If Micah Sharpe can get young people to buy in to 4-H at an early age, the chances are better that they’ll stick with it through their teenage years. And if some of those youngsters are interested in learning their way around a kitchen to create healthy, nutritious foods, the Vance County 4-H Youth Development agent said they’ll be able to whip up something a little more exotic than Oodles of Noodles.
A team of local 4-Hers from Vance and Warren counties participated in the “Got To Be NC” festival competition back in May and they represented themselves well, said Nitasha Kearney, who works in the Granville County Extension Office’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program.
Kearney and Sharpe teamed up to guide the young chefs-in-training on the path to the competition, called the Dinah Gore Healthy Food Challenge. The kids learn the 4-H curriculum from Sharpe and then Kearney came in with her EFNEP curriculum.
The new classes for youth begin on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 5:30 p.m., with the ultimate goal of being in the 2025 competition and bringing home the gold. The classes are free.
“My very first lesson is going to be on food safety,” she said. There are four simple rules: Clean, Separate, Chill, Cook.
Team member Kadin Bowden can attest to that. The 11-year-old Vance Charter student said he learned that “you wash your hands before you touch anything in the kitchen – 20 seconds with soap and water.”
Bowden said he’s learned a lot about cooking and enjoys cooking for his family. Knowing the rules of cooking – using the right temperatures and knowing the right way to cook different items keeps foods “safe for you to eat and not get sick.”
He and his teammate and brother Timothy, see their dad Ken Bowden show off his cooking skills in his food truck T&K Best Bites in Town.
“He taught me all the basic stuff about cooking like Miss Nitasha and Mr. Sharpe,” Kadin said. Breading catfish, cooking eggs, chicken, hotdogs and more, Kadin and Timothy have a role model close by to emulate.
Team Captain Jaque Oliver said he took his role seriously. “I want to try to help as a team,” Oliver said. “Let them have fun, have a nice time, but don’t let anybody down.”
In the competition, the team had to create a salad with a homemade dressing within the prescribed 40-minute time limit. They were given a list of ingredients and one “mystery” ingredient. The final product looked pretty impressive, he agreed, especially since they added some pork balls and fresh strawberries and blueberries.
The setting for the competition didn’t really resemble those popular cooking shows on TV, but there was a nice-sized table that all the team members could fit around to do prep work, Oliver said.
In their own preparation before the competition, Kearney estimated that the team already had created 40 different recipes. “We expect rice, we expect pork chops,” Kearney said, referring to probable foods they’d be working with in the competition. “We don’t expect goat cheese.”
The final product must be healthy and delicious, but the team also must utilize food safety skills in its preparation.
Jamera Oliver is Jaque’s 12-year-old sister and also a member of the team. She said she’s a bit of a party planner and said she’s likely to create healthy dishes as a result of what she’s learned in 4H.
She’s got plenty of experience helping her parents with holiday food prep – turkey and mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving, and candy apples at Halloween. She said pasta dishes are pretty easy and so is stir fry, but her favorite dish to make is lasagna.
She likes the idea of working with a team to create food. “I feel like these things will help me out through life,” she said, meaning not just cooking, but also other things too, like making new friends. “It was fun working with everyone here, being a team.”
Kearney said “fun” is a key ingredient in cooking and preparing meals that she relishes sharing with her community.
“I feel like this job was made for me,” she said. “The fact that I get to show my community how to cook, prepare healthy foods, (and) how to have fun” while doing it, is icing on the cake.
Visit https://vance.ces.ncsu.edu/ to learn more about 4-H in Vance County or call the office at 252.438.8188.
Click Play!
Vance County Schools Honors Top Teachers, Administrators At ‘Excellence in Education’ Banquet
/by WIZS StaffVance County Schools honored the district’s top educators at its annual Excellence in Education banquet Thursday evening at the Henderson Country Club.
Jozette Broughton of New Hope Elementary was named Teacher of the Year and Khris-Tina Stewart-Hendricks of Vance County High was selected as the Beginning Teacher of the Year, Top administrators included Facetia Branch of Vance County Middle as Assistant Principal of the Year, and Dr. Nealie Whitt III of Vance County High as Principal of the Year.
VCS Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett said, “Being a part of the recognition of our Educators of Excellence is always such an honor. Vance County has some of the best educators in North Carolina, while we can only recognize a few of those stellar educators, I continue to be humbled by their commitment to children by ensuring they are on the path to a successful future.”
The top winners will represent Vance County at the regional level.
A little about last night’s honorees:
Currently working on her National Board for Professional State Standards, Broughton said she plans to elevate her work through continued memberships in professional organizations and professional development in instruction.
2024-2025 Vance County Schools Teacher of the Year Nominees:
● Cynthia Schlessinger, Vance Virtual Village
2024-2025 Vance County Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year Nominees:
2024-2025 Vance County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year Nominees: ● McShell Edmonds, Vance County High
2024-2025 Vance County Schools Principal of the Year Nominees: ● Dr. Shannon Bullock, L.B. Yancey Elementary
IT Management Company To Build $9M Facility In Franklin County
/by WIZS StaffA New Jersey-based IT company is building a $9 million production center in Franklin County, which will create 100 new full-time jobs.
PlanITROI, LLC, a leading provider of secure, purpose-driven IT lifecycle management solutions, is establishing a “Center of Excellence,” according to information from Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks III.
“After an exhaustive national search for a location for our Center of Excellence, Franklin County stood out as not only an excellent location, but also a strong environment for us to grow and develop our next generation of PlanITROI teammates,” stated Paul Baum, the company’s CEO and founder.
“We are thrilled to welcome PlanITROI to Franklin County,” said Economic Development Director Barbara Fiedor. “Their investment and job creation will have a positive impact on our community and their commitment to being a strong community partner aligns with our values. This company’s investment underscores Franklin County’s dedication to attracting forward-thinking businesses aiming to enhance economic development while supporting community initiatives.”
PlanITROI is known for delivering complete end-to-end IT lifecycle management asset value recovery services and reverse logistics solutions, data security, and real-time transparent reporting and analytics. PlanITROI brings affordable technology to lower-income families, students, and businesses.
As part of its community engagement, the company’s nonprofit arm called Digital Dreams Project will donate refurbished computers to local schools and community organizations to support educational and community development as well as foster digital inclusion across Franklin County.
The Digital Dreams Project has provided affordable access to technology to more than 600,000 individuals in their mission to close the digital divide and empower underserved communities and drive transformative change.
The grand opening of the facility is anticipated to take place in early October 2024 and there will be a ribbon-cutting of the new facility anticipated to take place in early 2025.
For more information about the grand opening event or to learn more about employment opportunities, contact Tammy Lesch, CSO at tlesch@planitroi.com.
Summer Reading Program Participants Log 4,873 Hours
/by WIZS Staff– information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood
The 2024 Summer Reading Program was a huge success at all four branches of the Granville County Library System. Hundreds of Granville County residents of all ages participated in this annual program with the goal of lessening the summer learning gap and ensuring that there are opportunities for fun, educational activities during the summer months between school academic years.
During the 2024 Summer Reading program, 468 kids registered to participate and track their reading hours. Of those who registered, the total reading hours logged was 4,873; more than 10 hours of reading per participant. In total, the library checked out over 5,000 children’s and young adult books. The library system also offered 112 children’s programs this summer attended by 3,327 people. Adult programming was also a big hit this summer with 879 adults attending 52 programs and events.
“We are always thinking of ways to keep our community engaged and the summer provides a unique challenge and opportunity,” said Will Robinson, Director of the Granville County Library System. “The Summer Reading Program is a great way to continue learning and keep kids active and engaged while school is out. We know that everyone is busy with family and community activities, but these statistics show how much Granville County residents value their library and are eager for activities to participate in. A special thank-you goes out to our Children’s Librarians, Amy Carlson and Amy Kemp, for the time and effort they spend planning and carrying out this program. Their hard work certainly has paid off!”
Some of the featured programs this summer included the Star Lab Mobile Planetarium, Mario Kart Tournaments, Japanese Taiko Drumming, Girls in STEM, and a “truck rally” at the Granville Athletic Park. Many of these events attracted hundreds of attendees each.
Even though the Summer Reading Program is over, there are programs for all ages nearly every day at the Granville County Library System’s four branches, located in Oxford, Creedmoor, Stovall and Berea.
For more information about services and programs offered by the Granville County Library system, visit the library website at https://granville.lib.nc.us.
Granville Senior Center To Host ‘Nifty 90s’ Event Sept. 18
/by WIZS StaffCalling all nonagenarians! The Granville County Senior Services wants to honor YOU at the upcoming Nifty 90s event at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center.
The annual celebration, which will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 18, includes dinner and entertainment as a way to honor Granville County residents who are 90 years of age or older.
Doors open at 4:15 p.m. and dinner will be served at 5:15 p.m.
Please register no later than Monday, Sept. 9 if you’re planning to attend. The Nifty 90s event is free for all those who are 90 or older; guests under 90 may attend for a cost of $10.
Call the Granville County Senior Center to register at 919-693-1930.
For more information about all of the programs offered by Granville County Senior Services, visit the Granville County website at https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/senior-services/ or follow Granville County Senior Services on Facebook.
Certified Organic Producers Eligible For Cost-Share Program Up To $750
/by WIZS Staff– information courtesy of the N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Organic growers in North Carolina can apply for partial reimbursement of the cost of becoming certified or for recertification through a program offered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Growers certified or recertified between Oct. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024, can apply for assistance through the program, according to information from the N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
“Applicants can be reimbursed up to 75 percent of the cost of organic certification per category,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and I would encourage growers and handlers to submit their applications early.”
Under the grant, operations can be certified and reimbursed in four separate categories: crops, livestock, wild crop and handler/processor. The maximum reimbursement per category is $750.
The program is for the 2023-24 season and is funded through a $135,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Applications must be postmarked by Oct. 31.
To apply, growers must provide a completed application, along with detailed invoices/statements from the certifying agency listing all National Organic Program certified costs, proof of payment, a substitute W-9 form and a copy of your certificate or letter from your certifier if this is a new certification. All charges must be for USDA organic certification. The application can be downloaded at
https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/marketing/marketing-grading-services. Growers can also apply through their local Farm Service Agency office.
Application and required documents can be mailed, faxed or emailed to the NCDA&CS Organic Certification Cost Share Program, Attn. Heather Lifsey. For questions, contact Lifsey at 919.749.3337.
Three Arrested Following Report Of Gunshot Into Occupied Vehicle
/by WIZS Staff-information courtesy of Henderson Police Chief Marcus W. Barrow
Three men were arrested Wednesday following a report of gunfire involving two vehicles on a city street. No injuries were reported, according to a press release from Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow, and it is believed to have been an isolated incident.
On Aug. 28, at approximately 12 noon, it was reported that someone in a dark-colored Jeep SUV discharged a weapon into another vehicle near South William Street and Chavasse Avenue.
Investigators with the Henderson Police Department quickly developed information that led them to obtain a search warrant for 1722 Lynn Ave., where the suspect vehicle was located.
During a search of the residence, multiple firearms were located and recovered, leading to the detainment and subsequent charging of multiple people.
Djhante Blash, of 1722 Lynn Ave. was charged with possession of Schedule II and possession of a firearm by a felon. Blash was remanded to the Vance County Detention Center without bond, pending his first court appearance.
Nigel Malik Torres, 23, of Franklin County was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to kill and discharging a weapon into occupied property. Torres was remanded to the Vance County Detention Center without bond, pending his first court appearance.
Kobe Isaiah Allen of Winston Salem was charged with possession of firearm by convicted felon and possession of a stolen firearm. Allen received a $50,000 secured bond and was transported to the Vance County Detention Center.
Click Play!
SportsTalk: Vance County’s Coach Elliott Previews Rocky Mount Game
/by Scout HughesSportsTalk on WIZS 12:30 p.m. M-Th
Scout Hughes and George Hoyle talk with Vance County Head Football Coach Aaron Elliott as they prepare for Rocky Mount on Friday night.
Vance County travels to Rocky Mount for Week 2 of the 2024 season Friday, August 30th and you can hear all the action on WIZS 1450AM, 100.1FM, and online at wizs.com with pregame starting at 6:50 p.m. and kickoff thereafter at 7:00 p.m.
Click Play!
WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 08-29-24 Noon
/by WIZS StaffLocal News Airs on WIZS M-F at 8 a.m., 12 Noon and 5 p.m.
Click Play!
Cooperative Extension with Wykia Macon: August Recap and September Preview
/by WIZS StaffCooperative Extension
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!
TownTalk: Budding Chefs Can Sign Up For 4-H Cooking Teams
/by Laura GabelIf Micah Sharpe can get young people to buy in to 4-H at an early age, the chances are better that they’ll stick with it through their teenage years. And if some of those youngsters are interested in learning their way around a kitchen to create healthy, nutritious foods, the Vance County 4-H Youth Development agent said they’ll be able to whip up something a little more exotic than Oodles of Noodles.
A team of local 4-Hers from Vance and Warren counties participated in the “Got To Be NC” festival competition back in May and they represented themselves well, said Nitasha Kearney, who works in the Granville County Extension Office’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program.
Kearney and Sharpe teamed up to guide the young chefs-in-training on the path to the competition, called the Dinah Gore Healthy Food Challenge. The kids learn the 4-H curriculum from Sharpe and then Kearney came in with her EFNEP curriculum.
The new classes for youth begin on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 5:30 p.m., with the ultimate goal of being in the 2025 competition and bringing home the gold. The classes are free.
“My very first lesson is going to be on food safety,” she said. There are four simple rules: Clean, Separate, Chill, Cook.
Team member Kadin Bowden can attest to that. The 11-year-old Vance Charter student said he learned that “you wash your hands before you touch anything in the kitchen – 20 seconds with soap and water.”
Bowden said he’s learned a lot about cooking and enjoys cooking for his family. Knowing the rules of cooking – using the right temperatures and knowing the right way to cook different items keeps foods “safe for you to eat and not get sick.”
He and his teammate and brother Timothy, see their dad Ken Bowden show off his cooking skills in his food truck T&K Best Bites in Town.
“He taught me all the basic stuff about cooking like Miss Nitasha and Mr. Sharpe,” Kadin said. Breading catfish, cooking eggs, chicken, hotdogs and more, Kadin and Timothy have a role model close by to emulate.
Team Captain Jaque Oliver said he took his role seriously. “I want to try to help as a team,” Oliver said. “Let them have fun, have a nice time, but don’t let anybody down.”
In the competition, the team had to create a salad with a homemade dressing within the prescribed 40-minute time limit. They were given a list of ingredients and one “mystery” ingredient. The final product looked pretty impressive, he agreed, especially since they added some pork balls and fresh strawberries and blueberries.
The setting for the competition didn’t really resemble those popular cooking shows on TV, but there was a nice-sized table that all the team members could fit around to do prep work, Oliver said.
In their own preparation before the competition, Kearney estimated that the team already had created 40 different recipes. “We expect rice, we expect pork chops,” Kearney said, referring to probable foods they’d be working with in the competition. “We don’t expect goat cheese.”
The final product must be healthy and delicious, but the team also must utilize food safety skills in its preparation.
Jamera Oliver is Jaque’s 12-year-old sister and also a member of the team. She said she’s a bit of a party planner and said she’s likely to create healthy dishes as a result of what she’s learned in 4H.
She’s got plenty of experience helping her parents with holiday food prep – turkey and mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving, and candy apples at Halloween. She said pasta dishes are pretty easy and so is stir fry, but her favorite dish to make is lasagna.
She likes the idea of working with a team to create food. “I feel like these things will help me out through life,” she said, meaning not just cooking, but also other things too, like making new friends. “It was fun working with everyone here, being a team.”
Kearney said “fun” is a key ingredient in cooking and preparing meals that she relishes sharing with her community.
“I feel like this job was made for me,” she said. “The fact that I get to show my community how to cook, prepare healthy foods, (and) how to have fun” while doing it, is icing on the cake.
Visit https://vance.ces.ncsu.edu/ to learn more about 4-H in Vance County or call the office at 252.438.8188.
Click Play!