SportsTalk: Vance County Prepares for South Granville

/by

UPDATE – FINAL SCORE 

South Granville 33

Vance County 6

RECAP TUESDAY ON SPORTSTALK 

••••••••••••••••••••••••• 

The Vance County Vipers head to Creedmoor Friday to take on the South Granville Vikings in a non-conference matchup, and Head Coach Aaron Elliott hopes his team can add another win to 1-0 start to the season.

Elliott told WIZS’s Scout Hughes and George Hoyle Thursday that the team had a good week of practice following a close call with the Warren County Eagles in the season opener last week.

“We worked on the little things,” Elliott said, pointing out that small mistakes like missed blocks and mishandled snaps added up during last week’s game.

Elliott and Vikings Head Coach Mike Hobgood go way back and have a long history of playing against each other.

“They’ve got a lot of speed,” Elliott said of this year’s Vikings team, with a good quarterback.

But mostly, Elliott said it’s the Vikings’ physicality that they’ll bring to the field.

“He does a good job coaching those guys up,” Elliott said. “Hopefully we’ve prepared our kids to be more physical – we know that’s what we’ll see from South Granville.” The Vipers spoiled the Viking Homecoming, taking a 12-7 victory, so he expects Hobgood and team to be looking for a little revenge.

Elliott said he’d make a couple of adjustments on special teams and said he’d had the punt unit working on clean snaps and catches.

He’d like to see the offensive output increase from last week’s sub-100 yard performance.

“Defensively, we did a fair job, but we gave up 135 yards rushing. We’ve got to be able to stop the run, control the pass. If we can force them to do things they’re uncomfortable doing, we’ll be in good shape,” he said.

He said each year, his teams have improved their record on the road, which he’s happy about.

“This game is pretty important,” he said. “Each week, it gets harder and harder. Getting a win this week will get us ready for Jordan…it only gets harder from here on out,” he said of this season’s schedule.

Vance County travels to South Granville for Week 2 of the 2025 season on Friday, August 29th and you can hear all the action on WIZS 1450AM, 100.1FM, and online at wizs.com with pregame starting at 6:50 p.m. and kickoff thereafter at 7:00 p.m.

CLICK PLAY!

YMCA

YMCA Executive Director Paul Ross Leaving After 11 Years

/by

— information courtesy of the Henderson Family YMCA

The Henderson Family YMCA on Thursday announced the resignation of Paul Ross as Chief Executive Officer, effective this fall. After 11 years of dedicated service to the YMCA, Ross has accepted the position of Executive Director with the Triangle North Healthcare Foundation.

During his tenure, Ross guided the YMCA through growth, expanded community programming, and strengthened partnerships. Under his leadership, the YMCA has deepened its impact across Vance County and the surrounding region, furthering its mission to build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

“Paul’s vision and leadership have positioned the Henderson Family YMCA for a bright future,” said Vanessa Jones, Chair of the YMCA Board of Directors. “He has led with dedication, strengthening our programs, expanding partnerships, and ensuring the Y remained a cornerstone of health and wellness in this community. While we will certainly miss his leadership here, we celebrate his transition to Triangle North Healthcare Foundation, where he will continue to advance the same goals of improving health and quality of life across our region.”

Jones also highlighted the alignment between the two organizations: “The Triangle North Healthcare Foundation, which focuses on improving health and wellness across our region, has already committed support for the YMCA’s upcoming campus expansion and renovation. This project will enhance our facilities, expand services, and ensure the YMCA remains a vital hub for the community for generations to come. The collaboration between our organizations highlights the shared mission we pursue.”

The YMCA Board of Directors has begun the process of planning for a smooth transition in leadership. In the meantime, staff and volunteers remain committed to delivering the high-quality programs and services the community expects and deserves.

 

Items to Buy and Sell

/by

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL US YOUR ITEMS

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS ~ YOUR COMMUNITY VOICE

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

Thursday, August 28

  • Yard Sale happening at 1829 S. Garnett St. Ext. on Saturday and Sunday, the 30th and 31st starting at 8am. For more information contact (252) 767-4997.
  • For sale Whirlpool Dryer in very good condition. Asking $125.00 or best offer. Contact 919-939-5549 or gdavis122.nc@yahoo.com for more information.

Wednesday, August 27

  • Selling 5-6 Bicycles for boys and girls. Asking $10 per bicycle. Contact (252) 820-9950 for more information.

Wednesday, August 20

  • Looking for land in Vance County, preferably four acres or less. Call (252) 767-8077.

Monday, August 18

Tuesday, August 12

  • A pair of vintage wedding rings, size approximately 9, asking $1500 for the set. One is a platinum band; the other is a diamond. Text message 252-432-1185 or email betty_freitag@yahoo.com. Can meet at the Dabney Dr Food Lion store.

Monday, August 11

  • 2-piece brown sectional chair, asking $350. Also a set of used tires, size 17, asking $60. Call 767-4997 for more information.
  • A 3-point hitch and 9-tooth tiller, asking $300. A 6ft bush haul, asking $500. A 2-point bottom plow, asking $200. A P.T.O. tiller, asking $400. Contact (252) 432-0735 for more information.

(Once we are notified of a change to or sell of an item or the item has been posted for more than two weeks, WIZS removes the item from this page and the on-air listing.)

Public Service Announcements

Read and Send In Public Service and Event Announcements

/by

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

Or email johncharles@wizs.com

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: The Usher Department of Young Memorial United Holy Church

What: Special Program featuring Minister Tiny A. Jones who will be guest speaker. A Lunch To-Go will be served. Everyone is invited to attend.

When: August 31st, 2025 starting at 10am

Where: Young Memorial United Holy Church 1379 Brookston Rd, Henderson, NC 27537

Fee: No fee

Contact: Yvonne D. Minavis

Phone/email: (252) 492-5928 or gdavis122.nc@yahoo.com

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: Kerr Lake Country Club

What: Mulligan Island 2025 Ladies Invitational Charity Golf Tournament. Lots of prizes, 2-Lady Scramble & Just for Fun! The pool will be open weather permitting.

When: September 6th, 2025. 8am registration, 10am shotgun start. Deadline to register is September 3rd

Where: Kerr Lake Country Club, 600 Hedrick Drive, Henderson, NC 27537

Why: To benefit the Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society

Fee: $75 entry fee which includes golf, tee gift, breakfast and lunch.

Contact: Kerr-Lake Country Club for more information

Phone/email: (252) 492-1895

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: Ashley Grove Baptist Church

What: Conference Meeting

When: September 6th at 10:00am

Where: Ashley Grove Baptist Church, 2425 Nutbush Rd, Henderson, NC 27537

Fee: No fee

Contact: Deanna Steed

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

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: South Henderson Church of God

What: Women’s Conference “From Broken to Blessed – A Christ-Centered Focus on Mental Wellness”. This event includes worship, testimonies, panel discussion, licensed clinical perspective, lunch and prayer.

When: September 6th, 2025 from 10am-3pm

Where: 125 J.P. Taylor Road, Henderson, NC

Fee: Free event

Contact: Alyce J. Smith

Phone/email: 252-820-4083

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: Plank Chapel UMC

What: “The Gathering”. The Gathering is a monthly Community-building meeting with fellowship, neighborhood news, a meal, and programs on topics of interest. This month Officer Tony Mills will speak on law enforcement coordination between local and federal officials. Everyone is invited but especially Kittrell-Bobbitt area neighbors.

When: September 6th from 4-6pm

Where: Plank Chapel UMC: 3047 Bobbitt Rd., Kittrell (Bobbitt neighborhood)

Fee: No fee

Contact: Vernon Ritchey

Phone/email: 252-915-0294 or ritcheyvs@nc.rr.com

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: Baskerville Funeral Home

What: Community Information Series. Spread love and kindness together. ACTS of Henderson director Thomas Blackwell will be presenting the vision of ACTS to feed the body and lift the spirit and how they do this through providing warm meals and food pantry services to neighbors in need, guided by compassion, dignity, hope, and the love of Christ.

When: September 9, 2025 from 6-7pm

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

Contact: Baskerville Funeral Home

Phone/email: (252)-430-6824

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: Ashley Grove Baptist Church

What: Fall Revival

When: September 10th-12th with each night starting at @ 7:00pm

Where: Ashley Grove Baptist Church, 2425 Nutbush Rd, Henderson, NC 27537

Fee: No fee

Contact: Deanna Steed

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

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: Perry Memorial Library

What: Ribbon Cutting to celebrate the Perry Memorial Library Book Mobile

When: Thursday, September 11th, 2025 at 2:30pm

Where: Perry Memorial Library, 205 Breckenridge St., Henderson, NC, 27536

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

What: The North Carolina Hot Sauce Contest and Festival. There will be over 300 vendors serving craft beverages, retail, and food, live music, carnival rides, mini golf, and the famous pepper eating contest and other contests

When: September 12th from 6-9pm and September 13th from 10am-8pm

Where: Downtown Oxford, NC

Fee: No entry fee

Website: nchotsaucecontestandfestival.com

Phone/email: (919)-603-1101

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: Big Ruin Creek Baptist Church

What: Musical Celebration Benefit Program. The program is for Sam Williams who sang with the Safeway Travelers. The worship leader will be Pastor David Bullock. Guests appearing on the program will be – Andrew Hawley soloist, The Jaycox Sisters and Company, The Visionaries, The Gospel Disciples, The Gospel Harmoneers, and Legend 252. It will be a healing and rejoicing service. Come join us to celebrate how God brought Sam out of the hospital and be ready to sing God’s praises.

When: September 21st @ 3 PM

Where: Big Ruin Creek Baptist Church on 16 big Ruin Creek Lane

Contact: Dorothy Wimbush

Phone/email: (252) 425-7366 or dorothy_wim49@yahoo.com

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: The Central Children’s Home

What: Cross Country Festival. There will be a total of 14 events contested throughout the day including the Central Children’s Home run walk (Women 6 km, Men 8 km) four Youth division races, the Granville Invitational, featuring High School and Middle School events and for the first time the festival will have competitive collegiate divisions for men and women.

When: September 27th, 2025

Where: 211 W. Antioch Drive, Oxford, North Carolina 27565

Why: Proceeds from the Cross-Country Festival will benefit in part the Central Children’s Home of North Carolina, and the Durham Striders Youth Association.

Fee: $25 to register to run or walk in the Men’s 8km or the Women’s 6km

Contact: Chris Crowder

Phone/email: cchxcfestinfo@yahoo.com or visit their website at https://www.centralchildrenshomecrosscountryfestival.org/ to register and find out more

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: The Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) Foundation

What: 3rd annual Fill the Pantry Craft Fair. Join us for a day of shopping, community, food, raffles and giving back. Local vendors will offer a variety of handmade goods—perfect for early holiday shopping—while helping to stock the pantry shelves.  In addition, grab a bite to eat from Bun on the Run or enjoy a coffee and/or treat from The Double Shot.

When: Friday, October 10th from 2 pm to 7 pm

Where: VGCC Civic Center, 200 Community College Rd, Henderson, NC 27537

Why: The event supports the VGCC food pantry, which provides essential resources to students in need.

Fee: Cost of admission is 3 canned goods, nonperishable food items, or paper goods.

Contact: The VGCC Food Pantry for more information or to learn how to be a vendor.

Phone/email: 252-738-3323 or douglasa@vgcc.edu

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: North Henderson Baptist Church

What: BBQ Chicken Plate Sale, Plates will consist of 1/2 a BBQ chicken, corn, green beans, bread & dessert. Eat in or take out.

When: October 18th, 4-7pm

Where: North Henderson Baptist Church, 1211 N. Garnett St. Henderson, N.C

Fee: Plates are $12 each

Contact: Eddie Nutt

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

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: North Henderson Baptist Church

What: Trunk or Treat. Kids 12 years old and younger can come dressed in their costumes and Tick or Treat in a safe environment.

When: October 25th, from 3-5pm

Where: North Henderson Baptist Church, 1211 N. Garnett St. Henderson, N.C in the church parking lot.

Fee: Free event

Contact: Eddie Nutt

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

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: Ashley Grove Baptist Church

What: Veteran’s Day Service

When: November 9th @ 11:00am

Where: Ashley Grove Baptist Church, 2425 Nutbush Rd, Henderson, NC 27537

Fee:  No fee

Contact: Deanna Steed

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

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Who: Ashley Grove Baptist Church

What: 140th Church Anniversary Service

When: December 14th @ 11:00am

Where: Ashley Grove Baptist Church, 2425 Nutbush Rd, Henderson, NC 27537

Fee: No fee

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: The Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department

What: Beginner Yoga, instructed by Beryle Lewis. Classes are based on basic yoga techniques to inspire physical, mental, and spiritual peace from within through balance, stretching, and breathing.

When: On Thursday Nights, from 6:15pm-7pm

Where: Aycock Recreation Center, 307 Carey Chapel Rd., Henderson, NC

Fee: The cost is $1 for Members and $2 for Non-Members

Registration link: You can register by going to hvrpd.recdesk.com or stopping by the Aycock Rec Center

Contact: The Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department for more information

Phone/email:  (252) 492-9400

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

(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.)

The Local Skinny! Henderson Collegiate Ranks in Top 4% of Nations High Schools

/by

Henderson Collegiate High School has been named among the top 4 percent of high schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, according to a press release from the school that serves more than 1,400 students.

“This is not just about a school. This is about a movement to help America finally live up to the vision of our founding fathers that every child has the right to pursue happiness and the opportunity to rise as high as their dreams can take them,” said co-founder and CEO Eric Sanchez. “Our calling is to level the playing field so that our kids stand shoulder to shoulder with the most privileged students in this country. We are transforming the story from poverty to promise, from despair to determination, from crime to courage and leadership. The unshakable efforts of thousands of students, staff, and families have propelled our children into the top 4% of the nation. But the true victory is greater than statistics. It is that our relentless belief and paradigm shifting work ignite a fire in others to do the same. What we are building is not just success for our kids; it is a beacon of hope for our country.”

Founded 15 years ago, Henderson Collegiate began with a mission to break paradigms and stereotypes about what children from rural, low-income communities can achieve. With fewer resources than large, well-funded districts in places like Wake and Mecklenburg counties, the school sets out to provide the same rigorous, college-preparatory education.

“Our scholars’ success is not an accident,” said Carice Sanchez, co-founder and Chief Academic Officer. “It is the result of unwavering belief in our students’ potential, the tireless dedication of our teachers and families, and a culture that insists every child deserves the opportunity to succeed in life. The rankings are proof of what we’ve known all along: when you give all of our students access to great teaching, high expectations, and loving support, they rise.”

Published in the U.S. News Best High Schools Rankings for 2025–2026, Henderson Collegiate ranked:

  • #710 of 17,901 National Public High Schools (Top 4.0 percent)
  • #130 of 2,991 National Charter High Schools (Top 4.3 percent)
  • #24 of 682 North Carolina Public and Charter High Schools (Top 3.5 percent)

Each year, U.S. News evaluates schools on measures such as performance on state tests, progress of historically underserved students, graduation rates and participation in advanced coursework. Henderson Collegiate offers 13 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and students consistently outperform national participation and pass rate averages—demonstrating that rigorous opportunities are not reserved for wealthy districts, but also thrive here in Vance County.

For students growing up in first-generation, low-income communities, college is one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2025, workers with a bachelor’s degree earn, on average, $31,000 more per year than those with only a high school diploma and are far less likely to face

With a focus on students graduating from high school and heading off to college, Henderson Collegiate has an impact on first-generation college students; the impact goes even further: earning a degree can mean being the first in their family to achieve economic stability, creating ripple effects for siblings, future children, and the entire community. This is why Henderson Collegiate believes every student should graduate with the choice and opportunity that higher education provides.

Since its first graduating class in 2019, Henderson Collegiate has upheld a 100 percent  college acceptance rate. The Pride of 2025 is carrying that legacy forward, with 73 percent of seniors already accepted into Tier I–III colleges and universities and earning a record $21.5 million in merit scholarships. Every graduating class since 2019 has included at least one student awarded a QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship, earning a full ride to some of the nation’s most selective schools—including Duke, Harvard, Princeton, Davidson, Denison, Boston College, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Perhaps most inspiring, several Henderson Collegiate alumni have already graduated from college and returned home to Vance County to teach at the very school that helped launch their journey. Their stories reflect the heart of Henderson Collegiate’s mission: education that not only transforms individual lives but strengthens the community for generations to come. By investing their talent where they grew up, they model what’s possible for our youngest scholars and build a pipeline of homegrown educators and leaders. Each graduate who comes back multiplies impact—mentoring students, supporting families, and partnering with local organizations—so that change takes root block by block. This is how a community is transformed from within: pride becomes responsibility, and support turns into shared progress.

Visit https://www.hendersoncollegiate.org/ to learn more.

Click Play!

Buckner Suspends Campaign, Endorses Incumbent Lamont Noel

/by

Benjamin Buckner, a candidate for the Ward 2 at-large seat on the Henderson City Council, announced Wednesday afternoon that he is suspending his campaign and endorsing incumbent Ward 2 at-large Council member Lamont Noel in the upcoming municipal election.

Noel joined Buckner for the announcement and thanked Buckner for his support. Noel shared the following statement:

“I want to thank Mr. Buckner for his endorsement, but primarily for his decision to support a path that brings us all together, working together for the citizens of Henderson. I sincerely accept this endorsement and support, hoping and believing that others will work with me to help heal our city by putting people first rather than party or politics.”

Buckner said he looks forward to continuing his role in Henderson, “creating a bigger presence and supporting candidates who prioritize unity and progress for Henderson.”

Buckner said he and Noel “share a united vision for Henderson. Remaining in the race is selfish on my part and would unfairly split votes that Mr. Noel needs to secure re-election and continue the work on behalf of the city.”

Buckner continued by saying that once Noel filed for re-election and challenger George Mayo entered the contest, “it was a concern of mine that we were going to split votes.”

“Mr. Noel’s job at City Hall is not finished and it would be selfish of me to stay in the race when we share a common set of goals and ideals for the city. While I am committed to seeing Henderson move forward, it is not my time to serve on the Council…I wholeheartedly urge citizens of Henderson to vote for Lamont Noel.”

Citing divisiveness and the climate at City Hall as factors that are hindering progress within the city, Buckner said Noel is “currently best positioned to carry my vision forward.”

Buckner noted three core values included in his campaign were respect, revitalization and a path forward – values that Noel also stands for and supports. Buckner said he is confident that Noel will continue to strive for respect for the city and its residents and the responsibility of the council members; work for revitalization by advancing real change through downtown improvements, and responsible growth of the tax base to ease burdens on homeowners and fostering a cleaner stronger city image; and finding a path forward “to ending the division and in-fighting at City Hall and to allow employees and leaders to work effectively on behalf of the city.”

“This is a decision that I landed on with the statement that those who want respect, give respect,” Buckner stated.

(Original Post above Wednesday, Aug 27.  Please Click Play below for Thursday, Aug 28 TownTalk audio.)

Click Play!

The Local Skinny! Duke Energy holds Key Leader Update Event

/by

Duke Energy held a Key Leader Update Event this week. Information is also presented about the importance of line workers.

(Our WIZS written coverage will appear here soon.)

CLICK PLAY!

Cooperative Extension with Jamon Glover: Managing Parenthood pt.2

/by

Jamon Glover, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:

We dive back into our managing parenthood series. This time, finding resources for help.

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!

TownTalk: The 2025 Kerr-Tar Housing Summit Sept. 11 At VGCC Civic Center

/by

The Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments is hosting a regional housing summit on Thursday, Sept. 11 to provide information about tacking challenges and working to resolve some of the barriers that exist in the realm of housing.

Desiree Brooks, Kerr-Tar’s Community & Economic Development manager, said the summit will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Vance-Granville Community College’s Civic Center and will conclude at 1 p.m. In addition to featured speakers offering a national and a regional perspective, the event includes a panel discussion and a work session to allow individuals to focus in on challenges specific to their counties.

“We’re really excited to launch this regional housing summit – it’s the very first time we’ve had the summit,” Brooks said on Wednesday’s segment of TownTalk. The event is free to attend, but registration is required.

“We recognize that every county has unique housing challenges,” Brooks said, but it’s important to start talking about housing because it is a crucial issue in economic development.

“We want to start talking about it so we can start working toward solutions.”

Keynote speaker is Chris Allen, the director of Events and Partnerships with Strong Towns, a national nonprofit media organization. Allen will bring a national perspective on the issue and will get down to the root causes of the housing crisis and identify some rational responses that communities can take to improve the situation, Brooks said.

Tyler Mulligan, a public law and government professor at the UNC School of Government will talk about his work helping local government in areas of economic development, affordable housing, public/private partnerships for development and revitalization efforts, she said.

Brooks said she’d love to see county and city managers, elected officials, housing advocates, community leaders at the summit, as well as developers, financial institution representatives – anyone with an interest in helping make a tough situation better.

“We recognize that there’s an issue and we look at what those top challenges are in economic  development,” Brooks said. “Housing is huge – that is a huge issue in our region – and everywhere really.”

The summit is one way Kerr-Tar COG can gather stakeholders to have conversations, identify needs and work on solutions.

“We hope that everybody leaves motivated, and with tools that they feel like, ‘OK, we’re working toward solutions,” Brooks said.

“I know we can’t fix it, but we have to start somewhere.”

 

CLICK PLAY!