Tag Archive for: #wizsnews

Gill Set To Retire Oct. 29 After Two Decades As Vance Elections Director

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Vance County Elections Director Faye Gill has overseen many elections in her more than 20 years on the job. She’ll be passing the baton to a new director come the end of October, as she plans to retire and enjoy a little rest and relaxation.

As with most folks contemplating a well-deserved retirement, Gill said she’d been thinking about it for a couple of years, but in a more serious way since the beginning of 2021.

John C. Rose shared an appreciation for Gill, her professionalism and service to the county on Monday’s Town Talk and noted that deputy director Melody Vaughan will become the new director, effective Nov. 1.

Vaughan will waste no time getting used to her new role – Kittrell and Middleburg hold municipal elections the very next day – Nov. 2.

Henderson elections have been pushed back to early 2022, thanks to the recent release of Census data that may result in redrawing of district lines.

Rose spoke by phone with Gill and Vaughan about the job, their close relationship and how things have changed through the years.

Gill has seen the change from punch cards to electronic ballots, among other improvements. But Rose said he has always been impressed with, and appreciative of, the professionalism that she shows in doing her job.

Having access to information about candidate filings, and any changes regarding elections that need to be shared with the public is essential for media outlets, Rose said. Preparation and reporting on election night coverage does not just “happen – if you don’t have a plan, and cooperation and a good relationship” with elections officials, the job is an uphill battle.

Fortunately, there have been no uphill battles with local elections officials. Just a little good-natured “pickin’ at each other,” Rose said. After that first minute or so of exchanging little digs or jokes, there is always professionalism from both Gill and Vaughan. “When it was business time, it was business time,” he added.

Vaughan has been with the board of elections since 2013, and Rose said that the women are good friends.

They must have a close working relationship as well – literally and figuratively – they share the same office space in the Henry A. Dennis Building on Garnett Street. No doubt, Gill has modeled for Vaughan over the years how to deal with the public and how to manage a team of volunteers, which is so crucial to having a smooth elections process.

“We are one big family. We can’t do our job on election day without volunteers,” Gill told Rose.

When Rose spoke to Gill and Vaughan via telephone earlier Monday, Vaughan told him that Gill “is a really good friend and a great boss.”

As for her new role, Vaughan told Rose, “I have the confidence to do what is asked of me and I will do it to the best of my abilities.”

The last 21 years spent with the board of elections comes on top of a 27-year career working with one of the vice presidents of Rose’s Stores. Almost a half century of work, Gill told Rose she is looking forward to spending time with her family and the arrival of her first great-grandchild.

Well-wishes for a job well done, Faye Gill, from the WIZS family.

Please enjoy here this special edition TownTalk audio.

From Haircuts To Sports, P.U.L.L. Event Offers Fun For Community

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The sixth annual P.U.L.L. event is set to kick off on Wednesday, with a full schedule of activities and events for the whole family through the weekend. P.U.L.L. stands for Peace – Unity – Love – Live, according to information from Shantel Hargrove with the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department.

The HVRPD is teaming up with area businesses and others to offer a host of activities, including free simple haircuts for school-age children on Wednesday to a basketball tournament at Aycock Recreation Center on Friday evening.

Kutz 4 Kids will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday at Eastside Barbershop, 81 Vicksboro Rd. and from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Geter Barber College, 931 W. Andrews Ave.

On Thursday, there will be a softball game at Aycock Recreation ball field, beginning at 6 p.m. Contact Mike Bullock at 336.253.8389 to learn more. Cost is $2 per player.

The sport changes to basketball on Friday evening for a Battle of the Brands tournament. Adults’ (18 and older) tickets are $7 each; children ages 6-17 are $3. Children 5 and under get in free.

Saturday there will be a street festival and community cookout at Chestnut Street Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. There will be a school supply giveaway, vendors and more, including a COVID-19 vaccination station.

Two additional free haircut events will be held on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Ice Cold Cutzz, 238 Raleigh Road, and Heavenly Reign, 507 Dabney Drive.

Community sponsors include Eastside Barbershop, Ice Cold Cutzz, Gang Free, Davis Chapel Baptist Church, Risen Faith Outreach Ministry, Boys & Girls Club of NCNC, Rowland Chapel Christian Church, United Faith Way of the Cross Church, Heavenly Reign, Geter Barber College, Granville-Vance Public Health, The Manhood Project, the Presbyterian Church, Working on Wellness and more.

Visit https://ci.henderson.nc.us/departments/recreation_and_parks to find a complete schedule of activities.

Popcorn Subject Of Aug. 24 Event At Granville’s Cooperative Extension Office

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At this time of year, folks driving through the countryside see lots and lots of corn growing in the field. Much of that corn is feed corn, used for livestock. Some of it will find its way to roadside stands or farmers’ markets and ultimately to people’s supper tables.

But is there any chance that some of it could end up being popcorn?

The Granville County cooperative extension service is offering a unique opportunity to learn more about that delicious snack loved by so many – popcorn.

There will be a popcorn field plot tour on Tuesday, Aug. 24 at 9 a.m. for anyone interested in learning more about those special corn varieties that explode into the fluffy white stuff that we enjoy while watching TV, movie or sports contest.

According to the cooperative extension, the popcorn field plot is the only one of its kind east of the Mississippi River.

Phone 336.599.1195 to register for the tour, during which there will be information about the history of popcorn and the different varieties grown all over the world, including right here in North Carolina.

The Granville County Center is located at 125 Oxford Loop Road. The event is open to farmers, gardeners, farmers’ market sellers, agents and anyone interested in popcorn.

Vance County High School

SportsTalk: Frances Excited About Fall Sports at Vance County High

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“I was surprised at the offer,” new Assistant Athletic Director Christine Frances said about Vance County High School after they contacted her about the position. In fact, the position didn’t even exist until recently.  With Athletic Director Joe Sharrow also taking on the Assistant Principal’s job at the school the athletic programs needed an extra set of eyes and Frances was chosen.

Frances says that in addition to football, which kicks off Friday night, the school has women’s volleyball, cross country, women’s golf, men’s soccer and cheerleading either underway or about to be.

“Coaches are thrilled to be back to something close to normal,” she said. Many sports last year struggled during a season dominated by Covid. She said this year should be better and that it will “feel more like a sports season.”

Fans will be allowed to games this year but Frances stressed that social distancing as much as possible is one way to keep everyone safe. She also said masks should be worn particularly in the ticket and concession areas. Safety is a top priority of the school.

Frances also took a moment during her appearance on SportsTalk with Trey Snide to congratulate Joe Sharrow.  Sharrow was named as a NIAAA Certified Athletic Administrator this week.

For complete details and audio click play.

SportsTalk: Pender Ready to Kick the Football Season Off

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It’s an exciting time of year for new Vance County High School Head Football Coach Wilbur Pender. Friday night kicks off the 2021 season against long-time rival Warren County. Going into the contest Pender is looking forward to the atmosphere and for plenty of fans to show up in the stands at Viper Stadium.  Last season most teams played with no fans or a very few fans in the stands due to Covid, but it will be different Friday night, and Coach Pender is looking for those fans to be loud and help create the atmosphere that will help notch the first “W” of the season against the Eagles.

Pender has only been at the school for three weeks, and his first practice with the team was August 2nd. Off season was solid but not as long as Pender would have liked. He feels the team would have benefitted from more 7-on-7 practices to allow the timing on both sides of the ball to be better. Despite his late arrival to the Vipers, he is still enthusiastic. “I am excited to see all the players,” Pender said. He spotlighted running back Carl Stephens and QB Isarael Terry as two players who will play a big role for the Vipers this season.

Pender says the Vipers have kids who can run and kids who can catch and that he and his staff, which includes some new faces mixed in with returning staff, have to put the players in a position where they can be successful. He’s also looking to have some fun along the way. “Football should not be a job or a chore. We want the kids to love being here,” Pender said.

While Pender certainly has his eyes on the Won – Loss column, he says there is more to it than victories on the field. “My philosophy is to build great young men for life, preparing kids for almost anything they will encounter.”

The Vipers will take on Warren County at 7pm Friday night at Viper Stadium.  If you cannot attend, but sure to tune it to 1450 AM / 100.1 FM or click on Listen Live at wizs.com.

For complete details and audio click play.

 

TownTalk: Henderson Fire Dept. Holds Its Own Despite Challenges

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Firefighters, just like everyone else, have been affected by COVID-19 and the restrictions that have been in place for the last year and a half. But unlike so many other workers, firefighters can’t work from home or respond to fire calls virtually.

Henderson Fire Chief Steve Cordell said his department has faced challenges during the pandemic but he praised his team of firefighters for their loyalty and dedication to their jobs.

“We’ve seen a lot of turnover here recently,” Cordell told John C. Rose on Thursday’s Town Talk. Some staff have moved to jobs in related fields and others have decided to take a completely different line of work.

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After a dip in the number of calls at the onset of the pandemic, he said the department is again responding to an average of 250 calls each month – about 60 percent are medical-related and about 40 percent are fire and rescue calls.

Cordell said his firefighters get good information from the dispatchers, who know the right questions to ask to learn if anyone is COVID-positive that firefighters may come into contact with when they go out on a call.

“We treat everyone as if they are a positive case,” he said, and his firefighters will wear a mask when they are off duty and in public, just to make sure that everyone is staying safe.

As the fire department works to recruit and retain firefighters in the short-term, Cordell said he is hopeful that plans for construction of a third station in west Henderson also will come to fruition.

“We’re still on the table,” he said of the plans for the new station. He and others have been taking with developers and looking at different spots to purchase.

He also said plans to reorganize and reclassify some departments and positions within the department should be brought to City Council for consideration next month.

Battalion Chief Joel Bartholomew is leaving after 15 years of service to become director of emergency services in his native Warren County, a move Cordell called “bittersweet.” He called Bartholomew a loyal and dedicated employee, and added “watching him develop and grow has been a blessing and an honor.”

One step toward “normal” for the department involves Capt. Lee Edmonds, who works with fire prevention education. The pandemic put the brakes on firefighters getting into schools to talk with children about fire prevention. With the start of school just around the corner, Cordell said everyone’s looking forward to restart the “Read A Book With A Firefighter” program. Firefighters read with kindergartners, help them with homework and just enjoy time with young learners.

Cordell said he has a great team who is working hard every day “to keep our feet grounded and trucks staffed and moving to help the people of Henderson.”

JF Webb Student’s Artwork Selected For NACo 2022 Calendar

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A local teenager’s artwork has been chosen from entries submitted from across the country for a 2022 calendar that will be distributed across the country by the National Association of Counties (NACo).

Brim Royster, a junior at J.F. Webb High School, is one of 18 winners selected from a pool of entries submitted through local county governments across the nation. The “I Love My County Because…” art competition, sponsored by NACo, was held for students in grades 1 through 12, who were asked to explain in words and in art why “their county matters.” Royster’s entry depicts his strong family connections in the area.

J.F. Webb High School art teacher Ophelia Staton was recently notified of the selection, according to a statement from Lynn Allred, Granville County’s public information officer.

“I am so excited for Brim and for our art program,” Staton said in the statement. “We have some talented students, and this recognition means so much for our school and – of course – for Brim. We are very proud of him. His talent is sure to take him very far.”

Students from J.F. Webb, Tar River Elementary and Creedmoor Elementary submitted artwork for the 2021 competition, which was introduced this year as part of the “Counties Matter” campaign. All entries are currently on display at the Harris Exhibit Hall of the Granville County Historical Society Museum, 1 Museum Lane in Oxford.

In addition to being featured in the NACo calendar, Royster will receive prizes and a certificate, as well as having his artwork published in the NACo newspaper “County News,” which is distributed to county members in all 50 states. More than 3,000 U.S. counties are active NACo members, including Granville County Government.

“Granville County was well represented in this contest,” said Sue Hinman, chair of the Granville County board of commissioners. “We thank all the students who participated, as well as the art teachers who submitted entries on behalf of their students. We are also grateful to Granville County Public Schools, who assisted us in this project.”