Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Vance County High School

VCHS to Hold Information Session for Freshmen & Their Parents

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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.

Govt. Shutdown Prompts Vance Co. Schools to Reduce Lunch Menu Offerings

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-Information courtesy the Vance County Schools’ Facebook page

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.

Registration Underway for 9th Annual Warrenton Junior Firefighter Competition

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-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.

NCDHHS

NCDHHS to Offer Free Residential Testing Kits in Honor of Radon Action Month

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-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)

As families button up their homes to guard against winter’s chill it is an ideal time to make plans to test for radon, the odorless, colorless gas that is our nation’s second leading cause of lung cancer. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon causes more than 21,000 deaths each year, making it the second most common cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States and the number one cause among non-smokers.

Because testing is the only way to know if your family is at risk from radon, Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed January as Radon Action Month in North Carolina, and beginning next week, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is making 3,600 residential radon testing kits available at no charge. The test kits will be available from local health departments and county extension offices in 32 counties with outreach efforts. Funds for the test kits were provided last fall through a grant from the EPA.

“Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas found in soil and rock that can seep through cracks in the foundations, walls and joints of homes,” said NC Radiation Protection Section Chief Lee Cox. ‘About 7 percent of North Carolina homes have unsafe levels of radon, based on data we’ve collected. That is why we urge testing of homes.”

Radon gas can accumulate and reach harmful levels when trapped in homes and buildings, as may occur during the home heating season, when warm air rises in homes, pulling air from the lower parts of the home where radon may enter. Elevated levels of indoor radon are a preventable and fixable problem with costs of mitigation to reduce the radon to safe levels ranging from $800 to approximately $2,500.

The NC Radon Program’s website offers links to certified professionals who can assist in testing or fixing radon issues in homes. Through mitigation, the naturally occurring radioactive gas is released harmlessly from under the home into outdoor air.

For those who are not in the counties where free test kits are available, homes still should be tested. The NC Radon Program web page has links to several retailers that sell kits, and they are also available in many hardware stores. Retail prices average below $20 per kit. The website also lists resources and a link to an instructive video, and provides information on its web page for families who may qualify for financial assistance to meet mitigation expenses.

For more information visit the NCDHHS’ radon website at ncradon.org.

Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks

Upcoming Winter/Spring Events at Aycock Rec. Center

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-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center

Hip Hop Water Aerobics is a fast-paced cardio workout in the water with low impact on your joints. The classes will be held on Wednesdays beginning February 6, 2019. The only requirement is that you must be able to touch the bottom of the 4 ft end of the pool. For more information, please contact Lauren Newlin at lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us or (252) 438-3160.

Slide N Glide is a program for participants that are interested in learning new and old line dances. This program is designed for participants to have fun while they exercise. For more information, please contact Lauren Newlin at lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us or (252) 438-3160.

2019 Egg Hunt – Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department’s Egg Hunt will be at two locations this year: Aycock Recreation Center and Davis Street Park on Saturday, April 6, 2019, from 10 a.m. until all eggs are gone! For more information, please contact Crystal Allen at 252.431.6091 or callen@ci.henderson.nc.us.

DWI Suspected in Wreck Involving Henderson Police Car, Two Other Vehicles

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At approximately 6:13 p.m. on Saturday, January 12, a Henderson Police Department vehicle and two other vehicles were struck at the intersection of Dabney Drive and Beckford Drive in Henderson.

According to Trooper J.A. Thomas with the NCSHP, a gray Ford driven by Mark Sizemore, age 48, of Oxford was headed northbound on Dabney Drive when he struck the three vehicles waiting to turn left onto Beckford Drive.

Sizemore was arrested under suspicion of DWI at the scene. His bond was set at $3,000.

The collision was investigated by the NCSHP. According to Trooper Thomas, no serious injuries were reported, though several occupants received treatment at nearby Maria Parham Health.

On Saturday, January 12, a Henderson Police Department vehicle and two other vehicles were struck at the intersection of Dabney Drive and Beckford Drive in Henderson. The driver that struck the vehicles, Mark Sizemore (48) of Oxford, was arrested under suspicion of DWI. (Photo Credit: HPD)

City of Henderson Logo

Breckenridge Pavilion Project Slowly, but Surely, Moving Ahead

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Among the agenda items for the City of Henderson’s Public Works Committee at their meeting this past Friday, January 11 was the proposed outdoor pavilion set to complete the area known as Breckenridge Commons.

Intended for live performances and more, the pavilion will sit on the open end of the block occupied by the Henderson Police Station – the end closer to Chestnut Street between Breckenridge and Montgomery streets.

City Councilman William Burnette serves on the Public Works Committee and gave WIZS News a synopsis of the meeting.

In regards to the progress made on the pavilion, Burnette responded, “We have the preliminary concept in place. We’ve talked to two different companies concerning the groundwork. So, hopefully, we can get this off the ground pretty quickly.”

According to Burnette, while the committee would like to see the project completed in the next two months, it will more likely be three to four months. Certain donated structures are not expected to be in place until the fall of this year.

The City has been taking its time on this project for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is working out of an abundance of caution given how permanent and important the final product will be.

The cost of the pavilion, to include repair and repaving of the nearby parking lot, will be approximately $200,000 according to Burnette.

The completed pavilion will be used during events such as the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce’s outdoor “Meet Me in the Street” series. Currently, the events require tractor trailers to block off streets and certain permits. Burnette believes the pavilion will make events such as these easier to plan and more accessible to the community.

Burnette is looking forward to seeing the completed project and is confident that citizens will enjoy the pavilion. “We need to get it off the ground so the citizens can enjoy it. I’m excited about it! I think it’s going to add to McGregor Hall. We’re not going to be in competition with them, but it should add to them.”

Vance Charter Now Accepting Applications for 2019/2020 School Year

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-Information courtesy the Vance Charter School Facebook page 

The Vance Charter School enrollment lottery application for the 2019/2020 school year will open on Monday, January 14 at 12:01 a.m. and close on February 15 at 11:59 p.m.

We will hold parent information sessions on January 29 at 6 p.m. and February 7 at 6 p.m. Both events will be held in the upper cafeteria.

The official enrollment lottery will take place on March 9 at 9 a.m. in the lower cafeteria at Vance Charter School. Please pass this information along to anyone you know who may be interested in becoming a student at Vance Charter School.

You may also contact Mrs. Christy Bunn, lottery committee chairperson if needed.

To apply one, go to www.vancecharter.org, click on Enroll, then click on Admissions FAQs to access the application. You must have an active email address to complete the application.

VCS is located at 2090 Ross Mill Rd. in Henderson.

Community Partners of Hope

Henderson Men’s Shelter Releases Jan. Volunteer/Donation Needs

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-Information courtesy Community Partners of Hope

For some, the Henderson Men’s Shelter is just a safe, warm place for a few nights until they can move on, but for others, our shelter has provided life-changing assistance which has allowed men to return to a productive life in the community!

We have some new members on our Board of Directors and we are really concentrating on a major fundraising effort so that we can move from a temporary, short term, overnight only program to a stronger ministry open to more men (and someday families).

We are just about halfway through the season, but with 12 weeks to go, we still have some holes in our schedule that need to be filled.  These are mostly for welcome shift supervisors and for meals.  Welcome is from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and you are with a trained manager, so you won’t be put on the spot to make tough decisions – just visit with and encourage our guests.

Please take a look at the Shelter Calendar (click here) to see if you as an individual or your church or organization can fill in the blanks for supervision and/or meals.

JANUARY VOLUNTEER NEEDS:

Welcome Shift:

January 18 – 19 (Friday and Saturday)

January 24  –  26 (Thursday – Saturday)

January 27 – 28 (Sunday and Monday)

January 30 – 31 (Wednesday and Thursday)

Lots more days in February and March – please check the calendar.

Overnight Shift:

We could use a few more men who are willing to take an overnight shift here and there as needed. Please call the shelter manager at (252) 820-0701 to volunteer.

SUPPLIES THAT NEEDED: 

Large bottles of hand sanitizer

Large refill bottles of hand soap

Cans of foot powder or Athletes Foot spray

Tall kitchen trash bags (13 Gallon Size)

Laundry detergent

7-ounce adjustable air fresheners

Pine-sol type cleaner – gallon containers

Toilet bowl cleaner – gel type

Soap – small sample size (or hotel supplies)

Instant Grits

Crackers & nabs

Cup of Noodles (with cup)

Coffee & creamer

Peanut butter & jelly

Four-pound bags of sugar

CLOTHING – NEW ONLY!* (take used clothing to thrift store please – see below)

*Please leave all underwear and socks in original packages

Men’s Undergarments (all sizes)

Waterproof men’s 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.

A NOTE ABOUT DONATIONS:

We depend on lots of donated clothing (NEW only) and supplies to keep the shelter running and our men warm and dry.    Sometimes we get donations that we cannot use and then several of us must go through them and “regift” them to other agencies. Please be sure to let your churches know what we do and DO NOT need this year. Also, it is much easier for us if items are donated in their original packaging instead of repackaged in sets.

All contributions are tax deductible.

You may send a check to:

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

Donations can be taken to:

First Baptist Church (9-5 Monday thru Thursday or 9-12 Friday)

First Presbyterian Church (10-1 Monday thru Thursday)

WIZS Radio Station

or call Betty Boyd (252) 432-3967 to arrange delivery

National Weather Service

Winter Storm System Expected to Affect Portions of Central NC

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-Information and weather charts courtesy Brian K. Short, Director of Emergency Operations, Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations and the National Weather Service

In case of a power outage, remember to tune in to WIZS Radio at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM with a regular radio.

Click here for the LATEST BRIEFING FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

You may report weather delays and cancellations by email to news@wizs.com or by text at 432-0774. Delays and cancellations will be posted on the WIZS Facebook page – click here – and announced on the air for this event.

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Forecast: Forecasted freezing rain amounts have increased while forecasted snow accumulations have been lowered.

Confidence: High confidence that the event will occur; moderate confidence regarding snow/ice amounts and impacts.

Timing: Wintry weather and its impacts are possible Saturday evening through Monday. The heaviest precipitation is expected to fall Saturday night through about mid-morning Sunday.

Amounts: Light snow accumulation is possible across the northern Piedmont and VA border counties with amounts ranging from a dusting to near an inch. Freezing rain (ice) accumulations are also possible mainly north and west of U.S. Route 1 with amounts ranging from a thin glaze to as much as two tenths (highest north of I-85 and the Triad area).

Impacts: Travel may be impacted by light snow and/or ice accumulations, particularly north and west of Interstate 85. It is possible that we may see some power outages with this event, but we do not believe they will be widespread.