SportsTalk 12:30 p.m. M-Th
For four of Vance County’s Football Seniors, Wednesday was a major stepping stone to make their dreams a reality. Wednesday was National Signing Day, where athletes all across the nation sign their Letter of Intent to play football at the collegiate level.
The official signing ceremony took place at the Vance County High School Media Center, where VCHS Athletic Director Philip Weil kicked things off. “This is a big milestone for Vance County High School and for our student-athletes.”
Head Football Coach Aaron Elliott spoke on his players just before the signing went underway, “They have all been leaders…we always talk about doing things the right way. My family is here. My kids wanted to get out of school early because these players have treated my family just as I have treated them…we talk about how this is not just a 4-year plan this is a 40-year plan. There is life outside of football. You guys are going to be great, no matter where you end up at.”
First to sign his letter of intent was Camarion Ragland, known as CJ. CJ will play football at North Carolina A&T as a Tight End. But Ragland also says, “They are actually looking at me to play both ways on defense as well.” Ragland also stated that, “I’m not from Henderson, but when I moved here everyone always treated me like family. This is always going to be a place that I can come back to and call home.”
Second to put the pen-to-paper was Antione Doyle Jr. Antione will suit up for the Braves of UNC-Pembroke where he will be a linebacker. Doyle Jr. says he will major in accounting and “hopefully double-major in business as well. I’m hoping to go four years and see where it takes me. Maybe go to The League (NFL), but if not then I’ll get a job in accounting.” Antione is also not from Henderson but he expresses the same gratitude towards VCHS and the community. “I came here last year and played here for two years…everybody just felt like a family atmosphere.” Doyle added that, “Everybody here made me enjoy coming to school every day.”
The third student-athletic to make his commitment official was two-way player Javion Vines-Holder, known as ‘Juice’. Vines-Holder will wear the Rams Helmet when he goes to Winston-Salem State for his collegiate career. Javion will be playing safety while nodding the Red and Black. “I plan to major in Sports Medicine,” said Vines-Holder. The senior had many to thank for this moment. “My supporters, my four years of high school, life in general has played a big important part of my life. Thank you.”
To round out signing day at Vance County High School was Maurice Jackson Jr. He has made his commitment to Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia. Maurice will be a defensive lineman while playing for the Panthers. Jackson Jr. will join the reigning CIAA Conference Champions when he steps foot on campus. Maurice will study health sciences and plans to become an athletic trainer. He is grateful to his family, his coaches, and his fellow teammates for where he is now. For Jackson Jr., the 252 holds a special place in his heart. “I want to thank Henderson. I’m not from here, but the last two years y’all have took me in and have shown me ‘home’. Thank y’all!”
There was one more senior who already made his commitment. Taeshawn Alston signed his letter of intent to play at the University of South Carolina during Early Signing Day back in December. Alston is now enrolled at South Carolina and is already with the Gamecocks Squad.
What these student-athletes have shown during their time at Vance County is absolutely remarkable. During their time at the varsity level, this group has compiled a record of 19-3 on the field. Two playoff appearances. A Northern Lakes Conference Championship in 2023. Along with the first 10-win season from any team in Vance County since Southern Vance met the mark in the 2007 campaign.
We congratulate these amazing student-athletes and wish them the best of luck in college! Go Vipers!
From left to right. CJ Ragland (NC A&T), Javion Vines-Holder (Winston-Salem State), Maurice Jackson Jr. (Virginia Union), and Antione Doyle Jr. (UNC-Pembroke).
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WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 02-10-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
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Thinking Of Planting A Specialty Crop? N.C. Ag Dept. Accepting Grant Applications
/by WIZS StaffThe N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting grant applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the marketplace. Nonprofits and government agencies have until 5 p.m. on Mar 10 to submit applications.
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is managed by the department, through anticipated funding by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Eligible projects must involve fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, culinary herbs and spices, medicinal plants, nursery, floriculture or horticulture crops.
“We are fortunate in North Carolina that our farmers can grow just about any crop, which means the production of specialty crops continues to grow and add to the state’s $111 billion ag industry,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This $1.2 million in grants helps support and grow specialty crop production.”
The department will accept grant requests of up to $200,000 from nonprofit organizations, academia, commodity associations, state and local government agencies, and colleges and universities. Grants are not available for projects that directly benefit or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual.
See https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-crop for a comprehensive listing of qualifying specialty crops. For grant guidelines and an application, go to www.ncspecialtycrops.com/apply. For questions, contact Jenni Keith at 919.707.3158 or by email at jenni.keith@ncagr.gov.
Cooperative Extension With Wayne Rowland: Thinning Pine Stands
/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.
On Vance County Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland, Wayne talks about thinning pine stands can improve your pine forests.
Reminder that The Vance-Warren County Beekeepers Association will have their February meeting tonight. Monday, February 10th at 7pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
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
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SportsTalk: Super Bowl Preview and WIZS’s Picks!
/by Scout HughesUPDATE – FINAL SCORE
Philadelphia Eagles 40
Kansas City Chiefs 22
RECAP MONDAY ON SPORTSTALK
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SportsTalk 12:30 p.m. M-Th
Scout Hughes and Doc Ayscue give their final Super Bowl Preview before The Big Game on Sunday between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles! Below are all the Super Bowl Picks from those at WIZS!
Doc – Eagles
Laura – Chiefs
Matthew – Eagles
Bill – Chiefs
George – Eagles
Scout – Chiefs
Steve – Chiefs
John Charles – Chiefs
John – Chiefs
The following episode of SportsTalk was recorded on February 5th, 2025
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Warren County Health Dept. Hosts Women’s Heart Health Lunch And Learn Feb. 13
/by WIZS StaffToday is National Wear Red Day! The Warren County Health Department invites member of the community to join the national movement by not only wearing red today, but by sharing photos on Facebook and tagging the health department in the posts.
Not into Facebook? Send photos to tanishalyons@warrencountync.gov and we can post the pictures on the event page. This will create a vibrant display of unity and commitment to this important cause.
The health department continues its observance of Heart Health Month with a Women’s Heart Health Lunch and Learn session on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Warren County Memorial Library.
Participants will hear an informative discussion about the effects of heart disease on women and also will learn some strategies to improve women’s heart health. A light lunch will be provided. RSVP to this program at 252.257.6037.
Some startling statistics about women’s heart health:
NC Foundation For Soil And Water Conservation Scholarships Available
/by WIZS StaffThe North Carolina Foundation for Soil and Water Conservation is offering scholarships to students who are currently studying or plan to seek a degree in natural resource management at a college, university or community college in North Carolina. Scholarship applications are open now and will be available until March 1, 2025.
Find the application at https://ncsoilwater.org/careers-in-conservation-scholarship-program-application/
The Careers in Conservation Scholarship Program’s goal is to increase the number of qualified people committed to working in the field of natural resource management. Scholarship recipients will be students who are currently pursuing or have firm plans to pursue a college degree in natural resource management or other closely related fields. Recipients will receive $1,000 per school year and must reapply each year for consideration. Scholarship awards will be announced before the end of May 2025.
Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of recommendation from their Soil and Water Conservation District Board or staff members.
For more information, please contact the Granville County Soil and Water office at 919.693.4603
Thornton Library’s North Carolina Room Gets $4K Gift
/by WIZS StaffThe North Carolina Room at the Richard H. Thornton Library has received a $4,000 gift from an anonymous donor via the Friends of the Library. This is the largest single donation received by the North Carolina room during the 16 years North Carolina Room Specialist Mark Pace has been at the helm.
The unnamed donor grew up in Oxford and has longstanding ties to Granville County but gave the donation on the condition of anonymity, according to a press release from Granville County Public Information Terry Hobgood.
The gift will be used for currently currently unfunded areas of need for the North Carolina Room. This could include the purchase of archival storage boxes, a genealogical book series or other equipment or maintenance needs in lieu of taxpayer dollars.
The North Carolina Room includes a multitude of county histories like Census records for Granville and surrounding counties, archives of the Oxford Public Ledger and Butner-Creedmoor News, minutes from court proceedings, as well as marriage certificates, deeds, family genealogical histories and church histories. The North Carolina Room is located at the Richard H. Thornton Library, 210 Main St., Oxford. To learn more, visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/438/NC-Genealogy-Room
The Friends of the Library is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to the support of the Granville County Library System, including the development and growth of library resources, services and facilities. Visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/431/Friends-of-the-Library to learn more.
WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 02-07-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
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SportsTalk: National Signing Day For Vance County Football
/by Scout HughesSportsTalk 12:30 p.m. M-Th
For four of Vance County’s Football Seniors, Wednesday was a major stepping stone to make their dreams a reality. Wednesday was National Signing Day, where athletes all across the nation sign their Letter of Intent to play football at the collegiate level.
The official signing ceremony took place at the Vance County High School Media Center, where VCHS Athletic Director Philip Weil kicked things off. “This is a big milestone for Vance County High School and for our student-athletes.”
Head Football Coach Aaron Elliott spoke on his players just before the signing went underway, “They have all been leaders…we always talk about doing things the right way. My family is here. My kids wanted to get out of school early because these players have treated my family just as I have treated them…we talk about how this is not just a 4-year plan this is a 40-year plan. There is life outside of football. You guys are going to be great, no matter where you end up at.”
First to sign his letter of intent was Camarion Ragland, known as CJ. CJ will play football at North Carolina A&T as a Tight End. But Ragland also says, “They are actually looking at me to play both ways on defense as well.” Ragland also stated that, “I’m not from Henderson, but when I moved here everyone always treated me like family. This is always going to be a place that I can come back to and call home.”
Second to put the pen-to-paper was Antione Doyle Jr. Antione will suit up for the Braves of UNC-Pembroke where he will be a linebacker. Doyle Jr. says he will major in accounting and “hopefully double-major in business as well. I’m hoping to go four years and see where it takes me. Maybe go to The League (NFL), but if not then I’ll get a job in accounting.” Antione is also not from Henderson but he expresses the same gratitude towards VCHS and the community. “I came here last year and played here for two years…everybody just felt like a family atmosphere.” Doyle added that, “Everybody here made me enjoy coming to school every day.”
The third student-athletic to make his commitment official was two-way player Javion Vines-Holder, known as ‘Juice’. Vines-Holder will wear the Rams Helmet when he goes to Winston-Salem State for his collegiate career. Javion will be playing safety while nodding the Red and Black. “I plan to major in Sports Medicine,” said Vines-Holder. The senior had many to thank for this moment. “My supporters, my four years of high school, life in general has played a big important part of my life. Thank you.”
To round out signing day at Vance County High School was Maurice Jackson Jr. He has made his commitment to Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia. Maurice will be a defensive lineman while playing for the Panthers. Jackson Jr. will join the reigning CIAA Conference Champions when he steps foot on campus. Maurice will study health sciences and plans to become an athletic trainer. He is grateful to his family, his coaches, and his fellow teammates for where he is now. For Jackson Jr., the 252 holds a special place in his heart. “I want to thank Henderson. I’m not from here, but the last two years y’all have took me in and have shown me ‘home’. Thank y’all!”
There was one more senior who already made his commitment. Taeshawn Alston signed his letter of intent to play at the University of South Carolina during Early Signing Day back in December. Alston is now enrolled at South Carolina and is already with the Gamecocks Squad.
What these student-athletes have shown during their time at Vance County is absolutely remarkable. During their time at the varsity level, this group has compiled a record of 19-3 on the field. Two playoff appearances. A Northern Lakes Conference Championship in 2023. Along with the first 10-win season from any team in Vance County since Southern Vance met the mark in the 2007 campaign.
We congratulate these amazing student-athletes and wish them the best of luck in college! Go Vipers!
From left to right. CJ Ragland (NC A&T), Javion Vines-Holder (Winston-Salem State), Maurice Jackson Jr. (Virginia Union), and Antione Doyle Jr. (UNC-Pembroke).
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TownTalk: Community Information Series To Feature Mayor Elliott
/by WIZS StaffHenderson Mayor Melissa Elliott can be found at the city building on Rose Avenue for monthly Council meetings, but you’re also likely to spot her most anywhere across town in any number of places promoting the city and supporting its residents.
Elliott was at the Senior Center Thursday morning to help senior adults create “vision boards.”
And on Tuesday, Feb. 11, she’ll be the speaker at the Community Information Series at Baskerville Funeral Home.
The title of the program, which runs from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., is “Understanding City Government.”
“There are a lot of things that people don’t understand about city government,” Elliott said on Thursday’s TownTalk. She wants everyone to understand that no one person makes all the decisions or all the rules.
“We work as a team,” she said of herself, Council members and city staff, “and that’s how we pass law…(and) govern the city.
She said the elected officials need to be available to their constituents. “We want to hear what people have to say,” she added.
The business of government is about people, Elliott emphasized. The whole business of governing IS people, she said, and it’s important for the city to invest in its people.
“We are in the business of helping people and moving a community forward,” she said, even when resources are scarce.
The vision board activity is part of the mayor’s health and wellness initiative, and it’s one way to invest in people.
Today, it’s senior adults, and a month ago, she spent time with a bunch of teens as they created their own vision boards. It’s a way to focus on positive mental health practices, she noted. Participants create a collage of how they want to “see” themselves – healthy and happy and secure.
Spending time with folks as they create these boards is also a way Elliott gets to interact with constituents
“You put on your board what you want to look like and what you want your city to look like,” she said.
She said she welcomes people’s comments because their voice matters – whether it’s a complaint or praise.
Reach out to Elliott at 252.425.5220 or call the city clerk at 252.430.5705 to learn more.
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