Community leaders and other interested individuals gathered at the Granville Boys & Girls Club in Oxford Monday to witness the Construction Kickoff that will transform the Granville County club from a cavernous warehouse to a state-of-the-art facility.
Five club members, each sporting blue t-shirts with the familiar Boys & Girls Club logo, gave up their day off from school for the MLK holiday to take part in the celebration. They posed for photos with officials as they stood behind a paper banner decorated for the event. Then they got a running start and broke through the banner to officially kick off the project, to applause from the grownups assembled.
CEO Donyell “DJ” Jones told those gathered that if all goes well, the project will begin in early February and should be completed by the end of May. H.G. Reynolds is in charge of the project.
The Granville club is located in a building formerly occupied by Santa Fe Natural Tobacco. The administrative offices for the BGC North Central North Carolina also is located at the West Street facility, having moved from Vance County when the building was donated a few years back.
The construction project will create a dedicated art space, computer lab and more. Renderings by Intrepid Architects of Greenville, N.C. flanked the seats at the construction kickoff event to showcase the proposed design.
“As we look at this space,” Jones said, he described as “priceless” the time and resources that have been committed to bring the project to fruition. “This investment will have a positive impact on the community,” he said.
Among the special guests on hand Monday were Richard Moore and Julia Blaine, and Jones recognized them both for their significant contributions. Moore’s foundation provided a “transformational” investment to get the project off the ground and Blaine, along with husband Thomas and their Strong Arm Baking Co., issued a challenge in late 2021 to raise money for the project. This challenge raised awareness and added more than 200 new donors to BGC.
Jacqueline Robinson is the chief development officer for the regional organization, which has clubs across the four-county area. In her remarks Monday, Robinson talked about the history of the Boys & Girls Club, which officially celebrated 100 years in 2006.
Today, the staff of Boys & Girls Clubs work with club members, focusing on three priority areas: academics, good character and citizenship and healthy lifestyles.
This project will provide club members increased access to technology as well as a stable internet connection, in addition to more space for tutoring sessions and many different types of programs.
“This is the place where you come so you can grow into a professional,” Robinson said. She said that the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions curtailed BGC activities, and the new renovated space will be a real plus as club members continue to return to the Oxford unit.
Michael Currin, chairman of the BGC corporate board, said the transformed space will be a kid-friendly space and will provide a “first-class environment that will meet the needs of our kids.”
Follow the progress at https://www.facebook.com/BGCNCNC/
CLICK PLAY!
Oxford Man Sentenced to 10-Year Statutory Maximum After Shooting Two People and Leaving One for Dead
/by WIZS Staff— press release —
William Brian Coghill was sentenced this past Friday to 10 years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a felon after shooting two acquaintances and leaving one for dead at his home in Oxford, North Carolina. This is the statutory maximum sentence available for this offense. Coghill also pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree attempted murder in state court and was sentenced to 15 to 19 years.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, on August 14, 2021, Granville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) responded to a 911 call regarding a gunshot victim located at Fredrick Road, Oxford, North Carolina. Upon GCSO’s arrival, the first victim, who had a gunshot wound to his right arm, advised that he had been at the residence next door when he was shot. He was then transported via EMS to a local hospital. As deputies tried to find a blood trail to ascertain the first victim’s direction of travel, they heard a male voice groaning from the front porch area of Coghill’s home that he shared with his mother. A second male victim was located on the porch, doubled over, writhing in pain. Victim two had two gunshot wounds to his lower right side/back area and the front lower left abdomen area. The second victim was transported via Life-Flight to a local hospital.
Minutes after knocking at the doors and windows of the residence, Deputies were permitted inside by Coghill’s mother, and he was found hiding in the attic of the home with a shotgun. Deputies discovered two spent 9mm shell casings on the porch of the residence. Coghill’s mother later told deputies she witnessed her son take the shotgun in one hand, and a black pistol in his other hand, to the porch where the two victims were sitting and began pointing both the shotgun and the pistol at the victims. She stated that both victims begged Coghill not to shoot them. Coghill’s mother stated she was able to take the shotgun away from her son and took the shotgun to her bedroom. She returned to the porch and watched as her son pulled the trigger of the pistol, shooting the first victim, then turned the pistol toward the second victim, and fire again, striking him. Coghill then went into the house, turned out the lights, and forbid his mother from calling for help. The second victim spent several weeks in the hospital and was close to death at one point. He also underwent several surgeries.
Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II presided over the sentencing. Granville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer May-Parker prosecuted the case.
NC DOT promotes free bike helmet distribution
/by WIZS Staff-information courtesy of N.C. Dept. of Transportation
Research shows bicycle helmets save lives and prevent serious injuries.
As part of the annual Bicycle Helmet Initiative to encourage more children to wear helmets, the N.C. Department of Transportation will give free protective headwear to organizations across the state to distribute to youth cyclists.
Organizations can apply online with NCDOT’s Integrated Mobility Division. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. on Feb. 3.
“Wearing a helmet is an easy way to reduce risk of head injuries when riding a bicycle,” said Ryan Brumfield, director of the state’s Integrated Mobility Division. “We hope the Bicycle Helmet Initiative will help reduce bicycle injuries and raise awareness about the importance of safe bicycling practices.”
In just the last five years, the program has provided people over 45,000 free bike helmets, including nearly 20,000 helmets provided to over 260 organizations in 2022. Research shows bicycle helmets prevent 60% of head injury deaths and they reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 85%. Unfortunately, less than half of all children wear a helmet when they ride a bike.
To apply, please find instructions and guidelines at NCDOT’s Bicycle Helmet Initiative webpage. Applicants may request 25, 50, 75, or 100 helmets, and awardees will receive the helmets in the spring.
The helmet initiative started in 2007 and works with local communities to spark interest in bicycle safety. As part of that, applicants should consider partnering with a local law enforcement agency, parks and recreation department, church or other organization to host bike safety events. The initiative is paid for using sales of the Share the Road specialty license plate.
H-V Chamber Of Commerce Accepting Nominations For Citizen Of The Year Through Feb. 3
/by WIZS StaffThe Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for its Citizen of the Year award through Friday, Feb. 3. This annual honor is given to a Vance County resident for outstanding service and dedication to the community.
Completed nominations should be submitted to Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson via email at to sandra@hendersonvance.org or mailed to P.O. Box 1302, Henderson, NC 27536. A selection committee will review nominations and choose the winner, which will be announced at the chamber’s annual meeting and banquet on Mar. 30.
Nominees do not have to be members of the Chamber of Commerce, but they should be individuals who have shown a willingness to volunteer and work for the betterment of the community. Their work in the community, however, should not be a part of their business career or paid position.
Questions? Contact the Chamber at 252.438.8414.
Cooperative Extension With Jamon Glover: Stress Symptoms
/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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WIZS Radio Local News Audio 01-18-23 Noon
/by Bill HarrisClick Play to Listen. On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
Home And Garden Show
/by Bill HarrisOn the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.
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TownTalk: BGC Granville Club Kicks Off Phase 1 Of Major Facility Facelift
/by Laura GabelCommunity leaders and other interested individuals gathered at the Granville Boys & Girls Club in Oxford Monday to witness the Construction Kickoff that will transform the Granville County club from a cavernous warehouse to a state-of-the-art facility.
Five club members, each sporting blue t-shirts with the familiar Boys & Girls Club logo, gave up their day off from school for the MLK holiday to take part in the celebration. They posed for photos with officials as they stood behind a paper banner decorated for the event. Then they got a running start and broke through the banner to officially kick off the project, to applause from the grownups assembled.
CEO Donyell “DJ” Jones told those gathered that if all goes well, the project will begin in early February and should be completed by the end of May. H.G. Reynolds is in charge of the project.
The Granville club is located in a building formerly occupied by Santa Fe Natural Tobacco. The administrative offices for the BGC North Central North Carolina also is located at the West Street facility, having moved from Vance County when the building was donated a few years back.
The construction project will create a dedicated art space, computer lab and more. Renderings by Intrepid Architects of Greenville, N.C. flanked the seats at the construction kickoff event to showcase the proposed design.
“As we look at this space,” Jones said, he described as “priceless” the time and resources that have been committed to bring the project to fruition. “This investment will have a positive impact on the community,” he said.
Among the special guests on hand Monday were Richard Moore and Julia Blaine, and Jones recognized them both for their significant contributions. Moore’s foundation provided a “transformational” investment to get the project off the ground and Blaine, along with husband Thomas and their Strong Arm Baking Co., issued a challenge in late 2021 to raise money for the project. This challenge raised awareness and added more than 200 new donors to BGC.
Jacqueline Robinson is the chief development officer for the regional organization, which has clubs across the four-county area. In her remarks Monday, Robinson talked about the history of the Boys & Girls Club, which officially celebrated 100 years in 2006.
Today, the staff of Boys & Girls Clubs work with club members, focusing on three priority areas: academics, good character and citizenship and healthy lifestyles.
This project will provide club members increased access to technology as well as a stable internet connection, in addition to more space for tutoring sessions and many different types of programs.
“This is the place where you come so you can grow into a professional,” Robinson said. She said that the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions curtailed BGC activities, and the new renovated space will be a real plus as club members continue to return to the Oxford unit.
Michael Currin, chairman of the BGC corporate board, said the transformed space will be a kid-friendly space and will provide a “first-class environment that will meet the needs of our kids.”
Follow the progress at https://www.facebook.com/BGCNCNC/
CLICK PLAY!
Tobacco Trust Fund Grant Cycle Open Now
/by WIZS StaffThe North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission is accepting applications for the 2023 grant cycle. The key objectives for 2023 are supporting the agricultural industry, impacting rural communities and stimulating economic development. Funds will be awarded in the fall of 2023 for selected innovative projects, according to Jeff Camden NCTTFC program officer.
“North Carolinians are great at innovation and creating jobs. We produce outstanding agriculture products and market them to the world. Providing funds for projects in current or former tobacco-dependent regions that enhance these efforts is our 2023 priorities,” said William H. “Bill” Teague, NCTTFC chairman. Applications will be accepted online for innovative projects within North Carolina. Selected projects should expect to start in November of 2023.
The NCTTFC was established in 2000 by the N.C. General Assembly to help members of the tobacco community including farmers, tobacco workers and related businesses. Its original funding was established through tobacco industry annual payments as a result of the Master Settlement Agreement. Funding is now appropriated to the NCTTFC which then reviews, selects and disperses the funds to grant projects.
Past NCTTFC projects includes fair and farmers market improvements, cost-share grant programs for farmers, commodity marketing, researching alternative crops and support of agricultural education programs.
Qualifying organizations can access the online application here: www.tobaccotrustfund.org.
For more information, contact Jeff Camden at 919.733.2160 Ext 1. The deadline to submit application is Friday March 3, 2023.
VGCC To Host Panel Discussion As Part of MLK Observance
/by WIZS StaffJoin the Vance-Granville Community College Men’s Achievement Academy for a panel discussion to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Main Campus Civic Center in Henderson.
The event is presented in partnership with Vance-Granville’s Initiative on Equity for Women of Color (VIEW), according to information from VGCC public information officer Courtney Cissel.
The panelists for this celebration include:
In addition to the panel discussion, there will also be opportunities for audience participation.
There is no cost to attend the event, and all are welcome! Register at www.eventbrite.com/e/vance-granville-mlk-celebration-2023-tickets 504827722307.
For more information about this event, contact the following planning committee members:
For more information about the Men’s Achievement Academy and VIEW, visit the Clubs & Organizations page at www.vgcc.edu
Granville Tourism Kicks Off ‘Project Uplift’ Partnership At Jan. 26 Event
/by WIZS StaffThe Granville County Tourism Development Authority, in partnership with Uplift North Carolina, invites the public to attend a kickoff meeting on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center (4185 US Highway 15 South, Oxford) to begin Project Uplift.
“We are excited to work with Uplift North Carolina to boost tourism and support local businesses in Granville County,” said TDA Director Angela Allen. “We know that visitors to are not concerned with exactly where county lines fall, and we know we can work with Person and Caswell counties as a team to boost all local tourism in this region and across rural North Carolina. We believe Granville is ‘Uniquely Carolina’ and we know anyone who comes to visit us will agree.”
Project Uplift is a collaborative effort between Appalachian State University, NC State University, and NatureScapes. Its goal is to boost tourism in rural North Carolina by working across county borders to support local tourism leaders and practitioners to realize their unique vision for tourism in their communities. Project Uplift will work to boost tourism connections in Granville, Person and Caswell counties, as well as four other county cohorts spread throughout the state.
Uplift North Carolina’s goals for each region are to provide more than 200 businesses with strengthened skills, products or operational models that ultimately will reach more than 3 million people about tourism in rural North Carolina.
The Jan. 26 session will begin with refreshments at 5:30 p.m. followed by a presentation from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Anyone interested in attending should RSVP by Friday, Jan. 20 to angela.allen@granvillecounty.org or 919.693.6125.
To learn more about Project Uplift, visit www.uplifttourism.com.