SportsTalk: KVA Prepares For Holiday Tournament

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Mike Joyner, Kerr Vance Academy athletic director, has reason to be happy with the school’s Fall sports programs.  “Every team made the playoffs,” Joyner stated on Thursday’s SportsTalk.  Now that fall sports have come to an end, the winter sports season is kicking into high gear.  The Spartans have one win to their credit in boys basketball and the girls team is struggling with injuries at the moment but an upcoming holiday tournament at the school will give both squads a chance to rebound.  The tournament takes place next weekend.  “Big crowds and lots of alumni are expected,” Joyner said.

Joyner also singled out cheerleading coach Elizabeth Wilson.  “The cheerleading squad has tripled in size,” Joyner said.  One of the highlights of the upcoming basketball tournament will be the Spartanettes who are cheerleaders from lower grades, Almost like a JV cheerleading squad.  They have several opportunities to perform routines with the older girls throughout the season and the tournament will provide the Spartanettes a chance to show off their skills.  Again, the tournament begins Friday, December 15th at Kerr Vance Academy.

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Vance County Logo

The Local Skinny! Vance County Commissioners Meet

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Dan Brummitt is the newly elected chair of the Vance County Board of Commissioners. The District 4 representative was selected in a 5-2 vote during the Dec. 4 regular monthly meeting.

Leo Kelly was elected vice chair in a 4-3 vote.

Brummitt thanked outgoing chairperson Yolanda Feimster for her time as chair, saying it’s been a “very trying year,” mentioning the search for a new county manager as one of the challenges on the county’s plate. “Thank you for your leadership through this process,” Brummitt continued.

The commissioners got an update on the two instances of elevated lead reported to the county by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality.

The samples were taken from residential taps as part of a routine lead service inventory. The next step, most likely, is to take samples from the water system. The county now is waiting to hear back from the state about what will occur next.

In her report, County Manager Renee Perry asked commissioners to consider allowing the fire department to purchase personal protective equipment that will most likely be needed before preliminary results of the fire study are released in early 2024.

In her first few weeks as county manager, Perry said she has been meeting with various department heads within the county government. The budget that was approved in June included a freeze on capital expenditures, and Perry asked the commissioners to allow the fire department to purchase the PPE.

Brummitt, who also chairs the Public Safety Committee, said this request should be reviewed by the Public Safety Committee before a decision is made. The next meeting of Public Safety Committee is Dec. 20.

Brummitt told Perry that the committee had asked fire officials for a complete inventory of equipment, with expiration dates noted.

As part of the ongoing employee engagement efforts, County Finance Director Katherine Bigelow recognized Kathy Hope, who has worked in the finance department since July 2021, when Bigelow said “we stole her” from the Department of Social Services. Hope began working with DSS in December 2006 as a Medicaid caseworker.

Bigelow said Hope is a “truly exceptional” employee who doesn’t merely complete her work, but she elevates her work to a higher level. Her innovative thinking, unwavering dedication and positivity make her a valuable member of the county’s team.

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TownTalk: Amedisys Seeks Volunteers For Hospice

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COVID-19 restrictions affected just about every aspect of society, including the volunteer pool at Amedisys, a home health and hospice care agency that provides help to patients in hospice and respite care for their caregivers.

“Before COVID, I had volunteers,” said Roberta Freeman, regional volunteer coordinator for Amedisys, which serves the four-county area. Freeman was a guest on TownTalk with WIZS co-hosts Bill Harris and Steve Lewis.

Freeman said she is working to build back the volunteer program and shared details about how people can become involved.

Some of the attributes of an ideal volunteer fall under the category of soft skills, including being compassionate and having a heart for those who are in end-of-life care. Amedisys kicked off a holiday campaign to recruit volunteers called “Hope for the Holidays.” Freeman said it is her hope that people will give the gift of time to serve as a volunteer.

Direct-patient volunteering involves being matched with a patient or caregiver and then working out a schedule for regular visits, which could tasks such as running errands, light housework, caring for lawns or gardens, or even picking up prepaid grocery orders.

Anyone 16 or older can apply to volunteer, but individuals under the age of 18 aren’t allowed to visit homes unsupervised. There are plenty of administrative type jobs, too, including general office work, maintaining social media and representing Amedisys at community events.

Want to learn more? Contact Freeman at 225.412.7759 or email her at

Roberta.freeman@amedisys.com.

 

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Suspect Accused of Armed Robbery in Vance County Arrested

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— from the Office of Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

On November 30, 2023, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division apprehended Johnny Mayfield Jr. on charges related to an armed robbery in Vance County.

Upon apprehending Mayfield, he was found in possession of a concealed firearm.

Mayfield was served with multiple warrants including: felony robbery with a dangerous weapon; felony conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon; possession of a stolen firearm; and carrying a concealed weapon.

Mayfield also had an outstanding warrant for assault with a deadly weapon.

Mayfield was placed in the Vance County Jail with a $165,000 secured bond.

The information from the Sheriff indicated the suspect was apprehended near Middleburg Variety store.  Information about where the suspect is accused of committing an armed robbery in Vance County has not been provided.

MPH Gets Accreditation For Treating Patients With Chest Pain

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-information courtesy of Donna Young, Maria Parham Health Market Coordinator, Communications & Marketing

The American College of Cardiology has recognized Maria Parham Health for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Maria Parham Health was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation in December based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

“Maria Parham Health has demonstrated its commitment to providing Henderson/Vance County with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Maria Parham Health with Chest Pain Center Accreditation.”

Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms. They have streamlined their systems from admission to evaluation to diagnosis and treatment all the way through to appropriate post-discharge care and recommendations and assistance in patient lifestyle changes.

“As part of Duke Lifepoint Maria Parham is proud to offer “A” level care to the region and chest pain accreditation is one part of our commitment to evidenced based medicine and delivering the highest quality care possible within our offered services,” stated Bert Beard, Maria Parham Health CEO. “We appreciate our entire care team and affiliated providers for leading the way in this effort.”

The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Maria Parham Health access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including emergency treatment of heart attacks.

Feel free to stop here

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 730,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms. Other heart attack symptoms include, but are not limited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn-like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness and fainting.

Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care, developing an action plan; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing of guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of patients experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.

Dabney Drive

TownTalk: Dabney Drive NC DOT Project

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All signs point to growth for the city of Henderson in the not-too-distant future. Whether you’re talking new subdivisions or urban revitalization, bringing back passenger rail service or finally widening a major congested artery through a heavily commercial district, Henderson is getting ready for change.

Change is considered a necessary evil by some, a vital component for progress by others. Either way, most would agree that change is inevitable.

Drivers who make their way along Dabney Drive have long experienced backups and congestion, and the N.C. Department of Transportation has had a widening project on its State Transportation Improvement Plan for a while, but Henderson City Manager Terrell Blackmon said the project could see some activity soon.

Funding is in place for the project based on the current 2024-2033 STIP, Blackmon told WIZS News Tuesday via email.

The plan originally called for portions of Dabney Drive to become a divided highway, with plans for a “peanut” shaped roundabout at the intersection with South Garnett Street down to the Dorsey Road/Oxford Road area.

Blackmon said city leaders met with DOT officials on Nov. 2 to discuss the $56.7 million project, which will commence in January or February 2024 with a public meeting. If all goes according to the timeline, an environmental document would be ready by September of 2024, followed by right-of-way acquisition, with construction underway in 2028.

“Plans remain very similar to what was originally proposed,” Blackmon stated.  The concept includes upgrading the existing Dabney Drive for eastbound traffic and use the existing Corbitt Road/former railroad corridor for westbound traffic, he added.

“Dabney Drive is a critical artery for the city of Henderson,” Blackmon told community leaders in July 2022 during his “State of the City” address. “That widening project needs to happen as soon as possible.”

View the STIP plan here and scroll down to page 59 for Dabney Drive project details.

Ten years sounds like a long time, but when you’re talking about completing major projects like the Dabney Drive expansion and creating a downtown train station for commuter and passenger rail, a decade can go by quickly.

In light of Sen. Thom Tillis’s announcement Tuesday of $1 billion being earmarked for the the S-Line corridor that will ultimately bring a stop in Henderson, the opportunity for even more downtown development and growth is almost certain.

City leaders are planning next steps for the location of a downtown train station that could serve as a springboard for Henderson to be a destination for train travelers to dine, see a show and enjoy other downtown amenities that haven’t even been thought of yet.

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S-Line Rail Corridor

Tillis Announces $1 Billion Grant for Raleigh to Richmond Commuter Rail

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— press release courtesy of the office of U.S. Senator Thom Tillis

Dec. 5, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis announced a $1 billion grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for a new passenger rail route between Raleigh, NC and Richmond, VA. The route will be along the CSX Transportation “S-Line” as a part of the Southeast Corridor that will better connect North Carolina with Virginia, Washington D.C., and the Northeast Corridor.

“This $1 billion grant for North Carolina to make progress on the Raleigh to Richmond Rail Line is a big win for economic development in the region,” said Senator Tillis. “I’m proud this investment was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that I helped negotiate, write, and pass into law.”

The project improves system and service performance by developing a resilient and reliable passenger rail route that will also contribute to freight and supply chain resiliency in the Southeast. NCDOT and Amtrak will provide a 20% non-Federal match. Following selection, FRA will work with the recipient to establish and obligate the Phased Funding Agreement. FRA anticipates an initial obligation of FY22-23 funds under the agreement of up to $479,416,000, with contingent commitments from Advance Appropriations in FY24-26 providing the balance of funds.

For a list of specific BIL infrastructure grants, click HERE.

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https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-announces-1-billion-grant-for-raleigh-to-richmond-commuter-rail

Drop Off Letters To Santa At Aycock Rec Center Saturday

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Bring the kids out to Aycock Recreation Center Saturday morning for a chance to write letters to Santa and even get photos with the Jolly Old Elf himself! The Grinch will be on hand as well, but he won’t be trying to keep Christmas from coming – promise.

The Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department is hosting the free children’s event from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, according to information from Crystal Allen.

Kids can send off their letters, enjoy some holiday goodies and take part in some special craft activities.

Parents and grandparents, make sure you bring your camera to snap some photos.

Contact Allen at 252.431.6091 or crystalallen@henderson.nc.gov to learn more.

Aycock Rec Center is located at 307 Carey Chapel Road in Henderson.

TownTalk: Christmas At SaddleRock Farm

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SaddleRock Farm will host a winter festival on Saturday, Dec. 9 and invites families to come out to enjoy horseback rides, hay rides, games and more, all while celebrating The Reason for the Season.

Emily Parker was a guest on Tuesday’s TownTalk to provide details of the event and all the farm activities as part of WIZS’s Business Spotlight series.

The winter festival will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $8, and children under 3 are free, Parker said. “The Christmas festival offers fun things to do with the family,” she said.

“We decided on a low price…to attract more people,” she said. “If we get more people, we can tell more people about Jesus,” Parker added.

“We wanted to offer our farm as a place for people to come and hang out” during the holiday season, Parker said. There will be Christmas crafts for the little ones, and Santa himself will be there for anyone who’d like to get a photo. Parker said the farm goats will even be dressed in ugly Christmas sweaters!

“We will have a nativity scene and a story of the birth of Jesus,” Parker said.

SaddleRock Farm is located at 1786 Weldons Mill Rd. in Henderson.

To learn more about other events at the farm, including planning for a springtime field trip, visit http://www.saddlerockfarm.us/.

 

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