WIZS Local News Audio 04-28-21 Noon
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Employment for Graduating Seniors, Class of 2021 Career Expo
High school seniors who will graduate in a little over a month have choices to make, whether it’s choosing a college or university to attend or beginning a career. A regional career expo targeting the Class of 2021 will be held next week and it is designed with the Gen Z’er in mind.
The virtual event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 5 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., according to Desiree Brooks, business services manager of the Kerr-Tar Council of Governments workforce development board.
Brooks told WIZS News Tuesday, April 13 that several area workforce development boards, along with NC Works and the NC Department of Public Schools’ Career Technical Education (CTE) program have collaborated to put on the event.
“We have been coordinating with the CTEs in the five counties and they are working on getting students ready for the event,” Brooks said. “They are targeting students who are ready to enter the workforce upon graduation – we are all very excited about this event.”
The expo – tagged as the “Gen Z Edition” – will allow students and employers to communicate using a platform that young people are comfortable and familiar with, according to a flyer promoting the event. Students who have developed technical skills, have hands-on experience and earned credentials through their high school CTE program can use the expo as a way to showcase those skills for prospective employers. Employers can share job descriptions and other details of their business in interviews using text or video chat.
“One of our goals is to make sure the parents of seniors see the importance of this so they can encourage them to take part in this event,” Brooks noted. “Another goal is to get employers that are willing to hire graduating seniors with little or no prior work experience.”
Sign up for the event at trianglecareerexpo.com.
More First Shots in the Last Month than in the Month Before
Vance County has 33.4% of its population at least partially vaccinated against covid. The amount in Granville County is 35.7% partials. And as of Monday according to information for Granville Vance Public Health, the state is at 48.2 percent of the adult population having received a partial vaccination.
Vance County is lagging about 15% behind the state while Granville County is 12.5% back.
Of fully vaccinated adults, it’s Vance 26.8%, Granville 28.4% and NC 38.1%, which represents slightly smaller gaps.
Lisa Harrison, public health director, wrote in her email update, “We continue to update and shift our approach to vaccination to align with demand and meet people where they are, while working behind the scenes to re-open more of our core public health services and programs in the coming weeks and months. We want to make vaccine super easy for people who are not among the groups we initially vaccinated who were more than willing to come find us wherever we were. Coming up, we will deploy our team in new ways to be available for people at work, at school, and different locations across our communities to reach those without transportation options.”
Looking back at past emails from Harrison, WIZS News can determine 5,280 first shots were given from March 21 to April 26 whereas from February 25 to March 21 there were 3,355 first shots administered in Vance County. The figures indicate 1,925 MORE people in Vance County received a first shot in the last month than in the month prior.
Looking back at data in emails from Harrison for Granville County reveals 8,660 first shots were given from March 21 to April 26 whereas from February 25 to March 21 there were 3,888 first shots administer in Granville County. These figures indicate 4,772 MORE people in Granville County received a first shot in the last month than in the month prior.
Vaccine in the health district is about to be easier than ever to get. Just Tuesday, there was a walk-up vaccination clinic in Townsville. No appointment was required.
Harrison wrote, “We want to be available to answer questions and make easier the access points for vaccine and are working hard to lead this shift in demand as well as our approach to reach people who want the vaccine. If you have ideas, let us know. Please help us out by sharing our web site information widely where we have lots of good information, frequently asked questions, and ways to schedule a vaccine appointment at GVPH here: https://gvph.org/covidvaccines/.“
Vance County Schools Arts Alive 2021
— information courtesy of Vance County Schools and Public Information Officer Aarika Sandlin
Arts Alive 2021 was an amazing day this past Saturday, April 24 with Master Classes, the Virtual Art Gallery, along with the Talent Showcase! The district proudly presented our Champion of the Arts Awards to Dr. LaSaundra Booth and Mr. Andrew Markoch.
Dr. Booth, of the Wake Forest Community Youth Orchestra, has been instrumental in developing the Vance County Schools strings program. Her dedication and hard work has allowed the program to continue growing year after year, allowing our students to truly experience orchestra and strings at the elementary level.
Mr. Markoch serves as the VCS Director of Fine Arts and Innovation. He continues to raise the bar in our district for both visual and performing arts. As a fully staffed arts district, we ensure that every student experiences the arts at every grade level. Mr. Markoch oversees all of the arts programs within our schools.
Both of these individuals are indeed Champions of the Arts and make us all Vance County Schools Proud! The excitement doesn’t end until April 30th, as our virtual art gallery and master classes will be available until April 30 at http://bit.ly/ArtsAliveWebsite.
TownTalk 04-27-21 VGCC 9th Annual Small Business Summit
Niche crops, innovative practices and agritourism may not be the first things that come to mind when people think about farming, but participants in an upcoming daylong workshop will learn more about these topics and more.
Vance-Granville Community College will present the 9th Annual Small Business Summit on Thursday, May 20, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The event will be held outside, at Seven Springs Farms and Vineyards, 332 Axtell Ridgeway Road, Norlina, NC. All CDC-recommended social distancing and mask protocols will be followed.
This year’s theme is Ag Alternatives & Legacy Farms. VGCC’s Tanya Weary and Sheri Jones spoke with John C. Rose on Town Talk Tuesday about the event, which will provide attendees with a day of agriculture education, including discussions of niche farming, agritourism and farm modernization. The workshop will be led by a diverse group of successful farmers and business owners. Attendees will also learn about agriculture-related grants and financing options.
Register by May 10 by visiting www.vgcc.edu. Or contact Jones via email joness@vgcc.edu or call 252.425.8385. Lunch is included with registration and will be provided by The Meat Up Spot, a regional food truck (a vegetarian option will be available).
It is “quite fitting” to hold the workshop at Seven Springs, Weary said. Agritourism is growing, and Weary said “we’re excited that Seven Springs has agreed to host us, and to share their knowledge with those in attendance that day on what agritourism has done for them and for Warren County.
Jones, director of VGCC’s Small Business Center, said the outdoor venue will allow for social distancing for participants. “The owners have been so cooperative in making sure that everything stays in compliance and will keep everybody safe. It is a beautiful venue and I think people will really enjoy it.”
“Agriculture is an important part of our local economy, with many of our small businesses being involved in food and farming, so we are excited to focus on this sector,” said Weary, VGCC’s Dean of Business & Industry Solutions.
Derrick Jackson of Grass Grazed Farm in Durham will serve as the keynote speaker, discussing “A New Farming Model.” Jackson and his wife, Paige, operate a 60-acre farm, where they focus on sustainable pastured livestock, ethical practices and regenerative agriculture.
Other sessions include a panel on “High Tunnel Production,” led by N.C. Cooperative Extension including Dean’s Greens Farm, Rocky Ridge Farms and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; “Land of Opportunity: Heir Property, Startups, and Finding Your Niche” with Patrick Brown of Brown Family Farms/Hempfinity; a session on “Agritourism, Partnerships and Building Community,” featuring Seven Springs Farms & Vineyards and Lake Gaston Outfitters; and a presentation on “Finding Resources: Cost-Share, Grants, and Financing Your Agribusiness.”
The event is hosted by the VGCC Small Business Center, with co-sponsors including Warren County Economic Development, The Meat Up Spot, Sweet Delights, Grass Grazed, and Seven Springs Farms & Vineyards.
“I think the main goal that Tanya and I have had as a team is to listen and to hear what each community needs that may be specific to their community and we try to meet them there,” Jones said.
WIZS Local News Audio For 04-27-21 Noon
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The Local Skinny! April 27 Jobs In Vance
In partnership with the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce…Jobs in Vance on WIZS…The Chamber compiles and provides the information, and it is presented here and on the radio.
The First Baptist Church of Henderson is seeking a highly qualified and motivated person to fill a part-time position as Administrative Support Coordinator. This position provides administrative and communications support for Ministerial staff and lay leaders. Candidates must be proficient in word processing, publishing, database, and spreadsheet management. The ideal candidate will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, be detail oriented. Knowledge and experience with best practices for use of print and social media is preferred. A minimum of an Associates Degree from an accredited College or University is required. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m Compensation is commensurate with education and experience. Please submit resume to First Baptist Church, PO Box 75, Henderson, 27536 Att: Ron Cava.
Hoyle’s Tire and Axle — We buy used mobile home axles and tires. Supply re-manufactured and new axles and tires to the manufactured housing industry. Looking for a General Laborer. Hours are 6:30-3:00 Monday-Friday. To learn more about the job, please apply at the business, located 175 Bearpond Rd, Henderson, NC 27537.
Versatrim — We currently have openings for an electrician, first and second shift packers and shippers, quality control people and machine operators. People can apply on our website, www.versatrim.com or send resumes directly to karen@versatrim.com.
SERVPRO of Franklin, Vance & Granville Counties is hiring service technicians. Servpro works to provide fire, water and mold cleaning and restoration services to homes and businesses. Apply in person at 260 Industry Drive or email office@servpro-fvg.com for an application.
Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department is hiring for the following part time positions: Summer Day Camp Counselor, Summer Day Camp Junior Counselor, Lifeguard, Athletic Scorekeeper, Parks Maintenance Worker and Facility Supervisor. Potential candidates can pick up applications at Aycock Recreation Center (307 Carey Chapel Road, Henderson, NC) or on the City of Henderson webpage (ci.henderson.nc.us/departments/human_resources/jobs.php) Applications will be accepted Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm at City Hall (134 Rose Avenue, Henderson, NC).
Some of these business 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. Contact the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce at 438-8414 or email christa@hendersonvance.org to be included. Listings are provided each Tuesday around 11:45 a.m. on “The Local Skinny!” as well as during local news at 5 p.m. Tuesdays and 8 a.m. Wednesdays as well as weekly posts here and social media.
For the audio version click play.
TownTalk 04-26-21 NC MedAssist Mobile Pharmacy Visits Henderson April 30
NC MedAssist is coming to Henderson Friday, April 30 to distribute various types of over-the-counter medications and other first-aid items to residents in a drive-thru event. Online registration continues until noon on Wednesday, and that’s the best way to make sure that individuals get the medicines they need.
Kinsey Luce, mobile events and project manager for NC MedAssist, was a guest on Monday’s Town Talk. She told John C. Rose that the mobile pharmacy will bring about $100,000 in medicines to distribute. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The drive-thru format is a response to COVID-19 restrictions, she said. “We’re so excited to be back” in the area; last summer’s event in Granville County had 1,100 people come out to pick up cough and cold medicines, allergy medicines and other over-the-counter remedies.
The mobile pharmacy will be at the local Salvation Army facility, 2292 Ross Mill Road and is the result of a partnership with Triangle North Foundation.
“We’re still going to do everything we can to keep everyone safe,” Luce said, and added that all participants will be required to use facemasks. “We want to have a safe event and give out tons of free medicine.”
The program is open to individuals and families needing medications. Although no ID is required, participants must be 18 years or older to get medicines.
The advance, online registration will allow participants to choose exactly which medicines they need. “We’ll shop for your order, and it’ll be labeled and ready for you to pick up,” Luce said.
Pre-registration is not a requirement, but it would be helpful to get people in and out quickly.
NC MedAssist can also provide ongoing assistance for qualified individuals and families, she said. The enrollment process has been simplified and guidelines eased to help the uninsured get the medications they need.
For complete details and audio click play.
ALE Operation Nets 28 Misdemeanor Charges in Henderson
On Tuesday, April 20th, agents with NC Alcohol Law Enforcement issued 28 misdemeanor charges in Henderson. A total of 15 people were charged.
Clay Joyner, special agent in charge for ALE in District 4 – Raleigh told WIZS News, “Our main focus of what we went that day for was to focus on any criminal activity in and around ABC permitted establishments, with a focus on underage possession, consumption and sale to underage.”
Several areas in the district were targeted during the week last week, and one of those areas was Henderson.
Statewide, in recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, ALE special agents concluded the statewide enforcement operation on Friday resulting in over 200 people charged, according to a press release from ALE. There were also seizures of alcoholic beverages, drugs, firearms and cash across the state.
ALE special agents will submit violation reports to the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission documenting the criminal and regulatory violations which could result in fines, suspensions, or revocations of ABC permits.
Vance County was one of 18 counties statewide involved in last week’s efforts.
The Local Skinny! April 26, VCS Budget, Classified Staff
Vance County Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson says the VCS budget will consider an increase in classified staff compensation.
Q: Middle and high schools were consolidated a few years back and it seems like there was about a $2 million per year savings that was talked about at that time. As we head into the 21-22 budget year, what’s affecting your upcoming budget the most right now and what does your budget look like in terms of savings that you’re realizing from past consolidation?
A: As you can see, we’ve been able to expand programs. Our goal was the savings would be poured back into programming and so since that time, we’ve been able to launch our center for innovation, we’ve been able to launch our V3 Academy, we’ve been able to expand our athletic programs, we’ve been able to expand our fine arts programs, we’ve been able to lower some class sizes at our secondary schools and things like that…the things we promised, we’ve been able to refresh our technology devices and add Z Space labs, so we’ve been able to do the things we said we were going to do while not asking for one additional dime from our county.
Our challenges this year are different. COVID has presented a huge challenge, and we’ve talked about it before, and it’s around the ‘people’ part of this work. The workforce has become far more competitive than it has been and that means that salaries are shifting and so our local…we’re challenged right now to keep up with salaries for our classified employees, particularly in our maintenance area. We’re in the middle of doing a salary study and we’ve found that our employees are significantly behind those in the region. We’ve always known that with our teachers and our professional staff. But our classified staff are equally challenged. So that’s our biggest budget challenge. You’ve got to find recurring dollars for that – you can’t just take savings from one place and move it over there for one year or you can’t just use COVID dollars to backfill. We’ve got to make an investment in our people and that’s our biggest challenge. And so we’ve made a modest request in our budget this year to help us at least begin that process. We can’t do it in one swoop, but that’s our goal to try to do that. Every single metric that we set with consolidation, in terms of reducing our footprint, in terms of expanding programs, in terms of increasing enrollment at our middle and high schools, and as well as offering more innovative programs to our students in our community.
We feel good about that and now we’ve got to go to the next steps of balancing all of that out and making sure we keep the right people in the right seats on the bus so we can keep moving forward.