Vance County Schools Logo

Town Talk 10/15/20: Jackson Discusses VCS’ Decision to Remain in Plan C

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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 5-2 vote at its October 12 meeting to remain in Plan C – fully remote learning – for the remainder of the first semester. The first semester for the 2020-2021 school year is set to end prior to the Christmas holiday.

In July, NC Governor Roy Cooper announced public and charter schools could begin the school year under Plan B – a hybrid of online and in-person learning – or could choose the more restrictive Plan C.

In September, Cooper announced public and charter elementary schools (K-5) had the option to operate under Plan A – in-person, socially distanced learning – beginning October 5.

At its July Board meeting, the Vance County Board of Education voted to begin the year under Plan C, revisit the decision in October and review again in December.

The Board will meet in December to determine if the second semester, starting in January, will begin fully remote under Plan C or move to Plan A or B.

“Our Board is looking at the data and trying to determine the safe integration of students into the school environment,” Jackson explained. “Based on what they understood and were presented with, they thought it would be safer to keep our kids on Plan C until we know a little more about [COVID-19] transmission and local data.”

According to Jackson, the Board also took recent news reports of spikes in COVID cases and hospitalizations into consideration when making the decision to remain in remote learning.

Working with Granville Vance Public Health and Duke University, Jackson said the school system receives daily local COVID updates and seeks guidance from healthcare experts.

“The decision of how to start the next semester will be based on the data available on infection rates, hospitalizations and transmission in the community at that time,” Jackson said. “Our goal is to be back to some form of face-to-face interaction by the second semester. We are still hopeful, but we have to go with what the metrics tell us. Ultimately, the liability rests with them as the Board of Education; they’ve taken that very seriously.”

While seeking improvements to areas such as students’ access to online connectivity, Jackson said the strives are evident. “The positive out of this is that we have set up a remote digital learning framework in this short period of time. We have distributed over 5,000 devices and hotspots to our kids, provided over a half-million meals to this community and supported our teachers with a small model of childcare.”

Acknowledging it’s not the school year anyone expected, Jackson said he is encouraged by the teamwork and dedication on all sides.

“I want to thank our teachers for the work they are doing every day to make sure our kids are okay and learning. I also thank our parents for trusting us. This is not what we had planned, but it is what we have, so we are going to make the best of it.”

To stay updated on VCS’ decisions and announcements, please visit the District’s website or Facebook page.

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

Kerr Tar COG and DOI

Town Talk 10/14/20: Medicare Open Enrollment Begins Oct. 15

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Stephanie Bias, coordinator for the NC Senior Medicare Patrol (NCSMP) Program and Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), a division of the NC Department of Insurance, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m. Michele Brigandi, aging program coordinator with the Kerr-Tar Agency on Aging, facilitated the segment.

This edition of Town Talk is a paid advertising sponsorship with the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments.

With Medicare’s 2021 open enrollment period beginning Thursday, October 15 and ending Monday, December 7, 2020, Bias said programs such as SHIIP provide much-needed assistance to beneficiaries.

“SHIIP provides education, outreach and counseling to NC’s Medicare beneficiaries on how to enroll, how to choose secondary insurance behind Medicare and how to find out if you’re eligible for extra health programs,” Bias explained.

NC currently has over 2 million Medicare beneficiaries, according to Bias, ranging from those 65 and older to those on disability or with certain chronic health conditions.

“Our role is to educate you so that you make the best-informed choice for your particular situation,” Bias stated. “We are not insurance agents, nor do we recommend companies or plans. We educate you about what is out there.”

While SHIIP assists with the enrollment process, Bias said NCSMP helps to prevent fraud “to ensure our benefits stay solvent, and we become good stewards of our Medicare.”

Bias reported that Medicare fraud has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and said people should diligently protect their personal information.

“People may knock on your door, for example, and say that they are there to test you for coronavirus and need to see your Medicare card. Don’t let these people in, don’t let them swab your nose and don’t show them your card,” Bias implored. “It is a scam, and it is fraud.”

Bias explained the intent in this scam is to record your Medicare number to sell to others that can then use the number to receive services in your name.

While changed from a beneficiary’s social security number to a randomly generated mix of numbers and letters in recent years, Bias said an individual’s identifying Medicare number still links to a specific account and is subject to fraud.

“Another scam is to tell you that there is a ground-level secret society that you should invest money in, and when the cure or vaccine comes to fruition [for COVID], you’re going to profit. There is no such thing as a ground-level secret society,” Bias said.

Bias also warned against opening any emails or online attachments regarding Medicare, stating opening such links could expose computers to viruses and fraud opportunities. Phone calls from Medicare are also highly unlikely and should be questioned.

With questions about Medicare or for coordinating sites in your county, NC SHIIP can be reached online at www.ncshiip.com or toll-free Monday – Friday (except state holidays) from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 1-855-408-1212.

When speaking to an enrollment representative, Bias said recipients should have a list of all current medications and issued Medicare card available.

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

(This edition of Town Talk is part of a paid advertising sponsorship with the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments.)

Vance County Logo

Town Talk 10/13/20: Taylor and Fisher Face Off for District 2 Commissioner’s Seat

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Michael Fisher, a candidate for the District 2 seat of the Vance County Board of Commissioners, appeared on the first segment of WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m. For the second segment, WIZS re-aired a previous interview with incumbent Archie Taylor, Jr. per his request.

Fisher and Taylor have expressed differences in their stance on the potential restructuring of the Vance County Fire Department (VCFD) and volunteer departments as well as on County-provided funding for McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center.

Serving in public safety for 43 years, including his current position as the treasurer and safety officer of the Vance County Rescue Squad, Fisher previously stated that he would retire if elected to the Board of Commissioners.

In addressing fire and safety protection, Fisher said a significant change needs to occur in the funding structure of the County’s fire departments.

“A lot of departments in this county feel that it is unfair that the paid VCFD gets a $1.3 million budget, and the volunteer departments get $100,000 apiece to operate and provide the same service. I’m not saying we do away with the VCFD, but we’ve got to find a way to make this equal out.”

Fisher said the VCFD receives General Fund and fire tax funding, while the volunteer departments, under contract to the County for services provided, only receive funding from the fire tax.

“Just recently, volunteer departments went from a 9 to a 5 or 6 fire rating. The VCFD went from a 6 to a 5, so we are all providing the same service across the board. The $300,000 in extra money VCFD gets, when you factor in paid staff and the benefits, is a big deal.”

Ultimately, Fisher said he would propose keeping the VCFD as a whole but cutting its budget and distributing the extra funds amongst the County’s eight volunteer fire departments.

“If someone quits or retires, replace that full-time person with part-time staff. You will still save the County money without raising taxes, and you’ll still have a 24-hour staff with part-time,” Fisher stated.

In his Town Talk interview that aired on September 29, Taylor, a commissioner since 2012, said he was a strong proponent of the VCFD, stating that they have served the county well for over 60 years.

“Now we have this element inside of the Rescue Squad – along with some others in our community – who would disband the VCFD,” said Taylor. “Instead of eight volunteer fire departments, there would be nine because they would get rid of the VCFD, distribute its employees and have the Rescue Squad take over firefighting in the county. I think that is absolutely a huge mistake for our county.”

While Fisher said he would like to see more funds allocated amongst volunteer departments, Taylor said he questions why the Vance County Rescue Squad receives its current level of funding.

“I question why Vance County pays over $100,000 for rescue work,” Taylor said. “As pointed out in The Daily Dispatch recently, Granville County has $20,000; Franklin has $40,000; Warren has zero dollars allocated to rescue, and yet Vance County has over $102,000. So, I’ve questioned that for six months or so, and I guess we will come to some resolution on that.”

Taylor emphasized that he has been the primary proponent for keeping the VCFD as is and acknowledged that his stance on the issue is one of the most significant differences between him and Fisher.

“A vote for me is a vote to keep the Vance County Fire Department intact,” Taylor stated.

Another topic that has emerged as a difference of opinion for Fisher and Taylor is the appropriate level of County funding for the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center located in downtown Henderson.

Serving on the Vance County Intergovernmental Committee that recently voted to provide McGregor Hall with a $50,000 allocation from the County’s Coronavirus Relief Funds, Taylor said he’s committed to assisting the performing arts center.

“McGregor Hall is one of the only performing arts centers of its kind in the state that gets no public money at this time,” Taylor explained. “It brings our community over $2 million in revenue every year based on a study done by NC State University. I think it’s important that we figure out some way to help McGregor Hall because it provides a big economic impact to our community, and we want big economic impacts.”

Acknowledging the hardships McGregor Hall has faced this year with COVID restrictions, Fisher said he hopes to see the center maintain self-sufficiency moving forward.

“They’ve done really well on their own until COVID came up,” Fisher commented. “I think they need to be self-sufficient if they can. It would have to be a hard time to actually put them on the County’s payroll.”

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

(This is not a paid political advertisement. Political candidates are offered equal air time/coverage on WIZS.)

End the Silence

Town Talk 10/12/20: Infinite Possibilities, Vance Co. DSS Assist Domestic Violence Victims

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Erin Carter, domestic violence and sexual assault victim’s advocate with Infinite Possibilities, Inc., and Cassandra Hart, program integrity/child care supervisor with the Vance County Department of Social Services, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Infinite Possibilities, Inc.

In a continuation of WIZS’ coverage of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Carter spoke on Infinite Possibilities’ mission of “providing comprehensive, confidential support regardless of age, race, disability, gender, identity, sexual and/or religious orientation, immigration status or national origin” to those in abusive situations.

The community-based non-profit organization provides support with intimate partner violence, crisis intervention, danger assessments, safety planning, and assistance in finding shelter. Trained advocates are available 24/7.

Carter said services are still being provided during the COVID-19 pandemic in as safe a manner as possible. “Although it is a pandemic and we are at home, or we are staying safe, this information is vital. It’s not just vital in the month of October, it’s vital all the time because this is a continuous problem that we have to address.”

To help spread the message and keep people connected during the pandemic, Infinite Possibilities will host a Domestic Violence 101 & Healthy Relationships online Zoom session on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, from 2 until 3 p.m. To gain access to the session, please email Carter at ehill@infinitepossibilitiesinc.com.

For additional information on the session and to stay up-to-date on Infinite Possibilities, please visit the organization’s Facebook page (click here).

In Henderson, the Infinite Possibilities office is located at 314 S. Garnett St. Assistance is also available by phone at (252) 431-1926 during regular office hours: Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

A 24/7 hotline, with services available in English and Spanish, is available by calling (252) 425-2492.

Vance County Department of Social Services (VCDSS)

Addressing the financial assistance side of domestic violence situations, Hart explained the services that the VCDSS, in partnership with Infinite Possibilities and Safe Space, Inc., can provide to victims.

Hart said the following are available to a client and their children if agreed that the assistance will promote safety and economic stability and falls under Work First/TANF guidelines.

Transportation: reasonable, actual transportation costs can include, but are not limited to, bus passes, cabs, auto repairs, auto payments and car insurance as approved by the local department of social services and the domestic violence agency as allowed. The client should express an inability to pay but does not have to be facing repossession of a vehicle. If the client has another operative vehicle, assistance may not be approved.

Housing: housing assistance includes rent, utilities (including past bills), deposits, moving truck rental, storage fees, and other relocation costs. Reasonable, actual cost for these services approved by VCDSS and the domestic violence agency as allowed.

Attorney Fees: the fees can be used for any civil action that will enable a victim to be safe and/or economically independent.

Childcare, summer camp, etc.

Temporary/emergency lodging (such as a hotel)

For additional coverage on domestic violence awareness, please join WIZS live at 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com at 11 a.m. to hear discussions with the following scheduled guests:

Monday, October 19 – Families Living Violence Free

Thursday, October 22 – Debbie Scott with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office

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

Vance County NC

Town Talk 10/8/20: Vance County – Origins and First Families

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Mark Pace, local historian and director of the NC Room at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

Pace and WIZS’ own Bill Harris discussed the beginnings of Vance County and the first families to settle in the area.

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

Green Rural Redevelopment (GRRO)

Town Talk 10/7/20: GRRO Hires Health Workers to Serve as Community Liaisons

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Lucette Mercer, deputy director of Green Rural Redevelopment, Inc. (GRRO), appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Mercer discussed the recent news that GRRO has hired 25 health workers to serve communities in Vance, Granville, Franklin, Warren, Nash, Pitt, Halifax and Wake Counties during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Residing in the areas they are serving, Mercer explained that these health workers serve as a liaison between health and social organizations in the community, connecting people to the resources and services they need.

GRRO, a non-profit organization, has focused on providing access to healthy food and meals to people in the Kerr-Tar region. Their recent initiative, “Wellness on Wheels,” provided area youth with free healthy meals over the summer.

“GRRO has been known for our farmers market, food, produce, garden and farming activities,” said Mercer. “This time, we’ve really put our sights on combating the impact that COVID-19 has had in our communities.”

Working with local county health departments, the trained health workers assist families and individuals with coordinating referrals and service delivery. In addition, workers can help those diagnosed with COVID-19, those asked to quarantine due to a possible exposure or those at high risk of complications from the virus get food, groceries and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), among other items.

“Workers can help residents quarantine with the support they need to do so successfully and not have to go out in the community during their two-week quarantine period,” Mercer explained.

Henry Crews, the executive director of GRRO, noted in a recent press release, “We saw the devastation that the pandemic has brought to our community, and we used our organizational flexibility to expand our programming and grow our team to reach the ever-increasing numbers of rural residents who have been impacted by the Coronavirus.”

In partnership with Curamericas Global, Duke Family Medicine & Community Health and the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services, GRRO has joined a statewide network of agencies providing outreach services. These efforts are made possible by Federal funding from The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

For additional information, please call (252) 430-7999 or visit www.grronc.org.

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

Democratic Party

Town Talk 10/7/20: Vance County Democratic Party ‘Excited’ About Recent Energy

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Marcia Allen, the acting chairperson of the Vance County Democratic Party, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Allen said she is “excited” about the energy coming through the Vance County Democratic headquarters located at 131 S. Garnett St. in Henderson and urged the public to visit or call (252) 204-2606 with questions or comments.

Before casting a ballot in this election, Allen said it is imperative that voters consider issues from “a people standpoint, not a personal standpoint.”

“You may not be impacted directly by Medicaid, food stamps or access to healthcare, but someone in your family or someone close to you will be impacted by these issues that are on the ballot,” stated Allen.

Allen continued, “It really boils down to the haves, and the have nots. The haves are trying to take everything and keep everything from the have nots. The Democratic Party is a party for the people, not just the haves but the haves and the have nots.”

Addressing absentee ballots, Allen reminded the public that those who initiate the absentee ballot request process and then decide to vote in-person must contact their local Board of Elections (BOE) office to void the mail-in process.

One-Stop Early Voting for the November 3, 2020 General Election will be available for Vance County voters October 15-31 at the Aycock Recreation Complex and Henderson Operation Center (click here for more details, including dates and times).

“Please go vote,” Allen encouraged. “There are a number of things on the ballot other than names that will impact us. We don’t want to wake up on November 4 and not have access to the liberties that we were accustomed to.”

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

(This is not a paid political advertisement)

Tommy Hester

Town Talk 10/6/20: Tommy Hester, NC Senate District 3 Republican Candidate

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Thomas “Tommy” Hester, Jr., the Republican candidate for the District 3 NC Senate seat, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Hester, of Vance County, will face Democratic candidate and Bertie County resident Ernestine Bazemore for the seat that represents Beaufort, Bertie, Martin, Northampton, Vance and Warren County. Current District 3 Senator Erica Smith-Ingram is running for US Senate and will not seek re-election to the state senate.

Graduating from Campbell University in 1971, Hester returned to Henderson where he worked at Carolina Cooling & Heating and was later promoted to president of the company.

Hester also graduated from Officer Candidate School (O.C.S.), becoming platoon leader with the 878 Engineering Company for three years.

He currently owns Prim Residential Rentals where he develops residential and commercial property in Vance County.

Community achievements, past and present, include:

  • Chair of the Vance County Board of Commissioners
  • Chair of the N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority Board
  • Golden LEAF Board Member
  • Chair of the Economic Development Commission
  • Chair of the Henderson Heart Fund Drive
  • Committee Chair of the Henderson Cancer Drive
  • Supporter of the Vance County Relay for Life
  • Chair of the United Way Campaign
  • Member of the United Way’s Board of Directors
  • Advocate for the construction of the Perry Memorial Library and Embassy Cultural Center Foundation
  • President of the Henderson Rotary Club – named Rotarian of the Year in 2002
  • District Chair of the Henderson-Vance Boy Scouts of America Fundraiser
  • President of the Henderson RBC Centura Bank Board of Advisors and Trustees
  • Board Director of the Vance County Public School Foundation
  • Awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2016
  • Named the 2017 Citizen of the Year by the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce

Hester provided the following responses, in part, to questions asked during the Town Talk segment:

Why is now the right time for you to seek the NC Senate seat?

 “I’ve spent 15 years as a County Commissioner. I’ve tried to help with jobs and economic development in Vance County, and I see an opportunity, with no incumbent, to run for this office to do more for Vance County and the other five counties.”

How will your voice represent the needs and wants of the six counties in District 3?

 “I have worked tirelessly on the Golden LEAF Board and the Rural Infrastructure Authority in Raleigh to bring jobs and education into our area. I’d like to expand that into these other counties.

For example, Vance is the only county out of the six to come up with a program to offer broadband for $39.95 to all homes. Mako Medical Laboratories in Vance County now has over 500 employees. We’ve brought in Select Products who will manufacture toilet paper, napkins and paper towels.

I want to see more growth and bring in more tax revenue, not by raising the rate, but by raising the basis. If you expand the basis, you end up getting more revenue and you can keep the tax rate lower.”

What do you want to accomplish in the Senate?

 “I want to work with the Senate in Raleigh to bring as much of the taxpayer’s money from these counties back to these counties and help assist in getting jobs. Two things that go together more than anything else are jobs and education; you can’t put one before the other. When you create jobs, you create tax money and expand upon services such as fire protection, law enforcement, etc.”

How would you work with someone with different viewpoints or a different political party on issues such as Medicaid expansion?

 “I’m not interested in party; I’m interested in jobs and education. The time I’ve spent has been about trying to do what’s right for the community and trying to get the quality of life better for every citizen in that area. I would love to do that and work with whoever is in the House in the future.”

For additional information on Hester and his campaign, visit his Facebook page at Tommy Hester 4 NC Senate Dist. 3 (click here).

To hear the interview in its entirety, including additional questions and responses from Hester, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

(This is not a paid political advertisement. Political candidates are offered equal air time/coverage on WIZS.)

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Town Talk 10/05/20: VGCC Schedules Domestic Violence Awareness Events for Students, Community

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Cathy Davis, counselor/accessibility coordinator/Student Assistance Program coordinator/Title IX investigator, at Vance-Granville Community College, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Davis was the first of several guests scheduled to join Town Talk in October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. “Domestic violence is on the rise, and this is another topic that we will not remain silent about,” she stated.

With a mixture of events for students and the general public, Davis said VGCC is committed to raising awareness and assist those experiencing abuse. “We are trying to keep the community in community college, and we are all about breaking down barriers to support.”

Upcoming VGCC Domestic Violence Awareness Events:

October 8 ~ 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Healthy Relationships Video Presentation Hosted by Safe Space (video via Zoom platform with a Q&A wrap session after the viewing)

October 15 ~ 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Drive-Thru Giveaway at Each of the Four VGCC Campuses

October 22 ~ Wear Purple and Post Encouraging Words of Support Via Hashtags

October 29 ~ 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. – VGCC Website/Facebook Scavenger Hunt

Students will use the VGCC website or Facebook page to answer the following questions. The first four students to send answers to the scavenger hunt will receive a restaurant gift card. Please send the answers to Ruthie Davis at davisr@vgcc.edu.

  1. Who is VGCC’s counselor?
  2. What organization can be contacted in your county?
  3. Does that organization have a 24-hour hotline/crisis line, and if so, what is the number?
  4. List the VGCC activities for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
  5. Enter the date and time you completed the VGCC scavenger hunt.

In addition to events scheduled for October, VGCC offers a Student Assistance Program (SAP) to all students and their household members year-round for FREE!

The SAP offers help for personal, professional or school concerns by providing free, confidential, short-term counseling and personal consultation. Additionally, the SAP provides student-life resources for issues such as legal and financial consultation, online learning and resources.

For more information on SAP, please visit www.vgcc.edu/sap or call 1-800-633-3353.

For additional coverage on domestic violence awareness, please join WIZS live at 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com at 11 a.m. to hear discussions with the following scheduled guests:

Monday, October 12 – Infinite Possibilities, Inc.

Monday, October 19 – Families Living Violence Free

Thursday, October 22 – Debbie Scott with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office

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

Fred's Towing

Town Talk 10/05/20: Fred’s Towing & Transport ‘Ecstatic’ to Receive Small Business of the Year Award

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Karrie Fogg, co-owner of Fred’s Towing & Transport, Inc., appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m. Fogg discussed the recent news that Fred’s Towing & Transport was selected as Vance County’s 2019 Small Business of the Year.

Karrie and Fred Fogg were presented the award at a banquet held last week by the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce at Henderson Country Club.

“It was an honor just to be nominated,” Fogg said. “To actually receive the award was an ecstatic moment for us.”

wizsradio · TownTalk
10-5-20 Small Business Of The Year, Fred’s TowingLocally owned and operated since 1989, Fred’s Towing offers a “state-of-the-art” fleet of 27 trucks and certified drivers, according to Fogg. In addition to local coverage in Vance, Granville, and Warren counties, the business services Mecklenburg and Lunenburg counties in Virginia.

While the business office has set hours, Fogg said assistance is available to the public 24/7, 365 days a year.

Services include light, medium and heavy-duty towing, road service, emergency recovery, 50-ton rotator, crane services, mobile truck repairs, trailer repairs, mobile computer diagnostics, mobile welding, national tire accounts and a full-service shop. A transportation division is also available for equipment hauling needs.

For additional information on Fred’s Towing and its services, please visit www.fredstowing.com.

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

 (This is not a paid advertisement)