Town Talk (07/31/19): ‘Visit NC Farms Mobile App’ Launch Announced
100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
Representatives from NC A&T’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences toured several locations in Vance and Warren counties today to learn more about agricultural opportunities in the local area.
The group began the tour at the ReBuilding Communities NC Cultural Center, 117 Church Street in Henderson, where they were greeted by Executive Director Edythe Thompson, Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington and Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen.
From there, the tour continued to the Henry and Ardis Crews Micro Gardens located at 424 Hamilton Street in Henderson, where Vance Co. Cooperative Extension ANR Technician Wayne Rowland discussed the Crews’ efforts to provide sustainable and efficient gardening practices for the community.
The next stop brought the group to the Vance County Regional Farmers Market (VCRFM), 210 Southpark Drive in Henderson, where they heard the history of the market and learned of its various community uses.
Turner Pride, extension director for Vance Co., also announced the official launch of the “Visit NC Farms Mobile App” for the five-county region consisting of Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance and Warren.
Developed by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the app connects users to local farms, restaurants and other agriculturally-related places and events.
“With this app, you can see places that can be toured such as wineries, Farm-to-Table restaurants, individual farmers markets, and farms that are open to the public,” Pride explained.
Pride said the launch of this app is just one way that the community is sharing with both residents and visitors alike that “goodness grows in Vance.”
Diane Cox, executive director for the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments (COG) said the app was a collaboration between her agency, NC Cooperative Extension and the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
After a successful soft launch in June, Cox was happy to discuss the official launch of the app during Wednesday’s tour.
“Please let Kerr-Tar COG know or let your Cooperative Extension directors know if you are having an event so we can help you market those through the Visit NC Farms App,” said Cox. “It’s a great marketing tool for farmers and it is free.”
A free download of the app is available for Apple products and Androids. Please visit https://visitncfarmstoday.com/ for more information.
NC A&T’s Chancellor Harold Lee Martin, Sr., a tour participant, spoke with WIZS on the future of NC farming and the importance of technological advances in agriculture.
“We see lots of small farmers developing, growing and returning to NC,” Martin said. “We see younger farmers using their education, their technology and science skills to do farming differently from their parents and grandparents. There are going to be more demands from the farmers of the future who are using science, technology and strategy to enhance productivity and profitability.”
Martin said this technological movement mirrors the shift officials are seeing in the state’s economy. “We are seeing movement from more of a skills economy to a knowledge-based economy. Education plays a bigger part in helping us create jobs, retain jobs and attract jobs to NC.”
After departing the VCRFM, tour participants enjoyed lunch and presentations by representatives from Warren County Schools, Warren County Cooperative Extension and Warren County Government at the Warren County Armory Civic Center.
To hear the Town Talk 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.
VGCC to Offer FREE Six-Part Series on Creating Digital Business Marketing
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-Information courtesy Sheri Jones, Director, VGCC Small Business Center
Small Business Six-Part Series on Creating a Digital Marketing Blueprint for Business
In a world where digital marketing reigns, the rules seem to constantly fluctuate. Small business owners need resources they can rely on that are easy to manage while maintaining all the other aspects of running a business. This six-part series provides small business owners with a blueprint, or framework, that will give them the knowledge and tools they need to successfully market their business in today’s online world.
Attendees who are present at each of the six 2-hour seminars will receive a 12-hour certificate of completion at the conclusion of the series.
Dates and times for each day in the series are listed below. These events will take place at the Thornton Library, 210 Main Street in Oxford, with instructor Melanie Diehl. Sessions are limited to 18 participants and lunch will be provided.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own technology, but laptops will be available for use during the seminars if needed. It is important that participants also bring login information for their social media accounts.
To register for this series, please visit https://www.vgcc.edu/coned/small-business-center/#schedules
August 12, 2019
Lesson 1: Creating a Digital Marketing Blueprint for Your Business (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Description: Before launching any marketing campaign it’s important to know what your business needs and why you need it. Not all businesses need to be on all platforms. Learn about the basics that will get your business started online and best practices for implementing additional platforms, or if you even need them!
Lesson 2: Identifying your Target Market (1 – 3 p.m.)
Description: Not everyone is your potential customer or client. In this session, we discuss how to identify your target market (aka Avatar) and how to create messages that they connect with and how to reach them where they are.
September 16, 2019
Lesson 3: Websites and Point of Sale Systems for your Business (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Description: Your website is the one piece of the internet you actually own. There are multiple options for creating a website, from a single landing page to a multiple page site with customer access and shopping carts and more. How will you make online selling easy? In this session, learn from a panel of experts about websites and POS systems and determine what’s best for your small business.
Lesson 4: Email Marketing for your Small Business (1 – 3 p.m.)
Description: Email marketing has a 90% deliverability rate and an average of 38x ROI. Done right, it can really drive sales and brand awareness for your small business. This seminar will help you avoid common mistakes and maximize your emails for powerful impact!
October 14, 2019
Lesson 5: Facebook Marketing for your Small Business (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Description: Learn the latest strategies for using Facebook to market your business: what’s new and why it’s important; the difference between a Facebook profile, a page, business manager and ads manager. Learn the difference between Facebook ads and boosted posts, and about groups and bots. Pre-requisite: Facebook personal profile AND Facebook business page.
Lesson 6: Harnessing the Power of Instagram (1 – 3 p.m.)
Description: With over 500 million monthly active users on Instagram, your business has the potential to reach, engage, and build a massive community on Instagram. But where do you start? Join us for this seminar where we will cover how to build your Instagram brand, the ins and outs of Instagram and hashtags. Bring your device and be ready for some hands-on time to practice what you learn in class. Pre-requisite: Instagram account.
SPONSORED BY:
Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation, Thornton Library and the VGCC Small Business Center.
Medicaid Debate Goes Beyond the Coverage Gap
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-Information courtesy Leslie Rudd, Office of the North Carolina Senate Democratic Caucus
RALEIGH – Current Medicaid recipients in 27 counties received letters this month explaining the Medicaid transformation process. As part of a Republican plan created in 2015, up to 772,000 people currently on Medicaid have to transfer to a new managed care system by September 1; it’s up to DHHS to make sure changes to patient care and billing are completed by November 1.
The success of phase one of Medicaid transformation is tied to funding in the 2019-21 budget. As Republicans target DHHS and shut down budget negotiations over Medicaid expansion, they are also putting North Carolina’s current Medicaid patients at risk.
https://www.ncpolicywatch.com/2019/07/25/the-budget-the-veto-and-medicaid/
Vance County has close to 19,000 Medicaid recipients – including children and disabled adults.
A complete breakdown of Medicaid recipients can be found here: https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/reports/dashboards#enroll
Salvation Army Family Store to Hold Anniversary Sale
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-Information courtesy Emory Taylor, Salvation Army
The Salvation Army Family Store, 218 Raleigh Rd. in Henderson, will hold an Anniversary Sale on Saturday, August 10, 2019, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
The one day only event will feature a tent furniture sale and all clothing will be marked down to 99 cents.
Donations of loose-leaf paper, rulers, pencil cases/boxes, scissors and other school supplies will also be accepted to support local children in need of back-to-school items.
News 07/31/19
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VGCC Names 235 Students to President’s and Dean’s Lists
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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College
Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 106 students earned President’s List academic honors and another 126 earned Dean’s List academic honors for the spring 2019 semester, while three earned such honors for the summer 2019 term.
The President’s List recognizes students who achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) while carrying a “full load” (of at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student had to earn a GPA that was at least 3.5 but less than 4.0, and have no grade lower than “B,” while carrying a “full load” of such courses.
Spring Semester President’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.
Accounting & Finance:
Trina M. Leapley of Louisburg;
Aidan Colvin of Raleigh.
Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:
Hubert T. McDonald of Bahama;
Zavious D. Oakley of Oxford.
Associate in Arts:
Clay T. Boyd and Rickelle T. Harrison, both of Creedmoor;
Sarah R. Frizzle and Kimberly Ross, both of Franklinton;
Mason B. Boone, Emani’ D. Foster, Emily Y. Isidro, Angelica N. Montano, Caroline A. Nutt, Joseph E. Penny, Brian Ramirez, Josie M. Roberson, Alondra M. Torres-Ornelas and Hannah D. Wells, all of Henderson;
Ashley E. Bolling of Kittrell;
Christian L. Jamgochian of Louisburg;
Christy L. Beasley, Spencer B. Boyd, Jacob N. Carver, Ker’Telian S. Fields and Alexander C. Wilkinson, all of Oxford;
Brittany L. Petrimoulx of Stem;
Kamiyah E. Wiggins of Townsville;
Luc Henry of Wake Forest.
Associate in General Education – General Science:
Kyra E. Corrigan of Wake Forest.
Associate in Science:
James Geary of Franklinton;
Amanda J. Cease, Tanisha Davis and Evin F. Swilley, all of Henderson;
Monica A. Botros and Isaac A. Saleh, both of Oxford;
Quavion C. Basyden of Willard.
Automotive Systems Technology:
David D. Bragg of Franklinton;
Toby J. Bradsher, III, of Henderson;
Xavier Durham of Warrenton.
Business Administration:
Charlene A. Kearney of Creedmoor.
College Transfer Pathway:
Michael E. Slaton of Henderson;
Jillian Hanchey of Louisburg;
Erica L. Evitts of Oxford;
Jacob A. Comer and Kristina K. Durham, both of Rougemont;
Paige B. Biallas, Jillian Stegemann and Eric Walston, all of Wake Forest;
Rose M. O’Malley of Warrenton;
Rebecca Lynam of Youngsville;
Micah D. Hall of Zebulon.
Cosmetology:
MacKenzie D. Hutson, Irina Z. Letts and Skylar N. Mulhollen, all of Henderson;
Kristen L. Smith of Raleigh;
Janice P. Shehata of Warrenton;
Kelley R. Oakley of Youngsville.
Criminal Justice:
Tanya Beal Smith of Butner;
Alexis R. Lincoln of Franklinton;
Brooke T. Bendel of Louisburg;
Mikayla Pendergrass of Stem.
Early Childhood Education:
Courtney Crute of Bullock;
Stephanie L. Griffin of Creedmoor;
Milena F. Nelsen of Franklinton;
Lakee’ D. Steed and Rochelle D. Williams, both of Henderson;
Catherine A. Mendell of Oxford.
Histotechnology:
Melissa B. Anderson of Butner;
Michael A. Parziale of Cary;
Linda J. Livingston of Louisburg;
Rawia Dafalla of Raleigh.
Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:
Christian A. Hargrove of Oxford.
Information Technology:
Robert D. Osborne of Franklinton;
David B. Ayscue, Jr., and Koty R. Glover, both of Henderson;
Ebony Thomas of Kittrell;
Spencer B. Duncan of Louisburg;
Emily Durling of Oxford.
Medical Assisting:
Destini L. Foster of Butner;
Katie A. Fuller, Danielle B. Groves and Kaylor M. Lawrence, all of Creedmoor;
Briana T. Barnwell and Crystal C. Williams, both of Louisburg.
Medical Office Administration:
Beverly Fearrington of Chapel Hill;
Margaret Avery, Kelsey B. Ivey, Maryjo M. Parks and Jerri L. Wilson, all of Henderson;
Robin E. Dorsett, Shalinda L. White and Elizabeth L. Wiggins, all of Louisburg;
Felicia B. Fuller of Oxford.
Paralegal Technology:
Evelyn Nolasco and Brandol J. Pahuamba, both of Louisburg;
Jennifer C. Norton of Wake Forest.
Radiography:
Paige D. Snider of Creedmoor;
Kacie L. Gann of Durham;
Kimberly Henderson of Raleigh;
Jesslyn E. Bader and Megan T. Whitman, both of Youngsville.
Supply Chain Management:
Jerome W. Richardson of Oxford.
Welding Technology:
Sean M. Stephenson of Creedmoor;
Lacy E. Hidalgo-Gato of Franklinton;
Sarah L. Fowler of Oxford;
Jacob K. Cash of Raleigh.
Spring Semester Dean’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.
Accounting & Finance:
Joseph Sill of Louisburg.
Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:
Christian A. Dockum of Creedmoor;
Tyrell Terry of Henderson;
Russell W. Hinnant of Youngsville.
Associate in Arts:
Amir L. Branch of Creedmoor;
Randi A. Bowen, Brittney A. Smith and Ashley L. Woods, all of Franklinton;
Areli Clemente, Danielle Daniels, Alejandro Duran, Jorge Alberto M. Gomez, Kaitlyn M. Harris, Aaliyah S. Jackson, Isaiah A. Johen, Jadyn M. Jones, Wendy H. Jordan, Evan A. O’Geary, Nychelle M. Robinson, Jessica A. Steed, Saray Trejo-Vega and Cristian J. Ventura, all of Henderson;
Robert J. Holovnia, Bethany R. Lee and Kaleb M. Pulley, all of Louisburg;
Chance P. Taylor of Omaha, Nebraska;
Savannah L. Brogden, Daniel F. Burnette, Calli S. Massey, Alyssa M. Thorpe, Erin P. Whitt and Hunter S. Wilkins, all of Oxford;
Tyshii L. Scarborough of Rose Hill;
Lily R. Averette of Rougemont;
Conner G. Bryant of Warrenton;
Ashlynn Basnight and Christopher D. Peace, both of Youngsville.
Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts:
Naomi Harrison-Carder of Henderson;
Samantha T. Marchese of Wake Forest.
Associate in General Education – General Science:
Autumn J. Julian of Henderson;
Carly M. West of Littleton;
McKenzie B. Howerton of Rougemont.
Associate in Science:
Joshua N. Meader and Astrid Portillo-Granado, both of Creedmoor;
Jacklyn C. Stanley of Durham;
Galen J. Day of Franklinton;
Fatima N. Hawter, Dylan T. Jackson, Shadi M. Nagi, Penny Phan and Charne A. Robinson, all of Henderson;
Ethan A. Cole and Brichelle K. Wright, both of Kittrell;
Amber E. Newton of Louisburg;
Keon D. Fogg of Manson;
Emily P. Willis of Norlina.
Business Administration:
Gadiel A. Ogaz of Franklinton;
Tara L. Burwell and Jennifer S. Crabtree, both of Kittrell;
Joseph H. Abbott of Stovall.
College Transfer Pathway:
Emma M. Cascino of Durham;
Mira M. Patel of Henderson;
Abigail D. Dickerson of Oxford;
Lilly A. Day of Youngsville.
Cosmetology:
Kandace N. Rutter of Creedmoor;
Shanquia M. Coward of Franklinton;
Cannon G. Bigham of Louisburg;
Logan B. Breedlove of Oxford;
Jazmin L. King of Rougemont;
Laura E. O’Hara and Samantha J. Tackema, both of Wake Forest.
Criminal Justice:
Christy P. Valerio of Durham;
Keyla Lewis of Henderson.
Culinary Arts:
Noah O. Hendrick of Oxford.
Early Childhood Education:
Seham H. Mansour of Creedmoor;
Mia B. Harrison of Henderson;
Selita E. Taylor of Louisburg.
Human Services Technology:
Emili J. Hernandez Gaona of Butner.
Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:
Grace A. Ohlandt of Franklinton;
Noah D. Yeargin of Oxford.
Information Technology:
Douglas Boulia of Creedmoor;
Benjamin A. Johnson and Elizabeth H. Wonsetler, both of Henderson;
Timon W. Bailey of Louisburg;
Lewis K. Carr of Raleigh;
Christopher R. Deitz of Stem;
Cody Brandenburg of Youngsville.
Mechatronics Engineering Technology:
Derek K. Gay of Franklinton;
Herbert H. Davis of Henderson.
Medical Office Administration:
Yamileth D. Portillo of Creedmoor;
Savannah N. Jones of Durham;
Sarah M. Cassell, Ashley A. Hedgepeth, Raeann Johnson, Denise M. Woodard and Roslyn C. Wynn, all of Henderson;
Holly R. Heston of Louisburg;
Lisha T. Harris, KeShonda A. McMannen and Kirstyn S. Woodall, all of Oxford.
Office Administration:
Tonya N. House of Henderson.
Paralegal Technology:
Lastacey D. Burwell of Kittrell;
Megan B. O’Quinn of Oxford;
Monica N. Woodlief of Wake Forest.
Pharmacy Technology:
Katelyn M. Cooper of Henderson;
Dawn C. Irby and Diana Aparicio Rodriguez, both of Oxford.
Radiography:
Shanice D. Alleyne, Karene K. Anderson, Matthew S. Battistel, Dwayne D. Huneycutt and Yvonne A. Stills, all of Creedmoor;
Michelle A. Matthews, Amber D. Peoples and Brooklyn Rooker, all of Henderson;
Angela J. Basili of Hillsborough;
Shayla A. Cash of Louisburg;
Megan I. Proctor of Macon;
Crystal G. Sorrell of Oxford;
Samantha Pierce of Raleigh;
Rubi J. Coyote Baizabal and Treva D. Gordan, both of Roxboro;
Marina E. Rombout of Stem;
Sabrina E. Bedard of Wake Forest.
Welding Technology:
Alexander-Ali M. Khafaga of Louisburg;
Dylan P. Lawson of Oxford.
Summer President’s and Dean’s List honorees are listed below.
President’s List: Spencer B. Boyd of Oxford (Associate in Arts) and Mary W. Wanjiku of Cary (Practical Nursing);
Dean’s List: James Geary of Franklinton (Associate in Science).
Henderson Man Sentenced to Six Years For Heroin & Gun Conviction
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-Press Release, U.S. Dept. of Justice
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that United States District Judge James C. Dever, III, sentenced DOMINIQUE WILLIAMS, 31, of Henderson to 72 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised released.
On March 12, 2019, WILLIAMS pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
On March 17, 2018, the Norlina and Warrenton Police Departments conducted a joint-agency license check on U.S. Highway 1 South in Warrenton, NC. As a part of that license check, a car occupied by WILLIAMS was stopped and officers detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. A search of WILLIAMS revealed 10 bindles of heroin in his pocket. A search of the car revealed a loaded 9mm handgun which had been reported stolen.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Warrenton Police Department, and the Norlina Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case for the government.
Town Talk (07/30/19): Recovery Volunteers Reunite Lost Pets With Family
100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
Tracey Dreibelbis and Mary Paschall, local MAR (Missing Animal Response) trained volunteers, were on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk to discuss their lost pet recovery process.
Dreibelbis, who also volunteers at the Granville County Animal Shelter, said she began the MAR training process for lost pet consultants in 2015 and received her completion certificate in 2016.
Her love for animals and the satisfaction of reuniting pets with their loved ones fuels her drive. “Once you find a match and you get a pet back home, it snowballs and you have to keep doing it,” Dreibelbis said.
Paschall, a Vance County native, met Dreibelbis last year when the two helped recover a dog that was involved with a transport escape on I-85.
“It’s been fun and I’ve enjoyed being involved,” said Paschall. “In the past, if I saw a lost dog along the road, I would stop and wonder why I could never get them to come to me. Then I had my training and I realized there are certain techniques involved; you just can’t go after a dog.”
Recently, Paschall was instrumental in locating “Titan,” a Shiba Inu that went missing after a car accident on I-85 southbound in June.
After seeing a Facebook posting about Titan’s situation, Paschall reached out to the dog’s owner Cecilie Taylor who lives in Apex.
“I started working with Cecilie to put out flyers and put up posters around the area,” said Paschall. “Then we set up a feeding station and heard nothing for several days.”
After a few days with no leads, Paschall said she received a text that there was a sighting of Titan. She then drove over to the area, spoke to another volunteer and, surprisingly, Titan “poked his head out.”
Using techniques she learned in MAR training, including remaining calm and using treats to pique the dog’s interest, Paschall was able to safely secure Titan and contact Taylor with the good news.
“It was a nice reunion to see,” said Paschall. “We got it on video. It was the way you want it to turn out.”
To hear the interview with Dreibelbis and Paschall 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.
Register Now: Rebuilding Hope’s Annual Kids’ Construction Camp Aug. 5 – 7
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-Information courtesy Rebuilding Hope, Inc.
Rebuilding Hope’s annual Kids’ Construction Camp (KCC) is scheduled for August 5 – 7 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. each day.
KCC gives second through sixth graders hands-on experiences with basic construction skills as they rotate through stations such as Hammer and Nails, Electrical and Plumbing, Block Laying and building a take-home project.
“So many people in our communities have construction skills, and they’re generous with their time and help with the camp,” says RHI coordinator Randolph Wilson.
“While campers rotate through areas of construction, we want them to be aware of how they are building their lives.”
“One of the stations in the camp is Bible study. Last year the theme of the study was ‘What Type of Reputation Are You Building?’”
At camp’s end participants are given certificates of completion.
Registration forms are available at www.rebuildinghopeinc.org.
RHI volunteers Steve Lyles, Ed Blue, Jim Montgomery and Richard Rogers help 2018 Kids’ Construction Camp participants build a stool, last year’s take-home project. (RHI photo)