100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, Granville County Government
At their annual Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Connections Conference held in Little Rock, Arkansas, Granville County’s Tourism Director Angela Allen and the Granville County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) was recognized with the Best Marketing Shining Example Award for its “Uniquely Carolina” campaign.
Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen was recently recognized with the “Shining Example” award by the Southeast Tourism Society. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)
The “Uniquely Carolina” brand was unveiled at the 2019 Hot Sauce Festival this past September and has already received top honors by the North Carolina Travel Association. According to Allen, the need to refresh the brand was long overdue, as there was no consistent or unique brand message to deliver a compelling reason to visit Granville County.
As part of the re-branding process, Allen and the TDA Board of Directors interviewed over 100 county stakeholders, including industry partners, government officials, community leaders and local volunteers. They also conducted focus groups, with community outreach including the completion of surveys to residents, community leaders and teachers.
“We developed our brand with input from those in the community,” Allen explains. “Granville County offers outdoor spaces where visitors can come and relax, festivals and venues where they can gather with friends, and shops, restaurants, farms and markets where they can step away and discover Granville County. We really feel the new brand and identity captures our county and the tourism community.”
The Southeast Tourism Society is comprised of all states in the southeast, stretching beyond the Mississippi River to include Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana. STS brings together tourism professionals from the state and local levels who share the mutual belief that regional promotion of tourism creates a powerful marketing alliance.
As part of this partnership, STS evaluates marketing programs of the 13 states in the southeast region, selecting three as the “best of the best.” The three winners are identified by size: smaller community, mid-size, and large city/state levels.
“We are thrilled to see Angela Allen win a Shining Example award for such a great campaign,” said Wit Tuttell, Vice-President of Tourism and Marketing for North Carolina. “This campaign does an excellent job focusing on the authentic experiences in Granville. That’s exactly what visitors want to know, and it fits perfectly with our efforts to promote ‘Firsts That Last’ for people who visit North Carolina.”
Additionally, the state of North Carolina was recognized with the marketing award on the state level.
“We are part of the Carolinas,” Angela further explains. “North Carolina has an incredibly positive image with residents and travelers. We want to continue to capture and reflect the attraction of being in North Carolina, so for the professionals across STS to recognize the work in Granville as the best across all 13 states in the region is actually a tribute to the whole community.”
For more information about Granville County’s “Uniquely Carolina” campaign, or to find out more about the local tourism industry, contact Allen at 919-693-6125 or at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org. Those interested in the local events and attractions that bring visitors to our area can also visit www.visitgranvillenc.com.
GCPS Working to Keep Students & Staff Healthy
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools
On Thursday, February 27, 2020, the GCPS District Safety Task Force convened for their regular monthly meeting. This group of approximately +/- 40 members has a laser focus on improving and protecting the safety, health and welfare of students and staff in our school district.
Superintendent McLean created the District Safety Task Force shortly after arriving in the district more than two years ago. Since that time, it has been extremely successful in addressing areas of concern with rapid and effective solutions. The Safety Task Force consists of a wide variety of stakeholders, including board members, law enforcement officers, first responders, health care officials, local elected officials, faith-based leaders, district administrators, school nurses, principals and, of course, parents.
At this recent meeting, one of the agenda items was COVID-19, or the “Coronavirus,” and how the district should plan and prepare for its potential threat. Currently, there are no confirmed cases in North Carolina, and the threat of the virus remains very low. In fact, the district has recently been more focused on absenteeism and illnesses caused by the common cold and influenza viruses. In just the past two weeks, some schools have had nearly 1/3 of students and staff out as a result.
The district’s immediate response to those outbreaks, as recommended by the CDC and the Departments of Health, largely focused on the following three tactics:
Practicing and encouraging good personal hygiene (Frequent and proper handwashing, coughing or sneezing in the bend of elbow or sleeve, using tissues, just being “courteous” with your space, etc.).
Thoroughly cleaning frequently touched surfaces or high traffic areas using Lysol or similar products which are highly effective at killing the viruses.
Staying home when sick, and avoiding people who are sick.
These three main tactics are highly effective against the spread of any such contagions and should be practiced by all, especially when considering the potential future threat of COVID-19.
One additional item of consideration is the use of facemasks. According to the CDC, the use of facemasks is NOT recommended for use by people who are well. Instead, only those who show symptoms should wear them, but ideally, those individuals should stay home and be isolated if possible.
Dr. McLean has already begun close dialogue and scheduled meetings with our local Health Department officials, school nurses and healthcare experts. “We are certainly not attempting to create a scare or undue alarm. Just like we drill, practice and prepare with any other potential threats, we are simply doing what is needed to keep our children and staff safe. After all, if you are ready, then you don’t have to get ready.”
The district continues to work with the Health Department and other experts to create action plans for the district. GCPS would like to thank everyone in the community in advance for their attention to this matter. The safety, health and well-being of everyone in our community is the top priority for GCPS!
Registration Underway for Vance Co. Special Olympics Volleyball
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Program Superintendent, Aycock Recreation Center
Vance County’s Special Olympics Volleyball will play on Tuesday nights from March 24 through May 26, 2020, at the Aycock Rec. Center. Games will be held from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Applicants must pre-register by Friday, March 13, 2020.
The purpose of the Vance County Special Olympics North Carolina is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
For more information, please contact Crystal Allen at (252) 431-6091 or callen@ci.henderson.nc.us.
Warren Co. Memorial Library Celebrates Women’s History Month
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, Warren County Government
Warren County Memorial Library celebrates Women’s History Month through literacy, culture, and the arts. The highlight will be three special programs featuring scholars offering a unique look into women’s history. In addition to these programs, the library will have celebratory book displays, bookmarks, reading lists and activities.
Joanna Liguz will host an Exhibit and Mini-Workshop on March 6, 2020, from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. (Photo courtesy Warren Co. Govt.)
The first of the three featured programs will be a Quilt Exhibit and Mini-Workshop on March 6, 2020, from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Local quilter Joanna Liguz of Material Blessings will host this exhibit and workshop. Stop by to see several beautiful examples of her work and learn the basics of quilting by watching as she quilts an example quilt square.
The second featured program will be Women of Dance on March 16, 2020, from 12 until 1 p.m. Vernita “Nana Vee” Terry presents this look into the history and creative influences of several women of color who became leading figures in the world of dance.
Vernita “Nana Vee” Terry will present “Women of Dance” on March 16, 2020, from 12 until 1 p.m. (Photo courtesy Waren Co. Govt.)
The third and final featured program will be “The Crusade Against Illiteracy in the United States: The Life and Times of Cora Wilson Stewart” on March 24, 2020, from 3 until 4 p.m. Long before it became popular to decry the problem of adult illiteracy, Cora Wilson Stewart was leading public crusades to solve this problem.
In this program, Road Scholar Willie Nelms will describe Stewart’s life, her role as a woman, and the literacy movement. This project is made possible by funding from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit & affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views expressed by this program do not necessarily represent those of the North Carolina Humanities Council.
To learn more about Women’s Month 2020, visit the official website: https://womenshistorymonth.gov/. To view the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ celebration of the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women’s constitutional right to vote, go to https://www.ncdcr.gov/about/featured-programs/she-changed-world-north-carolinawomen-breaking-barriers.
Road Scholar Willie Nelms will present “The Crusade Against Illiteracy in the United States: The Life and Times of Cora Wilson Stewart” on March 24, 2020, from 3 until 4 p.m. (Photo courtesy Warren Co. Govt.)
For more information on library programs, go to www.wcmlibrary.org for event details and additional programs offered. All library programs are free and open to the public. Visit the library for more information and resources at 119 S. Front Street, Warrenton, NC 27589.
News 03/02/20
/by Larry100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
Town Talk 02/28/20
/by Larry100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
Town Talk 02/28/20
/by Larry100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
Vance County Schools Addresses Coronavirus Concerns
/by WIZS StaffTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-Press Release, Vance County Schools
Vance County Schools continues to follow the guidance of local, state, and federal health officials regarding all communicable diseases. With the current concerns around COVID-19 coronavirus, the state of North Carolina has no reported cases at this time. Medical experts have indicated that the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are the same recommendations for preventing the spread of the flu.
The district is in the process of installing hand sanitizer stations near the Main Entrances of all of our facilities. All hard surfaces will be appropriately cleaned with EPA-registered disinfectants. Also, additional refresher training is being provided to our custodial and maintenance teams. Our buses will be disinfected appropriately as well.
The district is encouraging students and staff to follow basic prevention guidelines. Here are some helpful tips that, with everyone’s help, will aid in prevention:
We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust protocols and processes as warranted. Updates will be posted on our district website at www.vcs.k12.nc.us.
Additional Information and links:
Vance County Schools: Emergency Health Information for Coronavirus can be found here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus (English) can be found here; in Spanish here.
Coronavirus Q&A can be found here.
How to Clean and Disinfect Schools to Help Slow the Spread of the Flu information is available here.
Coronavirus updates from the CDC can be found here.
Granville Tourism Development Authority Wins Regional Award
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, Granville County Government
At their annual Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Connections Conference held in Little Rock, Arkansas, Granville County’s Tourism Director Angela Allen and the Granville County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) was recognized with the Best Marketing Shining Example Award for its “Uniquely Carolina” campaign.
Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen was recently recognized with the “Shining Example” award by the Southeast Tourism Society. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)
The “Uniquely Carolina” brand was unveiled at the 2019 Hot Sauce Festival this past September and has already received top honors by the North Carolina Travel Association. According to Allen, the need to refresh the brand was long overdue, as there was no consistent or unique brand message to deliver a compelling reason to visit Granville County.
As part of the re-branding process, Allen and the TDA Board of Directors interviewed over 100 county stakeholders, including industry partners, government officials, community leaders and local volunteers. They also conducted focus groups, with community outreach including the completion of surveys to residents, community leaders and teachers.
“We developed our brand with input from those in the community,” Allen explains. “Granville County offers outdoor spaces where visitors can come and relax, festivals and venues where they can gather with friends, and shops, restaurants, farms and markets where they can step away and discover Granville County. We really feel the new brand and identity captures our county and the tourism community.”
The Southeast Tourism Society is comprised of all states in the southeast, stretching beyond the Mississippi River to include Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana. STS brings together tourism professionals from the state and local levels who share the mutual belief that regional promotion of tourism creates a powerful marketing alliance.
As part of this partnership, STS evaluates marketing programs of the 13 states in the southeast region, selecting three as the “best of the best.” The three winners are identified by size: smaller community, mid-size, and large city/state levels.
“We are thrilled to see Angela Allen win a Shining Example award for such a great campaign,” said Wit Tuttell, Vice-President of Tourism and Marketing for North Carolina. “This campaign does an excellent job focusing on the authentic experiences in Granville. That’s exactly what visitors want to know, and it fits perfectly with our efforts to promote ‘Firsts That Last’ for people who visit North Carolina.”
Additionally, the state of North Carolina was recognized with the marketing award on the state level.
“We are part of the Carolinas,” Angela further explains. “North Carolina has an incredibly positive image with residents and travelers. We want to continue to capture and reflect the attraction of being in North Carolina, so for the professionals across STS to recognize the work in Granville as the best across all 13 states in the region is actually a tribute to the whole community.”
For more information about Granville County’s “Uniquely Carolina” campaign, or to find out more about the local tourism industry, contact Allen at 919-693-6125 or at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org. Those interested in the local events and attractions that bring visitors to our area can also visit www.visitgranvillenc.com.
Reminder: One-Stop Early Voting for March Primary Ends This Weekend
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Information courtesy the Vance County Board of Elections
A reminder that One-Stop Early Voting for the March 3 Primary will end on Saturday, February 29, 2020. The hours of operation for February 29 are 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. There are two voting sites, one is at the Vance County Board of Elections office and the other is at the Henderson Operations Center on Beckford Drive.
All absentee ballots must be returned by Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at 5 p.m. or must be postmarked by March 3, 2020, and received in the Board of Elections Office by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2020.
Voters WILL NOT be required to show photo ID for the March 3, 2020 Primary Election. In a December 31 order, a federal district court blocked North Carolina’s voter photo ID requirement from taking effect. This injunction will remain in place until further order of the court. If you have any questions, please contact the State Board of Elections at (919) 814-0744.
For more information, please visit the Vance County Board of Election website (click here) or the State Board of Elections website (click here).
Perry Memorial Library and VITA Offering Free Tax Preparation Services
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Information courtesy Perry Memorial Library
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is offering free tax preparation services at Perry Memorial Library in Henderson now through Monday, April 13, 2020, on Mondays from 3 – 7 p.m.; Thursdays from 3 – 5 p.m.; Fridays from 3 – 5 p.m.
Please bring all income documentation, picture ID, Social Security card(s) for all dependents and health insurance information.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $56,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.
IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.
No appointment needed – First Come, First Served.