning Tuesday, July 21, 2020. The re-opening will be accompanied by procedures put into place to ensure the safety of staff and visitors, which include: 

  • The number of patrons in each library branch will be limited to support social distancing guidelines. Each patron should limit the number of people brought in with them;
  • Library patrons may browse the shelves or pick up holds Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. and from 2 until 4 p.m. at the Richard H. Thornton and South Branch Libraries. (Contact Stovall and Berea branches for their hours);
  • An emphasis will be placed on mobile printing and the quick selection of materials;
  • Face coverings over the nose and mouth will be required;
  • Computer usage will be limited to 30 minutes a day with limited, remote assistance;
  • Curbside pick-up will continue;
  • Designated areas will be closed off, such as the Children’s area; and
  • Some materials will be restricted, including magazines, newspapers, Legos, and puzzles.

To follow public health requirements, hand sanitizer will be available and high-touch public areas will be cleaned frequently. Protective barriers at circulation and information desks have also been installed. 

Areas that will remain closed to the public include:

  • The Children’s Library at the Thornton Library in Oxford;
  • The Picture Book section at the South Branch Library;
  • Tables;  and
  • Meeting rooms.

Visitors are encouraged to follow the “Three Ws” as outlined by the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services – WEAR a cloth face covering; WAIT in line at least six feet away from others; and WASH hands frequently or use hand sanitizer. Library visits should be postponed if experiencing symptoms of illness.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all four branches of the Granville County Library System (in Oxford, Creedmoor, Stovall and Berea) have been closed to the public since March 21 for safety precautions. “Virtual” programming, curbside service and other precautionary measures have been in place since that time.

Keep up-to-date by visiting the Granville County Government website at https://granville.lib.nc.us/ or following the library system’s social media page.

Vance County Schools Logo

Vance Co. Schools Board of Education to Decide Between ‘Plan B’ or ‘Plan C’ Re-Entry

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

On July 14, Governor Roy Cooper announced that all public schools in North Carolina have the option to open under Plan B this fall, which is a combination of in-person and online-learning for every student. Plan B also includes many safeguards to ensure our buildings are safe places to learn.

Flexibility for each district in choosing more restrictive measures, as necessary, is also permissible at the direction of the Board of Education. 

We have been planning for all options for many weeks now and have eagerly awaited the Governor’s announcement. We will now begin the process of finalizing our plans to re-open Vance County Schools safely for our students and staff. Our efforts have included gaining insight from surveys completed by our families, both staff and students, as well as focus groups, allowing us to hear their voices on the upcoming school year. 

The Board of Education will meet to discuss re-entry plans and determine whether the district begins with Plan B, or takes a more restrictive approach with Plan C. 

Remote-Learning Option for Plan B: VCS families have the opportunity to choose remote learning as an option for their child(ren), even during Plan B. This will occur through a student’s assigned school. This option would be available for the duration of time that our district is operating under Plan B. Additional information on the process will be shared on each school’s website within five business days of an official announcement by the Vance County Board of Education. 

Vance Virtual Village Academy: Another option for families is our newest Innovative School, Vance Virtual Village Academy. This K-12, online school is designed for those seeking to remain part of a virtual program for a minimum of one school year. Each student has a personalized learning plan, providing pathways towards demonstrating mastery in unique and exciting ways. The application period is open through July 31 and available on the Vance County Schools website. 

As always, our top priority will be the safety of everyone in our school system. The re-entry plan was shared with our Board of Education at the July 6, 2020, meeting. They will now reconvene July 17 to make a final decision on how to begin the 2020-2021 school year. The meeting will be live-streamed on our website at www.vcs.k12.nc.us. 

Thank you for your support of Vance County Schools.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville County Public Schools Moving Forward With ‘Plan B’

/by

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

On Tuesday, July 14, 2020, Governor Cooper announced that all schools will open this fall under the state’s “Plan B.” Plan B includes moderate social distancing, in which only half of the students may physically report to school at a given time, while the other half of the students will participate remotely.

This is a balanced, flexible approach that also includes extensive daily screening and cleaning processes as well as a requirement for ALL students and staff to wear a face mask while at school.

Our Board of Education recently approved the general framework for Plan B in GCPS, which includes two separate groups of students alternating between two consecutive days of face-to-face school each week, with Wednesday being a remote learning day for all students. So, essentially, students will physically report to school for two days of “face-to-face” learning at school and remain at home for three days of remote learning each week.

Our Board also approved a provision to allow the district to begin this schedule on August 17, 2020, using a ‘staggered entry’ approach. This means for the first two weeks of school, smaller groups of students will physically report to school in order to learn and understand the new screening processes, social distancing expectations, use of PPE and modified class schedules.

This school year, all students and parents will be learning about many new expectations, processes and procedures for how school will operate. Therefore, it is important that we do this with smaller groups of students in a staggered manner, initially, to ensure the safety of everyone on our campuses.

Granville Early College High School will also operate under Plan B, but with a modified format, which will be different from all other schools. Their individual plan will accommodate VGCC’s decision to have all of its courses delivered in an online format only.

GCPS is committed to providing CHOICES to our families. Starting later this week, families can expect to receive additional information about how to sign-up for other choices they have available. This process, known as “SaFE”, or Sign-up for Fall Entry,” will allow parents who do NOT want their children to physically report to school under Plan B to either: (1) apply to Granville Academy (our K-12 blended learning school); or (2) receive full remote instruction at their base school. We want parents to feel comfortable about their decision for their children. Everyone should remain on the lookout for more information about the “SaFE” process in the next few days.

Finally, GCPS will join a number of other districts in extending the suspension of all athletic activities until the NCHSAA gives further guidelines following Governor Roy Cooper’s announcement today. We understand that may come later in this process. Therefore, summer workouts that were planned to begin on July 20 will be suspended until further notice. All other non-athletic extracurricular activities are suspended until further notice, as well.

We understand that this is a very difficult and stressful time for our families and students. We will continue to provide frequent communication and updates to our families using our automated phone system, emails, social media, our district website and our partners in the local media.

Gang Free

Town Talk 07/14/20: Gang Free, Community Partners to Distribute 40,000 Free Masks!

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

Melissa Elliott, Henderson City Council member and founder of Gang Free, Inc., appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

In the first segment of the interview, Elliott announced Gang Free’s partnership with the City of Henderson, County of Vance and other community partners in the four-county area of Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin to bring residents free face masks to protect against COVID-19.

Filling out a recent request with FEMA for masks to distribute to the community, Elliott said the agency more than delivered. “They backed up a transfer truck to my house with 40,000 masks,” said Elliott. “The masks have now been given to various locations for distribution. We want to get them in the hands of our citizens.”

Masks will be distributed Wednesday, July 15, 2020, from 10 until 11 a.m., or until masks are no longer available, at the following locations:

Vance County:

Henderson Police Department – 200 Breckenridge St., Henderson

City Operations Center – 900 S. Beckford Dr., Henderson

Henderson Fire Department – 211 Dabney Dr., Henderson

Williamsboro Grocery & Shell Station – 7690 N.C. Highway 39 North, Henderson

Kittrell Grocery – 1356 US-1, Kittrell

Granville Vance Public Health – 115 Charles Rollins Rd., Henderson

Franklin Vance Warren Opportunities – 180 S. Beckford Dr., Henderson

Kids World – 420 Red Oak Rd., Henderson

Raleigh Best Home Care – 123 Horner St., Henderson

Sandy Grove Baptist Church – 2266 Gillburg Rd., Henderson

Dickies Grove Baptist Church – 2906 Faulkner Town Rd., Henderson

Vance County Regional Farmers Market – 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson

Hendfact – 727 S. Garnett St., Henderson

Shiloh Baptist Church – 635 S. College St., Henderson

Ribeyes Steakhouse – 2002 Graham Ave., Henderson

Divine Habitation Ministries – 227 Orville Rd., Henderson

Big Ruin Creek Baptist Church – 16 Ruin Creek Rd., Henderson

Advantage Care In-Home Services – 103 Wortham Ct., Henderson

Davis Chapel Baptist Church – 742 N. Chestnut St., Henderson

Welcome Chapel Baptist Church – 237 Welcome Ave., Henderson

St. Delight Holy Church – 540 Bullocksville Park Rd., Manson

Granville County:

Granville House – 200 Coventry Rd., Oxford

Warren County:

Jordan Chapel Baptist Church – 1926 Alert Rd., Warrenton

Olive Grove Missionary Baptist Church – 915 Eaton Ferry Rd., Littleton

First Baptist Church of Soul City – 932 Manson-Axtell Rd., Norlina

Coley Springs Missionary Baptist Church – 224 Parktown Rd., Warrenton

Sarepta Missionary Baptist Church – 295 Gillis Alston Rd., Warrenton

Franklin County:

Relief Integrated Healthcare – 109 Jolly St., Louisburg

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

NC Governor Logo

Governor Announces Public Schools to Open Under Plan B; Phase 2 Extended

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen were joined today by education and health leaders to announce health and safety plans for K-12 public schools for the new school year. Schools will open for in-person instruction under an updated Plan B that requires face coverings for all K-12 students, fewer children in the classroom, measures to ensure social distancing for everyone in the building, and other safety protocols.

“The most important opening is that of our classroom doors. Our schools provide more than academics; they are vital to our children’s’ health, safety and emotional development,” said Governor Cooper. “This is a difficult time for families with hard choices on every side. I am committed to working together to ensure our students and educators are as safe as possible and that children have opportunities to learn in the way that is best for them and their families.”

The Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit outlines the updated requirements for Plan B. Districts may choose to operate under Plan C, which calls for remote learning only, and health leaders recommend schools allow families to opt in to all-remote learning. Modifications have been made to Plan B since it was released in June to make it more protective of public health.

“After looking at the current scientific evidence and weighing the risks and benefits, we have decided to move forward with today’s balanced, flexible approach which allows for in-person instruction as long as key safety requirements are in place in addition to remote learning options,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, MD. “We will continue to follow the science and data and update recommendations as needed. We ask every North Carolinian to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and follow the three W’s: Wear a face covering when in public, Wait 6 feet apart, Wash your hands.”

Governor Cooper also announced that the state will provide at least five reusable face coverings for every student, teacher and school staff member in public schools. In June, the state provided packs of personal protective equipment to schools that included a two-month supply of thermometers, surgical masks, face shields and gowns for school nurses and delegated staff who provide health care to students.

“Educators and stakeholders across our state have worked tirelessly to reopen our school buildings safely for our students, teachers and staff. Today, we take another critical step towards that goal. We also know families need to choose the option that is best for their children, so all school districts will provide remote learning options,” said Eric Davis, Chairman of the State Board of Education.

“In-person education is important for children, and it happens in the context of a community. This plan strikes the right balance between health and safety and the benefits of having children learn in the classroom. We must all continue with proven measures to reduce COVID-19 transmission like wearing a face covering, keeping distance between people, and frequent hand and surface cleanings so we can move closer to safely re-opening public schools,” said Dr. Theresa Flynn, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, a practicing pediatrician who serves on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Pediatric Society and joined today’s announcement.

Under Plan B, schools are required to follow key safety measures that include:

  • Require face coverings for all teachers and students K-12
  • Limit the total number of students, staff and visitors within a school building to the extent necessary to ensure 6 feet distance can be maintained when students/staff will be stationary
  • Conduct symptom screening, including temperature checks
  • Establish a process and dedicated space for people who are ill to isolate and have transportation plans for ill students
  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in the school and transportation vehicles regularly
  • Require frequent hand washing throughout the school day and provide hand sanitizer at entrances and in every classroom
  • Discontinue activities that bring together large groups
  • Limit nonessential visitors and activities involving external groups
  • Discontinue use of self-service food or beverage distribution

In addition, schools are strongly recommended to follow additional safety measures that include:

  • Designate hallways and entrance/exit doors as one-way
  • Keep students and teachers in small groups that stay together as much as possible
  • Have meals delivered to the classroom or have students bring food back to the classroom if social distancing is not possible in the cafeteria
  • Discontinue activities that bring together large groups
  • Place physical barriers such as plexiglass at reception desks and similar areas

More details can be found in the Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit. Read the Screening Reference Guide for schools and the Infection Control and PPE Guidance.

In addition to the announcement about school plans, Governor Cooper shared that North Carolina will remain paused in Safer At Home Phase 2 after the current Executive Order expires on Friday, July 17.

“As we continue to see rising case numbers and hospitalizations, we will stay in Safer At Home Phase 2 for three more weeks,” said Governor Cooper. “Our re-opening priority is the school building doors, and in order for that to happen we have to work to stabilize our virus trends.”

School Groups on Today’s Public School Announcement:

“While all school re-entry plans have their challenges during this pandemic, our superintendents, principals, and other school leaders will continue to prioritize student and staff safety in reopening schools under the cautious parameters outlined today by the Governor,” said North Carolina Association of School Administrators Executive Director Katherine Joyce. “We look forward to continuing work with the Governor, the General Assembly, and other state leaders to ensure our schools have the support needed to get student learning back on track in the safest manner possible in each local district.”

“I recognize Governor Cooper faced a very difficult decision. The good news is that local school boards can now begin to officially put their school reopening plans in motion,” said Brenda Stephens, President of the North Carolina School Board Association. “While the current situation may not be ideal for all, I’m confident North Carolina’s educators will continue to provide students with the best education possible.