100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
WIZS wishes everyone a fun and safe July 4th holiday weekend. To help you celebrate, we’ve compiled a list of Independence Day events planned for the local four-county area:
VANCE COUNTY:
Fireworks in the Park
Where: Fox Pond Park – 467 Vicksboro Rd in Henderson
Date: Friday, July 5, 2019
Time: Jazz in the Park festivities begin at 6:30 p.m.; fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.
Note: No parking will be allowed at Fox Pond Park; shuttling from nearby Aycock Recreation Center will begin at 5:30 p.m.
For additional details, click here.
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VANCE COUNTY
Fireworks Under the Stars at Kerr Lake
Where: Kerr Lake’s Satterwhite Point
Date: Saturday, July 6, 2019
Time: Activities are planned from 3 until 10 p.m.; fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
Note: Kid’s activities planned for this year’s celebration; no alcohol allowed.
For additional details, click here.
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GRANVILLE COUNTY
Fireworks Display at Lake Holt
Where: Lake Holt, Old Highway 75, Butner, NC
Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2019
Time: Gates open at 6 p.m.; fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.
Note: Concessions will be available; no alcohol
For additional details, click here.
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GRANVILLE COUNTY
Creedmoor’s Fourth of July Picnic
Where: Lake Rogers Park, Shelter #1 at 1711 Lake Road in Creedmoor, NC
Date: Thursday, July 4, 2019
Time: Activities planned from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Note: Event is open to the public and features music, food, beverages and a cake baking contest.
For additional details, click here.
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WARREN COUNTY
Wise’s 19th Annual Independence Day Parade & Festival
Where: “Main Street” (US Hwy 1) of Wise, NC
Date: Thursday, July 4, 2019
Time: Activities planned from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Note: Parade begins at 10 a.m.; festival will follow at Wise Baptist Church
For additional details, click here.
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FRANKLIN COUNTY
Fireworks at Louisburg High School
Where: Louisburg High School, 201 Allen Lane, Louisburg, NC
Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2019
Time: Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; fireworks go off at dark
Note: Food, music, inflatables and games; rain date is Saturday, July 6
For additional details, click here.
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Oxford Commissioners to Consider Water, Sewer Line Replacement Grants
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford
The City of Oxford Board of Commissioners will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, City Hall in Oxford.
Agenda items include:
Recognition of July Yard of the Month – Mr. and Mrs. Allen and Ruth Morgan of 104 Green Field Circle.
Peggy Velthuizen and Susan Foster from the Oxford Women’s Club will present a check to the DOEDC.
Public Hearing to receive citizen input on amending the zoning ordinance to amend the table of permitted uses to allow a craft distillery in the B-2 Zoning District.
Consider amending the zoning ordinance to allow a craft distillery in the B-2 zoning district.
Consider adopting an Aquatic Weed Control Resolution.
Consider calling for a public hearing for amending the zoning ordinance under section 1405 (a) for density development for planned unit developments.
Consider adopting resolutions to accept Grants and Loans and Capital Project Ordinances for the following: 2017 Water Line Replacement Project and the 2018 Sewer Line Replacement Project.
Please click here for the full meeting agenda and additional details.
The ‘Few and the Proud’ Join Forces With the State to Combat Drunk Driving
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, NCDOT
The Marine Corps Air Station New River played host Monday to the annual North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program Statewide Fourth of July ‘Booze It & Lose it’ campaign, dubbed ‘Operation Firecracker.’ (PICTURES HERE)
Operation Firecracker aims to prevent alcohol-related crashes by targeting impaired drivers during the July 4 holiday season. The campaign runs July 1 through July 7, with law enforcement agencies running sobriety checkpoints in all 100 counties to help catch drunk drivers and reduce fatalities.
GHSP Director Mark Ezzell speaks at the 2019 ‘Operation Firecracker’ kickoff event in Jacksonville. (Photo courtesy NCDOT)
Monday’s kickoff was launched on the air station with educational activities and displays including:
Poised in front of a commanding MV-22 Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (VMM-263), Lt. Col. Roger Holliday, director of Installations and Environment, MCAS New River, addressed a crowd of about 350 Marines, Sailors and civilians.
“This campaign is aimed at saving the lives of those who ensure all of our freedom by bringing a heightened sense of awareness about an issue that can plague military communities,” he said.
Military communities have one of the most susceptible populations to drinking and driving with the majority of the enlisted Marines and Sailors being males between the ages of 18 and 22.
N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program Director Mark Ezzell told the crowd, “It’s a time for us to fire up the barbecue, grab a seat for that spectacular fireworks display and hoist the flag, not lower it because someone we know died or was killed due to poor planning.”
“We need you to ‘improvise, adapt, and overcome’ and practice new techniques going forward,” Ezzell added. “Call a cab, call a buddy, take the bus or use ride-share services. These are four easy ways not to die after you’ve been drinking.”
Lance Cpl. Brandon Pena is a Marine with Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron, MCAS New River, whose career abruptly shifted in July of 2018.
“It was around this time last year that I was arrested right here on base for driving drunk,” he shared with the crowd. “I was drinking at a party and decided to drive myself home. I thought I knew ‘my limit’ but no one does.”
Base officials conducted a breathalyzer test and Pena blew almost twice the legal limit.
“My blood alcohol was 0.13. I was booked. I lost my license. I lost my rank. I lost respect. What I gained however, was a second chance at a law-abiding life. I could have killed myself that night or God forbid someone else. I still live my life as a Marine. I plan on celebrating this 4th of July, but I can tell you I won’t be drinking and driving,” Pena continued.
His message was simple as is the solution for celebrating safety this holiday and any other.
“Leave the keys at home. No one knows their own limit, and once you are drunk it’s too late.”
The ‘Booze It & Lose It’ campaign is one of the many campaigns by NCGHSP which supports, through funding, a myriad of safe-driving initiatives like Click It or Ticket, BikeSafe NC, Watch For Me NC, Speed a Little. Lose a Lot, and North Carolina’s Vision Zero initiative.
ReBuild Communities to Host ‘Solar Energy’ Business After Hours Event
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce
A “Solar Energy Workforce Development” Business After Hours event will be held from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at ReBuild Communities NC Cultural Center, 117 Church St. in Henderson.
Hosted by ReBuild Communities NC and the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, this networking session will feature NC State University’s NC Clean Energy Technology Center.
For more details, please call (919) 723-0100.
Fox Pond Park Fireworks POSTPONED Due to Expected Weather
/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 Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center
Due to the threat of storms, ‘Fireworks and Jazz at Fox Pond Park’ originally scheduled for the evening of Friday, July 5, 2019, has been postponed. Once the event has been rescheduled, Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks and WIZS will bring you the updated information.
The Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department thanks you for your support and understanding!
List of Local Four-County Independence Day Celebrations
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
WIZS wishes everyone a fun and safe July 4th holiday weekend. To help you celebrate, we’ve compiled a list of Independence Day events planned for the local four-county area:
VANCE COUNTY:
Fireworks in the Park
Where: Fox Pond Park – 467 Vicksboro Rd in Henderson
Date: Friday, July 5, 2019
Time: Jazz in the Park festivities begin at 6:30 p.m.; fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.
Note: No parking will be allowed at Fox Pond Park; shuttling from nearby Aycock Recreation Center will begin at 5:30 p.m.
For additional details, click here.
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VANCE COUNTY
Fireworks Under the Stars at Kerr Lake
Where: Kerr Lake’s Satterwhite Point
Date: Saturday, July 6, 2019
Time: Activities are planned from 3 until 10 p.m.; fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
Note: Kid’s activities planned for this year’s celebration; no alcohol allowed.
For additional details, click here.
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GRANVILLE COUNTY
Fireworks Display at Lake Holt
Where: Lake Holt, Old Highway 75, Butner, NC
Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2019
Time: Gates open at 6 p.m.; fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.
Note: Concessions will be available; no alcohol
For additional details, click here.
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GRANVILLE COUNTY
Creedmoor’s Fourth of July Picnic
Where: Lake Rogers Park, Shelter #1 at 1711 Lake Road in Creedmoor, NC
Date: Thursday, July 4, 2019
Time: Activities planned from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Note: Event is open to the public and features music, food, beverages and a cake baking contest.
For additional details, click here.
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WARREN COUNTY
Wise’s 19th Annual Independence Day Parade & Festival
Where: “Main Street” (US Hwy 1) of Wise, NC
Date: Thursday, July 4, 2019
Time: Activities planned from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Note: Parade begins at 10 a.m.; festival will follow at Wise Baptist Church
For additional details, click here.
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FRANKLIN COUNTY
Fireworks at Louisburg High School
Where: Louisburg High School, 201 Allen Lane, Louisburg, NC
Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2019
Time: Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; fireworks go off at dark
Note: Food, music, inflatables and games; rain date is Saturday, July 6
For additional details, click here.
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Vance Commissioners Approve County-Wide Broadband Agreement
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
The Vance County Board of Commissioners has approved a multi-year incentive agreement with Open Broadband to provide high-speed wireless internet for residential and commercial customers throughout the county.
While a public hearing was held at the July 1 Commissioners’ meeting, no public comments were made.
According to Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen, Open Broadband will provide high-speed internet service at more competitive rates than current providers.
In return for the commitment of installing broadband service and select free WiFi zones, an economic development grant in the amount of $264,000 will be provided over four years ($66,000 per year) with the source of funds being appropriated from the Vance County General Fund Balance.
This incentive is being combined with a state GREAT grant totaling $344,000.
Commissioners and officials will have a kickoff meeting with Open Broadband on Monday, July 15, 2019.
Background on county-wide broadband service (information taken from July 1 meeting agenda):
Vance County participated in a regional effort with Granville and Franklin Counties to deploy broadband throughout the county and region. This work began informally in 2016 with a committee of individuals representing Vance County, Vance County Schools, Vance-Granville Community College, the City of Henderson, and the Kerr-Tar COG.
The committee developed a citizen survey which was released in late 2016, and by spring 2017 the results indicated areas of Vance County in need of high-speed internet service and/or better service. This work led to the regional initiative which brought Mighty River, LLC on board in early 2018 as a consultant.
During 2018, a regional broadband strategy was developed, additional surveys were completed in Granville and Franklin Counties, and a Request for Proposals (RFP) was released to potential internet providers.
The RFPs were released in August 2018 and a total of four companies – NC Broadband Partnership, Open Broadband, Foresite & Riverstreet – responded by the October 18, 2018, deadline.
The counties have since reviewed the proposals, narrowed the selection down to two wireless providers (NC Broadband Partnership and Open Broadband) and appropriated funding in the budget process.
The Vance County Board of Commissioners voted on July 1, 2019, to award the contract to Open Broadband.
Franklin Co. Responds to Reports of Radiological Contaminants in Wells
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, Franklin County Government
The Franklin County Health Department responded to the report of potential radionuclides in wells on November 19, 2018, in a presentation to the Franklin County Board of Commissioners containing information on how citizens could have testing conducted.
The Franklin Times published this information during that week and information and instructions were placed on the Franklin County Health Department website.
In the 2018 presentation, it was noted that concern in Franklin stemmed from revised North Carolina Geological Survey Maps which show the Rolesville Granite Formation extending into a greater portion of Franklin County than was previously outlined in prior maps. As a result, the potential exists for more wells to be affected by the aging of this granite-formation, which can lead to naturally increased radionuclides in ground water.
Recent media coverage of Wake County’s notification to its citizens has generated a number of questions from Franklin County residents. So, what is Franklin County’s risk? Health concerns associated with elevated radionuclides in drinking water generally require prolonged exposure at highly elevated levels (in most cases over a lifetime) to have ill effects.
If you consume water from a well in Franklin County, visit the Health Department’s Environmental Health website for more information at https://www.franklincountync.us/services/health/services/environmental-health. Use the links in red to the “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)” document to learn more about whether your well should be tested (including a link to an interactive map for Radon), what test(s) to use, and any potential health risks.
The Health Department has developed a comprehensive bundled-package of well-water radiological tests ($225) as well as less expensive options based on your well’s particular needs.
For additional information, please call the county’s Environmental Health Services Program at 919-496-8100 or visit https://www.franklincountync.us/services/health.
Reminder: ‘Guys and Dolls’ Performances Begin This Weekend
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center
The McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center, 201 Breckenridge St. in Henderson, will feature “Guys and Dolls” as presented by the Henderson Rec Players on the following dates:
Friday, July 5, 2019, @ 8 p.m.
Saturday, July 6, 2019, @ 8 p.m.
Sunday, July 7, 2019, @ 2 p.m.
Friday, July 12, 2019, @ 8 p.m.
Saturday, July 13, 2019, @ 2 p.m.
Part of the Rosemyr Corporation Henderson Rec Players 2019 Season –
“Guys and Dolls” tells the story of a couple of big New York City gamblers and the women who love them. With music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, this energetic show features the hit songs “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” “Luck, Be a Lady,” and “Bushel and a Peck.”
Tickets may be purchased by:
DROP IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m
CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)
CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)
(This is not a paid advertisement)
Fireworks Caused 35 NC Wildfires in 2018; State Urges Caution
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, NCDA&CS
Elevated wildfire risks due to abnormally dry conditions in Eastern North Carolina are prompting N.C. Forest Service officials to urge extreme caution with fireworks and to celebrate safely this Independence Day. Forecast chances for rain are slight at best and are unlikely in the southeastern counties for the next several days where warm temperatures will continue to raise the risk of wildfires.
“There were 35 wildfires sparked by fireworks in North Carolina in 2018 despite it being a very wet year,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “To reduce the risk of starting wildfires from fireworks during the upcoming holiday, we recommend enjoying professional fireworks shows rather than setting off personal fireworks if possible.”
Even small fireworks such as sparklers, fountains, glow worms, smoke devices, trick noisemakers and other Class C fireworks can be hazardous. For example, sparklers burn at temperatures above 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Glow worms burn directly on the ground near ignition sources.
Wildfires caused by fireworks can be prosecuted under the forest protection laws of North Carolina and individuals may be subject to reimbursing the costs for fire suppression.
If you choose to display your own fireworks, here are some safety tips to follow:
“As the population in North Carolina continues to increase and more homes are built in wooded areas, it’s important for everyone to understand wildfire prevention,” said State Forester David Lane. “In addition to using fireworks safely, campfires or grills should never be left unattended.”
Campfire and grill ashes should be doused with water and stirred. Repeat this process to ensure ashes are cold. Place ashes in outside metal containers or bury them in mineral soil. Never put ashes in a paper bag, plastic bucket or other flammable container. Never store ashes in a garage, on a deck or in a wooded area. Double-check that ashes and coals are completely cold by feeling with the back of a bare hand before throwing them away to make sure a fire won’t start.
For more information, contact your local N.C. Forest Service office or visit www.ncforestservice.gov.
Special Olympics Basketball to Offer Participants Physical Fitness, New Skills
/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 Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center
The Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department is currently registering children and adults with intellectual disabilities for Vance County Special Olympics Basketball. Those interested must preregister by August 13, 2019, and must be at least 8 years old to participate.
Participants will develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and learn new skills.
Basketball games will be held at the Aycock Recreation Center in Henderson on Tuesday nights beginning September 3 through November 5, 2019, from 6 – 7 p.m.
For more information, contact Crystal Allen at (252) 431-6091 or email callen@ci.henderson.nc.us