WIZS Radio Local News Audio 03-13-23 Noon
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Tag Archive for: #wizsnews
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Edibles In The Landscape
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WIZS Radio Local News Audio 03-10-23 Noon
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The Local Skinny! Latest On S Line Rail Service
Plans for the proposed S-Line are chugging along, and Vance County commissioners got an encouraging update from NC DOT officials at their meeting earlier this week.
If all goes the way it’s supposed to, Henderson and Norlina will be stops along a yet-to-be completed passenger rail line that will connect the Washington, D.C. and the Northeast Corridor rail system all the way to Florida.
Julie White, deputy secretary for multi-modal transportation with DOT, joined Rail Division Director Jason Orthner and Ryan Brumfield, DOT’s integrated mobility division director at Monday’s meeting.
“We continue to see support of the corridor and interest from the U.S. DOT to invest,” Orthner stated.
This stretch of rail line that includes seven stops from Sanford to Norlina in North Carolina, is expected to serve up to 25 million passengers when it’s completed, sometime close to 2030. It will connect Raleigh and Richmond, VA.
Grant funding provided $950,000 for conduct studies for each of the proposed stops in Henderson and Norlina. There were multiple listening sessions in each area to gather community input and explain the project over the course of the past year or so.
The two local stops proposed in this stretch of the S-Line project are among seven, with others being Sanford, Apex, Wake Forest, Youngsville and Franklinton.
Ridership in North Carolina has increased steadily over the past five years, with the exception of 2020 when COVID-19 was in full force. In 2022, more than a half million people hopped on a train to get from Point A to Point B, according to information the trio shared with commissioners.
People are leaning into rail for transportation needs, Orthner noted. A fifth train is being added to serve the Raleigh to Charlotte market and this year roundtrip service between the two major urban areas is scheduled to begin.
The impact on the local economy could be big, and local leaders have been involved in discussions about potential station, or hub, sites in recent months as plans continue to progress.
This project has been in process since the early 1990’s and the corridor rail was acquired from CSX in 2020. Since then, there have been lots of studies and grant awards to keep the whole thing “on track,” no pun intended.
Brumfield said the community interest in creating the rail service has added to the success of the project. The creation of “mobility hubs” involves much more that a building where people wait to board a train, he said. It’s an activity center of transportation and a meeting space where energy ripples out into the wider community, positively affecting quality of life and accessibility and making communities more vibrant.
Commissioners asked questions, from length of time to get from Raleigh to Richmond (2 -2.5 hours) to what type of train traffic Henderson could expect to see along its portion of the rail line (continued freight service and faster passenger service).
Right now, CSX runs trains about 25 mph in the area, but high-speed service means that passenger trains could reach between 80 and 110 mph on northbound and southbound runs.
This project is one of 10 that the NC DOT Rail Division has across the state.
In their presentation to commissioners, the DOT team noted that this construction project will result in one of the most technologically advanced railroads in the Southeast, providing:
-110 mph passenger railroad
-91 new grade separations
-concrete ties
-high speed switches
-high level platforms
-freight bypass tracks
-positive train control and
-advanced signal systems
Once the Raleigh to Richmond link is completed, it will connect North Carolina and points farther South to Washington, DC and points up the Northeast Corridor, where rail service is a critical transportation component for commuters and other travelers.
Benefits to our region include:
- Direct connection between urban centers by as many as 25 million passengers by 2040
- Additional capacity and over and hour in travel time saved between NC and VA
- Backbone of regional multi-modal connectivity including commuter rail, transit and active transportation
- Critical to further expanding the NC passenger rail system
- Provides freight network resiliency
- Environmental benefits
- Expands service to disadvantaged and underserved regions
WHAT’S NEXT:
- Prepare and submit grant applications. There’s a grant funding match provided by the State Transportation Improvement Plan would combine local funding with state and federal grants. Application due April 21.
- Develop and implement the first phase of the S-Line will be Raleigh to Wake Forest
- There’s $4.5 billion available from 2022 FRA (a federal-state partnership)
- Grant funding for ROW, final design and constructions.
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TownTalk: Spring Events In Granville County
Anyone who attempts to keep up with Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen better be wearing a good pair of sneakers. Or better yet, roller skates. Between now and the end of April, she’ll be putting a lot of miles on her car to attend all the events scheduled for Granville County.
“We’ve got tons of stuff going on,” Allen told Bill Harris on Thursday’s TownTalk. “We’ve got some very creative people around here in Granville County – and they love spring.”
From egg hunts to traditional Scottish games, there’s something for residents and visitors over the next couple of months. “We do have so many people come to visit,” Allen said, adding that Granville County “may be small, but it’s definitely mighty and definitely welcoming to anyone who wants to come and have a good time.”
Kicking things off on Saturday, Mar. 11 is Spring Fling at the Orpheum in downtown Oxford.
This event is free to attend, but Allen said VIP ticketholders get a swag bag filled with items from downtown merchants as well as a mimosa and front-row seats to the fashion show.
Local is the name of the game at this event, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
The fashion show includes the latest trends from downtown retailers C2, Nan’s Fashions and Bobo’s.
Here’s a rundown on the other upcoming events:
Saturday & Sunday, Mar. 25-26 – The Viking Experience at The Barn at Vino in Stem. This is the second year that the Vikings invade Granville County, featuring 30+ cast members who will be in character both days to interact with those in attendance. There will be food and craft vendors on site, and lots of opportunities to participate. Weekend passes are $30, with daily passes available as well. Day passes for Saturday’s 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. events are $18; Sunday events run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and tickets are $15. Special activities like “Viking in training fight pit” and an escape room require an extra fee.
Folks came from all over the country for last year’s event, Allen said. “I’m excited to see it again and (see) what they’ve added for this year.”
Friday, Mar. 31
Cedar Creek Gallery opens its studios and then plans to be open for the next two weekends, offering demonstrations in glass blowing, pottery and woodturning, just to name a few. There will be live music and different food trucks each day of the festival, rain or shine.
Saturday, Apr. 1, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Carlee Farms “Eggstravaganza” eaturing local food and craft vendors, as well as a photo session with the Easter Bunny and a petting zoo. Admission to the event is free; proceeds benefit Tar River Elementary School.
- “Paws for Granville” 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Barn at Vino. Dinner, silent auction and musical entertainment to benefit the Humane Society and the Granville County Animal Services. Tickets are $35 and available on the Paws For Granville Facebook page.
Sunday, Apr. 2, 1-3 p.m.
3rd annual Easter Egg hunt at The Barn at Vino. No charge to attend, but $15 per child to participate in egg hunt, which includes a photo with the Easter Bunny. Kids 3 and under will have a special spot roped off for them and the kids 4 and older will be in a larger area. Look up the event on Eventbrite or find out more information on the Barn at Vino Facebook page.
Saturday Apr. 8, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Jimbo’s Backyard BBQ at The Barn at Vino. Tickets $15, $30 for People’s Choice. Proceeds benefit Wreaths Across America. Find ticket info on Jimbo’s Backyard BBQ or the Barn at Vino Facebook pages
Food and vendor trucks will be on site, and beer and wine will be available for purchase.
Saturday, Apr. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Granville Gardeners present the 2nd full-fledged expo at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center. What began as an herb sale a few years ago has become a daylong event that includes workshops and demonstrations, as well as dozens of craft vendors and local growers who share information about plants and gardening.
Celebrate Earth Day at the Expo. Learn more at www.thegranvillegardeners.org
Saturday, Apr. 29, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Oxford Main Street Art and Wine, featuring live music and a whole mix of craft vendors, artists and wine tasting. The event is free, but tickets are required for the wine-tasting. Beer and wine are available for purchase at The Hub on Main.
Allen said she likes the experience of mixing culture and art with this event.
Saturday, Apr. 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Come to the campus of Central Children’s Home, 211 W. Antioch Drive, Oxford for the 2nd annual Central Carolina Highland Games. “This one’s for all my Braveheart fans,” Allen said. This daylong series of Scottish athletic events, from caber toss to stone’s throw, features pipe band performances and traditional Scottish dancers.
What’s a caber, you ask? Here’s Allen’s explanation: “I am talking about a huge big tree that people sign up to throw across a field,” she said.
Admission is free, and parking is $20. Proceeds benefit the Central Children’s Home.
Visit https://www.centralhighlandgames.com/ to learn more.
There’s so much planning and organizing that goes in to making these events happen, Allen said. “It’s pretty awesome to see this displayed in our community.” People get to “have fun, give back and learn something new.”
And, as always, find out more about all the things going on in Granville County at Allen’s webpage, www.visitgranvillenc.com
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SportsTalk: Downey Losing Eight Seniors From 2022-23 Team
Even though Vance Charter’s boy’s basketball team didn’t win a state championship, Coach Taron Downey is proud of the team’s achievement of going to the state playoffs for the last two consecutive years. It’s also nice to be recognized for the hard work! Downey was voted as Coach of the Year for the Triangle North Conference. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be a coach,” Downey said on Thursday’s SportsTalk.
The off season now gets started with conditioning and weight training, but Downey has a little recovering to do himself after his own injury on the basketball court. While his injury may not be serious, he is getting some serious ribbing from his players.
Speaking of his players, next season Coach Downey will have to replace eight seniors. “While we are losing those players, we have a core group of four or five players who will be returning,” Downey says. He also expects to pick up quite a few JV players next season for the Vance Charter Squad.
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WIZS Radio Local News Audio 03-09-23 Noon
Click Play to Listen. On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
Cooperative Extension With Jamon Glover: Relaxing Techniques, Pt. 5
Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.
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TownTalk: Jail To Close For Repairs
The 50-plus inmates of the Vance County Detention Center could find themselves in a different jail soon – at least temporarily – while contractors replace old doors to provide better security.
The Vance County Commissioners approved spending up to $90,000 to pay for the inmates’ stays at other facilities, but there’s one condition: Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame must get, in writing, confirmation from the contractor that the work can and will be done within a 30-day period.
During that 30-day window, the jail would be closed as far as housing inmates is concerned. Closing a jail sounds like a severe measure, but it is what needs to happen for the repairs and installations to be completed.
Brame and longtime sheriff’s office employee Weldon Bullock were at the commissioners’ meeting Monday to make the request. They shared details of yet another example of unsafe conditions at the jail – an inmate lay unconscious for at least five minutes after being attacked in a fight over the weekend.
He was transported to Duke University Hospital and had surgery for a broken eye socket, Bullock reported during his remarks to the commissioners. He also stated that the doors are broken and can’t be secured properly. But physical conditions aside, Bullock said what really bothered him was that the inmate could have died. “The guy could have laid there and died – I don’t want somebody to get killed because we can’t lock the doors.”
The new doors have been purchased and are ready to be installed, to the tune of about $400,000. Once the sheriff gets written confirmation from the contractor that the work can be done within a 30-day period, the plan can proceed.
As chief law enforcement officer in the county, the sheriff is responsible for the hiring and firing of employees within the sheriff’s office, but salaries and other capital expenses are the responsibility of the county commissioners.
Brame has long said that the county needs a new jail and more staff to adequately cover the jail. The facility has gotten deficiencies on state inspection reports for various problems, from broken doors to non-functioning cameras and peeling paint.
A comprehensive feasibility study was initiated last year to evaluate the jail and to help county leaders decide whether to repair or replace the 30-year-old structure.
The Vance County Jail will close for thirty days to replace doors.
Downtown’s ‘Shamrocks On Breckenridge’ Offers Free Family Fun!
This is a sponsored post.
Let’s turn downtown Henderson all shades of green for St. Patrick’s Day during the Shamrocks on Breckenridge next Friday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
There will be plenty of music, entertainment, vendors and activities for the whole family, according to Amanda Walker Ellis, vice-chair of the Henderson Vance Downtown Development Commission.
Participants can use food vouchers to exchange for tasty treats during the event, Ellis said, thanks to the generosity of sponsors.
WIZS is pleased to join other event sponsors to make the event a success – Vance County Arts Council, North Carolina Arts Council, City of Henderson, Gateway Community Development Center and the Henderson Vance DDC.
A number of community agencies also will have information tables to share resources with participants, including AIM High: Purpose Driven Company, ACTS, Turning Point Community Development Mobile Lab., Gateway Comm Dev Center, Vance County Tourism and FGV Smart Start.
