Lorrie Morgan Coming to Henderson

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— courtesy McGregor Hall

Country Music Superstar Lorrie Morgan Celebrates Columbus Day Weekend With First-Ever Concert In Henderson, North Carolina

HENDERSON, N.C. (OCTOBER 2, 2017)—Country music superstar Lorrie Morgan lands her tour bus in Henderson, N.C., for the first time ever this Sunday, October 8, 2017, for a live concert at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center. The doors open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show.

The Columbus Day weekend event is expected to draw in hundreds of Country music fans from across the region to downtown Henderson, according to Mark Hopper, vice president of the McGregor Hall Board of Directors. “Lorrie is one of the biggest superstars that we’ve had perform at McGregor Hall since opening last year, and we fully expect her Sunday night show to be one of the most exciting events happening in the region on this extended, holiday weekend.”

The sultry songstress is one of the best-selling female artists in Country music history, beginning her career by setting records as she released three consecutive platinum albums beginning with 1989’s “Leave The Light On” followed by “Something In Red,” then “Watch Me.” To date, Morgan has had 14 Top 10 Country music hit songs like “Five Minutes,” “Something In Red,” and “A Picture Of Me (Without You).”

Even years before those radio hits were released, Morgan made history at age 13 when she became one of the youngest artists to perform at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Since then, Morgan has not slowed down.

In 1994 she was voted “Female Vocalist of the Year” by country music fans at TNN’s Music City News Awards. She would earn this honor again in 1996, 1997 and 1998. Over the past two decades, as musical trends came and went, Morgan has remained true to herself. Today, she has become the essence of Country music femininity and a renaissance woman of the genre, easily being recognized as one of Country music’s “most emotive female artists.”

In 2016, Morgan released her first new solo album in five years, “Letting Go…Slow,” which she says is a collection of her varied moods. “It’s a rainbow of emotions, from darkest heartache to bright, shiny humor,” said Morgan. “Where I am in my life right now, I’m not afraid to express what I feel, or what I don’t feel. I’ve been a daughter, a bride, a mother, a divorcee, a widow, a single mother, a breadwinner and, ultimately, a survivor. In many ways, I am a living, breathing Country song, and I know what I sing.“

Concertgoers can expect to hear an array of new and old hits as well as her rendition of Country classics such as her soprano lilt version of Patsy Cline’s “Strange.”

Tickets are on sale for $35 or $30 plus sales tax. Group and student rates are available. Tickets can be purchased directly at the McGregor Hall Box office, which is open Monday through Friday from 1:30pm to 5:30pm. The Box Office is located at 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson. The Box Office can also be reached by phone by calling (252) 598-0662. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.McGregorHall.org by using the secure and trusted purchasing platform, eTix. Online fees apply.

Morgan is the opening act of the McGregor Live! performance series package, where patrons have an opportunity to buy tickets for six shows at $125, a savings of $35. The packages also features “Hairspray,” performed and produced with local talent, on Oct. 27-29 and Nov. 3-5; the Christmas Wonderland holiday spectacular, Dec. 5; world-renowned magician and mentalist Joshua Lozoff, Jan. 6; Al Stewart, known for the Top 10 hits “Year of the Cat” and “Time Passages,” and his band, the Empty Pockets, Feb. 17; and the original Eagles tribute band, Hotel California, on March 16. For more information on this and other series packages, visit www.McGregorHall.org.

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(Press Release)

(McGregor Hall is a paying advertising client of WIZS.)

NC Forest Service

Oct 8-14 is Fire Prevention Week

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— courtesy NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and NC Forest Service

With fall fire season approaching, N.C. Forest Service offers tips to prevent wildfires

RALEIGH – As fall wildfire season approaches, the N.C. Forest Service encourages North Carolinians to heed the call of National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 8-14, and take steps to ensure careful burning of leaves and yard debris.

Fall wildfire season typically lasts from mid-October until mid-December, the time of year when people do a lot of yard work that may include burning leaves and yard debris. These fires sometimes escape and start wildfires. In fact, debris burning is the top cause of wildfires in North Carolina.

“Between October and November of 2016, there were 1,138 wildfires that burned more than 59,511 acres across North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “All of us can do our part to avoid another fall fire season like last year by exercising caution while burning debris.”

There are many factors to consider before burning any debris. The N.C. Forest Service encourages residents considering debris burning to contact their local county forest ranger. The ranger can offer technical advice and explain the best options to help maximize the safety to people, property and the forest.

Follow these tips to protect property and prevent wildfires:

  • Consider alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass and stubble, may be of more value if they are not burned, but used for mulch instead.
  • Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
    Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burning permit at any Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at https://ncforestservice.gov.
  • Keep an eye on the weather. Don’t burn on dry, windy days.
  • Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris. Don’t pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle away from overhead branches and wires.
  • Household trash should be hauled away to a trash or recycling station. It is illegal to burn anything other than yard debris.
  • Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
  • Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed debris burning.
  • Stay with your fire until it is completely out.
  • These same tips hold true for campfires and charcoal grills as well. Douse burning charcoal briquettes or campfires thoroughly with water. When soaked, stir the coals and soak them again. Be sure they are out cold and carefully feel to be sure they are extinguished. Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area.
  • Burning agricultural residue and forestland litter: In addition to the rules above, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time. Before doing any burning in a wooded area, contact your county ranger, who will weigh all factors, explain them and offer technical advice.

Studies have shown that taking these and other measures can reduce the possibility of wildfires. For more information on ways you can prevent wildfires and loss of property, log onto https://ncforestservice.gov.

News 10/03/17

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Well Known Vance Co. Businessman Killed

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Vance County Sheriff Peter White told WIZS News that Tommy Ellington was killed early this morning at his home.  White said Ellington was found shot to death on his property in the 1200 block of Stewart Farm Road east of Henderson.

White said the motive was unclear, although it could have been the result of a robbery.

Deputies had the property taped off Monday afternoon, and a black tent near the garage could be seen from the road.

Ellington was well known for his role at Quality Equipment, a local John Deere dealership.

No arrests have been made.  The investigation is continuing.

Dennis Jarvis

Vance County Announces Dennis Jarvis, II as Economic Development Director

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— courtesy Vance County Manager Jordan D. McMillen

Vance County is pleased to announce the hiring of Dennis Jarvis, II, as the Director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission. He will begin in this position on November 6th.

Jarvis has a total of 18 years experience in economic development, with the last 2½ years serving as the Director of Economic Development for the Town of Altavista, Virginia. Prior to that he has had Economic Development positions in higher education, non-profit organizations, consulting, and county entities in Virginia and West Virginia. Mr. Jarvis holds a bachelor’s degree in History from Bluefield State College and a master’s degree in political science from Marshall University. He is certified in Business Retention and Expansion International (BREI) and is eligible to obtain his Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification through the International Economic Development Council.

During his career he has been directly instrumental in the creation of over 800 new jobs with $62 million in new investment and $335,000 in grant funds. In addition, he has led marketing efforts, business retention initiatives, and has experience in obtaining public and private grants for community development.

Mr. Jarvis has a history of strong relationships with board members, staff, the business community, state and federal agencies, and the general public. He brings a passion for community and an energy for economic development and improving the quality of life for others. He will be a welcome addition to the county’s management team and the Vance County community.

(Press Release)

News 10/02/17

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News 09/29/17

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News 09/28/17

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J.M. White Funeral Home Endows VGCC Scholarship

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— courtesy VGCC

VGCC scholarship endowed by local funeral home

A new Vance-Granville Community College scholarship has been endowed by J.M. White Funeral Home of Henderson in memory of its namesake and co-founder, Jerry Marshall White Sr.

His widow and co-owner of the funeral home, Betty Oakes White, said that the family sought to create the scholarship because “education is the future for our children, and we want everyone to be able to get an education.” She noted that higher education in particular is more important than ever to allowing area residents to obtain gainful employment.

In awarding the Jerry Marshall White Sr. Memorial Academic Achievement Scholarship, preference will be given to students who are enrolled in VGCC’s Accounting and Business Administration programs.

Although this is the first scholarship that the business has endowed, J.M. White Funeral Home is a longtime supporter of the annual VGCC Endowment Fund Golf Tournament. “This community has been good to us, so we support our community,” Betty White said.

J.M. White Funeral Home was established in 1967 as Waite and White Funeral Home. Jerry M. White Sr. became the sole owner of the business in 1971, and the name was changed. After his death, the business continued to serve families in the area under the direction of J. Hillman Dickerson, who was supported by a loyal and professional staff. With the help of that staff, Jerry’s wife, Betty, gradually took over as manager of the funeral home, eventually becoming a licensed funeral director herself. Following in their father’s tradition of dignified service, Mr. and Mrs. White’s sons, Jerry White Jr. and Gregory Scott White, came into the business after gaining their education in funeral service. The funeral home has been operating at its current location on Zeb Robinson Road in Henderson since 1989.

“This scholarship is a wonderful tribute to J.M. White and to the half-century of service that the funeral home bearing his name has given to this community,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, president of VGCC. “We appreciate the White family’s support for VGCC students, which will make a difference for generations to come.”

Through the Endowment Fund, VGCC has awarded more than 8,800 scholarships to students since 1982. Scholarships have been endowed by numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff. Tax-deductible donations to the VGCC Endowment Fund have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business or industry with a lasting gift to education. For more information about the Endowment Fund, call (252) 738-3409.

–VGCC–

Help Seniors Get Hired!

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Are you age 55 or older or, know someone who is? Are you unemployed and looking for a job? Are you interested in paid on-the-job community service training!

NC NCBA-SCSEP supports over 300 part-time positions in 18 counties by providing hands-on workplace settings for seniors to develop new skills and talents and support community service activities. Participants enhance or refresh work experience through exposure to various jobs. Must meet income guidelines, able to work 20 hours per week, participate in assisted job search, earn minimum wage stipend.

Call Beryle Lewis
919693 2686
blewis@myncba.com