July, 2019 - WIZS

Fox Pond Park Fireworks POSTPONED Due to Expected Weather

July 5, 2019/by WIZS Staff

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center

Due to the threat of storms, ‘Fireworks and Jazz at Fox Pond Park’ originally scheduled for the evening of Friday, July 5, 2019, has been postponed. Once the event has been rescheduled, Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks and WIZS will bring you the updated information.

The Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department thanks you for your support and understanding!

List of Local Four-County Independence Day Celebrations

July 3, 2019/by Kelly Bondurant

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

WIZS wishes everyone a fun and safe July 4th holiday weekend. To help you celebrate, we’ve compiled a list of Independence Day events planned for the local four-county area:

VANCE COUNTY:

Fireworks in the Park

Where: Fox Pond Park – 467 Vicksboro Rd in Henderson

Date: Friday, July 5, 2019

Time: Jazz in the Park festivities begin at 6:30 p.m.; fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.

Note: No parking will be allowed at Fox Pond Park; shuttling from nearby Aycock Recreation Center will begin at 5:30 p.m.

For additional details, click here.

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VANCE COUNTY

Fireworks Under the Stars at Kerr Lake

Where: Kerr Lake’s Satterwhite Point

Date: Saturday, July 6, 2019

Time: Activities are planned from 3 until 10 p.m.; fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

Note: Kid’s activities planned for this year’s celebration; no alcohol allowed.

For additional details, click here.

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GRANVILLE COUNTY

Fireworks Display at Lake Holt

Where: Lake Holt, Old Highway 75, Butner, NC

Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Time: Gates open at 6 p.m.; fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.

Note: Concessions will be available; no alcohol

For additional details, click here.

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GRANVILLE COUNTY

Creedmoor’s Fourth of July Picnic

Where: Lake Rogers Park, Shelter #1 at 1711 Lake Road in Creedmoor, NC

Date: Thursday, July 4, 2019

Time: Activities planned from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Note: Event is open to the public and features music, food, beverages and a cake baking contest.

For additional details, click here.

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WARREN COUNTY

Wise’s 19th Annual Independence Day Parade & Festival

Where: “Main Street” (US Hwy 1) of Wise, NC

Date: Thursday, July 4, 2019

Time: Activities planned from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Note: Parade begins at 10 a.m.; festival will follow at Wise Baptist Church

For additional details, click here.

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FRANKLIN COUNTY

Fireworks at Louisburg High School

Where: Louisburg High School, 201 Allen Lane, Louisburg, NC

Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Time: Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; fireworks go off at dark

Note: Food, music, inflatables and games; rain date is Saturday, July 6

For additional details, click here.

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Vance Commissioners Approve County-Wide Broadband Agreement

July 3, 2019/by Kelly Bondurant

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

The Vance County Board of Commissioners has approved a multi-year incentive agreement with Open Broadband to provide high-speed wireless internet for residential and commercial customers throughout the county.

While a public hearing was held at the July 1 Commissioners’ meeting, no public comments were made.

According to Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen, Open Broadband will provide high-speed internet service at more competitive rates than current providers.

In return for the commitment of installing broadband service and select free WiFi zones, an economic development grant in the amount of $264,000 will be provided over four years ($66,000 per year) with the source of funds being appropriated from the Vance County General Fund Balance.

This incentive is being combined with a state GREAT grant totaling $344,000.

Commissioners and officials will have a kickoff meeting with Open Broadband on Monday, July 15, 2019.

Background on county-wide broadband service (information taken from July 1 meeting agenda):

Vance County participated in a regional effort with Granville and Franklin Counties to deploy broadband throughout the county and region. This work began informally in 2016 with a committee of individuals representing Vance County, Vance County Schools, Vance-Granville Community College, the City of Henderson, and the Kerr-Tar COG.

The committee developed a citizen survey which was released in late 2016, and by spring 2017 the results indicated areas of Vance County in need of high-speed internet service and/or better service. This work led to the regional initiative which brought Mighty River, LLC on board in early 2018 as a consultant.

During 2018, a regional broadband strategy was developed, additional surveys were completed in Granville and Franklin Counties, and a Request for Proposals (RFP) was released to potential internet providers.

The RFPs were released in August 2018 and a total of four companies – NC Broadband Partnership, Open Broadband, Foresite & Riverstreet – responded by the October 18, 2018, deadline.

The counties have since reviewed the proposals, narrowed the selection down to two wireless providers (NC Broadband Partnership and Open Broadband) and appropriated funding in the budget process.

The Vance County Board of Commissioners voted on July 1, 2019, to award the contract to Open Broadband.

Franklin Co. Responds to Reports of Radiological Contaminants in Wells

July 3, 2019/by WIZS Staff

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Franklin County Government

The Franklin County Health Department responded to the report of potential radionuclides in wells on November 19, 2018, in a presentation to the Franklin County Board of Commissioners containing information on how citizens could have testing conducted.

The Franklin Times published this information during that week and information and instructions were placed on the Franklin County Health Department website.

In the 2018 presentation, it was noted that concern in Franklin stemmed from revised North Carolina Geological Survey Maps which show the Rolesville Granite Formation extending into a greater portion of Franklin County than was previously outlined in prior maps. As a result, the potential exists for more wells to be affected by the aging of this granite-formation, which can lead to naturally increased radionuclides in ground water.

Recent media coverage of Wake County’s notification to its citizens has generated a number of questions from Franklin County residents. So, what is Franklin County’s risk? Health concerns associated with elevated radionuclides in drinking water generally require prolonged exposure at highly elevated levels (in most cases over a lifetime) to have ill effects.

If you consume water from a well in Franklin County, visit the Health Department’s Environmental Health website for more information at https://www.franklincountync.us/services/health/services/environmental-health. Use the links in red to the “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)” document to learn more about whether your well should be tested (including a link to an interactive map for Radon), what test(s) to use, and any potential health risks.

The Health Department has developed a comprehensive bundled-package of well-water radiological tests ($225) as well as less expensive options based on your well’s particular needs.

For additional information, please call the county’s Environmental Health Services Program at 919-496-8100 or visit https://www.franklincountync.us/services/health.

Reminder: ‘Guys and Dolls’ Performances Begin This Weekend

July 3, 2019/by WIZS Staff

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

The McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center, 201 Breckenridge St. in Henderson, will feature “Guys and Dolls” as presented by the Henderson Rec Players on the following dates:

Friday, July 5, 2019, @ 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 6, 2019, @ 8 p.m.

Sunday, July 7, 2019, @ 2 p.m.

Friday, July 12, 2019, @ 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 13, 2019, @ 2 p.m.

Part of the Rosemyr Corporation Henderson Rec Players 2019 Season –

“Guys and Dolls” tells the story of a couple of big New York City gamblers and the women who love them. With music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, this energetic show features the hit songs “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” “Luck, Be a Lady,” and “Bushel and a Peck.”

Tickets may be purchased by:

DROP IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Fireworks Caused 35 NC Wildfires in 2018; State Urges Caution

July 3, 2019/by WIZS Staff

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, NCDA&CS

Elevated wildfire risks due to abnormally dry conditions in Eastern North Carolina are prompting N.C. Forest Service officials to urge extreme caution with fireworks and to celebrate safely this Independence Day. Forecast chances for rain are slight at best and are unlikely in the southeastern counties for the next several days where warm temperatures will continue to raise the risk of wildfires.

“There were 35 wildfires sparked by fireworks in North Carolina in 2018 despite it being a very wet year,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “To reduce the risk of starting wildfires from fireworks during the upcoming holiday, we recommend enjoying professional fireworks shows rather than setting off personal fireworks if possible.”

Even small fireworks such as sparklers, fountains, glow worms, smoke devices, trick noisemakers and other Class C fireworks can be hazardous. For example, sparklers burn at temperatures above 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Glow worms burn directly on the ground near ignition sources.

Wildfires caused by fireworks can be prosecuted under the forest protection laws of North Carolina and individuals may be subject to reimbursing the costs for fire suppression.

If you choose to display your own fireworks, here are some safety tips to follow:

Don’t use fireworks such as ground spinners, firecrackers, round spinners, Roman candles, bottle rockets and mortars, which are illegal in North Carolina.
Do not use fireworks near dry vegetation or any combustible material.
Don’t aim fireworks at trees, bushes or hedges where dry leaves may ignite.
Make sure fireworks are always used with adult supervision.
Follow instructions provided with fireworks.
Do not use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol.
Have a rake or shovel and a water source nearby.
Ensure all burning material is completely extinguished afterwards and monitor the area for several hours.

“As the population in North Carolina continues to increase and more homes are built in wooded areas, it’s important for everyone to understand wildfire prevention,” said State Forester David Lane. “In addition to using fireworks safely, campfires or grills should never be left unattended.”

Campfire and grill ashes should be doused with water and stirred. Repeat this process to ensure ashes are cold. Place ashes in outside metal containers or bury them in mineral soil. Never put ashes in a paper bag, plastic bucket or other flammable container. Never store ashes in a garage, on a deck or in a wooded area. Double-check that ashes and coals are completely cold by feeling with the back of a bare hand before throwing them away to make sure a fire won’t start.

For more information, contact your local N.C. Forest Service office or visit www.ncforestservice.gov.

Special Olympics Basketball to Offer Participants Physical Fitness, New Skills

July 3, 2019/by WIZS Staff

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center

The Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department is currently registering children and adults with intellectual disabilities for Vance County Special Olympics Basketball. Those interested must preregister by August 13, 2019, and must be at least 8 years old to participate.

Participants will develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and learn new skills.

Basketball games will be held at the Aycock Recreation Center in Henderson on Tuesday nights beginning September 3 through November 5, 2019, from 6 – 7 p.m.

For more information, contact Crystal Allen at (252) 431-6091 or email callen@ci.henderson.nc.us