Tag Archive for: #wizsnews

TownTalk: ‘Tis The Season For Scams

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With Christmas just a few weeks away, folks are getting into that hustle-and-bustle mode as they try to take care of all the things that make the holidays special – including choosing the perfect gifts for family and friends.

There’s always more to do than time to do it, and an attorney for the Federal Trade Commission has some advice for anyone who feels frazzled and pushed for time: Give yourself time to know who you’re dealing with, whether you’re shopping online or taking a call from someone who claims to be a family member in need.

Ken Abbe, and FTC attorney in the Western Region of the U.S., was a guest on Tuesday’s segment of TownTalk.

“Everybody’s busy getting things done,” Abbe said, which makes this time of year prime time for scammers.

As Abbe pointed out, this is the time of year that people want to be as generous as possible – “it’s the perfect environment to get you – when you’re vulnerable,” Abbe said.

Abbe said it’s important for online shoppers to use a credit card or other type of payment that can be reversed or disputed if a suspicious or unauthorized payment is made. He does not recommend using debit cards, gift cards or wire transfers because, once spent, “that money is probably gone forever. Avoid things you can’t reverse to make a payment.”

It’s not just bogus online commerce sites that people fall for, Abbe said.

Chances are you know someone who’s gotten “that” phone call: a grandchild or family member who’s been in a car crash, or been arrested, or has fallen ill and needs money to get out of the situation.

“There are always things to do to make sure the person is (really) who you’re talking to,” Abbe said. “Scammers are clever,” he added and can quickly dupe unsuspecting victims into forking over lots of money.

Abbe encourages individuals to visit www.ftc.gov to learn about scammers and to file complaints.

“We collect complaints from all over the country from people who have been victims of scams. They are our eyes and ears,” Abbe said. “We can’t stop companies from ripping people off if we don’t know about it.”

And while there are very sophisticated schemes that operate online and take advantage of vulnerable, well-meaning individuals, there’s one time-tested adage to keep in mind: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

 

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The Local Skinny! Local Filing Period Now Open

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The filing period is now open for the 2024 elections. Vance County voters will elect four members of the county commissioners and four members of the board of education.

So far, neither incumbents nor challengers have filed. The filing period opened Monday, Dec. 4 at 12 noon and will close on Friday, Dec. 15 at 12 noon, according to Vance County Board of Elections Director Jennifer Cocklin.

County commissioners in districts 1,2,5 and 6 will be elected. Carolyn Faines holds the District 1 seat, Archie Taylor holds the District 2 seat, Leo Kelly is in District 5 and Yolanda Feimster is the District 6 commissioner.

Kelly filed on Tuesday, Dec. 5 for the District 5 seat.

Candidates for county commissioner will pay a $138.59 filing fee, payable by check, and must present a valid photo ID, live in the district they wish to file for and be 21 years old by Election Day. Primary Elections will be held on March 5 and the general election is slated for Nov, 5, 2024.

Candidates for school board will pay a $72 filing fee. Seats in Districts 1,3,4 and 5 will be up for election.

Cocklin clarified that any filing fee more than $50 must be paid by check.

Currently, Gloria White represents District 1, Dorothy Gooch represents District 3, Ed Wilson represents District 4 and Linda Cobb represents District 5.

Additional information can be found on the Vance County Board of Elections website:  https://www.vancecounty.org/departments/board-of-elections/upcoming-candidate-filing-information/.

 

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Cooperative Extension With Wayne Rowland: Mites

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Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

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TownTalk: Fire Safety Tips For Your Home

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Batalion Chief Lee Edmonds with the Henderson Fire Department reminds residents of several safety measures to preserve property and protect lives as December ushers in colder weather.

Anyone who uses a portable space heater as a supplemental heat source should make sure that it is positioned at least 3 feet from things like furniture and curtains – anything that could catch fire, Edmonds said on Monday’s TownTalk.

And, he said, any electric heater should be plugged directly into a wall outlet – please don’t use a drop cord.

“Power strips are a whole lot better to use – if you have to,” Edmonds said, adding that drop cords are for temporary use and not for a permanent use for any appliance, lamp, television or other items in the home.

If your home has a working fireplace, it’s a good idea to clean the chimney a couple of times a year and inspect it to make sure it’s structurally sound.

Place a fire screen in front of the fireplace to reduce the likelihood that ashes will pop. Even if you’re using decorative or gas logs, it’s a good idea to place a screen in front to protect children and pets from getting too close to the heat source.

The fire department is just a phone call away if you need to have your smoke detector or carbon monoxide monitor checked. Edmonds said the department is installing smoke detectors that have a 10-year life span. There are no batteries to replace – when it chirps, simply dispose of it and replace the whole unit, he said.

Contact the fire department to make an appointment at 252.430.1877 and leave a voicemail if necessary.

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The Local Skinny! Christmas Pop Up Shop To Support Domestic Violence Victims

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A local nonprofit organization that assists victims of domestic violence and sexual assault is sponsoring a Christmas Bazaar on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Kearah’s Place, located at 946 W. Andrews Ave., Suite O, is hosting the pop-up fundraiser which includes pictures with Santa, a silent auction and a number of vendors.

More than 1,000 have been helped over the past 10 years at Kearah’s Place, said Jasmine Bryant, executive director.

Kearah’s Place, online at www.kearahsplace.org, partners with numerous local agencies to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault as they work through difficult times and strive to become self-sufficient.

“We want to support people in need…and empower people to grow better instead of bitter,” Bryant said on Monday’s segment of The Local Skinny! In addition to providing transitional housing, Kearah’s Place provides a range of victim advocacy services, as well as job skills workshops and more to help individuals get back on their feet, Bryant said. Call the office at 252.598.2025 to find out how Kearah’s Place can help.

Interested in becoming a vendor? There’s still time and space, said administrative assistant Courtney Anthony. “We have room for plenty more – the more the merrier,” Anthony said.

Contact Anthony at 252.204.8079 to learn more or email her at Canthony.kearahsplace@gmail.com.

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Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Christmas Trees

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Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

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SportsTalk: Area Schools Getting Winter Sports Underway

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Area schools are now getting winter sports underway.  At Vance Charter School basketball has just started, according to athletic director Lance Stallings.  They’ve only played two games this year including Wednesday’s game against Granville Central.  The boys were unable to pull out a victory but the girl’s team did.  There’s no rest either as Vance Charter will return to the court Friday taking on Falls Lake in the first home game of the season.  “Regardless of the sport or the time of the year Falls Lake is well prepared,” Stallings said.  “It’s a Green Out Game.  We will raise awareness about school violence,” Stallings added.

Meanwhile Stallings says they have approximately 10 students on this year’s swim team which has its first meet on December 7th.  Additionally, cheer leading will be headed to a competition event Saturday at the Raleigh Convention Center where they will face off against ten other area schools.

It’s much the same at Crossroads Christian as the Colts basketball teams are off to a terrific start.  The boy’s team is undefeated at 5-0 and are ranked #1 in the state and the girl’s team is 3-1 and ranked third in the state.  Alyssa Phillips leads the girls team who will play Lawrence tonight.  The boys return to action Saturday against St. Thomas with seniors Ben Gladdio and Robert Jenkins leading the way.

“If we win both games, I will have 400 career wins,” said Scottie Richardson. Richardson, in addition to his athletic director duties also coaches basketball at the school.  The Colts will also play against 11 other teams in the Battle of the Bull tournament at Falls Lake over the holidays.  Once those holidays are over spring sports will begin workouts at both Crossroads Christian and Vance Charter.

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