NCDOT

NCDOT Suspending Most Major Lane-Closing Projects for Labor Day Travel

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-Press Release, NCDOT

To ensure the safest and most efficient travel possible for North Carolina residents and visitors this Labor Day weekend, the N.C. Department of Transportation will suspend most road construction projects causing lane closures on major routes across the state.

Where possible, closed lanes will be opened from Friday morning until Tuesday evening. There are, however, some locations where the type or stage of construction will not allow an opening for safety reasons.

Drivers can check the status of the route they plan to take in advance by visiting DriveNC.gov. They can also follow NCDOT on social media to track travel updates by region or route.

NCDOT encourages drivers to follow these tips to navigate the roads safely over the holiday weekend:

  • Leave early to get a head start on your drive. Travel at non-peak hours when possible;
  • Stay alert. Even if construction work is suspended, you may encounter narrowed lanes and traffic shifts in work zones;
  • Be patient and obey the posted speed limit;
  • Use alternate routes when possible to avoid traffic congestion;
  • Travel at times when you are normally awake and take frequent breaks;
  • Avoid distracted driving; and
  • Don’t drive drunk or impaired.

Labor Day weekend is also a time for law enforcement to crack down on drunk driving. The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program has already started its “Booze It & Lose It” campaign, geared toward catching people who are driving under the influence.

Sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols will be in place in all 100 counties through Monday to keep impaired drivers off the roads. If you plan to drink over the holiday period, NCDOT and GHSP strongly urge you to call a friend, use a ride-share service or take a cab or public transit.

Aycock Rec. Center to Offer Fall Water Aerobics Classes

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-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center

The Aycock Recreation Center will offer fall water aerobics classes for both swimmers and non-swimmers alike beginning September 3 and ending December 13, 2019. Classes will not be held October 17, 21-25; November 11, 28-29.

Classes will combine low and high impact exercises with a focus on strength building, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and having fun!

Classes will be offered Monday – Wednesday – Friday from 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.; Tuesday & Thursday from 7:15 to 8 p.m.

Cost is $1 for members and $2 for non-members.

Contact:

Lauren Newlin, Aquatics Program Supervisor

lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us ~ (252) 438-3160

https://ci.henderson.nc.us/departments/recreation-and-parks/

News 08/28/19

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Triangle North Industrial Park Selected for Site Visit

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Rep. Terry Garrison and N.C. Secretary of Commerce Tony Copeland visited the Triangle North industrial site on Friday, August 23, in Vance and Granville Counties.

Along in Vance County were Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington, Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen and Henderson-Vance Economic Development Director Dennis Jarvis along with the site’s original developer Eddie Ferguson.

Ellington told WIZS News, “We were very appreciative of NC Secretary of Commerce Tony Copeland making the trip to tour our Triangle North-Vance Business and Industrial Park. He was very impressed with the former Semprius building site that totals roughly 50,000 square feet and is already equipped with production and manufacturing space, offices, cubicles and conference rooms. It is ‘move-in’ ready to accommodate a viable business. The Secretary expressed with the current business growth along with educational and economic growth aligning together that he needed to be in Vance County to help sell this facility and region.” Ellington added, “We are thankful, ready and ‘Open for Business!’”

Jarvis told WIZS, “I was pleased to speak with Secretary Copeland, I stressed to him our exit 209, off of I-85, is the premier industrial site north of Durham. We have over 500 acres of industrial property and two buildings that provide over 200k square feet of prime industrial space with direct access to the main campus of VGCC.

We were able to discuss areas of progress for our community like workforce development, industry sectors, and the potential for investments for our community.”

In Granville County, the tour was led by Granville County’s Economic Development Director Harry Mills, according to a press release from Granville County Government, and included an overview of park sites with a focus on its close proximity to Interstate 85 and the airport.

Located in Oxford, Triangle North Granville includes more than 500 acres of development-ready land in an easily accessible location, offering state-certified sites, access to water and sewer, electric system plans in place and a short drive to the Research Triangle Park.

Also participating in the tour and presentation were Granville County Commissioner Tony Cozart, Oxford Mayor Jackie Sergent, and Katherine Noel of the Economic Development Advisory Board.

Pictured: Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington, Secretary Tony Copeland and Rep. Terry Garrison.

Pictured: Harry Mills, Comm. Tony Cozart, Secretary Tony Copeland, Rep. Garrison, Mayor Sergent and Kathrine Noel at the Triangle North entrance. (Granville Co. Govt. photo)

Economic Development Director Harry Mills provides an overview of park sites at Triangle North. (Granville Co. Govt. photo)

Vance County Logo

Vance County to Hold Evening Informational Session on Medicaid Changes

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-Press Release, Vance County Department of Social Services

Changes to Medicaid requirements will take effect on November 1, 2019. While most recipients will see no changes to the services they have been receiving, enrollment through a health plan will be required.

A health plan – through Medicaid – is a group of doctors, hospitals and other providers that will work together to provide healthcare to meet collective needs. The goal is for every medical service – physical health, mental health and medicine – to come through the same healthcare plan. A primary care provider (PCP) should also be selected to assist with health care needs, which could be in the form of a family doctor, clinic or other health care provider.

Vance County is in the first phase of the Medicaid Transformation, with recipients to be enrolled by a September 13 deadline.

Recipients who already have a primary care provider may keep the one they have or choose a new one. If a PCP or health plan is not selected before September 13, the Vance County Department of Social Services offers a reminder that one will be chosen for you; however, depending on the type of health services needed, a small number of recipients will be able to continue enrollment through NC Medicaid Direct.

An evening informational event has been scheduled through the Vance County Department of Social Services to guide local Medicaid recipients through the process of selecting a health plan and primary care provider. The evening session will be held at Vance County Department of Social Services and is scheduled for:

  • September 10, 2019: 6 -8 p.m. Vance County Department Social Services, 350 Ruin Creek Rd, Henderson, NC

It is recommended that recipients who are senior citizens bring a trusted family member or friend to assist in the selection process.

If unable to attend this event, an outreach specialist is available for assistance at the Vance County Department of Social Services, 350 Ruin Creek Rd, Henderson, NC from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Assistance will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services notes that there are several health plans Medicaid recipients can choose from.

For a list of doctors for each health plan, or to enroll, visit ncmedicaidplans.gov, use the NC Medicaid Managed Care mobile app or call 1-833-870-5500. A language line is also available.

For eligibility information or for questions about Medicaid’s new requirements, contact Cathy Hope, 252-492-5001 x 3221, Shelonda Boyd, 252-492-5001 x 3266, Shalonda Daye, 252-492-5001 x 3204, Vance County Department of Social Services, at 252-492-5001.

Registration Underway for Annual Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce

Join the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce and presenting sponsor BB&T at Kerr Lake Country Club for the 21st Annual Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament. This Super Ball Tournament is one of the Chamber’s largest fundraising events for the year.

Date: Thursday, October 3, 2019

Time: Registration – 11:45 a.m.; Lunch – 12:15 p.m., Welcome/Rules – 12:45 p.m.; Golf Begins – 1 p.m.

Tournament Entry Fee: $120/Golfer, $440/Foursome. Sponsorships are available.

Tournament fee includes Cart & Green Fees · Mulligan · Goody Bag · Lunch · Beverages and Snacks on the Course · Awards Ceremony.

Awards for First, Second and Third Place teams will be given. Skills Contests: Hole-in-One, Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin. We will have the ChipOBoard and a Putting Contest as well.

For more information, please contact Sandra Wilkerson at (252) 438-8414 or sandra@hendersonvance.org.

Reminder: ‘Fireworks in the Park’ Set for Fox Pond This Sat.!

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-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center

The Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department presents Fireworks in the Park! This FREE event will be held at Fox Pond Park on Saturday, August 31, 2019 (rain date Sunday, September 1).

Fox Pond Park will close for regular park activities at 7 p.m. that evening.

Shuttling from Aycock Recreation Center will begin at 7 p.m. and the fireworks show will begin in the park at 9 p.m. No parking will be allowed at Fox Pond Park.

Fox Pond is located at 467 Vicksboro Rd in Henderson. Aycock Recreation Center, the site for all event parking, is located at 307 Carey Chapel Rd in Henderson.

For more information, please contact Tara Goolsby at (252) 438-3948 or email tgoolsby@ci.henderson.nc.us.

News 08/27/19

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Town Talk 08/26/19: VGCC’s Continuing Education Provides Skilled Local Workforce

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Dawn Michelle Tucker, Dean of Adult Basic Skills and Continuing Education at Vance-Granville Community College, was the guest of honor on Monday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk.

Celebrating 50 years of serving and educating the community, Tucker said the college continues to excel because it adapts to the changing needs of both residents and employers alike.

Dawn Michelle Tucker, Dean of Adult Basic Skills and Continuing Education at Vance-Granville Community College, was the guest of honor on Monday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk. Celebrating 50 years of serving and educating the community, Tucker said the college continues to excel because it adapts to the changing needs of both residents and employers alike. (WIZS photo)

“While there are careers that require a two-year or four-year degree, there are also careers that require a specific skillset or certifications,” said Tucker. “VGCC’s Continuing Education Department works to quickly ascertain the needs of the workforce and then builds a skilled workforce for the employers.”

In fact, Tucker said VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais has been committed to providing an educated workforce to meet the current and future needs of local employers since taking the helm in January.

“One of Dr. Desmarais’ visions is that we meet the needs of our workforce in a short-term, workforce development kind of way,” said Tucker.

On the Adult Basic Skills side of the house, Tucker said the majority of jobs now have a minimum requirement of an Adult High School Diploma or High School Equivalency (GED).

“When you complete an Adult High School Diploma or receive your High School Equivalency, you are laying the groundwork to an employer that you are capable of completing a basic level of education. They know if you complete a high school credential then you have a certain level of academic skill,” explained Tucker.

Offering programs primarily to adult learners 18 years and older, VGCC provides High School Equivalency classes free of charge at all four campus locations. Daytime and evening classes are available.

Other programs and areas that fall under the Con. Ed. umbrella include Fire and Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, Law Enforcement Training, Occupational Extension, Occupational Healthcare, Personal Enrichment and VGCC’s Small Business Center.

For more information on VGCC’s Continuing Education division or to register, please visit www.vgcc.edu/coned, register in person at any campus location, or call (252) 738-3324/(252) 738-3345.

To hear Tucker’s interview in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

Address Canvassing Begins for 2020 U.S. Census

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

Every ten years, America comes together to count all the residents and households in the country, providing the basis for reapportioning congressional seats, redistricting and distributing federal funds that support vital programs in communities, counties, states and across the nation.

Census results impact housing, education, transportation, employment, health care and public policy. Your community benefits the most when the census counts everyone.

Address canvassing for the 2020 Census has begun, with representatives of the U.S. Census Bureau in the field to update and verify local addresses.

These address listers may be knocking on doors across the area and asking a few simple questions to confirm the address and to request information regarding additional living quarters on the property.

For identification purposes, badges and briefcases will be visible indicating affiliation with the Census Bureau.

This operation is one of several activities the Census Bureau conducts for an accurate and complete count and will continue through mid-October as the 2020 Census prepares to officially start counting people in March 2020.

For more details, visit the Census Bureau website a https://www.census.gov/.