GVPH Diabetes Prevention

GVPH Offers Pre-Diabetes Screening, New Diabetes Prevention Class

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

-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

Granville Vance Public Health will kick off its Diabetes Prevention Program with a pre-diabetes screener and Diabetes Prevention class on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, at 5:30 p.m.

The new Diabetes Prevention class will be held at Oxford United Methodist Church in Oxford, NC. The class will be limited to ten to ensure social distancing guidelines are met. For those uncomfortable with attending in person, a virtual option will be offered.

Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. To determine if you are at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes and qualify for the class, take the pre-diabetes screener at https://.surveymonkey.com/r/3VPHQK2.

For more information on GVPH’s Diabetes Prevention Program, please contact regional coordinator and lifestyle coach Ashton Johnson at (919) 690-2114 or ajohnson@gvdhd.org.

 

Trick or Treat

Downtown Oxford Candy Stroll Canceled; City Recommends No Neighborhood Trick-or-Treat

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

-Information courtesy the City of Oxford

In light of current COVID-19 conditions, the anticipated Halloween Spooktacular Candy Stroll, hosted by the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Commission, has been canceled for 2020.

Additionally, the City of Oxford is recommending the “community-wide/neighborhood” Halloween candy distribution not take place for 2020.

If you have any questions, please call (919) 603-1164.

Sossamon Funeral Home

Funeral Service for Retired Lieutenant Jimmy Cordell – Friday, Sept. 4

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

-Obituary courtesy Sossamon Funeral Home

James Martin “Jimmy” Cordell, 77, of Henderson, NC died Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at Maria Parham Health.

Born in Durham County, he was the son of the late George Franklin Cordell and Gertrude Hunt Cordell Breland.

Jimmy retired as a Lieutenant in the investigation division of the Vance County Sheriff’s Department where he proudly served for thirty-four years. In recognition of his dedicated service, he was the recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award from Gov. Mike Easley. He was a member of the Henderson Masonic Lodge #229 and a member of the Granville County Shrine Club and Tri-County Shrine Club and was a member of Amran Temple. He attended Calvary Baptist Church in Henderson.

Surviving are two daughters; Tammy C. Williams (Anthony) and Lisa C. Baker (A.P. III), one son; Steve F. Cordell (Anita), the mother of his children; Linda A. Cordell, seven grandchildren; Matthew Williams, Nathan Williams, Jessica Williams, Payton Baker, Price Baker, Chelsey McCann (William) and Kasey Newcomb (Sam), three great-grandchildren; Kayleigh Mae McCann, Anna Kate McCann and Cullen Sanderson.

A funeral service will be held Friday, September 4, 2020, at 11 a.m. at South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church, conducted by the Rev. Frank Sossamon and Dr. Gene Wood. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.

Serving as active pallbearers are Matthew Williams, Nathan Williams, Price Baker, William McCann, Sam Sanderson, W.L. Harris, Tim Robinson and Rudy Hunt. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be members of the Vance County Sheriff’s Department, City of Henderson Fire Department, all Master Masons and Shriners.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Masonic Home for Children, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565.

The family will receive friends at his home.

We ask that all who attend the service practice social distancing and wear a face mask. The service will be live-streamed on at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCowMURMIKi8cJi3qiNKhsVw.

Arrangements are by Sossamon Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.sossamonfuneralhome.com

On Wednesday’s segment of the noon news, WIZS remembered Cordell. “WIZS expresses its condolences to the family of Jimmy Cordell and to our friend and public servant Steve Cordell, Henderson Fire Chief, on the passing of his father. We will remember Jimmy fondly and respectfully. He had a very good sense of humor and will be greatly missed in our community.”

Vance County Schools Logo

Vance County Schools Surpasses State Graduation Rate

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools has surpassed the state graduation rate once again, while also posting the highest graduation rate in the history of the district.

We are pleased to report that our 2019-2020 graduation rate is 90.3%, compared to the state graduation rate of 87.6%. This represents an increase of 3.6% over the 2018-2019 4-year graduation rate of 86.7%. Seven years ago, Vance County Schools’ posted a graduation rate of 64.9% — the lowest in the state. We have improved our graduation rate by over 25% during that time, now surpassing the state graduation rate.

For the 2019-2020 year, Vance County Schools met or exceeded the state average in 8 of the 9 measurable subgroups. Those exceeding the state average included male, female, black, Hispanic, economically disadvantaged, English learner, and student with disabilities. The state and our district both measured greater than 95% for Academically and Intellectually Gifted students.

Our Superintendent, Dr. Anthony Jackson, is beginning his sixth year leading Vance County Schools. With each passing year, our graduation rate is improving. “This is a tremendous accomplishment for our district. As our graduation rate continues to climb, it gives certainty that the strategies and programs we have in place are preparing our students for their future. It also reiterates that when we work together, progress is possible.”

Our district continues to make progress, bringing innovative programs, partnering with our students and families, and personalizing education options for our students. We have robust fine arts programs at every school in our district. Additionally, we offer an alternative pathway for grades 6-12, a K-5 year-round STEAM Academy, our 6-8 STEM Early High School, an Early College High School, and new this year, an entirely virtual K-12 school. With 16 schools in our district, we are working hard to ensure our students have a learning environment that fits what they are seeking.

We continue to extend our program offerings to our students, providing a variety of opportunities for them within our schools. We offer Career and Technical Education programs, providing 13 career pathways for our students. Our Early College has been named one of the Best High Schools in America and our district continues to thrive with digital convergence through Modern Teacher, having been recently recognized nationally for the progress in the strategic planning process.

The programs and digital resources available for our students, the personalized education available through school options, the relationships being built between our staff and families, and the efforts of our community partnering with us, continue to be at the forefront of our students’ success.

We are extremely proud of our district and all that has been accomplished. We still have room to grow and Dr. Jackson emphasizes that “we will not be satisfied until all of our students graduate on time; the stakes are too high to accept otherwise.”

V3 Huskies

Vance Virtual Village Academy (V3) Unveils Mascot and Colors

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

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools recently added its sixteenth school to the district – Vance Virtual Village Academy, also known as V3. V3 is an entirely virtual school for students in grades K-12.

As the school year kicked off, the students of V3 worked to establish their identity relative to school colors and mascot. The students voted on their school colors and official mascot then participated in a school logo design contest.

Devin Crump, a sixth-grader at V3, designed the official logo for the school. The new mascot and colors were unveiled on September 1, 2020.

VCS is excited to reveal the Vance Virtual Village Academy Huskies. Their school colors are crimson and gray. The Huskies have an enrollment of over 200 students in their first year and look forward to an amazing 2020-2021 school year!

Town Talk 09/02/20: Michael Fisher, Vance Co. Board of Commissioners (District 2) Candidate

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

Michael Fisher, candidate for the District 2 seat of the Vance County Board of Commissioners, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Filing after the primary election, Fisher, a Democrat, said he was required to run as an unaffiliated candidate and petitioned for voter signatures in order to add his name to the November 2020 General Election. With 164 supporters needed, Fisher’s name was added to the ballot after receiving approximately 230 signatures from qualified Vance County District 2 voters.

Fisher is running against incumbent Archie Taylor, Jr. for the District 2 seat.

Born and raised in Vance County, Fisher said he has spent 43 years in the field of public safety. As the current treasurer and safety officer of the Vance County Rescue Squad, Fisher acknowledged the potential conflict of interest if he were to be elected. “If I win, I’ll retire from the Rescue Squad and focus on being a commissioner,” Fisher stated.

Mentioning public safety as one of his primary concerns, Fisher said he is “pro-Vance County Rescue Squad, pro-volunteer fire department, pro-Sheriff’s Department, pro-EMS, pro-911 and then some. I am pro-public safety; we can’t do without it.”

Michael Fisher, candidate for the District 2 seat of the Vance County Board of Commissioners, pictured with wife Paula. (Photo courtesy Michael Fisher)

Asked how he would handle public safety funding requests, such as those made by Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame, Fisher said he would try his best to accommodate. “I know Curtis personally and have worked with him hand-in-hand over the years. If he can justify the need for more funding, and if we have the funds available while still keeping taxes low, I would try my best to find the funding for him.”

While petitioning, Fisher said he heard multiple complaints from citizens involving the water system. “When I was out getting my signatures, I heard a lot of complaints about yards being torn up while water lines were being put in and people waiting months to get a tap. I think they need to jump on it right when they receive a call. Little things like that hurt our water system.”

Admitting he was not overly familiar with the water system and its operation, Fisher said he, like any new commissioner, would experience a learning curve if elected. It’s a challenge Fisher said he’s ready to tackle at this point in his life. “I am energetic and feel like I can really hustle and help the community,” he said.

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

(This is not a paid political advertisement. Political candidates are offered equal air time/coverage on WIZS.)

Cooperative Extension with Paul McKenzie 09-02-20 – What Works for Pruning

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Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 2 PM Monday – Thursday.

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 9-2-20 Noon

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  • Passing of Jimmy Cordell
  • Voter Registration Info Coming in Mail
  • Henderson Family YMCA Offers Daily Child Care, School Assistance

Click Play Below for Full Details and WIZS Local News Audio

Adopt a Pet

Animal Shelter Partners With ‘Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com’

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County Animal Management announces a newly-formed partnership that will provide a safe and structured way to match pets with new homes. “Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com” is a free service to help guide pet owners through the adoption process when they can no longer keep or care for their pets.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic comes a whole new set of challenges regarding pets,” said Granville County Animal Management Director Matthew Katz. “There are families with emergency needs such as having to move, care for sick loved ones and other issues that have changed their daily lives. This online resource will allow those who need assistance to select the best potential adopters for the pets they care about.”

The process is simple, Katz explains, with four easy steps:

  1. Pet owners create a profile to have their pets posted on Adopt-a-Pet.com;
  2. Applications of potential adopters will be made available for review;
  3. The Rehome team will help guide pet owners through the process of setting up safe and pressure-free meetings with the applicants they choose, and
  4. An adoption contract, provided through Rehome, will finalize and protect the transfer of pet ownership.

“This is a simpler and much safer option for everyone involved,” Katz adds. “The best setting for a pet to be adopted is from their own home.”

Not only will this partnership assist pet owners with rehoming their pets, but it will also help reduce the number of animals surrendered to the Granville County Animal Shelter, which has adjusted its operating hours and guidelines for public visitation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Shelter, located at 5650 Cornwall Road in Oxford, has limited space as it makes plans to move to its new facility on New Commerce Drive later this month. The online resource will continue to be available even after the transition as residents continue to face new challenges.

This online rehoming service is available at no charge through Adopt-a-Pet.com. A link to this resource is available through the Granville County Government website at www.granvillecounty.org.

To learn more about this pet re-homing resource, please contact the Granville County Animal Shelter at (919) 693-6749.