100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Granville County Government
Granville County volunteer fire departments have been working for the past several months to complete requirements for lower insurance rates for local residents and businesses.
At the October 5 meeting of the Granville County Board of Commissioners, Emergency Services Director Jason Reavis provided details of the training, equipment, maintenance, staffing levels, water supply, inspections and communications that were evaluated during recent inspections by the Insurance Services Office (ISO).
Ratings were released by N.C. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey in a September 23 presentation at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center.
N.C. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is pictured with chiefs of Granville County volunteer fire departments during a Sept. 23 presentation. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt)
The Insurance Services Office rates fire departments on a scale from 1 to 10 to determine how well-protected a community is by the district’s fire department, with 1 being the highest score. These ratings, which stay in effect for a five-year period, are provided to homeowners insurance companies to determine insurance premiums in fire districts across the state.
The assessment takes into consideration the readiness of the fire department itself, available water sources for water protection, and communication capabilities. Since communities with well-prepared and well-equipped fire departments are at less risk of extensive property damage, low ISO scores can result in lower insurance rates for homes and businesses.
“These new ratings may result in thousands of dollars in savings on Granville County insurance premiums to Granville County homeowners and businesses,” Causey said during his presentation.
Granville County’s volunteer firefighters have been preparing for the recent ISO assessments for over a year, culminating in drills that took place during the summer.
In June, volunteer fire departments in Antioch, Berea, Brassfield, Bullock, Corinth, Cornwall, Providence, Stem and Stovall, as well as Granville Rural Fire Department, began training with a timed tanker shuttle, using both a static water source (pond) and a pressurized water source (fire hydrant). Approximately 29 tankers and fire trucks from across the county and from neighboring vicinities participated, with inspectors from the North Carolina Fire Marshal’s Office conducting the drills.
Inspections followed at each fire department, with scene set-ups and all paperwork completed in mid-July.
“Most of our fire departments are staffed by volunteers,” said Granville County Fire Marshal Ken Reeves. “These dedicated firefighters have worked day and night – between their full-time jobs and their volunteer service – in an attempt to get insurance scores lowered in their communities. The result of their hard work is something we all should be proud of.”
Finals scores for each participating department are as follows:
Antioch: 6 (previous score of 9)
Berea: 6 (previous score of 9)
Brassfield: 6 (previous score of 9)
Bullock: 5 (previous score of 9)
Corinth: 5 (previous score of 9)
Cornwall: 6 (previous score of 9)
Granville Rural: 5 (previous score of 9)
Providence: 4 (previous score of 9)
Stem: 5 (previous score of 4 in town limits, 9 outside)
Stovall: 5 (previous score of 9)
There are 14 fire departments in Granville County, with 10 being part of the recent ISO assessments. The Creedmoor Fire Department (also volunteer-based), as well as the City of Oxford and the Town of Butner (paid municipal departments), were not included in these inspections, but are set to be evaluated soon. The Virgilina Fire Department is rated by the State of Virginia.
During his presentation to the County Board of Commissioners, Reavis also expressed appreciation to 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Director Trent Brummitt, Byron Currin of Soil and Water Conservation, the County’s Addressing Coordinator Sandy Woody, and Fire Marshal Ken Reeves for their work during the ISO inspections.
For more information about fire departments/districts in Granville County, contact Fire Marshal Reeves by phone at (919) 603-1310 or by email at ken.reeves@granvillecounty.org.
Town Talk 10/7/20: Vance County Democratic Party ‘Excited’ About Recent Energy
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Marcia Allen, the acting chairperson of the Vance County Democratic Party, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Allen said she is “excited” about the energy coming through the Vance County Democratic headquarters located at 131 S. Garnett St. in Henderson and urged the public to visit or call (252) 204-2606 with questions or comments.
Before casting a ballot in this election, Allen said it is imperative that voters consider issues from “a people standpoint, not a personal standpoint.”
“You may not be impacted directly by Medicaid, food stamps or access to healthcare, but someone in your family or someone close to you will be impacted by these issues that are on the ballot,” stated Allen.
Allen continued, “It really boils down to the haves, and the have nots. The haves are trying to take everything and keep everything from the have nots. The Democratic Party is a party for the people, not just the haves but the haves and the have nots.”
Addressing absentee ballots, Allen reminded the public that those who initiate the absentee ballot request process and then decide to vote in-person must contact their local Board of Elections (BOE) office to void the mail-in process.
One-Stop Early Voting for the November 3, 2020 General Election will be available for Vance County voters October 15-31 at the Aycock Recreation Complex and Henderson Operation Center (click here for more details, including dates and times).
“Please go vote,” Allen encouraged. “There are a number of things on the ballot other than names that will impact us. We don’t want to wake up on November 4 and not have access to the liberties that we were accustomed to.”
To hear the interview with Allen in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
(This is not a paid political advertisement)
Home and Garden Show 10-06-20
/by CharleneListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com on Tuesday at 4:30 PM.
‘Think Community’ at VCSO’s 2nd Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Event
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information and flyer courtesy Debbie Scott, Vance Co. Sheriff’s Office
The Vance County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with Dr. Abidan Shah, pastor of Clearview Church, will host the 2nd Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Event on Saturday, October 24, 2020. The event will begin at 3 p.m. at Clearview Church located at 3485 US Hwy 158, Henderson.
Activities will be held in the church parking lot for social distancing purposes. Face masks are required.
This year’s theme is “Think Community.” The keynote speaker will be Winston-Salem Chief of Police Catrina Thompson and the honorary guest will be Valerie L. Williams, founder and CEO of Lovesmart, Inc.
Music will be performed by the Clearview Praise Team with a special guest performance by Minister Roy Burroughs & Work In Progress.
Refreshments will be served courtesy of Clearview Church.
Sponsors for the event are Clearview Church, the Optimist Club of Henderson and Betty B’s Florist.
For more information, contact Debbie K. Scott, domestic violence coordinator/gang resource specialist with the Vance Co. Sheriff’s Office at (252) 738-2235 or by email at dscott@vancecounty.org.
Noon News 10/07/20 WIZS
/by John C. Rose– Tommy Hester Running for NC Senate
– Local Fugitive Arrested
– Domestic Violence Awareness Event Oct 24 at Clearview Church
For Full Details, Click Play for the Noon News 10/07/20 WIZS Audio
Reminder: Regular Voter Registration Deadline is Friday, October 9
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, NC State Board of Elections
Eligible individuals who want to cast their ballot on Election Day 2020 have until Friday, October 9 to register to vote.
To register, eligible individuals have the following options:
“We encourage all eligible individuals to register to vote and make their voice heard in 2020,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections. “It’s easy, and there’s still time, either through the regular process or at any one-stop early voting location in your county.”
Same-Day Registration Available During Early Voting Period
Individuals who miss Friday’s deadline may register and vote at the same time during the one-stop early voting period, October 15-31, at any early voting site in their county. County-by-county early voting sites and schedules are available at the State Board’s One-Stop Early Voting Site Search. (For early voting sites statewide, see this PDF.)
Except under rare circumstances, North Carolina residents may not register to vote on Election Day.
To register to vote, a person must:
*By order of the court, you may now register and vote if you are serving an extended term of probation, post-release supervision, or parole, you have outstanding fines, fees, or restitution, and you do not know of another reason that your probation, post-release supervision, or parole was extended.
Updating Your Registration
The voter registration application may be used to change any voting information, including name, address, and party affiliation. The change notification must be signed and should be sent to the voter’s county board of elections by October 9.
Updates to name, address, and party affiliation must be signed, but can be provided by fax or email to your county board of elections. A wet ink (physical) signature is not required for voter registration updates in the same county.
DMV customers may update their voter registration residential or mailing address and party affiliation through the DMV service. This service does not currently allow voters to change their name.
Registered voters also may update an existing registration at a one-stop early voting site during the early voting period.
For more about registering to vote, visit the State Board website here: https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering
Granville Fire Departments Report Improved Inspection Ratings
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Granville County Government
Granville County volunteer fire departments have been working for the past several months to complete requirements for lower insurance rates for local residents and businesses.
At the October 5 meeting of the Granville County Board of Commissioners, Emergency Services Director Jason Reavis provided details of the training, equipment, maintenance, staffing levels, water supply, inspections and communications that were evaluated during recent inspections by the Insurance Services Office (ISO).
Ratings were released by N.C. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey in a September 23 presentation at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center.
N.C. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is pictured with chiefs of Granville County volunteer fire departments during a Sept. 23 presentation. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt)
The Insurance Services Office rates fire departments on a scale from 1 to 10 to determine how well-protected a community is by the district’s fire department, with 1 being the highest score. These ratings, which stay in effect for a five-year period, are provided to homeowners insurance companies to determine insurance premiums in fire districts across the state.
The assessment takes into consideration the readiness of the fire department itself, available water sources for water protection, and communication capabilities. Since communities with well-prepared and well-equipped fire departments are at less risk of extensive property damage, low ISO scores can result in lower insurance rates for homes and businesses.
“These new ratings may result in thousands of dollars in savings on Granville County insurance premiums to Granville County homeowners and businesses,” Causey said during his presentation.
Granville County’s volunteer firefighters have been preparing for the recent ISO assessments for over a year, culminating in drills that took place during the summer.
In June, volunteer fire departments in Antioch, Berea, Brassfield, Bullock, Corinth, Cornwall, Providence, Stem and Stovall, as well as Granville Rural Fire Department, began training with a timed tanker shuttle, using both a static water source (pond) and a pressurized water source (fire hydrant). Approximately 29 tankers and fire trucks from across the county and from neighboring vicinities participated, with inspectors from the North Carolina Fire Marshal’s Office conducting the drills.
Inspections followed at each fire department, with scene set-ups and all paperwork completed in mid-July.
“Most of our fire departments are staffed by volunteers,” said Granville County Fire Marshal Ken Reeves. “These dedicated firefighters have worked day and night – between their full-time jobs and their volunteer service – in an attempt to get insurance scores lowered in their communities. The result of their hard work is something we all should be proud of.”
Finals scores for each participating department are as follows:
Antioch: 6 (previous score of 9)
Berea: 6 (previous score of 9)
Brassfield: 6 (previous score of 9)
Bullock: 5 (previous score of 9)
Corinth: 5 (previous score of 9)
Cornwall: 6 (previous score of 9)
Granville Rural: 5 (previous score of 9)
Providence: 4 (previous score of 9)
Stem: 5 (previous score of 4 in town limits, 9 outside)
Stovall: 5 (previous score of 9)
There are 14 fire departments in Granville County, with 10 being part of the recent ISO assessments. The Creedmoor Fire Department (also volunteer-based), as well as the City of Oxford and the Town of Butner (paid municipal departments), were not included in these inspections, but are set to be evaluated soon. The Virgilina Fire Department is rated by the State of Virginia.
During his presentation to the County Board of Commissioners, Reavis also expressed appreciation to 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Director Trent Brummitt, Byron Currin of Soil and Water Conservation, the County’s Addressing Coordinator Sandy Woody, and Fire Marshal Ken Reeves for their work during the ISO inspections.
For more information about fire departments/districts in Granville County, contact Fire Marshal Reeves by phone at (919) 603-1310 or by email at ken.reeves@granvillecounty.org.
Grace Family Ministries to Hold Weekend Prayer Walk
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Grace Family Ministries
Join Grace Family Ministries this Saturday, October 10, 2020, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. for a prayer walk through Henderson.
Participants should meet at Grace Ministries, 981 Burr St in Henderson, at 10 a.m. for a devotional, prayer and street assignments. Lunch will be served after the prayer walk.
For more information, please call (919) 691-3381.
Granville Co. Public Schools Moves Toward Plan A Reentry
/by WIZS StaffTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools
At their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, October 5, 2020, the Granville County Board of Education approved a new timetable for the gradual, staggered shift for students to return to school.
Currently, the district is in the process of welcoming students back to school under Plan B. Plan B allows for different groups of students to physically return to school on different days of the week. Under this plan, strict social distancing is required along with other safety protocols mandated by the state. COVID symptom screening and the use of face masks are mandatory for all persons entering school grounds.
The Board also approved a shift to Plan A for elementary students, as allowed under the Governor’s recent executive order, which allows these grade levels of students to return to school in one single group, with relaxed restrictions on social distancing.
The Board approved this new plan with input from a wide range of stakeholders, including our local health care professionals, parents, teachers, administrators and students. The chart below references the specific dates for transitions for different grade levels as the district gradually shifts toward more students attending school in person.
***BASED ON READINESS INDICATORS***
Plan B Staggered
(1 Day F2F)
Full Plan B
(2 Days F2F)
Plan A
(4 Days F2F)
PK, K, & Self Contained EC
September 28, 2020
October 19, 2020
January 6, 2021
Grades 1 – 5
October 12, 2020
October 26, 2020
January 6, 2021
Grades 6-12
October 12, 2020
October 26, 2020
Remain on Plan B
*EC Self-Contained maintain current schedule
Virtual at the base school remains an option
It was also shared at the meeting that families should remain flexible, as schools could potentially shift back to full remote learning in the event there was a shift in the readiness indicators. This could include a sudden rise in COVID cases, clusters within schools, or issues related to school staffing availability or operational readiness.
GCPS will report suspected, presumptive, or positive cases of COVID-19 to the Granville-Vance Health Department and work with them for follow-up and conduct contact tracing. If a person with COVID-19 was in a GCPS facility while infectious, staff will coordinate with local health officials to notify affected employees and families.
Because of the district’s obligation to protect the privacy of students and employees as required by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) federal laws, the district cannot release specific information about a confirmed case. The names of the people affected and other personally identifiable information will be provided to public health officials in accordance with reporting requirements; however, this information will not be released to the public or the media.
Unless a positive COVID-19 case results in a significant disruption of a campus’ ability to safely operate or deliver instruction, only those identified as close contacts will be notified.
In the event of a reported cluster, it may be necessary for a school to shift to fully remote learning for a certain period of time. Staff and families should be prepared for potential shifts to online instruction if they become necessary. Any changes to a school’s instructional plan will be communicated to families with as much notice as the circumstances allow.
Suspect in Shooting of Female While on Release for Homicide Located, Arrested
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy the Henderson Police Department
Today, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office located and arrested John Williams without incident on outstanding warrants from their office, along with outstanding warrants from the Henderson Police Department.
On Friday, September 25, 2020, officers of the Henderson Police Department responded to the 200 block of Chavasse Avenue after receiving a call of a person being shot. When they arrived, they located Tracey L. Person (51) suffering from a single gunshot wound to the upper torso.
Person was transported to an area medical facility for treatment of her injuries.
She and a male friend had been walking in the area when a dark-colored vehicle pulled alongside them and an occupant fired a weapon. As a result of HPD’s investigation, it is believed the male walking with Person was the intended target of the assault.
Through the assistance of the public, the shooter was identified as John Williams, age 37, of Vance County.
Williams was on pre-trial release for a homicide that occurred in Vance County.
Williams is now in the Vance County Jail without bond due to these charges and his previous pretrial release conditions.
Town Talk 10/6/20: Tommy Hester, NC Senate District 3 Republican Candidate
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Thomas “Tommy” Hester, Jr., the Republican candidate for the District 3 NC Senate seat, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Hester, of Vance County, will face Democratic candidate and Bertie County resident Ernestine Bazemore for the seat that represents Beaufort, Bertie, Martin, Northampton, Vance and Warren County. Current District 3 Senator Erica Smith-Ingram is running for US Senate and will not seek re-election to the state senate.
Graduating from Campbell University in 1971, Hester returned to Henderson where he worked at Carolina Cooling & Heating and was later promoted to president of the company.
Hester also graduated from Officer Candidate School (O.C.S.), becoming platoon leader with the 878 Engineering Company for three years.
He currently owns Prim Residential Rentals where he develops residential and commercial property in Vance County.
Community achievements, past and present, include:
Hester provided the following responses, in part, to questions asked during the Town Talk segment:
Why is now the right time for you to seek the NC Senate seat?
“I’ve spent 15 years as a County Commissioner. I’ve tried to help with jobs and economic development in Vance County, and I see an opportunity, with no incumbent, to run for this office to do more for Vance County and the other five counties.”
How will your voice represent the needs and wants of the six counties in District 3?
“I have worked tirelessly on the Golden LEAF Board and the Rural Infrastructure Authority in Raleigh to bring jobs and education into our area. I’d like to expand that into these other counties.
For example, Vance is the only county out of the six to come up with a program to offer broadband for $39.95 to all homes. Mako Medical Laboratories in Vance County now has over 500 employees. We’ve brought in Select Products who will manufacture toilet paper, napkins and paper towels.
I want to see more growth and bring in more tax revenue, not by raising the rate, but by raising the basis. If you expand the basis, you end up getting more revenue and you can keep the tax rate lower.”
What do you want to accomplish in the Senate?
“I want to work with the Senate in Raleigh to bring as much of the taxpayer’s money from these counties back to these counties and help assist in getting jobs. Two things that go together more than anything else are jobs and education; you can’t put one before the other. When you create jobs, you create tax money and expand upon services such as fire protection, law enforcement, etc.”
How would you work with someone with different viewpoints or a different political party on issues such as Medicaid expansion?
“I’m not interested in party; I’m interested in jobs and education. The time I’ve spent has been about trying to do what’s right for the community and trying to get the quality of life better for every citizen in that area. I would love to do that and work with whoever is in the House in the future.”
For additional information on Hester and his campaign, visit his Facebook page at Tommy Hester 4 NC Senate Dist. 3 (click here).
To hear the interview in its entirety, including additional questions and responses from Hester, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
(This is not a paid political advertisement. Political candidates are offered equal air time/coverage on WIZS.)