N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon is scheduling information sessions for residents in Vance and Granville counties to discuss relevant topics of interest to his neighbors who are now his constituents.
The first forum, set for Monday, Sept. 18 at Perry Memorial Library, is about broadband internet. The meeting is just one way to connect residents with the appropriate state government staff. Things get underway at 6 p.m., but Sossamon said it’s a time when residents can not only learn about programs but also share concerns with those whose jobs are carrying out projects at the local level.
“I’m bringing the people you need to talk to – the folks that are dealing with this day in, day out,” Sossamon said. “They can answer questions, send you additional information… they will give you means to get in touch with them. If you have a concern,” he said.
Sossamon was on TownTalk Tuesday, and he said he takes to heart his responsibility to represent the people in House District 32 – and part of that includes providing information.
“I get a lot of calls and emails about broadband,” he said, so he chose that for the first forum topic.
A second forum on broadband connection will be presented in Granville County at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at the Granville County Expo Center on Hwy. 15 just south of Oxford.
The topic for October is transportation, with dates and locations below:
- Granville: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17 at the Granville County Expo Center
- Vance: 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26 in the commissioners’ room at the old Courthouse.
The dates and locations for November’s topic – mental health – are still being worked out, he noted.
Representatives from the state’s department of information technology will be on hand to explain terminology, and answering questions like “what is the Digital Divide?” and “when will broadband be available in my area?”
There are programs that offer discounts to eligible residents for broadband access, Sossamon said.
“If it’s available, but not affordable, it means nothing to the average person,” he said.
Participants can view a color-coded map to have an idea of where connectivity already exists and proposed next steps to add connectivity.
There’s also a survey that can be submitted to state officials to provide feedback.
“It’s important to the state…so they can see how well they’re doing, especially in Vance and Granville counties,” Sossamon said.
Contracts have been awarded to provide broadband internet, but it takes time, he reminded.
Realtors will be invited to meetings earlier in the day for the transportation forums. The 10 a.m. gatherings will take place in the same location as the evening sessions. Sossamon said he wanted to have a special time with realtors because “they are extremely interested in what’s going to happen to roads.”
DOT divisional directors will be on hand for realtors at 10 a.m., governmental leaders at 3 p.m. before sharing with the public at 6 p.m.
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VCS Names Clarke Elementary Principal
/by WIZS StaffVance County Schools has announced that Dr. C’Monee Wilkins is the new principal of Clarke Elementary, effective immediately.
Wilkins has been assistant principal at Clarke Elementary since August 2022, according to information from VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support Aarika Sandlin.
“Dr. Wilkins has great knowledge and expertise in the area of instructional leadership,” said VCS Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett.
Bennett stated that Wilkins will provide strong leadership to address needed changes that the district has identified for the 2023-24 school year.
“Her leadership and the strong team she is building will make Clarke Elementary a school to watch,” Bennett stated in a press release.
Prior to her arrival at Clarke Elementary, Wilkins had served as an instructional coach and mulit-classroom leader at Zeb Vance Elementary as as an English Language Arts teacher at Eaton-Johnson Middle.
Wilkins is a graduate of Elizabeth City State University. She got a masters in public administration from N.C. Central University and completed her doctoral studies in educational leadership at Fayetteville State University.
Dan Sandlin, an 18-year veteran in the field of education, will be the assistant principal at Clarke Elementary.
TownTalk: Sossamon Discusses Broadband Internet For Vance County
/by Laura GabelN.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon is scheduling information sessions for residents in Vance and Granville counties to discuss relevant topics of interest to his neighbors who are now his constituents.
The first forum, set for Monday, Sept. 18 at Perry Memorial Library, is about broadband internet. The meeting is just one way to connect residents with the appropriate state government staff. Things get underway at 6 p.m., but Sossamon said it’s a time when residents can not only learn about programs but also share concerns with those whose jobs are carrying out projects at the local level.
“I’m bringing the people you need to talk to – the folks that are dealing with this day in, day out,” Sossamon said. “They can answer questions, send you additional information… they will give you means to get in touch with them. If you have a concern,” he said.
Sossamon was on TownTalk Tuesday, and he said he takes to heart his responsibility to represent the people in House District 32 – and part of that includes providing information.
“I get a lot of calls and emails about broadband,” he said, so he chose that for the first forum topic.
A second forum on broadband connection will be presented in Granville County at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at the Granville County Expo Center on Hwy. 15 just south of Oxford.
The topic for October is transportation, with dates and locations below:
The dates and locations for November’s topic – mental health – are still being worked out, he noted.
Representatives from the state’s department of information technology will be on hand to explain terminology, and answering questions like “what is the Digital Divide?” and “when will broadband be available in my area?”
There are programs that offer discounts to eligible residents for broadband access, Sossamon said.
“If it’s available, but not affordable, it means nothing to the average person,” he said.
Participants can view a color-coded map to have an idea of where connectivity already exists and proposed next steps to add connectivity.
There’s also a survey that can be submitted to state officials to provide feedback.
“It’s important to the state…so they can see how well they’re doing, especially in Vance and Granville counties,” Sossamon said.
Contracts have been awarded to provide broadband internet, but it takes time, he reminded.
Realtors will be invited to meetings earlier in the day for the transportation forums. The 10 a.m. gatherings will take place in the same location as the evening sessions. Sossamon said he wanted to have a special time with realtors because “they are extremely interested in what’s going to happen to roads.”
DOT divisional directors will be on hand for realtors at 10 a.m., governmental leaders at 3 p.m. before sharing with the public at 6 p.m.
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The Local Skinny! Upcoming Events At Perry Memorial Library
/by WIZS StaffCome out to Perry Memorial Library on Tuesday, Sept. 26 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to experience a celebration of Hispanic Heritage month.
There will be activities in the library, as well as in the gallery shared with McGregor Hall, according to Melody Peters, youth services director at the library.
It’s a chance to learn more about the Hispanic culture and will include dancing, music, face painting and much more.
It’s a chance for the community to come to the library, but sometimes the library gets to go to the community.
Peters said library representatives will be out on Garnett Street on Saturday for the Smart Smart Ducky Derby.
“When we go beyond the doors,” Peters said, “it brings people in the doors.”
She said she had paid a recent visit to the Salvation Army and had a nice story time there. The Boys & Girls Club brought children in throughout the summer to take part in programs offered by the library.
So whether the library staff goes out into the community or individuals from the community visit the library, Peters said it’s all a matter of being visible.
“You have to get out and be visible in the community,” she said. “That brings people into your building.”
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WIZS Radio Local News Audio 09-12-23 Noon
/by Bill HarrisClick Play to Listen. On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
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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South Henderson Church Of God Announces Revival Oct. 15-19
/by WIZS StaffThe South Henderson Church of God is having a revival, beginning at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15, according to Pastor Mark Bateman.
The theme for the revival is “Evangelism Intervention,” and the services begin at 7 p.m. Oct. 16-19 at the church, located at 125 JP Taylor Rd., Henderson.
The Rev. Dr. Michael Ball of La Grange will lead the revival.
The topics for each evening are:
demographical studies, one-on-one evangelism training, church outreach implementation and sound biblical evangelism principles.
TownTalk: Election Coverage
/by WIZS StaffThe nonpartisan municipal elections in Henderson are Tuesday, Oct. 10 and WIZS has developed a comprehensive plan to inform voters about the candidates for the five races – the mayor and four seats on the City Council.
There are a total of 17 candidates running and WIZS posed several questions that over the course of the next week will be shared on special TownTalk segments as well as online at wizs.com.
We asked each candidate to provide written responses to the questions; most did, but some candidates provided verbal responses.
With fairness and objectivity at the top of the list of considerations, the staff at WIZS will compile written responses to the questions and include the candidates’ answers to each one. The verbal responses will be transcribed as they were recorded and presented in written form.
The candidates will be listed in alphabetical order.
The Ward 1 and Ward 2 seats will be determined by voters who live in those particular voting districts; the mayor and the two at-large seats are citywide elections.
If you haven’t registered to vote in the upcoming municipal elections, you have until 5 p.m. Friday to register with the Vance County Board of Elections.
Early voting is open Sept. 21-Oct. 7 and same-day registration is available. Contact the Vance County Board of Elections at 252.492.3730 to learn more.
Below is the schedule for presenting each race during the 11 a.m. TownTalk time slot, beginning Wednesday, Sept. 13 and concluding Wednesday, Sept. 20.
Stay tuned to WIZS as Election Day approaches for a complete presentation of the candidates, their platforms and learn how they will address the needs and concerns of the people of Henderson.
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Vance County Deputies Make Drug Arrest
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy of Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame
A Clayton man was arrested last week in Vance County after deputies responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle on Forest Hills Drive, just off St. Andrews Church Road.
According to a press release from Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame, deputies arrived to find a gold van blocking a portion of the roadway on Wednesday, Sept. 6.
The vehicle was occupied by Frazier William Yopp, Brame stated.
Upon further investigation, deputies arrested Yopp on one count of felony possession of heroin and two misdemeanor counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and carrying a concealed weapon.
The Local Skinny! Voter Registration
/by WIZS StaffThe deadline to register to vote in the upcoming municipal elections is fast approaching – Henderson residents have until Friday at 5 p.m. to register, if they are not already registered to do so.
The Henderson municipal elections, during which the next mayor will be elected, take place on Tuesday, Oct. 10.
Early voting begins Sept. 21 at the Andrea L. Harris Operations Center on Beckford Drive.
Remember that a photo ID is required or voting. Early voting ends on Saturday, Oct. 7.
In addition to the mayor, voters will choose City Council members for Ward 1 and Ward 2 and at-large seats for Wards 3 and 4.
The deadline is Friday, Oct. 13 to register for the Nov. 7 Kittrell and Middleburg elections.
Contact the Vance County Board of Elections to learn more at 252.492.3730.
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WIZS Radio Local News Audio 09-11-23 Noon
/by Bill HarrisClick Play to Listen. On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM