Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

McGregor Hall

McGregor Celebrates Valentine’s Day, Music & Black History Month This Feb.

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Don’t miss these special events at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson this February:

ABBAMANIA: An ABBA Tribute!

  • Friday, February 14, 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at McGregor with a night of ABBA!

Come enjoy a rock musical which takes you back to the disco era with one of the best pop bands in history – ABBA. “ABBAMANIA” features nine incredible musicians and singers performing 21 of ABBA’s hit, with all the costume changes, choreography, live band, backup singers, and the big studio sound.

The New Century Saxophone Quartet

  • Sunday, February 16, 2 p.m.

Part of the 2020 Classical and Chamber Performance Series!

Internationally acclaimed, New Century Saxophone Quartet has performed in Carnegie Hall, the Villa Schoenberg in Zurich, and the Academy for the Performing Arts in Hong Kong. They have appeared on television and radio across the United States and offered two command performances for President Clinton in the White House. The Quartet features Henderson’s own, Michael Stephenson.

ONE NOBLE JOURNEY: A Black History Month Tribute

  • Tuesday, February 18, 7:30 p.m.

ONE NOBLE JOURNEY is a moving play telling the story of Henry “Box” Brown, an African American born into slavery in Louisa, Virginia. Henry devised an ingenious escape plan — sealing himself in a wooden box for shipment to friends and freedom in Philadelphia.

Tickets for these events may be purchased by:

DROP-IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance County, NC

Kittrell Comm. Watch to Hear From Sheriff’s Office on Church Shootings, Safety

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy K. Edward Woodlief, President, Kittrell Community Watch

The Kittrell Community Watch will meet Thursday, February 20, 2020, at 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Union Chapel United Methodist Church, 6535 US #1 Business S. Kittrell, NC.

The guest speaker will be Capt. John Shelton, Vance County Sheriff’s Office. His topic will be church security and will touch on church policy and lessons learned from recent “church shootings” across the country. He will offer insight on how to protect yourself and others should you be faced with a similar situation.

Light refreshments will be served. All are invited to attend, even if you live outside of Kittrell.

Town Talk 02/10/20

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Missing Person Update: Gentlemen is safe and home

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Update: Pleased to report gentlemen is safe and home

-Press Release, Vance County Sheriff’s Office

On Monday, February 10, 2020, at 6:13 a.m., the Vance County Sheriff’s Office responded to 724 North Chavis Road, Kittrell, NC in reference to a missing person. Once at the scene, deputies made contact with family members that stated Dennis Wayne Dickerson II, age 41, was last seen Saturday at 10:30 p.m. when Dickerson went to bed.

Dickerson was wearing a blue Columbia fleece with dark grey sweat pants or blue jeans. Information received from the family advised that Dickerson is a large man, about 5’9″, 260 pounds with limited walking ability. 

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information on Dickerson’s whereabouts. If you see Dickerson, please contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 252–738–2200.

This investigation is continuing.

Dennis Wayne Dickerson II (VCSO photo)

Vance County Schools Recognized Nationally

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools was recently recognized at the National Convention for Digital Convergence (NCDC) for its success in the Modern Teacher Digital Convergences Framework. The mission of Modern Teacher is to empower educational leaders to make learning relevant for all students and teachers by creating a blended school with the learner at the center.

Pictured left to right: Dr. Cindy Bennett, Assistant Superintendent, Aarika Sandlin, Public Information Officer and Michelle Burton, Chief Human Resources Officer. Also in attendance but not pictured was Dr. Trixie Brooks, Assistant Superintendent. (VCS photo)

Vance County has progressed to Stage 3 in the process, one of only 23 districts in the nation recognized. Dr. Cindy Bennett, Vance County Schools Assistant Superintendent, also served on a panel for Digital Convergence during the conference, sharing her expertise in the process with districts from around the country.

The digital framework focuses on the drivers of Leadership, Instructional Models, Modern Curriculum, Digital Ecosystems, Professional Learning and Community. AASA, the School Superintendents Association, has recognized the Modern Teacher Digital Convergence Framework as the nation’s premier methodology for transitioning traditional classrooms to modern learning environments at scale.

Dr. Cindy Bennett shared that “this work has provided the district with a clear process for analyzing the current reality, identifying successes and opportunities for growth, and designing a pathway of personalization of the teaching and learning process.”

Vance County Schools is proud to be part of the Modern Teacher network and excited about the journey ahead, as we work to reach the next stage.

NC Coop Extension to Offer Free Trip to Buster Sykes Farm

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension

The best way to master the art and science of pruning fruit trees is to observe the proper technique from an expert. NC Cooperative Extension will provide that opportunity on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, through a field trip to the Buster Sykes Farm in Alamance County.

The Buster Sykes Farm contains a 300 plant orchard with apples, peaches, pears, plums, pawpaws, blackberries, grapes, figs and much more. Operated by the Alamance County Extension Center, it is meticulously maintained according to specifications developed by NCSU horticulturists. For anyone wanting to raise fruit crops, whether in the backyard or on a small farm, there is simply no better place in Piedmont North Carolina to learn about proper pruning and maintenance practices. Instruction will be provided by Mark Daniely, the Alamance County Extension Director who supervises the orchard.

There is no charge to participate, and transportation is provided. The trip will depart from the Warren County Center of NC Cooperative Extension at 7:45 a.m., returning around 2:45 p.m. There will be additional pick up points in Henderson and Oxford. Space is limited and registration is required.

For complete details and to register, call 252-257-3640 or visit https://go.ncsu.edu/fruitprunetour.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy Crews Working to Restore Power to Local Area

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy Tanya Evans, District Manager, Duke Energy

After yesterday’s tornados and torrential rain, we had a one-two punch today with early morning wind gusts causing additional damage. The saturated ground and heavy winds have resulted in hundreds of downed power lines, broken poles and snapped trees.

At this time, we have more than 4,000 Duke Energy crews working to restore power throughout the region with additional teams from the Midwest (300) and off system resources (180) from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Delaware and Virginia to bolster our restoration efforts.

While we are focused on restoring as many customers as quickly as possible, it’s important to note that, for employee safety, Duke Energy line technicians cannot perform elevated work in bucket trucks when winds (sustained or gusts) are above 30 miles per hour. Rest assured, however, we will work until every customer is restored.

As of 2 p.m. on Friday, February 7, there are approximately 60,000 customers without power across the state. In our region, the following counties have significant outages:

Franklin – 5,715

Nash – 2,417

Granville – 1,873

Person – 726

Until the winds completely subside, we expect these numbers to continue to fluctuate. For the most current update and further detail, please visit our outage map.

We understand our customers are anxious to have their power restored. Please encourage anyone who is experiencing an outage to report it. We have several options to do so:

  • Use the Duke Energy mobile app – Download the Duke Energy App from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play
  • Visit https://duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device.
  • Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).
  • Call the automated outage-reporting system at DEP: 800.419.6356 or DEC: 1-800-POWERON (1-800-769-3766)

Finally, please be cautious if you venture out:

  • Stay away from downed lines and any storm debris that could conceal downed power lines.
  • Report hazardous situations/lines down at 1-800-POWERON (1-800-769-3766).
  • Never drive through standing water.
  • Take care around our crews: The “move over” law requires drivers to move over one lane when two or more lanes are available in each direction to make way for emergency responders, tow trucks, DOT incident management assistance patrols, and roadside work crews, such as utility crews. On roads with only one traffic lane in each direction, drivers must slow down and be prepared to stop. Violators could face fines.

Town Talk 02/06/20: Linda Cobb, District 5 School Board Incumbent, On-Air

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Linda Cobb, the District 5 incumbent candidate for Vance County Schools Board of Education, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

Cobb faces challenger Clementine Hunter in the March 3, 2020 primary. The only other school board position that faces opposition is the District 3 seat, where incumbent Dorothy Gooche faces challenger Sean A. Alston, Sr.

Cobb was appointed to the Board in September after Hunter, who was elected to the school board in 2016, resigned from the District 5 position. Cobb was also unanimously voted in as Vice-Chair of the Board for the 2020 year.

In discussing the unique situation, Cobb said she was unaware of the circumstances surrounding Hunter’s resignation and decision to run in the 2020 election. “She has every right to file and run, as do I,” Cobb said. “Both of us just have to do our best and let the citizens of Vance County make the appointment.”

An educator at both the community and four-year college level for 20 years, and currently the business officer with the Vance County Department of Social Services, Cobb said the first five months in her appointed position have been a “humbling learning experience.”

Cobb said she is excited to see positive growth, pointing to the students that have been recognized in the monthly Student Spotlight program and higher VCS graduation rates as examples of the school system’s achievements.

Discussing the way the Board works together as a team, a sentiment echoed by other recently interviewed school board candidates, Cobb said her time serving as the District 5 representative has left her eager to continue in her role.

“If I’m fortunate enough to be elected for the next term, my main goal is to work along with the Board because we are a team and we have to continue to work together as a team for the better of Vance County’s schools.”

Cobb also had high praise for VCS Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson. “He is a great leader that’s leading the school system to a different level. The Board works very well with Dr. Jackson.”

With her years in education, the assistance she provides children and families at DSS and her time on the Board, Cobb said she brings much experience and perspective to her role. “I’m here for the students and I will do what I can with my one vote to make Vance County a better place for our kids.”

The deadline to register to vote in the primary election is Friday, February 7. Early voting begins Thursday, February 13.

To hear the interview with Cobb in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk. Cobb’s segment begins at the 17:40 mark.

(This is not a paid political advertisement. Challenger Clementine Hunter will be offered an interview of equal time with WIZS.)

Duke Life Flight to Open On-Site Station at Maria Parham Health

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release and photos, Maria Parham Health

Duke Life Flight will open a station at Maria Parham Health in Henderson, NC. The new on-site station will provide residents in Vance County and surrounding areas with direct access to trauma personnel, enhanced response in trauma situations, and improved transfer times for critical patients to a higher level of care.

Maria Parham Health’s emergency room is staffed 24/7 with emergency physicians, nurses, and staff who specialize in responding to the emergency care needs of our community. This new Life Flight station will enhance the team’s ability to respond to emergency calls and provide critical transfers. The station will include two ground units and one helicopter which will be on-site on January 20, 2020. Crew quarters will also be located at the hospital, and crews will be readily available to respond 24/7.

“We are excited about our enhanced partnership with Duke Health and the increased emergency response this provides our patients in the surrounding areas. By opening a Life Flight station at our hospital, we are strengthening the level of access to care of our patients and making our communities healthier,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “We hope that this new station will provide greater peace of mind for our patients that we are ready to rapidly respond with the best possible care.”

The station will provide direct access to trauma personnel in the event of an emergency. The opening of the station will also improve access to local emergency assistance. By providing critical transfers for patients in the surrounding areas, the station will free up local EMS to respond to more regular calls and have a positive direct impact on the care in our community.

From High School Dropout to First-Generation College Graduate, Through VGCC

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

“I was 16, and I was done.” That is how Samantha Huffman recalls thinking back in 2004. She was “done” with education, in her mind. Feeling depressed and awkward at her high school, Huffman dropped out. “I had nothing to look forward to when it came to school, so what was the point?” she said. “It’s not like I was going to go to college. I couldn’t afford it. No one in my family had made it through high school, much less gone further.”

Samantha Huffman poses in her cap and gown at Meredith College. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

Sixteen years later, Huffman actually has gone further, with a pair of college degrees to her name, thanks to her experience at Vance-Granville Community College.

The story of how she went from high school dropout to college graduate essentially starts with a tragedy, Huffman said. “In 2011, my world was turned upside down,” she reflected. “I lost my best friend, who was also my cousin and my confidant, in a car accident where she was hit head-on and killed instantly. She believed in me and pushed me to do better. At that moment, I made a promise in her memory to change.”

The sort of change she intended to make required education in order to obtain more than what she called “dead-end” jobs. One day in 2012, Huffman heard that Vance-Granville Community College offered night and online class options to prepare for the GED High School Equivalency diploma. “I went, signed up, and took the pre-test,” she said. “I passed the pre-test, and the teacher looked me dead in my eyes and asked me what in the world I was doing there. I did not test like a person with only a 10th-grade education.”

With a level of natural ability that surprised her, Huffman quickly completed her studies and obtained her high school diploma by passing the required test. “My first thought was, ‘Well, that was easy,’” she recalled. “I almost immediately signed up for college classes at VGCC.”

She took her time because she was working two jobs and raising a child while going to school. Finally, in 2016, she graduated from VGCC with an Associate in Arts degree, as a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and a senator in the Student Government Association.

Soon, Huffman transferred her community college credits into Meredith College, with approximately half her tuition covered by scholarships. In December of 2018, she graduated from the four-year college with a bachelor’s degree in English. Now, she works full-time in a job in which she uses her communication skills to create marketing and promotional materials to increase her company’s client base.

“For anyone who thinks school is too hard or takes too much of a commitment, I urge you to walk into any VGCC campus and talk to an advisor,” Huffman said. “They will coach you, mentor you, comfort you, and guide you through schooling that anyone can do and help you achieve any goal you set your mind to completing.”