City of Wilson :: News

Heavy rain causes overflows from sewer mains

6/7/2013

The City of Wilson had several discharges of untreated wastewater from our wastewater collection system sewer mains at the following locations:

600 block of Park Avenue, approximately 4,020 gallons, discharge occurred between 11:35 AM and 2:00PM, and 3400 block of Jayne Lane, approximately 900 gallons, discharge occurred between 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM. The untreated wastewater entered Hominy Swamp of the Neuse River Basin.
2600 block of Forest Hills Road, approximately 1,000 gallons, discharge occurred between 12:30 PM and 2:10 PM. The untreated wastewater entered Contentnea Creek of the Neuse River Basin.
700 block of Vance, approximately 3,300 gallons, discharge occurred between 10:05 AM and 3:35PM, and 800 block of Gold Street East, approximately 1225 gallons, discharge occurred between 10:15 PM and 2:30 PM. The untreated wastewater entered Toisnot Swamp of the Neuse River Basin.

All spills occurred on June 7, 2013, and were caused by infiltration and heavy rains from Tropical Storm Andrea and creeks overflowing. This notice was required by North Carolina General Statutes Article 21 Chapter 143.215.C.

For more information contact Barry Parks Director of Water Resources at (252) 399-2374 or Darryl Sanders Collection System ORC at (252) 296-3412.

Help your family, friends plan for hurricane season

6/4/2013

Even though hurricane season in the Atlantic begins in June, the most devastating storms for North Carolina – Hazel, Hugo, Fran and Floyd – have all arrived in the fall.

There's no time better than now to prepare yourself and your family for the possibility of power outages and storm damage.

The National Hurricane Center recommends every household develop a family disaster plan, including these steps:

Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
Determine escape routes from your home and nearby places to meet.
Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and Disaster Supply Kit.
Keep vehicles filled with fuel whenever bad weather threatens this area. In an outage, gas pumps may not operate.
Use NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors.
Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.

Stock up on vital supplies

The National Hurricane Center suggests households keep several items on hand to help them through power outages and times when roads might be impassable.

These include:

Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days, including non-perishable packaged or canned food/juices; foods for infants or the elderly; snack foods.
Food preparation items , including a non-electric can opener, gas grill and fuel, paper plates and plastic utensils
Blankets and pillows
Seasonal clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes
First Aid kit, medicines and prescription drugs
Toiletries , hygiene items and moist wipes
Flashlight and batteries
Battery-operated NOAA weather radio
Fully charged cell phone with extra battery
Cash (with some small bills) and credit cards (banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods).
Keys
Toys, books and games
Important documents -— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc -- in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag.
Tools

If people have pets, they should also stock pet care items, including food, water and medicines; immunization records ,carriers or cages; and leashes.

Check your insurance

The National Flood Insurance Program, is a pre-disaster flood mitigation and insurance protection program designed to reduce the escalating cost of disasters. The National Flood Insurance Program makes federally backed flood insurance available to residents and business owners

Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance. Do not make assumptions. Check your policy.

For more information call 1-888-CALL-FLOOD ext. 445, TDD# 1-800-427-5593.

Hurricane season is here -- do you have a plan?

6/3/2013

Even though hurricane season in the Atlantic begins in June, the most devastating storms for North Carolina – Hazel, Hugo, Fran and Floyd – have all arrived in the fall.

There's no time better than now to prepare yourself and your family for the possibility of power outages and storm damage.

The National Hurricane Center recommends every household develop a family disaster plan, including these steps:

Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
Determine escape routes from your home and nearby places to meet.
Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and Disaster Supply Kit.
Keep vehicles filled with fuel whenever bad weather threatens this area. In an outage, gas pumps may not operate.
Use NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors.
Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.

Stock up on vital supplies

The National Hurricane Center suggests households keep several items on hand to help them through power outages and times when roads might be impassable.

These include:

Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days, including non-perishable packaged or canned food/juices; foods for infants or the elderly; snack foods.
Food preparation items , including a non-electric can opener, gas grill and fuel, paper plates and plastic utensils
Blankets and pillows
Seasonal clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes
First Aid kit, medicines and prescription drugs
Toiletries , hygiene items and moist wipes
Flashlight and batteries
Battery-operated NOAA weather radio
Fully charged cell phone with extra battery
Cash (with some small bills) and credit cards (banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods).
Keys
Toys, books and games
Important documents -— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc -- in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag.
Tools

If people have pets, they should also stock pet care items, including food, water and medicines; immunization records ,carriers or cages; and leashes.

Check your insurance

Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance. Do not make assumptions. Check your policy.

For more information call 1-888-CALL-FLOOD ext. 445, TDD# 1-800-427-5593.

Bicycle Safety Rodeo this Saturday will teach important safety skills to young riders

5/28/2013

Young bicyclists across Wilson County can learn and practice ways to ride safely at a Bicycle Rodeo on Saturday, June 1.

The free event is geared toward kids ages 5-12 and will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the Recreation Park parking lot, located off of Raleigh Road Parkway on Sunset Road.

Participants do not need to pre-register, but they do need to bring their own bikes and helmets.

“It is important for kids to learn safety skills early on. This rodeo does this in a fun way,” says Michelle Brown, planner with the City of Wilson and an event organizer. “The kids love it, and these are lessons that will stick with them for a long time and could save lives.”

Young bicyclists will have a chance to test their biking skills and learn about bicycle safety. Riders will ride through a skills course made up of about 10 stations that will be set up in the parking lot, including tests of balancing, braking, maneuvering, turning and signaling. Kids will also learn important lessons like how to safely cross a street. At the end, kids will receive a certificate of completion.

Attendees will also be able to register their bicycles, which is required in the city of Wilson. There is no charge for bike registration. Riders can also get a bike “tune-up” and a check for proper helmets fit.

Organizers include Wilson Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, Travelers Protective Association, Don's Bicycle Shop, Wilson Medical Center, Evening Optimists’ Club, Cyclists of Wilson, and the City’s planning, police, fire and recreation departments.

In case of poor weather on June 1, participants may call 399-2285 to find out if the rodeo has been rescheduled. The rain date is June 15.

The Bicycle Rodeo is just one way the City is supporting bicycle safety. A Bicycle Plan was adopted by the City in 2008. Sharrows (shared lane markings) were painted on Lakeside Drive in April 2012 to promote bicycle safety and the month of May has been designated as “Bicycle Safety Month.” A bicycling group, the Cyclists of Wilson, held a Ride of Silence on May 15 to honor bicyclists that have been killed or injured while riding on the road. The City has partnered with NCDOT to build paved shoulders and signage indicating bicycles may be on the road on Packhouse Road to give cyclists more space to ride.

For more information, or if you are interested in participating in these or other bicycle and pedestrian safety programs, please contact Michelle Brown at (252) 399-2226 or visit www.wilsonnc.org/bike-ped.

Wilson earns 2013 National Main Street Accreditation

5/17/2013

The National Main Street Center has honored Historic Downtown Wilson for its efforts to revitalize and restore historic properties.

The center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has given Wilson 2013 National Main Street Accreditation. This means our city has met the center’s performance standards for revitalizing the downtown commercial district, strengthening the local economy and protecting historic buildings.

“We congratulate this year’s nationally accredited Main Street programs for meeting our established performance standards,” said Valecia Crisafulli, acting director of the National Main Street Center. “Accredited Main Street programs are meeting the challenges of the downtown in the economy head on and are successfully using a focused, comprehensive revitalization strategy to keep their communities vibrant and sustainable.”

Downtown Wilson Manager Kimberly Van Dyk said, “I am extremely proud of this community and our commitment and dedication to the downtown development effort.”

She continued, “Clearly the fruits of our labor are evident in the high profile, quality projects we are accomplishing such as the Nash Street Lofts, the number of new business starts, successful special events and the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park Project. We are at the tipping point of big things in Historic Downtown Wilson!”

The National Main Street Center measures local programs by 10 performance standards. These include standards such as developing a mission, fostering strong public-private partnerships, securing an operating budget, tracking economic progress and preserving historic buildings.

Established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1980, the National Main Street Center helps communities of all sizes revitalize their older and historic commercial districts. Working in more than 2,200 downtowns and urban neighborhoods over the last 32 years, the Main Street program has leveraged more than $55.7 billion in new public and private investment. Participating communities have created 473,535 net new jobs and 109,693 net new businesses, and rehabilitated more than 236,418 buildings, leveraging an average of $18 in new investment for every dollar spent on their Main Street district revitalization efforts.

Wilson depot hosts Train Day this Saturday

5/10/2013

The Wilson depot will welcome the public Saturday as part of the sixth annual National Train Day, which celebrates the importance of passenger and freight rail transportation.

The open house at the Wilson Station, 401 E. Nash St., will be from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 252-246-1061 for more information.

Nationally, more than 200 communities are expected to host events Saturday at local train stations, railroad museums and other locations. The N.C. Department of Transportation and Amtrak and partnering in many of the events in North Carolina, including the one in Wilson.

“North Carolina railroads play an important role in our mission of better connecting people across the state to greater opportunities” said Transportation Secretary Tony Tata. “It takes all modes of transportation, including rail, to help strengthen our economy and improve the quality of life for all of our citizens."

Each year, more than 938,000 passengers ride Amtrak trains to and from destinations in North Carolina. The state has more than 3,300 miles of railroad tracks used by passenger and freight trains.

For more information, visit bytrain.org or NationalTrainDay.com

DOT plans U.S. 117 closure near Wilson

5/10/2013

The N.C. Department of Transportation will close a section of U.S. 117 in Wilson south of U.S. 301 between Blalock Road and Yank Road on Monday, May 13, at 8 a.m., weather permitting.

The road will reopen by 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17. The closure is necessary for crews to replace two concrete pipes under U.S. 117 in preparation for a resurfacing project that will take place at the end of May.

U.S. 117 will be closed to through traffic with a detour in place. Traffic will use Blalock Road, Lely Road and Yank Road to travel around the project site. Through traffic will be able to access residences and businesses along this stretch of U.S. 117; however, they will not be able to travel past the construction site.

NCDOT reminds motorists to watch signs for construction information, stay alert and obey the posted speed limit.

For real-time travel information at any time, call 511, visit www.ncdot.gov/travel or follow NCDOT on Twitter at www.ncdot.gov/travel/twitter. Another option is NCDOT Mobile, a phone-friendly version of the NCDOT website. To access it, type “m.ncdot.gov” into the browser of your smartphone. Then, bookmark it to save for future reference. NCDOT Mobile is compatible with the iPhone, Android and some newer Blackberry phones.

DOT will hold Wilson meeting to discuss I-95 future

5/6/2013

N.C. Department of Transportation will hold four meetings along the Interstate 95 corridor, including one in Wilson, to discuss the highway's future.

The open house in Wilson will be Tuesday, May 14, any time between 4-7 p.m., at the Bill Ellis Convention Center, 2904 Forest Hills Road.

The other three meetings will be Monday, May 13, at Johnston Community College, Smithfield; Monday, May 20, at Robeson Community College, Lumberton; and Tuesday, May 21, at Halifax Community College, Weldon.

Attendees at all four meetings will learn about the results of the I-95 EconomicAssessment, as well as the next steps in the process of improving the highway. Attendees will be able to discuss the study one-on-one with NCDOT officials inan informal setting and will also have the opportunity to submit writtencomments or questions.

NCDOT is studying the many possible ways to fund improvements on I-95 and how those ways will impact the economy of the interstate’s corridor.

For more information on the meetings, contact NCDOT Feasibility Studies Unit Head Derrick Lewis at (919) 707-4663 or via email at dlewis@ncdot.gov, or Cambridge Systematics Director of Transportation Economics Paula Dowell, Ph.D. at (404) 460-2606 orvia email at pdowell@camsys.com.

Simpson art considered for state designation

5/3/2013

The N.C. House will vote Monday night on a bill to make Vollis Simpson's whirligigs the state's official folk art.

House Bill 830, cosponsored by N.C. Rep. Susan Martin of Wilson, is scheduled for a second vote by the entire House. Should it pass, it will go to the N.C. Senate for its discussion.

In part, the bill calls for "the whirligigs created by Vollis Simpson (to be) adopted as the official folk art of the State of North Carolina."

The bill cites these as the reasons for the designation:

"Whereas, at age 65, Vollis Simpson, a self-taught folk artist, began making giant windmills known as 'whirligigs' at his home in Wilson, North Carolina; and,
"Whereas, Mr. Simpson's whirligigs have been exhibited at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, and at other locations, including New York, California, Canada, and England; and
"Whereas, Mr. Simpson and details of his artwork have been featured in many national magazines and in several books; and
"Whereas, the City of Wilson is developing the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park to display a large collection of these whirligigs in historic downtown, which will be a one-of-a-kind destination for visitors."

The session begins at 7 p.m. Monday, and Rep. Martin is expected to speak on behalf of Mr. Simpson's art. The public can attend and watch from the gallery.

The bill also designates the teeth of the megalodon shark as the state's official fossil, the pine barrows tree frog as the official frog; the marbled salamander as the official salamander; the Virginia opossum as the official marsupial; and clay as the state's official art medium.

City of Wilson to Offer Gigabit Internet Service to Customers by July

4/22/2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19, 2013

Contact: Heather Shepherd
(919) 604-3050

Wilson, N.C. – Greenlight, the broadband provider owned and operated by the City of Wilson, today announced that it will begin offering gigabit Internet connectivity services to its customers no later than July 2013.

"In January, the Federal Communications Commission issued a challenge to communities to provide gigabit service by 2015, and we’re proud to answer that challenge now. We are excited to launch our gigabit service and allow our customers to be the first in the state to experience such high speed Internet access," said Will Aycock, general manager of Greenlight. "Ultra-high speed Internet will help position Wilson for the future and will provide our businesses and residents with the tools they need to succeed."

In January, the Federal Communications Commission Chairman issued the "Gigabit City Challenge" which challenged providers to offer gigabit service in at least one community in each state by 2015. Gigabit services are approximately 100 times faster than average high-speed Internet connections.

Greenlight was formed in 2008 to provide an independent, locally-owned and operated option for television, telephone and Internet broadband connectivity for Wilson residents. Since then, Greenlight has grown to provide its services to more than 6,000 residential customers and businesses and the Wilson County School System. In addition, Greenlight provides free wireless Internet access throughout the downtown Wilson area.

"Since its inception, Greenlight has worked to provide reliable, affordable products that our customers need and to anticipate changes needed to keep our community at the forefront of technological advances. We were the first in the state to offer Fiber to the Home for reliability and are pleased to continue expanding our network," Aycock said.

Greenlight services are provided through its Fiber to the Home (FTTH) system which ensures the availability of reliable and advanced services for homes and businesses. Greenlight’s FTTH is comprised of 100 percent fiber optics.

The gigabit service will be added to Greenlight’s existing suite of services and will be offered as an optional service to Greenlight customers.

Click here for more information.

Wilson will hold Spring Clean-Up April 22-26

4/17/2013

The City of Wilson will hold its annual Spring Clean-Up Week from April 22-26, a time when city residents can dispose of bulky items at no charge.

Next week, the city’s environmental services crews will collect:

Furniture and bulky items (chair, table, sofa, etc.), which are loadable by two people.
Appliances and other “white goods” (stove, water heater, washer, dryer, etc.)
Tires
Junk
Compost and yard waste (pine straw, leaves, clippings & limbs). Please containerize in bags, sheets, or cans (less than 50 lbs.). Please tie and bundle limbs (4 feet or less). Please identify containers (call 399-2485 for a COMPOST sticker).

Please separate items for Spring Clean-Up Week from normal garbage and recyclable containers. Place items behind the curb, three feet from trees, mailboxes and utility poles, and out of storm drains, gutters and sidewalks.

Residents may rent a trailer for “non-construction” clean-up projects. They may also purchase an additional Roll-Out for $50. Call 399-2485 for more information.

Residents may also drop off waste at the Wilson County Landfill, off N.C. 42 East. Call 291-7335 for directions.

Wilson employees team up for Heart Walk

4/12/2013

City of Wilson employees are making plans now to participate in the Wilson Heart Walk, which will be Saturday, April 20. Registration for the Heart Walk will begin at 8 a.m. at Wilson Recreation Center Park. Parking will be available at and around the Rec Center on Sunset Road. The walk itself will begin at 9 a.m. with 1- and 3-mile routes marked in the nearby neighborhoods. City employees traditional take part each year in the Heart Walk, which is a fund-raising event for the American heart Association. Go to WilsonHeartWalk.org for more information.

City Council makes appointments

3/22/2013

The Wilson City Council made these appointments to city boards, commissions and committees at its meeting Thursday, March 21:

Wedgewood Golf Course Advisory Committee: appointed, Clarence Barnette; reappointed, Randy Marshburn.
Wilson Appearance Commission: appointed, Darriell Lee Thorns.
Cemetery Commission: appointed, Debra Grover Deaton; reappointed, Hughes Dillard.
Firemen’s Relief Fund Board: reappointed, Charlotte Turner.
Rocky Mount-Wilson Airport Authority: appointed, Eldon Sharpe Newton, Jr.
Wilson Parking Commission: reappointed, Bowie Gray.
Committee on Patriotism: appointed, Fate T. Franks Jr., Jacqueline V. Knight; reappointed, Emerson Ray Chambers, Horace Goff.
Wilson Committee for Persons with Disabilities: appointed, Lateisha Annette Daniel, Natashia Shantal Shelley; reappointed, Sandra J. Barnes, Paula Glover.
Recreation Commission: appointed, Willie Thurman Thomas, Coy C. Crosby II; reappointed, Jonathan Stancil, Michael E. Vick.
Historic Preservation Commission: appointed, Myra Artis.

The City Council expressed its appreciation to these citizens for their service on boards:

Wedgewood Golf Course Advisory Committee, Billy Ray Gay.
Cemetery Commission, Warren C. Shepard.
Rocky Mount-Wilson Airport Authority, William T. Lamm Ill.
Wilson Parking Commission, Ray Stallings.
Wilson Committee for Persons with Disabilities, Michael Charrington, Doretha Ward Kent.
Recreation Commission, James Smith, Marvin J. Squires Jr.
Historic Preservation Commission, Betty Louise S. Walston

100 trees will be given away at Arbor Day event Friday

3/20/2013

The public is invited to a free Arbor Day celebration Friday, March 22, beginning at 4 p.m. on the lawn of the Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash St.

Mayor Bruce Rose will read a proclamation for the celebration of Arbor Day, followed by the planting of a tree by City Arborist Mike Webster.

One hundred crepe myrtles will be given away to attendees.

Register now for free bilingual Fair Housing workshops in April

3/18/2013

In recognition of National Fair Housing month, the City of Wilson Human Relations Office in partnership with other City departments and local organizations will be hosting two free workshops in April.

April marks the 45th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discriminatory practices in housing transactions, such as sales, rentals, and financings based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and handicap.

“Within the Human Relations Office, fair housing is on the minds of staff every day. It is important for citizens to understand what fair housing means and what their rights are as a tenant, landlord, property manager and potential homeowner,” said Reneé Smith, City of Wilson Human Relations Director. “The Human Relations office is there to field questions regarding fair housing. We are excited to partner with other city departments, as well as some local organizations this year to bring two informative workshops as we recognize National Fair Housing Month. We are looking forward to the community coming out. I promise everyone will walk away with something of value.”

Two free Fair Housing workshops will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2013 from 6-8 p.m. at the St. John Community Development Corporation, 119 East Pender St.

The first workshop will cover Homeownership Resources from 6-7 p.m. Some of the topics covered include Working with Realtors, Financing, Habitat for Humanity and City Community Partners Loan Pool Program.

The second workshop from 7-8 p.m. will discuss Energy Savings and Neighborhood Improvement. Citizens may choose to attend one or both workshops.

A Spanish language version of the workshops will also be presented that same evening. Workshops will include opportunity for questions.

Early registration is requested for the workshops by March 28. To register contact (252) 399-2308.

The workshop is a collaborative effort between the City of Wilson’s Human Relations Office, Community Development Department and Neighborhood Improvement Division, Wilson Energy, Wilson Board of Realtors, Wilson Community Improvement Association, Self-Help Credit Union and St. John Community Development Corporation.

Tickets are on sale now for May garden tour

3/12/2013

Tickets are now on sale for the Wilson Garden Tour, which will be Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4.

Ticketholders will be able to tour eight unique gardens in Wilson from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. They will also be invited to attend a reception and silent auction at the Wilson Woman’s Club on Broad Street on Friday, 5-7 p.m.

Tickets are $25 apiece and available at the Raleigh Road Garden Center, The Nook, The Flower Pot and the Wilson County Agricultural Center. Proceeds benefit the Children’s Secret Garden at the Wilson Botanical Gardens.

This year’s tour include these gardens:

Mr. and Mrs. Tim Webb, 8620 Tyson Farm Road, Stantonsburg – a two-acre country oasis, surrounded by beautiful gardens, whimsical accessories and barnyard animals.
Dr. and Mrs. James Cummings, 2900 Falling Maple Drive, whose garden includes a pond, vine-covered fences, sitting areas and a pool.
Dr. and Mrs. Jim Taylor, 3003 Wolf Trap Drive, whose yard includes multiple garden beds including numerous family heirloom plants from eastern North Carolina; two unusual Chinese firs; and a Koi pond shaded by a Japanese Maple.
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Hill, 3601 Myrtle Woods Court, described as an intimate Southern living garden next to a massive stone fireplace, gas grill and dining area ideal for entertaining.
Ms. Carol Wikfors and Ms. Sheila Forbes, 509 Lafayette Drive, Ms. Carol Wikfors, 509 Lafayette Drive, a local artist whose garden incorporates her love for art into a whimsical landscape.
Mr. and Mrs. Ben Skinner, 521 Mount Vernon Drive, whose lawn is bordered by an array of southern plants including boxwoods, azaleas, hollies, camellias, dogwoods and rhododendrons.
Mr. and Mrs. Dickie Barnes, 2006 Hermitage Drive, whose garden is decorated both with flower-filled containers and art created by their daughter, Sherrod.
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Andrews, 2305 Canal Drive NW, whose lawn showcases a formal rose garden surrounded by a black, wrought iron fence.

This event is sponsored by the Wilson Botanical Gardens, the Wilson County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers , and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service Foundation. For additional information, call 252-237-0113, go to www.wilson-co.com/arboretum.html, or search for “Wilson Botanical Gardens” on Facebook.

City offices closing for winter weather

1/25/2013

City of Wilson offices will close at 2:30 p.m. today, Jan. 25, due to the potential of winter weather making road conditions hazardous.

The closure will include the Customer Service Center on W. Nash Street. It is uncertain if it will reopen for business Saturday, Jan. 26 -- call 252-399-2200 for information.

Nominations sought now for 2013 Humanitarian Awards

1/24/2013

Nominations for the 2013 Humanitarian Awards Banquet are due Friday, Feb. 1. The Human Relations Office is looking for nominations in the following categories:

Humanitarian of the Year - Bestowed upon rare citizens who have unselfishly gone above and beyond the call of duty to help the disadvantaged of the community.
Youth on the Move Award - Given to a young citizen (k-12^th grade) for community involvement
Inspirational Volunteer Award - Recognizing a volunteer that inspires others to participate
Community Initiative Award - Given to an individual or group that initiated a new program that helped or improved the Wilson community
Good Neighbor Award - Given to an individual for their contributions to their neighborhood
Community Spirit Award - Given to a civic group or club that gives back to the community

Go here for more information and to download the nomination forms. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Human Relations Office at (252) 399-2308.

Wilson Energy employees spread cheer at Longleaf Neuro-Medical Center

12/17/2012

Wilson Energy employees have teamed once again this year to provide a happier Christmas for patients at Longleaf Neuro-Medical Treatment Center.

The employees delivered a cartload of gifts last week for more than two dozen patients at the state treatment facility. All the items were specifically requested by patients and included clothing, toiletries, books, calendars and soft drinks.

Carlos D. Burks Sr., volunteer services administrator at Longleaf, said the gifts would be distributed with other items on Christmas Eve.

“We ask for a list of people who don’t have families or friends close by,” said Annie Ruth Woodard of Wilson Energy. “These may be the only gifts they receive this Christmas.”

This was the 14^th consecutive year that Wilson Energy employees have donated money to buy items for the Longleaf patients. No city or utility funds were used.

Wilson Energy employees became aware of the need through the relative of one employee, Woodard said. The project began in 1998 with 10 patients but has grown to more than 25 as more employees have asked to contribute, she added.

First Friday concert chosen for $1,000 arts grant

12/11/2012

The City of Wilson Human Relations Office was recently awarded a $1,000 grassroots grant for its First Fridays on the Lawn International Night Concert.

The grant was issued by the Arts Council of Wilson through the North Carolina Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program with funding from the state of North Carolina, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.

Grants are awarded across the state to ensure opportunities for citizens to experience the arts in their own community.

This event afforded the Human Relations Office the ability to bring a culturally enriching experience, bringing the Latin dance music band Eta Carina.

First Fridays on the Lawn is a four concert series which dedicates one night specifically to international music and entertainment. This is done in recognition of Wilson’s growing international community. The goal of international night, as well as the other concerts in the series, is celebrate diversity through music.

The concert series will celebrate its tenth season in 2013. Concerts are held the first Friday of the month from July through October and start at 6 p.m. at the Wilson County Library Lawn.

For more information about First Fridays on the Lawn contact the Human Relations Office at (252) 399-2308.