Local News Audio

Local News Audio 9-11-20 Noon

– Vance County Board of Adjustment Meeting

– Armed Robbery and Arrest

– Granville-Vance Public Health COVID-19 Testing Event

Click Play for Local News Audio and Full Details…

 

VGCC Logo

VGCC Names 255 Students to President’s and Dean’s Lists

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

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 110 students earned President’s List academic honors and another 140 earned Dean’s List academic honors for the Spring 2020 Semester, while two made the President’s List and three made the Dean’s List for the Summer 2020 Term.

The President’s List recognizes students who achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) while carrying a “full load” (of at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student had to earn a GPA that was at least 3.5 but less than 4.0, and have no grade lower than “B,” while carrying a “full load” of such courses.

Spring Semester President’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence. 

Accounting & Finance:

Andres-Manuel Mata Espino of Creedmoor.

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:

Chandler N. White of Raleigh.

Associate Degree Nursing:

Alexis N. Brown-Fincher of Henderson.

Associate in Arts:

Carson A. Blalock of Butner;

Tanaura R. Harrison and Cintly Vargas-Arias, both of Creedmoor;

Emma M. Cascino of Durham;

Susanna P. Ciferni and Cassidy A. Holmes, both of Franklinton;

Mason B. Boone, Tashanta S. Bryant, Emily M. Castro Freites, Kyrie D. Coverson, Jonathan B. Duran, Hannah P. Foster, Caroline A. Nutt, Sarah R. Parish and Alondra M. Torres-Ornelas, all of Henderson;

Chance S. Hayes of Louisburg;

Spencer T. Huff, Henry J. Pahl, Jonah W. Pahl, Mary E. Richardson and Erin P. Whitt, all of Oxford;

Jacob A. Comer and Grayson B. Williams, both of Rougemont;

Tomas J. Olivares-Beddoes of Zebulon.

Associate in Fine Arts – Visual Arts:

Rachel R. Hughes of Creedmoor;

Tyler R. Potter of Youngsville.

Associate in General Education – General Science:

Gabriella M. Fuentes-Wilson of Stem.

Associate in Science:

Alexis P. Whitfield of Butner;

Astrid Portillo-Granado and Briana S. Williams, both of Creedmoor;

Terrance J. Gowan of Franklinton;

Aniya Palmer and Evin F. Swilley, both of Henderson;

Miguel M. Magana, Rolando Rosado and Isaac D. Sutton, all of Louisburg;

Zion T. Page of Raleigh;

Bessie L. Alexander of Warrenton;

John E. Moore of Youngsville.

Bioprocess Technology:

Alicia R. Davis of Rocky Mount.

Business Administration:

Hunter P. Barbrey of Creedmoor;

Raven K. Kay of Henderson;

Vanessa L. Crabtree of Kittrell.

College Transfer Pathway:

Nicholas S. Ellis of Bullock;

Jillian Hanchey of Louisburg;

Ava E. Stoddard of Rolesville;

Chase A. Tuttle of Wake Forest;

Lilly W. Kramar of Youngsville.

Cosmetology:

Maura Surles of Butner;

Brandi N. Mitchell of Franklinton;

Megan N. Henderson and Yolanda D. Ragland, both of Henderson;

Kristen L. Smith of Kittrell;

Cannon G. Bigham and Leslie B. May, both of Louisburg;

Edna J. Johnson of Raleigh;

Brittaney J. Kilmer of Youngsville.

Criminal Justice:

Ricardo L. Ellis of Creedmoor;

Alexis R. Lincoln of Franklinton;

Natasha A. Alston of Henderson;

Jessica M. Wiles of Norlina;

Jason B. Williams of Roanoke Rapids.

Early Childhood Education:

Emily S. Bickerstaff of Raleigh;

Leighana E. Dail of Stem;

Samantha M. Fields of Wilmington.

Electrical Systems Technology:

Timothy L. Reid of Creedmoor.

Electronics Engineering Technology:

Dakota L. Hodnett of Oxford.

Histotechnology:

Marianna Coppola of Fayetteville.

Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:

Donna M. Spencer of Butner;

Heidi M. Kulhawik-Angelini of Franklinton;

Diane V. Henson of Henderson;

Noah D. Yeargin of Oxford.

IT – Simulation & Game Development Track:

Benjamin A. Johnson of Henderson.

Information Technology:

Steven T. Pearce and Amy E. Reagan, both of Franklinton;

David B. Ayscue, Jr., Marvion A. Criddle, Koty R. Glover, Katelynn A. Ray and Elizabeth H. Wonsetler, all of Henderson;

Caleb S. Currin and Nicholas C. Parker, both of Oxford;

Marsha S. Musick of Warrenton.

Mechatronics Engineering Technology:

Triston L. Tilley of Stem.

Medical Office Administration:

Jessica L. Boone of Durham;

Maryjo M. Parks, Melanie A. Slaton and Roslyn C. Wynn, all of Henderson;

Paola Rebollar and Elizabeth L. Wiggins, both of Louisburg;

Rebecca A. Elliott of Wake Forest.

Paralegal Technology:

Rachel G. Roberson of Franklinton;

Emari N. Ragland of Henderson.

Radiography:

Charles M. Maina of Cary;

Travis S. Banka of Durham;

Mackenzie L. Cates of Efland;

Matthew S. Denton of Henderson;

Carly M. West of Littleton;

Mariah S. Lawson of Raleigh;

Victoria K. Swain of Roxboro;

Robyn N. Perry of Zebulon.

Welding Technology:

Ethan D. Hughes of Creedmoor;

Lacy E. Pfohl of Franklinton;

Kadarius D. Perry and Adrine L. Pettaway, both of Henderson;

Colby C. West of Norlina;

Rudy V. Pearce, III, of Raleigh.

Spring Semester Dean’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.

Accounting & Finance:

Aaron W. Rettig and Isaac A. Saleh, both of Oxford.

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:

Jeremy M. Johnson of Manson.

Associate in Arts:

Tania J. Cruz, Devon T. Padgett and Mallory K. Richard, all of Butner;

Amir L. Branch, Elizabeth A. Browning, Madison Daniel, Mya N. Harris, Jalia J. Medlin and Brennon M. Warren, all of Creedmoor;

Tekkia C. Cooper of Durham;

Zari Pearson and Kimberly Ross, both of Franklinton;

Courtney D. Adcox, Wafa A. Alazab, Ayanna K. Anderson, Taylor V. Cavanaugh, Kimberley M. Coghill, Alejandro Duran, Cheyenne M. Guerrant, Yumyah M. Hargrove, Alya N. Hawter, Lakaevyn C. Holden, Yazi Majette, Jesse C. Sawyer and Saray Trejo-Vega, all of Henderson;

Cameryn A. Bostic, Justin M. Jackson, Kaleb M. Pulley and Sara G. Woodard, all of Louisburg;

Quinten T. Perrineau of Macon;

Shoaeeb Hauter of Norlina;

Courtney A. Cox, Erica L. Evitts, Jacob T. Grissom, Bree Kromah and Carla Rodriguez, all of Oxford;

Summer M. O’Brien of Roxboro;

Kamille G. Klubert of Stem;

Jordyn E. Brown and Dustin D. Walters, both of Wake Forest;

Victoria L. Dorge of Warrenton;

Sonia Gonzalez, Sarah M. Lowery and Braden C. Roberts, all of Youngsville.

Associate in Fine Arts – Visual Arts:

Brandon K. Lewter and Alix L. Wallace, both of Franklinton;

Naomi Harrison-Carder and Aliyah Wright, both of Henderson;

Ethan M. Brown of Stem.

Associate in General Education – General Science:

Bernetta M. Daniels of Henderson;

Callie G. Englebright of Oxford.

Associate in Science:

Christyn M. Campbell, Haley R. Franklin and Timothy D. Hunter, all of Creedmoor;

Jessy A. Calamaco of Franklinton;

Sarah Alzubairi, Amanda J. Cease and Cameron K. Overton, all of Henderson;

Shaniya T. Boyd of Kittrell;

Nancy J. Alvarez Lopez and Madeline R. Beck, both of Louisburg;

Wilcliff Senatus of Mount Olive;

Rewees A. Ebrahim, Anna L. Just and Landon J. Parrott, all of Oxford;

Cheyenne M. Carroll of Warrenton;

Bryson W. Bridges of Zebulon.

Business Administration:

Gadiel A. Ogaz of Franklinton;

Crystal D. Wilkins of Henderson;

Breanna L. Lewis of Oxford;

Amanda C. Phillips of Roanoke Rapids;

Courtney Adcock and Kimberly Brogden, both of Stem;

Jonathan A. Olund of Wake Forest;

Katlynn C. Price of Zebulon.

College Transfer Pathway:

Hailee J. Bissett of Bullock;

Kara N. McIlroy of Franklinton;

Kaleigh V. Booker of Norlina;

Samuel V. Dickerson, Anthony D. Goreman, Lindsey G. Haley and Alexander M. Slack, all of Oxford.

Cosmetology:

Carter E. Gilliam of Franklinton;

Dynasty A. Hargrove and Camri N. Ross, both of Henderson;

Autumn B. Finch-Gilliam and Cameron S. Hayes, both of Louisburg;

Katurah D. Davis of McDonough, Ga.

Criminal Justice:

Wyatt D. Mote of Wake Forest.

Culinary Arts:

Michael J. Stephens of Henderson;

Karsen O. Garrett of Youngsville.

Early Childhood Education:

Lee Christine Bennerson and Coretta D. Harris, both of Henderson;

Brittaniana M. Channell and Chermella E. Durham, both of Oxford.

Histotechnology:

Daniel C. Smith of Creedmoor;

Nigoria B. Alston of Henderson.

Human Services Technology:

Pattie E. Harrison of Manson;

Ruth A. Terry of Oxford.

Information Technology:

Evan J. Williams of Creedmoor;

Troy West of Henderson;

Julian W. Causey, III, of Oxford;

Christopher R. Deitz of Stem.

Mechatronics Engineering Technology:

Anthony C. Morrotto of Franklinton;

Herbert H. Davis of Henderson.

Medical Assisting:

Tyaisa S. Jones and Kayla N. Whirley, both of Henderson;

Emily L. Adcock of Oxford.

Medical Office Administration:

Beverly Fearrington of Chapel Hill;

Yamileth D. Portillo of Creedmoor;

Bambi F. Coleman of Durham;

Desiree Annis of Franklinton;

Stacie B. Currin, Ashley A. Hedgepeth, Rebecca S. Keene and Davida L. Overby, all of Henderson;

Shannon M. Hester of Kittrell;

Savannah K. Alford of Louisburg;

Chassity A. Evans of Middleburg;

Tiera T. Cross and Kasey V. Evans, both of Oxford;

Keishla M. Garcia of Wake Forest.

Paralegal Technology:

Jashetta D. Freeman of Henderson;

Stacy W. Rideout of Zebulon.

Radiography:

Osvaldo H. Martinez of Butner;

Coleen N. Green, Terri L. McGarr and Katie A. Rumsey, all of Creedmoor;

Belete A. Dress and Eden N. Ketema, both of Durham;

Geneva A. Duncan of Henderson;

Ashley L. Hicks of Louisburg;

Sierra Holland of Raleigh.

Technical Special Student:

Remington J. Heathcoat of Franklinton.

Welding Technology:

Hunter A. Norwood of Henderson;

Seth T. Glover and Dylan P. Lawson, both of Oxford.

Summer President’s List honorees are listed below alphabetically by last name.

Heidi M. Kulhawik Angelini of Franklinton (Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse); and

Zion T. Page of Raleigh (Associate in Science and Bioprocess Technology).

Summer Dean’s List honorees are listed below alphabetically by last name.

Rebecca G. Currin of Henderson (College Transfer Pathway);

Jessica N. Jones of Louisburg (Business Administration); and

Latasha R. McWilliams of Roanoke Rapids (Business Administration).

VCS and Dr. Cathcart

Local Organizations Donate Combined $10,000 to Public School Foundation

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release and photos, Vance County Public School Foundation

The Vance County Public School Foundation (VCPSF) was developed to partner with and support Vance County Schools (VCS). As the 2020-2021 school year is underway, VCS is excited to share that the VCPSF, along with community and business partnerships, are stepping in to make a difference!

Dr. Cathcart and the Henderson Optimist Club have collectively donated $3,500 to add additional WiFi devices in the district. This added connectivity will ensure VCS students are able to receive instruction and access resources, even during remote learning.

The Rotary Club of Henderson, along with members Thomas Hester, Archie Taylor, Anthony Jackson, Brad Baldwin, and George Watkins, have donated a combined $1,500 to further add headsets for students to utilize with technology devices.

VCS is also working with various churches, businesses and organizations to put together Arts and Rec kits for elementary age students. These kits will contain items to support the curriculum in both the arts and physical education. The project was jumpstarted with a $5,000 grant from Walmart Distribution and is being supplemented by donations from various businesses, churches and organizations within our community.

VCS continues to be grateful for all that the community has invested into Vance County Schools and the Vance County Public School Foundation. We look forward to continuing to make our community Vance County Proud!

Warren County Logo

Warren County Tops State in 2019 Tourism Expenditures Growth

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

-Press Release, Warren County Government

Domestic visitors to and within Warren County spent $31 million in 2019, an increase of 16.6% from 2018 ($26.65 million); this growth rate is the highest the county has seen going all the way back to 1990. This growth was the highest increase seen in all 100 counties in North Carolina from 2018 to 2019.

The data comes from an annual study commissioned by Visit North Carolina, a unit of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.

“We, as residents, know that Warren County is a special place; it’s great to see that being recognized by visitors as well,” said Charla Duncan, Economic Development Director (Interim). “It’s encouraging to know that our existing businesses are feeling a positive impact from our tourism draw, and we hope that potential businesses can look at this growth and see the value of operating in Warren County.”

2019 state tax revenue generated in Warren County totaled $1.13 million through state sales and excise taxes, and taxes on personal and corporate income. Approximately $2.75 million in local taxes were generated from sales and property tax revenue from travel-generated and travel-supported businesses. This translates into about $194 in tax savings per resident in Warren County.

Visitors to North Carolina set a record for spending in 2019. The $26.7 billion in total spending represented an increase of 5.6 percent from 2018.

These statistics are from the “Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties 2019,” which can be accessed at partners.visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies. The study was prepared for Visit North Carolina by the U.S. Travel Association.

“The numbers confirm the strength of North Carolina’s tourism industry as an anchor of economic development,” said Wit Tuttell, director of Visit North Carolina. “As the No. 6 state in the country for overnight visitation, we can attribute our success to the natural beauty and authenticity that visitors experience, and to a passionate effort to inform and inspire travelers. The money they spend benefits everyone by sustaining jobs and reducing our residents’ tax burden.”

 Statewide highlights include:

  • State tax receipts as a result of visitor spending rose 5.0 percent to more than $1.3 billion in 2019.
  • Visitors spend more than $73 million per day in North Carolina. That spending adds $5.92 million per day to state and local tax revenues (about $3.7 million in state taxes and $2.2 million in local taxes).
  • The travel and tourism industry directly employees more than 235,000 North Carolinians.
  • Each North Carolina household saves on average $551 in state and local taxes as a direct result of visitor spending in the state.
Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Board of Education to Hold Regular Meeting Sept. 14

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

-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a regular Board meeting on Monday, September 14, 2020, 6 p.m. at Tar River Elementary School, 2642 Philo White Road, Franklinton, NC.

Members of the public are invited to view livestream. To join the livestream meeting, please use the following link:
https://live.myvrspot.com/st?cid=MDhkZj.

The Board will also meet in Closed Session in accordance with N.C. General Statute 143.318.11 (a)(6), 143-318.11 (a)(3), 143.318.11 (a)(5) and Section 115C-321 for Personnel, and Attorney/Client Privilege.

Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting will be required to wear face coverings, undergo health screenings before entering the building, and cooperate with social distancing requirements. There will be limited seating
available.

Individuals wishing to participate in public comment may do so in person. Those wishing to speak must provide their name and topic on a sign-up sheet to be posted in front of Tar River Elementary School from 5 – 6 p.m. on September 14.

Comments will be received by the Board in the order of sign up and will be limited to no more than five minutes per person. Board Policy 2310 allows for 30 minutes of public comment.

To view the agenda for this meeting, please click here.

Dequarius Johnson

New Hope Mini Mart Armed Robbery Suspect Apprehended

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

-Press Release and photo, Vance County Sheriff’s Office

On September 7, 2020, the Vance County 911 Center received a call for service regarding an armed robbery that had just occurred at the New Hope Mini Mart located on NC Hwy 39 North at the intersection of Morgan Road. The incident occurred at approximately 7:35 a.m.

An unknown black male entered the store and approached the counter, at which time the suspect produced a handgun and demanded money. The clerk provided the suspect with an undisclosed amount of US currency, at which time the suspect fled the area on foot and was last seen running towards Morgan Road

Through investigative techniques, the suspect was later identified as Dequarius Johnson of Louisburg, NC. Warrants were obtained for the arrest of Johnson for Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon.

Members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office located Johnson in the early morning hours of September 9, 2020, at which time he was arrested without incident.

Johnson has been placed in the Vance County Jail pending his ability to secure a bond in the amount of $70,000 secured.

Dequarius Johnson of Louisburg, NC

Terry Garrison

NC House Rep. Terry Garrison Provides Updates on COVID-19 Relief Bill

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

-Information courtesy NC House Rep. Terry Garrison’s Sept. 2020 Newsletter

Terry Garrison, North Carolina House Representative for District 32, has released his latest update from the NC General Assembly.

In his September 2020 newsletter, Garrison said the North Carolina General Assembly recently approved its final round of COVID-19 relief for the year (HB 1105) unless additional funding is appropriated by the federal government.

Included in the bill:
  • $50 increase in weekly unemployment insurance compensation
  • $335 tax credit for families with children
  • $52 million in funding for public schools
  • $30 million in additional grants to expand high-speed Internet access
  • $20 million in funding to stabilize operations at North Carolina museums, zoos, and other cultural attractions
  • $6 million in direct assistance to food banks and nutritional programs
  • $14 million for personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • $13 million in assistance to farmers
  • $13 million in funding for the UNC System
  • $5 million in funding for community colleges
  • $41 million for early childhood services
  • $38 million for mental health services
  • $59 million to expand COVID-19 testing and contact tracing
  • $23 million for aging adult services
  • $3.5 million for small business grants

According to Garrison, items missing from the bill include Medicaid expansion, pay increases/bonuses for teachers and public school employees, “significant” investment in public schools, small business assistant, long-term unemployment solutions and “significant” assistance to local governments.

Garrison said he ultimately voted Yes on HB 1105, explaining, “We have a strict deadline to finish spending the federal money we received for COVID-19, and there is much in the bill that is good and badly-needed right now. However, the items we failed to do are critically important and remain on the top of my ‘Must Do’ list for when we return to Raleigh in 2021.”
VCS Arts & Rec Kits

Vance Co. Schools Seeks Donations for Elementary Arts & Rec Kits

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

-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

The Vance County Public School Foundation and Vance County Schools are creating Arts & Rec Kits for elementary school students.

With 2,500 elementary school students in the district, VCS is seeking donations from businesses, churches and organizations to make these kits possible. Even if you only have 25 of an item, every little bit will help. Kits will not be identical, but they will make a difference.

Donations can include items such as stress balls, hacky sacks, small squishy balls, colored pencils, crayons, markers, jump ropes, frisbees, construction paper, glue sticks, drawstring bags and water bottles.

If you can assist, please contact Aarika Sandlin at (252) 492-2127 or email asandlin@vcs.k12.nc.us.

Donations may be dropped off at 1724 Graham Avenue in Henderson by September 25.

To make a monetary donation to this project, please make checks payable to Vance County Public School Foundation, PO Box 2956 Henderson, NC 27536. In the Memo Line, please write Arts & Rec Project.

City of Oxford

Oxford City Council to Hold Community Development Block Grant Public Hearing

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

-Information courtesy the City of Oxford

Public Hearing Notice: Community Development Block Grant

The City of Oxford City Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 16, 2020, at 8:45 a.m. via Zoom.

The purpose of this hearing is to receive citizen comments about possible Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications that may be submitted by the City to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) – Division of Water Infrastructure (DWI) and/or the North Carolina Department of Commerce – Rural Development Division (RDD).

All interested persons are invited to attend this hearing. Persons with disabilities, non-English speaking persons or those needing special assistance should contact City Hall at (919) 603-1100 at least 48 hours prior to the hearing, or the North Carolina Relay Number for the Deaf (1-800-735-2962) or Relay NC-711.

To Join the Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85639304138?pwd=RFhjNzhCaDgzakk4L3VjUEh2c0NPdz09#success

Meeting ID: 85639304138
Passcode: 659249

Dial by your location
929-205-6099

VGCC Logo

VGCC Reports Increase in Credit Hour Enrollment

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

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

The fall semester recently began at Vance-Granville Community College, and officials see positive signs regarding enrollment.

Early data shows an approximate 4 percent increase in the total number of credit hours that students are taking — typically known as Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) enrollment — compared to the same point in 2019. The FTE measurement is important in calculating state funding for each North Carolina community college.

“Thanks to the work of our dedicated, innovative faculty and staff, VGCC continues to move forward, even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, college president. “Students are responding positively to how we provide education and training in a way that is affordable, accessible and safe.”

When looking at student headcount, the college has taken a slight dip in comparison to this time last year. However, college leaders are encouraged that students are taking more courses. “We are excited that our students are taking more classes than they did last year this time at Vance-Granville. This should translate into students completing their credentials and degrees at an accelerated pace,” said Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of learning, student engagement and success. “We are pleased to be able to provide quality instruction, academic support, student engagement opportunities, and support services to our students, as most of them are taking online courses with us at VGCC.”

The college invites students from Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties and the surrounding region to take advantage of the second 8-week courses that begin on October 14 and end on December 15, 2020. These include general education classes that students can take as part of the College Transfer program, as well as classes required for degrees in fields such as Bioprocess Technology, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, and Medical Office Administration.

Most courses are being offered in an online format, while some are in a hybrid format that combines online learning with an on-campus component.

VGCC has campuses in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties. For more information on enrollment, visit www.vgcc.edu.