VCS hosts Young Women’s Empowerment Conference

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-information courtesy of Brielle Barrow, VCS communication coordinator

A group of business leaders and professionals joined forces to share their knowledge, expertise and paths to success recently for the first Young Women’s Empowerment Conference sponsored by Vance County Schools.

The conference was designed “to inspire and empower middle and high school students to be their best selves and to prepare for their journey into young womanhood,” according to a press statement from Brielle Barrow, VCS Communication Coordinator.

The event was held Friday, April 28 at the Center for Innovation. More than 200 middle and high school students were on hand to hear from the six keynote speakers and to participate in a variety of mini breakout sessions with the women.

Among those present to speak at the conference were Margier White, KaKeasha Richardson, PA-C, Cameshia Gavin, Kayachtta Hawkins-Bullock, DDS, Heather Kenney and Kemira Venable.

Granville Native Named Forestry Scholarship Winner

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A Granville County native has received the 2023 Nicholas M. Curtis Memorial Scholarship Endowment by the North Carolina Forestry Association.

Cameron Carter will receive the $2,000 scholarship, established in memory of Curtis, whose commitment to sustainable foresty was matched only by his desire to help others.

In a press release issued by his office,  N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon noted Carter’s achievements. Sossamon represents District 32, which includes Granville County.

“I am so proud of Cameron and the great things that he is doing. As a former Marine and member of the Student Veterans Association, he has already shown incredible dedication to serving others, and his commitment to his studies is equally impressive.”

The Nicholas M. Curtis Memorial Scholarship Endowment is a testament to the importance of education, service and community involvement. Sossamon expressed his gratitude for Cameron’s commitment to these values and his confidence in his future success. “Cameron has already accomplished so much, and I know that he will continue to achieve great things. He is a shining example of the kind of leader and professional that we need in Granville County and beyond.”

Granville Plans May 15 Public Hearing To Review Proposed 2023-24 Budget

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The Granville County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a public hearing on May 15 to discuss the proposed 2023-24 budget.

County Manager Drew Cummings presented his first budget during the commissioners’ May 1 meeting, which calls for an extra $1 million to Granville County Public Schools, cost of living adjustments for county employees, all with no increase in the county tax rate.

A vote on the final budget draft is planned for June 5, according to information from Granville Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood.

Highlights of the recommended budget for the upcoming fiscal year include:

  • No increase to the current Granville County tax rate (property tax rate remains $0.84 per $100 valuation and Fire Tax District remains $0.06 per $100 valuation).
  • Major market adjustments (up to 8%) and paid meal breaks (equivalent to a 4.35% increase) for public safety employee salaries. Maintain current merit pay program (up to 4%).
  • Up to 4% cost of living adjustments for all other county employees and maintain current merit pay program (up to 4 percent).
  • Lowering employee health insurance premiums and enhancing retirement benefits.
  • Funding increase to Granville County Public Schools current expense of nearly $1 million. An increase of 4.7 percent on a per-pupil basis.
  • Continues significant recent increases to EMS funding.
  • Maintains strong support of Vance-Granville Community College funding.
  • A net increase of seven full-time positions and four new part-time positions in Administration, Finance, Tax Administration, Board of Elections, Senior Services, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Social Services (Social Services positions are all partially funded by the State of NC).
  • Increased funding to Kerr Area Transportation Authority.
  • Fleet management transition to leased vehicles.

To view the County Manager’s Budget presentation, visit the Granville County YouTube page: https://youtu.be/VWcL5Rn9yD0

A PowerPoint presentation of budget highlights can be viewed on the Granville County website at this link  (https://www.granvillecounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Drew-Rec-Budget-Powerpoint-5-1-23- FINAL.pdf) and the full recommended budget document can be found here

(https://www.granvillecounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/FY23-24-Recommended Budget_compressed.pdf)

Those wishing to examine a hard copy of the recommended budget document can do so during business hours  at the Granville County Administration Office (104 Belle Street, Oxford) or at the Richard H. Thornton Library  (211 Main Street, Oxford).

Henderson Fire Dept

TownTalk: Henderson City Council’s Fire Department Update

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The Henderson Fire Department enjoys a rating that puts it among an elite group of fire departments across the country, and Acting Fire Chief Curtis Tyndall said he was proud to present information about how the department measures up to industry standards during Monday’s City Council meeting.

Tyndall thanked the city for helping the fire department provide the city with the level of service to its residents.

The ISO rates fire departments on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the best. Insurance companies use the grade to help determine insurance premiums.

The Henderson fire department has a level 2, which puts it in the top 4 percent of departments across the country.

The areas that are considered during the ISO rating include emergency communications, fire departments, availability of water and community risk.

According to Tyndall, 78 percent of the city is with a 1.5-mile radius of a fire department.

The city has been discussing for the past several years the possibility of adding a third fire station to serve the western part of town.

In an email sent to WIZS Tuesday morning, Henderson City Council member Garry Daeke commented on Monday’s meeting and about the city’s finances.

“We have spent our money on recurring costs, salaries, and the budget is about to get much tighter,” Daeke wrote. “Taking action sooner, rather than later, would save on future costs,” referring to the construction of a third fire station.

CLICK PLAY for WIZS TownTalk Broadcast!

 

Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Upcoming Children’s Programs At Perry Library

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Summer is just around the corner, and Perry Memorial Library staff is planning a host of programs to keep youngsters occupied while they’re enjoying their time away from school.

Youth Services Director Melody Peters said the library will be a cool spot to visit over the summer, and not just for the air conditioning.

“It’s free – all summer long,” she told WIZS’s Bill Harris during the library’s recurring segment of The Local Skinny!

A new space for teens is being created just outside the Maker Space, Peters said. They’ve ordered some new “cool” furniture for the spot, which will be geared to young people in middle and high school. Teens that take part in the summer reading program will get coupons that they can turn in for sweet summer treats.

The reading program isn’t just for teens, however. There are a variety of ways to track progress – from time spent reading to chapters completed, and participants can come to the library each week to track their progress and get prizes.

“We want everybody to join us,” Peters said. The reading challenge kicks off at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13.

The N.C. Cooperative Extension is offering a Lunch and Learn program on Wednesdays for students in grades 6-8. The first session will be Wednesday, June 14, Peters said, and participants will be cooking and making different recipes each week.

And although the Mother Goose storytime is taking a break in May, Peters said the time slot – Thursdays at 11 a.m. – is still a great time for young children to come and take part in some “make and take” craft projects.

“It really is for all ages,” she said, adding that there’s a theme for each week’s projects through the month.

Peters said craft activities are really important ways for youngsters to develop skills that they need at school. “I was hearing from teachers that kids really missed out on some of those skills with scissors, painting“ during the pandemic. “Kids really lost two years of using scissors, using glue – those fine motor skills really do matter.”

Another way young people can use their imagination and develop those fine motor skills at the same time is by coming to the Lego Club. The Club begins June 15 at 4:30 p.m. in the children’s storytime area.

Participants will have the option of “free-build” or they can accept a challenge, Peters said.

“We’re going to try to have challenges and then say, ‘show us what you did,’” she added.

Contact the library at 252.438.3316 to learn more about any of the programs the library offers. Peters’s extention is 226. Or you can visit www.perrylibrary.org or follow the library on Facebook or Instagram.

CLICK PLAY!

 

Gateway CDC May 17th Social at 5 p.m.

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Join Gateway CDC in downtown Henderson for a “community social with a purpose” on May 17.

The social will be held at Southern Charm on Garnett Street from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and CDC President Heather Joi Kenney said it’s a time for everyone in the community to gather, spend time with friends and colleagues as plans continue to take shape for “The Henderson Vision.”

“We will continue to work on adding vision statements to The Henderson Vision banners in the hope of creating a unified vision for Henderson that will culminate in a community-wide branding campaign, Kenney said.

“All are welcome, including children. This is a fun and relaxed event and we hope to see all community members out.”

Food will be available for purchase from a food truck parked on Breckenridge Street, and donations – tax deductible – will be accepted for the Henderson Vision fund, set up to provide much-needed resources to downtown area businesses.

Southern Charm is located at 200 S. Garnett St.

For more information, contact Gateway CDC at 252.492.6298.

Franklin Commissioners Seek Residents To Serve On Variety Of Advisory Groups

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-Information courtesy of Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks, III

Franklin County has numerous opportunities for citizens to participate and serve on advisory boards, councils and commissions. An online application can be found at https://www.franklincountync.gov/government/boards_and_commissions/index.php.

A printed application may be obtained by contacting Kristen G. King, Clerk to the Board, kking@franklincountync.gov or 919.496.5994. Applications should be received by June 22.

The county’s board of commissioners is asking for interested residents of Franklin County to consider joining any of the following:

Airport Advisory Council: The council makes recommendations regarding operations, marketing, strategic planning and other measures related to Triangle North Executive Airport. The board meets at least quarterly.

Board of Adjustment: The board is responsible for reviewing variance and administrative appeal requests and meets on a monthly basis as needed.

Department of Aging Advisory Board: The board advises staff of concerns of the elderly population. The board meets quarterly.

Economic Development Commission: The purpose of the commission is to assist in promoting economic development. The board meets every other month.

Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee: The committee works to assure provisions of a high level of quality care and service to persons in need of emergency medical services in Franklin County. The board meets quarterly.

Historic Preservation Commission: This board works to conserve and preserve the heritage of the county through documentation and regulation of historic districts or landmarks, or through the acquisition of historic properties. The board meets monthly.

Library Board: The board advises on issues pertaining to library services. The board meets quarterly.

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: The board advises on issues pertaining to parks and recreation and matters relating to recreational facilities. The board meets quarterly.

Planning Board: The board serves in an advisory capacity for rezonings, text amendments and policy documents guiding the County’s growth. The board meets on a monthly basis as needed.

Solid Waste Education Task Force: The task force develops strategies for encouraging activities that support recycling. The board meets every other month.

Tourism Development Authority: This board promotes tourism and works to build a stronger economic base for the creation of job opportunities specific to tourism-related activities and endeavors. Three members should be affiliated with businesses actively involved in collecting the occupancy tax, four shall be persons generally involved in cultural, educational, and/or hospitality industries. The board meets every other month.