Granville County Sheriff

Granville Sheriff’s Office To Offer Citizens Academy In April

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The Granville County Sheriff’s Office will host the second annual Citizens Academy, set to kick off in April 2022.

Registration is required for the program, which will be held at the Law Enforcement Center, 525 New Commerce Drive, Oxford. Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Citizens Academy offers classes to provide a general overview of law enforcement issues, crime prevention, patrol procedures as well as additional topics of interest regarding law enforcement for the community. This program will build a better understanding between law enforcement and those served by the Granville County Sheriff’s Office. Interested participants may pick up a paper application at the Granville County Sheriff’s Office.

Download an application at https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/sheriff/new-citizens-academy/.

For more information about the Citizens Academy, contact the sheriff’s office at  919.693.3213.

Warren Plans Sessions For Residents To Comment, Learn More About Comprehensive Development Plan

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Warren County’s comprehensive development plan team is conducting two public engagement sessions that will be held over the course of the next month.

The first public engagement session will be held on Monday, Feb. 28 at the Warren County Armory, 501 US Highway 158 Business East in Warrenton. The session will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The second public session will be held Saturday, Mar. 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Drewry Fire Department, 125 Firefighter Rd, Manson, according to information from the office of County Manager Vincent Jones.

These public sessions will be floating events that allow community members to ask questions, provide feedback and be involved in the future planning of Warren County. Participants will have the opportunity to visit tables with information, take the public engagement survey and look at maps of Warren County to gain more information.

Light refreshments will be provided for both sessions.

These sessions are part of the comprehensive development plan updates, a 10-month process that will result in updates to the existing 2002 plan, which was meant to run through this year.

A comprehensive development plan aims to address and guide growth and development for the County. Its focus is on the areas within the county’s jurisdiction and along the edges of town limits. Public participation will play a key role through these conversations and feedback. The comprehensive development plan will help to shape the vision and priorities for the future of Warren County.

The plan will update the 2002 Land Development Plan and address new issues and priorities that have come forward in the 20 years since then. This is a guiding document upon which land use decisions are based.

To follow along with the comprehensive plan process, visit planwarrencountync.com. For more information, contact the Warren County comp plan team at compplan@warrencountync.gov.

Vance County Logo

The Local Skinny! County Water System Looking To Break Even

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Plans continue to expand county water service to the Kittrell area, and county commissioners received a project update from Manager Jordan McMillen at its January meeting.

As things stand now, construction could begin as early as fall 2022 of the Phase 1B Water District, which includes laying about 25 miles of new water lines and making upgrades to the existing Kittrell water tower.

McMillen told WIZS News Thursday that the county water project is within $10,000 of breaking even – some unexpected repairs and additional costs have pushed that break-even point out a bit, but added “we are very satisfied with the progress we have made in bringing our system to self-sufficiency the past few years.”

The recently presented audit from fiscal year 2020-21 indicated that the water fund is within $10,000 of breaking even, which represents an improvement from being nearly $20,000 the previous year.

As for the Phase 1B work being done in the Kittrell area, McMillen said if all goes according to schedule, it could be complete by November 2023.

There have been some slight delays involving permitting issues, but once those are resolved, the bids could be advertised by April 2022, awarded in July and proceed with construction in September, McMillen said.

The total construction project would be scheduled for completion by August 2023.

Federal grant and loan projects awarded to Vance County for improving the drinking water for county residents is helping to make the upgrades and extensions to county residents.

McMillen said public meetings and signup efforts will ramp up once the county is closer to the construction phase.

Some of the roads east of Kittrell that will have new water lines installed include portions of Bobbitt Road, Peter Gill Road, Abbott Road, Dick Smith Road, South Chavis Road and Kittrell Road, he said.

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.