Fox Pond Shelter Renamed For Local Hero Eddie Hicks In July 29 Dedication

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The Eddie J. Hicks Shelter dedication ceremony will take place next Friday, July 29 at 11 a.m.

Currently known simply as Shelter #1 at Fox Pond Park, the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department will officially rename the shelter in honor of one of Vance County’s most memorable athletes who also has served his native Vance County for more than 30 years.

Hicks excelled in sports and caught the eye of college scouts while playing football at Vance Senior High School. He graduated in 1975 and earned a football scholarship play at East Carolina University. Hicks still holds the ECU record for longest rushing yard play – 95 yards. He went on to play professional ball with the New York Giants.

He was inducted into the East Carolina University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014.Hicks has worked with the recreation and parks department for many years and is a dedicated employee who takes pride in his work. He oversees the adult and youth community service programs and is an active community leader and youth advocate.

The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony.

Contact Director Kendrick Vann at kendrickvann@henderson.nc.gov or 252.431.6093.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Farmers Market Loaded With Local Produce From Yellow Squash To Purple Hulls

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Venture out to the Vance Regional Farmers Market and you’re likely to hear “I need some peas, enough for supper,” or “Have you got a peck of pickling cukes?” Market Manager Pat Ayscue said the farmers who bring their produce and other goods to the market each week are prepared to fill orders small or large.

So whether it’s local vine-ripened tomatoes, butterbeans, sweet corn or purple hull peas you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to find them at the farmers market, open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the summer.

And what’s better than freshly-dug new potatoes, snaps, zucchini, squash and bell peppers for creating a healthy summer meal?

Not into doing the canning or pickling yourself? No problem! Ayscue said canned tomatoes, pickles and jellies are in good supply.

In addition to the fresh produce, the market has a variety of handcrafted items created by local artisans.

The farmers market is located at 210 Southpark Dr. off Beckford Drive in Henderson.

TownTalk: Plans For New Convention Center On Parham Rd.

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There’s a lot of planning that goes into any construction project, a statement to which Vance County Director of Tourism Pam Hester will attest. But in the case of a possible convention center complex that is in the works for the area, it’s a matter of turning a vision into reality.

Hester was John C. Rose’s guest on Wednesday’s Town Talk and she shared some initial ideas about how acreage just off Parham Road could be transformed into a spot that locals – and visitors – can enjoy. The property is owned by the Vance County Department of Tourism.

“Hopefully, this will be the catalyst for change,” Hester said, in an interview recorded earlier and aired Wednesday. A healthy economic environment is one that has a mixture of businesses, large and small. This convention center and the focus on increased tourism, she said, can be an economic driver.

Initial plans show a 27,000 square foot convention center, which Hester said would be included in the first phase of the three-phase project. “It’s in the conceptual stage right now, (and) we’ve got to go back for some tweaks.” The size could increase to about 30,000 square feet, with a main room that can accommodate 500 for dinner, but as many as 1,000 for trainings and other types of meetings. The main room can be divided into three separate meeting spots, each with its own separate entrance, so Hester said each smaller room could house a different event at the same time.

The Tourism office will be located there, too, which will allow staff to oversee facility usage and rentals – anything from boat and car shows to corporate training events, weddings and sports camps.

“It’s more than just a convention center,” she explained. “It’s more like a community/convention/welcome center.”

The second phase would include addition of a hotel, which is important for tourism in a couple of different ways: Visitors need a place to stay when they attend events in the area, and tourism programs are funded by the 6 percent occupancy tax that hotels and motels generate.

“That would open up a world of opportunities for us,” Hester said of the additional space for visitors to stay. Add a restaurant and the complex becomes more attractive for groups looking to hold events there.

Although Vance County has 319 fewer available hotel rooms, Hester said the county enjoys the highest occupancy tax rate ever. “That six percent that hotels collect is up significantly – it’s much higher than it’s ever been,” she said.

The project’s third phase would be addition of a greenway or walkway to connect with other parts of the city. And there will be a handicap-accessible children’s playground, she added, as well as a place to walk dogs and even a charging station for electric cars.

Like all projects, area officials have been discussing possible timelines for construction and completion.

“I would like to see it start tomorrow,” Hester said, “but that’s not realistic.” More than likely, getting the project underway in 2025 is more realistic.

In the meantime, planning continues and ideas keep percolating among tourism staff, its governing board and the county commissioners. Hester said she is hopeful to get some grant funding as well as developing a plan for corporate sponsorships.

 

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The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance 07-18-22

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The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance forJuly 19, 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.

Jobs Openings for Tuesday, July 19, 2022

 Business Name –  Henderson Collegiate School

Job Opening – Job openings for multiple positions at a high performing K-12 Public Charter School in Henderson, NC.  These include: Elementary Lead Teacher, Elementary Teacher Assistant, High School (HS) ACT Prep Teacher, HS English Teacher, HS Spanish Teacher, College Counselor, Middle School (MS) Art Teacher, MS Science Math Teacher, MS Science Teacher, MS Social Studies Teacher, MS Technology Teacher, ESL Teacher, and Special Education  Teacher,

How To Apply – Apply online at HendersonCollegiate.org or Contact Kate Liddle, Director of Talent Acquisition at kliddle@hendersoncollegiate.org.  Henderson Collegiate is located at 1071 Old Epsom Road in Henderson, NC>

 

Business Name –  Henderson Family YMCA

Job Opening – Position open for Director of Human Resources.  Reports to the CEO, oversees daily operations of HR/Payroll.  Strategically plans and processes new employees from applicant, to orientation that meet organization standards, towards organization goals.  Communicates with insurance carriers on risk management, reporting, and policies, to insure safety and compliance of the YMCA.  Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource or equivalent, with HR experience.  Good communication skills, proficient in computer skills, and good interpersonal and critical thinking skills.

How To Apply – Apply online at www.hendersonymca.org, Click on Get Involved – Employment Opportunities.

 

Business Name –  Vance County Government

Job Opening – Multiple positions open.  These include:  Deputy Register of Deeds, full-time; Perry Memorial Library Assistant, part-time; Fire Department Engineer, full-time; Dept of Social Services Social Worker I and II, full-time; Custodian for Veterans and Cooperative Extension Offices, full-time; Detention Officers; full-time.

How To Apply – Apply online at www.vancecounty.org.  Click on Departments tab at top of page, click on human resources and then Job Postings.

 

Business Name –  Walmart Distribution Center #6091 in Henderson, NC

Job Opening – Freight Handler/Order Filler,  Full-time.  Salary – $17.55-$23.55 an hour.  Fulfill store orders through pulling merchandise through layer using electronic voice control equipment, stacking onto pallets, placing labels in appropriate area on freight, and transporting  using power equipment.  Inspect merchandise for damage and mis-placement. Moves, lifts, carries products up to 60 lbs., and work in varying temperature conditions.

How To Apply – Apply online at www.walmart.com/us/jobs/freighthandler or apply on Indeed.com website.

 

Business Name –  Versatrim

Job Opening – 1. Customer Service Representative – provides information in response to inquiries about products and services, handle and resolve complaints.  Need enthusiastic individual who can listen to customer issues and then offer unique and innovative solution to each problem.  Must be 18 yrs old older.  HS diploma/GED required. Must be available to work M-F, 9am – 6pm.  Requires excellent verbal and written communication skills. 2. Sales Support Specialist – responsible for providing administrative and clerical support to the sales team and customers during the sales process.  They assist customers in resolving sales-related issues in a timely manner, generally providing real-time support. Requires proficiency in MS Office, Good time-management skills, ability to work and think independently, must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.

How To Apply – Apply online at www.versatrim.com, click on Careers tab at the top of the homepage.

 

Business Name –  Vance-Granville Community College

Job Opening Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Learning, Student Engagement and Success, full-time.  Salary $34,276 – $51,415. Requires Associate Degree in business or related field with experience in community college a plus.  Provides administrative duties including scheduling meetings, make travel arrangements, enter and retrieve data using Datatel, file and retrieve electronic and hard copy documents, handle mail, coordinate meetings, skilled in office machines and proficient in computer skills.

How To Apply – Mail or deliver resume to the Human Resource Office at VGCC main campus on Ruin Creek Road, Henderson NC or apply online at www.vgcc.edu or on www.indeed.com.

 

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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Juvenile Charged With Murder In Weekend Shooting Death

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A 17-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with a shooting death that occurred over the weekend in Vance County.

The suspect was taken into custody without incident on Monday, July 18, according to a press release from Vance Sheriff Curtis Brame. He is being held in secure custody.

Saivion Best was found with multiple gunshot wounds by Sheriff’s deputies after they responded to a call about 10 a.m. Sunday at 187 Vincent Hoyle Rd. The shooting had taken place at the residence, which was identified as Lot 8.

The victim was transported to Maria Parham Hospital by Vance County EMS, but he was pronounced dead a short time after arriving at the hospital.

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations arrived on scene and began an investigation which led them to the suspect.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office.

TownTalk: Preview Of Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society Cruise-In

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The upcoming Ruin Creek Cruise-In is the perfect time to celebrate the successes of a collaboration of public and private agencies whose mission is to reduce the number of unwanted dogs and cats in the area.

The Cruise-In will be held on Saturday, July 30 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the former Boyd dealership, 284 U.S. Hwy 158 Bypass. Admission is free to the public; all proceeds will benefit the Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society.

RCAPS founder and president Brandon Boyd said the Cruise-In is the group’s largest fundraiser of the year. This year’s presenting sponsor is Vance County Department of Tourism.

“Not only is it a fundraiser event, but it’s also a time of community fellowship for people in our area to get together and share an evening of safe and enjoyable fun together,” Boyd said in a written statement to WIZS News.

“This is a time we get to see all of our generous donors that allow the work of Ruin Creek to take place and gives us the opportunity to simply tell everyone, ‘thank you,’” Boyd added.

The Cruise-In is surely an event for human enjoyment, but the real winners are the hundreds of dogs and cats that find their way to rescue organizations for foster care or for adoption.

Vance Animal Services Director Frankie Nobles said RCAPS, working alongside his staff, has been a valuable partner.

In the last six years or so, the number of dogs and cats coming through the animal shelter has basically been cut in half – from more than 3,000 a year to last year’s count of below 1,800, Nobles told John C. Rose during Tuesday’s Town Talk.

“We’re seeing that number of animals drastically dropping,” he said, but over the past several weeks, the daily intake is a dozen or more animals. “The shelter is seeing a lot of intakes,” Nobles added.

But RCAPS programs like the Friday Freedom Rides get animals out of the shelter, freeing up space and reducing the need to euthanize animals because there simply is no room to house them.

“The more money they can raise, the more animals we can help get out of here,” Nobles said. Some of that money is used to pay for the transport, but RCAPS also helps offset the cost for the shelter’s spay and neuter program, as well as provide vet care for sick or injured animals who are brought in to the shelter.

County residents who receive government assistance – like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid – can qualify to get their pets spayed or neutered for free through the shelter. The only out-of-pocket expense for eligible pet owners is their animal’s rabies shot, $5 at the shelter or $10 on the day of the spay or neuter procedure.

Residents who don’t qualify for the free spay or neuter services can still get their animals fixed at a reduced rate – $50 for male cats and $60 for female cats, and $70 for male dogs and $80 for female dogs.

Nobles said they’ve done more than 400 community animals – and that doesn’t include those animals that are in the shelter.

The spay/neuter program, coupled with education programs in the community, Nobles said the unwanted pet situation has improved.

“That’s our goal – to reduce that number as low as we can get it,” he said.

In just a few months, the shelter will celebrate six years at the new facility on Brodie Road. Nobles said he appreciates the work of Lead Officer Megan Cottrell as well as Animal Service Officers Chris Vick and Waverly Saunders.

Heather Lovings is the shelter’s office assistant and ever-present volunteer Ellen Wilkins provide invaluable service to keep the office running smoothly.

Nobles said RCAPS volunteers Michelle Wood and Taylor Pitkowsky are a big help, too.

The Cruise-In is a chance to say “thank you” to the community for its support of the work of all the staff at the shelter and the volunteers at RCAPS. Last year’s crowd was in the 3,200 to 3,500 range, and organizers are hoping to exceed that number.

Classic and collector cars from all across North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia will be participating in this event, and local vendors will offer a variety of craft items for sale as well. Vehicle owners can register and check in beginning at 1 p.m.

Stock car racing television broadcaster and classic car enthusiast Mike Joy will be on hand for the festivities, as will Richard Petty’s “Petty Garage,” a traveling display with some of the latest gizmos and gadgets from the world of car racing. There will be demonstrations of some of the equipment for participants to enjoy, too.

South Hill’s Shep Moss and Party Time Music will provide musical entertainment during the Cruise-In, Boyd said, and there will be raffle drawings for prizes throughout the evening.

 

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State Highway Patrol

Campaign To Reduce Speeders In Effect Through July 24

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Most drivers, whether they admit it or not, have driven at speeds higher than the posted limits.

You’re late to an appointment or to pick the kids up at school or a sports practice – the excuses may vary, but the results of speeding remain the same – the increased risks of crashes, injury and loss of life.

Law enforcement officers across the state are participating in a “Speeding Wrecks Lives” campaign through July 24, part of a national initiative in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“Speeding-related crashes are at all-time high levels across the country, including North Carolina, and one proven way to prevent speeding is an increased law enforcement presence on the roads,” said Mark Ezzell, director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. “Campaigns like these are key pieces to decreasing crashes, even as we work on more long-term solutions such as safe road design, safer cars and quality driver education.”
Speeding is a major cause of injuries and deaths on North Carolina roadways. Last year, 424 people died in speeding-related crashes across the state. Moreover, speed was a contributing factor in nearly a quarter of all fatal crashes in 2021. Males under 39 account for nearly half of all speeding-related crashes.
To be safe, drivers should always avoid speeding. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to negotiate curves, makes it more difficult to stop a vehicle and increases the risk of crashes and injuries because other vehicles and people might not be able to judge distance correctly.

View more statistics on speeding in NC here.