TownTalk: The Importance Of Arts Alive For Children

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It’s still a few weeks away, but Andrew Markoch said this year’s Arts Alive 2022 is on track to provide some wonderful entertainment – all courtesy of more than 200 students of Vance County Schools.

Markoch is director of fine arts and physical education for VCS and he said the 6th annual event is set for Saturday, April 9 at McGregor Hall and the Center for Innovation. Markoch spoke with John C. Rose on Wednesday’s Town Talk about Arts Alive and the positive effects of arts education in other areas of study.

The last in-person Arts Alive performance was in 2019; the annual show was all set for auditions in 2020 when COVID-19 shut everything down. “We had to do the safe and smart thing at that time,” Markoch recalled.

This year, artists’ creations will be displayed at McGregor Hall, musical and stage performances will take place there as well, beginning at 7 p.m. The gallery opens at 4 p.m. and that’s when tickets also will be available for purchase. Tickets are $5.

Markoch said he encourages anyone who wants to come out and enjoy visual arts or performing arts to join the VCS family on April 9. “You will not be able to not smile and enjoy yourself,” he said. “These are our kids that are doing this,” Markoch said. “They’ve put time into this artwork and the performers have worked hard for this moment on stage.”

Visit www.vcs.k12.nc.us and click on the Arts Alive link to learn more.

Markoch said to expect artwork in various media – from crayons and markers to digital media 3-D formats.

He predicted between 70 and 75 stage performers and another 80-90 different student artists’ work on display in the art gallery.

Markoch said he is happy to be able to use the Center for Innovation to host the various master classes that will be available during Arts Alive – a wide variety of providers are scheduled to be on hand to conduct classes that range from introduction to band and orchestra to dance, among others. Durham-based KidzNotes will be on hand with music sessions for the youngest learners, he said.

“Pretty much name it and we have a provider providing it on that day,” Markoch said.

Whether it’s music, art or theatre, the arts helps children to develop and strengthen in other academic areas.

“The arts affects everything,” he said. Vance County school officials, as well as the school board, continue to make the arts a priority, which he greatly appreciates.

“Even throughout the pandemic, the emphasis on arts education in our county wasn’t going to suffer – because it’s good for our kids,” Markoch said.

Arts educators teach other subjects through their curriculum, and support development of social emotional character as well. “In order to create art, there has to be a discipline that goes with it – a type of focus and energy, and almost single-mindedness,” Markoch said. Those traits transfer to other areas of academic life, he said.

 

 

 

Home And Garden Show 03-16-22

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

  • Check moisture level of garden soil before tilling that soil
  • Finish up your pruning chores, fruit trees, grape vines, broadleaf evergreens.
  • Vegetables you can now plant: Arugula, asparagus, snap beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, kale, leeks, bulb onions, Irish potatoes, turnips.
  • Treat lawns for broadleaf weeds.
  • Garden Tiller won’t start roll it out into sunshine for about a hour this should help it start better
  • Apply crabgrass preventer.
  • We have excellent gardening publications at Cooperative Extension
  • Make a light application of fertilizer to tall fescue, especially if you missed the February application

 

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TownTalk: Brent Montgomery Remembered With Walk And Run

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A year ago, the Henderson community and beyond was reeling from the news that NC Hwy. Patrol Trooper Brent Montgomery had died of COVID-19 at the age of 50. Today, on the one-year anniversary of his death,  family, friends and are law enforcement officials turned out to remember Montgomery and all he meant to the community.

A contingent of walkers and runners set out from Kerr Lake Country Club Tuesday morning to make the 4.40-mile trek to Skipper’s Forsyth’s Bar-B-Q Restaurant and WIZS’s own John C. Rose chatted with participants before, during and after the walk/run.

Heather Montgomery said the past year had been a trial, but added that her family’s support system has been strong since her husband’s death a year ago.

“It means a lot,” Montgomery said of today’s event. “I know he’s looking down and he’s loving this.”

The 4.40-mile route is a nod to Trooper Montgomery’s call number with the NCSHP – it was C440. A coincidence that it’s 4.4 miles from their home to one of his favorite restaurants? Heather Montgomery said she didn’t think so. “That number means a lot to us,” she said.

Brent’s father, Larry Montgomery, said he was glad to see the turnout for the event, adding that he really respects the people who showed up.

His son did so much to help his family and others – “he had a way about him that just stands out among people,” the elder Montgomery said.

Alan Ellis of Skipper’s Forsyth’s Bar-B-Q said he and Brent were good friends growing up. “It’s an honor and a privilege” to remember his pal. Half the restaurant was reserved for the participants to gather for a meal to culminate the event. “I miss him every day,” Ellis said.

It’s not unusual for law enforcement officials to gather together for a meal, and Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow said the law enforcement community is like “a great big family.” Remembering one of their own with an event such as this is very meaningful, Barrow said.

“Brent meant a lot to a lot of us – he means a lot to this community,” he added.

First Sgt. Jeff Rowan of the Highway Patrol spoke with WIZS at KLCC before the event kicked off. He said an event in memory of Montgomery is very fitting. “This run is in memory of a great guy,” Rowan said. “We’re prepared for it and excited to get it started.”

Randy Owen also referred to the strong bonds among the brotherhood of law enforcement personnel. Owen said community leaders like Ellis who step up to provide food for first responders or others who protect the community are very much appreciated.

Trooper Elliott Fuller spoke with WIZS shortly after completing the 4.4-mile route. He runs a lot to keep in shape, but “this run is different for what it means,” Fuller said. “The reason why we’re running is what makes it important.” Brent was a guy that everybody loved – he was just a good people person…an overall good guy.”

What better way to remember their family member, friend and colleague than over a meal at a restaurant that was one of Brent’s favorites.

A community of people trying their best to honor someone gone way too soon.

 

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City of Henderson Logo

City Council Discusses URA, S-Line Project And Industrial Park Upgrades

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The Henderson City Council approved Monday next steps for several projects underway, including the S-Line commuter/passenger rail service, completing projects at the Industrial Park and the official approval of the Urban Redevelopment Area.

City Manager Terrell Blackmon said there was some discussion by council members about what to name the URA, so the plan passed without having a formal name attached to it.

The Redevelopment Commission will be asked to reconsider the name of the district from “Elmwood” to something that includes “West End,” which is the name of the historical neighborhood included in the URA.

Council members approved the plan in February meeting, at which time a copy of the plan was posted on the city website for review. The Planning Board Commission approved the plan on Feb. 21, 2022.

The URA includes more than 200 acres in the city and much of that property is in a blighted condition, according to information contained in the Council’s March meeting packet. The redevelopment plan is expected “to yield a substantial increase in the tax value of these properties and in turn contribute toward the redevelopment of downtown,” the information stated.

Another project connected to downtown revitalization is the Regional S-Line Mobility Hub project that would provide $2.64 million in federal grants to re-establish a train station for the S-Line commuter and rail service.

The grant application is due April 14 with grants awarded by August, according to the agenda information.

The total cost is $3.3 million, and the city would be asked to pitch in $190,000 of matching funds if the grant is awarded. All grant and matching funds would need to be obligated by 2026 and spent by 2031.

The Council also heard from Manager Blackmon about the recently awarded $761,040 in Economic Development Administration funds to finish the sewer and roadway at the Henderson-Vance Industrial Park.

The city and county were awarded the money jointly to finish the project, which is a continuation of the work done by the county to install water and sewer lines and also to  build a gravel road for the city.

Now that the funding is in place, the county intends to pave the road and finish the sewer force main which was removed from the previous project because of budget constraints.

 

 

The Local Skinny! Gang Free Inc. To Host Sip And Paint Vaccination Clinic

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Gang Free, Inc. is sponsoring a COVID-19 clínica de vacunación on Saturday, Mar. 19 at Satterwhite Point’s Glass House. The clinic is sponsored through a partnership with Raleigh-based Healthier Together and Spanish speakers are especially invited to come out and enjoy being outdoors for a “Sip and Paint” event.

Anyone interested in getting a COVID-19 vaccine is welcome to sign up, according to Melissa Elliott, founder of Gang Free, Inc. Call her at 252. 425. 5220 to get registered.

There are still some appointment slots open for the event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 269 Glass House Road.

Even if you’re fully vaccinated and boosted, there are slots available to come out and paint and enjoy the beauty of the lake.

New cases are going down, Elliott told John C. Rose on Tuesday’s The Local Skinny!, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to let down our guard.

“We still have to be cognizant that this virus is still alive and still infecting individuals,” she said.
“We just want to make sure that we’re doing our part.”

Gang Free has spearheaded 70-plus vaccination clinics, and continues to distribute N-95 masks and rapid COVID tests to the community.

People with underlying health conditions are still especially vulnerable to COVID-19, and sometimes it’s those folks within marginalized populations that remain hesitant to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“When people understand the information – once they understand why it’s important,” she said, they often change their minds. “When that virus attacks your body, it’s hard to fight back on your own,” Elliott said, referring to those with underlying health conditions.

“It IS your choice,” she emphasized, “but let me give you enough information to let you think about it.”

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The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance 3-15-22

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Jobs in Vance this week focuses on openings with Vance County. To apply for any of these jobs visit https://www.vancecounty.org/departments/human-resources/.  The following positions are currently available:

Deputy Tax Assessor

Tax Office

Rate of Pay: $48,504 – $50,916

Details: Open Until Filled

 

SW I A/T (FLOATER)

Social Services

Rate of Pay: $42,504 – $44,616

Details: Open Until Filled

 

SOCIAL WORKER II SENIOR CENTER

Social Services

Rate of Pay: $37,236 – $39,108

Details: Open Until Filled

 

HUMAN RESOURCE AIDE-SENIOR CENTER

Social Services

Rate of Pay: $20,100 – $21,108

Details: Open Until Filled

 

Social Worker II

Social Services

Rate of Pay: $37,236 – $39,108

Details: Open Until Filled

 

Program Assistant V (Senior Center)

Social Services

Rate of Pay: $28,596 – $30,036

Details: Open Until Filled

 

Kitchen Worker

Detention

Rate of Pay: $13.98

Details: Continuous Posting

 

Processing Assistant V

Social Services

Rate of Pay: $28,596 – $30,036

Details: Open Until Filled

 

Building Codes Enforcement Officer

Planning & Development

Details: Open Until Filled; Salary is Negotiable based on Experience & Trade Certifications

 

SW II CHILDCARE/EMERGENCY INTAKE

Social Services

Rate of Pay: $37,236 – $39,108

Details: Open Until Filled

 

Library Assistant (PT)

Library

Rate of Pay: $11.00

Details: Open Until Filled

 

Permits Technician

Planning & Development

Status: Accepting Applications

Details: Open Until Filled – Previous applicants need not re-apply – Salary $29,880, neg. based on experience

 

Deputy Register of Deeds

Register of Deeds

Rate of Pay: $28,596 – $30,036

Details: Open Until Filled (Do Not Reach out to anyone in the Register of Deeds Office regarding this position; Do Not reapply if applied previously)

 

Telecommunicator I

Emergency Operations

Rate of Pay: $32,640 – $42,420

Details: Salary Negotiable; Based on Experience. If previously applied and still interested, you will need to reapply. Open Until Filled

 

SW III FOSTER CARE/ADOPTIONS/LINKS

Social Services

Rate of Pay: $40,668 – $42,696

Details: Open Until Filled

 

INCOME MAINTENANCE CASEWORKER III

Social Services

Rate of Pay: $34,104 – $35,808

Details: Open Until Filled

 

SW IA/T / CPS

Social Services

Rate of Pay: $42,504 – $44,616

Details: Open Until Filled

 

INCOME MAINTENANCE CASEWORKER II

Social Services

Rate of Pay: $31,236 – $32,796

Details: Open Until Filled

 

PROCESSING ASSISTANT IV

Social Services

Rate of Pay: $26,448 – $27,756

Details: Open Until Filled

 

SOCIAL WORK SUPERVISOR III (ADULT SERVICES)

Social Services

Rate of Pay: $48,504 – $50,916

Details: Open Until Filled

 

IM Supervisor II (Family/Children Recertifications Medicaid)

Social Services

Rate of Pay: $37,236 – $48,408

Details: Open Until Filled

 

Fire Engineer

Fire

Rate of Pay: $37,236 – $39,108

Details: Open Until Filled

 

STAFF DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST I

Social Services

Rate of Pay: $37,236 – $39,108

Details: Open Until Filled

 

EMT – Paramedic (P/T)

EMS

Rate of Pay: $16.97

Details: Open Until Filled (6 Positions) (Hours Vary)

 

EMT Basic

EMS

Rate of Pay: $29,880 – $31,392

Details: Open Until Filled (3 Positions)

 

EMT – Paramedic

EMS

Details: Open Until Filled (4 Positions) New Pay Scale

 

Community Paramedic

EMS

Rate of Pay: $41,616

Details: Position is Open Until Filled

 

SW SUPERVISOR III (Foster Care)

Social Services

Rate of Pay: $48,504 – $50,916

Details: Closing Date: Until Filled

 

Detention Officer

Detention

Rate of Pay: $33,432 – $35,088

Status: Until Filled

Details: www.vancecountysheriff.org for application

 

Firefighter/Fire Engineer (PT)

Fire

Rate of Pay: $12.32

Details: Open Until Filled

 

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Cooperative Extension With Paul McKenzie: What Works In The Garden

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Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

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Pre-K, Kindergarten Registration Event Mar. 22 At L.B. Yancey

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Parents with children ready to enter kindergarten or pre-kindergarten in the 2022-23 school year have an opportunity to complete the registration process next week at L.B. Yancey Elementary School.

The registration event will be held on Tuesday, Mar. 22 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Perry Memorial Library Pop-Up Library will be on site as well, providing stories about the lovable Pet the Cat, according to information from Vance County Schools’ Director of Communication and Marketing Aarika Sandlin.

Children will enjoy listening to some of Pete the Cat’s stories, and there will be free hotdogs, chips and juice for all, plus karaoke, parachute games and much more.

The rain date is Tuesday, Mar. 29, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Granville County Sheriff

Investigation Continues Into Inmate Death At Granville Co. Detention Center

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The SBI and Granville County Sheriff’s Office are investigating to learn what happened last week that left one inmate dead and sent a second inmate to the hospital.

At 5:04 a.m. Friday, Mar. 11, , two inmates were found unresponsive in their cell at the Granville County Detention Center, according to a press statement from Granville County Sheriff John B. Hardy III.

Life-saving measures were undertaken by Granville County Sheriff’s Office personnel and EMS  was called. EMS also attempted life-saving measures, but one inmate was pronounced dead at the scene. The inmate’s name is being withheld at the request of his family at this time.

Inmate Kevin Burton Munn was transported for medical treatment and remains hospitalized. The Granville County Sheriff requested assistance from the State Bureau of Investigation and the SBI will investigate the matter.

WIZS has reached out to the SBI but has not heard back as of this publication.