100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Ernestine Bazemore, the Democratic candidate for the District 3 NC Senate Seat, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.
Bazemore, of Bertie County, will face Republican candidate and Vance County resident Thomas “Tommy” S. Hester, Jr. for the seat that represents Beaufort, Bertie, Martin, Northampton, Vance and Warren County.
Raised with six siblings, Bazemore said she learned the value of a good education and the importance of serving others. She earned a B.S. in Criminology & Criminal Justice and served for 28 years in the Bertie County School System in various roles.
Bazemore was elected to the Bertie County Board of Commissioners in 2014, serving as chair in 2018. According to her campaign website, she was also appointed by NC Governor Roy Cooper as a Trustee for Roanoke Chowan Community College and continues to serve on several state and national boards, including:
• District 2 Director for the State of North Carolina (North Carolina Association of County Officials)
• Bertie County DSS Board
• Trillium Regional Board and the Governing Board
• Bertie County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC)
• North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Board of Trustees
Bazemore provided the following responses to questions asked during the Town Talk segment:
How will you use your voice to represent your district’s concerns?
“I want to hear from the people. I’m running to serve the people, not myself. There will be a place to call to share their [citizens’] concerns. Preferably, COVID will be over so I can visit in person. If not, we’ll do it virtually or by phone conference, so there is still a way to communicate with my constituents.”
What are the issues people are sharing with you while you’re campaigning?
“Broadband is a major concern across all the counties; not all areas are currently being served. Also, the services offered by rural hospitals as well as Medicaid expansion are big concerns.”
Your webpage mentions unlimited promise for businesses and children. How can you help with that?
“Tier One counties need economic stabilization. COVID-19 has left us in a horrible situation. I’ll be seeking monies from federal funds to help stabilize our communities. Also, education should be at the forefront. We have very good teachers, but the salary is low; therefore, people are leaving education to find other jobs.”
What are some examples you’d point to of helping others?
“As a commissioner, I pushed for Bertie County to implement the quarter-cent sales tax increase. Bertie was one of the last NC counties to receive it. My vote was to give the money to education because we are such a poor county, and there is no money for education. It [sales tax increase] has all been devoted to education. If we are expected to compete with Wake County, Mecklenburg County and other larger counties, we have to put money into our school systems.
I’m also proud of the creation of Bertie Beach. It was such an exciting journey to see that come to fruition. Now Bertie is becoming a destination.”
Why is now the right time for you to seek the NC Senate seat?
“When I became a commissioner, I realized my desire to serve the citizens was stronger than I even imagined. Instead of talking about the troubles, I decided to help solve the troubles, so I ran. It’s an exhilarating feeling when you know you have helped make someone’s life a little bit better. Senator Erica Smith-Ingram has decided to run for US Senate, so maybe this is my time to serve a larger base of people.”
For additional information on Bazemore and her campaign, visit www.bazemoresenate.com.
To hear the interview in its entirety, including additional questions and responses from Bazemore, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
(This is not a paid political advertisement. Political candidates are offered equal air time/coverage on WIZS.)
Town Talk 09/01/20: Henderson Family YMCA Offers Daily Child Care, School Assistance
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Dana Holloman, director of Youth Services at the Henderson Family YMCA, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.
The Henderson Family YMCA is helping local students, parents and teachers by offering in-person full-time or part-time school assistance/child care through its Back To School Academy. The program runs from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. After-School Care only is also available weekdays from 2 until 6 p.m.
Though the program began with the start of the new school year on August 17, space is still available for both YMCA members and non-members.
Hollomon, Henderson YMCA
Participants are asked to bring their necessary school device, books, work packets, etc.; a yoga/nap mat or blanket for quiet time; an extra set of clothes, swimwear, towel and flip flops; lunch that does not require heating; quiet time material such as a favorite book or magazine; and a reusable water bottle. Snacks are provided in the morning and afternoon.
According to Holloman, the YMCA provides the appropriate time for the student to log in for virtual learning each morning or for them to work on their online schoolwork or assigned worksheets. Each participant is assigned to their appropriate age, grade or school group.
In the afternoon, participants “have time to unwind” with both indoor and outdoor activities including swimming, youth sports clinics, arts and crafts, robotics, playtime and virtual field trips. Afternoon academic time is provided for those who need to log in for virtual school lessons later in the day.
The YMCA conducts daily health screenings with temperature checks and basic health questions on all campers and camp staff. YMCA camp counselors are required to wear a face covering; masks are optional for campers. Face coverings are available to campers by request.
All Back to School Academy and After School activities, crafts, games and sports adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Back To School Academy Schedule
The Back to School Academy weekly full-time cost is $115 for YMCA members and $135 for non-members. Part-time, or less than five days per week, is $95 for members and $110 for non-members. After-School Care only is a weekly fee of $45 for members and $55 for non-members.
The Henderson Family YMCA is located at 380 Ruin Creek Road in Henderson. For more information, call (252) 438-2144 or email Holloman at danah@henfamymca.org.
To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
Labor Day Weekend Marks the Launch of Highway Patrol’s Impaired Driving Initiative
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Public Safety
As Labor Day fast approaches, increased congestion across the state is expected as motorists travel to their intended vacation destinations. With this in mind, the State Highway Patrol is stressing the importance of sober driving throughout the holiday weekend.
Combining forces with the Governor’s Highway Safety Program and more than 500 law enforcement organizations statewide, the SHP is participating in the GHSP’s Booze It & Lose It campaign. Troopers throughout the two-week initiative will focus on multiple motor vehicle violations such as excessive speeding, aggressive driving and driving while distracted. A special emphasis will also be placed on removing impaired motorists, attempting to prevent needless collisions from occurring.
“Removing impaired drivers before they harm themselves or someone else is among our highest priorities throughout the holiday weekend,” said Colonel Glenn McNeill, Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. “Ensuring safe travel is a shared responsibility among both law enforcement and those who travel across our great state.”
Last year, the SHP responded to more than 1,351 collisions throughout the Labor Day weekend. Among those collisions, 402 resulted in an injury and 12 resulted in one or more fatalities. Ninety-four collisions within the same time frame occurred due to impairment of either alcohol or drugs.
Motorists can assist in reducing needless collisions by following the provided suggestions:
The Booze It & Lose It campaign began Monday, August 31 and will conclude on Sunday, September 13, 2020.
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 09-01-20 – Leasing Farm Land
/by CharleneListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 2 PM Monday – Thursday.
Local COVID-19 Update: Number of New Community Cases Reported by Week Declines
/by WIZS StaffTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health
Granville Vance Public Health’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard shows a decline in the number of new community cases reported weekly in both Granville and Vance County from August 23 to August 30, 2020. On August 23, Granville reported 74 new cases of COVID, with Vance reporting 54 new cases. On August 30, Granville reported 15 new cases from the previous week, with Vance reporting 11 new cases. This is the lowest number of new community cases reported weekly in both counties since April.
For additional information, please visit GVPH’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard (click here) for tables and graphs that are updated daily. A chart for those considered “off-isolation” has recently been added.
The following is an update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of August 31, 2020. Granville Vance Public Health numbers correlate with the NC Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NCEDSS) data.
The county case numbers reported on the NC county map from the NC Department of Health and Human Services may differ from the ones reported locally as they are updated at different times and may change once residence is verified.
Granville County
1,542 positive test results for COVID-19.
Of those 1,542, 897 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 897, 740 have been released from isolation.
Of those 1,542 cases, 516 are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County, and 440 of those 516 have been released from isolation.
Of those 1,542, 129 are associated with outbreaks at long term care facilities including 24 at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center, and 94 at Universal Health Care. The outbreak at Granville House is no longer active.
Of the 129 cases in long term care facilities in Granville County, 15 have been released from isolation.
Eight individuals in Granville County are hospitalized.
There have been a total of 45 deaths in Granville County: five in the community, one associated with Central Regional Hospital, one associated with Murdoch Development Center, 17 associated with Universal Health Care, and 21 associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.
Unfortunately, two recent deaths have been reported associated with Universal Health Care: a 72-year-old female passed away on August 29 and an 83-year-old male passed away on August 30, 2020.
Vance County
881 positive test results for COVID-19.
Of those 881, 756 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 756, 577 have been released from isolation
Of those 881, 125 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities including 49 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home and 17 associated with Senior Citizens Home. The outbreaks at Alliance Rehabilitative Care and at Pelican Health nursing home are no longer active.
Of the 125 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 96 have been released from isolation.
Seven individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.
There have been a total of 42 deaths in Vance County: 14 associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 12 associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, two associated with Senior Citizens Home and 14 in the community.
Additional Information
The number of those who have been ‘released from isolation’ is determined by the CDC Guidance for discontinuation of isolation for persons with COVID-19.
Please visit www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information from Granville Vance Public Health and to sign up for daily email updates.
Local News Audio 9-1-20 Noon
/by John C. RoseLocal News Audio 9-1-20; Noon; WIZS Radio
Henderson News, Local News, Election News
Click Play Below for Full Details…
Vance Co. BOE Announces Important General Election Dates, Reminders
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy the Vance County Board of Elections
The Vance County Board of Elections (VCBOE) has announced important upcoming November 2020 General Election dates, deadlines and reminders.
November 2020 General Election Important Dates:
Friday, September 4, 2020 – Absentee Voting by Mail Begins
Friday, October 9, 2020 – Voter Registration Deadline
Thursday, October 15, 2020 – One-Stop Voting (Early Voting) Begins
Tuesday, October 27, 2020 – Last Day to Request an Absentee Ballot by Mail
Saturday, October 31, 2020 – One-Stop Voting (Early Voting) Ends
Tuesday, November 3, 2020 – Last Day to Return an Absentee Ballot by Mail
Tuesday, November 3, 2020 – November Election Day
Friday, November 13, 2020 – County Canvass
Deadlines for Absentee Voting by Mail for the 2020 General Election
October 15, 2020 – October 27, 2020
Requests are accepted on the approved State Absentee by Mail Request Form only and ballots are mailed by the Board of Elections Office.
October 27, 2020 – November 3, 2020
Valid in-person requests are accepted for sick and disabled voters at the Board of Elections Office.
Ballots must be returned by November 3, 2020, at 5 p.m. or be post-marked by November 3, 2020, and received by mail no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2020.
Reminders on Absentee Voting by Mail
The absentee ballot envelope, where indicated, must have one witness and their signature and the voter’s signature or mark. Only the voter or the voter’s near relative or the voter’s verifiable legal guardian is allowed to request or return the voter’s absentee ballot materials.
To Request an Absentee Ballot by Mail
Voter or voter’s near relative or verifiable legal guardian must fill out and sign the State Absentee Ballot Request Form. Request forms are available at the Vance County Board of Elections Office, mailed by request from the VCBOE or online at www.ncsbe.gov.
Same-Day Registration
Those who miss the October 9, 2020, voter registration deadline may register to vote during the One-Stop Voting (Early Voting). Click here for a list of Vance County’s early voting dates and sites.
Out of Precinct Voting
Voters who appear on Election Day in the correct county but in the improper precinct may cast a provisional ballot which will be counted for all contests in which the voter was eligible to participate.
For more information, visit the Vance County Board of Elections website (click here) or call the VCBOE at (252) 492-3730. The VCBOE office is located at 300 S. Garnett Street in Henderson, NC. Director Faye Gill is also available by email at fgill@vancecounty.org.
Henderson City Council’s Land Planning Committee to Meet Sept. 3
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy the City of Henderson
The Henderson City Council’s Land Planning Committee will meet at 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2020, in Council Chambers at City Hall, 134 Rose Avenue in Henderson.
The purpose of this meeting is to consider an offer to purchase City-owned property. The public is welcome to observe.
Kerr-Tar COG Awarded Funding to Assist Eligible Residents With Home Repairs
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments
The Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments (COG) has been awarded $200,000 by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) under the 2020 cycle of the Urgent Repair Program to assist residents in the counties of Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance and Warren.
The Urgent Repair Program finances emergency home repairs for homeowners who are elderly or have special needs and whose incomes are below 50% of the median for the area. Only repairs that address imminent threats to the life and/or safety of occupants of the dwelling unit or accessibility modifications will be performed under the program. A total of 18 households are projected to be assisted.
In the Urgent Repair Program, one or two critical problems may be repaired, but the entire house is not addressed. Examples of work typically done under this program include roof or HVAC system repair, well or septic system repairs, adding accessibility features like ramps, bathroom grab bars and wider doors.
The COG will provide assistance, to those whose homes are selected for repairs, in the form of a loan. Homeowners will receive an unsecured deferred, interest-free loan, forgiven at a rate of $2,000 per year until the principal balance is reduced to zero. The maximum amount of the loan available is $10,000.
Applications are available starting September 1, 2020, and must be returned to the COG office by 5 p.m. on November 1, 2020. Clients to be assisted will be selected by January 1, 2021.
The application and program information are available on the Kerr-Tar Regional COG website at www.kerrtarcog.org or by calling (252) 436-2040.
The funds provided by the NCHFA for the Urgent Repair Program come from the North Carolina Housing Trust Fund.
Town Talk 08/31/20: Ernestine Bazemore, NC Senate District 3 Dem. Candidate
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Ernestine Bazemore, the Democratic candidate for the District 3 NC Senate Seat, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.
Bazemore, of Bertie County, will face Republican candidate and Vance County resident Thomas “Tommy” S. Hester, Jr. for the seat that represents Beaufort, Bertie, Martin, Northampton, Vance and Warren County.
Raised with six siblings, Bazemore said she learned the value of a good education and the importance of serving others. She earned a B.S. in Criminology & Criminal Justice and served for 28 years in the Bertie County School System in various roles.
Candidate
Bazemore was elected to the Bertie County Board of Commissioners in 2014, serving as chair in 2018. According to her campaign website, she was also appointed by NC Governor Roy Cooper as a Trustee for Roanoke Chowan Community College and continues to serve on several state and national boards, including:
• District 2 Director for the State of North Carolina (North Carolina Association of County Officials)
• Bertie County DSS Board
• Trillium Regional Board and the Governing Board
• Bertie County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC)
• North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Board of Trustees
Bazemore provided the following responses to questions asked during the Town Talk segment:
How will you use your voice to represent your district’s concerns?
“I want to hear from the people. I’m running to serve the people, not myself. There will be a place to call to share their [citizens’] concerns. Preferably, COVID will be over so I can visit in person. If not, we’ll do it virtually or by phone conference, so there is still a way to communicate with my constituents.”
What are the issues people are sharing with you while you’re campaigning?
“Broadband is a major concern across all the counties; not all areas are currently being served. Also, the services offered by rural hospitals as well as Medicaid expansion are big concerns.”
Your webpage mentions unlimited promise for businesses and children. How can you help with that?
“Tier One counties need economic stabilization. COVID-19 has left us in a horrible situation. I’ll be seeking monies from federal funds to help stabilize our communities. Also, education should be at the forefront. We have very good teachers, but the salary is low; therefore, people are leaving education to find other jobs.”
What are some examples you’d point to of helping others?
“As a commissioner, I pushed for Bertie County to implement the quarter-cent sales tax increase. Bertie was one of the last NC counties to receive it. My vote was to give the money to education because we are such a poor county, and there is no money for education. It [sales tax increase] has all been devoted to education. If we are expected to compete with Wake County, Mecklenburg County and other larger counties, we have to put money into our school systems.
I’m also proud of the creation of Bertie Beach. It was such an exciting journey to see that come to fruition. Now Bertie is becoming a destination.”
Why is now the right time for you to seek the NC Senate seat?
“When I became a commissioner, I realized my desire to serve the citizens was stronger than I even imagined. Instead of talking about the troubles, I decided to help solve the troubles, so I ran. It’s an exhilarating feeling when you know you have helped make someone’s life a little bit better. Senator Erica Smith-Ingram has decided to run for US Senate, so maybe this is my time to serve a larger base of people.”
For additional information on Bazemore and her campaign, visit www.bazemoresenate.com.
To hear the interview in its entirety, including additional questions and responses from Bazemore, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
(This is not a paid political advertisement. Political candidates are offered equal air time/coverage on WIZS.)
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 08-31-20 – Disaster Plan
/by CharleneListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 2 PM Monday – Thursday.