State Highway Patrol

State Highway Patrol Focused On Collision Reduction This Christmas

/by

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

-Press Release, NC Department of Public Safety

In anticipation of the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s holidays, the State Highway Patrol is putting safe driving at the top of its Christmas wish list.

According to AAA, more than 112 million travelers are expected to leave home throughout the holiday period to spend time with family and friends. With this in mind, troopers across the state are focusing on driver behavior in an attempt to ensure everyone arrives safely to their intended destination.

Last year, troopers responded to 3,102 collisions between the dates of Dec. 24 through Jan. 2. Among those collisions, 716 were injury-related and 19 resulted in a fatality. This year, SHP hopes to decrease the number of collisions during the same time frame by focusing on violations such as excessive speeding, reckless driving, following too close and impaired driving.

“The Christmas season is a time to be shared with family and friends,” said Colonel Glenn McNeill Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. “Our priority is to reduce needless collisions before they occur in hopes of reporting zero lives lost throughout this holiday season.”

With the increase of distracted driving on the rise across the nation, the Patrol is also taking a proactive approach in reducing distracted driving collisions with the release of a Christmas PSA entitled Two Choices, Your Decision.

While there are several different types of distractions that affect safe driving, the PSA focuses on the dangers associated with texting while driving. The PSA can be obtained by visiting the SHP Facebook page or viewing this YouTube link https://youtu.be/-0S1yDxIOgA.

Granville County Logo

Granville Board of Elections Announces End of 2020 Filing Period

/by

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

-Information courtesy Granville County Government

The Granville County Board of Elections has announced that the filing period for the 11 local seats for the 2020 election officially ended at 12 p.m. on Friday, December 20, 2019. Local offices up for election include County Commissioner seats for Districts 1, 3, 4 and 5; Board of Election seats for Districts 1, 2 and 6; and the Register of Deeds seat.

Seats for N.C. House District 2 and 32, as well as N.C. Senate District 22, are also up for election.

For more details, including a complete list of candidates, please visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/…/board-of-elections/ or call the Board of Elections office at 919-693-2515.

Due to the large volume that file at the State Board of Elections, paperwork submitted by noon on December 20 may still be processing. Please check the State Board website for any updates.

Creedmoor Elem. Teacher Awarded NC Outdoor Heritage GO Grant

/by

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

-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Fourth grade Creedmoor Elementary School of the Arts Teacher, Leslie Nunnery, was awarded an NC Outdoor Heritage Advisory GO Grant for $2500.00. This will allow her 4th-grade students to visit penpals that they’ve corresponded with throughout the year and attend Heritage Days at Maple Grove.

L to R: Superintendent Alisa McLean, Teacher Leslie Nunnery, State Senator Mike Woodard and Principal Latisa McKnight. (GCPS photo)

GO Grants are $250 to $2,500 grants that will be provided to access field study locations and assist with other expenditures that result from taking students outdoors. Qualifying for grants requires instructors to demonstrate how the experience will address topics currently being taught in class and how the experience meets the goals of the Outdoor Heritage Trust Fund plan.

The GO Grants are awarded by the North Carolina Outdoor Heritage Trust Fund for Youth Outdoor Heritage Promotion which is administered by the North Carolina Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council. The Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council and Trust Fund were established in 2015 by the North Carolina General Assembly in an effort to expand the opportunities for persons age 16 and under to engage in outdoor recreational activities.

More information can be found at  www.hickorylandmarks.org.

NC AgVentures Grants Up to $8K Available for Innovative Farm Ideas

/by

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

-Information courtesy Warren County Cooperative Extension Center

Farmers with innovative ideas to increase farm profits are encouraged to submit a proposal to the NC AgVentures Grant Program.

NC AgVentures is an Extension program that provides grants to NC independent family farms for new and innovative agricultural project ideas which will increase farm profits. This is a great opportunity for any producer who is thinking of diversifying, improving, or expanding their operation.

The deadline for applications is January 14, 2020. Grant awards up to $8,000 are available.

The program offers two grant options – an individual farm grant or a community grant. Both grant options are available in the following counties: Alamance, Alexander, Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Cabarrus, Caswell, Catawba, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Forsyth, Gaston, Granville, Greene, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Iredell, Johnson, Lincoln, Martin, Mecklenburg, Nash, Northhampton, Orange, Person, Pitt, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Sampson, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Union, Vance, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, Wilkes, Warren and Yadkin.

Click here for Sample Application for Farmers, Sample Application for Community Agricultural Project Grants and Application Workshops for Producers.

Program Administration

The NC AgVentures program is being administered by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at North Carolina State University. Technical assistance for the NC AgVentures grant program is provided by N.C. Cooperative Extension Agents.

Funding

NC AgVentures is supported exclusively by a grant from the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. To learn more about the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission please visit: https://www.tobaccotrustfund.org/

Read more at https://agventures.ces.ncsu.edu/grant-program/

Please contact your local NC Cooperative Extension Center if you have any questions about creating a proposal or filling out the application (Vance – (252) 438-8188, Warren – (252) 257-3640).

Granville Co Sheriff

Recent Fraud Incidents Prompt Granville Co. Sheriff’s Office to Issue Warning

/by

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

-Press Release, Granville County Government

The Granville County Sheriff’s Office reports incidents of fraud as residents – especially senior citizens – are being targeted during the holiday season. Detective Lieutenant Bob Critcher advises all residents to be cautious of phone calls that ask for money or the purchase of “green dot” cards.

Some callers are identifying themselves as representatives of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and are requesting payments over the phone. Detective Critcher offers a reminder that the IRS does not ask for payments by phone, and to also be careful of those selling items online, as not all sellers are legitimate.

If anyone has any concerns or questions about a phone call in which money is requested, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 919-693-3213.

Granville County Government Employees Recognized for Service

/by

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

-Press Release, Granville County Government

Employees of Granville County Government were recognized for milestone years of service at an appreciation breakfast held earlier this month. Earning recognitions were staff members with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 year-careers, representing many departments and agencies under the Granville County Government “umbrella.”

Employees of Granville County Government were recognized for milestone years of service at an appreciation breakfast held earlier this month. Earning recognitions were staff members with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 year-careers, representing many departments and agencies under the Granville County Government “umbrella.” (Granville Co. Govt photo)

35 years:      

Warren Daniel, Granville County Soil and Water District

30 years:   

Dale Evans, Inspections Department

25 years: 

Luanne Cox, Department of Social Services

Angela Wright, Granville County Senior Services

Chris Smoot, Granville County Sheriff’s Office

20 years:     

Sharon Ellis, Granville County Library System

Sharon Jones, Granville County Tax Office

Amy Humphries, Granville County Library System

Lowell Wilkins, Granville County Sheriff’s Office

Emma Green, Granville County Sheriff’s Office

Timothy McCall, Granville County Sheriff’s Office

Tara Short, Department of Social Services

Laura Thomas, Department of Social Services

Benji Laws, Granville County Sheriff’s Office

15 years:   

Angela Balmer, Register of Deeds Office

Charissa Puryear, Granville County Cooperative Extension

Stacy Adams, Department of Social Services

Sherry Stainback, Department of Social Services

Robin Edwards, Granville County Emergency Services

Willie Richards, Environmental Programs

Nicole Duke, Department of Social Services

10 years:   

Debra Weary, Administration

Justin Jorgensen, Planning Department

Raymond Allen, Parks and Grounds Department

Brad O’Briant, Granville County Sheriff’s Office

Daniel Tillotson, Granville County Sheriff’s Office

Chris Brame, Information Technology

Kimberly Hargrove, Department of Social Services

Stacy Hicks, Granville County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Communications

5 years:    

Jontrell Bullock, Granville County Detention Center

Danya Rumple, Granville County Animal Management

Beverly Ferrell, Department of Social Services

Elliott Carver, Granville County Sheriff’s Office

Matthew Katz, Granville County Animal Management

Trent Brummitt, Granville County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Communications

Jennifer Griffin, Granville County Tax Office

“Each of these employees demonstrates dedication to the job every day,” said Board of Commissioners Chair David Smith in his welcoming remarks. “Their hard work makes a difference in our county, our region and our state, and we thank them for all they do for the many residents who live here.”

The annual breakfast was held on Dec. 5 in the fellowship hall of Oxford United Methodist Church. On behalf of the Board and County Manager Michael Felts, Chairman Smith also thanked volunteers of the church who served the meal and helped organize the event.

Students Tour VGCC’s Culinary Program, Granville Health Systems

/by

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

-Information and photos courtesy Granville County Public Schools

This month, Granville County Public Schools Career & Technical Education (CTE) students visited the Vance – Granville Community College Culinary Arts program. The students learned from expert chefs and small business executives from the local culinary scene, Laura Hackney from RiceWrap and Julia Blaine from Strong Arm Bakery.

South Granville High School Health Science-II students toured Granville Health Systems and heard from department managers about career opportunities and how to maintain safety in a healthcare facility. Their visits included Granville Medical Center, Brantwood, Harold Sherman Adult Day Care and Granville House.

Students learned the benefits of volunteering, internships, and future employment opportunities in our local community related to their curriculum in the CTE Culinary and Health Science pathways.

GrassStreet & The Larry Stephenson Band to Perform at McGregor Hall

/by

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

-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

A NIGHT OF BLUEGRASS: Featuring GrassStreet and The Larry Stephenson Band

Two great bands come together on the McGregor Hall stage for A NIGHT OF BLUEGRASS!

Local favorite GrassStreet has entertained fans since 2003 with their mix of original material and bluegrass standards. The Larry Stephenson Band has been entertaining audiences for thirty years including numerous performances on the Grand Ole Opry, RFD-TV, and as a headliner on festivals and concerts throughout the US and Canada.

Tickets for this event 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)

Granville Co Sheriff

Granville Co. Sheriff’s Office Offers Last-Minute Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

/by

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

-Press Release, Granville County Government

With only a few shopping days left until Christmas, the Granville County Sheriff’s Office offers a reminder for residents to stay safe while completing their holiday shopping lists. This time of year attracts more shopping-related criminal activity because of the larger crowds and extended store hours. Everyone is encouraged to practice these safety tips:

  1. A single shopper is the best target for theft. Always shop with a friend or relative;
  2. When going shopping, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return;
  3. Shop during daylight hours. If you shop at night, park your vehicle in a well-lit area;
  4. Dress casually and comfortably and avoid wearing expensive jewelry;
  5. If carrying cash, keep it in your front pocket rather than in a purse or wallet. This makes it much more difficult for a pick-pocket to remove;
  6. Store car keys in pants or jacket pocket. That way, if your purse is stolen, you will still be able to drive home;
  7. Have car keys in your hand so that you can avoid spending unnecessary time unprotected from the security of your vehicle;
  8. Pay careful attention to your surroundings and avoid overloading yourself with packages;
  9. When returning to your vehicle, check around it and in the back seat. Be aware of any strangers approaching you for any reason;
  10. If you feel uneasy returning to your vehicle alone – for any reason – find a security guard and ask them to walk you to your car.

During this shopping season, busy holiday shoppers are often more vulnerable than during the rest of the year. Shop smart and be safe while completing your Christmas lists.

VGCC Honors 2019 Retirees at Holiday Event

/by

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

-Information courtesy Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College honored five employees that retired in 2019 at a holiday event held on Thursday, December 12 in the VGCC Civic Center.

Retirees and their years of service to VGCC included Phyllis Bynum, 14 years of service; Faith Harris, 14 years of service; June Kersey, 8 years of service; Tina Moll, 14 years of service and Vickie W. Watkins, 14 years of service.

Fellow VGCC employees spoke on behalf of the retirees and thanked each for their hard work, commitment, and invaluable contributions.

Vance-Granville Community College honored five employees that retired in 2019 at a holiday event held on Thursday, December 12 in the VGCC Civic Center. (Front row, left to right): Phyllis Bynum, VGCC President Rachel Desmarais, Ph.D., Faith Harris. (Back row, left to right): Tina Moll and Vickie West Watkins. Not pictured, June Kersey. (VGCC photo)