The Local Skinny! Sossamon Appointed To Legislative Oversight Committee

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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.”

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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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

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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.

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Vance County Schools Adds Two To District Leadership Roles

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Vance County Schools has added to its leadership staff with the recent hiring of a Career and Technical Education director as well as a Safety Coordinator.

Dr. Aretha Garr is the new CTE director, according to information from VCS spokesperson Aarika Sandlin. Milton Thomas is the district’s new safety coordinator.

Garr brings to her new role at VCS more than two decades of experience of guiding students towards fulfilling and successful careers. She most recently was career development coordinator and principal designee at the Academy at Smith’s Signature Career Academy of Biomedical Sciences in Guilford County.

She also was CTE Department Chair at Parkland IB Magnet High School and Carver High School, both in Winston-Salem.

“I am excited to work towards increasing program enrollment and retention, and forging powerful community partnerships to ensure students have all the tools they need to make informed career decisions,” Garr said in a press statement.

Garr has Bachelor of Business Administration from High Point University, a Master of Healthcare Administration from Pfeiffer University and the School Administrator credential through the Master of School Administration Licensure Program at N.C. A&T State University. She graduated with an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from High Point University.

As the VCS Safety Coordinator, Thomas brings vast experience in the areas of security, investigations and emergency management to his new role. With more than 30 years’ experience in the field, Thomas has been a Marine MP, criminal investigator and drill instructor, as well as additional experience as a law enforcement officer and  For the last 18 years of his time with the USMC, he was a Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Defense Officer. In this role, Thomas focused on emergency and consequence management. Upon retirement from the service, Thomas joined Vance County Schools at Clarke Elementary as the Media and Technology Assistant.

Thomas earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and his Master of Science in Performance Improvement from the University of Arkansas Grantham.