The Local Skinny! County Contract Extension With Rescue Squad Ends Sept. 30

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The 90-day contract extension between the county and the Vance County Lifesaving and Rescue Squad Inc. officially ends tomorrow – Sept. 30.

According to Rescue Squad Chief Doyle Carpunky, the rescue squad’s offer to continue responding to calls at no cost to the county has been declined, but it is unclear whether the rescue squad will continue to be dispatched.

So what’s going to happen if the rescue squad gets dispatched on Oct. 1? Carpunky said he hasn’t had clarification from the county but told WIZS this morning that “we’re going to respond to the citizens of our community like we’ve always done.”

Requests from the rescue squad board president and the county fire association to meet with county staff and the county’s Public Safety Committee have been declined.

In an email to Rescue Squad Board President Bill Rainey, Vance County Manager C. Renee Perry stated that the rescue squad would be dispatched upon requests from volunteer fire departments or other partnering agencies. “We appreciate the Rescue Squad’s continuing operations in the County and the County’s 911 center has no problem dispatching upon request,” Perry stated in the email.

Perry told WIZS earlier Monday that the county commissioners will consider an updated operations plan at its November meeting and that the rescue squad will be dispatched upon request only, “not automatically since we don’t have a contract in place.”

Carpunky said the county is rewriting the mutual plan with no input from fire departments or from the rescue squad.

In response to an email from Rescue Squad President Bill Rainey requesting that the rescue squad continue to be dispatched to calls at no cost to the county, Perry listed several reasons why the county is not willing to accept that offer. The email, which Carpunky shared with WIZS, reads as follows:

I have received your request for a contract with no funding and automatic dispatch and I have the below concerns and these are reasons why we will not move forward with the request.

  • The County provides no funding, so it has lost the significant tool for oversight. Financial contributions has historically given the County leverage to require financial reporting, audits, and performance measures. Without that, the County has less authority to ensure consistent and reliable service.
  • Even if no money changes hands, the County would still be a party to the contract. If the Rescue Squad fails to meet service standards or if lawsuits arise from operations, the County could still be drawn into legal disputes without having had the ability to ensure adequate funding for insurance, staffing, or training.
  • Automatic dispatch assumes the Rescue Squad always has available personnel and equipment. If they fail to respond or are understaffed, it creates service gaps and delays for citizens in need.
  • Other agencies (fire departments, EMS, etc.) may already be dispatched and capable of handling the same types of calls. Sending the Rescue Squad automatically could cause overcrowding on scenes, inefficient use of resources, and confusion in command structure.
  • If the Rescue Squad is automatically dispatched under the County’s authority, the County may share responsibility for any failures in response, training deficiencies, or accidents on scene — even though the County isn’t funding or controlling their operations.
  • Automatic dispatch implies reliance and the County cannot ensure the Rescue Squad has proper staffing, equipment, insurance, or compliance with state standards.

Staff will move forward with reviewing the current mutual aid agreement as well as ensuring that the Rescue Squad is dispatched upon request from other VFD or other partnering agencies. We appreciate the Rescue Squad’s continuing operations in the County and the County’s 911 center has no problem dispatching upon request.”

Perry said she had advised commissioners on the information contained in the email and said concerns should be shared with Assistant County Manager Jeremy Jones.

According to minutes from a Sept. 18 special called meeting of the Vance Fire Association, “Assistant Chief Rainey stated Vance Rescue was willing to contract directly with each department, and they had a contract which was distributed to all departments present to look over and would be mailed to the departments not present. As of 10/01/2025 Vance Rescue will be a volunteer department.

“It was stated the County would not be sending a contract and 911 will not be automatically dispatching Rescue after 09/30/2025. Concerns were expressed about filling this void by individual departments.”

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Maria Parham Health Radiation Oncology Suite Reopens With State-Of-The-Art Technology

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– information courtesy of Maria Parham Health Public Information Officer Donna Young

The community is invited to come out and take a look at the newly renovated and updated Radiation Oncology Suite at Maria Parham Hospital on Thursday, Oct. 9.

The re-opening celebration will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the MPH Cancer Center, according to information from MPH Public Information Officer Donna Young.

Attendees should enter through the hospital’s Cancer Center entrance.

After several months of renovation and equipment upgrades, the department is now home to a new, state-of-the-art linear accelerator – LINAC for short – an advanced piece of medical technology that delivers external beam radiation therapy with precision and care. This powerful machine uses high-frequency electromagnetic fields to create a high-energy beam of electrons, or X-rays, to target and treat cancerous tumors, all while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. LINAC is able to rotate around the patient and utilize advanced imaging, which provides the highest standard in modern radiation treatment.

With this new addition, Maria Parham will also have the new capability to do stereotactic body radiation therapy, known as SBRT in the medical field. SBRT is a type of external beam radiation therapy that delivers high doses of radiation to a tumor in fewer sessions (typically 1-5), compared to conventional radiation therapy which may require weeks of treatment. It uses advanced imaging and targeting technologies to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

In addition to showcasing the upgraded facility and technology, the event will also serve as an opportunity for guests to meet Dr. Ryan Fecteau, MD, PhD, Maria Parham Health’s new Radiation Oncologist.

“We are incredibly proud to offer this advanced technology to our patients and to continue raising the bar for cancer care in our region,” said Kimberly Smith, director of The Cancer Center at Maria Parham Health. “This event is not only a celebration of innovation but of our ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality care close to home.”

Sign Up By Oct. 17 For Free Mammogram; Nov. 1 Event At Aycock Rec Center

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Invision Diagnostics is bringing its Mammogram Bus to Aycock Rec Center on Saturday, Nov. 1 and now is the time to schedule a free mammogram. Phone 877.318.1349 to schedule an appointment. Sisters Speak Life founder Freddie Harris said six women had signed up as of Friday, Sept. 26. Sign up before Oct. 17 – they need a minimum of 15 scheduled appointments, or the bus will have to be cancelled, Harris said.

Sisters Speak Life is creating a video to help promote that Nov. 1 event. If you’re a breast cancer survivor, please send a headshot photo, along with the year you were diagnosed and a one-word description of yourself to be included in the video. In addition to the mammogram bus, there will be health-related resources for participants to learn about available services in the area.

When Harris was diagnosed with cancer, she said she found inspiration from people – family, friends and even strangers – who surrounded her with love and support.

She encourages people to come together, reach out and help each other. “It made a difference for me and I think it can make a difference for someone else.”

Join Sisters Speak Life at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 1 as participants tie pink ribbons on trees along Breckenridge Street to kick off the Pink Out campaign. Return at 5:30 p.m. for another community gathering at McGregor Hall as part of the Pink Out effort. Ribbons and t-shirts are available, too.

Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/sistersspeaklife or https://sistersspeaklife.org/

Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Fire-Resistant Landscaping

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Wayne Rowland, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:

Fire resistant landscaping can protect your home from wildfires.

Listen 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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Vance County Schools’ Student Spotlight Honorees

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– information courtesy of Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools kicks off its 2025-26 Student Spotlight program with three students who have been recognized for their hard work, leadership and the positive impact they have in their school communities.

Destiny Timberlake from Vance County Early College, Joseph Vida from E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy and Kimberly Isidro from Vance County High School are the first honorees for this year’s program, because they embody qualities such as kindness, dedication and a strong commitment to personal growth and service to others.

The Student Spotlight program is sponsored by Vance County Schools in partnership with the Vance County Public Schools Foundation.

Destiny Timberlake, 11th Grader, Vance County Early College 

Destiny Timberlake is the 2025-2026 Student Spotlight at Vance County Early College. Destiny stands out for her ability to balance high school and college-level coursework, while also excelling as a student-athlete, and dedicated employee outside of school. She is admired for her leadership, maturity, and the way she uplifts those around her with encouragement and kindness.

Destiny is active in the National Honor Society, BETA Club, and she leads on the court as point guard and captain of the basketball team. She also is involved in music with her church. Her favorite subject is English, which she values for its real-world applications, especially in business. Her future goals include playing Division I basketball at the University of South Carolina, competing in the WNBA, and later pursuing a career as a luxury real estate agent.

Outside of academics and athletics, Destiny enjoys basketball, working, and spending time with her family, especially gathering around meals. She names her mother, Renita, as her greatest role model for her strength and sacrifices, and she hopes to repay that love and support. Inspired by Michelle Obama’s Becoming, Destiny believes in building success through perseverance. She sums up her outlook with the advice: “Walk by faith and not by sight… no matter what it looks like right now, it will always be better in the future.”

Her favorite part of being at VCEC is the opportunity to lead and set an example for her peers. She credits the school with teaching her how to balance responsibilities and manage time—skills that will help her succeed in every step of her journey.

Joseph Vida, 5th Grader, E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy 

Joseph Vida, a 5th grader at E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy, was selected for his diligence, curiosity, and commitment to excellence. Teachers describe him as respectful, responsible, and well-mannered, serving as a positive role model for his classmates. He is an active member of the Robotics Club, Men in Action, the Junior BETA Club, as well as an AIG student, consistently demonstrating the values and expectations of his school community.

Joseph’s favorite subjects are math and English Language Arts, which he enjoys because they allow him to keep learning new skills. Outside of school, he likes playing with his siblings, spending time outdoors, and reading chapter books—especially science fiction, with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban being a favorite.

When asked about who inspires him most, Joseph immediately points to his parents, who always support and encourage him. Recently, he has enjoyed learning about Indigenous peoples in social studies and strengthening his math skills with multiplication and division. If he could have any superpower, Joseph would choose flying so he could get to places quickly.

His advice to other students is: “Always try your best and never give up.” Joseph’s favorite part of being a student at E.M. Rollins is learning new and exciting things while being part of a supportive school community. He says what keeps him motivated to come to school every day is the chance to “learn more things and get better at them.” If given one wish, Joseph would travel back to the Philippines to visit family and friends. Joseph’s determination, curiosity, and resilience make him a shining example of what it means to be a Student Spotlight at E.M. Rollins STEAM Academy.

Kimberly Isidro, 9th Grader, Vance County High School 

Kimberly Isidro, a 9th grader, is the Vance County High School Student Spotlight honoree. Nominated by VCHS Assistant Principal Mcshell Edmonds, Kimberly has already begun to make her mark at VCHS. Edmonds shared, “Although Kimberly is new to VCHS, she has already established herself as a leader. She demonstrates responsibility by staying on top of her assignments, shows a willingness to assist her peers, and brings a positive presence that brightens every room she enters.”

Kimberly has also been invited to join the 9th-grade Student Council, reflecting her leadership skills. Her favorite subject is math, where she enjoys learning new skills like solving inequalities. Kimberly plans to join the girls’ soccer team in the spring and also enjoys expressing her creativity through art, including submitting pieces for Arts Alive. Outside of school, she loves playing soccer, drawing, spending time with family, and watching horror movies. Kimberly admires her mom as her greatest role model, inspired by her strength and independence. Kimberly dreams of becoming a dentist, with nursing as a second option, because she is passionate about helping others. She also tutored a friend in math, helping them prepare for the end-of-course test and achieve a passing score.

Her favorite thing about VCHS is participating in fun activities and being part of a supportive community. If given a superpower, she would control time to relive childhood moments, and she dreams of traveling to Hawaii to explore new experiences. Her advice to others: “Don’t skip classes, always turn in your work early, don’t get in trouble, and respect your teachers.” 

Kimberly’s leadership, determination, and kind spirit make her a shining example of the values and excellence at Vance County High School.

These students are exemplary representatives of Vance County Schools and the Student Spotlight program. They embody the values of kindness, dedication, and a commitment to learning, serving as an inspiration to their peers and a source of pride for their school communities and the district as a whole.

SportsTalk: High School Football Games this Friday

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With Vance County, and many others on a bye week, Scout Hughes and Doc Ayscue talk about the high school, college and pro football games happening this weekend!

High School Games this week:

  • J.F. Webb (2-2) vs. Northwest Halifax (3-1)
  • Warren County (3-1) vs. Roanoke Rapids (1-3)
  • Louisburg (4-0) @ Carrboro (0-4)
  • Bunn (2-2) @ Beddingfield (1-3)
  • Wake Prep (3-2) @ Washington County (2-2)
  • Mecklenburg County, VA (1-3) vs. Bassett, VA (2-2)

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Mold Issues Prompt Granville School Board Vote to Shutter Mary Potter Campus

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The Granville County Board of Education voted Wednesday to close the Mary Potter Center for Education, moving Granville Academy, Phoenix Academy and Central Office personnel housed there to the former Hawley Middle School in Creedmoor.

The reason: a four-letter word. Mold.

Superintendent Dr. Stan Winborne said the annual air quality testing turned up no unusual results back in May, but subsequent testing conducted earlier this month – prompted by a complaint from an employee who works on the campus – showed that 24 of 30 air samples taken and 10 of 16 surface samples revealed the presence of mold spores.

Winborne offered two options to the school board but requested that it take action at the special called meeting held Wednesday afternoon.

One option called for relocating students and staff to the Creedmoor campus, which had previously been Hawley Middle School and before that Creedmoor Elementary, for the time it takes to get rid of the mold and fix the problem before returning to the historic Oxford campus. This option, he estimated, could take up to 18 months and cost north of $6 million.

The second option called for closing the campus and relocating students and staff to Creedmoor permanently, at an estimated cost of closer to $220,000.

Granville Academy students have already switched to modified remote learning; the Phoenix Academy, housed in a relatively newer one-story metal building on the school’s campus, doesn’t have the same issues as the other brick structures where some central office staff and Granville Academy are housed.

Board Member Gwen Russell made the motion to select the second option, which was seconded by Board Member Vicki Baker and passed 5-0. Board Member Ethel Anderson was not present, and Board Member Amanda LeBrecque attended virtually.

The county office staff and Granville Academy will move first, then the rest will relocate in phases.

“We won’t waste any time,” Winborne said.

Strong Arm Baking Co. rents out the kitchen at the school, and Winborne said he’d spoken with the owner, who has expressed interest in using the kitchen in Creedmoor.

The gym on the Mary Potter campus has been a polling place, and it’s set to be put to use in the upcoming municipal elections. Winborne said he’d spoken with Granville Board of Elections Tonya Burnette. The gym was included in the annual air quality testing conducted in May, but it was not part of the re-testing. It does not have air conditioning but does have two big exhaust fans that provide adequate air circulation.

The future of the campus is uncertain, but it’s possible that the school board would declare it surplus property and sell it.

“This is a historic place, and it deserves to be honored in some way,” he said.

School board member Katrina Waters said, “It hurts that this has happened to this historical facility. But I do understand that dollars talk…I hope this is a lesson that we need to be more proactive when it comes to our facilities.”

TownTalk: Kernel Craze Sponsoring Holiday Art Challenge

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Budding artists in Vance County have a unique opportunity to have their artwork appear on Kernel Craze holiday popcorn tins and spread some pride and passion for their community in the process.

Stephen Wolf, Kernel Craze founder, said the Holiday Art Challenge is open to K-12 students who live or go to school in Vance County. Participants must register by Oct. 1 and submit artwork no later than Oct. 16. Visit www.kernelcraze.com to register.

The artwork should include a few specific aspects, Wolf explained. It should have a winter theme and incorporate the  city of Henderson and Kernel Craze in some way. In addition, the artwork must fit within an 11 x 17 inch document, using the landscape orientation.

The top winner will get $100 and the top two winners’ creations will appear on the 2025 holiday tins that hold the different popped corn creations.

All the entries will be featured in a Showcase on Thursday, Oct. 23. Most likely the showcase and judging will take place at McGregor Hall, but Wolf said details haven’t been finalized.

This is the first year for the contest, and Wolf said he hopes it will spark some interest among young people in the area.

“Henderson is my home, it’s where I grew up,” he said. “I think that our youth here need more opportunities to do something positive…do something that encourages the pride and passion of the community.”

And there’s a little bit of pride that goes along with having original artwork featured on the tins, too. “When one of our popcorn tins is purchased, your art is also coming with it,” he said.

Find all the details for the Holiday Art Challenge at www.kernelcraze.com.

Contact Wolf at stephen@kernelcraze.com to learn more.

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