On the Vance County Cooperative Extension report from Wayne Rowland:
The different types of gardens to meet each gardener’s needs.
Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.
Click Play!
— information courtesy of Vance County Schools
Vance County Schools is proud to announce the recognition of outstanding students as the March Student Spotlights for the 2024-2025 academic year. Zahra Hendricks of Pinkston Street Elementary, Kanaelah Miles of L.B. Yancey Elementary, and Awwad Almawri at E.O. Young Elementary have been honored for their exceptional qualities and contributions to their school communities.
The Student Spotlight program, sponsored by Vance County Schools and the Vance County Public School Foundation, aims to celebrate exceptional students who are making a meaningful difference in their schools. These students have demonstrated excellence in their academics but also exhibited commendable qualities such as kindness, dedication, and a commitment to personal growth.
Zahra Hendricks, Pinkston Street Elementary
Zahra Hendricks, a kindergarten student, is celebrated for her kindness, determination and academic excellence. Zahra’s warm and caring nature shines through in everything she does—whether it is offering a helping hand to a classmate in need or spreading joy with her bright personality. She is a dedicated learner who excels beyond her grade level, impressing her teachers and peers with her ability to read aloud to the class and tackle any assignment with enthusiasm. Zahra finds great joy in reading and math, as they challenge her and bring her happiness. She especially loves reading to her classmates and answering questions, both of which showcase her confidence and leadership in the classroom. Her passion for learning fuels her aspirations of becoming a doctor or nurse one day, driven by her desire to help others feel better.
Outside of school, Zahra enjoys playing with her Barbie Dreamhouse and dolls. She also loves watching her favorite shows, Barbie and Bluey. If she had a superpower, she would choose the ability to fly so she could travel anywhere she wants. Zahra dreams of visiting Disney World, and if she could go on an adventure, she would love to travel to Jamaica to spend time with her grandmother and family. Zahra admires her parents deeply, and appreciates their love and support for everything she does. Her kindness, intelligence and dedication make her a shining star at Pinkston Street Elementary. Her love for learning and her caring heart inspire those around her, and make her a role model for her peers. Zahra’s advice to other students is to always do their best and make good choices.
Kanaelah Miles, L.B. Yancey Elementary
Kanaelah Miles, a dedicated fourth grader at L.B. Yancey Elementary, is celebrated for her strong work ethic, leadership qualities and positive influence on her school community. Nominated by Taylor Evans, she is a role model among her peers and is always ready to lend a helping hand, encourage others, and bring positivity to the classroom. She approaches her studies with curiosity, determination and a strong work ethic, and she consistently strives for excellence. Outside of academics, Kanaelah is actively involved in the SAVE Promise Club, Robotics, Yancey Girls Unstoppables, Boys & Girls Club and Beta Club, all of which demonstrate her commitment to teamwork and personal growth.
Writing is Kanaelah’s favorite subject because it allows her to express herself and take on new challenges. She dreams of becoming an elementary math teacher, inspired by her love of learning and her passion for helping others succeed. One of the most valuable lessons she has learned is to stay true to herself and not let words bring her down. If she could have any superpower, she would choose the ability to read minds, as she values honesty and understanding. Her biggest inspiration is her grandmother, who has guided her in knowing right from wrong and has helped shape her into the person she is today.
Kanaelah’s favorite thing about L.B. Yancey Elementary is the supportive and welcoming environment created by the staff and students. She finds motivation within herself, pushing herself to be confident and successful every day. She encourages her peers to stay active, work hard, and never give up on their goals. In the future, Kanaelah hopes to visit Jamaica to experience its beauty, try new foods, and enjoy swimming. If she had a magic wand, she would wish for more opportunities to participate in programs like Student Spotlight. With her resilience, positivity, and dedication to learning, Kanaelah is a true inspiration to her classmates and a proud representative of L.B. Yancey Elementary.
Awwad Almawri, E.O. Young Elementary
Awwad Almawri, a fifth-grade student at E.O. Young Elementary, is known for his enthusiasm, leadership and positive attitude. His teachers describe him as a dedicated student who approaches every challenge with curiosity and determination. Since arriving in the U.S., Awwad has made remarkable progress in learning English—going from knowing just a few words to confidently engaging in conversations and sharing his thoughts in class. His eagerness to learn and his kindness toward others make him a role model within the school community.
Math is Awwad’s favorite subject because he enjoys problem-solving and learning new concepts while strengthening his English skills. Outside of school, he spends his time playing soccer with his older brother, Eyad, whom he looks up to as a role model. He also enjoys doing homework and spending time with his siblings. Looking ahead, Awwad dreams of joining the Army, drawn to the honor and excitement of the career.
One of the lessons Awwad is most proud of mastering recently is multiplying decimals, a skill that challenged him but made him feel accomplished. If he could have any superpower, he would choose super speed to get places quickly. He also hopes to visit Egypt one day to see the Great Pyramids and experience the country’s rich history. His favorite part of being a student at E.O. Young Elementary is learning new words, excelling in math and seeing his friends every day. His advice to others is simple but powerful: listen to your teachers, work hard, and never give up.
If given a magic wand, Awwad would wish to grow up faster so he can pursue his dreams. His dedication, resilience, and passion for learning make him an inspiration to his peers and a proud representative of E.O. Young Elementary.
Congratulations to all of the March Student Spotlight recipients!
Listen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
Click Play!
City officials are blaming a recent “cyber event” for a disruption in the way residents’ water bills are generated. The problem was brought to light three weeks ago – on Feb. 20 – and, as a result, some computer systems the city uses had to be taken offline.
At Monday’s City Council meeting, City Manager/Attorney Hassan T. Kingsberry told Council members that the city has “gotten rid of” the previous IT provider, whom he did not name, and said “we’re going to keep the city safe and this will not happen again.”
Details of exactly what happened are limited, but what is known is that people are still responsible for paying their water bills.
A recorded message sent to city residents stated that until the issues are resolved, “customers will not receive a utility bill or have pre-authorized payments deducted from their account.”
The city will not impose late fees or penalties while they work through the computer challenges created by the cyber “event,” it doesn’t mean you don’t have to pay your bill.
The recorded message provides information about how residents can pay water bills.
“While we are still able to collect payments, we cannot provide accurate account balances. The balances shown on MyGovhub are not correct, but you can still make payments through that platform. When making payments in person, please bring your utility bill and ensure you keep your receipts for your records.
Appropriate legal notices will be sent to all impacted customers and employees regarding the cyber event.”
Kingsberry said he is working to get in-house IT support and announced at the Monday meeting that Leo Mata is the city’s new IT manager. Kingsberry said he hopes to get one – and possibly two additional employees to work specifically with network issues.
Listen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
Click Play!
Cooperative Extension
Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.
Click Play!
Maria Parham Health is kicking off the first phase of a major renovation to its Emergency Department, with a focus on enhancing care for individuals facing behavioral health challenges.
“We are excited to begin this important renovation, which will allow us to provide even better care to those who need it most,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “This is a huge step forward in our ongoing efforts to improve care for vulnerable populations in our community, and we are grateful for the support of our partners and the local community.”
The renovation will take place in two phases, with the initial preparation already completed by the hospital’s Facilities team, according to information from MPH Public Information Officer Donna Young. Temporary modifications to the main lobby area have been made, including the installation of new flooring and the construction of temporary walls. These changes will create dedicated space for waiting areas, triage zones, registration desks and other essential facilities to ensure the continued smooth flow of patient care during construction.
Because the front portion of the current Emergency Department will be closed for the duration of the renovation, the hospital’s main lobby will be used as a temporary intake, registration and emergency care area for patients coming to Maria Parham’s Henderson campus in personal vehicles. Ambulances will continue to arrive through the current ambulance intake bay. There are directional signs in place to help direct people to their destinations.
Phase One of the project is expected to take approximately 16 weeks, with actual construction beginning Monday, Mar. 17.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
This vital renovation is made possible through funding allocated to Maria Parham Health in October 2023 as part of a joint initiative led by the Vance County District Attorney’s Office, Granville Vance Public Health, the Vance County Board of Commissioners and the North Carolina General Assembly.
The project will specifically focus on creating designated areas within the Emergency Department tailored to meet the unique needs of behavioral health and mental health patients. These spaces will provide a safer, more supportive environment for patients and care team members, while improving overall hospital efficiency. Furthermore, the changes are designed to foster a healthier and more secure hospital environment for patients and visitors alike.
Maria Parham Health encourages the public to stay informed about the renovation’s progress. Updates will be available on the hospital’s official Facebook page and through local news outlets.
On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.
The Vance County Cooperative Extension is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536
The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536
Click Play!
In addition to all the health-related issues that Granville Vance Public Health Director Lisa M. Harrison monitors, lately she’s been keeping a close watch on what’s happening in Washington, DC as politicians consider cost-saving measures to address a focus on government efficiency and tax cuts.
For Harrison, what happens in Washington has a direct effect on what happens right here in North Carolina – and specifically in rural areas like the area her department serves.
“People don’t often realize that our federal tax dollars are so closely tied to programs and local jobs,” Harrison said on Wednesday’s TownTalk. There are many connections to the work done here in Vance and Granville counties that are federally funded, she said.
“It’s important to pay attention and give people advance notice” if funding cuts are recommended.
As health director, she’s especially interested in Medicaid and the WIC program. So far, so good, she said, adding that she’s hopeful both programs will be spared from cuts.
“If Medicaid goes away, we all pay the price,” Harrison said. Medicaid is not a handout, she said; rather, it’s an insurance option that enables the working poor, children and disabled individuals to have access to health care. She said it also helps keep premiums and costs down for those who have private insurance.
“The way we make payroll is by billing Medicare and Medicaid,” Harrison said. They take private insurance and self-pay clients as well, but about 50 percent of the health department’s clients use Medicaid.
Cuts in Medicaid and WIC – which provides vouchers to women with infants and children for nutritious foods, baby formula and more – would be felt sharply and quickly, she said.
But federal funds also make it possible for GVPH to administer programs like THRIVe, a grant-funded program that addresses behavioral health services from licensed clinical social workers to Vance County Schools and Granville County Public Schools for students from5-18 years of age.
There’s a licensed clinical social worker based at the health department who provides one-on-one counseling for children and families. In addition, Harrison said THRIVE connects with behavioral health professionals from UNC and Duke to help school staffs better understand how to assist or help students with behavioral health, including training teachers about trauma-informed care.
Children come to school and need a lot more than facts, Harrison said. The $4 million federal grant for THRIVe allows adults to help children with the resources they need to be their best selves, she said.
Grant funding has increased dramatically over the 50 years that GVHD has been in existence, Harrison said.
The health department published a report to celebrate and reflect on its 50 years of service to the two counties. In those 50 years, Harrison is only the third director. Dr. Charles Rollins was the first director and served from 1974 to 1991. Dr. Roddy Drake was the second director and served until 2012. Harrison became the director when Drake retired.
Harrison called Rollins “a passionate advocate” for bringing the WIC program to rural areas in the 1970’s. The health department oversaw seven programs and had a couple of dozen employees for both counties. Today, there are close to 60 programs and almost 100 employees.
“Our team is amazing,” Harrison said, “making a difference in the lives of others and health outcomes.”
Visit www.gvph.org to learn about all the programs GVPH offers and to read the 50th anniversary annual report.
CLICK PLAY!
Listen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
Click Play!
