100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, Granville County Government
NEED ASSISTANCE WITH TAXES? If you are a senior age 60+ and a Granville County resident, representatives of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program are now available at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford. Volunteers will be on hand from 5 until 8 p.m. each Thursday until April 9 for this free assistance program. Appointments are required. To schedule an appointment, contact the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford at 919-693-1930.
LINE DANCING IS BACK at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford. Classes are offered each Saturday during the month of February through the Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) program and are scheduled for 10 and 11 a.m. You don’t have to be a “senior” to participate! Contact Marilyn Howard, CLL Coordinator, at 919-693-1930 for registration or for more details.
BEGINNING COMPUTER SKILLS CLASSES are being offered at the Richard H. Thornton Library. On Monday, Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m., participants can learn how to convert files to PDF, how to search for and personalize files, and more. Seats are limited to five participants. Registration is required. Call 919-693-1121 for more details.
LEARN TO REPAIR YOUR OWN JEWELRY with instructor Linda Strother as a Jewelry Repair class is offered at the Granville County Senior Center. The session is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 10 at 1:30 p.m. and is one of many classes offered through the Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) program. Contact Marilyn Howard at 919-693-1930 for details.
BEEN MARRIED FOR 50 YEARS OR MORE? Join the fun on Feb. 12 as the Granville County Senior Center partners with the Granville County Library System to present the “Not-So-Newlywed” Game. Eight local couples will compete for prizes as they see how much they know about their spouse. If interested in participating, contact Angela Wright at 919-693-1930. This event is open to the public and begins at 6 p.m.
A CRICUT WORKSHOP will be held at each branch of the Granville County Library System as participants (age 18+) learn to make their own leather earrings. Sessions will be held at the South Branch Library in Creedmoor (Feb. 12 at 2 p.m.), at the Stovall Library (Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.), at the Thornton Library (Feb. 26 at 2 p.m.) and the Berea Branch (Feb. 27 at 2 p.m.) Supplies will be provided and registration is not required. Contact your nearest local library for details.
TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS can enjoy “Night Time Story Time” at the Thornton Library on Feb. 12. Starting at 5 p.m., little ones will be read popular children’s books to prepare for bedtime. For more details, contact Children’s Librarian Amy Carlson at 919-693-1121.
VALENTINE’S DAY IS ON THE WAY! A Cookie Decorating Class will be held at the South Branch Library at 4 p.m. on Feb. 12. Make a sweet treat for this special day. Fun for the whole family! The South Branch Library is located at 1550 South Campus Drive in Creedmoor. Contact Penelope Mason for details at 919-528-1752.
ARE YOU A WOODLAND OWNER? Learn how to manage your property from planning to harvest with a series of workshops presented by N.C. Cooperative Extension and the North Carolina Forest Service. Topics include planning, regeneration, tree management practices and final harvest. Registration is required for these four sessions, scheduled for Feb. 13, May 14, Aug. 15 and Nov. 12 in various locations in Granville and Vance Counties. Contact the Granville County Cooperative Extension office at 919-603-1350 to learn more. All workshops are scheduled for 7 p.m.
MEET LIBBY, THE NEW MOBILE APP FROM OVERDRIVE. Learn how to borrow books and e-Audio books with Libby, your library on the go! On Thursday, Feb. 13, an informative session will be offered at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford to help library patrons make the most of today’s technology. Registration is not required and basic device skill is recommended. The Richard H. Thornton Library is located at 210 Main Street and the session will be held at 10 a.m.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE 2020 CENSUS can be answered in a Feb. 19 program provided by Census Representative Kathy Dunton. Dunton will be available at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford at 11 a.m. for a discussion of why the Census is important, how data results are used and other pertinent information about this once-every-decade event. On March 25, Dunton will return to assist anyone needing help completing the questionnaire. Call the Senior Center at 919-693-1930 for details.
Granville Co. Announces Feb. Events Sure to Educate, Entertain!
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, Granville County Government
NEED ASSISTANCE WITH TAXES? If you are a senior age 60+ and a Granville County resident, representatives of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program are now available at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford. Volunteers will be on hand from 5 until 8 p.m. each Thursday until April 9 for this free assistance program. Appointments are required. To schedule an appointment, contact the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford at 919-693-1930.
LINE DANCING IS BACK at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford. Classes are offered each Saturday during the month of February through the Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) program and are scheduled for 10 and 11 a.m. You don’t have to be a “senior” to participate! Contact Marilyn Howard, CLL Coordinator, at 919-693-1930 for registration or for more details.
BEGINNING COMPUTER SKILLS CLASSES are being offered at the Richard H. Thornton Library. On Monday, Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m., participants can learn how to convert files to PDF, how to search for and personalize files, and more. Seats are limited to five participants. Registration is required. Call 919-693-1121 for more details.
LEARN TO REPAIR YOUR OWN JEWELRY with instructor Linda Strother as a Jewelry Repair class is offered at the Granville County Senior Center. The session is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 10 at 1:30 p.m. and is one of many classes offered through the Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) program. Contact Marilyn Howard at 919-693-1930 for details.
BEEN MARRIED FOR 50 YEARS OR MORE? Join the fun on Feb. 12 as the Granville County Senior Center partners with the Granville County Library System to present the “Not-So-Newlywed” Game. Eight local couples will compete for prizes as they see how much they know about their spouse. If interested in participating, contact Angela Wright at 919-693-1930. This event is open to the public and begins at 6 p.m.
A CRICUT WORKSHOP will be held at each branch of the Granville County Library System as participants (age 18+) learn to make their own leather earrings. Sessions will be held at the South Branch Library in Creedmoor (Feb. 12 at 2 p.m.), at the Stovall Library (Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.), at the Thornton Library (Feb. 26 at 2 p.m.) and the Berea Branch (Feb. 27 at 2 p.m.) Supplies will be provided and registration is not required. Contact your nearest local library for details.
TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS can enjoy “Night Time Story Time” at the Thornton Library on Feb. 12. Starting at 5 p.m., little ones will be read popular children’s books to prepare for bedtime. For more details, contact Children’s Librarian Amy Carlson at 919-693-1121.
VALENTINE’S DAY IS ON THE WAY! A Cookie Decorating Class will be held at the South Branch Library at 4 p.m. on Feb. 12. Make a sweet treat for this special day. Fun for the whole family! The South Branch Library is located at 1550 South Campus Drive in Creedmoor. Contact Penelope Mason for details at 919-528-1752.
ARE YOU A WOODLAND OWNER? Learn how to manage your property from planning to harvest with a series of workshops presented by N.C. Cooperative Extension and the North Carolina Forest Service. Topics include planning, regeneration, tree management practices and final harvest. Registration is required for these four sessions, scheduled for Feb. 13, May 14, Aug. 15 and Nov. 12 in various locations in Granville and Vance Counties. Contact the Granville County Cooperative Extension office at 919-603-1350 to learn more. All workshops are scheduled for 7 p.m.
MEET LIBBY, THE NEW MOBILE APP FROM OVERDRIVE. Learn how to borrow books and e-Audio books with Libby, your library on the go! On Thursday, Feb. 13, an informative session will be offered at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford to help library patrons make the most of today’s technology. Registration is not required and basic device skill is recommended. The Richard H. Thornton Library is located at 210 Main Street and the session will be held at 10 a.m.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE 2020 CENSUS can be answered in a Feb. 19 program provided by Census Representative Kathy Dunton. Dunton will be available at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford at 11 a.m. for a discussion of why the Census is important, how data results are used and other pertinent information about this once-every-decade event. On March 25, Dunton will return to assist anyone needing help completing the questionnaire. Call the Senior Center at 919-693-1930 for details.
Raccoon Found in Butner Area Tests Positive for Rabies
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Information courtesy Granville County Government
Granville County Animal Control was notified on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, of a suspicious raccoon in Twin Circles, Butner. The animal was tested for rabies, with positive results just reported.
Animal Control Officers have been working to notify residents in that area and the surrounding vicinity and offer a reminder that the best method to protect your pets from rabies is to have them vaccinated and to keep their shots current. North Carolina law also mandates that all owned dogs, cats and ferrets over four months of age should be vaccinated.
The Granville County Animal Shelter, located at 5650 Cornwall Road in Oxford, provides vaccinations for dogs and cats Monday through Friday of each week from noon until 4:30 p.m. The cost is only $6 per animal. Please call the Shelter at 919-693-6749 with any questions.
Cooperative Extension with Jamon Glover 02/06/20
/by Charlene100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
TORNADO WATCH UNTIL 7PM — FEB 6, 2020
/by John C. RoseTORNADO WATCH UNTIL 7 PM — FEB 6, 2020
News 02/06/20
/by Larry100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
Sheriff’s Office Investigating Kittrell Shell Station Armed Robbery
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release and photos, Vance County Sheriff’s Office
On Saturday, February 1, 2020, at 10:32 p.m., the Vance County Sheriff’s Office responded to 1243 U.S. Highway 1 South in reference to an armed robbery. The victim in this matter described the suspect as wearing dark-colored clothing with his face covered.
The Vance County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information regarding this incident. Anyone with information please contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 252-738-2200. This investigation is continuing.
WIZS Note: A search of the address indicates this is the Shell gas station in Kittrell, NC.
McGregor Hall Funding, County Budget Topics of Commissioners’ Meeting
/by WIZS StaffTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen provided WIZS with the following summary of the Vance County Board of Commissioners’ meeting held Monday, February 3, 2020:
McGregor Hall Funding Request: The committee discussed a funding request McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center recently made to both the City and County. The county manager provided a review of a recent economic impact study indicating McGregor Hall has an estimated annual economic impact of 2.34 million in additional restaurant, hotel and other spending within the City and County.
Mark Hopper, from McGregor Hall, was present and provided an overview of the performing arts center operations as well as their outstanding debt which is a $124,000 annual debt payment ($2.9 million over 40 years). This is preventing them from growing and providing a higher level of programming.
He noted that a higher level of programming has a cost between $25,000 and $30,000 per show and is unsustainable with McGregor’s desire to keep ticket prices below $35 for the local citizens. He also noted that ticket sales alone are not the primary revenue generator of any theatre and that the most successful performing arts center in the United States (Durham Performing Arts Center – DPAC) also receives local government funding.
In addition to this, he mentioned a recent review of similar facilities in North Carolina which indicated that McGregor Hall was the only one without local government support. The committee members discussed whether other grants, organizations, or endowments could be helpful in supporting McGregor Hall in the future.
The city and county members discussed the need to review McGregor Hall’s audit, and was agreeable to considering a specific request from McGregor during budget deliberations, but made no commitments (City or County) on any funding for McGregor Hall at this time.
Downtown Wi-Fi: The City members seemed receptive to the idea of contributing to this effort. This was the shortest item discussed during the committee meeting and we anticipate the city folks will get back to us on what, if anything, they can contribute. Our board believes free downtown Wi-Fi is needed, and they would like both city and county working together on this.
Audit: The audit went well – no material weakness findings and the financials are in order. We did dip into our general fund balance to the tune of $2.2 million last year, but $1.7 of that was the purchase of land for economic development which was anticipated.
Even with this, our unassigned fund balance was just over 28% at the end of June 2019 and our target is to stay above 25%. We need to be careful from a budgeting standpoint going forward because revenue growth has been very minimal compared to the funding requests and needs that we see each year.
Although we go into each budget looking to keep the tax rate the same, there were some items added last year that could have necessitated a tax increase. That will make this upcoming year’s budget more challenging without a tax increase – but we will get into those numbers soon. We will discuss the upcoming budget in more depth at our Planning Retreat on Monday.
Litter Cleanup: We heard a great presentation on what NCDOT is doing to combat litter. Over time, fewer prisons are participating in litter cleanup, but NCDOT is still spending $20.9 million a year to combat the problem. The bulk of this is paid to contract companies who cleanup along our roadways.
It was interesting to see that in Vance County alone, 64.97 tons of roadside litter was cleaned up by NCDOT. Also, we have had a lot of success recently reporting roadside litter problems to NCDOT through their online portal www.ncdot.gov/contact. In some instances we reported it and they cleaned the road up the very next day.
To see more information on the Vance County Board of Commissioners, including meeting agendas, proposed budgets and reports, visit www.vancecounty.org/departments/board-of-commissioners/.
Friday Marks Deadline to Register to Vote in Primary Election
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, North Carolina State Board of Elections
The State Board of Elections is reminding residents that the deadline to register to vote in North Carolina in the 2020 primary election is Friday, February 7.
For more information about registering, visit ncsbe.gov/Voters/Registering-to-Vote.
Individuals who miss the regular voter registration deadline may still register and vote at any one-stop early voting site in their county during the early voting period, February 13-29. To see the early voting sites in your county, go here: https://vt.ncsbe.gov/ossite/
At an early voting site, registered voters may update their address, but not their party affiliation. Registered voters who wish to change their party affiliation must do so by February 7.
For more information about same-day registration, visit ncsbe.gov/Voting-Options/One-Stop-Early-Voting.
“The State Board encourages every eligible North Carolina resident to make sure they’re registered before the primary election,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections. “This includes making any changes, such as address and party affiliation.”
To confirm your registration status, use the State Board’s voter lookup tool.
To register, individuals must meet certain qualifications and complete a North Carolina Voter Registration Application in English or Spanish. Applications are available at the state and county boards of elections, public libraries, public high schools, college admissions offices and many state agencies.
Once completed, the applicant must sign the form, and mail it or return it in-person to their county board of elections. Voters who are already registered may update their information by submitting a voter registration form by email, fax, mail, or in-person to their county board of elections.
To find the address of your local board of elections, use the county board lookup tool: vt.ncsbe.gov/BOEInfo/.
Prospective voters must meet the following qualifications to register to vote:
Note: Voters are not required to show photo ID for the March 2020 primary election. In a December 31 order, a federal district court blocked North Carolina’s voter photo ID requirement from taking effect. The injunction will remain in place until further order of the court.
Town Talk 02/05/20
/by Larry100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
Reminder: Registration Deadline for Focus 20/20 is Feb. 13
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments
The Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments announces Focus 20/20, a Regional Economic Development Summit to be held at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson on February 20, 2020. The summit kicks off at 9:30 a.m.
Keynote speaker for the event is Doug Griffiths, author of the bestselling book, 13 Ways to Kill Your Community. Doug works with communities across the US and Canada to identify and overcome challenges that prohibit their ability to become thriving, sustainable, and desirable.
Other featured speakers for the Summit include ● Dr. Michael Walden, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Extension Economist at North Carolina State University ● Hillary Sherman, NC Economic Development Representative, US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration ● Thom Ruhe, President & CEO, NC IDEA ● Jennifer Lantz, Executive Director, Wilson Economic Development Council ● Dr. Jenni Harris, Executive Director of Business Services, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Solutions ● Dawn Michelle Tucker, Dean of Continuing Education and College & Career Readiness, Vance-Granville Community College ● Dr. Pamela G. Senegal, President, Piedmont Community College ● Judy Bradsher, M.Ed., Director, CTE Programs/GEAR UP Liaison, Person County Schools ● Rhonda L. High, Customized Training Director, Halifax Community College.
“This Summit is a timely and relevant event for citizens who seek to learn more about the advantages and challenges of preparing their communities for economic development success. It will provide best practices and examples that can be applied locally.” -Diane Cox, Executive Director, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments.
Summit presentations will focus on the following: ● Setting the Stage for Economic Development in Your Community ● Advancing Entrepreneurship ● Talent Development-Best Practice Workforce Initiatives ● 13 Ways to Kill Your Community – lessons on what really makes the difference between a prospering community and a failing one.
The event is complimentary, but registration is required and limited to the first 400 registrants. If you are interested in attending, please register at www.kerrtarcog.org. The deadline for registration is February 13, 2020.