The McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center, 201 Breckenridge St. in Henderson, will feature “Guys and Dolls” as presented by the Henderson Rec Players on the following dates:
Friday, July 5, 2019, @ 8 p.m.
Saturday, July 6, 2019, @ 8 p.m.
Sunday, July 7, 2019, @ 2 p.m.
Friday, July 12, 2019, @ 8 p.m.
Saturday, July 13, 2019, @ 2 p.m.
Part of the Rosemyr Corporation Henderson Rec Players 2019 Season –
“Guys and Dolls” tells the story of a couple of big New York City gamblers and the women who love them. With music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, this energetic show features the hit songs “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” “Luck, Be a Lady,” and “Bushel and a Peck.”
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Guys-and-Dolls-Logo.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-06-17 16:59:262019-06-17 16:59:26Henderson Rec Players to Present ‘Guys and Dolls’ at McGregor Hall
-Press release and additional information courtesy Tanya Evans, District Manager, Duke Energy
In an email to WIZS News and other media outlets, Evans said, “I am sharing a bit of good news regarding electric rates. Due to fuel savings achieved from the joint dispatch of our generation fleet (one of the advantages of the merger several years ago), we are proposing an adjustment to our fuel rate in order to pass those savings along to our customers.”
Duke Energy Progress files annual adjustments with North Carolina Utilities Commission for customers in North Carolina
If approved, typical residential customers will see their monthly bills go down $4.
RALEIGH, N.C. – Duke Energy Progress today made its annual filings with the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) for costs associated with fuel, compliance with the state’s renewable energy portfolio standard (REPS), cost recovery under the Joint Agency Asset Rider (JAAR), and implementation of energy efficiency (EE) and demand-side management (DSM) programs.
In its filing, Duke Energy Progress is proposing a decrease in monthly fuel costs as part of an annual adjustment of the actual cost of fuel used to power North Carolina homes and businesses through renewable, natural gas, nuclear and coal-fired generation. By law, the company makes no profit from the fuel component of rates.
The fuel rate is based on the projected cost of fuel used to provide electric service to the company’s customers, plus a true-up of the prior year’s projection. The NCUC is responsible for reviewing the actual fuel costs required to serve customers to ensure an accurate adjustment is made each year.
The percentage change on a typical bill would be an average decrease of 3.3 percent for residential customers, 4.4 percent for commercial customers and 1.9 percent for industrial customers. The total monthly impact of all rate changes for a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month would be a decrease of $4, from $120.95 to $116.95.
The new fuel, REPS and JAAR rates would go into effect Dec. 1, 2019, and the new EE and DSM rates would go into effect Jan. 1, 2020.
Helping customers save
Duke Energy Progress works to actively manage its fuel contracts to keep fuel costs as low as possible for customers. Savings achieved from the joint dispatch of Duke Energy’s generation fleet in the Carolinas also help to minimize the company’s fuel costs.
Duke Energy Progress is also committed to helping customers take control of their energy use and manage their bills. The company offers energy-saving tips and innovative efficiency programs for every budget to help customers realize additional savings.
For example, the Home Energy House Call is a free in-home energy assessment, valued at $180, designed to give Duke Energy customers more information about how they use energy in their home and strategies to save money on their monthly bill.
To learn more about these programs, visit duke-energy.com/savings.
Duke Energy Progress
Duke Energy Progress, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns nuclear, coal, natural gas, renewables and hydroelectric generation. That diverse fuel mix provides about 12,700 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 1.6 million customers in a 32,000-square-mile service area of North Carolina and South Carolina.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S. It employs 30,000 people and has an electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts through its regulated utilities, and 3,000 megawatts through its nonregulated Duke Energy Renewables unit.
Duke Energy is transforming its customers’ experience, modernizing the energy grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding natural gas infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves. The Electric Utilities and Infrastructure unit’s regulated utilities serve approximately 7.7 million retail electric customers in six states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. The Gas Utilities and Infrastructure unit distributes natural gas to more than 1.6 million customers in five states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The Duke Energy Renewables unit operates wind and solar generation facilities across the U.S., as well as energy storage and microgrid projects.
Duke Energy was named to Fortune’s 2019 “World’s Most Admired Companies” list, and Forbes’ 2019 “America’s Best Employers” list. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy’s illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
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https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsresize_0000s_0019_Duke_Energy_logo.svg_.png265504John C. Rosehttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngJohn C. Rose2019-06-12 20:47:242019-06-12 20:47:24Duke Energy Progress Wants To Pass Fuel Savings On To NC Customers
— press release from Triangle North Healthcare Foundation
Triangle North Healthcare Foundation Announces Community Investment
Triangle North Healthcare Foundation’s Board of Directors has announced the acquisition of the historic Henderson landmark, Garnett Street Station.
Through its newly formed limited liability company, Garnett Street Station, LLC, the Foundation closed on the property purchase on June 10. The property was purchased from Restoration Associates.
“We consider this an excellent investment for the Foundation, since it is an income-producing property,” said Val Short, Executive Director for the Foundation. “We can also ensure this important historic treasure will be maintained and preserved for future generations,” she added.
Current tenants at Garnett Street Station will continue to lease office and parking spaces. The Foundation is planning some renovations and improvements to the building, including replacing the platform at the back of the building, painting the exterior trim, and repairing mortar on the brick.
Built around 1885 as a railroad freight station and depot, the building stands on land that was originally deeded to the Raleigh & Gaston Rail Road Company by Lewis Reavis in 1837. The depot building was restored and converted to an office building in 1989 by Restoration Associates.
The Foundation will occupy the office on the south end of the building, according to Short. She expects the Foundation will be able to relocate to Garnett Street Station by the end of the summer. “We are very excited about having a permanent home for the Foundation, especially in this iconic symbol of Henderson’s history and development,” said Short.
Located in Henderson, Triangle North Healthcare Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, and schools in Vance, Warren, Granville, and Franklin counties. The Foundation’s grant funding mission has been made possible by the endowment that was established after Maria Parham Health merged with the for-profit Duke-Lifepoint in 2011. For more information about the Foundation, call 252-598-0763 or visit the website: www.tnhfoundation.org
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/wizsphoto-garnett-street-station-061219.png265504John C. Rosehttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngJohn C. Rose2019-06-12 20:27:082019-06-12 20:27:08Triangle North Healthcare Foundation Buys Garnett Street Station
Safe Plates
Training Program for Food Protection Manager Certification
Safe Plates course and test will take place on July 1-3
Class will be held on July 1st & 2nd
Time: 9am-4:30pm
Test: July 3rd: 9am-11am
Location: Hawkins Center: 427 West Franklin Street
Warrenton, NC
What is Safe Plates
Warren County Cooperative Extension offers Safe Plates for all those who work in the food service industry. The course helps food establishments meet the North Carolina requirement of having at least one supervisor certified as a food protection manager, per the FDA Food Code 2013.
What Information is Covered?
Safe Plates includes instruction on personal hygiene and employee health; purchasing and storage; eliminating crosscontamination; handling allergens; pest control and facility design; cleaning and sanitizing and correct temperatures for storing, preparing and holding foods.
Who Should Participate?
This course is designed for food employees who are seeking food protection manager certification. Certification is based on passing the ANSI-approved exam from the National Registry for Food Safety Professionals. Certification is accepted throughout the United States for five years from date of exam, and includes a certificate to be displayed in the workplace as well as a wallet card.
How is Safe Plates Different?
NC Safe Plates is taught through case studies, storytelling, activities and discussion. This class is interactive and encourages participants to engage with the material.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/coopextnc.png265504John C. Rosehttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngJohn C. Rose2019-06-12 19:50:552019-06-12 19:50:55Safe Plates Training Program July 1-3
More than 5 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s, but less than half are ever diagnosed. Acknowledging why your loved one is acting differently is hard, but early detection and care can make a significant difference, according to a public service announcement recently received at WIZS.
Today’s edition of Town Talk featured Lisa Roberts, Executive Director, of the Alzheimer’s Association of Eastern North Carolina and Bethany Wood, Manager, Walk to End Alzheimer’s of the Eastern NC Chapter.
If you notice any of the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s in yourself or someone you know, don’t ignore them. Early detection makes a world of difference, and so does the way you approach the conversation with a family member or a friend. If you notice a pattern of memory loss or behavioral issues that are affecting one’s ability to function, it’s essential to talk about it so they can be evaluated. The Alzheimer’s Association offers these tips:
1. Have the conversation as early as possible – Ideally, it’s best to talk about the Alzheimer’s warning signs with a family member or friend before they even occur, so that you can understand how someone would want you to approach them about it. However, many people aren’t planning for Alzheimer’s before it happens. If you’re noticing signs of dementia, start a conversation as soon as possible, while mental functioning is at its highest and before a crisis occurs.
2. Think about who’s best suited to initiate the conversation – There might be a certain family member, friend or trusted advisor who holds sway. Consider asking this person to step in and plan around how to have the most supportive and productive conversation.
3. Practice conversation starters – The following phrases can help broach the conversation.
a. “Would you want me to say something if I ever noticed any changes in your behavior that worried me?”
b. “I’ve noticed a few changes in your behavior lately, and I wanted to see if you’ve noticed these changes as well?”
c. “Lately I’ve been considering my own long-term care plans, and I wanted to see if you’ve done any advance planning you can share with me?”
4. Offer your support and companionship – Seeing a doctor to discuss observed warning signs of Alzheimer’s may create anxiety. Let your family member or friend know that you’re willing to accompany them to the appointment and any follow-up assessments. Offer your continuous support throughout the diagnosis process.
5. Anticipate gaps in self-awareness – It can be the case that someone showing the warning signs of Alzheimer’s is unable to recognize those signs in themselves. Be prepared to navigate confusion, denial and withdrawal, as people may not want to accept that their mental functioning is declining.
6. Recognize the conversation may not go as planned – Despite your best intentions, a family member may not be open to discussing memory or cognitive concerns. They may get angry, upset, and defensive or simply refuse to talk about it. Unless it’s a crisis situation, don’t force the conversation. Take a step back, regroup and revisit the subject in a week or two. If they still refuse to get help, consult their physician or the Alzheimer’s Association for strategies that may help.
10 WAYS TO LOVE YOUR BRAIN
START NOW. It’s never too late or too early to incorporate healthy habits.
BUTT OUT: Smoking increases risk of cognitive decline. Quitting smoking can reduce risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.
FOLLOW YOUR HEART: Risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke – obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes – negatively impact your cognitive health.
HEADS UP: Brain injury can raise risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seat belt and use a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike.
FUEL UP RIGHT: Eat a balanced diet that is higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
CATCH SOME ZZZ’S: Not getting enough sleep may result in problems with memory and thinking.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH: Some studies link depression with cognitive decline, so seek treatment if you have depression, anxiety or stress.
BUDDY UP: Staying socially engaged may support brain health. Find ways to be part of your local community or share activities with friends and family.
STUMP YOURSELF: Challenge your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Play games of strategy, like bridge.
BREAK A SWEAT: Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates heart rate and increases blood flow. Studies have found that physical activity reduces risk of cognitive decline.
HIT THE BOOKS: Formal education will help reduce risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Take a class at a local college, community center or online. Growing evidence indicates that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits. When possible, combine these habits to achieve maximum benefit for the brain and body. Visit alz.org/10ways to learn more.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/alzheimers-association.png265504John C. Rosehttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngJohn C. Rose2019-06-12 18:00:422019-06-12 20:32:25Town Talk: June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month; #ENDALZ
Restarting a career is never easy. It takes persistence and, often, a leap of faith, to change course, which is what many students come to Vance-Granville Community College to do. That was the case with Jeannie Adcock.
A Vance County native, Adcock completed a bachelor’s degree at East Carolina University and went into the working world. From 2009-2015, she worked at Maria Parham Medical Center in Henderson in administrative roles, with stints in marketing, as the physician liaison and as the development coordinator with the hospital foundation (today known as Triangle North Healthcare Foundation).
But after several years working in the health care field, she felt drawn to pursue a career on the clinical side. She decided she wanted to obtain an associate degree in Nursing and headed to her hometown college, VGCC. There, she found supportive faculty and staff members who helped guide her through the Nurse Aide I program and courses like Biology, before she could officially enter the Associate Degree Nursing program.
“I started the ADN program in August 2016,” Adcock recalled. “To say it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done might still be an understatement!”
Adcock said she was able to succeed, at least in part, by making some amazing friends. “You really can’t place a value on how important these bonds are to help you make it through, because no one else understands what you’re going through,” she said. Adcock also found excellent, experienced Nursing faculty members. “I was known as the ‘outspoken’ one in our class, and I’m sure my instructors ‘appreciated’ it,” she reflected with a laugh.
Adcock excelled in the rigorous, challenging program, earning President’s List honors and a pair of academic scholarships from the VGCC Endowment Fund. She later spoke at the annual Endowment Fund Golf Tournament to thank the community for supporting the college.
In 2018, she not only graduated but completed the program with among the highest grade point averages in her class. “Every curve ball that was thrown at me, I found a way to knock it out of the park,” Adcock recalled. “I was so proud to receive my degree on stage from Dr. Stelfanie Williams (then the college president), as she had been a very supportive and influential part of my journey.”
Adcock had set clear career goals from the beginning of her time at VGCC. “All of my instructors knew from the start that my plan was to go to work in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), so thankfully, I was one of the few members of our class to receive the ICU preceptorship in our last semester of school,” she said. That preceptorship was part of her invaluable clinical training which takes students to various health care facilities that partner with the college. “I completed clinical rotations at Granville Medical Center, Maria Parham, Central Regional Hospital, UNC and Duke,” she said. “When it was time to apply for jobs, I only applied to ICU’s, landed four ICU interviews/offers and accepted a job offer at Duke.”
Today, she is a registered nurse in the Neurosciences ICU at Duke University Hospital, which is ranked as the top hospital in North Carolina. “I couldn’t be happier with my decision,” Adcock said. “I have the best co-workers, and our providers are all amazing!” She even helps to train the nurses of tomorrow, including VGCC students who come to her unit for their own clinical rotations.
Her advice to those considering following in her footsteps as a student: “Don’t ever let someone tell you that you’re not capable of doing something! Never accept ‘no’ for an answer and don’t expect results without dedication!”
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/VGCC-Photo-Jeannie-Adcock-061219.png265504John C. Rosehttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngJohn C. Rose2019-06-12 17:30:142019-06-12 13:13:47VGCC Nursing degree propelled Jeannie Adcock to Duke Hospital
Vance-Granville Community College had many numbers to celebrate at the conclusion of its recent Endowment Fund Golf Tournament: 35 annual tournaments, 50 years of service by the college to the community and more than 1 million dollars raised to date.
In fact, the fundraising total for the 35th tournament, presented this year by CertainTeed of Oxford, was more than $114,000, which will help fund scholarships for deserving students and support the mission of the college. That brought the total amount generated by all VGCC golf tournaments since 1985 over the million-dollar mark for the first time, to approximately $1,101,000.
A total of 148 golfers formed 37 teams to play in either the morning or the afternoon round on May 7 at the Henderson Country Club.
“Strong support from the community is part of the history of this college, dating back to 1969, and this year’s golf tournament was an incredible example of that support,” said VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. “On behalf of the students who will benefit, we want to thank all of the golfers and sponsors who made the tournament a success, demonstrating their commitment to higher education and to our region’s economic future.”
At the dinner held to round out the day, players received trophies as they also took home an assortment of door prizes and participated in a silent auction. In keeping with the theme of celebrating VGCC’s half-century history, attendees heard remarks from a member of the college’s first graduating class (who is now a faculty member), Faith Harris, and from a member of its most recent graduating class, Evan O’Geary of Henderson. Both expressed their appreciation to tournament participants.
In the morning round, the Sullins Engineering team of Ben Bryan, Tony Murray, Mike Hill and Scott Dickerson took home the “first net” trophy. The team of Xavier Wortham, Cecil Lockley, Darryl Moss and Robert Newby won “second net.” The “first gross” trophy went to the AAA Gas team of David Thomas, Blair Thomas, Hal Finch and Kyle Holtzman.
In the afternoon round, the Union Bank team of Dicky Flye, Andrew Flye, Hal O’Geary and Jan Fletcher finished with the “first net” score. The Boyd Chevrolet team of Mike Rainey, Russ Boyd, Brian Boyd and Bobby Wilkerson won “second net.” The “first gross” trophy in the afternoon went to the Institutional Interiors team of Tim Hill, Billy Stanton and Mike Baskett.
David Rigsbee took both the longest-drive prize on Hole 1 and the closest-to-the-pin prize on Hole 11 in the morning round.
Blake Montgomery had the longest drive while Heath Davis won the closest-to-the-pin prize in the afternoon round.
Numerous companies and individuals supported the VGCC tournament as sponsors. The afternoon round was sponsored by Altec Industries of Creedmoor.
Other Premier Sponsors included Bridgestone Bandag, Carolina Commonwealth, Charles Boyd Chevrolet Buick GMC, Duke Energy, Durham Coca-Cola, First Citizens Wealth Management, Glen Raven, John Nelms, Jr., M.R. Williams, Novozymes North America, Private Wealth Management of N.C., Robling Medical, Universal Leaf North America U.S., Inc., Vanco Outdoor Equipment and Wester Insurance Agency.
Platinum Sponsors included CenturyLink, Core & Main, Granville County Farm Bureau, Henderson Collegiate, Institutional Interiors, K-Flex, Kilian Engineering, Mast Drug Company, Union Bank and Variety Stores, Inc.
Gold Sponsors included Carolina Sunrock, The Athlete’s Foot, Golden Skillet, Ted’s Catering Service and Winston International.
Green Sponsors included Barnett Real Properties, Inc., Dill Air Controls Products, HG Reynolds Company, Inc., International Paper, May & Place, Newton Instrument Company, Nick & Sons Truck Repair, NT Techno, RFR Metal Fabrication, Vescom, North America, Wake Electric Membership Corp., and Watkins Plumbing.
Fairway Sponsors were Granville Health System and Greystone Concrete Products.
Tee Box Sponsors included Ag Carolina Farm Credit, Ahner Security, BB&T, Banzet, Thompson, Styers & May, Brame Specialty, Carolina Country Snacks, Century 21 Country Knolls Realty, Inc., City Tire, Inc., College Station Food Inc., Comfort Systems USA, Comfort Zone, Cross & Currin Attorneys, Curtis & Joanne Thompson, Dabney Drive Animal Hospital, Dave & Kay Currin, Dave Carver, Drake Dentistry, DDS, PA, Eddie and Debra Ferguson, Encore Tech, Frazco, Inc. Insurance – Real Estate, Fred’s Towing & Transport, Inc., Granville County EDC, Hicks, Wrenn, PLLC, Hight Warehouse, JM White Funeral Home, Mack and Judy Choplin, Marsha J. Nelson, Medical Arts Pharmacy, Morton and Sherman Implement Co., Inc., MPACT Solutions, LLC, One Source Document Solutions, Pete Smith’s Tire and Quick Lube, Phillips Dorsey Thomas Waters & Brafford, P.A., Pino’s Italian Restaurant, Postal Plus Business Center, Riggs-Harrod, Robco Manufacturing/Alumadock Marine Structures, Sherman & Boddie, Inc., Southern Educational Systems, Southern Laundry, Stainback, Satterwhite & Zollicoffer, PLLC, Sunrise Biscuits of Oxford, Thomas Hester, Vance Construction Company, the Vance-Granville Deans, Waste Industries, Whitco Bug Warriors, William L. Stark and Company, and WOW Wash on Wheels.
Other contributions were made by Ace Hardware of Oxford, Bamboo Garden, Barbara Harris, Bob Hubbard/Angus Barn, CDWG, Carolina Country Snacks, Chick-fil-A, City Tire, Deanna Stegall, George’s of Henderson, Ichibar Japanese Restaurant, Institutional Interiors Inc., Nan’s, The Peanut Roaster, Schewels Furniture Company (Henderson), Schewels Furniture Company (Oxford), Stella & Dot, Sunrise Biscuits, Tarheel Vending and Wholesale, Tidal Wave, US Foods, Vance Furniture, Vanco Outdoor Equipment, Robert Winston, ARC3 Gases, Backyard Retreat, Cal Rogers – Events 2 America, Circuit Tech, Dr. Ben Currin, Donald Seifert, Jim Crawford, Judge Henry & Mamie Banks, Lewis Electric of Oxford, Sarah Baskerville, Tru-Green Landscaping, and Walmart Distribution.
Each year, the golf tournament is the major fundraising event for the VGCC Endowment Fund, through which more than 9,400 scholarships have been awarded to students since 1982. Scholarships have been established by individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff. For more information, call (252) 738-3409. Get a FlightScope simulator, this gives you all the tools to build a repeatable swing you can trust.
The Sullins Engineering team of, from left, Scott Dickerson, Mike Hill, Tony Murray and Ben Bryan took home the “first net” trophy in the morning round of the 35th Annual Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund Golf Tournament at the Henderson Country Club. (VGCC Photo)
The team of, from left, Robert Newby, Cecil Lockley, Xavier Wortham and Darryl Moss won “second net” in the morning round of the 35th Annual Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund Golf Tournament at the Henderson Country Club. (VGCC Photo)
The “first gross” trophy went to the AAA Gas team of, from left, Blair Thomas, David Thomas, Kyle Holtzman and Hal Finch in the morning round of the 35th Annual Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund Golf Tournament at the Henderson Country Club. (VGCC Photo)
The Union Bank team, which included, from left, Dickie Flye, Andrew Flye, Jan Fletcher and Hal O’Geary, finished with the “first net” score in the afternoon round of the 35th Annual Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund Golf Tournament at the Henderson Country Club. (VGCC Photo)
Runner-up in the afternoon round of the 35th Annual Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund Golf Tournament, winning “second net,” was the Boyd Chevrolet team of, from left, Brian Boyd, Bobby Wilkerson, Mike Rainey and Russ Boyd. (VGCC Photo)
The “first gross” trophy in the afternoon went to the Institutional Interiors team of, from left, Macy Foster, Billy Stanton, Mike Baskett and Tim Hill in the afternoon round of the 35th Annual Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund Golf Tournament at the Henderson Country Club. (VGCC Photo)
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/VGCC-35th-Golf-Tournament-Winners.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-06-06 16:57:302020-07-16 04:08:03VGCC Golf Tournament Reaches Historic Milestone During Anniversary Year
An increased use of drones, or unmanned aerial systems, around active wildfires are putting wildland firefighting operations at risk. These devices fly within the same altitude as aerial firefighting aircraft, which is between ground level and 200 feet.
Firefighting aircraft do not have any methods of detecting drones other than by seeing them. Visually detecting drones is nearly impossible due to their small size.
“To put it simply, drones and firefighting aircraft don’t mix,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “If you fly, the firefighters can’t. Aerial collisions between drones and aircraft could occur. Due to these safety concerns, when drones are spotted near wildfires, aircraft must land or move away to other areas. This means no fire retardant or water can be dropped, no tactical information can be provided to firefighters from above, and homes or other property could be put at risk if wildfires grow larger.”
The N.C. Forest Service is requesting the public’s help to keep wildland and aerial firefighters safe by not flying drones anywhere near a wildfire. N.C. General Statue 14-208.3 states that drone operators may not damage, disrupt the operation of or otherwise interfere with manned flights. Anyone in violation of this law can be found guilty of a Class H felony.
For more information, contact your local N.C. Forest Service office or visit www.ncforestservice.gov.
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Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler’s annual plea for farmers to prepare for hurricane season is especially poignant this year in light of Hurricane Florence’s destruction in 2018.
“So many of us are still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Florence. This storm has been a disastrous reminder of just how important it is to have an emergency plan for your farm, food company or agribusiness,” Troxler said. “Take precautions, think through your plan now and discuss it with your employees and family.”
Scientists at N.C. State University are predicting 13 to 16 named storms in the Atlantic basin this year, which is the average as of recent years. Of those storms, five to seven could become hurricanes. The Atlantic hurricane season typically runs June 1 to Nov. 30.
Planning helps farmers protect their families, workers, equipment and buildings, Troxler said. “Livestock operations should maintain emergency plans that address power needs and on-site feed capabilities,” he said. “Also, identify places to relocate animals from low-lying areas. We need farmers to take these precautions to reduce animal losses from the storm.”
Farmers and businesses should review insurance policies to ensure they have proper coverage, including wind, hail, flood and catastrophic coverage if necessary. Some coverage takes 30 days to go into effect.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has a website, www.ncagr.gov/disaster, with links and resources for different types of agribusinesses to plan and recover from a disaster. A Farm Emergency Plan Template is available on the site to help organize information that is needed after a disaster.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0088_NC-Department-of-Agriculture-and-Consumer-Services-Logo.jpg.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-06-04 16:51:172019-06-04 16:51:17Ag. Commissioner Troxler: ‘Farmers Should Prepare for Hurricane Season’
The McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center will feature The Southern Appalachian Chamber Singers on Sunday, June 9, 2019. Show starts at 2 p.m.
A Part of the Music at McGregor Series
The Southern Appalachian Chamber Singers, founded in 1998 by Joel F. Reed, promote choral artistry by modeling the highest quality choral standard and performing a breadth of literature, including music from the southern Appalachian region.
The McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center will feature The Southern Appalachian Chamber Singers on Sunday, June 9, 2019. Show starts at 2 p.m. (Photo courtesy the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center)
The Southern Appalachian Chamber Singers are currently 25 singers who rehearse monthly in preparation for the ensemble’s performances. Many of the members are professional musicians, working in public and private schools, colleges and churches. Others are professionals from the business and medical communities who reside in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, and are, for the most part, alumni and retired faculty of Mars Hill University.
The ensemble has performed regularly in the North and South Carolina areas including conferences of North Carolina American Choral Directors Association and National Association for Music Education.
