UPDATE 2-18-25: Because of the weather, the Transportation Town Hall has been re-scheduled for March 17, 2025.
A community town hall-style meeting on the topic of public transportation is scheduled for Monday, March 17 in Oxford to provide information about the types of public transportation that are available now and to help shape the future of ride programs in smaller towns and cities and throughout rural areas.
The meeting will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Orange Street Community Center, 125 Orange St., and is hosted by Down Home, NC, a grassroots non-profit organization interested in improving transportation for low-income residents.
KARTS, the local provider in the Kerr-Tar COG area, recently made the decision to drop the downtown shuttle in Henderson. Simply put, it was too expensive to continue, according to KARTS Director Randy Cantor, who told WIZS News that an Uber-style plan is scheduled to kick off in the next couple of months.
Cantor said he’d just gotten word from the state last week that the micro-transit plan is a go.
But Down Home, NC members Fred Johnson of Butner and Michael Hayes of Henderson said their organization feels that the estimated $5/trip one way cost is too much.
Among other things, the Thursday meeting will be a time to ask NCDOT representatives to set policy that makes micro-transit “fare free” for an introductory period.
Johnson said Brennon Fuqua, NCDOT’s director of its Integrated Mobility division has been invited to take part. State Sen. Terence Everitt, who represents Granville and Wake counties also will be in attendance, Johnson said.
A free fare period will go a long way to help change people’s behaviors and encourage them to use the micro transit option. “If we’re going to get people out of their cars,” lower fares than a $5 per trip fee are needed.
Johnson said he would like to see a point-to-point system, for example, to take people from a central location to the grocery store.
Hayes said he got involved in Down Home, NC last summer, upon hearing that the Around Town Shuttle was being discontinued. Hayes said he has used KARTS, as has his father, who uses a motorized scooter, to get shopping done.
“It just wasn’t feasible for KARTS to do it anymore,” Cantor said of providing the Around Town Shuttle. When the micro transit option begins, Cantor said he hopes to be able to provide a 15-20-minute turnaround time for riders. And, he said he’d like to be able to replicate the service in other counties in the future.
Cantor said people who need to use KARTS will be able to make a reservation via a smart phone app or computer, but they also will be able to pick up the phone and call to request transportation.
The smartphone app takes reservations and payments, he said. KARTS has a brand-new vehicle to use for the micro transit system that can accommodate wheelchairs, he said.
Visit downhomenc.org to learn more about the organization.
CLICK PLAY!
Cooperative Extension With Michael Ellington: Upcoming Snow
/by WIZS StaffCooperative Extension
Today’s show discusses upcoming snow in the forecast and why it might be just what you need for this season’s garden. Also shared were dates and registration information for events like market vendor trainings, backyard chicken workshops, and an opportunity to serve the community by gardening!
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!
Warren County Health Dept. Hosts “Healthy Hearts” Workshop At Perfecting Praise Ministries Saturday, Feb. 22
/by WIZS Staff– information courtesy of Warren County government
The Warren County Health Department will host a second workshop in celebration of February Heart Health Month. The agency will partner with Perfecting Praise Ministries to conduct a “Healthy Hearts” Community Event on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the church located at 1216 US Highway 158 Business West, Norlina (Food Lion Shopping Center). The guest speaker will be Dr. Phil Mendys. Registration begins at 9:30 am. The workshop is from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Register by Thursday, Feb. 20 by calling 252.257.6017 or 252.257.6012. The health department will offer free health screenings. A light lunch will be provided.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. The health department joins the American Heart Association in raising awareness about cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease. The three-pronged focus is to 1) educate communities about heart disease and stroke; 2) share effective strategies to enhance heart health; and 3) learn steps that you can take to save lives such as Hands-Only CPR from Warren County EMS.
In addition, participants will also get information on other services and community resources.
Did you know?
Join the community of lifesavers and be ready to step up for a loved one, a neighbor, friend or co-worker.
Granville Soil & Water Office To Sponsor 2 Students For June Workshop At N.C. State
/by WIZS StaffGranville County Soil and Water Office will sponsor two local students to attend the annual conservation workshop at N.C. State University, scheduled for June 15-20.
The Resource Conservation Workshop is a weeklong intensive study and hands-on conservation workshop that includes a wide range of conservation topics. The workshop is intended to engage students to learn about natural resources and their management in today’s environment. Students participate in field study, tours, hands-on sessions and evening activities that focus on college and career-decision making.
Students who attend the Resource Conservation Workshop stay on campus at N.C. State in dormitories and attend workshop sessions in Williams Hall, Lake Wheeler Soils Field Lab in addition to field studies at Falls Lake State Recreation Area and Clemmons State Educational Forest.
“Having served as a counselor at this workshop, I can personally attest that it’s a great opportunity for students to experience a taste of college life while expanding interest and passion for degrees in conservation like environmental science, agriculture, or natural resources,” said Granville County Natural Resource Conservationist Byron Currin. “It’s a great way to build connections, add a great experience to your resume, and even earn a college scholarship. I can’t speak highly enough of this program and its importance to furthering the aims of natural resource conservation in Granville County and North Carolina.”
Granville County Soil and Water will sponsor two rising high school juniors and/or seniors. Any current 10th or 11th grader who resides in Granville County is eligible to apply.
Applications are due by Tuesday, April 1 via the N.C. State University Brickyard application system. Create an account and apply at https://reporter.ncsu.edu/index.html
Brickyard accounts must be created by the student’s parent or guardian. N.C. State University will forward eligible applications to the student’s Soil and Water Conservation District office for review.
TownTalk: Interest In And Options For Public Transportation Growing In The Area
/by Laura GabelUPDATE 2-18-25: Because of the weather, the Transportation Town Hall has been re-scheduled for March 17, 2025.
A community town hall-style meeting on the topic of public transportation is scheduled for Monday, March 17 in Oxford to provide information about the types of public transportation that are available now and to help shape the future of ride programs in smaller towns and cities and throughout rural areas.
The meeting will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Orange Street Community Center, 125 Orange St., and is hosted by Down Home, NC, a grassroots non-profit organization interested in improving transportation for low-income residents.
KARTS, the local provider in the Kerr-Tar COG area, recently made the decision to drop the downtown shuttle in Henderson. Simply put, it was too expensive to continue, according to KARTS Director Randy Cantor, who told WIZS News that an Uber-style plan is scheduled to kick off in the next couple of months.
Cantor said he’d just gotten word from the state last week that the micro-transit plan is a go.
But Down Home, NC members Fred Johnson of Butner and Michael Hayes of Henderson said their organization feels that the estimated $5/trip one way cost is too much.
Among other things, the Thursday meeting will be a time to ask NCDOT representatives to set policy that makes micro-transit “fare free” for an introductory period.
Johnson said Brennon Fuqua, NCDOT’s director of its Integrated Mobility division has been invited to take part. State Sen. Terence Everitt, who represents Granville and Wake counties also will be in attendance, Johnson said.
A free fare period will go a long way to help change people’s behaviors and encourage them to use the micro transit option. “If we’re going to get people out of their cars,” lower fares than a $5 per trip fee are needed.
Johnson said he would like to see a point-to-point system, for example, to take people from a central location to the grocery store.
Hayes said he got involved in Down Home, NC last summer, upon hearing that the Around Town Shuttle was being discontinued. Hayes said he has used KARTS, as has his father, who uses a motorized scooter, to get shopping done.
“It just wasn’t feasible for KARTS to do it anymore,” Cantor said of providing the Around Town Shuttle. When the micro transit option begins, Cantor said he hopes to be able to provide a 15-20-minute turnaround time for riders. And, he said he’d like to be able to replicate the service in other counties in the future.
Cantor said people who need to use KARTS will be able to make a reservation via a smart phone app or computer, but they also will be able to pick up the phone and call to request transportation.
The smartphone app takes reservations and payments, he said. KARTS has a brand-new vehicle to use for the micro transit system that can accommodate wheelchairs, he said.
Visit downhomenc.org to learn more about the organization.
CLICK PLAY!
SportsTalk: NCHSAA Releases Third Draft of Conference Realignment
/by Scout HughesSportsTalk 12:30 p.m. M-Th
On Friday, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) released their third draft for the reorganization of conference play, also known as conference realignment. The Association released its first draft of conference realignment back on December 18th, and the second on January 21st. Although this is the third draft, this is not the final draft. Schools will have a chance to appeal to the NCHSAA Board of Directors before the conferences are approved and confirmed for the 2025-26 school year. It will not be long before the final draft is confirmed from here on out.
Below are the Conference Realignments for teams in Vance County and the surrounding counties:
6A/7A Conference C
1A/2A Conference E
4A/5A Conference A
2A/3A/4A Conference A
1A/2A Conference C
Click Play!
WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 02-17-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
Click Play!
Henderson Lands $8M Syntec Precision Technology Production, Warehouse Facility
/by WIZS StaffGov. Josh Stein announced high-precision manufacturer Syntec Precision Technology Corporation will create 34 new jobs in Vance County. The company will invest $8 million to establish its first North American production and warehouse facility in the city of Henderson.
“Syntec has made a great decision to make its North American home in our state,” Stein said. “Global manufacturers like Syntec need strong communities with a steady pipeline of talent and infrastructure to support their long-term growth strategies, and we’re proud that Vance County fits the bill.”
Syntec Precision Technology is a leader in engineering and producing precision machining parts for the hydraulic, life sciences, and transportation industries. The company provides research and development, manufacturing, assembly and testing services for its customers. Syntec’s expansion to the United States will support the development, production, and distribution of its high-quality parts for medical devices, diagnostic equipment, and orthopedic products as well as new equipment.
Vance County Economic Development Director Ferdinand Rouse told WIZS News that the international company will be locating at 145 Technology Lane, which is in Triangle North Corporate Park on Poplar Creek Road – across I-85 from Vance-Granville Community College.
“They plan to begin ramping up operations this year,” Rouse said, with initial plans to buy equipment and up-fit the site before hiring people and beginning production.
“On behalf of my family and our team, I am thrilled to announce our plans to establish a manufacturing facility in North Carolina,” said Lei Wang and Bin Wang, Owners of Syntec Precision Technology Corporation. “We are deeply grateful to the State of North Carolina, Vance County, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, and the N.C. Community College System, for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout this process. Your partnership has been instrumental in making our vision a reality, and we are excited to contribute to the growth and success of this vibrant community. We look forward to a strong and prosperous future together in North Carolina.”
“North Carolina has the largest manufacturing workforce in the southeastern United States,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Our ‘First in Talent’ workforce development system continues to provide a highly trained, dedicated workforce for dynamic manufacturers like Syntec.”
While wages for technicians, inspectors, engineers and other personnel vary by position, annual wages for new positions will average $46,985. The average wage in Vance County is $45,193. These new jobs could potentially create an annual payroll impact of more than $1.5 million.
A performance-based grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund awarded to Syntec Precision will help the company locate to Vance County. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All OneNC grants require a matching participation from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.
“We welcome these new jobs to Vance County,” said N.C. Sen. Lisa S. Barnes. “Syntec is a fantastic addition to our existing supply chain, and we look forward to partnering with the company as it builds its new home here in rural North Carolina.”
In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in this project include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, Vance-Granville Community College, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments, Vance County, Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission, Duke Energy and the City of Henderson.
— information courtesy of the office of N.C. Gov. Josh Stein
(This story was updated 2-18-25. It was originally published on WIZS 2-17-25.)
Click Play!
Cooperative Extension With Wayne Rowland: Consulting Forester
/by WIZS StaffCooperative Extension
Today on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report, Wayne Rowland talks about Improving your forest by hiring a Consulting Forester.
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!
City Council Chambers To Get Extra Screening Devices To Improve Security
/by WIZS StaffThe city of Henderson is installing advanced screening devices at the entrance of the Council meeting chambers, adding one more layer of protection to all who attend Council meetings.
Public Information Officer Salonia Saxton did not indicate when the devices would be in place, but she said they are designed to improve security by detecting and preventing unauthorized weapons and potentially dangerous items from being brought into the building.
“These new measures demonstrate the city’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all attendees,” Saxton said, “allowing them to participate in council meetings with peace of mind.”
Council Approves Parental Leave Policy; Includes Paternal Leave For New Dads
/by WIZS StaffThe Henderson City Council Monday unanimously approved a parental leave policy that will provide parents time with the newest additions to their families.
According to the resolution that Council members approved, parental leave policies are a standard offering for all
companies, municipalities, and private
firms in the country, and having a policy in place emphasizes that the city is committed to providing flexibility and incentives for new hires and existing employees.
The resolution adopted by Council at its February 10 meeting updates to policy to include paternal leave as a benefit to staff.