Tag Archive for: #hendersonnews

Christian Lockamy

Vance County Announces Christian Lockamy as Economic Development Director

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, County of Vance

Vance County is pleased to announce the hiring of Christian Lockamy as the Director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission.

Lockamy comes to Vance County with over seven years of experience in economic development, most recently serving as the Economic Development Director with the Elizabeth City/Pasquotank County EDC. He previously served with the City of Greenville, North Carolina as a City Planner/GIS Specialist, Economic Development Research Manager, Senior Economic Developer and Interim Director of Economic Development.

Vance County is pleased to announce the hiring of Christian Lockamy as the Director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission. Lockamy will be relocating to Vance County and beginning his new duties effective January 19, 2021. (Photo courtesy County of Vance)

“We believe Christian’s skill set and experience will transition well to Vance County,” said County Manager Jordan McMillen. “His background in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and planning will complement well with his experience in business recruitment and retention, industrial site management and product development, grant writing and administration, and overall economic development management. We are excited to welcome Christian to Vance County.”

In Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County, he worked with others to develop a strategic plan, led efforts to launch a new economic development website and was instrumental in securing a large industrial site and certifying two industrial parks. Most recently he coordinated expansion efforts for Telephonics Corporation, Hockmeyer Equipment Corporation, and SAS Industries.

Lockamy holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning from East Carolina University and previously served in the US Navy onboard the USS Thorn, a Spruance Class Destroyer. He has already completed some coursework leading to the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification through the International Economic Development Council.

Lockamy was attracted to Henderson and Vance County due to its strategic location along a major Interstate highway, proximity to the Triangle Area, and recent company announcements by Mako Medical Laboratories and Select Tissue.

Lockamy stated, “Henderson and Vance County are perfect for industrial companies seeking a convenient, business-friendly location along the I-85 corridor. I’m also very excited to work with the County Commissioners and the EDC Board and would like to give a special shout-out to EDC Chairman and County Commissioner, Tommy Hester. Mr. Hester has been a champion of economic development for Vance County and the State of NC. I am looking forward to coupling my experience with his, and that of the EDC Board members to take Henderson and Vance County to the next level. This community and its people are first class, and I can’t be happier about this opportunity.”

Lockamy will be relocating to Vance County and beginning his new duties effective January 19, 2021.

TownTalk 12-10-20 Local History With Mark Pace

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Emigrating Over the Horizon; Where Did They Go?

WIZS TownTalk host Bill Harris and guest Mark Pace discuss emigration from Old Granville County.

What were the reasons people left the area in the early to mid 19th Century?  The need of land was one reason and land was cheap in areas such as Tennessee and Alabama. Land grants from the Revolution also provided incentive, and larger quantities of land were needed as large families with eight to 10 to 12 children grew.  Land quality was a factor as well because without enough land, proper crop rotations could not occur.

Where did they go? Numerous communities such as Macon, Georgia or Granville, Tennessee were named for people or locations in the immediate vicinity of Henderson and Oxford. Many families moved to and founded the communities in these areas for better opportunities.

For more details and TownTalk audio click play…and continue reading below…

Additionally, many people with roots here went on to become famous nationally and internationally. Playwright Tennessee Williams, Gen. Braxton Bragg, former Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley and “Lady Bird” Johnson all had or have roots tying them to the area.

Just as Vance, Granville, Warren & Franklin Counties were shaped by those who moved here from Southern and Tidewater Virginia, many areas in Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas and other southern states were equally influenced by those who left here to make their mark in these states and others.

For more on local history and genealogy visit Mark Pace at the NC Room at Thornton Library in Oxford and visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/fgvwgeneaology on the web for more information on Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren county history and genealogy.

H-V Chamber Logo

Henderson-Vance Chamber Banquet 2020 Postponed

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The Henderson-Vance Chamber Banquet 2020 has been postponed due to covid-19.

Normally, the Chamber schedules the event each year in January.  In a recent email to member businesses, the announcement was made, and the following statement released.

“We look so forward to seeing you, networking, and announcing the Citizen of the Year; however, due to the pandemic, our meeting will be held later in the year. We will send out emails to the membership asking for nominations for the 2020 Citizen of the Year, so start thinking of that person that has been an asset to our community and deserves to receive this honor.”

The announcement concluded by thanking everyone for understanding and said “we look forward to seeing you all later in the year for a meeting and celebration.”

Town Talk 12/9/20: Mayor Eddie Ellington With Brandon Boyd

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Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m. Ellington was interviewed by WIZS guest host Brandon Boyd.

Prior to discussing his role as mayor and the City of Henderson’s present standing and future outlook, Ellington talked about growing up in Henderson, his Castello Loughlin family history and the creation of the circus.

When asked by Boyd if being mayor met his expectations for the role, Ellington replied, “I have enjoyed it, but I wear a lot of it on my shoulders and take it personally. Even though things happen that are not related to me, I’m the mayor and it falls back on me. When you’re the mayor for the city, you’re the ambassador and spokesperson for the city.”

(To hear this episode of TownTalk, click play below. TownTalk airs M-F at 11 a.m. on WIZS 1450 AM / 100.1 FM.)

According to Ellington, the on-going COVID-19 pandemic has made this year particularly challenging. “The Henderson City Council, City Manager and I have tough decisions to make. We’re a small, rural community, and we’ve all been hit by the same deal. You take your cards, you play them and you make the best decisions for the public’s well-being.”

In more upbeat news, Ellington reported that the City of Henderson, despite the pandemic, is doing well financially. “The City is in better financial shape than it has been in years,” stated Ellington. “Frank Frazier, the previous city manager, did a wonderful job of balancing the budget every year. Terrell Blackmon, current city manager, has done a wonderful job as well, and he’s going to bring a budget to us in the upcoming months.”

Ellington also reported that Mako Medical, with facilities currently located in Henderson and Raleigh, is in talks of moving its operation to Henderson, resulting in the creation of 100 new jobs for the local area.

“Economic development is the key,” explained Ellington. “When you have jobs, when the poverty rates are low, when people can make a living and provide for their families, when people can go off to college and have something to come back home to, the community thrives.”

Local News Audio

Noon News 12-8-20 Covid19 News; Enhanced Rail; Granville Co. Schools; VGCC Degree Program

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Stories include:
– Latest Covid19 statistics

–  community testing event

– enhanced rail service possibly coming to Henderson

– Granville County Schools

– VGCC partner with Elizabeth City State for degree program

For full details and audio click play

 

George Rush

Town Talk 12/8/20: Remembering George B. Rush, Jr.

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

In a special edition of WIZS Town Talk on Tuesday at 11 a.m., WIZS staff – past and present – and others fondly remembered George Blackmore Rush, Jr., former WIZS general manager. Rush passed away at his home on Saturday, December 5, 2020, at the age of 87.

Born in Aliquippa, PA on July 31, 1933, he was the son of the late Dr. George Blackmore Rush, Sr. and Cassie Federer Rush. George attended Grove City College, earned his MBA from the University of South Carolina and was a Veteran of the United States Army.

His professional experience included management of credit and collection personnel and sales, consulting, general management and newscasting. He was also a member of First Presbyterian Church in Henderson where he formerly served as a deacon and elder.

(Click play below for audio)

Rush retired from WIZS in 2018, in his mid-eighties, after more than 15 years with the station.

“George was there for us many different times and led us through quite a number of trials and tribulations. He was also there enjoying the good times,” said WIZS General Manager John Charles Rose. “In particular, for me, was the time my own father passed away. George was right there to step in, not only as a friend but as a fatherly-figure and someone who could help the radio station continue to sustain what we had and continue to grow at a very difficult time.”

Rose continued, “He was a great businessman; he really knew how to run and operate a business.”

In a special edition of WIZ Town Talk on Tuesday at 11 a.m., WIZS staff – past and present – and others fondly remembered George Blackmore Rush, Jr., former WIZS general manager. Rush passed away at his home on Saturday, December 5, 2020, at the age of 87. (Photo courtesy J.M. White Funeral Home)

Trey Snide, WIZS account manager, said Rush was a “wealth of information” and was always willing to lend a helping hand. “Every time I had a question or a problem, he was able to help solve it. I’ve been here at WIZS going on four years now, and what I remember the most is the knowledge George had of the local Vance County community. I’m grateful he was part of my beginning steps at the station.”

WIZS Program Manager Bill Harris said Rush was “a joy to work with.”

“I don’t think I ever saw George mad,” said Harris. “He always had a kind word to say about people and was extremely nice and considerate. He was always the perfect gentleman.”

Harris said he was impressed by how quickly and thoroughly Rush, a PA native, adapted to the local area. “He had so much knowledge and very much acclimated himself to this area.”

This sentiment was echoed by Tom Hannon, Rush’s former WIZS Town Talk co-host and supervisor while employed at Roses Stores: “George adapted himself to Vance County. He brought a knowledge of national and local implications of such things as gross national product, interest rates and the stock market and explained how these could affect the everyday person in Vance County.”

Matthew Handley, who worked for WIZS while on break from college during the summers, said Rush stands out in his mind as being one of the people to help launch his career. “George was in the room when I had my first interview at WIZS,” Handley explained. “I look back on that interview as being the start of my career in this industry, and that’s one of the things I’m going to remember him for. He took a chance on me that allowed me to get to the point where I am now with a full-time career in Michigan.”

Sherman Wilson, George’s former co-host on Friday’s Town Talk Trivia, said, “It was a pure joy to work with him on that show. I think he enjoyed it as much as I did. Sometimes on Town Talk we acted silly and had a lot of fun, but make no mistake about it, George was a really smart guy. No matter who came on the show, no matter what the subject, he could interview them. He did it with ease and made the people he was interviewing feel comfortable.”

Brandon Boyd, Town Talk guest host, said, “We mourn the loss, and we celebrate the life of George Rush. George loved Henderson; he loved Vance County and its people; he loved our stories. George Rush was a name we all knew and a voice we recognized, and George loved WIZS Radio.”

Rush is survived by his wife, Jane Negus Rush of the home; his daughter, Catherine Rush-Braswell and husband, Joseph of Durham; his son, George Warren Rush and wife, Linda of Henderson; a granddaughter, Kelly Twisdale; a grandson, Benjamin Rush; and a sister, Susan Bean and husband, David of Mason, OH. (Obituary information courtesy J.M White Funeral Home.)

A private memorial service will be held today at First Presbyterian Church by Rev. Matthew Copple. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 726, Henderson, NC 27536.

Community Partners of Hope

Community Partners of Hope Men’s Homeless Shelter Meals

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From Community Partners of Hope here locally, the homeless men’s shelter and Hope House:

“Thanks so much to all of you who have prepared meals or have already signed up! We have three days left in December that need volunteers – Monday 12/14, Tuesday 12/15, and New Year’s Eve 12/31. There are also lots of days in 2021. In November we served 12 different men. (Friday) night we had only two men. We have asked that you bring eight meals served in take-out trays so we will have enough if we have our maximum occupancy of six guests and two supervisors. Any leftover food is taken to the men in Hope House, but if you want to call the shelter manager for a closer estimate, his number is 252-820-0701.  Bear in mind that we don’t have any way to know who might show up each night. Thank you again for your support and your prayers!”

Rescue Ranch

Town Talk 12/7/20: Rescue Ranch, Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society to Partner

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

Krissie Newman, co-founder of the Rescue Ranch in Statesville, NC, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

The 87-acre ranch promotes humane education by focusing on animal rescue through hands-on learning and care.

Newman discussed her passion for animals, the operation of the ranch during the COVID-19 pandemic and working with other animal protection services such as the local Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society (RCAPS).

To hear the interview in its entirety, click play.

Locally, RCAPS is dedicated to helping homeless animals find rescue placement and works closely with area shelters.

Heading into the new year, Rescue Ranch will partner with RCAPS for its new foster and adoption program. “We will be taking in volunteers willing to foster with us and working with Ruin Creek on adoptions,” said Newman. “This is something that has been in our footprint at the ranch for a long time; now is the time to bring the dogs and the cats into the program.”

In addition to the rescue foster and adoption program, Rescue Ranch’s future plans include nature hiking and walking education trails, a 24-hour emergency veterinarian clinic with an extern program and a therapeutic riding program.

Tours of the ranch are available by appointment by calling (704) 768-0909. To learn more about Rescue Ranch,  please visit www.rescueranch.com. For updates on RCAPS, please visit the group’s Facebook page.

Dr. Shauna Guthrie

Dr. Shauna Guthrie of Henderson NCAFP Secretary/Treasurer

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The North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians (NCAFP) installed Dr. Shauna Guthrie of Henderson as the organization’s secretary/treasurer.

According to information sent to WIZS News by NCAFP Executive Vice President Greg Griggs, who is also from Henderson, Guthrie’s term is one year, and the installation took place during the NCAFP’s virtual annual meeting.

Guthrie, MD, MPH, FAAFP is a Henderson family physician and is presently the medical director at Granville Vance Public Health, the local health department.  She provides full scope outpatient primary care services, according to Griggs.

Griggs said, “She also contracts to provide services locally including correctional health, inpatient adult medicine, and hospice care. She previously practiced at Vance Family Medicine, a Rural Health Clinic, where she did full-spectrum family medicine, including inpatient medicine and obstetrics.”

Dr. Guthrie has served on the board of the NCAFP for the past five years.  This year she served as the at-large member of the NCAFP Executive Committee.  Griggs said in his information release, “She enjoys giving back to the profession by teaching medical students.”

Dr. Shauna Guthrie

Shauna Guthrie, MD, MPH, FAAFP, a Henderson family physician, was installed as Secretary/Treasurer of the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians (NCAFP) for a one-year term during the organization’s virtual annual meeting.

More than 400 family physicians, family medicine residents and medical students attended the NCAFP’s Virtual Annual Meeting.

(WIZS RADIO IN HENDERSON PRESENTS LOCAL NEWS ON THE AIR AT 8AM, 12 NOON AND 5PM M-F.  100.1 FM / 1450 AM.)

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City of Henderson’s Response to COVID, Homicides Topics of Public Safety Meeting

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Henderson City Council’s Public Safety Committee met Thursday, December 3, 2020, to discuss the City’s handling of COVID-19 and recent homicides.

Henderson City Councilman Jason Spriggs provided the following statement to WIZS News:

“Overall, there was agreement among all attendees that the City and its leaders have taken a sincere approach to informing the citizens of Henderson about the seriousness of the Coronavirus. I have to say that Mayor Pro Tem Sara Coffey was adamant about ensuring every citizen was clear about the proper precautions. Mayor Eddie Ellington, Manager Terrell Blackmon and Lisa Harrison of Granville Vance Public Health were in agreement that a continued approach to informing and educating the citizens of Henderson, concerning COVID-19, would be a helpful supplement to all of the various information that has been made available through various channels, specifically WIZS and the various public Facebook pages maintained by GVPH, Henderson Rec and Parks Department, the Henderson Police Department and fire departments. The mayor pointed out the various COVID testing opportunities, public messages and public actions.”

Spriggs continued, “Concerning the homicides, Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow highlighted the HPDs continued work with local and state authorities. He specifically stated that in his 22-years of service with the City, he has not seen a greater period of collaboration among law enforcement at the local, state and federal levels. Chief Barrow did note that the majority of the unfortunate homicides were not connected to one another and that because of increased community assistance, those homicides have consistently yielded arrests.”

Fellow Henderson City Councilman William Burnette concurred with the meeting’s outcome:

“There was a very lengthy conversation about COVID. Lisa Harrison with the Health Department joined via Zoom. She gave updated information on Vance County. We did have a conversation with Chief Barrow about the measures the police were taking to deal with the homicides. The ones responsible have been arrested and are awaiting trial.”