State Highway Patrol Announces 2019 ‘Operation Drive To Live’

/by

-Press Release, NCDPS

In anticipation of spring break and prom season, the State Highway Patrol is once again conducting Operation Drive to Live, an annual campaign to reduce collisions involving teen drivers.  Beginning Monday, April 8 through Friday, April 12, troopers will step up their enforcement in and around school zones between 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

In 2018, a personal injury lawyer long island released a report in which, the Highway Patrol investigated over 55,261 motor vehicle collisions involving drivers and passengers who were between the ages of 15 – 19. Of those collisions, 10,287 injuries were reported and 94 resulted in one or more fatalities.  According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, young drivers are significantly over-represented in fatal crashes, particularly those who are 16 to 19-year-olds. Immaturity and inexperience are primary factors contributing to fatal crashes by young drivers, especially during the first six months of driving.

This year, SHP is focusing on distracted driving, one of the leading causes of teen-related crashes. Cell phones, passengers and other electronic devices are just some of the distractions that can lead to needless collisions involving injury or death.

With this in mind, the Patrol has partnered with the Johnston County (JoCo) Teen Drivers Club, to produce PSAs on the dangers associated with distracted driving. The PSAs will be featured throughout the week on the Patrol’s Facebook page in hopes of combating distracted driving collisions.

Oxford Logo

Oxford Board of Commissioners to Hold Monthly Meeting Tues., April 9

/by
-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

The City of Oxford Board of Commissioners will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, City Hall.

Agenda items include:

Public Hearing to receive citizen input on a Contiguous Annexation Ordinance for 3 +/– of land adjacent to the Hardees property located on Industry Drive.

Consider adopting a Contiguous Annexation Ordinance for 3 +/– acres of land adjacent to the Hardees property located on Industry Drive.

Consider adopting amendments to the 2019 Municipal Records Retention and Disposition Schedule.

Consider adopting a resolution to appoint Police Chief Alvin Coley as the designated official to make recommendations to the NC Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission on ABC permit applications.

Consider changing Medical Insurance to NCHIP in association with Gallagher.

Consider entering a contract with the NC Department of Public Safety Division of Adult Correction.

Consider approving the 750k Elevated Tank Paint Color Scheme & Logo.

Consider approving a Budget Amendment for $100,000.

Please click here for the full meeting agenda.

Dr. Trudi Bowden Receives Volunteer Service Award

/by

-Press Release, Granville County Government 

At the April 1 meeting of the Granville County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Trudi Bowden was recognized with the Volunteer Service Award for her work with the Granville County Animal Shelter.

Dr. Bowden, a member of the Animal Control Advisory Committee, provides veterinary services at Oxford Veterinary Hospital and has been in practice for 19 years. She was nominated for the award in the category of animal welfare for her “outstanding commitment to volunteering with/for animals” by shelter staff members Matthew Pippins, Danya Rumple and Melissa McDowell.

At the April 1 meeting of the Granville County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Trudi Bowden was recognized with the Volunteer Service Award for her work with the Granville County Animal Shelter. Pictured left to right: Comm. Sue Hinman, Dr. Trudi Bowden, Danya Rumple and Matthew Pippins (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

“Dr. Bowden has volunteered at the shelter on a weekly basis to provide animals with proper checkups and special medications, in certain circumstances,” the nomination form reads, in part. “She has made herself openly available by answering important questions over text, dealing with emergency cases quickly, accepting night calls and being available after hours just to ensure each animal is in good physical condition to live a long and happy life. She truly has a deep passion for animal health and safety.”

Nominees must have made a substantial and long-term sustained impact in the community as a result of their service efforts. The County Manager’s Office and the associated advisory board selects award recipients based on merit and eligibility, with award selections based on the commitment of time, accomplishments, community impact and enhancement of the lives of others.

Dr. Bowden was presented the award by Commissioner Sue Hinman, with Animal Shelter staff members Pippins and Rumple standing alongside and offering words of appreciation.

Concerned Bikers Association (CBA) in Support of Bills to Improve Safety

/by

Members of the Concerned Bikers Association (CBA) were on Thursday’s edition of WIZS Town Talk program to discuss their support of four proposed NC House bills that would grant more freedom and ensure better safety precautions for motorcyclists.

According to Charlie Boone, legislative director for the state CBA, the group’s primary mission is “to get legislation introduced that is favorable to motorcyclists and to try to put a stop to legislation that is not favorable.”

Boone said the CBA is in support of current House Bill 144 or the “Hands-Free NC” Act that would place restrictions on making cell phone calls while operating a motor vehicle. Exceptions would include the use of a speakerphone, Bluetooth or similar hands-free technology; texting while driving in NC is already illegal.

Members of the Concerned Bikers Association (CBA) were on Thursday’s edition of WIZS Town Talk program to discuss their support of four proposed NC House bills that would grant more freedom and ensure better safety precautions for motorcyclists. Pictured left to right: Charlie Boone, legislative director for the CBA, WIZS’ Brandi Leigh Beck, David Whitfield, vice president of the Granville Co. Chapter of the CBA, and Johnny Brogden, president of the Granville Co. Chapter of the CBA. (WIZS photo)

The CBA also stands behind House Bill 104 that addresses grass clippings from mown lawns being blown into roadways.

Admitting that many people aren’t aware of the dangers this presents to motorcyclists and bicyclists, Boone said clippings, especially wet clippings, can become very slick and cause accidents.

“This started out as a very simple bill, then became very complicated, and now we’ve gotten it back to a simple bill again, said Boone. “It seems people are more concerned about who is liable and what it’s going to cost them than they are with lives that are going to be saved by passing this very simple bill.”

Another long-discussed law change that the CBA supports is House Bill 257 or the “Motorcycle/Face Mask bill.” Under current law, it is illegal for anyone in NC to cover their face or hide their identity while out in public.

The CBA would like to see an exception to this law that allows motorcyclists to wear a mask in cold weather to protect their face from the elements. “This bill has gone through the House and is waiting for the Senate to take action later this year,” explained Boone.

Perhaps the most controversial of the bills the CBA supports, the “Freedom of Choice” Bill would allow motorcyclists the choice to wear a helmet or go without while riding. To be eligible for this choice, riders would be required to have a motorcycle endorsement on their license for at least a year or successfully complete the required safety course.

According to Boone this topic has always been controversial and has been a discussion among motorcycle groups and the State Legislature for years.

“People are under the mistaken idea that their health and vehicle insurance will rise in cost if we pass the Freedom of Choice Bill. Statistics do not bear that out,” said Boone.

Boone said the group is hopeful that the bill will be heard next week in the House’s Transportation Committee hearing.

In addition to offering NC motorcyclists the freedom to ride helmetless, Boone believes the passing of this bill could bring in tourism dollars from out-of-state riders who want the same freedom.

To hear the Town Talk interview with the CBA in its entirety, click here.

Granville’s Annual ‘Spring Clean’ Event Scheduled for April 27

/by

-Press Release, Granville County Government

The annual “Spring Clean” event is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2019, at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center. During the hours of 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., residents can bring documents to be shredded or items to be collected.

Accepted during these hours will be scrap metal such as junk lawnmowers, broken appliances and old bicycles; electronics such as laptops, cellphones or computer systems; medications; inhalers; fireworks; flares; ammunition; and polystyrene/styrofoam products such as packing materials, clean and dry egg cartons, etc.

The Humane Society of Granville County will also be on site to collect dog and cat food, crates, dog houses, leashes, collars, towels, flea and tick prevention and monetary donations to assist with the Animal Shelter’s spay and neuter program.

Available for sale inside the Expo Center will be backyard compost bins and countertop collection caddies.

This Spring event is held each year in observance of Earth Day (April 22). A separate event is held in the Fall for the collection of additional items.

For more information, contact Granville County’s Recycling Coordinator Teresa Baker at 919-725-1417 or bakertd@gcs.k12.nc.us.

The Granville County Expo and Convention Center is located at 4185 US Highway 15 in Oxford.

Carolina Fellows Family Dentistry Staff Talk Oral Cancer Awareness Month

/by

Sandra Micou, office manager, and Brooke Arrington, dental hygienist, with Carolina Fellows Family Dentistry, were on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss April’s designation as Oral Cancer Awareness Month.

Part of the Granville Vance Public Health Department, Carolina Fellows Family Dentistry is a non-profit dentistry clinic serving Granville and Vance County residents of all ages, both the insured – through Medicaid or private insurance – and the uninsured. The recently opened dental office is located at 115 Hilltop Village in Oxford.

In addition to keeping their patients’ teeth healthy, Micou and Arrington said their office also strives to help patients prevent oral cancer of the mouth and throat.

“Oral cancer is usually caught by your dentist who will do a cancer screening during your normal cleanings,” said Micou. “This is one reason it’s so important to be seen every six months.”

According to Micou, over 50,000 new cases of cancer of the oral cavity and throat are diagnosed each year with an estimated 10,000 deaths occurring annually. In the U.S., it is believed that the 5-year survival rate is approximately 65% and depends on how early the cancer is found.

“Unfortunately, people don’t always go to see their dentist regularly; by the time it’s detected, it’s often pretty advanced and has spread to other parts of the body,” Micou said.

Arrington provided listeners with a list of oral cancer signs to be aware of, including:

  • Lesions in the throat or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal
  • Persistent red or white patch, lump, or thickening in the throat or mouth
  • Ear pain
  • Neck masses or wart-like masses
  • Hoarseness lasting for a long time
  • Numbness in the oral/facial region
  • Coughing up blood
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the tongue or jaw (often late-stage symptoms)

Oral cancer rates for women have also greatly increased over the past decade, according to Micou. “Previously, oral cancer affected men 6-to-1 over women; now we are seeing 2-to-1 ratios.”

Micou said one explanation for this increase could be the prevalence of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), especially among those who were born before the HPV vaccine was readily made available.

According to the CDC website, HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can lead to several classifications of cancer, including oral. It is considered the most common STI, and it is estimated a large majority of the population has been exposed to the virus.

HPV vaccines are recommended for boys and girls ages 11-12, with catch-up vaccines encouraged through age 26.

Micou also reported that oral cancer occurs twice as often in the African-American population that in the white population, with 5-year survival rates being lower at only 33%.

One of the biggest risk factors for oral cancer – tobacco use – is especially high with the use of smokeless products that alter the oral tissue such as chewing tobacco or snuff, said Arrington.

Other risk factors include excessive alcohol consumption, HPV infections and diets low in fruits and vegetables.

Arrington said using tobacco products while drinking excessive amounts of alcohol increases your chance of developing oral cancer 30-fold.

To help prevent oral cancer, avoid risk factors such as smoking, using smokeless tobacco products and drinking alcohol, receive the HPV vaccine, eat a healthy diet, complete a monthly oral self-assessment and get regular oral exams from your dentist.

To hear the Town Talk interview with Sandra Micou and Brooke Arrington in its entirety, click here.

‘Charlotte’s Web’ Tickets Still Available for Weekend Performances

/by

Tickets are still available for this weekend’s heartwarming performance of the literary classic “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center!

Two performances will be available for schools at 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2019.*

*Approximate length: 2 hrs, 15 mins

FAMILIES – make it a family night/afternoon at the theater by attending the shows on Saturday, April 6 at 8 p.m. or Sunday, April 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets are still available!

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)

VGCC’s 35th Golf Tournament, Presented by CertainTeed, Set for May 7

/by

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019, and part of that celebration involves marking another milestone: the college’s 35th Annual Endowment Fund Golf Tournament, scheduled for Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at the Henderson Country Club.

For the first time, CertainTeed of Oxford will serve as the event’s presenting sponsor. All proceeds support the mission of the college and fund student scholarships.

“Since its inception in 1985, the VGCC golf tournament has grown into a wonderful tradition and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the college, thanks to the generosity of numerous golfers and sponsors,” said VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. “We appreciate the strong commitment demonstrated by CertainTeed in partnering with us as the tournament’s presenting sponsor, which will enhance our ability to serve and support our students.”

Eddie Ferguson, director of VGCC’s Endowment Fund, added, “With our community’s continuing support, we expect that once this year’s tournament is complete, we will have raised more than $1 million over the course of the history of this event.”

CertainTeed is a longtime supporter of the golf tournament and has endowed the CertainTeed Academic Achievement Scholarship at VGCC. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, today, CertainTeed is North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, fence, decking, railing, trim, insulation, gypsum and ceilings. A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, one of the world’s largest and oldest building products companies, CertainTeed and its affiliates have more than 6,300 employees and more than 60 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada.

Other businesses and individuals supporting the tournament include: Glen Raven of Norlina, the breakfast sponsor; First Citizens Wealth Management of Raleigh, the lunch sponsor; Duke Energy, the dinner sponsor; Robling Medical of Youngsville, the flag sponsor; MR Williams of Henderson, the scoreboard sponsor; Novozymes North America of Franklinton, the golf jacket sponsor; Wester Insurance Agency of Henderson, the driving range sponsor; Durham Coca-Cola Bottling Company, the soft drink sponsor; Charles Boyd Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC, the car sponsor; John Nelms, Jr., of Raleigh, the trophy sponsor; and Private Wealth Management of NC of Henderson, the putting green sponsor.

Businesses and individuals can still take advantage of sponsorship opportunities at various levels. Businesses may also donate products or premium items featuring the company’s logo to be placed in golfers’ gift bags or to be given as door prizes.

This year’s morning and afternoon rounds will begin with shotgun starts at 8 a.m. and at 1 p.m. The afternoon round is sold out, but there are openings in the morning round.

The format is four-person “Captain’s Choice Super Ball.” Golfers can form their own teams of four, or sign up and be put on a team. Teams will be handicapped based on handicaps supplied by each player. Trophies will be awarded for first net, second net and first gross. Other awards will be given for “closest to the pin” and “longest drive.”

A hole-in-one on Hole 9 will be rewarded with a car, courtesy of Charles Boyd Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC. A player who hits a hole-in-one (with a $10 donation) on Hole 16 will win $5,000, while another $5,000 will be awarded to the VGCC Endowment Fund.

The cost for one golfer to enter the tournament is $150. That fee includes greens fees, cart, meals, gift bag and practice balls.

A light breakfast, lunch and dinner (immediately following the afternoon round) will be served in the HCC clubhouse. A silent auction and door prize drawings will be held in conjunction with dinner.

For more information, contact Kay Currin at currink@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3409.

NC State Highway Patrol Partners In ‘Drive To Save Lives’ Campaign

/by

-Press Release, NCSHP

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol will once again join 14 other states in an effort to reduce collisions along the I-95 corridor. Through support from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and states along the eastern portion of the U.S., the Drive to Save Lives Campaign is intended to increase the visibility of law enforcement officers over a period of three days.

Interstate 95 (I-95) is approximately 1,920 miles in length and is currently considered one of the deadliest highways in the country.  On average it supports 72,000 vehicles per day of daily traffic (with peak daily traffic over 300,000 vehicles) and it has over 10,000 vehicles for its average daily truck traffic (with peak daily truck traffic being over 31,000), per the I-95 Corridor Coalition.

This year’s initiative will coincide with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. According to the attorneys at Bayoucitylaw.com, “nine percent of 2016’s fatal crashes involved distraction.” In 2016 alone distracted driving led to 3,450 deaths and in 2015, 391,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted driving. Teens remain the largest age group involved in distracted driving-related fatal crashes. With distracted driving being proven to be a grossly underreported violation, these numbers are only the minimum. (NHTSA)

The campaign will begin on Friday, April 5 and conclude Sunday, April 7, 2019. Troopers from every state along I-95 will be out in full force, in hopes of reducing the number of fatal collisions to zero.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol will once again join 14 other states in an effort to reduce collisions along the I-95 corridor.  Through support from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and states along the eastern portion of the U.S., the Drive to Save Lives Campaign is intended to increase the visibility of law enforcement officers over a period of three days. (Photo courtesy NCSHP)

Granville County Logo

Spay/Neuter Coupons Available Through Granville Co. Animal Control

/by

-Press Release, Granville Co. Government

Granville County Animal Control is offering spay and/or neuter coupons to qualifying low-income citizens of the area. Qualifying residents can pay only $20 for neuter/spay service for a dog or $10 for neuter/spay service for a cat with these coupons.

Once qualified, the pet owner will be able to pick the next available appointment day and location for this service. When the appointment has been made, SNAP-NC.org will call or send an email with instructions prior to the pet’s appointment date.

Learn how to qualify for these coupons by calling Granville County Animal Control at 919-693-6749. The Granville County Animal Shelter is located at 5650 Cornwall Road in Oxford.

Visit www.granvillecounty.org for more information about Granville County Animal Management and the services it provides.