Jessica Deal Joins Maria Parham Health Wound Center Team

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Maria Parham Health proudly announces the addition of Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Jessica Deal to its Wound Center team. Deal has more than three decades of nursing experience and a dedicated background in wound and ostomy care, according to information provided by MPH Public Information Officer Donna Young.

Deal earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Carolina University in 1992 and has since cultivated a career marked by excellence in patient care, clinical leadership, and specialized wound management. She holds certification as a Certified Wound Care Nurse,  and demonstrates her expertise in treating complex and chronic wounds with evidence-based practices.

Throughout her career, Deal has provided care in a variety of healthcare environments, including Maria Parham GI Associates and Carolina GI Associates in Henderson. She has remains focused on individualized treatment plans and promoting healing through innovative techniques and multidisciplinary collaboration.

“We are excited to welcome Jessica to our Wound Care team,” said Bert Beard, Chief Executive Officer at Maria Parham Health. “Her advanced skills and commitment to personalized, evidence-based care align perfectly with our mission to provide exceptional healing services close to home.”

The addition of Deal strengthens the center’s commitment to delivering advanced wound care services to the community, including diabetic ulcer treatment, pressure injury management, and care for non-healing surgical wounds.

Learn more at https://www.mariaparham.com/

RCAPS Annual ‘Pet Palooza’ Saturday, May 3

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Bring the whole family out to Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society’s
Spring Fling Pet Palooza on Saturday, May 3 for a day of food trucks, crafts, games, photo booths and more!

The event will take place at the former Boyd dealership, 284 US 158 bypass from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Vendors are still being accepted, so please call 252.572.2219 or email info@rcaps.org to get registered.

Children can create crafts for Mother’s Day, and there will be raffles for great prizes available, too.

And it should come as no surprise that pets are welcome to attend with their people!

VGCC Logo

Richmond Fed Reserve Bank President Scheduled As Keynote Speaker At VGCC Graduation

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–– information courtesy of Vance-Granville Community College Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Tom Barkin, president of the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at Vance-Granville Community College May 16 commencement ceremony.

The commencement begins at 6 p.m. on the grounds of the Main Campus in Henderson. The community is invited to attend, according to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel. Several hundred students are expected to be graduated, having completed requirements over the past year.

Since 2018, Barkin has been the president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond which serves the District of Columbia and five states, including North Carolina.

Barkin serves on the Fed’s chief monetary policy body, the Federal Open Market Committee and is also responsible for the Richmond Fed’s bank supervision and the Federal Reserve’s technology organization. He is “on the ground” continually in the Fed’s Fifth District, which covers South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. His engagement in the region has brought real attention to areas facing economic challenges.

Prior to joining the Richmond Fed, Barkin was a senior partner and CFO at McKinsey & Company, a worldwide management consulting firm, where he also oversaw McKinsey’s offices in the southern United States. He earned his bachelor’s, MBA, and law degrees from Harvard University.

Visit www.vgcc.edu to learn more.

The Local Skinny! Working Conditions for City Employees

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Audio is presented from an April 14th meeting, where Hassan T. Kingsberry talks about the working conditions for city employees and a survey that city employees can take.

(Our WIZS written coverage will appear here soon.)

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Reservation Fees Going Up At State Parks May 1

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If you’ve put off making that campsite reservation at one of the parks in the state parks system, you’ve got until Wednesday, April 30 at 11:59 p.m. to do so before prices go up.

Effective May 1, 2025, reservation fees at campgrounds and vehicle entrance fees at reservoirs will increase across the state parks system, the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ Division of Parks and Recreation announced. This marks the first major fee change for state park facilities since 2019. While some fees are increasing, most state parks are and will continue to be free to access for day-use year-round.

Fee changes will only impact entrance fees at the reservoir state recreation areas during peak season, most camping rates, and some boat slip rentals at Carolina Beach State Park. There are no changes to picnic shelter reservation fees, equipment rentals, and swim passes.

Beginning May 1, tent campsites will range from $20 to $30, and RV campsites with full hookups (electric, water and sewer) will cost $45. Campsite reservations made by 11:59 p.m. on April 30 will not be affected by the price increases.

The per-vehicle entrance fee, charged on weekends in April, May and September, and daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day at Falls Lake, Jordan Lake and Kerr Lake state recreation areas will cost $10. Senior citizens (62 years old or older), veterans, and active-duty military will continue to receive a discounted rate of $5 per vehicle. The 2026 State Parks Annual Pass — which covers entrance fees, equipment rentals and more — will also increase in price. The Annual Pass for Reservoirs will cost $70, the Annual Pass $100, and the Annual Pass with Four-Wheel-Drive Beach Access will be $200.

In addition to the May 1 changes, transient and monthly boat slip rentals at the Carolina Beach State Park marina will increase beginning July 1.

The increases reflect market adjustments and the higher costs to maintain these facilities.

For a full list of fee changes, please visit ncparks.gov/fees.

Items to Buy and Sell

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CLICK HERE TO EMAIL US YOUR ITEMS

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS ~ YOUR COMMUNITY VOICE

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Thursday, April 24th, 2025

  • Looking for a Dog Pen reasonable price used one. Please call me at (252) 213-7489 or email at sbarron5@yahoo.com if have one thank you.
  • Looking for a cheap or free working washer to wash my children clothes you can call me at (252) 767-9215 or email at marvamurillo79@gmail.com.

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025

  • A round, dark wood, glass top, wooden bottom coffee table – $60 – it’s solid wood, heavy. A white, ivory shag living room area rug – $100. An exercise bike – $25. A toddler bed for young boy – $40. And a piece of furniture with cabinets at top and bottom – $60. You can call 432-0086 for more information on these items.
  • A 2005 Honda Civic Asking $2,500. Grey in color, it needs a little work. It’s got the title in hand and ready to sell. It needs a main start and a relay switch. Give me a call please at (252) 668-0000 or email at jperry435@gmail.com. Thank you.

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025

  • Looking for some free flower pots. You can text me at 984-331-6524 or email at phelpsloren78@gmail.com.

Sunday, April 20th, 2025

  • A Free Brown Colored Couch. Contact (919) 691-2451 or edwards3178@nc.rr.com for more details.

Thursday, April 17th, 2025

  • 18 foot and 3 inch galvanized boat trailer drive on or it will break away. $300 negotiable. Contact (252) 213-1697 for more information.

Thursday, April 10th, 2025

  • Looking for someone who works on lawnmowers at a reasonable price. Contact (919) 339-8196 or perrycarolyn0723@gmail.com for more information.

Monday, March 31st, 2025

  • Used wood pellet grill approximately 4 years old used 1 time asking $250.00 firm. Also 2 bags of wood pellets to go with it. If interested, call and leave a message (252) 432-5341 leave a message and I will call you and give you directions to my house.
  • Solid cherry wood TV/stereo cabinet 8 feet tall, 4 feet wide, and 4 feet deep for $75. Call 213-4775.
  • Free fire wood, all cut up into 8-12 ft sections. For more information call (252) 213-1253.

Tuesday, March 25th, 2025

  • A flat top white cook stove nothing wrong with it $175. Also a used GE refrigerator, nothing wrong with it $125. For more information contact 430-7022.

Monday, March 24th, 2025

  • Dresser mirror good shape, nothing broken, 2 piece book case, shelves, door on it, nothing wrong with them, asking $100 for both pieces. Call (252) 432-3791 for more information.
  • Foot massager, electric $25. Brand new ice cream freezer $20. Black antique desk phone $20. Full size sheets brand new leopard print never been opened $20. Magazine rack, brown wicker, with handle, an antique $15. You can contact (252) 432-0086 for more information.
  • A set of 235, 75, 15 tires on 1995 Dodge Van Wheels. Brand new set of tires for $250. Also car parts for sale. You can call (252) 820-2914 for more information.

Commissioners Discuss Support Of New City Communications Tower During Work Session

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During a work session Monday, Vance County commissioners heard from city officials about progress being made on construction of a communications tower at the North Henderson ball fields that will be funded, in part, by $2.175 million in federal funds secured by U.S. Congressman Don Davis.

City Manager Hassan T. Kingsberry and Assistant City Manager Paylor Spruill spoke to commissioners to ask whether the county is still willing to help with funding, if the need arises.

The city and county have an agreement to split 50/50 funding emergency communications that cover both the county and the city.

Spruill said it’s possible that the project can be completed without contributions from either the city or the county, but the final, all-in cost is unknown at this time.

What is known is that the city of Henderson is the weakest area in all of Vance County on the VIPER system because it is located on the fringe of four towers used by the county, said Brian Short, the county’s former Emergency Management coordinator.

The North Henderson ball field location is “the sweet spot” for the entire county, and putting the tower there – with equipment to support VHF paging and more – would fix two problems at once, Short said.

The North Henderson location has been through a vetting process and will have the  ability to provide in-building coverage for the city  in most of the downtown buildings, as well as a large area within the county.

But the federal funds will pay for the tower only; Short predicted it could cost an additional $1 million to outfit the facility with the equipment and everything else that goes along with the tower.

Once built, the state has said it would take ownership and would assume maintenance, including maintaining the VIPER system.

City leaders are in discussion now with Duke Power to “co-locate” on the tower. Spruill said the utility company is in the due diligence process right now, but added that “they’d likely contribute any remaining funds toward construction.”

WIZS News has reached out to Duke spokesman Beth Townsend and we’ll update the story when more details are available.

Maria Parham Health’s Cancer Survivor Dinner May 16

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— information courtesy of Maria Parham Health Public Information Officer Donna Young

Maria Parham Health is hosting its annual Cancer Survivor Dinner on Friday, May 16 and invites survivors and their guests to come be a part of the event to celebrate their strength and resilience in their journeys to overcome cancer.

The dinner begins at 6 p.m. at South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church, 905 Americal Rd., Henderson, according to information from MPH Public Information Officer Donna Young.

With a joyful nautical theme, “Set Sail for Celebration,” the evening promises to be filled with gratitude, connection and celebration. Survivors and their guests are invited to come together in recognition of each unique story, share in meaningful moments, and enjoy a dinner event created in their honor.

“We are so grateful for the opportunity to gather and celebrate our local cancer survivors,” said Kimberly Smith, Director of the Maria Parham Health Cancer Center. “Every survivor’s journey is a testament to strength and perseverance. This event is our way of saying ‘we see you, we honor you, and we’re celebrating with you’. It’s an evening full of hope, joy and community.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring one guest to share in this special occasion. Please register by Thursday, May 8 by calling 252.436.6485 to reserve your place.

TownTalk: Child Abuse Prevention Month with S.a.M. Child Advocacy

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If you’ve driven down Garnett Street lately, you may have noticed a tree in the yard of 704 S. Garnett St. decorated with blue ribbons.

Those ribbons, tied to branches and limbs of that tree, have created a ‘Tree of Hope’ this year to observe National Child Abuse Prevention Month, said Cara Gill, executive director of Strength and Mending Child Advocacy Center.

There also are pinwheels planted in the ground and a big inflatable blue ribbon adorning the S.a.M Child Advocacy Center, along with the ‘Tree of Hope,’ a new addition this year, Gill said.

It’s a small way to show support for and honor families and children who have been victims of child abuse.

For Gill and her team at the nonprofit, this is a year-round effort – not just one month out of the year. “We try to go above and beyond any way we can this month,” she said.

Overall statistics surrounding child abuse and neglect are grim, Gill noted. For every report of child abuse, she said, there are two that are unreported.

Vance County is not immune, and, in fact, as a Tier 1 county, there simply aren’t many resources for families and children.

Abuse is a multi-faceted issue that doesn’t always look the same or follow a familiar pattern. From family dynamics to generational abuse or neglect, Gill said part of S.a.M.’s approach is to provide wraparound services to support individuals and families in crisis.

Part of S.a.M.’s role is to connect families with resources to get the help they need.

Another part is the monthly meeting of a multi-disciplinary team that gathers and discusses each family that is seeking help to make sure the particular needs are being met.

“We can’t be a stand-alone center,” Gill said. “The whole point is that every family is getting exactly what they need…for the best outcome.”

One question on the S.a.M. intake form asks whether anyone else in the family has been a victim of abuse or neglect. Seventy-five percent of the time, the answer is yes. Generational abuse or neglect adds another layer to the degree of trauma felt by families.

Since it started in 2016, Gill said S.a.M. has played a role in helping families and individuals get the healing they need and that they deserve.

“We have had kids that are now in college,” she said. “They are doing wonderful things.”

Ninety percent of the victims of abuse or neglect know the alleged abuser, Gill said. It’s so important for parents or guardians to have conversations with their children to help them understand what appropriate contact is and what is inappropriate.

“Have these conversations with your kids,” Gill said, even if it feels awkward.

“You are your child’s first line of defense,” she said. “We’re always here to help out in any way.”

Parents may get an eye roll from their children, but it’s important to know who their child’s friends are. Getting involved in their lives, showing interest in their activities opens up doors to more important conversations in the future, she added.

Visit https://www.samchildadvocacycenter.com/ to find resources. Call 252.572.4112 to learn more or email Gill at cara@samcac.com.

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