TownTalk: NC Should Have Good Weather To View April 8 Eclipse

As a meteorologist, Jonathan Blaes is a scientist well-versed in the vagaries of weather, especially in North Carolina and especially in the springtime. But next week, he just may divert his attention – for a few minutes, anyway – to observe a celestial event that has nothing to do with storms, or clouds or rain or anything else weather-related.

It’s the solar eclipse that will have his attention on Monday afternoon, which he called “a remarkable and really ‘far out’ kind of thing.”

The official forecast from Blaes, meteorologist-in-chief at the National Weather Service in Raleigh:  observers in North Carolina won’t see the most dramatic show when the eclipse occurs roughly at 3:15 p.m., but they will have clear skies and fair temps to make viewing more pleasant.

“It’s certainly going to be a neat event,” he said on Thursday’s TownTalk, “but be careful.”

Although the sun will seem a little bit less powerful during the eclipse because the moon is in the way, its harmful UV rays can still cause damage, so please do NOT look skyward during the eclipse.

Blaes offered an alternative to the traditional pinhole cameras and special glasses for those who want to experience the eclipse in a safe manner: Go for a walk in a wooded area.

“As you walk underneath the trees, you’ll see a crescent shape of the sun on the ground,” he said. It’s Mother Nature’s version of that pinhole camera – the leaves of the trees will create miniature eclipse sun images, he said. “It’s one of the neatest things I’ve ever experienced.”

As a scientist, Blaes said he’s experienced a lot of what Mother Nature throws at North Carolina over the course of a year – springtime storms and rotations aloft that can create tornadoes are just a couple of types of weather that keep him and others at the National Weather Service on their toes.

He said this spring, folks in this area can expect conditions this spring to be “a little bit warmer and a little bit wetter” than normal. Sure, anyone can predict that, but Blaes and his team have analyzed tremendous amounts of data to come up with such a simple-sounding pronouncement.

“Being a meteorologist is fun,” Blaes said. “It is challenging – every day is a puzzle.” The surge in data from satellite images and other sources produces more information than humans can manage, he said, so he and his team rely on statistics and AI – all of which contribute to improved weather forecasts.

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VCSO: One Shot Fired, Not by Law Enforcement, In Search Warrant Execution, No One Injured

UPDATE: 4:24 PM Wednesday, April 3

— Press release from Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

A Vance County man was arrested Wednesday a shot was fired from inside a home on St. Matthew’s Street. There was no exchange of gunfire and no injuries were reported, according to information from Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame.

Vance County Sheriff’s Office, along with members of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office, were executing a search warrant at 2215 St. Matthew’s St. earlier Wednesday when a gunshot was fired from inside the residence in the direction of law enforcement officers at the front door, Brame stated.

After making entry into the residence, a single male was located and detained. The male was identified as 46-year-old Samer Othman, a resident of 2215 St. Matthew’s St.

Othman was arrested and charged with 10 counts of assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm.

Othman received a $750,000 bond and has a court date of April 26.

No residents or law enforcement officers were injured during this incident.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 252.738.2200, Henderson -Vance Crime Stoppers at 252.492.1925 or use the P3 app.

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UPDATE 9:30 AM Wednesday, April 3

WIZS News spoke to Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame.  He said during the execution of a search warrant on St. Matthews Street this morning that one shot was fired, not by a law enforcement officer, and that no one is injured and no one was hit by the shot.

More details to follow.

TownTalk: Community Info Series To Focus On Dementia

It’s something that many of us worry about as we get older and can’t remember things like we once did, but Michael Patterson, a family caregiver specialist for Kerr-Tar COG Agency on Aging breaks down what falls in the “normal forgetfulness” category and what does not.

Patterson was a guest on Wednesday’s TownTalk and previewed some of the information that he will share at the monthly community form series sponsored by the Hon. Charlie Baskerville.

The program “Dementia Friends,” which will begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Apr. 9, is designed to promote awareness about what dementia is and how it affects caregivers and their families who care for those in the grips of dementia.

“When it comes to individuals caring for those with dementia, (I) stress this is a journey,” Patterson said, “a chronic condition.” It’s not like caring for someone with flu – follow doctor’s orders and you’ll be good as new in a week or so.

Some people can live for decades with dementia, and others’ lives are cut short. Whatever the scenario, caregivers carry a heavy load and experience a different relationship with their loved one.

“I work with caregivers to understand that this is a journey,” Patterson said. Self-care is important, he emphasized. What caregivers need to understand is that they are not alone.

A couple of his favorite resources include the Dementia Alliance of NC and Duke Dementia Family Support. Both provide education and support group opportunities; the Duke group offers respite vouchers, as does the KTCOG Agency on Aging.

“Dementia is a brain disease,” Patterson said, but its onset can be triggered by numerous factors, including genetics or other health conditions like hypertension or high cholesterol.

So when your doctor or health care team encourages you to eat right, take your meds and live a healthy lifestyle, a secondary effect could be lowering your risk for any of the types of dementia.

“Dementia is the umbrella and then under it are the other subcategories,” Patterson explained, adding that many people equate dementia with Alzheimer’s.

Granted, Alzheimer’s accounts for between 60 percent and 80 percent of most dementia cases, but it’s not the only type of dementia that researchers have identified.

Now that Baby Boomers are reaching the age of 65-70, this generation of adults that accounts for a larger percentage of the overall population may skew the prevalence for dementia diagnoses.

But, Patterson said, “just because you are getting older, doesn’t mean you’re going to get dementia.”

Memory loss is a normal part of aging, as our mental and physical abilities change over time.

It’s when that memory loss has an adverse impact on your daily living that dementia may be coming into play.

Can’t find your car keys? Normal aging. Can’t remember what the car key is used for? Not normal aging.

If you get in your car to go home but forget how to “get” home, that also could be more than normal aging.

Learn more at the April 9 program, which will be held at Baskerville Funeral Home, 104 S. Chestnut St., Henderson.

Contact Patterson at 252.436.2040, extension 6072.

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TownTalk: Jayden Watkins Part of 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy

Henderson’s own Jayden Watkins is set to board a plane Wednesday and head to Orlando, FL to participate in the Walt Disney World Dreamers Academy.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that almost wasn’t, but Watkins said, “God worked everything out.”

You see, his mom had accidentally thrown away the packet of information that Watkins was supposed to fill out to officially be accepted into the program. So there he was, on Christmas Day, searching for a way to get in touch with the folks at the Dreamers Academy and get his hands on the information before the deadline passed.

There’s a saying that goes, “Pray for rain, but keep on hoeing,” and that’s what Watkins did. He hunted and searched online and in emails, but he put his trust in God to “make it happen.”

And it did.

The four-day mentorship program brings together 100 high school students from all across the U.S. who demonstrate compassion, intellectual curiosity, courage, optimism and a positive outlook.

Watkins, who will turn 16 later this month, said it’s an opportunity to meet entrepreneurs, recording artists and others who will share advice about how “to take our dreams and turn them into reality.”

While he’s in The Magic Kingdom, Watkins said he’d be producing an inspirational video that will be released on social media platforms. “I’ll be on a TV show and a couple of other programs that will reach millions,” he told WIZS co-hosts Bill Harris and Steve Lewis on Tuesday’s TownTalk.

The Henderson Collegiate student said the application process was like applying to college, but even more selective. This year’s participants were chosen from among thousands of applicants. Watkins said he simply told his story in the application. “I was authentic…I shared my dreams, my aspirations,” he said.

Actions speak louder than words, another timeless adage that couldn’t be more appropriate when talking about Watkins. In his short time on this Earth, he has become a licensed minister, an author, podcaster, CEO of a non-profit and part-time employee right here at WIZS.

One has to apply actions in order to make your dreams a reality, he said.

If all these accomplishments have elevated Watkins into something more than your typical teenager, he seems unfazed.

“I remember how important it is to be humble,” he said. “All of my talents, all of my gifts, come from God.”

While he’s off in Orlando, his 7-day Bible Study will be released. It’s called “Distance for Warfare” and it can be found beginning this Thursday on the YouVersion Bible app.

His “Empowered Teen Bible Study” was featured recently on CBS 17 for its work in the community, and Watkins said it provides a unique opportunity for teens, who meet monthly for Bible study and to give back to the community.

The group assembles “Blessing Bags” filled with toiletry items, socks and gloves, non-perishable food items and more that are taken to local shelters.

Upwards of 40 teens put the bags together, and Watkins said he’s always grateful for sponsors – groups and individuals – to provide the items for the Blessing Bags.

It may not be the traditional way that churches sponsor youth groups, but that’s ok. Watkins says it’s important to “change the method and keep the message” of helping others in the community.

Whenever he feels like he needs to step back and take a breath from all his work – when he just wants to be a normal teenager for a little while, “I remind myself of my purpose.”

He’s learning the importance of balance in his life – school, family, work, church, community service, entrepreneur all come together to create a busy schedule, no doubt.

But, Watkins said, “This is not only something I like to do, this is something I love to do.”

 

 

Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Events At Perry Memorial Library 04-02-24

There’s lots going on at Perry Memorial Library in April – some of them are the regular monthly favorites, but there are some time-sensitive activities as well that are being targeted at children on Spring Break and for everyone interested in next week’s solar eclipse.

Youth Services Director Melody Peters said kids on spring break should check out Wednesday’s arts and crafts activities at 11 a.m.

There will be lots to do, Peters said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

“We’re definitely going to have a couple of tables for painting,” Peters said. There will be beads for necklace making, foam crafts and teens can fashion their own jewelry.

“There are a lot of options for various ages,” she said.

Most kids will be back in school on Monday, Apr. 8, but that’s not stopping the library from participating in the Statewide Star Party to view the eclipse.

The fun begins at 1:30 p.m. and runs through 3 p.m. and there will be half a dozen or so activity stations for individuals to take part in. The height of the eclipse will occur at 3:16 p.m., Peters said, and she’s got those special glasses for anyone who comes to view at the library.

“We crave those natural events that shake us up,” she said. “People are going to be able to see it – it’s not made up – it’s real!”

The activities are STEAM centered and participants will learn more about the sun, moon, and what exactly an eclipse is before they get to witness it in person.

They “get to see something in real time,” Peters said. In this world of AI and all things virtual, this is a big deal. North Carolina will not experience a total eclipse, but 86 percent is pretty good, she said.

Teens can return to the library the next day – April 9 – at 4 p.m. to create a special type of poetry – black out poetry. Books that would otherwise be discarded because of disrepair are used to create poems.

“I hope kids come,” Peters said. “I love what you can do (with) recycling old books. It becomes art.”

No need to register – just show up at the library to participate.

Visit https://www.perrylibrary.org/ to learn more.

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Corbitt Trucks

Corbitt Spring Fling And Open House Apr. 13

The Corbitt Spring Fling and Open House will be held Saturday, Apr. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bennett H. Perry Museum, home of Corbitt Preservation Association.

This event is open to the public and will feature Corbitt trucks and tractors on display, according to information from Kenneth Stegall of the Corbitt Preservation Association.

There will be plenty of Corbitt “merch” available as well. This event will be held rain or shine.

The Perry Museum is located at 180 Church St., at the corner of Church and Chestnut streets.

Stegall reminds all Corbitt enthusiasts that the 22nd annual Corbitt show and reunion is scheduled for Oct. 19 in downtown Henderson.

Until then, the upcoming Spring Fling is sure to quench the thirsts of Corbitt enthusiasts.

Henderson was the site for the Corbitt Truck Co., which provided military workhorse vehicles during World War II. The company operated from 1899 until the mid 1950’s.

For more information, visit https://corbitttrucks.com/

 

 

N.C. Rep. Sossamon Hosting Meeting For Area Pastors To Discuss Response To Community Mental Health Needs

N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon has scheduled a meeting with Vance County pastors on Thursday, Apr. 4 at 10 a.m. in the Commissioners’ meeting room to discuss ways to address mental health issues and to provide suggestions before a plan is finalized.

Sossamon held a meeting in March with pastors in Granville County and is offering the same format for Vance County pastors.

The commissioners’ meeting room is located at 122 Young St., Henderson.

Sossamon extends the invitation to any Granville County pastor who was unable to attend the earlier session to attend the upcoming session Thursday.

“Our goal is to get as many churches involved as possible, so please help to spread the word,” according to information in the freshman legislator’s monthly newsletter to constituents.

Vance County Sheriff: Gunshot Victim Transported To Hospital; Suspects Arrested

Press release information from the Office of Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

— Update 5 p.m. Thursday, March 28

On March 26, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office responded to 789 Dick Faines Road, Henderson in reference to a shots fired call.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered Anthony Terry with multiple gunshot wounds. Terry was transported to Duke Hospital for treatment.

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division arrived on scene to begin an investigation into the incident. It was determined that shots were fired from two vehicles, resulting in Anthony Terry, who was sitting in one of the vehicles, being shot multiple times.

Donte Henderson, 28, of Henderson and a 16-year-old juvenile were charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury; Quadavius Bobbitt, 29, of Henderson was charged with Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle.

Donte Henderson and Quadavius Bobbitt are currently in the Vance County Detention Center without bond. The juvenile was taken into secure custody and transported to juvenile detention.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 252-738-2200, or Henderson-Vance Crimestoppers at 252-492-1925 or through the P3 App.

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— Original Post 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, 2024

On March 26, 2024, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office responded to 789 Dick Faines Rd. Henderson in reference to a shots fired call.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered Anthony Terry with multiple gunshot wounds. Terry was transported to Duke University Hospital for treatment.

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division arrived on scene to begin an investigation into the incident. The press release, issued earlier Wednesday, did not include the condition of the victim.

At this time, the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 252.738.2200, or Henderson-Vance Crimestoppers at 252.492.1925 or through the P3 App.