Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Kerr Lake Country Club to Celebrate 55 Years With ‘Business After Hours’

-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

To celebrate their 55th anniversary, Kerr Lake County Club will host a “Business After Hours” event on Monday, April 29, 2019, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. All chamber members of Granville County and Vance County are invited to network, enjoy light refreshments, cold beverages and door prizes.

Please RSVP to Sandra at the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce by 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 25 – sandra@hendersonvance.org or 252-438-8414.

Westwood Church to Give Away Free Car Easter Sunday!

Phil Collins, senior pastor of Westwood Church in Henderson, was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the church’s upcoming free car giveaway planned for Easter Sunday.

Formerly known as Westwood Pentecostal Holiness, the church located at 621 US 158 Bypass in Henderson will be giving away a reconditioned 2005 Honda Civic and a $100 gas card to one attendee at the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, April 21, 2019.

Titling the service “God, I need a miracle,” Collins explained that the winner of the car will need to have a valid driver’s license, attend the morning worship service, complete a “connect” card with their name, phone number and address information and write down why they need a miracle.

“We want to keep the process of selecting a winner simple,” said Collins. “We will take up cards during the offering and put all cards in a basket. The church will pray over it and ask God to help us pull the most deserving card. I will then ask someone from the audience to come and pull a card and that person will be the winner.”

Collins said the idea of a car giveaway came to him after speaking with a waitress at a local restaurant.

“I found out that the young lady walks three miles to work every day. As I’ve been through the city and talked to different people, I’m amazed at the number of people who do not have transportation.”

In the spirit of the Easter season, Collins said, “God laid it on my heart, specifically, to provide someone who has a need of transportation. I said, ‘Lord, if this is real and I need to do this for the community, you’re going to have to provide a way.’ Lo and behold, someone who used to visit our church started visiting again, and they heard my heart and vision and said they wanted to donate a reconditioned car.”

Collins said he has faith that the “right person” will attend the Easter service and will receive the blessing of much-needed transportation.

“I really believe that the right person that needs to be blessed is going to show up. All they have to do is fill out the card so the church may stay in contact with them after the service and have faith. They just may be the recipient of a 2005 Honda Civic.”

Collins and the congregation also hope that members of the local community will attend Sunday’s service and possibly discover a new church home.

“We love people no matter who they are, what they’ve gone through, where they come from or what color they are; it really doesn’t matter. I’ve said in my ministry for years, ‘if you come to the church, we’re going to love you and you can’t do a thing about it.’ We’re going to love you in Jesus’ name.”

To hear the Town Talk interview with Pastor Phil Collins in its entirety, click here

VGCC Names 79 Students to Fall Semester President’s List

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 79 students earned President’s List academic honors for the fall 2018 semester.

The President’s List recognizes students who achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) while carrying a “full load” (at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses.

*WIZS will post the list of VGCC fall Dean’s List recipients on Friday, April 19.

Fall Semester President’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.

 

Accounting & Finance:

Alicia D. Hinton of Castalia;

Abigail S. Pruitt of Oxford.

 

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:

Christian A. Dockum and Ethan D. Hughes, both of Creedmoor.

 

Associate in Arts:

Austin M. Councilman of Creedmoor;

Joshua I. Horton of Franklinton;

Kaitlyn M. Harris, Dylan T. Jackson, Jadyn M. Jones, Josiah Jones and Caroline A. Nutt, all of Henderson;

Wesley T. Beach and Matthew D. Varker, both of Kittrell;

Pamela R. Campbell of Littleton;

Jacob N. Carver, Ker’Telian S. Fields and Calli S. Massey, all of Oxford;

Lily R. Averette of Rougemont;

Conner G. Bryant of Warrenton;

Taylor N. Wagaman of Youngsville.

 

Associate in General Education – General Science:

Victoria K. Swain of Durham;

Kyra E. Corrigan of Wake Forest.

 

Associate in Science:

Shadi M. Nagi of Henderson;

Rewees A. Ebrahim of Oxford;

Kayla M. Blue of Stem;

Heather L. Gwin and Heidy Labra-Franco, both of Warrenton;

Emily J. Bauer of Youngsville.

 

Automotive Systems Technology:

David D. Bragg of Franklinton;

Toby J. Bradsher, III, of Henderson;

Branden S. Lilley of Louisburg;

Cesar L. Vazquez of Oxford;

Xavier Durham of Warrenton.

 

Business Administration:

Charlene A. Kearney of Creedmoor;

Holly R. Buchanan of Henderson.

 

Cosmetology:

Kandace N. Rutter of Creedmoor;

Jennifer H. Bruner, Jamie L. Moody and Samantha B. Williamson, all of Franklinton;

MacKenzie D. Hutson, Chelsea L. Jones, Dasha S. Kearney and Skylar N. Mulhollen, all of Henderson;

Anna M. Wood of Louisburg;

Monet L. Faucett of Norlina;

Kathleen R. Feinman of Rolesville;

Samantha J. Tackema of Wake Forest;

Janice P. Shehata of Warrenton;

Kelley R. Oakley of Youngsville.

 

Criminal Justice:

Tanya Beal Smith of Butner;

Adrianna M. De Nuzzia of Creedmoor;

Alexis R. Lincoln of Franklinton;

Gricel Arroyo and Kimberly R. Smith, both of Louisburg;

Andrew L. Ayscue of Youngsville.

 

Culinary Arts:

Dominique A. Winters of Creedmoor;

Sonya K. Jackson of Franklinton.

 

Early Childhood Education:

Brittaniana M. Channell and Stephanie L. Griffin, both of Creedmoor;

Lakee’ D. Steed of Henderson;

Catherine A. Mendell of Oxford.

 

Histotechnology:

Melissa B. Anderson of Butner.

 

Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:

Allyson D. Dellea of Kittrell;

Kelly F. Yarborough of McLeansville;

Tiffiney Whitt of Roxboro.

 

Information Technology:

Douglas Boulia of Creedmoor;

Joseph T. Hedgepeth of Henderson;

Ebony Thomas of Kittrell;

Brandon Vestweber of Wake Forest.

 

Mechatronics Engineering Technology:

Herbert H. Davis of Henderson.

 

Medical Office Administration:

Kimberly C. Cagney of Creedmoor;

Kelsey B. Ivey of Henderson;

Danielle N. Enright and Elizabeth L. Wiggins, both of Louisburg.

 

Office Administration:

Mia N. Wireman of Creedmoor.

 

Practical Nursing:

Mary W. Wanjiku of Cary.

 

Radiography:

Kacie L. Gann of Durham.

 

Welding Technology:

Lacy E. Hidalgo-Gato of Franklinton;

Matthew K. Hamilton of Louisburg.

 

 

Reminder: Eichner to Perform at McGregor Hall Friday Evening

-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

A Part of the Classical and Chamber Performance Series

Pianist Solomon Eichner will be performing at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson on Friday, April 19, 2019, at 8 p.m.

Declared by the American Liszt Society as “A sensitive pianist, Solomon’s playing is poetic, beautiful and moving with deep feeling.” Equally at home with solo, chamber and concerto performances, American pianist Solomon Eichner has established himself as an exciting versatile artist known for his commanding interpretations of the romantic keyboard repertoire.

Solomon performed for the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in April 2018 alongside Cellist Amit Peled and Violinist Yevgeny Kutik at the Krakow Philharmonic Hall in addition to a solo recital at the Krakow Jewish Cultural Center.

Pianist Solomon Eichner will perform at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson on Friday, April 19, 2019, at 8 p.m. Eichner’s performance is part of McGregor Hall’s Classical and Chamber Performance Series. (Photo courtesy McGregor Hall)

Solomon debuted at Carnegie Hall in April 2016 after winning the “GoldenKey Debut” International Competition in New York City.

Solomon won 2nd prize in the 2016 Miami Music Festival’s Concerto Competition resulting in his Miami debut recital at the Steinway Piano Gallery Coral Gables.

Solomon participated in the 2017 Hastings International Piano Competition in England as well as the Virginia Waring International Piano Competition in Palm Springs, California.

Solomon won 2nd prize at the 2013 Liszt-Garrison International Piano Competition and 2nd prize and Chinese Award in the 2013 International Young Artists Competition at Catholic University in D.C.

Originally from Baltimore, Solomon studied privately in Maryland with Irene Kreymer, Reynaldo Reyes and Virginia Reinecke. Solomon graduated with his Bachelor of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music having studied with Arkady Aronov and Master of Music degree from the Peabody Conservatory studying with Alexander Shtarkman. Solomon received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of South Carolina in May 2017. He held a position as staff accompanist with a full scholarship. Solomon studied with Dr. Marina Lomazov and Dr. Joseph Rackers. Solomon’s dissertation is on the Jewish Soviet repressed pianist/composer Samuil Feinberg.

Solomon and his wife Becky recently relocated to Raleigh where he is on staff at Campbell University.

Website: www.solomoneichnerpianist.com

** Originally, this concert was to feature Pianist Gregory Knight, but due to unforeseen circumstances, Mr. Knight will be unable to perform.**

Tickets may be purchased by:

DROP IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

NC Dept of Agriculture

Troxler Encourages Horse Owners to Vaccinate Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases

-Press Release, NCDA&CS

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is encouraging horse owners to have their animals vaccinated against Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis and West Nile Virus.

“April until November is prime mosquito-breeding season in North Carolina and when horses are at risk if not properly vaccinated,” Troxler said. “EEE is fatal 90 percent of the time in horses and WNV has a fatality rate of 30 percent. Both diseases are preventable by vaccination.”

Last year, North Carolina saw its first case of EEE in July. There were seven recorded cases of EEE and five cases of WNV in horses in North Carolina in 2018, but the mild winter could cause that number to go up this year, State Veterinarian Doug Meckes said. Meckes recommends that equine owners talk to their veterinarians about an effective vaccination protocol to protect horses from mosquito-borne diseases. The combination vaccination initially requires multiple injections for horses, mules and donkeys that have no prior vaccination history.

Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts for more than four days, so removing any source of standing water can reduce the chance of exposing animals to WNV or EEE. Keeping horses in stalls at night, using insect screens and fans and turning off lights after dusk can also help reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Insect repellants can be effective if used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Symptoms of EEE include impaired vision, aimless wandering, head pressing, circling, inability to swallow, irregular staggering gait, paralysis, convulsions and death. Once a horse has been bitten by an infected mosquito, it may take three to 10 days for symptoms to appear.

Symptoms of WNV include fever, weakness or paralysis of hind limbs, impaired vision, head pressing, seizures and aimless wandering.

“If your horses or other equine animals exhibit any symptoms of EEE or WNV, contact your veterinarian immediately,” Meckes said.

People, horses and birds can become infected from a bite by a mosquito carrying the diseases, but there is no evidence that horses can transmit the viruses to other horses, birds or people through direct contact.

“It’s also a great time to make sure your animal is current on its rabies vaccination,” Troxler said. “In North Carolina, we see about five cases of rabies in livestock each year. Horses are naturally curious animals, which puts them at risk for a bite if a rabid animal gets through their fence line.”

NC Coop Extension

‘Community Voices’ Kick-Off Session Draws Interest; Next Meeting April 30

Turner Pride, County Extension Director with Vance County Cooperative Extension, was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the revival of the center’s “Community Voices” program.

The community-based program, sponsored by Vance County Cooperative Extension and N.C. A&T State University, helps citizens tackle community issues while developing effective leadership skills.

“Community Voices provides citizens with a free, actionable and self-directed training program,” said Pride. “It is a way to gather individuals, some who may not already be in a leadership position or involved in civic organizations, to talk about issues in their community and develop action plans.”

During a public kick-off session at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market on April 9, an estimated 25-30 interested community members heard from Coop. staff, public officials, business owners and members of the most recent “Community Voices” group – the class of 2016.

“Individuals from the 2016 group spoke and gave testimonials of their experiences and successes with the program,” Pride said.

According to Pride, the 2016 class made great strides in their four chosen areas of focus – healthcare, jobs, education and housing in Vance County.

“This year’s group can decide to continue work in these four areas or they can decide to embark on a different path. We [Coop. staff] are here to act as facilitators and provide the support and the tools for the community to accomplish what they want to accomplish,” explained Pride.

Pride reported that while the initial meeting for 2019 was more of a general interest session, issues surrounding healthcare and housing were discussed, and could possibly become topics the new group decides to tackle.

“At last week’s meeting, the discussion on healthcare focused on health disparities in our community and the prevalence of chronic disease and illness,” Pride stated. “Healthcare issues discussed by previous groups have included the community’s access to insurance, doctors, healthy eating habits, access to fresh foods and health education.”

Pride said he is looking forward to seeing the direction this year’s group will take and hopes that all community members, including local youth, will get involved.

“Youth ages 16 and up that are interested in the direction and future of the community and want to see and be a part of something bigger than themselves are invited to come out as well. We know the youth often see through a different lens than we do, so it would be good to hear their voices.”

The next session of “Community Voices” will be held at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market – 210 Southpark Dr., in Henderson (off Beckford Drive) – Tuesday, April 30, 2019, from 6 to 8 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. All are welcome; attendance at the first meeting is not required for participation in the April 30 meeting.

With questions concerning the program, please contact Pride at (252) 438-8188 or email turner_pride@ncsu.edu.

To hear the Town Talk interview with Turner Pride in its entirety, click here.

Kerr Lake Set for T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League Tournament

-Press Release, Fishing League Worldwide

WHAT:
The FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) tournament season will continue Saturday, April 27, 2019, with a T-H Marine FLW BFL North Carolina Division tournament on Kerr Lake. Up to 400 boaters and co-anglers will be competing for top awards of up to $8,000 and $3,000 respectively in the one-day tournament.

WHEN:
Saturday, April 27, 2019
Takeoff: 6:30 a.m. EDT. Weigh-In: 3 p.m.

Nutbush North
115 Jack Wade Farm Road
Henderson, N.C.
Hosted by the Vance County Tourism Development Authority

NOTES:
Kerr Lake is expected to host another excellent day of bass fishing for anglers competing in this late-April BFL tournament. A variety of patterns will likely be seen. This past weekend, fishing isolated buck bushes in the backs of spawning pockets with a shakey-head rig, and a buzzbait produced the winning limit for BFL boater Keith Joyce. Working along wind-blown points with a jig, and fishing flats with a crankbait have also produced quality bites in past BFL events held on the lake this time of year.

A five-bass limit nearing 20 pounds should be enough to take top honors at this BFL North Carolina Division derby.

The 2019 BFL is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they will compete to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.

The 2019 BFL All-American will be held May 30 – June 1 at the Potomac River in Marbury, Maryland, and is hosted by the Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism and the Commissioners of Charles County. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.

For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League on FLW’s social media outlets:  FacebookTwitterInstagram, and YouTube.

City of Henderson Logo

City of Henderson Announces Recent Untreated Wastewater Discharges

-Press Release, City of Henderson

Notification of Discharge of Untreated Wastewater

General Statute 143-215.1C requires that the owner or operator of any wastewater collection or treatment works to issue a Public Notice when untreated wastewater discharge of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface waters.

The City of Henderson experienced heavy rainfall on April 13, 2019, and had a discharge of untreated wastewater. The discharge was an estimated 21,600 gallons at the Sandy Creek Pump Station, located at 482 Rock Mill Road, and was discharged into Sandy Creek, a part of the Tar Pamlico River Basin.

Two other spills occurred at Neathery Street (12,000 gallons) and Rockspring Street (6,000 gallons), which also are a part of the Tar Pamlico River Basin. The City continues to work on ways to increase pumping capacity at the Sandy Creek Pump Station as well as reducing Infiltration/Inflow of the sanitary sewer system.

The Division of Water Resources was notified of the event on April 13, 2019, and is reviewing the matter.

For more information contact the City of Henderson Water Reclamation Facility at (252) 431-6080 or Joey Long, ORC at (252) 431-6030.

Altec Industries Sponsors VGCC Golf Tournament’s Afternoon Round

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Altec Industries of Creedmoor recently made a contribution to the Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund to serve as the afternoon round sponsor for the upcoming 35th Annual Endowment Fund Golf Tournament.

The company is a longtime supporter of the golf tournament and partners with VGCC training programs related to advanced manufacturing, including Welding and Mechatronics Engineering Technology.

Altec is a leading provider of products and services to the electric utility, telecommunications, tree care, lights and signs, and contractor markets.

The Golf Tournament is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at the Henderson Country Club, and is among a series of events celebrating the community college’s 50th anniversary. Businesses and individuals can still take advantage of sponsorship opportunities at various levels. For golfers, the afternoon round is sold out, but there are openings to play in the morning round.

For more information, contact Kay Currin at currink@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3409.

Pictured, from left, are Altec Human Resources Manager Jeff Tingen and Patrick Wooten, General Manager for the Creedmoor location, symbolically presenting the sponsorship donation to VGCC Endowment Director Eddie Ferguson. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

State Highway Patrol Concludes ‘Operation Drive To Live’

-Press Release, North Carolina Dept. of Public Safety

The State Highway Patrol has concluded a week-long campaign held annually each year to combat fatal collisions involving teen drivers. During the week of April 8 through April 12, troopers participated in Operation Drive to Live, placing emphasis on education and enforcement across the state.

Troopers were out in full force monitoring driver behavior in and around school zones while offering educational programs to local high schools. The operation is conducted in proximity to spring break and prom season, in hopes teen drivers will gain an understanding of the dangers associated with driving.

In 2018, the Highway Patrol investigated over 55,261 motor vehicle collisions involving drivers and passengers who were between the ages of 15 – 19. Of those collisions, 10,287 injuries were reported and 94 resulted in one or more fatalities.

This year, SHP performed 179 traffic safety presentations and patrolled 540 school zones throughout the week. The following statistics also reflect the efforts of SHP during the campaign.

Speeding 3,973
License Violations 1,248
Seatbelt Violations 1,180
Child Seat Violations 127
DWI Under 21 34
Warnings 1,535

While the operation has concluded, the efforts of reducing teenage driver collisions will continue throughout the year.

For stats related to a specific county, please contact your local SHP office. A contact list can be obtained by visiting the following link: https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/law-enforcement/state-highway-patrol/troop-offices