100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Amanda Riggan, founder of the nationally recognized Hungry Heroes, appeared on WIZS’ Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Riggan’s organization was in Henderson today to feed personnel at Henderson Fire Station #1 on Dabney Drive from 12 to 1 p.m. and officers at the Henderson Police Department from 1 to 2 p.m. The separate events were keeping in line with COVID restrictions, according to Riggan.
As a Traeger Grills ambassador, Riggan said she is usually the one doing the cooking, but was excited to partner with Skipper Forsyth’s Bar-B-Q who catered the meal of chicken, pulled pork and sides.
Based out of York County, SC, Riggan founded Hungry Heroes in January 2018 after an ambush on four police officers in her community prompted her to give back to those who protect the public.
“Three officers were shot and one died in the line of duty, Mike Doty. I started praying and asking ‘how can I give back? How can I show them appreciation?’ I kept praying and asking ‘how can I physically help?’ The Lord laid it on my heart to just go feed them, go cook for them.”
Riggan said feeding police officers, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, military personnel and veterans is what she has been doing ever since.
What started as cooking for public safety personnel in and around her SC community turned into a nationwide venture after a video of Riggan, a full-time FedEx driver, went viral.
In the video, available for view on the Hungry Heroes website at www.hungryheroesbbq.com, Riggan shares her experience praying for a woman on her delivery route and urged viewers to “move their feet” when they feel called on to offer assistance in some way.
“That video launched Hungry Heroes nationwide,” explained Riggan. “We’ve now been to Illinois, Indiana, Utah and Texas. We’ve also partnered with the USO for each military branch.”
Hungry Heroes and Riggan have also been featured on The Steve Harvey Show and have served meals to country music stars Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Travis Tritt and their crews.
With all the media attention, Riggan said she is glad to give back to the small town that many of her family members – including parents and grandparents – call home.
“For the past 30 years, I’ve come to Henderson for every holiday. Henderson has always been near and dear to my heart. My grandma use to come to South Carolina and help us serve, so I know both of my grandmothers would be super proud we are here today serving in their community,” Riggan stated.
Riggan called on the help of Vance-Granville Community College Fire Technology Coordinator Randy Owen, a friend to many of her family members, for assistance in planning today’s meals.
Owen said it was an honor to work with Riggan to bring this event to fruition. “The work Amanda does is just amazing to me. I know from experience, because I worked for the Henderson Fire Department for ten years, that a free meal brings everybody together to relax, and that is very important to public safety personnel.”
For more on Riggan’s mission, please visit www.hungryheroesbbq.com and/or the Hungry Heroes’ Facebook page (click here).
To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
(Photos courtesy Randy Owen)
Home and Garden Show 09-22-20
/by CharleneListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com on Tuesday at 4:30 PM.
Duke Energy Offering Extended Payment Plan Options
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Tanya Evans, District Manager, Duke Energy
As Duke Energy gradually resumes standard billing and payment practices in North Carolina, our goal is to work with customers in need to ensure they have the opportunity to enroll in a payment plan that meets their specific situation, and that they have an opportunity to connect with local assistance agencies and funds.
Beginning October 1, 2020, customers behind on their bills will receive notices about their past-due balances. Disconnecting a customer’s service is the very last step in a lengthy process, and it’s a step we want to avoid altogether.
That’s why we are giving all customers who need more time to pay the opportunity to establish an extended payment plan to catch up on any balance that accumulated during the disconnection suspension. No customer on a payment plan who is current on that arrangement will be disconnected. It is important that they contact us as soon as possible to set up the payment arrangement.
We want customers facing financial hardship to know that we are here to help. Our team is prepared to support customers through these challenging times and provide manageable solutions to keep their lights on. We can be reached at the following numbers:
Duke Energy Carolinas: 1-800-777-9898
Duke Energy Progress: 1-800-452-2777
We also encourage customers to consider using the online self-service options to avoid longer wait times.
We recognize the financial impacts from this pandemic, for some, are far from over. If you know someone who needs help managing their Duke Energy bill, please encourage that person to give us a call.
Warren County Memorial Library Reopens
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Warren County Memorial Library
The Warren County Memorial Library reopened to this public this week. Hours are currently Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Book/resource browsing, copying, printing and faxing are available inside. No contact pickup is still provided.
Restrooms and computers will be unavailable for use from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. to allow for cleaning.
Guests are asked to wear face covers and practice social distancing.
Town Talk 09/23/20: Historian Tem Blackburn Talks Local History
/by Kelly BondurantTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
In a rebroadcast from the June 24, 2020, edition of WIZS’ Town Talk, George Templeton “Tem” Blackburn II, local historian, discussed the important role Richard Henderson played in the expansion of the American West. Henderson was a member of one of the first families to settle in the local area.
While officially chartered by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1841, the city, named in honor of former North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Leonard Henderson, son of Richard Henderson, was home to the Henderson family approximately one hundred years prior.
Unlike many areas of the country that experienced settlement from east to west, Blackburn explained the local area had a principal settlement pattern of north to south.
The Henderson family, including a young Richard, was the first among several planter families that relocated from the area near Richmond, VA in the 1740s, according to Blackburn. Other families, including the Bullocks and Williams, soon followed suit.
Richard Henderson, whose father Samuel was the first sheriff of Granville County, became a lawyer with an interest in opening the lands west of the Appalachian Mountains.
Blackburn said Richard Henderson, with ties to pioneer Daniel Boone, ultimately gained the approval of the Cherokee Nation for a settlement through the Cumberland Gap into what is now Kentucky and Northern Tennessee.
While no major battles were fought in NC during the American Revolutionary or Civil War, and no prominent generals originated from the state, Blackburn said the local connection to the westward expansion of the country is of great historical significance.
“Before the Revolution, there was the opening of the American West,” Blackburn stated. “Richard Henderson played a key role in that. That gives our area a claim to say we are connected with the most significant event in NC history, which is tied to the larger history of the nation.”
To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
Local Noon News Audio 9/23/20
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Maria Parham Health Nationally Recognized as a Best Maternity Care Hospital by Newsweek
Local COVID-19 Update
Nationally-Recognized Hungry Heroes and Founder Amanda Riggan Visited and Fed Henderson Fire Station #1 and Henderson Police Department on Tuesday
Click Play to Listen to Full Details…
figures, Amanda Riggan/Hungry Heroes
Painting at the Dog Park, Exercising, Job Training a Few of H-V Rec. & Parks’ Fall Activities
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department
The Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department announces a few of its upcoming events:
Fit and Feisty – this eight-week program provides information to participants ages 55 and better on topics related to health, wellness, safety tips and exercises to stay fit.
Join the program by logging on to Facebook Live on the Henderson Vance Special Programs page. Participants must preregister to participate at Aycock Recreation Center. There are only 10 slots available.
For more information, please contact Crystal Allen at (252) 431-6091 or (callen@ci.henderson.nc.us).
Virtual Job Readiness Training Program – this program prepares participants to obtain and excel at a new job. Basic employability skills include effective communication, problem-solving, resume building and interviewing. The Job Readiness Training Program also helps participants develop good work habits that facilitate ongoing success.
Join the program by logging in Facebook Live on the Henderson Vance Outreach page. Classes will be held on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. through Wednesday, November 4, 2020.
For more information, please contact Shantel Hargrove at (252) 430-0382 (shhargrove@ci.henderson.nc.us) or Jaleel Johnson at (252) 431-6099 (jjohnson@ci.henderson.nc.us).
Arthritis Exercise Class – classes will meet on Wednesdays and Fridays from September 23 – November 4, 2020, from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. This is a FREE low-impact, joint safe program developed for people with arthritis. This class has been proven to decrease pain and stiffness while increasing flexibility and range of motion. This class is also suitable for every fitness level.
Join the class by logging on to Facebook Live on the Henderson Vance Special Programs page or at Aycock Recreation Center. Participants must preregister to participate at Aycock Recreation Center. There are only 10 slots available.
For more information or to register, please contact Crystal Allen at (252) 431-6091 (callen@ci.henderson.nc.us ) or Tara Goolsby at (252) 438-3948 (tgoolsby@ci.henderson.nc.us).
Paint at the Dog Park – the community is invited to paint stencils on the concrete walkways at the new dog park, Scentral Bark, on Saturday, October 3, 2020, from 9 – 11 a.m. To allow for social distancing, only 12 slots will be available.
The dog park is part of Rollins Park, located at 1600 S. Garnett St. Ext. in Henderson.
Please contact Tyler Terry at (252) 438-2671 or (tterry@ci.henderson.nc.us) to sign up.
Cooperative Extension to Hold Four-Part Farm Business Webinar Series
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Warren County Cooperative Extension
Franklin and Warren County Cooperative Extension will host a four-part Farm Business Webinar Series for interested participants.
Sessions Include:
All meetings begin at 10 a.m. To register, go to www.nccefarmbusiness.eventbrite.com. Once registered, the link to the Zoom meeting will be emailed to you.
Governor Announces Additional Small Business Relief, Reopening of Large Outdoor Venues
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper
Some North Carolina small businesses that have experienced extraordinary disruption to their operations due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic may benefit from a $40 million relief program to help offset fixed costs like rent, mortgage interests and utility bills, Governor Roy Cooper announced.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy – powering our local communities and giving back in so many ways. They deserve our support, and this new initiative can help them weather this tough time,” said Governor Cooper.
The N.C. Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief (MURR), administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, can provide up to $20,000 in relief funds per qualifying business location. Business applicants from certain industry sectors that have not been able to operate during the COVID period may apply for up to two of their business locations.
Applicants can apply for up to four months of mortgage interest or rent expenses, and utility expenses. The help offers relief for some of the fixed costs a business cannot easily control on its own. Applications to the program should open next week and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must certify that they were closed during the period April 1 through July 31, 2020; they expect to be able to operate after the COVID crisis has passed and they have not been reimbursed by any other federal source for the expenses for which they seek reimbursement through this program.
Eligible applicants include:
The Department of Commerce will begin accepting applications soon. Business leaders can learn about the MURR program by registering for one of the free educational webinars offered by the Department of Commerce over the next two weeks.
For the webinar schedule and additional information on the program, visit www.nccommerce.com/murr.
Large, Outdoor Venues
Governor Cooper and NC DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen also announced that effective October 2, large outdoor venues would be permitted to open at 7% capacity with key safety precautions in place. The announcement was made so these locations could begin putting safety measures in place in order to operate.
Large entertainment venues are those that can seat over 10,000.
“We will continue analyzing our data and indicators as we determine how to move forward safely in other areas that may be included in the new order on October 2. In it, we hope to ease some other restrictions, while still keeping safety protocols like masks, social distancing, and mass gathering limits in place,” said Governor Cooper.
”With more things open and people moving around more, we need everyone to stay vigilant about wearing a mask, waiting six feet apart, and washing their hands often,” said Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. “Our progress is fragile and will take our continued hard to work to protect it.”
State and public health officials will continue watching the key COVID-19 trends over the next week to determine if any further restrictions can be eased when the current Executive Order expires on October 2 at 5 p.m.
Town Talk 09/22/20: Hungry Heroes Feeds Henderson Fire Station, Police Dept. (Pics)
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Amanda Riggan, founder of the nationally recognized Hungry Heroes, appeared on WIZS’ Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Riggan’s organization was in Henderson today to feed personnel at Henderson Fire Station #1 on Dabney Drive from 12 to 1 p.m. and officers at the Henderson Police Department from 1 to 2 p.m. The separate events were keeping in line with COVID restrictions, according to Riggan.
As a Traeger Grills ambassador, Riggan said she is usually the one doing the cooking, but was excited to partner with Skipper Forsyth’s Bar-B-Q who catered the meal of chicken, pulled pork and sides.
Based out of York County, SC, Riggan founded Hungry Heroes in January 2018 after an ambush on four police officers in her community prompted her to give back to those who protect the public.
“Three officers were shot and one died in the line of duty, Mike Doty. I started praying and asking ‘how can I give back? How can I show them appreciation?’ I kept praying and asking ‘how can I physically help?’ The Lord laid it on my heart to just go feed them, go cook for them.”
Riggan said feeding police officers, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, military personnel and veterans is what she has been doing ever since.
What started as cooking for public safety personnel in and around her SC community turned into a nationwide venture after a video of Riggan, a full-time FedEx driver, went viral.
In the video, available for view on the Hungry Heroes website at www.hungryheroesbbq.com, Riggan shares her experience praying for a woman on her delivery route and urged viewers to “move their feet” when they feel called on to offer assistance in some way.
“That video launched Hungry Heroes nationwide,” explained Riggan. “We’ve now been to Illinois, Indiana, Utah and Texas. We’ve also partnered with the USO for each military branch.”
Hungry Heroes and Riggan have also been featured on The Steve Harvey Show and have served meals to country music stars Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Travis Tritt and their crews.
With all the media attention, Riggan said she is glad to give back to the small town that many of her family members – including parents and grandparents – call home.
“For the past 30 years, I’ve come to Henderson for every holiday. Henderson has always been near and dear to my heart. My grandma use to come to South Carolina and help us serve, so I know both of my grandmothers would be super proud we are here today serving in their community,” Riggan stated.
Riggan called on the help of Vance-Granville Community College Fire Technology Coordinator Randy Owen, a friend to many of her family members, for assistance in planning today’s meals.
Owen said it was an honor to work with Riggan to bring this event to fruition. “The work Amanda does is just amazing to me. I know from experience, because I worked for the Henderson Fire Department for ten years, that a free meal brings everybody together to relax, and that is very important to public safety personnel.”
For more on Riggan’s mission, please visit www.hungryheroesbbq.com and/or the Hungry Heroes’ Facebook page (click here).
To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
(Photos courtesy Randy Owen)
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 09-22-20 – Hurricane Prep #2
/by CharleneListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 2 PM Monday – Thursday.