High-speed fiber internet will soon be available to almost 2,000 homes currently in unserved areas throughout Franklin County.
Through a $3.9 million Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) Grant, Lumen – the parent company of CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber – will be providing high-speed fiber internet to 1,978 homes across Franklin County. The project makes available broadband fiber internet in areas previously unserved by that service, according to a press statement from Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks, III.
The project will bring broadband to the unincorporated areas of Franklinton, Centerville, Wood, Justice, Bunn, Green Hill, Laurel Mill, Montgomery, Firetower, NC 561, NC 56 East, Alert and Perry. Work is expected to finish in July 2023.
The company has already completed access to 584 homes and is accepting new customers in the areas of Montgomery, NC 581, Green Hill and Laurel Mill.
Officials from Lumen met recently with Franklin County Board of Commissioners Chairman Michael Schriver and Commissioner Harry Foy along with Assistant County Manager Will Doerfer at one of the completed sites of the project along Ronald Tharrington Road.
“This broadband GREAT Grant program is a wonderful example of public-private partnerships that work for people, communities, and their businesses,” said Steve Brewer, Lumen’s director of state regulatory and legislative affairs. “Families and businesses have shifted to living more of life online. We know broadband brings many benefits to communities—this expansion will improve access to the online applications being used every day.”
GREAT grants, established by N.C. legislature and awarded by N.C. Broadband Infrastructure Office, are provided to private broadband service providers to “facilitate the deployment of broadband service to unserved areas of North Carolina,” according to the Broadband Office’s website. Visit https://www.ncbroadband.gov/grants/great-grant to learn more.
Franklin County’s Board of Commissioners approved a letter of support and local match for CenturyLink to receive this GREAT Grant of $3,899,638 to install high-speed fiber internet to nearly 2,000 homes throughout the county. Commissioners also supported the application with a promised local match of $116,990. In February 2021, CenturyLink signed a five-year service agreement with NC Broadband Infrastructure Office. At the July 2021 meeting, commissioners approved a contract for CenturyLink to provide fiber-to-the-home service for 1,978 homes in Franklin County in exchange for the county’s match.
County leadership is awaiting a decision on additional Phase II GREAT Grant funding and will be pursuing additional grant programs to further expand broadband access in Franklin County.
“Franklin County is excited about this opportunity for residents to access life-changing service,” said County Manager Kim Denton. “Access to high-speed internet expands opportunities for education, healthcare, and personal enrichment.”
Residents can find out about service and rate information in their area by visiting www.Q.com or www.centurylink.com. Residents can also find service availability information by clicking the “Check Availability” button and supplying their addresses.
Vance Vipers vs Roanoke Rapid Yellow Jackets
/by John C. RoseVance County 14
Roanoke Rapids 7
Final
Vipers move to 2-0 on season. Second half defensive struggle as neither team scored after the break. Vance never trailed.
Full recap Monday at 12:30pm on SportsTalk.
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Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Harvesting 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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2022-23 Theater Season Kicks Off Sept. 3 At Lakeland Cultural Arts Center In Littleton
/by WIZS StaffThe Lakeland Cultural Arts Center (LCAC) in Littleton will host a Welcome Back Open House on Saturday, Sept. 3 to kick off the 2022-23 Main Stage Series. The theater is located at 411 Mosby Ave.
Visitors to the theater, which has undergone a recent renovation and expansion, can take a tour of the facility between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the open house event. Then, at 7 p.m., LCAC will show the movie “Grease,” complete with free popcorn and soft drinks. Beer and wine will be available for purchase as well.Local supporters Deb and Ed Fitts, through the Ed Fitts Charitable Foundation, have contributed mightily to ensure that the small town’s theater continues to survive and thrive after more than 40 years in operation.
Adult tickets for the 2022-23 shows are $20, tickets for seniors (62+) are $17, and tickets for children (under 13) are $13. For more information and to purchase tickets to any of LCAC’s Main Stage Series shows, click here. Stay tuned for the announcement of more shows coming soon.
The season kicks off with Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple” in November, followed by “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens in mid-December. Then January 2023 kicks off with the production of “The Marvelous Wonderettes” by Roger Bean, followed by
Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Suicide Club” by Jeffrey Hatcher in mid-March and
“The Drowsy Chaperone” by Bob Martin and Don McKellar in May. “Crowns” by Regina Taylor
rounds out the performances, and dates will be announced later.
Dates and times are listed below:
“The Odd Couple” by Neil Simon
Nov. 11-12 at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 13 at 2 p.m.
Nov. 17-19 at 7:30 p.m.
“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens
Dec. 9-10 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.
Dec. 15-17 at 7:30 p.m.
“The Marvelous Wonderettes” by Roger Bean
Jan. 20-21 at 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 22 at 2 p.m.
Jan. 26-28 at 7:30 p.m.
“Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Suicide Club” by Jeffrey Hatcher
Mar. 24-25 at 7:30 p.m.
Mar. 26 at 2 p.m.
Mar. 30 – Apr. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
“The Drowsy Chaperone” by Bob Martin and Don McKellar
May 12 – 13 at 7:30 p.m.
May 14 at 2 p.m
May 18 – 20 at 7:30 p.m.
“Crowns” by Regina Taylor – dates and times to be announced
Vote Daily To Keep Two Local Products In Running For “Coolest Thing Made In NC” Contest
/by WIZS StaffTwo Vance County businesses are in the running for a statewide honor, and voting is now underway to choose the “Coolest Thing Made in NC” by the N.C. Chamber of Commerce.
Now it’s up to the community to vote via email to make sure the local businesses get to the next round.
Henderson-Vance Chamber President Michele Burgess told WIZS Thursday that not one, but two local products have been nominated and she said it’s a “really BIG deal.”
For the past few years, the NC Chamber has held a statewide contest, she said.
“Two of our Henderson companies were named! Way to go, Country Snacks Mfg. for your pork skins product and MARS Petcare for your Nutro Dog Food!” Burgess said in an email statement to WIZS.
Burgess said she nominated the County Snacks pork skins because Carolina Country Snacks recently was named the Chamber’s Small Business of the Year. “And then to see that MARS was also selected is just icing on the cake,” Burgess noted. “Both are worthy products for sure.”
Visit coolestthingmadeinnc.com , search for the two products, and vote! “The 10 semifinalists will be announced on Thursday, Sept. 8, and that doesn’t give us much time to take action,” Burgess said. A total of 80 products are in the first round, but Burgess is encouraging the community to vote for the two Vance County products to keep them in the running for the ultimate award.
The field of candidates narrows with each round of voting, and the winning product will be revealed on Thursday, Oct. 6, the day before National Manufacturing (MFG) Day. October is Manufacturing Month, and MFG Day, organized nationally by the NAM and The Manufacturing Institute, highlights the rewarding career opportunities of modern manufacturing.
A couple of details about the voting process:
Franklin, CenturyLink Continue Broadband Project To Unserved Areas
/by WIZS StaffHigh-speed fiber internet will soon be available to almost 2,000 homes currently in unserved areas throughout Franklin County.
Through a $3.9 million Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) Grant, Lumen – the parent company of CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber – will be providing high-speed fiber internet to 1,978 homes across Franklin County. The project makes available broadband fiber internet in areas previously unserved by that service, according to a press statement from Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks, III.
The project will bring broadband to the unincorporated areas of Franklinton, Centerville, Wood, Justice, Bunn, Green Hill, Laurel Mill, Montgomery, Firetower, NC 561, NC 56 East, Alert and Perry. Work is expected to finish in July 2023.
The company has already completed access to 584 homes and is accepting new customers in the areas of Montgomery, NC 581, Green Hill and Laurel Mill.
Officials from Lumen met recently with Franklin County Board of Commissioners Chairman Michael Schriver and Commissioner Harry Foy along with Assistant County Manager Will Doerfer at one of the completed sites of the project along Ronald Tharrington Road.
“This broadband GREAT Grant program is a wonderful example of public-private partnerships that work for people, communities, and their businesses,” said Steve Brewer, Lumen’s director of state regulatory and legislative affairs. “Families and businesses have shifted to living more of life online. We know broadband brings many benefits to communities—this expansion will improve access to the online applications being used every day.”
GREAT grants, established by N.C. legislature and awarded by N.C. Broadband Infrastructure Office, are provided to private broadband service providers to “facilitate the deployment of broadband service to unserved areas of North Carolina,” according to the Broadband Office’s website. Visit https://www.ncbroadband.gov/grants/great-grant to learn more.
Franklin County’s Board of Commissioners approved a letter of support and local match for CenturyLink to receive this GREAT Grant of $3,899,638 to install high-speed fiber internet to nearly 2,000 homes throughout the county. Commissioners also supported the application with a promised local match of $116,990. In February 2021, CenturyLink signed a five-year service agreement with NC Broadband Infrastructure Office. At the July 2021 meeting, commissioners approved a contract for CenturyLink to provide fiber-to-the-home service for 1,978 homes in Franklin County in exchange for the county’s match.
County leadership is awaiting a decision on additional Phase II GREAT Grant funding and will be pursuing additional grant programs to further expand broadband access in Franklin County.
“Franklin County is excited about this opportunity for residents to access life-changing service,” said County Manager Kim Denton. “Access to high-speed internet expands opportunities for education, healthcare, and personal enrichment.”
Residents can find out about service and rate information in their area by visiting www.Q.com or www.centurylink.com. Residents can also find service availability information by clicking the “Check Availability” button and supplying their addresses.
Attention, Farm Families! Apply For A Chance To Be Featured During 2022 N.C. State Fair
/by WIZS Staff– Information courtesy of N.C. State Press Office
Has your farm family got what it takes to be one of the 11 families recognized this year at the N.C. State Fair as a Farm Family of the Day?
If you are proud to be an N.C. farmer, work hard to contribute to the state’s No. 1 industry and love both farming and the N.C. State Fair, you could be one of the lucky ones selected.
The “Farm Family of the Day” program, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company, is returning for its second year to recognize and celebrate more of our state’s rich agricultural heritage and the farm families that are behind our $92.9 billion agriculture and agribusiness industry.
Applications can be found at https://ncstatefair.org/2022/Attractions/FarmFamilyOfTheDay.htm The deadline to apply is Sept. 16.
“The State Fair’s earliest beginnings sought to elevate the understanding of new agricultural practices and technology. Helping people make the connection between farming and the food they enjoy is one of our top missions at the NCDA&CS each year,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.
“Thanks to Tractor Supply Company, this program can help tell the story of and celebrate our farm families. Farmers are out there every day working to grow the food, fiber and fuel that we need to survive.”
Families recognized as Farm Family of the Day honorees will be awarded an N.C. State Fair gift basket including fair tickets to use on any day of their choice during the 2022 N.C. State Fair, ride passes and additional swag from Tractor Supply Company and the N.C. State Fair. Families will be chosen by both nomination and application.
The 2022 N.C. State Fair is set for Oct. 13-23 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. The fair offers an experience unique to North Carolina for all who attend, and is an unparalleled value with free entertainment, thrilling rides and games, thousands of animals, endless family activities, competitions, vendors and creative deep-fried delights. For more information, visit https://www.ncstatefair.org/2022/index.htm.
Warren Senior Center Issues Coupons For Use At Local Farmers’ Market
/by WIZS StaffThe Warren County Senior Center and Warren County Cooperative Extension announce the launch of the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) for 2022. The SFMNP provides lower-income older adults with coupons to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables at their local farmers’ markets. The program’s dual goals are designed to improve the nutritional status of older adults and stimulate business for local farmers while creating a greater awareness of the farmers’ market.
The Warren County Senior Center is distributing coupons to eligible residents once during the growing season. A recipient must be a Warren County resident aged 60 years or older and meet certain self-declared monthly income eligibility requirements. These coupons can be used through Sept. 30, 2022, at the local Warren County Farmers’ Market, located in the parking lot of the Warren County Health Department, at 544 West Ridgeway St. in Warrenton. The Warren County Farmers’ Market operates on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
Income eligibility is $2,096 per month for an individual or $2,823 for a couple.
Coupons are available at the Warren County Senior Center, located 435 West Franklin St., Warrenton, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. To learn more, call the Warren County Senior Center at 252.257.3111.
Volunteers Needed For NC DOT Fall Litter Sweep
/by WIZS StaffThe N.C. Department of Transportation is looking for volunteers for the Adopt-A-Highway Fall Litter Sweep, which runs Sept. 10 – 24.
Each April and September, the department calls on volunteers to help remove litter from roadsides. Volunteers from local businesses, schools, non-profits, churches and community groups play an important role in keeping North Carolina’s roads clean.
“The Litter Sweep is a great opportunity to get outdoors with family and friends and work alongside NCDOT to ensure North Carolina remains a beautiful place to live and work.” says David Harris, a state DOT roadside environmental engineer.
Volunteers can request gloves, safety vests and bags from their local county maintenance office to prepare for the cleanup event. DOT maintenance crews devote one week of their time to pick up litter and collect the orange bags that dot roadsides after volunteers have finished their work.
Cleanup supplies, such as reversible orange/blue trash bags, gloves and orange safety vests, are available from the local NCDOT county maintenance yard office.
The following link contains contact information for each county’s local litter management coordinator.
Visit the Litter Sweep webpage for more information.
LEAP Grants Totaling $20K Awarded During Tuesday Teacher Convocation
/by WIZS StaffInformation courtesy of Aarika Sandlin, VCS Director of Communication & Marketing
The Vance County Public School Foundation (VCPSF) awarded eleven Vance County School teachers with Learning that Extends Actual Performance (LEAP) mini-grants at the 2022-23 convocation on Aug. 23 at McGregor Hall. A total of $20,000 was awarded, made possible through the VCPSF and a $10,000 donation from MAKO Medical.
The LEAP mini-grants provide financial resources and support to teachers so they can enrich classroom learning experiences. The funded projects reflect the pillars of the Vance County Schools’ strategic plan – equity & inclusion, high performance culture, innovation and experiential learning.
Following is a list of this year’s LEAP grant recipients, their schools and the winning projects;
Following its initial $10,000 donation in April 202w to fund the LEAP grants, MAKO Medical issued a challenge to the community to double the difference, making a commitment to match every donation, totaling up to $10,000. VCPSF reached the milestone in July, receiving over $10,000 in community donations since May. MAKO presented the additional $10,000 from the MAKO match at the VCS Convocation, which was attended by all Vance County Schools staff, members of the Vance County School Board of Education, the Vance County Public School Foundation, MAKO representatives Clever Prince and Mikey the Shark, as well as representatives from area businesses.
Learn more about the VCPSF at vcs.k12.nc.us and follow them on Facebook @The Vance County Public School Foundation.
SportsTalk: Vance County High Welcomes Roanoke Rapids Friday Night
/by Bill HarrisThe first football game of the season tends to be a little ragged around the edges, and according to Vance County High School Head Football Coach Aaron Elliott, this was true of the Vipers in their season opening four point win over the rival Eagles in Warren County last Friday night. Twelve penalties totaling 95 yards is something the Vipers can ill afford to have happen this week when the school hosts Roanoke Rapids who beat Northampton County last week by the score of 48 -16.
“They are very disciplined,” Elliott said of Roanoke Rapids. Elliott said that after looking at the film of the Northampton game, the Vipers can expect to see a Wing-T offense and a heavy dose of the running game. This might be good for the Vipers as they held Warren Co. to minus 46 yards rushing last week.
Click to hear full audio of Coach Elliott – SportsTalk: Vance County High Welcomes Roanoke Rapids Friday Night
Elliott said the Warren County game was very emotional at kick off, as it was his first as head coach, but after the game and the victory, despite the mistakes, it was very fulfilling. Those mistakes cannot be repeated Friday night if the Vipers want to move to 2 – 0 on the season. “We have to keep players accountable for mistakes,” Elliott said. In addition to the penalties, Vance Co. muffed a punt that gave Warren Co. a short field and a touchdown. In contrast, Roanoke Rapids had a total of three penalties last week.
Roanoke Rapids nor Vance Co. suffered any injuries and both teams should be a full strength when they hit the field at 7pm Friday night. Vance Co. Friday Night Football will broadcast the game live beginning at 6:50pm with the pre-game show.
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