Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

NC Dept of Agriculture

Wildfire Risk Remains High in North Carolina

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

-Press Release, NCDS&CS

The N.C. Forest Service is urging people across North Carolina to remain vigilant in reducing wildfire risk. While recent rainfall brought immediate and temporary relief to much of the state, warmer, drier days combined with winds could quickly dry forest fuels, increasing the risk of wildfire.

Many tourists come to Western North Carolina to see the changing leaves or for extended stays to hunt. Some of these visitors will use campfires as a source of heat. Where there is fire, there is the risk of that fire escaping into areas where fuels are dry and readily available.

“During dry and windy periods of weather with little rainfall, everyone needs to be extra cautious when burning. It takes very little to start a damaging wildfire,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Dry forest fuels are right there, ready to burn if ignited by the tiniest of sparks.”

The N.C. Forest Service offers the following tips:

  • Anyone building campfires in an established campground should use existing fire rings if possible and clear a safe area around them of at least 15 feet. Never leave campfires unattended and ensure they are completely out before leaving.
  • Always check the weather prior to burning and follow state and local regulations if you plan to burn yard debris such as leaves, grass, sticks and stubble. There are many factors to consider before burning. Make sure you have a valid burn permit.
  • Use care when removing ashes or coals from wood-burning stoves, fireplaces or pellet stoves. “Often, homeowners will dispose of ashes in their yards, at the edge of the woods, or in landscaped and mulched areas such as flower beds. When ashes or coals are not completely extinguished and fuel conditions are favorable for fire due to dry weather and wind, ashes can reignite and start a wildfire,” said Greg Smith, Mountain Regional Forester with the N.C. Forest Service. “It is best to put the ashes in a metal or steel bucket or barrel and douse them with water while stirring the mixture until the ashes and coals are completely drenched and cold.”
  • Be attentive and cautious when burning backyard fire pits during the fall and winter seasons. Homeowners should handle a fire pit as they would handle a campfire. Clear a safe area around the fire pit of at least 15 feet. Use properly seasoned, dry, split wood for fuel, and do not use flammable fluids, such as gasoline and lighter fluid, to light or relight fires. Use a metal screen to prevent embers from flying out of the fire pit. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the fire. Make sure you have a hose, bucket and shovel nearby. Keep a phone nearby, too.
  • Always exercise caution with any outdoor burning. Even when burn bans are not in effect, weather conditions may not be favorable for outdoor fires. Outdoor burning is discouraged during periods of low humidity or high winds.

The N.C. Forest Service encourages residents to contact their local county forest ranger before burning debris. The ranger can offer technical advice and explain the best options to help ensure the safety of people, property and the forest.

To find contact information for your local county ranger, go to the forest service website. To learn more about fire safety and preventing wildfires and loss of property, visit www.ncforestservice.gov.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Town Talk 10/29/19: Infinite Possibilities Offers Local Help to Domestic Violence Victims

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

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, WIZS has featured advocacy groups and individuals on Town Talk each Tuesday in October.

To complete the series, Erin Carter, Victim’s Advocate with Infinite Possibilities, Inc., was on Tuesday’s edition of the public affairs presentation to discuss her work with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

“We support those who seek help with domestic violence situations from start to finish,” Carter said. “We accept walk-ins and offer appointments, work on safety planning, complete a danger assessment, discuss their current and any prior abusive situations, assess their needs and refer them to a lawyer if necessary.”

Carter explained the organization works with other domestic violence groups to provide shelter services for individuals and their children who need to be removed from a dangerous home situation.

Children are especially vulnerable in domestic violence situations and will often show signs of emotional or mental trauma in the way they interact with others or how they perform at school, said Carter.

While it is fairly well-known that domestic violence has a detrimental impact on children, Carter said what is not as commonly discussed is the frequency of abuse occurring among church-going families.

“The biggest myth, one that many people believe, is that domestic violence doesn’t happen in the churches, but it does; that’s one of the biggest places you find domestic violence,” said Carter.

Carter explained that her involvement as an advocate has shown that domestic violence victims involved in a religious organization are often ashamed to come forward with abuse allegations. “It’s something that just isn’t talked about in the church, isn’t addressed,” said Carter.

To help combat this stigma, Infinite Possibilities sends letters and information to parishioners every October offering advice on how to speak to their congregation on domestic violence, along with available resources for victims.

If you or someone you know is involved in a domestic violence situation, trained, compassionate, local people are available to help you 24/7. “The biggest tip I can give is to be vocal and speak up. Many times victims suffer in silence because they feel ashamed or uncomfortable,” Carter said.

With office hours available Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and a 24/7 crisis hotline, Infinite Possibilities offers victims a way to “quietly step away instead of making the dangerous move of confronting the abuser themselves,” said Carter.

Infinite Possibilities is located at 314 S. Garnett St. in Henderson and is also available by phone during office hours at (252) 431-1926. The 24/7 hotline is available by calling (252) 425-2492. Assistance is available in English and Spanish.

To hear the interview with Carter 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.

Vance Co. Schools to Host Parent & Family Night

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-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

On Thursday, November 14, 2019, Vance County Schools will be hosting a Parent and Family Night at Vance County High School from 5:30 – 7 p.m. There will be light snacks and childcare for children under 12.  

Topics for the session include “Be SMART,” “The Pep for Career & College Prep” and “Living Longer and Stronger Together.”

“Be SMART” is a public education campaign to reduce the number of unintentional shootings that occur when children or teens get access to guns that are not stored responsibly.

“The Pep for Career & College Prep” will give parents of high school students valuable tools and info to assist them with navigating college entrance steps and ways that VCS is assisting with career prep.

“Living Longer and Stronger Together” is a great session for all parents to learn about healthier eating and discuss the positive and negative effects of the way we eat. 

We are very excited about our sessions and hope to see you there!

MPH Volunteer Services to Hold Dynamic Shopping Event Oct. 30 & 31

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-Information courtesy Lisa Radford, MPH

Dynamic Shopping, a lifestyle show event, will be held at Maria Parham Health in the JT Church classroom in Henderson on Wednesday, October 30 from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Thursday, October 31 from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

A variety of items can be found, from small electronics, cookware, luggage and so much more. Open to the public.

Proceeds benefit Volunteer Services of Maria Parham Health.

Town Talk 10/28/19: Praise Dancing Part of ‘Preacher Girl’s’ Spiritual Mission

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

Youth Pastor Vanessa “Preacher Girl” Mitchell, founder of Preacher Girl Ministry and the owner of I Dance Praise Academy, was on Monday’s segment of WIZS’ Town Talk to discuss her involvement with the community and her youth praise dance team.

Started in 2016, the I Dance Praise Academy has grown from its initial enrollment of three girls to 80 young ladies ages 4-18 from Vance County and surrounding areas.

Participants are taught the biblical aspect of praise dancing, according to Mitchell, and perform at churches and events earning various color belts based on their skill level.

Dancers will attend the 3rd Annual Benefit Concert and Level Up Program on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at 5 p.m. at Dabney Elementary School, located at 150 Lanning Rd. in Henderson.

Tickets are available for $7 in advance or $10 at the door.

The concert preshow will feature Mr. Pipkins the Puppeteer, along with Devin Paylor & The Instruments of Praise Choir for the half-time entertainment.

Vendors include Elder Shirley Gray (Gray Baby Jewels) with Paparazzi and food vendor Fred Robertson.

For more information, please visit the I Dance Praise Academy Facebook page by clicking here.

To hear the interview with Mitchell 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.

Local Organizations Participate in Weekend’s Prescription Drug Take Back Event

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-Information courtesy Maria Parham Health’s Facebook page

BE SURE TO CLICK ON THE BANNER BELOW TO SIGN UP FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A FREE 8×12 STORAGE BUILDING FROM BUILDER’S DISCOUNT CENTER!

 

Maria Parham Health is proud to support National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 26, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bring any unused or expired prescription medications (pills or patches only) to one of the following drop-off sites in our community to safely dispose of them:

Henderson Locations: Henderson Police Department, Mast Family Drug Center, Medical Arts Pharmacy and Walgreens

Oxford Locations: Oxford Police Department, Professional Pharmacy

Warrenton Locations: Warren County Sheriff’s Department, Futrell Pharmacy

For more information, visit https://takebackday.dea.gov/. Thanks for helping to keep our community safe!

 

Aycock Rec Center

Aycock Rec. Center Pool to Remain Closed Through Weekend

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

-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center

Aycock Recreation Center’s pool will close at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 25 and will reopen on Monday, October 28 at 8 a.m.

For more information, please contact Lauren Newlin at (252) 438-3160 or email lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us.

Town Talk 10/24/19: Williams, Domestic Violence Survivor, Shares Personal Story

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

As part of WIZS’ commitment to bringing awareness to the prevalence and far-reaching effects of domestic violence, local organizations and individuals have appeared on-air weekly in October.

On Thursday’s Town Talk segment, domestic violence survivor Valerie Williams shared her very personal story and discussed her upcoming participation as the honorary guest at a local domestic violence awareness event.

On a February afternoon in 1996, Williams said her life changed forever in a violent, 20-minute attack. Arriving home on her lunch break from work, Williams said she found herself at the end of a .38 Smith and Wesson with her husband threatening to kill her.

Williams’ husband then shot her three times – once in the head and twice in the right arm – before turning the gun on himself. Williams survived the incident, eventually regained use of her arm and is alive today to tell her story and empower other victims.

Through it all, Williams said she had a difficult time reconciling herself as a victim of domestic violence because her husband was not previously abusive; however, one time of domestic violence was one too many.

The CEO & Founder of LOVESMART, Williams is now a passionate speaker, advocate and author of five self-published books.

Williams looks forward to sharing both her story and the insight she has gained at a “Think Community” domestic violence awareness event to be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 26 at Clearview Church in Henderson.

Along with Williams, who will serve as honorary guest, the event will feature keynote speaker Patrice Andrews, chief of police, with the Town of Morrisville, NC.

The event is hosted by the Vance County Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with Pastor Abidan Shah of Clearview Church and is sponsored by Cardinal Innovations Healthcare of Henderson.

The church is located at 3485 Hwy 158 Bus. (Oxford Road) in Henderson. The public is welcome to attend.

To hear the interview with Williams 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.

Basketball Season Kickoff Clinic Scheduled for Oct. 26 CANCELED

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-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Basketball Season Kickoff Clinic sponsored by “Soul-Out” Ministry, Henderson Optimist Club, Boyd Honda of Henderson, Alamance Academy, LLC and the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department originally scheduled for Saturday, October 26, 2019, has been canceled.

We apologize for any inconvenience.  Thank you for continually supporting the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department.

Town Talk 10/23/19: Local Participants Needed for UNC-Sponsored Well Survey

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

Dr. Frank Stillo, research manager for the MacDonald Gibson Research Group at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Gillings School of Global Public Health, and Drew Griggs, a junior chemistry major at UNC, were on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk to invite local residents to participate in a private well survey.

Stillo, who recently received his Ph.D. in public health from UNC, has been studying disparities in drinking water since early 2014.

He is particularly interested in how lead exposure involving residents with private wells affects children under the age of 7 in predominantly African-American communities. Lead is a neurotoxin, and young children are especially sensitive to the damage overexposure can cause to their still-developing brains, Stillo explained.

Griggs, son of Greg and Melanie Griggs of Henderson, attended a lead exposure seminar this summer held by the Gibson Research Group and said he was motivated to apply for a position as part of Stillo’s survey team.

The study group is seeking 300 households who use private well water and have a child under the age of seven living in the home.

Participants will receive the benefit of a well water test, dust testing, lead blood testing for their child provided by a licensed UNC phlebotomist, a consultation on ways to mediate lead issues if discovered and a $75 cash gift card – all free of charge.

In a small Wake County study of 29 cohorts completed a few years back, Stillo said a research team found that 28% of participating households with a well had elevated levels of lead in their drinking water. In running a variety of tests, Stillo said the team concluded that the majority of lead issues arose from plumbing structures inside the home.

“When you have water that is stagnant in your plumbing system and it doesn’t have a chance to get treated like those on the public water system, it will leach the lead out of the different metals in your system. When I had the same problem, I reached out to 24 Hour Emergency Plumbing Services near me and asked them to fix the plumbing,” said Stillo.

Factors such as the age of the house, age of plumbing materials and components of piping and connectors, also affect the level of lead exposure.

“Another reason well water has higher levels of lead is that residents with wells are stewards of their own water systems, whereas people on the public system have someone with technical expertise looking after their best interests,” Stillo said. “People on a public system are constantly having their water tested. Many on private wells don’t know to test their well water or what to test for and often don’t understand the effects of contaminants.”

Griggs said he is excited to be a part of this drinking water survey that can bring awareness to his hometown and took the first step in informing the community by reaching out to WIZS for an on-air interview.

“There are a lot of different ways to serve people; I’m really fortunate to have found an outlet to do so at UNC, especially one that can help a small, underserved community like Henderson.”

To learn more about the survey, please visit https://gillingswellwater.web.unc.edu/, email gillingswellwater@unc.edu or call (919) 843-5786.

To hear the interview with Stillo and Griggs 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.