Tag Archive for: #wizsnews

TownTalk: Opioid Settlement for Vance County

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In the first five months of 2024, there were 13 “fentanyl-positive” deaths in Vance County.

That number represents a 225 percent increase from 2023, when there were four deaths associated with the illicit drug that is wreaking havoc and causing overdose deaths.

The majority of victims are black males, non-Hispanic, in two different age groups – 25-34 and 45-54, according to information shared by Vance County Manager C. Renee Perry during the Sept. 14 annual meeting of the county’s opioid task force.

So far, Vance County has received $1,861,404.66 as part of the multi-year, multi-billion-dollar national opioid settlement. The payouts will take place over an 18-year period, during which Vance County stands to get $6.2 million from the state’s total $1.3 billion.

To date, however, Vance County has yet to allocate a penny of those funds.

“There are no plans in place just yet for the funds,” Perry said in comments during her presentation at the meeting, which lasted less than half an hour.

Perry told commissioners present at the meeting that the local opioid committee has met once and has plans to meet again before the end of the calendar year to render a plan. Commissioners Sean Alston, Yolanda Feimster and Carolyn Faines make up the committee right now, and Perry said others from the community will join.

Recipients of the settlement money have a couple of options from which to choose as they plan how to allocate the funds, and Vance County has chosen the option that calls for supporting “high impact opioid abatement strategies” that include a variety of programs and services, such as the following:

  • evidence-based addiction treatment
  • recovery support services
  • recovery housing
  • employment-related services
  • early intervention programs
  • naloxone distribution
  • post-overdose response teams
  • syringe service programs
  • criminal justice diversion programs
  • addiction treatment for incarcerated persons
  • re-entry programs

Commissioner Archie Taylor said he would like to see additional diversity on the committee – different age groups, ethnic groups, as well as individuals in recovery.

Board Chair Dan Brummitt said the committee was created under the watch of former Chair Feimster and “I don’t have any intention” to change what the former chair had put in place.

Taylor countered a few minutes later by saying that perhaps the matter should be made an agenda item for an upcoming board of commissioners meeting.

Perry said she had recommended to the three-member committee that they may consider as committee members representatives from the sheriff’s office, EMS and others who interact with the affected population on a daily basis.

Brummitt said the committee wants to involve community organizations and those with lived experiences in the decision-making process.

Perry said she would inquire about how surrounding counties are choosing to spend their settlement money and report back to the board.

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TownTalk: Lee Edmonds – Fire Prevention Open House

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There’s just something about a fire truck that brings out the little kid in adults, and kids of all ages are invited to come to an Open House at Station #1 on Dabney Drive to see those shiny red marvels up close and personal.

Battalion Chief Lee Edmonds, who has been with Henderson Fire Department for about 10 years, said the fire trucks and free food are all part of a plan to encourage the community to come to the fire station to learn about more about fire safety and the importance of having smoke alarms – working smoke alarms – in their homes.

The Open House will take place on Oct. 9 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the station, located at 211 Dabney Drive.

The Open House is being held during Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 6-12). This year’s theme is “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work For You.”

It’s a good idea to have smoke alarms inside every bedroom, Edmonds said, but also outside each bedroom as well.

“A lot of times, it’s not the fire, it’s the smoke that gets them first,” Edmonds said. Working smoke alarms give people time to get out safely if a fire breaks out; they don’t do much good at all if the battery is removed or if the device is removed altogether.

Edmonds reminds city residents that they can all the fire department at 252.430.1877 to request that fire offiicials come out and check their smoke alarms. “We offer that free service,” Edmonds said. “If it does not work, we will replace it, or replace the battery.”

If you live outside the city limits, Edmonds said he can connect you with a representative of county fire department or volunteer fire department to conduct a similar service.

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Cooperative Extension With Michael Ellington: Translocation within the Plant

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Cooperative Extension 

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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Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

The Local Skinny! Fall is Here at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market

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Summer gardens may be giving us the last produce of the long-growing season, but there are still plenty of choices at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.

Market Manager Pat Ayscue said, “The summer season is winding down but thankfully since we are a regional market, there are still late summer veggies filling the farmer’s table.” Customers can still find butterbeans, field ripe tomatoes and those most sought-after purple hull peas, she said.

“Also, hats off to our farmers many who planted late crops when the rains came again after the long dry spell,” which created some extra bounty to share with customers on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The fall crops are coming in, too – tender collards, turnip greens, fall apples and grapes of many varieties, Ayscue said.

But there’s more than just fresh produce at the market. Local raw honey is available every Saturday, Ayscue said, and “Hidden Acres will be joining us with their pasture raised beef, chicken, lamb, pork and farm fresh eggs. Stop by and say hi and let them tell you all about their products,” she said.

And although we’re just a few days into fall, people are surely thinking about and preparing for Thanksgiving.

Sweet Inspirations is at the market every Saturday, and Ayscue said customers can begin placing holiday orders now.

EBT is welcome and stop by and ask the market manager about Double Bucks’.  Follow us on Facebook! Each market day the farmers and vendors that are at the market that shopping day will be posted.

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Families Living Violence Free

TownTalk: Families Living Violence Free To Hold Quarter Auction

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Families Living Violence Free is based in Granville County, but Executive Director Amy Langston said the nonprofit agency is just a phone call away – 24/7 – for individuals who find themselves in need of help because of domestic violence or sexual assault.

Although their physical location is on the campus of Central Children’s Home in Oxford, Langston said they are available for anyone in and around Vance County as well.

Langston said the trained staff and volunteers bring distinct skill sets to their roles with the organization, which celebrated its 20-year anniversary in May. But what they all share, she added, is a passion for helping the community and the drive and compassion to serve those who find themselves in difficult situations.

Although they do get grants that help provide emergency services like shelter, food and relocation, Langston said FLVF relies on the community for support, too.

The FLVF annual Quarter Auction is coming up Friday, Oct. 4 at Carlee Farms in Granville County, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy an evening while knowing that the proceeds go to help the organization.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner begins at 6:15 and the auction starts at 7 p.m., Langston said. A $25 ticket will get you dinner and a bidding paddle; remember to bring your rolls of quarters, as well as some extra money to shop with a host of vendors that will be on hand.

There will be a silent auction taking place that evening, and a 50/50 raffle, too.

“It is fun, but we know the cause” that we’re supporting, Langston said. Sponsorships are available for the event – Bronze for $50, Silver for $100 and Gold for $200 and up.

“All the support we receive will help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault,” Langston said.

Call 919.693.3579 to purchase a ticket. A special unlimited bid paddle is available for $50, but Langston said there will be a limited number for sale, and tickets are going fast.

Proceeds from fundraisers like the Quarter Auction help support FLVF efforts, which not only involves helping people in crisis but also includes educating the community.

Staff members complete 20 hours of intense training, Langston said, and the numerous volunteers undergo similar training, all to ensure clients’ safety and confidentiality.

Langston said she hopes to continue sponsoring community workshops like one held last week to share information about human trafficking.

“We had a full house,” Langston said, adding that details about future workshops would be forthcoming.

Volunteer applications are available at www.flvf.org or at the office, located at 211 Antioch Dr. Oxford. Volunteers help with donations, accompany clients to court for support, help at community events and more. There are two part-time staff openings – a youth advocate position and an outreach advocate position, Langston said.

“We’re growing and we hope to have more full-time positions,” she said.

If you are in crisis as a result of domestic violence or sexual assault, call the crisis line at FLVF at 919.693.5700. Spanish speakers can call 919.690.0888.

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The Local Skinny! Chicken Plate Fundraiser At Rebuilding Hope

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Volunteers and supporters of Rebuilding Hope, Inc. are gearing up for the annual fall chicken plate fundraiser, which will be held Friday, Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the 414 Raleigh Road location.

Co-director Tom Wille said the plates include half a chicken, potatoes, green beans and dessert, all for $10 each.

Call 252.438.5132 to pre-order or to get a minimum of six plates delivered to you.

“We’ll get those to you at lunch time, or break time,” Wille said. For pre-orders, “we’ll save them and you can pick them up,” he added.

But don’t wait until the last minute – they’ll be selling until 7 p.m. or until they run out.

This chicken plate fundraiser does more than just feed hungry people, Wille pointed out.

“We’re supporting the local community by doing this,” he said.

By building ramps for people with mobility issues, Wille said, they’re also helping first responders by reducing calls for help getting people in and out of their homes.

“It changes everybody’s life for the better,” he said.

“Everything we do is in the name of Christ. Because Jesus loved us first, we can go out and love those in our community.”

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Vance County High School

SportsTalk: Friday Night Football Recap

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SportsTalk on WIZS 12:30 p.m. M-Th 

Scout Hughes and Doc Ayscue review Vance County’s loss to Southern Durham as well as some other action going on in High School Football.

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Cooperative Extension With Wayne Rowland: Composting

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Cooperative Extension

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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