Saturday’s Community Day at Turning Point CDC checks all the boxes for families and others who are looking to learn more about resources available in the area, but Executive Director Chalis Henderson predicts the vibe will be closer to a family reunion than anything else.
“It’s a day of networking, a day of fun and fellowship and certainly excitement as we see the different vendors out there,” Henderson said. “It’s just good times.”
More than 40 vendors are expected to be on hand to share information and network with folks who live in their sphere of influence, from the local cooperative extension to the new charter school, The Sledge Institute.
All the vendors are asked to bring some school supplies to donate, which will be distributed during the event.
“We expect everyone to leave with plenty,” she said, whether it’s food, school supplies or increased knowledge and awareness of how to access resources in the area.
“Community Day is beneficial not only for the community members,” Henderson said, “but for the vendors and partners to connect…we can all come together and get what we need on this day.”
The event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Turning Point CDC campus, located at 2495 U.S. 1/158 in Henderson.
CLICK PLAY!
“We’re big on networking, building partnerships and bridges,” Henderson said, adding that there are greater outcomes for the larger community when partnerships are formed.
With so many vendors and other activities going on throughout the day, Henderson said another community partner, NC Idea, is working it out so that each vendor will have a couple of minutes with a microphone to explain what they do and services they provide.
So even if you can’t visit each table, tent or booth, Henderson said if you’re within earshot, you’ll have a better idea of exactly what services are available and how to access them.
Turning Point CDC is an offshoot of Oasis of Hope Ministries, which Henderson’s parents established almost 25 years ago.
By empowering people, communities can be transformed, she said. Whoever visits the campus can see in action a thriving preschool, after-school program, food pantry and summer learning activities.
“There’s always some form of ministry or outreach taking place,” she said. “It’s a blessing to have a space that provides those opportunities…every single thing on our campus has a purpose to it and it’s designed with great intention.”
Visit https://www.turningpointcdc.org/ to learn more.
New Principals At STEM Early High, Dabney Elementary
/by WIZS Staff— information courtesy of Vance County Schools
Vance County Schools has named new principals for STEM Early High and Dabney Elementary as the 2025-26 school year approaches.
Jessica Austin is the principal of STEM Early High and Dr. Miah Hart-Olivis is principal at Dabney Elementary, according to information from Aarika Sandlin, VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support.
Austin, most recently the Math Teacher Development specialist for Vance County High School and Vance County Early College, has more than 20 years’ experience as a teacher and administrator. She is a former principal with Durham Public Schools.
Austin has a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s of Education in school administration from UNC-Chapel Hill and is currently pursuing a doctorate at UNC-G.
Hart-Olivis, most recently a human resources recruiter, also brings more than 20 years of experience to her new role. She has worked in Durham County Schools and Chatham County Schools. Hart-Olivis earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in teaching from Hampton University and has a doctorate in educational leadership from High Point University.
WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 07-31-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
Click Play!
Cooperative Extension with Jamon Glover: Bedtime Problems pt.2
/by WIZS StaffJamon Glover, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:
We continue our series on working with children with bedtime problems. This time we discuss how to prepare a child for bedtime and a routine to go through.
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!
SportsTalk: Bill Belichick & the Tar Heels are ready for the 2025 Season
/by Scout HughesSportsTalk 12:30 p.m. M-Th
Scout Hughes and George Hoyle talk about UNC’s upcoming 2025 football season with Bill Belichick now taking the reigns of the Tar Heels.
Click Play!
Home and Garden Show
/by WIZS StaffOn the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.
The Vance County Cooperative Extension is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536
The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536
Click Play!
TownTalk: Community Day with Turning Point CDC
/by WIZS StaffSaturday’s Community Day at Turning Point CDC checks all the boxes for families and others who are looking to learn more about resources available in the area, but Executive Director Chalis Henderson predicts the vibe will be closer to a family reunion than anything else.
“It’s a day of networking, a day of fun and fellowship and certainly excitement as we see the different vendors out there,” Henderson said. “It’s just good times.”
More than 40 vendors are expected to be on hand to share information and network with folks who live in their sphere of influence, from the local cooperative extension to the new charter school, The Sledge Institute.
All the vendors are asked to bring some school supplies to donate, which will be distributed during the event.
“We expect everyone to leave with plenty,” she said, whether it’s food, school supplies or increased knowledge and awareness of how to access resources in the area.
“Community Day is beneficial not only for the community members,” Henderson said, “but for the vendors and partners to connect…we can all come together and get what we need on this day.”
The event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Turning Point CDC campus, located at 2495 U.S. 1/158 in Henderson.
CLICK PLAY!
“We’re big on networking, building partnerships and bridges,” Henderson said, adding that there are greater outcomes for the larger community when partnerships are formed.
With so many vendors and other activities going on throughout the day, Henderson said another community partner, NC Idea, is working it out so that each vendor will have a couple of minutes with a microphone to explain what they do and services they provide.
So even if you can’t visit each table, tent or booth, Henderson said if you’re within earshot, you’ll have a better idea of exactly what services are available and how to access them.
Turning Point CDC is an offshoot of Oasis of Hope Ministries, which Henderson’s parents established almost 25 years ago.
By empowering people, communities can be transformed, she said. Whoever visits the campus can see in action a thriving preschool, after-school program, food pantry and summer learning activities.
“There’s always some form of ministry or outreach taking place,” she said. “It’s a blessing to have a space that provides those opportunities…every single thing on our campus has a purpose to it and it’s designed with great intention.”
Visit https://www.turningpointcdc.org/ to learn more.
City Of Henderson Awarded $10.7M For Water Projects
/by Laura GabelClick Play!
The City of Henderson is getting $10.7 million from the state’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund for its Sandy Creek Pump Station and Force Main projects.
The announcement came last week, when Gov. Josh Stein and the Department of Environmental Quality said that 48 projects in 27 counties would receive more than $204 million in funding for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
The awards will improve drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, address PFAS and other forever chemicals, identify and replace lead pipes and improve resiliency after future storms, according to information on the DEQ website.
“When you turn on the faucet in your home, you shouldn’t have to worry about whether that water is safe for your family,” said Governor Josh Stein. “These investments will help ensure North Carolinians have access to clean drinking water and will help keep people safe when disaster strikes.”
“At DEQ, we’re committed to ensuring everyone in North Carolina has access to clean water,” said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. “This funding will address aging infrastructure and improve public health for communities large and small.”
The town of Warrenton also is set to receive $10 million for its Phase IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements project.
WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 07-30-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
Click Play!
Granville County Employee Recognized By State Organization For Customer Service, Helping Coworkers In Tax Office
/by WIZS Staff— Courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry A. Hobgood, Jr.
Tax Collections Supervisor Tamonica Thorpe recently received the Outstanding Tax Collections Employee of the Year award from the North Carolina Tax Collectors’ Association. Thorpe was recognized for exemplary customer service to the citizens of Granville County and dedication to helping her coworkers.
Thorpe has worked for the Granville County Tax Administration Department for the last 10 years, which included a brief tenure with the Durham County Tax Administration Department. She began as a tax listing assistant before moving to Tax Collections assistant II, Tax Collections specialist, and Collections Supervisor – a role she has held since 2019.
Thorpe is known for remaining patient and for always being willing to lend a helping hand, even during the most stressful situations. She is also known for creating games to help with training and professional development, including a tax-themed Jeopardy! game she devised to help teach her coworkers more about listing, assessing, collections and enforcement.
While continuing to work full-time at the Tax Administration office, Thorpe pursued her master’s in Public Administration from Liberty University. Her coworkers note that she has improved efficiency by collaborating with other divisions of the Tax Administration office to simplify procedures and reduce the time needed to complete standard tax listing processes.
“Tamonica’s motto is to work smarter, not harder,” said Tax Administrator Jenny Short. “I am so proud to have her as part of our team in Granville County and am thrilled that she was honored by her peers from across North Carolina. Every day, Tamonica exemplifies hard work and dedication, and she is so deserving to be named the Outstanding Tax Collections Employee of the Year.”
The NCTCA is a professional organization consisting of tax revenue directors and personnel representing counties and municipalities in North Carolina. The NCTCA provides members with education and training opportunities to perform duties to the maximum benefit of their citizens.
Click Play!
Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament Set For Thursday, Oct. 2 At Kerr Lake Country Club
/by WIZS StaffThe 27th annual Chamber Challenge golf tournament is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 2 and now’s the time to register – the deadline is Sept. 22, but Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson said not to wait too long – the spots fill up fast!
The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce and Presenting Sponsor Margier White-State Farm Insurance invite you to join us in making this event a fun and successful fundraiser at Kerr Lake Country Club.
The Chamber is seeking sponsors and donations for golfers’ gift bags as well as players for the tournament. It will be a day full of fun, food, golf and networking.
Here’s the link to the registration page, which contains information about sponsorship levels and more:
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/?ogbl&pli=1#inbox/WhctKLbfNwzVWKRhkLZpzMMRpBHKgfMrDQGtdbJFSkqWTvPsNnzdDTgrPpmbqJzcQDwkHdV?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1