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.
Vance Co. Schools Announces Additional Pre-K/Kindergarten Registration Dates
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, Vance County Schools
Henderson City Council to Hold Regular Meeting This Evening
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy Esther J. McCrackin, City Clerk, City of Henderson, NC
The Henderson City Council will hold their regular meeting on Monday, April 8, 2019, beginning at 6 p.m. in the R.G. (Chick) Young, Jr. Council Chambers of the Municipal Building located at 134 Rose Avenue in Henderson, NC.
Agenda items include:
PUBLIC HEARING
NEW BUSINESS
CONSENT AGENDA
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine or have been previously discussed, and can be approved in one motion unless a Council Member asks for separate consideration of an item.
REPORTS
WORK SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Dr. Trudi Bowden Receives Volunteer Service Award
/by WIZS Staff-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.
Oak Level U.C.C. to Hold Anniversary Celebration for Choir
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy Mary Reid, Oak Level U.C.C.
Oak Level United Church of Christ will have an anniversary celebration of their Choir #2 on Sunday, April 14, 2019, at 3 p.m.
The guest speaker for this occasion will be Rev. Elizabeth Brame, of Nutbush Baptist Church. The church pastor, Rev. Leon White, along with the congregation invite each and everyone to come out and support.
Please contact Mrs. Emily Bullock, president, at (252) 456-2355 for more information.
Franklinton Man Sentenced for Distribution of Child Pornography
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that on April 3, 2019, in federal court, United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced ANDREW DAVID PHILLIPS, 28, of Franklinton, North Carolina to 210 months imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release.
PHILLIPS was named in a Criminal Information filed on February 13, 2018, charging him with Distribution of Child Pornography. On March 20, 2018, PHILLIPS pled guilty to that charge.
Based on the investigation, PHILLIPS used a computer to store at least 2,210 images of child pornography. In addition, PHILLIPS traded many of the images and videos with other individuals, in exchange for pornographic images of children.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Raleigh Police Department, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant United States Attorney Donald R. Pender represented the government.
Concerned Bikers Association (CBA) in Support of Bills to Improve Safety
/by Kelly BondurantMembers 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.
Vance Co. Cancer Survivors are Invited to Relay for Life Survivors’ Dinner
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy Hope Breedlove, Relay For Life Survivor Committee Co-Chair
The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Vance County will take place Saturday, June 22, 2019, in Downtown Henderson from 4:30 – 9 p.m.
Relay For Life is a community event to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that has taken too much.
The Survivor Lap will take place at 6:30 p.m. and all cancer survivors are invited to participate. As a cancer survivor, you’ll be a guest of honor and cheered on by your community. Caregivers are also a major part of Relay For Life events and are honored for their support. Please plan to attend this special event!
We would also like to invite you to the 2019 Survivor Dinner being held on Friday, May 3 at 6 p.m. at South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church.
You are welcome to bring one guest to this dinner. You must RSVP by April 29! To RSVP you may:
Call: (919) 334-5221 (you may leave the details in a message) OR email: Sue.Cain@cancer.org
You will need to provide:
Your prompt RSVP will ensure we have enough food and survivor t-shirts for everyone attending.
Survivors, caregivers and walkers are welcome to register for Relay For Life online at www.RelayForLife.org/VanceNC or by calling 1-800-227-2345 (choose option #2 from the menu).
At the survivor dinner, we will have paper registration forms in case anyone is unable to register online or via the 800 number. The dinner RSVP and event registration are separate because all event participants for the Relay For Life walk are required to agree to a legal waiver.
Remember, to attend the Relay For Life of Vance County Survivor Dinner you must RSVP by April 29. Please call (252) 436-1605 or (252) 425-8362 if you have any questions.
Citizens Needed for ‘Community Voices’ Program
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, Vance County Cooperative Extension
Communities everywhere need more people to step forward and lead their neighborhoods to solutions for issues and problems they are facing. The City of Henderson and surrounding areas in Vance County need concerned citizens who are willing to lend themselves to community-wide dialogue and problem-solving. “Community Voices” can show you the way.
“Community Voices” provides free leadership development for public decision making. It helps ordinary people build leadership skills, teaches problem-solving skills which help to get things accomplished. It develops decision making which brings people together and strengthens the skills and talents of individuals with untapped leadership potential. It gives community members an actionable, self-directed training program.
On Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at 6 p.m., a public kick-off session will be held at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market located at 210 Southpark Dr. in Henderson (off Beckford Dr.). Please join us to find out how “Community Voices” can help your community pinpoint issues and problems and move forward.
Concerned citizens, existing community leaders, and representatives from all community-based organizations are encouraged to attend. The goal of this kick-off is to introduce the “Community Voices” program and give residents the chance to define the issues they face, collectively as a community, and to find ways to solve them.
The program is sponsored by Vance County Cooperative Extension and the Cooperative Extension Program at N.C. A&T State University. Please register by calling Turner Pride, County Extension Director, at (252) 438-8188 or email turner_pride@ncsu.edu and invite friends as well.
ReBuild Communities NC to Offer Free Renewable Energy Training
/by WIZS Staff-Information and flyer courtesy the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce
ReBuild Communities NC will offer a free renewable energy training April 22 – 26, 2019, at the Rebuild Communities location – 117 Church St. in Henderson.
This 40-hour course takes place over five days with 8 hours of instruction per day (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.).
Successful completion of this course qualifies participants to sit for the NABCEP PV Associate Exam. Graduates are eligible for job placement assistance provided by the NC Clean Energy Technology Center.
Seating is limited to the first 25 responders.
For more information, call (252) 598-0016 or visit www.rebuildcommunitiesnc.org
(This is not a paid advertisement)
Granville’s Annual ‘Spring Clean’ Event Scheduled for April 27
/by WIZS Staff-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.