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Wilson This Week -- July 17, 2024 |
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Championship baseball returns to Gillette this week
For the third year in a row, we are getting ready to host hundreds of Little League players, coaches and staff, parents and other family members.
The Tournament of State Champions for ages 8-10 begins Friday with a reception at the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, followed by quadruple headers Saturday, Sunday and Monday at J. Burt Gillette Athletic Complex. The quarter- and semifinals will be Tuesday, and the finals on Wednesday.
Then the TOSC for ages 11-12 kicks off Friday, July 26, and finishes up Wednesday, July 31.
The 8-10 TOSC matches championship teams from Virginia, Florida, West Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and two teams from North Carolina, Durham and Greenville (one of those is a substitute for the Alabama team that was unable to participate.)
The 11-12 lineup will be announced later this week.
These are important events for Wilson's Parks and Recreation staff who always give everyone the red carpet treatment. But they are also great business for many Wilson hotels, restaurants and other businesses, which will be busy for two weeks.
Here's how you can help:
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Come out and watch the action. If you happen to be near Gillette, stop by and watch a few innings. It's free and fun, and the stadium has huge fans and shaded seats.
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Be patient. The visitors will mean longer lines at your favorite coffee shop, ice cream store or restaurant. Pro tip -- avoid the national chains for the next two weeks and eat at locally owned places.
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Be friendly. Say "Welcome to Wilson" if you see a group of tired parents and hyper boys. The adults will appreciate the kind words. We want these tournaments coming back year after year. Wilson has earned a wonderful reputation, we just have to reinforce it.
With no further ado, play ball!
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Council meets Thursday
Wilson City Council will hold its only July meeting this Thursday, July 18, beginning at 7 p.m. at Wilson City Hall, 112 Goldsboro St N. Enter through the alleyway door and come to the third floor.
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Watch in person or online
The public is always welcome to attend Council meetings, but we also stream them so that anyone can watch them live or later. The link below will go live shortly before 7 p.m. Thursday.
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Biddle plans end to police career after 3 years as chief
Wilson Police Chief Scott Biddle has announced plans to retire following a long career in law enforcement, including serving as Chief since June 2021.
“I am thankful to so many for my career at the Wilson Police Department,” said Biddle. “First, I am grateful for the Lord’s blessings and guidance all these years. I also want to thank the city leadership, including City Manager Grant Goings, and the City Council members. I have been blessed with fantastic men and women in my department. I am grateful to my wife, Betty, my family and all those who mentored and supported me.”
Biddle began his career in law enforcement when he joined the Wilson Police Department in 1992 as a patrol officer. Through the years he was promoted to Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Major before being appointed Chief in June 2021.
Throughout his career, Biddle has been very involved in strengthening relationships between the police department and the community, especially children. He helped establish the Wilson Police Department Police Athletic League in 1994 and has been heavily involved during his tenure. He also coaches football and baseball through Wilson County Schools.
“I am honored to have worked with such an outstanding officer and Chief,” said City Manager Grant Goings. “I am inspired by his decades of community service, and I have been truly fortunate to know a man of such character. Wilson is a better place because of Scott Biddle.”
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Nash Street block closes for parking improvements
A familiar detour is back on Nash Street. The block between Pine Street and Jackson Streets closed Monday, July 15 for construction of streetscape improvements, including additional parking.
This same block was closed for several months last year during the construction of the Centro apartments. This streetscape project is part of the larger Pine-Nash redevelopment and will both beautify the block while also adding parking in front of the Foundation YMCA.
Nash Street will be closed to thru traffic, but a lane will remain open to allow egress from the city's Customer Service Center's drive-through lanes. Customers will be able to make a right turn from the Customer Service Center.
The parking lot across from the YMCA on Nash Street will remain open, but it will be accessible only from Green Street and will be tough to navigate. The parking deck off Broad Street will be open throughout the project. Also Pine Street will remain open.
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City using smoke to detect sewer breaks, defects
The City of Wilson Public Works department has contracted with Dukes to conduct a smoke test survey in the vicinity of Ward Blvd from Brentwood Shopping Center to beyond Toisnot Park beginning Monday, July 15, lasting approximately three to four weeks.
A smoke test survey will assist our inspection crews in locating breaks and defects in our sewer system. Non-toxic smoke will be introduced into a manhole and forced down the sewer lines with the use of an air blower. Smoke will escape from the system at any point where there is an open break in the line. For example, smoke may rise from the ground in yards, stream banks, storm drains, etc. Smoke will also escape from all manhole lids, vents on building roofs, cleanouts, and from underneath buildings if poor plumbing exists. Be advised that smoke can enter your home, office or place of business. Should smoke enter your building or home, open windows for ventilation and contact the crew working in the area.
The smoke is non-toxic, non-staining, has a slight odor, white to gray in color and creates no fire hazard.
You do not need to be on site during testing.
If you have any sink, tub, and/or floor drain that is NOT subject to everyday use it is advisable to pour a gallon of water into them. This will fill the p-traps and prevent smoke from entering the building. If you have questions, please feel free to call.
- Dukes NC Field Office 919-542-5002
- Dukes Hotline 800-447-6687
- City of Wilson Water Infrastructure Aaron Bailey at 252-373-2542
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Pickleball players don't have that long to wait before Wilson opens the one of the largest complexes in North Carolina.
As you can see, the contractor is making great progress on the courts facility and parking at J. Burt Gillette Athletic Complex. It will include 26 total dedicated pickleball courts, including eight covered courts and two championship courts. All the courts will be lighted, and the complex will include a picnic shelter, concession area and other amenities.
The complex will welcome local players, but the city is aiming to host regional, state and even national competitions, much like the baseball and soccer tournaments already held at Gillette. An opening date has not been set, but expectations are it will be by year's end.
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