Tag Archive for: #hendersonnews

TownTalk: Communications Tower To Benefit Emergency Responders

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A new communications tower could be in place in another year or so to provide increased coverage – and reliability – for Henderson and Vance County law enforcement agencies and first responders.

It’s been communication of a slightly different sort that has gotten the project this far; city and county leaders had been looking for funding sources to offset the cost of the tower construction and Congressman Don Davis helped secure a $2.175 million grant to fund the project.

The matching grant requires a 25 percent match from the city and the county, but that’s a far cry from the total cost of the project.

This translates into good news for Henderson Fire Chief Tim Twisdale and Police Chief Marcus Barrow, both of whom are optimistic that their officers and the community will benefit from the new tower. Barrow and Twisdale were guests on Wednesday’s TownTalk and talked about the many benefits the tower will provide.

“This should help our coverage within (certain) buildings…and enhance the overall safety for all of our responders,” Twisdale said.

Police officers often respond to fires and assist with traffic control, for example, and fire trucks turn up for things like vehicle accidents, so it’s important for both agencies to have reliable, effective tools to communicate.

The current signal “simply wouldn’t transmit” in certain places, including some buildings. “That made communication a bit of a challenge from the inside to the outside,” he explained. Firefighters have had to resort to “line of sight” communication, which is not ideal.

As Barrow explained, his department joined the State Highway Patrol’s VIPER system in the mid-2000’s, largely because there was a post 9-11 push for increased inter-agency communication.

But, he said, VIPER was designed for and by the Highway Patrol, who don’t usually find themselves inside buildings like firefighters and police officers.

Add to that challenge that Henderson falls into a no-man’s land of sorts – on the outer fringes of coverage from other towers – and communication equipment just doesn’t always perform like it should.

“Putting this in Henderson, or in the outskirts of Henderson, will be great for us,” Barrow said.

Right now, the site is near the North Henderson ballfields and the tower will provide roughly a 100-mile radius. Assistant City Manager Paylor Spruill told WIZS News via email that the funding is not expected until the first quarter of 2025, at which time the design and construction would begin.  “The grant is funding 75 percent of the estimated cost,” Spruill said, adding that “the city is proposing to provide the tower site, with the County providing the remaining funds.”

“We want to be able to pick up our equipment, mash a button and it work,” Barrow said, adding that no first responder, law enforcement officer or member of the community deserves any less.

“We don’t have time for it not to work,” he said.

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Maria Parham CEO Bert Beard Speaker For Chamber’s “State Of Health Care” April 23

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The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce is hosting the first “state of” session for 2024 on Tuesday, April 23 to discuss local health care.

Guest speaker for the lunchtime event is Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health.

The lunch and learn will begin at 12 noon at Southern Charm Event Center, 200 S. Garnett St.

Beard will share updates on a variety of health care topics and is scheduled to discuss what’s happening locally as well as at the state level with Medicaid expansion and access to health care, among other topics.

Tickets for the lunch and learn session are $30; purchase a table for 8 for $240.

Call the Chamber office at 252.438.8414 to learn more or email Tanya Wilson at tanya@hendersonvance.org to reserve your seat by Thursday, April 18.

TownTalk: Kittrell Job Corps Hosting Opportunity Fair

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The Kittrell Job Corps is sponsoring an “Opportunity Fair” for its students and the wider community – it’s part information to learn more about the Job Corps, part sharing information about community partners and part job fair – a variety of business and industry reps will be on hand to talk with prospective employees.

Vernell Milon and Norman Turner were guests on Tuesday’s TownTalk segment and provided details about the event, which will take place Thursday, Mar. 28 on the Job Corps campus, located at 1096 U.S. 1, Kittrell.

Students currently enrolled in the Job Corps will get a chance to visit with the 28 vendors that are scheduled to be on site from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and then the event will be opened up to the public from 12 noon to 2 p.m.

Center Director Norman Turner has been with Job Corps for 17 years and said the Kittrell location is one of four located in North Carolina. There are 125 locations across the country, Turner noted.

The Job Corps provides education and training for young adults 16-24. Turner said most students complete the program in less than a year, but students can be enrolled up to two years.

“We want to help them recognize opportunities,” Turner said, for jobs, education and building a better life.

As outreach admissions/career transition services director, Milon is always looking for ways to connect students to the programs offered through the Job Corps. The Kittrell location can serve 350 students, but currently have 250 enrolled, “so we’re seeking 100,” she said.

“It’s an honor coming to work every day,” Milon said. “If I can save one person a day, I’ve done my job.”

Turner agreed. “Our jobs are very fulfilling,” he said. “All (students) need is an opportunity to show you what they’re capable of.”

Students can live on campus, but there’s an option to come and go daily while still living at home. Transportation is provided for those who choose this option.

“We are in the best location we can be in,” Turner said. Being along U.S. 1 allows students, staff, community partners and others to get to the location easily. “We’re in a great location.”

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Cooperative Extension With Paul McKenzie: What Works in the Garden

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Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

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TownTalk: Citizens Receive Property Tax Evaluation Notices

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Now that notices have been sent out to Vance County property owners about the revaluation, there are a few things to keep in mind if you don’t agree with the updated figures. Just keep in mind that property owners who appeal the newly revised appraisals can expect one of three determinations from the appeals process: the figure could go down, remain the same, or it could go UP, depending on the evidence that is presented during the appeals process.

Informal appeals will take place first, during which county officials predict that many of the appeals will be settled. A formal appeals process will follow and if an agreement can’t be reached, property owners can appeal to a state review board.

There also are programs that are available to qualified homeowners that could result in a lower tax bill. One program is for the elderly or disabled homeowner and one is for disabled veterans.

Visit www.vancecounty.org, click on the Departments tab at the top and select Tax Administration Office. Details about the appeals process is located here, as well as information about the property tax relief programs.

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Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Community Gardens

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Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

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Vance County Schools Friday Feature: The Center For Innovation

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– Information courtesy of VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin

Since it first opened in July 2021, Vance County Schools’ Center for Innovation has really lived up to its name: there are innovative schools that call CFI home, as well as innovative spaces like zSpace 3D/VR lab, the audio lab, the video lab Mindsphere MakerSpace and SLICE – Simulation Labs for Interactive Career Education that capture students’ imagination and creativity.

Soon after the CFI opened, the Wayne Adcock Auditorium was unveiled in January 2022 and Gargoyle Garden in April 2022. In August 2022, SLICE Medical was added to the experiences. The opportunities for students continued to grow in 2023 as EnTech and SparkNC joined the mix.

So far this school year, more than 2,000 students have had opportunities for CFI experiences. The campus and its staff are committed to ensuring that innovative opportunities are afforded to students, providing them with cutting-edge possibilities for their future.

Kristin Jeffreys, coordinator for the Center for Innovation, has apassion for the CFI experiences. “Through hands-on STEM integration, we’re fostering confident, creative problem solvers who love to learn and explore,” Jeffreys said. “As active participants in the K-5 Building Engineers cohort and recipients of two NCDPI grants focused on STEM and technology, we are dedicated to amplifying STEM engagement at every level. Together, we’re shaping a future where Vance County Schools is a gateway to innovation.”

Each space within CFI is different by design but works cohesively to maximize the experiences of every student. Learn more about each space below:

 

zSpace – The zSpace lab hosts 26 mixed-reality computers that provide a life-like, virtual learning experience. Digital Learning Specialist Stephen Jones facilitates programming for students around science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Possibilities include dissection of a frog to seeing the anatomy of a heart! On the campus, there is a primary zSpace lab, as well as other units utilized in other labs. Vance County Schools was able to initially bring zSpace to the district through the Golden Leaf grant. The program continues to flourish as teachers become certified to bring their lessons to life in this space.

Audio Lab – This cutting-edge facility is equipped with two soundproof booths and state-of-the-art editing software. It serves as a studio for students, schools and the community, providing recording opportunities. Students get hands-on experiences across various aspects of audio production, from broadcasting to editing. Students and staff create podcasts, produce professional audition tapes and partake in other engaging audio-related activities.

Khalil Gay, CFI’s Audio Lab facilitator, collaborates closely with students and staff to optimize the use of the studio, leveraging his expertise in managing the recording lab’s software. In addition to overseeing the technical aspects, he spearheads an after-school music production program aimed at nurturing students’ interests and talents, providing them with opportunities to explore and develop their skills.

Video Lab – The video lab features state-of-the-art equipment for both staff and students to develop high-quality video recordings. With the use of a teleprompter, green screen, lighting components, and video production programs, there are limitless possibilities for students and staff. Digital Learning Specialist Patricia Burroughs provides individualized support for video production. Daily, STEM Early High School students utilize this space to stream their morning announcements, giving them hands-on experience and real-world application to the broadcasting field of study.

Wayne Adcock Auditorium – The auditorium holds 600 people, and has held many events for the district and community. From choral performances to honor society inductions to district-wide events and even graduations, this venue is a coveted space to showcase students and provide enrichment opportunities.

Gargoyle Garden – This musical sanctuary is adorned with various instruments which offer students immersive opportunities to explore beats, music, echo, reverberation and beyond. Named for the whimsical gargoyles gracing the school’s façade – remnants of the building’s 1930’s construction – the garden beckons learners into a realm of auditory discovery. The idea was to create an outdoor learning space, affectionately referred to as a harmony park, tailored to educate students on fundamental elements such as beats, reverberation, and sound. Andrew Markoch, director of Fine Arts and Physical Education, provides experiences for students to maximize their understanding of this space as it relates to the curriculum.

SLICE / SLICE Medical – Simulation Labs for Interactive Career Exploration (SLICE) provides career simulations for students in small groups. Students are exposed to a “slice” of the career, which has included areas within public safety, cosmetology, culinary arts, entrepreneurship, phlebotomy, carpentry, and more! As students take part in the experience, they can utilize resources within the station to view courses that align with that specific career, as well as which high school within the district offers those courses. SLICE Medical branched off from the original SLICE lab a year after the original lab launched. Students were increasingly

interested in the medical career that was provided in the lab, which led to the development of SLICE Medical.

Simulation opportunities in this space include x-ray technician, pharmacy, wound care, lab technician, and registration. Additionally, this lab features an Anatomage table, which is a 3D anatomy visualization that is utilized by leading medical schools and institutions. The touch-sensitive interactive display provides students with a hands-on experience like no other.

Mindsphere – Mindsphere is a dynamic STEAM learning lab and MakerSpace featuring 3D printers, a laser printer, a Lego creation station, and robotics facilities. This innovative space provides both students and teachers with opportunities to actively engage in hands-on STEAM learning experiences. This mission is to facilitate interactive learning experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics, empowering participants to enhance their skills and contribute to the continuous improvement of their projects beyond mere task completion.

Renaissance – The Renaissance space is a multi-use room that provides the perfect location for meetings, professional development, professional learning communities, and more! With flexible seating and multiple screens throughout the room, it is adaptive and flexible for a plethora of needs.

EnTech – EnTech is the newest lab on the CFI campus, with a focus on Engineering and Technology. Jeffreys, Jones, and Burroughs collaboratively develop programming for this space. Home of the Lu interactive playground,  which provides a laser projector and movement detection camera, alongside a powerful sound system, provides an immersive experience for students. Additionally, this space is home to the drone cage, eSports opportunities, robotics, and more!

Through the support of the Vance County Public School Foundation, an EnTech mobile learning lab trailer has been purchased. Through grant funding, the trailer will be outfitted with experiences for students that bring the classroom to their campus. The mobile unit will bring STEM experiences, with a focus on STEM careers, through the use of zSpace, laser cutting, drones, and robotics.

Located next to EnTech is the SparkNC lab, which is the high-tech career accelerator program through The Innovation Project. The facilitator for that program is Nicholas Barrett and the program is open to high school students to gain credit. This program is one of seventeen in the state of North Carolina, with students working with Apple, Dell, SAS, and other RTP companies.

Atrium – The Atrium is an event space utilized for a variety of events throughout the year. New teacher orientations, recognition events, district-wide engagement opportunities and more have been hosted in this unique space. It may be a cafeteria by day; however, the opportunities of use are endless to support programming, engagement opportunities, recognitions, and more.

In addition to the aforementioned spaces, the Career and Technical Education program provides opportunities in culinary and entrepreneurship, with both labs located on the Center for Innovation campus. The culinary program, in addition to their lab, hosts off-site catering events, utilizing the culinary mobile trailer, as well as Café de Vance, a bistro for students to serve their culinary creations. The entrepreneurship lab provides opportunities for students to develop plans, design items, and create products inclusive of screen printing.

This hands-on experience allows students to take learning to the next level with real-world application.

CFI has hosted a variety of inter-district field trips for students throughout the year. This has included opportunities based on grade levels and schools. Marvels of Innovation was their themed programming, which provided experiences for students at every elementary school in grades 3-5. Additionally, schools throughout the district coordinated opportunities for subject-based programming that encompassed both elementary and secondary schools. CFI developed programming for English Language Learners (ELL) throughout the year, along with enrichment opportunities through the AIG program.

AIG Coordinator Laura Rigsbee works closely with district staff and community members to provide students with next-level learning with up to 30 students at each of the sessions.

The CFI staff coordinates after-school programming through the audio lab, serving up to 30 students per week. Additional opportunities provided at the Center for Innovation include a district-wide keyboarding competition, podcasting, and digital learning staff sessions. Another key area within CFI is robotics. Stephen Jones serves as the district robotics coach, working with schools across the county to develop their robotics teams and programming. The district will host its annual robotics competition on April 27 at Vance County Middle School. EnTech and Mindsphere are two locations that are set up for activities around robotics. The program continues to expand, as the CFI staff received the Digital Learning Initiative Emerging Technologies Grant providing the district with 3 robotic dogs. The dog that will be housed at CFI made its debut during Arts Alive. The robotic dogs provide opportunities for students to engage in coding and programming that are reflected in the actions of the dog.