Noon News 10-28-20 Early Voting; Electoral College; Christian Missions; VGCC Golf Tournament
– Early Voting
– Electoral College
– Christian Missions
– VGCC Golf Tournament
Hear the WIZS Noon News Audio and Full Details by Clicking Play…
Salvation Army to Host Drive-Thru Trunk-or-Treat Event Oct. 30
100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy The Salvation Army of Henderson
The Salvation Army of Henderson will host a Trunk-or-Treat Drive-Thru event on Friday, October 30, 2020, from 5:30 until 7 p.m.
Kids are encouraged to come in costume, stay in their vehicle and drive through to receive goodies and see all of the decorated “trunks.”
The Salvation Army is located at 2292 Ross Mill Rd in Henderson.
Warren Co. Economic Development Conducting First Existing Business Survey
100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Warren County Government
Warren County Economic Development is conducting its first existing industries survey now through December 31, 2020. The goals of the survey are to learn more about the businesses currently operating in the county, as well as assess some of their operational and growth needs.
“One of our goals this year is to be more strategic about our business retention actions and start to develop a more formalized business retention and existing industry expansion program in Warren County,” said Charla Duncan, Economic Development Director. “We know that our small businesses are the backbone of this county’s economic development, and keeping them in the county and also encouraging their growth is a vital part of what this office does.”
In order to understand more about those businesses and their needs, data must be collected to make strategic decisions in the department, but also to make sure the county is aware of who is open for business.
“We do not have a database of existing businesses that tracks the level of detail we are hoping to use to develop a strategy that can evolve as our community changes and grows,” said Duncan. “This survey won’t be a singularly perfect instrument for that, but it’s an important piece of the foundation of strategic growth.”
The business survey can be completed by visiting the Warren County EDC website at www.warrencountync.org (under the County Info section).
Each business that completes the survey will be entered into a drawing to receive one of three prizes: up to $450 in advertising & marketing funds with The Warren Record and/or Lake Gaston Gazette-Observer or with The Warrenist, or three hours of business coaching with Tabletop Media Group.
For more information, contact the Warren County Economic Development office at (252) 257-3114 or by emailing Charla Duncan at charladuncan@warrencountync.gov.
Granville Board of Education to Create Task Force to Address School Closures
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 met in a special work session on Monday, October 26, 2020, to review and discuss school reorganization in the district.
Previously, the Board had commissioned the administration to prepare two separate, official studies for potential school closures. The Board had identified both Wilton Elementary School and Creedmoor Elementary School as the subject of the two written studies which were presented Monday night.
Following the presentation of both studies, the Board spent time deliberating and discussing the topic in detail, ultimately passing a motion 6-1 to defer taking further action. Instead, the Board will refer the matter to a special task force with members appointed by the Board Chairman to develop strategic thinking on potential reorganization models for the district. This task force could be convened as early as December 2020, following the appointment of three new Board members.
This effectively removed the possibility of any action being taken that could impact the operation of either school for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Aycock Rec Center Pool Closed Until Further Notice
100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Henderson Vance Recreation and Parks Department
Aycock Recreation Center’s pool will be closed beginning Tuesday, October 27, 2020, until further notice.
For more information, please contact Lauren Newlin at (252) 438-3160 or (lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us).
Resurfacing Projects Awarded for Vance, Franklin and Warren Counties
100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, N.C. Department of Transportation
Thanks to five new contracts awarded by the N.C. Department of Transportation, totaling more than $17 million, nearly 120 miles of area roadway will be resurfaced.
- Under a $3.5 million contract, Carolina Sunrock of Raleigh will mill and resurface pavement and improve shoulders along 17.7 miles of state-maintained roads throughout Durham County.
- Under a $2.8 million contract, Carolina Sunrock will mill and resurface pavement and improve shoulders along 29.7 miles of state-maintained roads throughout Franklin County.
- Under a $3.8 million contract, Carolina Sunrock will mill and resurface pavement and improve shoulders along 29.4 miles of state-maintained roads throughout Vance and Warren counties.
- Under a $3 million contract, Carolina Sunrock will mill and resurface pavement and improve shoulders along 11.6 miles of state-maintained roads throughout western Wake County.
- Under a $4.1 million contract, Fred Smith Company of Raleigh will mill and resurface pavement and improve shoulders along 30.4 miles of state-maintained roads throughout southern Wake County.
This work can start as soon as March 15, 2021, with most of the projects completed before the unofficial end of the paving season in mid-November, and all roads done by the end of July 2022.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
VGCC Golf Tournament Brings in More Than $110,000
100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College
Vance-Granville Community College recently held its annual Endowment Fund Golf Tournament at the Henderson Country Club, raising more than $110,000. Proceeds will help fund scholarships for deserving students and support the mission of the college.
Delayed from its traditional spring date due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 36th annual tournament was presented by Gupton Services, Inc., of Henderson. This year’s fundraiser brought the total amount generated by all VGCC golf tournaments since 1985 to more than $1.2 million.
“We are extremely grateful for the community’s continuing support of VGCC, as expressed through yet another successful tournament,” said VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. “Our region’s civic and business leaders know that our community college is a key driver of workforce and economic development.”
“Thanks to the contributions of numerous golfers and sponsors, our Endowment Fund will have more resources to help students continue their education so that they can prepare for careers and enjoy a brighter future,” added VGCC Endowment Director Eddie Ferguson.
A total of 128 golfers played this year, with 64 competing on Monday, Sept. 14, and the other 64 playing in a separate round on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
In the Monday round, the MR Williams team of Chris Cheever, Dennis Lambert, Daniel Faulkner and Tyler Beauchamp took home the “first net” trophy. The Golden Skillet team of David Fairey, Steven Wright, Steve Wright and Steve Wright won “second net.” The “first gross” trophy went to the Novozymes team of Fred Reikowsky, James Massey, Vinny Veruto and Mark Lasher. The Mast Drug team of Andrew Flye, Jan Fletcher, Rusty Crocker and Kirt Meadows took home “second gross.”
In the Tuesday round, the Salvation Army team (sponsored by Gupton Services) of Derrick Smith, Chad Langley, Wes MacLawhorn and Danny Wilkerson finished with the “first net” score. The Carolina Commonwealth team of Kenny Abbott, David Farrie, Mike Faulkner and Tommy Ross won “second net.” The “first gross” trophy went to the Institutional Interiors team of Tim Hill, Mike Baskett, Billy Stanton and Macy Foster. The Carolina Sunrock team of Blake Montgomery, Zach Satterwhite, Greg Johnson and Eric Royster took home “second gross.”
P.J. Schleiger took the longest-drive prize on Hole 1 on Monday, and Trey Watkins won the closest-to-the-pin prize on Hole 11.
Danny Wilkerson had the longest drive on Tuesday, while Greg Johnson won the closest-to-the-pin prize.
Numerous companies and individuals supported the VGCC tournament as sponsors, along with presenting sponsor Gupton Services, Inc.
Premier Sponsors included Henderson Fruit and Produce, Glen Raven, Wester Insurance Agency, Durham Coca-Cola, First Citizens Wealth, Charles Boyd Chevrolet Buick GMC, Duke Energy, Private Wealth Management of N.C., Novozymes North America, Inc., Universal Leaf North America U.S., Inc., Robling Medical, Union Bank, Bridgestone Bandag Tire, Carolina Commonwealth, Rose Oil Company, Inc., CertainTeed, Altec, Granville Health System, John Nelms, Jr., MR Williams, Kilian Engineering, Mast Drug Company and Coldwell Banker Advantage.
Platinum Sponsors included Core & Main, Variety Stores, Inc., Institutional Interiors, Henderson Collegiate and Oxford Prep.
Gold Sponsors included Winston International, Golden Skillet and Carolina Sunrock.
Contributors included Mako Medical Laboratories, Joe and Betty Jo Hamme, Newton Instrument Company, Jim Beck, Tru-Green Landscaping, Jim Crawford, ARC3 Gases, Dr. Ben Currin, B & R Properties & Development, Judge Henry and Mamie Banks, Donald Seifert, Sarah Baskerville and Walmart Distribution.
Green Sponsors included Greystone Concrete Products, Backyard Retreat, Barnett Real Properties, Inc., RFR Metal Fabrication, Wake Electric Membership Corp., Nick & Sons Truck Repair, Vescom North America, JM White Funeral Home, Watkins Plumbing, HG Reynolds, NT Techno, May & Place, Dill Air Controls Products and International Paper.
Tee Box Sponsors included AAA Gas & Appliance Company, Hight Warehouse, Encore Tech, Comfort Zone, Granville County EDC, Hicks & Wrenn, Mosely Plumbing Company, Inc., WOW Wash on Wheels, Sunrise Biscuits of Oxford, Century 21 Country Knolls Realty, Inc., One Source Document Solutions, Carolina Country Snacks, Banzet, Thompson, Styers & May, City Tire, Inc., Cross & Currin Attorneys, Southern Educational Systems, Vance Construction Company, Stainback, Satterwhite & Zollicoffer, PLLC, Phillips Dorsey Thomas Waters & Brafford, P.A., Whitco Bug Warriors, Robco, Frazco, Inc. Insurance – Real Estate, Marsha J. Nelson, Brame Specialty, William L. Stark and Company, Dave Carver, Pete Smith’s Tire and Quick Lube, Dabney Drive Animal Hospital, Alex Drake, DDS, PA, Sherman & Boddie, Inc., Riggs-Harrod, Ahner Security, H & W Investments, Henderson-Vance EDC, Benchmark Community Bank, Medical Arts Pharmacy, Ag Carolina Farm Credit, Hall’s Floor Fashions, Inc., Will Jakes-Edward Jones, Fred’s Towing & Transport, Inc., Professional Pharmacy, C & P Body Shop, Mack Choplin, Postal Plus Business Center, Waste Industries, MPACT Solutions, LLC and Eddie and Debra Ferguson.
Each year, the golf tournament is the major fundraising event for the VGCC Endowment Fund, through which more than 9,700 scholarships have been awarded to students since 1982. Scholarships have been established by individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff.
For more information, call (252) 738-3409.
Town Talk 10/27/20: The Importance of the Electoral College & Your Vote
100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Brandon Boyd, Vance County resident, businessman and guest co-host, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Boyd discussed an often misunderstood topic – how the Electoral College works. As stated in the segment, the intention of the program was to be informative, factual and non-partisan.
Devised in 1787, the Electoral College is the formal body that elects the President and Vice President of the United States. It was established by Article II, Section 1, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution and modified by the 12th and 23rd Amendments. (Source: National Conference of State Legislatures)
Each state has as many ‘electors’ in the Electoral College as it has representatives and senators in the United States Congress. For North Carolina, that includes two senators and 13 representatives, for a total of 15 electors.
The Electoral College currently comprises 538 electors: one for each of the 435 members of the House of Representatives, 100 senators and three for Washington, D.C. A majority of 270 electoral votes is required to elect the President and Vice President of the United States.
By this system, when an individual votes for a presidential candidate, a vote is also cast for the electors selected by the party of that candidate. If a majority of voters in a state vote for the Republican candidate, the Republican slate of electors is chosen. Likewise, if a majority vote for the Democratic candidate, the Democratic slate of electors is chosen.
Boyd said this indirect election system prohibits the largest metropolitan cities, with the majority of the country’s population, from deciding who will be president. “For example, in today’s time, if there was no Electoral College, then basically New York City, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles and Houston would decide the leader for all of us,” explained Boyd. “The Electoral College really ensures that everyone’s vote does, in fact, count.”
It is possible – and has happened five times since the inception of the Electoral College – that a candidate can win the popular vote and still lose the election. In recent history, that includes Al Gore’s loss to George W. Bush in 2000 and Hillary Clinton’s loss to Donald J. Trump in 2016. (Source: History, Arts & Archives website of the U.S. House of Representatives)
“What you need to do is get out and vote,” Boyd said. “If you are a Donald Trump supporter, get to the polls. If you believe that America is better off with Joe Biden as its leader, get out to the polls and go vote. Your vote matters.”
To hear the interview in its entirety, including details on how individual states, counties and area codes matter in an election, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
Paul McKenzie, Ag. Extension Agent, Receives Distinguished Service Award
100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, National Association of County Agriculture Agents (NACAA)
Paul McKenzie received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agriculture Agents (NACAA) during the 2020 Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference. McKenzie was one of several honorees who represented the top two percent of the membership selected by their peers and the Director of Extension.
Paul McKenzie received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agriculture Agents (NACAA) during the 2020 Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference. (Photo courtesy NACAA)
McKenzie has served over twenty years as an agricultural extension agent in four different counties, the last eleven years as an area agent serving Vance and Warren counties. In that capacity, McKenzie has implemented a comprehensive education program serving farmers, gardeners, woodland owners and licensed/certified pesticide applicators.
He oversees a Master Gardener volunteer program consisting of almost forty volunteers that contribute well over 1,000 hours of service to the community each year. In addition to gardening workshops, youth education projects, and informative newsletters, the Master Gardeners have implemented various educational gardening projects. The most recent and ambitious is a pollinator habitat garden at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
McKenzie was also instrumental in the campaign to raise grant money for the construction of the Vance County Regional Farmers Market and continues to support it through training and technical assistance for produce farmers and other vendors.
For several years, McKenzie has partnered with the local offices of the NC Forest Service to conduct educational workshops for woodland owners so they can make better management decisions that benefit wildlife, timber production, natural resources, and profitability.
Educational workshops, seminars and tours are a key component of his educational efforts, and he is involved in implementing dozens each year on topics such as pesticide safety, timber harvesting, high tunnel production, alternative crops, vegetable gardening and more. These well-run events have strong attendance, positive reviews and many repeat customers.
McKenzie is well-respected among co-workers both locally, regionally and across the state, having been called to serve as a mentor for several early-career Extension Agents. Through his good work and commitment to serve, he has fostered strong relationships with many partner agencies, including Farm Service Agency, Soil & Water District, the Small Business Center at Vance-Granville Community College and others.
Farmers and gardeners alike rely on Paul to provide accurate and reliable advice regarding garden problems, pondweeds, crop production, pest management and more.
Franklin Co. Plans Drive-Through Veteran’s Day Celebration
100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Franklin County Government
Franklin County will soon honor the men and women who served and sacrificed for our country at the county’s annual Veteran’s Day celebration. Due to social distancing measures related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the celebratory event will look a bit different this year. A drive-through meal is scheduled from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, at Crosscreek Charter School, 100 East River Road in Louisburg.
This year Veterans will enjoy prizes and a packed lunch for two as they drive through, courtesy of the Justice Volunteer Fire Department and many other sponsors. Please note social distancing will be practiced and masks and gloves will be used in serving our Veterans. No one will need to leave their vehicle to receive their meal and prizes.
The events of 2020 have presented us with challenges, however, Franklin County still intends to celebrate the men and women who served along with their spouses who stood with them.
For additional information, please contact Brenda L. Wilkins, Veterans Services Officer, at (919) 496-1939.