Last ‘Meet Me in the Street’ for 2018 Only One Week Away!

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The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce, along with Presenting Sponsor NC Towing & Recovery, will host the last of this year’s “Meet Me in the Street” free community concerts on Thursday, November 1, 2018. This is the postponed date from the originally scheduled September 27 event.

The third and final concert of the season will feature “Liquid Pleasure.” After more than two decades of bringing audiences to their feet, this band has become a multi-cultural icon. Veteran member Melvin Farrington says “We love being in touch with people like us, who love a variety of good music, and appreciate hearing it performed live.” Liquid Pleasure presents a mix of oldies, beach music and disco.

In addition to the live music and dancing, the kids can enjoy a section all their own sponsored by Maria Parham Health.

Sponsors for this year’s concert series are: NC Towing & Recovery – Presenting Sponsor; Duke Energy and Maria Parham Health – Gold Sponsors; BB&T, Mars Petcare, Wake Electric Membership Corporation and Walmart DC #6091 – Silver Sponsors; and 3hc, Benchmark Community Bank, Carolina Sunrock, Express Employment Professionals, Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission and Waste Industries – Bronze Sponsors.

Contributing Sponsors are CenturyLink, Coastal Federal Credit Union, Franklin Brothers Nursery, Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission, Hoyle’s Tire & Axle, NC Motorsports Park and Woodforest Bank.

Promotional Sponsors are Brewer Cycles, Fidelity Bank, Satterwhite Point Marina, Servpro and Union Bank.

The concert is free to the public and will be held at the corner of North Garnett and Breckenridge Streets in downtown Henderson from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m.

 

Allen Discusses Granville Co. Tourism Survey, Still Time to Win Prizes

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Angela Allen, director for the Granville County Tourism Development Authority, was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss plans to develop a branding strategy for both visitors and residents of the area.

The Hughes Marketing Group of Matthews, NC has been retained to facilitate this process and will be collecting surveys from visitors and residents through October 31, 2018. Survey results will allow the tourism department to better understand what attracts visitors to the area and what has the most appeal to those who currently live in Granville County.

Survey questions include a ranking of factors, as well as personal opinions, and are available online at www.granville-survey.com or through the Visit Granville NC website at https://www.visitgranvillenc.com/win100.

Participants are eligible for prize drawings including a $100 Visa Gift Card, tickets to the Granville Haunt Farm, gift certificates to local restaurants and businesses or a Visit Granville gift bag.

While an uptick in recreation, farms, events, restaurants and other businesses are a strong indication that the area is already an attractive place to live, work and visit, Allen hopes the survey results will hone in on the most effective ways to promote the area moving forward.

One of the biggest tasks, according to Allen, is making others aware that the area exists. “It astounds me in the over three years that I’ve had this position that people still do not know where Oxford, Creedmoor and Butner are and don’t realize that they pass through it on I-85.”

Even new residents who are most certainly aware that the area exists are not always familiar with its amenities. “What we are finding in the survey is that a lot of people are brand new residents and have no clue about our area. What they know is that it is outside of the Triangle and that our properties are affordable,” Allen said.

While the proximity to more urban areas is often touted, Allen said caution should be taken when establishing an identity. “We don’t want to be a sub of Durham or a sub of Raleigh. We want our own identity and our own way of life.”

“The most interesting piece for me is the reaction between the residents and the visitors, and more importantly, their perceptions,” said Allen. “What we perceive ourselves to be is sometimes not how we are reflected. It is often in a more positive light than many people may guess.”

Allen gave an example of this perception issue, “Many residents indicated that they believe the distance between Granville County [and larger cities] would be seen as a deterrent. On the contrary, many visitors indicated that the distance was not seen as an obstacle and is, in fact, a plus. Survey results are still preliminary, but that was one of the ‘aha’ moments for me.”

Allen said the focus and attention given to tourism and marketing strategies is a step towards improved economic development and dollars spent in Granville County.

“We think about tourism as the front porch to your house. You want it to be as appealing as possible so someone will feel welcome and will come knock on your door.”

To listen to the interview in its entirety, please click here.

U.S. Department of Justice

Warrenton Man Indicted for Drug Distribution & Firearm Charges

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-Press Release, U.S. Dept. of Justice 

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a Federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned a three-count indictment charging ROBERT FULTON BACON, a/k/a “Face,” age 32, of Warrenton, North Carolina, with one count of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon and two counts of possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine.

If convicted of these charges, BACON would face maximum penalties of 20 years’ imprisonment, and at least 3 years or up to life of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

The case is being investigated by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson is prosecuting the case for the government.

News releases are available on the U. S. Attorney’s webpage at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_EDNC

Maria Parham Health Launches Helpline to Assist Medicare Beneficiaries

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-Information courtesy the Maria Parham Health website 

Maria Parham Health announced the launch of a toll-free helpline designed to help Medicare beneficiaries select a health plan that fits their needs and budget while also keeping in-network access to the doctors and hospital services they trust.

The new toll-free helpline, run by MedicareCompareUSA, connects callers with local licensed agents who can assist in comparing Medicare Advantage, Supplement and Prescription plans and then facilitate enrollment in the plan selected. Through this program, it will be easier for Medicare beneficiaries to find a plan that is in-network with Maria Parham Health and its affiliated doctors. Patients can access the helpline through a link on the hospital’s website mariaparham.com.

“Seniors are bombarded with confusing messages from competing health plans and options, and this is especially true for those just turning 65 and becoming eligible for Medicare for the first time,” said Bert Beard, Chief Executive Officer. “This helpline is a one-stop resource for insurance information, so seniors can be confident in the selections they make.”

In addition to providing assistance throughout the plan application and enrollment process, agents of MedicareCompareUSA can provide an annual review of an enrollee’s Medicare coverage during Medicare’s annual enrollment period. This often includes assisting members affected by Medicare plan network changes that frequently occur on an annual basis. Doing so assures that beneficiaries have the information they need to proactively select a plan that best meets their specific needs, preferences and budget while retaining continuity of care with their providers.

Beard points out that Maria Parham Health is not in-network with all insurance options or health plans, and contractual relationships may change on an annual basis. If a patient enrolls with a health plan with which Maria Parham Health does not have a contract, they may experience increased out-of-pocket expenses for receiving care from the doctors they know and trust.

“Our patients trust us to be their healthcare partner,” said Beard “This helpline will assist Medicare patients in making an informed decision regarding their insurance options at this important time in their life. We urge all local seniors to take advantage of this free service.”

Oxford Preparatory School Announces 6th-Grade Honor Roll Recipients

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-Information courtesy Victoria Bradsher, School Director, Oxford Preparatory School

Oxford Preparatory School is proud to announce the A and A/B Honor roll for 6th-grade students who have completed their 1st quarter. Students in 6th grade come to OPS from five surrounding counties.

The OPS mission is to develop students who are college ready and able to be competitive in the admissions process so that they are able to gain acceptance to the four-year college of their choice. Expectations are high for all students to perform at grade level and a robust curriculum is employed to help students reach these goals.

Students are provided instruction in math by Mrs. Tammy Pulliam using the Eureka math curriculum from Great Minds. Mr. Randy Smith and Ms. Alexa Cooke deliver English instruction using Wit and Wisdom curriculum also from Great Minds. A lot of interactive learning opportunities are delivered by Mrs. Lynne Corbett in science and social studies.

In addition to meeting these high expectations, most of these 6th-grade students have also been actively involved in sports such as volleyball, cheerleading, cross country and soccer and will soon be participating in swimming and basketball.

6th Grade – 1st Quarter A Honor Roll: James Boone Allred, Starling Faulkner, Grayson Gaul-Kinyon, Cadence Grace Hoyle, Jacquelin Jose, Brandy Ray, Ellie Stock, Marleigh Swanner, Hannah Twisdale, Caleb Watkins, Kennedy Wilkerson, Emily Wilkinson and Hunter Woodlief. (Photo Credit: Oxford Prep)

 

6th Grade – 1st Quarter A/B Honor Roll: Andrew Jordan Adcox, Mary Bailey, Elizabeth Baker, Ayla Kristine Batchelor, William Christopher Brooks, Emily C. Dail, Logan Stratley Elliott, Jeremiah Evans, George Gabbidon, Kaylee Gill, Luke Harris, Gage Hobgood, Elizabeth Jones, Holden Jones, Jetta Mangum, Kayleigh Patterson, Violet Perry, Makala Roberson, Othneil Joshua Javon Smith, Sawyer Vaughan, Trevor Weary, Macie Rae Wilkinson and Madison Woodlief. (Photo Credit: Oxford Prep)

 

 

Franklin County Selects Finance Director Jamie Ross Holtzman

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-Press Release, Franklin County

Franklin County Manager Angela L. Harris named Jamie Ross Holtzman as Finance Director today. Ms. Holtzman will assume the position November 26, 2018.

Ms. Holtzman currently serves Warren County as Finance Director. She began her career in Warren County in 2014 and has served there as both Interim Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director.

Jamie Ross Holtzman has been named Finance Director for Franklin County. Ms. Holtzman will assume the position November 26, 2018.

Ms. Holtzman is a Certified Finance Officer, having obtained her certification from the UNC School of Government in January 2017 and is a member of the North Carolina Government Finance Officer Association. She graduated from Vance-Granville Community College and holds Associate Degrees in both Accounting and Business Administration.

County Manager Harris stated, “Ms. Holtzman has a demonstrated track record in fiscal controls and management. I feel Ms. Holtzman is a proven leader with excellent financial credentials. She has 4 ½ years of local government experience and desires to lead and be a member of a progressive team.”

County Manager Harris went on to say, “I appreciate the continued service and leadership of Interim Finance Director Chuck Murray. He has been an invaluable member of the team and ensured a seamless transition during the time in which the position was vacant.”

For additional information, please contact Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager, at (919) 496 – 5994.

News 10/25/18

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Authorities Make Arrest in Vance County Hit-And-Run

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-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Public Safety – State Highway Patrol

The driver sought in a hit-and-run collision that occurred in Vance County was located by investigators Monday, October 22, after an intensive search.

On Saturday, August 25 at approximately 2:50 p.m., the State Highway Patrol was called to investigate a two-vehicle collision on NC 39 near Gillburg Rd. A 2016 Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Jacob Aaron Elliott, 32, of Henderson, was traveling south NC 39. As Mr. Elliott slowed to make a left turn, he was struck from behind by a white SUV.

As a result of the collision, both Mr. Elliott and his passenger, Hunter Elliott, 6, of Henderson, were ejected from the motorcycle. Both were transported to Duke Hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of the SUV, identified as Christopher Ryan Tyndall, 25, of Kenly, fled the scene after the collision. Troopers charged Mr. Tyndall with felony hit and run, reckless driving and driving without a license. He was transported to the Vance County Jail where he was given a $75,000 secured bond.

City of Henderson Logo

City Manager Frazier Talks Redevelopment Master Plan, Veterans’ Memorial

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City Manager Frank Frazier was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to provide listeners with updates regarding the City of Henderson.

Major topics of discussion included the City’s Redevelopment Master Plan, the progress of the Breckenridge outdoor pavilion in downtown Henderson and the creation of a Veterans’ Memorial in the city.

Henderson’s Redevelopment Master Plan

The City of Henderson is currently working with a firm to develop a master plan for redeveloping areas that have been in decline for several years. “We are looking at areas to redevelop in such a way as to help aid growth and help our tax base,” said Frazier. “Unfortunately, a lot of funding sources have declined through the years.”

According to Frazier, the plan would start with an area that the City feels redevelopment efforts would benefit the most. “We will begin with an area that we feel will be successful and will grow. We don’t want to bite off too much more than we can chew.”

Redevelopment efforts are expected to include the reconfiguration of existing streets, the addition of sidewalk or greenways, studying existing infrastructure and remodeling or building new homes.

“We are also looking at areas for small industrial or commercial use to appeal to businesses,” said Frazier.

The entryways into the city, including Andrews Ave., I-85 and parts of US-1, are also being reviewed. “In conjunction with the master plan, we’re looking at our corridors in order to improve the view when coming into the city,” said Frazier.

City of Henderson and Vance County leaders are all keen on heavily factoring the downtown area into the redevelopment plan. “Downtown has to be marketed as a destination where people can come and enjoy the city,” Frazier said. “We are a friendly town and we want you to have confidence that you can run a successful business here.”

Part of that marketing campaign is already underway as City officials are busy developing drafts of new signage to appeal to drivers on I-85 as well as around town. Many drafts are completed and the City is now working on receiving estimates for printing, according to Frazier.

Frazier believes the completion of the years-long I-85 construction work will bring more visitors to the area as well. “A lot of the I-85 work is winding down, thank goodness. From what I understand, it’s even a little ahead of schedule.”

While the redevelopment plan is still a work in progress with timeframes being determined, Frazier expects to have some preliminary mock-ups to share with both the City Council and the public in the next 2-3 weeks.

“We think it’s important that whatever we do, the public fully understands what we are trying to accomplish.”

Breckenridge Outdoor Pavilion/Veterans’ Memorial

The architectural firm hired by the City has completed their blueprint for the outdoor Breckenridge pavilion. The pavilion, to be located near the Henderson Police Department in downtown Henderson, will serve as the last piece of the overall Breckenridge Commons project and as the corner piece of the block.

“Right now, the City has obtained pricing from several contractors and we are waiting on a few additional bids,” explained Frazier. “My goal is to have something back to the City Council at our November meeting.”

City officials are also currently working with veterans on creating a Veterans’ Memorial to be located on the back of the Henderson Police Department.

Speaking of the area comprising the police department, Perry Memorial Library, McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center and the future site of the outdoor pavilion, Frazier said, “We feel that the memorial would tie all of these things together; a new park for our veterans.”

In order for the memorial to become a reality, Frazier said fundraising would be necessary. He believes the very nature of the memorial would make any fundraiser for the project a success.

To listen to the interview in its entirety, click here.

Beard: Maria Parham is Committed to ‘Making Communities Healthier’

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-Press Release, Maria Parham Health. Editorial by Bert Beard, CEO, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health’s mission is Making Communities Healthier. We are proud to partner with the communities we serve to achieve this mission. Our physicians, employees, volunteers, and board members work hard every day to provide the highest quality care possible for our community, collaborating with patients and family members, employers, community leaders and others to create a legacy of care that will last for generations to come.

Because of the strength of our partnership with our region, we have been able to support our shared communities in many ways. The most important contribution we make is providing high-quality care close to home. Quality and service are at the center of how we care for our patients, and we continually invest in our facility to ensure we can meet the healthcare needs of our community.

In 2017, we made $3,594,560 in capital improvements, including new entrance canopies for our cancer and heart and vascular centers, a new telemetry monitoring system for expanded coverage in the hospital, and the addition of Maria Parham Franklin – an emergency department and psychiatric care facility in Franklin County.

Recruiting talented physicians into our community and supporting them also is a key driver of our efforts to ensure that our communities have access to high-quality care and service. During the past year, Maria Parham Health added 50 new providers in interventional cardiology, emergency medicine, anesthesiology, telepsychiatry, wound care, radiation oncology and more.

To create places where physicians want to practice and employees want to work, we strive to create an environment where talent is recognized, job satisfaction is valued and our 700 employees can effectively use their skills in providing high-quality care and service. We provided more than $47,044,014 in salaries, wages and benefits so that our employees and their families can live, play and grow in the place they call home.

Supporting local organizations and delivering healthcare to all of our neighbors, regardless of their ability to pay, are foundational to our commitment to the overall well-being of our communities. In addition to numerous sponsorships and charitable gifts to organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, American Cancer Society, United Way, American Red Cross and many more, we delivered more than $7.74 million in healthcare to those in our community who were in need. And as a fiscally responsible member of our community, we paid a total of $ $5,961,113 in taxes.

It is our honor to serve our communities. We are proud that, in a constantly changing – and increasingly challenging – healthcare landscape, we have been able to continue to expand the many ways we contribute to and serve our communities. This is only possible with your support, and we need your partnership now more than ever to continue the important work that we do in collaboration with you each day.

Healthcare involves many choices, and when you choose a local healthcare provider like Maria Parham Health for your care, you help us to do more for our community. Choosing our hospital over one of the many regional facilities vying for your attention helps us to ensure access to quality care locally, provide care for those in need, ensure local jobs and create opportunities for professional growth regionally, fuel economic development and contribute to the prosperity of our region, and boost support for regional organizations.

On behalf of our dedicated staff, board members and volunteers, thank you for your partnership and for entrusting us with your healthcare, and thank you for your continued support as we seek new ways to work with you to make our community healthier in 2018 and beyond.