-information courtesy of the N.C. Department of Transportation
A stretch of Interstate 85 is now named in honor of Andrea Harris, the late civil rights activist from North Carolina who devoted her life to racial and social equity and helped many minority and women-owned businesses.
On Friday, Gov. Roy Cooper joined state and local dignitaries, and members of the Harris family at a ceremony in Raleigh to dedicate I-85 near the Vance-Warren County line as the “Andrea L Harris Highway.” Harris, 72, died in 2020 after battling an illness. Henderson City Manager Terrell Blackmon was among those in attendance.
“My friend Andrea Harris fought tirelessly to level the playing field for women and minority owned businesses, particularly in rural North Carolina,” Cooper said at Friday’s ceremony at the North Carolina State Archives Auditorium in Raleigh. “The opportunities she helped create for the diversity that makes us all stronger is a lasting legacy for this amazing pioneer.”
Governor Roy Cooper joined NCDOT leaders and other state and local dignitaries to dedicate a section of Interstate 85 for late civil rights activist Andrea L. Harris. (From left-to-right) are: State Board of Transportation member Valerie Jordan; Henderson City Manager Terrell Blackmon; Gov. Cooper; Harris’ niece, Alana Harris; NCDOT Deputy Secretary Ebony Pittman; and Church of Faith II Pastor Welton Barnes Sr.
Harris grew up in Henderson during the civil rights movement. In 1986, she co-founded a Durham-based economic development nonprofit that helped develop thousands of women and minority-owned businesses. For more than 25 years, Harris served as president of the North Carolina Institute for Minority Economic Development. Harris and her team provided businesses consulting and other supportive services and helped generate more than $1 billion in awards for minority businesses.
Among her achievements, Harris also helped create the North Carolina Senior Citizens Federation and Gateway Community Development Corporation, which provided resources to elderly and economically disadvantaged people in and around her native Vance County.
“She was passionate about helping others overcome barriers to economic growth and opportunity,” Ebony Pittman, the N.C. Department of Transportation’s deputy secretary for Business Administration, said. “I’m proud that as of today, everyone driving along three miles of Interstate 85 in Vance County will be reminded of the great contributions she had on her community and our state.”
In furthering Harris’ legacy, Cooper established the Andrea Harris Equity Task Force, a group of state leaders and others he appointed to address social, environmental, economic and health disparities in communities of color disproportionally impacted by COVID-19.
Harris, who was born in South Carolina and graduated from Bennett College in Greensboro, served on numerous boards and committees that advanced economic equity and inclusion. She earned a spot in the North Carolina Women’s Hall of Fame and received many awards, including The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which is among the most prestigious awards presented by the governor.
Alana Harris is a niece of Andrea Harris. She said having a highway named in her aunt’s honor will help spread her message.
“This highway dedication will be a perpetual reminder to every little black and brown child of their infinite potential,” Alana Harris said. “‘And if there isn’t a seat at the table,’ as my Aunt Andrea would say, ‘Take one anyway.’”
TownTalk: Pack And Ship Deadlines For Christmas
/by WIZS StaffAt this time of year, the folks you see out shopping fall into two camps: Those who sat down to a Thanksgiving meal way back in November, content in the knowledge that the Christmas cards had been addressed and mailed, and gifts for everyone on the list had been purchased, if not already wrapped.
Then there’s that other camp – you know the one…the one where folks are flying around town in search of THE perfect gift, often passing up very nice, suitable gifts in search of THE perfect one.
Whichever camp you find yourself in this holiday season, if you must ship gifts to friends and family, time is running out if you want that gift opened on Dec. 25. In case you’re not looking at a calendar, that’s one week from today.
Mike Moore has watched folks come in to his Postal Plus location in Henderson for 33 years. He and his staff are ready to help you get those boxes weighed, labeled and in the bin for pickup.
Several key deadlines for shipping have already passed, but Moore said shipping packages out today or Tuesday should still be ok for getting those gifts to their destinations by Christmas.
“We can still get it done for you,” Moore said on Monday’s TownTalk.
Monday was the deadline for the U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail service, and Tuesday is the “drop-dead” deadline for 3-day guarantee service.
If you’re pushing the envelope, as it were, for shipping, Moore said Dec. 20 – Wednesday – is the deadline for 2-day shipments. And for those champion procrastinators, the 22nd is the last day for next day service – but it’s a service that comes with a price. “You’ll have to pay the overnight fee to get the Saturday delivery,” Moore said.
Of course, Moore also uses shipping giants Fed Ex and UPS, which generally make their pickup rounds about 3 p.m.
Things get a little busy by that time, so if you need extra help getting gifts in shipping boxes or wrapped securely to ensure a safe delivery, Moore said it’s a good idea to come in a little bit earlier in the day.
“We try to make things as easy and stress-free as we can,” Moore said.
“My staff is here ready to help you get it done.”
Visit Postal Plus at 993 S. Beckford Dr., online at https://www.postalplusbizcenter.com/ or phone 252.430.7771 for more information.
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The Local Skinny! Families Living Violence Free Seeks New Executive Director
/by WIZS StaffFamilies Living Violence Free is in a search process to identify a new executive director to succeed Executive Director Peggy Roark, who is retiring.
Like many directors at many agencies, the FLVF director will report to the board of directors and will oversee planning and directing the operations of the agency. This role, however, also requires having extensive knowledge about crimes of domestic violence, assaults and how to help victims in crisis.
An ideal candidate will have a four-year degree and will have a combination of credentials and experience to be an effective leader for the agency who demonstrates the ability to manage complex, sensitive matters creatively, effectively and confidentially. The new executive director should have a commitment to philanthropic causes and will have held leadership roles in other non-profit agencies for at least two years.
Visit flvf.org to learn more about this position.
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WIZS Radio Local News Audio 12-18-23 Noon
/by Bill HarrisClick Play to Listen. On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Meat Goats
/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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NCDOT: Section Of I-85 Near Henderson Renamed Andrea L Harris Highway
/by WIZS Staff-information courtesy of the N.C. Department of Transportation
A stretch of Interstate 85 is now named in honor of Andrea Harris, the late civil rights activist from North Carolina who devoted her life to racial and social equity and helped many minority and women-owned businesses.
On Friday, Gov. Roy Cooper joined state and local dignitaries, and members of the Harris family at a ceremony in Raleigh to dedicate I-85 near the Vance-Warren County line as the “Andrea L Harris Highway.” Harris, 72, died in 2020 after battling an illness. Henderson City Manager Terrell Blackmon was among those in attendance.
“My friend Andrea Harris fought tirelessly to level the playing field for women and minority owned businesses, particularly in rural North Carolina,” Cooper said at Friday’s ceremony at the North Carolina State Archives Auditorium in Raleigh. “The opportunities she helped create for the diversity that makes us all stronger is a lasting legacy for this amazing pioneer.”
Governor Roy Cooper joined NCDOT leaders and other state and local dignitaries to dedicate a section of Interstate 85 for late civil rights activist Andrea L. Harris. (From left-to-right) are: State Board of Transportation member Valerie Jordan; Henderson City Manager Terrell Blackmon; Gov. Cooper; Harris’ niece, Alana Harris; NCDOT Deputy Secretary Ebony Pittman; and Church of Faith II Pastor Welton Barnes Sr.
Harris grew up in Henderson during the civil rights movement. In 1986, she co-founded a Durham-based economic development nonprofit that helped develop thousands of women and minority-owned businesses. For more than 25 years, Harris served as president of the North Carolina Institute for Minority Economic Development. Harris and her team provided businesses consulting and other supportive services and helped generate more than $1 billion in awards for minority businesses.
Among her achievements, Harris also helped create the North Carolina Senior Citizens Federation and Gateway Community Development Corporation, which provided resources to elderly and economically disadvantaged people in and around her native Vance County.
“She was passionate about helping others overcome barriers to economic growth and opportunity,” Ebony Pittman, the N.C. Department of Transportation’s deputy secretary for Business Administration, said. “I’m proud that as of today, everyone driving along three miles of Interstate 85 in Vance County will be reminded of the great contributions she had on her community and our state.”
In furthering Harris’ legacy, Cooper established the Andrea Harris Equity Task Force, a group of state leaders and others he appointed to address social, environmental, economic and health disparities in communities of color disproportionally impacted by COVID-19.
Harris, who was born in South Carolina and graduated from Bennett College in Greensboro, served on numerous boards and committees that advanced economic equity and inclusion. She earned a spot in the North Carolina Women’s Hall of Fame and received many awards, including The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which is among the most prestigious awards presented by the governor.
Alana Harris is a niece of Andrea Harris. She said having a highway named in her aunt’s honor will help spread her message.
“This highway dedication will be a perpetual reminder to every little black and brown child of their infinite potential,” Alana Harris said. “‘And if there isn’t a seat at the table,’ as my Aunt Andrea would say, ‘Take one anyway.’”
Suspect Arrested for Stealing School Bus Batteries
/by WIZS Staff— press release information from Sheriff Curtis Brame
November 27 the Vance County Sheriff’s Office received a report of batteries being stolen from school buses at Vance County Middle School and Vance County High School. Additional reports were received from the Vance County School Bus Garage of batteries being stolen from school buses.
On December 13 the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division charged and arrested Ethan Cole Fleming, 21, of Henderson in connection with the larcenies. Fleming was taken into custody without incident and remanded to the Vance County Jail under a $10,000 secured bond.
Although an arrest has been made, this case remains under investigation. Anyone with any information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 252-738-2200 or Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers at 252-492-1925 or through the P3 App.
One Commissioner Contest in the Primary and One in the General Election
/by WIZS StaffIt looks like there will be two contested seats on the Vance County Board of Commissioners in next year’s election, with two candidates running for the District 1 seat and two candidates running in District 2. The two-week filing period ended at 12 noon today, Friday, Dec. 15.
Valencia L. Perry filed Friday for the District 2 seat and will face incumbent Archie B. Taylor, Jr., according to information provided by Shelly Wood, deputy director of the Vance County Board of Elections; Taylor filed last week. In addition to Taylor, three other commissioners filed to retain their seats on the board: Carolyn Faines in District 1; Leo Kelly in District 5 and Yolanda Feimster in District 6.
Faines also faces a challenger in next year’s election. William Heitman filed as a Republican candidate for the District 1 seat.
There are three seats up for election on the Vance County Board of Education, with District 5 the only contested race of the three. Incumbent Linda Cobb filed for re-election. She will face challenger William Earl Purvis, who filed on Wednesday as a Democratic candidate. Incumbent Dorothy Williams Gooche filed as the Democratic candidate for District 3 and Ayana Fritz Lewis filed as a Democratic candidate for District 4.
Primary elections will be held on March 5, 2024 and the general election is slated for Nov, 5, 2024.
VGCC Partners With Piedmont CC To Provide Cybersecurity Program
/by WIZS StaffVance-Granville Community College is partnering with Piedmont Community College to create the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
The two colleges have established a Level-Two Instructional Service Agreement (ISA) for cybersecurity that will begin next month, according to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel.
This comprehensive collaboration paves the way for both institutions to share resources, faculty expertise, instructional support and to develop work-ready talent in the cybersecurity sector.
As part of the agreement, PCC Cybersecurity Instructor Dr. Syed Raza will provide on-campus instruction at VGCC. He formerly was chair of the Computer Science Graduate Program at Talladega College. Raza holds a Doctorate in Computer Information Systems with an Information Assurance concentration, a master’s of Science in computer science from Nova Southeastern University and a master’s in business administration (MBA) from Strayer University. Raza is also a member of various Cybersecurity and Information Technology (IT) organizations.
“We are proud to partner with Piedmont Community College to provide excellent learning opportunities in information technology for PCC and VGCC students,” said VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. “We can serve our communities better by pooling our resources, cooperating rather than competing.”
Piedmont CC contacted VGCC officials to gauge interest in working together and sharing resources to focus on cybercrime and cyber investigation. With this collaboration, VGCC will join a network of educational institutions working together to meet the growing talent needs of North Carolina’s public agencies and private businesses.
PCC President Dr. Pamela Senegal said, “This agreement reflects our commitment to ensuring students are ready to lead the way in cybersecurity. By aligning with VGCC, we aim to create an educational ecosystem that transcends boundaries and prepares students for success in an increasingly interconnected world.”
Online and hybrid classes offered will include:
A Level-Two ISA is defined as two or more colleges which plan to jointly offer curriculum or continuing education courses by sharing resources. One or more participating colleges must be approved to provide curriculum courses in an approved program of study or the continuing education courses the State Board has approved.
Visit www.piedmontcc.edu/cyber for more information.
Recreation Mini-Grant Applications Available Now For 2024-25
/by WIZS StaffThe Granville County Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Advisory Committee is accepting through January 2024 recreation mini-grant applications to be awarded in 2024-25.
Local government entities and registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations within Granville County are eligible for up to $25,000 in grant funding specifically for projects related to recreation. These grant funds are used to facilitate the development and support of active and passive recreation and leisure activities for county residents, according to information from Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood.
“The funding helps further the county’s reach in providing recreational amenities to a broad spectrum of residents, especially in areas of the county that are underserved or those that have not received prior funding,” stated Deputy County Manager Korena Weichel. “The Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Advisory Committee is grateful to the board of commissioners for continuing to provide funding for this important program over the past several years,” Weichel said in a press statement.
Examples of past projects funded by mini grant awards include playground equipment at Jack Day Community Park in Stem, fishing piers at Lake Rogers Park in Creedmoor, facility improvements at South Granville High School and picnic shelters at the Grassy Creek Community Center. Signs are erected at project sites to inform residents that their county tax dollars helped provide the amenities.
Program guidelines and application are available for download on the Granville County website at https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/recreation/recreation-grant/. Printed copies may also be obtained from the Granville County Planning Office, located at 122 Williamsboro St., Oxford.
All applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2024. Complete submission requirements and instructions are included in the program guidelines.
To learn more about this grant opportunity, contact Weichel at 919.603.1366 or email korena.weichel@granvillecounty.org.
Warren Residents Can Apply For Help With Heating Expenses
/by WIZS StaffFor those Warren County households that received a one-time payment from LIEAP last year to help pay for heating expenses, there’s some good news: You are automatically enrolled to receive a payment this year.
Other households can apply to receive funds from the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program too, according to information from Crystal Smith.
The application period is open through Dec. 31 for households with a disabled person who is receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services and households with a person over the age of 60.
Then, beginning Jan. 1, 2024, the general public can submit applications through Mar. 31, or until funds are exhausted.
The Warren County Department of Social Services is handling the applications. The address is 307 N. Main St., Warrenton, NC 27589.
Applicants should bring the following information to determine eligibility:
Heating source bills not in the applicant’s name should be accompanied by a written statement from the person whose name is on the bill stating that the applicant is responsible for payment of the heating expense.
Anyone who is not physically able to come to the agency to apply may provide a trusted individual to represent them, provided they provide a written statement authorizing that individual to make the application on their behalf.
Contact the Warren County DSS office at 252.257.5000 to learn more.