Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Cardinal Innovations Healthcare

‘Drugs Uncovered’ Event to Include Sessions for Parents & Youth

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-Information courtesy Gina DeMent, Community Engagement, Cardinal Innovations Healthcare

“Drugs Uncovered: What Parents Need to Know” is an interactive program that targets parents of upper elementary, middle school and high school students. This is the second in a series on substance use in our communities hosted by Cardinal Innovations.

There will be two different presentations from 6 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 17 at the VGCC Civic Center in Henderson. One session will be for youth in 6th – 8th grade and the other session will be for adults. Refreshments will be available.

Adult Session – Drugs Uncovered: What Parents Need to Know

Drugs Uncovered introduces parents to the current trends regarding alcohol, tobacco and other drugs; health risks associated with adolescent use/abuse; the North Carolina alcohol laws and parental responsibility; and techniques for open communication and dialog with adolescents.

Youth Session – For the Health of It!

Grade Level: 6th – 8th

Students will discover how using drugs and alcohol can damage their brains and bodies. This class is centered around interactive activities that focus on “showing and not telling” kids how their brains are affected by alcohol and drug (inhalants, marijuana) use. Real life scenarios are used to help students analyze how a “drugged” brain affects their actions and decision-making skills. Students will also engage in role-play, reinforcing refusal skills.

Attending the event is free of charge. Please RSVP by Thursday, January 10 by clicking here.

Questions? Please call Mary Pearce at (252) 430-1330 or email mary.pearce@cardinalinnovations.org.

West End Baptist

West End Community Watch Will Hear From Mako Labs at Jan. Meeting

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-Information courtesy Claire Catherwood, West End Community Watch

West End Community Watch will meet on Tuesday, January 15, at 6:30 p.m. at West End Baptist Church in Henderson.

The speaker will be Grant Fitzgerald who is with Mako Laboratories of Henderson. Law enforcement will be present to hear concerns from the floor and report recent criminal activities. Please plan to attend.

All are welcome, regardless of area of residence.

Contaminant Levels Above Standard Detected in Local Drinking Water

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NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

Important information about your drinking water:

Henderson-Kerr Lake Regional Water has levels of Total Trihalomethanes ABOVE DRINKING WATER STANDARDS.

Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this incident was not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do and what we did (are doing) to correct this situation.

We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. Monitoring results for water samples collected during the time period ending September 30, 2018, show that the contaminant concentration from one or more sampling locations in our water system exceeds the standard, or maximum, contaminant level (MCL) for Total Trihalomethanes. The standard for Total Trihalomethanes is 0.080 mg/L. Over the referenced compliance period, the sample location with the highest average level of Total Trihalomethanes had a concentration of 0.105 mg/L.

What Should I Do?

  • There is nothing you need to do. You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. If a situation arises where the water is no longer safe to drink, you will be notified within 24 hours.
  • If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant or are elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers about drinking this water.

What Does This Mean?

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours. However, some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

What Is Being Done?

Henderson-Kerr Lake Regional Water is evaluating our distribution system in order to lower our test results. We anticipate resolving the problem within three months.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools and businesses).

For more information, please contact:

Clarissa Lipscomb, Director – Henderson-Kerr Lake Regional Water, (252) 438-2141

280 Regional Water Lane – Henderson, NC 27536

 

Vance County Logo

Report Personal Property, Improvements to Real Property by Jan. 31

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List Your Personal Property & Changes To Your Real Estate – Jan. 1, 2019 – Jan. 31, 2019

The Vance County Board of Commissioners has adopted a Permanent Listing System for all real property, BUT NOT PERSONAL PROPERTY.

  1. Real property owners are no longer required to list their real property with the Tax Administrator each January, however, property owners must continue during January to report any improvements or changes to real property since the last listing period. Failure to report improvements or changes since the last listing period requires a late list penalty per N.C. General Statutes 105-308.
  2. All taxable personal property, except tagged motor vehicles and tagged trailers, is still required to be listed as before and is also still subject to a late list penalty.
  3. You must continue to list individual personal property. Listing forms will be mailed to all individuals who listed previously: (a) mobile homes, (b) untagged/unregistered motor vehicles, (c) boats, (d) boat motors, (e) airplanes, and (f) improvements or changes to the real property.
  4. You must continue to list business personal property (down to the last 15x20x1 air filters you have on your property). Special forms will be mailed to all known businesses. If you own a business and do not receive a form, you may obtain a form by visiting the Tax Office, 122 Young St., Suite E., Henderson, NC 27536. Business personal property listings are subject to an audit.
  5. Anyone not receiving a listing form that has personal property to list or changes in real property may obtain a form by calling 252-738-2040. Forms are available within the Tax Office located at 122 Young St., Suite E., Henderson, NC 27536 or at www.vancecounty.org.
  6. FAILURE TO LIST PERSONAL PROPERTY AND REPORT IMPROVEMENTS OR CHANGES TO THE REAL PROPERTY WILL RESULT IN A 10% PENALTY.
  7. PLEASE MAKE SURE THE TAX OFFICE HAS YOUR E-911 ADDRESS. Failure to receive a tax bill due to bad addresses does not eliminate the tax lien.

PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR ELDERLY AND PERMANENTLY DISABLED PERSONS

  1. ELDERLY OR DISABLED EXCLUSION (G.S. 105-277.1): This program excludes the greater of the first $25,000 or 50% of the appraisal value of the permanent residence of a qualifying owner. A qualifying owner must be either 65 years of age by January 1, 2018, or be totally and permanently disabled. The owner cannot have a gross income for the previous year that exceeds the income eligibility limit for the current year, which for the 2018 tax year is $30,200.
  2.  DISABLED VETERAN EXCLUSION (G.S. 105-277.1C): This program excludes up to the first $45,000 of the appraised value of the permanent residence if an honorable discharge veteran who has a total and permanent disability that is service-connected or who receives benefits for specially adapted housing under 38 U.S.C. 2101. There is no age or income limitation for this program. This benefit is also available to the unmarried surviving spouse of an honorably discharged veteran.
  3. CIRCUIT BREAKER TAX DEFERMENT PROGRAM (G.S. 105-277.1B): Under this program taxes for each year are limited to a percentage of the qualifying owner’s income. A qualifying owner must either be at least 65 years of age or be totally and permanently disabled. For an owner whose income amount for the previous year does not exceed the income eligibility limit for the current year, which for the 2018 tax year is $30,200, the owner’s taxes will be limited to four percent (4%) of the owner’s income. For an owner whose income exceeds the income eligibility limit ($30,200) but does not exceed 150% of the income eligibility limit, which for the 2019 tax year is $45,300, the owner’s taxes will be limited to five percent (5%) of the owner’s income.

Citizens who may apply for the property tax relief programs may acquire forms by visiting the Tax Office at 122 Young St., Suite E. or by calling 252-738-2040. Applications are required to be returned to the Tax Assessor no later than June 3, 2019.

AGRICULTURAL, HORTICULTURAL, AND FOREST LAND-APPLICATION FOR TAXATION AT PRESENT USE VALUE G.S. 105.277.4

If your land was in the farm deferment program in 2018 and your acreage has changed, you must reapply during January 2019 or within 30 days of the date on the “Notice of Change of Value” to remain in the program and avoid the roll back payment of deferred taxes. If you acquired land in 2018 that was in the farm deferment program, you must make application for this land in your name within 60 days of acquisition if you wish to have this land considered for farm deferment. New farm deferment applications must be filed by January 31, 2019.

Porcha D. Brooks, Vance County Tax Administrator

 

Triangle Literacy Council Brings YouthBuild Model to Young Adults in Henderson

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-Press Release, Triangle Literacy Council

Today the Triangle Literacy Council (TLC) announced the second phase of their Regional Construction and Skills Trades Career Pathway for young adults, ages 16 to 24, in Henderson, NC. The 24-week-long program, called Henderson YouthBuild, offers three integrated components to area young adults: high school equivalency preparation, occupational training, and construction work-based learning.

Henderson YouthBuild aims to build a productive future for young men and women who have dropped out of school or have other barriers to employment. The program will blend academic and occupational course content along with leadership and life skills training, as well as follow-up support to young adults in Henderson. Participants are able to earn up to $50 a week for program attendance and $10 per hour wages for the work-based learning portion of training. Upon completion of the program, participants will have earned a nationally-recognized construction certificate, along with OSHA Certification and work experience, and be given the opportunity to find gainful employment, significantly improving their futures.

TLC currently operates the Bull City YouthBuild program in Durham, NC, providing job training and educational opportunities for at-risk young adults in the inner-city. TLC is excited to provide this same service model for the Vance County region which will inject positive and productive energy into the lives of young adults.

“We are so excited to bring the nationally recognized YouthBuild brand to Henderson, North Carolina. The YouthBuild model opens up new funding opportunities for our Henderson programming and will allow us to take the next step in providing job training skills and employment opportunities for Henderson young adults,” said Laura Walters, President and CEO of the Triangle Literacy Council. “As we establish our program in Vance County, we will be creating new partnerships with existing programs which will better enhance the community.”

Henderson Youthbuild is funded in part by the Kerr-Tar Workforce Development Board and other funding opportunities on a national, regional and local level are being sought. The program is currently enrolling students in its second cohort. Interested participants should contact Roberta Freeman, Henderson YouthBuild Program Manager by phone at 252-204-2967 or via email at rfreeman@triangleliteracy.org, immediately for more information.

WIZS Note:

Freeman, who was on WIZS’ Town Talk program Wednesday, explained that the Triangle Literacy Council has been a part of a juvenile literacy program that has been in Vance County schools for two years now. “After careful consideration, and looking at the success of our YouthBuild program in the Durham area, the decision was made to bring the YouthBuild program to Vance County as well.”

While attending a four-year college or university is still a viable path to a successful career for many, Freeman said YouthBuild will allow local young people the chance to obtain their GED and “pick up a trade skill so they can further themselves in life.”

To hear today’s Town Talk interview with Freeman in its entirety, click here.

 

H-V Chamber Logo

Reminder: Application Deadline Quickly Approaching for Leadership-Vance 2019

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-Information courtesy Sandra Wilkerson, Director of Admin and Events, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

It’s time to apply for Leadership Vance 2019! If you haven’t been through the Chamber’s Leadership-Vance program, you don’t want to miss the 2019 session.

Leadership Vance is a proven, structured program, designed to create a corps of informed and dedicated emerging leaders in our community. Upon graduation, program participants will be qualified to meet the present and future challenges facing Henderson and Vance County.

Leadership Vance will inform, challenge and educate participants on the opportunities and needs of the community. Participants will strengthen their leadership skills while learning about the social, economic, and political dynamics that shape our community.

Leadership Vance will encourage the development of interpersonal relationships among the participants and establish an ongoing resource network.

The intensive training and exposure to all aspects of the community will provide participants with the historical background and the skills necessary for volunteer civic and community positions. It will also benefit participants in their business and career goals.

Individuals who live or work in Vance County are invited to apply. A maximum of 25 participants will be chosen by the Leadership Vance Selection Committee and will be selected to represent all backgrounds, occupations and geographic areas of Vance County.

To receive maximum benefit from Leadership Vance, it is essential that participants and their employers be willing to commit the time necessary for successful completion of the program. A participant is expected to attend all sessions, barring extreme emergencies. A maximum of two excused absences are permitted in order to graduate from the Leadership Vance program. All participants are expected to plan and participate as a team in a community service project.

Program cost is $350 for Chamber members and $425 for non-Chamber members. The tuition fee includes all course materials, meals, retreat expenses, travel, graduation banquet and diploma.

All participants should submit a completed application to the Chamber office no later than Monday, January 7, 2019. Notifications will be made by Friday, January 18, 2019.

For more information, contact Sandra Wilkerson at (252) 438-8414 or by email at sandra@hendersonvance.org.

Overby Recognized as Rebuilding Hope’s First Outstanding Volunteer of the New Year

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-Information courtesy Rebuilding Hope, Inc. 

In over a decade of volunteering at Rebuilding Hope, Bill Overby has found a story behind each project.

“Over the years I have been involved in roofing jobs, steps and railings, floor repairs, and probably 50 or 60 ramps,” says the retired engineer. “I have come to realize that there is a story behind each one of these projects – often difficult and heart-rending stories.

“Understanding that helps remind me to reassure those we assist that Jesus loves them and is present even during their most difficult times.”

Bill began his service to the ministry when RHI coordinator Randolph Wilson spoke to the Baptist Men at West End Baptist Church (WEBC), where he was then a member. Soon after, a lady in the church needed a ramp.

Bill Overby named Rebuilding Hope’s January 2019 Volunteer of the Month. (Photo Credit: RHI)

“I called Randolph to get some direction about design, permitting and construction requirements,” he says. “After that initial experience, I supervised and hosted the WEBC youth for a DNow (Disciple Now) project and the rest is history.”

That history for Bill, a native and resident of Warren County, includes leading teams from various churches in projects, coordinating through assessment and construction of RHI efforts for Warren County and serving on the RHI board of directors.

“Initially, after retirement, I wanted some way to serve that would utilize my professional experience and training while affording opportunities for Christian fellowship and witness to the communities we serve.

“After hearing Randolph’s vision for sharing Christ while working to solve people’s physical needs, I realized God’s perfect timing and preparation for my retirement,” Bill says.

Because his mother was in a wheelchair for the last 15 years of her life, Bill says he had an up-close look at the difficulties that people with mobility problems encounter in their lives every day.

“I think that has given me a special desire to assist with those kinds of projects,” he says.

Special experiences for Bill include helping an amputee who couldn’t leave rehab because he couldn’t get in or out of his home; a 15-year-old who needed a ramp before he could get a wheelchair; an aged dialysis patient who had to navigate steps to go to her appointments; and an amputee on dialysis who lived alone and navigated chest-high steps at his home to get to therapy three times a week.

Bill encourages others to volunteer, “When we make ourselves available, the Lord will give us the abilities we need.”

A member of Enterprise Baptist Church in Littleton, he is director of the church’s Baptist Men’s ministry.

Bill and wife Linda have been married for 55 years and have one son.

In his leisure time, Bill volunteers for RHI and church projects and occasionally shows a 1965 Shelby Cobra that he built.

Vance County Logo

Commissioner Hester Calls for New Study in Vance Co. Fire Redistricting Plan

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In response to a fire redistricting plan that includes switching the Vance County Fire Department and the Golden Belt Fire District to a volunteer company, no longer employing a fire chief in the county and moving existing paid staff to work at volunteer departments during the day, County Commissioner Tommy Hester told WIZS News by phone that he has major concerns.

“I don’t think it’s enough of a plan,” Hester said. “I feel you need a fire chief; the way it was proposed, it seems like they want to do away with the fire chief. That’s not a position they need to be doing away with. You need a leadership position. I’ve never heard of not having a fire chief.”

Another concern is the age of the study being quoted. “The study was done 10 years ago in 2008. Ten years ago versus where we are today is entirely different. I feel we need a professional from outside the county to give us their input,” said Hester.

Yet another concern, according to Hester, is that other locations around the state are doing the opposite of what’s currently being proposed in Vance County. Instead of focusing on volunteer efforts, other areas are increasing paid positions in an acknowledgment of the difficulty in recruiting unpaid staff.

Hester emphasized that a lot of hard work has been put into the present plan by the leadership in Vance County, but said he feels more information and research is needed. “I don’t want us moving in the wrong direction not having looked at all of the alternatives.”

It is unknown at this time how much hiring an outside consultant and conducting a study would cost, but Hester essentially makes the point that the price would be worth the knowledge obtained. “The bottom line is the more information you have, the better decision you can make.”

The Vance County Board of Commissioners’ next meeting will be held on Monday, January 7, 2019, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 122 Young Street, Henderson.

YMCA

Bench Press Fundraiser for Raegan Owen, Local Girl Battling Cancer

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-Information courtesy Harry Orr, Brick Power Team

A bench press contest fundraiser will be held for Raegan (Rae Rae) Owen, a local 10-year-old girl battling cancer, at the Henderson YMCA on Saturday, February 16, 2019. The meet starts at 12 p.m.; weigh-ins from 8:30 to 11 a.m.

$5 door charge for those over age 12. Entry fee is $40 for adults; $30 for teens. Trophies will be awarded for first and second place.

For more information, please email Harry Orr at horr2553@yahoo.com or call (252) 432-4196 and leave a message. All sponsors and volunteers are welcome!

Vance County Sheriff's Office

Foot Chase Breaks Outs When Suspect Flees Vance Co. Magistrate’s Office

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WIZS News was sending out a Facebook Live video this afternoon about record rainfall in the local area when suddenly part of a local law enforcement foot chase unfolded in front of the camera. WIZS staff witnessed at least two deputies pursuing the suspect on foot with their guns drawn.

According to an eyewitness, who was standing outside the Vance County Magistrate Office, a man fled the Magistrate’s Office on foot at about 3:10 p.m. on Friday, December 28.  According to the eyewitness, the suspect put himself into the position of nearly being struck by a Henderson Police Department vehicle while he was fleeing across Chestnut Street.

The eyewitness’ description of the suspect turned out to be spot on. WIZS News chose not to show the suspect on video as he was being returned to the Magistrate’s Office a short time later. He was, however, in plain view and easily seen.

Before 3:20 p.m. on Friday, the suspect was taken back into the Magistrate’s Office, meaning his flight, the pursuit and his capture and return all happened in less than 10 minutes of elapsed time. As it was, a uniformed person with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office was seen bringing the suspect into the Magistrate’s Office.

Shortly after the incident, Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame confirmed that the suspect was Orrie Williams who was being brought in to the Magistrate’s Office by his bail bondsman to review his bond. Upon hearing that his bond was set at $40,000, Williams fled the scene.

Williams was originally brought in for failure to appear on two outstanding warrants for arrest, including charges of Driving While Impaired, Breaking and Entering and Felony Larceny After Breaking and Entering.

Brame told WIZS News by phone that he was pleased with the “quick response and a good job by the deputies of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office.”