TownTalk: Fentanyl Is Killing America’s Future – Young People

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Patricia Drews is on a mission – it’s a mission that won’t bring her daughter back, but she is determined to try to help other families learn more about what she calls drug-induced homicide that took the life of her only child.

Her daughter, Heaven, died in 2019 – one of approximately 200 young people dying each day back then in the U.S. from opioids. That figure has doubled to about 400 a day as the opioid epidemic rages. The NC DHHS reported Monday that an average of nine North Carolinians died each day in 2020 as a result of a drug overdose – a 40 percent increase from the previous year.

Drews has written and published a book titled Death of America’s Future: China’s Fentanyl that she said should be available for purchase by the end of the week. It is a compilation of more than 80 accounts – including the tragic story of her daughter Heaven – of families that have lost loved ones to fentanyl poisoning.

“I wanted a mother’s perspective,” she told John C. Rose on Tuesday’s Town Talk, “of losing a child.” The first 50 copies of the book, which she paid for herself, should be available this week on Amazon. It was expensive endeavor, Drews noted, but if the book sales do make a profit, she wants to donate the proceeds to several different organizations, including Lost Voices of Fentanyl, a national organization with more than 10,000 members.

The book contains a color photograph of every mother and child, which was important to Drews so she could show families as they had once been – “that they lived, they loved, they laughed,” she said.

Drews said 104,000 young people in the United States died from drugs, and the numbers just keep climbing, she said.

Drews draws a clear distinction between a drug overdose versus the lethal opioid poisoning responsible for the deaths of so many young people. “Yes, they made a choice to experiment,” she said, “but they did not choose to die. The drug dealer that sold them that fentanyl made that choice for them.”

Raising awareness is critical to keeping young people safe – “we need to educate ourselves and we need to educate our children,” Drews said.

In December 2019, North Carolina enacted a law that allows prosecutors to charge drug dealers who illegally sell a controlled substance that causes someone’s death. The “death by distribution” act carries a penalty of up to 40 years in prison.

Her daughter’s case remains active, she said. “I refuse to let it go – they need to be held accountable.”  Her daughter died in January 2019, just months before the new law went into effect that December.

“But there’s no statute of limitations on homicide,” she said.

To learn more about how to purchase a copy of the book, visit the local Forgotten Victims page on Facebook or contact Drews directly at 252. 204.9611.

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The Local Skinny! BBQ Fundraiser Will Benefit Masonic Home In Oxford

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The John H. Mills Masonic Lodge 624 in Epsom is having a barbecue fundraiser coming up on April 2, and Jeremy Hetrick, local lodge secretary, said tickets are on sale now from any lodge member.

Hetrick spoke with John C. Rose and Bill Harris about the upcoming event on Tuesday’s The Local Skinny! One-pound containers of pork barbecue will be ready for pickup at the lodge on Saturday, April 2 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are $10. The lodge is located on NC Hwy 39 in Epsom, just across from the fire department.

Proceeds will benefit lodge activities and the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford.

Hetrick is retired from the U.S. Army and currently is commander of the Department of American Legion Division 1. He works full-time at Henderson Collegiate Charter School and also is a member of the Henderson Masonic Lodge.

The Henderson and Epsom lodges are in the same 13th district of the Division 1, which includes a total of 49 lodges from Person County all the way to the Outer Banks and toward the Wilson area, he said.

The Epsom lodge was founded in 1935 by local farmers who decided to name it after a local minister and Mason, who was instrumental in the founding of the orphanage in Oxford.

Hetrick explained that it was Mills who recognized the need for a home for the numerous orphans at the end of the Civil War.

The group is being a little conservative this year with how many pounds of barbecue they’re producing, largely due to the fact that the fundraiser hasn’t been held in a couple of years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re only going to do 500 this year,” Hetrick said, about half the amount as in previous pre-COVID-19 years.

He encourages anyone interested in purchasing a ticket to do so now – there won’t be many left as the April 2 event day nears. Lodge members will oversee the cooking, which will begin by mid-afternoon on Friday. The pork butts will cook all night and then will be chopped and put in containers Saturday morning in time for pickup.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Hetrick at 252.204.4742.

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The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance 03-22-22

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WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for March 22, 2022. WIZS has compiled the information, and it is presented here and on the radio.

 

All of these jobs can be applied to through the NC Works website or at the local NC Works office.

 

KARTS DRIVER

Drivers are responsible for the operation of KARTS’ various vehicles and for the safe and orderly transportation of passengers to and from their destinations. Work includes completion of daily inspection of vehicle, fueling, interior and exterior cleaning of vehicle, maintaining accurate trip records, assisting passengers as required, receiving and accounting for fares, radio communications and any other related duties as assigned by the Transportation Assistant. Examples of Duties Performed – Inspects the vehicle daily prior to beginning route. Follows a prescribed checklist in reviewing the vehicle’s operational and safety features; records all repair needs/problems on checklist and reports findings requiring immediate attention to Maintenance Coordinator; completes check of all fluids and maintains proper level; washes and cleans vehicle inside and outside as require

 

STAFF DEVELOPMENT COORD/ADON, Senior Citizens Home

$35.00-$40.00 Hour

… This person will be responsible for training our staff as it relates to their Staff Development Coordinator (SDC) responsibilities and for being the Assistant Director of Nursing. The ideal candidate will be a Registered Nurse with long-term care experience. We are looking for a person who is a self-starter, who enjoys working with the elderly and has strong clinical skills. You will work directly with the Director of Nurses to manage the nursing department. A working knowledge of the nursing home regulations is extremely helpful but not required. We are a family owned facility that has been providing quality care to the residents of Vance and surrounding counties for over 50 years. If you are an RN, come in and chat with us about this great opportunity!!!

 

Housekeeper, Senior Citizens Home

$8.00-$9.00 Hour

… Applicant will be responsible for cleaning resident rooms, hallways and other areas in the building.

 

 

Inspector Quality

Hollander Sleep Products, LLC. – Henderson, NC

$56,000-$125,090 Year

… SUMMARY : Inspect product quality within the plant, ensuring that product inspections and quality assurance procedures are carried through as defined in the Hollander Quality Manual and meet the standards required by our customers and the end-user. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Includes the following; other duties may be assigned.) Ensure the guidelines, procedures, specifications and reports in the Quality Manual are executed at the plant level and work with Quality Manager/Supervisor to submit suggested improvements to the Corporate Quality Department as needed. Ensure that quality standards are maintained and communicated to all plant employees. Train associates as needed. Participate in weekly Quality Meetings and follow up on action items and improvements agreed upon. Assist the Quality Manager/Supervisor to maintain and provide access to Quality reference materials as needed, consisting of component standards, design folders, customer s

 

Supervisor Distribution

Hollander Sleep Products, LLC. – Henderson, NC

$33,915-$89,270 Year

… OVERVIEW Distribution Supervisors direct and manage Finished Goods Inventory and Distribution processes and personnel, to achieve Company and Departmental goals. Manage to key performance metrics to maximize departmental productivity. The person in this role will perform team management duties to include coaching, training, disciplinary action, scheduling and motivating. All Hollander Associates are expected to support Operations by working efficiently and maintaining a high level of productivity for the organization to meet and exceed customer demands. This position places a strong significance on effective teamwork, clear communication, sound judgment, initiative, safety orientation, reliability and a strong work ethic. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Ensure direct reports are properly trained in their job functions and responsibilities in order for them to complete their tasks accurately and in a timely, safe and efficient manner Ensure all safety proc

In Home Aide

Mary Louise Health &Home Care Services, LLC – Henderson, NC

… In home aide Mary Louise Health &Home Care Services, LLC Occupation: Nursing Assistants Job Description Serving Durham, Wake, Orange,Person,Chatham, Granville, Vance Franklin, and Warren counties Provide basic patient care under direction of nursing staff. Perform duties such as feed, bathe, dress, groom, or move patients, or change linens. May transfer or transport patients. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.

 

Home Health RN (Home Health Registered Nurse)

Mary Louise Health &Home Care Services, LLC – Henderson, NC

… Home Health RN Mary Louise Health &Home Care Services, LLC Job Description Serving Durham, Wake, Orange,Person,Chatham, Granville, Vance Franklin, and Warren counties Responsible for client care monitoring and communication with other appropriate team members and supervisors. Responsible for following agency policies regarding procedures or duties that a RN may perform. Provides assessment and reassessment of clients for personal care services and supervises all In Home Caregivers for in home care. Current unrestricted Registered Nurse License with the NC Board of Nursing. Responsible for following agency policies regarding procedures or duties that a RN May performed. Assist with Quality Assurance activities including 90 day client record reviews as assigned. Client files will be reviewed for compliance and to review qualifications.

 

Medical Laboratory Technician

GRRONC – Henderson, NC

… Job Summary Performs routine tests to provide information to medical professionals concerning diagnosis and treatment of diseases. General Accountabilities Determine the acceptability of specimens for testing. Prepare, test and evaluate reagents or controls. Perform routine and complex technical procedures according to Standard Operating Procedures. Develops and maintain cell/tissue cultures for testing purposes. Follows strict safety and health standards. Performs quality control tests to ensure validity and accuracy. Monitors test results and records results to give to doctor. Job Qualifications Education: Associate of Applied Science Degree OR Clinical Lab Technician Diploma Experience: 1-3 years of related experience Skills

 

Route Sales Representative – 326302

Rolling Frito-Lay Sales, LP – Henderson, NC

$58,000-$58,000 Year

$58000 / YR Target Earnings The Route Sales Representative is a full-time position that is responsible for delivering, selling, and merchandising Frito-Lays complete line of products to local stores including gas stations, dollar stores, and large grocery stores. As a Route Sales Representative, you drive a Frito-Lay truck to different stores, work independently to unload orders, merchandise product, partner with store managers to increase sales, order, and maintain records throughout the day

 

Regional Project Manager

KERR-TAR REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS – HENDERSON, NC

$40,000-$45,000 Year

The COG is seeking a resourceful, community-minded individual to fill the position of Regional Project Manager in the Planning and Economic Development Department. This is a full-time position with a comprehensive employee benefits package. The Regional Project Manager will have the opportunity to provide support and technical assistance to local governments on a wide variety of issues such as housing, broadband, transportation, water and sewer infrastructure, and other community and economic development initiatives. The ideal candidate for this position will be detail-oriented and able to work independently. This person will have excellent communication skills and a passion for improving the quality of life for all people who live and work in the region.

Regional Program Coordinator

KERR-TAR REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS – HENDERSON, NC

$40,000-$45,000 Year

… The Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments (KTRCOG) seeks a Regional Program Coordinator to perform education, outreach and administrative management of grant-funded transportation programs throughout the Kerr-Tar Region (Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance and Warren counties). Coordinator will also provide staff support to the Kerr-Tar Rural Planning Organization. The Regional Program Coordinator will administer programs funded by annual grants (such as Clean Fuel Advanced Technology and Safe Routes to School) and provide administrative support for the Kerr-Tar Regional Planning Organization. The successful candidate will develop marketing and outreach programs, coordinate with community organizations and local officials, and provide education opportunities to residents of the region (including school-aged children). The Coordinator will also provide technical planning and other support to the Kerr Tar Rural Planning Organization, including assisting with preparation

 

Planning Manager – R9435

Mars Incorporated – Henderson, NC

… This position has complete, end to end ownership and responsibility for the logistics organization at the site including inbound raws & packs, warehousing, OB logistics, yard management, and transportation. Position requires excellent team building & management, working closely with supply leadership, scheduling, demand planning, commercial, RDC network, transportation providers, and other corporate functions to support network logistics goals and provide excellent service internally and to end customers

 

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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Granville Vance Public Health Logo

COVID-19 Cases Continue Downward Trend In Vance, Granville

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New cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in Vance and Granville counties over the past week, and Granville Vance Public Health Director Lisa Harrison said that while this is good news for the community, it’s important to pay close attention to what’s happening outside the community – even on other continents – to remain vigilant about safety precautions.

Vance County reported 10 new cases in the 7-day period ending Mar. 18; Granville reported 16 new cases in that same time frame. Both counties are in the low category for percent positivity – 2.7 percent for Vance and 1.7 percent for Granville, according to information from GVPH.

Both counties are now below the state’s percent positive rate of 2.3 percent.

There have been 14,173 cases of COVID-19 in Granville County and 11,809 cases of COVID-19 in Vance County for a total of 25,982 across the health district.

Granville County has documented 111 deaths as a result of COVID-19 and Vance County has a total of 112 deaths for a total of 223 deaths across the health district.

“It is true that we are in a much better and much different place than we have been during the pandemic,” Harrison said. “It is also true the pandemic is not over. Never underestimate the power of data, of your public health teams, health care provider teams, education support teams, and in general, where many of us turn often: Faith, Hope, and Love. Whatever the future brings, we have the courage and the tools to navigate it,” she said.

Beginning Wednesday, Mar. 23, the DHHS dashboard summary will reflect how the state’s health offiicials are continuing to keep a close watch on COVID-19 trends in the state. The following seven metrics will be used, with less emphasis of the percentage of positive tests:

 

  • Wastewater surveillance, which can detect COVID
  • Emergency department reports of people coming in with COVID-like illnesses
  • Hospital admission numbers
  • Case trends
  • Booster shot rates
  • Prevalence of variants
  • Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on community spread in the states.

This change is being made because so many people are testing themselves at home and not necessarily reporting results to DHHS, Harrison said.

She added information on a recent increase in cases and hospitalizations in the United Kingdom and  other European countries. There are several possible reasons for this increase, Harrison noted: the more transmissible BA.2 Omicron variants, more people gathering more often without masks and waning immunity from vaccination or previous infection.

State public health and political leaders held a press conference on Thursday, Mar. 17 and the main points of the press conference were:

  • We can look forward with the belief that the worst of this pandemic is behind us and it’s also important to take stock at how far we have come.
  • There are COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, testing supplies, and improved infrastructure to help people make choices as they live amid the virus.
  • Now we turn the page on the pandemic to a new phase – “one of individual responsibility, preparedness, and prosperity.”

“While COVID is now a threat we can manage, it has not disappeared,” NC DHSS Secretary Kody Kinsley said. “We will remain vigilant and we will work to equip you with the information and tools you need to make choices that are best for you and your family.”

Four principles will guide the DHHS response, Kinsley said, to “ensure a fast and fair response that improves the health, safety and well-being of all North Carolinians.”

The guiding principles are:

  • Empowering individuals to make informed decisions for themselves and their families
  • Maintaining health system capacity
  • Collaborating with local partners
  • Prioritizing equity in access to vaccines, treatments and other tools, as well as crucial information

Stay up-to-date by visiting https://gvph.org/

Vance County Sheriff's Office

One Arrested On Drug Charges By Vance Sheriff’s Narcotics Division

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A man was arrested on drug charges Friday during a traffic stop in the Townsville community, according to Vance Sheriff Curtis R. Brame.

In a press statement to WIZS News, Brame said

Vance County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division conducted a motor vehicle stop for traffic violations and detected the odor of marijuana.

Further investigation led to the seizure of a small amount of marijuana and crack cocaine.

Frederick Harris, 54, was arrested on one count of

felony possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance, (Crack Cocaine) and one count of simple possession of Schedule VI Controlled Substances, (Marijuana).

An unsecured bond of $10,000 was set and Harris was scheduled to appear in court today (Monday, Mar. 21).

Sheriff: Toddler Dies In Weekend Accident

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A toddler has died after being hit by a moving vehicle, according to the Vance County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Curtis R. Brame said in a press release that the accident occurred on Saturday, Mar. 19. Deputies responded to a call at 6:04 p.m. to 1320 Railroad St.

An 18-month-old was transported to Maria Parham Medical Center by Vance County EMS, and died as a result of injuries received in the accident.

Brame said the North Carolina Highway Patrol is assisting in the investigation because a motor vehicle was involved in the child’s death.

No further details are available at this time.

 

 

The Local Skinny! Things To Know

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The Local Skinny! today features a number of news items and events coming up. These items may be seen daily by clicking on PSA’s in the top navigation bar here on WIZS.com. Today’s post is audio only. Click Play.

 

TownTalk: Embrace Henderson Event Is Only A Few Weeks Away

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After a COVID-19 delay, Embrace Henderson’s Family Spectacular is returning to Saddlerock Farm on Saturday, April 9 for a fun-filled event for children and adults.

Embrace Henderson’s Kevin Kilgore told WIZS that the group is glad to get back to its mission of coming together to host events, revivals – and the Family Spectacular – after a two-year COVID-19 break.

The Spectacular will be held at Saddlerock Farm, 1786 Weldon’s Mill Road, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“It’s the only event that we’ve scheduled this year…because it’s outside, it felt like it was a good place to start back,” Kilgore said.

The 2022 event marks the 10th anniversary of the Spectacular. Kilgore said previous events have had right around 1,000 in attendance. “I’d love to have twice that many, but we’re comfortable with the number of adults and kids that do come,” he said.

There will be horse rides, hayrides, bouncy houses, children’s games, an illusion show, just to name a few. There also will be sno cones, popcorn and drinks to enjoy.

The event is absolutely free, Kilgore said.

Embrace Henderson was formed in 2010 when a group of individuals and various churches joined forces to be able to bring events, revivals and events like the Family Spectacular, all while spreading God’s Word.

The local group is partnering with Bob Fowler’s Child Evangelism Fellowship and Scott and Karen Lamm with LammEvents.com to bring all the activities to Vance County next month.

“There’s no way we could do this without either of them,” Kilgore noted.