The Local Skinny! Bean Spotlights NC Education Corps

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The current buzz phrase is “high-impact literacy,” but what it all boils down to is this: Helping young students become better readers through relationship-building and consistent small-group tutoring.

North Carolina Education Corps is a nonprofit initiative to get literacy tutors in elementary schools to help children who need a little extra support with reading skills.

Ashley Bean was a reading tutor last year and worked with second graders; she is currently helping NC Ed Corps recruit more tutors for Vance County schools and spoke with John C. Rose on Thursday’s The Local Skinny! to provide details about the program.

Bean said there were probably a dozen or so Ed Corps tutors working in Vance County schools last year but school officials would like to see that number grow to 20.

The pay scale for tutors ranges from $15/hr. for high school students to $25/hr. for tutors who hold advance degrees.

Visit https://nceducationcorps.org/ to find the application. Once the application has been completed, Bean said Ed Corps staff will contact the prospective tutor to complete the screening and training process. The tutor is hired by the local school system, but is supported throughout the school year by Ed Corps staff. Each tutor gets support from his or her own private learning coach who shares proven skills and techniques to help children improve their literacy skills.

Vance County schools officials expect a tutor to work at least 10 hours each week, providing a minimum of three 30-minute sessions to a small group of students – between 1 and 3 children, Bean said. But tutors can work as many as 26 hours a week, she said. That expectation could vary by county, she added.

She said she decided to become a tutor last year because it fit her schedule: She’s in graduate school, but also has three children at home.

“It was a great opportunity for me to do something for the community,” while being available to attend her children’s activities and to do her schoolwork as well, she said.

NC Ed Corps may be a perfect fit for a retired educator, a college student or a stay-at-home mom with school-age children to get out of the house, make a little money and help a children become better readers.

For Bean, the best part of being a tutor was establishing relationships with the students she worked with. She said she didn’t really know if her work was truly having an effect on her second-grade students. But one student’s answer quelled her uncertainty when she came to get him from the classroom, she said.

“You’re 22 min late – I thought you weren’t coming,” the boy said, as he happily left his classroom for his session with his tutor.

Contact Bean at 252.432.3995 or ashley.bean@nceducationcorps.org .

 

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SportsTalk: Zarzour Discusses LIV Golf

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Most golf fans know that the PGA’s Masters tournament is held at Augusta National in April – except when postponed by a global pandemic as it was in 2020. It remains to be seen, however, if the newly formed LIV tour will manage to create its own signature event like the Masters, the U.S. Open or the British Open.

Taylor Zarzour covers golf for ESPN and has a morning show on the PGA Tour radio channel on Sirius XM. His knowledge base and experience reporting on the sport gives him a unique perspective, which he shared recently during a SportsTalk interview with John Rose.

The LIV is financed by the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia. The first tournament was played earlier this month in England and the second is set to tee up this weekend in Portland, Oregon.

In Roman numerals, LIV is 54, which refers to the score a player would get if he birdied every hole on a par-72 course. It also is the number of holes played at all LIV events, according to online research.

Fifty-four holes represents three rounds of golf, one round short that the PGA sponsored events have.

This is just one difference between the well-established PGA and its new rival, which has lured several top golfers with multi-million dollar joining incentives. The only problem is that players must choose – they can’t play in both, Zarzour said.

“It’s disrupting the PGA tour by taking away the top players,” he said. Top-ranked golfers like Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia and Bryson DeChambeau already have signed on, as well as Phil Mickelson, a familiar name in golf circles. And Australian golf star Greg Norman, “The Great White Shark,” has been hired to run the LIV, he noted.

Zarzour said the LIV has caused PGA officials to look at its own model and to make changes so more players won’t abandon their tour.

As Zarzour sees it, the big problem for golf fans is that they aren’t going to be able to see the top players compete against one another at tournaments sponsored by either group.

“In every other sport, you get to see the best players playing,” he said. As it stands now, “not every great player will play in the same tournament,” but only in the major championships. In the official world golf rankings, players get points based on their performance at sanctioned events. The LIV doesn’t offer points at this time, although it has applied.

“There’s a tremendous pressure to not give points,” he said. And if that’s the case, those players are going to have to find somewhere else to play so they can earn those ranking points. But it won’t be in PGA events, because players who’ve joined LIV have been banned. It is uncertain whether LIV players will be able to play on the European tour, but they have been cleared to play – this year, at least – at the British Open in Scotland later this summer.

The top 50 or 100 players – based on world ranking points – are the ones who are invited to participate in the major golf championships, he said. Players could earn millions of dollars just for joining LIV – Mickelson reportedly got $200 million and Johnson $150 million – but would possibly forfeit their access to world ranking points, thus dropping them from the ranks of the top players.

The upheaval and confusion that the LIV has created could be too much for golf enthusiasts, Zarzour said.

If fans can’t watch the top players compete against each other in one tournament, they may become disinterested and quit watching altogether.

As the PGA continues to evaluate how to move forward, Zarzour said he predicts that players who defected to the LIV but soon after regret their decision would probably be re-admitted to the PGA with a little fanfare. It may be a “one-time only forgiveness,” Zarzour said, “and you’re able to come back and play.

Those players who stay longer and then re-apply to the PGA may find themselves facing a lengthy suspension, he said. “It could be years before players play again.”

Zarzour said the issue keeps coming back to whether this is good for the sport and for golf fans.

Given the dizzying amounts of money that the LIV has offered to players to join their circuit, Zarzour said, “a lot of us might do the same thing these players have done.”

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Carolina Carpet Broken Into; Local Suspect Arrested After Items Located, Foot Chase

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HPD Press Release:

On June 15th 2022, Officers responded to Carolina Carpet and Flooring for a breaking and entering that had occurred over night. The suspect had stolen numerous items, including drills, a TV, framing nail gun, and other various tools.

Investigators worked quickly to identify the suspect as 30-year-old, Jimmy Alan Reid. On June 17th, warrants were obtained for his arrest and a search warrant was obtained for his residence. After making entry into his residence at 602 Thomas Street, investigators located several items that were taken from the scene, but did not locate Reid.

On June 28thh 2022, at approximately 1:00PM, members of the Henderson Police Department located Reid through an anonymous tip. Reid was located in the area of Springwood Apartments, and began running after he saw officers approaching. A foot chase pursued, and Reid was caught after running through briars, and a densely wooded area.

Jimmy Alan Reid was taken before Magistrate Williams where he received a $50,000 bond for the Breaking and Entering of Carolina Carpet and Flooring, Resisting a Public Officer, and for an outstanding warrant of Hit and Run. Reid was remanded to the Vance County Detention Facility, but bonded out shortly thereafter.

Later that day, investigators were also able to recover additional stolen property from this incident from Sky Pawn, 943 W Andrews Ave Henderson. I am grateful for their aid in identifying these as stolen items and having the information we needed for further prosecution of the case.

Authority Chief Barrow

TownTalk: Pam Hester Talks Local Tourism Attractions, Events

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The executive director of Vance County Department of Tourism said she has a fear of being on the water, but she has absolutely no problem whatsoever promoting Kerr Lake and the variety of events it brings to town – and its contribution to the local economy.

Satterwhite Point is the site of Saturday evening’s fireworks display, sponsored by the local tourism authority.

Pam Hester told John C. Rose on Wednesday’s TownTalk that there will be numerous food vendors on hand for visitors to enjoy. DJ Jay will provide music for the event, she added. There’s a $7 gate fee per vehicle to enter the park and, as with all state parks, alcohol is not permitted.

The fireworks show will begin somewhere around 9:15.

A new food truck is in the lineup for the event in addition to several familiar vendors – King Southern Style Cookin’ – and Hester welcomes the owner to this year’s event.

“He has just moved into the area,” she said. “We’re lucky to have new people moving into Henderson, moving into Vance County,” she said.

“I think Vance County and Henderson have a lot to offer,” Hester added. “We are a great hidden gem.”

Apparently, not so hidden any more – Hester said the county is set to finish out the fiscal year with a record number of hotel stays. This is a sure sign that the many activities and events that happen in Henderson and in the county are attracting visitors like never before.

Although under the umbrella of county government, Hester said the tourism office is funded by the 6 percent occupancy tax that each hotel room generates per guest stay. The tax funds the staffing and events like the upcoming fireworks show at the lake.

“We’re going to have the highest amount of hotel stays (than) in the past 12 years,” Hester noted.

Some of those rooms will no doubt be reserved by folks who come to fishing tournaments at Kerr Lake – there are 24 tournaments that are taking place at the lake this year, up from last year’s 16.

She estimates that each fisherman brings $154 a day to the county. If each boat has a two-person team, that’s more than $300 a day. Multiply that number by the 200 or so boats on the water and the economic impact becomes evident.

But it’s not just Kerr Lake that is bringing in visitor revenue.

“We have things here that most little rural towns don’t have,” Hester said. Notably, McGregor Hall, a venue for concerts, live theater and dance competitions and recitals.

The young dancers who come to compete at McGregor Hall also bring their moms and dads, she said, which means stops for food, gas and other purchases as well.

“McGregor is bringing a huge economic impact” to the area, Hester said, adding that when the dance competitions are in town, the restaurants are packed.

Planning for additional events and attractions is something that she is always interested in, but Hester said she has a wish list for the future – she would wish for a convention center and more hotel space to accommodate the influx of visitors to the area.

A convention center could host a boat show or other large-scale events, she said.

“We have the perfect lake, but we don’t have facilities to accommodate it.”

Collaboration and partnerships create a strong network to keep activities vibrant in the county, and Hester attributes to local civic leader Debra Brown the following quote: “’Individually, we are one drop, but together we are Kerr Lake’. Together, we can make something,” Hester said.

Visit https://www.kerrlake-nc.com/kerrlake.php to learn more about the Vance County Department of Tourism.

 

 

ACC Announces Football Schedule Model for 2023-26

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— courtesy theACC.com

GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Atlantic Coast Conference announced Tuesday a new football scheduling model that will go into effect beginning with the 2023 season.

The new model is based on a 3-5-5 structure whereby each team will play three primary opponents annually and face the other 10 league teams twice during the four-year cycle, once at home and once on the road. The schedule allows for each team to face all 13 conference opponents home and away at least once during the four-year cycle. The structure was adopted by the league’s athletic directors and faculty athletic representatives earlier today.

The new schedule will eliminate the Atlantic and Coastal divisions with all 14 schools competing in one division beginning in 2023. The top two teams based on conference winning percentage will compete in the Subway ACC Football Championship Game on the first Saturday in December at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. In May, the NCAA Division I Council approved the deregulation of the current rule that had limited an individual conference’s autonomy to determine their football championship game participants.

“The future ACC football scheduling model provides significant enhancements for our schools and conference, with the most important being our student-athletes having the opportunity to play every school both home and away over a four-year period,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. “We appreciate the thoughtful discussions within our membership, including the head football coaches and athletic directors. In the end, it was clear this model is in the best interest of our student-athletes, programs and fans, at this time.”

The three primary partners for each ACC team are as follows:

Boston College: Miami, Pitt, Syracuse
Clemson: Florida State, Georgia Tech, NC State
Duke: North Carolina, NC State, Wake Forest
Florida State: Clemson, Miami, Syracuse
Georgia Tech: Clemson, Louisville, Wake Forest
Louisville: Georgia Tech, Miami, Virginia
Miami: Boston College, Florida State, Louisville
North Carolina: Duke, NC State, Virginia
NC State: Clemson, Duke, North Carolina
Pitt: Boston College, Syracuse, Virginia Tech
Syracuse: Boston College, Florida State, Pitt
Virginia: Louisville, North Carolina, Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech: Pitt, Virginia, Wake Forest
Wake Forest: Duke, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech

The Local Skinny! Frank Sossamon Speaks At Local GOP Rally

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Frank Sossamon is no stranger to public speaking, having spent his career as a pastor. And during remarks at a recent Vance County GOP rally, Candidate Sossamon encouraged fellow Republicans to get out and vote in the November general election.

Sossamon, a political newcomer, is running for N.C. House District 32 on the Republican ticket.

He spoke to the partisan crowd of about 300 for about five minutes and said he has been traveling throughout the district, which includes Vance and much of Granville County.

“Overall, the reception has been extremely good,” Sossamon said.

A candidates’ forum will be held Thursday, June 30 at Sadie’s Coffee Corner in Henderson from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Sossamon will be there, as well as Republican candidate for Vance Sheriff Patrick Bailey and others. Local GOP Chairman Jimmy Barrier will be the moderator and the rising crime rate is set to be the topic.

“We want to receive information and give information about crime,”Sossamon said. Other forums are being planned at locations across the county, he added.

And there’s a fundraiser for Sossamon planned for Wednesday, Aug. 17 at the Henderson Country Club.

Sossamon spoke for about five minutes and, among other things, called the May primary turnout in Vance County “dismal.” He reminded those in attendance about talk of a “Red Wave” in November, referring to the election of Republican candidates in races up and down the ballot.

“It won’t be a Red Wave unless you jump in the water,” he said.

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The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance 06-28-22

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The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for June 28, 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 –  Variety Wholesalers Inc.

Job Opening –   Help Desk Analyst – Full Time.  Position analyzes and resolves level one software and hardware related problems to support all internal systems users.  Requires high school diploma or GED, and up to 1 year experience with demonstrated proficiency with applicable software.  Applicants need good communication and analytical skills.

Warehouse Associate – Full time.  Up to $15 hour.  Be a part of one of the largest Distribution Centers in Vance County, located at 1000 Facet Road in Henderson, NC.  40 hour work week.  Sign on bonus.  Ability to lift and carry heavy objects.  Ability to walk long distances, stand, bend, stoop for 8-10 hour days.

How To Apply – Apply online at https://www.rosesdiscountstores.com and scroll to bottom of page and click on careers.  Or apply online at www.indeed.com.

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Business Name –  PNC Bank

Job Opening – Teller Position Open.  Full-time.  In this job you will provide exceptional customer service, accurately perform high volume customer banking transactions, educate customers on new technology and develop banking product referral opportunities through strong customer relationship skills.  Applicants need attention to detail, effective communication skills, and knowledge of and ability to provide products and services available through retail banking branch.  Training will be provided.  If applicants do not have a high school diploma or GED, a comparable combination of education and experience in the workforce (including the military) may be considered.  PNC Bank is located on Chestnut Street in Henderson, NC.

How To Apply – Apply online at pnc.com and scroll to bottom of page and click on careers.  Or apply online at www.indeed.com

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Business Name –  Vance County Government

Job Opening – There are over 30 job openings with our Vance County government.  Some of these openings require a 4 year college degree and others a high school or GED diploma.  There are benefits associated with each open position.  Some of these position titles include: Deputy Register of Deeds (clerical), Custodian (working in both Veterans Office and Cooperative Extension Service Building), Library Assistant (part-time), Social Service (multiple positions available), Sheriff’s Office (deputy, detention officers, kitchen assistant), Public Safety (EMS, Paramedic, and Fireman).

How To Apply – https://www.vancecounty.org/departments/human-resources and on the right hand side of page click on Job Postings tab.  Or apply online at www.indeed.com.

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Business Name –  Brewer Cycles

Job Opening –  Salesperson Position Open.  Full Time. Prior knowledge of Powersports is a plus but not required.  Will train the right candidate.  Applicant needs strong verbal/written communication skills and basic computer skills. Needs exceptional customer service skills, ability to lift/move up to 50 pounds, and maintain knowledge of products/services.  Tuesday – Friday 9-5:30 pm, and Saturday 9-3 pm. Benefits package.

How To Apply – Stop by Brewer Cycles to pick up an application or drop off a resume, located at 420 Warrenton Road, Henderson, NC.

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Business Name –  Jersey Mike’s Subs

Job Opening –  Hiring immediately for all positions.  Full-Time and Part-Time.  Looking for 16 year old and older workers.  Must be energetic, hard-working, have positive attitude, and have the ability to stand for long hours and work in a fast paced environment.  Reliable transportation is required.  Workers will have flexible schedules.  Work with team members to greet customers, record orders, and prepare cold and hot subs according to company quality standards.  Must have excellent communications skills and be willing to be trained.

How To Apply – Apply online at https://www.jerseymikes.com/careers. Indicate positions at zip code 27536.  Or stop by the Jersey Mike’s Sub restaurant, located in shopping center off Beckford Drive in Henderson NC, beside RCE Theaters and Pino’s Restaurant.

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Business Name –  Sams Furniture and Mattress Center

Job Opening – Eager to hire for two open positions: Office Coordinator and Delivery/Warehouse Assistant.  Full-Time.

How To Apply – Apply in-person at Sams Furniture and Mattress Center, located at 515 South Garnett Street, in Downtown Henderson, NC.

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Business Name –  Mako Medical Lab

Job Opening – Hiring now for Medical Technologist Position at the Henderson, NC location on Industry Drive.  Qualified candidates are responsible for preparing patient specimens as required for laboratory testing, performing compliantly ordered laboratory tests, monitoring test results to assure test quality and validity, and communicate results in a timely manner, especially those that may be life threatening to the patient. Compliance is a must at MAKO and this team member must maintain properly documented records of activities as well as clean and maintain laboratory equipment and environment.

How To Apply – Apply online: https://makomedical.com and click on the careers tab.

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Business Name –  Southern Laundry and Dry Cleaners

Job Opening – Hiring now for Driver and Presser.

How To Apply – Apply in-person at the 234 Dabney Drive, Henderson, NC location.

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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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