100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, Vance County Schools
The performance of the Vance County Public Schools ticked up last year in several areas and revealed areas needing continued focus on the state’s annual School Performance Grade accountability measurements. This year more schools met or exceeded expectations for student gains and more schools earned grades of C or better than in previous years. VCS also posted the highest graduation rate in the history of the district.
At the end of our first year with our newly consolidated schools, while improvements were made at both schools, these data reveal mixed reviews. Vance County High School, while improving its biology scores by 26 points from 23% in 2018 to 49.4% in 2019, earned a school performance grade of D, missing improving their overall grade to a C, by less than one percentage point.
Additionally, Vance County Middle School, while making tremendous progress including increases in grade level proficiency by 6.2 points in reading from 30% in 2018 to 36.2% in 2019; 12 points in math, from 13.9% in 2018 to 26.4% in 2019 and 20.5 points in science from 34% in 2018 to 54.7% in 2019, earned a school performance grade of F. This was extremely disappointing, as they missed earning the next letter grade of D, by less than .04 of a percent.
The district also had several other bright spots in the report – 9 of 15 schools (60%) earned a letter grade of C or better.
Two schools – STEM Early High Middle School and Vance County Early College High School – earned the School Performance Grade of A.
Seven schools – Aycock, Carver, Clarke, Dabney, LB Yancey, Pinkston, and Zeb Vance – earned the School Performance Grade of C.
Four schools – EM Rollins, EO Young, New Hope and VCHS – earned the School Performance Grade of D and one school – VCMS earned the School Performance Grade of F.
8 of 15 schools (54%) met or exceeded growth – VCECHS, STEM-EH, Aycock, Carver, Dabney, EO Young, New Hope, and Pinkston Street.
Additionally, we are extremely proud of our STEM Early High Middle School and Vance County Early College students who posted perfect scores of 100% on the 8th grade science end-of-grade test and the Biology end-of-course exam.
We are also pleased to report that our 2018-2019 graduation rate is 86.7%, compared to the states graduation rate of 86.4. This represents an increase of four-points over last year’s four-year graduation rate and a 21.8 point increase in six years. This is the highest graduation rate in the district’s history and the first time VCS has ever surpassed the state average.
Superintendent, Dr. Anthony Jackson said, “This is a tremendous accomplishment and credit must be given to our entire team. We have worked diligently to implement strategies over the last few years to address the graduation rate and we are pleased to see a return on these efforts.”
Six years ago, Vance County Schools’ posted a graduation rate of 64.9% – the lowest in the state. “The graduation rate this year is a huge jump and we certainly are proud of that,” said Jackson. “The high school diploma gives our students options after graduation to pursue higher education, enlist in the military or to join the workforce prepared to be successful. We will not be satisfied until all of our students graduate on time, the stakes are too high to accept otherwise.”
The district is already working to address areas of deficit, train staff and implement new structures to support students. The district invites the community to its annual State of OUR Schools address on Wednesday, September 25, 2019, at 6 p.m. at Vance County High School to hear both our challenges and accomplishments as well as our plans for continuous improvement.
Storm and Emergency Info and MUSIC
/by John C. RoseWE ARE HERE UNTIL THE STORM IS GONE. AND OUR MIX OF INFORMATION AND MUSIC IS JUST RIGHT. TUNE IN FOR SOME TOP-HIT COUNTRY, BEACH AND POP/ROCK OLDIES. CALL 492-3001 IF YOU’D LIKE TO MAKE A SONG REQUEST OR TELL US ABOUT CONDITIONS IN YOUR AREA. PLUS, STAY TUNED FOR A FULL DAY OF REGULAR PROGRAMMING ON FRIDAY.
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Listen Live – player.listenlive.co/53101/en
Duke Energy Reports First Storm Outages, Provides Important Reminders
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
Please check the WIZS website, Facebook page and listen live to WIZS 1450 AM and 100.1 FM for storm updates. The latest briefing from the National Weather Service can be found any time by clicking here.
-Information courtesy Tanya Evans, District Manager, Duke Energy
We are beginning to see the first storm-related outages this afternoon as Hurricane Dorian storm bands reach our state. And while we aren’t expecting hurricane force winds locally, we do anticipate severe weather conditions which will lead to outages.
Across the state, we are still projecting as many as 700,000 customers or more could experience extended outages from this storm.
How to see outages in your area
See the outage map at www.duke-energy.com/outages.
You can view outages in a few ways. On all devices, you can use the search bar to find a specific address or location.
When looking at the map, you will see circle icons of varying sizes indicating the location and number of customers without power. One outage on the map could represent multiple homes and businesses. Pan the map and select a circle to zoom in on your location.
Or you can select the zoom (+/-) in the lower right corner of the map, and then use the mouse to drag left, right, up or down to navigate to the location you want to view. Or, you can select the zoom (+/-) in the lower right corner of the map, and then use the mouse to drag left, right, up or down to navigate to the location you want to view.
On a mobile device, use the pinch open gesture to zoom in and the pinch close gesture to zoom out, and then use the drag gesture to move the outage map to the desired location.
Email and text communication
We have been sharing prepare messages and updates with customers who have email addresses registered with us. In addition, a text message was sent today to customers who do not have an email on file with us:
“Duke Energy Storm: Dorian is bringing high winds & excessive rainfall to parts of our state. Prepare for dangerous conditions & extended outages. Our crews are nearby and ready to move as soon as conditions allow. Visit https://duk.us/06 for latest info. Heed all warnings and stay safe. Text STOP to cancel.”
Outage reporting
Customers who experience an outage during the storm can report it by:
Visiting duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device.
Texting OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).
Calling the automated outage-reporting system at 800.419.6356.
For storm or power restoration updates, follow Duke Energy on Twitter (@DukeEnergy) and Facebook (Duke Energy). See the outage map at www.duke-energy.com/outages.
Important reminders
The following tips can help you and your family stay safe if the power goes out:
HPD: Suspect Caught on Video Breaking Into ACTS Located, Arrested
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, Henderson Police Department
On September 3, 2019, at 11:46 a.m., officers with the Henderson Police Department responded to ACTS, 305 South Chestnut Street, in reference to a breaking and entering to the business. Forced entry was made into the business and several items were taken. With the assistance from employees on scene and video footage, the suspect was identified.
On September 4, 2019, at 8 p.m., officers with the Henderson Police Department reported to 825 Nicholas Street locating Quincey Fuller. Mr. Fuller was taken into custody and most of the items taken previously were recovered.
Mr. Fuller was charged with B&E, larceny after B&E, possession of stolen property and injury to real property. Mr. Fuller received a $40,000 secured bond and was secured at the Vance County Jail.
As always, information can be given by contacting the Henderson Police Department directly at 252-438-4141, through contacting Crime Stoppers 252-492-1925 or through the P3 mobile app.
Vance Co. Schools Surpass State Graduation Rate for First Time
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, Vance County Schools
The performance of the Vance County Public Schools ticked up last year in several areas and revealed areas needing continued focus on the state’s annual School Performance Grade accountability measurements. This year more schools met or exceeded expectations for student gains and more schools earned grades of C or better than in previous years. VCS also posted the highest graduation rate in the history of the district.
At the end of our first year with our newly consolidated schools, while improvements were made at both schools, these data reveal mixed reviews. Vance County High School, while improving its biology scores by 26 points from 23% in 2018 to 49.4% in 2019, earned a school performance grade of D, missing improving their overall grade to a C, by less than one percentage point.
Additionally, Vance County Middle School, while making tremendous progress including increases in grade level proficiency by 6.2 points in reading from 30% in 2018 to 36.2% in 2019; 12 points in math, from 13.9% in 2018 to 26.4% in 2019 and 20.5 points in science from 34% in 2018 to 54.7% in 2019, earned a school performance grade of F. This was extremely disappointing, as they missed earning the next letter grade of D, by less than .04 of a percent.
The district also had several other bright spots in the report – 9 of 15 schools (60%) earned a letter grade of C or better.
Two schools – STEM Early High Middle School and Vance County Early College High School – earned the School Performance Grade of A.
Seven schools – Aycock, Carver, Clarke, Dabney, LB Yancey, Pinkston, and Zeb Vance – earned the School Performance Grade of C.
Four schools – EM Rollins, EO Young, New Hope and VCHS – earned the School Performance Grade of D and one school – VCMS earned the School Performance Grade of F.
8 of 15 schools (54%) met or exceeded growth – VCECHS, STEM-EH, Aycock, Carver, Dabney, EO Young, New Hope, and Pinkston Street.
Additionally, we are extremely proud of our STEM Early High Middle School and Vance County Early College students who posted perfect scores of 100% on the 8th grade science end-of-grade test and the Biology end-of-course exam.
We are also pleased to report that our 2018-2019 graduation rate is 86.7%, compared to the states graduation rate of 86.4. This represents an increase of four-points over last year’s four-year graduation rate and a 21.8 point increase in six years. This is the highest graduation rate in the district’s history and the first time VCS has ever surpassed the state average.
Superintendent, Dr. Anthony Jackson said, “This is a tremendous accomplishment and credit must be given to our entire team. We have worked diligently to implement strategies over the last few years to address the graduation rate and we are pleased to see a return on these efforts.”
Six years ago, Vance County Schools’ posted a graduation rate of 64.9% – the lowest in the state. “The graduation rate this year is a huge jump and we certainly are proud of that,” said Jackson. “The high school diploma gives our students options after graduation to pursue higher education, enlist in the military or to join the workforce prepared to be successful. We will not be satisfied until all of our students graduate on time, the stakes are too high to accept otherwise.”
The district is already working to address areas of deficit, train staff and implement new structures to support students. The district invites the community to its annual State of OUR Schools address on Wednesday, September 25, 2019, at 6 p.m. at Vance County High School to hear both our challenges and accomplishments as well as our plans for continuous improvement.
Town Talk 09/05/19: H-V Crime Stoppers to Hold 24th Annual Banquet
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
The 24th Annual Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers Awards Banquet will be held Thursday, September 19, 2019, at Vance-Granville Community College’s Civic Center at 6:30 p.m.
James Baines, Crime Stoppers president, was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk to encourage the public and business community to support the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year.
Individual tickets for $12 and reservation of tables are available by contacting Lorraine Watkins at Henderson’s Screen Master on S. Garnett St., John Faucette at Carolina Carpet & Flooring on Parham Street or by calling Baines at (252) 430-9218.
Speaker for the occasion will be Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, with dinner provided by Ted Wheeler Catering.
The Tom Long Memorial Award, Sam Pearson Memorial Award, Community Award and Citizen of the Year Award, among others, will be issued to deserving community members and are always a big draw for the banquet.
“I’m hoping the community will come out and support Crime Stoppers because we support our community and our law enforcement,” Baines said.
To hear Baines’ interview in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.
Man Wanted in Multiple Franklin Co. Vehicle Break-Ins Arrested in Georgia
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
Kedrick Derrell Jones, who was wanted by the Youngsville Police Department and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office as a result of being a person of interest in numerous Breaking and Entering of Motor Vehicles and Felony Larceny offenses, was arrested in Chamblee, Georgia on September 4, 2019.
During the past several months, multiple subdivisions in Youngsville and in the county experienced a rash of vehicle break-ins during the night time hours. After a joint investigation by the Youngsville Police Department and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Mr. Jones was identified as a suspect and warrants for his arrest were obtained.
Mr. Jones has been charged with over 70 criminal offenses and is currently in the DeKalb County Jail in Georgia awaiting extradition to Franklin County.
Kedrick Derrell Jones, 29 years of age, 120 School Street, Rolesville, NC.
Kedrick Derrell Jones, who was wanted by the Youngsville Police Department and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office as a result of being a person of interest in numerous Breaking and Entering of Motor Vehicles and Felony Larceny offenses, was arrested in Chamblee, Georgia on September 4, 2019. (FCSO photo)
BBQ Contest, Parade Planned for 9th Annual Oxford Masonic Homecoming
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Information courtesy the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford
The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College St., will hold its 9th Annual Masonic Homecoming Festival on Saturday, October 12, 2019, from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Admission is free and festivities are open to the public. Campus tours of the Masonic Home will be available.
Enjoy a fun day full of games and activities for kids, homecoming activities for alumni, music, food and the annual Shrine and Community Parade. Parade begins at the fire department at 11 a.m.
$10 lunch tickets will be sold on-site and include all-you-can-eat samples from the BBQ contest.
Don’t miss music performances by The Tams with hits such as “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy,” “What Kind of Fool” and “Hey Girl Don’t Bother Me.”
For more information, please visit www.mhc-oxford.org.
(This is not a paid advertisement)
Adopt-A-Highway Volunteers Needed to Tackle Local Litter Problem
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, Vance County Appearance Commission
The Vance County Appearance Commission is seeking help from citizens in our community to join together to improve the appearance of Henderson and Vance County.
We can all help with this endeavor by doing some small and easy things like throwing trash in proper receptacles, recycling appropriate items and doing what we can to keep the property around our homes and businesses as clean and orderly as possible.
Through the years, we have found that citizens joining the N.C. Adopt-A-Highway Program have made a real difference in improving the appearance of our community with their efforts. Groups who join the Adopt-A-Highway Program simply commit to cleaning up a two-mile stretch of a roadside in our county at least four times each year and report their clean-up efforts to the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
Officials with NCDOT will post signs at each end of the adopted section of roadside with the Adopt-A-Highway group’s name on the signs to show their participation in the program. The local Adopt-A-Highway coordinator will work with each group to record their efforts and ensure they have the proper materials, including safety vests, gloves and bags for trash and recyclables, for cleanups.
Individuals and groups joining the Adopt-A-Highway must sign a contract with NCDOT agreeing to remove litter from their adopted roadside a minimum of four times each year. Contracts initially are for four years and can be renewed at the end of the four-year period and if the required number of cleanups have been completed. Volunteers in the Adopt-A-Highway Program also receive safety training.
To become involved in the N.C. Adopt-A-Highway Program, interested persons may visit the N.C. Department of Transportation website at https://apps.ncdot.gov/LM/ or call 1-800-331-5864 for information on the program and how to contact the local program coordinator.
We have about 60 Adopt-A-Highway groups now in Vance County, but we hope local citizens will get involved to create more participating groups to help deal with the roadside litter problems we have in our county. Such efforts would greatly enhance our work to improve the appearance of Vance County.
Our County Appearance Commission also continues to work with county officials to increase recycling efforts in households and businesses, clean up abandoned and unkept properties and encourage the Sheriff’s Department to hire a full-time litter control officer.
To deal with our littering, illegal dumping and abandoned properties issues in an effective manner, it will take all of us working together.
Community Meeting Planned for Broadband Expansion in Franklin Co.
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, Franklin County Government
Franklin County citizens will have an opportunity this fall to learn more about Open Broadband’s plans to expand broadband internet service in Franklin County.
On October 22, a Community Information Meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room at Franklin County’s Vance-Granville Community College Campus, 8100 Hwy 56 West in Louisburg. Citizens will hear about the plans Open Broadband has to address areas within the county which lack sufficient broadband service to meet the needs of residences, businesses and government. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions as they learn about how they can sign up, the initial areas where service will be introduced and how other areas will be selected for service deployment.
Open Broadband’s expansion into Franklin County is the result of an agreement County Commissioners approved June 17, 2019. The seven-year agreement provides funds of up to $188,000 per year for a four-year time period to Open Broadband to assist in bringing internet service to unserved and underserved areas of Franklin County.
The agreement is the result of the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Government’s effort with Franklin, Granville and Vance counties that began in late 2017. The three counties were guided by consultant Joe Freddoso of Mighty River LLC. Broadband Action Teams in each county conducted citizen surveys, developed an RFP and ultimately selected Open Broadband LLC to bring their service to the region.
Information about the Franklin County Broadband Initiative is available at www.franklincountync.us along with links to the Open Broadband website and Frequently Asked Questions. Please attend the Community Information Meeting on October 22 to learn more about how service can be expanded into your area.
Open Broadband provides hybrid fiber and fixed-wireless internet service, up to gigabit speed, to many communities across North Carolina. Service is provided to residents, small and medium sized businesses, technology incubators, universities, and government locations including police, fire, town hall, and airport facilities. Open Broadband also provides free public Wi-Fi zones in downtown areas, parks, and campuses.
Network deployment in Franklin County will take place in phases over the next four years. The first customer service activation is planned for the end of 2019.
Open Broadband is now accepting waitlist signups on the Franklin County tab of the website: https://openbb.net/franklinco/. Those on the waitlist will receive regular updates on the progress of the network build and will be contacted once service is made available in their area.
Open Broadband is North Carolina owned and operated. Visit the company at https://openbb.net or follow them on LinkedIn and Twitter @OpenBBNet. For questions, email info@openbb.net or call 919-205-5400.
Cooperative Extension with Jamon Glover 09/05/19
/by Larry100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm