Town Talk 12/10/19: Frazier Receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine, Honored With Luncheon

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

At Monday evening’s Henderson City Council meeting, City Manager Frank Frazier was presented with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina government’s highest civilian honor.

Since 1963, NC governors have reserved this honor for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.

Frank Frazier (center), wife Sherri, son Chad & Chad’s fiancé Morgan stand with Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington as Betty Jo Shepheard, a representative from US Senator Richard Burr’s office, presents Frazier with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. (Photo courtesy Steve Cordell)

Persons named to The Order become North Carolina “ambassadors” with their names and award dates recorded on a roster maintained by The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society.

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington, along with Betty Jo Shepheard, Senator Richard Burr’s representative, presented an unsuspecting Frazier with the award.

“I was totally surprised and consider it a great honor,” said Frazier, who has been with the City for 35 years. “I was certainly not expecting that!”

In a night dedicated to swearing in newly elected City officials, Frazier, who is set to retire on January 31, 2020, was re-appointed to his position.

Since announcing his retirement plans in July, Frazier has been working with the City Council and Ellington to select a successor. WIZS recently received an update from Ellington that the field has been narrowed down, with an announcement expected soon.

In a continuation of honoring Frazier, WIZS sponsored a luncheon at 11 a.m. today at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.

Henderson City Manager Frank Frazier (left) and John Charles Rose with WIZS (right) pictured at the WIZS-hosted luncheon honoring Frazier’s service to the City. The event was held on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at the Vance Country Regional Farmers Market. (WIZS photo)

Frazier said he was surprised yet again by an event held in his honor that included, among others, City and County staff and department heads, law enforcement, fire department officials and media representatives.

As the ongoing support of both entities has made his job possible, it was fitting to have this group in attendance, said Frazier.

“We’ve tried to build a team over the years and work together to get the job done no matter what,” Frazier explained. “No one entity can do it all, and we have to work together. What’s good for the City is good for the County.”

In his remarks, Ellington said Frazier leaves the City in excellent financial condition. “The entire time Frank Frazier has been manager, there has been no tax increase. We are in the best financial shape we’ve been in in the last decade.”

Vance County Commissioner and NC Senate District Three candidate Tommy Hester reiterated comments made on Frazier’s strong work ethic.

“You couldn’t ask for anybody any better than Frank; he is dedicated and from his heart. He works hard and he’s going to be difficult to replace. He’s a true friend to this county and a true friend to Henderson, NC.”

To hear the segment with Frazier in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Town Talk 12/09/19

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Town Talk 12/06/19

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Town Talk 12/05/19: ‘Smart’ Technology is Watching & Listening!

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program featured a general discussion of “smart” technology (phones, televisions, baby monitors, etc.) and what is being heard, seen and recorded.

WIZS’ John Charles reminded listeners that anything that responds to a voice command has a microphone that is “listening” to conversations in your home and business.

Likewise, anything with a camera – such as most new smart televisions – has the potential to capture video images.

Smart technology also has the capability to track the user’s location at all times.

Just how much of what is being recorded and how the information is stored and used is unknown. What is clear, for better or worse, is that it is increasingly difficult to maintain a true sense of privacy in a more technological-savvy world.

To hear today’s segment in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Oxford Christmas Parade

Town Talk 12/04/19: Granville Plans Busy Weekend With Parades, Shows & More

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Angela Allen, director of the Granville County Tourism Development Authority, appeared on WIZS’ Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m. to discuss a few of the many weekend holiday events happening in Granville County.

Granville Little Theatre’s FrUiTCaKes

The Granville Little Theatre will present FrUiTCaKes, a Christmas production, at the Oxford City Hall Auditorium on December 7 & 8, 13-15, 2019.

Mix together a batch of fruitcakes, three dozen Christmas trees, 10,000 outdoor Christmas lights, a chickenpox epidemic, two southern spinsters, an estranged old man, a lost cat named Tutti Frutti and a Christmas hog named Buster, and you’ve got the recipe for a fun-filled and touching evening of holiday cheer.

A moving story of alienation, understanding and reconciliation, FrUiTCaKes provides audiences with a heaping helping of holiday warmth and Christmas cheer.

Oxford Christmas Parade and Lighting of the Greens

A magical night is planned this Friday, December 6, 2019, for the 14th Annual Lighting of the Greens and Christmas Parade sponsored by Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation (DOEDC), the City of Oxford and partner Granville Health System. Events are scheduled from 4 until 9 p.m. in downtown Oxford.

The Christmas parade will take place rain, snow or shine, so please plan accordingly.

Event Schedule:

4 – 6:30 p.m. – Vendor Market opens

5:30 p.m. – Line up begins for parade participants

6:30- 6:45 p.m. – Welcome and opening comments

6:45 – 6:50 p.m. – Lighting of the Greens

7 p.m. – Parade starts

The parade will start on Belle Street, travel down Williamsboro Street, then Hillsboro Street, and end by taking a right on McClanahan Street to the Public Works Parking lot. Please note that there will be no parking in the Public Works parking lot (127 Penn Avenue) on the evening of the event.

Butner Christmas in the Park

Butner Gazebo Park – 416 Central Avenue in Butner.

This is a beautiful evening, which includes a children’s time of visiting with Santa, Christmas music and entertainment, a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and the official lighting of the town’s Christmas tree.

Children can visit with Santa from 5 until 6:45 p.m. Program begins at 7 p.m.

Delrayno Baptist Church’s “A Journey Back to Bethlehem” Live Nativity

Delrayno Baptist Church – 1315 College Street in Oxford.

Enjoy a reenactment of the first Christmas with a drive-through nativity scene featuring actors and live animals. Nightly performances December 7-9 from 6 – 8:30 p.m.

For more information on these and other Granville County events, please visit www.visitgranvillenc.com.

To hear Allen’s interview in its entirety, including information on additional upcoming events, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Town Talk 12/03/19: ‘Shop With A Cop’ Raffle Winners Announced

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk featured the “Shop With A Cop” raffle winner announcement recorded at 10 a.m. this morning at Sadie’s Coffee Corner in downtown Henderson.

This annual event is sponsored by the Henderson Police Department, Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce and Maria Parham Health. This year’s fundraiser will provide local law enforcement with $5,000 to take 40-45 disadvantaged youth Christmas shopping at Walmart later this month.

Photo courtesy H-V Chamber of Commerce

Participating youth are selected by the Vance County Department of Social Services each year through a referral process. DSS partners with local law enforcement and monetarily assists Shop With A Cop to help make this experience a reality for the children it serves.

Changing up the fundraising format this year, 180 “envelope” tickets with various dollar amounts were sold. The higher the dollar amount on the envelope, the higher the potential raffle prize money for donors. Cash prizes included a drawing for $200, $500, $1,000 and $2,000.

The Chamber was happy to announce, thanks to the generous support of the community, all 180 tickets were sold and the 2019 fundraising goal was met.

Names were drawn at random and the raffle winners were:

$200 – Lauren B. Roberson

$500 – Alice Sallins

$1,000 – Michael Waters

$2,000 – Dr. William Wooten

To hear the Shop With A Cop segment in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Town Talk 12/02/19: Free Adoptions at Vance Co. Animal Shelter!

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Frankie Nobles, Chief of Vance County Animal Services, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, Nobles was happy to announce that adoption fees at the Vance County Animal Shelter have been covered for harder-to-adopt, large-breed adult dogs and cats now through December 23, 2019.

“We are offering free adoption for the community for adult dogs and cats. This does not include puppies, kittens and smaller breeds because they are easier for us to adopt,” Nobles said.

Those interested in adoption will still need to complete the application process which includes a vet check and landlord approval (if applicable).

“The application process will still need to be completed to ensure the animal is going to a good home,” explained Nobles. “Once the application process is completed and approved, pets that are already spayed or neutered will be able to go home that day. If they are not, an appointment will be made with a vet and the new owner can pick their pet up after the appointment.”

On any given day, Nobles approximates 40 dogs and 10-15 cats are available for adoption and are in need of a good, loving home.

The adoption fee is typically $150 for dogs and $100 for cats. Fee includes the spay or neuter procedure (if not already completed), microchipping and other tests and treatments.

According to Nobles, there has already been increased interest since the recent free adoption announcement; however, he cautions those who are looking for a new pet to fully consider the implications prior to making such a large commitment.

“Make sure you are ready for cleaning up after them and feeding them. You need to make sure you are financially ready to provide for them. If you aren’t ready for that, you aren’t ready for a life change. It is a life-changing experience when you bring an animal home,” stated Nobles.

The Vance County Animal Shelter is located at 1243 Brodie Road in Henderson. Hours of operation are Mondays from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The shelter is closed on Fridays and Sundays.

Please visit www.vancecountyanimalshelter.com or the shelter’s Facebook page for more information.

To hear the interview with Nobles in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk. Nobles’ segment begins at the 11:30 mark. 

Town Talk 11/27/19

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Town Talk 11/25/19: Granville Tourism Announces Thanksgiving Week Events

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

Angela Allen, director of the Granville County Tourism Development Authority, appeared on WIZS’ Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

When asked to briefly describe her job, Allen laughed and replied, “I tell people exactly how to have fun and where to find it.”

Some of those “fun” Granville County events are planned for the last week of November and include:

The 15th Annual Turkey Trot will take place in downtown Oxford on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 2019. This annual tradition benefits Area Congregations in Ministry (ACIM), Granville County’s food bank.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at Oxford United Methodist Church on College Street. Walkers and runners set off on the roughly 2-mile course at 9 a.m. and end the race back at the church.

The entry fee is two cans of food or a cash donation in any amount to ACIM.

Pre-Thanksgiving Lunch Buffet at Thorndale Oaks in Oxford on Tuesday, November 26, 2019, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season early with your family, friends, and coworkers.

Menu items include – smoked whole roasted turkey with gravy, sliced ham with honey glaze salad, fresh fruit and holiday mixed green salad, homemade stuffing, Southern-style green beans, homemade mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, assorted pies and peach cobbler.

Reservations required; call (919) 603-3701 or email thorndaleoaks@aol.com.

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast will be held Wednesday, November 27 at 7:30 a.m. in the Family Life Center of Oxford Baptist Church, Main Street, Oxford.

Attendees are requested to bring non-perishable food donations (canned food) for Area Congregations In Ministry (ACIM).

Small Business Saturday will be held on November 30 to support small, local, independent businesses in Granville County, NC.

Understanding the important contributions small businesses make to their communities, the Granville County Chamber of Commerce encourages consumers to take part in Small Business Saturday® by supporting small, local businesses.

Continuing a five-year tradition, shopping bags with promotional items for Small Business Saturday will be available at the Chamber’s Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast on November 27.

Tobacco Wood Brewing Company, 117 Wall Street in Oxford, has several exciting events planned for the week including a Thanksgiving Market featuring produce, baked goods, etc. on Wednesday, November 27 from 3 until 5 p.m.; an Open Mic Night on Wednesday, November 27 at 7 p.m.; and the release of a special Black Friday beer at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 29.

For more information on Granville County events, please visit www.visitgranvillenc.com.

To hear Allen’s interview in its entirety, including information on additional upcoming events, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Town Talk 11/21/19: ‘Most Influential Fisherman’ Speaks to Vance Co. Students

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Pastor Bobby Fletcher, with First United Methodist Church of Henderson, and Clay Dyer, described as “the most inspirational fisherman on the planet” were the guests of honor on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program.

Dyer, whose life motto is “If I can, you can,” shared his message with students at AdVance Academy today, visits Vance County Middle School tomorrow and will be the guest speaker at First United Methodist Church on Sunday.

Photo courtesy Clay Dyer

Born with no left arm, a partial right arm and no lower limbs, Dyer said he has never let his physical build limit his potential as a human being, an award-winning fisherman or a man of God.

“There’s nothing in life that can get you down unless you allow it to,” said Dyer. “Handicapped or disabled is a state of mind. You’re only as handicapped or disabled as you allow yourself to be.”

According to Dyer’s website (www.clay-dyer.com), he started fishing at age five and began competing in fishing tournaments at age 15. He fished with FLW from 2000 to 2010 and began his career with BASS in 2012.

His television appearances include ESPN, Fox, CNN Headline News, Versus, the Outdoor Channel, Fox Sports South, the 700 Club and CBS.

Published articles on his fishing prowess have appeared in USA Today, Newsweek, Bassmaster and FLW Outdoors Magazine.

Video examples of Dyer’s fishing technique and tips can be viewed by searching his name on YouTube.

Dyer currently fishes the Bassmaster Open Series and select charity events but spends the majority of his time sharing his life experiences through motivational and leadership presentations to various charities, churches and schools.

“I’m just trying to have a positive impact on God’s kingdom by encouraging people and showing them that no matter what adversity they may face in life, they can overcome,” Dyer stated.

Fletcher said bringing Dyer’s positive message of resiliency to the community is just another step in making Vance County an even better place to live.

“Vance County has a lot of potential; we need to let the good things be known. Bringing in an outstanding, world-known speaker like Clay will greatly encourage the kids. He will show them how to be a champion.”

To hear the interview with Dyer and Fletcher in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.