Town Talk 02/18/20: Daeke Discusses Potential McGregor Hall Funding

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Garry Daeke, Henderson City Council member, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Daeke briefly mentioned the upcoming Focus 20/20 Regional Economic Development Summit to be held at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center on Thursday, February 20, 2020, and discussed the success of another downtown entity, Sadie’s Coffee Corner.

“What a great venue, and a great community space where people can come together,” said Daeke. “Sadie’s is a great place for anyone and everyone to come together in downtown, relax and enjoy good food and drinks.”

In light of a recently completed economic development study quantifying McGregor Hall’s impact on the local economy, including increased traffic at downtown business and restaurants, McGregor Hall representatives requested City and County funding to assist with its remaining $2.9 million debt.

The results of the study, prepared by the Municipal Research Lab at NC State University, were sent to Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen and former City of Henderson Manager Frank Frazier. While McGregor Hall did not list a specific monetary amount in its funding request, it pointed out the following, as indicated in the study:

  • McGregor Hall is directly responsible for injecting $2.4 million into the Henderson economy during the 12 months preceding April 2019.
  • McGregor Hall is directly responsible for 5.5% of all economic growth in Vance County over the past three years.
  • McGregor Hall, with a 1,000 seating capacity, is the only performing arts center with over 750 seats in NC (not connected with an educational institution) that does not receive any kind of municipal or county funding.

With an annual budget of $491,839 as of 2018, McGregor Hall currently operates with one full-time employee and three part-time employees. The rest of the blanks are filled by numerous volunteers and donors, a feat that Daeke admitted will be hard to maintain in the long-run.

“I don’t think it can continue, in my opinion, with the level of quality they provide now with just so many volunteers,” Daeke said. “It’s very important that the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center continues to grow, thrive and be a pinnacle centerpiece for Vance County.”

Providing a history of the construction of McGregor Hall and other Breckenridge buildings, including the Henderson Police Department, Daeke stated that the City has already invested quite a bit of money into the project and suggested the County may be the place to turn to for additional funding.

“The City has a couple of million dollars in the facility already whereas the County was not involved in that funding,” explained Daeke. “The County benefits greatly from the sales tax [generated by McGregor Hall], the City to a lesser degree. For every $3 that’s generated by McGregor Hall, $2 goes to the County and $1 to the City.”

Daeke said the impact study has helped to shine a light on the extent of McGregor Hall’s economic reach and believes the County appreciates the results as well.

“A very fair and economical way of helping would be for the County to step up and provide some help; they get return from it. I do think the County sees its role in continuing to help McGregor Hall.”

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

Town Talk 02/17/20: Jones’ Sunday Morning Motivation on WIZS Encourages, Uplifts

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

WIZS Sunday Morning Motivation “The Help Center NC” with Twanna J. Jones aired on Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m. Sunday Morning Motivation airs every Sunday morning on 100.1 FM/ 1450 AM WIZS at 10:30 a.m.

Jones, along with her husband Bobby, owns and operates The Help Center NC in Vance and Granville County. According to the Help Center’s website (www.thehelpcenternc.com), the ministry was established in 2016 to share the Gospel and advocate for the poor, elderly and young by providing the tools needed for families to become self-sufficient through training and educational programs.

Serving those in Franklin, Vance, Warren and Granville counties, the program assists with food, housing referrals and resources to enhance the physical, social, emotional, and economic health of poor and homeless citizens.

Sunday Morning Motivation on WIZS is a way for the service area to hear positive, encouraging messages to improve mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. The February 16 presentation, re-aired for Monday’s Town Talk, addressed the “loneliness” Jones said some residents have stated they feel around holidays, especially romantic holidays like Valentine’s Day. Putting these emotions into a spiritual context, Jones shared biblical passages on love and handling feelings of disappointment.

The program also featured local author Terry Alston Jones who discusses her book “A Summer With No Ice Cream.” Told through the eyes of a 12-year-old, this novel discusses the importance of making good health and lifestyle choices while young to avoid negative consequences later in life. It is the first in a planned series entitled “Embracing Myself and My Health” aimed at addressing health disparities in the African American community.

For more information about The Help Center and its programs, please call (252) 572-3203 to speak with a representative or email info@TheHelpCenterNC.com.

To hear the Sunday Morning Motivation with Twanna J. Jones in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Town Talk 02/13/20: Henderson Throws Hat in the Ring of HGTV’s ‘Home Town Takeover’

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Jason Spriggs, Henderson City Councilman, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

Spriggs announced that Henderson has thrown its proverbial hat in the ring of HGTV’s nationwide ‘Home Town Takeover’ contest. In this series set to air in 2021, husband-and-wife team Ben and Erin Napier will lead a group of renovation pros as they give selected small towns a “whole-town overhaul.”

According to the HGTV website, any citizen of a small town (considered a population of 40,000 or less) could “show, tell and sell” HGTV on why their town deserves to be featured in the six-part series. Applicants were encouraged to focus on unique aspects of their town, including historical homes/buildings, vintage architecture and downtown appeal.

The citizens of the selected towns will see the revitalization of individual family homes, public spaces and outdoor recreation areas, according to HGTV.

Learning about the contest from a friend, Spriggs said he was encouraged to work with other Henderson residents and business owners to create a video demonstrating the city’s historical background and charm.

The approximately three-minute video, narrated by Spriggs, features homes from the late 1880s and early 1900s, the historic downtown fire station built in 1908 and various downtown buildings. Henderson residents and business owners including Sara Coffey, mayor pro tem, Samantha Hill Reavis of Hill’s Music Shoppe and Amanda Pearson, co-owner of Sadie’s Coffee Corner also appear in the video.

“It’s been a great time to get together with people in the community and get some excitement and support behind doing something positive for the city,” said Spriggs.

Submissions were due to HGTV by February 4 and, according to the website, are currently under review. A date for notification of final selection status is unknown at this time. Spriggs said he would keep the community updated on any additional information on the project.

“We have a beautiful town, with beautiful homes,” Spriggs said. “We just need some more support to get [revitalization] projects done. We appreciate Ben, Erin and HGTV’s consideration.”

To see the submitted video, please visit the Citizens Aligned to Take Back Henderson, NC’s Facebook page (click here). Citizens Aligned is a group started in 2015 by Henderson residents looking to bring positive change to the community.

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

Town Talk 02/12/20: Lower ISO Ratings = Savings for Homeowners, Businesses

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Vance County Fire Marshal Keith Duncan appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m. Duncan discussed the new insurance ratings for County fire departments, the addition of paid part-time personnel and plans for redistricting.

Insurance (ISO) Ratings:

After a county-wide review by the Department of Insurance Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) in October 2019, Duncan is pleased to announce that all inspected Vance County fire departments were able to reduce their ISO ratings.

The routine inspections look for proper staffing levels, sufficient equipment, proper maintenance of equipment, communications capabilities and availability of a water source, among other items.

Based on the outcome of these inspections, the North Carolina Response Rating System (NCRRS) assigns a score ranging from one (best) to 10 (not recognized as a certified fire department by the state), with most rural departments falling into the 9S category.

This score, in turn, determines the rating the Insurance Services Office (ISO) uses to charge homeowners and businesses for insurance.

“We have good news for the citizens of Vance County,” Duncan said. “We have reduced rates that just came in this week and will go into effect May 1 of this year. This means an insurance savings of approximately $150 or more for homeowners.”

Prior to the recent inspection, many County departments had an ISO rating of 9, meaning citizens in those districts paid more for homeowners insurance. Duncan said through the hard work of department staff and appropriate funding, all seven inspected departments were able to improve their score to a 5 or a 6.

New ratings are as follows:

Kittrell Fire District = 6

Golden Belt Fire District = 5

Drewry Fire District = 5

Cokesbury Fire District = 5

Townsville Fire District = 6

Watkins Fire District = 6

Hicksboro Fire District = 6

The Bearpond Fire Department and Epsom Fire Department are on a different schedule and have been previously inspected. The Bearpond rating is currently a 5 for residents within 1,000 feet of a hydrant. Epsom, a border department shared with Franklin County, is also currently ranked at a 5.

The previously mentioned ratings apply to County fire districts and departments and are not to be confused with the City of Henderson that currently has an ISO rating of 2.

Duncan credited increased funding, purchased equipment, training hours and a myriad of other items, including an increase in fire tax, for the improved scores.

“It took the increase in fire tax over the past couple of years to get appropriations for departments that were in such dire need of these funds to equip their stations, to get volunteers and part-time positions. The return residents are going to get from their ISO rates being lower should far exceed any tax increase they paid.”

Paid Part-Time Positions:

Briefly addressing the much-discussed move to fund paid part-time positions in volunteer fire departments, Duncan said the addition of personnel indirectly helped with the improved ISO grade but was never the primary mission.

Citing faster response times and the need for paid positions in a world with fewer volunteers, Duncan stated the move was a partnership between Vance County Commissioners and County departments.

“It has worked out so great for the citizens here. Response time has lowered in two of our districts – our most remote districts – by four to five minutes. When you talk about a loved one that’s having a heart attack or a wood fire that’s threatening a home, time is of the essence.”

Fire Redistricting:

Now that department inspections have been completed and updated ISO ratings released, Duncan expects the County to revisit redistricting talks that were “put on the back burner” last year.

“The reason redistricting ever came up was because we were looking at lowering response times and determining the closest department to come to your house or business,” Duncan explained. “It only makes sense that the closer they are, the faster they get there.”

The main area of focus is the five-mile overlap area between fire districts. “We were looking at which department could get to that overlap area faster and discussed adjusting the line pretty much halfway,” said Duncan.

“We were not going to do anything until we got the ISO rates back. We didn’t want to move anyone out of a 5 district and into a 9 district, for example, and cost them money. Now that we have the ratings back, moving the line should not be any trouble because the [insurance] savings will be virtually the same.”

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

Town Talk 02/11/20: Celebrate ‘New Orleans Style’ at BGC’s Mardi Gras Bash

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Thomas Falgout, interim CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of North Central North Carolina (BGCNCNC) appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m. The BGCNCNC represents Granville, Vance, Franklin, Warren and Halifax counties.

Falgout invited the public to celebrate “New Orleans style” at the 4th Annual Mardi Gras Bash to benefit the Granville County chapter of the Boys & Girls Club on Saturday, February 22, 2020, from 6:30 until 10 p.m.

The bash will be held at Thorndale Oaks, 105 W. Quail Ridge Rd in Oxford, and will include dinner, dancing and music by The Retro Band, all in the spirit of Bourbon St.

Tickets for the adult event are available for $65 each, or two for $120, and may be purchased by calling the BGC Office at (919) 690-0036 or visiting the online Event Brite link by clicking here.

Discussing the benefits of the Boys & Girls Club, which serves school-aged children between the ages of 5-18 in after-school and summer programs, Falgout said the outcome for both the participants and the community is tremendous.

“We get one shot to give children the best childhood imaginable,” said Falgout. “It’s not something they get to do over again. The more people that invest in the Boys & Girls Club, the better the childhood and future of these kids.”

Falgout stated that the benefit to the community is proven. “For every dollar invested in the Boys & Girls Club, there’s about $10 in future earnings in your community.”

The North Central NC Boys & Girls Club currently serves approximately 2,300 youth in various programs throughout the year.

To hear the interview with Falgout in its entirety, including more information on the Boys & Girls Club, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Town Talk 02/10/20

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Town Talk 02/07/20

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

 

Town Talk 02/06/20: Linda Cobb, District 5 School Board Incumbent, On-Air

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Linda Cobb, the District 5 incumbent candidate for Vance County Schools Board of Education, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

Cobb faces challenger Clementine Hunter in the March 3, 2020 primary. The only other school board position that faces opposition is the District 3 seat, where incumbent Dorothy Gooche faces challenger Sean A. Alston, Sr.

Cobb was appointed to the Board in September after Hunter, who was elected to the school board in 2016, resigned from the District 5 position. Cobb was also unanimously voted in as Vice-Chair of the Board for the 2020 year.

In discussing the unique situation, Cobb said she was unaware of the circumstances surrounding Hunter’s resignation and decision to run in the 2020 election. “She has every right to file and run, as do I,” Cobb said. “Both of us just have to do our best and let the citizens of Vance County make the appointment.”

An educator at both the community and four-year college level for 20 years, and currently the business officer with the Vance County Department of Social Services, Cobb said the first five months in her appointed position have been a “humbling learning experience.”

Cobb said she is excited to see positive growth, pointing to the students that have been recognized in the monthly Student Spotlight program and higher VCS graduation rates as examples of the school system’s achievements.

Discussing the way the Board works together as a team, a sentiment echoed by other recently interviewed school board candidates, Cobb said her time serving as the District 5 representative has left her eager to continue in her role.

“If I’m fortunate enough to be elected for the next term, my main goal is to work along with the Board because we are a team and we have to continue to work together as a team for the better of Vance County’s schools.”

Cobb also had high praise for VCS Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson. “He is a great leader that’s leading the school system to a different level. The Board works very well with Dr. Jackson.”

With her years in education, the assistance she provides children and families at DSS and her time on the Board, Cobb said she brings much experience and perspective to her role. “I’m here for the students and I will do what I can with my one vote to make Vance County a better place for our kids.”

The deadline to register to vote in the primary election is Friday, February 7. Early voting begins Thursday, February 13.

To hear the interview with Cobb in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk. Cobb’s segment begins at the 17:40 mark.

(This is not a paid political advertisement. Challenger Clementine Hunter will be offered an interview of equal time with WIZS.)

Town Talk 02/05/20

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Town Talk 02/04/20: Jobs, Removing Barriers Focus of Desmarais’ First Year

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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 Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Desmarais, who celebrated her one-year anniversary with the college in January, said she is pleased with the recent strides the college has made in workforce development, marketing and removing “barriers” to education.

Making it her mission from day one to “find the programs that could get people into jobs more quickly,” Desmarais and VGCC staff have worked with EMSI, Inc., a national firm that reviews job data, to provide information on the most needed types of employment in the local area.

“The number one and number two jobs of availability in this area were truck drivers and heavy equipment operators,” Desmarais explained of EMSI’s findings.

In response to the community’s need for truck drivers, VGCC, in partnership with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, now offers a truck driving program that gives students the training required to operate tractor-trailer rigs, obtain a Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) and become professional truck drivers.

Orientation for the first nine-week program was completed last week with classes to begin Wednesday, February 12, 2020. Students will participate in a combination of classroom instruction, range driving and road driving.

According to Desmarais, 17 students are currently participating in the program and a waitlist has been started for others who are interested. “Local companies that need truck drivers are very excited about the opportunity to have local folks who can take those jobs.”

For more information on the truck driving program, please click here.

By changing the way the college approaches marketing, including getting back to basics with “going out, talking and listening to the people in the community,” Desmarais said the college is learning what local organizations and residents need while strengthening existing partnerships and creating new alliances.

“We are going back to some of the things we use to do such as offering classes out in the community,” said Desmarais. “We have started a new partnership and are offering classes at the Mary Potter School in Oxford, for example.”

Desmarais said VGCC staff are also focused on removing what is frequently considered “barriers” to education, with the recent announcement of the college’s partnership with public and rural transportation service KARTS being a prime example of this commitment.

“This program removes one of the larger barriers of education – students getting to and from college,” Desmarais said.

Thanks to a combination of grant funds and VGCC Endowment Fund donations, the KARTS service is provided free-of-charge to students attending all four VGCC campus locations – Henderson (Main), Louisburg (Franklin), Creedmoor (South) and Warrenton (Warren).

Students can make appointments for KARTS by calling (252) 438-2573 and then dialing “0.” Appointments can be made up to two weeks in advance. For more information on the KARTS program, please click here.

VGCC is currently piloting and tracking the success of another program aimed at reducing perhaps the largest barrier in education – the financial barrier.

“We know that students who get Pell Grants have a lot going on in their lives,” Desmarais stated. “They have a lot of challenges in terms of working and going to school, transportation, living arrangements, and sometimes they aren’t as successful at the school part as they’d like because life gets in the way.”

Explaining that students have to maintain a certain grade point average (GPA) to keep their financial aid, Desmarais said the college is offering a “Second Chance Scholarship” to those that may have fallen below the required GPA.

“We [VGCC] help connect them with other agencies to help them solve non-school problems that are getting in the way of them being successful here. Once we do that, we provide what we call a second chance scholarship for them to improve their GPA so that they can get back on financial aid.”

With all of this, Desmarais said the college is writing its narrative as a student-ready college. “We are going to be here for the students that we have. We are not a selective institution, but we are a quality-proud institution.”

To learn more about VGCC, please visit the college’s official website at www.vgcc.edu or visit its YouTube channel by clicking here.

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