WIZS Radio Local News Audio 10-05-23 Noon Special Report

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The Local Skinny! Vance And Granville Benefit From State Budget Appropriations

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State employees, current and retired, who live in District 32 join others across the state who will see bumps in salaries and retirement checks, thanks to provisions in the budget most recently approved in Raleigh.

In his first months in the N.C. House representing District 32, Frank Sossamon helped secure those provisions, but that’s not all the freshman representative has been busy with.

Sossamon has been involved in attracting a wide variety of programs and projects- with a pricetag of $44 million – to the district.

“I look forward to seeing the great impact these projects will have on my community,” Sossamon said in a press release. “This budget will allow our state to continue to receive recognition as a great place to own a business and live.”

In addition to salaries for teachers and other state workers, the state budget includes $2 billion for water and sewer improvement projects and more than $620 million for behavioral mental health programs. And Sossamon has secured large slices of the budget pie in those two areas to come right here to Vance and Granville counties.

Sossamon spoke with WIZS News Tuesday about being a legislator. “It’s amazing to me the kind of reception I’ve received from the very beginning,” he said, adding that he has been appointed to some important committees, including the powerful Appropriations Committee.

He said he talked with a lot of legislators to make sure District 32 was included in discussions. “I worked hard with every chairman and vice chairman. Not only did we do a proposal for each (project), but I verbally expressed why these projects need to be supported.”

And that hard work seems to have paid off.

Vance-Granville Community College is getting $11.5 million to create an Advanced Manufacturing Center in Granville County’s Triangle North Business Park. “It’s going to be a game changer,” Sossamon said. It will show prospective businesses looking in the area that District 32 can train workers and support business and manufacturing. “This is going to put us in a different position than we’ve ever been in” for recruiting business and industry, he said.

“This makes me feel good that this is now happening and moving forward,” he added.

And $10 million is flowing to the City of Oxford for water improvements with Kerr Lake Regional Water System.

Maria Parham Healthcare Center is getting $5 million to bolster its capacity and ability to improve mental health and substance abuse outcomes.

Other water and sewer projects – including $4 million for Vance County and $5 million for South Granville Water and Sewer round out the 7-figure awards.

Sossamon said the work he does in Raleigh is just part of the overall effort to effect change. “In addition to VGCC, Kerr-Tar COG and economic development leaders, he said “it takes every entity in the district, in each county, every municipality,” he said. “It takes all those, and others, to see these things come to fruition. Everybody has to be going – economically – in the same direction.”

Prospective businesses and industry choose communities for a variety of reasons, not just a pool of trained employees. Education and crime are key indicators, too, and Vance County is getting more than $691,000 to provide the sheriff’s office with body-worn cameras and support equipment. ”We have some appropriation chairs that are pro-law enforcement,” Sossamon noted. “Any time they can support law enforcement, they’re gonna do it.

Sossamon said he predicts the body cameras will be a morale builder for the sheriff and his officers. Having a state-of-the-art department will be a selling point for recruiting, he said.

I’m thrilled for Sheriff Brame,” he said. “I’m elated that this kind of money is coming to the different entities in Vance County to have a better quality of life.”

Hard work lobbying notwithstanding, Sossamon said he is pleased so far with the outcomes for his district.

“I’m trying to do all I can…(for) not just one, but every person.” And that’s what he says he’ll continue to do. “I really want to make our counties better than what they are now.”

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VCS Announces September Student Spotlight Honorees

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Information courtesy of Aarika Sandlin, Vance County Schools Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support

 

Vance County Schools has named its three Student Spotlight winners for September. De’Shun Woods of Vance County Early College, Adreyan Burton of Vance County High School and Taelyn Evans of E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy are the first honorees for the 2023-24 school year.

Students are selected for demonstrating exemplary qualities and contributions to their school communities, according to Aarika Sandlin, VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support. The Student Spotlight program, sponsored by Vance County Schools and the Vance County Public School Foundation, aims to celebrate outstanding students who are making a meaningful difference in their schools.

 

De’Shun Woods, senior, Vance County Early College

Woods is a senior at Vance County Early College. He is a natural leader, said Student Government Association Sponsor Brian Schlessinger, who commended Woods for his “innate

leadership qualities and dedication to helping others.” He demonstrates leadership through his academic achievements and his willingness to provide guidance and support to his peers.

Biology teacher Vicki-Ann Fullwood Barrett cited his “consistent performance in the classroom and engagement in discussions, which have been commendable. Beyond academics, he has demonstrated a commitment to being well-rounded through involvement in extracurricular activities, showcasing his dedication to personal growth.”

Woods is vice president of the Student Government Association, president of the Beta Club and

and serves as community service director of the National Honor Society. He plays clarinet and is the woodwind captain for the Vance County High Band. Woods was crowned Homecoming King recently and is a Vance-Granville Community College ambassador. And if that’s not enough, Woods also has a job with Chick-fil-A of Henderson.

Criminology is one of his favorite classes, and Woods has stated that he would like to pursue a criminal justice degree at N.C. State University to prepare him for a career with the N.C. State Highway Patrol. Woods said recently that the class is learning policing styles and discrimination in law enforcement, which motivates him to encourage more minorities to join the profession.

In his down time, Woods likes to listen to R&B music and watch his favorite TV show, The Blacklist. He said his mother is his biggest role model – she works hard and he values her leadership qualities. When asked what advice he would share with others, he said that students must have a voice for themselves and not be deterred by others’ opinions. He wants to encourage people to help one another and become the best version of themselves. De’Shun Woods is a shining example of a student positively impacting the Vance County Early College community and the community at-large.

Adreyan Burton, Junior, Vance County High School

Burton, a junior at Vance County High School, shines brightly as the Student Spotlight for September. His journey at the school is marked by outstanding scholarship and leadership. His commitment to academics and his consistent placement at the top of his class is a testament to his dedication to excel in his studies, school leaders state.

His passion for knowledge is evident in his willingness to go above and beyond in his

schoolwork, always striving for excellence. Beyond academic achievements, Burton possesses an extraordinary leadership gifts that motivate and engage others. He inspires his peers and contributes to a positive learning environment.

His favorite subject is English, because he said it keeps his mind sharp and focused. But he takes time for activities outside the classroom like donning the VCS Viper costume for school and sports activities.

Burton exhibits empathy and kindness in all that he does and he is known for his willingness to help anyone in need, whether it’s creating a culture of support and inclusion at school or inviting a homeless person to a restaurant to make sure that individual had at least one meal that day.

Weightlifting helps him stay in shape and he also enjoys riding 4-wheelers, the music of Hunxo and Lil Tony and TV’s “The Regular Show.”

He admires his mom for teaching him independence and advises others to focus on themselves, be unique and keep smiling.

With aspirations of being an entrepreneur, Burton said he could see himself flipping house or having his own clothing store. His dream adventure includes a visit to Jamaica to enjoy the beaches and the cuisine unique to that Caribbean island.

Taelyn Evans, 4th grader, EM Rollins STEAM Academy 

Evans, a 4th grader at E.M. Rollins STEAM  Academy, was recognized for her exceptional talents and dedication for learning. She comes to class eager to listen, learn, and excel in all subject areas. Her commitment to education is seen in her academic achievements, but also in her willingness to assist her classmates with their questions and assignments. She is a great team player and collaborates well with her peers, making her a dependable and supportive classmate.

Math is her favorite subject because her teacher, Ebony Watkins, makes content fun, she said.

Beyond her academic focus, her passion for

learning is matched only by her love for dancing and

singing. She is a member of Queen of Diamonds dance team and superstar Beyonce is her role model in the area of performing arts. She participates in school musical performances and plays baseball in the community.

Asked what advice she would give to other students, Evans said she wants everyone to do their best, try hard, and remember what they learn in class. Also, to stay calm and have good behavior. She aspires to be a singer and a veterinarian because she loves singing and animals, especially dogs. Asked if she could go on an adventure in the world, she shared that she would visit Africa to see animals and

Jamaica to reconnect with a former teacher. Her motivation for attending school every day is that her mom wants her to have a good education, along with her siblings and a large, loving family.

It’s her dedication and enthusiasm for learning that puts this young lady in the September Student Spotlight. Her teachers are proud to witness her growth, achievements and her commitment to helping other students within the school.

The Local Skinny! Watkins Fire Dept. Fires Up The Grill

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Watkins Volunteer Fire Department is having is fall barbecued chicken and pork barbecue fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 6. Assistant Fire Chief Brandon Link said he and his fellow Watkins firefighters are preparing now to have plates ready beginning about 11 a.m.

Link said their May plate sales went so well that they upped the number of chicken halves to just over 900. Add the 250 pounds of chopped barbecue and you’ve got the makings for a delicious meal.

Chicken plates are $12, chicken/pork barbecue combo plates are $15 and 1-pound containers of pork barbecue are $10.

Prepping for a fundraiser of this type gets volunteers together, all working for a common goal. That fits right in with the philosophy that firefighters are part of a close-knit group.

“We preach brotherhood at the fire department, the fire service in general,” Link said. Whether it’s fire safety training or chopping barbecue and cutting cabbage for cole slaw, Link said firefighters work together like family to produce results.

“Everybody has a job,” Link said. Not everyone has the same skill sets to perform all jobs, but everybody can do something to contribute, he said. There’s an art to putting together a fundraiser like this one, he said. “It was passed on to me and now we are passing on” that knowledge to those young volunteers who may be new to the “craft of the barbecued chicken fundraiser.”

Call the fire department at 252.492.0600 or Link at 252.432.5219 (call or text) to place an order or arrange delivery.

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Bicycle Tour Rolls Into Town Wednesday

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Drivers in Vance and Granville counties will get to share the roads with hundreds of cyclists Wednesday when Cycle North Carolina’s annual “Mountains to Coast bicycle tour rolls into town. The bikers will be arriving in Oxford as early as 10 a.m. and will continue on toward Henderson through the afternoon.

Organizers expected as many as 900 cyclists to start the trek from Banner Elk on Sunday, and wend their way to Emerald Isle by Saturday, Oct. 7.

Participants average about 60 miles each day, which has them passing through downtown Oxford and then on to Henderson, where they’ll spend the night before moving on to the next stop.

The cyclists will have a chance to shop, eat and visit in Oxford and Henderson, and there will be activities taking place to welcome the visitors.

to On Wednesday, October 4th, the annual Cycle North Carolina Mountains to Coast Bicycle Tour will be passing through our downtown area between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This event will bring up to 900 bicyclists to our streets, and we want to ensure that you are prepared for any potential impacts on your business.

 

 

All Four Candidates for Henderson Mayor on TownTalk

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The following is part of WIZS’s continuing coverage of the Oct. 10 municipal elections in Henderson. The four mayoral candidates spoke with WIZS News recently in separate interviews which were recorded and aired from 11 a.m. to 12 noon Monday during a special TownTalk segment; hear the 15-minute segments in their entirety at www.wizs.com.

 

The four candidates vying for the office of mayor have differing viewpoints of Henderson, but they share a common positive outlook about what the future holds for the city they each hope to lead.

With the election now just a week away, city residents are closer to learning which candidate  – Sara Coffey, Melissa Elliott, Greg Etheridge or Jason Spriggs – will take the reins in December.

Coffey, Elliott and Spriggs currently sit on the City Council; Coffey would retain her seat if she is not successful in her mayoral bid, but Elliott and Spriggs each decided to forego re-election bids in favor of running for mayor. Etheridge, a newcomer to local politics and running for elected office, said he’s hopeful for the city’s prospects, no matter the outcome of the election. He and others outside the early voting location have formed friendships and connections while they show support for the local candidates.

“It really is about relationships,” Etheridge said. “You’re running a campaign and there’s going to be an outcome,” but everyone wants “the same thing – a better city.”

The current council and city leaders have promoted revitalization efforts in and near the downtown area as plans for making Henderson a stop on the S-Line commuter rail line take shape.

For Spriggs, the return of the train to downtown Henderson is exciting. “It’s an expensive, extensive process,” he said. It’s going to be a big deal not just for the local access to rail travel, he said but also because of the new development rail access is expected to generate.

Spriggs said proposed housing developments could bring more than 1,000 new homes for people – that’s a win-win for the city, he said, noting the need for more affordable housing and boosts to the tax rolls that new home construction will bring.

One project that Coffey continues to work on involves putting new houses in established neighborhoods. The ongoing effort to remove dilapidated houses is part beautification, part affordable housing, Coffey said. She’s in discussion now to get prices for putting up “tiny homes” on these vacant lots, she said. Once she’s gathered all the information, she said she will present the plan to the full Council and city manager. “I think that’s going to work out to help our people quite a bit,” Coffey said.

Elliott said she has spent some time in neighborhoods knocking on doors to talk to residents about her candidacy. “I’m just excited,” she said, for meeting new people in the community who are choosing to live in Henderson. “In certain parts of the city, the citizens have an image of what they want to see.” Folks on the east side want something done about gun violence, Elliott noted. On the west side, it’s more about streets and infrastructure.

No matter the concerns she hears or who voices those concerns, Elliott said her cumulative experience in the community puts her in a position “to help not one population, but all…I’m the conduit to help our community grown in a positive way.”

For Etheridge, it was the Gate City shooting in 2022 that got his attention. “There were a lot of discussions, town hall meetings…a lot of conversations about the perception of crime in Henderson (and) how that feeds into and impacts all parts of life here,” he said.

There are outside resources that can provide help in the form of grant money and task forces, but Etheridge wanted to know “What can we do tomorrow with the resources that we have?”

For him, that answer began with making neighborhoods safer using the current municipal code.

There was lots of noncompliance, he said. “That seems to me like a natural place to start, for the sake of improving public health and safety and well-being.”

His time as a Council member, Spriggs said, has given him an opportunity to “do something a bit more special for Henderson because this is home,” he said. As mayor, he said he would be blind to race, gender – “the things that make us all different” – to move the city forward.

“Henderson needs to be known as a city that’s welcoming, where black and white work together,” he said, to set an example for younger voters and candidates.

Elliott said voters should check their ballots for the best candidate. “Racism is just not helpful to grow a community forward,” she said.

For Coffey, growing a community means having adequate, appropriate housing available for residents. “Everybody in this city deserves equal treatment,” she said, “able to afford (and) live in a nice home.” Landlords should be held accountable for the condition of the houses they rent, she said.

Adequate, affordable housing certainly plays a role when prospective businesses come to town, Etheridge said. “I think Henderson gets a lot of first looks,” he said. “We may not get a second look, though.”

And that’s where he, as mayor, would step in, “highlighting all the things about Henderson that we know and love,” assuring those prospective investors “that we’re making progress on issues so they feel more comfortable, whether that’s living or working here.”

City leaders must present a unified front “to make it clear to the outside that we’re the place where people want to come retire, work and settle,” Spriggs said. He said his experience in the public sector and his accessibility in the community are positive notes in his bid for mayor.

Running for mayor was “worth the risk to step out and present a unified front” for Henderson, he said.

Elliott said collaboration is a key component to Henderson’s future. “We’ve got to collaborate to get a broader reach…to make (Henderson) a better place to live, work and play.”

Coffey said she continues to work for all the citizens of Henderson and said her experience dealing with people from all walks of life in her business and political life put her in a good position to be mayor.

“I have always looked at the mayor’s position as a “star on top of the Christmas tree” kind of thing,” she said. “I would be honored to have that position.”

 

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Terry Garrison

TownTalk: Black Leadership Caucus Endorses Candidates For Oct. 10 Municipal Election

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The following is part of continuing coverage on the upcoming Oct. 10 nonpartisan municipal elections in the City of Henderson:

 

The Henderson-Vance Black Leadership Caucus held a candidate forum recently and has announced their endorsements for the upcoming municipal elections, now just a couple of weeks away.

Terry Garrison is president of the caucus and he spoke with WIZS News about the Sept. 7 candidates’ forum; his interview was aired on Thursday’s Towntalk.

The caucus voted to endorse the following candidates:

  • Mayor: Melissa Elliott
  • Ward 1: Geraldine Champion
  • Ward 2: Janice Ward
  • Ward 3 at-large: Michael Venable
  • Ward 4 at-large Tami Walker

 

“We certainly are appreciative to each one of the candidates,” Garrison said, “and their willingness to serve.”

The endorsement process was not easy, he said. “The forum, without a doubt, was a big part of that process, but also the members’ familiarity with candidates was also a factor.”

Ultimately, Garrison said it came down to which candidate the caucus members felt best represented their interests and the interests of the city of Henderson.

“Race…was not a driving force with endorsements made by the caucus,” he said; rather, “the way the candidates responded…they were the kind of responses they wanted to hear,” Garrison noted.

“All of the candidates gave a good response, and it was not an easy decision (or) an easy choice,” he said.

According to Garrison, more than 90 percent of the candidates that the caucus has endorsed in past elections have won their contests – at least in Vance County. They may not have won the overall state or national election, but they’ve carried Vance County.

“But we have also endorsed candidates who have lost – it’s not a slam dunk,” he said.

He encouraged all the candidate to continue to “campaign hard and the best candidate will win.”

He also encouraged everyone to come to the polls and cast their ballots.

“If people don’t vote, they don’t have a voice,” he said, “because they didn’t participate in the process.”

Garrison said he is optimistic that whoever gets elected will have the best interests of the community at heart. “I have hope for America and this state,” he said. “Despite our differences, we share one thing in common – we are all human beings. Underneath the skin, the blood is the same.”

 

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