Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Sheriff Curtis Brame

Sheriff Brame Offers Tips for Safe Shopping During the Holiday Season

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

-Press Release, Vance County Sheriff’s Office

“The holiday season is right around the corner and shoppers are crowding malls and discount stores to buy the latest gadgets and find the best deals,” said Sheriff Brame of Vance County. 

But what shoppers are neglecting is their safety. According to Sheriff Brame “This time of year attracts more shopping-related criminal activity because of the larger crowds and the extended store hours. These factors and the usual distraction of shopping creates a more favorable environment for petty thieves and other offenders. 

The Sheriff reminds all Vance County residents to follow these safety tips: 

Shopping Safety: 

  • A single shopper is the best target for theft. Always shop with a friend or relative. 
  • When going shopping, tell someone where you are going and what time to expect you to return. Also, make sure they know what you are wearing, as well as the type of vehicle you are driving.
  • Shop during daylight hours. If you shop at night, park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
  • Dress casually and comfortably and avoid wearing expensive jewelry. If carrying cash, keep it in your front pocket rather than in a purse or wallet. This makes it much more difficult for a pick-pocket to remove. Also, store car keys in pants or jacket pocket. If your purse is stolen, you will still be able to drive home.
  • Pay careful attention to your surroundings and avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
  • When returning to your vehicle, check around it and in the back seat. Be aware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Have your car keys in your hand to avoid spending unnecessary time unprotected from the security of your vehicle. If you feel uneasy returning to your vehicle alone, find a security guard and ask them to walk you to your car.

According to Sheriff Brame, “During this time of year, busy holiday shoppers become careless and vulnerable to other crimes as well. Credit card fraud and gift card fraud are on the rise. However, taking a few preventive measures can help.” 

Credit Card Fraud; 

  • Keep a close watch on your credit card every time you use it, and make sure you get it back as quickly as possible.
  • Never write your PIN number on your credit card. Never leave your credit cards or receipts lying around.
  • Shield your credit card number so that others around you can’t copy it or capture it on a mobile telephone or camera.
  • Only carry credit cards that you absolutely need.
  • Shred anything with your credit card number written on it,
  • If you’re planning to purchase online, make sure the web page where you enter your credit card information is secure through SSL (Secure Socket Layer). You can tell if the web page is secure by looking for the gold lock or key icon at the bottom comer of your browser window.
  • If you’re not comfortable submitting your information through the internet, call the seller and give them your information over the telephone.
  • Never send your credit card information via email.
  • Check the company out. Only do business with companies that provide a physical address and telephone number.
  • Keep good records. Always print out a copy of any online products or services you purchase.

Gift Card Fraud: 

  • Never buy gift cards from online auction sites. This is a large source of gift card fraud. Many of the gift cards are stolen, counterfeit or used.
  • Only buy gift cards directly from the store issuing the gift card or from a secure retailer’s website.
  • Don’t buy gift cards off of publicly displayed racks in retail stores. Only purchase gift cards at the sales terminal from the cashier.
  • Always carefully examine both the front and back of a gift card before you buy it. If you see a PIN number, ask for a different card. If the card looks like it has been tampered with in any way, put it back.
  • Always ask the store cashier to scan the gift card in front of you. This will guarantee that your card is valid when you buy it and that it reflects the balance you just charged it with.
  • Always keep your receipt as proof of purchase as long as there is money stored on the gift card.
  • If possible, register your gift card at the store’s website
  • Never give your Social Security number, date of birth or any other unneeded private information when purchasing a gift card. No reputable company will ask for this information.

In light of these problems, Sheriff Brame warns shoppers to be careful so that they don’t become the victim of criminal activity. “Unfortunately, when shopping, people have a tendency to let their guard down,” said Sheriff Brame. “However, paying attention and taking precautions can help eliminate their chances of being victimized.” 

Reminder: Individuals, Businesses Teaming Up to Offer Free Thanksgiving Meal

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

-Information courtesy Fred Robertson

Individuals and local businesses have teamed up for the Fourth Annual Henderson-Vance Community Day Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 28, 2019. Meals are available free of charge to the public from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The event is hosted by Fred and Jennifer Robertson, and Williams and Tracey Jones, and will be held at the Elk’s Lodge located at 326 W. Rockspring Street in Henderson.

With questions, please contact Fred at (252) 432-8804 or Tracey at (252) 213-8350.

Event Sponsors: Chris & Shannon Bullock, H & H Rental Brokers, Dr. Bridget Busby Waters, Bail Bonds by Kendra Henderson, Attorneys Joyce Fischer & Chrystal Satterwhite, Jones Trucking by Earlie Jones, Geter Barber College, Divine Styles by Barbara Bobbitt and St. Beulah Holiness Church.

Grace Ministries

Grace Ministries Feeds 5,000 During Annual ‘Meal and a Prayer’ Event

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

Grace Ministries in Henderson served approximately 5,000 Thanksgiving meals to local residents at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 23.

The “Meal and a Prayer” event was the third annual for founder Jamie Elliott, who began the ministry as a way to reach those in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties who struggle with addiction.

In addition to the annual Thanksgiving event, the ministry has ongoing activities including twice-weekly addiction recovery meetings.

Those struggling with addiction, or those who wish to help loved ones struggling, are encouraged to attend Grace Ministries’ 12-Step meetings on Tuesday and Friday evenings at 7 p.m. at 961 Burr Street in Henderson.

All are welcome to attend this addiction recovery process based on biblical passages.

For more information on Grace Ministries, visit their website at www.graceofhenderson.org.

Nits Nats Music to Close After 50 Years in Business

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Bill Harris, co-owner of Nits Nats Music in Henderson, has announced that the business that celebrated its 50th anniversary earlier this year will be closing its doors at the end of December.

Originally opened in downtown Oxford in 1969 by Phillip and Cheryl Hawkins, the business has called several locations in Oxford, Henderson and Louisburg home. For the past several years, Nits Nats has been located at 1680 Parham St. in Henderson, a part of the shopping center known as “Corbittville.” The people in the area, to this day, attribute the music centre for making them understand all about turntables and other musical instruments used in old school music.

Harris took to Nits Nats Music’s Facebook page on Sunday to offer the following statement:

It is with regret that I am announcing the closing of Nits Nats Music effective December 27. It’s a decision that has been difficult to come to but other opportunities have presented themselves and I feel that it is best for me and my family to pursue those opportunities.

It’s sad for us to close after 14 years as owners. It is also sad to see one of Henderson’s oldest businesses no longer be a part of the community. Fifty years is an amazing achievement for any business.

Cheryl and Phillip Hawkins were great owners until we purchased the store in 2005, and I and my family have kept it going since then. I would love for someone to come forward with a vision to carry Nits Nats Music into the future. Nothing would make me happier than to know that it continues. If anyone is interested in doing so, please contact me at (252) 430-8010, email me at nitsnatsmusic@gmail.com or stop by the store at 1680 Parham Street. If not, then December 27 will be our last day of operation.

Our customers have been terrific and without them, we would not have stayed in business. We will continue to take orders through December 18 for your Christmas gift-giving needs.

After November 30, I will not be at the store as much as I usually would as I prepare for my next chapter, but I will be there some. My son Alex Harris and wife Aileen will operate the store with our usual hours through Dec. 27 – 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. We will have a closing sale beginning on Nov. 29 and continuing through our closing date.

Once again, Nits Nats Music thanks all of our customers, former employees and everyone involved in our 50 years of business.

-Bill Harris

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance County Logo

Vance Co. Properties, Water Committee to Meet Mon., Dec. 2

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

-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Executive Assistant/Clerk to Board, Vance County Board of Commissioners

The following Vance County committees are scheduled to meet Monday, December 2, 2019, in the Administrative Conference Room of the Vance County Administration Building located at 122 Young Street in Henderson.

Properties Committee (Brummitt, Taylor, Wilder)

Monday, December 2

3:30 p.m.

–       HVAC bid for the courthouse

–       Carpet bid for the administration building

–       District Attorney’s Office modifications

Water Committee (Wilder, Brummitt, Taylor)

Monday, December 2

4 p.m. (or immediately following the Properties Committee meeting)

–       Water Meter Purchase

Vance County Sheriff's Office

Vance Co. Deputies Respond to Shooting on Glebe Road

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

-Press Release, Vance County Sheriff’s Office

On Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at 11:11 p.m., the Vance County Sheriff’s Office responded to 4951 Glebe Road, Henderson, North Carolina 27536 in reference to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon inflicting serious injury.

Upon arriving at the scene, Vance County Sheriff’s Office Deputies located a known black male. This male was transported by Vance County EMS and later airlifted to Duke Medical Center.

The other known black male involved in this incident drove himself to Maria Parham Hospital, located at 566 Ruin Creek Road, Henderson, North Carolina 27536, at which time he was treated and airlifted to Duke Medical Center.

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information regarding this incident. Please contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at (252) 738-2200. This investigation is continuing.

Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging Offering Caregiver Vouchers

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Harvey Holmes, family caregiver resource specialist with the Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging, appeared on WIZS’ Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

The agency offers aging and adult services to residents in Vance, Granville, Franklin, Warren and Person counties.

With November’s designation as both National Family Caregivers Month and National Alzheimers Disease Awareness Month, Holmes was on the program to discuss Kerr-Tar’s caregiver voucher program.

To assist with the heavy financial burden of providing care to a loved one, Kerr-Tar will reimburse caregivers up to $750 in eligible out-of-pocket expenses within 90 days of incurring the charge.

Eligible expenses include hiring in-home assistance such as a nurse, CNA, neighbor or relative (who does not live in the home) to care for a loved one.

“Caregiving is extremely expensive,” said Holmes. “With the voucher program, you get to choose who you want to be in your house. More importantly, you get to choose who the recipient is comfortable with.”

To learn more about the voucher program, please contact the Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging at (252) 436-2040 or email Holmes directly at hholmes@kerrtarcog.org.

Additional information can be found at www.kerrtarcog.org or on the agency’s Facebook page (click here).

To hear the interview with Holmes in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk. Holmes’ segment begins at the 17:50 mark.

Tickets Available Now: McGregor Hall to Ring in Season With Holiday Shows

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

-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Don’t miss these special events at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson this holiday season.

The Raleigh Ringers Holiday Concert 

  • Friday, December 6, 2019, at 7:30 p.m.

The Raleigh Ringers’ holiday handbell concert runs the gamut of song selections from old yuletide favorites to Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” score and other sounds of the season.

Black Nativity

Black Nativity is a heartfelt musical presenting a fresh, new way to relive the birth of Jesus Christ. Based on the poetry of Langston Hughes and favorite gospel songs, Black Nativity leads us back to the manger through the rhythm of drums, the feet of high energy dancers and the souls of passionate storytellers.

Christmas Wonderland Holiday Spectacular

  • Monday, December 16, 2019, at 7:30 p.m.

Back by Popular Demand!
Christmas Wonderland is quite simply one of the most delightful and enchanting Christmas shows ever. Featuring glittering costumes, a dazzling cast and the highest kicking chorus girls this side of the North. This performance is pure holiday magic – with enough fun and festive cheer to power all the Christmas lights in town!

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)

Retired VGCC Faculty Member, Wife Establish Scholarship

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

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Wesley and Sheila Smith of Kittrell recently established a new scholarship for students at Vance-Granville Community College.

Wesley Smith has a longstanding association with VGCC. He graduated from the college’s Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology (often called HVAC) program in 1988. Several years later, Smith returned to become an instructor and head of the same program. “I was a good fit for the job,” he recalled – so good, in fact, that he remained in that position for 27 years, before retiring from VGCC in 2018.

Left to right: Kay Currin, Sheila Smith, Wesley Smith, Dr. Rachel Desmarais, Eddie Ferguson. (VGCC photo)

Now, Smith and his wife have created the “Wesley E. and Sheila K. Smith Academic Achievement Scholarship,” which will be awarded each year to a worthy student. Preference will be given to students in the HVAC program who meet certain academic requirements.

“I want to help students because this is a great career and the HVAC technician can make a good income,” Mr. Smith said.

“Wesley Smith spent decades educating, inspiring and supporting students while preparing them for their careers, and now, he is continuing his outstanding legacy of service through this scholarship,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, VGCC’s president. “We thank Wes and Sheila for their generosity, which will help students complete the training they need for good jobs in our community.”

VGCC Endowment Fund Director Eddie Ferguson added, “Dedicated, caring faculty members like Wes have helped make our college a special community over the past five decades, which makes it fitting that he and Sheila have created a scholarship during our 50th anniversary year, which will reward excellent students for years to come.”

Through the Endowment Fund, VGCC has awarded more than 9,700 scholarships to students since 1982.

Scholarships have been endowed by numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff. Tax-deductible donations to the VGCC Endowment Fund have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business or industry with a lasting gift to education.

For more information, call (252) 738-3409.

Town Talk 11/21/19: ‘Most Influential Fisherman’ Speaks to Vance Co. Students

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Pastor Bobby Fletcher, with First United Methodist Church of Henderson, and Clay Dyer, described as “the most inspirational fisherman on the planet” were the guests of honor on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program.

Dyer, whose life motto is “If I can, you can,” shared his message with students at AdVance Academy today, visits Vance County Middle School tomorrow and will be the guest speaker at First United Methodist Church on Sunday.

Photo courtesy Clay Dyer

Born with no left arm, a partial right arm and no lower limbs, Dyer said he has never let his physical build limit his potential as a human being, an award-winning fisherman or a man of God.

“There’s nothing in life that can get you down unless you allow it to,” said Dyer. “Handicapped or disabled is a state of mind. You’re only as handicapped or disabled as you allow yourself to be.”

According to Dyer’s website (www.clay-dyer.com), he started fishing at age five and began competing in fishing tournaments at age 15. He fished with FLW from 2000 to 2010 and began his career with BASS in 2012.

His television appearances include ESPN, Fox, CNN Headline News, Versus, the Outdoor Channel, Fox Sports South, the 700 Club and CBS.

Published articles on his fishing prowess have appeared in USA Today, Newsweek, Bassmaster and FLW Outdoors Magazine.

Video examples of Dyer’s fishing technique and tips can be viewed by searching his name on YouTube.

Dyer currently fishes the Bassmaster Open Series and select charity events but spends the majority of his time sharing his life experiences through motivational and leadership presentations to various charities, churches and schools.

“I’m just trying to have a positive impact on God’s kingdom by encouraging people and showing them that no matter what adversity they may face in life, they can overcome,” Dyer stated.

Fletcher said bringing Dyer’s positive message of resiliency to the community is just another step in making Vance County an even better place to live.

“Vance County has a lot of potential; we need to let the good things be known. Bringing in an outstanding, world-known speaker like Clay will greatly encourage the kids. He will show them how to be a champion.”

To hear the interview with Dyer and Fletcher in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.