TownTalk: Local Author Michael Elliott Has Faith In The Music Of John Hiatt

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His name may not be a household name, but John Hiatt is the force behind many popular singers and bands – and Mike Elliott has written a book of the singer-songwriter’s life.

For longtime WIZS listeners, the answer is yes, OUR Mike Elliott. The Oxford native and former program director and operations manager of the radio station, who spent more than a decade on the local airwaves, got caught up in a different medium – writing stories, reviews and now a book which chronicles the life of someone he has admired for many years.

The biography, Have a Little Faith: The John Hiatt Story, is set for release on Sept. 14, but pre-orders can be made now, Elliott told Bill Harris on Wednesday’s Town Talk.

“It’s great to be back on the radio,” Elliott said. He left in June 2001 to continue his career, which ultimately took a turn to print media on sort of a whim.

“I’ve always written for fun,” Elliott said. Then one night while writing, he decided to submit a story to Bitter Southerner, a nationally known online publication. A few months later, he got word that the story he’d written about growing up around music and loving music would be published as part of its folk life collection. That was a few years ago, and Elliott said he branched out from there to include album reviews, among other things.

The research for this biography was done by phone and Skype, Elliott said, thanks to COVID-19. Which turned out to be sort of a blessing in disguise – everyone he wanted to interview would normally have been on the road and hard to catch up with. But not during COVID-19.

“It made people slow down, take stock and reassess,” Elliott said of the pandemic. “And they were home – not touring.  So they said, yes, they’d talk to me.”

Elliott was a teenager when he first learned of Hiatt. He said he was probably watching the music video channel VH1 when he took note of Hiatt’s voice – it was an “amazing raspy, soulful voice,” Elliott recalled.

The more he listened and learned, the more he was enamored of this man called John Hiatt who was writing songs for the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Suzy Boggus and many others.

“The man is a powerhouse – he’s writing all this stuff,” Elliott said, adding that the song “Have a Little Faith in Me” has been recorded by many singers and is considered a current standard.

And it’s that song that Elliott said encapsulates Hiatt’s story of resilience, hitting rock bottom and coming back better and stronger.

His first two records weren’t great, Elliott said, and his record label dropped him. From there, he got gigs playing at colleges – even standing atop a table in a cafeteria singing for students eating all around him.

There were some other twists and turns that brought him to seek treatment for substance abuse and addiction – read the book to find out details – and that’s when he wrote “Have a Little Faith in Me.”

Hiatt, sober since 1984, was writing it about himself, Elliott said. “(That song) gave him the strength he needed to go forward.”
Big-time names like Bob Dylan, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy all have recorded Hiatt’s songs. And although his name may not be a household name, Hiatt’s songs are probably familiar to many.

Hiatt’s story isn’t the typical rags-to-riches type story of a musician who hit it big, lost it all, then climbed back up the ladder of success. No, Elliott said, Hiatt’s story is about someone who was “kind of fair to middlin’, cleaned up and became artistically huge.”

Elliott said he was very pleased when Hiatt’s management team helped clear the way to talk to the artist himself. “I was planning to write the book without him…but I did want his personal take.” He said he was indebted to the 69-year-old for his contributions to the book

“When he started opening up about his life, he gave me stuff that he’d never given anyone before. He felt like it was time to just tell it,” Elliott recalled, for which he is grateful.

You can place pre-orders for Elliott’s book from online retailers or visit michael-elliott.com to find a link to purchase. The book also will be available on Audible. Listeners to the audio format may recognize a familiar voice  – Elliott will be reading the introduction.

 

 

Bowling To Sign Copies Of His Book On 275 Years Of Granville History

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Local author Lewis Bowling will be signing copies of the book he wrote to commemorate the 275th anniversary of Granville County during the 15th annual Hot Sauce Contest in downtown Oxford on Sept. 11.

Bowling researched and wrote the book, Looking Back: 275 Years of Granville County History and will be at the Granville County Historical Society Museum from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. as part of the museum’s special exhibit to highlight the anniversary, according to information from Lynn Allred, county public information officer.

Granville County’s history dates back to 1746 – 30 years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence – and Bowling’s book chronicles that rich heritage.

“There is so much history here,” Bowling said. “Even with all my research I have not even come close to covering all of it.”

Bowling, a regular contributing columnist to the Oxford Public Ledger and the Butner Creedmoor News, has published a variety of books that spotlight the history of the area including commemorative books for the City of Oxford’s bicentennial in 2016 and Camp Butner’s 75th anniversary in 2017.

Copies of his coffee-table style book are available for purchase online through the Granville County website www.granvillecounty.org and locally at the following locations:

  • Ace Hardware, 119 Hillsboro St., Oxford
  • This ‘n That, 125 Main Street, Oxford
  • Granville County Chamber of Commerce, 124 Hillsboro St., Oxford
  • Butner Town Hall, 415 Central Ave.
  • Creedmoor Town Hall, 111 Masonic St.
  • Granville County Government Administration Office, 104 Belle St., Oxford
  • Oxford Public Ledger, 200 West Spring St.
  • All branches of the Granville County library system

The Granville County Historical Society Museum is located at 1 Museum Lane in Oxford.

For more information about the book signing, contact the museum at 919.693.9706.

TownTalk: Voluntary Ag Districts Benefit Local Farmers

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Statistics back up the anecdotal evidence – rural landscapes, once dotted with crops and livestock pastures, are changing. The seemingly endless rows of corn, cotton or tobacco have been replaced with homes and subdivisions right here in our own back yards.

North Carolina has a program that serves to protect and preserve existing farmland. Of the state’s 100 counties, 90 have established voluntary agricultural districts as a way to preserve farmland and to let prospective neighbors know what it means to live near a working farm.

Granville County is one of the newest participants in the VAD. Kim Woods spoke with John C. Rose on Monday’s Town Talk to share details about the program. Woods said that North Carolina ranks in the top five states in the nation in terms of loss of agricultural land in recent years.

Woods is the livestock agent for N.C. Cooperative Extension in Granville and Person counties. The Granville office is the lead agency for establishing the VAD, she said. The former unit director started the process, and after he retired, Woods said she continued to work with the local advisory board to finish the process.

Many North Carolina counties have a rich history of agriculture and farming, and VADs are a way “for counties in North Carolina to promote and enhance agriculture,” she said. There’s a pride factor involved, too, in promoting the importance of agriculture.

“Agricultural land provides our food and fiber that we need to survive,” Woods said. It also preserves desirable greenspace in the landscape, she noted.

In addition, the VAD offers some protection of farmland, ensuring that it will remain in use as productive farmland. But a VAD also serves to inform people who may be looking to purchase property in the county just where those farms are located.

Woods has lived on a farm her whole life and she and her husband currently live on that farm in nearby Orange County. And she well knows that farming is not an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. proposition – the drone of irrigation pumps running late into the night to deliver crop-saving water, she said, is just one of the many sounds a farm may produce. The dust from tractors in the summertime, bawling calves at weaning and other sights, sounds and smells that emanate from a working farm are just part of the territory.

“I don’t see a negative to this program,” Woods said, adding that her Orange County farm is in the VAD. “I wouldn’t be promoting something I don’t agree with,” she said.

The enrollment process is simple. Landowners complete a basic application that is submitted to the local VAD advisory board. Upon approval, the application passes through a couple of other county groups – mostly a formality. There is no cost to enroll, but Woods said a VAD sign would be available for $25; additional signs to mark other tracts would cost $50 each.

Although the farmer agrees to keep his land in agricultural use for 10 years when he or she enrolls in the VAD, that decision can be reversed at any time, Woods said, without penalty.

Landowners also sign a conservation agreement that goes along with the application. Farmers enrolled in the VAD can get a higher reimbursement rate on cost-share programs to improve their land, such as fencing livestock out of ponds and creeks.

A VAD can reduce the possibility of new neighbors complaining about living too close to a farm – Woods said the county’s computerized GIS will let prospective buyers know if the land they’re interested in is within one mile of a VAD-enrolled farm.

According to its website, there are 12,000 farms currently enrolled in VADs across the state. Granville and Warren counties have “regular” VAD ordinances; Franklin County established an enhanced VAD, which means that landowners have the choice to upgrade their commitment to the VAD; they may not un-enroll within the 10-year period, but must wait until that time has elapsed.

Vance County does not have a VAD ordinance.

To learn more about the Granville VAD, contact Woods by phone 919.603.1350 or via email at Kim_woods@ncsu.edu. Visit http://www.ncagr.gov/Farmlandpreservation/VAD/ to learn more about the statewide program.

 

 

 

Register Now For Hot Sauce Contest Car Show

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Just past the food trucks, live music stages and hot pepper contest is another popular aspect of the annual Hot Sauce Festival in downtown Oxford: The car show.

Whether it’s a restored Model A or a souped-up Chevy, car enthusiasts flock to the car show to ooh and aah over the shiny, well-cared-for vehicles.

Owners of classic, antique and custom cars and trucks may enter their vehicles to be judged. Trophies will be awarded to the winners and all participants will receive a dash plaque.

Registration is required, and details regarding site and entry points will be sent via email prior to the day of the hot sauce festival.

Visit https://oxfordnc.recdesk.com/Community/Program to register for the car show.

Registered participants can come as early as 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11, but everyone must be parked by 10:45 a.m. Please have the exhibitor’s entry number clearly displayed on the driver’s side windshield for judging.

Show organizers recommend that car owners be on hand during the contest to answer any questions from the judges. Judges also must have access to all areas of the show vehicle including trunk, interior and engine compartment. But the judges will not open these areas themselves.

 

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Latest Local Virus Data as of Friday, Aug 27

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— courtesy of Granville-Vance Public Health

In the past 7 days, there have been 127 new cases in Vance County, a 51% increase from the previous 7 days. The percent positivity rate in Vance County is 5.2%. According to the CDC Data Tracker, there is high community transmission in Vance County.

In the past 7 days, there have been 227 new cases in Granville County, a 33% increase from the previous 7 days. The percent positivity rate in Granville County is 6.3%. According to the CDC Data Tracker, there is high community transmission in Granville County.

In Vance County, 59% of those over the age of 12 have received at least one dose of vaccine and 53% are fully vaccinated.

In Granville County, 64% of those over the age of 12 have received at least one dose of vaccine and 59% are fully vaccinated.

In North Carolina Friday, there were 8,105 newly reported cases. The daily percent positive rate is 12.8%.

As of Friday in the state, there were 3,651 hospitalized.

65% of the adult population in NC is at least partially vaccinated and 60% of the adult population is fully vaccinated!

Mike Waters

Deon Patrick Bobbitt Found Guilty of Second-Degree Murder

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— press release from District Attorney Mike Waters

In Granville County Criminal Superior Trial Court during the week of August 9, 2021, Deon Patrick Bobbitt was found guilty of Second-Degree Murder, Aggravated Felony Death by Motor Vehicle, Driving While Impaired, Driving While Licensed Revoked and Careless and Reckless Driving. Mr. Bobbitt received an active sentence of 180 to 228 months in the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Division of Adult Correction (DAC).

On May 30, 2018, Mr. Bobbitt drove the wrong way on I-85 north near mile-marker 202 in Granville County. Multiple witnesses called 911 to report a van driving the wrong way in the northbound lane. Minutes later, Mr. Bobbitt crashed into Curtis Wilkerson, who was operating his car in the left lane of I-85 northbound. It was a head on collision and Mr. Wilkerson was killed. Bobbitt was impaired and not licensed to drive a motor vehicle at the time of the collision. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol investigated the case. The District Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant District Attorneys Allison Capps and Brent Groce.

Local Departments Get More Than $176,000 From NC Volunteer Fire Department Fund

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There were lots of big checks – literally and monetarily speaking – in Granville County when a couple of state officials stopped by on Monday to leave more than $176,000 in grant funds for 11 local fire departments.

The ceremonial check presentation was held on Aug. 23 at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center, and county commissioners and representatives of the volunteer fire departments were on hand to receive the money from N.C. Insurance Commissioner/State Fire Marshal Mike Causey and Chief State Fire Marshal/Assistant Commissioner Brian Taylor, according to a press statement from Lynn Allred, county public information officer.

The grants ranged from $6,639 to $30,000 and are part of a statewide program that assists more than 500 volunteer fire departments across the state.

According to the statement, each one of the departments received 100 percent of their requests.

Here’s a breakdown by department:

  • Antioch-Fishing Creek Volunteer Fire Department, $11,000
  • Brassfield Volunteer Fire Department, $18,450
  • Bullock Volunteer Fire Department, $30,000
  • Corinth Volunteer Fire Department, $6,639.31
  • Cornwall Volunteer Fire Department, $15,927
  • Creedmoor Volunteer Fire Department, $24,737.50
  • Granville Rural Fire Department, $15,568.50
  • Providence Community Fire Department, $8,629.12
  • Stem Community Fire Department and EMS, $11,471.46
  • Total Community Fire Department of Berea, $10,454
  • Virgilina Volunteer Fire Association, $23,608.37

The Volunteer Fire Department Fund was created to assist North Carolina’s volunteer fire departments with purchasing equipment and making capital expenditures. It is administered through the N.C. Department of Insurance/Office of the State Fire Marshal. Fire departments approved for funding are required to provide a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $30,000. Eligible volunteer fire departments must be rated/certified by the N.C. Department of Insurance.

Two paid fire departments and 12 volunteer departments serve Granville County. Each department maintains and provides 24-hour fire protection services.

VGCC Dr. Levy Brown

VGCC’s Brown Selected For National Leadership Fellows Program

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Dr. Levy Brown, Jr., vice president of learning, student engagement & success at Vance-Granville Community College, has been selected to participate in the 2021-22 class of Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship, a national leadership program designed to prepare the next generation of community college presidents.

Brown is one of 40 community college administrators chosen for the 10-month fellowship, which begins in November. He is one of two from North Carolina to be selected.

Nationally, almost 80 percent of community college presidents plan to retire in the next decade, according to information provided by VGCC. The Aspen fellowship program works to equip the next generation of leaders to meet the challenges of the future.

“The opportunity to be a part of the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship is something I do not take for granted,” Brown said. “I am truly humbled and grateful for the chance to develop lasting professional relationships, exchange innovative ideas and engage in deep thought about what community college excellence looks like, both now and in the future.”

Brown and the other 39 participants were selected because they share a commitment to make higher education better by being transformational leaders, according to Monica Clark, director of leadership initiatives at the College Excellence Program. “To become institutions that truly advance social mobility and talent development, community colleges must have presidents with a clear vision for equitable student success,” Clark said.

VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais said being selected is an honor for the college and for Brown, who has been with VGCC for four years.

“As an Aspen Community College Presidential Fellowship Cohort 2 participant, I know the incredible value and honor of being selected for this program,” Desmarais said in a statement to WIZS News. “On behalf of Vance-Granville Community College, I am incredibly proud that Dr. Brown has been admitted to this program and will benefit both professionally and personally from participation. Dr. Brown will be able to hone his transformational leadership skills amongst the senior fellows and incoming participant fellows in this auspicious program.”

During the program, fellows will be mentored by current and former community college presidents who have achieved exceptional outcomes for students during their careers in education. Through collaboration with the Stanford Educational Leadership Initiative, participants will learn strategies to improve student outcomes in and after college, lead internal change and create strong external partnerships with K-12 schools, four-year colleges, employers and other community partners.

Brown was vice president of student services at VGCC, and in his current role, serves as the college’s chief academic and student affairs officer. He is responsible for leading and working collaboratively with faculty and staff in the areas of academic programs, teaching and learning, student success, equity and inclusion, enrollment management, K-12 partnerships and other areas.

Before coming to VGCC, Brown was dean of arts & sciences at Lenoir Community College. He is a graduate of East Carolina University, and has a master’s degree in library science from North Carolina Central University and a doctorate in educational leadership with a focus on higher education from East Carolina University.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Latest Local Covid Data as of Friday from GVPH

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— courtesy of Granville-Vance Public Health

In the past 7 days, there have been 84 new cases in Vance County, a 22% decrease from the previous 7 days. The percent positivity rate in Vance County is 5.7%. According to the CDC COVID Data Tracker, there is high community transmission in Vance County.

In the past 7 days, there have been 171 new cases in Granville County, a 50% increase from the previous 7 days. The percent positivity rate in Granville County is 4.6%. According to the CDC COVID Data Tracker, there is high community transmission in Granville County.

In Vance County, 57% of those over the age of 12 have received at least one dose of their COVID-19 vaccine and 52% are fully vaccinated.

In Granville County, 63% of those over the age of 12 have received at least one dose of their COVID-19 vaccine and 58% are fully vaccinated.

64% of the adult population in NC is at least partially vaccinated and 59% of the adult population is fully vaccinated.

Popcorn Subject Of Aug. 24 Event At Granville’s Cooperative Extension Office

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At this time of year, folks driving through the countryside see lots and lots of corn growing in the field. Much of that corn is feed corn, used for livestock. Some of it will find its way to roadside stands or farmers’ markets and ultimately to people’s supper tables.

But is there any chance that some of it could end up being popcorn?

The Granville County cooperative extension service is offering a unique opportunity to learn more about that delicious snack loved by so many – popcorn.

There will be a popcorn field plot tour on Tuesday, Aug. 24 at 9 a.m. for anyone interested in learning more about those special corn varieties that explode into the fluffy white stuff that we enjoy while watching TV, movie or sports contest.

According to the cooperative extension, the popcorn field plot is the only one of its kind east of the Mississippi River.

Phone 336.599.1195 to register for the tour, during which there will be information about the history of popcorn and the different varieties grown all over the world, including right here in North Carolina.

The Granville County Center is located at 125 Oxford Loop Road. The event is open to farmers, gardeners, farmers’ market sellers, agents and anyone interested in popcorn.