100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release and photos, Vance County Schools
Vance County Early College High School celebrated commencement with 41 graduates on Thursday, May 21, 2020, at 6 p.m. The drive-thru ceremony was held at Vance-Granville Community College.
Though unable to have a traditional graduation, Vance County Schools was elated to be able to recognize the Class of 2020. The ceremony was live-streamed on the school district website and live updates were provided on WIZS 1450 AM/100.1 FM.
Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent of Vance County Schools, and Mr. Travis Taylor, principal of Vance County Early College High School, presented each of the graduates with their diploma.
Graduates were Ashly Arias, Dawson Ayscue, Evan Beaudet, Angela Bolanos Salazar, Mason Boone, Jasmine Davis, Daniela Decena-Santos, Aryianna Dockery, Virginia Ellis, Adison Evans, Emani’ Foster, Kierra Gray, Cheyenne Guerrant, Matthew Gupton, Viviana Hernandez, Seth Hight, Wesley Hight, Lakaevyn Holden, Tania Hunter, Isaiah Johen, Tre’Quan Johnson, Josiah Jones, Malik Kilgore, Logan Ludenburg, Destiny McBurrough, Kristyn Medlin, Hanna Miller, Chauncy Noel, Brayden Patterson, Jade Puryear, Josie Roberson, Kendall Royster, Jennifer Solomon, Julie Solomon, Jabrial Steed, Jessica Steed, Aure Tejada, Lane Wade, Ahbrionna Williams, Haley Williams and Leslie Zuniga Trejo.
Vance County Schools recognizes seniors using Latin honors as determined by the student’s grade point average. A total of 31 graduating Vance County Early College High School seniors received Latin honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, cum laude).
Seniors Jade Puryear and Josiah Jones delivered pre-recorded speeches to their class.
In addition to 41 high school diplomas being awarded, 29 students earned an Associate of Arts degree, and an additional 12 students earned transferrable college credit. Combined, the Vance County Early College High School students have been awarded over $5 million in scholarships and grants.
For additional pictures from the ceremony, please visit the Vance County Schools’ Facebook page (click here).
Rabies Alert: Raccoon on Tower Road in Norlina Tests Positive
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Warren County Government
A raccoon taken on May 23, 2020, from Tower Road in Norlina has tested positive for rabies at the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health.
The raccoon was killed by the citizen after it was found fighting with the citizen’s dog. The dog is current on its rabies vaccination and will be observed for 45 days by the owner.
North Carolina law requires that all dogs, cats, and ferrets that are four months of age and older be kept current on their rabies vaccination. Failure to vaccinate pets is a violation of state law and local ordinance and owners can face fines and criminal charges.
The Warren County Animal Control Department offers one-year rabies vaccinations. Vaccinations are resuming at the Animal Ark and are available Monday through Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. A vaccine is $5 per animal at the Animal Ark. Appointments can be made by calling the shelter at 252-257-6137.
Dogs and cats not current on their rabies vaccination that come into contact with a rabid animal have very few options. One option is quarantining the pet for a period of up to six months at the owner’s expense; the second is euthanizing the pet.
The majority of wild animals testing positive for rabies in North Carolina continue to be raccoons, followed by skunks and foxes. Cats continue to surpass other domestic animals, such as dogs and livestock, in testing positive for rabies.
The feeding and keeping of stray and other unvaccinated cats presents a health risk to our communities and the animals themselves; this practice should be halted and discouraged. The disposal of food scraps in yards and wooded areas attracts animals in general and is unsanitary. Dispose of food scraps by composting or placing in covered rubbish containers to avoid attracting animals.
Rabies is a fatal disease that has no cure for animals or humans. Feeding, keeping, or harboring of stray cats and dogs increases the risk of rabies being transmitted from stray animals to humans and is highly discouraged by Animal Control. Individuals who keep, feed, or harbor unvaccinated animals place the animals, themselves, and their community at risk of being exposed to this fatal disease.
For more information, contact Warren County Animal Control at 252-257-6137. The Warren County Animal Ark is located at 142 Rafters Lane, off of Hwy 58/43, just east of the Town of Warrenton.
Noon News 05/26/20
/by Larry100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
WIZS, Henderson – Your Community Voice
Vance County High School Graduation
YMCA Youth Summer Camps
Granville County Public Schools surpasses 290,000 meals served since school was in quarantine
Latest COVID 19 numbers
VGCC Biotech Students Participate in Virtual Career Fair
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College
Students studying biotechnology at Vance-Granville Community College recently joined their counterparts from a handful of other colleges in a career fair that was tailor-made for the current state of social distancing and video-conferencing.
On May 14, nine VGCC Bioprocess students participated – from their homes – in the first in a planned series of Virtual Career Fairs organized by the BioNetwork, part of the N.C. Community College System. Representatives of several North Carolina biopharmaceutical companies talked with students, including Biogen, Catalent, KBI, Guerbet, Merck, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer and Seqirus, along with staffing agencies like Adecco, Manpower and Spectraforce.
“This innovative event represented an outstanding partnership of Vance-Granville staff, the BioNetwork and the private sector,” said Stewart Lyon, who heads VGCC’s Biotech programs, based at the college’s Franklin County Campus. “Although the full results are still being tabulated, we know that our students were able to speak with an average of six employers during the event, and one student spoke with 13 potential employers! Some participants have also confirmed that they have received invitations to formal job interviews from the event.”
VGCC not only made this opportunity available to students but also helped prepare them ahead of time, so they could present themselves in the best professional light. Lyon, VGCC Director of Career Services Linda Fletcher and BioNetwork staff all helped review the students’ resumes before the event. In fact, having an “approved” resume was a requirement for students to participate. Lyon and Fletcher continue to offer such services to students, to help them secure good jobs after they complete their studies.
Enrollment for the Fall 2020 semester is going on now for the Bioprocess Technology program. VGCC offers a Bioprocess Technology certificate, which can be completed in as little as six months (combining online coursework with labs meeting only once per week); a diploma program, which takes about one year, and the two-year Associate in Applied Science degree. All these options are eligible for federal financial aid to qualified students.
Lyon also points out that students have options to continue their education beyond VGCC, particularly through new transfer opportunities. Students seeking four-year degrees can transfer to North Carolina Central University and East Carolina University through special articulation agreements.
For more information on VGCC’s biotech programs, contact Mr. Lyon at lyons@vgcc.edu or 252-738-3632.
Prospective students are also encouraged to check the college website, www.vgcc.edu, and the Facebook page – facebook.com/vancegranville – this summer for announcements on upcoming Biotech information sessions.
VCRFM’s May 28 Online Advisory Board Meeting Open to the Public
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension
The next meeting of the Vance County Regional Farmers Market Advisory Board will be held via the Zoom video conferencing platform on Thursday, May 28, 2020, at 2 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.
For access information, please contact the NC Cooperative Extension’s Vance County Center by 1 p.m. on May 28. Those interested in participating may call (252) 438-8188 or email paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu.
In Memory of Dr. Andrea Harris, Local Resident and NC Women & Minority Economic Developer
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Obituary and photo courtesy Davis-Royster Funeral Service
Dr. Andrea Lynnette Harris, 71, of West Rockspring Street, Henderson, died May 20, 2020, at Duke Raleigh Medical Center in Raleigh. She was born in Sumter, SC to the late Al Harris, Sr. and Geneva Smith Harris.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. No public services will be held at this time.
She is survived by two nieces: Alana and Omara Harris; and one great-niece, Lourdes Harris, along with a host of other relatives and friends.
Arrangements are by Davis-Royster Funeral Service: https://www.davis-royster.com/
Dr. Andrea Harris, Henderson resident and NC Women & Minority Economic Developer, died May 20, 2020. (Photo courtesy Davis-Royster Funeral Service)
Congressman G. K. Butterfield issued the following statement on Harris:
“Andrea Harris lived a life of passion, humility and unwavering dedication to breaking barriers and blazing trails for the economic advancement of minority groups. From being the youngest community agency director in the nation at age 23 to serving as Co-founder of the Senior Fellow of the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development in Durham, NC; Andrea dedicated her life’s work to the imperative economic principle that prosperity must be shared and never isolated.”
“Though she was the recipient of many awards and recognitions for her work in business and leadership—above all, Andrea Harris is beautifully adorned by the doors that she has opened, the opportunities that she has fostered and the lasting impact she has made on individuals, businesses and minority communities in North Carolina. Her legacy continues to challenge us all to be better, to speak up, to make our voices heard and our purpose clear. Andrea was my personal friend for more than 40 years, and I extend my sincerest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce President Michele Burgess said Harris will be remembered as a trailblazer for historically underutilized businesses and for her work with civil rights. She was serving as a member of the Vance County Economic Development Commission Board and was on the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees.
Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington had these kind words: “Today we remember one of the brightest lights of our time. A brilliant champion for all people, a fierce friend and truly a phenomenal lady. Like so many others, we cherish the time we were privileged to share with Andrea Harris. With a strong word she had the ability to remind us what was truly important. I recall the words of Maya Angelou, ‘No sun outlasts its sunset, but will rise again, and bring the dawn.’”
Yesterday, NC Governor Roy Cooper honored Harris’ many accomplishments by ordering all North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff until sunset on Saturday, May 23.
Henderson Family YMCA Moving Ahead With Youth Summer Day Camp
/by WIZS StaffTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Co. Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson Family YMCA will hold summer day camp for ages 4-12 weekly beginning June 1 through August 7, 2020.
Camp will be held Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Participation is $115 per week for members and $135 per week for non-members. Financial assistance is available.
Registration is available online only at https://www.hendersonymca.org/programs/camps/summer-day-camp
The camp will conduct daily health screenings and will follow recommendations from the NCDHHS, CDC and the health department.
More information on a virtual camp option and a teen camp for members 13-17 is coming soon.
The Henderson Family YMCA is located at 380 Ruin Creek Road in Henderson. For more information, please visit the website at www.hendersonymca.org or call (252) 438-2144.
City of Henderson Announces Bypass of 70,200 Gallons of Untreated Wastewater
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, City of Henderson
Notification of Discharge of Untreated Wastewater
General Statute 143-215.1C requires the owner or operator of any wastewater collection or treatment works to issue a press release when an untreated wastewater discharge of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface waters.
In accordance with that regulation, the following news release has been prepared and issued to media in the affected county:
The City of Henderson experienced heavy rains on May 21 and 22 that caused flooding throughout the area. The City discharged an estimated 70,200 gallons at the Sandy Creek Pump Station, located at 482 Rock Mill Road; the release was discharged into the Sandy Creek stream basin.
Questions concerning this matter should be directed to the Public Works ORC Joey Long Jr at 252-226-4492 or Andy Perkinson at 252-431-6117.
City of Henderson Announces Bypass of 14,700 Gallons of Untreated Water
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, City of Henderson
The City of Henderson’s Sewer Collection System bypassed approximately 14,700 gallons of untreated water on May 21, 2020, due to inflow/infiltration from the heavy rain. The overflow occurred at Neatherly Street, E. Rockspring Street, and the intersection of Pinkston Street and Farrar Avenue.
Approximately 5,250 gallons of untreated water entered a tributary to Sandy Creek and 9,450 gallons were contained on the ground.
North Carolina General Statutes Article 21 Chapter 143.215.1c requires a press release for all bypasses of 1,000 gallons or more that enter surface waters.
Questions concerning this matter should be directed to the Public Works ORC Joey Long Jr. at 252-226-4492 or Andy Perkinson at 252-431-6117.
Noon News 05/22/20
/by Larry100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
WIZS, Henderson – Your Community Voice
COVID 19 Update, Phase II of the State reopening process, Butner inmate sentenced for drug possession, Early College graduation commencement was Thursday night, the Vance County High School graduation takes place Saturday morning beginning at 8 o’clock
Vance Co. Early College High School Graduates 41 in Drive-Thru Ceremony
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release and photos, Vance County Schools
Vance County Early College High School celebrated commencement with 41 graduates on Thursday, May 21, 2020, at 6 p.m. The drive-thru ceremony was held at Vance-Granville Community College.
Though unable to have a traditional graduation, Vance County Schools was elated to be able to recognize the Class of 2020. The ceremony was live-streamed on the school district website and live updates were provided on WIZS 1450 AM/100.1 FM.
Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent of Vance County Schools, and Mr. Travis Taylor, principal of Vance County Early College High School, presented each of the graduates with their diploma.
Graduates were Ashly Arias, Dawson Ayscue, Evan Beaudet, Angela Bolanos Salazar, Mason Boone, Jasmine Davis, Daniela Decena-Santos, Aryianna Dockery, Virginia Ellis, Adison Evans, Emani’ Foster, Kierra Gray, Cheyenne Guerrant, Matthew Gupton, Viviana Hernandez, Seth Hight, Wesley Hight, Lakaevyn Holden, Tania Hunter, Isaiah Johen, Tre’Quan Johnson, Josiah Jones, Malik Kilgore, Logan Ludenburg, Destiny McBurrough, Kristyn Medlin, Hanna Miller, Chauncy Noel, Brayden Patterson, Jade Puryear, Josie Roberson, Kendall Royster, Jennifer Solomon, Julie Solomon, Jabrial Steed, Jessica Steed, Aure Tejada, Lane Wade, Ahbrionna Williams, Haley Williams and Leslie Zuniga Trejo.
Vance County Schools recognizes seniors using Latin honors as determined by the student’s grade point average. A total of 31 graduating Vance County Early College High School seniors received Latin honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, cum laude).
Seniors Jade Puryear and Josiah Jones delivered pre-recorded speeches to their class.
In addition to 41 high school diplomas being awarded, 29 students earned an Associate of Arts degree, and an additional 12 students earned transferrable college credit. Combined, the Vance County Early College High School students have been awarded over $5 million in scholarships and grants.
For additional pictures from the ceremony, please visit the Vance County Schools’ Facebook page (click here).