Local Leaders Planning Town Hall Meeting In Henderson Tuesday, Sept. 3

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Downtown Henderson is the backdrop for a community meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 3 and Charles J. “C.J.” Turrentine Jr. wants to spread the word to encourage attendance.

“We’re going to do a Town Hall meeting in Henderson – something that’s never been done before,” Turrentine told WIZS News.

“I’m encouraging…my generation and a lot of the Black community to come out,” he said, adding that the gathering is free and open to all, regardless of party affiliation.

The community meeting will be held at Southern Charm, 200 S. Garnett St. from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The meeting, he said, is designed “to break the barrier of Republican and Democrat, black and white.”

State Rep. Frank Sossamon is scheduled to take part in a question-and-answer session. According to a flyer publicizing the meeting, participants can place written questions in an issue box for Sossamon and others to answer.

“It’s going to be a great time for our community,” Turrentine said.

Maria Parham Health Welcomes New OB-GYN To Staff

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Maria Parham Health has added an OB/GYN physician to its team.

Dr. Rachel Anne DeSpenza has joined the MPH staff, according to a press release from MPH Communications Coordinator Donna Young.

“We are excited to bring Dr. DeSpenza to the region to help make our communities healthier,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Her training and focus on community health programs for women and families are exceptional, and Maria Parham is excited for the positive impact she will have.”

DeSpenza received her medical degree and a master’s in Health Science from Yale School of Medicine. She recently completed her OB-GYN Residency at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, CT, where she served as administrative chief resident.

She completed her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of California, Santa  Barbara, graduating with highest honors. Her academic and clinical excellence has been  recognized through numerous awards, including the William U. Gardner Memorial Student  Research Fellowship, the Yale School of Medicine Medical Student Research Fellowship, and the  ACOG CT Section Outstanding Student James F.X. Egan Award, among others.

At Maria Parham Health and Maria Parham Women’s Care, DeSpenza brings a wealth of expertise and a commitment to patient-centered care, hospital officials said. She is now accepting new patients and looks forward to contributing to the health and well-being of our community.

Call 252.492.8576 to schedule an appointment.

Vance County Schools Honors Top Teachers, Administrators At ‘Excellence in Education’ Banquet

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Vance County Schools honored the district’s top educators at its annual Excellence in Education banquet Thursday evening at the Henderson Country Club.

Jozette Broughton of New Hope Elementary was named Teacher of the Year and Khris-Tina Stewart-Hendricks of Vance County High was selected as the Beginning Teacher of the Year, Top administrators included Facetia Branch of Vance County Middle as Assistant Principal of the Year, and Dr. Nealie Whitt III of Vance County High as Principal of the Year.

VCS Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett said, “Being a part of the recognition of our Educators of Excellence is always such an honor. Vance County has some of the best educators in North Carolina, while we can only recognize a few of those stellar educators, I continue to be humbled by their commitment to children by ensuring they are on the path to a successful future.”

The top winners will represent Vance County at the regional level.

A little about last night’s honorees:

  • Broughton earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Strayer University. She has been in education for more than 20 years, and has been at New Hope Elementary for the past four years. She has a new role – that of an instructional facilitator – at the school.

Currently working on her National Board for Professional State Standards, Broughton said she plans to elevate her work through continued memberships in professional organizations and professional development in instruction.

  • Stewart-Hendricks teaches history at Vance County High School, She received a degree in Sociology from the University of the West Indies and is in her third year of teaching with Vance County Schools.  With plans to pursue a master’s degree in Psychology, Stewart-Hendricks said her classroom experience has highlighted the correlation of social and emotional wellness and academic success. She aims to develop effective strategies to support students, enhance their educational experience, and foster their enthusiasm for learning.
  • Branch is an assistant principal at Vance County Middle School. She has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from N.C. Central University and a bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Special Education from East Carolina University. She continued her education at Strayer University with a master’s of Public Administration and at Gardner-Webb University with a master’s of Education in School Leadership.
  • Whitt is principal at Vance County High. He earned a bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Health with an emphasis in Secondary Education from N.C. Central University and has a master’s in Educational Administration and a Specialist Degree from Grand Canyon University. Whitt also has a doctorate in Educational Administration at the University of Southern Mississippi.

2024-2025 Vance County Schools Teacher of the Year Nominees:

  • Nino Robles, AdVance Academy
  • Stephanie Sewell-Brown, Aycock Elementary
  • Lillian King, Carver Elementary
  • Cassandra Chartier, Clarke Elementary
  • Justin Wrenn, Dabney Elementary
  • Ebony Watkins, E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy
  • Christina Welch, E.O. Young Elementary
  • Estelle Mangum, L.B. Yancey Elementary
  • Jozette Broughton, New Hope Elementary
  • Laura Brown, Pinkston St. Elementary
  • Jean Marie Munroe-Criddle, STEM Early High
  • Eva Jennings, Vance County Early College
  • Wennie Perez, Vance County High
  • Deris Mora, Vance County Middle
    ● Cynthia Schlessinger, Vance Virtual Village
  • Venessa Lalor-Lofters, Zeb Vance Elementary

2024-2025 Vance County Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year Nominees:

  • Dian Bowers, Advance Academy
  • Sharnakay Plummer, Aycock Elementary
  • Tressy Person, Carver Elementary
  • Nordette Givens, Clarke Elementary
  • Nichole Campbell-Gordon, Dabney Elementary
  • Danielle Brissett, E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy
  • Hailey Reavis, E.O. Young Elementary
  • Keita Kelly Lamay, L.B. Yancey Elementary
  • Carolina Carraway, New Hope Elementary
  • Ma Viance Estrosos, Pinkston St. Elementary
  • Edna Celis, STEM Early High School
  • Vance County Early College, Angelique Bagagnan
  • Khris-Tina Stewart Hendricks, Vance County High
  • Venice Arellano, Vance County Middle School
  • Raymond Pagayon, Vance Virtual Village
  • Niya Sneed, Zeb Vance Elementary

2024-2025 Vance County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year Nominees: ● McShell Edmonds, Vance County High

  • Facetia Branch, Vance County Middle
  • LaVonda Williams, Pinkston Street Elementary

2024-2025 Vance County Schools Principal of the Year Nominees: ● Dr. Shannon Bullock, L.B. Yancey Elementary

  • Dr. Carnetta Thomas, EM Rollins STEAM Academy
  • Dr. Nealie Whitt III, Vance County High
  • Nowell Brooks, Advance Academy

IT Management Company To Build $9M Facility In Franklin County

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A New Jersey-based IT company is building a $9 million production center in Franklin County, which will create 100 new full-time jobs.

PlanITROI, LLC, a leading provider of secure, purpose-driven IT lifecycle management solutions, is establishing a “Center of Excellence,” according to information from Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks III.

“After an exhaustive national search for a location for our Center of Excellence, Franklin County stood out as not only an excellent location, but also a strong environment for us to grow and develop our next generation of PlanITROI teammates,” stated Paul Baum, the company’s CEO and founder.

“We are thrilled to welcome PlanITROI to Franklin County,” said Economic Development Director Barbara Fiedor. “Their investment and job creation will have a positive impact on our community and their commitment to being a strong community partner aligns with our values. This company’s investment underscores Franklin County’s dedication to attracting forward-thinking businesses aiming to enhance economic development while supporting community initiatives.”

PlanITROI is known for delivering complete end-to-end IT lifecycle management asset value recovery services and reverse logistics solutions, data security, and real-time transparent reporting and analytics. PlanITROI brings affordable technology to lower-income families, students, and businesses.

As part of its community engagement, the company’s nonprofit arm called Digital Dreams Project will donate refurbished computers to local schools and community organizations to support educational and community development as well as foster digital inclusion across Franklin County.

The Digital Dreams Project has provided affordable access to technology to more than 600,000 individuals in their mission to close the digital divide and empower underserved communities and drive transformative change.

The grand opening of the facility is anticipated to take place in early October 2024 and there will be a ribbon-cutting of the new facility anticipated to take place in early 2025.

 

For more information about the grand opening event or to learn more about employment opportunities, contact Tammy Lesch, CSO at tlesch@planitroi.com.

Granville County Library System

Summer Reading Program Participants Log 4,873 Hours

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– information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

 The 2024 Summer Reading Program was a huge success at all four branches of the Granville County Library System. Hundreds of Granville County residents of all ages participated in this annual program with the goal of lessening the summer learning gap and ensuring that there are opportunities for fun, educational activities during the summer months between school academic years.

During the 2024 Summer Reading program, 468 kids registered to participate and track their reading hours. Of those who registered, the total reading hours logged was 4,873; more than 10 hours of reading per participant. In total, the library checked out over 5,000 children’s and young adult books. The library system also offered 112 children’s programs this summer attended by 3,327 people. Adult programming was also a big hit this summer with 879 adults attending 52 programs and events.

“We are always thinking of ways to keep our community engaged and the summer provides a unique challenge and opportunity,” said Will Robinson, Director of the Granville County Library System. “The Summer Reading Program is a great way to continue learning and keep kids active and engaged while school is out. We know that everyone is busy with family and community activities, but these statistics show how much Granville County residents value their library and are eager for activities to participate in. A special thank-you goes out to our Children’s Librarians, Amy Carlson and Amy Kemp, for the time and effort they spend planning and carrying out this program. Their hard work certainly has paid off!”

Some of the featured programs this summer included the Star Lab Mobile Planetarium, Mario Kart Tournaments, Japanese Taiko Drumming, Girls in STEM, and a “truck rally” at the Granville Athletic Park. Many of these events attracted hundreds of attendees each.

Even though the Summer Reading Program is over, there are programs for all ages nearly every day at the Granville County Library System’s four branches, located in Oxford, Creedmoor, Stovall and Berea.

For more information about services and programs offered by the Granville County Library system, visit the library website at https://granville.lib.nc.us.

Granville Senior Center To Host ‘Nifty 90s’ Event Sept. 18

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Calling all nonagenarians! The Granville County Senior Services wants to honor YOU at the upcoming Nifty 90s event at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center.

The annual celebration, which will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 18, includes dinner and entertainment as a way to honor Granville County residents who are 90 years of age or older.

Doors open at 4:15 p.m. and dinner will be served at 5:15 p.m.

Please register no later than Monday, Sept. 9 if you’re planning to attend. The Nifty 90s event is free for all those who are 90 or older; guests under 90 may attend for a cost of $10.

Call the Granville County Senior Center to register at 919-693-1930.

For more information about all of the programs offered by Granville County Senior Services, visit the Granville  County website at https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/senior-services/ or follow Granville County Senior  Services on Facebook.

NC Dept of Agriculture

Certified Organic Producers Eligible For Cost-Share Program Up To $750

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– information courtesy of the N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Organic growers in North Carolina can apply for partial reimbursement of the cost of becoming certified or for recertification through a program offered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Growers certified or recertified between Oct. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024, can apply for assistance through the program, according to information from the N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

“Applicants can be reimbursed up to 75 percent of the cost of organic certification per category,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and I would encourage growers and handlers to submit their applications early.”

Under the grant, operations can be certified and reimbursed in four separate categories: crops, livestock, wild crop and handler/processor. The maximum reimbursement per category is $750.

The program is for the 2023-24 season and is funded through a $135,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Applications must be postmarked by Oct. 31.

To apply, growers must provide a completed application, along with detailed invoices/statements from the certifying agency listing all National Organic Program certified costs, proof of payment, a substitute W-9 form and a copy of your certificate or letter from your certifier if this is a new certification. All charges must be for USDA organic certification. The application can be downloaded at

https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/marketing/marketing-grading-services. Growers can also apply through their local Farm Service Agency office.

Application and required documents can be mailed, faxed or emailed to the NCDA&CS Organic Certification Cost Share Program, Attn. Heather Lifsey. For questions, contact Lifsey at 919.749.3337.

Three Arrested Following Report Of Gunshot Into Occupied Vehicle

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-information courtesy of Henderson Police Chief Marcus W. Barrow

Three men were arrested Wednesday following a report of gunfire involving two vehicles on a city street. No injuries were reported, according to a press release from Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow, and it is believed to have been an isolated incident.

On Aug. 28, at approximately 12 noon, it was reported that someone in a dark-colored Jeep SUV discharged a weapon into another vehicle near South William Street and Chavasse Avenue.

Investigators with the Henderson Police Department quickly developed information that led them to obtain a search warrant for 1722 Lynn Ave., where the suspect vehicle was located.

During a search of the residence, multiple firearms were located and recovered, leading to the detainment and subsequent charging of multiple people.

Djhante Blash, of 1722 Lynn Ave. was charged with possession of Schedule II and possession of a firearm by a felon. Blash was remanded to the Vance County Detention Center without bond, pending his first court appearance.

Nigel Malik Torres, 23, of Franklin County was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to kill and discharging a weapon into occupied property. Torres was remanded to the Vance County Detention Center without bond, pending his first court appearance.

Kobe Isaiah Allen of Winston Salem was charged with possession of firearm by convicted felon and possession of a stolen firearm. Allen received a $50,000 secured bond and was transported to the Vance County Detention Center.

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SportsTalk: Vance County’s Coach Elliott Previews Rocky Mount Game

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SportsTalk on WIZS 12:30 p.m. M-Th

Scout Hughes and George Hoyle talk with Vance County Head Football Coach Aaron Elliott as they prepare for Rocky Mount on Friday night.

Vance County travels to Rocky Mount for Week 2 of the 2024 season Friday, August 30th and you can hear all the action on WIZS 1450AM, 100.1FM, and online at wizs.com with pregame starting at 6:50 p.m. and kickoff thereafter at 7:00 p.m.

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