Dale Folwell

Folwell Announces One-Month “Bump” In State Employees’ Retirement Benefits

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School systems across the state are offering bonuses of all sorts to attract and retain educators. The Social Security Administration recently announced a bump of more than 8 percent in the amount it pays to folks who receive benefits.

And today, there’s some good news from State Treasurer Dale Folwell that should put smiles on the faces of benefit recipients of retired state employees – they’re getting a supplement, too.

It’s only this month, but it’s a 4 percent bump, and Folwell issued a press release today that coincides with the day that those payments are issued. Retired employees of the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System, as well as the  Consolidated Judicial Retirement System, Legislative Retirement System and the Local and Governmental Employees’ Retirement System should see a little extra in their monthly benefits, Folwell said in a written statement.

“When retired state employees and teachers check their bank accounts or open their mail, they will find an additional 4 percent of their annual benefit included with this month’s payment,” Folwell stated.

“The TSERS, CJRS and LRS payments were appropriated by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Roy Cooper. The LGERS payment will come from retirement funds. The LGERS one-time supplement was approved by the LGERS Board on Jan. 27 following my recommendation and is in line with the funding policy. We were able to provide the LGERS benefit without increasing the rates we charge to cities and counties across the state,” Folwell continued.

“While payments starting in November will return to the levels they would have been without the supplemental increase, the October payment will include a much-needed boost for those who served the citizens of North Carolina as we see rising costs in everyday expenses.

I want to thank the General Assembly, retirement boards, North Carolina League of Municipalities, North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and staff for recognizing a need and providing those that taught, protected or otherwise served the citizens of North Carolina a timely increase to the October benefit,” the statement concluded.

Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Ranked Among Best For Maternity Care

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 – Information courtesy of Donna Young, Maria Parham Health coordinator of marketing & communication

 

Maria Parham Health has been named to Money Magazine and The Leapfrog Group’s inaugural list of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. The rankings are intended to help expecting parents make educated decisions about which hospitals consistently deliver the safest, highest value care for patients and excellence in maternity experiences. Out of more than 2,200 hospitals surveyed, Maria Parham Health was one of 259 hospitals nationwide to earn the first-time honor.

“Maria Parham Health is honored to be among the inaugural list of top hospitals to receive this honor,” said Bert Beard, chief executive officer of Maria Parham Health. “Our hard-working team of physicians, midwives, nurses, respiratory therapists and staff goes above and beyond every day to provide the best possible experience for mothers, babies and their families, and this is well-deserved recognition.”

To qualify for the honor, eligible hospitals were required to carry an A or B letter grade on the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade assessment for spring 2022. Hospitals also were required to meet specific criteria and achieve national standards related to:

  • Early Elective Deliveries
  • Cesarean Birth
  • Episiotomy
  • DVT (deep vein thrombosis) Prophylaxis
  • Bilirubin Screening
  • High-Risk Deliveries (only applies to hospitals electively admitting high-risk deliveries)

For more information about the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care rankings,

visit https://money.com/methodology-best-hospitals-for-maternity-care/

TownTalk: Military History Show Coming To Henderson – Oxford Airport

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Military buffs from near and far are more than likely to be found Saturday at the 7th annual Military History Show at the Henderson-Oxford Airport, which will feature military re-enactors, a variety of vehicles used during wartime and other activities.

What started out as a way for Harry Coombs to display his collection of military items has evolved into a day-long family-oriented event that gives back to the Granville County Veterans Affairs Committee.

The show – open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – is free to the public, but Coombs said there will be a donation basket at the entrance for those who wish to contribute.

Last year’s event raised $2,100 that is used to provide services for veterans in Granville and surrounding counties, and if history repeats itself, this year’s event will top that.

There’s a silent auction packed with close to 100 items that folks can bid on, and Coombs told John C. Rose on Tuesday’s TownTalk that he would welcome bidding wars, since all proceeds will go to benefit veterans.

There also will be a 50/50 raffle taking place during the day.

Another popular item is a helicopter ride, courtesy of Total Flight Solutions of Louisburg. Tickets are $40 a person for a ride. If you’ve got your heart set on having a bird’s-eye-view of the surrounding countryside, Coombs suggests arriving early – there’s usually a wait.

“Take advantage of it if you can,” Coombs said.

As the chopper takes off and lands nearby, a contingent of military re-enactors will be on the ground, representing different time periods – “from the Revolutionary War to the Vietnam War and everything in between,” Coombs said.

They’ll be in uniform, with equipment and gear for each time period represented.

There also will be weapons demonstrations throughout the day. “They fire blanks, so it’s all safe,” Coombs assured.

And if you’ve ever wondered what a World War II Half Track looks like, you’ll get your chance to see it up close and personal. Coombs’s 1938 BMW motorcycle will be on display, too.

There will be food vendors on hand, as well, so come hungry.

Details on the upcoming Military History Show at Henderson-Oxford Airport taking place this Saturday.

 

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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The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance 10-25-22

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The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for October 25, 2022. The Chamber compiles the information, and it is presented here and on the radio. Contact the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce at 438-8414 or email Michele@hendersonvance.org to be included.

Company Name:  Sadie’s Coffee Corner

Job Title:  Hiring for all positions.  Applicants to work Monday-Friday Shift from 6 am – 10 am, 4 pm – 8 pm.  Saturday shifts open for 7:30 am – 2 pm, or afternoon 2 pm – 7 pm.  Part-time positions are 20 hours per week.  Looking for applicants with a flexible schedule.

How To Apply: Apply online at www.sadiescoffeecorner.com and fill out application and submit.  You can also come by the store on the corner of Orange and Garnett Street and pick up an application.

 

Company Name:  Mako Medical Labs

Job Title:  Patient Services Rep/ Phlebotomist- Part Time.  Phlebotomy Certification.  Ability to provide quality, error free work in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work independently with minimal on-site supervision. Excellent phlebotomy skills to include pediatric and geriatric. Flexible and available based on staffing needs, which includes weekends, holidays, on-call and overtime. Must demonstrate superior customer focus; ability to communicate openly and transparently with peers, supervisors and patients; ability to accelerate and embrace change throughout MAKO; and knowledge of the MAKO Way.

How To Apply: Apply online at https://makomedical.com/careers/.

Company Name:  Brewer Cycles

Job Title:  Parts Associate.  Full-time. Brewer Cycles is a multi-line dealership that has been in business for 41 years. The position includes but not limited to: Greeting customers in a professional and friendly manner. Working directly with walk-in and telephone customers to help them with their parts needs. Accept cash and credit card payments for purchases and keeping cash register accurate. Make sure merchandise displays are stocked and clean. Recommending related parts. Outstanding customer service skills. Knowledge of power sports vehicles and parts… motorcycles, ATV/UTV, dirt bikes, watercraft, go-karts, pressure washers, and generators. Ability to work Tuesday – Saturday.  Tuesday – Friday hours are 8.30 am – 5.30 pm and on Sat. 8.30 am – 3.00 pm.

How To Apply: Apply in person at Brewer Cycles located on 420 Warrenton Road in Henderson or apply online at www.indeed.com.

 

Company Name:  Belk Department Store

Job Title:  Multiple Open Positions at the Henderson NC store.  Sales Team Manager. Looking for the right full-time applicant that will drive results.  Requires a 4-year college degree and retail and leadership experience.  Help drive great service and sales. Provide training and coaching to sales associates, ensure associates exhibit the key service behaviors needed in delivering relentless customer care and motivate and coach sales associates to meet or exceed credit goals. Sales Associate.  Part-time. Experience in retail preferred.  Excellent communication skills required with the ability to use and learn industry technology preferred. Beauty Advisor.  Full-time. Drive sales through customer clienteling to meet and exceed sales goals.  Maintain unpacking and display of products, provide excellent customer service, and expert in product knowledge.

How To Apply: Stop by the Belk Store, 350 North Cooper Drive in Henderson to pick up an application.  Or apply online at https://www.belkcareers.com/.

 

Company Name:  Quality Equipment Company

Job Title:  I/S Field Pro.  Full-time. Provides agronomic solutions and support for the sale and use of John Deere Agriculture Management Solutions (AMS) equipment. Works with all dealership departments to sell and support precision farming products to producers in their trade area. 1+ years of experience in an agricultural-related role with activities such as sales, service, training, or other related work. Prior experience with JD technology and support is preferred or similar customer support role. Certified Crop Advisor accreditation or ability to achieve within 18 months of hire date. Extremely organized, sensitive to deadlines and goals within dealership. Must be driven to achieve results, highly attentive to detail and accuracy. Solid communication skills. Can deal with and effectively resolve challenging customer issues.

How To Apply:  Inquire about position at Henderson store location at 70 John Deere Road or apply online at www.indeed.com.

 

Some of these businesses are present or past advertisers of WIZS.  Being an ad client is not a condition of being listed or broadcast.  This is not a paid ad.

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Local Firefighters Awarded For Rescue In January House Fire

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Firefighters with the Henderson Fire Department were honored Monday afternoon for their role in saving a woman’s life in a January house fire.

NC Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey called each man up to receive the SAVE Award for their efforts, during which Capt. Joshua Bolton received second- and third-degree burns when he entered the house to look for a woman believed to be trapped inside.

“It’s an honor for me to be here today,” Causey told the group of more than 25 family, friends, city staff and firefighters assembled at Fire Station 2 in downtown Henderson.

He called the team of firefighters “daily heroes” who put their own safety at risk each time they respond to a fire call.

The only people who receive this award are those who have helped to save a life.

After the ceremony, Fire Chief Steve Cordell said it is “an honor and a privilege to see these men…be rewarded” for their efforts back in January. “I can’t think of a better group to be associated with,” Cordell added.

Mike Causey (L) gives Steve Cordell (R) a pat on the back and thumbs up

Before Causey called the men up to receive their awards, Assistant Chief Curtis Tyndall recounted the events that occurred on that January evening. Upon hearing that there was one person still in the home, Bolton went into the fully engulfed structure but was unable to locate the victim. Departments 1 and 2 responded to the call, and it was a team effort that resulted in location of the victim, who lay unconscious in front of a recliner in the living room of the single-family home.

Firefighters were able to rescue the woman, who was taken to hospital.

“Capt. Bolton attempted to rescue a trapped victim inside of a burning structure despite the threat of personal injury and attempted to find the trapped victim inside the home,” Tyndall said in his account…(his) split-second decision to sear the rear of the structure without regard to his own personal safety allowed his crew to continue the search and locate the victim where he left off. His decision to enter the structure before the application of water was made for the purpose of protecting the victim from deadly steam that would have been created by the application of water,” Tyndall continued.

In addition to Bolton, Causey presented SAVE awards to:

  • Master firefighter Zack Short
  • Firefighter Devin Sherrod
  • Firefighter William Ramos
  • Firefighter William Breedlove
  • Kyle Holtzman
  • Battallion Chief Tim Twisdale
  • Master firefighter Ren Watkins Hale
  • Captain William Boyd
  • Engineer Dylan Dickerson
  • Master firefighter Trenton Clark
  • Firefighter Jeffrey Pane Watson
City of Henderson Logo

Henderson City Clerk Retiring After 12 Years

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Henderson City Clerk Esther McCrackin is retiring effective Monday, Oct. 31 after 12 years of service to the city in that role.

Mayor Eddie Ellington called her a “mother figure” to all who work at City Hall who, with “grit and grace” showed her passion for the city. She kept everyone on the right track, “sometimes being tough but always from the heart, never losing sight of the ‘mission at hand,’” he said.

Ellington reflected on the first day he met McCrackin. “I knew right away her devotion and the expectations of me,” he said in a statement to WIZS News Monday. “Back in 2015, coming in as a new mayor of the city and still to this day being no different, she has always been a voice of reason, offering encouragement and guidance, while keeping the wheels turning. She was the calm in many storms and in times of much needed support. She believed in me and reminded me not to govern on emotion but by policy and procedure,” he said.

Now, seven years later, Ellington said McCrackin is “a remarkable lady and I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to her.”

City Manager Terrell Blackmon said Monday that McCrackin was a valuable staff member. “I was honored to work with her my first three years here as manager,” Blackmon said in an email.

Blackmon said since the clerk is appointed by the City Council, he has been directed by the mayor and council to advertise the position for 30 days to both internal and external candidates. “After the job closing date, the HR director and I will vet those applications and make recommendations of two to three finalists that the council will interview and then ultimately make an appointment,” Blackmon explained.

Families Living Violence Free

FLVF Candlelight Vigil Oct. 27 To Remember Victims, Survivors Of Domestic Violence

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Families Living Violence Free presents a domestic violence candlelight vigil on Thursday, Oct. 27 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The community is invited to participate in the vigil, as FLVF honors those who have lost their lives to domestic violence as well as those survivors in the community, according to information from FLVF Executive Director Peggy Roark.

FLVF is located at 211 W. Antioch Dr., in the Georgia Henrahand Cottage on the campus of Central Children’s Home, in Oxford.

Visit www.flvf.org or call 919.693.3579 to learn more.