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VGCC Announces President’s List, Dean’s List For Spring 2023 Semester

-information courtesy of Courtney Cissel, VGCC public information officer

Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 117 students earned President’s List academic honors and another 162 earned Dean’s List academic honors for the Spring 2023 semester, which ended in May.

The President’s List recognizes students who achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) while carrying a “full load” (of at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student had to earn a GPA that was at least 3.5 but less than 4.0, and have no grade lower than “B,” while  carrying a “full load” of such courses.

Spring Semester President’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence. The Dean’s List follows the President’s List.  

Accounting & Finance: 

Calvin T. Davis of Creedmoor;

Shannon M. Currin-Wilkerson of Henderson;

Brooke Avila-Romero and Tamara D. Currie, both of Oxford.

Associate in Arts: 

Logan R. Lloyd of Creedmoor;

Madeline M. Akers, Helen E. Carter, Yadiel R. Cruz, Christopher T. Grainger, and Landon M. Marrow, all of Franklinton;

Maya M. Aleshmaly, Danielle S. Anderson, Jiya C. Davis, Christina A. Dobbs, Edgar A. Duran Ortiz, Waseem W. Hadi, Saniya S. Hargrove, Ivy Huynh, Elizabeth A. Lopez Gonzalez, and Briannah D. Royster, all of Henderson;

Dallas M. Thomas of Hurdle Mills;

Jayla M. Gregory of Kittrell;

Makayla R. Wright of Louisburg;

Faith L. Hunt, Emily E. Milton, and Olivia L. Watkins, all of Oxford;

Mark E. Miller of Sneads Ferry;

Sophia I. Remangwow and Charlie R. Vestal, both of Wake Forest;

Cintia Z. Rojas of Youngsville;

Samantha E. Bennett of Zebulon.

Associate in Science: 

Kacey E. Katz of Butner;

Abigail Y. Meader of Creedmoor;

Timothy D. Snead of Franklinton;

Marie P. O’Donoghue of Henderson;

Arturo De Jesu D. Martinez and Nakisha L. Satterfield, both of Oxford.

Automotive Systems Technology: 

Briar H. Pollard of Creedmoor.

Business Administration: 

Destini L. Foster of Butner;

Maryulit P. Tamayo of Franklinton;

Josalyn D. Brandon and Victoria A. Burwell, both of Oxford;

Julienne Bakita of Raleigh;

Lucas H. Breedlove of Stem;

Logan Kurth of Youngsville.

College Transfer Pathway: 

Elizabeth R. Ellis, Sydney A. Sinnema, and Kelsey B. Williamson, all of Bullock;

Trinity C. Alston and Delaney M. Lowery, both of Franklinton;

Chevy Chiem and Jillian L. Stone, both of Henderson;

Lila E. Issa and Antonious G. Makram, both of Louisburg;

Soha A. Algathi, Camden J. Boone, Chance M. Gresham, Hunter T. Onley, and Peyton B. Pernell, all of Oxford; Gracie A. Bullock of Stem;

Carly Stone and Niles Tuttle, both of Wake Forest;

Devon E. Taranto of Warrenton.

Cosmetology: 

Briana L. Sulyans and Kelaiah Williams, both of Henderson;

Abigail R. Draper of Louisburg;

Ashley N. Hobgood of Norlina;

Raina M. Hershberger of Oxford.

Criminal Justice Technology: 

Tayler L. Hope and Michael C. Lane, both of Creedmoor;

Brandon M. Schultek of Louisburg.

Early Childhood Education: 

Tokie Barrie of Creedmoor.

Early Childhood Education, Local: 

Deborah C. Joyce of Franklinton;

Blanche P. Davis, Taylor A. Whitlow, and Sherina N. Wiggins, all of Henderson.

Electrical Systems Technology: 

Kimberly C. Ezzell of Durham;

Anthony J. Cujas of Oxford.

Electronics Engineering Technology: 

Samuel H. Dickerson of Henderson;

Devin J. Hogan of Youngsville.

General Science AGE Degree: 

Valarie M. Ingutia of Franklinton;

Kyle M. Roberson of Henderson;

Dalfine K Sagini of Knightdale;

Jasmine C. Boswell and Darion Brodie, both of Oxford.

Histotechnology: 

Jennifer Lomas of Durham;

Euice T. Duque of Henderson.

Human Services Technology, Substance Abuse: Christina M. Chiappette of Zebulon.

Information Technology: 

Lukusa M. Nganga of Clayton;

Shane B. Hope of Creedmoor;

Christian T. Oakley and Nathan T. Preddy, both of Franklinton;

Dorothy B. Greene and John Francis Linge, both of Henderson;

Andrew Nanfro of Louisburg;

Owen C. Pienkosz and Hector L. Riosboth, both of Oxford;

Tyson W. Carpenter of Stem.

Mechatronics Engineering Technology: 

Larry P. Card of Franklinton;

David A. Scoggins of Louisburg;

William J. Currin of Oxford.

Medical Assisting Diploma: 

Felicia M. Douglas of Creedmoor.

Medical Office Administration: 

Jamie Wayman of Knightdale;

Nina M. Johnson of Whitsett;

Ashley M. Rogers of Youngsville.

Office Administration Diploma: 

Brenda I. Hernandez Malpica of Butner.

Public Safety Administration: 

Jeffrey T. Cannady of Durham;

Raymond D. Finch of Franklinton;

Jeffrey W. Turner of Henderson;

Julian S. Todd of Louisburg;

Olivia P. Harrell of Oxford;

Christopher W. Bentley of Timberlake.

Radiography: 

Shayde O. Lake of Wake Forest.

Welding Technology: 

Townes A Keithley of Butner;

Ethan C. Shearon of Louisburg;

Aaron D. Royster of Oxford;

Dylan M Kirk of Wake Forest.

 

Spring Semester Dean’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence. 

Accounting & Finance: 

Zachary Vick and Marc Neil S. Yacapin, both of Oxford.

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology: 

Randy M. Palacios of Henderson;

Bryan A. Lugo of Oxford.

Associate in Arts: 

Kristopher J. Arias of Butner;

Brenda Avendano-Lopez and Luke R. Wagoner, both of Creedmoor;

Alaija N. Alexander, Havilyn L. Holland, and Micah Jones, all of Franklinton;

Amari J. Anderson, Nia L. Branch, Jackson R. Edwards, Fernando G. Facundo, Yahir Florentino, George T. Grissom, Brendan C. Juengling, Timyra D. Nicholson, Fatima M. Ramirez, and Cristian Trejo, all of Henderson;

Shyenne L. Richardson of Hollister;

Juelz S. Holden and Bryce L. Tilghman, both of Kittrell;

Hailey N. Murphy, Kaleb B. Turrentine, and Jakayla A. Woodard, all of Louisburg;

Diamond K. Alexander and Mariah S. Krupa, both of Manson;

Yelitza Valenzuela Valdiolivar of Norlina;

Kirsten S. Eakes, Jason S. Elliott, Na’ziyah T. Fields, LaShawnti E. Howard, Abigail F. Ramsey, and Melanie Hernandez-Campos, all of Oxford;

Hannah J. Bowling of Stem;

Olivia R. Kuttles of Wake Forest;

Alexandra C. Phelps, Kayla A. Puca, and Mia K. Reavis, all of Youngsville;

Kaleb L. Harris of Zebulon.

Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts: 

Jasmine K. Yancey of Henderson;

Suzanne S. Alsayde of Oxford.

Associate in Science: 

Brianna N. Kirkland of Creedmoor;

Trenton W. Pendleton, Jasmin J. Perez, and Stephanie Carlos Sias, all of Franklinton;

Matthew M. Lamey, Christopher B. Moore, Rosa G. Perez Sandoval, Katia M. Portillo, and Katlyn N. Singleton, all  of Henderson;

Kristina R. Ratliff and Tyler D. Vowell, both of Louisburg;

Alexis M. Broge of Oxford;

Beatrice N. Chavis of Raleigh;

Caleb S. Ferrell of Timberlake;

Ashley E. Davis and Olivia G. Fuller, both of Youngsville.

Automotive Systems Technology: 

Christopher C. Brantley of Creedmoor.

Bioprocess Technology:

Lucas S. Clayton of Henderson.

Business Administration: 

Shiquita S. Evans of Bullock;

Lisa K. Ferguson and Avery G. Pearce, both of Franklinton;

Haley L. Williams of Henderson;

Christie C. Parker and Kayla D. Stancil, both of Oxford;

Cain Stewart of Raleigh;

Mackenzie R. Bell of Roxboro;

Bryson B. Lynn of Youngsville.

College Transfer Pathway: 

Reese E. Newton of Bullock;

Katherine R. Pyle of Creedmoor;

Dorothy J. Cascino of Durham;

Kristen M. Laney, Margaret G. McIlroy, and Carter E. Scott, all of Franklinton; Reem M. Alashmaly, Elijah M. Alston, Harlie A. Culbreth, and Andrea Villa Gallardo, all of Henderson;  Gavin L. Owens of Kittrell;

Karla O. Flores-Reyes of Louisburg;

Ace W. Currin, John B. Hunt, Kylena D. Jones, all of Oxford;

Adam T. Sultan of Rolesville;

Aaron M. Comer of Rougemont;

Luannie Arreola of Stem;

Jeremiah J. Benfer of Wake Forest.

Cosmetology: 

Cordeja J. Thomas of Franklinton;

Eboni S. Turner of Henderson;

Kaitlyn A. Driver and Kelly D. Griffin, both of Louisburg;

Neftali Santamaria-Palacios of Oxford;

Molly S. Osteen of Rolesville;

Ayanna C. Rivera of Wake Forest;

Jazsmin L. Kearney of Warrenton.

Criminal Justice Technology: 

Victoria A. Markham of Henderson.

Early Childhood Education: 

Latoyria R. Bullock of Henderson;

Roneka A. McGee of Enfield.

Early Childhood Education, Local: 

Thaydra M. Baskerville of Henderson.

Electrical Systems Technology: 

Ryan T. Hall of Creedmoor;

Ayden J. Callahan, James L. Hunt, and James W. Matthews, all of Henderson.

Electronics Engineering Technology: 

Tyler Hill of Creedmoor;

Terrance J. Gowan of Franklinton.

General Science AGE Degree: 

Jaice A. Roberts and Christopher B. Wilson, both of Oxford; Marcie N. Brumfield of Rougemont.

Histotechnology: 

Yarelic T. Amaya and Da-John P. Henderson, both of Henderson; Ruth T. Kahsai of Holly Springs;

Laila R. Daniel of Oxford;

Natasha Staley of Snow Camp.

Human Services Technology: 

Delois Hart and Heather O. Lopez, both of Henderson.

Human Services Technology, Gerontology: 

Smya Z. Daniel of Oxford.

Human Services Technology, Substance Abuse: 

Netitia C. Jones of Durham;

Gwendolyn Clayton of Stem;

Mary W. Mills of Youngsville.

Information Technology: 

Michael A. Martinez Rivera of Creedmoor;

Christopher S. Lopez of Durham;

Jakayla R. Henderson of Henderson;

Daneka B. Bigelow of Louisburg;

Keithia S. Rainey and Grace A. Wright, both of Oxford; Bryan T. Fuller of Warrenton.

Mechatronics Engineering Technology: 

Ethan P. Jones of Bullock;

Andrew D. Alston of Wake Forest.

Medical Assisting: 

Thurman A. Gardner of Louisburg;

Gissell E. Espinosa Rosas of Oxford;

Cinthya Avila-Romero of Stem.

Medical Assisting Diploma: 

Erin E. Womble of Butner;

Emily Valenzuela Valdiolivar of Henderson;

Toshiba S. Valentine of Norlina.

Medical Office Administration: 

Candice Brooks of Cary;

Haley R. Briggs of Creedmoor;

Madison N. Yorks of Durham;

Sasha I. Lacy and Shelby E. Mikels, both of Franklinton.

Paralegal Technology: 

Rossy G. Contreras-Baez of Durham;

Sharon C. Chavis of Raleigh;

Doris D. Youmans of Winston-Salem.

Public Safety Administration: 

Christopher L. Blackwell and John D. Cottrell, both of Oxford.

Radiography: 

Adtler S. Lake of Creedmoor;

Camden J. Spain of Henderson;

Ellen J. Newton of Oxford;

Anna Nie of Raleigh;

Kailey G. Mangum of Rougemont;

Madison E. Dunkley of Roxboro;

Jenna M. Curry of Stem.

Technical Special Student: 

Zachary D. Dickerson of Oxford;

Amanda G. Murray of Youngsville.

Welding Technology: 

William F. Elliott and Andrew L. Tinsley, both of Bullock; Jaden M. Griffin of Creedmoor;

Brian M. Griffin and Ravon M. Nichols, both of Henderson; Nolan A Dickerson of Oxford;

Jay X. Bright of Wake Forest.

TownTalk: Burgess Named Citizen Of The Year By Occoneechee Council

Michele Burgess, this year’s recipient of the George Watkins Citizen of the Year award, said she was “very, very honored” to be in the company of previous award winners who have given so much to the community.

Watkins received the first award in 2014, and Burgess, newly retired from her role as president of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, said on Tuesday’s TownTalk that the fundraiser dinner on May 18 was a fun evening that involved many from the community, all to benefit Boy Scouts.

Emie Clevenger is vice president of resource development for the Eno River District of the Scouts’ Occoneechee Council, which includes Vance County. This year’s event exceeded its goal and netted close to $80,000.

“It’s something we’re proud of – to be able to give back to the community through Scouting,” Clevenger said.

The funds promote “Scoutreach,” whose mission is to recruit strong adult leaders and bring Scouting to youth in underserved areas.

Burgess recounted the event’s speakers for the evening, including Brandon Lawrence, who grew up in the area and was a Boy Scout. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and also ended up earning every badge that a Boy Scout can earn – more than 140, Clevenger confirmed.

Lawrence spoke on the importance of scouting, Burgess said.

But she said Lawrence represents so much more for the community – he’s part of the younger generation who will need to step up to provide leadership.

“Scouting is such a great leadership building program,” Burgess said.

Individuals interested in learning more about Scouting programs can visit www.ocscouts.org or contact Clevenger at Emie.clevenger@scouting.org.

 

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The Local Skinny! Humane Society Addresses Pet Care Inequality

There are so many up-sides to having pets – dogs, cats and a whole range of animals bring so much joy and happiness to their “people.” Our furry friends depend on their owners to provide them food, shelter and medical care.

But what happens when money is tight?  Where can pet owners get help?

Amanda Arrington, with Access to Care of the Humane Society of the United States, spoke with WIZS’s Bill Harris on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny! to talk about some options.

Arrington said that HSUS has some long-standing programs – including Pets for Life and Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS) – that provide direct services to pet owners who live in poverty or in underserved areas of the nation.

There’s a new program called “More Than A Pet” whose mission is to address some of the inequalities that pet owners face.

“This is not a new problem,” she said, “but inflation and the pandemic have exacerbated the issues.” Barriers to basic care and access to resources include transportation, language, time and finances.

People love their pets and so many get treated like family, so when pet owners can’t provide food or medical care for whatever reason, it causes emotional and mental distress, Arrington said.

Pet owners who are facing any of these challenges should look for help locally, she suggested. Animal service providers and shelters may be able to offer some relief.

“We can’t promise access to everyone,” but the HSUS does have a list of resources on its website that could help.

The HSUS is working on a national level to distribute food and supplies across the nation to those in need. In 2022 alone, in partnership with Chewy, more than 500 truckloads of pet food valued at $22 million were delivered across the country.

Visit https://www.humanesociety.org/more-than-a-pet to learn more.

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Vance County High School Graduation

Vance County High School Graduates 153 Seniors

— press release courtesy of Vance County Schools

Graduation season is officially underway in Vance County Schools, as Vance County High School awarded 153 students with their high school diplomas on Friday, May 26, in the Vance County High School stadium.

Principal Nealie Whitt III shared words of encouragement to the graduating class, and VCHS Class of 2023 graduates Mercedes Fields and Fantasia Scott, delivered farewell addresses to their fellow classmates.

Mercedes Fields reminded her fellow graduates – “Stay gold. Stay gold for as long as you can. Remember where you came from and who you are today. And let it positively guide you and motivate you to get the life that you’ve always wanted.”

Fantasia Scott shared, “This is the end of our chapter here, and the beginning of another. Now that we are all done, may we go down different paths, but may they align together in the future.” 

Students were presented their diplomas by Principal Nealie Whitt III, Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett, and Mrs. Gloria J. White, VCS Board of Education Chair.

Congratulations, Vance County High School Class of 2023!

Click Play for the WIZS Broadcast Audio of VCHS 2023 Graduation.

VCHS Class of 2023 Fast Facts: 

  • VCHS students have received $1.7 million in scholarships.
  • The following seniors are enlisting into the military:
    • Hunter Dean English – United States Air Force
    • Quincie Marie Pritchett – United States Navy
    • Juan Rivera Velazquez – United States Army
    • Ne’Shawn Hakeem Seward – United States Navy
  • 36 students are graduating with distinction:
    • 25 seniors are graduating Cum Laude (weighted GPA 3.25-3.5)
    • 7 seniors are graduating Magna Cum Laude (weighted GPA 3.6-3.9)
    • 4 seniors are graduating Summa Cum Laude (weighted GPA 4.0+)
  • 100 VCHS seniors were accepted into a 2 or 4 year college/university.
  • 23 VCHS seniors have secured full-time employment.
  • Students graduated with a variety honors:
    • North Carolina Scholar
    • National Beta Club
    • President’s Award for Educational Excellence
    • President’s Award for Achievement
    • Music Honors
    • Council on International Exchange
    • Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Scholar
    • International Cultural Exchange Service

Vance County Early College graduated May 26, at 6 p.m. Vance Virtual Village Academy graduates on Saturday, June 10 at 9 a.m., followed by AdVance Academy at 11 a.m. All ceremonies are at the Center for Innovation and require a ticket to enter.

WIZS Radio Local News Audio 05-30-23 Noon Including City Budget Public Hearing

Update 12:45 p.m. —

PUBLIC NOTICE

Henderson City Council Budget Public Hearing
(Tonight) Tuesday, May 30, 6:00 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers, 134 Rose Ave., Henderson, NC 27536

Agenda

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

OPENING REMARKS

BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING – Public Hearing on FY 23-24 Budget

GUIDANCE FOR STAFF
NEW BUSINESS

CAF 23-32 Ratifying the Acceptance of The North Carolina Drinking Water State Revolving
Fund for the Purpose of the Regional Water Plant Expansion Project

CAF 23-33 Ratifying the Acceptance of The North Carolina Drinking Water State Reserve
Grant for the Purpose of the Regional Water Plant Expansion Project

CAF 23-34 Opposition to Senate Bill 675 Land Use Clarification and Changes

CLOSED SESSIONPursuant to G.S. §143-318.11 (a)(6) regarding a Personnel Matter

ADJOURNMENT

 

First Methodist Church

United Methodist Men Annual Yard Sale Saturday, June 3

Tommy Farmer with the United Methodist Men at the First Methodist Church downtown has asked WIZS to announce the annual yard sale date, time and location.

This Saturday, June 3, from 7 a.m. until Noon in the parking lot behind the church.

The church is located at 114 Church Street.

Mr. Farmer has indicated that “proceeds will help fund local missions.”

Please stop by and check it out.

Rebuild Communities NC Offers Workshops In June For Senior Adults

Computers and technology are wonderful things – if you know how to use them. Nowadays, people are directed and re-routed to websites and online tools for everything from doctors’ visits to meetings with co-workers and even families.

Rebuild Communities NC is partnering with AARP’s Senior Planet to provide people 50 years and older a series of workshops to help them navigate an increasingly digital world.

In the month of June, seniors can learn about a variety of topics, from managing your privacy online to telemedicine and My Chart.

The classes will be held at the Vance County Senior Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon, according to information from Edythe Thompson with Rebuild Communities NC.

Here’s a list of the scheduled dates and topics:

 

  • June 1 – Affordable Home Internet
  • June 6 – Managing Your Privacy
  • June 8 – Intro to Social Media
  • June 13 and 15 – Hosting a Zoom Meeting
  • June 20 – Google Workspace
  • June 22 – Telemedicine
  • June 27 – My Chart
  • June 29 – Money Matters

 

Whether you’re hoping to stay connected with family and friends, interested in learning new technology, exploring entrepreneurship, or looking for a job, Digital Skills Ready @ 50+ classes and workshops offer trainings on a wide range of technologies, from video conferencing to online job search tools to office productivity software.

The Vance County Senior Center is located at 500 N. Beckford Dr., Henderson. Call 252.915.1663 to register or email Dhallrobinson@gmail.com.

VGCC Logo

Perry Memorial Library To Host VGCC Enrollment Day June 22

 

– information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Vance-Granville Community College is taking the show on the road – the enrollment show, that is.

Enrollment Day is set for Thursday, June 22 in Henderson and rather than having prospective students come to the college’s Main Campus, staff from Main Campus will be set up at Perry Memorial Library to assist individuals with registering for Fall 2023 classes, according to Courtney Cissel, VGCC’s public information officer.

VGCC representatives will be at the library from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to provide information on the enrollment process, as well as the academic programs and student support services available – including financial aid. Advisors will be ready to help with registration for the fall semester, which begins Monday Aug. 14.

Both 8-week and the traditional 16-week classes will be available.

An orientation for new students will be held at 10 a.m. on June 22 as part of Enrollment Day. Orientations can be completed online on June 22 or students can arrange for an in-person orientation at a later date.

For more information about Enrollment Day, or to sign up for orientation, visit www.vgcc.edu/enrollment-day.

Grilling Safety Tips To Remember As Cookout Season Kicks Off

– information courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association

OK, the long holiday weekend is upon us and chances are, your mind has wandered a time or two about weekend activities – how to make the best use of that extra day off from work?

If cookouts and backyard grilling have popped into your head, the National Fire Protection Association has a few reminders to make sure your weekend activities around the grill are safe ones.

“Because outdoor grilling involves the use of a fuel source to generate an open flame, it inherently presents potential fire risks that needs to be taken seriously,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA.

Between 2017 and 2021, fire departments across the country responded to almost 11,500 fire calls each year that involved grills, barbecues or hibachis.

Of that number, more than 5,700 were structure fires and another 5,600 were simply outside or unclassified fires.

The NFPA has broken down the statistics further to note that May accounts for 12 percent of the grill fires that were reported, and the percentages inch up as the summer progresses. July was the leading month for grilling fires, with 16 percent.

They cause $172 million in direct property damage, killed an average of 2 people each year and injured 176 more.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that, for the same fire-year period, an annual average of 22,155 patients went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills.

Close to half were for burns, both from fire and from contact with hot objects. Children under 5 account for almost half of the close to 3,000 contact-fire burns for that 5-year period.

Adults should supervise closely all children who are close to a grill when it’s in use to avoid them touching, falling or bumping into the hot surface and coals.

“These numbers reinforce that grilling fires can and do happen. However, there’s no need to avoid grilling during Memorial Day or in the months ahead,” said Carli. “Instead, by following simple safety precautions, people can greatly reduce the risk of experiencing a grilling fire.”

See a comprehensive list from NFPA at tips, recommendations, and resources for grilling safely, including these key messages:

  • For propane grills, check the gas tank for leaks before use in the months ahead. (Watch NFPA’s video on how to check for leaks.)
  • Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
  • Place the grill well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
  • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.
  • If you use starter fluid when charcoal grilling, only use charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. When you have or are finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.
  • Never leave your grill unattended when in use.

 

The Local Skinny! American Legion To Host Memorial Day Service

It’s a sobering sight to see those white crosses that dot the grassy area outside American Legion Post 60 in Henderson. Whether you just drive by over the Memorial Day weekend holiday or attend the annual service at Post 60 on Monday at 10 a.m.

Post Commander Ted Grissom wants people to remember why those crosses – numbering more than 150 – matter.

Each cross represents someone from Vance County who has died while serving in the Armed Forces, from World War I to the present, Grissom told WIZS’s Bill Harris on Thursday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

The ceremony will be brief, he said, but the main reason to gather will be “to honor our heroes remember their achievements and service, and to thank them” for their ultimate sacrifice to their country.

“Many didn’t volunteer,” he said, but were called to be part of something bigger than themselves – they were ordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways” to protect and defend this country, our freedom and way of life.

“Our gathering in Henderson is just one small spark in the flame of pride that burns across the nation on Memorial day and every day,” Grissom said.

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