KTCOG Budget Process Looks Different This Year In Light Of Federal Funding Uncertainty

It’s budget season, a time when cities and counties look at that tricky balance between revenues – money coming in – and expenditures – paying for services that residents need.

The Kerr-Tar Council of Government budget, however, relies mostly on federal money to fund its programs.

And KTCOG Executive Director Diane Cox said recent uncertainty with federal agencies reducing workforce and closing whole programs, this year’s budget process was different than in years past.

“I’ve always taken the conservative approach when it came to our budget,” Cox said in an interview with WIZS.

The 2025-26 budget represents a decrease of more than $2 million from the current year budget and does not include any salary or cost of living increases. Cox is proposing a roughly $5.8 million budget and is hopeful that additional federal funding will be available. The 2024-25 amended budget was just more than $8.3 million.

“Over 90 percent of our funding at COG comes through the state but they’re federal funds,” Cox explained.

“No one’s saying anything yet,” she said. “The state folks haven’t heard from that federal folks what those funds are going to look like.” So until then, Cox and the KTCOG staff wait.

“It’s sort of a wait and see position that we’re in,” she said. “We’re preparing for the worst but hoping for the best.”

One area that she’s particularly concerned about is the Area Agency on Aging, which relies on mostly federal funds. Cox said earlier Monday that she’s expecting to hear about the Area Agency on Aging grants sometime this week.

“This is the first year in the 14 or 15 years that I’ve been here that we’ve gone into the budget season without some initial numbers,” she said. For that reason, she said the budget is “very conservative” and included an across-the-board decrease.

The Area Agency on Aging programs provide services for the senior centers in all five counties, as well as their in-home aide programs, among others.

Since the pandemic, the KTCOG has provided assistance to many local governments in the region in some form or another.

Cox said while she and her staff wait for word on grant funding, KTCOG will continue to provide services and programs for the region – there’s a disaster recovery and relief expo on Thursday, June 12 at the VGCC Civic Center, which will provide information to community groups and individuals about how to cope in the event of a disaster.

“We have always had a much larger budget at the end of the year than we do at the beginning of the year” because the COG receives grant funding throughout the year.

So, while our budget may look much lower than what our current budget is, the hope (is) – and I pray – that there will be several budget amendments,” Cox said, allowing for the provision of more service.

SportsTalk: Minor League Baseball Update and Super Regional Recap

SportsTalk 12:30 p.m. M-Th

Scout Hughes and Doc Ayscue give an update on Minor League Baseball from over the weekend with teams from North Carolina. The guys also recap the Super Regionals of the NCAA Baseball Tournament with 1 ACC team qualifying for the College World Series and another ACC team could qualify tonight. That and much more on SportsTalk!

Duke vs. Murray State – Game 3 of Durham Super Regional, 7pm on ESPN

Friday MiLB Scores:

  • Durham Bulls 7 Jacksonville 1
  • Charlotte 14 Lehigh Valley 2
  • Greensboro 2 Hub City 1
  • Winston-Salem 8 Asheville 1
  • Double Header
    • Charleston 8 Carolina Mudcats 4
    • Charleston 3 Carolina Mudcats 0
  • Myrtle Beach 5 Kannapolis 3
  • Columbia 5 Hickory 4
  • Augusta 6 Fayetteville 3

Saturday MiLB Scores:

  • Jacksonville 3 Durham Bulls 2
  • Charlotte 7 Lehigh 4
  • Hub City 7 Greensboro 4
  • Winston-Salem 8 Asheville 3
  • Columbia 5 Hickory 3
  • Charleston 5 Carolina Mudcats 2
  • Fayetteville 5 Augusta 4
  • Kannapolis 4 Myrtle Beach 0

Sunday MiLB Scores:

  • Durham Bulls 10 Jacksonville 2
  • Charlotte 10 Lehigh Valley 9
  • Greensboro 9 Hub City 4
  • Winston-Salem 10 Asheville 6
  • Carolina Mudcats 6 Charleston 2
  • Kannapolis 5 Myrtle Beach 4
  • Fayetteville 3 Augusta 1
  • Hickory 9 Columbia 7

Click Play!

Items to Buy and Sell

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL US YOUR ITEMS

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS ~ YOUR COMMUNITY VOICE

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Monday, June 9th, 2025

  • Our Title Sponsor for Tradio is Randy’s Flea Market & Furniture Outlet located on Vicksboro Road – Carry lift chairs now in addition to love seats and sofas plus the sofa and love seats match … and complete bedroom suits including mattress and box springs. New bean bag chairs now in stock. New area rugs … 5 x 7 for $49. Some used items available for immediate pickup: chests, chest of drawers, lamps, end tables, dinette sets … just about anything inside the home … beds and bedroom suits. Real nice queen anne chair … wing back, high sides, curved legs on it … $99. Wood desk $29.95. Night stands $39. From Pat and the guys at Randy’s Flea Market & Furniture Outlet. 1651 Vicksboro Road in Henderson. 252-492-8062. Hours of Operation: Wednesday -Thursday – Friday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Saturday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Randy’s Flea Market & Furniture Outlet, Title Sponsor for Tradio on WIZS.

Wednesday, June 4th, 2025

  • 2 piece round sectional – $375. 3 wooden coffee tables – $125. 2 lamps – $60 for both. A set of used tires, 225 R17 – $60. Call (252) 767-4997 for more information on these items.
  • A Hotpoint deep freezer, cast iron frying pans, and an old cast iron wood stove. For more information on these items call (743) 208-3712 or email shumakerdebbie66@gmail.com.

Thursday, May 22nd, 2025

  • 2 Pairs of Crocs Shoes, Size 6/8 on both pairs. $10 for each pair. $20 for both pairs. Both pairs are in great condition. Also a round, dark wood, glass top, wooden bottom coffee table – $60 – it’s solid wood, heavy. A white, ivory shag living room area rug – $100. And a piece of furniture with cabinets at top and bottom – $60. You can call 432-0086 for more information on these items.

Monday, May 19th, 2025

  • Looking for someone to do floor in living room of a mobile home affordable price. Call (919) 339-8196 or email perrycarolyn0723@gmail.com.
  • A dining room table with removable leaf. Also an antique phone table, as well as 2×4 2×6 2×10 good wood for sale. Call (252) 767-6792 for more information.

TownTalk: Elder Abuse Awareness Conference Coming June 13th

The Kerr-Tar Council of Governments is hosting the 11th annual elder abuse awareness and prevention day on Friday, June 13 at the Warren County Armory Civic Center.

This event is free and open to the public, and Kim Hawkins, KTCOG’s regional ombudsman, said it’s the perfect time to come out and learn more about what elder abuse is, how to spot it and report it to keep vulnerable senior adults safe from being physically, emotionally and financially exploited.

In North Carolina, the time between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day is usually when organizations and agencies focus on providing educational programs like the one that will happen Friday, Hawkins said.

“It’s going to be a fun day,” she said. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature dozens of vendors, t-shirts, entertainment from the Vance and Warren senior centers, a commemorative walk, lunch – and ice cream! The colors for the day are purple and silver, representing abuse awareness and elders, respectively.

“We hope everybody will come out and gain some information,” Hawkins said, adding that it’s events like this that help remind us how important senior adults are to their communities.

The vendors represent agencies and other organizations that provide information and resources; they’ll be on hand to help people become more aware of what’s in their community and how to report to the Department of Social Services if you suspect a senior is at risk.

One in 10 individuals over the age of 65 will experience some form of abuse, Hawkins said. The signs of abuse can be subtle, and sometimes people don’t report for fear of retaliation, isolation or just plain old embarrassment.

Anyone who suspects abuse is obligated to report to DSS, Hawkins noted. The reports are anonymous, but the elder person’s name and his/her location is necessary.

Signs could range from outward changes or changes in personality – think about the person who once could chat on and on who now won’t pick up the phone when it rings, she said.

It could be a change in a person’s tone of voice or facial expressions, or it could be something like self-neglect that could be a sign of cognitive decline.

Hawkins monitors long-term care facilities; call her at 252.436.2050 to learn more. Or call the main KTCOG number at 252.436.2040 if you’d like information about other topics.

Visit www.kerrtarcog.org for more details.

Click Play!

Mrs. Lula Shearin’s 75th Birthday Celebration Concert

Jordan Shearin got a big hint from his grandmother, Mrs. Lula Shearin, about what she wanted for her birthday. It’s not the sort of present that can be wrapped in pretty paper with big bow, however.

Mrs. Lula Shearin is getting a gospel concert for her 75th birthday, and it’s open to all in the community to enjoy.

The program will be held on Saturday, July 5 at White’s Grove Christian Church, 328 St. Tammany Rd in Norlina. The doors open at 3 p.m. and the concert will begin at 4 p.m. Pastor Daryn Thomas is the emcee, and numerous groups are scheduled to perform.

“She’s been talking about it since last year,” Jordan Shearin said. “I said, ‘OK, Grandma, I’m going to make it happen for you.’”

Jordan, one of Shearin’s four grandsons, said his grandmother’s actual birthday is July 1. The concert isn’t a surprise, he said, but it will be something that shows how much she means to her family and to the community.

“She’s honorable, she’s humble…so sweet in her own way, and everybody loves her,” Jordan said. “She does a lot for people,” and he said this is a way “to give her her flowers while she can smell them.”

He called his relationship with his grandmother “like no other. My grandma helped my mom raise me,” he said, and she still takes time to help him when he needs it.

“She paved the way for me,” and the concert is a way for him to let her know how much she means to the family.

“There is nothing like a grandmother’s love. I love her dearly and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her at all. This will make her feel real special.”

Groups scheduled to perform are Faithful, The Gospel Disciples, The Terain Family, Men of Faith, The Gospel Harmoneers, Sister Shirley McCaden & Co. and The Soul Lifters.

Contact Jordan Shearin at 252.820.5878 to learn more.

Mrs. Shearin’s children are Julian Smith, Diane Shearin-Terry and Roberta Shearin. In addition to Jordan, her grandchildren are Deshawn Smith, Julian Smith,III and Jeremy Smith.

Mrs. Shearin also has one great-grandchild, Ariana Smith.

She has three living siblings: Robert Seward, Emmanuel Seward and Elizabeth Williams and she was married to Elijah Shearin, Jr.

CLICK PLAY!

AdVance, Vance Virtual Village Academy Ceremonies Add 60 New Graduates To VCS Total

— courtesy of Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools completed the 2025 graduation season Friday with ceremonies for AdVance Academy and Vance Virtual Village Academy.

Sixty graduates received their diplomas in the two ceremonies, held at the Wayne Adcock Auditorium inside The Center for Innovation.

The day began with AdVance Academy’s commencement ceremony, where 36 students received their high school diploma. Principal Nowell Brooks, commended the graduates for their resilience and determination, and shared heartfelt well wishes as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

Vance Virtual Village Academy celebrated 24 graduates in a ceremony that reflected the unique path of virtual learners. In his keynote address, Dr. Tim Hall, K–12 Social Studies Instructional Coordinator for Vance County Schools, reminded students that: “This is not just graduation—it’s transformation.” Hall added, “You persisted through isolation, you built community through screens, and you discovered new parts of yourself in the process. You learned that leadership doesn’t always mean being the loudest—it means being the most consistent, the most compassionate, the most courageous.”

The Vance Virtual Village Class of 2025 included many outstanding accomplishments, including more than $292,195 in scholarships earned among 8 acceptances to 2- and 4-year college and universities. Additionally, one student completed an associate’s degree from Vance-Granville Community College. Other accomplishments include graduates with latin honors, as well as National Honor Society, National Beta Club, President’s Award for Educational Excellence and President’s Award for Educational Achievement.

Diplomas at both ceremonies were presented by school and district leaders, including Brooks, AdVance principal, and Dr. Jeffrey Batten, principal at V3A, along with VCS Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett and Vance County Board of Education Chair Dorothy W. Gooche .

Together, the graduates of AdVance Academy and Vance Virtual Village Academy represent the spirit of perseverance and potential. As they move forward, they do so with the support of their families, educators, and community—and with the confidence that they are ready to shape the future. Congratulations, Class of 2025!

Public Service Announcements

Read and Send In Public Service and Event Announcements

CLICK HERE To Send Your Public Service and Event Announcements to WIZS RADIO 1450AM / 100.1FM

Or email johncharles@wizs.com

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: New Sandy Creek Baptist Church

What: WildLive VBS, open to ages 0 to 5th grade with dinner served each night.

When: Sunday, June 8-Wednesday, June 11, 5:30-8:30pm. Our “Family Night” will be June 11 with a program by our participants and a special animal presentation by “Dan the Animal Man”.

Where: New Sandy Creek Baptist Church, 1699 Weldons Mill Road, Henderson

Fee: This is a free event

Contact: Jackie F Ayscue

Phone/email: (252) 767-3257 or JAyscue@hotmail.com

Registration Link: You can register in person or on-line at www.myvbs.org/newsandycreek

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: Big Ruin Creek Baptist Church

What: Revival. Come out and enjoy a Good old time Revival!

  • Monday, June 9th: Rev Lloyd Lewis, and the CB Walton Voice of the Praise
  • Tuesday, June 10th: Rev Opie Terrell, and the Nutbush Baptist Choir
  • Wednesday, June 11th: Rev Dennis White and the Welcome Chapel Choir

When: June 9th-June 11th, 2025 starting at 7pm each night

Where: Big Ruin Creek Missionary Baptist Church, 16 Big Ruin Creek Lane Henderson NC

Contact: Dorothy Wimbush for more information

Phone/email: 252-425-7366 or dorothy_wim49@Yahoo.com

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: Baskerville Funeral Home

What: Community Information Series – Homelessness & Depression: A Silent Crisis. Presented by Pastor Janice Hargrove

When: Tuesday, June 10th, 2025 from 6pm-7pm

Where: Baskerville Funeral Home Chapel, 104 S. Chestnut St., Henderson, NC 27536

Fee: No fee

Contact: Baskerville Funeral Home

Phone/email: (252) 430-6824

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments

What: Disaster Recovery Expo – In the aftermath of devastating disasters, entire communities are left in need of urgent assistance. VENDORS NEEDED – Shelters, Department of Social Services, Non-Profits, Fire Departments, Emergency Management & MORE!

When: THURSDAY, JUNE 12TH, from 9am-1pm

Where: VANCE-GRANVILLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CENTER, 200 Community College Rd, Henderson, NC

Why: A great opportunity to share your expertise, resources, and materials, such as pamphlets, business cards, preparedness guides, or other informational materials that can help individuals and communities before and after a disaster.

Fee: No fee

Contact: Katie Conner

Phone/email: 252-436-2040 Ext. 6071 or kconner@kerrtarcog.org

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church

What: United Shiloh Youth Revival. The speaker for the occasion will be Pastor Taurean D. Walston, pastor of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church. The public is invited to attend.

When: Friday, June 13, 2025 at 6:30PM

Where: Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 2464 Rock Mill Rd. Henderson NC.

Contact: Angela Crawford

Phone/email: (252) 767-5010 or angela.v.crawford@gmail.com

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: Union Chapel Church of Kittrell

What: Cruise-In for Christ. Free Food including Hot Dogs, Drinks, Popcorn and Ice Cream. Come enjoy Christian Fellowship and view classic cars.

When: Saturday June 14th, from 4pm-7pm

Where: 415 Raleigh Rd, Henderson, NC

Fee: There will be a donation box and all donations will go to support the Vance County Men’s Shelter.

Contact: Edward K Woodlief

Phone/email: (252) 767-4044 or chapelchoirboy@gmail.com

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: Spring Street Missionary Baptist Church

What: Vacation Bible School, God’s Laboratory is coming to Spring Street MBC!

When: June 23–27 from 6–8 PM. Register today and bring your friends!

Link to registration: tinyurl.com/SSMBCVBS2025. Registration is optional, but we encourage you to sign up.

Where: Spring Street Missionary Baptist Church, 511 Orange St, Henderson, NC 27536

Why: To be a part of a week of faith, fun, and exciting experiments as we dive into God’s Word like never before.

Fee: This hands-on adventure is free & perfect for all ages—from youth to adults!

Contact: Brielle for more information

Phone/email: (252) 492-3992 or springstreetvbs@gmail.com

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: St. Paul United Church of Christ

What: Revival Services. The public is invited to attend.

  • June 25th will feature Pastor John Jefferson of Island Hill Christian Church in Clarksville, VA.
  • June 26th will feature Pastor William Ball of Red Hill United Church of Christ in Clayton, NC.
  • June 27th will feature Apostle Marshall Henderson of Greater Love Ministries in Henderson, NC.

When: June 25-27th, starting at 7pm.

Where: St. Paul United Church of Christ, 292 N Lee Ave, Middleburg, NC 27556

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: Town of Wise

What: Wise Independence Day Parade & Festival. The parade will start lining up at 9:30am by Bruce Perkinson’s house, it will start promptly at 10am and end at the Wise Baptist Church grounds. Frank Gustkey Sr. will be the grand marshal for the parade. The festival will start immediately after the parade on the Wise Baptist Church grounds. There will be live music from Feature Attraction Band, rides for kids, food & craft vendors and so much more.

When: Friday, July 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Starting at Bruce Perkinson’s house, 1625 US 1 N, Norlina NC 27573, to the Wise Baptist Church grounds, 1840 US-1, Norlina, NC 27563

Contact: Gary Paynter or Danielle Edgerton

Phone/email: Gary – (252) 438-0574 or Danielle – (252) 204-2605

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: Vance County Tourism

What: Independence Day Celebration

When: Saturday, July 5th starting at 4 p.m. with fireworks about 9:15 p.m.

Where: Satterwhite Point Park on beautiful Kerr Lake

Info: A live DJ will be on site playing great music. Vendors will be there, including food. The highlight of the evening will be the fireworks display approximately 9:15. Remember, alcohol is not permitted in state parks. State Park gate fee is $10 per vehicle.

Contact: Vance County Tourism

Phone/email: 252-438-2222 or email vctourism@vancecounty.org

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: The Gospel Program

What: Mrs. Lula Shearin 75th Birthday Concert. Featuring Faithful, The Gospel Disciples, The Torain Family, Men Of Faith, The Gospel Harmoneers, Sister Shirley McCaden & Company, and The Soul Lifters. Pastor Daryn Thomas will be Emcee

When: July 5th, 2025. Doors Open @ 3:00PM. The Program Starts @ 4:00PM

Where: Whites Grove Christian Church 328 St Tammany Road Norlina, NC 27563

Fee: Admission is free but a love offering will be taken.

Contact: Jordan Shearin for more information

Phone/email: (252) 820-5878 or jordanshearin5602@icloud.com

Who: Ashley Grove Baptist Church

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: North Henderson Baptist Church

What: Wonder Junction Vacation Bible School, Supper will be provided each night. Come and join us for a fun time of crafts, games, music and learning about Jesus.

When: July 7th-10th, from 5:30pm-8:30pm each night

Where: North Henderson Baptist Church, 1211 N Garnett St, Henderson, NC 27536

Fee: No fee

Contact: Eddie Nutt

Phone/email: (252) 438-8012 or northhendersonbaptist@gmail.com

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

What: Rainbow Tea Event

When: August 16th, 2025 at 2:00pm

Where: Ashley Grove Baptist Church – 2425 Nutbush Road Henderson NC 27537

Fee: $10 Donation

Contact: Deanna Steed

Phone/email: 252-767-2565 or ashleygrovebaptist@gmail.com

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: First United Methodist Church of Henderson

What: Tag Sale

When: Every Tuesday and Thursday from 11AM-1PM. Please enter through the Church Office entrance, and a volunteer will guide you through several rooms of the Tag Sale.

Where: First United Methodist Church of Henderson, 114 Church St, Henderson, NC 27536

Why: All proceeds from the Tag Sale ministry go to support the missions of the United Women in Faith. These missions include the following: Hand-in-Hand, Soup Kitchen, Pinkston Street Elementary Weekend Packs, Area Christians Together in Service (ACTS), the Boys & Girls Club, Lifeline, Community Partners of Hope, Good Neighbor Fund, YMCA Children’s Programs, NC Conference Missions, Methodist Home for Children, and United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

Contact: FUMC of Henderson for more information or Tom Church if a shopping time beyond these hours is needed.

Phone/email: FUMC – (252) 438-8791. Tom Church – (252) 432-3845 or tchurch219@gmail.com

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: Vance County Housing Authority at Lincoln Height Apartments

What: Accepting applications for two and three bedroom apartments. Applicants will need to bring original birth certificates and original social security cards for everyone on the application. They must also bring a photo ID for everyone over 18. Applications must be completed in the office.

When: Applications are accepted on Tuesdays, 9:00 am until 3:00 pm

Where: 224 Lincoln St, Henderson, NC 27536

Contact: Lincoln Height Apartments for more information

Phone/email: (252) 438-6127

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

(NO LISTINGS ON THIS PAGE ARE PAID POSTINGS. EACH ENTITY IS CLEARLY IDENTIFIED IN EACH LISTING. However, Vance County Tourism does have an ad presently on WIZS Radio about the same Independence Day Celebration at Kerr Lake.)

Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Spotted Lanternfly

On the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report from Wayne Rowland:

Spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest that can be devastating to grape vines.

Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

Click Play!

Rabies Cases Confirmed In Dead Raccoons Found On White Oak Drive South Of Oxford

— Information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

 

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has confirmed a rabies case from several deceased raccoons picked up on White Oak Drive near US Highway 15. White Oak Drive is approximately one mile south of Interstate 85 at Exit 202.

Residents are urged to ensure that pets are up to date on their rabies vaccines. Vaccines are available at the Granville County Animal Shelter at a cost of $10 per vaccine. Rabies vaccines are administered Tuesday through Friday from 12 noon p.m. to 4:30 p.m.