TownTalk: School Board Approves VCS Strategic Plan

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The new Vance County Schools logo was officially unveiled Aug. 1, and school officials took time at Monday night’s school board meeting to share a bit about the meaning behind the color scheme and the graphics.

“The new logo represents the pathway options that students may choose as the letters v,c and s can all be traced in the image,” according to information in the VCS Board Briefs document. There’s a color gradient that moves from greens to blues and that represents the personalized education and pathways available to students, the statement explained.

The school board also approved the 2022-2025 strategic plan, which includes a revised vision and mission for the 16-school district, which serves about 5,000 students from preschool through high school.

The four-point plan lists equity, innovation, high performance culture and experiential learning as driving forces to inform the work of schools, staff and district leadership.

“Vance County Schools provides an adaptable educational setting where learning is a catalyst to the pursuit of dreams in an evolving society,” the vision statement reads.

And the mission states: “Vance County Schools is committed to providing broad experiences and opportunities to stakeholders that enable them to compete globally.”

Visit https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/ to learn more.

Calling All State Fair Competitors: Enter By Sept. 15 Deadline!

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Think you’ve got a blue-ribbon zucchini bread recipe? Want to see how that batch of blackberry jam or fig preserves stands up to state competition? Or do you have an exquisite quilt or other handcrafted item that you’d like to show off a bit?

Then consider entering the 2022 N.C. State Fair competitions, which are open now through Sept. 15.

The Fair will be held Oct. 13-23 in Raleigh. This year’s theme is “So Happy Together,” surely a nod to reclaiming participation in events that had been hindered by COVID-19 restrictions for the past two years.

In addition to the traditional competitions like artwork, honey, livestock, cooking, canned food, flowers and decorating skills, new competitions include ink pen decorated seashells and artwork-inspired floral arrangements, according to information from fair organizers.

“It is exciting to announce new competitions to go along with categories that are always so popular, like decorated cakes and quilts,” said John Buettner, competitive exhibits coordinator. “We have competitions to appeal to a wide variety of individuals from seashell painting, painted rocks, terrarium building, shoe decorating and even coloring sheets. I encourage everyone, and all ages, to check out the competitions because just like the N.C. State Fair itself, there is something for everyone.”

In 2021, more than 36,000 items were entered in competitions at the fair.

Most entry deadlines are Sept. 15. Exhibitors must have registered prior to the entry deadline. Entry forms can be mailed in or exhibitors can enter online using ShoWorks, an online application system that is widely used at fairs across the country.

“Exhibitors can enter at the website or by downloading the ShoWorks app. This will help streamline the process, report results quicker and be a way that exhibitors can manage multiple exhibits at a fair or even several fairs,” Buettner said. “Since this is new, we have provided instructions for entering each competition on our website as well.”

Find more information at ncstatefair.org and click on competitions.

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TownTalk: Council Approves Updated Minimum Housing Code

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The Henderson City Council unanimously approved the revised minimum housing code at its meeting Monday, putting in place an updated framework for making sure that dwellings – especially rental properties – are maintained to comply within acceptable guidelines.

“They adopted the code last night with the exception of Section F,” City Manager Terrell Blackmon told WIZS News Tuesday. Section F includes details about local agents, or points of contact, for properties located in the city.

Blackmon said City Attorney D. Rix Edwards is in the process of seeking clarification from the UNC School of Government to make sure the wording in the code is appropriate and follows state laws. “At a later time, that section could be added back to the code, with some adjustments to the language,” Blackmon explained.

During a work session last month, council members reviewed various changes and updates that had been proposed to the existing code; there was some concern about whether the city could require designation of a local contact in case of an emergency repair at a rental home. State law prohibits registrations of rental properties by municipalities and council members wanted to get guidance about the proper language used in the code to ensure compliance with state rules.

At the time, Blackmon said the city may choose to make naming a local contact person voluntary.

Council Member Melissa Elliott told WIZS News Tuesday that the proposed draft had included the word “agent” and council decided to change the term to “point of contact.”

The rationale behind that part of the code, Elliott said, “is just to have someone local that we can reach out to when a landlord has a house that may have an emergency repair or something that needs to be done” and the landlord lives outside North Carolina.

In today’s written correspondence about the outcome from Monday’s meeting, Blackmon said the city could get registered agent information from the Secretary of State’s office or from lease agreements, which residents submit as part of an application to the city’s water department.

The updates to the city’s minimum housing code is just one step that local officials and the larger community are considering as part of revitalization efforts in and around the downtown area.

The Carolina Panthers Quarterback Battle Heats up in Spartanburg

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— story and pictures by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS

The starting quarterback role for the Carolina Panthers is up for grabs, and a decision is looming in the distance. Head coach Matt Rhule is not prepared to name the starting quarterback until after the second preseason game concludes on Aug. 19.

Even then, a lack of definitive separation amongst Carolina’s quarterbacks might yield additional testing and analysis before a conclusion occurs.

“I’m not putting a timetable on the quarterback position until after we get back from the Patriots week,” said Rhule. “The Patriots week is a true litmus test for us. That will really show us where guys are.”

During Saturday’s practice (Aug. 6), Baker Mayfield, a former top pick in the NFL draft, and teammate Sam Darnold (also drafted in 2018) took equal snaps with the first and second teams. While Mayfield’s composure and deep-ball accuracy warranted a slight advantage over Darnold, the battle is far from over.

Mayfield’s ability to sling the football efficiently and effectively down the field was comforting, but a handful of risky throws in tight coverage kept the quarterback competition close. Darnold looked solid when dumping the ball off to a nearby receiver. However, both quarterbacks gave the ball away on mistimed throws in crucial situations.

Mayfield finished 14-for-21, and Darnold completed 20 of 28 pass attempts. Both athletes netted a touchdown and interception during two hours of practice time.

“The disappointing thing is each guy had an interception,” explained Rhule. “We’ve got to protect the football.”

Mayfield is motivated to bounce back in 2022 after barely surpassing 3000 yards and recording just 17 touchdowns last season, which are both career lows. Darnold, on the other hand, is looking to secure the starting quarterback role long-term. In 2021, Darnold, despite starting the season hot, failed to achieve double-digit touchdown passes, and his single-season completion percentage remained below 60% for the third time in his career.

As competition at the quarterback position continues to heat up in the coming weeks, watch for changes in snap counts and offensive strategy.

The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance 08-09-22

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The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for August 9, 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.

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Business Name – Central Baptist Church

Job Opening –  Hiring now for a part-time Secretary.  20-25 hours per week.

How To Apply – Email your resume to hal.muetzel@expresspros.com

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Business Name – GFL Environmental (Waste Industries)

Job Opening –  Scalehouse Operator – Full-time clerical position open for Henderson, NC location. Applicants responsible for the scaling of all trucks that enter the landfill or transfer station while providing efficient, courteous customer service. Must have a High School Diploma or general education degree (GED), with 1-3 months related experience and/or training preferred.

How To Apply – Apply at https://gflenv.com (under careers tab) or apply online at Indeed.com.

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Business Name – Vance County Public Schools

Job Opening –  Vance County Schools is hiring now for Music Teachers and Band Directors.

How To Apply – Apply online at www.vcs.k12.nc.us.  Or email resume to Mr. Andrew Markoch at mmarkoch@vcs.k12.nc.us.

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Business Name – Sadie’s Coffee Corner

Job Opening –  Part-time employee opening for responsible applicants, 18 years old or older.  Must be very personable, with good communication skills, and a strong team player.   Must be able to work a flexible schedule including night hours and Saturdays.

How To Apply – Fill out application online at https://www.sadiescoffeecorner.com/ and click on join our team tab or drop by 324 South Garnett Street in downtown Henderson, NC and see Dee.

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Business Name – The Sunrock Group

Job Opening –  Hiring now for and training safety-minded individuals for long term career opportunities.  Immediate openings with Sunrock rock quarries, asphalt plants, concrete plants, maintenance shop, quality control, paving, grading, and trucking. All open positions are local to the region.  Full benefits package available.

How To Apply – Apply online https://www.thesunrockgroup.com/careers/career-opportunities/.

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Business Name – Vance-Franklin-Warren Opportunity

Job Opening –  Hiring now for Weatherization Energy Auditor/QCI Inspector.

How To Apply – Apply through NC Works, at their office, located on South Garnett Street, at the corner of Belle Street (former Bank of America Bank building) or online at www.ncworks.gov.

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Business Name – JR’s Restaurant 39

Job Opening –  Looking to hire a dishwasher for the hours of 8 am – 2 pm, Tuesday-Friday.  Also hiring for waitresses and a fryer cook (4 pm – closing between 9-10 pm)

How To Apply – Apply in person at JR’s Restaurant 39 at their Crossroads Shopping Center location, located on West Andrews Avenue (Hwy 39 North) beside the DMV office.

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Business Name – Maria Parham Health

Job Opening – Athletic Trainer.  Position will provide clinical outreach at local high school.  $5,000 sign-on bonus for qualified candidates.

How To Apply – Apply online at MariaParham.com/Careers

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Business Name – Autobrite Car Washes/Autobrite Express

Job Opening – New Team Members Wanted. Car Wash Attendants, Full and Part-time positions open.

How To Apply – Inquire at business, located at 211 North Cooper Drive in Henderson, Apply online at https://www.autobritecarwashes.com/.

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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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Henderson Collegiate To Host Teacher Career Fair Thursday, Aug. 11

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Henderson Collegiate is hosting a teacher career fair Thursday morning and is offering a $2,000 signing bonus for any of a number of open positions at the K-12 charter school. Prospective applicants don’t need a  teacher license in hand – just bring a resume.

The event will be from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 12 at the school, located at 1071 Old Epsom Rd. in Henderson.

“This is a great career opportunity for a teacher, career changer, or recent graduate,” said Alicia Hawk, director of development at Henderson Collegiate, Inc.

“Henderson Collegiate is one of the top K-12 public charter schools in the state with competitive pay and benefits, and it’s part of the N.C. Teachers & State Employees retirement program,” Hawk added.

Visit https://hendersoncollegiate.org/ to learn more about the school.

Upcoming Blood Drives In Area; Donors Entered To Win Free Gas Card

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There’s a blood drive scheduled for this Wednesday in Oxford and donors are desperately needed to ward off a shortage during the waning days of summer. The drive will be at the Public Works Center from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Public Works Center is located at 127 Penn Ave., Oxford.

Another drive will be held in Henderson on Aug. 26 at Maria Parham Medical Center from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Although 62 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood, only about 3 percent donate, according to Cally Edwards, regional communications director for the Eastern District of the American Red Cross. In addition to blood donations, the Red Cross is in special need of platelet donations.

Anyone who donates during August automatically entered for a chance to win gas for a year, a $6,000 value. There will be three lucky winners. Everyone who comes to give blood or platelets in August will also receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.

Donors can schedule an appointment to give using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767).

Town Talk: Sossamon Discusses District 32 Candidacy

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The following is part of WIZS’s continuing coverage of candidates running for local and state office in the November election.

 

Frank Sossamon has participated in several organized community forums lately as part of his campaign for the District 32 seat in the N.C. House. There have been two in Vance County and one in Granville County so far, and more are being planned in the runup to the November elections.

Sossamon, a Republican, is challenging incumbent Democrat Terry Garrison for the seat, which includes all of Vance County and most of Granville County.

The Republicans candidates for sheriff in their respective counties also were in attendance for these forums, the topic of which was crime. And Sossamon told John C. Rose on Monday’s Town Talk that the discussions have been productive, and each has informed him in some way about what the community’s priorities.

“When you talk about crime, it overlaps education, economic development, community development – it overlaps everything,” Sossamon said. “It’s hard to just concentrate on crime without talking about other issues.”

Effective communication is going to be a critical component to making progress and taking action on issues within the district, he said. “I’m hoping to help bring us together. There’s a lot we can accomplish if we work together.” Ongoing political stalemates don’t accomplish much, he said.

Change will require more than just dialogue across party lines, however. “We’ve got to have a cultural change and an attitude change,” Sossamon said. Change has to come about as a result of participation from the whole community, he added. “It can’t be done by one person or one department. It doesn’t just happen because you get some money or because you write some legislation.”

Building trust and putting aside differences are necessary as well, he said. “I’m hoping I can be a person to help – to take the skills and experience I’ve got and see what I can do to bring us together.”

On gun violence:

Sossamon said he is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. When gun violence occurs, there’s always talk about taking away gun rights and taking away guns, he said. But he said there’s a need to look at other issues, too, such as the broken mental health system.

“Mental health seems to be a thread that runs among many of these mass shootings,” he said.

On education:

When issues surrounding public education arise, the answer seems to be “we just need more money,” Sossamon said. Throwing money at a problem does not always solve that problem, he added, saying that there must be accountability about how the money is being spent and the scientific evidence to show results.

“It’s obvious that the charter schools are doing something right,” he said, adding that parents with children in charter schools must volunteer a certain number of hours at the school each year.

Parent accountability is necessary, he said, adding that he certainly favors funding education, but holding parents accountable is necessary “to move that dial to educate our children.”

On Medicaid expansion:

“I am not opposed to expansion to a degree,” Sossamon said, “but I don’t want to just open the floodgates.”

He said he needs to continue to study the issue to reach a good conclusion, adding that he is not close-minded, but does want to be fair to all and not look at government as a “money machine.”

 

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