U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina was welcomed to Vance County High School by students and school administrators during the afternoon of May 30.
He spent quite a bit of time in the school’s media center meeting with students from the high school and the Early College High School. Those students who met with him are Student Council leaders from the two schools.
He also met with Ruby Zuniga Trejo of STEM Early High, and Xavier Wilson of Vance County High, both of whom won the Student Spotlight award this school year.
U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, center, presents a U.S. Flag that has flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., to students at Vance County High School. (VCS photo)
Sen. Tillis and his staff in Washington, D.C., will serve as hosts during part of an all-day trip that all 16 Student Spotlight award winners from our schools will participate in on June 19, as they travel with their parents to our nation’s capital.
Jesus Rodriguez and Rosolind Williams, both students at Vance County High School and members of the Air Force Junior ROTC, accepted the U.S. Flag from Sen. Tillis.
Principal Kristian Herring of STEM Early High presented the senator with a STEM Sharks t-shirt and Principal Rey Horner of Vance County High presented him with a Vance Vipers hat and framed banner from the Vipers’ basketball conference championship.
Sen. Tillis also visited the school’s Vance Virtual lab and spent some time at one of the 20 digital learning stations to experience the three-dimensional software used by students in their studies of science, health, geography and more.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Sen-Thom-Tillis.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-05-31 17:03:202019-05-31 17:03:20Senator Thom Tillis Visits Vance County High School
-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to Board/Executive Asst., County of Vance
The Vance County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, June 3, 2019, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 122 Young Street, Henderson. The Invocation will be given by Pastor Rhonda Pulley, South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church.
Agenda items:
1. Public Comments (for those registered to speak by 5:45 p.m. – each speaker is limited to five minutes)
2. Budget Hearing FY 2019-20 Economic Development Appropriations
3. Budget Hearing FY 2019-20 Proposed Budget
4. Water District Board
a. Public Hearing – FY 2019-2020 Water Budget
b. Monthly Operations Report
5. Committee Reports and Recommendations
a. Properties Committee – Eaton Johnson Renovation – Architect Contract, Inclusion of Senior Center
b. Public Safety Committee – Fire Contracts, Fire Association Concerns
6. Finance Director’s Report
a. Surplus Property
b. Fiscal Year-End Closeout Authorization
c. Reimbursement Resolution – New DSS and Senior Center Facility
7. County Manager’s Report
a. Fireworks Permit – City of Henderson
b. Henderson Vance Industrial Park Phase 3 – Land Swap
c. County Zoning in Middleburg Town Limits
d. Volunteer Fire Department Contracts
8. Consent Agenda Items
a. Budget Transfers
b. Tax Refunds and Releases
c. Monthly Reports
d. Minutes
9. Miscellaneous
a. Appointments
b. Voting Delegate and Alternate – NACo Annual Conference
10. Closed Session
a. Legal Matter
b. Economic Development Matter
Click here to view current and prior Board agendas.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Vance-County-Logo.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-05-31 17:02:552019-05-31 17:02:55Vance Commissioners to Hear on Proposed Budget, Senior Center Relocation
“I am the drywall mudder of choice,” says Larry Leach with a grin. “When the drywall goes up, I get the call to come and tape and mud.” Larry began offering his services to Rebuilding Hope, Inc. several years ago.
After retiring from IBM with 30 years of service and 15 years as a contractor for the company, “I was looking for a way to use my time and experience to improve the houses of Henderson,” said the St. Louis, Missouri native. “Seeing so many houses in need of attention made me sad.”
Larry Leach named Rebuilding Hope’s June 2019 Volunteer of the Month. (Photo Credit: RHI)
“I wanted to volunteer at some organization doing repairs and improvements to homes in Henderson.”
Larry said he watched the progress of RHI’s fundraising for the Coca-Cola building, and after it was purchased in 2017 he stopped in to explore the opportunities – one of which turned out to be finishing drywall.
“The other thing that honestly just comes naturally was the unpacking of the stuff moved from the old [RHI] location on North Oliver Drive,” he said.
Larry unpacked and determined where to store plumbing and electrical supplies, screws, nuts, bolts, nails, roofing, paint, tools, office supplies, and even some kitchen items.
“Since then we have received boxes from organizations and individuals, and I dig into them and do my best at locating a place for the stuff,” he said.
Larry’s volunteering doesn’t stop at RHI.
“I am involved with GRRO (Green Rural Redevelopment Organization), a nonprofit organization that is revitalizing the landscape in Henderson by converting empty city-owned lots in the middle of the city into gardens,” Larry said.
“My wife Belinda and I manage one of these gardens and offer up the produce to various food bank organizations. We’ve planted a variety of seeds and also have installed some patio swings.”
Larry and Belinda also volunteer at Second Thursday packing food boxes for distribution, providing fresh produce to the citizens of Vance County.
Leisure time finds Larry enjoying yard work, home improvement and repairs, reading, walking his dogs and vegetable gardening.
Larry and Belinda have been married for 19 years and between them have five children and seven grandchildren.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Larry-Leach-Rebuilding-Hope.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-05-31 17:01:492020-04-02 08:43:05Larry Leach Named Rebuilding Hope’s June Spotlight Volunteer
Jess Richards, community development manager with the American Cancer Society, was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss Vance County’s upcoming Relay for Life event in downtown Henderson.
Richards invited the entire community to join the annual event on Saturday, June 22, 2019, from 4:30 until 9 p.m. on Breckenridge Street.
Relay for Life is a culmination of months of hard work by local volunteers and the efforts of numerous community fundraisers including golf tournaments, fun days and food plate sales.
In addition to food vendors, merchants, music, and a kid’s play area, participants are sure to appreciate the emotion of one of the main draws of Relay – the survivor’s lap.
“Cancer survivors walk one lap to kick off Relay for Life, with their caregivers joining them for the second lap,” said Richards. “It’s a very emotional, uplifting and wonderful thing to see and cheer on.”
Local sponsors for the event include Maria Parham Health, Aldi, Sunrock, Superior Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT, Ninja Realty and Fred’s Towing & Transport.
Many other organizations have provided “in-kind” donations of their services such as golf carts for event volunteers and security courtesy of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office and Henderson Police Department.
Richards said the Relay for Life event would not be possible without the generous assistance of sponsors, in-kind donors and fundraisers.
According to Richards, of the money raised for the American Cancer Society, 79% goes to research while the remaining 21% goes to staffing. “We hope by the end of the year to get that figure to 80/20,” said Richards. “Please know that the American Cancer Society is really working hard to find a cure.”
To register for Vance County’s Relay for Life, or for additional information, please visit the website (click here) or call 1-800-227-2345.
The next – and last – planning meeting for the 2019 event will be held on Thursday, June 13 in the auditorium of Maria Parham Health in Henderson. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. for teams and 7 p.m. for all others.
To hear the Town Talk interview with Jess Richards in its entirety, click here.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/relayforlife.png265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2019-05-30 16:57:512019-05-30 16:57:51Vance Co. Relay for Life Set for Downtown Henderson – Sat., June 22
On the morning of Wednesday, May 22, 2019, a home on Edwards Road was broken into. A witness provided a statement on two suspects walking in the area. Reportedly, the suspects left on foot and came back in a vehicle to retrieve the items.
On Thursday, May 23, 2019, an investigator with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office was traveling on Egypt Mountain Road on an unrelated case and saw two suspects on foot matching the description from the break-in the previous day. Items from the breaking and entering were found in their possession. The vehicle used in the commission of the crime was found nearby in Kittrell.
Tyree Dunston of Henderson and Raeshon Dunston of Kittrell were arrested and charged.
Tyree Dunston was charged with felony breaking and entering, felony larceny, carrying a concealed weapon and probation violation. Bond was set at $41,000.
Raeshon Dunston was charged with felony breaking and entering and felony larceny. Bond was set at $40,000.
The Vance County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the citizens who provided valuable information that led to these apprehensions. Working together, we can make Vance County a safer place.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsresize_0000s_0081_vancesheriff.png.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-05-30 16:57:232019-05-30 16:57:23Two Arrested in Edwards Road Home Break-In
Commencement ceremonies for AdVance Academy’s Class of 2019 will be held on Thursday, June 6 at 6 p.m. at McGregor Hall in downtown Henderson. Vance County High School commencement will be held on Saturday, June 8 at 9 a.m. in the gymnasium at Vance County Middle School on Warrenton Road.
Seniors will receive tickets to give to family and friends. Only those with tickets can attend the ceremonies. Everyone can view the events live online via the school system’s website homepage.
Those with tickets who attend the events are urged to arrive early. Once the graduation ceremonies begin, attendees cannot enter the auditorium or gymnasium.
Overflow seating will be available, but those attending must have tickets for these seating areas, also. All tickets will be distributed to seniors at the graduation practice sessions.
We are looking forward to memorable commencement ceremonies for all of our Class of 2019 members. Please join us in making these events very special ceremonies for all of our graduates!
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0131_VCS-Proud-Logo-050316.jpg.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-05-30 16:56:532019-05-30 16:56:53Commencement Set for AdVance Academy, First Graduating Class of Vance Co. High
-Information courtesy Vance-Granville Community College
On behalf of Vance-Granville Community College, Endowment Fund Director Eddie Ferguson recently accepted a check from Mr. Tom Burleson of the Corbitt Preservation Association.
The check is for an annual scholarship to be awarded to a second-year Mechatronics student holding the highest GPA. The scholarship recipient will also receive a one-year membership in the Corbitt Preservation Association.
On behalf of Vance-Granville Community College, Endowment Fund Director Eddie Ferguson (left) recently accepted a check from Mr. Tom Burleson (right) of the Corbitt Preservation Association. The check is for an annual scholarship to be awarded to a second-year Mechatronics student holding the highest GPA. (VGCC photo)
The Salvation Army’s Captain Rick Langley was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to provide updates on the organization’s new facility currently under construction on Ross Mill Road in Henderson.
With a focus on serving youth in the five-county area, the facility will be located on a 40-acre lot near Mako Medical Laboratories and Vance Charter School. According to Langley, completion is expected by October of this year with outside work being finalized over the next two weeks.
To emphasize the religious aspect of the organization, the building will feature more traditional church aesthetics. “The new building will have stain glass windows and a cross to make it look more church-like than institutional-like,” said Langley.
In a previous interview with WIZS, Langley stated that the facility will include a community center, gym, full-size commercial kitchen and two ball fields – baseball and soccer. A variety of programs will be provided including band lessons, drama classes, cooking lessons and Christian dance classes.
In addition to hosting Salvation Army-related games, the ballfields will double as the home field of the neighboring Vance Charter School Knights.
“I think it will be a great partnership with Vance Charter School,” said Langley. “They are a wonderful school and we look forward to sharing the facility and learning from their students, teachers and mentors.”
While construction is underway on the new building, the Salvation Army will continue to operate from its 355 Alexander Avenue location in Henderson. According to Langley, the Alexander Avenue property was recently sold to Tiff McCarter with “The City Ministries” based out of Durham, NC, and the two Christian-based organizations currently share the facility per their agreement.
In addition to the planning of a new facility, Langley has also been busy with the new Salvation Army Store located on Raleigh Road across from Supply Line in Henderson.
“The new store is doing better and better each week,” Langley reported. “People are starting to find out about us and discover some of the great deals we have. We get an unbelievable amount of stuff from Henderson and are able to sell it at very discounted prices. You can find some good deals and treasures if you’re there at the right time.”
With a large variety of items including clothing (some name brand), pictures, wall décor, vases, rugs, appliances and plenty of knickknacks, Langley said the store is a must-see.
According to Langley, the previous Salvation Army Store located at 222 W. Montgomery Street in downtown Henderson is currently used for storage and for the baling and sell of old rags at a price of 15 cents per pound.
“Our original intention was to open two stores, be we just couldn’t work that out,” explained Langley.
While Langley is proud of all the work he and wife Angie have put into the organization since being relocated to Henderson from South Carolina in 2012, he announced that the duo will be retiring in mid-June to Greenville to spend more time with family and grandchildren.
When asked to describe his experience working with his wife, Langley responded, “It has been wonderful. She’s the brains of the outfit for sure. She’s a go-getter and has done a lot for this community and its people.”
While leaving the area is bittersweet for Langley, he has faith in the Salvation Army’s new husband-and-wife team taking the helm, Derrick and Odessa Smith. “The Smiths are a wonderful couple transferring from Burlington,” said Langley. They are going to be program-minded and wide open. The community is really going to love them, I promise you that.”
To hear the Town Talk interview with Captain Rick Langley in its entirety, click here.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/The-Salvation-Army-1.png265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2019-05-29 16:54:452019-05-29 16:54:45Completion Date Nears for New 40-Acre Salvation Army Center
This month, Maria Parham Health is celebrating the 20th anniversary of LifePoint Health, the health system of which it is a part, with a donation to United Way and Relay for Life. These donations are part of a national anniversary celebration in which LifePoint has contributed $2,000 to causes in each of the 89 communities it serves nationwide. United Way and Relay for Life were chosen by the hospital team in Henderson because it reflects LifePoint’s and Maria Parham Health’s mission of Making Communities Healthier®.
“We are delighted to celebrate LifePoint Health’s 20th anniversary in our community with a donation to United Way and Relay for Life,” said Bert Beard, chief executive officer (CEO) of Maria Parham Health. “LifePoint was founded on the idea that everyone deserves quality healthcare close to home and that strong hospitals create strong communities. We are proud to be part of the LifePoint family and excited to continue our legacy of high quality, community-based care in Vance and surrounding counties for years to come.”
LifePoint was founded in May 1999 as LifePoint Hospitals with 23 community hospitals in nine states.
The company changed its name to LifePoint Health in 2015 as a reflection of its evolution from a hospital operator to a healthcare leader providing a range of services across the communities it serves. Today, LifePoint has 89 hospital campuses, 45+ post-acute service providers and facilities and 50+ outpatient facilities across 30 states. It has nearly 60,000 dedicated employees from coast to coast, including more than 3,000 employed providers and more than 8,600 affiliated providers.
As part of its national anniversary celebration, LifePoint has committed $2,000 to support causes in each of its communities. Hospitals within these communities were encouraged to select charitable causes of their choice that reflect the needs of their respective regions. Maria Parham Health chose United Way and Relay for Life to support the local efforts United Way takes in supporting those services needed in the community and to support an organization dedicated to fighting cancer, one of the leading causes of death in the community.
“LifePoint is dedicated to creating places where people choose to come for healthcare, physicians want to practice and employees want to work,” said David Dill, president and CEO of LifePoint Health. “We are thrilled to be celebrating a 20-year legacy of Making Communities Healthier with our employees, physicians, board members and volunteers across the nation. We are proud of how far we have come in the last two decades and are excited to continue to collaborate with the talented team at Maria Parham Health to advance our mission in the years ahead.”
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/maria-parham-featured-image.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-05-29 16:54:032019-05-29 16:54:03Maria Parham Health Celebrates 20th Anniversary of LifePoint Health
This year’s Servants on Site event will be held June 22-29, 2019, with a total of 163 participants. Junior high and senior high school students will repair 12 roofs and build up to six wheelchair ramps. The event will be Rebuilding Hope, Inc.’s seventh annual week of witnessing and sharing Christ and serving people in need in our communities.
Those leading and planning for every phase of this week of projects and ministry include:
Project Coordination – LEIGH HUMPHRIES
Leigh Humphries is once again project coordinator, a job she’s had since the first SOS week in 2013.
Leigh, who lives in Person County and is a member of Theresa Baptist Church, has sorted through the registrants and organized the crews according to the types of jobs scheduled. Before the work begins, she will assign encouragers for the crews at the work sites, which she visits during the week.
Leigh’s duties continue once the day’s work is done as she helps chaperone the youth’s overnight at Crossroads Christian School.
Construction Coordination – VANN WESTER
Before participants head to their jobs, each site – whether ramp or roof – must be evaluated.
Vann visits each site, meets with the homeowner and determines the condition of an existing roof or the terrain where a ramp will be built, and the number of materials needed for each job. Finally, Vann, a member of New Sandy Creek Baptist Church, recruits crew leaders and secures the necessary permits for each job.
Materials Coordination – WALT SLATON
Without a steady supply of materials, the jobs would not be completed. And that’s where Walt Slaton, a member of Central Baptist Church, comes in as materials coordinator.
With a worksheet describing each job, Walt assembles shingles, tar paper, lumber, nails, bolts, nuts, washers, tools, compressors, hoses and more the week before SOS. Materials are on-hand, donated or purchased locally. Where possible, materials are delivered to sites before the work week begins.
Throughout the week, Walt says he has runners ready at the RHI warehouse to resupply workers through a chain that begins with a job’s crew chief who notifies a multisite supervisor. The supervisor notifies Walt who dispatches a runner.
Theme is “I.D. Identity Defined” – JOHN MARKS SANDERS
The theme for the week is “I.D. Identity Defined,” John Marks reports. The meaning of the theme will be explained by guest speakers at each of the evening worship services during the week.
The services and their emphases will be:
Sunday, “You Are KNOWN,” based on Psalm 139:13-14. Speaker is Mitch Smith, pastor at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church.
Monday, “You Are DISTINCT,” based on Gen. 1:26-27. Speaker is Garrett Barneycastle, member of and former student pastor at Open Door Church.
Tuesday, “You Are CHOSEN,” based on 1 Peter 2:9-19. Speaker is Michael Nunn, member and former youth and campus pastor at Mercy Hill Church.
Thursday, Guys and Girls Break Out.
Friday, “You Are HOW OTHERS KNOW,” based on 1 Samuel 17:46-47. Speaker is John Sanders, member and former youth and lead pastor at Open Door Church.
The public is encouraged to attend the worship services at 7 p.m. at Central Baptist Church in Henderson, except Wednesday night when participants will have free time.
Destination SOS for 163 students – MARTHA MCGOWAN
Martha, who is the SOS secretary and a member of West End Baptist Church, reports that 163 have registered for the week.
In addition to participants from Vance, Granville, Warren and neighboring counties, teams will be coming from a number of communities, such as Roxboro, Windy Gap and Otto, Martha reports.
And it’s also Destination SOS for a team from South Carolina.
Breakfast and Supper – ROGER BIBEE
Breakfast and supper are served at Central Baptist Church, beginning with Sunday breakfast before the work week begins.
Central member Roger Bibee does most of the cooking.
Supplies, Roger says, include 4-5 cases of liquid eggs, 300 chicken quarters, 10 gallons of spaghetti sauce and noodles, 40-45 pounds of bacon, sausage, hash browns and more. Supper includes a full salad bar. A team of six helps with serving and cleaning up.
Lunches
Sixteen churches will provide lunches for the teams at the work sites. The churches are Fuller’s Chapel, Gardner Baptist Church, First Baptist Church (Creedmoor), West End Baptist Church, Raleigh Road Baptist Church, Franklinton Baptist Church, Mountain Creek Baptist Church, New Bethel Baptist Church, New Life Baptist Church (Henderson), North Henderson Baptist Church, New Sandy Creek Baptist Church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Carey Baptist Church, Oxford Baptist Church, Island Creek Baptist Church, and Norlina Baptist Church.
A church that sponsors a project “adopts” a crew and serves lunch each day. The crew on Sunday attends the church’s worship service, has lunch and later visits the homeowner.
Needs for SOS
Volunteers – Adult/college-age volunteers are needed to serve as staff during the week. Staff assists with setting up the rooms, posting signs and schedules and for chores such as cleaning bath and restroom facilities.
Financial Support for SOS Projects
A roofing project costs approximately $2,000, but any amount is appreciated!
For more information, call the RHI office at (252) 438-5132.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0102_Rebulding-Hope-Henderson-NC.png.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-05-29 16:52:442019-05-29 16:52:44Servants on Site Leaders Ready for 2019 Projects, Activities
Project Coordination – LEIGH HUMPHRIES
Construction Coordination – VANN WESTER
With a worksheet describing each job, Walt assembles shingles, tar paper, lumber, nails, bolts, nuts, washers, tools, compressors, hoses and more the week before SOS. Materials are on-hand, donated or purchased locally. Where possible, materials are delivered to sites before the work week begins.
speakers at each of the evening worship services during the week.
Destination SOS for 163 students – MARTHA MCGOWAN
Breakfast and supper are served at Central Baptist Church, beginning with Sunday breakfast before the work week begins.