Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

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Town Talk 10/09/19: Ellington, Owens & Spriggs Comment on Election Results

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

With only 12.60% of registered voters participating in Tuesday’s City of Henderson municipal election, incumbent mayor Eddie Ellington defeated challenger Sharon Owens by a vote of 652 to 568 to retain his position for an additional four-year term.

Owens carried the north, south and east precincts of Henderson, while Ellington won re-election behind a large margin of victory in west Henderson.

In the only other contested race of the election, Jason Spriggs defeated incumbent George Daye for City of Henderson Alderman At-Large 4th Ward by a count of 637 to 509.

Eddie Ellington

“The citizens have spoken and they have affirmed our course,” said Ellington. “In the last four years we’ve made much progress; however, the journey is not done yet. We enter into a time of great challenge but unlimited possibilities. We’ve got to finish the work we started.”

One of the most important tasks to focus on in the fourth quarter of this year, according to Ellington, is finding the right person for the Henderson City Manager’s position.

Current manager Frank Frazier, who has been with the City for 35 years, is set to retire at the end of January 2020.

Ellington said a firm has been hired to complete the vetting of applicants, and he is looking forward to further discussion in a private council meeting to be held prior to the public Henderson City Council meeting on Monday evening.

While acknowledging that Henderson has many issues that still need addressing, Ellington said he firmly believes much progress has been made in his first term as mayor and encourages all citizens to get involved.

“Go to City Council meetings, read the paper, listen to WIZS and get involved in order to gain perspective on what is being done to address the issues,” Ellington said.

Sharon Owens

“It wasn’t an easy race that I gave the mayor and I believe it gave him something to think about,” laughed Owens in a phone call to WIZS. “If I can get that close, the next person will probably win it.”

While her campaign didn’t result in a victory, Owens said she was proud of her staff and the people who worked hard and supported her.

“While I may not have had all the votes, they have not heard or seen the last of me,” Owens stated.

Owens said that while she wishes nothing but the best for Ellington and believes he’ll “continue to work for our city and make it better,” she also “will not be pleased until there is a turnaround.”

With retirement from her position as a budget analyst with Durham Public Schools on the horizon, Owens said she plans to “take advantage of every opportunity I can to do some work for the city.”

“I’m not satisfied with the work they [City Council] are doing,” explained Owens. “Retiring will give me the time to go out there and solicit people to replace some of the people sitting in those seats that I’m not pleased with.”

Owens said she is excited that Spriggs was elected to the City Council and looks forward to seeing what he brings to the table. “I’m grateful that Jason is getting an opportunity and has new, fresh ideas for the City Council, so I’m just as thrilled as if I had won.”

Jason Spriggs

Celebrating the victory with his campaign team, family and supporters, Spriggs said last night’s win “was the catalyst that can put plans into motion.”

In previous interviews with WIZS, Spriggs has discussed his belief that economic development in Henderson needs to extend beyond Dabney Drive and the downtown area.

“We need economic growth throughout Henderson, but especially east and north to equal what’s happening on Dabney Drive.”

Part of the lack of economic growth in those areas, according to Spriggs, is an image problem.

“I’m going to be real honest and frank, for the last week or so, I’ve spent most of my time on the east side around the Flint Hill area,” said Spriggs. “I’m a bit discouraged because if you were a visitor and came into that area, you would think it was a slum. It’s not a slum because people there are acting like it’s a slum, it’s a slum because of the way it looks. I personally believe as a city we can do something practical, logical and effective to change the way it looks.”

Spriggs also addressed the low voter turnout to the election by saying, “The turnout was low and it hurt. In the next four years, that turnout should be at least triple that. I think that’s a goal we need to reach for.”

Daye could not be reached for comment but previously said on WIZS “TownTalk” that he hoped Spriggs would win and looked forward to seeing some younger blood on the council.

Other, uncontested positions in the municipal election include:

Alderman At-Large 3rd Ward – Melissa Elliott

Alderman 1st Ward – Marion Brodie Williams

Alderman 2nd Ward – Mike Rainey

To hear the Town Talk interview 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.

Salvation Army Kettle Bell

Salvation Army to Accept Holiday Bell Ringer, Christmas Assistance Applications

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

The Salvation Army will begin to accept applications for holiday bell ringers on Monday, October 14, 2019. Apply at The Salvation Army facility currently located at 355 Alexander Avenue in Henderson.

Additionally, Christmas assistance applications for this year’s “Angel Tree Program” will be accepted October 15 – 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Salvation Army’s 355 Alexander Avenue location.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Eligible children must be 12 years of age or younger and reside in the county where applying
  • Adult applicants must meet one of the following requirements: be able to show proof of employment or other income, be a full-time student, child or parent must be on disability, be a Senior Citizen age 62 or above.

Applicants must bring the following documents to apply:

  • Photo ID for ALL adults in the household
  • Birth certificate and/or social security card for ALL household members
  • Proof of income – employer pay stubs, verification letter showing disability or social security income, proof of Work First income or proof of unemployment income
  • If applicable, proof of being a full-time student
  • Proof of ALL expenses and any other income

Applications cannot be accepted without these documents. Please do not bring children during this process.

Distribution will be Wednesday, December 18.

Please note that residents of Warren, Franklin, Granville, Northampton and Halifax counties should apply at their county’s Department of Social Services.

Kiwanis Club of Henderson to Hold 9th Annual Golf Tournament

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

The Kiwanis of Henderson, with support from Charles Boyd Chevrolet, J.M. White Funeral Service and Maria Parham Health, presents the 9th Annual Kiwanis Golf Tournament on Saturday, October 12, 2019, at Kerr Lake Country Club in Henderson.

The four-person superball tournament includes greens fee, cart and lunch for $50 per person/$200 per team.

Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. with a shotgun start at 1 p.m.

First place wins $400 ~ second place wins $300 ~ great prizes every par 3 ~ hole in one prize of new automobile ~ door prizes and 50/50 raffle.

Applications are available at the Kerr Lake Country Club Pro Shop (252) 492-1895 or contact Ron at (919) 810-2950.

Every penny raised goes back to the children of Vance County.

Ducky Derby

VGCC Students Help With Ducky Derby

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College students volunteered at Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start’s 10th Annual “Ducky Derby” fundraiser in downtown Henderson on Saturday, September 21.

The Ducky Derby festival, the local Smart Start program’s signature fundraiser, was a sell-out event, with record-setting attendance. Young children and their families watched over 2,250 yellow rubber ducks, purchased by supporters, swim down the “river” on Garnett Street and race to the finish line.

VGCC student Simone Rose assists with F-G-V Smart Start’s 10th Annual Ducky Derby fundraiser in downtown Henderson. (VGCC photo)

A part of the festival included providing entertainment and games for the children, such as corn hole and ring toss, face painting and balloon animals.

Students from VGCC’s Early Childhood Education degree program assisted with implementing the games and helped to make sure that all the ducks had a safe journey down the “river.” Additionally, students assisted with the setup and cleanup of the event.

Participating VGCC students included Tiffany Bailey, Debi Brotherton, Brittaniana Channell, Cornisha Mitchell, Simone Rose and Ashley Wright.

“This event was an excellent example of our instructors and students serving as stellar representatives of VGCC and collaborating with the community we serve and was particularly appropriate since these students are in training to teach and nurture children,” said Antoinette C. Dickens, the college’s Department Chair of Public Service and Work-Based Learning Coordinator.

VGCC’s Early Childhood Education curriculum prepares students to work with children from birth through eight in diverse learning environments. Employment opportunities include child development and child care programs; preschools; public and private schools; recreational centers; Head Start Programs; and school-age programs.

The program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

For more information, contact Dr. Tracey Bennett Carter at (252) 738-3471 or cartert@vgcc.edu.

Hometown Debate Series to Tackle Delivery of Medical Services – Oct. 17

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-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

The NC Institute of Political Leadership and the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce present the 2019 Hometown Debate Series: A Conversation on the Delivery of Medical Services.

The event is free to the public and will be held at the Civic Center of Vance-Granville Community College’s Main Campus in Henderson on Thursday, October 17, 2019. The discussion begins at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m.

State Representatives Donna McDowell White and Maryann Black will speak at the occasion, along with Gregory Griggs, with the NC Academy of Family Physicians and Jordan Roberts, with the John Locke Foundation.

The debate is sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina, Humana, IIANC: Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina, NC Rural Center and the NCAHU: North Carolina Associate of Health Underwriters.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Town Talk 10/08/19: Vance Co. Sheriff’s Office Reports 1,300+ Domestic Calls

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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’ Town Talk will feature local organizations that deal with various aspects of this prevalent type of abuse each Tuesday in October.

Debbie Scott, Gang Resource Specialist and Domestic Violence Investigator with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, was on Tuesday’s edition of Town Talk to discuss her role as a “supporter and advocate for those who are afraid.”

According to Emergency 911 reports, 1,304 domestic calls were reported throughout the City of Henderson and County of Vance between October 1, 2018, and October 1, 2019. Of these calls, 445 were assaults involving the victim being struck by the attacker’s body or a weapon; 84 were sexual assaults.

Scott said that once she receives a report of a domestic call, she follows up with a phone call to the victim and explains their options and available resources.

“I advise them if they should seek further assistance, make recommendations and share with them community resources,” said Scott. “I also explain their right to file a Domestic Violence Protection Order, otherwise known as a 50B, and sometimes serve as their support in court.”

Scott stated that protection orders can be taken out at the Vance County Clerk of Court Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. and at the Magistrate Office after hours. The Vance County Courthouse is located at 156 Church St. in downtown Henderson.

Though Scott said many victims do not leave their partners after a domestic violence incident, she always suggests that they have a safety plan in the event that they do decide to remove themselves and their children from the abusive situation.

“I tell them to have some money set aside, at least a few dollars, talk to a family member or friend about staying with them for a few days, makes copies or take photos of important documents, keep a cell phone and don’t hesitate to call 911 or the Vance County Sheriff’s Office.”

When asked why victims do not leave abusive partners, Scott responded, “They’ll say they don’t have a job, they can’t support themselves or their kids, they worry about what will happen after they leave, they say they love them or think they will change; there are a variety of reasons.”

In addition to the Sheriff’s Office, resources and assistance for domestic violence victims are available at the Vance County Department of Social Services, located at 350 Ruin Creek Road in Henderson, or by calling the main office line at (252) 492-5001.

Infinite Possibilities, a non-profit domestic violence organization, is also available by calling (252) 431-1926 or the 24-hour local crisis line at (252) 425-2492. A National Hotline is also available by calling 1-800-799-7233.

Vance County ‘State of Our Schools’ Address to Highlight Successes

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

The Vance County State of Our Schools will take place on Thursday, October 10, 2019. The first event will take place at Henderson Country Club by invitation, designed for elected officials and business partners.

The evening event will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Vance County Middle School and is open to everyone in our community.

The State of Our Schools is an opportunity for stakeholders in our community to hear directly from Dr. Jackson regarding the successes and accomplishments within our district.

Additionally, the Vance County Board of Education Chairwoman, Dorothy Gooche, Vance County Principal of the Year, Rey Horner and the Vance County Teacher of the Year, Mary Landis, will be speaking briefly.

There will also be a performance by the Vance County High School chorus at the mid-day State of the Schools address.

This event will provide information about how Vance County Schools continues to make progress, achieve growth and make a difference in the lives of our students, community and beyond. Our schools are linking learning to life and when those connections and relationships are made, success becomes apparent in our students, schools and community.

‘Scam Jam’ to Help Elders Avoid Falling Victim to Fraud

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-Press Release, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments

On Thursday, October 10, 2019, the Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging along with the Vance County Senior Center has scheduled a SCAM JAM to help educate seniors on how to protect themselves from fraud and scams.

The Vance County SCAM JAM is a free educational and entertaining forum where seniors will learn to avoid today’s scams and frauds – from identity theft to telemarketing, Medicare fraud and even Grandparent Scams.

Seminar registration will begin at 1 p.m., and the event will start at 1:30 p.m. The seminar will be held at the Vance County Senior Center, 126 S. Garnett Street, Henderson, NC.

The SCAM JAM is designed to empower citizens to protect themselves and their families. Scheduled speakers include representatives of the Senior Medicare Patrol from the NC Department of Insurance, NC Department Secretary of State, Better Business Bureau as well as the local law enforcement and bankers.

The Kerr Tar Area Agency on Aging leads and is involved in the efforts that provide for the development and enhancement of comprehensive and coordinated community-based systems of services, opportunities, and protections for older adults which assist them in leading independent, meaningful and dignified lives in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.

The agency serves Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance and Warren County.

For more information about the Kerr Tar Area Agency on Aging, please call 252-436-2040.

Community Partners of Hope

Henderson Men’s Shelter Prepares to Kick Off 2019-2020 Season

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-Information courtesy Community Partners of Hope

On Thursday, October 24, 2019, at 6 p.m. volunteers and staff of the Henderson Men’s Shelter will gather in the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church for a brief review and a service of prayer to kick off the 2019-2020 shelter season.

The shelter serves homeless men in the basement of the church from November – March and will officially open for the season on Friday, November 1.

Shelter Cleanup Day

A group will work in the shelter on Tuesday, October 15 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Work involves dusting, sweeping, mopping, folding, stacking, washing and organizing.

Please call Jane at (252) 432-9494 or email cpofhope@gmail.com if you would like to help.

Staff

Changes have been made to the staffing schedule for the new season.

Darryl Jones will be the manager on duty every weeknight during the welcome shift. A volunteer is still needed to work with him to assist with check-in and interact with the men.

Josh Stokes will be the weekend welcome shift supervisor (5 – 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday.) A volunteer is still needed to work with him on Saturday and Sunday.

Some regular staff (mostly volunteer) will have primary responsibility for the overnight shift, but volunteers are still needed so that there are always two supervisors on duty.

Shifts Needed

Meals are needed every night of the week, but several groups have already signed up – some claiming several evenings for each of the five months.

Welcome Shift (5 – 10 p.m.) – Mostly need Sunday through Wednesday and Saturday evenings. Most Thursdays and Fridays are already covered.

Overnight Shift – (9 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.) Mostly need Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Tuesday, Friday and Saturdays are mostly covered.

Funding

Per the shelter, “although we try to be extremely frugal, we have ongoing monthly costs for utilities and repairs at Hope House, supplies, insurance, etc. We are still considering a more permanent location for the shelter, but we can’t move forward without significant cash donations. We would also like to be able to pay a few more of the overnight staff.

The Hope House roof will be repaired in January and we have some of the funds needed for that but still need to find more. Huge thanks to Certainteed Roofing for providing the shingles and to Lowes Home Improvement for providing building materials at a significant discount!”

Donations

All contributions are tax deductible.

Checks may be sent to:

Community Partners of Hope, Inc, P.O. Box 1791, Henderson, NC 27536

Supplies Needed

Disposable razors

Tall kitchen trash bags (13-gallon size)

Laundry detergent

Pine-sol type cleaner – gallon containers

Instant Grits

Crackers and nabs

Cup of Noodles (with cup)

Instant Hot Cocoa

New clothing in plastic wrappers only. (Please take used clothing to a thrift store)

Men’s undergarments (all sizes)

Men’s waterproof gloves

Men’s sweatshirts (Sizes L, XL, XXL)

Men’s thermal sets (Sizes L, XL, XXL)

White tube socks

Not Needed:

Shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, instant oatmeal, deodorant, dress socks and coffee mugs.

NOTE: Please do not drop off donations at the shelter unless you have made arrangements to do so as space is limited and many items are stored offsite.

If you have donations of used blankets, coats, clothing, etc, please take them to the Community Workforce Solutions Thrift Store located at 602 S Garnett Street in Henderson.

To Volunteer:

Contact Jane King, volunteer coordinator, at 252-432-9494.

NC Dept of Agriculture

Fire Officials Urge Caution Ahead of Expected Busy Fall Wildfire Season

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-Press Release, USDA&CS

As we enter the start of the fall wildfire season, the N.C. Forest Service and the USDA Forest Service urge visitors and North Carolinians to be cautious with campfires and when burning yard debris. This reminder coincides with National Fire Prevention Week, which runs October 6 – 12.

The fall wildfire season typically lasts from mid-October until mid-December, the time of year when people do a lot of yard work that may include burning leaves and yard debris. The leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina is debris burning. When left unattended, debris fires can escape and start wildfires.

“We will not forget the 2016 fall wildfire season that burned more than 59,511 acres across North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “As we head into this fall fire season facing similarly dry weather conditions, let’s remember that each of us can do our part to prevent wildfires. It is important to exercise extreme caution while burning debris of any kind.”

There are many factors to consider before burning debris. 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, visit www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts.

For people who choose to burn debris, the N.C. Forest Service offers the following tips to protect property and prevent wildfires:

  • Consider alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass and stubble, may be of more value if they are not burned, but used for mulch instead.
  • Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
  • Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any N.C. Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at www.ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit.
  • Keep an eye on the weather. Don’t burn on dry, windy days.
  • Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris. Don’t pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle away from overhead branches and wires.
  • Household trash should be hauled away to a trash or recycling station. It is illegal to burn anything other than yard debris.
  • Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
  • Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up debris burning.
  • Stay with your fire until it is completely out.
  • Burning agricultural residue and forestland litter: In addition to the rules above, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time. Before doing any burning in a wooded area, contact your county ranger, who will weigh all factors, explain them and offer technical advice.

The USDA Forest Service also reminds campers to be cautious when burning campfires. 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.

The U.S. Forest Service offers the following guidelines for safely extinguishing campfires and helping to prevent wildfires:

  • Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible.
  • Pour lots of water on the fire, drown ALL embers, not just the red ones.
  • Pour until the hissing sound stops.
  • Stir campfire ashes and embers with a shovel.
  • Scrape the sticks and logs to remove any embers.
  • Stir and make sure everything is wet and that embers are cold to the touch.
  • If you do not have water, use dirt. Pour dirt or sand on the fire, mixing enough dirt or sand with the embers to extinguish the fire.
  • Continue adding or stirring until all remaining material is cool.
  • Do NOT bury the fire as the fire will continue to smolder and could catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire.

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.

Studies have shown that taking these and other measures can reduce the possibility of wildfires. To learn more about fire safety and preventing wildfires and loss of property, visit www.ncforestservice.gov and www.smokeythebear.com.