Tag Archive for: #wizsnews

RCAPS Pet Palooza Coming May 3rd

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Bring the whole family out to Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society’s Spring Fling Pet Palooza on Saturday, May 3 for a day of fun activities, all to raise awareness about animal stewardship.

The event will take place at the former Boyd dealership, 284 US 158 bypass from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

RCAPS Executive Director Tracy Tsoumbos said there will be vendors and food trucks as well as arts and crafts activities to enjoy, as well as a dog obedience demonstration and a martial arts demonstration.

The Vance County Animal Shelter’s adoption van will be on site, too, loaded with adoptable animals from the shelter.

It’s a fundraiser for RCAPS, Tsoumbos said, but just as important as raising money is the idea of raising awareness in the community about issues surrounding pets – including the importance of having pets spayed and neutered to reduce the number of unwanted pets that often end up at the shelter.

“The shelter remains full,” Tsoumbos said. “We want to get more awareness of the shelter situation,” she said, adding that adopting animals to loving homes or finding a rescue organization to foster them has proven more challenging recently than in the past.

Having pets spayed or neutered is one of the best ways to help reduce the number of unwanted pets.

A fairly new program called “Dog Day Out” pairs trained volunteers with one of the adoptable dogs at the shelter to get them out into the community for an adventure.

It’s already paid off for Copper, who’d already spent more than 300 days at the shelter. After taking the dog out, along with posting photos, the dog found its new home.

“Getting those dogs out of there, getting them exposed to an environment outside the shelter,” is proving to be a positive step toward adoption, she said.

And if you’d like to help raise funds in another way, join the Downtown Dog Walking Club, which offers incentives through a phone app called Wooftrax. The app tracks your steps when you’re walking your dog, which translates into a financial reward to the shelter.

Check out RCAPS on Facebook to learn more about both programs.

TownTalk: NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey Visits The Studio

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As the commissioner for the N.C. Department of Insurance, Mike Causey keeps his finger on the pulse of the insurance industry for the state and for its citizens, handling everything from rate requests by insurance companies, reports of possible insurance fraud from consumers and keeping an ear to the ground about possible cuts to his department in the upcoming budget.

Causey said it’s important for consumers to reach out to his office – via email, phone call or by visiting the website – it’s the best way he and staff can help.

Legislators often refer constituents to the Department of Insurance to get help with issues, and Causey said he and his staff are only too happy to help.

But right now, he’s got his eye on a budget proposal from the N.C. Senate that effectively eliminates a program popular with senior adults who seek advice about health insurance and prescription drug plans during the annual Open Enrollment period.

It’s called SHIIP – Seniors Health Insurance Information Program – and Causey called it one of the best programs the state has ever had.

More than 800 volunteers across the state help senior adults answer questions during Open Enrollment for Medicare, Medicaid and prescription drug plans.

“We do a lot to help our seniors,” Causey said during a visit to the WIZS studio Tuesday morning.

The federal government is looking to cut SHIIP’s funding, which Causey said is vital. If the Senate budget proposal goes through, it would essentially shut the program down.

“Let’s not cut anything from our much-valued SHIIP program,” he said. The program helps people save money by reviewing their plans each year, Causey said, adding that last year alone, SHIIP helped more than 66,000 people.

“That’s a lot of folks,” he said.

And more folks are on the way – more seniors, in fact. North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states for retirees. “I would urge all retired citizens or anybody to please get in touch with your state representative and your state senator and let your feelings be known” about budget issues or other concerns they need to know about.

“If they don’t hear from you, they don’t know.”

To add insult to injury, the state wants to cut 19 full-time positions from the Department of Insurance. “If anything, we need to add 19 – we don’t need any cuts.”

The Department of Insurance is a self-funding agency.

“Money comes from the Insurance Regulatory Fund, and we bring in hundreds of millions of dollars through that fund to the general fund every year,” he said.

“We’re a money maker for the state,” he noted. “We’re asking for the House and the Senate to take a good look at the Department of Insurance” and what it brings to the table as budget work continues.

Visit www.ncdoi.gov to learn more, email Causey at mike.causey@ncdoi.gov or phone toll-free 855. 855.408.1212.

Whichever method you use, Causey said you’ll get a quick response, and you get the help you need.

“We’re here to help,” he said.

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Council To Review Dual Role Of Manager/Attorney

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The Henderson City Council voted 7-1 Monday to review in nine months the dual roles of city manager and city attorney, the current position of Hassan T. Kingsberry.

The Council convened a special called meeting for Monday at 3:30 p.m. to go into closed session to discuss a personnel matter.

When the council returned from the closed session, Council Member Lamont Noel made a motion to review the dual role in nine months’ time. Council Member Geraldine Champion cast the lone dissenting vote. All council members were present for the vote.

Voting yes were Council members Noel, Sara Coffey, Sam Seifert, Michael Venable, Garry Daeke, Ola Thorpe-Cooper and Tami Walker.

Kingsberry was sworn in as the city’s attorney on Dec. 10, 2024; he was then chosen to assume the role of city manager after former manager Terrell Blackmon tendered his resignation effective Jan. 10, 2025.

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Cooperative Extension with Michael Ellington: Most Common Ticks

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On the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report from Michael Ellington:

Today’s show covers the four most common ticks and why they’re a problem. Also included are reminders for upcoming events and deadlines.

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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Jeffrey Percy Hired To Be Vance County Facilities Maintenance Director

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Jeffrey Percy has been named Vance County’s Facilities Maintenance director, succeeding Brad Weatherington, who retired in December 2024.

Percy will begin his new job Tuesday, April 29, according to information from the office of County Manager C. Renee Perry. Percy has more than two decades of experience to the county, and has a background in electronics, project management and facility operations.

“I’m honored to serve the citizens of Vance County in this new role,” said Mr. Percy. “I look forward to using my experience to enhance our county facilities and provide safe, well-maintained environments for our employees and the public.”

Most recently, Percy worked in facilities maintenance at N.C. Specialty Hospital, where he was responsible for ensuring seamless operation and upkeep of healthcare infrastructure.

As Facilities Maintenance director, Percy will be responsible for administrative and supervisory work in planning and directing the maintenance, repair, cleaning and security of county buildings, grounds and other facilities, according to the job description.

In addition to supervising housekeeping and maintenance staff, Percy also will supervise and participate in semi-skilled level trades repairs for carpentry, plumbing and other needs by staff, as well as oversee contracted repairs. The director also oversees building security and courier services.

“We are excited to welcome Mr. Percy to our team. His broad expertise, hands-on technical knowledge, and strong project management skills make him a valuable asset to our county. We look forward to the improvements and innovation he will bring to our facilities operations,” Perry said.

Perry also stated that Percy could play a role as the county considers construction of new jail and EMS facilities.

Special Projects Coordinator Frankie Nobles had served as interim director since Weatherington’s retirement, Perry said.

A Southern Durham High School graduate, Percy earned an Associate of Science degree in Electronics from DeVry University in Atlanta. His technical career began at IBM in Research Triangle Park, where he worked in robotic and test equipment maintenance. As global manufacturing operations evolved, he transitioned into IBM’s purchasing division, where he served as a parts data analyst and Engineering Change analyzer.

Percy advanced into a leadership role with CTG as an account manager, overseeing a large team of contract employees working on-site in coordination with IBM. Later, he spent a decade as a project manager in the reconstruction industry, managing complex restoration projects with precision and efficiency.

Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Fire Ants In The Landscape

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On the Vance Cooperative Extension Report from Wayne Rowland:

Fire ants can be controlled in the landscape by using fire ant baits.

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: National Day of Prayer, May 1st at VCMS

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Local churches and interested individuals are invited to come out on Thursday, May 1 to take part in Vance County’s observance of the National Day of Prayer.

The event will take place on the football field of Vance County Middle School beginning at 6 p.m., and organizer Delilah Marrow welcomes all.

It’s not just one church participating, “we want all of the churches,” Marrow, an ordained minister, said on Monday’s TownTalk.

“Everyone is really glad that we are getting together and having a National Day of Prayer” observance, she said. It’s a time for everyone to come together to pray for the community.

“We are the body of Christ, one church – the church of Jesus Christ,” she said.

“When we pray, something happens…when we, in a city, come together we see the hand of God move. When you pray and believe God, something happens,” she said.

Marrow said the idea came to her during her daily prayers before Easter. A prayer partner provided encouragement to act on her vision, and her pastor mentioned the upcoming National Day of Prayer, observed each May 1.

“That ignited me to move forward,” she recalled. “God just laid out every piece of the puzzle (and) everything began to fall in place.”

To learn more, call Marrow at 252.422.1202.

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Kittrell Tent Revival Coming Up April 27th-30th

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The 3rd annual Kittrell Tent Revival will begin a 4-night run beginning Sunday, Apr. 27, and organizers have lined up preachers and music for each night that’s sure to be inspiring.

The revival is getting bigger and better each year, and organizers are looking forward to this year’s event, which will be held at 27 W. Main St., Kittrell – just across from the Kittrell Fire Department.

As the flyer states, the revival is organized by “one group for one purpose, to lead people to Christ.”

Enjoy free hotdogs beginning at 6 p.m. on Sunday and then stay for the evening program that will feature Renita Timberlake and the Revive Church of God Choir. The revival continues through Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Here’s the schedule for the rest of the revival:

  • Monday, Apr. 28: Jason Brown will be the speaker, and the Freedom Life Choir will perform.
  • Tuesday, Apr. 29: Jayden Watkins will be the speaker, and Unashamed will provide music.
  • Wednesday, Apr. 30: Paul Faucette will be the speaker, and Grace Ministries Choir will provide music.

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(This was originally published on April 17, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.)