Reminder: NC Hot Sauce Contest Spices Up Downtown Oxford This Sat.!

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-Information courtesy Angela Allen, Director, Granville County Tourism Development Authority

There are now only a few days to go until downtown Oxford heats up with the annual NC Hot Sauce Contest! This year’s event will be held Saturday, September 14, 2019, from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

The NC Hot Sauce Contest brings thousands of people to downtown Oxford to interact with friends, merchants, fans, artisans and vendors. In 2018, the event topped 18,000 visitors!

North Carolina’s finest hot sauces and barbeque sauces, along with breweries and wineries spice up the blends and texture of downtown’s historic streets.

Enter the NC Pepper Eating Contest sponsored by Bailey Farms. Capture all the history of Oxford by visiting the Granville County Museum and their September Sensations Bazaar at the Harris Exhibit Hall, famous for showcasing local artisans.

The day will include activities for children, local shops waiting to greet you and great restaurants, all at your fingertips.

For more details, please visit the NC Hot Sauce Contest website at www.nchotsaucecontest.com.

I Voted Sticker

Warren Co. Board of Elections to Hold Voting Systems Demonstration

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-Information courtesy Warren County, NC

Notice is hereby given that the Warren County Board of Elections will hold a public demonstration of voting systems recommended for use in Warren County, NC.

The demonstration will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2019, at the Warren County Armory Civic Center, 501 US Hwy 158-Bus E, Warrenton, NC.

This notice is given by order of Esther Terry, Chairman, Warren County Board of Elections.

For further information, contact Warren County BOE staff at (252) 257-2114.

U.S. Department of Justice

Dept. of Justice Reminds Public to be Aware of Fraud When Disaster Strikes

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

The Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) in the wake of Hurricane Katrina when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region, which opened opportunities for criminals to exploit people during vulnerable times.

The NCDF, a national coordinating agency within the Department’s Criminal Division, operates a call center at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and serves as a centralized clearinghouse for disaster fraud complaints and information relating to both natural and man-made disasters.

The NCDF seeks to improve and further the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, and to advocate for victims of such fraud. More than 20 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which allows them to forward complaints to the appropriate agency for investigation.

“In the aftermath of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Dorian the affected communities and citizens of Eastern North Carolina should be on guard against disaster fraud schemes,” said Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “As FEMA and other federal, state, and local relief agencies work tirelessly to support those who have suffered losses as the result of this natural disaster, we can be certain that criminals will target those impacted and attempt to profit from the suffering of others. The Department of Justice is committed to detecting and stopping this type of fraud. Through the National Center for Disaster Fraud, and in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we are working to aggressively prosecute the offenders.”

While compassion, assistance, and solidarity are generally prevalent in the aftermath of natural disasters, unscrupulous individuals and organizations also use these tragic events to take advantage of those in need.

Examples of illegal activity being reported to the NCDF and law enforcement include FEMA fraud, identity theft, contractor fraud, charity fraud and impersonation of government officials.

The NCDF reminds the public to be aware of and report any instances of alleged fraudulent activity related to relief operations and funding for victims. Members of the public are reminded to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before trusting anyone purporting to be working on behalf of disaster victims and before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations on behalf of disaster victims.

The public is also reminded to be extremely cautious before providing personal identifying or financial information to anyone, especially those who may contact you after a natural disaster.

Unfortunately, criminals can exploit disasters, such as Hurricane Dorian, for their own gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating phony websites designed to solicit contributions.

Tips should be reported to the NCDF at (866) 720-5721. The line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, e-mails can be sent to disaster@leo.gov, and information can be faxed to (225) 334-4707.

Learn more about the NCDF at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud and watch a public service announcement from United States Attorney Higdon here.

Within the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Deputy Criminal Chief Felice Corpening serves as the Disaster Fraud Coordinator. Working with the NCDF and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, Deputy Criminal Chief Corpening oversees the federal prosecution and investigation of disaster fraud matters impacting Eastern North Carolina.

Violations of North Carolina state disaster fraud laws are handled by the North Carolina Department of Justice’s (NCDOJ) Consumer Protection Division. The NCDOJ Consumer Protection Division may be contacted at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (1-877-566-7226) or by visiting www.ncdoj.gov/complaint.

NC Coop Extension

Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 09/10/19

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News 09/10/19

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Henderson Police Department

HPD: Attempted Breaking & Entering Ends in Death of Suspect

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-Press Release, Henderson Police Department

On Monday, September 9, 2019, at approximately 2 a.m., Henderson Police Department officers responded to a report of someone shot at 232 Crozier Street. Upon arrival to the area, officers located a deceased subject who had been shot, lying outside a window.

Preliminary investigative efforts reveal that the subject was attempting to break and enter the window when he was shot by a resident inside the home. The investigation is continuing, however no charges have been filed at this time.

The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending proper notifications.

Anyone from the area that may have information on the shooting or breaking and entering is urged to contact Henderson Police Department at 252-438-4141.

Town Talk 09/09/19: Restaurant 39 Holds Free Appreciation Breakfast

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If you were anywhere near the Crossroads Shopping Center in Henderson this morning, you may have wondered about the large gathering of police officers, deputies, fire personnel, EMS/EMT, Rescue Squad, State Highway Patrol and other public and civil servants.

Thankfully, the cause of the gathering at 946G West Andrews Avenue was not of the emergency variety but was instead a show of gratitude.

Restaurant 39 owner J.R. Stainback held a free breakfast buffet for law enforcement and first responders from 8 until 10 a.m. to show his appreciation for those who serve and protect.

“We are just trying to let them know we appreciate everything they do for our city and our community,” Stainback said. “I worked with Sheriff Curtis Brame and Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow to get this breakfast together, and I hope we can get other businesses to follow suit.”

Local law enforcement, fire, EMT/EMS, Rescue Squad and other first responders attend a free appreciation breakfast courtesy of Restaurant 39 in the Crossroads Shopping Center, Henderson. (WIZS photo)

Henderson Fire Chief Steve Cordell spoke to WIZS’ John Charles Rose during the station’s live broadcast and expressed his gratitude to Stainback and the restaurant staff for their generosity.

“It means the world to us to know that we’ve got business owners and volunteers that are here today looking after local fire, EMS and law enforcement. Knowing that the community and people like JR and his staff have public safety in their thoughts and prayers means the world to us,” he said.

Sheriff Curtis Brame remarked on the good turn out and said, “We don’t often get that pat on the back; it’s great to be appreciated.”

WIZS John Charles Rose brings listeners a live, on-location broadcast from Restaurant 39’s appreciation breakfast. (WIZS photo)

Brame also informed the crowd that Chief Barrow was unable to attend due to a prior engagement but did have a big part in planning and promoting the breakfast.

Javier Plummer, director for Vance County EMS, said he and his crew were glad to be included in the occasion. “Hopefully, we don’t have any interruptions and then we can enjoy and fellowship,” joked Plummer. “We do the best we can for the citizens and we are proud that we can be here and represent.”

Before partaking of the meal, David Barnett, associate minister at South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church, offered a blessing and words of encouragement.

“Your jobs are very difficult, very dangerous and very demanding,” he said. “I hope you find them very rewarding also. It’s not just a grab and it’s not just a job. Restaurant 39 and the rest of the people gathered here today want to say we love and appreciate you. Lives are changed because of what you do.”

To hear WIZS’ broadcast from Restaurant 39, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

Scholarship Fund Established at VGCC in Memory of Local Teacher

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Friends and colleagues of the late Robert C. Pirie, Jr., have established a scholarship fund in his memory at Vance-Granville Community College.

Pirie passed away in May at the age of 75. A Vance County native, he was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, including service in Vietnam. He retired from the Vance County school system after teaching for more than 30 years, primarily at Zeb Vance Elementary School.

From left, Mike Bullard, Billy Horner, Wanda Bullard and VGCC Endowment Director Eddie Ferguson meet to discuss plans for the scholarship in memory of Robert Pirie. (VGCC photo)

Retired educators Michael and Wanda Bullard, along with Pirie’s best friend, Billy Horner, and his wife, Patricia Horner, helped set up the scholarship at VGCC. “I was a student of Mr. Pirie’s during his first year of teaching and then had the honor of teaching with him for 12 years,” Wanda Bullard said. “He encouraged me to become a teacher and then became my mentor. We became very close and I thought of him as a second father. I am one of many that he encouraged and supported.”

Bullard noted that Pirie received several awards for his math teaching abilities. He also coached the Zeb Vance Eagles Pee Wee football team for many years and was well-respected in the school system and the community. She recalled that Pirie and Horner shared a love of college sports, attending numerous Duke University home football games and ACC basketball tournaments together.

When Pirie struggled with health issues in his later years, Bullard and Horner helped take care of him. “He was like family to both of us,” Bullard said. “We wanted to start the scholarship in his name as a way to continue his legacy of encouragement and support of students being the best they can be.”

“We are touched that those who knew and worked with Mr. Pirie, those he taught and those he inspired, have been generous and thoughtful enough to honor his memory through a scholarship,” said VGCC Endowment Director Eddie Ferguson. “When fully endowed, this new scholarship will help VGCC students continue their education, and that’s a perfect way to pay tribute to an outstanding educator.”

Through the Endowment Fund, VGCC has awarded more than 9,400 scholarships to students since 1982. Scholarships have been endowed by numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff.

Tax-deductible donations to the VGCC Endowment Fund have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business or industry with a lasting gift to education.

For more information or to make a contribution to help fully endow this scholarship, call Kay Currin at (252) 738-3409.

Contributions to the scholarship fund can be mailed to the Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund, at P.O. Box 917, Henderson, NC 27536.

Vance Charter School Earns ‘B’ Grade, Exceeds Expected Growth

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-Information courtesy Renee Currin, Vance Charter School

On Wednesday, the North Carolina State Board of Education approved school performance data for all public schools in North Carolina. We are proud to announce Vance Charter School earned a B letter grade and exceeded expected growth for the 2018-2019 school year.

This is a testament to the diligent work our students and teachers demonstrated on a daily basis and their commitment to academic excellence.

Please congratulate our students and teachers for this accomplishment and help spread the word about our success.

Vance Charter is UKnighted!

Reminder: Last ‘Alive After Five’ of Year Set for Thursday!

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-Press Release, Granville County Chamber of Commerce

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the date for the last Alive After Five event of 2019 – Thursday, September 12. This event will feature the music and entertainment of JIM QUICK AND COASTLINE BAND and will be held from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. in Oxford’s Downtown Parking Lot on Gilliam Street.

Coincidentally, this concert is leading into an exciting weekend in downtown Oxford  – the annual North Carolina Hot Sauce Contest, which will be held Saturday, September 14. Plan to spend quite a bit of time meeting, greeting, visiting, shopping, dining and lodging in Oxford.

Concession vendors Chick-fil-A of Henderson will be offering their famous chicken sandwiches and soft drinks; Williamson’s Country Store and Grill from Bullock will be offering hot dogs, fried bologna sandwiches, French fries, soft drinks, etc. There will be Coca-Cola and Long Beverage products.

The Chamber’s Alive After Five outdoor event is free to attend. Come early, bring a chair, listen to the incredible music, dance and enjoy visiting with friends. The last Alive After Five event of 2019 will be a night to remember as Jim Quick and Coastline Band takes the stage!

Please visit the Chamber’s website, www.granville-chamber.com or their Facebook page to view the event poster for complete details, including amazing event sponsors and contributors.