TownTalk: Andy Perkinson Reflects On Public Works Service

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Growing up, Andy Perkinson watched his daddy work tobacco. By watching, and working, he developed a strong work ethic. But he also listened to his father, who told him to find a job that had some benefits and some retirement.

“I listened to him,” Perkinson told John C. Rose on Monday’s TownTalk. “I’m grateful that I did.”

Perkinson, who turns 51 next month, recently retired from a career with the City of Henderson.

He started out in 1993 as a maintenance worker. But when he officially retired on Jan. 1, held the position of public works director.

“The city was good to me,” Perkinson said, but added that he felt he also was good to the city. “Whatever I did, I did it with my whole heart,” he said.

City employees are responsible for everything from maintaining city cemeteries to fixing broken water mains, with lots of other things in between.

All the city’s department heads have great responsibilities, he said, it’s the public works director that responds to calls for service from everywhere.

A city’s public works director has got “everybody to worry about – police, fire, recreation,” Perkinson said.

The utilities and public works groups were combined under previous city manager Frank Frazier, which Perkinson said was a way to get employees cross-trained so they could multi-task or fill in where needed.

Whether dealing with a water main break or other problem that is going to result in an interruption of service, Perkinson said often the actual repair was the easy part.

“The repair isn’t the hard part,” he said. “It’s getting to it.”

Placing a call to 811 is a critical step to knowing where all the other utility lines are located. Having the right inventory in the warehouse is another key component to timely restoration of the service.

“If we didn’t have it in the warehouse and couldn’t fix it, it means people would be without service for an extended time,” Perkinson said.

Handling administrative tasks as public works director probably wasn’t tops on Perkinson’s list of things to do, but he did them, and credited the city staff for incredible support while he was learning the role.

Mayor Eddie Ellington reflected on Perkinson’s time with the city.

“I tell you, we already miss him,” Ellington said in a recent interview with WIZS News. “Andy was a guy (who) would delegate, but he would also get his hands dirty,” the mayor said.

Ellington said he happened to stop by the site of a city repair crew and asked where Perkinson was. “He pops up out of the ditch and says ‘I’m right here,’” Ellington said with a chuckle.

 

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Fire Chief Steve Cordell

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Celebration of Life Audio Feb. 2, 2023

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Vance Welcomes New Assistant County Manager Feb. 13

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Vance County’s new assistant county manager is set to begin work in just more than a week.

Chris Dillon comes to his new position from Wake County, where he worked for almost seven years in various roles, including assistant county manager and senior assistant county manager. His responsibilities included overseeing transportation, economic development, workforce development and elections staff.

Through his work in Wake County, he gained experience as the chief county representative to federal, state and local governments and was instrumental in assisting the county in its negotiations for business incentive grants with several large economic development investments, according to a press statement issued by Vance County this week.

Prior to his time in Wake County, he spent four years as director of governmental affairs for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Before that, he spent more than six years as deputy chief of staff for special projects for the president pro tempore in the state Senate. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having authored several successful pieces of legislation at the state level and has built key relationships across the state.

Dillon has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Campbell University and he has completed various continuing education programs including the Public Executive Leadership Academy at the University of North Carolina and the Colin Powell Professional Development Academy through the National Association of Counties.

Oxford’s Vision Behavioral Health Services Walk-In Clinic Now Open

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Vision Behavioral Health Services is a new walk-in center in Oxford offers support and services to individuals in crisis. Local officials, health care providers and community partners gathered earlier this week for a ribbon-cutting to officially open the clinic, located at 111 Hilltop Village.

The center will primarily serve residents of Granville County, offering support and services to help people experiencing a behavioral health crisis in the same way an urgent care clinic serves people who need immediate help for physical health issues.

“We are humbled by the opportunity to serve Granville County, and understand the responsibility given to us today,” said Nicole Qualls, Vision’s owner and clinical director.

Donald Reuss, vice president of behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disabilities network operations for Vaya Health, recognized the outpouring of local support that made the walk-in center a reality.

“At Vaya, we’re thrilled to see this walk-in center come to life for this community,” Reuss said. “This is why we are passionate about the work we do, and none of it would be possible without the support from the people who call Granville County home.”

The new facility will offer an array of services to help individuals in crisis, including same-day assessments with recommendations for care, de-escalation, stabilization and safety planning. Other services, such as medication management and individual and group therapy will be available for individuals seeking ongoing support after a behavioral health crisis.

Granville County Commissioner Russ May also serves on Vaya’s regional board. “We can never give up or stop trying. We must explore a full array of tools, and this clinic, I hope, will be such a tool,” May said at the ribbon-cutting.

In addition to May, officials attending the event included Granville County Sheriff Robert Fountain Jr.; state Sen. Mary Wills Bode; state Reps. Frank Sossamon and Matthew Winslow; Granville County commissioners Tony Cozart, Jimmy Gooch, Sue Hinman, Zelodis Jay, Tim Karan and Rob Williford.

To learn more about walk-in crisis centers and the services they provide, visit https://www.vayahealth.com/get-help/walk-crisis-centers.

One Dead In Apparent Shooting Jan. 28

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One man is dead following an apparent shooting over the weekend, according to Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame.

Deputies responded to the 1600 block of Stewart Avenue in the early-morning hours of Saturday, Jan. 28, where they located a male victim. There also was evidence that a shooting had taken place, Brame said in a press statement received at WIZS Friday.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by Vance County Emergency Medical Services.

The victim, who later identified as Brian Lamont Burton, was transported to the state Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

No other information about the circumstances of the incident was immediately available.

The SBI is assisting sheriff’s detectives as the investigation continues. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office.

March on Washington Remembered

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Martin Luther King Jr.’s now-iconic “I Have a Dream” speech was delivered at The March on Washington.

As we celebrate Black History Month, please enjoy by clicking play below the first in a weekly series here on WIZS as produced by our Steve Lewis of the WIZS Weekday Wake Up!

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TownTalk: February-March Events In Granville County

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From handcrafted coffee mugs to murder mystery dinners, Granville County has a wide range of events to please just about everyone, including prospective brides and individuals who want to immerse themselves in a “Viking experience.”

Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen took a deep breath before reeling off a plethora of upcoming events scheduled for the next couple of months across the county. No need to take notes – find details of all the events at https://visitgranvillenc.com/

Here are some highlights:

  • The CupFull show at Cedar Creek Gallery runs through 26. The Creedmoor gallery will have hundreds of functional – and decoratef – handcrafted mugs and cups for sale. The gallery, open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., features local artists, as well as craftspeople from across the state, region and nation. Visit www.cedarcreekgallery.com to learn more.
  • It’s a “Party with a purpose,” Allen says, as Mardi Gras returns to Oxford on Friday, Feb. 17 at The Orpheum. This fundraiser benefits the local Boys & Girls Club and returns after a COVID-induced hiatus. Tickets are $75. Admission includes heavy hors d’oeuvres from local eateries and beverage tickets. A cash bar is available. Cocktail attire suggested – Mardi Gras mask optional. The popular selfie station will be open for photos!
  • The next night, Saturday, Feb. 18, head on over to Thorndale Oaks for a “Death by Disco” murder mystery dinner theater. Dig back into your clothes closets for those vintage 1970’s outfits – you know you’ve got ‘em. The fun is from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. “While you’re eating and having a good time, you’ll be part of a murder mystery,” Allen said. After the mystery has been solved, participants can show some of those smooth ‘70’s moves on the dance floor. Tickets are $75. Call Thorndale Oaks at 919.603.3701 to reserve your seats, and Allen recommends that those calls be made sooner rather than later. “I think this one will fill up fast,” she said. “This one is flat-out fun.”
  • Another fundraiser on the horizon will benefit our furry friends, Allen noted. The Puppy Love Quarters Auction takes place on 25 at The Barn at Vino. Bring your quarters and plan on having some food and fun from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., all to benefit the Dogs Deserve Better Piedmont nonprofit organization. A couple of food trucks will be selling food and there will be vendors on hand from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • A big event will be held Saturday, Mar. 4 at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center designed to provide some one-stop shopping for anyone planning, well, a big event. It’s called the Wedding and Event Expo, and Allen said it will bring a variety of planners under one roof to help anyone planning a special occasion, whether it’s a wedding, an “over-the-top birthday celebration,” anniversary or family reunion.

Representatives from local venues will be present during the 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. event, as well as rental companies, balloon artists, invitation and cake designers – just about anyone who can provide a service for individuals planning a celebration.

Tickets are $10. Visit https://visitgranvillenc.com/ and find a link to the wedding and event expo for details.

  • The Vikings are set to invade again this year as The Barn at Vino hosts the two-day “Viking Experience” on 25-26. “This is one of the most unique festivals we have in Granville County,” Allen said, with more than 30 characters in full costume interacting with participants throughout the two days of fun, merry-making that provide an “immersive experience through interaction,” according to the group’s website. Visit https://www.thevikingexperiencenc.com/ for ticket information.

Find details about these events – and more – at https://visitgranvillenc.com/

 

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Horseowners: Annual Coggins Test Key To Reduce Threat Of Disease

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-information courtesy of N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences

A total of 17 horses in nine counties across the state have had to be euthanized in the past few months to help prevent spread of equine infectious anemia. Wake County is the closest county to Vance and Granville where an infected horse has been located, according to information from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences.

In addition to Wake County, infected horses have been found in Duplin, Forsyth, Henderson, Mecklenburg, Randolph, Sampson, Surry and Yadkin counties. The majority of the EIA positive cases have been associated with unsanctioned horseracing, the press statement noted.

“All facilities where infectious horses were discovered are placed under quarantine, which restricts movement of equine,” said Dr. Catherine Harris, director of Livestock Health Programs. “The remaining equines will be observed and re-tested in 60 days. We are also monitoring neighboring facilities for the disease.”

The test for EIA is commonly called a Coggins test. There is no approved vaccine for EIA in the United States.

A Coggins clinic is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 11 in Granville County. Contact the Granville Cooperative Extension office at 919.603.1350 to make an appointment for the clinic, which will be held at the Southern States in Oxford from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.

EIA is an incurable disease commonly spread by biting flies or shared medical equipment between equines, such as horses, mules and donkeys. Clinical signs of EIA include fever, weakness, weight loss, anemia, edema and death. However, many infected equines may not show symptoms. All infected equine, including those that are asymptomatic, are carriers of the disease. The disease does not affect people.

There are typically a small number of cases of EIA in the United States every year, although the disease is common in other parts of the world. EIA is controlled in the United States by regular testing before traveling across state lines and/or exhibition.

To help prevent infection, follow these guidelines:

  • Use sterile, disposable needles and syringes, one per horse, for all vaccines and medications.
  • Test all horses for EIA every year, and at the time they enter a new premises.
  • Keep stables and other facilities sanitary. Regularly clean stalls and properly dispose of manure away from horse stabling areas.
  • Implement approved insect controls, such as insecticides and good drainage of standing water, to minimize fly presence.
  • Only participate in events that require evidence of negative Coggins test.
  • Isolate new horses on a property until they are tested for EIA.
  • Never mix infected and healthy animals. Do not breed horses infected with EIA.

Equine owners who have concerns about their animal’s health should contact their local veterinarian.  “Contact your local veterinary practitioner for more information and to obtain a current Coggins,” said Harris. “In addition, there are several clinics and practitioners offering Coggins and vaccination clinics. These are great opportunities for horse owners to get an updated Coggins test in addition to vaccines for other diseases.” For more information about EIA or other reportable animal diseases please call the Veterinary Division at 919.707.3250 or visit NCDA&CS – Veterinary Division (ncagr.gov).

Mills Appointed To State Economic Development Advisory Council

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Granville County Economic Development Director Harry Mills has been appointed to the North Carolina Economic Development Advisory Council, a statewide group that provides advisory direction and support to the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.

Mills was selected to represent the “North Central Prosperity Zone” along with Michael Haley, executive director of the Wake County Economic Development office.

Mills was appointed to serve on this council by the current members of the EDPNC board, according to information from Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood. He joins the 16-member council which represents eight “prosperity zones” across North Carolina. These zones are determined by the North Carolina Department of Commerce and subdivide the state geographically to provide localized support for economic development projects.

In addition to Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin counties, the North Central prosperity zone encompasses Person, Alamance, Orange, Durham, Wake, Nash, Edgecombe, Chatham, Wilson, Lee, Harnett and Johnston counties.

“I’m excited to serve on the EDPNC Advisory Council,”Mills said in a press statement. “This is a fantastic group of professionals that work to improve the economic prospects of their communities and North Carolina as a whole. So many of the projects that come to Granville County and other parts of North Carolina would not be possible without the staff and advisory board members that work on behalf of the EDPNC. I’m excited to represent Granville County and I look forward to working with this group of my peers to attract new businesses to North Carolina.”

For more information about the EDPNC, visit https://edpnc.com/.