@SVHS_Athletics at Warren County and @GCHS_PANTHERS @NorthernVanceFB

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Vance County Friday Night Football coverage on WIZS this week will feature Southern Vance at Warren County and Northern Vance hosting Granville Central. Join us on air and online for the live play by play. 1450 AM on your radio dial and wizs.com on your phone, tablet and smart TV. Airtime is 6:45 for a 7 o’clock kickoff.  You can also use the Tunein Radio App.

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Scouting Report — Southern Vance at Warren County — Friday 10/20/2017

Going into tonight’s games, Roanoke Rapids, Southern Vance and Warren County are jostling each other for third place in the Northern Carolina Conference (South Granville and Bunn are both 5-0 NCC).  All three teams are 4-2 in the league, but Roanoke Rapids has an edge with a 7-2 overall record and a win over Warren, while Warren has a 6-3 overall record, and Southern Vance is 5-4 after winning 4 of their last 5 games, including a surprising but decisive 44-27 victory over Roanoke Rapids.  Tonight’s meeting between Southern Vance and Warren County could sort out that group, since a win for the Raiders would put them in front of both of the other teams by way of head-to-head wins.  A win for the Eagles, on the other hand, would severely damage Southern’s chances for a playoff spot, since the Raiders would drop to 5-5 overall.   Roanoke Rapids is idle this week, getting ready for its own showdown with Warren County next Friday.

The teams are evenly matched, at least on paper:  Warren County scores an average of 29 points per game, and allows 25.  Southern has gotten better every week, and now averages 30 points scoring per game, while allowing 28 points.   These stats suggest that both teams have trouble on defense.  Both teams are also prone to mistakes, and penalties and turnovers nearly cost the Eagles an upset loss to Webb last week, when Webb forced an overtime with a late field goal, and the Eagles had to win it with a 3-point kick of their own.  Warren will not have to worry about offsetting field goals tonight, since Southern Vance has no kicker, even for extra points.  This has not been much of a handicap for the Raiders so far – their only close loss, a 34-30 disappointment to Bunn, would not have been helped by a kicker.  Against Warren, however, with the teams so close on paper, three points may well decide the outcome.

Much is riding on tonight’s game for both teams, and the determining factor could well be who scores the most in the first quarter, and how effective each pass defense can be.  Raiders QB Elijah Stewart has only thrown 2 interceptions this season, but Warren’s secondary has 10 picks, with Cornell Hendrick has accounted for an amazing 8 of those himself.  Eagles QB Cornelius Davis has been picked off 8 times this season, but the Raiders have been a easier to pass against, with only one takeaway.

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Scouting Report — Granville Central at Northern Vance — Friday, October 20, 2017

One and seven Northern Vance had an open week to regroup from a 54-7 thrashing from Bunn, and to find its way back to the winning ways that began on September 29 with the Vikings’ first victory of the season, a 17-14 squeaker over 1A conference member Louisburg.   Tonight and next Friday the Vikings have  the opportunity for back-to-back wins over 1A Granville Central and 2A Webb, which would improve their record to 3-7, and give them some momentum going into their season finale – the Optimist Bowl against Southern Vance (currently 5-4, 4-2).  Northern Vance is grouped with Webb, Louisburg and Granville Central at the bottom of the Northern Carolina Conference, all at least 3 games back of Warren County, which currently sits right in the middle of the pack.  All four teams suffer from similar deficits – low scoring an soft defenses – but Northern and Granville Central both have one conference win, and tonight’s match up will move one of those teams one game above that bottom level, at least for a week.

On paper, Granville Central has a slim advantage over the Vikings.  The Panthers from Stem are 3-5 overall, and won their two nonconference games (a 7-6 thriller over 2A Bartlett Yancey and a 33-8 morale booster over regional 1A doormat KIPP Pride). But GC was rudely introduced to its new 2A conference mates with a 46-0 loss to Roanoke Rapids in their conference opener.  The Panthers showed spunk in their 50-19 loss to Southern Vance (in the Raiders highest scoring game of the season), and took a 38-7 licking from Warren County.  Then, however, after a 28-0 nonconference loss to North Duplin, the Panthers defeated cross-county rivals J. F. Webb 20-14 and held Bunn to 17 points, although they were unable to score themselves.  Granville Central averages just under 11 points per game on offense, and allows over 25 points.  Northern Vance has scored 8 per game and has allowed opponents 31 per game.  The Vikings should therefore hope that tonight’s game will be a low-scoring affair, like their 17-14 win over Louisburg, while the Panthers will be looking for a game like their 20-14 win over Webb.  The final outcome could therefore be decided by a field goal or a two point conversion.

Granville Crime Stoppers

United We Sing, Friday, Oct 20

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Granville Commissioner David Smith has passed along information regarding a benefit for Granville County Crime Stoppers.

“United We Sing” will take place Friday, October 20th at 7 p.m.

Music will be by Rev. Frank Sossamon, Closer Home and Backyard Bluegrass Boys.

The location is Providence Baptist Church in Oxford.

Donations will benefit Granville Couty Crime Stoppers.

Show Shine Shag & Dine 2017

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Show Shine Shag & Dine 2017 — click for more

East Coast Drag Time Hall of Fame and Reunion — click for more

It’s a world-class car show, Drag Times Hall of Fame reunion and weekend full of fun, and it’s all happening right here in downtown Henderson with an anticipated economic impact in Vance County of about $2 million.

Nancy Wilson, director of Vance County Tourism, appeared on WIZS’s TownTalk this week, and you can hear the audio here.

This week and weekend roughly 35,000 people will come from all over the United States and parts of Canada to participate in and see the 16th annual Show Shine Shag and Dine in downtown Henderson.

Wilson said, “They love our little town.  They never have negative things to say about our area, and they come back year after year, so they must like it.  They enjoy coming here, and they have great things to say about the restaurants and the staff that waits on them, and we do not get any negative feedback.  It’s amazing.”

These types of events can also become the face of a town like Henderson.  During the TownTalk episode today, Wilson said she had and demonstrated an effort to work with our new Vance County Economic Development director and the new director of the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission.

As a part of the Saturday morning and afternoon event downtown, the Corbitt Preservation Association will have its annual display of Corbitt Trucks at the corner of Montgomery and Williams Streets.

There are also other events during the weekend on Friday and Sunday.  Be sure to check out www.kerrlake-nc.com for a full list.

For the weekend’s event schedule, click here for a downloadable, printable PDF.

Granville Crime Stoppers

Granville County Crime Stoppers

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— courtesy Granville County Crime Stoppers

Sometime between Monday, September 25th, 2017 and Friday, 29th, 2017 early evening hours, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property located off Highway 158 West Oxford , NC and criminally removed several antique collectibles.

Sometime between Friday, September 29th, 2017 late evening and Saturday, September 30th, 2017 mid-morning hours, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property off Highway 158 West, Oxford, NC and forced entry into a shed and a storage building, which caused criminal damage.

On Friday, September 29th, 2017 during late evening hours, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property off Pope Road, Creedmoor, NC and criminally removed a Freight Harbor welding machine from underneath a shed.

On Friday, October 6th, 2017 between early to mid-morning hours, an unknown person or persons unlawfully went upon private property located off Buck Hart Road, Oxford, NC and forced entry of a residence and a shed, which caused criminal property damage.

If you have information concerning these incidents, please contact the Granville County Sheriff’s Office at 919-693-3213 or call Crime Stoppers 919-693-3100.

THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS AUTHORIZED THE PAYMENT OF A REWARD OF UP TO $1,000 FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST/INDICTMENT(S) OF PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE CRIMES. IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION CONCERNING THESE CRIMES OR ANY OTHER SERIOUS CRIME(S) IN GRANVILLE COUNTY. YOU ARE ASKED TO CALL THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS IN OXFORD AT 919-693-3100.

7th Annual Masonic Homecoming Festival Saturday

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The 7th Annual Masonic Homecoming Festival continues tomorrow, Saturday, October 14th.

Every year Oxford welcomes home all of its Masonic Home for Children alumni in the fall. Head Administrator for the institution Kevin Otis talked with WIZS TownTalk this past Wednesday – click here for the Oct 11th archive.

Otis said Saturday morning at 9:30 features the largest and best Shrine parade, followed by campus tours and folks can check out the print shop.  He said it’s a family friendly event with great activities for kids.  There’ll be great food on site at the BBQ pit followed by Jim Quick and Coastline with live, free beach music at noon, according to Otis.

The Granville County Tourism web page, at https://www.visitgranvillenc.com/fall, describes it as a “celebration of North Carolina’s oldest and first home for children.”  Check out more at https://mhc-xford.org/masonic-homecoming-festival.

While on TownTalk, Otis discussed the vocational and educational aspects among other topics concerning the Masonic Home and how it serves Vance and Granville Counties and, in fact, 26 counties in NC.

(Granville County Tourism and The Masonic Home for Children are paying advertising clients of WIZS.)

Families Living Violence Free

Families Living Violence Free Candlelight Vigil

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— courtesy Families Living Violence Free

Please join FLVF as we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month with our Annual Candlelight Vigil to honor Granville County Survivors and Victims of Domestic Violence who have lost their lives as a result of family violence. We honor and celebrate their lives with a vigil.

“Knowledge is Power… Awareness Saves Lives”

The Vigil will take place in front of the Families Living Violence Free’s Office. (125 Oxford Outer Loop Road)
Monday, October 16th, 2017
5:30pm to 6:30pm

For further information, please feel free to contact Families Living Violence Free: (919) 693-3579

Oxford Kiwanis Lobster Sale

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The Oxford Kiwanis Club is having a lobster sale.  Pre-order now by calling 919-693-0000.  Final orders due by Oct 17th.  You can pick up your lobster Oct 21st from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church located at 140 College Street.

NC Forest Service

Oct 8-14 is Fire Prevention Week

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— courtesy NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and NC Forest Service

With fall fire season approaching, N.C. Forest Service offers tips to prevent wildfires

RALEIGH – As fall wildfire season approaches, the N.C. Forest Service encourages North Carolinians to heed the call of National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 8-14, and take steps to ensure careful burning of leaves and yard debris.

Fall wildfire season typically lasts from mid-October until mid-December, the time of year when people do a lot of yard work that may include burning leaves and yard debris. These fires sometimes escape and start wildfires. In fact, debris burning is the top cause of wildfires in North Carolina.

“Between October and November of 2016, there were 1,138 wildfires that burned more than 59,511 acres across North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “All of us can do our part to avoid another fall fire season like last year by exercising caution while burning debris.”

There are many factors to consider before burning any debris. The N.C. Forest Service encourages residents considering debris burning to contact their local county forest ranger. The ranger can offer technical advice and explain the best options to help maximize the safety to people, property and the forest.

Follow these tips to protect property and prevent wildfires:

  • Consider alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass and stubble, may be of more value if they are not burned, but used for mulch instead.
  • Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
    Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burning permit at any Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at https://ncforestservice.gov.
  • Keep an eye on the weather. Don’t burn on dry, windy days.
  • Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris. Don’t pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle away from overhead branches and wires.
  • Household trash should be hauled away to a trash or recycling station. It is illegal to burn anything other than yard debris.
  • Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
  • Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed debris burning.
  • Stay with your fire until it is completely out.
  • These same tips hold true for campfires and charcoal grills as well. Douse burning charcoal briquettes or campfires thoroughly with water. When soaked, stir the coals and soak them again. Be sure they are out cold and carefully feel to be sure they are extinguished. Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area.
  • Burning agricultural residue and forestland litter: In addition to the rules above, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time. Before doing any burning in a wooded area, contact your county ranger, who will weigh all factors, explain them and offer technical advice.

Studies have shown that taking these and other measures can reduce the possibility of wildfires. For more information on ways you can prevent wildfires and loss of property, log onto https://ncforestservice.gov.

Help Seniors Get Hired!

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Are you age 55 or older or, know someone who is? Are you unemployed and looking for a job? Are you interested in paid on-the-job community service training!

NC NCBA-SCSEP supports over 300 part-time positions in 18 counties by providing hands-on workplace settings for seniors to develop new skills and talents and support community service activities. Participants enhance or refresh work experience through exposure to various jobs. Must meet income guidelines, able to work 20 hours per week, participate in assisted job search, earn minimum wage stipend.

Call Beryle Lewis
919693 2686
blewis@myncba.com

VGCC Faculty and Staff members of the Year

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— courtesy VGCC

VGCC honors Faculty and Staff Members of the Year with Glen Raven Awards

Vance-Granville Community College President Dr. Stelfanie Williams recently presented the college’s annual awards to a pair of outstanding VGCC employees. Science Department Chair/instructor Steve McGrady of Durham was chosen as the Faculty Member of the Year for 2017-18, while Kelly W. Glover of Oxford, the publications specialist in the VGCC Print Shop, was named Staff Member of the Year.

The honors are two of VGCC’s three Glen Raven Excellence in Teaching and Leadership Awards. Glen Raven, Inc., the manufacturer with a site in Norlina, is a longtime VGCC supporter and partner. In addition to sponsoring the annual stipends to recognize excellence among VGCC instructors and staff members, Glen Raven has endowed several scholarships for students.

McGrady and Glover are now eligible to be considered for the N.C. Community College System’s statewide R.J. Reynolds Excellence in Teaching and BB&T Staff Person of the Year awards, respectively.

“Steve and Kelly consistently demonstrate excellence as they provide education and support services to students, their colleagues and the community,” President Williams said. “In their unique ways, they provide leadership for Vance-Granville with their expertise, positivity and dedication to our mission.”

VGCC’s 2017-18 award winners are, from left, Faculty Member of the Year Steve McGrady and Staff Member of the Year Kelly Glover. (VGCC photo)

Steve McGrady

Steve McGrady has been a full-time VGCC instructor since 1990 and leader of the Science department since 1992. He is a graduate of Wake Forest University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree, and of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned his master’s degree in biology. McGrady teaches courses in biology, chemistry and geology. Prior to joining the faculty at VGCC, he taught at Richmond Community College in Hamlet, N.C.

McGrady was the recipient of the VGCC President’s Leadership Award in 2006 after helping to lead a “Global Studies” initiative that took a group of faculty and students on an educational trip to Costa Rica. McGrady and now-retired instructor Button Brady coordinated the VGCC Science Camp for middle school students from its inception in 2011, and he has overseen the camp on his own for the last two summers. He served as co-chair of the VGCC Endowment Fund Faculty & Staff Drive from 2010 through 2012 and is a graduate of the VGCC Leadership Institute of 2005-06. McGrady has been involved in the college’s Male Mentoring program as a mentor and has served as chair of the college’s Academic Affairs Committee.

Kelly Glover

Kelly Glover has served since 2004 as VGCC’s publications specialist, a position in which she plans, designs and produces various printed materials for the college, from posters advertising classes to diplomas and certificates for students. Glover joined the college after working for The Daily Dispatch in Henderson for seven years, first as a reporter and later as community news editor. She is also a graduate of the college. After completing her Associate in Arts degree at VGCC in 1997, Glover continued her education at Meredith College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English. She is also a graduate of both “Leadership Vance,” a program of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, and “Leadership Granville,” a program of the Granville County Chamber of Commerce. At VGCC, Glover has served as chair of the Special Events Committee for three years and has volunteered with numerous projects including the college’s participation in the annual UNC-TV fundraiser. She also served on an ad-hoc enrollment task force this year that succeeded in enrolling and serving a number of students.

Glover has the unique distinction of being the daughter of another VGCC award winner, 1990 Faculty Member of the Year James Wheeler, who is now retired.

–VGCC–