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-Press Release, Jefferson County Development Authority
The Jefferson County Development Authority announces that Dennis Jarvis II will be its new executive director, effective July 6, 2020. Jarvis will lead the organization as it develops a new strategic plan for its future direction and focus on economic development efforts in Jefferson County.
The Jefferson County Commission approved the employment of Jarvis today upon the recommendation of the Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA) Board of Directors. Working with a national firm, JCDA board members began the search for a new executive director six months ago. After seeking input from community stakeholders regarding the type of candidate to pursue, Jarvis was selected following an extensive screening and interview process.
The Jefferson County Development Authority announces that Dennis Jarvis II, currently the director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission in North Carolina, will be its new executive director, effective July 6, 2020. (Photo courtesy JCDA)
Jarvis has 20 years of community and economic development experience in West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. He started his career as the deputy director of the Logan County Development Authority in West Virginia and is currently the director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission in North Carolina.
His background with business development, job creation, small business and entrepreneurial assistance programs as well as marketing and grant writing will be instrumental to the JCDA, said Neil McLaughlin, president of the JCDA. “We were impressed with Dennis’s enthusiasm for this area, his motivation and creativity for the role in general, and his stalwart Mountaineer spirit.”
“We look forward to Dennis joining the county,” said Jefferson County Commission President Jane Tabb. “This position is key to increasing and diversifying the tax base for Jefferson County and strengthening the economic well-being of our county, our businesses, and our residents.”
Since being reconstituted a year ago, McLaughlin noted the JCDA Board has been working to move forward, increase transparency, and grow relationships with the community, business leaders, and regional and state officials. In January, the JCDA hired a consultant to facilitate the development of a new strategic plan to guide JCDA leaders in establishing the direction of the organization.
“We’re looking forward to having Dennis on board as we begin this new chapter of the JCDA,” McLaughlin said. “His engaging personality, pro-active attitude, and relationship-building skills will be assets as the JCDA incorporates community involvement into the strategic planning process in the next few months.”
Jarvis welcomes the opportunity to come back to West Virginia. “I am honored to return home to West Virginia and the eastern gateway to our great state,” he said. “The choice to relocate to Jefferson County was easy. This is a progressive, dynamic community with a strategic location and vibrant workforce.”
The JCDA board is focused, Jarvis noted. “I am pleased to be able to work with the JCDA board. They are an energetic, synergistic group,” he said. “Developing a new strategic plan for the organization with community input is exciting for the future of Jefferson County.”
Born in Bluefield, West Virginia, Jarvis received his bachelor’s degree from Bluefield State College and completed his master’s degree at Marshall University. He is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at Oklahoma University, the Community Development Institute of West Virginia University, and is a Certified Business Retention Specialist with Business Retention International.
Jarvis and his wife, Lori Daniels Jarvis, are looking forward to returning to West Virginia with their cat, Virginia, and puppy, Buzzie. They enjoy traveling and riding their Indian Chieftain motorcycle. He is also a big fan of college football and likes podcasting.
During the next few months, the JCDA will be planning several events where community officials, business leaders, and local residents will have an opportunity to meet and get to know Jarvis.
The JCDA consists of a 15-member board of directors, including representatives from the county commission and each of the five municipalities within the county as well as industry, business, labor, education, and citizens representatives. The JCDA aims to promote, develop, and advance the economic development of Jefferson County, West Virginia.
For more information about the JCDA, visit www.jcda.net, email info@jcda.net, or call 304-728-3255.
Coach’s Corner 06/05/20: Crossroad’s Scottie Richardson & Hurricanes’ Jeff Daniels
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Scottie Richardson, men’s varsity basketball coach for the Crossroad Christian School Colts, and Jeff Daniels, assistant coach for the Carolina Hurricanes, appeared on the WIZS Coach’s Corner Friday.
Richardson discussed the Colt’s return to the gym this week for the first practice since the COVID-19 quarantine.
“I told my guys with a tear in my eye how exciting it was to be back in the gym,” said Richardson. “It’s a little different scenario and guidelines that we now have to abide by, but I’m just so glad to be back and smelling the hardwood.”
Richardson’s young team consists of four freshmen and two sophomores who are still learning the Colt’s program, making restrictions even more of a challenge in building a cohesive team.
“We tried to communicate at least weekly, if not every other day, with the team by breaking down film, talking about what’s going on in their lives and discussing how they can do better on working on their game individually,” Richardson said.
According to Richardson, while that’s been helpful, nothing beats in-person practice. To keep everyone safe, the Colts are following stage one guidelines provided by the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA), which are effective for the next two weeks.
Stage one NCISAA guidelines for athletic practices include the requirement of 10 people or fewer in a gymnasium and 25 or fewer on an outdoor court. Each player’s temperature must also be checked before practice, and anyone registering a fever of 100 or higher will be dismissed from campus for 14 days.
In perhaps the most restrictive measure for basketball practice, players are not allowed to touch the same ball. “Here’s where it gets tricky,” Richardson said. “No one can touch your basketball, and anyone that does is supposed to be asked to leave. We are lucky that we have six goals in the gym, so we’ve been working on form shooting and just taking some of the rust off.”
To hear more from Richardson, and to hear from Jeff Daniels with the Carolina Hurricanes, please listen to the respective Coach’s Corner audio by clicking the play buttons above.
Henderson Heroin Trafficker Sentenced
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice
A Henderson man was sentenced to 78 months in prison for trafficking heroin in Vance County.
According to court documents, Reginald Lamont Lewis, 31, was involved in the distribution of heroin from February 2017 until December 2018. During that time, law enforcement investigated the drug trafficking activities of Lewis by conducting undercover purchases of narcotics; over 300 individual doses of heroin were purchased in total.
The execution of a search warrant led to the seizure of approximately $25,600 in U.S. currency.
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Henderson Police Department; the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation; the Vance County Sheriff’s Office; and the Virginia State Police Department investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick J. Miller prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the U.S. Department of Justice website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:18-cr-00518-D-1.
Noon News 06/05/20
/by Larry100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
WIZS, Henderson – Your Community Voice
Dennis Jarvis accepts Executive Director position with Jefferson County Development Authority in West Virginia.
JC Penney to close 154 stores permanently, including the Henderson location.
The US census continues.
Henderson man receives 78 months imprisonment for trafficking heroin.
Approval of New FY Budget on Henderson City Council’s June 8 Agenda
/by WIZS StaffTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-Information courtesy Esther J. McCrackin, City Clerk, City of Henderson, NC
The Henderson City Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, June 8, 2020, at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 134 Rose Ave. in Henderson, NC.
Due to COVID-19 health mandates issued by Governor Cooper, the number of people allowed in Council Chambers will be limited for this meeting. Therefore, no citizens will be allowed in Council Chambers to observe or to make comments. However, members of the community are strongly encouraged to provide questions/comments for Council in writing as follows and to listen via Zoom:
Written Comments:
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Time: Monday, June 8, 2020, 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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Agenda Items Include:
Consideration of Approval of Ordinance 20-21, Adoption of the FY 20-21 Budget and FY 20-21 Annual Fee Schedule. The proposed FY 2020-2021 budget is available for viewing in its entirety on the City of Henderson’s website, under the Finance Department tab (click here).
Consideration of Approval of Ordinance 20-22, Authorizing the Demolition of 224 Zene Street for Failure to Comply with Abandoned Structure Code.
Consideration of Approval of Ordinance 20-23, Amending Sanitation Ordinance Chapter 17, Section 17-3 Garbage and Trash Collection Policy.
Consideration of Approval of Resolution 20-40, Deferring Implementation of the Adopted Financial Model Developed by Stantec for the Kerr Lake Regional Water System.
Consideration of Approval of 1) Resolution 20-39, Accepting the 2020 BJA Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Grant and 2) Ordinance 20-24, FY 20 BA #30, Establishing a Budget for the BJA Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Grant.
Consideration of Approval of Tax Releases and Refunds from Vance County for the Month of April 2020.
Click here to view previous and current Henderson City Council meeting agendas and minutes.
Granville Spring Shred & Recycle Event Results Announced
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release and photos, Granville County Government
Granville County’s Spring Shred and Recycle Event, held May 16, 2020, resulted in the collection and proper disposal of truckloads of scrap metal, electronics/televisions, shredded paper, hardback books, household batteries, outdated medications and other items.
Recycle and Sustainability Coordinator Teresa Baker reports the following totals:
* Shred Ace – 5,440 pounds of paper (2.72 tons)
* Metech Recycling – 4,725 pounds of electronics and TV’s
* RMR Recycling – 800 lbs of hardback books
* Dart Container – 1/2 enclosed trailer of polystyrene
* Granville County Sheriff’s Office – 185 pounds of medication and sharps
* Interstate Batteries – four (4) five-gallon buckets of various household batteries, four (4) lead-acid batteries, and a pallet of other batteries
* Granville County Humane Society – 1/2 truckbed full of various items
* GFL = 985 pounds of scrap metal and broken appliances
“I was very pleased with the turnout,” said Baker. “Thanks to all who participated, and to our volunteers who came out to make the day a success.”
Recycling events are held twice a year in Granville County and are scheduled in the spring and fall at the Expo and Convention Center. Details about the fall event will be announced soon.
For additional information or to learn more about local recycling efforts, please contact Baker at 919-725-1417 or at bakertd@gcs.k12.nc.us.
Coach’s Corner 06/04/20: H-V Rec. & Parks ‘Uncertain But Hopeful’ for Fall Sports
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department’s Kendrick Vann, director, and Darius Pitt, program director, appeared on the WIZS Coach’s Corner Thursday.
Stating summer and fall sports are in a holding pattern due to COVID-19 concerns, Pitt explained the Rec. Department is following the directives of the National and North Carolina Recreation and Park Associations, as well as the CDC.
“We are watching right now, and everything is on hold,” Pitt said. “We want the kids to be involved in sports, but we are also concerned about their safety and the safety of their parents and others that come to the games.”
Pitt said the department is hopeful that activities will return for the fall, even if that takes on a different format from the norm. “Things change daily, and we are hopeful for the fall. Right now, we are looking at offering camp training programs rather than organized sports leagues. We are looking at ways to space kids out [physically] so they can stay active by doing individual workouts and conditioning.”
Vann said he is working with other area recreation departments and athletic directors to get new ideas for keeping youth and families engaged while still protecting against the spread of COVID-19.
“This is new to everyone and things change daily,” said Vann. “We don’t have a hard deadline, but we’re working with other areas so we can be consistent with our message and with our offered sports.”
To hear more from Vann and Pitt, please listen to the Coach’s Corner audio by clicking the play button above.
Dennis Jarvis, H-V Economic Development Director, Accepts Position in Jefferson Co., WV
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Jefferson County Development Authority
The Jefferson County Development Authority announces that Dennis Jarvis II will be its new executive director, effective July 6, 2020. Jarvis will lead the organization as it develops a new strategic plan for its future direction and focus on economic development efforts in Jefferson County.
The Jefferson County Commission approved the employment of Jarvis today upon the recommendation of the Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA) Board of Directors. Working with a national firm, JCDA board members began the search for a new executive director six months ago. After seeking input from community stakeholders regarding the type of candidate to pursue, Jarvis was selected following an extensive screening and interview process.
The Jefferson County Development Authority announces that Dennis Jarvis II, currently the director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission in North Carolina, will be its new executive director, effective July 6, 2020. (Photo courtesy JCDA)
Jarvis has 20 years of community and economic development experience in West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. He started his career as the deputy director of the Logan County Development Authority in West Virginia and is currently the director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission in North Carolina.
His background with business development, job creation, small business and entrepreneurial assistance programs as well as marketing and grant writing will be instrumental to the JCDA, said Neil McLaughlin, president of the JCDA. “We were impressed with Dennis’s enthusiasm for this area, his motivation and creativity for the role in general, and his stalwart Mountaineer spirit.”
“We look forward to Dennis joining the county,” said Jefferson County Commission President Jane Tabb. “This position is key to increasing and diversifying the tax base for Jefferson County and strengthening the economic well-being of our county, our businesses, and our residents.”
Since being reconstituted a year ago, McLaughlin noted the JCDA Board has been working to move forward, increase transparency, and grow relationships with the community, business leaders, and regional and state officials. In January, the JCDA hired a consultant to facilitate the development of a new strategic plan to guide JCDA leaders in establishing the direction of the organization.
“We’re looking forward to having Dennis on board as we begin this new chapter of the JCDA,” McLaughlin said. “His engaging personality, pro-active attitude, and relationship-building skills will be assets as the JCDA incorporates community involvement into the strategic planning process in the next few months.”
Jarvis welcomes the opportunity to come back to West Virginia. “I am honored to return home to West Virginia and the eastern gateway to our great state,” he said. “The choice to relocate to Jefferson County was easy. This is a progressive, dynamic community with a strategic location and vibrant workforce.”
The JCDA board is focused, Jarvis noted. “I am pleased to be able to work with the JCDA board. They are an energetic, synergistic group,” he said. “Developing a new strategic plan for the organization with community input is exciting for the future of Jefferson County.”
Born in Bluefield, West Virginia, Jarvis received his bachelor’s degree from Bluefield State College and completed his master’s degree at Marshall University. He is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at Oklahoma University, the Community Development Institute of West Virginia University, and is a Certified Business Retention Specialist with Business Retention International.
Jarvis and his wife, Lori Daniels Jarvis, are looking forward to returning to West Virginia with their cat, Virginia, and puppy, Buzzie. They enjoy traveling and riding their Indian Chieftain motorcycle. He is also a big fan of college football and likes podcasting.
During the next few months, the JCDA will be planning several events where community officials, business leaders, and local residents will have an opportunity to meet and get to know Jarvis.
The JCDA consists of a 15-member board of directors, including representatives from the county commission and each of the five municipalities within the county as well as industry, business, labor, education, and citizens representatives. The JCDA aims to promote, develop, and advance the economic development of Jefferson County, West Virginia.
For more information about the JCDA, visit www.jcda.net, email info@jcda.net, or call 304-728-3255.
Henderson JCPenney Among 154 Locations Closing Nationwide
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information and featured image courtesy JCPenney
JCPenney has announced that 154 stores, including the Henderson Square location at 380 N. Cooper Dr. in Henderson, NC, will close permanently.
Other North Carolina JCPenney store closings include the locations at Biggs Park Shopping Center in Lumberton, Twin Rivers Mall in New Bern, North Hills Shopping Center in Raleigh and the Richmond Plaza in Rockingham.
JCPenney posted the following statement on the company blog:
Following a comprehensive review of our retail footprint, JCPenney made the difficult decision to close 154 stores. We will continue to operate the majority of our stores and our flagship store, jcp.com, to ensure our valued customers continue to have access to the products and brands they need and want.
Please click here for the full list of closing locations by state.
Town Talk: 2020 U.S. Census Response a Legal Requirement
/by Kelly BondurantTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
Tracy Twisdale, a Vance County resident assisting a local non-profit with the 2020 U.S. Census, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Taken every decade since 1790, the census counts every person living in the United States and five U.S. territories.
In March, homes across the country began receiving mailed invitations to complete the 2020 Census. Responses tell the U.S. Census Bureau how many people lived in a particular household as of April 1, 2020.
“The Census is done every ten years to give an accurate account of the people living in the United States,” explained Twisdale. “That count will determine how billions in federal funding is allocated for fire departments, hospitals, schools, roads and more. It also determines how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives and is used to draw state and congressional legislative districts. So, you’re basically shaping the future of the area around you as it relates to federal funding when you take a few minutes to complete the census.”
The census, which takes approximately five minutes to complete, includes questions on the age, race and gender of those living in the household as of April 1. According to Twisdale, no extra forms, paperwork or documentation is needed, and everyone in the household should be counted, including roommates, newborns, young children, and/or someone renting a space in the home.
The census can be completed by returning the original invitation via mail, by calling (844) 330-2020 or online at www.my2020census.gov.
With Vance County being labeled a “hard-to-count” community, which means, compared to other counties, Vance County residents are historically less likely to respond, Twisdale reminded Town Talk listeners that completing the census is required by law.
“According to the U.S. Code, if you are over 18 and you refuse to answer all or part of the census, you can be fined up to $100,” stated Twisdale. “If you give false information, your subject to a fine of up to $500. If you offer suggestions or information with the intent to throw off the count, you can be subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and/or one year in prison.”
The 2020 U.S. Census website states that the U.S. Census Bureau is bound by law to protect census answers and keep them strictly confidential. The law ensures that private information is never published and that answers cannot be used against a respondent by any government agency or court.
The deadline for census completion has been extended to an as-yet determined date due to COVID-19 restrictions. In the meantime, Twisdale said census takers will soon be going door-to-door to speak to those households who have not yet responded.
To hear the interview with Twisdale in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
Town Talk 06/04/20: NC MedAssist Holding Mobile Free Pharmacy Event in Oxford
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Kinzie Luce, Mobile Free Pharmacy events and volunteer manager with NC MedAssist, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.
NC MedAssist is holding a Mobile Free Pharmacy Event in Granville County on Friday, June 19, 2020. The event, which is in collaboration with Triangle North Healthcare Foundation, is open to any individual or family needing over-the-counter medications.
The event will be held from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Granville County Expo & Convention Center (4185 US-15 South, Oxford, NC 27565). Participants must be at least 18 years old to receive the medicine. No identification is required.
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In order to comply with local recommended guidelines, all participants will remain in their vehicles while volunteers retrieve their medicine. For those individuals unable to register online, volunteers will be available to complete registration forms for each person, limiting touch points.
Unlike previous Mobile Free Pharmacy events, this one will be held as a drive-thru service only. Participants are highly encouraged to order their over-the-counter medicine online at https://bit.ly/Granville. “We have completely revamped our Giveaway Day in order to keep our participants, volunteers, and staff as safe as possible,” said Misty Moore, Senior Development Director at NC MedAssist. “Over 100 participants have ordered their medicine in advance which will speed up the process significantly. Please register online if you are able to do so.”
“Triangle North Healthcare Foundation is pleased to partner with NC MedAssist on the Mobile Free Pharmacy event,” said Foundation Director Val Short. “The event is expected to have a huge impact on the community, especially during such difficult times. Triangle North Healthcare Foundation values the work of NC MedAssist in our communities on behalf of those who are vulnerable and don’t have access to healthcare. We hope to educate participants on the healthcare resources available in Granville and surrounding counties.”
NC MedAssist is a statewide non-profit pharmacy, founded in 1997. The organization provides free prescription medication to low-income, uninsured North Carolinians. NC MedAssist offers three programs that address the needs of children and adults: the Free Pharmacy Program, the Mobile Free Pharmacy Program, and the Transitional Job Program. Learn more about NC MedAssist right now at www.medassist.org.
To hear the interview with Luce in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.