Christian Lockamy

Vance County Announces Christian Lockamy as Economic Development Director

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, County of Vance

Vance County is pleased to announce the hiring of Christian Lockamy as the Director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission.

Lockamy comes to Vance County with over seven years of experience in economic development, most recently serving as the Economic Development Director with the Elizabeth City/Pasquotank County EDC. He previously served with the City of Greenville, North Carolina as a City Planner/GIS Specialist, Economic Development Research Manager, Senior Economic Developer and Interim Director of Economic Development.

Vance County is pleased to announce the hiring of Christian Lockamy as the Director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission. Lockamy will be relocating to Vance County and beginning his new duties effective January 19, 2021. (Photo courtesy County of Vance)

“We believe Christian’s skill set and experience will transition well to Vance County,” said County Manager Jordan McMillen. “His background in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and planning will complement well with his experience in business recruitment and retention, industrial site management and product development, grant writing and administration, and overall economic development management. We are excited to welcome Christian to Vance County.”

In Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County, he worked with others to develop a strategic plan, led efforts to launch a new economic development website and was instrumental in securing a large industrial site and certifying two industrial parks. Most recently he coordinated expansion efforts for Telephonics Corporation, Hockmeyer Equipment Corporation, and SAS Industries.

Lockamy holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning from East Carolina University and previously served in the US Navy onboard the USS Thorn, a Spruance Class Destroyer. He has already completed some coursework leading to the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification through the International Economic Development Council.

Lockamy was attracted to Henderson and Vance County due to its strategic location along a major Interstate highway, proximity to the Triangle Area, and recent company announcements by Mako Medical Laboratories and Select Tissue.

Lockamy stated, “Henderson and Vance County are perfect for industrial companies seeking a convenient, business-friendly location along the I-85 corridor. I’m also very excited to work with the County Commissioners and the EDC Board and would like to give a special shout-out to EDC Chairman and County Commissioner, Tommy Hester. Mr. Hester has been a champion of economic development for Vance County and the State of NC. I am looking forward to coupling my experience with his, and that of the EDC Board members to take Henderson and Vance County to the next level. This community and its people are first class, and I can’t be happier about this opportunity.”

Lockamy will be relocating to Vance County and beginning his new duties effective January 19, 2021.

TownTalk 12-10-20 Local History With Mark Pace

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Emigrating Over the Horizon; Where Did They Go?

WIZS TownTalk host Bill Harris and guest Mark Pace discuss emigration from Old Granville County.

What were the reasons people left the area in the early to mid 19th Century?  The need of land was one reason and land was cheap in areas such as Tennessee and Alabama. Land grants from the Revolution also provided incentive, and larger quantities of land were needed as large families with eight to 10 to 12 children grew.  Land quality was a factor as well because without enough land, proper crop rotations could not occur.

Where did they go? Numerous communities such as Macon, Georgia or Granville, Tennessee were named for people or locations in the immediate vicinity of Henderson and Oxford. Many families moved to and founded the communities in these areas for better opportunities.

For more details and TownTalk audio click play…and continue reading below…

Additionally, many people with roots here went on to become famous nationally and internationally. Playwright Tennessee Williams, Gen. Braxton Bragg, former Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley and “Lady Bird” Johnson all had or have roots tying them to the area.

Just as Vance, Granville, Warren & Franklin Counties were shaped by those who moved here from Southern and Tidewater Virginia, many areas in Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas and other southern states were equally influenced by those who left here to make their mark in these states and others.

For more on local history and genealogy visit Mark Pace at the NC Room at Thornton Library in Oxford and visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/fgvwgeneaology on the web for more information on Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren county history and genealogy.

H-V Emergency Operations

Vance County Reaches 2,000+ Total, 592 Active COVID Cases

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Director Brian Short, Henderson-Vance Co. Emergency Operations

Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations released the following information on the spread of COVID-19:

As of this morning, the total number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Vance County is 2,010.

Of those 2,010 cases, 1,827 are associated with community spread, 58 are associated with Pelican Health of Henderson, 51 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home (two of which are still active), 73 are associated with Senior Citizens Nursing Home (four of which are still active) and one is associated with Alliance Rehabilitative Care.

These numbers also include the 61 individuals who have tragically lost their lives to this illness in Vance County.

A total of 1,357 individuals have now been released from isolation, and 22 more remain hospitalized.

As of this morning, we have 592 known active cases of COVID-19 in Vance County. It is still very likely that our cases will continue to increase over the days and weeks ahead. At this time, our coordinated response posture remains the same and we are not altering our recommendations to the general public.

Testing is ongoing through Maria Parham Health, Granville Vance Public Health and private institutions.

There are currently 410,527 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in North Carolina, with 2,440 currently hospitalized and thus far 5,661 deaths. Please visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services Coronavirus statistics page at the following link to stay current on the number of cases in our state: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/covid-19-case-count-nc

Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations is monitoring this event very closely and will continue to issue informational releases as the situation develops.

H-V Chamber Logo

Henderson-Vance Chamber Banquet 2020 Postponed

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The Henderson-Vance Chamber Banquet 2020 has been postponed due to covid-19.

Normally, the Chamber schedules the event each year in January.  In a recent email to member businesses, the announcement was made, and the following statement released.

“We look so forward to seeing you, networking, and announcing the Citizen of the Year; however, due to the pandemic, our meeting will be held later in the year. We will send out emails to the membership asking for nominations for the 2020 Citizen of the Year, so start thinking of that person that has been an asset to our community and deserves to receive this honor.”

The announcement concluded by thanking everyone for understanding and said “we look forward to seeing you all later in the year for a meeting and celebration.”

Local Heroes in Vance; 911, EMS, First Responders, Deputies Save Child’s Life

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Local Heroes in Vance County.  911, EMS, First Responders, Deputies worked together, and a young child’s life was saved.  She was choking.

A Vance County Emergency Operations post on Facebook Tuesday (see for yourself here) read, “So very thankful we were able to be there for sweet Isabella on November 3rd. We don’t always get to know the outcome of calls so this warms our hearts to know Isabella made a full recovery. Much appreciation to all the 911 dispatchers, EMS, First Responders and Sheriff Deputies that acted calm and quickly to render aid that day. Happy 1st Birthday Isabella!!!!”

Click to see a picture and hand-written note of thanks from the family.  https://www.facebook.com/vancecountyemergencyoperations/posts/3980757221949211

 

Local News Audio

WIZS Noon News 12-09-20: Free Concert; Drewry Fire Quilt; Oak Level UCC Brunch; MPH Women’s

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– SHPHC Presents ‘Christmas Time’s A-Comin’: A Bluegrass Christmas’
– Drewry Volunteer Fire Dept. Holding Drawing for Handmade Quilt
– Oak Level U.C.C Brunch Saturday
– Dr. Kayla J. Cagle-Colon Joins Maria Parham Women’s Care

For audio and full details, click play below…

WIZS News on 1450AM / 100.1FM at 8a, 12 noon and 5p M-F

 

Free COVID Testing

Free COVID Testing, Food & PPE Distribution in Henderson Dec. 11

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy Green Rural Redevelopment, Inc.

On Friday, December 11, a COVID-19 community testing and resource distribution event will be held from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at The Courtyards I&II, Woods I apartment complex located at 500 South Cooper Drive in Henderson. This day-long event brings FREE, safe COVID-19 testing, free groceries for families and free personal protection equipment (PPE) to the residents in the area.

As the coronavirus continues to spread throughout North Carolina, it’s more important than ever to get tested for COVID-19. People need to know their COVID status before celebrating the holidays. This is an important way to protect your health and the health of the ones you love.

Testing and distributions will be provided through drive-up service, with minimal or no-contact, in accordance with all precautions recommended for the prevention of the spread of the virus. Multiple testing bays will be operational throughout the day.

Broadening its commitment to the health and wellbeing of rural North Carolina, GRRO’s Healing Hearts @ Home Program formed a community health initiative partnership with other organizations and agencies serving the county. Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, Duke Health, Groundwater Solutions, Inc. and Genesis Project1 are pleased to join The Courtyards I&II, Woods I Apartment Complex to bring this important event to Henderson.

Dr. Kayla Cagle-Colon MPH

Dr. Kayla J. Cagle-Colon Joins Maria Parham Women’s Care

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health (MPH), a Duke LifePoint hospital, is excited to announce that Kayla J. Cagle-Colon, MD, has joined their women’s care practice, Maria Parham Women’s Care. Dr. Cagle-Colon joins the community from New York, New York where she has completed her residency program.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Cagle-Colon to North Carolina to practice at Maria Parham Health,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Women’s Care is a growing need in our community, and Dr. Cagle-Colon’s training at Yale and fellowship at Bellevue Hospital (New York, New York) have given her a great breadth of experience in a wide range of procedures that people in our region need. This expertise will be important as Maria Parham Health works to make our community healthier.”

Kayla J. Cagle-Colon, MD, has joined Maria Parham Health’s women’s care practice, Maria Parham Women’s Care. (Photo courtesy MPH)

Dr. Cagle-Colon earned her medical degree from the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD. She completed a residency program at New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY. Dr. Cagle-Colon is a member of the American Medical Women’s Association, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists.

When she is not working, Dr. Cagle-Colon enjoys fishing, horseback riding, reading, traveling, and quality time with her husband and two dogs.

Dr. Cagle-Colon is now accepting patients at Maria Parham Women’s Care, located at 1209 SE Industry Drive in Oxford, North Carolina. This practice offers women’s health care services including, well-woman visits, obstetrical care, birth control management, high-risk pregnancy care, and menopause management.

To schedule an appointment, please call (252) 492-8576.

Antoinette Dickens

VGCC’s Dickens Receives Statewide Award for Work-Based Learning

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Antoinette C. Dickens, Department Chair of Public Service and Work-Based Learning Coordinator for Vance-Granville Community College, was recently named the winner of the North Carolina Work-Based Learning Association (NCWBLA) Jon A. Young Award for 2020. This award recognizes the outstanding NCWBLA member of the year, one who exemplifies the ideals of Work-Based Learning by making significant contributions to the mission and goals of the association.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) is an academic program at VGCC that combines classroom studies with on-the-job, career-related work experience. The goal is to provide students with not only the curriculum to succeed but also with the hands-on and on-site experience they will need to succeed in the workforce.

Antoinette Dickens holds her plaque for the NCWBLA Jon A. Young Award. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

“We congratulate Antoinette for being recognized at the state level for her talents and her contributions to Work-Based Learning,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of VGCC. “She has revised and streamlined the WBL processes at VGCC, helping our students gain skills and prepare for promising careers.”

A resident of Rolesville, Dickens has served as the WBL Coordinator at VGCC since 2016. Under her leadership, the Work-Based Learning program saw a 27% increase in student hours completed from 2018-2019 to 2019-2020. In her other role at the college, Dickens provides leadership for several curriculum programs: Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education and Paralegal Technology.

She has served in leadership roles at the NCWBLA, as an at-large board member and as Treasurer.

“WBL is an experiential class/program that provides students with the opportunity to apply theories and skills learned in class to the workplace,” Dickens noted. “It is a win-win-win situation for all parties involved! First, students are able to gain experience and work skills needed to be successful in their careers. Second, employers benefit from having students and graduates who possess the skills and education to successfully meet their employment needs. And third, VGCC benefits from WBL in that it allows the college to forge new community relationships, or strengthen existing ones.”

Dickens started her higher education at VGCC, earned a Paralegal Certificate from the American Institute of Paralegal Studies, and later completed a bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies at North Carolina Wesleyan College, and a master’s degree in human services counseling: criminal justice at Liberty University.

She has held a variety of positions in the justice system, as a Deputy Clerk of Superior Court in Vance County, a legal assistant in the District Attorney’s office in Oxford, a juvenile court counselor, and a paralegal working for law firms in Louisburg, Warrenton and Raleigh. Dickens was an instructor for VGCC’s Criminal Justice Technology program from 2004 through 2010. She rejoined VGCC in 2013 as the first person to head the college’s Paralegal Technology program.

For more information on participating in WBL at VGCC, contact Dickens at (252) 738-3609 or dickensa@vgcc.edu.

Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks

H-V Rec. & Parks Announces Upcoming Water Aerobics, Yoga, Know Your Rights

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department

The Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department announces the following upcoming events:

Water Aerobics: Water Aerobics is a program that uses the buoyant qualities of water to enhance physical fitness through exercises. It is a medium-impact water class designed to provide cardiovascular conditioning, improved muscle tone, and improved balance. It is a total body workout without the stress of land-based exercise. Non-swimmers welcome!

Classes will be held at 8:15 – 9 a.m., 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. and 10:45 – 11:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays beginning on Monday, January 4, 2021. Classes are $1 for members, $2 for nonmembers and will be limited to 10 participants.

Masks must be worn at all times in the facility but not while in the pool.

Register at Aycock Recreation Center or online at https://hvrpd.recdesk.com/. For information, please contact Lauren Newlin at lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us or (252) 438-3160.

Yoga: Yoga classes will begin on Thursday, January 7, 2021. These sessions are based on Basic Yoga techniques to inspire physical, mental and spiritual peace from within.

Classes will be held on Thursdays from 6:15 – 7 p.m. Classes are $1 for members, $2 for nonmembers and will be limited to 10 participants.

You can register at Aycock Recreation Center or online at https://hvrpd.recdesk.com/. Mask must be worn during the class and in the facility.

For information, please contact Lauren Newlin at lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us or (252) 438-3160.

Know Your Rights– Learn how to protect your civil liberties and your basic rights. Virtual Sessions will be live on the Henderson Vance Outreach Facebook page.

Sessions will be held on Mondays at 4 p.m. For more information, please contact Shantel Hargrove at (252) 430-0382 or cac@ci.henderson.nc.us.