Tag Archive for: #hendersonnews

TownTalk: Gill Clopton Remembered

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Gill Clopton had a variety of interests – he loved to write and take photographs – but he also was a self-proclaimed archivist who had taken it upon himself to try to preserve local history, one photograph at the time. In doing so, Clopton developed a following of almost 10,000 followers on social media.

Oh, and cats. He loved cats.

News of Clopton’s death was reported today.

Clopton, a 1979 graduate of Vance Senior High School, was not trained as a journalist, but he loved to write. About a year ago, he started an e-paper called “Piedmont Online” to promote positive news, sports and feature stories from Vance County and the surrounding area.

John C. Rose remembered Clopton during Tuesday’s TownTalk as someone whose efforts will be remembered.

“Even if it only exists on a Facebook thread, it’s been preserved,” Rose said, referring to the “Remember when…(reminiscing about Henderson, NC) posts that Clopton used to show long-forgotten photos that he had dug up, many from the former office space of The Daily Dispatch.

“It really underscores what he has done for the community,” Rose said in his discussion with Dr. Bill Dennis, known familiarly as “Little Bill,” whose grandfather started the local paper in the World War I era.

Dennis said, thanks in large part to his father’s and his grandfather’s “pack rat” tendencies, there was a lot of stuff for Clopton to go through.

After the paper was sold and the Chestnut Street building was being emptied, Clopton and several others carted out stacks and stacks of archived newspapers, clippings, photographs and more.

“He went down to the newspaper and talked to the people who were running the place,” Dennis said, and he was able to take possession of all that, well, history.

Clopton “single-handedly” saved so much that would otherwise been discarded

“Gill was tireless,” Dennis said, of his work on digitizing photos from The Dispatch.

As a college student, Dennis spent a couple of summers trying to help get things organized a bit at the paper. Whether Clopton saw the result of that effort is unclear.

And although Clopton never worked at the paper himself, he befriended “Big Bill” Dennis and spent many a happy time talking at the old Eckerd’s lunch counter – a fact that “Little Bill” hadn’t known at the time.

“He was an aspiring newspaper person for a long time,” Dennis said of Clopton. “It was always fascinating to talk to him,” He took photographs and wrote a column for the Henderson Dispatch for a time.

“Some of his columns were great,” Dennis said.

The online publication was a real labor of love, he added. “You just can’t ever do enough when you’re doing something like that.” Dennis said he read each weekly installment. “I thought he did a really good job with it…especially women’s sports because they didn’t get as much publicity as the boys’ (sports).”

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The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance 11-15-22

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The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for November 15, 2022. The Chamber compiles the information, and it is presented here and on the radio. Contact the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce at 438-8414 or email Michele@hendersonvance.org to be included.

Company – Maria Parham Health

Job Title – Front Desk Receptionist.  Operates multiple-call switchboard console and routes calls to the appropriate person or location. Greets vendors, customers, job applicants, and other visitors, and assures that they are escorted to the proper office. Prepares statistical reports and performs clerical functions such as preparing and sending outgoing mail, distributing incoming mail, maintaining filing systems, typing documents, photocopying, scanning and faxing. The Receptionist performs and provides clerical support services

Women’s Health Administrative Assistant.
Full-time. Performs receptionist, registration, and clerical duties associated with direct and scheduled patient admissions. High school diploma or equivalent, Associate’s degree in Secretarial Science Preferred. Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision.

How To Apply – Apply online at https://www.mariaparham.com/careers.

Company – Lowe’s Home Improvement

Job Title – Assistant Store Manager.  Full-time. $52,000-$78,000 annual salary.  Physical ability to perform tasks that may require prolonged standing, sitting, and other activities necessary to perform job.  2 years of experience leading associates in a retail environment. 3 years of experience working in a fast-paced, cross-functional work environment. 1 year of experience performing manager-on-duty responsibilities, including management of daily store operations and processes within and beyond assigned areas of responsibility. Experience using Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to obtain sales related licensure or registration as may be required by law. Bachelor’s degree in related field. 5 years of experience leading service associates in a retail or consumer service industry. Experience working in the home improvement retail sector. Broad knowledge of interior/exterior product categories (e.g., flooring, cabinets, millwork, building materials, appliances, home décor, lighting, plumbing). Experience working with store computer systems (including but not limited to: Project Tool, Genesis, M2O, Thin Client, etc

How To Apply – Apply online at https://talent.lowes.com/us/en or apply at Lowe’s Improvement Center at the 166 Dabney Road in Henderson location.

 

Company – Henderson Fruit & Produce

Job Title – Delivery Drivers needed.  Good starting pay, paid holidays and vacations, 401k offered.  Applicants must have a valid drivers license.

How To Apply – Apply in person at Henderson Fruit & Produce building, located at 1215 Old Norlina Road, Henderson.

 

Company – Vance-Granville Community College

Job Title – Financial Aid Office Assistant.  Part-time.  Qualifications: Completion of one semester of college or related work experience. Strong customer service skills. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  Strong oral and written communication skills.

How To Apply – Apply online at https://www.vgcc.edu/careers/ or apply in person at VGCC main campus on Ruin Creek Road, Henderson.

 

Company – Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department

Job Title – Certified Lifeguards needed.  Applicants should be energetic, engaging, and observant.  Must be at least 15 years old.  If you are not certified, a free lifesaving class will be available.

How To Apply – Go by the Aycock Recreation Center, located at 307 Carey Chapel Road in Henderson, or apply online at www.henderson.nc.gov.  Applicants must pass pre-employment drug screen and a background check.  For information about the job or to inquire about the lifesaving certification class, contact DeAnne Brown, Assistant Director at 252-438-3948.

 

Company – Eckerd Connects – Short Term Juvenile Justice Residential Program, Manson NC

Job Title – Cook – Prepare all food items as required by menus and recipes supplied, observing all standards of quality assurance, sanitation, and safety.  Assist in the cleanup and storage of food and food related items in the kitchen.  High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.  ServSafe certification strongly preferred.  6 months experience in volume cookery with experience in food preparation techniques.

Classroom Teacher – Provide challenging, rigourous, and relevant educational experiences for each student, affording them the opportunity to achieve their full academic, intellectual, physical, social, and emotional potential. Requires a Bachelors degree from an accredited College or University.  Must meet state teacher certification eligibility requirements.  2 years successful teaching experience preferred.  Eckerd Connects is a girls residential program for 13-17 year olds.  This is a 20 bed program for girls who are referred by the NC Department of Public Safety Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

How To Apply – Apply online at http://www.eckerd.org.  For more information, contact Lorena Marquez at (252) 366-9380.

 

Company – Select Products Holdings LLC

Job Title – Quality Control Technician – $13-$15 an hour.  Responsibilities include: Maintaining company inspection reports. Inspecting raw materials and finished goods according to quality and safety standards. Ensuring goods and products comply with company and customer standards. Ensuring test equipment is calibrated and working correctly.  Reporting quality anomalies to the Shift Supervisor and Quality Manager. Documenting non-conformances and assisting investigations. Collating test data and drafting quality reports.

Quality Lead – Responsibilities include Reviewing quality control documentation such as checklists, logs, and reports for effectiveness, accuracy, and relevance. Conducting daily inspections and quality control checks. Assessing test results and approving recommended changes. Collaborating with management to develop, prepare, and implement safety policies and procedures. Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local safety laws, regulations, codes, and rules. Reporting status of quality control and operations to leadership and, when required, regulatory agencies.

Applicants for both positions will need excellent verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, excellent problem-solving and analytical skills/critical thinking, and ability to approach a problem creatively with ability to use logic and reasoning.  Minimum of a HS Diploma or GED with basic computer (MS Office) and math skills to calibrate and measure specifications required.

How To Apply – Apply online at https://www.selectproducts-usa.com/  or email resume to  zollie.perry@selectph.com

 

Company – Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments

Job Title – Regional Program Coordinator.  Coordinator will perform education, outreach and administrative management of grant-funded programs throughout the Kerr-Tar Region (Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance and Warren counties).  Coordinator will also provide staff support to the Kerr-Tar Rural Planning Organization. Successful applicant will develop marketing and outreach programs, coordinate with community organizations and local officials, and provide education opportunities to residents of the region (including school aged children).  The Coordinator will also provide technical planning and other support to the Kerr Tar Rural Planning Organization, including assisting with preparation of maps and presentation materials for meetings, research and field data collection and reports.  There will be considerable public contact.  Position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Planning, Government Administration or related field or a combination of education and experience required.  Possession of a valid driver’s license required.

How To Apply – Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to info@kerrtarcog.org.

 

Some of these businesses are present or past advertisers of WIZS.  Being an ad client is not a condition of being listed or broadcast.  This is not a paid ad.

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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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Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Fruit & Nut Trees

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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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WIZS Election Coverage

TownTalk: Election Review

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The dust of last week’s midterm elections have settled locally, although several key races across the nation have yet to be called. Here in Vance County, however, races have been decided, with Democrats and Republicans each taking its share of wins.

Sheriff Curtis Brame defeated Republican challenger Patrick Bailey to gain a second term in office, but Republican Frank Sossamon grabbed the N.C. House District 32 seat from incumbent Terry Garrison.

In an interview Tuesday after it was clear that Brame would win a second term, he spoke with WIZS News and said he would continue to work hard for the residents of Vance County. The last few years have been challenging for law enforcement officers everywhere, Brame said, not the least of which has been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

He can’t wave a magic wand over the county to make it happen, but if he could, Brame said he would wish for two things: “funding…to retain good, qualified law enforcement officers and a new detention facility.”

Brame implored the citizens of Vance County to “take ownership” of their community – to attend city and county meetings, be a part of the community and work collaboratively together with law enforcement.

Sossamon also spoke with WIZS after his win and he echoed Brame’s sentiments – about crime, anyway.

He said the goal is for District 32, comprised of Vance and Granville counties, to be “crime free,” Sossamon said, adding that he would do whatever it takes. “It’s time to clean up our neighborhoods,” he said, “and make us proud of living in District 32 – make us proud citizens, safe and wholesome citizens.”

There are many state and federal funding sources that he wants to tap into to ensure that his district benefits as much as possible – everything from rehabbing homes and promoting home ownership to supporting law enforcement and first responders.

“We’ve got to get it in motion and have the will to do it,” Sossamon said.

 

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The Local Skinny! County Commissioners Meeting Review

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Vance County Commissioners have approved bumping up the pay for some county employees whose jobs require permanent night shifts, which could put more than $3,800 in the paychecks of 911 dispatchers and detention officers.

County Manager Jordan McMillen said the commissioners approved the $20 extra per night shift worked at the Nov. 7 meeting. The pay increase will begin with the Nov. 13 pay period, McMillen said.

This could mean an additional $30,700 paid to 911 employees and another $50,400 for detention staff, if night shifts are fully staffed.

McMillen said that “shift differential pay” is common in private industry and is endorsed by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials.

In other matters before the commissioners:

  • The search continues for a company to provide health care services to inmates at the Vance County Detention Center. McMillen said several providers are expected to submit proposals in the next week or so, which means a selection could be made by late November. McMillen said he is hopeful for a January 1 startup date, but some of the service providers have indicated they need 60 days once the contract is awarded to begin providing services. In the interim, StarMed continues to provide services at the jail.
  • Residents who use the Kittrell Solid Waste Convenience Site will be pleased to know that commissioners approved spending more than $44,000 to pave the entire 18,000 square foot location – no more dust, grime and gravel! Reynolds
    Hauling will complete the project, which will be paid with funds from the capital fund totalling $44,395. Originally, only a portion of the site was going to be paved – at a cost of just more than $17,000, McMillen said. But it was decided to pave the whole site in “an effort to improve the citizen experience” at county-owned sites. The county spends money each year to add gravel at the sites, but decided that pavement was a better long-term investment which would save on future maintenance costs.

 

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TownTalk: Aycock School Presents Festival Of Lights

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The staff at Aycock Elementary is gearing up for the 3rd annual Festival of Lights, when the campus will be transformed into a glittery, shiny bright holiday drive-through wonderland.

Aycock Principal Kristen H. Boyd said teachers and staff are already planning for the two-night event, which will be held  from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec 7. and Thursday, Dec. 8.

“We’re getting really excited about it,” said Kristen H. Boyd, Aycock principal. “It’s a lot of work but it’s a really fun time,” Boyd said on Thursday’s TownTalk with John C. Rose. She and Aarika Sandlin discussed the upcoming event, which is free to the public. Donations will be gratefully accepted, however, and Boyd said all proceeds go into the festival of light fund, as well as to help support various clubs for the students.

Boyd said some of the school’s club include a garden club, an Imagineering club, as well as clubs for art and engineering.

“The money goes back to the children,” she explained.

Some display favorites are back – like Who-ville and Polar Express, but a new display called Santa’s Workshop will make its debut in this year’s event.

Vehicles will enter via the Aycock Rec Center, Sandlin noted, adding that there’s a specific traffic pattern to follow that will weave onlookers through the various light displays.

Boyd said turnout was great the past two years, and she hopes this year’s festival of lights will be bigger and better attended than ever.

The festival of lights is a way to give back to families in the community, and it’s also a time to give folks a chance to experience the result of teachers’ collaboration.

“It’s a lot of work,” Boyd reiterated. “We all just pull together and make it happen.”

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Vance “State Of The County” Focuses On Positives In Service, Economy And Business

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In Thursday’s “State of the County” address sponsored by the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Henderson Rotary Club, county officials laid out a list of initiatives and programs, all of which bode well for Vance County, both in the immediate future and in the long-term.

County Manager Jordan McMillen painted a positive picture in remarks to the group of about 100 business and corporate leaders, elected officials and other key players.

“Vance County is alive and thriving,” McMillen said. “That’s not to say that we don’t have our challenges…but today’s going to be positive.”

Vance County Board of Commissioners Chairman Leo Kelly also spoke to the group assembled at the business luncheon held at Henderson Country Club.

Kelly highlighted four projects within the county that have helped to propel the county forward:

  • The $4.5 million renovation of the Eaton Johnson campus, which now houses several different agencies, from DSS and the Senior Center to GRRO and the city-county youth services
  • The second shell building in the industrial park
  • Sale of the former DSS building to the Henderson Family YMCA
  • Purchase of 2.5 acres beside the EMS building to prepare for construction of a new facility

“We’re real proud of what happened to that building,” Kelly said of the renovation of the former middle school campus. “The building is getting fantastic use.”

Finding ways to use existing buildings is one way the county has maximized its resources, but the shell building concept is one that has proven itself as well.

When Mako Medical was looking for a location in 2017, McMillen said, company leaders looked here “because we had a building.”

Public-private partnerships like the shell buildings are going to continue to play a vital role in moving the local economy forward, McMillen noted, and he encouraged the audience to continue to invest in the future of the county and their community.

The total value of all the property in Vance County comes to just shy of $3 billion, and that property generates about $26 million in tax revenue, he said. “That funds everything we do.”

More than three-quarters of the county’s total $55 million budget goes to three sectors: public safety, education and human services.

Other county services highlighted include:

  • Tax collection rates are at an all-time high, more than 97 percent
  • Senior Center provides more than 20,000 meals and in-home assistance to older citizens
  • Animal Services has a new facility and boasts the lowest euthanasia rate in the area
  • 911 answers an average of 236 calls a day
  • Veterans service staff helped more than 1,200 veterans and their dependents access $17 million in benefits
  • The kitchen at the county detention center provides meals for inmates, but also prepares meals for the Senior Center and for Meals on Wheels
  • Parks and rec programs – which gets 45 percent of its funding from the county – served 8,500 youth in its various programs and activities
  • Another 6,500 residents participated in Cooperative Extension activities and programs
  • Smart Start, the Boys & Girls Club, Gang Free, Inc. and the local children’s home all are supported by county funding.

Residential home construction is on the rise, and the county is getting more tourism dollars – and a record occupancy tax from hotels and motels. There’s plenty of room for more, McMillen said.

“We’re not there yet, but I think the state of Vance County is strong,” McMillen said.

To view the presentation, visit https://www.vancecounty.org/and click on the link titled State of the County under the heading Latest News.