August, 2020 - WIZS

Town Talk 08/25/20: Henderson-Vance DDC Chair Discusses Downtown Parking

August 25, 2020/by Kelly Bondurant

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Dr. Stephen Pearson, chair of the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission (DDC), appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Pearson discussed the status of parking in downtown Henderson, addressed safety concerns and shared ideas for improving the traffic flow.

When parking along the main strip on Garnett Street is full, Pearson reminded listeners that many side streets in the downtown area offer public parking as well.

In addition, the lot located near the railroad track that runs behind downtown businesses contains 150 available public parking spots.

wizsradio · TownTalk 8-25-20 Dr. Steven Pearson discusses
parking and downtown improvements.MP3

Pearson said he doesn’t see walking a short distance to downtown attractions as a deterrent. “By having them park in another place, it forces them to go by other stores and see other things they can do in downtown.”

The DDC’s Economic Vitality Committee is currently in talks of adding public parking signs to downtown, as well as reexamining the flow of traffic, according to Pearson. “They are looking at switching street signs around, so instead of coming down Garnett Street and being pushed away from public parking, people would be pushed towards public parking.”

Calling plans informal at this time, Pearson said the DDC is also discussing the possibility of removing parking spaces and adding a median down the middle of Garnett Street. “This could help control traffic and bring the speed back down to 25 miles per hour,” explained Pearson. “It would force people not to park on the roadway but instead use the designated parking lots.”

Pearson, along with wife Amanda, also co-owns Sadie’s Coffee Corner in downtown Henderson. In addition to making people more aware of public parking options, Pearson said tackling the “myth” of downtown crime is also a major consideration in the revitalization of the area.

“I believe the myth of downtown being murder mayhemville is a crock,” said Pearson. “We’ve [Sadie’s] have been down there a year now. We know everyone on that street. All the vendors get along well, and we all talk to each other. I think Chief Marcus Barrows and the Henderson Police Department have done an absolutely fantastic job, and it’s very safe. Until people get over the blown-out hype and stop spreading the myth, it’s not going to change. That’s one of the things we are fighting with the DDC: getting rid of that perception and building consumer confidence back in our downtown.”

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

Corbitt Preservation Association’s Annual Truck Show & Reunion Canceled

August 25, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information and flyer courtesy Kenneth Stegall, The Corbitt Preservation Association

The Corbitt Preservation Association’s 19th Annual Corbitt Truck Show and Reunion scheduled for October 17, 2020, has been officially canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This is the first time in 19 years that the show will not be held.

Kenneth Stegall, with the Corbitt Preservation Association, asked everyone to stay safe and said, “Let’s beat this COVID so that we can continue life as we used to know it.”

Please note that the annual Show, Shine, Shag & Dine, and East Coast Dragtimes Hall of Fame & Reunion that was originally scheduled for October 16 and 17 in downtown Henderson has also been canceled for this year.

Local News Audio 8-25-20 Noon

August 25, 2020/by John C. Rose

Illegal Drug Awareness and Issues

Overdose Awareness Event in Memory of Heaven Leigh Nelson, Other Victims

HPD: Three Arrested in Large Heroin Bust

Sixty Dosage Units of Heroin Found in Vehicle Stop; Chavis Arrested

wizsradio · Noon News 8-25-20 Drug Overdose Prevention Event, Drug Seizures And Arrests.MP3

Franklin Co. Finance Celebrates 21 Years of Excellence

August 25, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Government

Franklin County’s Finance Department now holds a 21-year record of excellence in financial reporting. Once again, the team has achieved the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting.

The Finance Department was recently notified by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) that its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) was awarded the Certificate of Achievement by the GFOA of the United States and Canada. Attainment of the certificate represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including the demonstration of a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

For additional information, contact Franklin County Finance at (919) 496-3182 or visit www.franklincountync.us.

The Finance Office is staffed by Director Jamie Holtzman, Mattie May, Christy Henson, Jan Wright and Claire Fuller.

GCPS to Study, Share ‘Readiness Indicators’ Before Transitioning to Plan B

August 25, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Granville County Public Schools is committed to our students returning to school as soon as it is safe to do so. In order to begin a safe transition from Plan C (all remote) to Plan B (partial remote/partial face-to-face), the Board of Education and administration are closely monitoring a variety of “Readiness Indicators.” These indicators measure a variety of data points which include state and local COVID data trends, physical readiness of our facilities, and survey data from families and staff.

We will also be closely monitoring the ever-changing research as it relates to children and their exposure to and transmission of COVID.

In addition, the district has asked to join with Duke University in a clinical guidance research study with other public school districts in our area, the results of which may also help inform our reentry plans.

To track all of these data points, GCPS is developing a “Readiness Dashboard” that will be shared with the public in the coming weeks. This dashboard will list the data sets for each area and provide weekly trends and analysis.

The Board of Education will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, September 14, 2020. At that time, the Board will review the data for each of the readiness indicators and determine the next steps for reentry.

When the decision is made to shift toward Plan B, the district will implement a ‘staggered entry’ return in which certain groups of students and grade levels of students will return before others on certain days of the week. The staggered re-entry plan will be finalized soon and shared with all families prior to the September 14 Board Meeting.

GCPS believes strongly that school is the best place for our students to learn and thrive. We will continue to work towards getting our children back into classrooms when it is safe to do so.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market to Hold Special Twilight Market Today!

August 25, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Vance County Regional Farmers Market

Back by popular demand, the Vance County Regional Farmers Market (VCRFM) will hold a “Twilight Market” today, August 25, 2020, from 3:30 until 7:30 p.m. This will be in lieu of an open market on Wednesday, August 26.

VCRFM requires all vendors and customers to wear face coverings/masks. Don’t have a face mask? No worries. The VCRFM has several craft vendors making unique, comfortable, washable and reusable masks. There are lots of great colors and designs to choose from including college team logos.

Available Produce

The market will feature fresh and local summer produce including squash, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, cucumbers, cantaloupes, corn, peaches, blueberries, blackberries, watermelons, potatoes, okra, beets, cabbages, strawberries, radishes, greens and more.

Vendors with pasture-raised beef, pork and free-range hen eggs will also be on-site.

In addition, you will find a variety of canned vegetables, pickles, chow-chow, sauces and local honey. Complete your meal with delicious pies, cakes and cookies – including cheesecakes. Don’t forget the fresh cut flowers!

Largest Watermelon Contest

The VCRFM is challenging you to grow the largest watermelon in the area. The winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to Franklin Brothers Nursery (courtesy of JASM Farms). The entry deadline is Saturday, September 5, 2020.

Remaining 2020 Market Schedule:

Through September 30

Wednesdays & Saturdays ~ 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Closed Wed., August 26 and Wed., September 30Special Twilight Market(in lieu of Wednesday market that week)
Tuesday, August 25 ~ 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 29 ~ 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.

October 1 – December 5
Saturdays ~ 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Handcrafted Holiday Market
Saturday, November 21 ~ 8 a.m – 2 p.m.

Market closes for the season on Saturday, December 5

Pre-orders and curbside pick up will remain available throughout the season.

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr. in Henderson, NC.

Contacts:
Market Manager: Tracy Madigan (252) 598-0814
Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie (252) 438-8188

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance County Schools Makes America’s Best-in-State Employers List

August 25, 2020/by WIZS Staff

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools has been named to the annual list of America’s Best-in-State Employers. Forbes partnered with market research company Statista for its second annual ranking of America’s Best-in-State Employers.

Selections were based on an independent survey of more than 80,000 U.S. employees working for companies employing at least 500 people in their U.S. operations. The surveys were administered using a series of online panels and provide a representative sample of the U.S. workforce.

The America’s Best-In-State Employers 2020 title serves to reinforce VCS’s reputation as an employer of high quality. We are extremely proud of the continued progress of our district through the hard work and dedication of our employees. As one of only five school districts in the state to receive this honor, we are thankful for this prestigious recognition and truly Vance County Proud!

The Vance County Schools district is comprised of 10 elementary schools, two middle schools, three high schools and a K-12 virtual school. We serve over 5,000 students from Pre-Kindergarten through year 13 seniors at our Early College, committing to the success of every student.

The district is led by Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson who is also the 2020 North Carolina A. Craig Phillips Superintendent of the Year.

The ranking is live on the Forbes website and available by clicking here.

Town Talk 08/24/20: Overdose Awareness Event in Memory of Heaven Leigh Nelson, Other Victims

August 24, 2020/by Kelly Bondurant

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Patricia Drews, organizer of an upcoming drug overdose awareness event, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Drews lost her 24-year-old daughter Heaven Leigh Nelson to a “drug-induced homicide” on January 28, 2019. Nelson had taken heroin that was laced with a lethal dose of fentanyl.

“They call it an overdose, but I choose not to use the term ‘accident’ or ‘overdose,’” said Drews. “When an otherwise survivable drug is laced with an un-survivable amount of fentanyl, that is murder or ‘drug-induced homicide.’”

Drews said her daughter grew up mainly in Alberta, Canada, graduating from the School of the Arts there before moving back to the Granville County area.

wizsradio · TownTalk 8-24-20 Patricia Drews Discusses Drug
Issues And The Death Of Her Daughter

While talented and full-of-life, Drews said her daughter suffered from anxiety and depression and, like many young people with mental health issues, turned to drugs as a coping mechanism.

Noting that those who are bipolar and/or suffer from anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are statistically more likely to use illegal drugs, Drews said ending the stigma around mental health and increasing support services is another part of the equation.

Photo courtesy Patricia Drews

“It’s overwhelming when you see how many young people we are losing at an alarming rate in this country alone,” Drews said. “We lose 192 a day – the equivalent of a full plane crashing every day in this country. Where is the outrage? Where is the change?”

In the roughly year and a half since her daughter’s death, Drews said she has become an advocate for young people suffering from mental health disorders and addiction, as well as a proponent for stricter laws and accountability measures for drug dealers.

“It’s terrible when you lose your child,” said Drews. “I try to tell other mothers that we can lay down and die with our children or we can stand up and fight for justice and change. I will not shut up. I will not give up. I will not go away. That was my only child. We have to hold these drug dealers accountable for their actions.”

In observance of International Overdose Awareness Day celebrated each August 31, Drews, family members who have lost loved ones and various community groups will hold an overdose awareness event on Sunday, August 30, 2020, from 5 until 7:30 p.m. at the Vance County Courthouse in Henderson.

Drews has made a banner for the event consisting of 42 overdose victims from Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties. A national group called “Can You See Me Now” will also be present with multiple banners consisting of 150 names and faces each.

The event will include a balloon release, candlelight vigil, a remembrance walk, prayer and plenty of support for those in attendance.

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