If you’ve driven down Garnett Street lately, you may have noticed a tree in the yard of 704 S. Garnett St. decorated with blue ribbons.
Those ribbons, tied to branches and limbs of that tree, have created a ‘Tree of Hope’ this year to observe National Child Abuse Prevention Month, said Cara Gill, executive director of Strength and Mending Child Advocacy Center.
There also are pinwheels planted in the ground and a big inflatable blue ribbon adorning the S.a.M Child Advocacy Center, along with the ‘Tree of Hope,’ a new addition this year, Gill said.
It’s a small way to show support for and honor families and children who have been victims of child abuse.
For Gill and her team at the nonprofit, this is a year-round effort – not just one month out of the year. “We try to go above and beyond any way we can this month,” she said.
Overall statistics surrounding child abuse and neglect are grim, Gill noted. For every report of child abuse, she said, there are two that are unreported.
Vance County is not immune, and, in fact, as a Tier 1 county, there simply aren’t many resources for families and children.
Abuse is a multi-faceted issue that doesn’t always look the same or follow a familiar pattern. From family dynamics to generational abuse or neglect, Gill said part of S.a.M.’s approach is to provide wraparound services to support individuals and families in crisis.
Part of S.a.M.’s role is to connect families with resources to get the help they need.
Another part is the monthly meeting of a multi-disciplinary team that gathers and discusses each family that is seeking help to make sure the particular needs are being met.
“We can’t be a stand-alone center,” Gill said. “The whole point is that every family is getting exactly what they need…for the best outcome.”
One question on the S.a.M. intake form asks whether anyone else in the family has been a victim of abuse or neglect. Seventy-five percent of the time, the answer is yes. Generational abuse or neglect adds another layer to the degree of trauma felt by families.
Since it started in 2016, Gill said S.a.M. has played a role in helping families and individuals get the healing they need and that they deserve.
“We have had kids that are now in college,” she said. “They are doing wonderful things.”
Ninety percent of the victims of abuse or neglect know the alleged abuser, Gill said. It’s so important for parents or guardians to have conversations with their children to help them understand what appropriate contact is and what is inappropriate.
“Have these conversations with your kids,” Gill said, even if it feels awkward.
“You are your child’s first line of defense,” she said. “We’re always here to help out in any way.”
Parents may get an eye roll from their children, but it’s important to know who their child’s friends are. Getting involved in their lives, showing interest in their activities opens up doors to more important conversations in the future, she added.
Visit https://www.samchildadvocacycenter.com/ to find resources. Call 252.572.4112 to learn more or email Gill at cara@samcac.com.
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Richmond Fed Reserve Bank President Scheduled As Keynote Speaker At VGCC Graduation
/by WIZS Staff–– information courtesy of Vance-Granville Community College Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel
Tom Barkin, president of the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at Vance-Granville Community College May 16 commencement ceremony.
The commencement begins at 6 p.m. on the grounds of the Main Campus in Henderson. The community is invited to attend, according to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel. Several hundred students are expected to be graduated, having completed requirements over the past year.
Since 2018, Barkin has been the president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond which serves the District of Columbia and five states, including North Carolina.
Barkin serves on the Fed’s chief monetary policy body, the Federal Open Market Committee and is also responsible for the Richmond Fed’s bank supervision and the Federal Reserve’s technology organization. He is “on the ground” continually in the Fed’s Fifth District, which covers South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. His engagement in the region has brought real attention to areas facing economic challenges.
Prior to joining the Richmond Fed, Barkin was a senior partner and CFO at McKinsey & Company, a worldwide management consulting firm, where he also oversaw McKinsey’s offices in the southern United States. He earned his bachelor’s, MBA, and law degrees from Harvard University.
Visit www.vgcc.edu to learn more.
The Local Skinny! Working Conditions for City Employees
/by WIZS StaffCity of Henderson employees will receive a survey in a few weeks to give feedback about working conditions.
As City Manager/City Attorney Hassan T. Kingsberry explained to Council members at the April 14 meeting, the survey will be anonymous – employees will not be asked to give their names. Kingsberry told Council members that some employees and some directors had shared some concerns with him, so he suggested a survey would be in order.
Kingsberry told WIZS News Wednesday that a working conditions survey is standard practice in other places where he has worked. “I want to make sure staff is comfortable and thriving as we work together for the betterment of the City.”
He said the specific statements or questions that will make up the survey are still being worked on, but he expects that department heads will receive their surveys next week and the rest of the staff will be receive theirs around the mid-May mark.
As for what actions may result, Kingsberry said, “We will see how staff responds and address the issues that need to be addressed to ensure a healthy climate and work culture.”
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WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 04-24-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
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TownTalk: Around Old Granville – Warren County Historical Markers
/by Laura GabelThe historical marker that bears his name doesn’t have room for it, but James Turner is the North Carolinian who came the closest to being President of the United States.
He only made it as far as Speaker of the House, said Mark Pace, local historian and North Carolina Room specialist at Thornton Library in Oxford. But Speaker of the U.S. House is second in line – behind the vice president – to assume the role of President if circumstances call for it.
As governor, U.S. Senator and state legislator, Turner has his own historical marker, one of 20 that can be seen along major roads throughout Warren County.
Pace and WIZS’s Bill Harris continued their discussion of historical markers in the four-county area in their tri-weekly history segment called Around Old Granville; Thursday’s segment focused on Warren County, which Pace described as one of the most important and influential areas in the state between the Revolution and the Civil War.
The first marker that went up in Warren County remembers Annie Carter Lee – the daughter of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. She and other family members had left their Virginia home because of the war and were staying at Jones Springs, a health resort. She died after contracting typhoid fever in 1862 and was buried in the Jones cemetery in Warrenton. Her remains were moved in the mid-1990’s and placed in the Lee family cemetery.
Her marker was placed in 1936, just one year after the state created the program.
Jacob Holt didn’t get a marker until 1976, Pace said.
“He was one of two really big architects in the boom era” between 1845 and 1861, Pace said.
He designed and built homes – many of which still stand. His interest lay in Greek Revival and Italianate styles, but his own home in Warrenton, Pace said is quite modest and doesn’t resemble the other examples of his work.
Find a complete list of historical markers located across the state at https://www.dncr.nc.gov/
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Reservation Fees Going Up At State Parks May 1
/by WIZS StaffIf you’ve put off making that campsite reservation at one of the parks in the state parks system, you’ve got until Wednesday, April 30 at 11:59 p.m. to do so before prices go up.
Effective May 1, 2025, reservation fees at campgrounds and vehicle entrance fees at reservoirs will increase across the state parks system, the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ Division of Parks and Recreation announced. This marks the first major fee change for state park facilities since 2019. While some fees are increasing, most state parks are and will continue to be free to access for day-use year-round.
Fee changes will only impact entrance fees at the reservoir state recreation areas during peak season, most camping rates, and some boat slip rentals at Carolina Beach State Park. There are no changes to picnic shelter reservation fees, equipment rentals, and swim passes.
Beginning May 1, tent campsites will range from $20 to $30, and RV campsites with full hookups (electric, water and sewer) will cost $45. Campsite reservations made by 11:59 p.m. on April 30 will not be affected by the price increases.
The per-vehicle entrance fee, charged on weekends in April, May and September, and daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day at Falls Lake, Jordan Lake and Kerr Lake state recreation areas will cost $10. Senior citizens (62 years old or older), veterans, and active-duty military will continue to receive a discounted rate of $5 per vehicle. The 2026 State Parks Annual Pass — which covers entrance fees, equipment rentals and more — will also increase in price. The Annual Pass for Reservoirs will cost $70, the Annual Pass $100, and the Annual Pass with Four-Wheel-Drive Beach Access will be $200.
In addition to the May 1 changes, transient and monthly boat slip rentals at the Carolina Beach State Park marina will increase beginning July 1.
The increases reflect market adjustments and the higher costs to maintain these facilities.
For a full list of fee changes, please visit ncparks.gov/fees.
Commissioners Discuss Support Of New City Communications Tower During Work Session
/by WIZS StaffDuring a work session Monday, Vance County commissioners heard from city officials about progress being made on construction of a communications tower at the North Henderson ball fields that will be funded, in part, by $2.175 million in federal funds secured by U.S. Congressman Don Davis.
City Manager Hassan T. Kingsberry and Assistant City Manager Paylor Spruill spoke to commissioners to ask whether the county is still willing to help with funding, if the need arises.
The city and county have an agreement to split 50/50 funding emergency communications that cover both the county and the city.
Spruill said it’s possible that the project can be completed without contributions from either the city or the county, but the final, all-in cost is unknown at this time.
What is known is that the city of Henderson is the weakest area in all of Vance County on the VIPER system because it is located on the fringe of four towers used by the county, said Brian Short, the county’s former Emergency Management coordinator.
The North Henderson ball field location is “the sweet spot” for the entire county, and putting the tower there – with equipment to support VHF paging and more – would fix two problems at once, Short said.
The North Henderson location has been through a vetting process and will have the ability to provide in-building coverage for the city in most of the downtown buildings, as well as a large area within the county.
But the federal funds will pay for the tower only; Short predicted it could cost an additional $1 million to outfit the facility with the equipment and everything else that goes along with the tower.
Once built, the state has said it would take ownership and would assume maintenance, including maintaining the VIPER system.
City leaders are in discussion now with Duke Power to “co-locate” on the tower. Spruill said the utility company is in the due diligence process right now but added that “they’d likely contribute any remaining funds toward construction.”
WIZS News has reached out to Duke spokesman Beth Townsend and we’ll update the story when more details are available.
Maria Parham Health’s Cancer Survivor Dinner May 16
/by WIZS Staff— information courtesy of Maria Parham Health Public Information Officer Donna Young
Maria Parham Health is hosting its annual Cancer Survivor Dinner on Friday, May 16 and invites survivors and their guests to come be a part of the event to celebrate their strength and resilience in their journeys to overcome cancer.
The dinner begins at 6 p.m. at South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church, 905 Americal Rd., Henderson, according to information from MPH Public Information Officer Donna Young.
With a joyful nautical theme, “Set Sail for Celebration,” the evening promises to be filled with gratitude, connection and celebration. Survivors and their guests are invited to come together in recognition of each unique story, share in meaningful moments, and enjoy a dinner event created in their honor.
“We are so grateful for the opportunity to gather and celebrate our local cancer survivors,” said Kimberly Smith, Director of the Maria Parham Health Cancer Center. “Every survivor’s journey is a testament to strength and perseverance. This event is our way of saying ‘we see you, we honor you, and we’re celebrating with you’. It’s an evening full of hope, joy and community.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring one guest to share in this special occasion. Please register by Thursday, May 8 by calling 252.436.6485 to reserve your place.
SportsTalk: Ballparks and Ball Teams
/by Scout HughesSportsTalk 12:30 p.m. M-Th
Scout Hughes and George Hoyle talk about ballparks and fields around Vance County and the chance that they can be a part of a restoration project. That and much more on SportsTalk!
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Home and Garden Show
/by WIZS StaffOn the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.
The Vance County Cooperative Extension is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536
The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536
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TownTalk: Child Abuse Prevention Month with S.A.M. Child Advocacy
/by WIZS StaffIf you’ve driven down Garnett Street lately, you may have noticed a tree in the yard of 704 S. Garnett St. decorated with blue ribbons.
Those ribbons, tied to branches and limbs of that tree, have created a ‘Tree of Hope’ this year to observe National Child Abuse Prevention Month, said Cara Gill, executive director of Strength and Mending Child Advocacy Center.
There also are pinwheels planted in the ground and a big inflatable blue ribbon adorning the S.a.M Child Advocacy Center, along with the ‘Tree of Hope,’ a new addition this year, Gill said.
It’s a small way to show support for and honor families and children who have been victims of child abuse.
For Gill and her team at the nonprofit, this is a year-round effort – not just one month out of the year. “We try to go above and beyond any way we can this month,” she said.
Overall statistics surrounding child abuse and neglect are grim, Gill noted. For every report of child abuse, she said, there are two that are unreported.
Vance County is not immune, and, in fact, as a Tier 1 county, there simply aren’t many resources for families and children.
Abuse is a multi-faceted issue that doesn’t always look the same or follow a familiar pattern. From family dynamics to generational abuse or neglect, Gill said part of S.a.M.’s approach is to provide wraparound services to support individuals and families in crisis.
Part of S.a.M.’s role is to connect families with resources to get the help they need.
Another part is the monthly meeting of a multi-disciplinary team that gathers and discusses each family that is seeking help to make sure the particular needs are being met.
“We can’t be a stand-alone center,” Gill said. “The whole point is that every family is getting exactly what they need…for the best outcome.”
One question on the S.a.M. intake form asks whether anyone else in the family has been a victim of abuse or neglect. Seventy-five percent of the time, the answer is yes. Generational abuse or neglect adds another layer to the degree of trauma felt by families.
Since it started in 2016, Gill said S.a.M. has played a role in helping families and individuals get the healing they need and that they deserve.
“We have had kids that are now in college,” she said. “They are doing wonderful things.”
Ninety percent of the victims of abuse or neglect know the alleged abuser, Gill said. It’s so important for parents or guardians to have conversations with their children to help them understand what appropriate contact is and what is inappropriate.
“Have these conversations with your kids,” Gill said, even if it feels awkward.
“You are your child’s first line of defense,” she said. “We’re always here to help out in any way.”
Parents may get an eye roll from their children, but it’s important to know who their child’s friends are. Getting involved in their lives, showing interest in their activities opens up doors to more important conversations in the future, she added.
Visit https://www.samchildadvocacycenter.com/ to find resources. Call 252.572.4112 to learn more or email Gill at cara@samcac.com.
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