The Local Skinny! County Reports On Tax Collections, Audit And New Ambulance

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Vance County Commissioners accepted the audit report for 2020-21 at its January meeting, which included good news about the county’s fund balances and about tax collections. The county’s total fund balance increased by more than $4 million to $26.9 million and the unassigned fund balance increased almost $7 million to $22 million. This amount represents more than 44 percent of next year’s budget, according to the minutes of the January meeting.

Tax collections increased almost 1 percent, to 97.6 percent from 96.68 percent.

Commissioners heard from Stuart Hill representing audit firm Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams & Co. who presented the audit report.

Although there were two budget findings, both have been corrected, the minutes reflected. “There were no difficulties in performing the audit, no uncorrected misstatements and no disagreements with management,” according to the minutes.

The unassigned fund balance increased from $15.3 million to $22.0 million, which is “well within the range that is recommended  by the Local Government Commission,” the minutes stated.

Tax collections increased from 96.68% to 97.60%. The total property valuation is $2,963,958,764 and the total levy amount is $26,533,277.

After discussion, motion was made by Commissioner Dan Brummitt to receive the FY  2020-21 Audit Report as presented. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Thomas S.  Hester, Jr. and unanimously approved.

Finance Director Katherine Bigelow also presented information to commissioners regarding the purchase of a new ambulance during her report at the January meeting. Three bids were considered, but recommended was the bid from Northwestern Emergency Vehicles for about $264,230.

Brummitt made a motion to accept the bid proposal, seconded by

Hester, to purchase a 2022 Ford F550 4 X 4 Type 1 ambulance from Northwestern. A budget amendment of $4,230 also was approved to reach the complete purchase price.

 

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Home And Garden Show

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

THIS WEEK IN THE GARDEN

  • When doing pruning always remember PPE is always needed.
  • When purchasing vegetable transplants, look for stocky, deep green plants with healthy roots. If possible, select plants with no or few flowers.
  • Garden Tiller hard to start roll it outside in sunshine may help it start
  • Check your lawn for cool season weeds. They may be very tiny, but the warm spell over the next few days will present a good treatment window.
  • On warm days 70F or warmer provide ventilation in greenhouses and cold frames if growing plants in them.
  • Be sure to include some herb plants in your spring planting plans. Herbs like dill, basil, cilantro and others are easy to grow. The taste is unparalleled and they will also help out beneficial insects.
  • We have excellent gardening publications at Cooperative Extension
  • If you’re thinking about planting shrubs this spring, there’s no reason to wait. Planting them early gives more time for root growth before summer heat arrives.
  • Always check moisture level of garden soil before tilling that soil

 

McGregor Hall

The Local Skinny! McGregor Hall — A Lot To Look Forward To

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That familiar saying “the show must go on” holds true for the way Mark Hopper feels about upcoming events at McGregor Hall. Events that had been put on hold as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are being rescheduled and Hopper said there’s a lot to look forward to.

Garret Davis’s “Living with Ruthie Mae” has been rescheduled for Sunday, Mar. 20 at 2 p.m.

Ticketholders need only show up and will be honored at the door, Hopper told John C. Rose during Tuesday’s Town Talk.

Tickets are still available for “Living with Ruthie Mae” at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/11557.

On April 22, the Duke Ellington Orchestra will bring the Big Band sound to McGregor Hall. On this date, Margaritas with Mazatlán will take place, he said, noting a change in the original schedule. The program begins at 7:30 p.m.

A “constant string” of dance competitions are scheduled to be held starting in March, Hopper said. A smaller, more local competition was held last weekend, setting the stage for the upcoming events.

“They’ll start in earnest in March,” Hopper said, adding that they will get a lot of people here in the motels and spending money in the community.”

Events at McGregor Hall help to increase visitors to the area, which in turn pumps some extra dollars into the economy. That was part of the vision since McGregor Hall’s inception.

As chair of the Embassy Cultural Center Foundation, Hopper said he couldn’t be prouder of the way the community has supported McGregor Hall during its first five and half years in operation.

“We should have been bankrupt in two years,” Hopper said, reflecting on the early days of the cultural arts center. “But we’re solvent and paying our bills and still able to bring good quality entertainment to the area. Some funding is pandemic-related and comes from grants from entities like the N.C. Arts Council, the N.C. Community Foundation and the John W. Polk Foundation.

But it’s the support from the local business community that Hopper said has been something special. “It’s been extraordinary,” he said. And when events were suspended or cancelled because of the pandemic, Hopper said that’s when the business community stepped up.

“They know what we’re offering and what we bring to the community,” he said. “They value what we’re offering.”

One offering will be observing the 50th anniversary of the Henderson Rec Players. This group has become a regional operation, drawing actors from towns like Hillsborough, Fayetteville and Fuquay-Varina. Hopper said it’s a wonderful opportunity for children in the community to get to work alongside semi-professional and amateur actors.

In true dramatic fashion, Hopper left us with a cliff-hanger: stay tuned for a major announcement coming up this summer…

Visit https://www.mcgregorhall.org/ to learn more.

The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance

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The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for February 15, 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 christa@hendersonvance.org to be included.

JOB OPENINGS IN VANCE COUNTY – Week of February 15, 2022

 

Name of the Company:   Vance County

Jobs Available: Social Worker II and Program Assistant V

Method of Contact:  For more information contact your local NC Works Career Center or apply online at ncworks.gov

 

Name of the Company: Penn Pallet

Jobs Available: Laborer

Method of Contact: For more information contact your local NC Works Career Center or apply online at ncworks.gov

 

Name of the Company:  City of Henderson

Jobs Available:   Camp Counselor

Method of Contact:  For more information contact your local NC Works Career Center or apply online at ncworks.gov

 

Name of the Company:  Kerr-Tar Council of Government

Jobs Available:  Family Caregiver Resource Specialist

Method of Contact:  :  For more information contact your local NC Works Career Center or apply online at ncworks.gov

 

Name of the Company:  Turning Point CDC

Jobs Available: Group Leader of Creating Success After School – Involved in the planning, Implementation, evaluating and delivery of program for youth ages 5-12. All applicants must be available to work on-site Monday – Friday 2:00 – 5:30 pm and must have a valid driver’s license.

Method of Contact:  Applicants can apply by visiting www.turningpointcdc.org/getinvolved or call 252-621-5190 with questions

  

Name of the Company:  Document Systems

Jobs Available: Looking to fill a Service Technician position

Method of Contact: If interested in applying please call 252-433-4888

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.

 

The Local Skinny! VCS Grabs 10 Blue Ribbon Awards For Excellence In Multimedia Communications

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Vance County Schools Director of Communication Aarika Sandlin accepted 10 Blue Ribbon Awards during a virtual ceremony last week, and Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett called Sandlin’s creativity and commitment to sharing the accomplishments of students and staff is to be commended.

During the awards ceremony on Feb. 11, 2022, the North Carolina School Public Relations Association (NCSPRA) recognized VCS  for outstanding and effective communication across several categories, from graphic design to digital and electronic media.

VCS received three Gold level awards for outstanding work in Image and Graphic Design (2) and Special Events, three Silver level awards for work in Digital Media and Special Events (2) and four  Bronze level awards given in Electronic Media, Excellence in Writing and Publications (2).

The judges praised the work, sharing it was “superb work from start to finish!” This is another strong finish for Vance County Schools, having earned nine Blue Ribbon awards in 2020.

In a written statement to WIZS News, Bennett said Sandlin “works diligently to ensure that publications, social media posts and presentations tell the story of the innovative spirit of students and staff.”

Ken Derksen, NCSPRA president and executive director for community engagement & student and family support for Wayne County Public Schools, said the work of the award winners exemplifies the high standards and qualities members demonstrate in their daily school communications programs. “Blue Ribbon Awards are among the highest and most prestigious honors that a member of our organization can attain. I congratulate all of this year’s winners for achieving statewide recognition as a Blue Ribbon Award winner. These awards highlight the superior work being accomplished in the area of school communications and all that our members are doing to support and promote public schools across North Carolina,” Derksen said.

NCSPRA recognizes outstanding communications through its Blue Ribbon Awards program each year. Vance County Schools was one of 37 school districts statewide to receive a Blue Ribbon Award. This year’s submission categories included: Marketing, Digital Media Engagement, Electronic Media, Excellence in Writing, Publications, Image/Graphic Design, Photography, and Special Projects and Events. The Georgia School Public Relations Association judged NCSPRA’s 2021 Blue Ribbon entries.

During the virtual event, Nicole Kirby, president of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) paid tribute to award winners and thanked all North Carolina school districts for their efforts to effectively communicate during difficult times. Kirby praised the districts and their communications teams for the powerful way they have responded to help parents, students, and staff during the COVID crisis. “At a time when we are all under extraordinary pressure, you have continued to produce award-winning work,” Kirby said.

NCSPRA is a statewide professional organization serving more than 150 members. Its mission is to build support for public education through well-planned and responsible public relations. For more information, visit the NCSPRA Facebook page or www.ncspra.org.

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The Local Skinny! Junior Firefighter Program

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Area fire departments and the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department are teaming up to host a free Junior Firefighter Program for young people while they’re out of school for spring break.

Vance County Fire Chief and Fire Marshal Chris Wright said the three-day program will be a way to help educate youngsters between the ages of 11-15 about fire safety. But they’ll also get the chance to check out those shiny red fire engines and all the equipment and tools that firefighters use.

Wright spoke Thursday with John C. Rose on The Local Skinny! to discuss the program, which was first held in 2019. COVID-19 forced cancellation in 2020 and 2021, but “we’re kicking it back off this year,” Wright said.

Parents must register their child at Aycock Recreation Center by March 27. The program is open to the first 15 participants. The program will take place April 18-20, 2022.

The participants will tour the city and county fire departments, EMS and Rescue Squad. The Henderson Fire Department will provide their smoke trailer and the young people can experience simulated smoke conditions.

They’ll learn the importance of knowing two ways out of their house in case of a fire, as well as having a designated meeting place that all family members know about in case they get separated in a fire emergency.

In addition to safe home evacuations, the participants will learn safety basics of water rescue and removing victims from vehicles in an emergency.

“They’ll have projects to work on through the program,” Wright said, and then they will get the chance to present those projects to city and county officials at a culminating activity at the end of the three-day event.

“The guys here at the fire department love it,” Wright said of their participation in the junior firefighter program.

“It’s a good program that Kendrick (Vann) brought to our attention a few years ago,” Wright said, referring to the HVPRD director.

The junior firefighter program is a way to help draw interest from the younger crowd, which could result in a young person wanting to become a volunteer firefighter or even make it a career.

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Home And Garden Show 02-09-22

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

THIS WEEK IN THE GARDEN

  • Avoid the rush get your lawn mowers serviced before the mowing season starts.
  • Get ready to plant your vegetable garden! Many cool season crops can be planted in mid-February. Get beds ready, check your seed supplies, and begin looking for quality transplants at local nurseries.
  • Clean reorganized your garden sheds.
  • Pick up some fertilizer for your tall fescue lawn. Get a slow release turf fertilizer for application in mid-Feb.
  • On warm days 70F or warmer provide ventilation in greenhouses and cold frames if growing plants in them.
  • If you use a turf fertilizer that’s combined with a weed or insect killer, remember that you are handling a pesticide! Read the instructions carefully and follow all precautions.
  • Clean seedling trays 1 part bleach 9 parts water before adding media and planting seeds in the trays.
  • Don’t purchase fruit crops without doing variety research first.
  • Make your seed orders ASAP some varieties of seed are selling out fast.
  • Get ready to do a dormant spray on your fruit trees. Also check your stock of chemicals and spray equipment so you’ll be ready to make the necessary treatments that start soon after flowering.

 

The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance 02-08-22

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The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for February 8, 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 christa@hendersonvance.org to be included.

JOB OPENINGS IN VANCE COUNTY – Week of February 08, 2022

 

Name of the Company:  Vance County Sheriff’s Department

Jobs Available: Maintenance person for the Vance County Detention Center

Method of Contact:  If interested please call Major Shelton or Captain Moss @252-438-3923

 

Name of the Company: Vance County Schools

Jobs Available:  Communications Coordinator

Method of Contact: For more information and to apply go online to www.indeed.com

 

Name of the Company:  Turning Point CDC

Jobs Available:   Group Leader of Creating Success After School – Involved in the planning, implementation, evaluating and delivery of program for youth ages 5-12. All applicants must be available to work on-site Monday – Friday 2:00 – 5:30 pm and must have a valid driver’s license.

Method of Contact:  Applicants can apply by visiting www.turningpointcdc.org/get-involved and can call 252-621-5190 with questions

 

Name of the Company:  Benchmark Community Bank

Jobs Available:  Customer Service Representative – This is at the Youngsville location

Method of Contact:  Interested applicants please call Tish Elliott in their Youngsville Office at 919-750-8753

 

Name of the Company:   Boys and Girls Club of NC

Jobs Available: Youth Development Professional – Creates an environment that facilitates the achievement of Positive Youth Development Outcomes and provides guidance and role modeling for members while promoting and stimulating daily learning. This is a part time position

Method of Contact:  Interested applicants may send resume to SLAVETT@BGCNCNC.COM

 

 Name of the Company:  Vance County Government

Jobs Available: Positions are now available with Department of Social Services, Sheriff’s Department, Fire Department, Planning and Development, Emergency Operations, Register of Deeds and more

Method of Contact: For a list of all listings with job descriptions and qualifications go to Vance County website and look under job postings

  

Name of the Company:  Vance County Department of Social Services

Jobs Available:   Child Support Agent II, Income Maintenance Caseworker III, Social Worker II

Method of Contact:  For more information call or go by your local NC Works Office

  

Name of the Company: Document Systems

Jobs Available: Looking to fill a Service Technician position

Method of Contact: If interested in applying, please call 252-433-4888

 

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.

 

The Local Skinny! Gang Free Inc. Has Masks; COVID-19 Update

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Need some N95 masks? Look no further than Gang Free Inc. Founder Melissa Elliott said she’s got plenty, with more ordered and on the way.

Elliott told WIZS News Monday that anyone in the community who would like masks can simply head out to the Gang Free, Inc. location at 940 County Home Road any weekday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Elliott said the masks come from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and are free. She also has COVID-19 at-home rapid tests available.

She estimates that her organization has distributed more than 6,000 masks and 2,000 test kits in the past couple of weeks. Recipients include area police departments and other agencies.

“If people need them, they can come and get them,” Elliott said.

Each box contains 20 N95 masks, and she gives larger groups like churches a whole case – 240 masks in all – if they need them. The test kits come two to a box, with 90 boxes in a case.

She said she didn’t want anyone in the community to have to pay for taking a COVID-19 test when her organization has them available free for the asking.

According to the most recent COVID-19 update from Granville Vance Public Health, both counties continue to be in the high community transmission rate. Vance County reported 358 new cases for 28.7 percent and Granville County reported 439 new cases for 22.5 percent positivity rate.

There have been 13,461 cases of COVID-19 in Granville County and 11,380 cases of COVID-19 in Vance County for a total of 24,841 across the health district.

In the Bureau of Federal Prisons in Butner, there were 44 Granville County inmates whose positive test results were reported to the local health department in the last week. In addition, there are currently 20 staff of the federal prison with COVID-19 (including 17 Granville County residents and 3 Vance County residents).

Granville County has documented 110 deaths as a result of COVID-19 and Vance County has a total of 111 deaths for a total of 221 deaths across the health district.

 

NC Homeowner Assistance Fund Open Statewide

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North Carolina Homeowners Financially Impacted by Pandemic May Be Eligible for Housing-Related Help

— press release

The NC Homeowner Assistance Fund is now accepting applications from North Carolina homeowners whose finances were impacted by the pandemic and who need assistance with housing-related expenses. Established through the 2021 American Rescue Plan to prevent mortgage delinquencies, defaults, displacements and foreclosures for homeowners experiencing financial difficulties due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Fund offers assistance of up to $40,000 for qualified homeowners as long as funding is available.

“The economic impact of COVID-19 has been felt by many North Carolinians,” said Scott Farmer, executive director of the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, which is administering the NC Homeowner Assistance Fund. “This program is designed to help homeowners who are experiencing pandemic-related financial hardships hold on to their homes while they get back on their feet. Ensuring that families have stable housing has always been our mission and that has become even more critical during this ongoing public health crisis.”

For qualified homeowners, the fund offers:

• Housing payment assistance for primary residence in North Carolina (for example, single-family home, townhome, condo or mobile home).

• Assistance for mortgage reinstatement to catch up on late payments (first or second mortgages) or other housing-related costs due to a period of forbearance, delinquency or default.

• Assistance covering other housing-related costs such as homeowner’s insurance, flood insurance, mortgage insurance, homeowner’s association dues/fees or delinquent property taxes to prevent foreclosure.

Homeowners may be eligible for assistance if they are experiencing financial hardship due to job loss or business closure, reduction in hours or pay, difficulty obtaining new employment, death of a spouse or co-borrower or increased expenses due to the pandemic. Increased expenses can be due to health care, the need to care for a family member, increased child care costs due to school closures or increased costs associated with quarantine. Applicants must be seeking assistance for a primary residence in North Carolina and meet income and other requirements.

Homeowners can learn more and apply for help by calling 1-855-MY-NCHAF (1-855-696-2423) or by visiting NCHomeownerAssistance.gov.