TownTalk: Martin Luther King Day Events

/by

As the community reflects on and commemorates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., WIZS Radio would like to take the opportunity to offer some glimpses into the day’s activities across Henderson and how these actions support the values that Dr. King stood for.

 “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”  – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Joseph Brodie, founder of Carolina United for Change, was set up outside Perry Memorial Library on MLK Day to collect much-needed items for area homeless shelters. It’s the third year his organization has undertaken this commitment to provide personal hygiene items, toiletries and cleaning supplies for use at the shelters, and he told WIZS News Monday morning that the community is responding.

“It’s not a flood of people, but they’re trickling in,” Brodie said.

Part of the MLK observance for Brodie is getting out in the community and “doing some footwork” to keep the legacy alive, he said.

One of those foot soldiers was Shelton Lynch, pastor at Guiding Star United Holy Church of America in Manson.

“It’s very important that all of us do something to help others who are less fortunate than we are,” Lynch told WIZS News in a telephone interview from the donation site.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is ‘What are you doing for others’”?

More than 200 volunteers participated in Monday’s pack-a-thon for Rise Against Hunger and after one hour, the report from the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center was positive: volunteers had packed 15,000 meals, putting them on track to achieve the goal of 60,000 meals by 2:30 p.m. Monday.

Sandra Wiggins, one of the event facilitators, said the goal of raising $25,000 to fund the program also had been met. School groups and church groups from across Vance and Granville counties joined forces at the pack-a-thon to feed hungry people across the globe.

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

Spring Street Missionary Baptist Church on Orange Street in Henderson hosted a breakfast program Monday morning titled “Living the Dream, It Starts with Me –

Spreading Hope, Courage and Unity.”

Those in attendance to commemorate and remember King’s legacy, like Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame, no doubt were inspired by the essays, poems, music and remarks from various speakers including former State Senator Erika Smith and Henderson’s own Jayden Watkins.

“That young man’s going to be a leader…he has the mental attitude to move forward,” Brame said of Watkins, the 15-year-old minister and CEO of Higher Is Waiting, a nonprofit organization. Watkins spoke on King’s impact on society and he told WIZS News Monday that he delivered a message of a need for change.

“I wanted the audience to feel empowered,” Watkins said, “and to make sure we use our voices…for equity, equality and justice for all.”

In looking out at the audience, Watkins said he saw numerous community leaders and elected officials, including Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott, N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon, Sheriff Brame and City Manager Terrell Blackmon.

He said he is pleased to see more diverse leadership on the Henderson City Council and said that he feels positive about the community and its forward movement.

“I don’t feel like we’re at a pause,” he said.

“Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.”

Watkins said he was honored to be among the speakers at Monday’s event and added that he was grateful for Spring Street Missionary Baptist Church for hosting the celebration, calling it “a beacon of hope and a beacon of light in our community.”

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

CLICK PLAY!

 

The Local Skinny! Sossamon Appointed To Legislative Oversight Committee

/by

 

N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon has been selected to sit on two committees by N.C. Speaker Tim Moore, Sossamon’s office announced recently.

Sossamon, representing District 32 that includes Vance and most of Granville counties, now is a member of the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee and the House Select Committee on Substance Abuse.

As a member of the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee, Sossamon will help shape policies and initiatives that impact the state’s transportation infrastructure, according to the press statement. The committee works to enhance and improve transportation systems across the state.

The House Select Committee on Substance Abuse plays a role in developing strategies and policies to combat substance abuse and ensure the well-being of the state’s residents. A major focus of the committee will be exploring ways to control the unregulated and untested drugs that have been created to mimic the effects of opioids that are widely available for purchase across North Carolina.

“I am honored to have been appointed to these crucial committees by Speaker Moore,” Sossamon stated. “I look forward to working collaboratively with my colleagues to address the challenges in transportation and substance abuse facing our state. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of our constituents.”

CLICK PLAY!

 

H-V Chamber Of Commerce Banquet Mar. 7; Award Nominations Accepted Through Feb. 2

/by

The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce will host its annual banquet on Thursday, Mar. 7. Sponsorships are available and tickets may be purchased now for the event, the theme of which is Past, Present, Future, according to Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson.

“Join us as we take a walk down memory lane, get updates on the present and what we expect our future to look like in Henderson and Vance County,” Wilkerson said in information sent to WIZS News. The banquet will be held at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center.

The Chamber also will reveal the 2023 Vance County Citizen of the Year at the banquet. Nominations for this award will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, Wilkerson noted.

Find the nomination form here: https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Henderson-Vance-Chamber-of-Commerce-Citizen-of-the-Year-form-2023.pdf

Completed nominations may be submitted electronically to sandra@hendersonvance.org, dropped by the office, 414 S. Garnett St., Henderson or mailed to Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce at P.O. Box 1302, Henderson, NC  27536

Visit the Chamber website at to download a nomination form.

The banquet is the Chamber’s biggest fundraiser; Wilkerson recognized Duke Energy for its continued role in the effort by being the presenting sponsor.

Other sponsorship levels are noted below:

 

Presenting Sponsor (only 1) Duke Energy                $4000

  • Eight complimentary tickets, Company Banner provided by sponsor displayed, Company name on all promotional pieces, recognition during Banquet, recognition on Social Media, radio and newspaper

Gold Sponsor                                       $2500

  • Six complimentary tickets, Company name on program agenda, recognition during Banquet, recognition on Social Media, radio and newspaper

Silver Sponsor                                     $1500

  • Four complimentary tickets, Company name on program agenda, recognition during Banquet

Table Sponsor                                      $1000

  • Two complimentary tickets, Centerpiece and individual attendee gift.  Company name on program agenda and recognition at banquet.

Pre-Dinner Social Sponsor                  $1000

  • Two complimentary tickets, signage at food and beverage table. Company name on program agenda and recognition at banquet.

Tickets are $60 each and tables of eight may be purchased as well.

.

The evening kicks off with appetizers served from 5:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. The meal catered by Cook Shack Catering, will begin at 6 p.m.

Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce

The Citizen of the Year award is presented annually by the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce to an individual whose outstanding service and dedication has made a significant contribution to the community.  Qualities and criteria looked for are as follows:

 

  • A person who is a resident of Vance County.
  • A person who has shown a willingness to volunteer for community organizations, giving freely of their time and talents, is enthusiastic about the community and its citizens, and who serves in positions working for the betterment of the community.
  • Someone who is dedicated to the community, lends leadership and vision, and who assists in achieving organizational goals of the community.  They may serve on service, school, church, or civic committees.
  • A person with the qualities of honesty and integrity.
  • The community work they are involved with should not be a part of their business career or paid positions they have held.

 

The recipient does not have to be a member of the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce.  A nominee need only be nominated once to be considered.  The number of nominations received per nominee will bear no weight in their selection.

Tuesday’s Storm Causes Overflow Of Untreated Water At City Pump Stations, Manholes

/by

Information courtesy of the City of Henderson

The City of Henderson’s Sewer Collection System bypassed approximately 226,800 gallons of untreated water on Jan. 9, 2024 due to inflow/infiltration from heavy rain.  The overflows occurred at two pump stations – Sandy Creek and Julia Avenue – and numerous manholes, according to the notice sent to WIZS by the city.

Approximately 216,000 gallons of untreated water entered tributaries to Sandy Creek, RedBud Creek, and NutBush Creek and another 10,800 gallons of untreated water was contained on the ground.

 

City officials listed the following locations where overflows at manholes occurred:

  • Neathery Street
  • intersection of North Pinkston Street/Farrar Avenue
  • intersection of Alexander Avenue/South Elizabeth Street
  • intersection of Alexander Avenue/Willow Lane
  • Green Acres Outfall, (two manholes)
  • East Rockspring Street
  • Bridgers Street
  • Beckford Drive Outfall

North Carolina General Statutes article 21 chapter 143.215.1c requires a press release for all bypasses of 1,000 gallons or more that enter surface waters.

Questions concerning this matter should be directed to Joey Long, Jr. – Collection System ORC at 252.226.4492, Christy Lipscomb – HWRF Director/ORC at 252.430.9387, or Public Works Director Lee Owen at 252.431.0419.

 

 

 

Vance Charter Lottery Window Open Jan. 22-Feb. 29

/by

Lottery applications for Vance Charter School will be accepted beginning on Jan. 22, 2024 through Feb. 29, 2024.  Applications can be accessed at vancecharter.org. 

The lottery will be held on Mar. 2, 2024, according to John Sossamon, a member of the school’s board of directors. Parent information sessions will be held at Vance Charter School on Tuesday, Jan. 30 and Thursday, Feb. 15 at 6 pm, in the school’s media center.

Vance Charter School is located at 2090 Ross Mill Rd., Henderson.

Visit vancecharter.org to learn more.

TownTalk: Contacting NC DOT To Resolve Roadway Issues

/by

If the heavy rains and high winds earlier this week have created problems along state-maintained roadways, it’s important to let the N.C. Dept. of Transportation folks know about them so proper repairs can be made.

In days gone by, a quick look in the phone book could have produced a local number to call, but it’s not that simple any more.

Or is it?

These days, a quick online search can yield good information about how to report problems. WIZS is making that search one click closer for you: click on https://www.ncdot.gov/contact/Pages/default.aspx to go straight to the NC DOT “Contact Us” page and find out everything you need to know about reporting a problem.

Whether it’s a dead tree hanging ominously over a road, a clogged culvert, pothole or an animal carcass in the roadway, this page can help get the problem to the right folks at DOT to handle the situation.

CLICK PLAY!

 

The Local Skinny! Pop The Hood: Flat Tires, Spare Tires

/by

For our sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, as part of a paid radio sponsorship on WIZS.

OK, you consider yourself a good car owner – you keep the oil changed, make sure the filters get replaced when they need replacing and you even have a litter bag stashed in the backseat to help keep the interior tidy.

But when’s the last time you checked the spare tire?

Thursday’s Pop the Hood segment could be called “Pop The Trunk” because it’s all about that item resting in a well under trunk lining.

Is your vehicle’s spare tire a full-size tire, just like the other four? Or is it one of those “donuts” that are useful enough to get us to a repair shop or back home?

A small-size tire – that “donut” – is designed for short distances and is rated for speeds of about 45 mph.

It’s not the same as a full-size tire, so drivers who must use this type of spare tire should be mindful to take it slow and to get it replaced as soon as possible.

If you’ve never had a flat tire, count yourself among the lucky ones (and knock on wood, for good measure). And if you’ve never had to use your spare tire, just remember: It’s been sitting in the same location for awhile, so it may need some air. Just because it’s not one of the four tires currently in use, doesn’t mean it deserves to be ignored. You should check periodically that the spare is properly inflated, too.

There are other products available at Advance Auto Parts to help in case of a tire emergency. Let the helpful Advance staff help you find a plug kit or a can of Fix-a-Flat that you can stash in the trunk alongside that spare – just in case.

 

The information contained in this post is not advice from Advance Auto Parts or WIZS.  Safety First!  Always seek proper help.  This is presented for its informational value on and is part of a paid advertising sponsorship.

Click Play!