Tag Archive for: #wizsnews

TownTalk: ‘God’s Trombones’ Rescheduled To April 12 At 4 P.M.

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Update January 30, 2026:

The “God’s Trombones” performance originally scheduled for Sunday afternoon, has been rescheduled to Sunday, April 12, 2026, according to information Friday from Connie Ragland Productions. The performance will take place at 4 p.m. at McGregor Hall. Tickets already purchased will be honored for the April 12 performance.

Update January 28, 2026:

Connie Ragland Productions told WIZS the event “scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 1st … Right now, it’s still on. We will keep an eye on the forecast as we get into Friday (and) Saturday … Any tickets purchased will be honored on a new date if that happens to be the case.”

Ragland herself said she’d notify WIZS of any changes, and we’ll get those posted here as needed.

Please enjoy full details below including our radio interview!

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Original Post January 15, 2026:

An upcoming production at McGregor Hall gathers together present-day preachers and musicians to highlight the work of a Black American poet whose work during the Harlem Renaissance continues to stir souls.

James Weldon Johnson is perhaps best known for writing the poem in 1900 that would be put to music by his brother and become known as the Black National Anthem.

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” is just one of the works that Johnson penned, however; the Feb. 1 production of “God’s Trombones” highlights a series of seven poems that Johnson wrote in 1927.

The full title of the collection of poems is “God’s Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons in Verse,” and all seven will be performed in this program by Connie Ragland Productions.

Ragland, Thursday’s guest on TownTalk, talked about the event, which will begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1.

Advance tickets are $25, $30 at the door, and $10 for children 12 and under. Blocks of 10 tickets will be discounted to $25 each, and Ragland said she’d love to see churches fill up their church vans and head over to attend the performance.

New Horizons Training Group and R.O.Y. Leadership are partnering with Ragland’s company to bring the performance to McGregor Hall.

The trombone is a metaphor for the voice of the preacher, Ragland explained. Each of the poems has a different topic and explores “the voice of the Black preacher and how it’s evolved.”

The nine pastors, ministers and others – most are local to the area – who will be reading Johnson’s works “are already known for being able to stir a crowd,” Ragland said, “to speak in a rhythm that the crowd will enjoy.” Each sermonette should last about seven minutes, with musical performances following each reading.

“We try to produce something of good quality,” Ragland said. Just because it’s Black history, the program isn’t just for Black people, she continued. “We want to reach across all cultures, it’s not just about us, our history in general, it’s about hearing a good word from God, it’s about singers that are going to blow the roof off.”

Evangelist Mary D. Williams, a Duke Divinity School professor and historian, will play the role of legendary Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. Ragland says her alto, story-telling voice “will lift your soul.”

Among other performers is Rubina Woods, part of the quartet New Creation based in Hillsborough

All the vocalists will be accompanied by a live band – keyboards, drum, bass and lead guitars, and brass – you can bet that joining the trumpet and saxophone will be, you guessed it, a trombone.

Purchase tickets at www.mcgregorhall.org. The box office is open weekdays between 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Call 252.598.0662 or stop by at 201 Breckenridge St., Henderson.

You can also contact Connie Ragland at 252.590.0303, Vince Ragland at 252.213.2095 or the

Rev. Eddie Williams at 704.472.6274.

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TownTalk: Around Old Granville – Stories Of The American Revolution From Old Granville County

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The phrases “Fourth of July “ and “Independence Day” are used interchangeably to note THE date when the American Colonists declared formal independence from Great Britain.

This year marks the 250th anniversary of that official Declaration of Independence, with ongoing celebrations marking the historic moment.

But it took eight years for the 13 Colonies – including North Carolina – to gain independence from Great Britain. What began in New England in April 1775 made a slow march south. Famous battles that took place in North Carolina include those at Guilford Courthouse near present-day Greensboro and Moores Creek near Wilmington.

And while there weren’t any battles fought in Granville County, local historian Mark Pace and WIZS’s Bill Harris agree that the area contributed mightily to the effort.

Indeed, there were folks who lived in North Carolina in the 1760’s and 1770’s who had grown weary of British rule. In 1771, these “Regulators” took up arms against Gov. Tryon and his troops. They didn’t prevail, but Pace said the effort helped establish a pattern in North Carolina where the people didn’t like an overbearing and authoritative government.

“By the time the unrest from New England came, they were ready,” Pace said.

The colony was fairly evenly divided between Patriots and Loyalists – a third were loyal to the Crown of England, a third supported independence and a third were going to wait to see which side prevailed and then side with the winner. Not surprisingly, wealthy landowners tended to side with Loyalists, with smaller farmers feeling a greater economic pinch from all the taxes imposed on them by the British.

The way Pace and Harris figure it, there were about 600 individuals from the original Granville County that served in the American Revolution. Of that number, about 35 lost their lives in the war.

But “service” isn’t limited to donning a uniform and seeing action on the battlefield.

There were key figures from North Carolina who played integral roles during this eight-year struggle for freedom, among them Thomas Person, Gen. Jethro Sumner, Col. Robert Burton and Col. John Williams, just to name a few.

Person was a general in the militia and Pace called him a “driving force” behind independence.

Although he didn’t see much action on the battlefield, Person was in charge of training troops and, as quartermaster general, provided food, weapons and lodging. He ponied up a lot of his own money to the war effort, Pace said, and had a training facility at Goshen, his plantation near what is now Berea in Granville County.

Like Person, Sumner, who lived in present-day Warren County, trained troops. With his “regular army” background, Gen. Nathanael Greene sought his help and Sumner’s brigades fought in South Carolina at the Battle of Eutaw Springs in 1781. Sumner missed out on the famous Guilford Courthouse battle in March 1781, but his remains were re-interred there in 1891 to commemorate his contributions to the Revolution.

Burton hailed from Williamsboro and lived in a home called Blooming Hope, later changed to Cedar Walk. Pace said he was a significant figure in establishing Patriot troops and getting them organized.

Incidentally, Burton ran a distillery and sold livestock, Pace said. There’s a ledger entry from 1774 that notes the sale of a gray mare to a member of the Transylvania Company that helped to settle Tennessee and Kentucky. Who was it? A fellow named Daniel Boone.

Williams, for whom the Vance County community of Williamsboro is named, was one of the signers of the Articles of Confederation, which was used as a framework for governance between 1775 and 1789, when the U.S. Constitution was finally in place.

The Articles of Confederation focused on keeping a federal style of government weak – there was no president, no executive branch, no national army or national tax as part of these articles, Pace explained.

For the period around the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, the government of North Carolina was moved temporarily from Hillsborough to Williamsboro and legislators stayed at Williams’s house.

Williams’s home, Montpelier, was supposed to be “the nicest old home in Williamsboro,” Pace said.

The home burned in 1885, when it was owned by the Bullock family. The home was rebuilt and that home burned around 2000. Williams, Burton and Leonard Henderson, for whom the city of Henderson is named, are all buried on the property.

If you’d like to research your family tree to find out if your ancestors fought in the American Revolution, check out the North Carolina Room at Thornton Library in Oxford. In addition to online research tools like ancestry.com, the North Carolina Room has a five-volume set of the Daughters of the American Revolution that includes information on every soldier they know of who fought in battles between 1775 and 1783.

 

 

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Cooperative Extension with Jamon Glover: Loving Out Loud pt.2

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Jamon Glover, on the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report:

We continue our Valentines Day Series called – Love Starts at Home. We talk about learning our child’s love language.

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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Home and Garden Show

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

  • The “Do You Want to be a Beekeeper” Workshop will be on Saturday, January 31st, from 7pm-9pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • The Beginner Bee School will be on Saturday, February 14th starting at 9am at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
  • If you have limited space, consider raised beds.
  • Prepare for the upcoming inclement weather. Batteries, food that doesn’t need to be cooked, first aid kits, medications. Check on senior neighbors.
  • Use cat litter or sand on walking areas or drive ways salt can damage lawns and landscape plants.
  • When ordering any seed or plants try to order varieties that have resistance to disease and insects.
  • Order newly released seed varieties ASAP.
  • Purchase your seed starting mix  Be certain to get a good quality product that drains well. Avoid using garden soil. Home compost, or used potting mix.
  • Get your piedmont planting guide now.
  • Check pruning equipment. Sharpen, repair, or even replace them. You can get pruning guides from Cooperative Extension.
  • Check your garden equipment according to the manufacturer. Ex: wheelbarrow tires.
  • Remember to use the proper personal protective equipment when doing winter chores.
  • Check houseplants dust weekly with a soft cloth.
  • Check storage areas for mice.

The Vance County Cooperative Extension Building is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536

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TownTalk: Granville County Tourism Heats Up With Flurry Of Events

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With all the recent chatter about snowstorms and frigid weather, lots of folks are looking for ways to embrace the warm, cozy feelings to ward off the cold and keep the chill off.

Look no further than Granville County, according to Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen. You’ll break a sweat in no time, however, if you get to all the events that are brewing in and around Oxford in the next few weeks.

Start by snuggling into a comfy chair at Wild Hare Books on the second and fourth Wednesdays for the Silent Book Club from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Grab a beverage, choose a book and enjoy a whole hour dedicated to…reading. For fun.

Wild Hare is located on Little John Street in downtown Oxford.

If a “cuppa” is more your speed, check out Cedar Creek near Creedmoor for the CUPful exhibit. Purchase a handmade cup or mug created by local and regional artists now through Feb. 22.

Moss & Ivy Coffee Co. is celebrating its first anniversary at its location at 121 E. McClanahan Street, right across from the Oxford Fire Department. Visit Saturday, Jan. 31 between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. for drinks, treats, raffles and prizes for the birthday celebration.

And those are just a few of the events brewing in Granville County, as January eases into February.

There’s live music at Tobacco Wood Brewing Co. Friday and Saturday (weather permitting) and a beer tasting of HopFly selections at The Hub on Main Friday, Jan. 30 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“No matter what’s going on outside, we can always warm up here in Granville County!” Allen said. And as February approaches, there are a multitude of events lined up to help celebrate Valentine’s Day.

“It’s all about love in Granville County,” Allen said. “Find the thing that you love in Granville County.”

Here’s a sample:

  • Jan. 31 – Joyce Manor Listening Party at Ox4D Music:Hear the band’s album in from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Feb. 7 – 3rd annual Love Fest in downtown Oxford. Visit participating businesses and enter to win a gift basket worth $1,000! Kids can particiapate for a chance to win a kids’ gift basket, too. The event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Feb. 9 – 14 – “Love You, Love You Not” at Tobacco Wood. A week of quirky, fun themed events for friends, couples, kids and everyone in between.
  • Feb. 14 – “Love at First Shuck” at Humble Pour in downtown Oxford. All-you-can-eat seafood, including oysters on the half shell, classic favorites and shareable bites. Tickets are $75 and must be purchased in advance. Two seatings – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Feb. 14 – A Verdi Gris prix fixe menu from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy a meal, live music and a great atmosphere. Purchase tickets in advance.
  • Feb. 28 – “Feelin’ Groovy”Musical tribute to Simon and Garfunkel at The Ox Theater. Performance begins at 7 p.m.
  • Feb. 28 – Puppy Love Quarter Auction at the Barn at Vino, 3200 Bliss Trail in Stem. Food trucks, shopping and a quarter auction to benefit Dogs Deserve Better of the Piedmont, whose mission is to improve the lives of tethered and neglected dogs.

 

Find the complete listing of events and activities across Granville County, as well as links to ticket purchase for the various events, at https://visitgranvillenc.com/

 

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TownTalk: Henderson Mayor Rescinds States of Emergencies and Curfew

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The states of emergency for the city of Henderson and Vance County have ended, just in time for the possibility of more winter weather heading this way for the weekend.

Vance County Board Chair Carolyn Faines ended Tuesday the county’s state of emergency that was put into effect in advance of last weekend’s predicted ice and snow storm.

In an official proclamation signed Tuesday and issued Wednesday morning, Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott rescinded two states of emergency – one in response to weather conditions and a second enacted as a result of the recent events involving gun violence that included a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew.

“The conditions that prompted these declarations have abated, and the threats to public safety and welfare have diminished,” according to the proclamation issued by the mayor.

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TownTalk: Innovation Opportunities Open for All at VCS

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(Be sure to scroll down for information flyers.)

Families today have many choices when it comes to the type of school their children attend, and Vance County Schools offer several options to make sure the district’s students go to the school that fits their needs.

With National School Choice Week being observed Jan. 26-30, the principals of three non-traditional VCS schools are poised to share information with families and students about choosing one of the innovative options that might just work for them.

The application period for one of these three schools – STEM Early High School, Vance County Early College High School and Vance Virtual Village Academy – opens on Monday, Feb. 2 and ends on Friday, Feb. 27. Dr. Destiny Ross-Putney, VCS chief officer of instruction and innovation, said prospective applicants should plan to dedicate a good half hour to filling out the application, because they will be asked about particular courses they’re interested in taking and any special interests they may have. There may be a request to submit some written responses to questions as well.

The application goes live on Feb. 2, said VCS Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support Aarika Sandlin. Parents and students can find the application at the VCS website, https://www.vcs.k12.nc.us/.

Once the application window has ended, the selection process begins. Decisions will be mailed out by Mar. 23, Sandlin said.

Vance County Early College Interim Principal Dr. Tim Hall encourages parents with rising 9th graders to consider the Early College, located on the campus of Vance-Granville Community College in Henderson.

“Don’t assume that this isn’t for your student,” Hall said. “We’re here to expand access,” Hall said. “The Early College is a life-changing, transformative experience.” Teachers and staff emphasize high expectations but also provide support students need in areas that include time management, study habits, effective communication and self-advocacy.

It’s a place for students who want a smaller high school environment, where they can forge stronger relationships and where they can earn college credits.

Early College students enter at 9th grade and can not only graduate high school but can earn up to two years’ college credit in five years’ time.

The Early College open house is scheduled for (Feb. 4 because of weather delays). (Edited from original post.)

The open houses for the two other innovative options also take place on Feb. 4, both at the Center for Innovation from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

That’s where STEM Early High is located, and principal Jessica Austin said the sixth, seventh and eighth graders who attend this school have the opportunity to earn high school credit before setting foot on a high school campus.

The COGNIA-accredited school provides students access to curricula above their grade level, all in a fun and engaging atmosphere. Regular Club Days allow students to “dig into their passion projects,” Austin said, and expose students to career opportunities that involve Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – STEM.

The middle and high-school students at Vance Virtual Village Academy find an online option best suits their needs, for a variety of reasons. Principal Dr. Jeff Batten said upperclassmen can take classes at Vance-Granville Community also, making college credits accessible to them as well.

Each school has videos and other information on their respective websites, and Ross-Putney said that’s a good way to learn more before attending one of the upcoming open house events.

Sandlin said, “I strongly encourage our community as a whole to take advantage of the school visits.” They provide an opportunity to not only meet the school principals, but also to see what the school building looks like and feels like – to really understand what the space is about.

“Delve into that,” she said, “(by) going to see it for themselves to make sure this is a fit for your child.”

Batten said his school has a wide variety of students who, for whatever reason, find a place at V3A. One student travels extensively with his parent. Virtual classes work. Another student wanted to graduate a whole year early and was able to double up on classes to achieve his goal. And there are opportunities for students to come to a physical location to get help a couple of times a week when they need it, Batten said.

Austin said the teachers at STEM Early High offer intentional STEM exposure and accelerated coursework to allow students to get real-world experiences to prepare them for future careers.

“Not all of our students come in ready,” Austin said. “They have gaps, just like all students. We pride ourselves on being able to reach students in our small setting and being able to help them grow.” By the time they finish eighth grade, the gaps are filled and, in some cases, they’re halfway to being a sophomore in high school.

Hall said he is most proud of the transformation he sees among the students at the Early College.

“Students come in unsure of themselves, (and) over time, they become the type of people who can manage college expectations, communicate with instructors, advocate for themselves and lead…this shift is powerful.”

(This information and audio was originally broadcast and posted Thursday, January 22, 2026.  Please look below for an updated flyers from Vance County Schools as of 01-27-26.)

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The Local Skinny! Beware Of Latest DMV Scam

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— Information from the office of N.C. Attorney General Jeff Jackson

Attorney General Jeff Jackson is warning North Carolinians about a new wave of scam text messages falsely claiming to come from the North Carolina DMV and threatening license suspension, fines and other penalties.

The message claims the recipient has an unpaid traffic ticket and directs them to a website that looks official but is not connected to the State of North Carolina.

“This message is a scam,” Jackson stated. “The DMV does not collect traffic tickets by text, does not threaten people this way, and does not send links asking for payment.”

“We are aware of multiple fraudulent text scams that have gone out requesting payment for fees, fines, or tolls,” said NCDMV Commissioner Paul Tine. “We will NEVER request payment by text. If you get one of these texts, don’t respond. Instead, report it as spam and delete it.”

Signs This Is a Scam
Consumers should watch for these red flags:

  • Fake web address: The link includes the word “.gov,” but it is not a real government site. The true domain ends in .cc, not .gov. The true domain, .cc, is the country-code for the Cocos Islands near Australia.
  • Fake penalties: The text threatens things that do not exist under North Carolina law, including a “35% service fee at toll booths” and credit score damage from the DMV.

What To Do
If you receive this message, do not click the link.

  1. Report It: The Attorney General’s Office tracks these scams to work with telecom providers to shut them down. Report the message to our Consumer Protection Division at https://ncdoj.gov/report-robocalls/.
  2. Verify Status: If you’re unsure whether an email, text, or letter from the NCDMV is legitimate, you should contact the agency directly at (919) 715-7000.
  3. Block and Delete: Once reported, block the number delete the message.

The Consumer Protection Division protects North Carolina consumers from scams and fraud. If you spot a scam, let us know by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or filing a complaint online at ncdoj.gov/complaint.

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