Clay Faulkner

Town Talk 08/05/20: In Memory of Clay Faulkner

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Joe Sharrow, Vance County High School Athletic Director, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Sharrow discussed the tragic death of 2019 Vance County High School graduate and baseball player Clay Faulkner last weekend at Kerr Lake.

“This is one of those tough times that when you sign up to be in education you don’t think about having to deal with but, unfortunately, it’s part of the job,” Sharrow said. “We’ve had tragedy come through this community before, but quite frankly, this one is the hardest of my career.”

Sharrow said he shared a friendship with Faulkner, who loved baseball and never met a stranger. “Clay and I had a close relationship, but he had a close relationship with almost every person in the VCHS building. That’s just the kind of person he was. I can’t thank him and his family enough for allowing me to be a part of his life. I feel like I’m a better man for having known him.”

In addition to baseball, Sharrow said Faulkner “had an infectious personality and was the kind of kid that always made you smile.”

Faulkner was also unfailingly polite, according to Sharrow, and stood out for his manners and “yes sirs and yes ma’ams.”

Those skills served him well in his role as a server at Chick-fil-A of Henderson. His co-workers remembered him this week, among other ways, with social media tributes, signs, and a memorial in front of the restaurant.

In addition, Chick-fil-A of Henderson has announced that it will close Thursday, August 6, 2020, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to celebrate the life of Faulkner.

“Clay has been a part of the Chick-fil-A family for two years, but it’s hard to remember our team without him,” said Chick-fil-A Operator Joshua Towne. “He meant so much to our Chick-fil-A family, and I want each of our team members to have the opportunity to honor his memory and extend their sympathy to his family by attending his funeral.”

Chick-fil-A of Henderson will resume normal operating hours at 2 p.m. on Thursday, following the celebration of life for Faulkner.

While silver linings are hard to come by in this situation, Sharrow said Faulkner’s life has certainly made an impact on others. “The only positive thing that can come out of this is that we can honor his life, remember Clay for the wonderful person he was and try to live better lives ourselves.”

To hear the interview with Sharrow and WIZS staff in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

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Town Talk 08/04/20: Aftermath of Isaias, Past Storms, General Talk

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

  • Aftermath of Isaias
  • Other Storms in Past
  • Radio Announcer Talk

VGCC Logo

Town Talk 08/03/20: VGCC Receives CARES Act Funding, Readies for Fall Semester

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of Vance-Granville Community College, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Desmarais announced that VGCC recently received $363,000 as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was signed into law in March to assist American workers, families and businesses.

Funding of $500-$1,500 is available to VGCC students who were registered for in-person classes during the spring semester, received some form of financial aid and were adversely affected by COVID-19. If the pandemic negatively impacted a student’s work schedule, finances, childcare availability and/or personal health, among other areas, Desmarais said they are considered adversely affected.

The amount of funding an eligible VGCC student receives depends on the number of credit hours they were registered for in the spring. Desmarais reported the college has distributed $188,000 in federal CARES Act funding to date.

Desmarais also said that after “a high volume online summer semester that exceeded enrollment compared to last summer,” VGCC is turning its attention to the beginning of its fall semester on August 17.

For the fall, many courses will continue to be taught in an online format, with trade classes such as welding, carpentry and automotive returning for at least partial in-person instruction. “We are teaching what we can in an online format to reduce the number of people on campus at this time,” explained Desmarais.

Drive-up internet Wi-Fi hotspots will be available in VGCC’s parking lots, with access to college internet labs and devices available for registered students.

In addition to in-person tutoring by appointment, online tutoring and assistance with online learning will also be available.

As a safety precaution, the college will require the following measures:

  • Masks are required to be worn in buildings and outside when around other people.
  • A quick health screen will be required each day when arriving on campus.
  • While on campus, keep at least six feet away from others to comply with social distancing.
  • Please do not come to campus if you are feeling unwell, and let your advisor or faculty member know so you can stay caught up with assignments.

To learn more about VGCC, or to register for the fall semester, please visit the college’s official website at www.vgcc.edu.

To hear the interview with Desmarais in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

National Weather Service

Latest on Isaias for WIZS Area

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* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for Franklin, Harnett, Hoke, Wake, and Warren Counties.  — Click For The Latest

WEATHER.GOV/RALEIGH – https://www.weather.gov/raleigh

NWS RALEIGH – https://www.facebook.com/NWSRaleigh

NWS RALEIGH – https://twitter.com/NWSRaleigh

The latest on Isaias for the WIZS listening area – 1450 AM / 100.1 FM / Live Stream

THE LATEST NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BRIEFING WILL ALWAYS BE AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK:

https://www.weather.gov/media/rah/briefing/NWSRaleighLatestBriefing.pdf

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(Update 9:30 a.m. – 8/3/2020) — update written and provided by Brian Short, Henderson-Vance Director of Emergency Operations

Click here for the Isaias briefing as of 9:30 a.m. on August 3. Overall, the local situation remains the same as in previous updates.

Presently, we remain under a Flood Watch and are just outside the boundary of counties who are under a Tropical Storm Watch (though that will likely change to include us).

We are forecast to receive wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph, with rainfall estimated between three and six inches. We should begin feeling the effects late this evening and in the overnight hours into Tuesday. With this much rain and gusty winds, we could certainly have downed trees and power outages.

As of today at 8 a.m., we have activated our Emergency Operations Center in a monitoring capacity and have escalated to a Level 2 status. We will be issuing a local Proclamation of a State of Emergency later this morning just to be on the safe side.

One particular emergency protective measure that could be implemented would be a vehicle curfew. If enacted, this would apply only to the municipal city limits of Henderson and not all of Vance County. Additionally, this limitation would only be imposed if power is lost due to the storm and would only be for the overnight hours beginning at 8 p.m. and lasting until 6 a.m.

Beginning this evening, we will be overstaffing the 911 center, and it will remain overstaffed throughout the day on Tuesday.

At this point, we do not plan to open any shelters as we do not believe they will be needed. However, we remain ready to do so if the situation worsens.

We will be coordinating our preparedness activities with our local and state response partners, and we are encouraging our citizens to continue their own local preparedness efforts.

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(Update 12 Noon – 8/2/2020) — update written and provided by Brian Short, Henderson-Vance Director of Emergency Operations

Attached (above links) is the morning forecast from the National Weather Service for Tropical Storm Isaias. (Those links above will stay current with subsequent updates.)  The storm continues to shift west with each update, and the current track continues to bring it inland through our state following the I-95 corridor. At present, we are forecast to receive some pretty strong wind gusts that at times could reach tropical storm strength as well as between 4 and 6 inches of rain. The rainfall will occur over a relatively short period of time, so localized flooding and flash flooding is certainly possible as are downed trees and power lines.

H-V Emergency Operations

Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations

Our office is continuing to monitor the storm closely. We will make a decision early tomorrow (Monday) about declaring a local state of emergency for this event. We will also decide early tomorrow (Monday) regarding the implementation of any additional emergency protective measures.

Remember it is still not too late to work on your emergency supply kit (on Sunday and early Monday) and begin some basic preparedness activities if you have not done so already.

We will continue to forward along additional information as it is received.

The National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a Flash Flood Watch for a portion of central North Carolina, including the following areas: Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Granville, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Orange, Person, Richmond, Scotland, Vance, Wake, and Warren.  The watch presently is in effect from Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon.

In an earlier statement from Brian Short, he said:

Keep in mind that we are now entering peak hurricane season, and the tropics have already been very active. The time to prepare is now and not when the winds begin to blow.

In addition to non-perishable food and water, hurricane emergency supply kits should include:

• First-aid kit
• Weather radio and batteries
• Prescription medicines
• Sleeping bag or blankets
• Changes of clothes
• Hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant
• Cash
• Pet supplies including food, water, bedding, leashes, muzzle and vaccination records.

If you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if you’re in a home that would be unsafe during a hurricane, figure out where you’d go and how you’d get there if told to evacuate.

We will continue to issue additional updates as they are received or our situation changes.

Please follow Vance County Emergency Operations on Facebook to stay informed on current preparedness efforts and other storm-related information.

More information on severe weather and hurricane preparedness is located at www.ReadyNC.org.

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TownTalk: Postpone Election? / Roxboro Officer Involved Shooting

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Postpone the election?  What do you think?

Officer involved shooting in Roxboro.  More to consider.

Listen in…

Illegal Illicit Drugs Have To Go

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Illegal, illicit drugs have to go.  Where are you?  Where do you stand?  The community is not doing enough.

Listen…

George Hoyle, Sr. Retires as KVA Volleyball Coach

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For George Hoyle, Sr., the head volleyball coach at Kerr-Vance Academy for the last four years, his love of volleyball started with his daughter and club volleyball teams and came full circle with his son, KVA Athletic Director George Hoyle, Jr., as the varsity volleyball program earned back-to-back NCISAA state championships over the last two seasons.

With only seven losses in four years, a 106-7 record, Hoyle said, “It absolutely started with the players and the devotion they put in.  Great players make a great coach.  We were in the gym three days a week working, but it’s got to be fun.  It has to be fun or you’re not going to win.  And we made it fun.”

Hoyle said, “It’s been a wonderful six years I’ve been there (as assistant and head coach).  I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Check out the audio of our full interview here.

And now new coaches have been named, according the the Kerr-Vance Facebook page.  The social media account for The Spartans says, “We are thrilled to announce the hiring of our new Varsity and JV Women’s Volleyball Coaches – Casey Ellington and Debra Medlin.

“Head Coach – Casey Ellington a native of Granville County played volleyball at William Peace University and has recently coached at the club level locally.

“Assistant Coach – Debra Medlin previously served as the Head Coach at C.E. Jordan High School from 1989 through 2000. She also recently served as a coach at Person County High School and Middle School.”

Hoyle felt like it was the right time to retire.  He said, “We have a lot of the pieces to the puzzle for a new coach to come in…and they’re not going to skip a beat.  They are going to have a good team.”

As to working alongside his son, George Hoyle, Sr. said, “It’s a lot of fun working with him.  Made a lot of memories there.  That just doesn’t happen to a lot of people.  All those were great.  It was a lot of fun working with him.  It was really special.”

In continuing to speak of George Hoyle, Jr., the elder Hoyle said, “He does a great job, and I’m very proud of everything he’s accomplished.  Going to miss that part of sure.”

Hoyle said success starts in the off season.  “It starts in the off season.  Everything starts in the off season.  You’ve got to put in the preparation in the summer and winter months to be successful when the season comes around, and that’s what the girls have done at Kerr-Vance.”

For sure, love comes into it as well.   “I love coaching and love youth sports more than anything.  I absolutely love high school and college.  I love to watch and be around it.  I have been coaching youth sports since 2003.  That’s a long time,” Hoyle said.

In one sport or another, Hoyle has been a coach, mentor and grounds keeper year round for decades.

Hoyle started to coach as an assistant under William Hoyle, who is distant kin, and George said, “William was great.  I love him to death, and of those championships, it all started with him being there.  And I appreciate everything he taught me about the game, and I started to love it at that point.”

For Hoyle and his family, they achieve by the most honest means.  Hard work, dedication, gentleness, grace, intelligence.  Congratulations to Kerr-Vance Volleyball and retired head coach George Hoyle, Sr.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Town Talk 07/27/20: VCRFM’s New Tuesday Twilight Market an ‘Experiment’

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Tracy Madigan, market manager for the Vance County Regional Farmers Market (VCRFM), appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Madigan announced that the Vance County Regional Farmers Market (VCRFM) will hold its second “Twilight Market” this Tuesday, July 28, 2020, from 3:30 until 7:30 p.m. This will be in lieu of an open market on Wednesday, July 29.

VCRFM’s normal summer hours are Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

According to Madigan, the first Twilight Market, held on June 30, was well-received by the community.

“This was an experiment,” Madigan explained. “We had good attendance at the first Twilight Market. We know it’s difficult for a lot of people to get to the market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. The vendors and I decided we would try an afternoon/evening market. Hopefully, people who are getting off work can swing by, or if you finish your chores in the morning, you can come by on Tuesday afternoon.”

All vendors and customers are required to wear face coverings/masks, per Governor Cooper’s recent executive order.

The market will feature fresh and local summer produce including squash, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, cucumbers, cantaloupes, corn, peaches, blueberries, blackberries, watermelons, potatoes, okra, beets, cabbages, strawberries, radishes, greens and more. Vendors with pasture-raised beef, pork and free-range hen eggs will also be on-site.

Other available items include a variety of canned vegetables, pickles, chow-chow, sauces and local honey. For something sweet, try the pies, cakes, cheesecakes and cookies.

Pre-orders and curbside pickup will remain available throughout the season.

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr. in Henderson, NC. To stay up-to-date on events and offerings, visit the market’s Facebook page (click here).

(This is not a paid advertisement)

To hear the interview with Madigan in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Vance County Schools Logo

Town Talk 07/23/20: Dr. Anthony Jackson Discusses VCS’ ‘Plan C’ Decision

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent for Vance County Schools, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

Jackson discussed the Vance County Board of Education’s decision at a special called meeting held July 17, 2020, to begin the 2020-2021 academic year under the state’s Plan C fully remote learning option for the first nine weeks. Current plans include implementing Plan B at the start of the second nine weeks.

The school year begins on Friday, July 31 for Vance County High School and Vance County Early College High School students, and on August 17 for all other Vance County schools, including the new Vance Virtual Village Academy (V3).

While Governor Roy Cooper announced on July 14 that NC schools could choose Plan B – a moderate social distancing measure that allows for a combination of in-person and remote learning – individual school districts are permitted to choose the more restrictive Plan C – fully remote learning.

Jackson said continued evaluation of data received from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Granville Vance Public Health factored heavily into the school board’s decision.

“Our Board of Education chose to go with the more restrictive plan based on our local data. The data says our cases continue to increase and that we are struggling with community spread, and so it would be best to minimize congregate experiences. In the best interest of keeping everyone safe and being as cautious as possible, they chose Plan C.”

Acknowledging the “tremendous amount” of factors that went into the decision, Jackson said the most important was the effectiveness of remote learning. “Most importantly, what went into the decision was the question of ‘can we educate kids effectively in a remote setting?’ The staff that we have, our principals and our teachers, felt this option would be supportive of all the kids and will keep them safe.”

According to Jackson, VCS students will be provided with the necessary technology and internet access needed for remote learning. The school district and/or individual schools will be in touch with parents with more details.

Jackson said he wants to assure parents that VCS understands this is a learning curve for all but believes online learning is now better developed than it was when school buildings closed in the spring.

“The remote learning you will experience for at least the first nine weeks of the new school year will not be the same remote learning that you experienced March through June,” Jackson explained. “It will be more robust, and there will be more expectations around attendance.”

In looking ahead, Jackson said he expects the COVID-19 pandemic to continue to affect the landscape of education.

“More than likely, we’re not going to be going back to school the way it used to be, even when we come back. I think social distancing is going to be a part of how we reengage at our schools. Learning is going to look different, feel different, and the relationships with schools are going to be different.”

With all of the changes ahead, Jackson said the patience and understanding of the community will go a long way. “I’m asking our community for what I like to call ‘preemptive grace.’ We want you to understand that we are doing the absolute best we can under these circumstances with the tools we have at our disposal.”

For more information and updates, visit the school district’s website (click here) or Facebook page (click here).

To hear the interview with Jackson in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks

Town Talk 07/22/20: H-V Rec. Department Discusses What’s Open, What’s Closed

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

Tara Goolsby, program superintendent for the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Goolsby discussed what is still open to the public and what is temporarily closed as it relates to the H-V Rec. Department and the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.

Closed H-V Rec. Department facilities include:

• Aycock Recreation Center
• Aycock Aquatic Center
• Old Aycock Gym – indoor facility
• Fox Pond Park
• All satellite sites
• First Presbyterian Church
• Vance County Senior Center
• All playground equipment and structures

All outdoor parks (with the exception of Fox Pond Park), trails and tracks are open. While Fox Pond Park is currently closed, the walking trails are open and can be accessed from the trails at the back of the Aycock Recreation Center located at 307 Carey Chapel Road in Henderson.

Goolsby explained facilities were closed to follow CDC guidelines and NC Phase 2 directives of limiting social gatherings.

For free, outdoor exercise, Goolsby encouraged residents to enjoy a walk on the paved walking track that curves around four ballfields at the Aycock Rec. Center. Walking the paved track two times equals one mile.

Goolsby also said the parking lot at the Aycock Rec. Center is open 24 hours, seven days a week, and has been a popular place to walk during the shutdown. Walking the parking lot five times equals one mile.

In addition to offering outdoor exercise, the H-V Rec. Department staff has been busy planning virtual sessions for both youth and adults.

Virtual activities include:

• Weekly social media trivia contests focusing on the history of Henderson and Vance County
• Moving Mondays – dance/exercise class on Mondays at 10 a.m.
• Fall Prevention & Exercise Class – Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.
• Body Blast Exercise Class – Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
• Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program – Wednesdays and Fridays at 3:30 p.m.
• Virtual Bingo – Thursdays at 12:45 p.m.
• Do It Yourself Crafty Kids – drive-through style craft kit pick up available for $5 each
• Paint With DP – Facebook Live sessions with a prize offered for the best painting
• Recreation Rocks Scavenger Hunt – find and take pictures of hidden rocks around Henderson
• Skills & Drills – athletic training for youth

Please visit H-V Rec. & Parks’ various social media pages for more details on these events. New activities are added regularly, so check back frequently, and stay tuned to WIZS on 1450 AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com for updates.

To hear the interview with Goolsby in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.