The Local Skinny! Pink With A Passion Fish Fry Fundraiser Is This Saturday

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Join Pink With A Passion founder Amena Wilson Saturday, Oct. 14 at a fish plate fundraiser and festival at Warren County Middle School.

They’ll be serving plates from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. – eat in or take out – Wilson said. But fish isn’t the only item on the day’s menu, she said.

Numerous vendors will be on hand with items from jewelry to cosmetics and plenty of fair-style foods from food trucks for grownups and children to enjoy.

Stop in for fish, but stay awhile and enjoy the festival, Wilson said.

There also will be nurse practitioners on hand to share information about breast cancer awareness.

The goal is to sell 1,000 plates, and Wilson said they are well on their way to meeting that goal. Tickets are $10 each. Proceeds from the event go to help cancer patients at Maria Parham Health with costs associated with their treatment, she said.

Send checks to Pink With A Passion, P.O. Box 315, Warrenton, NC 27589. To learn more, contact Wilson at 252.213.5735.

 

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The Local Skinny! VGCC Craft Show Fundraiser Is This Saturday

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Information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

 

The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation is sponsoring a fall craft show fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 14 to help fill the shelves of the school’s food pantry. The community is invited to come out from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The admission “price” per person is a donation of three food items that can be used in the food pantry – think canned goods, non-perishable items or paper products, organizers say.

VGCC Foundation Associate Director Sheri Jones said more than 45 vendors – many from the four-county area that VGCC serves – will be set up and ready for business Saturday.

“This is a way to stock our food pantry, as we have seen an increase in usage over the last few months,” Jones said.

All proceeds from the event will go toward stocking the shelves of the food pantry, which serves currently enrolled students, as well as faculty and staff.

Call 252.738.3323 or email douglasa@vgcc.edu to learn more.

VGCC students and employees in need of food pantry services may learn more at www.vgcc.edu/food-pantry.

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Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Composting

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Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

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Masonic Home for Children

Celebrate 150 Years With Masonic Home For Children In Oxford Saturday, Oct. 14

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One hundred fifty years ago, in 1873, Mark Twain hadn’t written Tom Sawyer yet. That novel was published in 1876. The first Kentucky Derby wasn’t run until 1875. In 1873, this country’s Civil War had been over for less than a decade.

A century and a half later – 2023 – the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford celebrates its sesquicentennial and has planned special events to commemorate the occasion during the 11th annual Masonic Homecoming Festival.

The homecoming festival is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 14.

The opening ceremony begins at 9 a.m., followed by activities including games and activities for children, as well as tours of the campus and facilities.

The Shrine and Community parade kicks off at 11 a.m. and there will be a food truck rodeo, so come hungry and ready to enjoy some delicious food.

The BBQ contest also begins at 11 a.m. and there will be amusement rides and music starting at 12 noon.

Visit MHC-OXFORD.ORG for a complete listing of events and programs scheduled.

UNC Football Outplayed Syracuse to Remain Undefeated

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— text and picture by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS

An impressive display of consistent explosive runs on offense and strong tackles on defense from the North Carolina Tar Heels (UNC) paved the way for an impressive 40-7 win over Syracuse.

On offense, UNC quarterback Drake Maye completed 33 passes for 442 yards. He connected with 11 receivers, including Devontez Walker, who caught six passes for 43 yards in his debut for UNC. After weeks of backlash, the NCAA reversed course and granted Walker, the two-time transfer, immediate eligibility a few days before the game. As Walker led his team onto the field before kickoff, cheers erupted throughout the stadium.

“I just felt blessed to be out there, said Walker. My teammates have been in my corner since I arrived.”

UNC’s potent offense started strong, executing 14 plays for 64 yards. Through a dynamic ground game, UNC quickly reached the red zone. However, the drive stalled out 11 yards outside of the end zone. Then kicker Noah Burnette made a 29-yard field goal to give UNC an early lead.

Throughout the remainder of the first half, Maye had plenty of options on offense. He distributed the ball to numerous playmakers to score three consecutive touchdowns.

“North Carolina is a fantastic football team, and I tip my hat to Mack Brown, said Syracuse head coach Dino Babers. Today, they were fantastic on offense, fantastic on defense, and I think they’re going to go a long way this season.”

In contrast, Syracuse’s run-heavy offensive unit struggled to build momentum against UNC’s aggressive defense. Therefore, the unit had to punt the ball away on all four of its first-half possessions.

Although Syracuse demonstrated offensive efficiency at the start of the second half by scoring on its first possession, the momentum quickly dissipated with no room to run.

UNC’s defense, led by linebacker Cedric Gray, defensive back Don Chapman, and defensive lineman Myles Murphy, intercepted two passes and amassed 51 total tackles, one sack, and three TFLs.

Franklin Manager Kim Denton Receives Kerr-Tar COG ‘Outstanding Manager’ Award

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Information courtesy of Franklin County Public Information Officer James Hicks III

Franklin County Manager Kim Denton received the Outstanding Manager award from the Kerr-Tar Council of Governments during their recent awards banquet.

Last year’s recipient, Henderson City Manager Terrell Blackmon, presented Denton with the award during the Sept. 28 event at Carlee Farms in Granville County.

 “Kim embodies the qualities of a visionary leader with unwavering dedication, exemplifying what it takes to steer Franklin County towards a prosperous future,” Blackmon said.

 Blackmon said Denton has brought innovation, jobs and investments to the region while overseeing responsible growth and infrastructure enhancements. Spearheading the expansion of broadband internet to previously unserved areas, securing a $160 million economic investment from private industry along U.S. 1 and executing a massive overhaul of the county’s public safety radio system were among the successes noted in the nomination.

 “Additionally, she played a key role in securing substantial grant funds for essential improvements to Triangle North Executive Airport, Triangle North Franklin Business Park, and Public Utilities projects,” Blackmon said.

 Denton’s commitment to education was also noted as she has served in various roles supporting the Louisburg Athletic Booster Club, Edward Best Elementary School Parent Teacher Association, and many years as yearbook coordinator.

 “Denton’s genuine concern for the county’s employees led her to advocate for the implementation of a pay-for-performance system, rewarding hard work and encouraging goal setting among County staff,” Blackmon said.

Denton – who was surprised and admittedly overwhelmed by the honor – said things have been busy in Franklin County.

 “I have to say you can’t be that busy without having the right kind of team behind you,” said Denton. “I can’t say thank you enough to all of the team at Franklin County that works so hard to make things happen.”

 Quoting Franklin County’s mission – adopted in 2022 by the board of commissioners, Denton reaffirmed the county’s commitment to exemplary public service and “expanding economic opportunities.”

She also represents the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners on the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s P7 workgroup for Strategic Transportation Prioritization (SPOT).

 “Her active participation in the work group reflects her commitment to advocating for vital transportation projects across the state and region,” Blackmon said.

 Denton said success in one part of the region benefits the entire region.

 “When good things happen in one county, good things happen throughout our region,” Denton said.

 The criteria for Kerr-Tar COG’s outstanding manager award includes contributions to local government, special accomplishments in the job, innovation and leadership in management or administration, professional skills and expertise, and service on regional, state or national committees or commissions representing local government.

 Kerr-Tar Council of Governments, consisting of Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin and Person counties, is an association of local governments that exists to lead regional planning in the five-county area.

Vance Sheriff Accepts $691,536 From N.C. Rep. Sossamon For Body-Worn Cameras

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Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame wants his employees to be safe when they are performing their duties, and he’s crunched the numbers, so he knows the price tag for state-of-the-art equipment.

When he learned that local legislators could make a request for body-worn cameras and supporting equipment from something called non-recurring funds, he got in touch with N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon, (R. Dist. 32) who represents Vance County and most of Granville County.

“I gave him the numbers and the platform (information and) it was granted, thank God,” Brame told WIZS News in advance of a meeting Thursday, where Sossamon presented a check to Brame and county officials for $691,536.

“This will be a big help for us,” Brame said. The funds will be used to outfit sheriff’s staff and detention staff with body-worn cameras and the supporting equipment needed to upload and store video footage. In addition to providing an extra layer of protection for the officer, Brame said the cameras will be useful if a situation were to arise and false claims are lodged against his officers.

In an interview earlier this week, Sossamon said he’s “elated” for Brame, his staff, and the residents of Vance County.

“We have some appropriation chairs that are very, very pro law enforcement,” Sossamon said in an interview this week. “Any time they can support law enforcement, they’re going to do it.”

The equipment, Sossamon predicted, will be a selling point for recruiting, not to mention “a morale booster for the sheriff and for his officers.”

Check Receipts For Accuracy – Scanning Errors Do Occur!

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Two area retailers have paid penalties totaling more than $4,700 in civil penalties for error rates in advertised prices and the prices that ring up at the register, according to information from the N.C. Department of Agriculture’s Standards Division.

The Walgreens located at 201 Trade St., Henderson paid $495 in September following a string of inspections over several months, during which the error rate fell from 14 percent to a passing level in August. The 14 percent error rate in February was based on 7 overcharges in a 50-item lot; subsequent follow-up inspections found error rates of 3.67 percent in March, based on 11 overcharges in a 300-item lot and a 6.67 percent error rate in May, based on 20 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in August and paid its penalty in September, according to the NCDA report.

The Warrenton Dollar General, 211 E. Macon St., paid $4,245 following an initial inspection in July found an error rate of 40 percent and a follow-up inspection in August showed an 18.33 percent error rate.

The store will be reinspected.

The July inspection showed 20 overcharges in a 50-item lot; the August inspection found an error rate of 18.33% based on 55 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store will be reinspected.

“Our Standards Division does excellent work inspecting stores across the state for scanner errors that hurt consumers’ pockets,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “North Carolinians should only have to pay the price they see on the shelf and  this work is vital to make sure that happens. Our Standards Division will continue to inspect stores, but consumers should also check their receipts often and notify store managers if they see an issue.”

 

The department conducts periodic, unannounced inspections of price-scanner systems in businesses to check for accuracy between the prices advertised and the prices that ring up at the register. If a store has more than a 2 percent error rate on overcharges, inspectors discuss the findings with the store manager and conduct a more intensive follow-up inspection later. Undercharges are also reported, but do not count against a store. Consumers who would like to file a complaint about scanner errors they encounter, can call the Standards Division at 984.236.4750.

 

Penalties are assessed if a store fails a follow-up inspection. In addition to the penalties paid, the store will be subject to reinspection every 60 days from the last inspection until the error rate is at 2 percent or lower. Additional penalties may be assessed if a store fails reinspection.

Expanded Granville DSS Board Seeks Two Additional Members

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Information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

Granville County needs to fill two new positions on the Granville County Board of Social Services. The two seats were added after the Granville board of commissioners submitted a request to the N.C. Social Services Commission to expand the local board from three members to five. One position will be appointed by the Granville County Board of Commissioners and the N.C .Social Services Commission will appoint an individual to fill the other seat.

“It is critical that we recruit stellar applicants for both of these positions,” said Commissioner Sue Hinman, who also chairs the local Social Services board. “The Board of Social Services is critical, Hinman said. We can’t have a well-functioning county without a well-functioning Department of Social Services,” she said.

The Board of Social Services typically meets monthly on the fourth Tuesday at the Oxford Social Services Office, located at 410 W. Spring St. Board members are required to be citizens of Granville County, advocate for Social Services staff and clients, attend required training and continuing education courses, and come prepared to each monthly meeting. Board members are also expected to study and maintain a copy of the UNC School of Government publication “Serving on the County Board of Social Services.” Find the document here: https://www.sog.unc.edu/publications/reports/serving-county-board-social-services.

To apply for the Board of Social Services seat that will be appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, fill  out the application found here https://www.granvillecounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/BOC-Application-PDF2023.pdf and submit to Debra Weary, Clerk to the Board of  Commissioners, by email at debra.weary@granvillecounty.org, in person at the County Administration Office  located at 104 Belle St., Oxford, or by mail to P.O. Box 906 Oxford, NC 27565 to the attention of Debra Weary.

 

Nomination forms for the state-appointed seat can be found here:  https://www.ncdhhs.gov/media/14051/download?attachment.

To learn more about the state appointment process, contact Paris Penny at 919.527.7527 or paris.penny@dhhs.nc.gov.

Mail completed applications for this seat by Nov. 2, 2023 to:

Paris Penny

NC Social Services Commission

2444 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, NC 27699-2444