100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Dr. Phillip Stover, Democratic candidate for NC House District 7, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m. Stover is running against Republican candidate Matthew Winslow for the seat that represents Franklin and southern Nash counties.
A Louisburg resident for 38 years, Stover currently serves patients as a family physician, with a specialty in opioid addiction management and chronic pain.
According to his website, Stover is a husband, father and active member of the Louisburg United Methodist Church. He is also a veteran who served six years as a medic in the Army Reserve and currently serves as a captain in the Civil Air Patrol.
Professional experiences/recognitions include:
- Franklin County Volunteers in Medicine, a free clinic active in Franklin County from 2004 to 2018
- Franklin County Partners in Health, a low-cost charitable clinic open since the closing of the free clinic
- Current practice – Louisburg Family Practice and Pain Management
- Hospice Medical Director – 1992 to 2015
- Senior Aviation Medical Examiner for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Acting Medical Director, NC Division of Prisons
- Medical Director, Franklin County Volunteers in Medicine and Warren County Free Clinic
- Member of the Franklin County Committee of 100
- Co-author of the Franklin County Strategic Plan
- Vice-Chair of the Franklin County Airport Advisory Committee
- Mission pilot in the Civil Air Patrol
- Named to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels – the highest title of honor granted by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Below is a portion of Stover’s responses to questions asked during the Town Talk interview:
Dr. Phil Stover, Democratic candidate for NC House District 7. (Photo courtesy the Campaign to Elect Phil Stover)
What issues are you pushing? What is your platform?
“The number one issue is affordable healthcare, starting with Medicaid expansion in NC, but it doesn’t stop there. Medicaid expansion will help greatly, but it won’t solve all of our issues with affordable healthcare. We need to work on reducing out-of-pocket expenses and making sure people not covered by Medicaid are able to afford adequate healthcare.
Number two is the support of our public schools. For the past ten years, our public schools have basically been ignored by the Republican legislature. They have cut funding and allowed teachers’ salaries to drop to one of the lowest in the nation. Governor Hunt worked for many years to get teacher pay up to the national average; we need to get it back there. We need to fully fund our schools – particularly rural schools – as has been ordered in the Leandro case, which the state has never fully implemented.
Third, we need to work on rural economic development. Infrastructure in rural counties like Franklin and Nash is not what it should be. We desperately need access to broadband throughout our counties, which has been very much highlighted by the COVID epidemic.
Lastly is the issue of racial inequality. We have, for far too long in this country, suppressed our minorities, particularly our African-American brethren. We need to take steps to correct the wrongs of the last 400 years and to see that black Americans have the same opportunities as everyone else.”
With continued growth in rural counties such as Franklin and complaints of congested roads, how will you be able to assist, as a House representative, with this issue?
“That’s a real problem. We addressed this back in the 1990s when I chaired the Strategic Planning Committee. One of our recommendations was to basically urbanize, which would have the County direct its growth to the urban areas: Youngsville, Bunn, Louisburg and Franklinton. That was ignored, and what we have allowed is people like my opponent to put in subdivisions anywhere they want.
In the southern end of the county, you go down any road and you see one subdivision after another, and we just don’t have the road structure to support that. It’s going to be very hard to correct that problem because we’ve let it go too far. The County Commission needs to change the way we allow growth in this [Franklin] county.”
In concluding his interview with WIZS, Stover said, “This is an absolutely critical election. In my opinion, this is the most important election since 1860 when President Lincoln was elected. I think we are in a crossroads almost as bad. If we don’t elect politicians who are willing to work to bring this country back to accept everyone and see the value in all people, not just those that look like themselves, then I fear for this country. I have faith the majority of Americans want that, and what I’m asking you to do is go out and vote.”
For more information on Stover, including his 10-point plan on ways to reduce healthcare costs and improve healthcare quality, visit his website at www.electphilstover.com or Facebook page at Phil Stover for NC House 7.
To hear the interview in its entirety, 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.)
GCPS Receives $680,000 Grant to Support Instructional Technology
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools
On Tuesday, October 20, 2020, representatives from the USDA presented Granville County Public Schools with a grant of $680,000 to assist the school district with instructional technology.
Specifically, the grant which is titled, “Leading the Path to a Collaborative Future Via Virtual Conferencing,” will fund efforts to provide students with cutting-edge technology in video conferencing, distance learning and work-based learning opportunities through partnerships with local business and industry.
The grant will be used to purchase hardware, software and provide professional development for staff which will open up new learning and career development opportunities for students in grades K-12.
Left to Right: Gwen Loftin, Director of Technology GCPS, Robert Hosford, State Director of Rural Development, USDA, Dr. Alisa McLean, Superintendent GCPS. (Photo courtesy GCPS)
Superintendent Alisa McLean accepted the award on behalf of the school district along with the Director of Instructional Technology, Gwen Loftin, who led the grant application process.
“This grant will improve the quality education Granville County students receive on a daily basis,” said USDA Rural Development State Director Robert Hosford. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural North Carolina in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
In rural North Carolina, Granville County Schools will use a $679,000 grant to provide video endpoints within schools to create opportunities for video conferencing. This will allow for career exploration, teacher share of STEM courses, and professional development.
In receiving the award, Dr. McLean noted, “Granville County Public Schools continues to make huge strides in providing our students with high-quality learning opportunities. Our forward-thinking approach and eye on the future will place our students in the driver’s seat when it comes to their post-secondary education plans. I am proud to accept this grant award on behalf of the children and families for which it will serve.”
Also on hand to receive the award were Board Chairman David Richardson and Board member Dr. Greg McKnight. Mr. Richardson commented, “We are pleased to receive this grant as it will help promote and expand many of the exciting efforts to support our students already underway in our school district.”
Donations Needed for Henderson Men’s Shelter’s Season Opening
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Jane King, Community Partners of Hope
The Henderson Men’s Shelter opens on Sunday, November 1, 2020. Donations will be accepted at the shelter from 3 until 5:30 p.m. this Tuesday, October 20 through Thursday, October 22.
Donations may also be dropped off at the First Presbyterian Church office on Tuesdays between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. If you need another time to drop off donations, please contact Jane at (252) 432-9494.
This year, the shelter needs eight suppers delivered in take-out plates and/or individual bags. When restaurants donate meals, the shelter will need a driver to pick up the food and deliver it at 6:45 p.m.
To see detailed information and to sign up to bring meals, please visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040F4AABAD2DA6FE3-mens
DONATIONS
Donated clothing and supplies are needed to keep the shelter running and the men warm and dry.
NEEDED ITEMS
The following new clothing items in sizes M, L, XL, 2X and 3X:
NOT NEEDED:
PRAYERS
Please continue to hold the shelter and all who face homelessness in your prayers.
GVPH COVID-19 Update as of 10/19/20
/by WIZS StaffTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health
The following is an update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of October 19, 2020. Granville Vance Public Health numbers correlate with the NC Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NCEDSS) data.
The county case numbers reported on the NC county map from the NC Department of Health and Human Services may differ from the ones reported locally as they are updated at different times and may change once residence is verified.
Granville County
1,922 positive test results for COVID-19.
Of those 1,922, 1,248 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 1,248, 1,138 have been released from isolation.
Of those 1,922 cases, 526 are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County and 501 of those 526 have been released from isolation.
Of those 1,922 cases, 148 are associated with outbreaks at long-term care facilities, including 42 at Murdoch Development Center and 95 at Universal Health Care.
The outbreaks at Central Regional Hospital, Brantwood and Granville House are no longer active.
Of the 136 cases in long-term care facilities in Granville County, 112 have been released from isolation.
Four individuals in Granville County are hospitalized.
There have been a total of 50 deaths in Granville County: five in the community, one associated with Central Regional Hospital, one associated with Murdoch Development Center, 21 associated with Universal Health Care and 22 associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.
Vance County
1,109 positive test results for COVID-19.
Of those 1,109, 984 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 984, 858 have been released from isolation.
Of those 1,109 cases, 125 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities.
The outbreaks at Kerr Lake Nursing Home, Alliance Rehabilitative Care, Senior Citizens Home and Pelican Health Nursing Home are no longer active.
Of the 125 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 97 have been released from isolation.
Four individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.
There have been a total of 46 deaths in Vance County: 14 associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 12 associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, two associated with Senior Citizens Home and 18 in the community.
WIZS Note: There are 126 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 110 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers). No additional Vance or Granville County deaths have been reported in the last week.
Additional Information
The number of those who have been ‘released from isolation’ is determined by the CDC Guidance for discontinuation of isolation for persons with COVID-19.
Please visit GVPH’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard (click here) for tables and graphs that are updated daily.
Town Talk 10/19/20: Phil Stover, Dem. Candidate for NC House District 7
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Dr. Phillip Stover, Democratic candidate for NC House District 7, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m. Stover is running against Republican candidate Matthew Winslow for the seat that represents Franklin and southern Nash counties.
A Louisburg resident for 38 years, Stover currently serves patients as a family physician, with a specialty in opioid addiction management and chronic pain.
10-19-20 Dr. Phil Stover, Candidate for NC House
According to his website, Stover is a husband, father and active member of the Louisburg United Methodist Church. He is also a veteran who served six years as a medic in the Army Reserve and currently serves as a captain in the Civil Air Patrol.
Professional experiences/recognitions include:
Below is a portion of Stover’s responses to questions asked during the Town Talk interview:
Dr. Phil Stover, Democratic candidate for NC House District 7. (Photo courtesy the Campaign to Elect Phil Stover)
What issues are you pushing? What is your platform?
“The number one issue is affordable healthcare, starting with Medicaid expansion in NC, but it doesn’t stop there. Medicaid expansion will help greatly, but it won’t solve all of our issues with affordable healthcare. We need to work on reducing out-of-pocket expenses and making sure people not covered by Medicaid are able to afford adequate healthcare.
Number two is the support of our public schools. For the past ten years, our public schools have basically been ignored by the Republican legislature. They have cut funding and allowed teachers’ salaries to drop to one of the lowest in the nation. Governor Hunt worked for many years to get teacher pay up to the national average; we need to get it back there. We need to fully fund our schools – particularly rural schools – as has been ordered in the Leandro case, which the state has never fully implemented.
Third, we need to work on rural economic development. Infrastructure in rural counties like Franklin and Nash is not what it should be. We desperately need access to broadband throughout our counties, which has been very much highlighted by the COVID epidemic.
Lastly is the issue of racial inequality. We have, for far too long in this country, suppressed our minorities, particularly our African-American brethren. We need to take steps to correct the wrongs of the last 400 years and to see that black Americans have the same opportunities as everyone else.”
With continued growth in rural counties such as Franklin and complaints of congested roads, how will you be able to assist, as a House representative, with this issue?
“That’s a real problem. We addressed this back in the 1990s when I chaired the Strategic Planning Committee. One of our recommendations was to basically urbanize, which would have the County direct its growth to the urban areas: Youngsville, Bunn, Louisburg and Franklinton. That was ignored, and what we have allowed is people like my opponent to put in subdivisions anywhere they want.
In the southern end of the county, you go down any road and you see one subdivision after another, and we just don’t have the road structure to support that. It’s going to be very hard to correct that problem because we’ve let it go too far. The County Commission needs to change the way we allow growth in this [Franklin] county.”
In concluding his interview with WIZS, Stover said, “This is an absolutely critical election. In my opinion, this is the most important election since 1860 when President Lincoln was elected. I think we are in a crossroads almost as bad. If we don’t elect politicians who are willing to work to bring this country back to accept everyone and see the value in all people, not just those that look like themselves, then I fear for this country. I have faith the majority of Americans want that, and what I’m asking you to do is go out and vote.”
For more information on Stover, including his 10-point plan on ways to reduce healthcare costs and improve healthcare quality, visit his website at www.electphilstover.com or Facebook page at Phil Stover for NC House 7.
To hear the interview in its entirety, 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.)
Town Talk 10/19/20: FLVF to Hold Virtual Domestic Violence Vigil
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Megan Holmes, youth services advocate for Families Living Violence Free (FLVF), appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.
FLVF offers supportive counseling, assistance filing for a protective/restraining order, educational programs, referral services, crisis assistance and transportation services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
In continuation of WIZS’ Domestic Violence Awareness Month coverage, Holmes announced FLVF will hold a virtual vigil for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault who lost their lives in 2020. The vigil will be prerecorded and available to view beginning at 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 22 at www.flvf.org.
“In the month of October, we do notice there are more individuals who reach out,” Holmes said. “Recently, we’ve seen an increase in individuals seeking services from us. Although the circumstances are unfortunate, we are more than grateful they are reaching out because that means they are becoming more aware that support is available.”
FLVF’s office is located at 125 Oxford Outer Loop Road in Oxford, NC. A 24/7 Crisis Line is also available by calling (919) 693-5700 (English) or (919) 690-0888 (Spanish).
For additional coverage on domestic violence awareness, please join WIZS live at 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 22. Debbie Scott, domestic violence coordinator/gang resource specialist with the Vance Co. Sheriff’s Office, will join the show to discuss the upcoming 2nd Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Event at Clearview Church in Henderson.
To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
Noon News 10-19-20 Covid19, Vance Co. Committee Meetings, Early Voting
/by Bill Harris– County level Covid data for Vance County
– Upcoming Vance Co. Committee Meetings
– Early voting in Vance & Granville Counties
For Full Details and Audio Click Play…
Vance Public Safety, Human Resources Committees to Meet Oct. 27
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy the County of Vance
Please note the following schedule of Vance County committee meetings. Both meetings will be held in the Administrative Conference Room of the Vance County Administration Building located at 122 Young Street in Henderson, NC.
Public Safety Committee (Wilder, Brummitt, Taylor)
Tuesday, October 27 at 3 p.m.
Human Resources Committee (Faines, Taylor, Wilder)
Tuesday, October 27 at 3:45 p.m.
New County-Level Data Added to COVID-19 NC Dashboard
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, NCDHHS
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is adding new county-level data to the COVID-19 NC Dashboard on the County Map by Cases section of the Summary dashboard page.
Users will now be able to view county-level case data by date ranges, including the number of total cases, the number of cases from the prior day, the number of cases over the last seven days and the number of cases over the last 14 days.
“Local leaders can use this data to help consider if additional local actions are needed to slow the spread of COVID-19 in their communities. As we see viral spread growing, we need everyone’s help to reverse these concerning trends,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D.
In addition to the ability to view data by date ranges, the county map also includes a new metric to display cases per 100,000 residents to align with federal reporting metrics.
Join Downtown Oxford for a ‘Whobilation Celebration’ Weekend
/by WIZS StaffTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-Information courtesy Oxford NC, Historic Downtown
Come enjoy a ‘Whobilation Celebration’ weekend in Downtown Oxford, NC November 5-7, 2020.
Activities for Thursday, November 5:
Ladies Night Out ~ 5 – 7 p.m.
5 p.m. – Kickoff at The Orpheum with Champagne Toast
Stops Include:
* This n’ That – Bow Tying Demo
* Granville Health Systems – Selfie Station
* Painted Ox – Make a Card Station
* Shear Desire – Hair Services (Day of)
* Bliss – Samples of Shales/Tea
* LeVon Nails – Hand Massages
* Nan’s – Whoville Feast Treats & Grinch Juice
* C2’d – Shop, Sip & Sample
* Portraits by Crystal – Ladies Group Photo
End the night at The Hub On Main with a little wine & draw for the “Pamper Me Basket”
Activities for Friday, November 6:
5 – 5:30 p.m. – Cookies with the Grinch at Granville Museum
5:30 – 6 p.m. – Ugly Sweater Contest (Register at City Tent)
5 – 6:30 p.m. – Santa Letter Writing Station (City Tent)
6:30 p.m. – How The Grinch Stole Christmas movie (2000 – Rated PG)
5 – 7 p.m. – Hayrides around town, music by local Busker’s, food trucks (Baton Rouge, Jayboy’s Food Truck, Oxford Lion’s Club, Popcorn and Chewy Delicious)
Activities for Saturday, November 7:
11 a.m. – Register for Mr. & Miss Cheermeister
12 p.m. – Mr. & Miss Cheermeister crowned (food drive donations will go to the Boys & Girls Club)
12 p.m. – Art with the Granville Museum
1 p.m. – Costume Pet Parade in Currin Park
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Food Trucks (Baton Rouge, Jayboy’s Food Truck, Chewy Delicious), Hay Rides, Busker’s playing music around town, games for kids and a Classic Car Show.
For more information or updates on this event, please visit the Oxford NC, Historic Downtown Facebook page (click here).
Downtown Henderson Announces ’13 Days of Halloween’ Promotion
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Downtown Henderson
Please join Downtown Henderson for the 13 Days of Halloween!
Starting on Monday, October 19, 2020, take a picture of you or your child in costume at a downtown business and post it online to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hendersonncdowntown under the PINNED Halloween Post. Be sure to tag the downtown business for a chance to win great prizes! You may take pictures outside or inside the business.
Downtown businesses and restaurants will be open per their usual hours, but there will be no walking trick-or-treating allowed like years past.
Instead of limiting Halloween to one night, and to prevent a large gathering of people, we are stretching out this event to give everyone time to take part while also social distancing. We will miss seeing everyone in costume in person, so we want you to fill the Downtown Henderson page with your pictures!
Please be respectful of downtown merchants and their decorations. If you go inside a business, do not expect candy. This is designed to just allow the kids to be in costume and still get out and show it off!
Please note there is a DRIVE-THRU trick-or-treat event (click here) with candy at the Henderson Police Department on Thursday, October 29. Garnett Street will remain open to street traffic, unlike past years when it has been blocked for pedestrian use.
Residents are encouraged to comply with local and state orders by focusing on low-risk activities such as decorating, limiting activities to the people you live with and holding virtual costume parties or contests.