Oxford Fire Dept. Has New Specialized Rescue Equipment For Use In Grain Bins

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The Oxford Fire Department is one of only two departments in the state to receive a specialized piece of equipment to assist with grain bin rescues.

Thanks to a partnership with the local Pegram Agency, Nationwide Insurance and the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety, the Oxford fire department now has the equipment should a situation arise that a person is trapped in a grain bin.

The equipment is basically a rescue tube and NECAS also provides training to make sure fire departments know how to use it properly. NECAS representatives traveled to each location with state-of-the-art grain entrapment simulators. The comprehensive training sessions included classroom education and rescue simulations using the entrapment tools, which are loaded onto 20-foot trailers and able to hold about 100 bushels of grain each.

Rural communities continue to face hazards associated with working in and around grain structures. In 2022 alone, there were at least 42 grain entrapments – the highest number in more than a decade – resulting in 15 fatalities. To help prevent tragic accidents and deaths, Nationwide and its partners are providing life-saving grain rescue tubes and training to 60 fire departments across rural America through its 2023 Grain Bin Safety campaign.

Since beginning the Grain Bin Safety campaign in 2014, at least seven fire departments have utilized their rescue tubes and training to successfully rescue entrapped individuals, including a man in Ohio who was trapped up to his armpits back in a March 2023 incident.

“With entrapments and accidents on the rise, it’s as important as ever to be following proper safety precautions before entering a bin,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “

 

Through collaboration with NECAS, Nationwide and its partners have now supplied grain rescue equipment and training to 332 first responders across 32 states to help prepare them when local grain entrapments occur.

“Grain bin accidents continue to be a critical issue facing the agriculture industry,” said Liggett. “We are proud to have supplied these important resources to 60 more rural fire departments in partnership with the many sponsors involved in our grain bin safety efforts. Thank you to the first responders who play such an important role in supporting the agriculture community.”

Nationwide is continuing to work with partners throughout the year to provide additional grain rescue tubes and training sessions to fire departments in need. To learn how to get involved or sponsor a rescue tube for your local fire department, visit the Partner With Us webpage.

NC Forest Service

Veterans Can Get Seedlings At Discount From N.C. Forest Service

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The N.C. Forest Service is offering a 20 percent discount on tree seedling orders placed by active, honorably discharged or retired military personnel during the month of November. Beginning Nov. 13, the discount applies to the first $500 of all new orders, up to a $100 discount.

“Many forestland owners in this state are veterans and current military members who choose country before self to the benefit of us all,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “I am proud to offer a discount that not only shows appreciation for their brave service but that also assists them with keeping forests healthy, another act that provides us all with numerous benefits.”

To be eligible, veterans must show a valid military ID, Department of Defense Form 214/215 or National Guard Bureau Form 22/22A is acceptable. Standard shipping rates still apply. Tree seedlings may be ordered by calling 1-888-NCTREES or by visiting www.buynctrees.com.

The N.C. Forest Service Nursery and Tree Improvement program ensures that residents of North Carolina have access to the best native trees and genetics available for use on their land. Current available inventory includes southern yellow pines, native oaks and hardwoods, native understory grasses and Christmas tree species. For a complete list of available species and pricing, visit https://www.ncforestservice.gov/nursery/NurseryandTreeImprovement.htm.

NC State Board of Elections

State Elections Officials Want Input On New Voter Photo ID Rule

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Now that voters have had a chance – or two – to cast their ballots in municipal elections, the N.C. State Board of Elections wants to hear comments about the new photo ID requirement. A public comment period opened today and runs through Jan. 16, 2024 to allow the public to comment on the rule, which the General Assembly passed into law in 2018.

There are several ways to send comments:

An in-person public hearing will be held on Dec. 13, 2023 at 11 a.m. State Board of Elections Office on the Third Floor of the Dobbs Building at 430 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27603.

N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon Invites Community To Mental Health Forums Nov. 28, 30

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Mental health and access to quality care for substance use disorders are buzz phrases that continue to capture the attention of government leaders, medical professionals and the community. A couple of forums are scheduled for later this month in Vance and Granville counties, and N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon invites interested individuals to come out to learn more.

Working together with Granville-Vance Public Health and Vaya Health representatives, Sossamon said the programs offer residents a chance to gain insight into current conditions in the two counties with regard to mental health and substance use disorders.

In addition learning just what the two topics encompass, there will be two panel discussions – one on youth mental health and one on substance use disorder and addiction, according to a press statement issued from Sossamon spokesperson Clai Keel.

Providers also will be on hand to share information about available resources.

The Vance County forum will be held Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Spring Street Missionary Baptist Church, 511 Orange St., Henderson.

The Granville County forum will be held Thursday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. at Cornerstone Christian Community Church, 3237 Knotts Grove Rd., Oxford.

Provider booths will include those that specialize in medications for Opioid Use Disorder (e.g., Buprenorphine, Methadone), individual and family counseling, medication management, crisis management, intensive outpatient services, and residential treatment.

A wide range of topics will be covered, addressing crucial issues such as suicide prevention, intellectual and developmental disabilities, crisis events, anxiety management, substance use disorder and recovery, depression treatment, addiction recovery, and primary care services. The forums aim to empower attendees with approachable access points for seeking care and support.

“Representative Sossamon is dedicated to fostering an environment where residents can discuss their concerns, learn from experts in the field, and discover local resources that can make a difference in their lives,” the statement read. “These forums will be invaluable for individuals and families seeking guidance and support in the areas of mental health and substance use disorder.”

NC Forest Service

Greg Hicks New Assistant Commissioner of N.C. Forest Service

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A Granville County resident who has worked with the N.C. Forest Service for more than 20 years has been named its assistant commissioner.

N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said the promotion of Greg Hicks was effective Nov. 1.

Hicks had been assistant commissioner overseeing operations at the forest service. He replaces Scott Bissette, who is retiring. “I am always pleased to have well-qualified and dedicated staff members step into new leadership roles at the department,” Troxler said. “Hicks has been employed with the N.C. Forest Service for more than two decades serving in nine different roles and in that time has worked at the district, regional and central office levels. I am confident in his ability to understand the many roles of the N.C. Forest Service and build on the lifelong relationships he has made as a career employee.”

Hicks received a Bachelor of Science in Forest Management from the College of Forest Resources at N.C. State University in 1998 and began his career with the forest service in 1999. In his first role, he was based in New Bern and assisted with the four counties that had been heavily impacted by Hurricane Fran. He also has worked as a service forester, an assistant district forester, assistant regional forester, fire chief and assistant state forester.

Oxford Elects Guillermo Nurse Mayor

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Oxford elected Guillermo Nurse to be its mayor Tuesday, making him the first Black mayor in the city’s history.

Nurse got 1,090 votes to Debbie Ramsey’s 461.

There were seven candidates running for three Town Commissioners spots. The top three vote-getters were two newcomers – Carlos Velez and Curtis McRae – and one incumbent, John Tovey.

Velez got 771 votes, McRae got 694 and Tovey received 657 votes.

In Stovall, two newcomers joined incumbent Jeff Stovall to take the three seats on the Stovall board of commissioners. Stovall got 72 votes to keep his seat on the board; Ricky Sneed Sr. got 65 votes and Angelina Cromer got 46 votes from a field of five candidates.

View complete results from Tuesday’s elections at https://er.ncsbe.gov/

TownTalk: Sergent Looks To Community For Support After Oxford Fire

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In the hours after a fire destroyed two businesses in downtown Oxford, Mayor Jackie Sergent said city officials were already busy putting together a plan to rally around the displaced business owners.

City firefighters and numerous volunteer departments responded to the blaze Monday morning on the 100 block of Williamsboro Street in downtown Oxford. The call came in at 8:28 a.m. and Sergent said by 9:30 a.m. Downtown Development Director Alyssa Blair was “already starting to look where those two businesses might be rehoused…so they might be up and running as soon as possible,” Sergent said on Tuesday’s TownTalk.

The Healing Haven and Farrar’s Jewelers were destroyed by the fire, which was brought under control before 11 a.m. The investigation is ongoing, Sergent said. No cause has yet been determined.

“We are very pleased and proud that our fire department and all the other first responders were able to handle the fire with minimal damage to adjoining properties and no loss of life or limb,”

She said she is incredibly proud of the way that the city’s fire chief and emergency management team responded, providing “leadership an insight to manage the fire…and avoid a conflagration that would take out an entire city block and limit the damage to the building that was burning.

The last time a fire destroyed a building in downtown Oxford was in February 1997.

A fitness studio occupied a very narrow space beside near where Strong Arm Baking Co. is located along Main Street.

That building was a complete loss, and city commissioners voted to create a pocket park in 2001. “It’s named for former Mayor Hugh Currin,” Sergent said. “It’s a lovely little spot now.”

Sergent said she believes the people of Oxford will rally around the two business owners who have been displaced. “Our downtown is made up of small business owners and we do not want to lose them,” she said.

She encourages the community to “step forward and support them in any way we can think of…we will help them get going…and find a way to sustain (them).”

 

 

Firefighters Battle Morning Blaze That Destroyed Two Downtown Oxford Businesses

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UPDATE: 7:15 p.m.

Firefighters battled a blaze in downtown Oxford Monday morning which destroyed a historic building that housed two businesses.

The call came in at 8:28 a.m., and Oxford Fire Department, with help from several area volunteer fire departments, had the fire under control by 10:40 a.m., according to information from city officials late Monday afternoon.

“The fire was extinguished at approximately 10:40 and controlled through the coordinated efforts of the Oxford Fire Department, the Antioch Fire Department, the Providence Fire Department, the Corinth Fire Department, and the Granville Rural Fire Department. Granville EMS was also present at the scene,” according to information sent from Oxford city officials.

Businesses near the 100 block of Williamsboro Street were evacuated and law enforcement agencies from the police department, sheriff’s office and N.C. Highway Patrol blocked off the area at Williamsboro and Main streets.

Alyssa Blair, Downtown Development Director, stated, “The fire from this morning has touched the heart of everyone in the business community as well as the community as a whole and the rallying behind them has already begun. The City of Oxford and Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation have begun searching for temporary locations for our affected businesses and will do everything possible to find additional resources to aid during this difficult time.”

 

ORIGINAL STORY

 

Oxford firefighters spent the morning battling a blaze downtown that has destroyed two businesses and was posing a threat to businesses on either side.

The fire broke out on the 100 block of Williamsboro Street between First National Bank and Milano’s restaurant near the heart of downtown Oxford. The two businesses are The Healing Haven and Farrar’s Jewelers, located at 121 ½ and 123 Williamsboro St., according to Granville County Chamber of Commerce Director Cynthia Ratliff.

Oxford Mayor Jackie Sergent said no one was inside, so, as yet, people are safe. “We are grieving for the tremendous loss – for the building which has so much meaning and history for the community and the owner and for the businesses within who were counting on the holiday shopping season to keep them strong,” Sergent said in a text message to WIZS News Monday morning.

According to Sergent, the building occupied by Healing Haven Massage is owned by Gaynelle Finch, and previously housed Finch Insurance Agency. “The fire is raging between ceilings…so (it’s) unreachable,” Sergent said about 10:15 a.m.  “Our guys and multiple other agencies are keeping the water going in an attempt to save the buildings on either side.”

Those buildings on either side include an attorney’s office, a consulting firm, a health care agency and a bail bond agency.

By 11 a.m., firefighters were able to enter the second floor of the structure, according to Sergent, who was on the scene.

Oxford Downtown Development Director Alyssa Blair provided a brief statement to WIZS News Tuesday afternoon, saying that other several businesses had been affected by this morning’s fire.

“We do not have information on what started the fire and will inform the public as soon as the investigation has concluded,” Blair noted.

“We are grateful for our FD staff – that they are well trained and well equipped, and for the mutual aid responders who have come when needed, and we are praying for their safety, those affected, and that the damage may be minimized. I have faith that the community of Oxford will come together and support all those needing it in the days ahead that they might prevail and feel cared for.”

Ratliff drove down Williamsboro Street shortly before 8:30 this morning on her way to work. She told WIZS News in a telephone interview from the fire scene Monday morning that she smelled a faint smell of smoke when she arrived at her office, and thought briefly that it was coming from under her car’s hood.

Just a few minutes later, she was walking to the Hub for a meeting and she saw a ladder truck along Williamsboro Street.

“It’s heartbreaking,” Ratliff said, as she watched firefighters battle the fire. All surrounding businesses were evacuated, and the road is blocked. Services at the courthouse seem to be unaffected.

“It’s a horrible sight,” Ratliff said of the building in the aftermath of the fire.

CLICK PLAY!

 

Granville: ‘Operation Green Light’ Shines Light On Veterans During November

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In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Granville County announced plans to participate in Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort uniting counties to support military veterans.

The initiative, led by the National Association of Counties, raises awareness around the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.

Now in its second year, Operation Green Light is spearheaded by NACo and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, building upon successful efforts by the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association in 2021. In 2022, more than 300 counties participated in Operation Green Light across the United States.

In addition to lighting county buildings, residents and businesses are encouraged to participate by simply  changing one light bulb in their home to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends. By shining a green light, we let our veterans  know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.

“This simple gesture shows Granville veterans and their families that they are appreciated and supported,” said Russ May, chair of the Granville County Board of Commissioners. “Our local Veterans Services Office, Veterans Affairs Committee, and all of Granville County government truly value and appreciate their service and sacrifice. We hope they know that they are seen and appreciated.”

Granville County Veterans Services will also participate in the upcoming Operation Green Light event and Veterans Parade in partnership with the City of Oxford. The event will be held in downtown Oxford from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4 with the parade beginning at 3 p.m. along Williamsboro and College streets in Oxford.

Counties and residents across the country are sharing their participation on social media using the hashtag  #OperationGreenLight. For more information on Operation Green Light, visit the NACo website:  https://www.naco.org/program/operation-green-light-veterans.