Vance County High School

Town Talk 08/18/20: Sharrow Assumes Dual Role of VCHS Assistant Principal, Athletic Director

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Joe Sharrow, athletic director and recently named assistant principal for Vance County High School, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Serving as athletic director at Southern Vance High School, and maintaining the title after the consolidation of Northern and Southern Vance into Vance County High School in 2018, Sharrow said he has spent the past several years earning credentials and gaining experiences that will help him excel in the administrative position.

Sharrow’s new role comes at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has many school systems in NC, including Vance County Schools, choosing to operate under Plan C – fully remote learning – at least through the first nine weeks of the 2020-21 academic year.

“With all of the changes we are experiencing in our school system right now, I do believe I have a skill set that can be very beneficial from a leadership perspective,” Sharrow stated.

If adding assistant principal duties to his plate was not enough of a challenge for Sharrow, he will also have to contend with an athletic season that is vastly different from the norm.

In addition to making schedule changes to other sports, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) Board of Directors voted last week to move football to the spring. The high school football regular season will now begin early February 2021, end in early April and include just seven games. Some form of a playoff is still expected and is currently under review.

Sharrow explained the NCHSAA has asked school systems to hold off on scheduling until September 4, at which time further guidance on a playoff system is expected.

Expressing concern for the health of student-athletes who have previously traveled longer distances to play in Chapel Hill, Durham, or Pittsboro, Sharrow said he supports a sports schedule that focuses on neighboring Granville, Franklin and Warren counties this year.

“I’m very much in favor of a more regional focus on our athletic schedule,” Sharrow admitted. “We need to get creative; desperate times call for desperate measures. I believe that we can make a schedule work that is regional and, quite frankly, something our community would be more interested in.”

While this year in high school athletics promises to be challenging for all involved, Sharrow said he is looking forward to tackling the obstacles while also acclimating to new responsibilities.

“This was always a career goal of mine – something I wanted to try and something I believe I can do,” said Sharrow. “People in this community have come to know me as an athletics person. I do love sports and high school athletics; it’s a passion of mine. In addition, I do have a passion for education. In fact, I went to college to be a teacher. I’ve been working at the school [SVHS/VCHS] in other capacities for nine years, and I’m really excited to be able to impact our school system in another way.”

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

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 8-18-20 Noon WIZS

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  • Latest Vance county COVID-19 numbers
  • Lt. Gov. candidate Mark Robinson to speak locally Wednesday
  • Vance Co. Schools internet hot spot locations needed
  • Vance-Granville Community College recognized as a top 10 school

Click Play to Listen…

WIZS – Your Community Voice…Noon Local News 08-18-20

VGCC Dr. Levy Brown

VGCC Vice President Levy Brown Appointed to Serve on National Commission

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Dr. Levy Brown, a vice president at Vance-Granville Community College, recently accepted an appointment to the Commission on Student Success of the American Association of Community Colleges. He will serve a three-year term (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023).

“I am excited and humbled to have been appointed to AACC’s Commission on Student Success. It is a fantastic opportunity that provides a space for exchanging ideas, connecting, and learning with some of the brightest leaders who champion the success of students,” Brown said. “Community colleges such as Vance-Granville are continuing to positively impact the lives of our students. My goal is to partner with highly motivated professionals from across the country to eliminate barriers that keep our students from being successful. This includes those from underrepresented and marginalized populations. Finally, I am appreciative to work at an outstanding college, and with a supportive president who supports this type of work.”

Dr. Levy Brown, a vice president at Vance-Granville Community College, recently accepted an appointment to the Commission on Student Success of the American Association of Community Colleges. He will serve a three-year term (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023). (Photo courtesy VGCC)

Dr. Brown serves as the Vice President of Learning, Student Engagement & Success (Chief Academic and Student Affairs Officer) for VGCC. He is responsible for leading and working collaboratively with credit faculty and staffers in the areas of academic programs, student success, equity and inclusion, enrollment management, K-12 partnerships and other areas.

Prior to joining VGCC, Brown served as Dean of Arts & Sciences at Lenoir Community College and has been engaged in higher education work for nearly two decades. Brown is an active member of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce and other local boards. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

The Commission on Student Success focuses on student access and success and organizational transformation. The commission may examine subject areas including, but not limited to, degree completion and two-year to four-year transfer programs. In addition, the commission focuses on AACC’s 21st-Century Initiative and Implementation Guidelines, to showcase cutting-edge innovation with proven outcomes and improve student success; and to provide affordable, high-quality technical assistance in areas that support student success.

“At VGCC, Dr. Brown has been an active champion of changing institutional mindset, structures and supports to encourage all students to achieve their best success,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of VGCC. “I am proud that he will be representing our college successes on the AACC Commission and look forward to what he is able to glean from the collective wisdom of this national panel.”

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

GVPH COVID-19 Update: Cases, Hospitalizations & Deaths as of 8/17/20

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

The following is an update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of August 17, 2020. Granville Vance Public Health numbers correlate with the NC Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NCEDSS) data.

The county case numbers reported on the NC county map from the NC Department of Health and Human Services may differ from the ones reported locally as they are updated at different times and may change once residence is verified.

Granville County

1,372 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,372, 756 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 756, 606 have been released from isolation and 12 are hospitalized.

Of those 1,372, 512 cases are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County. Of those 512, 366 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,372, 104 are associated with outbreaks at long term care facilities, including 17 at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center, 76 at Universal Health Care, and eight at Granville House.

Of the 104 cases in long term care facilities in Granville County, eight have been released from isolation.

There have been a total of 29 deaths in Granville County: four in the community, one of whom was associated with Central Regional Hospital, three of whom were associated with Universal Health Care, and 21 of whom were associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.

Unfortunately, another death associated with Universal Health Care has been reported. A 92-year-old individual passed away on July 28, 2020.

Vance County

789 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 789, 664 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 664, 562 have been released from isolation.

Of those 789, 125 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities, including 49 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, 17 associated with Senior Citizens Home, and one with Alliance Rehabilitative Care (ARC). The outbreak at Pelican Health nursing home is no longer active.

Of the 125 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 44 have been released from isolation.

Three individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 41 deaths in Vance County: 14 of whom were associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 12 of whom were associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, two of whom were associated with Senior Citizens Home, and 13 in the community.

WIZS Note: There are 102 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 150 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers). Hospitalizations and total deaths remain steady in Vance County based on numbers reported last Monday, August 10. Hospitalizations slightly increased in Granville County (from 8 to 12) and total deaths rose by one (from 28 to 29) over the past week.

Additional Information

The number of those who have been ‘released from isolation’ is determined by the CDC Guidance for discontinuation of isolation for persons with COVID-19.

Please visit www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information from Granville Vance Public Health and to sign up for daily email updates.

Mark Robinson

NC Lt. Governor Candidate Mark Robinson to Speak at Vance Co. GOP Headquarters

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-Information courtesy Jimmy Barrier, Vance Co. GOP

Come meet and listen to 2020 NC Lt. Governor candidate Mark Robinson this Wednesday, August 19, 2020, at 5 p.m.

Robinson will be speaking at an outdoor forum to allow for social distancing at the Vance County GOP Headquarters, 1700 Parham St. (the area between Dabney Dr. Cruizers and the Corbitt building) in Henderson.

The Vance County GOP is excited that Robinson is personally coming to introduce himself and his political stance to Vance County citizens. Please plan to come out and hear Mark Robinson this Wednesday.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

2020 NC Lt. Governor candidate Mark Robinson will be speaking at an outdoor forum at the Vance County GOP Headquarters, 1700 Parham St. (the area between Dabney Dr. Cruizers and the Corbitt building) in Henderson on August 19, 2020, at 5 p.m.

Vance County Logo

Vance Commissioners to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Economic Dev. Incentive

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-Information courtesy the County of Vance

Vance County Board of Commissioners Chairman Gordon Wilder has called a special meeting for Wednesday, August 19, 2020, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Conference Room, Vance County Administration Building, 122 Young Street, Henderson, NC.

The purpose of the meeting is to:

1. Approve amendments to Animal Control Ordinance.

2. Hold a public hearing to receive public input on a proposed economic development incentive expenditure to be considered for the location of a new company and provide a Building Reuse Grant in the amount of $500,000 over the next three years.

3. Hold a public hearing to receive public input on a proposed economic development incentive expenditure to be considered for the location of a new company and provide an incentive agreement in the amount not to exceed $95,231.

4. Approve a local incentive agreement in the amount not to exceed $95,231.

5. Enter into Closed Session to discuss a personnel matter.

6. Other items as necessary.

Please click here to view the full agenda.

Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 08/17/20 – Crop Tree Management

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Ducky Derby 2020

Town Talk 08/17/20: Rubber Ducks to Float Down Garnett St. in 11th Annual Ducky Derby

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Garry Daeke, outreach coordinator for Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start, Inc., appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Daeke was pleased to announce that the 11th Annual FGV Ducky Derby Race will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2020, in downtown Henderson, albeit with several changes in place due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

At 11 a.m. that morning, Garnett Street will be filled with a river of rubber ducks as FGV Smart Start holds its largest fundraiser of the year. With $10,000 raised at last year’s race, Daeke said proceeds from the annual event provide services for local families with children age five and younger. (Click here for article and video from last year’s event.)

All sponsors will be recognized on Ducky Derby posters, radio advertisements, newspaper articles and the FGV Smart Start website and Facebook page.

This year, with the uncertainty surrounding event-planning, Daeke explained that no individual tickets for rubber ducks will be sold. Instead, Smart Start will be securing sponsors to support this event.

Sponsorship levels are:
Super Duck – $500
Feathered Friend – $250
Quacker Backer – $100

Approximately 2,000 ducks will “race” this year, and each will represent a child enrolled in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. Founded by singer and entertainer Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Foundation, the Imagination Library partners with Smart Start programs to offer youth one free book a month – via mail – from birth through age five.

With 3,800 children currently registered for the Imagination Library through FGV Smart Start, Daeke said 2,000 names will be randomly selected for the available ducks. Children who are enrolled in the program in the next few weeks will also have a chance to be entered into the race.

Applications for the Imagination Library can be found at local pediatric offices, childcare centers, the Granville Vance Public Health Department, Maria Parham Health, libraries and the FGV Smart Start office.

The “lucky duck” [child] who wins the Ducky Derby will receive the grand prize of free Chick-fil-A for a year.

While individual ducks will not be available for purchase, Daeke said the public is still welcome to join the fun in-person. Social distancing and masks will be required for all participants.

“We wanted to have something for the public; so many things aren’t going to happen this fall. We decided we wanted something that we can still have and – possibly – people could come out and see,” stated Daeke.

For those not able to attend in-person, Daeke said the event will be featured live on the FGV Smart Start Facebook page. A drone fly-over is also being planned in conjunction with the City of Henderson to provide a bird’s-eye view of the activities.

While a deviation from past years, Daeke said the 2020 Ducky Derby “will be a little different but still a lot of fun.”

If interested in becoming a sponsor, to enroll your child in the Imagination Library or with questions, please call FGV Smart Start at (252) 433-9110.

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

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 8-17-20 Noon

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  • Annual Ducky Derby
  • Show Shine Shag & Dine cancelled
  • Cokesbury VFD cancels fireworks
  • Tuesday Henderson City Council Meeting

 

Cokesbury Fire Department

Cokesbury Fire Department Announces Cancellation of Sept. Fireworks

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From the Cokesbury Volunteer Fire Department:

It is with great sadness that we must announce that the Cokesbury Volunteer Fire Department will be canceling our fireworks that were scheduled for September 5, 2020.

With our State being mired in Phase 2 of the reopening, we cannot in good conscience risk a single person getting sick because we held our fireworks. Once again, we apologize for not being able to show our community how much we appreciate them.

As far as we know, we will still be conducting a stew sale on October 24. We will be figuring out the logistics of that at our September Board meeting and providing additional information at that time.