Tag Archive for: #wizsnews

Vick Receives 2021 Optimist Award For Outstanding Service For Work At Vance Animal Services

Chris Vick of Vance County Animal Services has received the 2021 award for outstanding service from the Henderson Optimist Club.

Optimist Club President Tommy Farmer presented the award to Vick on Wednesday at the Animal Services Building on Brodie Road.

Farmer told WIZS News that the COVID-19 pandemic, created the need for the club’s annual  Respect for Law campaign to be conducted differently this year.

The club usually hosts the winners and their families at an awards dinner, but this year, club members are presenting the awards individually.

The various enforcement departments across the county submit nominations for the award, Farmer said. Animal Services Chief Frankie Nobles said he nominated Vick for being “hard-working, dependable (and) dedicated,” and for being “an overall good employee for Vance County.”

Accompanying Farmer for the presentation was Britt Sams, who chairs the Respect for Law committee.

Jones and Taylor are WIZS Players of the Week

For two years Christian Jones has been the go to guy off the bench for the Vance County Vipers men’s basketball team.  The 6’4″ Jones has been so good off the bench that he has now worked his way into the starting lineup. The Vipers have won three of the last four games and Jones is a big reason why. This week the Vipers beat Granville Central and Jones contributed 10 points and 8 rebounds. In a second win this week against Southern Durham, Jones pumped in 18 points and had another 8 rebounds.

Vance County Athletic Director Joe Sharrow says Jones is a game changer and added that with Jones’ contributions and getting their best player back into the lineup, the Vipers are starting to put things together and will be a force to be reckoned with.

Meanwhile, over at Crossroads Christian, it’s Abby Taylor who is making a significant contribution to the women’s team. Taylor, a freshman, is only averaging 5 points per game but she is the team’s leader and a captain on the Colts’ team. She is the player that communicates with everyone to keep them all on the same page during games.  She helps on both ends of the court and while her contributions may not show up on the stat sheet, she is likely the most important player on the team.

Congratulations to Vance County’s Christian Jones and Crossroads’ Abby Taylor, WIZS Players of the Week.  Players of the Week are named every Friday on the Coach’s Corner segment of Sports Talk. Sports Talk airs at 1pm Monday through Friday on WIZS 1450am, 100.1 fm and online at wizs.com.

 

Petco Coming To Henderson

Petco, a nationally known pet supply retailer, is building a new store in Henderson.

Land was purchased on US 158 beside Superior Chrysler from Ruin Creek Properites, and the Henderson Board of Adjustment approved a special-use permit request at its meeting Tuesday, Feb. 1.

No word on when construction will be completed, but Ruxton Bobbitt, acting chair of the board of adjustment, told WIZS News today (Friday) that the store would employ up to 10 people when it opens.

Brandon Boyd, representing Ruin Creek Properties, told WIZS News that he and his family sold the property for the new business. “Petco has purchased a portion of the former Rose Oil property,” he said. “We are happy to have them in Henderson, we’re happy for the location they chose and the employment opportunities.”

Boyd said a company representing Petco reached out to the Boyd family and Ruin Creek Properties to ask if they would be interested in selling. The parcel that was sold is located beside the Superior Chrysler dealership.

Bobbitt said the board approved construction of a 15,000-quare foot building. A private road will be put in between US 158 and Dabney Road, he said.

The new store will be located across US 158 from the Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society building, which Brandon Boyd and his family established 10 years ago.

Boyd said the family really had no idea which big box retailer was interested in the property until the request for a zoning hearing was filed.

“It made it a really nice fit,” he said.

Petco has about 1,500 stores nationwide and offers pet essentials from food to grooming services.

HVDDC: Shop Downtown Henderson and Win Free Stuff

Shoppers who visit retailers in downtown Henderson have a chance to get a little something extra, just for shopping local, thanks to a campaign sponsored by the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Committee’s promotions committee.

Amanda Ellis, chair of the downtown development board, said the idea is to increase foot traffic in the downtown area – “get people in the doors and stores,” she told WIZS News Tuesday.

Shoppers attach their receipt for $25 or more from participating businesses for a chance to win a gift basket valued at more than $250. Shoppers can submit up to five receipts, Ellis said.

“We’re hoping this is going to jumpstart” retail activity, she said. “The idea is to get people downtown in the stores,” Ellis said. The campaign continues until March 1. The drawing will be held on March 1 at the DDC office, Ellis said.

Another wrinkle includes coordinating with the upcoming dance studios and competitions scheduled for McGregor Hall. Ellis said the plan is to get some food trucks to drive in some evenings and on weekends when the dancers and their families are in town, and encouraging them to eat local, too, instead of getting in their cars and driving somewhere else.

 

Friday, Feb. 4 Is Wear Red Day To Promote Awareness Of Heart Disease In Women

Tomorrow – Friday, Feb. 4 – is National Wear Red Day to promote awareness of heart health. Join the employees at Maria Parham Health by wearing red to support awareness of women and heart disease. Donna Young, MPH marketing and communication coordinator said local businesses that participate have a chance to win a free quarter-page ad in The Henderson Dispatch. See the Maria Parham Health Facebook page for details about how your business can enter.

Wear Red Day is just one way the staff at MPH are showing their support of February’s American Heart Month.

The American Heart Association created National Wear Red Day in 2004 with a mission to dismiss myths and raise awareness of heart disease and stroke as the number one killer of women. To support heart health in women locally, Maria Parham employees are encouraged to wear red. Photos of employees will be shared on the hospital Facebook page throughout the day. Community members are also welcomed to wear red and share their photos on social media using the hashtag #MPHWearsRed.

Maria Parham Health has kicked off “28 Days of Heart” as a way to provide a wealth of heart health information each day during February. Visit MariaParham.com each day to learn tips about how to keep your heart healthy, from recipes to fitness.

Maria Parham’s Facebook will have heart-healthy recipes, fitness tips, and medical information geared at keeping your ticker ticking as it should.

Cooperative Extension with Jamon Glover: Supervision And Safety, Pt. 1

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

 

TownTalk: Events In Granville County For Valentine’s Day And Beyond

In the leadup to Valentine’s Day, visitors and locals have plenty of opportunities to show their love for Granville County artists, foods and entertainment.

Angela Allen is Granville County’s tourism director and the quintessential cheerleader for all things Granville.

She talked with John C. Rose and Bill Harris on Thursday’s Town Talk about all the goings-on in February – and beyond.

The big focus is on Friday, Feb. 14. It seems a ways off, but Allen said several restaurants and other establishments have special offers that may sell out fast, so now is the time to reserve your spot.

  • Tobacco Wood Brewing Co. has a special Valentine’s dinner from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. that includes two entrees, two sides, two drinks and a dessert to share. Visit their website or Facebook page to learn more.
  • Uptown 101 bar and restaurant also offers a special meal, including a starter, main course, sides and dessert, with champagne or a house mixed drink. Meal service begins at 5 p.m. There will be live music by Detroit Yancey. Check them out on Facebook to learn more and to get tickets.
  • Harvest is creating a whole dessert menu to surprise your loved one with for Valentine’s Day. Check out their website to learn more.

Allen said the visitgranvillenc.com website or the Facebook page will have updates as other events come on line, so make sure you check those sites for the most up-to-date information.

There are plenty of events coming up between now and Valentine’s Day that are sure to please, she said.

  • For instance, right now – at 5 p.m. – Bigfoot BBQ is cooking up some good food. The local barbecue pop-up will be at The Hub on Main until 7 p.m.
  • Cedar Creek Gallery, located on Fleming Road in Creedmoor, has CUPful going on now through the end of February. There are beautiful mugs for every taste imaginable, from the functional to the whimsical.
  • On Saturday, Feb. 5, “Puppy Love” is going to be held at The Barn at Vino. 3200 Bliss Trail in Stem. The quarter auction fundraiser will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will benefit Dogs Deserve Better of the Piedmont.

The Hub on Main is offering an exclusive opportunity for the first 10 people who sign up on Eventbrite called Bottle Share. The first event occurs on Sunday, Feb. 13 at 3 p.m. and the wine host is Hub owner Pierre Gingue.

Allen said Gingue and The Hub on Main have been strong supporters of new enterprises in the area over the years. “That’s one thing I love about the Hub – they’re always welcoming entrepreneurs.” They continue to introduce new types of businesses into the community, like the sushi Sundays and Thai food events that they host a couple of times each month. Food is prepared fresh by Sticky Rice. Stop by between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Check the website for the next event.

A cupcakes and wine pairing event will take place on Friday, Feb. 11 at The Hub. It’s a fun time to come out with your gal pals, Allen said, and taste test four different wines and how they complement four different types of cupcakes. Cost is $45 per person. Please contact The Hub or the Granville Arts Council to reserve your spot.

Allen said there’s something for children to enjoy as well – the arts center (located below the Hub) is hosting a slime-making workshop on Saturday, Feb. 12. “The great part is the arts center is doing an open art studio,” Allen said. It’s a drop-in event between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for children ages 3 and up. Cost is $10 a child. Please call The Hub or the Arts Center to sign up.

The icky, not-so-sticky goo popularized by a Nickelodeon kids’ show is something that young people just love to create themselves, and Allen said the open art studio will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

And, as only any tourism director worth her salt can, Allen offered a sneak peek into an event that will take place Mar. 26 and 27  at the Granville County Expo Center. It’s called The Viking Experience, and Allen said it is shaping up to be one of the biggest events ever held at the expo center. Details include interactive characters, musical entertainment, acrobats, dinner theatre, and ax throwing. Yep. Ax throwing.

Stay tuned.

 

 

NC Homeowner Assistance Fund Open Statewide

North Carolina Homeowners Financially Impacted by Pandemic May Be Eligible for Housing-Related Help

— press release

The NC Homeowner Assistance Fund is now accepting applications from North Carolina homeowners whose finances were impacted by the pandemic and who need assistance with housing-related expenses. Established through the 2021 American Rescue Plan to prevent mortgage delinquencies, defaults, displacements and foreclosures for homeowners experiencing financial difficulties due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Fund offers assistance of up to $40,000 for qualified homeowners as long as funding is available.

“The economic impact of COVID-19 has been felt by many North Carolinians,” said Scott Farmer, executive director of the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, which is administering the NC Homeowner Assistance Fund. “This program is designed to help homeowners who are experiencing pandemic-related financial hardships hold on to their homes while they get back on their feet. Ensuring that families have stable housing has always been our mission and that has become even more critical during this ongoing public health crisis.”

For qualified homeowners, the fund offers:

• Housing payment assistance for primary residence in North Carolina (for example, single-family home, townhome, condo or mobile home).

• Assistance for mortgage reinstatement to catch up on late payments (first or second mortgages) or other housing-related costs due to a period of forbearance, delinquency or default.

• Assistance covering other housing-related costs such as homeowner’s insurance, flood insurance, mortgage insurance, homeowner’s association dues/fees or delinquent property taxes to prevent foreclosure.

Homeowners may be eligible for assistance if they are experiencing financial hardship due to job loss or business closure, reduction in hours or pay, difficulty obtaining new employment, death of a spouse or co-borrower or increased expenses due to the pandemic. Increased expenses can be due to health care, the need to care for a family member, increased child care costs due to school closures or increased costs associated with quarantine. Applicants must be seeking assistance for a primary residence in North Carolina and meet income and other requirements.

Homeowners can learn more and apply for help by calling 1-855-MY-NCHAF (1-855-696-2423) or by visiting NCHomeownerAssistance.gov.