The N.C. Pre-Kindergarten Site Selection process is now open.
N.C. Pre-Kindergarten Site Selection applications are due on April 11, 2019, at 4:30 p.m. from local child care centers, preschools and day care centers.
The applications should be sent to the Vance County Schools, Federal Programs Office at 1724 Graham Avenue in Henderson. The mailing address is P.O. Box 7001, Henderson, N.C. 27536.
The contact person with Vance County Schools is Claudette Scales, pre-kindergarten coordinator. She may be reached by phone at 252-492-2127 and by e-mail at cscales@vcs.k12.nc.us.
Site selection approval does not guarantee selection as an N.C. pre-kindergarten site.
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 Staff2019-01-18 16:53:212019-01-18 16:53:21Vance Co. Schools Announces Pre-Kindergarten Site Selection Process Now Open
-Information and flyer courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center
Come enjoy friendly and educational fun as the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department hosts the 5th Annual African-American Quiz Bowl from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 23, 2019.
The competition is open to 6th – 12th graders and will be held at the City Council Chambers located at 134 Rose Avenue in Henderson.
Questions will be based on African-American history in America, in North Carolina and locally in Henderson and Vance County.
Teams will consist of 3-4 participants. Registration deadline is Friday, February 15, 2019; a study guide is provided.
For more information, or to register, please contact Shantel Hargrove at shhargrove@ci.henderson.nc.us or 252-430-0382 or Gregory Kelly at gkelly@ci.henderson.nc.us or 252-431-6099.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/5th-Annual-African-American-Quiz-Bowl.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-01-18 16:52:552019-01-18 16:52:55Local Youth Encouraged to Register for 5th Annual African-American Quiz Bowl
Brame’s first order of business was assessing the current staffing structure and making a plan to strengthen areas of potential weakness. “I’m learning a lot,” he said. “Right now I’m doing an assessment. We have a good administrative staff and several have been promoted to a higher rank.”
Staying true to his campaign platform, Brame said he is also focusing on tackling the local drug problem and building rapport among the community.
“Right now, I’m working on reorganizing the division to get more deputies out on the street, and making sure we are more proactive in all areas,” Brame said.
Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame discusses his first few weeks in office with WIZS News. (WIZS Photo)
Brame is pleased with one recent victory that saw the Narcotics Unit arrest suspects involved in a “drug house” on Yancey Lane in Henderson. That case will be tried in federal court, according to Brame.
The process of helping to bust drug operations is helped along tremendously by information from the community, Brame said. “The rapport building that I talked about during my campaign has really paid off. People are sharing information on potential drug houses and activities.”
While Brame would like to expand the Narcotics Unit, he said the Sheriff’s Office as a whole is understaffed by at least nine people and has been understaffed for quite some time.
“I am addressing this issue with Vance County Commissioners for discussion when they plan the budget. They know we need the additional manpower; we can’t sufficiently provide adequate services to our citizens with the current manpower.”
Brame admitted recruiting officers to the area is harder than ever in a time when interest in a law enforcement career is down country-wide and surrounding counties are offering bigger paychecks.
“We have a retention problem,” Brame said. “Many see us as a training ground and then they go to work for surrounding counties that pay more. First responders and EMS have this same issue.”
“We spend a lot of money on training, they get here, we pay to train them and then they leave after 18 months or so. Then we have to start the whole process all over again.”
Brame admits he doesn’t have a quick-fix for long-standing recruitment issues, “Do I have all of the answers? No, I don’t, but we have to find a way to retain good officers and get them to stay right here in Vance County.”
In addition to focusing on the drug problem and retention issues, Brame said engaging in trust building activities and improving communication with the community is on his daily to-do list.
Up and out the door by 6:30 a.m. most mornings, Brame said he visits local restaurants, businesses and schools to talk with the citizens of Vance County and encourage them to share their concerns.
“We do not have enough eyes and ears [in the Sheriff’s Office] to combat the situation going on with crime and drugs. Get involved and share information. Reclaim your neighborhood and community,” Brame urged.
Brame said his phone number is open to the public and stated it on-air as (919) 691-6748.
“We are a public office and have an open-door policy. If you have an issue with the Sheriff’s Office, don’t just talk about me; come and see me or give me a call so we can address your situation.”
*To hear the interview in its entirety, please click here.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Vance-County-Sheriff-Curtis-Brame.png265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2019-01-17 16:59:062019-01-17 16:59:06Major Drug Bust, Rapport Building Define Brame’s First Weeks in Office
Vance County Schools was first notified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on January 4 that the federal government shutdown would affect funds for our school system’s School Nutrition Program.
School system officials subsequently were notified on January 7 by the N.C. State Department of Agriculture that food shipments were only guaranteed to our schools through March. On January 12, the USDA notified school districts that federal funds are only available through March.
Understanding our limited resources (cash reserves), we began planning for the long-term impact on our food service program should the federal shutdown continue. We made the decision to alter our food options to conserve funds as long as possible.
The Vance County Schools child nutrition program is funded through reimbursement by the Federal Government. A total of 95 percent of our program’s budget is provided through these federal monies. Federal reimbursements for student meals are usually received in our district 30 days after the meals are served.
Our school system has one-and-a-half months of funding reserves on hand to support our child nutrition program once funding is no longer available through the USDA. We recognize that we must plan to make the most of our resources and that we have a responsibility to meet the needs of our children. Our priority is ensuring our students receive breakfast and lunch every day and that continues to be the priority of our school system.
We are committed to providing breakfasts and lunches each day to all of our students.
We will continue to assess our school nutrition services on a regular basis as the shutdown continues.
-Information and flyer courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center
Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks will hold registration for youth spring baseball and softball February 2 – March 9, 2019.
Baseball is open to ages 4 – 18; playing age is determined as of May 1, 2019.
Softball is open to ages 6 – 16; playing age is determined as of January 1, 2020.
Cost: Vance County Residents – $40; Non Residents – $60
Register at the Aycock Rec. Center during normal business hours.
For more information, please contact Steve Osborne at 252.438.2670, sosborne@ci.henderson.nc.us or Victor Hunt at 252.438.3408, vhunt@ci.henderson.nc.us.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Baseball_Softball-Registration-2019-1.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-01-17 16:57:332019-01-17 16:57:33Registration for H-V Rec. & Parks Youth Baseball & Softball Begins Feb. 2
On January 15, 2019, members of the Henderson Police Department Special Operations Division along with the Special Response Team executed a search warrant at the residence of 819 State St., Henderson, NC.
During the execution of the search warrant over 1,500 Xanax bars, 271 grams of marijuana, 2.9 grams of raw heroin, 28 grams of cocaine, 81 dosage units of heroin, 22 Ecstasy pills, over $3,000 in US Currency, miscellaneous paraphernalia/manufacturing supplies and five firearms along with several rounds of ammunition were located and seized.
Jamey Ameche Owens, 47, of 819 State St., Henderson, NC was arrested and charged. He was charged with Trafficking Cocaine x2, Trafficking Heroin x2, PWIMSD Heroin, PWIMSD Cocaine, PWIMSD Marijuana, PWIMSD SCH. IV, PWIMSD SCH. I, Manufacturing Schedule I, Manufacturing Schedule II, Manufacturing Schedule VI, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Cocaine, Felony Possession of Marijuana, Felony Possession of Schedule IV, Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling x2, Firearm by Felon x5, and Felony Alter/Remove Gun Serial Number.
His bond was set in the amount of $500,000 secured. He is scheduled to appear in court on January 28, 2019.
On January 15, 2019, Jamey Ameche Owens, 47, of 819 State St., Henderson, NC was arrested and charged with Trafficking Cocaine x2, Trafficking Heroin x2, PWIMSD Heroin, PWIMSD Cocaine, PWIMSD Marijuana, PWIMSD SCH. IV, PWIMSD SCH. I, Manufacturing Schedule I, Manufacturing Schedule II, Manufacturing Schedule VI, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Cocaine, Felony Possession of Marijuana, Felony Possession of Schedule IV, Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling x2, Firearm by Felon x5, and Felony Alter/Remove Gun Serial Number. (Photo courtesy the Henderson Police Dept.)
During the execution of the search warrant at 819 State St. in Henderson, NC, over 1,500 Xanax bars, 271 grams of marijuana, 2.9 grams of raw heroin, 28 grams of cocaine, 81 dosage units of heroin, 22 Ecstasy pills, over $3,000 in US Currency, miscellaneous paraphernalia/manufacturing supplies and five firearms along with several rounds of ammunition were located and seized. (Photo courtesy the Henderson Police Dept.)
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/State-St.-Drug-Seizure-2019.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-01-16 16:59:582019-01-16 16:59:58Cocaine, Heroin Among Drugs Seized at State St. Residence
On Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program, Charles Turrentine, Jr. with Davis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church spoke of the church’s upcoming “Worship Without Walls” event being held on Sunday, January 20.
The event, to be held outside at the basketball court at nearby Chestnut Street Park at 745 N. Chestnut St. in Henderson, is being held as “an extended celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.”
According to Turrentine, the celebration will begin at approximately 10:45 a.m. on Sunday and will include a live DJ, excerpts from King’s speeches, poetry, open commentary, food and hot beverages. The Vance County High School drumline will also be performing.
“I know it’s going to be a little chilly, but we want to have a good time and bring the people out,” Turrentine said. “We want to show people that the dream Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had has not died. It has instilled us with the power to move on, better ourselves and help the City of Henderson be a better place to live.”
The idea for the celebration is based on Turrentine’s past family trips to Atlanta, GA to take part in the city’s annual MLK celebrations.
Turrentine said it was always an exciting time to see the march in front of King’s home church – the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church – and experience the positive energy. “The whole city would come out; it’s a great experience. We thought we’d bring some of that back to Henderson, on a smaller scale, with the same concept in mind.”
Part of that vision was to hold the event at an outdoor location “without walls” to make it as welcoming and accessible to the public as possible.
The Chestnut Street Park, adopted by Davis Chapel through the Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks Department, is located in close proximity to the church and already serves as a gathering place for the community.
The church does their part to keep the park clean and to serve as goodwill ambassadors by engaging with community members who play basketball there, according to Turrentine.
After the celebration on Sunday, the church and all those willing to assist will be removing trash and debris from the area around the park, all the way down to John Street. Turrentine said that trash collected will be left in bags on the side of the road to be picked up by early next week.
To hear the interview with Charles Turrentine in its entirety, please click here. Turrentine’s interview begins at the 16:00 mark.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Worship-Without-Walls.png265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2019-01-16 16:59:132019-01-16 16:59:13‘Worship Without Walls’ to Bring Community Together to Celebrate MLK, Jr.
A “Parent University – Class of 2022” information session is planned for ninth graders and their parents at Vance County High School on Tuesday, January 22, 2019. The school is located at 925 Garrett Rd. in Henderson.
Students and parents may choose to attend a session at either 9:30 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. that day.
Valuable information including deciphering semester report cards, understanding high school transcripts and what to know for next semester’s registration will be shared. Students and parents should plan to attend!
Please contact Mr. Markoch with questions at (252) 739-7110 or email amarkoch@vcs.k12.nc.us.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Vance-County-High-School-Viper-Logo.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-01-16 16:58:402019-01-16 16:58:40VCHS to Hold Information Session for Freshmen & Their Parents
Due to the Federal Government Shutdown, lunch menus in Vance County Schools have been revised to a minimum level to conserve food and funding.
Starting the week of January 21, minimum level means: one main dish, bread, two vegetables, one fruit and milk.
No fresh produce will be included, except at elementary schools as part of the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program. This program will be decreased to two days each week.
No bottled drinks (water and juice) will be available after the current inventory in stock is used. No ice cream will be available.
The Vance County Schools Nutrition Program for students is self-supporting with federal funds providing meals.
We hope that normal lunch menus can be resumed as soon as possible once the shutdown has ended.
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 Staff2019-01-15 17:01:152019-01-15 17:01:15Govt. Shutdown Prompts Vance Co. Schools to Reduce Lunch Menu Offerings
-Information courtesy John W. Franks, Chief Advisor, Warren County Fire Explorers
The Warren County Fire Explorers are now accepting registrations for event sponsors and vendors for its 9th annual Warrenton County Junior Firefighter Competition to be held Saturday, April 27, 2019, at the Warren County Recreation Complex in Warrenton, North Carolina.
The Warren County Junior Firefighter Competition is North Carolina’s biggest junior firefighter competition which attracts hundreds of teenaged firefighters plus their parents, advisors, and supporters from as far away as Tennessee, West Virginia, Florida, and Texas. Last year eleven different North Carolina counties were represented in the competition. An appearance from Duke Life Flight’s medical helicopter and rope demonstrations by the REDS Team from Wake County made it another very enjoyable year as well!
New For 2019:
Bronze Sponsor Level – based on the feedback we received, we added another sponsorship level. We now have a Bronze Sponsor level at only $125 for businesses that have a desire to help the Warren County Fire Explorers but don’t want a lot of costly complimentary bonuses in return. The Bronze level sponsors (1) get their name & logo and link on the competition webpage; (2) their name & logo on the Sponsor/Vendor Flyer; (3) they may contribute to the team welcome bags; and (4) business is recognized at the Friday evening social and at the Saturday field competition for sponsoring the competition.
Competition Website – We have added the Warren County Junior Firefighter Competition to the Warren County Fire Explorer website (https://WarrenCoJrFireFighters.ScoutLander.com) where teams, sponsors, and vendors can get information and download forms. Sponsors receive their name, logo and link displayed on the website.
Sponsor/Vendor Flyer – Sponsors and vendors will have their name & logo printed on full-color flyers distributed to the teams and other solicitations.
Food Vendors – Again, based on the feedback we have received, all food vendors will be grouped together in or near the upper parking lot this year.
Click here to view the Sponsor & Vendor Registration Form for more details. Please note that the form and payment must be received prior to Friday, March 29, 2019, to ensure that banners, printings, shirts, etc., are ordered in time for the competition. If you have further questions, please contact Lisa Pitzing at Liss.Pitzing@gmail.com or (252) 213-3815.
NOTE: The Warren County Fire Explorers is a county-wide coed career education program for youth 14 to 20 years old. The purpose of the program is to expose youth to firefighting, EMS, and public safety at an early age and to prepare members for a career in emergency services.
The Warren County Junior Firefighter Competition is hosted annually by the Warren County Fire Explorers as its primary fundraiser for the year. Proceeds from this event go directly to the Explorer Post to cover operational costs and to pay for their training and educational needs.
