Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

VGCC, Granville Vance Health Dept. to Host Community Health Fair

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

-Information courtesy Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College’s School of Health Sciences has partnered with the Granville Vance Health Department to offer a Fall Campus/Community Health Fair on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. The event will be held from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. in the Civic Center on VGCC’s Main Campus in Henderson.

Annual flu shots will be available for all ages, bring your insurance card. No insurance, no problem…see if you qualify for a free or reduced-fee vaccine.

Free screening and education on various health and wellness topics.

Information will be available related to VGCC programs.

With questions, please contact Dr. Anna Seaman at (252) 738-3483 or seamana@vgcc.edu.

Steve Timberlake Named Rebuilding Hope’s Oct. Spotlight Volunteer

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

-Information courtesy Rebuilding Hope, Inc. 

Steve Timberlake’s reason for volunteering at Rebuilding Hope is hard to beat: to witness “the collective efforts of many people with various talents and gifts with willing and compassionate hearts with a common goal of sharing the love of Jesus Christ.”

Steve Timberlake named Rebuilding Hope’s October 2019 Volunteer of the Month. (Photo Credit: RHI)

Steve, an Oxford resident and RHI’s Granville County team leader, has volunteered for four years.

He recalls that RHI coordinator Randolph Wilson shared the ministry’s mission with the Baptist Men at Oxford Baptist Church in 2016, the same year that the church sponsored its first SOS (Servants on Site) team.

“I enjoy supporting the SOS teams as well as the handicap ramp ministry,” says Steve. “Providing assistance to others in need helps us all realize how very fortunate and blessed we are.”

Steve, who retired in 2014 after 30 years with Southern States Cooperative, notes that “when a ramp is completed, the appreciation shown from the recipient is very humbling.”

The Granville County native serves his church as an adult Bible study teacher and director of Baptist Men and serves his community as a 30-year member of the Oxford Lions Club.

“The club’s primary focus,” Steve says, “ is to help the blind and visually impaired.”

Steve and wife Ann have been married for 45 years and have a son, daughter and two grandchildren.

Town Talk 09/30/19: Code Enforcement, Public Safety on Incumbent Mayor’s Agenda

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

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington was the guest of honor on Monday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk.

Ellington is running as the incumbent mayoral candidate against Sharon Owens in the October 8, 2019, City of Henderson non-partisan, municipal election.

Noting that continued improvements to public safety are of the utmost importance to many in the community, Ellington said it has been his goal since taking office in 2015 to increase pay “across the board” for law enforcement officers.

“There has been a 31% increase in officer pay and a 51% increase in sergeant’s pay,” Ellington said of his time as mayor. “We are not quite there [goal pay], but we are well on our way and are mindful that we need a top-notch police department.”

Emphasizing the importance of economic development in the area, Ellington also said that it is essential that local leaders have the appropriate contacts in Raleigh to attract businesses and make decisions quickly.

“Economic development is driven by Raleigh and you’ve got to have the contacts,” Ellington said. “When you have the contacts and you say ‘we’re ready and we’re open for business,’ then if they get someone on the hook, they’re going to bring them right our way.”

A testament to the current relationship City leaders have with Raleigh, according to Ellington, is Mako Medical Laboratories which is now “well on its way to exceeding the 150 jobs they initially promised us.” Mako opened their Henderson location in late 2017.

Ellington said he also wants to continue to focus on code enforcement, especially as it relates to dilapidated housing, and praised local groups that assist with either the removal of or the recovery of these properties.

“We don’t need to pass any more laws or ordinances until we can enforce what we already have on the books,” stated Ellington.

With the removal of over 400 dilapidated structures since 2010, Ellington said the City of Henderson and County of Vance work well together to get through the “red tape, letters and ordinances that have to be enforced to be able to bring down these houses.”

The City’s recent hiring of an additional full-time code enforcer is a move that Ellington said he believes will help with the backlog of structures in need of repair or demolition.

The process of removing potential safety hazards such as these does not happen overnight or with minimal effort, and Ellington thanked local volunteer group Citizens Aligned to Take Back Henderson, NC for the work they do “simply because they care about their city.”

Ellington said Citizens Aligned founders Tommy Haithcock, Hope Hoyle Howard and Heidi Owen “are wonderful people and we need more residents like them.”

A new program for the City, Urban Homesteading, was also mentioned by Ellington as a means of properly updating non-compliant structures that meet certain criteria.

In addition to volunteers and programs, Ellington said it takes the cooperation of local government leaders to make positive changes happen.

“I’ll echo what Chief Marcus Barrow and Sheriff Curtis Brame have said on Town Talk recently about the collaboration they have – local leadership is getting along,” Ellington said. “The City of Henderson and the County have a team that gets together right now and can get together in a day’s notice if industry is looking to come to Henderson. I have a great working relationship with the county commissioners; the relationship is there.”

Ellington said his tenure as mayor has reaffirmed his belief that Henderson is a great place to call home. “It’s easy to criticize, condemn and complain; we are all guilty of that. We have so many great things that are moving in Henderson. We are in the best place that we’ve ever been – all systems go – unless we let the naysayers talk us into thinking otherwise.”

Early voting for the City of Henderson Municipal Election will be held at the Vance County Board of Elections Office located at 300 S. Garnett Street through Friday, October 4.

The submission of absentee ballots by mail ends tomorrow, Tuesday, October 1. Anyone that would like to request a ballot can call the BOE office at (252) 492-3730.

(This is not a paid political advertisement. Sharon Owens participated in a similar Town Talk interview with equal on-air and online coverage.)

To hear Ellington’s 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.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market Begins Fall Season

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

-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Manager, Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market will begin its fall and winter schedule in October. The Market will be open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Now is a wonderful time to visit your farmers market. It is that in-between seasons transition from summer to fall produce.

The VCRFM continues to have delicious summer produce including yellow squash, zucchini, tomatoes, okra, cantaloupes, canary melons, watermelons, peaches, bell peppers, butter beans, string beans and pink-eye purple hull peas. The white potatoes and sweet potatoes are arriving too.

We are also beginning to get in some of the fall goodies such as apples, beets, butternut squash, cayenne peppers, cucumbers, cabbages, eggplants, gourds, grapes, jalapeno peppers, kale, lettuce, mustard greens, pumpkins, radishes, spinach and turnip greens. Expect to see fresh collards at the market early to mid-November.

Don’t forget that your VCRFM is your local source for pasture-raised beef, pork and free-range eggs. We also have a variety of home-canned goods made with locally grown fruits and vegetables including canned tomatoes, beans, chow-chow, pickles and salsa.

You will also find Caribbean Jerk sauce and Brown sauce, as well as a variety of jams and preserves. Stock up on local honey and blackstrap molasses to see you through the winter months.

Check out the variety of sweet and savory baked goods the market offers – chocolate pies, chocolate chip cake, lemon cake, raspberry chocolate cake, turtle, caramel and chocolate brownies, chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, hummingbird cake, scones, cupcakes, mini-Brandenburg cakes and so much more!

The holidays are just around the corner. Choose from a plethora of unique handcrafted gifts including soaps, woodcrafts, jewelry, lap quilts, crocheted and hand-sewn items for gifts for everyone on your list – including yourself!

Mark your calendars for our annual Handcrafted Holiday Market, Saturday, November 16, 2019, featuring over 35 vendors. You don’t want to miss it!

Need a space to hold a holiday party, family reunion, business seminar or other social function? Contact the farmers market regarding facility rental availability.

So, remember to visit your VCRFM Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. We accept SNAP/EBT.

For information regarding your Vance County Regional Farmers Market, you may contact Tracy Madigan, Market Manager at 252-438-8188 or farmersmarket@vancecounty.org or Paul McKenzie, Vance & Warren County Agricultural Extension Agent at 252-438-8188 or paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Participants Needed for RHI’s Annual Men’s Ministry Weekend

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

-Information courtesy Rebuilding Hope, Inc. 

UPDATE 10/1/19 – Men’s Ministry Weekend has been canceled. 

Rebuilding Hope, Inc. announces that there is still time to register for the 9th Annual Men’s Ministry Weekend taking place October 11-12, 2019.

On Friday evening, men and boys will gather at the RHI warehouse located on Raleigh Road in Henderson for a free meal and a worship service.

On Saturday morning, participants will gather at the warehouse to form teams and receive assignments for hands-on projects in the local community.

To register, please call the RHI office at (252) 438-5132.

Middleburg Baptist Church to Hold Fall Bazaar

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

-Information courtesy Middleburg Baptist Church, Sharon Bawcum

Middleburg Baptist Church will hold a Fall Bazaar on Saturday, October 5, 2019, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the church’s fellowship hall. Craft vendors, food and games are planned.

This is a great time to shop for Christmas. Proceeds will be used for mission projects.

Middleburg Baptist is located at 80 N. Plummer Ave. in Middleburg, NC.

George Rose Watkins III Foundation to Hold Stew Sale in Memory of Tripp Watkins

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

-Information courtesy Morgan Watkins

A Brunswick Stew Sale will be held at Rose Oil Company in Henderson on Friday, October 18, 2019, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. in memory of Tripp Watkins.

Stew is available for $8 per quart; proceeds will help fund the George Rose Watkins III Foundation.

Tripp Watkins pictured. (Photo courtesy the Watkins Family)

The foundation was founded after Watkins, the son of Chip and Gayle Watkins, passed away after a long battle with addiction.

The George Rose Watkins III foundation exists to bring awareness and aid to those suffering from mental illness in the form of addiction and their families who are suffering and striving to find help and solutions.

“The foundation was started to continue Tripp’s legacy after he passed away two years ago. This is our way of helping families get through addiction and bring awareness to those around us,” said Morgan Watkins. “This foundation is close to our hearts and we are looking forward to lending a helping hand to those going through this terrible struggle in life.”

Rose Oil Company is located at 613 US 158 Bypass in Henderson. Please call (252) 438-7141 for tickets.

Reminder: Night Out Against Crime Offers Free Family Activities Tues. Evening

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

-Information courtesy the Henderson Police Department

Vance County’s Annual Night Out Against Crime will be held Tuesday, October 1, 2019, from 5 until 8 p.m. in front of the Henderson Police Department on Breckenridge Street. In case of rain, the event will be held Tuesday, October 8.

Bring the family out for presentations and displays by the Henderson Police Department, Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers, Henderson Fire Department, Vance County Fire and EMS, NC State Highway Patrol, Vance County Schools and many other agencies and organizations.

Bleachers will be set up for participants to enjoy performances by the Badd Boyz and Lady Badd Boyz Social Club of Henderson, line dancers, Ballet Arts Dance Studio, Midnight Blue Martial Arts, Vance County High School’s JV cheerleaders and South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church’s gospel group.

Free hotdogs will be served and bouncy houses and activities for children will be available.

Vance Charter High School Students Attend UMO AgFest

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-Press Release, The University of Mount Olive

The University of Mount Olive recently hosted its 6th Annual AgFest event to promote and celebrate awareness of agriculture and other academic opportunities at UMO. The event was attended by more than 1,600 visitors from 63 schools from across North Carolina, including local students from Vance Charter School in Henderson.

This year’s event offered a new fair-like format and expanded activities. Representatives from agricultural companies and organizations from across the region and state interactively engaged with students to spark their interests in careers, Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE), and even some Career Development Events (CDE) topics.

Members of Vance Charter School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) attended the 6th Annual University of Mount Olive AgFest. (Photo courtesy UMO)

Attendees participated in hands-on learning experiences in production agriculture, animal science, horticulture, landscaping, wildlife, forestry and natural resources, provided by some of the largest agribusinesses in the region.

Experiences included virtual reality, precision agriculture technology and equipment, livestock showing demonstrations, and other exciting booths.

For those students with interests outside the field of agriculture, there were demonstrations and booths highlighting education, biology, math, physics, and more. Numerous food booths were on-site featuring Got to Be NC Products, and there was music, fun, sunshine, and games for all.

The event ended with a concert featuring up and coming Nashville recording artist Matt Stell with special guest Canaan Cox.

Dr. Sandy Maddox, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, said, “This event creates a unique opportunity for FFA members from across the state to experience UMO, our faculty, students, and beautiful campus.  We had great weather, the new fair-like format was a tremendous success, and the feedback we have received from the attending advisors and students has been overwhelmingly positive. We are thankful to all those people and groups that work so hard to make this event a reality.  I am especially thankful to our wonderful partners including Food Farm – Home of the Original Piggly Wiggly and Got to be NC, for providing food from some of the finest NC – based companies around.”

Children & Families Invited to First Annual Pumpkin Splash

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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

The Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department’s First Annual Pumpkin Splash will be held at the Aycock Rec. Center on Monday, October 28, 2019, from 6 – 8 p.m.

For $5, participants ages 2 to 13 will be able to pick out the perfect pumpkin from the pool and decorate it with their family.

Registration and fee are due to the Aycock Rec. Center by October 21.

Please contact Lauren Newlin at 252.438.3160 or email lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us for more information.