NC State Board of Elections

State Board Of Elections Offers Reminders About Voter Registration Process

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-information courtesy of the N.C. State Board of Elections

Elections officials say the deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 8 election is next Friday, Oct. 14.

Individuals who miss that deadline, however, may register and vote at the same time during the one-stop early voting period, which begins Oct. 20 and ends Nov. 5.  County-by-county early voting sites and schedules are available at the State Board of Elections’ One-Stop Early Voting Site Search.

To register, eligible individuals have the following options:

If an application is received after the deadline, it will be timely if it is postmarked on or before Oct. 14. If the postmark is missing or unclear, the application will be processed if it is received in the mail no later than 20 days before the election. Otherwise, the application will not be processed until after the election.

If submitted by fax or email, the application must be received by 5 p.m. Oct. 14, and a hard copy of the document must be delivered to the county board office by 20 days before the election.

“We encourage all eligible individuals to register to vote and make their voice heard in 2022,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections. “It’s easy, and there’s still time, either through the regular process or at any one-stop early voting location in your county.”

North Carolina residents may not register to vote on Election Day, unless they become eligible after the Oct.14 registration deadline due to becoming a U.S. citizen or having their rights restored following a felony conviction.

Seventeen-year-olds who will be 18 years old by the general election on Nov. 8 are eligible to register and vote.

To register to vote, a person must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen;
  • Live in the county of his/her registration, and have lived there for at least 30 days before the date of the election;
  • Be at least 18 years old or will be by the date of the general election. Sixteen- and 17-year-olds may preregister to vote; AND
  • Not be in jail or prison for a felony conviction.

Updating Your Voter Registration

Voters who need to update their existing voter registration may use the DMV website or a regular voter registration application to do so.

Those with a North Carolina driver’s license or other DMV identification may update their residential or mailing address and party affiliation through the DMV online service, but may not change their name through that service.

If using the paper application to update a registration, it must be signed and mailed to the voter’s county board of elections by Oct. 14. Updates to name, address (if within the county), and party affiliation must be signed, but can be provided by fax or email to your county board of elections. If a voter is using the paper form to update their residential address to a new county, they must return the paper form by mail or in person.

Registered voters may also update an existing registration at a one-stop early voting site during the early voting period.

See more Voter Registration Resources in North Carolina.

TownTalk: Preparing For Medicare Open Enrollment

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Open Enrollment for Medicare begins next week – a time for people to evaluate their plans and coverage and to make changes if needed. Insurance can be complicated, but Lisa Barker said the state’s SHIIP counselors can help Medicare beneficiaries make sense of the different plans that are available.

SHIIP – Seniors Health Insurance Information Program – is a consumer information division that operates under the N.C. Department of Insurance. Barker is SHIIP’s Northeast regional manager. The open enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

There are SHIIP coordinating sites in each of the 100 counties across the state, she said. “We are not insurance agents and we don’t sell insurance,” Barker told John C. Rose on Wednesday’s TownTalk.

Rather, SHIIP counselors assist people who do receive Medicare with questions they may have, whether it’s Medicare, Medicare Part B, supplements or understanding long-term care insurance.

“We provide a non-biased comparison for those shopping” for new plans or who just want to make sure they’re getting the best coverage at the best price, Barker said.

With 2.3 million Medicare beneficiaries in the state, Barker said it’s important to understand that it’s important to review plans and coverage each year. Here is a list of phone numbers for coordinating sites in the four-county area:

  • Vance County – 252.430.0257
  • Granville County – 919.693.1930
  • Warren County – 252.257-3111
  • Franklin County – 919.496.1131

By sitting down with a SHIIP counselor, Barker said individuals can review their current medications and physicians to make sure they don’t need to switch to a different plan.

“Medicare beneficiaries can compare all the plans and determine if they want to switch for the new year,” she explained.

“We can assist enrolling them in a new plan,” Barker continued. “Even if they’re happy with their current plan, it’s just a good idea to come in and talk – just so you know your money is being spent in the best way possible.”

Changes must be made by Dec. 7 to guarantee coverage continues without interruption on Jan. 1, 2023.

“Medicare plans and prices change, N.C. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey said. “It is important for Medicare beneficiaries to take advantage of the Open Enrollment period by contacting local SHIIP counselors to save money, improve your coverage or both.”

Make sure you contact your local SHIIP counselor before deciding about coverage because you may be able to receive more affordable and better Medicare health and/or drug plan options in your area. For example, even if you are satisfied with your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, there may be another plan in your area that covers your health care and/or drugs at a better price.

Barker said she’s been involved in SHIIP in one way or another since 1998. She recalled an older couple who came to her a few years ago to review their plans. Plans had changed since they were initially enrolled in Medicaid, and their monthly premiums were going from $17 to $60.

Upon review of medications and copays, Barker said, the couple could continue with their current plan, but it would be much more expensive. Barker helped them find a new plan, which saved them more than $6,000 a year – and had lower copays.

“I tell this story often because, for them, it comes down to the cost of insurance versus food and electricity…the hugs from them and the relief on their face was priceless,” she added.

Making an appointment with a SHIIP counselor is one way to stay updated and educated on the changes in Medicare and the all the other pieces of the insurance puzzle.

But Barker cautioned individuals about sharing their personal information with others who claim to be working on your behalf, but who may really be trying to gain that personal information to be used in fraudulent ways.

“You want to make sure you’re protecting yourself,” she said. “If they’re asking you for too much personal identifying information,” be wary.

“The North Carolina Department of Insurance or SHIIP is never going to go door-to-door asking for information,” she said. Make sure you’re not giving out that information to someone who contacts you – whether by phone, personal visit, email, text or other written correspondence.

“If you have questions about something you received that is questionable, that’s a really good time to reach out to SHIIP, 855.408.1212.

Roughly $68 billion is lost each year to Medicare fraud.

Individuals also should regularly review their Medicare Summary Notices to verify that all charged listed are actually for the services that were provided by your healthcare professionals.  Ask questions if you think something looks suspicious.  It doesn’t hurt to question a charge.  Also, simple mistakes can happen.  When typing the number 10 someone could accidently hit the zero a second time and make the charge 100.  SHIIP can help individuals file a Medicare fraud claim.

Visit www.ncshiip.com to learn more.

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Future Airbnb Hosts In Vance, Warren – There’s A Webinar Oct. 12 Just For You

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Vance and Warren counties are included in a state initiative called “Dream Big in Small Town NC” designed to increase visitors to the area. A webinar will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 12 to discuss details of the program, which was passed into law by the N.C. legislature.

Vance and Warren counties are included in the Northeast Lakes & Rivers region, along with Halifax and Edgecombe counties, according to information from Charla Duncan, Warren County community & economic development director.

The purpose of the program is to drive increased visitation and exploration into participating counties with the goal of converting visitors to residents/workforce.

Airbnb, a program partner, is hosting a free online/virtual workshop for residents of rural communities to share tips on hosting a space through Airbnb.

With the purpose of the Dream Big in Small Town NC program being to drive increased visitation and exploration to participating counties with the long-term goal of converting visitors to residents and replacing population declines.

The 90-minute Airbnb Rural Entrepreneurship Academy webinar begins at 4 p.m. EST. Although there is no cost to attend, registration is required by Monday, Oct. 10.

Learn more about the academy and sign up to attend at: https://ruralairbnbacademy.splashthat.com/.

The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance 10-04-22

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The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for October 4, 2022. The Chamber compiles the information, and it is presented here and on the radio. Contact the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce at 438-8414 or email Michele@hendersonvance.org to be included.

Business Name – Versatrim

Job Opening –    Multiple Job Openings:

Maintenance Mechanic – Monday – Friday 8 hour day shift, $18-$20 an hour, full benefits.  Job involves maintaining and performing preventing maintenance onall manufacturing machinery in good working order and communicating/documenting all down-times, breakdowns, and safety concerns to management.  Experience with electrical systems, metal fabrication, and construction knowledge preferred.  Cannot have a fear of heights.

Industrial Electrician  – Day shift 7:30 am – 4:00 pm.  $18-$22 per hour. Install new electrical system as needed, troubleshoot problems with existing electrical equipment, run tests to ensure machinery is ready to operate, maintain repair and maintenance logs/records.  Must have knowledge of industrial equipment installation, calibrating and maintaining circuitry, and familiar with state and national building electrical system requirements.  Position requires a technical diploma or associate degree in electrical or mechanical technology and 4+ years of manufacturing electrical experience.

Customer Service Representative– Monday-Friday, 8 hour shift, full-time.  $14 per hour. Assist customers with order placement, product inquiries, assist with complaints, and assist with resolving certain issues.  Looking for a steady, patient, relaxed, warm and approachable individual. Professional and courteous with customers with attention to detail. Must be 18 years +.

Color Coordinator/Print Operator– Day shift 8 hour with $14 per hour pay.  Responsible for the custom creation and replication of images to coordinate with customer’s varied flooring planks.  Experience with Adobe Photoshop app to manipulate and replicate a scanned design.  Knowledge of a Mac computer.  Work with other Versatrim departments to ensure that colors are being completed and approved on schedule.  Requires attention to detail, technical capacity, team oriented and results driven.

How To Apply – Apply online at https://versatrim.com/careers.html.

 

Business Name – Belk Department Store

Job Opening –    Sales Team Manager, full-time, mid-senior level.  Management of sales associates to meet or exceed area sales goals through training, coaching, and recognizing sales team associates for improving sales and customer service.  Open and close the store as needed.  Minimum education and experience includes four-year college degree or equivalent education and experience. Leadership experience. Proficient in computer business-related computer software.

How To Apply –  Apply at Belk Store in Henderson, NC.  Apply online at Belkcareers.com.

 

Business Name –  The Sunrock Group

Job Opening – Multiple Positions Open at the Kittrell, NC location.  These include:  Senior Equipment Mechanic (Plant Mechanic Lead); Equipment Operator; and Plant Utility Person. The Sunrock Group seeks individuals who are committed to excellence, who are top producers and who have high standards of individual integrity. In their team environment, dependability, problem-solving skills and personal resourcefulness are paramount. In addition, leadership skills and the desire to set and meet goals are also essential. Above all, The Sunrock Group believes that there is no substitute for good judgment and common sense.

How To Apply – Contact our Human Resources Department in Butner, NC at 855-OUR-ROCK(687-7625) or email  career@thesunrockgroup.com.

 

Business Name – Henderson Family YMCA

Job Opening –   Multiple Part-Time Positions are available.  Bus Driver, Camp Counselor, Pool Life Guard, Night and Weekends Member Services, Nursery Attendant, Substitute Group Fitness Instructor, and a Night and Weekends Wellness Center Attendant.

How To Apply – Apply online at https://www.hendersonymca.org/get-involved/employment-opportunities.  Or stop in at the Henderson YMCA, located on Ruin Creek Road, Henderson.

 

Business Name – Variety Wholesalers/Roses Stores

Job Opening –    Accounts Payable Coordinator, Full-Time position open.  Responsible for ensuring invoices are entered into the accounting system in a timely and accurate manner, reviewing three way match reports, and resolving issues to expedite payment of invoices. High School Diploma or equivalent.  Associate’s degree in business preferred.  5+ years accounts payable experience.  Accurate and efficient data entry skills

How To Apply – Apply online at Indeed.com or online at https://www.rosesdiscountstores.com/careers/

 

Business Name – Quality Equipment – (John Deere Dealership)

Job Opening –   Parts Counter Sales Position Open.  Responsible for selling, receiving, and delivery of parts and accessories. In addition, performs in-store customer service, assists with overall organizational promotion, and assists with parts stocking duties. May assist the Parts Manager in maintaining accurate and on-time reports and records (both customer and internal) relative to the parts department’s operations within the dealership. High School Diploma or equivalent experience. Basic data entry/keyboarding skills. Basic parts and machinery knowledge. Ability to use the John Deere Parts related computer application. Ability to work in a team environment. Ability to work extended hours and weekends. Ability to operate a forklift, preferred.

How To Apply – Apply online at https://www.qualityequip.com/careers.

Some of these businesses are present or past advertisers of WIZS. Being an ad client is not a condition of being listed or broadcast. This is not a paid ad.

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Red Cross Helps Hurricane Victims, Asks For Donations Of Time, Blood, Money

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As relief agencies continue their cleanup efforts in Florida and other areas affected by Hurricane Ian, the American Red Cross reminds folks in local communities that there are ways they can support those volunteers from right here at home.

The Red Cross Eastern North Carolina region deployed a disaster responder to help with relief efforts. Cindy Romig is one of 33 from the eastern NC region to assist in the Red Cross volunteer efforts in hard-hit Florida.

Many communities are unrecognizable after the storm and volunteers from all 50 states and the District of Columbia are helping those affected and will be helping them recover for weeks and months to come, according to a press statement issued by the Raleigh-based Red Cross office.

“People’s lives were turned upside down by this massive storm,” said Barry Porter, Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Eastern North Carolina. “They need your help now. Please consider making a donation to help people affected by disasters, giving blood or becoming a Red Cross volunteer today.”

“It’s devastating, it’s heartbreaking to see the destruction and see what Mother Nature can do,” said Romig. “We know that there’s so much need out there and if there’s anything that we can do–there’s so many resources that we can offer and that we can dispense down in Florida to help folks get on to the road of recovery as well as getting through one day at a time.”

The Red Cross and its partners are providing a safe place to stay, food to eat and a shoulder to lean on as people begin to pick up the pieces after the storm. Shelters are open across the affected areas, Red Cross emergency vehicles are delivering food and relief supplies and volunteers are helping families cope and replacing prescription medications, eyeglasses or critical medical equipment like canes and wheelchairs.

Dangerous weather conditions and floodwaters have canceled a dozen blood drives in North Carolina with nearly 400 lifesaving blood and platelet donations uncollected. Individuals who live in areas unaffected by Hurricane Ian — especially those with type O blood — are urged to give blood now to help ensure patients in impacted areas continue to have access to lifesaving blood.

 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

 

MAKE A DONATION We will be working side-by-side with our partners to help people in need for weeks and months to come. To help people affected by Hurricane Ian, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word IAN to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your gift is a commitment to helping people in need, and every single donation matters. Financial donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster.

 

GIVE BLOOD Please schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

 

VOLUNTEER If you have the time, you can make a significant impact as a Red Cross volunteer. Review our most urgently needed volunteer positions at redcross.org/volunteertoday and get involved today.

NC DOT

“Operation Crash Reduction” Underway On State’s Roads Through This Weekend

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– information courtesy of the N.C. Department of Transportation

North Carolina law enforcement agencies will be encouraging motorists to slow down from Oct. 3-9, as part of a special speeding enforcement effort dubbed “Operation Crash Reduction.”

“We have an epidemic of high-speed crashes occurring on roads in North Carolina, and that’s why agencies across the state opted to make speeding the focus on this year’s “Operation Crash Reduction” campaign,” said Mark Ezzell, director of the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program. “This is part of GHSP’s broader efforts to combat a dangerous increase in speeding through increased enforcement, public awareness and policy.”

The event is part of a larger, regional campaign by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to target unsafe driving behaviors at a particularly deadly time of year. Motorists may notice increased law enforcement efforts to crack down on speeding motorists and bring awareness to unsafe speeds in communities statewide this week. This will include more radar operations and speed display signs.
The Governor’s Highway Safety Program urges drivers to always avoid speeding. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to negotiate curves, makes it more difficult to stop, and increases the risk of crashes and injuries.

The “Operation Crash Reduction” effort is focused on North Carolina, Washington D.C., Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. This region experiences some of the nation’s highest numbers of traffic crash-induced fatalities. According to NHTSA, from 2015 to 2019, this region experienced more fatal crashes in October than any other month. A total of 190 people were killed in crashes during the month of October last year in North Carolina. Of those, 42 deaths were related to speeding.

As of Oct. 3, nearly 300 people have been killed in speed-related crashes in North Carolina. That represents more than one fatality a day in 2022. Between 2017 and 2021, there was a 17 percent increase in speed-related crashes in North Carolina.
Find more information and statistics on speeding in North Carolina here.

Hispanic Heritage Festival Moved To Sunday, Oct. 9

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The second annual Hispanic Heritage Festival will be held on Sunday, Oct. 9 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the area near the police department and library on Breckenridge Street. The event was moved from Saturday to Sunday because of a conflict with a previously scheduled event at McGregor Hall.

Melissa Elliott, Henderson City Council member and president of Gang Free, Inc. said the stage is set to provide the community with the sights, sounds and flavors of different Hispanic/Latino cultures – just a week later than planned.

The local Arts Council is sponsoring some of the entertainment scheduled, Elliott told John C. Rose Wednesday. There will be dancers performing traditional dances from Colombia and Mexico, she said, and numerous area restaurants will be providing food.

The event is free to the public. “We’re going to go out and have some fun,” she said, adding that it’s important to continue the momentum from last year’s festival and “celebrate everyone that lives, works and plays in our community.”

The popular electric bull will be back for anyone adventurous enough to climb aboard and then try to hang on, and there will be face-painting and other tamer activities to participate in, she added.

Mayor Eddie Ellington is scheduled to issue a city proclamation observing Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month. The festival falls right in the middle of this national observance, which satisfies Elliott’s quest for diversity and educating and empowering everyone in the community.

TownTalk: ‘Hungry Heroes’ Event Coming To Henderson Nov. 5

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When it comes to barbecue and the obligatory banana pudding that accompanies it, Amanda Riggan knows not to underestimate folks in Vance County and the surrounding area. And when that barbecue and puddin’ is prepared to raise money to support a worthy cause, Riggan knows she can count on locals to be supportive.

Riggan is the founder of Hungry Heroes, and she and her team of volunteers will be at the Vance County Rescue Squad on Saturday, Nov. 5 with their grills fired up and serving spoons dishing up sides – including her mom’s cold banana puddin’ – to feed all first responders, military personnel and veterans.

She told John C. Rose Monday that she and her team have fed a couple of thousand people at a single event, and she is planning to serve between 500 and 800 next month between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the rescue squad facility on Maynard Road.

“Hopefully we sell out,” Riggan said. “I just can’t wait to see everyone…I’m so excited for the community and for (my) family members to be involved and to serve.” Riggan’s parents are both from Henderson.

Veterans, military personnel and first responders eat for free, she said, but the public is invited to come and join in the fun. “For a $10 donation, plates are available to the public,” she said.

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There will be other activities for families to enjoy, including a bouncy house for the kids and plenty of items that will be raffled.

Riggan said planning is underway and she’s looking forward to being back in Henderson, but what she’s really excited about is paying tribute to the area’s first responders and to honor them for the work they do.

“It’s really cool to see the heroes behind the badge, it’s humbling to know they sacrifice their safety for us every day.”

Hungry Heroes got its start in 2018 when Riggan was trying to figure out a way to help her community deal with a tragic incident that left one law enforcement officer dead and three others wounded.

She said she got her answer after prayerfully considering her response: “Feed them,” she said.

So she did.

With a healthy boost by social media outlets, she and her pulled pork barbecue plates began showing up at events in Texas, Utah and Florida, among other places across the nation.

“Some events aren’t fun and aren’t planned,” Riggan said. One example: She and her father hopped a plane last year to feed first responders on the scene at the condominium collapse in Surfside, FL.

Riggan most recently was in Henderson to stock the refrigerators at local law enforcement agency break rooms and she has begun a “Campus Heroes” program that brings weekly hot lunches to school resource officers who don’t leave their posts while students are in school.

“We stop by and give them a hot meal as a thank you,” she said.

Visit https://www.hungryheroesbbq.com/ to learn more.