VGCC Truck Driver Training Program Gears Back Up

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College is excited to announce that its CDL Truck Driver Training Program is back up and running.

The program, offered in collaboration with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, has been on hold since early March when the COVID-19 pandemic forced all face-to-face classes to cease. The N.C. Community College System has made an exception to allow colleges to resume educating students in transportation courses like Truck Driver Training, in-person.

On May 11, students returned to class and to a “new normal.” Portions of the new daily routine for students include temperature checks, face masks, social distancing in trucks and on the truck practice range.   

“Qualified and licensed truck drivers are essential employees, especially during these uncertain times,” said Dawn Michelle Tucker, Dean of Continuing Education and College and Career Readiness for VGCC. “We are excited to get the students back in training, so they can become licensed and employed with companies who need drivers to move goods and services across our service area and across the country.” 

During the next five weeks, students will continue honing their driver training skills such as backing skills, completing pre-trip inspections and backing up to a loading dock. Students will also continue to get their miles and time on the road. All of these skills and requirements are essential in preparing them for the DOT exam in order to get their official CDL-A license and be fully employable as a truck driver. 

For more information on the Truck Driver Training Program at Vance-Granville Community College, please visit www.vgcc.edu/cdl/ or contact Kyle Burwell, Director of Occupational Extension, at 252-738-3276 or burwellk@vgcc.edu.

Census 2020

Census Response Deadline Extended to October 31

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The U.S. Census Bureau has announced that, due to COVID-19 and the temporary suspension of field operations, the 2020 Census response deadline has been extended to Oct. 31. A previously-extended deadline date had been announced for Aug 14, which has now been rescheduled. This most recent extension will help ensure that all households have an opportunity to be counted.

Most households received their initial invitation to respond to the 2020 Census in March. By the middle of that month, the Census Bureau had started the process of hand-delivering paper questionnaires in rural areas; however, the temporary suspension of field operations, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulted in a delay.

As of May 13, Area Census Offices and 2020 Census field operations have been re-opened in nine states, including North Carolina. This means that more households – especially those who are known to have poor internet service in their area –  should expect to find paper questionnaires left outside their front doors in the coming weeks. All Census workers are expected to be trained in preventing the spread of the virus, with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control.

There are three options to respond to the 2020 Census – by phone, by mail or online. Households can respond safely from home by using the online form on the U.S. Census website at www.census.gov; by phone at 844-330-2020; or by mailing back the paper questionnaire being sent/delivered to their homes. 

Approximately 86 million households have already responded to the U.S. Census, with the national self-response rate at just over 58 percent, as compared with North Carolina’s rate of 55.1 percent. Granville County’s response total was reported at 58.1 percent as of May 12, with the Town of Butner falling in at 55.1 percent; the City of Creedmoor at 58.6 percent; the City of Oxford at 53.6 percent; the Town of Stem at 64.9 percent and the Town of Stovall at 14.9 percent.

In August, in-person visits to non-responsive households are scheduled to begin. A quick response to the Census by one of the three available methods will reduce the need for door-to-door visitation.

The U.S. Constitution mandates that a census of the country’s entire population be conducted every ten years. Results of this survey are used to determine how many congressional seats and Electoral  College votes each state gets through 2030, as well as guiding the distribution of an estimated $1.5 trillion a year in federal funding for hospitals, health clinics, fire departments, schools, roads and other public services in local communities.

The 2020 Census marks the 24th time that the United States has counted its population since 1790.

To learn more about the 2020 Census, visit www.census.gov.

‘Virtual Bingo’ Offers Fun, Home Delivery of Prizes for Seniors 55+

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-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Program Superintendent

The Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department will hold a community-wide “Virtual Bingo” for seniors ages 55 or better on Friday, May 22, 2020, from 12:45 until 1:45 p.m.

Participants can join Virtual Bingo by computer or phone.

Participants must contact Crystal Allen by phone (252) 431-6091 or email callen@ci.henderson.nc.us to register for Virtual Bingo by Friday, May 15.

Prizes will be delivered to participants’ homes following social distancing protocols.

Local News Audio

Noon News Audio: 05/14/20

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WIZS – YOUR COMMUNITY VOICE
1450 AM / 100.1 FM / Click on Listen Live on WIZS.com

Local News at 8a, 12noon, 5p; M-F

Today at Noon:

  • City Budget
  • County Budget
  • Covid-19 in Granville-Vance
  • VGCC Dr. Jeffery Allen, success of African-American Males

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Henderson City Council to Hold Special Called Budget Meeting

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-Information courtesy Esther J. McCrackin, City Clerk, City of Henderson, NC

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington has requested a Special Called Meeting of the Henderson City Council on Monday, May 18, 2020, at 6 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Council to receive the Proposed FY 2020-2021 Budget.

Due to the continued restrictions regarding gatherings of more than 10 individuals, City Hall remains closed; however, the public is welcome to observe online via Zoom.

To Join the Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82541317076?pwd=eVJXcCtwU3V6VzVGZHhZQU96S29Zdz09

Meeting ID: 825 4131 7076
Password: 861162

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Town Talk 05/13/20: VGCC Dean Receives Doctorate; Discusses ‘Culture of Support’

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Dr. Jeffrey Allen, dean of Student Retention and Success at Vance-Granville Community College, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Allen recently received his Doctorate in Adult and Community College Education from North Carolina State University. His dissertation focused on African-American males enrolled in a community college who were persisting towards degree completion.

“Many times, the literature talks about the barriers or what is preventing African-American males from being successful,” said Allen. “I wanted to flip it and look at it from a standpoint of why are they being successful so we can use that information to make others successful.”

According to Allen, the results showed that the most successful of the study group were those who “had a goal and were focus-driven” and those that “knew the college supported them.”

Supporting college students in achieving their goals, whether it be to transfer to a four-year university after completing a two-year degree at VGCC or finding employment after graduation, is part of Allen’s role as dean.

Allen, who has served in various roles at VGCC since 2012, currently oversees an area that includes advising, counseling, male success initiative, student activities, athletics, testing and tutoring.

Along with other VGCC departments, Allen and staff are currently focusing much of their efforts on “educating, inspiring and supporting” students through the coronavirus crisis.

With VGCC’s classes switching to an online format mid-way through the spring semester and all upcoming summer classes scheduled as online sessions, the change has been an adjustment for all involved, Allen said.

“One of the things VGCC has done very well is put out resources for students to make them feel as comfortable as possible and supported during this crisis,” Allen continued. “VGCC has done an excellent job – the faculty, staff and various departments – in making sure students have what they need.”

To hear the interview with Allen in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Maria Parham Health Celebrating National Hospital Week May 10-15

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-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health (MPH) is proud to join the American Hospital Association and healthcare organizations around the country in celebrating National Hospital Week, which is observed May 10-15.

Each May, National Hospital Week provides an opportunity to pause and honor the millions of healthcare professionals who dedicate their lives to taking care of people in their greatest times of need and to recognize the positive difference hospitals and healthcare organizations make in the communities they serve.

“As our community continues the fight against COVID-19, the pivotal role our healthcare workers play in the well-being of society is clearer than ever,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Their tireless efforts on the front lines of this disease and their commitment to quality care and patient safety year-round are critical to our mission of Making Communities Healthier. We proudly honor these heroes during National Hospital Week and commend their inspiring efforts to serve others.”

Maria Parham Health in Henderson and Maria Parham Franklin will be marking the national observance with special gifts and prizes for all staff. Community members are encouraged to leave a special note of thanks for hospital employees at www.thankahealthcarehero.com.

As one of the region’s economic leaders, the organization employs approximately 800 staff and contributed more than $8 million in taxes to the local and state economies last year. Additionally, it is proud to sponsor a number of local community organizations and non-profits.

Ensuring that everyone has access to the high-quality and compassionate care they need is a top priority for the organization and fundamental to its mission. In 2019 alone, Maria Parham Health provided more than $62 million of charity and other uncompensated care, regardless of patients’ ability to pay.

“We are privileged to have a significant impact on its health and economic well-being,” said James Johnson, chair of MPH’s board of trustees. “As we celebrate National Hospital Week amid unprecedented challenges this year and begin to look to the future, we are aware that healthcare – like other aspects of life – might look a little different. What will not change, though, is our mission and our commitment to this community. We will continue to put the health and well-being of our neighbors first, ensuring safe places of care and a healthier community for us all.”

Local News Audio

Noon News Audio: 05/13/20

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WIZS – YOUR COMMUNITY VOICE

1450AM / 100.1FM / Click on Listen Live at WIZS.com for local news at Noon, 5pm and 8am; M-F

Noon News Audio for May 13, 2020

First Degree Murder Arrests
Henderson Rec Players
Shopping Angels

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Oxford Commissioners’ Meeting Recessed to Allow Public Comment on Annexation

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-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

The Tuesday, May 12, 2020 meeting of the Oxford Board of Commissioners was recessed until Thursday, May 14 at 9:15 a.m. to allow the public 24 hours to comment on the requested annexation of the property at the corner of the on-ramp of I-85 and Hwy 158.

Please email any comments to the City Clerk’s office at cbowen@oxfordnc.org.

Please note that the recessed meeting will be an electronic meeting and you are able to join this meeting with the following information:

Join Zoom Meeting – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82301578683?pwd=d3RGUXh4ZHF0c29MMlc1WXJ2MlRuUT09

Meeting ID: 823 0157 8683
Password: 414128

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+1 929 205 6099 US
Password: 414128

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keDpRbM7aB

All those interested are invited to join electronically.

Families Living Violence Free ‘Still Here’ to Assist Victims of Abuse

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-Information courtesy Families Living Violence Free

Families Living Violence Free is “still here” during the coronavirus crisis and is available to help those who feel unsafe at home and may be the victim of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Families Living Violence Free will remain open during normal business hours to respond to client needs. After hours, the crisis line will remain open. Clients are strongly encouraged to conduct business via phone or email when appropriate.

If further services are needed, you can contact advocates on the hotline at (919) 693-5700 (English) or (919) 690-0888 (Spanish).

The hotline will be fully operational 24/7 for advocacy, connection to resources, supportive counseling and safety planning. Services will be provided by advocates.

If you are in immediate physical danger, please call 911.