WIZS Radio Local News Audio 07-19-23 Noon
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Granville Veterans’ Services Can Help
There’s a short list of important documents that everyone needs to keep track of – a driver’s license and Social Security card are two of the big ones that nobody wants to lose. But U.S. military veterans have a form that they have to produce to gain access to benefits and programs – it’s called a DD-214, for short.
The official term is Discharge from Active Duty or Certificate of Release Form, issued by the U.S. Dept. of Defense upon a service member’s retirement, separation or discharge from active duty. It’s the document needed by local, state and federal service providers to assist veterans and their families.
Veterans in Granville County who need assistance obtaining a copy of their DD-214 are encouraged to visit the Veterans Services Office located at 141 Williamsboro St. in Oxford. Weekly office hours are also held on Wednesdays at Creedmoor City Hall (111 Masonic St., Creedmoor) from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Currently, the Oxford office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“When speaking with Veterans at our office, we often find that they do not have a copy of their DD-214,” said Interim Veterans Services Officer A.J. Spiess. “Whether they are trying to sign up for medical care from the VA, file a claim for burial honors, or apply for VA home mortgage loans, you will need a copy of your DD-214. I would encourage all veterans to keep a copy of their DD-214 securely stored and somewhere it be accessed easily. It is also important to make sure your spouse or another close family member knows how to find a copy of your DD-214.”
The Granville County Veterans Services Office provides veterans and their families assistance with educational benefits, grave markers, license plates, disability benefits, tax benefits, wildlife licenses and more. For more information about the Granville County Veterans Services Office, call 919.693.1484 or visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/veterans-services/
TownTalk: Commissioners Take Up Fire Services At Board Meeting
Thanks to the wonders of technology, Vance County Board of Commissioners meetings are recorded for the public to play – and, in some cases, replay. WIZS replayed a portion of the July 10 regular monthly meeting during Tuesday’s TownTalk segment, during which the contentious topic of a fire study was discussed.
At its July meeting, the commissioners were expecting to hear from Interim County Manager Scott Elliott about the status of the much-discussed fire study, including staff recommendations that would move forward two of the six bids received from entities interested in completing the work.
Instead, Board Chair Yolanda Feimster invoked her privilege to send to the Public Safety Committee all six bidders for review, after which the committee would make recommendations to the full board at a future meeting.
“So we’re not discussing this tonight?” asked Commissioner Tommy Hester, upon hearing Feimster’s request, who in essence interrupted Elliott as he prepared to make his report to the board.
When Hester asked Feimster the reason for her decision, she replied that she didn’t have to give one. Hester argued that the whole board approved that a study be done, and Commissioner Leo Kelly, Jr. echoed Hester’s sentiments that it should be the board’s decision to make and not the Public Safety Committee.
Hester then made a motion that the whole board consider the fire study, which Commissioner Archie Taylor seconded.
That motion later was withdrawn, however, following discussion by various commissioners – sometimes talking over one another – about how the process should be carried out.
A subsequent motion was made by Hester, seconded by Taylor, to postpone any decision until the August meeting.
Commissioners Hester, Archie Taylor and Leo Kelly, Jr. voted in favor of the motion. Commissioners Dan Brummitt, Sean Alston and Carolyn Faines voted against the motion, giving Feimster, as chair, the tie-breaking vote. The motion failed on her nay vote and the issue of the fire study will be sent to the Public Safety Committee for review.
County staff reviewed the six proposals and recommended two for consideration by the board – the whole board.
But now, the Public Safety Committee will review – again – all six proposals and is expected to make its own recommendation to the commissioners in August.
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The Local Skinny! Brick Power Team Lifts The Spirit Through Weights
The Brick is sponsoring the Henderson Open Championships later this summer, and winners qualify to participate in the World Championships, scheduled for mid-November in Virginia Beach.
The Brick is a weight-lifting ministry affiliated with – and located beside – Freedom Life Church of God on Martin Creek Road. Part of the group’s ministry, according to Harry Orr, is to put on fundraisers like the Henderson Open Championships, which takes place on Sept. 8 and 9.
“We’ve got a good weightlifting team out there,” Orr said of the Brick on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!
Orr said his group is hosting the meet for 100% RAW Powerlifting Federation, and classes of events include bench press and curls. Register before Aug. 31 online at https://rawpowerlifting.com/.
Orr, who turns 70 next month, is a hall of famer in the weightlifting world. He said he enjoys seeing others get involved in the sport as well.
“I just love to see people get in it…and have fun with it,” he said. In a world where there are so many bad things people can get tangled up in, it’s good to see people get involved in something positive like powerlifting. “It’s something good for them to do,” he said.
Freedom Life’s pastor, Jeff Prewer, is among the ministry’s biggest supporters, Orr said, having them come before the congregation after big wins.
“We want to serve the Lord the best we can,” Orr said. “People have other methods of doing it – we do it through weightlifting.”
The Brick is located at 1001 Martin Creek Rd.
Weigh-ins are Friday, Sept. 8 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and again on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. Lifting begins at 9 a.m.
Weightlifters must present an acceptable form of photo ID – driver’s license, state ID, school ID and passport are acceptable. Work ID badges and recreational/social club ID cards are not acceptable. All participants must show proof of membership in the 100% Raw Powerlifting Federation as well; annual memberships are $40.
Entry fees for the Henderson Open Championships are $65 for bench press, deadlift and strict curl; $75 for push/pull division and $35 for crossover. These fees should be paid, along with completed registration, no later than Saturday, Aug. 31.
Contact Paul Bossi, one of the meet directors, at 252.339.5025 or by email at rawlifting@aol.com to register. Visit https://rawpowerlifting.com/ to find registration documents and rules and regulations.
Contact Orr at 252.432.4196 to learn more about The Brick.
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WIZS Radio Local News Audio 07-18-23 Noon
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WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
Cooperative Extension With Paul McKenzie: What Works in the Garden
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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Henderson Police Arrest Two After Gunshots Fired
-information courtesy of Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow
Henderson police arrested two men in connection with a shooting incident that occurred last week.
According to information received Monday from Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow, officers were dispatched to the 200 block of E. Rockspring Street at 4:49 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12 in reference to gunshots being fired.
When officers arrived, they located a male identified as Tyrell Sneed, 32, of Franklinton.
Officers also were dispatched to less than a mile away to Henry Street in reference to another male subject involved in the incident. The second subject was identified as Tyriek Yarbrough, 23, of Hillsborough.
Upon further investigation by the department’s Criminal Investigations and Operations divisions, it was determined that both subjects were actively shooting at each other, which initiated the original call.
Both men were arrested and charged with going armed to the terror of the public, discharging a firearm in the city limits, discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill.
Sneed received a $500,000 secured bond; Yarbrough received a $550,000 secured bond. Both were remanded to the Vance County Detention Center.
Warren Meeting To Discuss Use Of Opioid Settlement Funding Set For July 31
Warren County leaders and others from the local area are invited to attend a community meeting later this month to learn more about how best to spend the opioid settlement funding the county will receive.
In addition to county leaders, leaders from the towns of Warrenton, Norlina and Macon are amond those expected to attend the July 31 meeting, which will begin at 6 p.m. at the Warren County Armory Civic Center, 501 US Hwy 158 Business East in Warrenton.
Attendees will learn more about the N.C. Opioid Settlement and evidenced-based strategies from staff of the N.C. Association of County Commissioners. In addition, community members will have the opportunity to share their ideas/experiences relating to the need and barriers to receiving behavioral health services. Local service providers will also be on-hand to answer questions and provide information on what services are currently available to residents.
For more information, contact Vincent Jones, County Manager at 252.257.3115, or Public Health Director Dr. Margaret Brake at 252.257.1185.
TownTalk: Events In Granville County
With the heat of summer in full swing, Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen has some options for indoor activities to keep folks cool.
The National Teapot Festival continues at Cedar Creek Gallery through September 10, and Allen said a trip to this Creedmoor gem won’t disappoint. Part working studio, part art gallery, Cedar Creek is open seven days a week. The Teapot Show features hundreds of teapots on display.
In and around downtown Oxford, things are popping up as fast as a summer thunderstorm.
There’s karaoke on Wednesdays at The Orpheum. Enjoy a signature drink and the music from 8 p.m. to midnight, Allen said.
If you think you’d like to light up the night, visit The Orpheum on Saturday, July 22 for Glow Night. Allen said $5 gets you in the door, along with whatever you wear that glows – necklaces, clothing, use your imagination. It’s from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Check out Verdigris, Oxford Oaks Distillery’s restaurant.
On Wednesdays, stop in for Verdigris Vibes, live music by local artists from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. They’ve got $10 tapas & cocktails on Thursdays from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Visit https://www.oxfordoaksdistillery.com/ to learn more.
If you’re in the mood for pizza (and who isn’t?), reserve your spot now at Thorndale Oaks for Thursday, July 20. For $21.95, enjoy all-you-can-eat pizza, pasta and more. Make sure to call and reserve a spot at 919.603.3701. Follow Thorndale Oaks on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all their events.
The city of Oxford will observe National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Allen said local law enforcement agencies, including Oxford Police Department and Oxford Fire Department will be on hand as the community joins together to enjoy food, activities, games and more.
Learn about these events and more at https://visitgranvillenc.com/.
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The Local Skinny! Vance County Schools Preps For Opening
(This script features a correction from its first version specically about the open house event. The Viper Nation Fall Open House will be held for all high school students on August 3rd at 5 p.m.)
That day that everyone knew was coming, but hoped it wouldn’t be here quite so fast, is suddenly knocking on the proverbial door – Open House and orientations for Vance County High School.
The orientation for students who will be in 12th grade is scheduled for Monday, July 31, beginning at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the orientation session will begin at 6 p.m.
Students in the 10th and 11th grades will have orientations on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Tenth graders will assemble at 5 p.m. and 11th graders will gather for a 6 p.m. orientation.
Last, but not least, 9th graders will attend their orientation on Thursday, Aug. 3 at 4 p.m.
The Viper Nation Fall Open House will be held for all high school students on August 3rd at 5 p.m.
Vance County High School Principal Dr. Nealie Whitt III said the upcoming orientations will provide families and students valuable information about the 2023-24 school year.
“In an effort to ensure families and students have the necessary information for the upcoming year, we are hosting individual grade-level orientations and Open House,” Whitt stated. “During orientation, families will have the opportunity to meet our administrators and office staff, update contact/pick up information, and sign up to volunteer and join our booster club.”
Visit https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/ to learn more about VCS.
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