Warren Co. Animal Ark Extends Free ‘Fix Your Pit’ Event

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy the Warren County Animal Ark’s Facebook page

The Warren County Animal Ark has extended its free “Fix Your Pit” spay and neuter event through the month of February. According to the Ark, pit bulls and pit bull mixes are one of the most overbred breeds and often end up in a shelter.

If you are a Warren County resident, simply call the Warrenton Animal Clinic at (252) 257-0737 and let them know you want to “Fix Your Pit” free-of-charge.

Town Talk 02/17/20: Jones’ Sunday Morning Motivation on WIZS Encourages, Uplifts

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

WIZS Sunday Morning Motivation “The Help Center NC” with Twanna J. Jones aired on Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m. Sunday Morning Motivation airs every Sunday morning on 100.1 FM/ 1450 AM WIZS at 10:30 a.m.

Jones, along with her husband Bobby, owns and operates The Help Center NC in Vance and Granville County. According to the Help Center’s website (www.thehelpcenternc.com), the ministry was established in 2016 to share the Gospel and advocate for the poor, elderly and young by providing the tools needed for families to become self-sufficient through training and educational programs.

Serving those in Franklin, Vance, Warren and Granville counties, the program assists with food, housing referrals and resources to enhance the physical, social, emotional, and economic health of poor and homeless citizens.

Sunday Morning Motivation on WIZS is a way for the service area to hear positive, encouraging messages to improve mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. The February 16 presentation, re-aired for Monday’s Town Talk, addressed the “loneliness” Jones said some residents have stated they feel around holidays, especially romantic holidays like Valentine’s Day. Putting these emotions into a spiritual context, Jones shared biblical passages on love and handling feelings of disappointment.

The program also featured local author Terry Alston Jones who discusses her book “A Summer With No Ice Cream.” Told through the eyes of a 12-year-old, this novel discusses the importance of making good health and lifestyle choices while young to avoid negative consequences later in life. It is the first in a planned series entitled “Embracing Myself and My Health” aimed at addressing health disparities in the African American community.

For more information about The Help Center and its programs, please call (252) 572-3203 to speak with a representative or email info@TheHelpCenterNC.com.

To hear the Sunday Morning Motivation with Twanna J. Jones in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation 2020 Grant Cycle is Now Open

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy Triangle North Healthcare Foundation

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation has announced the launch of its 2020 grant cycle, accepting applications now through May 1, 2020.

A regional healthcare grantmaking organization based in Henderson, NC, Triangle North Healthcare Foundation was established in 2011, following the merge of Maria Parham Medical Center and Duke Lifepoint.

The Foundation seeks programs and projects that will provide positive results in one or more of the five focus areas: Child Well-Being, Chronic Disease, Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, Nutrition and Physical Activity, and Reproductive Health. Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and schools are eligible to apply.

The link to the Foundation’s online grant portal is available at the website: https://www.tnhfoundation.org

The Foundation’s mission– to encourage, support, and invest in quality efforts that measurably improve health in the Triangle North area— is achieved through funding programming that focuses on improving health. The Foundation also supports programs that build capacity and develop leaders for nonprofits in the region.

Since beginning its grantmaking in 2013, the Foundation has invested over $1.8 million in over 70 programs that serve the four counties in the region: Franklin, Granville, Vance, and Warren.

According to the Foundation’s Executive Director Val Short, the Foundation Board’s hope is that through grantee organizations and the people they serve, the Board’s vision for the future of our region will be realized… “to live in a healthy community.”

“Our hope is that the Foundation’s investment of grant funds in our communities will result in long-lasting improvements in the health and wellbeing of our children and adults,” Short said.

Short and the Foundation’s Grants Coordinator Carolyn Powell are currently available to discuss ideas for grant projects or to assist with grant writing. Call 252-430-8532 to schedule an appointment.  Information about current and past funded programs and projects is also available on the Foundation’s website.

VGCC Logo

VGCC Names 273 Students to President’s and Dean’s Lists

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 117 students earned President’s List academic honors and another 156 earned Dean’s List academic honors for the fall 2019 semester, which ended in December.

The President’s List recognizes students who achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) while carrying a “full load” (of at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student had to earn a GPA that was at least 3.5 but less than 4.0, and have no grade lower than “B,” while carrying a “full load” of such courses.

Fall Semester President’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence. The Dean’s List follows the President’s List.

Accounting & Finance:

Andres-Manuel Mata Espino of Creedmoor;

Aaron  W. Rettig of Oxford.

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:

Jeremy M. Johnson of Manson;

Alexander J. Quintana of Youngsville.

Associate in Arts:

Crystal D. Clayton of Butner;

Tanaura R. Harrison and Cintly Vargas-Arias, both of Creedmoor;

Emma M. Cascino of Durham;

Randi A. Bowen and Cassidy A. Holmes, both of Franklinton;

Alejandro Duran, Emani’ D. Foster, Jorge Alberto M. Gomez, Aaliyah S. Jackson, Isaiah A. Johen, Josiah Jones, Caroline A. Nutt and Sarah R. Parish, all of Henderson;

Ashley E. Bolling and Rebekah L. Varker, both of Kittrell;

Brianna C. Pressey and Sara G. Woodard, both of Louisburg;

Spencer B. Boyd, Kai Z. Doege, Erica L. Evitts, Stephanie Gomez Palacios, Matthew P. Henderson and

Calli S. Massey, all of Oxford;

Grayson B. Williams of Rougemont;

Ronnie Brodie, Jr., of Wake Forest.

Associate in Fine Arts – Visual Arts:

Rachel R. Hughes of Creedmoor.

Associate in General Education – General Science:

Anahi Galvan of Butner;

Genevieve N. Mua of Creedmoor;

Cody M. Greene of Oxford.

Associate in Science:

Janis D. Terry of Bullock;

Jeremy J. Medley and Akoya M. Penny-Campbell, both of Creedmoor;

Isaac D. Sutton of Louisburg;

Rewees A. Ebrahim of Oxford;

Zion T. Page of Raleigh;

Naomi L. Campbell of Wake Forest;

John E. Moore of Youngsville.

Automotive Systems Technology:

Cameron M. Pierce of Creedmoor;

David D. Bragg and Larry G. Dupree, III, both of Franklinton;

Alec L. Moran of Henderson;

James H. Pope of Norlina;

Cesar L. Vazquez of Oxford;

Xavier Durham of Warrenton.

Bioprocess Technology:

Adrine L. Pettaway of Henderson.

Business Administration:

Gadiel A. Ogaz of Franklinton;

Alejandra Ponce, Grady A. Rollins and Crystal D. Wilkins, all of Henderson;

Timothy H. Powell of Louisburg.

College Transfer Pathway:

David B. Foster of Castalia;

Sophia J. Metcalf of Franklinton;

Jillian Hanchey of Louisburg;

Nancy A. Nasher of Manson;

Kaleigh V. Booker of Norlina;

Lana E. Horton of Oxford;

Jacob A. Comer of Rougemont;

Chase A. Tuttle of Wake Forest;

Evan M. Corsar of Youngsville;

Micah D. Hall of Zebulon.

Cosmetology:

Brandi N. Mitchell of Franklinton;

Megan N. Henderson of Henderson;

Madison L. Adams and Leslie B. May, both of Louisburg;

Edna J. Johnson of Raleigh;

Hannah L. Carpenter of Wake Forest;

Brittaney J. Kilmer of Youngsville.

Criminal Justice:

Ricardo L. Ellis of Creedmoor;

Alexis R. Lincoln of Franklinton;

Natasha A. Alston of Henderson;

Jessica M. Wiles of Norlina;

Wyatt D. Mote of Wake Forest.

Culinary Arts:

Cassidy A. Young of Franklinton;

Noah O. Hendrick of Oxford.

Early Childhood Education:

Emily S. Bickerstaff of Raleigh.

Electronics Engineering Technology:

Dakota L. Hodnett of Oxford.

Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:

Noah D. Yeargin of Oxford.

Information Technology:

Joshua R. Jones of Butner;

Douglas Boulia of Creedmoor;

Matthew J. Stein of Franklinton;

Mario D. Silver of Havelock;

David B. Ayscue, Jr., Marvion A. Criddle and Mary L. Mosny, all of Henderson;

Alexander N. Long of Kittrell;

Allen T. Jones and Katelynn A. Ray, both of Louisburg;

Julian W. Causey, III, and Nicholas C. Parker, both of Oxford;

Amanda S. Aiken of Rougemont;

Marsha S. Musick of Warrenton.

Mechatronics Engineering Technology:

Derek K. Gay of Franklinton;

Triston L. Tilley of Stem.

Medical Office Administration:

Keishla M. Garcia and Erika Portillo, both of Creedmoor;

Bambi F. Coleman of Durham;

Desiree Annis of Franklinton;

Melanie A. Slaton of Henderson;

Savannah K. Alford and Elizabeth L. Wiggins, both of Louisburg;

Lisha T. Harris of Oxford;

Rebecca Lynam of Youngsville.

Office Administration:

Mia N. Wireman of Clayton.

Paralegal Technology:

Rachel G. Roberson of Franklinton;

Emari N. Ragland of Henderson;

Megan L. Finch of Kittrell;

Brandol J. Pahuamba Hernandez of Louisburg.

Radiography:

Kacie L. Gann of Durham;

Michelle A. Matthews of Henderson;

Kimberly Henderson of Raleigh.

Supply Chain Management:

Mariana G. Mitchell of Franklinton.

Welding Technology:

Hunter A. Norwood of Henderson.

 

Fall Semester Dean’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence:

 

Accounting & Finance:

Daequan L. Oakley of Oxford.

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:

Isaac A. Saleh of Oxford;

Tyler R. Holsonback of Stem.

Associate in Arts:

Amir L. Branch, Caden C. Colvin, Kayleigh N. Redmond, Megan M. Smith and Brennon M. Warren, all of Creedmoor;

Tanecia Leathers and Kathleen T. Zoldos, both of Durham;

Kimberly Ross of Franklinton;

Wafa A. Alazab, Taylor V. Cavanaugh, Kimberley M. Coghill, Hannah P. Foster, Micaela C. Harrah, Sierra McBurrough, Kristyn M. Medlin, Faith A. Orr, Josie M. Roberson, Nychelle M. Robinson, William A. Strickland, Alondra M. Torres-Ornelas, Leslie Zuniga  Trejo, Cristian J. Ventura, Anna B. Weaver, Haley L. Williams, Autumn N. Wortham, Brian Ramirez, Damion Harris, Jester Williams and Viviana Hernandez, all of Henderson;

Paul V. Rogerson of Littleton;

Cameryn A. Bostic, Jeremiah Calamaco, Kasey M. Nida, Kaleb M. Pulley and Christian A. Saroza, all of Louisburg;

Spencer T. Huff, Bree Kromah, Magaly D. Martinez and Erin P. Whitt, all of Oxford;

Mariana G. Alonzo and Gabriella M. Fuentes Wilson, both of Stem;

Kaitlyn E. Hopkins of Wake Forest;

Kayla W. Hargrove of Warrenton;

Angelica N. Montano of Wendell;

Sonia Gonzalez of Youngsville;

Tomas J. Olivares-Beddoes of Zebulon.

Associate in Fine Arts – Visual Arts:

Brandon K. Lewter of Franklinton;

Tyler R. Potter of Youngsville.

Associate in General Education – General Science:

Richard S. Kudayah of Durham;

Alexis N. Brown-Fincher of Henderson;

Kayla D. Stancil of Oxford;

Jaleka L. Alston of Warrenton.

Associate in Science:

Garret L. Deane and Timothy D. Hunter, both of Creedmoor;

Paola N. Contreras Escalera and Nidia K. McBride, both of Garner;

Safa A. Alazab of Henderson;

Nancy J. Alvarez Lopez, Jason Avila-Soria, Madeline R. Beck, Heveen N. Issa and Miguel M. Magana, all of Louisburg;

Sha’da Bullock of Manson;

Abigail D. Dickerson of Oxford;

Jordan A. Gilmore of Wake Forest;

Cheyenne M. Carroll of Warrenton;

Malorie R. Stasiewicz of Youngsville;

Bryson W. Bridges of Zebulon.

Automotive Systems Technology:

Josiah R. Yarborough of Henderson.

Business Administration:

Katlyn M. Hunt, Lainey G. Neal and Christopher L. Pulley, all of Henderson;

Jennifer S. Crabtree and Vanessa L. Crabtree, both of Kittrell;

Breanna L. Lewis of Oxford.

College Transfer Pathway:

Alexis N. Simmons of Henderson;

Alexander H. Rote of Kittrell;

Anthony D. Goreman, Abbie L. Mann and Kamarion E. Moore, all of Oxford;

Ava E. Stoddard of Rolesville.

Cosmetology:

Mia P. Ellis of Creedmoor;

Carter E. Gilliam of Franklinton;

Shakyla M. Cathey, Skylar N. Mulhollen and Ce’Anna K. Willis, all of Henderson;

Cannon G. Bigham of Louisburg;

Logan B. Breedlove and Victoria L. Hackett, both of Oxford;

Samantha J. Tackema of Wake Forest;

Megan L. Sandell of Winston Salem.

Criminal Justice:

Carly J. Minor of Butner;

Courtney A. Glenn of Oxford;

Mikayla Pendergrass of Stem;

Joshua R. Martus of Wake Forest.

Culinary Arts:

Michael J. Stephens and Kali B. Wiggs, both of Henderson;

Karsen O. Garrett of Youngsville.

Early Childhood Education:

Nancy E. Crumpler of Louisburg;

Chermella E. Durham and Catherine A. Mendell, both of Oxford.

Electrical Systems Technology:

Timothy L. Reid of Creedmoor.

Histotechnology:

Marianna Coppola of Fayetteville;

Nigoria B. Alston of Henderson

Joshua D. Manson of Louisburg;

Benjamin P. Eales of Raleigh;

Summer M. O’Brien of Roxboro.

Human Services Technology:

Ruth A. Terry of Oxford;

Rachel H. Allen of Stem.

Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:

Heidi M. Kulhawik Angelini of Franklinton;

Tara E. Brame of Henderson;

Tiffiney Whitt of Roxboro.

Information Technology:

Malcolm J. Jones of Butner;

Janie M. Evans, Joshua T. Norton, Marquita L. Perry and Elizabeth H. Wonsetler, all of Henderson;

Emily Durling and Roderick A. Lewis, both of Oxford.

Mechatronics Engineering Technology:

Herbert H. Davis of Henderson.

Medical Assisting:

Yemika E. Hernandez of Creedmoor.

Medical Office Administration:

Yamileth D. Portillo of Creedmoor;

Ashley A. Hedgepeth, Christie K. Matthews, Maryjo M. Parks and Denise M. Woodard, all of Henderson;

Paola Rebollar of Louisburg;

Chassity A. Evans of Middleburg;

Kasey V. Evans and Felicia B. Fuller, both of Oxford;

Brooke W. Nowell of Roxboro.

Office Administration:

Kimberly C. Cagney of Creedmoor.

Paralegal Technology:

Guadalupe Z. Mata of Henderson;

June J. Terry of Louisburg;

Carol L. Coleman of Morrisville.

Pharmacy Technology:

Candace Wallace of Butner.

Radiography:

Lauren A. Stephenson and Yvonne A. Stills, both of Creedmoor;

Michael A. Leslie of Durham;

Matthew S. Denton, Heidy M. Morosumi and Amber D. Peoples, all of Henderson;

Carly M. West of Littleton;

Tanena S. Sims of Mebane;

Jennifer M. Banning and Sabrina E. Bedard, both of Wake Forest;

Jesslyn E. Bader of Youngsville;

Maria J. Perry of Zebulon.

Welding Technology:

Noah W. Pearce of Franklinton;

Branson P. Hight and Justin H. Ranes, both of Henderson;

William M. Balash and Benjamin H. Branch, both of Oxford.

Town Talk 02/11/20: Celebrate ‘New Orleans Style’ at BGC’s Mardi Gras Bash

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Thomas Falgout, interim CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of North Central North Carolina (BGCNCNC) appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m. The BGCNCNC represents Granville, Vance, Franklin, Warren and Halifax counties.

Falgout invited the public to celebrate “New Orleans style” at the 4th Annual Mardi Gras Bash to benefit the Granville County chapter of the Boys & Girls Club on Saturday, February 22, 2020, from 6:30 until 10 p.m.

The bash will be held at Thorndale Oaks, 105 W. Quail Ridge Rd in Oxford, and will include dinner, dancing and music by The Retro Band, all in the spirit of Bourbon St.

Tickets for the adult event are available for $65 each, or two for $120, and may be purchased by calling the BGC Office at (919) 690-0036 or visiting the online Event Brite link by clicking here.

Discussing the benefits of the Boys & Girls Club, which serves school-aged children between the ages of 5-18 in after-school and summer programs, Falgout said the outcome for both the participants and the community is tremendous.

“We get one shot to give children the best childhood imaginable,” said Falgout. “It’s not something they get to do over again. The more people that invest in the Boys & Girls Club, the better the childhood and future of these kids.”

Falgout stated that the benefit to the community is proven. “For every dollar invested in the Boys & Girls Club, there’s about $10 in future earnings in your community.”

The North Central NC Boys & Girls Club currently serves approximately 2,300 youth in various programs throughout the year.

To hear the interview with Falgout in its entirety, including more information on the Boys & Girls Club, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Oak Level U.C.C. to Hold Annual ‘100 Women in Red’ Program

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy Mary Reid, Oak Level U.C.C. 

This coming Sunday, February 16, 2020, at 3 p.m., the Oak Level U.C.C Christian Women Working Together will hold their annual “100 Women in Red” program.

The speaker for the occasion is Rev. Latanya Joyner of Oxford. The Jerusalem Gospel Choir will render the music. Please come out and support.

For more information, please contact Mrs. Mary Reid at (252) 767-5878.

McGregor Hall

McGregor Celebrates Valentine’s Day, Music & Black History Month This Feb.

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Don’t miss these special events at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson this February:

ABBAMANIA: An ABBA Tribute!

  • Friday, February 14, 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at McGregor with a night of ABBA!

Come enjoy a rock musical which takes you back to the disco era with one of the best pop bands in history – ABBA. “ABBAMANIA” features nine incredible musicians and singers performing 21 of ABBA’s hit, with all the costume changes, choreography, live band, backup singers, and the big studio sound.

The New Century Saxophone Quartet

  • Sunday, February 16, 2 p.m.

Part of the 2020 Classical and Chamber Performance Series!

Internationally acclaimed, New Century Saxophone Quartet has performed in Carnegie Hall, the Villa Schoenberg in Zurich, and the Academy for the Performing Arts in Hong Kong. They have appeared on television and radio across the United States and offered two command performances for President Clinton in the White House. The Quartet features Henderson’s own, Michael Stephenson.

ONE NOBLE JOURNEY: A Black History Month Tribute

  • Tuesday, February 18, 7:30 p.m.

ONE NOBLE JOURNEY is a moving play telling the story of Henry “Box” Brown, an African American born into slavery in Louisa, Virginia. Henry devised an ingenious escape plan — sealing himself in a wooden box for shipment to friends and freedom in Philadelphia.

Tickets for these events may be purchased by:

DROP-IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Town Talk 02/10/20

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

NC Coop Extension to Offer Free Trip to Buster Sykes Farm

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension

The best way to master the art and science of pruning fruit trees is to observe the proper technique from an expert. NC Cooperative Extension will provide that opportunity on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, through a field trip to the Buster Sykes Farm in Alamance County.

The Buster Sykes Farm contains a 300 plant orchard with apples, peaches, pears, plums, pawpaws, blackberries, grapes, figs and much more. Operated by the Alamance County Extension Center, it is meticulously maintained according to specifications developed by NCSU horticulturists. For anyone wanting to raise fruit crops, whether in the backyard or on a small farm, there is simply no better place in Piedmont North Carolina to learn about proper pruning and maintenance practices. Instruction will be provided by Mark Daniely, the Alamance County Extension Director who supervises the orchard.

There is no charge to participate, and transportation is provided. The trip will depart from the Warren County Center of NC Cooperative Extension at 7:45 a.m., returning around 2:45 p.m. There will be additional pick up points in Henderson and Oxford. Space is limited and registration is required.

For complete details and to register, call 252-257-3640 or visit https://go.ncsu.edu/fruitprunetour.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy Crews Working to Restore Power to Local Area

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy Tanya Evans, District Manager, Duke Energy

After yesterday’s tornados and torrential rain, we had a one-two punch today with early morning wind gusts causing additional damage. The saturated ground and heavy winds have resulted in hundreds of downed power lines, broken poles and snapped trees.

At this time, we have more than 4,000 Duke Energy crews working to restore power throughout the region with additional teams from the Midwest (300) and off system resources (180) from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Delaware and Virginia to bolster our restoration efforts.

While we are focused on restoring as many customers as quickly as possible, it’s important to note that, for employee safety, Duke Energy line technicians cannot perform elevated work in bucket trucks when winds (sustained or gusts) are above 30 miles per hour. Rest assured, however, we will work until every customer is restored.

As of 2 p.m. on Friday, February 7, there are approximately 60,000 customers without power across the state. In our region, the following counties have significant outages:

Franklin – 5,715

Nash – 2,417

Granville – 1,873

Person – 726

Until the winds completely subside, we expect these numbers to continue to fluctuate. For the most current update and further detail, please visit our outage map.

We understand our customers are anxious to have their power restored. Please encourage anyone who is experiencing an outage to report it. We have several options to do so:

  • Use the Duke Energy mobile app – Download the Duke Energy App from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play
  • Visit https://duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device.
  • Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).
  • Call the automated outage-reporting system at DEP: 800.419.6356 or DEC: 1-800-POWERON (1-800-769-3766)

Finally, please be cautious if you venture out:

  • Stay away from downed lines and any storm debris that could conceal downed power lines.
  • Report hazardous situations/lines down at 1-800-POWERON (1-800-769-3766).
  • Never drive through standing water.
  • Take care around our crews: The “move over” law requires drivers to move over one lane when two or more lanes are available in each direction to make way for emergency responders, tow trucks, DOT incident management assistance patrols, and roadside work crews, such as utility crews. On roads with only one traffic lane in each direction, drivers must slow down and be prepared to stop. Violators could face fines.