H-V Chamber Logo

H-V Chamber Will Launch New Human Resource Council

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— Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce Press Release

The Board of Directors of the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce voted in December 2020 to adopt a 2021 Program of Work which includes the formation of a new Human Resources Council. This new program is a goal under the Chamber’s Business and Growth and Development Division, a division co-chaired by Chamber board members Brian Williams, Account Manager of Temperature Control Solutions and Stephanie Hoyle, Broker Associate with Century 21 Country Knolls Realty.

The first meeting of the Human Resources Council will take place by Zoom video conference on Thursday, March 25 at 1:00 pm. The purpose of establishing the new program, as explained by Michele Burgess, President of the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce, is to bring together human resource professionals working in local industry, manufacturing, business, education, and governmental entities to share ideas, network, and get answers to human resource issues affecting their businesses. Burgess noted that each monthly meeting will include a guest speaker giving a presentation on a relevant human resource topic. Burgess said, “I had been having conversations all last year with our members who were calling to ask for the Chamber’s assistance looking to answers to their questions on where to find workers to fill their vacancies, asking about available professional development programs for their human resource department staff, and questions about employee time-off for quarantine during the pandemic. The Chamber doesn’t have all the answers, but we will work to find the available resources to help solve our members’ problems. It soon became evident that a Human Resource Council would help them tremendously.” The Chamber’s Human Resource Council will provide local member firms with training, networking opportunities, time to give an update on their business and a time for questions and answers. Later in the year, once the pandemic restrictions are lifted, the Human Resource Council will meet in person for a working lunch meeting.

Jessica Carroll Voss

The Human Resource Council will be led by Chamber business volunteer, Jessica Carroll Voss, Human Resource Manager with Hollander Sleep Products. Voss grew up in Vance County, and graduated from Northern Vance High School in 2006. She attended UNC-Wilmington and graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Human Resource Management. Voss has 10 years of human resource experience, previously working for Snider Fleet Solutions in Greensboro, Express Employment Professionals in Oxford, and GKN Driveline in Roxboro and Sanford. She joined the Hollander company in October of 2020. Burgess said, “I was so excited to hear of Jessica returning to Vance County to work here last fall. Hollander Sleep Products is a very supportive Chamber of Commerce member, and Jessica is a great asset to them not only because of her degree and experience, but she knows the community, has many local contacts, and understands the local workforce needs. Having her step up and take on this leadership with our Chamber and this new initiative makes me proud.”

Cherrelle Lawrence

The featured presentation for the premier meeting of the Human Resource Council on March 25 will be Cherrelle Lawrence, Dean of Corporate Learning and Professional Development with Vance-Granville Community College. She also serves as Dean of the VGCC Franklin County campus. Her topic will be “Investing In Talent.” “I have heard Cherrelle Lawrence speak and our Council is in for a real treat” Said Michele Burgess. “She has a wealth of information about training programs that our local employers will be interested in hearing, such as fast tracked certificate training programs, as well as, programs that involve apprenticeships and internships that will benefit both the employer and the employees.

Chamber member firms who would like to sign up to receive the Zoom link for the March Human Resource Council meeting are asked to email Michele Burgess at michele@hendersonvance.org or call the Chamber office.  Anyone interested in being a part of the Human Resource Council who is currently not a member of the Chamber, is encouraged to call Michele Burgess to discuss membership at 252-438-8414.

Small Farms Week 2021

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The 35th annual celebration of Small Farms Week will be held virtually Mar. 21-27. Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T State University is sponsoring a series of virtual events and educational programs to inform the public and provide research-based information to support small farmers.

This year’s theme is “35 Years: Resilience. Strength. Diversity” and will begin with a kick-off event on Friday, Mar. 19, according to information from the Greensboro-based university. The programs are “designed for farmers with limited incomes and acreage and will provide them with information to become more resilient and more profitable,” according to the statement. Although focused on small-scale farmers, the public is also invited to attend.

The USDA census defines a small farm as “a farm that is 179 acres or less in size, or earns $50,000 or less in gross income per year.

The Mar. 19 event will feature agriculture in Avery County, located in western North Carolina. This session also will recognize Avery County’s Amos and Kaci Nidiffer, the 2020 Small Farmers of the Year. A panel of local farmers will discuss farming in that part of the state.

The virtual activities continue on Monday, Mar. 22, with sessions on the health benefits of community gardening and ways to boost your immune system during the pandemic. A virtual education forum on Tuesday, Mar. 23 will cover plant production, farm management, high-tunnel winter production and livestock production. A panel of N.C. A&T students will discuss the wide variety of career opportunities available in agriculture and related fields.

Wednesday’s program includes information on marketing and agribusiness, as well as a small farms update by members of A&T’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. The day also includes one of the highlights of the week: the virtual Small Farmers’ Appreciation Program. Keynote speaker is Jimmy Gentry, president of the North Carolina Grange. The 2021 Small Farmer of the Year will also be announced.

The final event of Small Farms Week 2021 will be a panel discussion among A&T students on Thursday, Mar. 25 about opportunities for young people in agriculture.

The registration link is

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/small-farms-week-35-years-resilience-strength-diversity-tickets-141203398165

Franklin County Sheriff

Franklin County Detention Center Contraband (Part 2)

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— press release from Franklin County Sheriff Kent D. Winstead

(WIZS News has re-ordered the arrestee list as well as redacted some information from this press release.)

Arrests

On March 9, 2021,the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Group arrested Tiffany Lynn Edwards, a former detention officer at the Franklin County Detention Center. Edwards was charged with supplying inmates at the Franklin County Detention Center with contraband (tobacco). In addition, detectives with the Special Operations Group also arrested Elizabeth McCray with Conspiring to Provide Contraband to an Inmate.

These arrests were part of an ongoing investigation involving inmates at the Franklin County Detention Center gaining access to prohibited and/or illegal items.

During the investigation, it was determined that Edwards had supplied inmates with tobacco products. Through the investigation it was also determined that McCray was involved in financing deals within the facilities to acquire marijuana edibles. Both of these items are considered contraband and are not allowed inside the detention center.

The investigation is ongoing.

Charges Include:

Elizabeth McCray
33 years old
491 Stallings Road
Zebulon, NC 27597
Elizabeth McCray was charged with one (1) Count of Conspire to Provide Contraband to an Inmate.

Elizabeth McCray was released after posting a $20,000 secured bond.

Tiffany Lynn Edwards
(redacted and picture withheld)

Tiffany Lynn Edwards was charged with one (1) Misdemeanor count of Providing Contraband to an Inmate.

Tiffany Lynn Edwards was released after posting a $1,000 secured bond.

For more information concerning this investigation or to report drug activity in your neighborhood, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.

Hear Billing Solutions Virtual Hiring Event Tuesday, March 16 at 11 a.m.

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Hear Billing Solutions is holding a virtual hiring event tomorrow (Tues, March 16, 2021) with guaranteed interviews.

You’ll find out about opportunities for billing specialists.

Interviews will be available Thursday for those who attend the virtual event Tuesday.

Register at events.kerrtarworks.com.

Contact the NC Works Career Center for more information at 919-693-2686.

Email Joseph.Jung@ncworks.gov or Lonnda.Brothers@ncworks.gov

Cooperative Extension with Paul McKenzie 03-09-21 – Pruning Fruit Crops

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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.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

TownTalk 03-09-21; Lisa Harrison, Granville Vance Public Health

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The recent stretch of warmer, sunny days is a welcome sign that spring is just around the corner. For Granville-Vance Public Health Director Lisa Harrison, the break in the weather is another way to combat COVID-19 as well.

“The biggest help is that people spend more time outside,” Harrison said on Tuesday’s Town Talk. She spoke with John C. Rose and Bill Harris about how things are going with vaccinations in the area and what’s in store in the upcoming months.

“Making sure that we’re breathing fresh air,” she said, adding that the natural ventilation that being outdoors affords is very beneficial.

At this time, 17 percent of residents in Vance and Granville counties have gotten at least one COVID-19 vaccine and 10 percent are fully vaccinated. “That’s just excellent progress,” she said.

“We’re doing an excellent job,” Harrison said, and said the collaboration with community partners like schools, hospitals and local pharmacies has been a key component to getting vaccines in arms.

The very good news that Harrison shared Tuesday comes from a CDC update, as well as from Gov. Roy Cooper and DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen. People who have been fully vaccinated and have waited two weeks for full immunity to occur can gather in small groups – sans masks. “It’s absolutely fine for us to congregate in small groups,” she said, as long as everyone has waited two weeks after being fully vaccinated.

It is still important to wear masks in big public spaces, she said, or in spaces where you’re not sure that everyone has been fully vaccinated, she added.

More than 15,000 shots have been given in the two counties, she said, but she also acknowledged that some residents may choose not to be vaccinated. Being vaccinated, however, is “the best way to protect our entire population and each other.” Some people who have been exposed to the virus may have developed their own antibodies, which she said is a positive step toward overall community resistance or immunity to COVID-19.

For complete details and audio click play.  Story continues below including links.

Harrison reiterated that the three vaccines currently available in North Carolina – Phizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson – are all safe and effective. All three prevent severe illness and hospitalization. “There is not a bad choice,” she stated. “Dr. (Anthony) Fauci is right – get the vaccine that is available to you first.”

Because the Phizer vaccine is the most fragile, it usually goes to hospitals because they can keep it in super-cold storage. The Phizer vaccine is shipped in lots of 975 doses and is used for large-scale clinics. The Moderna vaccine doesn’t have to be kept as cold, she said. She estimated that each county gets between 500 and 700 Moderna doses each week. Harrison said the health department probably would be ordering the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the end of March. It could be used for more vulnerable populations, such as those people who may have a difficult time coming back for a second dose, which is required of both the Phizer and Moderna vaccines.

Side effects such as achiness, soreness or fatigue after the second shot, Harrison said , simply mean “your immune system is working well.” You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine, she stressed. The vaccine “trains” your immune system to recognize and combat the virus. “It trains your immune system and then it disappears,” she said.

After the show, Harrison forwarded some links of interest to WIZS.

https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/media/1469/open

https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/media/905/download

 

#BRENTSTRONG; Heather Montgomery And Fundraiser For Brent Montgomery

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The local community continues to rally around Brent Montgomery and his family as the Henderson man battles COVID-19 at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. Montgomery’s wife, Heather, talked with guest host Brandon Boyd on Wednesday’s Town Talk and provided an update on his condition, as well as plans for a lunchtime fundraiser that will take place Thursday, Mar. 11.

The grills will be lit by 4 a.m. Thursday, Boyd said, and take-out plates of barbecued chicken will be ready for pickup beginning at 11 a.m. at the former Boyd dealership located at the corner of Ruin Creek Road and US Hwy. 158.

“The chicken is the last thing that this is about,” Boyd said, adding that there’s a “sense of hope and optimism in the air” for Brent’s condition to improve.

Heather Montgomery said his condition remains the same – “the support from the machines is what’s keeping him alive at this point,” she said. The next option, she added, would be a lung transplant, because his lungs “are overcome with COVID scarring.”

Riding a roller coaster of emotions since his hospitalization almost a month ago has been difficult, yet Montgomery said she continues to pray for a miracle. She said that the continuous messages of encouragement that pour in from all over have provided support, comfort and strength to her and her family. “We are not giving up on him,” she added. “We’re praying for a miracle – that’s what it’s going to take.”

The Thursday event came together in just a few days, Boyd said. Volunteers are welcome to come out and help, he added. Plates are $10 cash only, and donations will be accepted as well. Orders of 10 or more plates are available for delivery; call Sandy Reese at 252.213.0058 to place an order.

“This is a day to celebrate Brent Montgomery,” Boyd said.  His patrol car will be parked on the lot, and the entire community is invited to come out and show support to the Montgomery family.

For audio click play.

Heather Montgomery called the community outpouring of support “unbelievable” and she often feels overwhelmed to realize all the ways that her family feels that support and love.     She is grateful to the NC Highway Patrol as well, saying that the supervising colonel calls or texts her daily for updates. Fellow troopers have provided support and are always ready to help lend a hand when needed. Several troopers stood in for their colleague at Senior Night activities for their son, Heather Montgomery said.

In one of the last texts he sent, Brent told his wife not to give up on him. Now, “when he can’t speak, I’m trying to speak for him,” she said. She has had to develop a deeper level of trust with God, she said, because she knows that her husband’s condition is beyond her control.

Calling him a humble man, Montgomery said she was going to have a hard time explaining to her husband all the good things that she has witnessed and experienced during his illness. “I just can’t wait to tell (him) about all these things,” she mused. “It’s going to take a long time (for him) to absorb all this that’s going on.”

Fundraiser traffic flow:  Vehicles will enter the property of the former Boyd dealership from the far east side and circle around the back of the building, then pick up plates by the showroom on the west side of the property.

Local News Audio

WIZS Local News 03-09-21 Noon

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WIZS Your Community Voice — 100.1 FM / 1450 AM

Click Play for today’s Local News Audio.

PRESENTED IN PART BY OUR SPONSOR DRAKE DENTISTRY

Local News Airs on WIZS M-F at 8 a.m., 12 Noon and 5 p.m.

“TownTalk” Airs on WIZS M-F at 11 a.m.

“The Local Skinny!” Airs on WIZS Mon-Thurs at 11:30 a.m.

 

 

The Local Skinny! March 9; Severe Weather Preparedness Week

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According to Brian Short, director of Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations, now is the time to be prepared for Spring storms. This is the season that the threat of severe thunderstorms with the potential for lightning, tornadoes and flash flooding can occur. These conditions can develop rapidly with little advance warning. Short says that a great way to be prepared for severe weather is to update family emergency plans and supply kits before the severe weather season gets underway.

This week is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in North Carolina and serves as a reminder to all, the importance of planning for unexpected thunderstorms and tornadoes that could impact our area.

A tornado drill will be conducted on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. and all government agencies, businesses and schools are encouraged to participate. During the exercise, participants are encouraged to practice severe weather safety plans and seek shelter on the lowest floor of your building, keeping away from windows while continuing to practice social distancing and wearing masks.

Preparation for severe weather is critical. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety and the National Weather Service have combined forces to encourage residents to plan and prepare. Emergency officials recommend the following safety tips:

Develop a family emergency plan so each member knows what to do, where to go and who to call during an emergency.

Know where the nearest safe room is, such as a basement or interior room away from windows.

Know the terms: WATCH means severe weather is possible. WARNING means severe weather is occurring; take shelter immediately.

Assemble an emergency supply kit for use at home or in your vehicle. Make sure to include a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and bottled water.

If driving, leave your vehicle immediately to seek shelter in a safe structure. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle and do not stop under an overpass or bridge.

If there is no shelter available, take cover in a low-lying flat area.

If a severe weather warning is issued it’s also important to knew where to go. If you are at home it is suggested that you should go to a basement, under stairs or in a bathroom or closet.

If you are at work, the basement, if available, should be your first choice if not, then stairwells, bathrooms or closets are also options.

For school buildings it is suggested to seek shelter in inside hallways, small closets and bathrooms. Mobile classrooms, gymnasiums and auditoriums are not good places to shelter due to expansive roofs.

If you get caught outside in a storm you should try to find a sturdy building and if that is not an option, a ditch or other low-lying area can be used but remember to cover your head and watch for flying debris.

If you are in a car, pull over and seek shelter in a building, don’t try to outrun a tornado.

For more information visit www.readync.org.

 

Franklin County Sheriff

Franklin County Detention Officer and Inmates Charged; Drugs and Contraband

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— press release from Franklin County Sheriff Kent D. Winstead

Drug Arrest

On March 8, 2021, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Group arrested Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Detention Officer, Chase Garnett Strickland for providing contraband to an inmate. In addition to the arrest of Mr. Strickland, inmates Deaven St Charles Holmes, Joseph Butler Bradley Jr., and Jason Todd Wrenn were also charged with felony drug
charges.

These charges originated after the Sheriff’s Office received information that inmates were getting access to marijuana, marijuana edibles, cigarettes, and other contraband inside jail facilities. The Special Operations Group began an investigation and, through various investigative techniques, was able to validate the information. As a result of this investigation, detectives determined Mr. Strickland was a supplier of these illegal and prohibited items to inmates.

The investigation also exposed an elaborate pyramid-type scheme involving multiple inmates that gained access to these prohibited items and distributed them to other inmates once the contraband entered the facilities. Multiple outside sources were established to handle the finances of each transaction to ensure payment before delivery of the illegal substances and/or
prohibited items.

In addition to the arrest warrant, a search warrant was executed at Strickland’s residence at 694 Hill Road Franklinton, NC. Detectives discovered marijuana during the search. Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “Once we received information alleging illegal activity, our Special Operations Group made this investigation a priority and then reacted quickly to identify the
source and others that were involved in distributing contraband to inmates. There is zero tolerance for this type of activity inside or outside of our facility. This investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are expected.”

Charges Include:

Chase Garnett Strickland
28 years old
694 Hill Road
Franklinton, NC 27525

Chase Garnett Strickland was charged with one (1) count of Provide Contraband to an Inmate.

Chase Garnett Strickland was placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $25,000
secured bond for the above charge.

Deaven St Charles Holmes
29 years old
15 Casino Lane
Franklinton, NC 27525

Deaven St Charles Holmes was charged with one (1) count of Provide Contraband to an Inmate and one (1) count of Possession of Controlled Substance/Jail Premises.

Deaven St Charles Holmes is currently in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $150,000 secured bond for the above charges.

Joseph Butler Bradley Jr.
34 years old
3862 Emmaus Church Road
Mount Olive, NC 28365

Joseph Butler Bradley Jr. was charged with one (1) count of Conspire to Provide Contraband to an Inmate.

Joseph Butler Bradley Jr. is currently in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $100,000 secured bond for the above charge.

Jason Todd Wrenn
37 years old
3420 Hwy 39 S.
Louisburg, NC 27549

Jason Todd Wrenn was charged with one (1) count of Conspire to Provide Contraband to an Inmate.

Jason Todd Wrenn is currently in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $25,000 secured bond for the above charge.

For more information concerning this investigation or to report drug activity in your neighborhood, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.