Car Break In Suspect Arrested After Swift Actions by Eyewitness

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HPD Press Release:

On September 7, 2022 Henderson Police Department officers were advised a male wearing dark colored jogging pants with a white stripe was in the area of Zollicoffer Avenue and Chestnut Street attempting to break into motor vehicles.

Patrick Hawkins, age 44, who resides at 240 Burwell Avenue was detained and found in possession of a pocket full of change and a watch that was determined to have been stolen from a Ford Fusion that was in the 100 block of Zollicoffer Ave.

Hawkins was charged with felony breaking and entering to a motor vehicle, larceny after breaking into a motor vehicle, and two counts of attempting to break and enter a motor vehicle. He received a $50,000.00 from the magistrate and has a September 8, 2022 court date. Hawkins was remanded to the Vance County jail.

The Henderson Police Department was able to apprehend this offender due to the rapid reporting of Hawkins’ activities by a concerned citizen who witnessed his actions.

Maria Parham Welcomes New Family Nurse Practioner To GI Staff

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–Information courtesy of Donna Young, MPH marketing & communication coordinator

Maria Parham Health Tuesday announced that Colleen Truax, FNP has joined its staff and will be offering GI services to patients throughout Henderson, Vance County and the surrounding area.

“We are pleased to welcome Colleen Truax to our Maria Parham family as part of our growing GI practice,” said Bert Beard, MPH CEO.

“GI care is a growing need in our community, as diagnoses of colorectal cancer continue to increase among adults younger than 50 and recommendations are supporting earlier screenings. Maria Parham GI Associates will be an important practice as we work to slow the trend of later stage cancer findings to make our community healthier.”

Colleen Truax earned her Family Nurse Practitioner designation from Bradley University in Illinois, and also holds a Master’s Degree in Leadership and Administration from Roberts Wesleyan College. She has participated in several clinical rotations throughout the area, including work at North Carolina Specialty Hospital, Maria Parham Health and UNC Nash General Hospital.

Colleen Truax is seeing patients at Maria Parham GI Associates. To schedule an appointment, call (800)424-DOCS.

TownTalk: Tourism And Its Impact On The Local Economy

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We spend money every day, during trips to the grocery store or the pharmacy, for example. But each day, Vance County residents shop alongside visitors to the community who may be camping at Kerr Lake or who are in town for a dance competition or one of a number of annual events that draw folks from all over.

The data comes from an annual study commissioned by Visit North Carolina, a unit of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. If you break down that number,

Vance County received about $164,000 a day last year in tourism dollars.

That money supports the local economy in a variety of ways – it means that people are shopping and dining locally, and they’re spending a night or nights in area motels and hotels. Tourism spending was up in all 100 North Carolina counties last year over the previous year. But considering that the previous year – 2020 – was basically a tourism “bust” because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it stood to reason that any improvement in 2021 over 2020 would be expected.

Vance County is gearing up for a couple of its annual events that traditionally attract throngs of visitors – the Show, Shine, Shag and Dine is set for Oct. 14-15 in Vance County.

There’s a pre-show barbecue dinner and cruise-in at Kerr Lake on Friday, Oct. 14, and then the Southern Classic Cruise-In will take place the next day at 117 Horner St. in downtown Henderson. This is the 20th annual Show, Shine, Shag and Dine, sure to delight classic car enthusiasts.

And just in case those car enthusiasts need a bit more, the 20th annual Corbitt Truck Show and Reunion will take place Saturday, Oct. 15. The Corbitt Preservation Association works throughout the year to remember that workhorse vehicle that was manufactured right here in Henderson. The show and reunion runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Corbitt Museum, located at 180 Church St.

Whether it’s an annual car show, performances at McGregor Hall or families who enjoy all recreational activities on Kerr Lake, Vance County benefits. Gas tanks get filled, appetites satisfied in area restaurants and then those visitors return to their homes. But their money gets spent here and stays here.

In 2021, that money amounted to more than $59 million.

In Warren County, visitors spent just more than $63 million in 2021. Although the Commerce Department statistics didn’t break down spending by event, but did list a handful of categories that are including when capturing the visitor spending. One category is second homes, and Warren County has a lot of second homes situated along the Lake Gaston shoreline.

Maybe the people who used to visit their lake homes on the weekends decided to stay longer during the pandemic, or maybe they’ve continued to live there and work remotely. Whatever the reason, Warren County took in roughly $63 million from visitors during 2021.

Granville County is the largest of the three counties in the area, and it reported visitor spending at $50 million in 2021 – a 26.9 percent increase from 2020.

Granville may not have the same volume of lake traffic as Vance and Warren, but it makes up for it in the sheer volume of events and attractions that seem to pop up most any time during the year.

Perhaps the largest annual event is coming up this weekend when the 16th annual Hot Sauce Festival and Contest takes center stage in downtown Oxford.

Food and beverage vendors, local craftspeople and dozens of hot sauce stands set up all along College, Williamsboro and Main streets for the all-day festival. There are a couple of stages for live music performances, a classic car show and, of course, the ever-popular pepper-eating contest.

The Creedmoor Music Festival tunes up next weekend to entertain concert-goers with all genres of music, from Gospel to classic rock.

No matter the draw – peppers, cars, lake activities or music – the counties all benefit from having tourists visit, enjoy and spend – their time AND their money.

 

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The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance 09-06-22

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The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for September 6, 2022. The Chamber compiles the information, and it is presented here nd on the radio. Contact the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce at 438-8414 or email Michele@hendersonvance.org to be included.

 

Spectrum is Hiring Field Technicians!

Henderson, NC 27537

Full-time

Weekend availability

Hiring multiple candidates

Travel Ability: Daily travel; valid state driver’s license and safe driving record.

 

Maintenance Professional

The Pendergraph Companies

Henderson, NC 27536

$16 an hour

Part-time

Day shift

Must have a valid drivers license, reliable transportation and some tools and be able to pass a credit and criminal background check as well as a drug test.

 

Seasonal Retail Associate

Bath & Body Works

Henderson, NC 27536

Seasonal

Weekend availability

Build a highly satisfied and loyal customer base through engagement, uncovering needs, making product recommendations, and capturing customer information.

 

Pizza Hut Delivery Driver – Henderson

Henderson, NC

$14 – $18 an hour

Full-time

Have you had your driver’s license for at least one year?

Our drivers earn a competitive hourly rate PLUS tips and driver expense reimbursement

Hiring ongoing

 

Arby’s Team Member

Henderson, NC 27536

Team Members must listen to guests, coworkers, and supervisors, in person and over loudspeakers and/or a headset.

We hire 15-, 16- and 17-year-old workers!

 

 

Front Desk Associate

AAA Gas & Appliance Co.

Henderson, NC 27536

$10 – $12 an hour

Part-time

Keying payments on the computer.

Assisting customers (both in person and over the phone).

 

 

TEACHER ASSISTANT (Virtual)

Vance County Schools

Henderson, NC 27537

Estimated $23.3K – $29.5K a year

 

Full-time

Performs various clerical duties as needed, maintains records of student progress; develops and files incident reports; grades student papers and scores tests;…

 

 

Orderfiller

new

Walmart

Henderson, NC 27537

Acknowledge and greet customers with a smile.

Online orderfillers and delivery associates get to do just that every day.

 

Warehouse Worker

Wise Snacks

Henderson, NC 27536

Estimated $28.8K – $36.4K a year

 

Full-time

Under direct supervision, maintains the integrity of the organizations warehouses, receives, stores, picks, loads and distributes products and POS materials…

 

 

 

Crew Member

Biscuitville

Henderson, NC 27536

$11 – $13 an hour

Part-time

Evening shift

Flexible hours – enjoy life after 2 pm.

 

 

School Nutrition Cafeteria Assistant

Vance County Schools

Henderson, NC 27537

Estimated $21.3K – $26.9K a year

Full-time

Use cash register to process financial transactions.

Be accountable for accurate reimbursable meals, financial transactions and cash collection procedures.

 

 

Assistant Principal

Vance County Schools

Henderson, NC 27536

$50,000 – $65,000 a year

Full-time

Apply at: https://vcsnc.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=178 Job Type: Full-time Pay: $50,000.00 – $65,000.00 per year.

 

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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New Beginnings Signal Bright Future for Duke University’s Football Program

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— text and picture by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS

A fresh start for Duke’s football program hints at a brighter future for the coaching staff, players, and fans. For the first time in nearly 33 years, Duke shutout a Football Bowl Subdivision team. Duke’s offense, under the control of Mike Elko, the team’s new head coach, rallied and outscored the Temple Owls 30-0.

“To pitch a shutout in the opener was pretty special,” said Elko.

Elko replaced David Cutcliffe, the former head coach who accumulated 77 wins and a bowl game victory in 14 seasons with the program. While Cutcliffe’s leadership skills and diligence were inspiring at times, inconsistent production on the football field during the final years of his tenure and three consecutive losing seasons escalated the need for change.

With the addition of ambitious goals and an electrifying offense led by sophomore quarterback Riley Leonard, Elko is working towards rejuvenating the energy levels in Wallace Wade Stadium.

“We asked a lot of people to believe in where this program could go,” Elko said. “And it was just awesome to see the students come out like they did tonight.”

Leonard, in his season debut, completed 24 of 30 pass attempts for 328 yards. He also led the team in rushing with 64 yards. Leonard credits much of his success to a brilliant play-calling strategy and near-perfect execution.

“We had the perfect scheme drawn up every single play,” Leonard said.

Offensive production aside, we must also acknowledge the exceptional performance of Duke’s defense unit. Duke’s defense limited Temple’s offensive production to just 179 yards in four quarters of football, 50 of which came in the first half. Temple, frantically searching for answers, could not build momentum against a powerful defensive front.

Despite allowing numerous scores in recent years, Duke’s defense put on a spectacular show on Friday, September 2. The unit collectively racked up one sack, four tackles for a loss, and seven deflected passes. D’Wan Mathis, Temple’s starting quarterback, was frequently under duress and forced to make difficult throws. Once any chance at victory was out of reach, Mathis was pulled to the sideline and replaced by quarterback Quincy Patterson, who also achieved minimal success.

What’s next?

Duke (1-0) will travel to Illinois for a matchup against the Northwestern Wildcats (1-0). The Wildcats’ offense, led by quarterback Ryan Hilinski, has amassed 314 yards through the air, an average of 11.6 yards per reception. Duke’s offense is averaging 13.7 yards per reception.

Granville Tourism Dollars Up 26.9%, Topping $50M For 2021

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Visitors to Granville County spent $50 million in 2021, an increase of 26.9 percent from 2020 of more than $13 million. The data comes from an annual study commissioned by Visit North Carolina, a unit of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.  “Visitors are truly finding that Granville County is uniquely Carolina,” said Angela Allen, director of the Granville County Tourism Development Authority. “From big events like the NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival, to the first female, veteran-owned brewery at Tobacco Wood Brewery, or an art gallery that features more than 250 artists at Cedar Creek Gallery, Granville has so much to offer. Visitors are finding that Granville County is a great place for a day trip or a quick getaway weekend that is so close and convenient to the Raleigh-Durham metropolitan area but feels like a world away.”

Tourism impact highlights in 2021 for Granville County: 

  • The travel and tourism industry directly employees more than 275 people.
  • Total payroll generated by the tourism industry was $11.6 million.
  • State tax revenue generated totaled $2.3 million through state sales and excise taxes, and taxes on personal and corporate income. About $1.8 million in local taxes were generated from sales and property tax revenue from travel-generated and travel-supported businesses.

 

These statistics come from the “Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties 2021,” which can be accessed at partners.visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies. The study was prepared for Visit North Carolina by Tourism Economics in collaboration with the U.S. Travel Association.  Statewide, visitor spending in 2021 rebounded by 44.9 percent to reach $28.9 billion. Following the devastating pandemic-related losses of 2020, the total fell just short of the record $29.22 spent in 2019. Direct tourism employment increased 10.5 percent to 197,500. “These findings are something that everyone in North Carolina can celebrate,” said Visit NC Director Wit Tuttell.  “They’re a testament to the resilience of our businesses and our residents, and to the enduring appeal of destinations that include everything a traveler might want. The economic well-being of the state and all its communities rises with the pleasures travelers find in the natural beauty of our public spaces, our culinary traditions and innovation, our remarkable towns, and our spirited cities. North Carolina can claim it all.”

 

 

Tourism Dollars Pump Up Local Economy In 2021

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Visitors to Vance County spent close to $60 million in 2021, an increase of more than 35 percent from 2020. Vance joins the other 99 counties in the state that have reported a rebound of tourism dollars flowing into the state’s economy in 2021.

According to information from the N.C. Department of Commerce, Vance County ranks 55 in visitor spending for 2021; it rose 10 spots in the rankings over the 2020 figures.

Here’s a breakdown of the numbers:

Visitors spent $59.89 million in 2021, up by $15.83 million from 2020, which represents a 35.9 percent growth rate. The daily tourism contribution for 2021 is $164,182; the 2020 figure is $120,712, which is an increase of $43,470 in categories including lodging, food and beverages, recreation, retail and transportation. Breakdown in millions by category for Vance County:

  • LODGING: 2020 – $9.18M; 2021 – $12.69M
  • FOOD & BEVERAGE: 2020 – $16.71M; 2021 – $21.17M
  • RECREATION: 2020 – $5.12M; 2021 – $7.94M
  • RETAIL: 2020 – $4.10M; 2021 –  $5.34M
  • TRANSPORTATION: 2020 – $8.94M; 2021– $12.76M

Vance County travel/tourism related jobs were 354 in 2020, and 378 in 2021; an increase of 24. Vance County tourism industry payroll generated in 2020 was $11.8 million compared to $13.6 million in 2021; up $1.8 million.

Tourism spending added $1.8 million to the Vance County tax base in 2020 and reached $2.1 million in 2021. Visitors to the county also created State/Local Tax Savings for the residents. In 2020, visitor spending in Vance County saved local residents $85.65 in State/Local taxes. In 2021, visitor spending in Vance County saved local residents $113.01 in State/Local taxes; an increase of $27.36 in savings.

Visit NC Director Wit Tuttell said the state’s numbers paint a rosier economic picture in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. “These findings are something that everyone in North Carolina can celebrate,” Tuttell said in a press statement. “They’re a testament to the resilience of our businesses and our residents, and to the enduring appeal of destinations that include everything a traveler might want. The economic well-being of the state and all its communities rises with the pleasures travelers find in the natural beauty of our public spaces, our culinary traditions and innovation, our remarkable towns and our spirited cities. North Carolina can claim it all.”

The preliminary outcomes of the annual visitor spending study commissioned by Visit North Carolina reflect the economic impact of tourism on local economies across the state. The study provides preliminary estimates of domestic and international traveler expenditures as well as employment, payroll income, and state and local tax revenues directly generated by these expenditures.

Henderson, Vance County, and Kerr Lake are a traveler’s paradise. Visitors quickly realized they were welcomed outdoors to appreciate nature’s beauty, the calm of the water, and all the fun that can be had while relaxing under a golden sun or watching the stars and moon dancing across the darkened sky. Unmistakably,  Kerr Lake is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a meal outside while listening to the background harmony of  nature and waves splashing against the natural sandy shoreline. Kerr Lake is the perfect place to . . .  Relax~Relate~Retire!

When visitors are ready for a change of scenery, the area surrounding Kerr Lake offers a variety of activities. Historic Downtown Henderson offers quaint restaurants, a coffee shop, and unique new businesses. McGregor Performing Arts Center presents everything from summer theatre productions to concert tours, National Dance competitions and Broadway shows. Raleigh Road Outdoor Drive-in is the state’s oldest operating drive-in theater. Love a challenging golf course? Grab your golf clubs and head for the beautiful Bermuda greens of Kerr Lake Country Club, open to the public. Southern Classic Cars Museum, open by appointment year-round,  showcases antique and classic cars to fit every person’s dreams! Now you can see why #VanceCountyTravelersDiscoverAlot!

For a complete listing of statewide highlights as well as visitation data from all 100 North Carolina counties visit https://partners.visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies. For more information about Henderson, Vance County, and Kerr Lake contact Vance County Tourism at 252.438.2222 or vctourism@vancecounty.org.  Online at www.kerrlake-nc.com

Schools Still Looking For Teachers To Fill Vacancies

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As students return to classrooms for a new school year, many are finding understaffed schools. Schools across Vance, Granville and Warren counties also are experiencing vacancies.

There simply are not enough teachers to fill openings, and Rep. Terry Garrison cited recently released statistics that underscore the challenge that schools face.

Garrison said in an email dated Aug. 31 that Vance County Schools have 26 vacancies, Warren County Schools have five vacancies and Granville County Public Schools has 56 vacancies.

Zooming out to school districts across the state, Garrison’s office cited a recent survey from the North Carolina School Superintendents Association which counted at least 11,297 teacher and staff vacancies in North Carolina, including:

  • 3,619 K-12 teachers
  • 1,342 bus drivers
  • 850 special education teachers
  • 354 counselors, social workers and psychologists
  • 70 assistant principals
  • 698 central office employees
  • And more than 4,362 other support staff

Those numbers are low estimates, since only 98 of 115 school districts responded, according to Garrison’s press statement.

“The General Assembly needs to act quickly to ensure that students have teachers in their classrooms,” Garrison said. “There are solutions available to us. We could revisit the policy used during the pandemic of allowing retired teachers to come back, for example. Our state also has billions of dollars in reserves that could help recruit more teachers in districts that are understaffed.”

Contact Garrison by phone at 919.733.5824 or by email at terry.garrison@ncleg.gov.