A recent groundbreaking ceremony at the city’s water treatment facility is a tangible indication that all the t’s have been crossed and the I’s dotted to set in motion an expansion project that will, once completed, double the facility’s output to as much as 20 million gallons of water a day.
This is good news for the current 55,000 customers who rely on the Kerr Lake Regional Water System, but Water Resources Director Christy Lipscomb said increased capacity also will allow for growth.
Lipscomb was a guest on Wednesday’s TownTalk and explained just what the almost $80 million expansion project would involve and when it is expected to be completed.
“I am very excited,” Lipscomb said. “This will give us more tools in our toolbox to treat the water and some of the things that show up in the water.
As water testing improves, the EPA and the state set forth regulations that water systems must comply with. “We have to meet (the regulations) and know that it’s going to be safe for the customers,” she said.
The existing system is what Lipscomb calls a “conventional” system, and the plan is to add on to the current building to add a super pulsator system – or Super P, for short.
“It’s like the conventional system, but it runs more efficiently and effectively,” she said of the Super P.
And while there presently no problems with contaminants in the water, having this newer style of system with activated carbon will help if problems arise in the future.
If all goes according to plan, the project will take between 20 months and 30 months to complete, but it will allow for up to 20 million gallons of water a day to be treated and returned to customers for use.
The City of Henderson is the managing partner of the regional water system and has a 60 percent ownership; the city of Oxford and Warren County each have a 20 percent ownership.
Right now, Lipscomb the different entities aren’t using all the water that is allocated to them on paper, which helps the system stay ahead of the game.
On an average day, the water plant treats 7.1 million gallons. When that capacity more than doubles, it could be a game-changer for the area.
Once there is more capacity, customers like Henderson, Oxford and Warren County can use that as a drawing card for economic development.
The plan is to use the Super P as the main treatment source, but keep the conventional system as a backup, just in case. And then, later, a second Super P would be installed and the conventional system would be decommissioned, Lipscomb said.
She said customers shouldn’t see any disruptions in service or changes in water quality because of the expansion.
“They shouldn’t experience anything disruptive,” she said, adding that the city would send out notices if something were to occur that would affect water customers.
CLICK PLAY to hear Christy Lipscomb TownTalk Broadcast!
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Carpenter Bees
/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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FarmsSHARE Program Connects Small Farmers, Local Residents With Fresh, Healthy Foods
/by WIZS StaffFarmsSHARE is a program that was started in 2020 by Carolina Farm Stewardship Association as a response to COVID-19. And now, almost three years later, federal and state agriculture officials have funded the program to keep it going – and even expanding its reach to help underserved communities increase its access to fresh, local-grown foods.
Working Landscapes, a Warren County non-profit agency, is one of FarmsSHARE’s hub partners that provides fresh, locally grown produce to three locations in Vance and Warren counties.
FarmsSHARE began as a way to help connect people with healthy food, but it also was a way to provide financial support to small businesses during the pandemic shutdown.
State agriculture officials have gotten $7.6 million to keep the program up and running, working with 15 hub partners and more than 200 community-based organizations across the state to obtain and distribute 133,000 boxes of local food. The farms and food hubs also receive assistance to enter new markets for local food.
Working Landscapes works with local partners Turning Point CDC in Henderson, as well as the H.O.P.E. Regional Medical Clinic and Loaves & Fishes Ministries, both in Warren County.
ByWay Foods Hub is one aspect of the Working Landscapes operation, works out of two downtown Warrenton locations. The primary location is on Franklin Street, on a repurposed historic site that once housed a cotton gin and flour mill. That’s where the fresh-cut vegetable operation is based. It’s also where the team manages the CSA-style program provides fresh, healthy foods to community residents.
“Creating more opportunities for North Carolinians to source local products from North Carolina farmers is beneficial all around, for consumers, farmers, and our local food supply long term,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Expanding FarmsSHARE…is expected to strengthen and expand our efforts and allow food hubs to connect and develop relationships with socially disadvantaged farmers, small farmers, and small businesses to the benefit of local farmers and communities.”
Funding for the program comes from the American Rescue Plan. Questions regarding how to participate as either a farmer or distribution site should be sent to Kana Miller, Local Food Distribution Coordinator, kana@carolinafarmstewards.org and 919.542.2402 ext. 831.
Upcoming Blood Drives In The Area
/by WIZS StaffMay is Trauma Awareness Month, and American Red Cross encourages individuals to sign up to give blood at upcoming local drives as a way to help in situations where every second counts.
Blood products – blood, plasma and platelets – can provide lifesaving care, but hospitals often struggle to keep sufficient supplies on hand.
Did you know that Type O is the universal blood type? Donors who have Type O Negative blood are especially needed now, according to information from the local Red Cross office in Raleigh.
Type O Negative blood can be used in emergency situations when there’s no time to determine a patient’s blood type; Type O Positive blood can be transfused to Rh-Positive patients of any blood type.
As a thank-you, all donors who come in to give blood between now and May 19 will get a $10 e-gift card. And anyone who gives at any time during the month of May will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the MLB All-Star Game in Seattle, WA.
The prize package includes two tickets to the 2023 MLB® All-Star Game® thanks to the support of Fanatics, round-trip airfare, four-night hotel accommodations, a $750 gift card and more. Additionally, those who come to give May 20-31 will receive an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, while supplies last.
The prizes are just a small way to say thank you to donors who give blood, but the larger reward is knowing that your donation helps keep hospital blood banks full and ready to help in the event of a medical trauma.
Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767).
Upcoming blood drives:
Vance
Henderson
5/15/2023: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Maria Parham Health, 566 Ruin Creek Rd.
5/23/2023: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Henderson Family YMCA, 380 Ruin Creek Rd.
5/30/2023: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Central Baptist Church, 2574 Ruin Creek Rd.
Granville
Creedmoor
5/26/2023: 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Creedmoor United Methodist Church, 214 Park Ave.
Franklin
Louisburg
5/22/2023: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Senior Citizens Center, 279 S. Bickett Blvd.
TownTalk: Kerr Lake Regional Water Systems Keeps The Water Flowing
/by Laura GabelA recent groundbreaking ceremony at the city’s water treatment facility is a tangible indication that all the t’s have been crossed and the I’s dotted to set in motion an expansion project that will, once completed, double the facility’s output to as much as 20 million gallons of water a day.
This is good news for the current 55,000 customers who rely on the Kerr Lake Regional Water System, but Water Resources Director Christy Lipscomb said increased capacity also will allow for growth.
Lipscomb was a guest on Wednesday’s TownTalk and explained just what the almost $80 million expansion project would involve and when it is expected to be completed.
“I am very excited,” Lipscomb said. “This will give us more tools in our toolbox to treat the water and some of the things that show up in the water.
As water testing improves, the EPA and the state set forth regulations that water systems must comply with. “We have to meet (the regulations) and know that it’s going to be safe for the customers,” she said.
The existing system is what Lipscomb calls a “conventional” system, and the plan is to add on to the current building to add a super pulsator system – or Super P, for short.
“It’s like the conventional system, but it runs more efficiently and effectively,” she said of the Super P.
And while there presently no problems with contaminants in the water, having this newer style of system with activated carbon will help if problems arise in the future.
If all goes according to plan, the project will take between 20 months and 30 months to complete, but it will allow for up to 20 million gallons of water a day to be treated and returned to customers for use.
The City of Henderson is the managing partner of the regional water system and has a 60 percent ownership; the city of Oxford and Warren County each have a 20 percent ownership.
Right now, Lipscomb the different entities aren’t using all the water that is allocated to them on paper, which helps the system stay ahead of the game.
On an average day, the water plant treats 7.1 million gallons. When that capacity more than doubles, it could be a game-changer for the area.
Once there is more capacity, customers like Henderson, Oxford and Warren County can use that as a drawing card for economic development.
The plan is to use the Super P as the main treatment source, but keep the conventional system as a backup, just in case. And then, later, a second Super P would be installed and the conventional system would be decommissioned, Lipscomb said.
She said customers shouldn’t see any disruptions in service or changes in water quality because of the expansion.
“They shouldn’t experience anything disruptive,” she said, adding that the city would send out notices if something were to occur that would affect water customers.
CLICK PLAY to hear Christy Lipscomb TownTalk Broadcast!
Home And Garden Show
/by Bill HarrisOn the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.
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WIZS Radio Local News Audio 05-10-23 Noon
/by Bill HarrisClick Play to Listen. On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
VCS hosts Young Women’s Empowerment Conference
/by WIZS Staff-information courtesy of Brielle Barrow, VCS communication coordinator
A group of business leaders and professionals joined forces to share their knowledge, expertise and paths to success recently for the first Young Women’s Empowerment Conference sponsored by Vance County Schools.
The conference was designed “to inspire and empower middle and high school students to be their best selves and to prepare for their journey into young womanhood,” according to a press statement from Brielle Barrow, VCS Communication Coordinator.
The event was held Friday, April 28 at the Center for Innovation. More than 200 middle and high school students were on hand to hear from the six keynote speakers and to participate in a variety of mini breakout sessions with the women.
Among those present to speak at the conference were Margier White, KaKeasha Richardson, PA-C, Cameshia Gavin, Kayachtta Hawkins-Bullock, DDS, Heather Kenney and Kemira Venable.
Granville Native Named Forestry Scholarship Winner
/by WIZS StaffA Granville County native has received the 2023 Nicholas M. Curtis Memorial Scholarship Endowment by the North Carolina Forestry Association.
Cameron Carter will receive the $2,000 scholarship, established in memory of Curtis, whose commitment to sustainable foresty was matched only by his desire to help others.
In a press release issued by his office, N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon noted Carter’s achievements. Sossamon represents District 32, which includes Granville County.
“I am so proud of Cameron and the great things that he is doing. As a former Marine and member of the Student Veterans Association, he has already shown incredible dedication to serving others, and his commitment to his studies is equally impressive.”
The Nicholas M. Curtis Memorial Scholarship Endowment is a testament to the importance of education, service and community involvement. Sossamon expressed his gratitude for Cameron’s commitment to these values and his confidence in his future success. “Cameron has already accomplished so much, and I know that he will continue to achieve great things. He is a shining example of the kind of leader and professional that we need in Granville County and beyond.”
Granville Plans May 15 Public Hearing To Review Proposed 2023-24 Budget
/by WIZS StaffThe Granville County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a public hearing on May 15 to discuss the proposed 2023-24 budget.
County Manager Drew Cummings presented his first budget during the commissioners’ May 1 meeting, which calls for an extra $1 million to Granville County Public Schools, cost of living adjustments for county employees, all with no increase in the county tax rate.
A vote on the final budget draft is planned for June 5, according to information from Granville Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood.
Highlights of the recommended budget for the upcoming fiscal year include:
To view the County Manager’s Budget presentation, visit the Granville County YouTube page: https://youtu.be/VWcL5Rn9yD0
A PowerPoint presentation of budget highlights can be viewed on the Granville County website at this link (https://www.granvillecounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Drew-Rec-Budget-Powerpoint-5-1-23- FINAL.pdf) and the full recommended budget document can be found here
(https://www.granvillecounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/FY23-24-Recommended Budget_compressed.pdf)
Those wishing to examine a hard copy of the recommended budget document can do so during business hours at the Granville County Administration Office (104 Belle Street, Oxford) or at the Richard H. Thornton Library (211 Main Street, Oxford).
TownTalk: Henderson City Council’s Fire Department Update
/by WIZS StaffThe Henderson Fire Department enjoys a rating that puts it among an elite group of fire departments across the country, and Acting Fire Chief Curtis Tyndall said he was proud to present information about how the department measures up to industry standards during Monday’s City Council meeting.
Tyndall thanked the city for helping the fire department provide the city with the level of service to its residents.
The ISO rates fire departments on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the best. Insurance companies use the grade to help determine insurance premiums.
The Henderson fire department has a level 2, which puts it in the top 4 percent of departments across the country.
The areas that are considered during the ISO rating include emergency communications, fire departments, availability of water and community risk.
According to Tyndall, 78 percent of the city is with a 1.5-mile radius of a fire department.
The city has been discussing for the past several years the possibility of adding a third fire station to serve the western part of town.
In an email sent to WIZS Tuesday morning, Henderson City Council member Garry Daeke commented on Monday’s meeting and about the city’s finances.
“We have spent our money on recurring costs, salaries, and the budget is about to get much tighter,” Daeke wrote. “Taking action sooner, rather than later, would save on future costs,” referring to the construction of a third fire station.
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