The Vance County High School football team marched through the 2023-24 season, tackling opponents one after the other and coming out with wins each time. The Vipers hope to build on that 10-0 record later this week in the opening round of the state playoffs.
Head Coach Aaron Elliott said he and his staff have been preaching consistency to the team, and that is paying dividends.
The Vipers host the Terry Sanford Bulldogs Friday night at 7 p.m. and Elliott said he hopes the community will come out to support the local team.
“This year has been a little different than last year,” Elliott said on Monday’s The Local Skinny! Last year, he said, the coaching staff was working to build that culture of consistency to the football program that had been missing.
Elliott played football here and remembers how Northern Vance and Southern Vance fans got behind their teams. “There was a big deal for Friday night” games, he said.
And he’s looking to get that momentum going again.
“Having a 10-win season,” Elliott said, shows that the kids have bought in to what coaches have been saying. Those wins – one by a whopping 76 points – shows that the players are enjoying the process.
Elliott said he and the team appreciate all the community support that businesses, churches and others have shown, whether by providing meals or sending congratulatory emails, phone calls or text messages.
“That’s been real important,” he said.
He said he’s proud of the way the staff has worked to instill that sense of consistency to the players, and it’s what has contributed to their success this season.
“These kids really feed off the community’s energy,” Elliott said.
The 6th-seed Vipers face the Bulldogs in the first round, and Elliott said if they get the W Friday, they’ll stay at home for the next round – and possibly for a third game at home, depending on how the bracket shapes up.
He said the Bulldogs, like the Vipers, have a good quarterback who can run and throw the football. “We’re going to have to play good and not take them lightly,” he said. But they’ve got a good defense, too, and Elliott’s been watching a lot of film to be ready for Friday.
“I feel real confident on what we can do on offense,” he said. “We’ve gotten really good at executing plays on offense.”
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The Local Skinny! Elliott Credits Community Support And Consistency To Vipers’ Success
/by Laura GabelThe Vance County High School football team marched through the 2023-24 season, tackling opponents one after the other and coming out with wins each time. The Vipers hope to build on that 10-0 record later this week in the opening round of the state playoffs.
Head Coach Aaron Elliott said he and his staff have been preaching consistency to the team, and that is paying dividends.
The Vipers host the Terry Sanford Bulldogs Friday night at 7 p.m. and Elliott said he hopes the community will come out to support the local team.
“This year has been a little different than last year,” Elliott said on Monday’s The Local Skinny! Last year, he said, the coaching staff was working to build that culture of consistency to the football program that had been missing.
Elliott played football here and remembers how Northern Vance and Southern Vance fans got behind their teams. “There was a big deal for Friday night” games, he said.
And he’s looking to get that momentum going again.
“Having a 10-win season,” Elliott said, shows that the kids have bought in to what coaches have been saying. Those wins – one by a whopping 76 points – shows that the players are enjoying the process.
Elliott said he and the team appreciate all the community support that businesses, churches and others have shown, whether by providing meals or sending congratulatory emails, phone calls or text messages.
“That’s been real important,” he said.
He said he’s proud of the way the staff has worked to instill that sense of consistency to the players, and it’s what has contributed to their success this season.
“These kids really feed off the community’s energy,” Elliott said.
The 6th-seed Vipers face the Bulldogs in the first round, and Elliott said if they get the W Friday, they’ll stay at home for the next round – and possibly for a third game at home, depending on how the bracket shapes up.
He said the Bulldogs, like the Vipers, have a good quarterback who can run and throw the football. “We’re going to have to play good and not take them lightly,” he said. But they’ve got a good defense, too, and Elliott’s been watching a lot of film to be ready for Friday.
“I feel real confident on what we can do on offense,” he said. “We’ve gotten really good at executing plays on offense.”
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Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Winterizing Herbs
/by Bill HarrisListen 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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Four Injured By Gunfire Following Argument Friday Night On East Winder Street
/by WIZS StaffA late-night argument Friday among a group of people resulted in four people being struck by gunfire, and Henderson police are sorting through information to determine just what happened.
The altercation took place about 10:15 p.m. near 328 E. Winder St., according to Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow. The argument escalated quickly, Barrow stated. Three of the four victims sought medical treatment for their injuries.
The victims’ conditions are not known at this time, but Barrow said the following men, all from Henderson, were hit by gunfire: Marcus Hayes, 38; James Davis, 26; Carl Williams, 36; and Tyrese Marshall, 20. Barrow did not specify which three individuals received medical treatment.
The police department’s investigative Division is vigorously working to develop leads and information about the incident, Barrow said. He requests that anyone with information contact Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers at 252.492.1925, use the P3 app, contact the police department at 252.438.4141 or contact the police department through Facebook Messenger.
Henderson Police Investigate Early-Morning Shooting That Injured 3
/by WIZS StaffHenderson police are investigating a shooting early Saturday morning near a gas station on East Andrews Avenue. Three men sustained injuries.
Shortly after midnight, police were dispatched to the Fiddlestix, 1421 E. Andrews Ave. in reference to shots being fired in the area, according to information from Chief Marcus Barrow.
When officers arrived, they located a single-vehicle accident in the entrance way of Cardinal Plaza. The vehicle was occupied by four males, all from Warren County, Barrow stated. Three of the four people inside the car had sustained wounds from gunfire.
The three individuals were transported by medical personnel to an area hospital for treatment. At this time, names and status of the victims are being withheld while the investigation continues.
Barrow said the police department’s Investigative Division is vigorously working to develop leads and information about the incident. Barrow requests the public’s assistance as officers continue to investigate. Contact the Henderson Police Department through Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers at 252.492.1925, the P3 app, the police department’s main number, 252.438.4141 or via Facebook Messenger.
Warren Library Hosts Native American Storytellers, Artists During November
/by WIZS StaffWarren County Memorial Library will celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a series of programs presented by Haliwa-Saponi tribe members throughout the month of November.
The Kid’s Corner section of the library is the place for special guest story times with Kay Oxendine and Barbara Brayboy. Oxendine will read Native American stories on Thursday, Nov. 2 at 11 a.m. She is the author of two novels and several children’s books on Native American issues and people and has been published in more than 100 newspapers, magazines, books and across various websites.
Brayboy will read Native American stories on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 11 a.m. Brayboy is a retired educator of 43 years, a former member of the Warren County Board of Education, and currently serves as a member of Warren County Memorial Library’s board of trustees.
Renowned artist Senora Lynch will be at the library to discuss Native American crafting techniques and her own arts on Monday, Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. Lynch is a Warren County-based artist whose pottery can be found in collections of the Smithsonian of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.; the North Carolina Museum of History, the Gregg Museum of Art and Design, and the McKissick Museum. She also does beadwork, leatherwork, basketry, storytelling and more. She is the 2007 recipient of the N.C. Folk Heritage Award.
Visit www.wcmlibrary.org to learn more about the library programs. Call 252.257.4990. The Warren Memorial Library is located at 119 S. Front Street, Warrenton.
‘Ragtime the Musical’ opens tonight to kick off 2023-24 McGregor Live! series
/by WIZS StaffThe McGregor Hall Live! Series kicks off its 2023-24 season tonight as “Ragtime the Musical” takes the stage for performances over the next two weekends.
The curtain rises at 8 p.m. for the Friday and Saturday shows; catch a 2 p.m. matinee on Sundays. The dates are Oct. 27-29 and Nov. 3-5.
The large-scale cast has been in rehearsal since early September to create a show filled with song and dance, with the accompaniment of a live orchestra.
The musical is based on a 1975 novel by E.L. Doctorow, which weaves connections across different cultural groups in New York City during the early years of the 20th century.
Mark Hopper is the director and the musical director for this performance, with Freddie Lee Heath as choreographer and Matt Nowell as technical director.
The McGregor Hall website includes the following synopsis of the show: “…the worlds of a wealthy white couple, a Jewish immigrant father and his motherless daughter, and an African American ragtime musician intertwine. Together, they discover the surprising interconnections of the human heart, the limitations of justice and the unsettling consequences when dreams are permanently deferred. This musical sweeps across the diversity of the American experience to create a stirring epic that captures the beats of the American experience: the marches, the cakewalks and – of course, the ragtime.”
“Ragtime the Musical” is the first in a series of five performances for the 2023-24 season. Other performances include Christmas on Stage – a series of one-act plays, The Tams in concert, Sail ON! The Beach Boys Tribute and Tied up in Knotts: My Dad and Me with Karen Knotts, comedian.
Tickets are on sale now for each of the shows, or save money by purchasing a ticket to all the shows for just $125.
Purchase tickets online at https://www.mcgregorhall.org/, by phone at 252.598.0662 or in person at 201 Breckenridge St.
Visit https://www.mcgregorhall.org/ to learn more about upcoming shows and other events scheduled.
Rabid Skunk Case Confirmed On McNair Drive
/by WIZS StaffVance County Animal Services has confirmed a case of rabies in a skunk that was found on McNair Drive on Tuesday, Oct. 24.
As a reminder, state law requires all dog and cat owners to keep their pets’ rabies vaccinations up-to-date. Even if your pet is current on its rabies vaccination, if you live in the area of McNair Drive, animal services officials recommend getting a booster.
The Vance County Animal Shelter offers rabies vaccines for $5. Come to the shelter, located at 1243 Brodie Rd. on Mondays between 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and every other Saturday between 8 a.m. and 12 noon.
Call the shelter 252.492.3136 for more information.
Granville: ‘Operation Green Light’ Shines Light On Veterans During November
/by WIZS StaffIn advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Granville County announced plans to participate in Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort uniting counties to support military veterans.
The initiative, led by the National Association of Counties, raises awareness around the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.
Now in its second year, Operation Green Light is spearheaded by NACo and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, building upon successful efforts by the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association in 2021. In 2022, more than 300 counties participated in Operation Green Light across the United States.
In addition to lighting county buildings, residents and businesses are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their home to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.
“This simple gesture shows Granville veterans and their families that they are appreciated and supported,” said Russ May, chair of the Granville County Board of Commissioners. “Our local Veterans Services Office, Veterans Affairs Committee, and all of Granville County government truly value and appreciate their service and sacrifice. We hope they know that they are seen and appreciated.”
Granville County Veterans Services will also participate in the upcoming Operation Green Light event and Veterans Parade in partnership with the City of Oxford. The event will be held in downtown Oxford from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4 with the parade beginning at 3 p.m. along Williamsboro and College streets in Oxford.
Counties and residents across the country are sharing their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight. For more information on Operation Green Light, visit the NACo website: https://www.naco.org/program/operation-green-light-veterans.
Granville Committees, Advisory Board Openings
/by WIZS StaffThe Granville County Board of Commissioners is looking to fill a number of vacancies on various citizen advisory boards and committees.
Most positions will be filled by citizens who reside in the district listed, but final appointment decisions are at the discretion of the board of commissioners. Additionally, some positions must be filled by residents that reside within the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction of a municipality, which is roughly a one-mile radius outside of the municipal limits. These appointees serve as county representatives on those municipal advisory boards.
The application is available here: www.granvillecounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Boards-and-Commissions-Application.pdf
Return completed to Debra Weary, clerk to the Board of Commissioners, by email at debra.weary@granvillecounty.org, or deliver in person to the county administration office at 104 Belle St., Oxford. Applications may be mailed to P.O. Box 906 Oxford, NC 27565 to the attention of Debra Weary.
To verify your district, please visit the N.C. State Board of Elections website: https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/
Look for the district number beside “County Commissioner” under “your jurisdictions.” If you need additional information, contact the Granville County Addressing and GIS Mapping coordinator at 919.692.1278.
Detailed information about each committee can be found on the Granville County website: https://www.granvillecounty.org/government/other-boards-commissions/.
Vacant seats are available for the following boards and committees: