Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Keep Immunizations, Vaccines, Up-To-Date For Maximum Protection

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-information provided by Betsy Hunt, Chief Nursing Officer at Maria Parham Health

Although the COVID-19 virus still poses a health risk to many Americans, the widespread panic brought on by the pandemic as it raged and surged over the past few years is a thing of the past, thanks largely to the development and use of vaccines.

In May, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced an end to the public health emergency brought on by COVID-19.1 Since the peak of the Omicron variant in January 2022, COVID-19 cases have declined rapidly – though the disease still poses a health risk to many Americans, COVID-19 death rates have dropped 95 percent from their height in 2021.2

Much of our achievement in combatting the virus can be attributed to a record-breaking vaccine rollout, according to information from Betsy Hunt, chief nursing officer at Maria Parham Health.

Since the first COVID-19 vaccine was released to the public, more than 270 million Americans have received at least one dose, and over 70 percent are considered fully immunized,3 making this the largest adult vaccination program in our nation’s history. As more of us become resistant to the virus, we are able to return to the activities we love – visiting restaurants, traveling outdoors and hosting social gatherings – without fear that we’ll endanger ourselves or the people around us.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Each year, we take this time to recognize that vaccines are essential to our health and the health of our community – a lesson that the past few years have made especially clear. For centuries, immunization has been one of the most effective ways we can protect ourselves from preventable illness.4 Diseases that were once deadly, such as polio, have all but vanished thanks to the power of community-wide vaccination, while others such as COVID-19 are becoming much less dangerous. Whether we’re young or old, we can stop the spread of disease by following vaccination guidelines.

Although COVID is on the forefront of everyone’s mind, it’s important to remember that other diseases have not gone away. The CDC has observed that over the past few years, many children missed yearly check-ups due to concerns surrounding COVID.5 September is approaching, which for many Americans means the start of the school year – as you gear up your child with books and pencils, make sure to also check their immunization record, and talk to their pediatrician about making up any missed appointments.

Vaccines aren’t just for kids. Adults also benefit from certain vaccinations, to protect against diseases such as shingles, tetanus, and the common flu. Some vaccines can even reduce your risk of cancer – the Hepatitis B vaccine can prevent liver cancer, while the HPV vaccine immunizes you against the most common cause of cervical cancer.6 Your recommended vaccines may vary, depending on your age, lifestyle, and prior immunization history – for instance, adults who travel frequently, or who missed important vaccinations during childhood, may be due for a check-up. Talk to your primary physician about your vaccine history, and ask if any of the following vaccines are right for you:

If there is a lesson we should take away from the past few years, it’s that our community’s health is everything, and protecting our health is everyone’s responsibility. When you get vaccinated to strengthen your immune system, you’re not just safeguarding yourself from common illnesses – you’re also protecting your family, neighbors, and the most vulnerable members of your community.

Different vaccines are recommended, depending on the age of the patient. COVID-19 and flu vaccines, for example, are recommended for anyone between the ages of 6 months and 80+. Shingles vaccines are recommended for anyone over 50 and HPV vaccines target those in the 11-26 age group.

Schedule a check-up with your primary care provider today. To find a provider, call 800.424.DOCS. For more information on immunization recommendations by age, visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html or talk to your primary care provider.

State Fair 2023 Taking Applications For ‘Farm Family Of The Day’

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-information courtesy of the N.C. State Fair Office

 

The N.C. State Fair is looking for 11 farm families to recognize during the fair for its Farm Family of the Day, presented by Tractor Supply Company. Nominations are being accepted through Sept. 15.

If you are proud to be an N.C. farmer, work hard to contribute to the state’s No. 1 industry and love both farming and the N.C. State Fair, your farm family could be one of the lucky ones selected.

Families recognized as Farm Family of the Day honorees will be awarded an N.C. State Fair gift basket including fair tickets to use on any day of their choice during the 2023 N.C. State Fair, ride passes and additional swag from Tractor Supply Company and the N.C. State Fair.

Families will be chosen by both nomination and application. Applications can be found at https://www.ncstatefair.org/2023/Attractions/FarmFamilyOfTheDay.htm.

The “Farm Family of the Day” program, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company, is returning for its third year to recognize and celebrate more of our state’s rich agricultural heritage and the farm families that are behind our $103.2 billion agriculture and agribusiness industry.

“The State Fair’s earliest beginnings sought to elevate the understanding of new agricultural practices and technology. Helping people make the connection between farming and the food that they enjoy is one of our top missions at the N.C. State Fair each year,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

“Thanks to Tractor Supply Company, we can help tell the story of our farmers because they are the individuals out there every day working to grow the food, fiber and fuel that we need to survive.”

The 2023 N.C. State Fair will run Oct. 12-22 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. The fair offers an experience unique to North Carolina for all who attend, and is an unparalleled value with free entertainment, thrilling rides and games, thousands of animals, endless family activities, competitions, vendors and creative deep-fried delights.

For more information, visit www.ncstatefair.org.

Maria Parham Primary Care Welcomes New Family Nurse Practitioner

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– information courtesy of Donna Young, market coordinator, communications and marketing

Maria Parham Primary Care announces the addition of Jennifer Stockwell, MSN-FNP to its team of medical professionals. Stockwell is a family nurse practitioner,  specializing in family medicine.

Maria Parham Health CEO Bert Beard welcomed Stockwell to the MPH team. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and  experience that will be invaluable to our patients, and we’ve seen it firsthand as she’s worked in  our emergency departments with Maria Parham,” Beard said in a press statement.

Stockwell said she looks forward to helping patients. “I am passionate about preventative healthcare and look forward to working with my patients to implement practices that will better their well-being,” she said.

“That experience and knowledge base will surely distinguish her in the primary care setting and it’s always special to support someone growing in their career with us. Furthermore, Jennifer’s

dedication to delivering superior patient care aligns with our mission to provide the best possible care and treatment to our patients,” Beard stated.

Stockwell received her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner from South University and completed clinical rotations at Spectrum Medical Care in Raleigh.

Schedule an appointment at Maria Parham Primary Care by calling 252.436.0440.

Educators: ‘Bright Ideas’ Grant Application Period Runs Through Sept. 15

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Most educators take a break from lesson planning and other classroom duties during the summer, but as August approaches and the beginning of another school year draws near, you can bet your bottom dollar that teachers are beginning to percolate ideas about how to make learning more engaging for students.

Got any bright ideas?

Wake Electric does.

Applications for Wake Electric’s Bright Ideas grants are being taken through Sept. 15 for the upcoming school year.  The early bird submission ends Aug. 15.

Teachers in seven counties – including Vance, Granville and Franklin – that the electric cooperative serves are eligible to submit applications, according to information from Wake Electric.

Since 1994, Wake Electric has given more than $1.13 million in grants to classroom-based projects throughout the area it serves. These grants help to finance innovative classroom projects that would otherwise not be funded by the school district, from a variety of content-based hands-on projects to career planning and information technology.

Grants are awarded in amounts of up to $3,000.

Visit https://www.ncelectriccooperatives.com/community/bright-ideas/ to determine if your school is eligible.

To learn more, email communications@wemc.com, call 919.863.6440 or 1.800.474.6300 or go to https://wemc.com/bright-ideas-grants/.

2023 Ruin Creek Cruise In Rolls Into Town Sept. 9

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Come join the fun and enjoy all the sights, sounds, and tastes at the 2023 Ruin Creek Cruise In of Henderson on Saturday, Sept. 9.

The event runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free and there will be vendors, live music and more, so make plans to attend! All proceeds benefit the Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society. There will be music to enjoy, local vendors on site and classic and collector cars from all around Henderson and surrounding areas for people to enjoy.

“The 2023 Ruin Creek Cruise-In is not just about raising money to help the animals here in our hometown of Henderson but it’s also about being able to host an event to bring Henderson together for a night out of safe family fun,” said Brandon Boyd, RCAPS founder and president.

Vehicle registration begins at 1 p.m. The event takes place at 284 US 158 bypass, familiarly known as the former Boyd dealership, located across from the present Boyd location.

Classic Car enthusiast and stock-car racing TV broadcaster Mike Joy will be on hand to add to the festivities.

 WIZS Radio is the presenting sponsor for the Cruise In. “WIZS has been a faithful and loyal supporter of Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society of Henderson for many years and to have WIZS as a sponsor is a perfect fit to make this evening in Henderson exactly what we want it to be,” Boyd said.
Check the Ruin Creek Cruise-In of Henderson Facebook page for updates or to request to be a vendor for the event.

TownTalk: VV Mitchell Stays Busy But Grounded In Faith

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Varonica Mitchell is a drummer, an actor, a comedian, a cheerleader, a dancer and a model with her own Internet-based show that has attracted more than 1 million supporters.

She relies on a schedule to keep her on track, what with posting videos, bookings and school work.

VV, as she is known to family, friends and her growing fan base on social media is headed to 7th grade this year.

“It’s a lot of work,” she told WIZS co-host Bill Harris Wednesday on TownTalk, referring to all the videos that she produces, with the help of her father, the one behind the camera.

This pre-teen exudes confidence and positivity and her natural talent shines through, but she is quick to give credit where credit is due.

“I get it from God and definitely from my mama,” she said.

Her mom manages VV’s bookings and also creates costumes for VV’s characters, including Grandma Roseanne and Mr. Eggnog, who sports a big belly and a beard.

“The VV Show basically is all my talents mixed together,” she said, part acting, part modeling, part drumming.

Drumming? “I just hopped on the drums as a two-year-old,” she said, when her church was without a drummer. Those who heard her thought she was good, she said and “it just went on from there.”

Whether she’s in front of the camera in costume as one of her original characters or playing drums, VV said one thing’s on her mind.

“I get to make people happy and put a smile on their face,” she said. “It makes their whole day – that’s what I’m looking for.”

Her local friends are among her biggest supporters, and despite the bookings and traveling, VV said she does still have time to spend with her buddies.

“They are really big supports – I love them so much! They are supporting me all the time.”

You can find her on all the social media platforms – Tik Tok, Instagram, You Tube, Twitter and Facebook.

“And,” she said, with the perfect pause – for maximum effect – “you can Google me!”

VV leaves us with a little cliffhanger: she’s going to Atlanta but she can’t really tell us more until it happens…

Stay tuned, VV fans.

CLICK PLAY!

 

Camp For Teens Interested In Law, Forensic Science

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Local teens have an interesting opportunity to develop their sleuthing skills next week during a five-day camp at a local church.

Rebuilding Communities, Inc. is sponsoring “CSI, The Law and Leadership Camp” for teens between the ages of 13-17 from July 31-Aug. 4 at First United Methodist Church in Henderson.

The camp will be held daily from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., according to information from Edy Thompson, Rebuilding Communities, Inc. director.

Teens interested in learning more about what lawyers, forensic scientists and investigators do should register by calling 252.479.5019.

Some of the activities for the week include investigating mock crime scenes, fingerprint analysis and first aid and CPR certification.

 

 

City of Henderson Logo

Henderson Municipal Election 2023 Updates

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— UPDATE 3 p.m., Tuesday, July 25

One candidate for the Ward 3 at-large seat on the Henderson City Council has withdrawn from the race and one of the five mayoral candidates faces a challenge that calls into question his eligibility.

Vance County Board of Elections Director Melody Vaughan confirmed Tuesday that Daniel Blasky has withdrawn his name from consideration in the nonpartisan municipal elections set for Oct. 10.

Vance County GOP chairman Jimmy Barrier issued a statement to WIZS News, which read in part:  ” After much consideration, Daniel Blasky has decided to withdraw his name from the ballot for Ward 3 At-Large seat on the Henderson City Council to support Michelle Wood in her campaign for that seat. They are friends and have come together to work for the common good.”

Wallace Cheek’s candidacy has been challenged, Vaughan said, adding that this challenge will be heard on Tuesday, Aug. 1 at 4 p.m. in the Board of Elections conference before the regularly scheduled board meeting.

Vaughan said Cheek’s residency is in question.  At the hearing, Cheek will have to prove that he lives at the address he listed when he filed to run for mayor.

The Aug. 1 hearing is open to the public.

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— UPDATE 3 p.m., Friday, July 21

With the filing period now ended for the upcoming municipal elections in Henderson, the stage is set for possible sweeping changes in the makeup of city leadership. Only one incumbent filed for re-election for his seat on the council; three current council members have filed to run for mayor.

The filing period ended at 12 noon Friday and Vance County Board of Elections Director Melody Vaughan, who provided daily updates to WIZS each afternoon during the two-week filing period, said all candidates are eligible to run for the offices for which they filed.

Henderson voters will choose from among five candidates for mayor. Current Mayor Eddie Ellington announced last week that he would not seek a third term.

The candidates for mayor are:

Wallace Cheek

Sara Coffey

Melissa Elliott

Greg Etheridge

Jason Spriggs

Coffey, Elliott and Spriggs currently sit on the Henderson City Council; only Coffey would be eligible to retain her spot on the council, since she is not up for re-election this year.

Incumbent Mike Rainey filed Thursday, July 20 for re-election to Ward 2. Rainey faces opposition from Sam Seifert and Janice Ward.

Ward 1 has a four-way race, with candidates Geraldine Champion, Symia Crews, Clementine Hunter and Corey Pearson vying for the seat currently held by Marion Brodie Williams. Williams did not file for re-election.

There are now four candidates for the Ward 3 at-large seat and three candidates for the Ward 4 at-large seat.

Kory H. Franklin filed Friday to run for the Ward 3 at-large seat, joining Daniel Blasky, Michael Venable and Michelle Horner Wood; Melissa Elliott is the current council member for that seat.

Former City Council member George M. Daye is seeking to return to the council, filing Friday for the seat he previously held in Ward 4. The two-term council member joins Lora Durham, and Tami Walker, who previously had filed for the Ward 4 at-large seat. The Ward 4 at-large seat is currently held by Jason Spriggs. Wallace Evans withdrew his name for consideration on Friday, Vaughan said.

The non-partisan City of Henderson municipal election is Oct. 10; early voting for the Henderson elections begins Sept. 21 and ends Oct. 7.

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(PLEASE KEEP IN MIND WHAT’S BELOW IS A RUNNING ACCOUNT AND NOT THE FINAL STORY. THE FINAL STORY IS ABOVE.)

— UPDATE 5 p.m., Thursday, July 20

The filing period will end at 12 noon Friday, and presently at least a three-way race exists for each seat available, including a five-way race for mayor and a four-way race for the ward 1 ward seat.

Two additional people filed Thursday, and both filed for the Ward 2 seat.  Incumbent Mike Rainey filed, and Sam Seifert filed.  So far, Rainey is the only incumbent to file for re-election, in terms of filing for his/her existing seat.

Three sitting council members have filed to run for mayor, and Mayor Eddie Ellington has said he will not seek a third term.

Ward 1 incumbent Marion Williams has not filed to run. While Williams has made no official statement to WIZS nor any statement to local media that WIZS News is aware of, the number of filers from her ward and the public general consensus indicate she will not file.

The non-partisan City of Henderson municipal election is October 10. Early voting for the Henderson elections begins Sept. 21 and ends Oct. 7.

At present, the following races exist:

Filings for Mayor

Wallace Cheek

Sara Coffey

Melissa Elliott

Greg Etheridge

Jason Spriggs

Ward 1

Geraldine Champion

Symia Crews

Clementine Hunter

Corey Pearson

Ward 2

Mike Rainey (Incumbent)

Sam Seifert

Janice Ward

Ward 3 At Large

Daniel Blasky

Michael Venable

Michelle Horner Wood

Ward 4 At Large

Lora Durham

Wallace Evans

Tami Walker

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— UPDATE 5 p.m., Wednesday, July 19

A fourth candidate filed Wednesday for the Ward 1 seat on the Henderson City Council, according to Vance County Board of Elections Director Melody Vaughan.

Symia Crews added her name to the list for the Ward 1 seat.

The filing period for the Oct. 10 municipal elections ends at 12 noon on Friday, July 21.

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— UPDATE 5 p.m., Tuesday, July 18

The field is getting a bit more crowded for a couple of Henderson City Council seats, as three more candidates filed Tuesday, according to Vance County Board of Elections Director Melody Vaughan.

Wallace Evans and Tami Walker filed for the Ward 4 at-large seat, currently held by Jason Spriggs. Corey Pearson filed to run for the Ward 1 seat, currently held by Marion Brodie Williams.

That brings to three candidates each for the Ward 1 seat, and the at-large seats in Wards 3 and 4.

Janice Ward is the sole candidate thus far in the Ward 2 race.

The filing period for the Oct. 10 municipal elections ends at 12 noon on Friday, July 21.

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— UPDATE 5 p.m., Monday, July 17

According to information Monday afternoon from Vance County Board of Elections Director Melody Vaughan, Wallace Cheek has filed for the second time to run for mayor of Henderson. This brings to five the number of candidates vying for the office of mayor.

Two others have filed for seats on the Henderson City Council – Michelle Horner Wood filed for the Ward 3 at-large seat and Lora Durham filed for the Ward 4 at-large seat, Vaughan reported Monday.

Susan Pulley filed Monday for commissioner for the town of Kittrell; Robert B. Tunstall filed Friday, July 14 for commissioner for the town of  Kittrell.

The filing period for the upcoming municipal elections ends at 12 noon on Friday, July 21.

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— UPDATE 7 p.m., Thursday, July 13

There is now a four-way race for mayor of Henderson following Jason Spriggs’s filing today. Spriggs currently holds the Ward 4 at-large seat on the Henderson City Council.

Clementine Hunter also filed Thursday for the Ward 1 seat on the Henderson council, according to Melody Vaughan, director of the Vance County Board of Elections. Geraldine Champion had already filed to run for the Ward 1 seat, which is currently held by Marion Brodie Williams.

The Ward 3 at-large seat is also a contested race, with both Daniel Blasky and Michael Venable candidates who have filed to run. This seat currently is being held by Melissa Elliott, who is one of the mayoral candidates. Sara Coffey is the other council member who has announced her candidacy for mayor. Coffey is the only one of the three council members who could retain her seat on the council since her term is not ending.

Gregory Etheridge filed Wednesday to run for mayor. Etheridge is president of Gupton Services.

The Ward 4 at-large seat remains without a filer at this time, since Spriggs put his hat into the ring with his filing Thursday.

Janice Ward filed for the Ward 2 seat, currently held by Mike Rainey.

The filing period continues through 12 noon on Friday, July 21.

The municipal election is Oct. 10 and there will be an early voting period, but the early voting polling sites have not been determined at this time, Vaughan said.

Hazel Baskett has filed for a seat on the Middleburg Town Council.

Mary Jo Floyd has filed to run for Kittrell town commissioner.

Wallace Cheek had filed to run for mayor of Henderson, but state elections officials removed his name late Tuesday after it was confirmed he does not live within the Henderson city limits.

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Kittrell, Middleburg Voters Have Candidates For Nov. 7 Election

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The towns of Kittrell and Middleburg have a slate of candidates who have filed for mayor and seats on the town councils.

The elections will be held Nov. 7, according to Vance County Board of Elections Director Melody Vaughan.

Incumbent Mayor Jerry Joyner is running unopposed in Kittrell and there are three candidates for three seats on the town council: Mary Jo Floyd, Susan Pulley and Robert Tunstall.

In Middleburg, Ray Bullock is running unopposed for mayor and Hazel Baskett, Shirley Bullock and Mamie Turner have filed to be candidates for three seats on the town council.

Two Men In Custody Following Altercation Involving A Gun At Local Medical Clinic

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Two men were arrested Wednesday following an incident involving a gun that took place in the parking lot of Vance Family Medicine, but police say there were no injuries as a result of the gunfire.

Anthony Meadows, 22, of the Hicksboro community and Ransom Hawkins, 21, of the Gillburg community were in a physical altercation in the medical clinic’s parking lot, according to a statement issued Wednesday by Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow. 

Both men were treated for abrasions and contusions sustained during the fight and they are both in the custody of the Henderson Police Department, pending charges.

The gun was recovered by police.

Further details of the charges and bonds will be forthcoming, Barrow stated.