— information courtesy of Donna Young, Maria Parham Health Marketing & Communications coordinator
The nurses at Maria Parham Health enjoyed a little pampering during the recent National Nurses Week, celebrated May 6-9, to honor their extraordinary dedication, compassion and resilience of its nursing team. Throughout the week, events were held to show appreciation for the difficult and essential work nurses perform every day, according to Donna Young, MPH Marketing & Communications coordinator.
The celebration kicked off on Tuesday, May 6, with a festive ice cream sundae bar available to both day and night shift nurses. MPH team members also enjoyed a delicious variety of lunch options from local food trucks including Soulbachi, Bologna Boyz Food Wagon, and Smoking Aces.
On Wednesday, May 7, the hospital hosted its much-loved Annual Nurses’ Breakfast, providing a hearty meal to energize our healthcare heroes for the demanding day ahead.
Thursday, May 8, featured a particularly meaningful tradition: The Blessing of the Hands. Led by Pastor Frank Sossamon, this sacred ceremony acknowledges the physical and spiritual work of nurses, asking for strength, compassion and protection as they provide care and healing to others. The Blessing of the Hands is a long-standing ritual in healthcare settings, symbolizing the deep connection between the caregiver and the patient, and affirming the sacredness of the healing profession.
The week concluded on Friday, May 9, with a caffeine boost: nurses were treated to coffee from Love is Coffee.
Throughout the week, nurses were also entered into drawings for nearly 100 valuable prizes, generously donated by community sponsors. Maria Parham Health extends heartfelt thanks to the following businesses and individuals who made these giveaways possible:
Henderson Sponsors
Nella Roo’s • Charles Boyd • Chick-fil-A • Auto Brite • George’s • The Attic • Hair Loft • Jersey Mike’s • Postal Plus/NC Flavors • Wester Insurance • NG Nails • Ichibar • Vanco Outdoor Equipment • Sossamon Funeral Home
Oxford Sponsors
Art and Craft Space • Southern Style Mercantile • Tobacco Wood • Oasis • Bliss Nutrition
Wake Forest Sponsor
Salon Serenity
Special thanks also go to Jane Haithcock, Connie Roberson, Kay Hall, and our MPH doctors for their generous contributions and support throughout the week.
Maria Parham Health is deeply grateful to its nurses—not just during Nurses Week, but every day—for their tireless service and commitment to patient care.
“Our nurses are truly the backbone of this hospital,” said Maria Parham Health CEO Bert Beard. “Their compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our patients and community are nothing short of inspiring. This week was just one way for us to say ‘thank you’ for all that they do.”
Maria Parham Health proudly celebrates the vital role nurses play in delivering high-quality, compassionate healthcare across our region.
Franklin County Names New Solid Waste Director
/by WIZS StaffFranklin County has selected Spencer Pernell as its new Solid Waste director, replacing Lee Bodenhamer, who is retiring. Pernell is scheduled to begin his new role on Wednesday, May 21.
“I’m excited to join Franklin County and continue the progress that Lee has been working on,” Pernell said.
Pernell comes to Franklin County from Green For Life Environmental, where he has served in multiple capacities since 2013, including Facility Manager, Operation Supervisor and Lead Driver. He also worked for Harris Incorporated in a number of positions and also for the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. He also owned Pernell Tree Service for more than a decade.
“Spencer brings a lot of experience in solid waste management, and we look forward to him coming on board,” Interim County Manager Ryan Preble said.
Bodenhamer joined Franklin County in 2019 as Solid Waste director. He is set to retire on May 30, 2025.
WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 05-19-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
Click Play!
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Vermicomposting
/by WIZS StaffOn the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report from Wayne Rowland:
Vermicomposting can improve your garden by using vermicompost to improve your garden soil.
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!
11 Miles Of Vance County Roads Included In NCDOT $1.2M Improvement Project
/by WIZS Staff— Information courtesy of the N.C. Department of Transportation
The N.C. Department of Transportation has awarded an almost $1.2 million contract to Sunrock Industries, LLC to improve more than 11 miles of roadway in Vance County.
NCDOT spokesperson Kim Deaner released the information on Thursday, May. 15.
The contractor will improve 11 sections of secondary roads including Glebe Road from Glover Road to N.C. 39, Nutbush Road from N.C. 39 to Satterwhite Point Road, and Haywood Wright Road from Ross Mill Road to N.C. 39.
The project will involve milling, resurfacing, shoulder reconstruction, and curb replacement. Work is scheduled to begin this spring and is expected to be complete by late fall 2026.
Maria Parham Health Celebrates National Nurses Week With Food, Fun, Gifts Galore!
/by WIZS Staff— information courtesy of Donna Young, Maria Parham Health Marketing & Communications coordinator
The nurses at Maria Parham Health enjoyed a little pampering during the recent National Nurses Week, celebrated May 6-9, to honor their extraordinary dedication, compassion and resilience of its nursing team. Throughout the week, events were held to show appreciation for the difficult and essential work nurses perform every day, according to Donna Young, MPH Marketing & Communications coordinator.
The celebration kicked off on Tuesday, May 6, with a festive ice cream sundae bar available to both day and night shift nurses. MPH team members also enjoyed a delicious variety of lunch options from local food trucks including Soulbachi, Bologna Boyz Food Wagon, and Smoking Aces.
On Wednesday, May 7, the hospital hosted its much-loved Annual Nurses’ Breakfast, providing a hearty meal to energize our healthcare heroes for the demanding day ahead.
Thursday, May 8, featured a particularly meaningful tradition: The Blessing of the Hands. Led by Pastor Frank Sossamon, this sacred ceremony acknowledges the physical and spiritual work of nurses, asking for strength, compassion and protection as they provide care and healing to others. The Blessing of the Hands is a long-standing ritual in healthcare settings, symbolizing the deep connection between the caregiver and the patient, and affirming the sacredness of the healing profession.
The week concluded on Friday, May 9, with a caffeine boost: nurses were treated to coffee from Love is Coffee.
Throughout the week, nurses were also entered into drawings for nearly 100 valuable prizes, generously donated by community sponsors. Maria Parham Health extends heartfelt thanks to the following businesses and individuals who made these giveaways possible:
Henderson Sponsors
Nella Roo’s • Charles Boyd • Chick-fil-A • Auto Brite • George’s • The Attic • Hair Loft • Jersey Mike’s • Postal Plus/NC Flavors • Wester Insurance • NG Nails • Ichibar • Vanco Outdoor Equipment • Sossamon Funeral Home
Oxford Sponsors
Art and Craft Space • Southern Style Mercantile • Tobacco Wood • Oasis • Bliss Nutrition
Wake Forest Sponsor
Salon Serenity
Special thanks also go to Jane Haithcock, Connie Roberson, Kay Hall, and our MPH doctors for their generous contributions and support throughout the week.
Maria Parham Health is deeply grateful to its nurses—not just during Nurses Week, but every day—for their tireless service and commitment to patient care.
“Our nurses are truly the backbone of this hospital,” said Maria Parham Health CEO Bert Beard. “Their compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our patients and community are nothing short of inspiring. This week was just one way for us to say ‘thank you’ for all that they do.”
Maria Parham Health proudly celebrates the vital role nurses play in delivering high-quality, compassionate healthcare across our region.
Vance County Schools Named National District Of Distinction By National Beta
/by WIZS Staff— information courtesy of Vance County Schools
Vance County Schools has been named a 2024-2025 National District of Distinction by National Beta, an independent nonprofit organization that recognizes high academic achievement and encourages service to others.
This award is given to school districts which offer National Beta in all schools in their district and induct qualifying students in grades 4-12. Vance County Schools is one of only 78 districts to receive this award nationwide, according to information from VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Support Aarika Sandlin
Through the exceptional efforts of Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett, club sponsors and deserving Beta members, Vance County Schools has flourished since the district’s initial Beta charter. This national award speaks highly of our district’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and service involvement, and illustrates our dedication to preparing students for college and career readiness. The students in their district understand the importance of these qualities and exemplify the Beta motto, Let Us Lead by Serving Others.
“This recognition is evidence of the incredible work happening in every school across our district,” said Dr. Cindy Bennett, Superintendent of Vance County Schools. “To be named a National Beta District of Distinction again speaks volumes about the character of our students, the dedication of our staff, and our shared belief in service, leadership, and academic excellence. We are honored to celebrate this achievement together.”
Vance County has been named a Beta Club District of Distinction for the last 7 years, yearly since 2019. Vance County Schools will receive a National Beta District of Distinction plaque to display at the district office. In addition, National Beta District of Distinction principals will receive a plaque to display at their schools.
The District Beta Club Coordinator for Vance County Schools is Mr. Andrew Markoch, Director of Fine Arts and Physical Education. Following is a list of schools, their principals and Beta Club advisers.
‘Got To Be NC Festival’ Kicks Off May 16 For A Weekend Of Fun, Ag-Related Activities
/by WIZS Staff— from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences
North Carolina’s No. 1 industry — agriculture — will be on display along with a colorful lineup of tractors, N.C. food and beverage products, and plenty of family-friendly activities when the Got to Be NC Festival returns to the State Fairgrounds May 16-18 in Raleigh.
In addition, this free event features a daily tractor parade at 1 p.m., carnival rides and games, a butterfly barn, kids’ activities, dairy milking classes, a pig birthing exhibit, antique farm equipment, an N.C. Craft Beer Garden and N.C. Craft Cocktail Garden, an antique tractor pull, fair food and music.
The Got to Be NC Pavilion will feature nearly 100 North Carolina food and beverage vendors showcasing some of North Carolina’s tastiest products. Visitors can sample and shop the Pavilion for their favorite items. Admission to the Pavilion is $3.
Daily grounds entertainment includes the King BMX Stunt Show, the Kenya Safari Acrobats, a puppet show, herding dog demonstrations with Quack Pack USA, demonstrations with K-9 officers with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office and Boomer’s Farm Truck that offers photo opportunities for youngsters and the young at heart.
The Got to Be NC Music Stage will feature a variety of music throughout the weekend including, country, rock, R&B, jazz, folk, Latin and Americana. Check the Got to Be NC website for the concert lineup.
On Saturday, May 17, the Carolina Pig Jig will feature more than 20 chapters of Masons in a BBQ competition to benefit the Masonic Homes for Children at Oxford and Central Children’s Home. BBQ and fixings will be served to the public beginning at 11 a.m, following judging. Stretchy pants are definitely recommended for this all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet. Tickets are $20 for ages 11 and older, $10 for youth 5 to 10 years old, and free for kids 4 and under.
Also on Saturday, catch the antique tractor pull from 2 to 8 p.m. in the N.C. Education Lottery Grandstand.
On Sunday, enjoy a gospel performance by The Master’s Men a capella group during the Heritage Church Service at 10:30 a.m.
Festival gate hours are Friday, noon to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Building and exhibit hours are Friday noon to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Carnival hours are Friday noon to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Carnival hours may extend one hour depending on attendance.
SportsTalk: Kerr-Vance Baseball takes on Ridgecroft in Playoffs
/by Scout HughesUPDATE – FINAL SCORE
Kerr-Vance 7
Ridgecroft 3
Congratulations to Kerr-Vance for making it to the State Championship Series!
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SportsTalk 12:30 p.m. M-Th
Mike Rigsbee, Head Baseball Coach at Kerr-Vance Academy, joins SportsTalk with George Hoyle and Scout Hughes to talk about the upcoming playoff game tonight at home vs. Ridgecroft.
Kerr-Vance vs. Ridgecroft at KVA @ 6pm – 3rd Round of the NCISSA Baseball Playoffs
Go Spartans!
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SportsTalk: Vance Charter Girls Soccer to take on Hobbton in Playoff Matchup
/by Scout HughesUPDATE – FINAL SCORE
Hobbton 3
Vance Charter 0
Knights finish the season at 15-5
Congratulations on a great season!
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SportsTalk 12:30 p.m. M-Th
Johnny Yount, Head Girls Soccer Coach at Vance Charter School, joins SportsTalk with George Hoyle and Scout Hughes to talk about their upcoming playoff game tonight on the road against Hobbton.
Vance Charter vs. Hobbton at Hobbton @ 6pm – 2nd Round of the NCHSAA 1A Girls Soccer Playoffs
Go Knights!
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WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 05-15-25
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
Click Play!