— by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS
The West Virginia Mountaineers received the opening kickoff of the Duke’s Mayo Bowl and stunned the North Carolina Tar Heels with a one-play, 11-second scoring drive. Quarterback Garrett Greene connected with wide receiver Traylon Ray, who carried the football 75 yards for a touchdown.
While under pressure early in the first quarter, UNC quarterback Conner Harrell demonstrated exceptional quickness and vision. Harrell’s ability to pivot and evade West Virginia’s defenders resulted in back-to-back first-down runs totaling 32 yards.
“I thought Connor did really well,” said UNC head coach Mack Brown. “I didn’t think we helped him enough.”
However, during the next set of downs, UNC failed to advance the ball effectively through the ground game and had to punt the ball away.
West Virginia failed to gain significant yardage during its second offensive series and had to punt the ball away.
On the ensuing drive, UNC responded with an impressive 47-yard passing play featuring sophomore wide receiver Gavin Blackwell. Blackwell’s one-handed grab moved the Tar Heels into the red zone.
Despite the huge gain through the air, UNC’s offensive momentum quickly dissipated. Harrell’s next pass attempt was intercepted in the end zone, and the Tar Heels finished the first quarter with zero points.
UNC’s defense found its footing late in the first quarter, forcing a fumble near midfield. With possession to start the second quarter, UNC’s offense executed 14 plays, advancing the ball 45 yards to set up a 28-yard field goal. The field goal shrunk West Virginia’s lead to four.
West Virginia failed to score on its next two possessions due to strong tackling and tight coverage from UNC’s defense.
After two sluggish offensive possessions, the Mountaineers responded by scooping up a fumble on a 42-yard punt and carrying the football 78 yards for a touchdown. The touchdown extended West Virginia’s lead to 11 with 1:29 left in the first half.
The scoring didn’t stop there. UNC’s offense quickly marched 76 yards for a touchdown. West Virginia’s offense responded by picking apart UNC’s defense and accumulating 63 yards in 23 seconds to set up a 29-yard field goal.
At the start of the second half, UNC relied on the speed and strength of running back Omarion Hampton to keep the chains moving. However, UNC’s first offensive possession ended abruptly after Harrell’s pass was intercepted and returned 24 yards to the WVU 45.
With under three minutes left in the third quarter, West Virginia’s Michael Hayes kicked the football 34 yards through the end zone. West Virginia extended its lead to 10.
Trailing by 10 to start the fourth quarter, UNC was limited to 14 yards on offense with nowhere to run. In contrast, West Virginia achieved success through its elusive rushing attack, gaining 59 yards and a touchdown.
For the remainder of the final quarter, UNC failed to build momentum on offense. Both of UNC’s fourth-down conversion attempts in the final quarter fell incomplete, and Harrell was sacked on the final play of the game for a loss of seven yards.
“I think it’s just one of those situations where the better team won,” said UNC linebacker Kaimon Rucker. “I’m not discrediting anything that we’ve done.”
WIZS Radio Local News Audio 01-02-24 Noon
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Cooperative Extension with Paul McKenzie: What Works in The Garden
/by Bill HarrisListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.
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H-V Rec and Parks Offers Beginner Yoga Class On Thursday Evenings Starting Jan. 5
/by WIZS StaffStart 2024 off right with a beginner yoga class at Aycock Rec Center.
Classes will be offered on Thursday evenings from 6:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. beginning Jan. 5, 2024.
According to information from the Henderson Vance Recreation and Parks Department, instructor Beryle Lewis will focus on basic yoga techniques to inspire physical, mental and spiritual peace from within through balance, stretching and breathing.
Register online at https://hvrpd.recdesk.com/. The cost is $1 for members; $2 for non-members.
Aycock Rec Center is located at 307 Carey Chapel Rd., Henderson.
Call 252.492.9400 for more information.
Local Ophthalmologist Daniel Bernstein Passed Away Dec. 23
/by WIZS StaffLocal ophthalmologist Dr. Daniel Bernstein died Saturday, Dec. 23.
Bernstein, 81, retired in 2022 and relocated to Virginia to be closer to family.
Bernstein was initially appointed to the Maria Parham Health medical staff in 1975, according to a social media post from Maria Parham Health, which included condolences to his family, friends and patients. He retired from Four County Eye Associates, where he practiced with partner Dr. Cynthia Hampton.
A funeral service will be held Sunday Dec. 31 at 11 a.m at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 E. Millbrook Rd., Raleigh, followed by a graveside service at 12 noon at Raleigh Hebrew Cemetery, 450 N. State St., Raleigh.
Known for providing quality eye care to his patients for more than five decades, Bernstein also was quick to share jokes, whether in the office or during other activities in the community.
He had been a long-time member of the Henderson Kiwanis Club, and current Kiwanis Club President Danny Wilkerson said he remembered Bernstein as being “just a genuine guy (who) was so supportive of Henderson.”
Wilkerson said he appreciated Bernstein’s civic-mindedness and his support and advice when he was elected back in the fall to be the club’s new president.
Bernstein attended the club’s Christmas party that was held a couple of weeks ago, Wilkerson reported.
Jan. 6 “I Survived The Battle” Service To Benefit Domestic Violence Victims
/by WIZS StaffThe public is invited to a musical event on Saturday, Jan. 6 to raise money to help victims of domestic violence.
Dorothy Wimbush, one of the event’s organizers, said the “I Survived The Battle” program includes numerous musical performances. Minister Brenda Hunt Moore will be the emcee.
The program will be held at Vance-Granville Community College. Doors open at 3 p.m. and the service begins at 4 p.m. Advance tickets are $15; tickets at the door are $20. Children under 12 get in free.
Wimbush said all proceeds will be used to help women find a place to stay after they have left an abusive relationship.
The service, a production of Helen Gill and TMT Promotions, is scheduled to include the following:
To learn more, contact Helen Gill at 919.538.9179 or Cynthia Turner at 919.798.1432.
Students: Submit Entries To N.C. Aviation Art Contest By Jan. 17
/by WIZS StaffThis year’s theme is “Air Sports for a Peaceful World.” All North Carolina students born between Jan. 1, 2006, and Dec. 31, 2017, are eligible to submit entries in one of three age groups: junior (ages 6-9), intermediate (ages 10-13) and senior (ages 14-17).
Entries in each age group will have a chance to compete for one of three prizes to be awarded to the student who won and their school. Entries will be accepted through Jan. 17, 2024.
The three North Carolina winners in each group will advance to the national competition, hosted by the National Association of State Aviation Officials in Washington D.C. National winners are submitted to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale’s headquarters in Switzerland for the international contest.
The contest is funded in part by the North Carolina Airports Association and its member donors. Since the contest began in 2015, 12,437 students from 759 schools and 93 North Carolina counties have submitted entries.
Visit the NCDOT website for eligibility and submission details. Questions? Contact North Carolina’s contest coordinator, Corbi Bulluck, at cbulluck@ncdot.gov or 919.814.0550.
Henderson Residents Can Pile Loose Leaves, Pine Straw Curbside For Collection Through Jan. 26
/by WIZS StaffHenderson residents have a few more weeks to pile their leaves and pine straw curbside for collection by the Public Works Department.
The designated collection period ends on Jan. 26, however – an important deadline to remember. Any leaves or pine straw piled curbside after the deadline will result in a $78 charge added to the resident’s sanitation bill.
It’s also important to note several key details about where and how to place the loose leaf litter:
Loose leaves and pinestraw will generally be picked up on a two or three week rotation; however, this is dependent on weather conditions and leaf accumulation. Residents can continue to bag leaves or place them in containers, but it’s not necessary during the loose collection period.
Call the Public Works Department at 252.431.6115 or 252.431.6030 for more information.
WIZS Radio Local News Audio 12-29-23 Noon
/by Bill HarrisClick Play to Listen. On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
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West Virginia defeated North Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, 30-10
/by WIZS Staff— by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS
The West Virginia Mountaineers received the opening kickoff of the Duke’s Mayo Bowl and stunned the North Carolina Tar Heels with a one-play, 11-second scoring drive. Quarterback Garrett Greene connected with wide receiver Traylon Ray, who carried the football 75 yards for a touchdown.
While under pressure early in the first quarter, UNC quarterback Conner Harrell demonstrated exceptional quickness and vision. Harrell’s ability to pivot and evade West Virginia’s defenders resulted in back-to-back first-down runs totaling 32 yards.
“I thought Connor did really well,” said UNC head coach Mack Brown. “I didn’t think we helped him enough.”
However, during the next set of downs, UNC failed to advance the ball effectively through the ground game and had to punt the ball away.
West Virginia failed to gain significant yardage during its second offensive series and had to punt the ball away.
On the ensuing drive, UNC responded with an impressive 47-yard passing play featuring sophomore wide receiver Gavin Blackwell. Blackwell’s one-handed grab moved the Tar Heels into the red zone.
Despite the huge gain through the air, UNC’s offensive momentum quickly dissipated. Harrell’s next pass attempt was intercepted in the end zone, and the Tar Heels finished the first quarter with zero points.
UNC’s defense found its footing late in the first quarter, forcing a fumble near midfield. With possession to start the second quarter, UNC’s offense executed 14 plays, advancing the ball 45 yards to set up a 28-yard field goal. The field goal shrunk West Virginia’s lead to four.
West Virginia failed to score on its next two possessions due to strong tackling and tight coverage from UNC’s defense.
After two sluggish offensive possessions, the Mountaineers responded by scooping up a fumble on a 42-yard punt and carrying the football 78 yards for a touchdown. The touchdown extended West Virginia’s lead to 11 with 1:29 left in the first half.
The scoring didn’t stop there. UNC’s offense quickly marched 76 yards for a touchdown. West Virginia’s offense responded by picking apart UNC’s defense and accumulating 63 yards in 23 seconds to set up a 29-yard field goal.
At the start of the second half, UNC relied on the speed and strength of running back Omarion Hampton to keep the chains moving. However, UNC’s first offensive possession ended abruptly after Harrell’s pass was intercepted and returned 24 yards to the WVU 45.
With under three minutes left in the third quarter, West Virginia’s Michael Hayes kicked the football 34 yards through the end zone. West Virginia extended its lead to 10.
Trailing by 10 to start the fourth quarter, UNC was limited to 14 yards on offense with nowhere to run. In contrast, West Virginia achieved success through its elusive rushing attack, gaining 59 yards and a touchdown.
For the remainder of the final quarter, UNC failed to build momentum on offense. Both of UNC’s fourth-down conversion attempts in the final quarter fell incomplete, and Harrell was sacked on the final play of the game for a loss of seven yards.
“I think it’s just one of those situations where the better team won,” said UNC linebacker Kaimon Rucker. “I’m not discrediting anything that we’ve done.”
Outdoor Learning Centers Provide Different Classroom Environment For Elementary Students
/by WIZS StaffTen elementary schools now have outdoor learning centers to provide teachers and students a breath of fresh air when it comes to teaching and learning. It may be a little chilly when students return on Jan. 3, but the learning centers can expect increased use when the weather warms.
Vance County Schools leaders, along with local officials and the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, recently gathered at Aycock Elementary’s Outdoor Learning Center to celebrate the additions to the elementary campuses. Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett shared valuable insights into the purpose of this innovative workspace. The Outdoor Learning Center features benches, learning screens and Internet access, which all serve to provide students with a conducive environment for instructional lessons while enjoying the outdoors.
These outdoor learning centers are just one of the innovative ways that VCS is working to support teachers and student achievement. The school district will get more than $12 million to hire eight instructional coaches and 16 lead teachers – one for each school in the district.
Through the Raleigh-based nonprofit The Innovation Project and a three-year funding cycle from the U.S. Dept. of Education, VCS leaders say they can boost recruitment and retention of teachers, a chronic challenge for many rural school districts.
In an interview last month, Bennett said the instructional coaches will have the opportunity to work with students and teachers, whether through co-teaching situations, professional development sessions and more. Ideal candidates will be professionals with a proven track record of high achievement and student progress and who possess a strong skill set of working with adults.