Jordan Shearin got a big hint from his grandmother, Mrs. Lula Shearin, about what she wanted for her birthday. It’s not the sort of present that can be wrapped in pretty paper with big bow, however.
Mrs. Lula Shearin is getting a gospel concert for her 75th birthday, and it’s open to all in the community to enjoy.
The program will be held on Saturday, July 5 at White’s Grove Christian Church, 328 St. Tammany Rd in Norlina. The doors open at 3 p.m. and the concert will begin at 4 p.m. Pastor Daryn Thomas is the emcee, and numerous groups are scheduled to perform.
“She’s been talking about it since last year,” Jordan Shearin said. “I said, ‘OK, Grandma, I’m going to make it happen for you.’”
Jordan, one of Shearin’s four grandsons, said his grandmother’s actual birthday is July 1. The concert isn’t a surprise, he said, but it will be something that shows how much she means to her family and to the community.
“She’s honorable, she’s humble…so sweet in her own way, and everybody loves her,” Jordan said. “She does a lot for people,” and he said this is a way “to give her her flowers while she can smell them.”
He called his relationship with his grandmother “like no other. My grandma helped my mom raise me,” he said, and she still takes time to help him when he needs it.
“She paved the way for me,” and the concert is a way for him to let her know how much she means to the family.
“There is nothing like a grandmother’s love. I love her dearly and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her at all. This will make her feel real special.”
Groups scheduled to perform are Faithful, The Gospel Disciples, The Terain Family, Men of Faith, The Gospel Harmoneers, Sister Shirley McCaden & Co. and The Soul Lifters.
Contact Jordan Shearin at 252.820.5878 to learn more.
Mrs. Shearin’s children are Julian Smith, Diane Shearin-Terry and Roberta Shearin. In addition to Jordan, her grandchildren are Deshawn Smith, Julian Smith,III and Jeremy Smith.
Mrs. Shearin also has one great-grandchild, Ariana Smith.
She has three living siblings: Robert Seward, Emmanuel Seward and Elizabeth Williams and she was married to Elijah Shearin, Jr.
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WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 07-01-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
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Cooperative Extension with Michael Ellington: Raising Goats
/by WIZS StaffMichael Ellington, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:
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 DSS Affected By Cybersecurity Incident; Investigation Ongoing
/by WIZS StaffVance County officials are actively responding to a recent cybersecurity incident that was isolated solely to the Vance County Department of Social Services. County leadership is working closely with state and federal partners, as well as cybersecurity professionals, to fully investigate the situation, contain any threats, and ensure that DSS operations are restored safely and securely.
In a press release Monday, County Manager C. Renee Perry emphasized the county’s commitment to protecting sensitive information. “This incident was limited to the Department of Social Services, and we are taking every step necessary to secure our systems and protect our clients’ data,” Perry stated.
While DSS services may be temporarily modified or delayed, all other Vance County departments and services are operating normally. Essential services, including emergency response and public safety, remain fully functional and unaffected.
As part of its response, Vance County IT has notified law enforcement and is following all required protocols to investigate the source and impact of this incident. Residents with active DSS cases may experience temporary delays and are encouraged to monitor the county website and social media channels for updates and specific guidance. Because the investigation has just started, DSS does not know whether any personal information stored by DSS was affected. If sensitive personal information was impacted during the event, Vance County will notify individuals directly as required by law. Additional updates will be shared as we are able.
Perry said, “We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we work to resolve this incident swiftly and securely. Our priority is the well-being of those we serve and the continued trust our residents place in us.”
Pam Patron Named Oxford’s Economic Development Director
/by Laura Gabel— information courtesy of City of Oxford Communication Specialist Sabrina Richards
The City of Oxford has selected Pam Patron as its new Downtown Economic Development Director.
With a strong track record of success and a career spanning over two decades, Patron brings deep expertise in business development, strategic planning, commercial and residential real estate, and organizational leadership. Her appointment signals a major step forward in Oxford’s efforts to drive sustainable, long-term economic growth that enhances the quality of life for its citizens.
In her new role, Patron will spearhead comprehensive downtown revitalization initiatives, including Oxford’s participation in the North Carolina Main Street Program. She will oversee business development strategies, support workforce development, and work closely with local businesses, property owners, and community partners to foster a thriving downtown.
Patron’s background includes senior leadership positions in major financial institutions, where she managed high-value portfolios and led complex mergers and acquisitions—most notably a transformative $345 million multi-state timber deal. As a former Multi-Unit Franchise Owner/Operator in the Triangle region and an Independent Business Consultant, she has driven growth for numerous businesses and community-based projects.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and recently completed an advanced certification in Applied Generative AI for Digital Transformation through MIT Professional Education, underscoring her commitment to technology-forward economic development strategies.
“We are excited to welcome Pam to the City of Oxford,” said City Manager W. Brent Taylor. “Her vision, experience, and passion for community-centered progress make her the ideal leader to guide our downtown into a new era of opportunity.”
Patron expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating, “Oxford has tremendous potential, and I look forward to working alongside stakeholders to create vibrant spaces that celebrate our history while embracing forward-thinking development.
Mrs. Lula Shearin’s 75th Birthday Celebration Concert
/by WIZS StaffJordan Shearin got a big hint from his grandmother, Mrs. Lula Shearin, about what she wanted for her birthday. It’s not the sort of present that can be wrapped in pretty paper with big bow, however.
Mrs. Lula Shearin is getting a gospel concert for her 75th birthday, and it’s open to all in the community to enjoy.
The program will be held on Saturday, July 5 at White’s Grove Christian Church, 328 St. Tammany Rd in Norlina. The doors open at 3 p.m. and the concert will begin at 4 p.m. Pastor Daryn Thomas is the emcee, and numerous groups are scheduled to perform.
“She’s been talking about it since last year,” Jordan Shearin said. “I said, ‘OK, Grandma, I’m going to make it happen for you.’”
Jordan, one of Shearin’s four grandsons, said his grandmother’s actual birthday is July 1. The concert isn’t a surprise, he said, but it will be something that shows how much she means to her family and to the community.
“She’s honorable, she’s humble…so sweet in her own way, and everybody loves her,” Jordan said. “She does a lot for people,” and he said this is a way “to give her her flowers while she can smell them.”
He called his relationship with his grandmother “like no other. My grandma helped my mom raise me,” he said, and she still takes time to help him when he needs it.
“She paved the way for me,” and the concert is a way for him to let her know how much she means to the family.
“There is nothing like a grandmother’s love. I love her dearly and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her at all. This will make her feel real special.”
Groups scheduled to perform are Faithful, The Gospel Disciples, The Terain Family, Men of Faith, The Gospel Harmoneers, Sister Shirley McCaden & Co. and The Soul Lifters.
Contact Jordan Shearin at 252.820.5878 to learn more.
Mrs. Shearin’s children are Julian Smith, Diane Shearin-Terry and Roberta Shearin. In addition to Jordan, her grandchildren are Deshawn Smith, Julian Smith,III and Jeremy Smith.
Mrs. Shearin also has one great-grandchild, Ariana Smith.
She has three living siblings: Robert Seward, Emmanuel Seward and Elizabeth Williams and she was married to Elijah Shearin, Jr.
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N.C. Forest Service Annual Tree Seedling Sale Kicks Off July 1
/by WIZS Staff– information courtesy of N.C. Department of Agriculture
The N.C. Forest Service will begin accepting orders Tuesday, July 1, for its annual tree seedling sale. With an average annual production of 10 million seedlings, the NCFS Nursery Program produces enough native and genetically improved tree seedlings to plant roughly 18,700 acres of land.
“Our nursery program continues to serve as a stable provider of native forest tree seedlings while ensuring access to a reliable supply of more than 40 tree species for planting throughout North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “These affordable tree seedlings help keep our forestlands growing, thriving and beautiful. Traditionally, seedling inventory goes quickly, so I encourage folks not to hesitate.”
Quality conifer and hardwood seedlings are available for purchase in a range of quantities. Genetically improved stock is available for Fraser fir, loblolly, longleaf, shortleaf, Eastern white pine and Virginia pine. These seedlings offer better volume growth, tree form, disease resistance, straightness, and other characteristics needed to produce beautiful Christmas trees, healthy woodlands and quality forest products. Customers interested in knowing more about specific tree species and available inventory can speak with NCFS Nursery staff, as well as reference the ordering website or seedling catalogs.
Individuals may place orders in a variety of ways:
Most containerized seedlings are available and used October through March while most bare root seedlings are available and used January through March. Seedling orders can be shipped to one of 13 distribution centers statewide for a small fee or via UPS for a charge. Seedling orders are also available for pickup from the NCFS Claridge Nursery in Goldsboro or the Linville River Nursery near Crossnore.
For information on planting trees, customers are encouraged to contact their local NCFS county ranger. Contact information for NCFS county office and nursery locations is available at www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts.
FLVF Executive Director Guest Speaker At July 8 Community Info Series
/by WIZS StaffThe executive director of Families Living Violence Free will be the guest speaker at the upcoming Community Information Series event at Baskerville Funeral Home.
Amy Langston is scheduled to speak on the topic “Giving Voice and Support to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victims” on Tuesday, July 8 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
This is a free event and open to the public. Langston will share insights and resources to support survivors and strengthen community awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault.
Baskerville Funeral Home is located at 104 S. Chestnut St., Henderson.
For more information, call 252.430.6824.
ACTS Of Henderson Seeking Food Items, Volunteers
/by WIZS StaffArea Christians Together in Service – ACTS – of Henderson always welcomes donated food items and financial donations to help them continue the work of feeding hungry people, but the food pantry and community kitchen also need people to volunteer their time to get the work done.
Maybe you don’t have a lot of money or resources. Maybe you just have time. Giving your time makes a difference, too.
Call ACTS at 252.492.8231 to learn how to volunteer, donate food or make a monetary gift or visit https://www.rise4me.com/resources/area-christians-together-in-service-acts/.
The food pantry, located at 201 S. William St., could really use the following canned food and shelf-stable food items:
SportsTalk: Texas State to Pac-12 and Minor League Baseball Update
/by Scout HughesSportsTalk 12:30 p.m. M-Th
Scout Hughes and Doc Ayscue talk about Texas State moving from the Sun Belt to the Pac-12 Conference, and how that affects Appalachian State who resides in the Sun Belt. The guys also give an update on Minor League Baseball in the state of North Carolina!
Friday MiLB Scores:
Saturday MiLB Scores:
Sunday MiLB Scores:
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Maria Parham Health Launches Community Health Needs Assessment
/by WIZS Staff— Information from Donna Young, Maria Parham Health Market Coordinator, Marketing & Communications
Maria Parham Health, in collaboration with local health professionals and community stakeholders, has launched a comprehensive Community Health Needs Assessment to identify public health priorities, goals and objectives in Vance County. This initiative is part of the hospital’s ongoing commitment to improving and promoting the health of every community member.
The assessment is a structured approach to gathering, analyzing and disseminating information about the community’s overall health. It is designed to identify the factors negatively affecting public health and to determine the availability of resources to address those identified issues.
Maria Parham Health conducted its previous community health needs assessment three years ago, according to information from Donna Young, MPH market coordinator for Marketing & Communications. The new assessment will evaluate the progress made since then and outline what still needs to be done. The current assessment is expected to be completed by the end of October, with results to be shared publicly in a comprehensive report.
“Guided by the results of this important community assessment and the progress we’ve made since the last CHNA, we will soon have a more comprehensive understanding of the health needs of our community,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “This will help us focus our resources as we work towards making communities healthier.”
The CHNA will draw from both existing and newly collected data to evaluate local health needs and recommend potential solutions. Some of the data sources include previous assessments conducted by local, state and federal public health organizations.
A key element of the assessment is community engagement. A focus group will be conducted and community members, physicians and hospital staff will be surveyed to gather perspectives on local health concerns and needed changes. This qualitative insight will be combined with quantitative data to shape health improvement priorities.
“The survey will be looking at concerns as seen through the eyes of the residents of Vance County,” Beard said.
Data for the CHNA is being collected and analyzed by Strata, Maria Parham Health’s research partner. Strata will interpret the findings and present them to the hospital’s board of directors and to administrative leadership, helping to guide the refinement of programs and services to better meet community health needs.
Following the completion of data collection, a Community Health Summit will be held to present the findings and further engage the public in health improvement planning. Maria Parham Health will also align its findings with the Granville Vance Public Health CHNA to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
“As we demonstrated with our last CHNA, our community assessment is not just about producing a report—it’s about creating a sustained action plan that truly improves the lives of the people in our community,” said Beard.
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