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Town Talk 05/18/20: VGCC Dean Gardner-Ragland Discusses ‘New Normal’ in Education

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Angela Gardner-Ragland, dean of Business and Applied Technologies at Vance-Granville Community College, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

With 24 years of experience at VGCC, Gardner-Ragland currently oversees an area of approximately 20 business and applied technology programs including Accounting, Business Administration, Automotive, Heating & Air and Welding. Many of these programs offer two-year associate degrees, one-year diplomas and certificates.

With the majority of these programs being heavy on technology, Gardener-Ragland said VGCC must stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive.

“Technology is forever changing, and we have to change with it,” stated Gardner-Ragland. “Recently, we have faced the challenge of moving our vocational programs online. As you can imagine, doing automotive, welding or heating and air online can be a challenge. We have excellent faculty and staff who are willing to go above and beyond to ensure our students are still getting that hands-on experience they need for the workforce.”

With COVID-19 requiring many in the workforce to operate remotely, Gardner-Ragland said the college is preparing for an even greater demand for online classes. “Our mindset has to change. We are going to have to be willing to grow and do more online, especially if we are going to meet industry needs and remain competitive. I do think, especially with the pandemic, that there is going to be a new normal in education.”

Gardner-Ragland gave credit to her staff for making informed decisions on needed resources and said she is grateful for recent grants that made the purchase of new equipment and technology possible “without passing the costs on to the students.”

In an example of VGCC’s stackable credentials model where one program builds on another, Gardner-Ragland said the new Truck Driver Training, while not in her area, has crossover potential with an associate degree program in the Business and Applied Technology department.

“My hope its once they complete the training and have been on the job for a little bit, they’ll come back and enroll in our two-year Supply Chain Management with Trucking Operations Management track, which is a completely online program,” said Gardner-Ragland.

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

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Town Talk 05/14/20: Vance Co. Manager Discusses Proposed 2020-21 FY Budget

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Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

McMillen discussed the $49,268,824 proposed Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Vance County Budget as presented to the Vance County Board of Commissioners at their May 4, 2020, meeting and as discussed in Board work sessions on May 12 and 13.

A public hearing to receive citizens’ comments on the proposed budget will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 1. To adhere to current social distancing guidelines, the public is asked to email comments regarding the budget to Vance County Clerk Kelly Grissom at KGrissom@vancecounty.org prior to the hearing or up to 24 hours after the hearing.

The $49.27 million budget represents a decrease of $84,750 from the current year’s amended budget, due in large part to the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic and the projection of lower revenues, particularly sales tax revenues, in the new fiscal year.

McMillen said coronavirus will have an impact on the economy and local budgets well into the new fiscal year, and possibly for the remainder of 2020.

“Economists are saying it will have an impact at least through the first quarter of the new fiscal year and maybe through the second quarter, which takes us through the end of the calendar year,” McMillen stated. “We haven’t seen the full impact of the current fiscal year yet because revenues come in three months after the sale, so we’ll see that impact in June, the last month of our current fiscal year.”

Considering a continued pattern of minimal revenue growth, uncertainty around the virus, no proposed tax increase and more funding requests this year than in previous years, McMillen said it was not feasible to include approximately $3.5 million in requested funding in the new budget.

“When we talked early in the spring, we said this was the year we really needed to have a tax increase, but when coronavirus came around, we were able to present a budget without a tax increase,” McMillen said. “If we funded all requests, we’d have to raise taxes 13.5 cents just to cover the $3.5 million.”

Among the items not included in the budget:

  • 12 of 15 requested new positions across various County departments;
  • A $100,000 increase to Vance County Schools funding;
  • Approximately $500,000 in requested roof repairs and renovation costs at Vance-Granville Community College

McMillen said the proposed budget allows Vance County Commissioners to meet top priorities and goals set at the Board’s planning retreat in January, including:

  • Funding a community paramedic (EMS) position
  • Completing renovations of the former Eaton Johnson Middle School building to house the Vance County Department of Social Services with an anticipated completion date of June 2021.
  • Increasing jobs and investments through economic development – additional marketing funds included in the Henderson-Vance Economic Development budget.

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

Town Talk 05/13/20: VGCC Dean Receives Doctorate; Discusses ‘Culture of Support’

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Dr. Jeffrey Allen, dean of Student Retention and Success at Vance-Granville Community College, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Allen recently received his Doctorate in Adult and Community College Education from North Carolina State University. His dissertation focused on African-American males enrolled in a community college who were persisting towards degree completion.

“Many times, the literature talks about the barriers or what is preventing African-American males from being successful,” said Allen. “I wanted to flip it and look at it from a standpoint of why are they being successful so we can use that information to make others successful.”

According to Allen, the results showed that the most successful of the study group were those who “had a goal and were focus-driven” and those that “knew the college supported them.”

Supporting college students in achieving their goals, whether it be to transfer to a four-year university after completing a two-year degree at VGCC or finding employment after graduation, is part of Allen’s role as dean.

Allen, who has served in various roles at VGCC since 2012, currently oversees an area that includes advising, counseling, male success initiative, student activities, athletics, testing and tutoring.

Along with other VGCC departments, Allen and staff are currently focusing much of their efforts on “educating, inspiring and supporting” students through the coronavirus crisis.

With VGCC’s classes switching to an online format mid-way through the spring semester and all upcoming summer classes scheduled as online sessions, the change has been an adjustment for all involved, Allen said.

“One of the things VGCC has done very well is put out resources for students to make them feel as comfortable as possible and supported during this crisis,” Allen continued. “VGCC has done an excellent job – the faculty, staff and various departments – in making sure students have what they need.”

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

Town Talk 05/12/20: Staffing Professional Sees Job Market ‘Slowly Coming to Life’

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Hal Muetzel, owner and operator of Express Employment Professionals, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Located at 124 Main Street in Oxford, Express Employment Professionals is a staffing company focused on helping people find jobs and providing workforce solutions to businesses. Services include a full range of employment solutions, including full-time, temporary and part-time employment in a wide range of industries.

The staffing company is available to assist you in your job search and has the means to conduct the majority of the employment process, including an initial interview, remotely.

Following up on a Town Talk interview conducted in April, Muetzel said the job market situation is starting to improve slowly but surely.

“I think we are starting to see things slowly come to life,” said Muetzel. “A lot of employees in the area are taking a wait-and-see attitude, so not really taking on new staff at this point and looking at where their orders are and where they will be in the next 30, 60 and 90 days.”

Previously “holding his breath” for the April job report, Muetzel said it was startling to see the number of Americans currently unemployed.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ recently released April 2020 employment report, total nonfarm payroll employment fell by 20.5 million people, while the unemployment rate rose to 14.7 percent. This sharp decline in employment is mainly contributed to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bureau also reported that unemployment rose in all major industry sectors, with the leisure and hospitality industry facing particularly heavy job losses.

“The job report shows April was a very tough month for everyone – community and nationwide,” stated Muetzel. “Unemployment is the highest it has been in 75 years.”

While some businesses such as Walmart, Amazon and home improvement companies have weathered the storm well and, in some instances, have even seen growth, Muetzel said other industries such as food and travel have not been as fortunate.

“The food industry is a very chaotic situation right now with food processors trying to get things to market but not having all the tools in their toolbox as far as restaurants, schools and large facilities to buy their products. The travel industry, including lodging and transportation, will also be slow to recover as people start to look at how they are going to travel, how close they will sit to each other, etc.”

Muetzel explained industries deemed “essential” by the government, including manufacturing, distribution, food, pharmaceutical, logistics, infrastructure and healthcare, are still the best bet for employment opportunities at this time.

For assistance in finding employment, Express Employment Professionals can be reached by phone at (919) 693-1730 or online at www.expresspros.com/oxfordnc/

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

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Town Talk 05/11/20: Dr. Abidan & Nicole Shah Discuss New Book ’30 Days Through A Crisis’

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Dr. Abidan Shah, lead pastor of Clearview Church in Henderson, and wife Nicole Shah were the guests of honor on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

The Shahs were on-air to discuss their newly released book “30 Days Through A Crisis: Daily Devotions to Navigate Your Faith,” a labor of love born out of the coronavirus pandemic.

Describing their trip to a mall at the very start of the COVID-19 scare – before businesses shut down – the Shahs said they experienced an “eerie” uncertainty and a current of fear running through store employees and the few remaining shoppers.

“The idea for the book really began the first week of the shutdown,” Abidan explained. “People were beginning to back off, and fear and hopelessness were growing. When you are in that situation of fear and hopelessness, it begins to mess with your mind. No matter how much faith you have, you begin to struggle.”

The Shahs discussed their feelings from that outing and said they came up with an encouraging list of words like ‘hope,’ ‘love,’ ‘grace,’ ‘resolution,’ ‘self-control’ and ‘patience’ – words that later became chapter headings for the book.

“We said to each other that if we need to hear these principles, others do as well, so let’s do something about it. From there, the book was born,” said Abidan.

Nicole gave her husband credit for the conception of the book but said they both took the idea from there, dividing chapters (30 chapters for 30 days) and offering guidance to each other through the process.

After two weeks of writing and one week of editing and design work provided by a combination of church staff and family, the Shahs published their “simple book of devotions.” “30 Days Through A Crisis” is available in both print and audio format online at Amazon or locally at Hill’s Music Shoppe.

While inspired by the COVID-19 shutdown, the Shahs said the book applies to any personal crisis, including health, marriage, family and other relationships. “There is no way we can go through life without trials and other crises coming along,” said Nicole. “We wrote this book with COVID-19 in mind, but it’s very generic so that if you happen to be going through a crisis two years from now, it should still apply.”

Nicole elaborated, “When we hit a crisis, or when a crisis hits us, we tend to forget what God has done for us in the past, and we tend to forget that we will make it through. It’s nice to have that reminder that God is with us no matter what and He will bring us through.”

The Shahs said they have been appreciative and humbled by the community support of the book, which sold out at Hill’s Music Shoppe within a couple of days of first being released. Books have since been restocked and are available for purchase at the music and Christian bookstore located at 51 US-158 Byp in Henderson.

For more information on “30 Days Through A Crisis” and Clearview Church, please visit the church’s website at www.clearviewbc.org or visit Clearview Church, Henderson, NC on Facebook.

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

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Town Talk 05/07/20: Public Health Director Encourages ‘Vigilance in New Normal’

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Lisa Harrison, director of Granville-Vance Public Health, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

With Phase I of NC Governor Roy Cooper’s easing of COVID-19 restrictions beginning Friday at 5 p.m., Harrison said it is important that the public remain vigilant in the “new normal” of washing hands frequently, wearing face coverings while out in public and maintaining physical distance when possible.

Informing listeners that coronavirus is transmitted through air particles in a process known as aerosolization, Harrison said wearing a mask is one way to protect others from your germs.

“Your mask protects everyone around you from your aerosolized particles and someone else’s mask protects you from their aerosolized particles,” explained Harrison. “Wearing a face mask to keep your germs to yourself is a beautiful sign that you care about other people.”

While COVID-19 is not thought to be spread through food, Harrison said it is important when preparing meals to practice good hygiene such as hand washing, thoroughly cleaning utensils and properly wiping down surfaces that food may touch.

With fever, coughing and shortness of breath remaining the primary symptoms of coronavirus, Harrison said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also added muscle pain, sore throat, chills and loss of taste and smell to the list of possible indicators.

“We have learned that the coronavirus affects everyone differently. One person may get a couple of these symptoms, while another person may experience more of these symptoms. The large majority of people that get coronavirus will not have severe illness, will not need oxygen and will not need to go to the hospital. More than 95 percent of the population who get coronavirus will have mild or moderate illness,” Harrison stated.

Protecting the remaining five percent of the population is the primary purpose of COVID-19 restrictions. “The reason we are taking precautions is for the rest of the population that will have severe illness, will need oxygen at the hospital and are in danger of losing their lives,” said Harrison.

This vulnerable population includes those who reside in congregate living areas such as prisons, nursing homes and group homes; people over the age of 65; and those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, severe obesity and those on dialysis.

With two percent of coronavirus patients dying from related complications, Harrison said a common link on death certificates has been the presence of a previous underlying health condition.

“We want to make sure we protect all of these vulnerable populations that have a much greater risk of severe illness and death,” Harrison said.

For additional information on COVID-19 and updated statistics, visit the Granville-Vance Public Health website at www.gvph.org and the CDC website at www.cdc.gov.

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

Town Talk 05/06/20: Pat Christie Inducted Into Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame

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Pat Christie, 2020 inductee into the Carolina Beach Music Awards Hall of Fame appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

The mood was jovial as WIZS Beach Blast host Trey Snide interviewed Christie, who happens to be his father-in-law.

From Durham, NC, Christie said he started playing the guitar when he was nine-years-old and has been involved with several bands throughout his music career, including The Spring Fever Band, The Fabulous Hot Dog Daddy O’s and The Castaways.

The Castaways were inducted as a group into the Beach Music Hall of Fame in 2014, but Christie said his induction as an individual this year caught him by surprise.

“I am very humbled, honored and pleasantly surprised,” said Christie. “I actually found out on my way home from Myrtle Beach. Peter Carpenter, the president of the Carolina Beach Music Association announced it on the radio. It means so much to me because beach music has been such a big, big part of my life.”

Good friend and fellow Daddy O’s and Castaways bandmember Phil Doc Wilson called in to Town Talk to surprise and congratulate Christie on his induction, as well as to give him a bit of a ribbing.

Pat Christie (pictured above) inducted into the 2020 Carolina Beach Music Awards Hall of Fame.

“I want to tell you what I’ve told you the whole time I’ve known you,” Wilson said to Christie. “When I grow up, I want to be just like you, but wait a minute, I’m older than you are!”

Wilson then commented on his long-standing friendship with Christie, congratulated him for his accomplishment and jokingly asked if the induction meant the two could now stop competing with one another.

Christie responded with a laugh and said, “Don’t you know when you’re nominated for the Hall of Fame they put you out to the big Beach Music pasture.”

Snide, whose Beach Music Blast on WIZS was inspired, in part, by Christie and his connection to Beach Music, said he was extremely proud of his father-in-law.

“I am trying to find the words to best explain how excited and proud I am of Mr. Pat,” Snide said. “He is extremely humble. As you can hear in the audio I did with Mr. Pat, he did his best to try and give credit to others. This is the man I respect, look up to and am proud to call my father-in-law.”

Snide continued, “We celebrate his success in this world we call Beach Music and his induction in the 2020 Beach Music Hall of Fame. Carolina Beach Music would not be the same without Mr. Pat Christie. For his passion, his dedication and all the years spent on the road in bands such as The Castaways, The Fabulous Hot Dog Daddy O’s and others, we officially say thank you. Thank you for being you, and thank you for making Beach Music great.”

Be sure to listen to the Beach Music Blast live on WIZS 1450 AM, 100.1 FM or at www.wizs.com (click Listen Live) from 12 until 1 p.m. every Monday – Friday.

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

Town Talk 05/05/20: Community Leaders, Clergy to Lead Local Day of Prayer – May 7

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Rev. Frank Sossamon with South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Sossamon announced that while necessary changes will be made for the sake of safety during the COVID-19 situation, the 69th Annual National Day of Prayer is still scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2020, and will be honored locally.

Instead of larger crowds physically meeting in spots around Vance County, as has been the norm in previous years, community leaders will meet at designated locations.

Their prayers and conversation will be broadcast to the public in two separate services on WIZS 1450 AM, 100.1 FM, or by clicking “Listen Live” at www.wizs.com.

The afternoon service will begin at 12 p.m. and the evening service will start at 7 p.m.

This year’s theme is “Pray God’s Glory Across the Earth,” and Sossamon encouraged all churches to help spread the word of the prayer rally to the congregations.

“It’s one of the few times the entire community is called upon to pray together, and even to pray publicly,” Sossamon stated. “I think the public aspect of prayer is very important and powerful. We didn’t want to let this go just because we couldn’t physically gather this year.”

The schedule for the 12 p.m. service on May 7 is as follows:

  • Maria Parham Health – Rev. Frank Sossamon and MPH CEO Bert Beard
  • City Hall – Rev. Rhonda Pulley and Mayor Eddie Ellington
  • ACTS – Rev. Dr. Ron Cava and Lee Anne Peoples
  • Vance County Courthouse – Rev. Joseph Ratliff and guest

The 7 p.m. service includes music and a study of the “seven mountains of prayer,” including church, family, education, government, business, military and media.

The schedule for the 7 p.m. service on May 7 is as follows:

Welcome, Statement of Purpose and Opening Prayer

Music

Seven Mountains of Prayer #1 – Church

Comments – Rev. Dora Dorsey, Retired Pastor

Prayer – Rev. Bobby Fletcher, Pastor of First Methodist Church

Seven Mountains of Prayer #2 – Family

Comments – Denita DeVega, Director of Vance County Social Services

Prayer – Goldie Davis, Income Maintenance Administrator, Vance County Social Services

Seven Mountains of Prayer #3 – Education

Comments – Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent, Vance County Schools

Prayer – Dr. Trixie Brooks, Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction – VCS

Seven Mountains of Prayer #4 – Government

Comments – Jordan McMillen, Vance County Manager

Prayer – Gordon Wilder, Chairman of Vance County Board of Commissioners

Seven Mountains of Prayer #5 – Business

Comments – Michele Burgess, Director of Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

Prayer – Michele Burgess or guest

Seven Mountains of Prayer #6 – Military

Comments – Archie B. Taylor, Retired Military

Prayer – Archie B. Taylor or guest

Music

Seven Mountains of Prayer # 7 – Media

Comments – Nancy Wykle, Publisher/Editor of The Daily Dispatch

Prayer – John Charles Rose, Owner/Operator of WIZS AM Radio

While the day of prayer has been led by the clergy in the past, Sossamon said he and other members of the Vance County Ministers Community Partnership, the group responsible for planning the annual prayer day, thought it would be more poignant this year to include community leaders.

“We discussed it and thought ‘why don’t we actually take people from those areas of the community and let them speak to us about their area and have a prayer?’ People will want to tune in to WIZS and listen. I think it will educate and inspire you, and you’ll certainly benefit from the evening,” Sossamon commented.

In addition to tuning in, Sossamon said he encourages families to honor the spirit of the day by “getting in their car and driving to these seven mountains to pray. Drive to a business or a building, park in the parking lot and pray for the institution and those who work there.”

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

Town Talk 05/04/20: Kerr Tar Area Agency on Aging ‘Still Here’ for Seniors, Caregivers

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Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging’s Harvey Holmes, family caregiver resource specialist, and Michele Brigandi, aging projects coordinator, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

With current COVID-19 social distancing measures in place for the protection of at-risk populations such as the elderly, Holmes and Brigandi said times are difficult for both seniors and their caregivers.

“Social isolation is a huge issue for seniors right now with many programs closed or limited for their safety,” said Brigandi. “Seniors in our area value their time at the Senior Centers engaging in friendships, daily interactions and physical activities.”

Brigandi said she has been impressed with how diligently the Senior Centers in the Kerr-Tar area, which includes Franklin, Granville, Vance, Warren and Person counties, have worked to ensure nutrition programs for seniors continue even while other programs are temporarily suspended.

With in-person congregate meals shifted to home delivery, Brigandi said Senior Center staff and volunteers have risen to meet the challenge of providing nutritious food and necessary hygiene supplies to those isolated in their homes.

“I have talked to staff for the nutrition program and they are seeing first-hand the effect this is having on our seniors,” stated Brigandi. “Depression and boredom are huge; many also suffer from dementia, anxiety and mobility issues. If you have a senior in your life, I encourage you to reach out often – daily, if possible – to check on them.”

With many Senior Centers closed and programs such as adult day care and respite care currently unavailable or limited, caregivers who rely on these services are also feeling overwhelmed.

“A lot of times it’s hard for caregivers to ask for help or admit they need help,” Holmes commented. “Both myself and the Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging want to be that rock for caregivers and to assure them that we’re still here. We are still only a phone call or email away.”

Noting a possible stigma with the term “social distancing,” Holmes said he is encouraging the public to view it more as a physical distancing. “Be physically distant instead of socially distant. You can be social and stay connected with others by phone or online,” said Holmes.

Holmes encouraged seniors and caregivers to stay “socially connected” with the Agency on Aging via Facebook, Twitter, or the organization’s website at kerrtarcog.org/departments/aging. You may also call the agency at (252) 436-2040 for additional information or with questions.

2020 Kerr Tar Senior Games

Brigandi, who is also the coordinator for the Kerr Tar Senior Games, clarified that the games have been canceled for 2020. Both athletic events and performing arts activities were originally scheduled for spring 2020.

“We are tentatively planning a celebratory get-together or banquet for the end of September,” Brigandi said. “We want to recognize seniors in the area, offer fellowship and entertainment and recruit participants, hopefully, for next year’s Senior Games.”

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

Vance County Animal Shelter Cleared; All Inhabitants Find Homes

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Vance County Animal Services Chief Frankie Nobles appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Nobles was pleased to announce a first in his over 10 years of service with the Vance County Animal Shelter – a complete clearing by either rescue, fostering or adoption of all animals this past weekend.

“It’s never been completely empty since I’ve been here,” said Nobles. “We are excited. We got every animal to a home, and it was an amazing weekend.”

Nobles said it was a combination of the hard work of shelter staff and volunteer organizations, and fewer animals being taken in during COVID-19 restrictions, that made this possible.

You can listen to the interview here from WIZS Radio.

The shelter is currently responding to emergency calls only, such as injured or aggressive animals, and has used some of the downtime for needed shelter maintenance.

“We’ve worked so hard to get to the point of clearing the shelter. When COVID-19 happened, that was our time to catch up and get ahead of the ballgame. It’s getting to be summertime, and that’s when we see most of our animals coming in,” Nobles said.

Nobles explained such a feat would not be possible without volunteer organizations such as the Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society of Henderson, NC. “We joke around here and call ourselves the dream team just because we are a big team of people that work well together, and it works like a dream.”

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