Town Talk: Garrison Discusses DHHS Move, Medicaid – 07/15/19

Town Talk 11 a.m., M-F, 100.1 FM / 1450 AM

In the continuing discussion about the proposed move of The Department of Health and Human Services administrative offices to the Triangle North Corporate Park in Granville and Vance Counties, NC House 32 Representative Terry Garrison says, “If we can get true bi-partisan support on the relocation, I think that provides the greatest opportunity for sustainability.”

Garrison says the majority of the people in the House 32 district have asked him to “vote against the veto on the one hand, but on the other hand, those persons who have been my staunch allies and those who have been in the trenches and have been my front-line workers and sergeants for the campaign of a democratic party, each one of them has strongly advised me to sustain the Governor’s veto, not to override the Governor’s veto.”

Garrison has been told to his face, he said, that his allies plan to run someone against him if he does help override the Governor’s veto.

That type of pressure speaks to the level of pressure Garrison is under, both locally and from Raleigh. And from his Town Talk interview (listed in full below), one conclusion you could draw is that he is damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t.

Garrison is under a lot of pressure with this, and he said, “I want these jobs to come here as much as anyone, perhaps more than anyone.”

Another conclusion and Garrison agrees, the DHHS move is being used as a pawn in a chess game. So much so, Garrison indicated he thought if it were back to the days in North Carolina that the Governor did not have veto power that the State would already have an approved budget and much of this DHHS move may have never come about.

Along those lines, politics got us here and politics is the only way out.

As the Town Talk interview begins, the first two questions are:

WHY NOT JUST VOTE TO OVERRIDE THE GOVERNOR’S VETO OF THE BUDGET, WHICH IS THE GUARANTEED WAY FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO LOCATE IT’S ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES IN GRANVILLE COUNTY?
YOU’VE SAID YOU WANTED TO NEGOTIATE THE MATTER OF MEDICAID EXPANSION SOME. WHAT WILL MEDICAID EXPANSION DO FOR THIS AREA THAT THE JOBS AND GROWTH OF DHHS MOVING TO THE TRIANGLE NORTH PARK WILL NOT DO?

Children’s Theater Camp to Perform ‘The Lion King, Jr.’ at McGregor Hall

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

PART OF THE ROSEMYR CORPORATION HENDERSON REC PLAYERS 2019 SUMMER SEASON:

The Henderson Rec Players’ first-ever summer theater camp for children and youth will culminate in performances of Disney’s “The Lion King, Jr” at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center.

Three Performances: July 26, 27 at 8 p.m., July 28 at 2 p.m.

Featuring songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, the show tells the story of a young lion, Simba, and the rocky road to inheriting his father’s kingdom.

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)

Warrenton to Offer Free Showing of ‘Incredibles 2’ in Courthouse Square

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy the Warrenton Festivals Facebook page

The Town of Warrenton will hold a family movie night on Saturday, July 13, 2019, starting at 8:45 p.m. in the Historic Courthouse Square, 109 S. Main St., Warrenton. Disney/Pixar’s “Incredibles 2” (rated PG) will be the featured presentation.

Admission is free; popcorn and refreshments will be available for purchase. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of family fun.

Ridgeway Cantaloupe 5K & Festival Set for Sat., July 13

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Don’t miss the 6th anniversary of the Ridgeway Cantaloupe 5K Run on Saturday, July 13, 2019.

Sponsored by the Ridgeway Historical Society, the run begins at 101 Ridgeway – Drewry Road in Norlina at 8 a.m.

The rural and flat 5K route, a USAT&F certified course, starts and ends near the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department.

Late Registration and Packet Pick-up:  Tommy, the race director, will be at the race site on Friday, July 12 in the afternoon and evening so you can register in person or stop by and pick up your shirt and number. Saturday morning registration will begin by 6:30 a.m.

All runners and spectators are invited to stay after the race and enjoy the Ridgeway Cantaloupe Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cantaloupe, Brunswick Stew, hot dogs, festival refreshments, historical displays, kiddie rides, horse back rides, arts and crafts vendors, entertainment and more!

For more information, visit the Ridgeway Cantaloupe 5K website by clicking here.

N.C. Peach Growers Pleased with 2019 Crop

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, NCDA&CS

After several hit-or-miss years, peach growers across the state are celebrating what is shaping up to be a solid peach growing season.

“Consumers can expect peaches to be in good quantity and quality this year,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Many growers began picking in early June with plans to continue through the end of August.”

Unlike surrounding states, most of North Carolina’s peaches are sold directly to consumers at roadside stands and farmers markets. In fact, consumers can find peach orchards in about two-thirds of the state’s counties. Troxler encourages consumers to check with their favorite peach grower for availability and timing of their favorite varieties.

To celebrate the season, the department will host Peach Day events at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh on July 11 and the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax on July 12. Both events run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and feature a peach recipe contest, free samples of peach ice cream and an appearance from the N.C. Peach Queen.

Peach lovers also can enjoy the N.C. Peach Festival in Candor July 19 and 20. The 23rd-annual event includes a parade, music, carnival rides, food vendors and lots of fresh, local peaches.

North Carolina is home to about 800 acres of peaches. In 2017, peach growers contributed $2.7 million to the state’s economy, with more than two dozen varieties grown.

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List of Local Four-County Independence Day Celebrations

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

WIZS wishes everyone a fun and safe July 4th holiday weekend. To help you celebrate, we’ve compiled a list of Independence Day events planned for the local four-county area:

VANCE COUNTY:

Fireworks in the Park

Where: Fox Pond Park – 467 Vicksboro Rd in Henderson

Date: Friday, July 5, 2019

Time: Jazz in the Park festivities begin at 6:30 p.m.; fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.

Note: No parking will be allowed at Fox Pond Park; shuttling from nearby Aycock Recreation Center will begin at 5:30 p.m.

For additional details, click here

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VANCE COUNTY

Fireworks Under the Stars at Kerr Lake

Where: Kerr Lake’s Satterwhite Point

Date: Saturday, July 6, 2019

Time: Activities are planned from 3 until 10 p.m.; fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

Note: Kid’s activities planned for this year’s celebration; no alcohol allowed.

For additional details, click here

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GRANVILLE COUNTY

Fireworks Display at Lake Holt

Where: Lake Holt, Old Highway 75, Butner, NC

Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Time: Gates open at 6 p.m.; fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.

Note: Concessions will be available; no alcohol

For additional details, click here

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GRANVILLE COUNTY

Creedmoor’s Fourth of July Picnic

Where: Lake Rogers Park, Shelter #1 at 1711 Lake Road in Creedmoor, NC

Date: Thursday, July 4, 2019

Time: Activities planned from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Note: Event is open to the public and features music, food, beverages and a cake baking contest.

For additional details, click here

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WARREN COUNTY

Wise’s 19th Annual Independence Day Parade & Festival

Where: “Main Street” (US Hwy 1) of Wise, NC

Date: Thursday, July 4, 2019

Time: Activities planned from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Note: Parade begins at 10 a.m.; festival will follow at Wise Baptist Church

For additional details, click here

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FRANKLIN COUNTY

Fireworks at Louisburg High School

Where: Louisburg High School, 201 Allen Lane, Louisburg, NC

Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Time: Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; fireworks go off at dark

Note: Food, music, inflatables and games; rain date is Saturday, July 6

For additional details, click here.

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Reminder: ‘Guys and Dolls’ Performances Begin This Weekend

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

The McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center, 201 Breckenridge St. in Henderson, will feature “Guys and Dolls” as presented by the Henderson Rec Players on the following dates:

Friday, July 5, 2019, @ 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 6, 2019, @ 8 p.m.

Sunday, July 7, 2019, @ 2 p.m.

Friday, July 12, 2019, @ 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 13, 2019, @ 2 p.m.

Part of the Rosemyr Corporation Henderson Rec Players 2019 Season –

“Guys and Dolls” tells the story of a couple of big New York City gamblers and the women who love them. With music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, this energetic show features the hit songs “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” “Luck, Be a Lady,” and “Bushel and a Peck.”

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)

NCDOT

NCDOT Suspending Most Major Lane-Closing Projects for July 4 Holiday

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, NCDOT

To ensure the most efficient travel for North Carolina drivers over the July 4 holiday, the N.C. Department of Transportation will suspend most road construction projects that cause lane closures on major routes across the state.

Where possible, closed lanes will be opened from the morning of Wednesday, July 3, through the evening of Friday, July 5. There are some locations where the type of construction or the project status will not allow an opening for safety reasons.

Heavy traffic is also expected on Sunday, July 7, particularly on interstates. NCDOT is reviewing any lane closures that may be planned that day for primary routes and could extend the lane closure restrictions at those locations to avoid potential traffic backups.

Drivers can check the status of the route they plan to take in advance by going to DriveNC.gov. They can also follow NCDOT on Twitter to track travel updates by region or route.

NCDOT encourages drivers to follow these tips to navigate the roads safely over the holiday:

  • Leave early. Travel at non-peak hours and use alternative routes to avoid the heaviest traffic congestion.
  • Stay alert. Even when work is paused, you may encounter narrowed lanes, shifts in traffic and lower speed limits through work zones.
  • Be patient.
  • Don’t drive drowsy. For extended drives, take frequent breaks to remain alert.
  • Don’t drive distracted. When drivers are not focused on the road, they react slowly to traffic conditions and are more likely to be involved in a crash.

The July 4 holiday is also a time for law enforcement to crack down on drunk driving. The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program started its Operation Firecracker campaign this week, geared toward catching people who are driving under the influence.

Sobriety checkpoints will be in place in all 100 counties through Sunday, July 7, to keep impaired drivers off the roads for their safety and the safety of others.

If you plan to drink over the holiday period, NCDOT and GHSP strongly urge you to call a friend, use a ride-share service or take a cab – just don’t drive drunk.

VCRFM Memorial Garden

Vance/Warren Master Gardener Program to Hold Open House

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension

If you have ever contemplated becoming a volunteer in the Master Gardener program, this is your chance! The Vance/Warren Master Gardener program will hold an Open House on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.

The public is invited to drop by to meet members of our group and learn more about how to become a volunteer. Applications will be available and light refreshments will be served.

The biennial training class will be held on Tuesday mornings beginning in late July and ending in early November. Upon completion of training, participants are required to contribute 40 hours of service in the Master Gardener program.

Projects include publishing a newsletter, educational workshops, demonstration gardens, public speaking, youth education and more.

For more information, contact paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu or call 252-438-8188 (Vance) or 252-257-3640 (Warren). A flyer with all the details and an application form are available at this link.

SUMMER EDITION OF THE GARDEN PATH NEWSLETTER

Be sure to download the summer 2019 edition of our Garden Path Newsletter. The current issue has lots of great information about rain gardens, insect pests, growing succulents, monthly tips and more! Download your copy from this link.

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Wise to Celebrate 19th Annual Independence Day Parade & Festival

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy the Wise NC Independence Day Celebration Facebook page

The small community of Wise, NC is gearing up for its 19th Annual 4th of July Parade & Festival on Thursday, July 4, 2019. Events will take place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. along Wise’s “main street” – US Hwy 1. The public is encouraged to bring a lawn chair and seek a shady spot. Veterans will be honored at noon.

Following the parade, a festival will be held at Wise Baptist Church. Don’t miss food, fun and games for the whole family, with a special music performance by the TNT Band.

Frank Newell will serve as grand marshall for this year’s event.