TownTalk: ‘Tis The Season For Scams

/by

With Christmas just a few weeks away, folks are getting into that hustle-and-bustle mode as they try to take care of all the things that make the holidays special – including choosing the perfect gifts for family and friends.

There’s always more to do than time to do it, and an attorney for the Federal Trade Commission has some advice for anyone who feels frazzled and pushed for time: Give yourself time to know who you’re dealing with, whether you’re shopping online or taking a call from someone who claims to be a family member in need.

Ken Abbe, and FTC attorney in the Western Region of the U.S., was a guest on Tuesday’s segment of TownTalk.

“Everybody’s busy getting things done,” Abbe said, which makes this time of year prime time for scammers.

As Abbe pointed out, this is the time of year that people want to be as generous as possible – “it’s the perfect environment to get you – when you’re vulnerable,” Abbe said.

Abbe said it’s important for online shoppers to use a credit card or other type of payment that can be reversed or disputed if a suspicious or unauthorized payment is made. He does not recommend using debit cards, gift cards or wire transfers because, once spent, “that money is probably gone forever. Avoid things you can’t reverse to make a payment.”

It’s not just bogus online commerce sites that people fall for, Abbe said.

Chances are you know someone who’s gotten “that” phone call: a grandchild or family member who’s been in a car crash, or been arrested, or has fallen ill and needs money to get out of the situation.

“There are always things to do to make sure the person is (really) who you’re talking to,” Abbe said. “Scammers are clever,” he added and can quickly dupe unsuspecting victims into forking over lots of money.

Abbe encourages individuals to visit www.ftc.gov to learn about scammers and to file complaints.

“We collect complaints from all over the country from people who have been victims of scams. They are our eyes and ears,” Abbe said. “We can’t stop companies from ripping people off if we don’t know about it.”

And while there are very sophisticated schemes that operate online and take advantage of vulnerable, well-meaning individuals, there’s one time-tested adage to keep in mind: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

 

CLICK PLAY!

 

The Local Skinny! Local Filing Period Now Open

/by

The filing period is now open for the 2024 elections. Vance County voters will elect four members of the county commissioners and four members of the board of education.

So far, neither incumbents nor challengers have filed. The filing period opened Monday, Dec. 4 at 12 noon and will close on Friday, Dec. 15 at 12 noon, according to Vance County Board of Elections Director Jennifer Cocklin.

County commissioners in districts 1,2,5 and 6 will be elected. Carolyn Faines holds the District 1 seat, Archie Taylor holds the District 2 seat, Leo Kelly is in District 5 and Yolanda Feimster is the District 6 commissioner.

Kelly filed on Tuesday, Dec. 5 for the District 5 seat.

Candidates for county commissioner will pay a $138.59 filing fee, payable by check, and must present a valid photo ID, live in the district they wish to file for and be 21 years old by Election Day. Primary Elections will be held on March 5 and the general election is slated for Nov, 5, 2024.

Candidates for school board will pay a $72 filing fee. Seats in Districts 1,3,4 and 5 will be up for election.

Cocklin clarified that any filing fee more than $50 must be paid by check.

Currently, Gloria White represents District 1, Dorothy Gooch represents District 3, Ed Wilson represents District 4 and Linda Cobb represents District 5.

Additional information can be found on the Vance County Board of Elections website:  https://www.vancecounty.org/departments/board-of-elections/upcoming-candidate-filing-information/.

 

CLICK PLAY!

 

Vance County Logo

Elevated Lead In County Water Most Likely Isolated Cases, Manager Explains

/by

Vance County commissioners and staff recently became aware of a couple of elevated lead values in water samples in the Vance County Water District, Phase 1A.

The two locations – one on Warrenton Road and one on Vicksboro Road – showed twice the allowable levels of lead at .030 MG/L. The threshold is .015 MG/L.

At the time, Vance County Manager Renee Perry said that, in addition to informing the public in a variety of ways about the levels, Envirolink – the county’s contracted water department – would perform more sampling to determine the source of the lead.

Perry followed up with additional information to WIZS stating that the Vance County Water District has collected a total of 70 lead/copper samples in phase one since 2014.. During that period only three samples have exceeded the DEQ’s allowable limit – one in 2020 and two this year.

Actually, it took three months for the Department of Environmental Quality to notify the County, and, in general, the questions that have arisen have been numerous.

The Vance County Water District was designed and built without lead components.  And only two samples exceeded the allowable threshold.

According to Perry, the elevated samples appear isolated and not a system-wide problem.

“This is typically an indicator of resident plumbing due to the isolated results and age of the VCWD system.  DEQ has requested testing of the phase one entry point which is scheduled for (this) week.  Once the results of this test are received DEQ should provide additional guidance.”

TownTalk: Fire Safety Tips For Your Home

/by

Batalion Chief Lee Edmonds with the Henderson Fire Department reminds residents of several safety measures to preserve property and protect lives as December ushers in colder weather.

Anyone who uses a portable space heater as a supplemental heat source should make sure that it is positioned at least 3 feet from things like furniture and curtains – anything that could catch fire, Edmonds said on Monday’s TownTalk.

And, he said, any electric heater should be plugged directly into a wall outlet – please don’t use a drop cord.

“Power strips are a whole lot better to use – if you have to,” Edmonds said, adding that drop cords are for temporary use and not for a permanent use for any appliance, lamp, television or other items in the home.

If your home has a working fireplace, it’s a good idea to clean the chimney a couple of times a year and inspect it to make sure it’s structurally sound.

Place a fire screen in front of the fireplace to reduce the likelihood that ashes will pop. Even if you’re using decorative or gas logs, it’s a good idea to place a screen in front to protect children and pets from getting too close to the heat source.

The fire department is just a phone call away if you need to have your smoke detector or carbon monoxide monitor checked. Edmonds said the department is installing smoke detectors that have a 10-year life span. There are no batteries to replace – when it chirps, simply dispose of it and replace the whole unit, he said.

Contact the fire department to make an appointment at 252.430.1877 and leave a voicemail if necessary.

CLICK PLAY!

 

The Local Skinny! Christmas Pop Up Shop To Support Domestic Violence Victims

/by

A local nonprofit organization that assists victims of domestic violence and sexual assault is sponsoring a Christmas Bazaar on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Kearah’s Place, located at 946 W. Andrews Ave., Suite O, is hosting the pop-up fundraiser which includes pictures with Santa, a silent auction and a number of vendors.

More than 1,000 have been helped over the past 10 years at Kearah’s Place, said Jasmine Bryant, executive director.

Kearah’s Place, online at www.kearahsplace.org, partners with numerous local agencies to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault as they work through difficult times and strive to become self-sufficient.

“We want to support people in need…and empower people to grow better instead of bitter,” Bryant said on Monday’s segment of The Local Skinny! In addition to providing transitional housing, Kearah’s Place provides a range of victim advocacy services, as well as job skills workshops and more to help individuals get back on their feet, Bryant said. Call the office at 252.598.2025 to find out how Kearah’s Place can help.

Interested in becoming a vendor? There’s still time and space, said administrative assistant Courtney Anthony. “We have room for plenty more – the more the merrier,” Anthony said.

Contact Anthony at 252.204.8079 to learn more or email her at Canthony.kearahsplace@gmail.com.

CLICK PLAY!

 

MPH Cancer Center Angel Fund Gets $19K Boost From Henderson Firefighters

/by

Flanked by a dozen or so fire department colleagues, Henderson Battalion Chief Lee Edmonds presented a check for more than $19,000 to members of the Maria Parham Health Oncology Department on Thursday afternoon.

The money – $19,070.06 to be exact – will be deposited into the cancer center’s Angel Fund, which helps cancer patients in a variety of ways – from helping defray transportation costs to buying medicine and equipment. Hope Breedlove, a social worker at Maria Parham, said the gift for the Angel Fund comes from angels in the community, courtesy of the fire department’s annual “fill the boot” campaign.

“You’re the angels behind the Angel Fund,” Breedlove told the firefighters upon accepting the donation.

Breedlove said 100 percent of the money goes to meet the very special needs of the patients that come to Maria Parham for treatment.

She said the’s crunched the numbers and roughly two patients each day get help from the Angel Fund. “That’d be two treatments that they wouldn’t get,” were it not for the money made available through the firefighters’ fundraising.

The fundraiser had humble beginnings eight years ago with a t-shirt sale, but for the past five years, firefighters have positioned themselves empty boots in hand, in front of the fire station on Dabney Drive, asking for donations.

Edmonds and colleagues handed over the fruits of their labor Thursday afternoon to hospital staff outside the entrance to the Cancer Center, Big Engine 1 providing the backdrop for the presentation.

“This has been a hard year for us,” Edmonds told those assembled to witness the presentation. Fire Chief Steve Cordell lost a valiant battle with cancer in January.

Tim Twisdale was selected to succeed Cordell and he was on hand Thursday as well. “Thank you,” he told the hospital staff, many of whom were in their work scrubs, “for what you’re doing…for all who may not have the necessary funds” to get to and from appointments and treatments.

City Manager Terrell Blackmon echoed those sentiments, adding that city leaders appreciate what the hospital does for the community.

Blackmon said his father died of cancer, and he knows firsthand the impact that cancer has on its victims and their loved ones.

Optimist Club Essay Contest Open; Deadline Feb. 2, 2024

/by

The Optimist Club of Henderson’s essay contest is now open! The deadline to submit entries is Feb. 2, 2024.

This year’s theme is “Optimism: How It Connects Us,” and Diane Barberio said the contest is open to any Vance County resident who is a student in primary or secondary school under the age of 19 who hasn’t completed high school.

First prize is $150; second prize is $125 and third prize is $100. The first-place winner advances to the district level for an opportunity to receive a $2,500 scholarship prize.

Entries can be dropped off at Schewel’s Furniture, 940 S. Beckford Dr. with Charles Hearn.
For more information, contact Barberio at optimist2324essay@gmail.com or visit the club’s Optimist Club of Henderson Essay Contest Facebook page.