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List of Local Four-County Independence Day Celebrations

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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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Reminder: ‘Guys and Dolls’ Performances Begin This Weekend

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-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)

NC Dept of Agriculture

Fireworks Caused 35 NC Wildfires in 2018; State Urges Caution

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-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.

NCDOT

NCDOT Suspending Most Major Lane-Closing Projects for July 4 Holiday

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-Press Release, NCDOT

To ensure the most efficient travel for North Carolina drivers over the July 4 holiday, the N.C. Department of Transportation will suspend most road construction projects that cause lane closures on major routes across the state.

Where possible, closed lanes will be opened from the morning of Wednesday, July 3, through the evening of Friday, July 5. There are some locations where the type of construction or the project status will not allow an opening for safety reasons.

Heavy traffic is also expected on Sunday, July 7, particularly on interstates. NCDOT is reviewing any lane closures that may be planned that day for primary routes and could extend the lane closure restrictions at those locations to avoid potential traffic backups.

Drivers can check the status of the route they plan to take in advance by going to DriveNC.gov. They can also follow NCDOT on Twitter to track travel updates by region or route.

NCDOT encourages drivers to follow these tips to navigate the roads safely over the holiday:

  • Leave early. Travel at non-peak hours and use alternative routes to avoid the heaviest traffic congestion.
  • Stay alert. Even when work is paused, you may encounter narrowed lanes, shifts in traffic and lower speed limits through work zones.
  • Be patient.
  • Don’t drive drowsy. For extended drives, take frequent breaks to remain alert.
  • Don’t drive distracted. When drivers are not focused on the road, they react slowly to traffic conditions and are more likely to be involved in a crash.

The July 4 holiday is also a time for law enforcement to crack down on drunk driving. The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program started its Operation Firecracker campaign this week, geared toward catching people who are driving under the influence.

Sobriety checkpoints will be in place in all 100 counties through Sunday, July 7, to keep impaired drivers off the roads for their safety and the safety of others.

If you plan to drink over the holiday period, NCDOT and GHSP strongly urge you to call a friend, use a ride-share service or take a cab – just don’t drive drunk.

Granville County Logo

Granville Senior Services Offering Free Fans to Residents in Need

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT!

Granville County Senior Services has fans available for those in need. Through “Operation Heat Relief,” eligible county residents who do not currently have air conditioning – or are unable to use air conditioning due to medical reasons – are invited to complete a short application to receive a FREE fan.

Recipients must be 60 years of age or older and/or be disabled to qualify.

Call the Senior Center, located at 107 Lanier Street in Oxford, at 919-693-1930 for details. The Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

July 4th Picnic Planned for Creedmoor’s Lake Rogers Park

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-Information courtesy the City of Creedmoor

A Fourth of July Picnic will be hosted by the Creedmoor Lions Club and the City of Creedmoor on Thursday, July 4, 2019, at Lake Rogers Park.

Activities are planned from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Lake Rogers Park Shelter #1, 1711 Lake Road in Creedmoor.

The event is open to the public and features music, food, beverages and a cake baking contest.

Granville County Logo

Granville Co. Commissioners to Hold Regular Board Meeting July 1

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-Information courtesy Debra A. Weary, Clerk to the Board, Granville County

The Granville County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, July 1, 2019, at 7 p.m. at the Granville Expo and Convention Center, 4185 US Highway 15 South, Oxford.

Agenda items include:

Consent Agenda

1. Contingency Summary

2. Budget Amendment #9 for FY 2018-2019

Recognitions and Presentations

3. Recognition – L.C. Adcock

4. Recognition of Service – Deborah M. Englebright

5. Recognition – Charla Duncan 

Public Comments

6. Public Comments

Recreation Matters

7. Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Advisory Committee

8. Recreation Grant Recommendations for FY 2019-2020

Purchasing

9. Granville Athletic Park John Deere 7700a Reel Mower

Appointments

10. Oxford Planning Board – Extraterritorial Member

County Attorney’s Report

11. Triangle North Engineering Services Update

Presentations by County Board Members

12. Presentations by County Board Members

Any Other Matters

13. Any Other Matters

To view Granville Co. Board of Commissioners meeting agendas and minutes, click here.

Granville County Logo

Creative Lifelong Learning Program Gears Up for New Season

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) program, sponsored by Granville County Senior Services, has completed its 2018/2019 schedule, with organizers preparing for the 2019/2020 course offerings.

Almost 300 Granville County residents participated in the Fall 2018/Spring 2019 program, which included a variety of courses, activities and educational trips. Topics included Conversational Spanish, Marketing and Advertising, Tai Chi as Physical Therapy and many others, some of which were not limited to local seniors, but were open to any participant over the age of 18.

The CLL program will continue to be open to Granville County adults, ages 50+, as well as to those outside the county and/or over the age of 18. The program is now renewing memberships for the coming year, as well as accepting new members.

Class/activity schedules are available in the “Senior Connections” monthly newsletter, as well as on the Granville County Government webpage. Visit www.granvillecounty.org/residents/senior-services/.

Among many new topics/experiences scheduled for Fall 2019, CLL will offer the educational series “My Former Life.” This course will focus on the professional experiences of Granville County seniors and their careers before retirement. According to organizers, the course will provide an understanding of some unique career choices and will offer a glimpse into the depth of knowledge of our senior citizen population.

New teachers are now being recruited for the upcoming Fall and Spring season and new classes are being developed on an ongoing basis. If interested in becoming involved, teacher applications are available online at www.granvillecounty.org/residents/senior-services/.

Participation in this program continues to be encouraged and new CLL members are welcome.

The Granville County Senior Center in Oxford is located at 107 Lanier Street in Oxford. For suggestions for future schedule additions or for more information about the program, contact Marilyn Howard, CLL Coordinator, at 919-693-1930.

Cadets Graduate From Sheriff’s Office Teen Law Academy

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Participants of the 2019 Granville County Sheriff’s Office Teen Law Academy have received certificates of completion after a week-long training program. Held at Granville Central High School, the session was offered – at no cost – to high school students interested in a career in law enforcement, the criminal justice system, the U.S. Military or public service.

Participating cadets engaged in classroom and hands-on law enforcement activities, exposing them to the rigors and demands facing today’s law enforcement officers.

(Photos courtesy of @ahphotography.336)

The 2019 graduating class included 28 cadets: Adam Adcock, Shakya Ball, K’Veon Bruce, Malachi Cheek, Megan Ellis, Evelyn Galvan, Daniel Gladden, Jatavious Hunt, Riley Johnson, Christopher May, Ricky O’Neal, Dominic Pollay, Kara Ray, Clay Slaughter, Matthew Spiers, Joel Tidd, Josh Adcock, Blake Bowling, James Gladden, Sandra Inman, Jaden Lawrence, Griffin McCaffery, RocQuan Perry, Felix Pollay, Brittany Smith, Caleb Senter, Brandon Sullivan and Angel Webb.

“We are very proud of this training program,” Sheriff Brindell Wilkins said, “and are especially proud of our first graduating class. These young men and women showed that they have what it takes to be successful when they enter their chosen professions.”

Academy instructors included representatives of law enforcement, judges, attorneys, members of the U.S. Army National Guard and other highly-qualified career professionals who provided training in firearms and shooting skills, crime scene investigation, K9 drug detection, high-risk felony traffic stops, physical fitness, and other aspects of instruction.

Training also included information about the roles of SWAT and special response teams, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the criminal court system, and use of the Life Flight helicopter.

(Photos courtesy of @ahphotography.336)

A graduation ceremony was held on Friday, June 21. Angel Webb served as Class Valedictorian, while Brandon Sullivan was recognized as Distinguished Leader. Other honors included Brittany Smith, Best All Around; Caleb Senter, Extra Effort Award (male); Megan Ellis, Extra Effort Award (female); and Clay Slaughter, Top Performance.

Scholarship winners, each of whom received a $300 cash award at program completion, included Christopher May, Griffin McCaffery and Kara Ray.

The Teen Law Academy Planning Committee included Randy Christensen, Elliott Carver, Christy Currin, Tabitha Glasscock, Jackie Harris, Sergent M. Manz, Shelby Sharron and Jerry Wells. Presenting sponsors, along with Granville County Sheriff Brindell Wilkins, Jr., included Granville County Public Schools, the U.S. Army National Guard and the Boy Scouts of America.

“This program was made possible by a number of local business and individuals who are too numerous to mention,” Sheriff Wilkins remarked. “Because of their support, we were able to offer this valuable training at no charge to the cadets who participated. I would like to personally thank everyone for their contributions and support.”

Plans are already in the works for the 2020 Teen Law Academy. To find out how you can assist in this training program, contact the Granville County Sheriff’s Office at 919-693-3213.

Grammy Award Winner Dom Flemons To Perform at Thornton Library

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

On June 29, the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford will host a musical concert as Grammy award winner Dom Flemons performs a selection of American folk tunes, ballads and bluegrass music.

Known as “The American Songster,” Flemons has traveled all over the world, performing on banjo guitar, harmonica and percussion instruments. This Saturday at 2 p.m., Flemons will bring his talents to Oxford for a free show that is open to the public.

On June 29, the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford will host a musical concert as Grammy award winner Dom Flemons performs a selection of American folk tunes, ballads and bluegrass music. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt)

Now embarking on a solo career, Flemons has performed with leading musicians such as the Old Crow Medicine Show, Taj Mahal, Guy Davis, Mike Steeger, Joe Thompson, Martin Simpson and Boo Hanks.

In 2005, the musician co-founded the “The Carolina Chocolate Drops,” a group which has been inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. In 2010, “The Carolina Chocolate Drops” was singled out for a Grammy award in the category of “Best Traditional Folk Music.”

Over the past ten years, Flemons’ tours have included stops at Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry and other popular venues, as well as the Opening Ceremony for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American history and Culture.

His most recent solo album, “Dom Flemons Presents Black Cowboys,” pays tribute to the music, culture and history of the Wild West, following the footsteps of the thousands of African-American pioneers who helped build the country’s trails and rails. The recording, part of Folkways 70th Anniversary and the African-American Legacy Recording series, spent 31 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Bluegrass chart.

The Richard H. Thornton Library is located at 210 Main Street in Oxford and is one of four branches of the Granville County Library System. Others are located in Creedmoor (South Branch), Stovall and Berea.

To learn more about Flemons and his musical work, visit TheAmericanSongster.com website, which has been selected by the Library of Congress for inclusion in the American Music Creators Web Archive.

For more details about other upcoming programs and events hosted by a library branch near you, visit https://granville.lib.nc.us.