I Voted Sticker

Town Talk 09/30/20: Voting in Vance County – When, Where, How

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Sennica Nicholson, chairperson for the Vance County Board of Elections, and Michele Brigandi, aging program coordinator with the Kerr-Tar Agency on Aging, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m. as part of a paid advertising sponsorship with the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments.

Nicholson discussed voting requirements, voter registration, absentee mail-in ballots, early voting and answered some commonly asked questions. “We are in a very busy voting season,” Nicholson stated. “It’s no longer just an election time; we are now in an election season.”

Click Play for the Broadcast Audio

Voting Requirements/Deadlines

Basic voter requirements, according to Nicholson, include being at least 18-years-old, being a U.S. citizen and not being incarcerated.

The last day to register to vote in the November General Election is Friday, October 9, 2020. Forms submitted to the Vance County Board of Elections Office must be received by 5 p.m. on that date.

Early Voting

Those that miss the October 9 deadline can register and vote during one-stop early voting. Early voting begins October 15 and ends October 31, 2020.

Vance County’s early voting will be held at the Henderson Operation Center (900 S Beckford Dr., Henderson) and Aycock Recreation Complex (307 Carey Chapel Rd., Henderson). There will be no early voting at the Vance County Board of Elections Office for this election due to COVID restrictions.

Proof of residence is required to register to vote; however, no photo ID is required for this election.

Nicholson recommends that all first-time voters, as well as those who haven’t voted in some time, contact their local BOE office to make sure they are “on the books.” If there does appear to be an issue with registration, the BOE office can assist.

Vance Co. One-Stop Early Voting Schedule for the November 3, 2020, General Election

Locations: Aycock Recreation Complex and Henderson Operation Center

  • October 15, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • October 16, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • October 17, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • October 18, 2020 – CLOSED
  • October 19, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • October 20, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • October 21, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • October 22, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • October 23, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • October 24, 2020 – 1 to 6 p.m.
  • October 25, 2020 – 1 to 6 p.m.
  • October 26, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • October 27, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • October 28, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • October 29, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • October 30, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • October 31, 2020 – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Absentee Mail-In Ballots

Addressing absentee ballots, Nicholson clarified, “Absentee mail-in ballots and voting by mail are the same thing. Anyone in NC can request an absentee ballot as long as they are a registered voter.”

This year, in NC, voters are not required to have a reason or give an explanation for requesting an absentee ballot.

Voters can request an absentee ballot by calling their local BOE office or by visiting the State Board of Elections website, printing the mail-in ballot request form and mailing the completed form to their local BOE. Mail-in request forms will be received by the BOE and logged into the system. An official absentee ballot will then be mailed back to the voter. The voter can then complete the ballot and return their vote by mail to their local BOE.

According to Nicholson, the absentee ballot will include a security sleeve, a self-addressed return envelope and barcodes on the documentation to identify the voter. “All legitimate mailings from your local BOE will be identified with the State BOE seal, as well as your local BOE address and information,” she said.

In Vance County, absentee ballots may be returned by mail from the residence, mailed at a post office, brought in-person to the BOE office or delivered in-person to one of the designated early voting sites during one-stop voting.

Those that initiate the absentee ballot request process and then decide to vote in-person must contact their local BOE to cancel the mail-in process before attempting to vote in-person.

“Once the ballot request has been made, the process has begun for you to be identified as an absentee mail-in voter,” said Nicholson. “If you show up in-person, the system will indicate whether you requested a ballot and the status of that ballot. You cannot show up and try to vote twice.”

Requests for absentee ballots that are sent from the BOE must be initiated by the voter; the BOE will not send absentee ballots without a request.

Nicholson urged caution against using the absentee ballots sent by third parties, which may or may not be legitimate. “I’m encouraging our voters to disregard those notices because they are third-party, and the State BOE is not responsible for those ballots. If you have an envelope and the return address is not going to your local BOE office, I would not use it.”

In the same vein, Nicholson urged caution if registering during voter registration drives held by third parties. “If the organization sponsoring the event is not well-known or well-established, then I would second guess them. A lot of these events are legitimate and they do what they are supposed to do; however, my advice is to always be on the side of caution.”

Additional Notes

Voters with special needs in Vance County may contact the BOE and speak to Director Faye Gill. The BOE has a Multipartisan Assistance Team (MAT) available to help those with special needs register to vote, receive voting materials and fill out ballots.

COVID safety precautions will be taken at voting sites including sanitizing voting booths after each use and supplying one-time use pens. Curbside voting is also an option for senior citizens and the immunocompromised.

The Vance County Board of Elections is located at 300 S. Garnett Street in Henderson, NC. With questions or for additional information, please call the BOE at (252) 492-3730.

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

(This edition of Town Talk is part of a paid sponsorship with the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments.)

NC Governor Logo

NC to Move Into Phase 3 on Friday

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

North Carolina will cautiously ease some restrictions while continuing safety measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 as the state’s metrics remained stable in September, Governor Roy Cooper announced today.

“Our top priority remains getting children back to in-person learning. This month marks a major shift for many families now and in the coming months as schools open their doors, some for the first time since the pandemic,” said Governor Cooper. “The virus continues to spread, so we must take the next steps methodically, and responsibly.”

“We must continue our hard work to slow the spread of this virus,” said Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. “By practicing the 3Ws — wear, wait and wash, — getting your flu shot, and downloading the SlowCOVIDNC app, each of us can protect the progress we have made.”

Dr. Cohen reviewed the state’s key metrics:

Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness has a slight increase.

Trajectory of Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases is level.

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive is level.

Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is level.

In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread in testing, tracing and prevention.

No-cost testing events are being deployed across the state and testing turnaround times are improving. New contact tracers are bolstering the efforts of local health departments. A new NCDHHS app, SlowCOVIDNC, is notifying users of exposure to the virus. Personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are stable.

As these metrics and capacity remain stable, the state will ease some restrictions starting Friday. Executive Order 169 begins Oct. 2, 2020, at 5 p.m. and continues for three weeks through October 23. Its new provisions include:

  • Large outdoor venues with seating greater than 10,000 may operate with 7% occupancy for spectators.
  • Smaller outdoor entertainment venues, like arenas or amphitheaters, may operate outdoors at 30% of outdoor capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less.
  • Movie theaters and conference centers may open indoor spaces to 30% of capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less.
  • Bars may operate outdoors at 30% of outdoor capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less.
  • Amusement parks may open at 30% occupancy, outdoor attractions only.
  • The limits on mass gatherings will remain at 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.
  • The 11 p.m. curfew on alcohol sales for in-person consumption in locations such as restaurants and outdoor bars will be extended to October 23.

State and public health officials will continue watching the key COVID-19 trends over the next several weeks to determine if any further restrictions can be eased when the current Executive Order expires on October 23.

Read Executive Order 169.

Read the FAQs on Executive Order 169.

Read the slides from today’s briefing.

Home and Garden Show 09-29-20 – Soil Samples, Tall Fescue, Leaves and Fire Ants

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Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com on Tuesday at 4:30 PM.

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 09/30/20 Noon WIZS

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– Vance County Commissioner Archie Taylor Up For Re-election
– Kerr-Tar Regional Council Of Governments Election Prep
– Middleburg Voter Registration Drive Today
– Granville County Public Schools Looking Substitute Teachers

Click Play for Full Details and Local News Audio…

 

Halloween House Decoration Contest

City of Oxford’s Halloween House Decoration Contest Begins Oct. 1

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-Information courtesy the City of Oxford

The City of Oxford will accept nominations for its Halloween House Decoration Contest October 1-27, 2020. Get together with the family, brainstorm ideas and start decorating!

The winner of the contest will receive a Halloween-themed “candy bucket” filled with goodies.

Questions and nominations can be made through the City of Oxford’s Facebook page, by emailing socialmedia@oxfordnc.org or by calling (919) 603-1102.

COVID T-Shirt Contest

F-G-V-W Opportunity Holding COVID-19 Awareness T-Shirt Design Contest

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department

Franklin-Granville-Vance-Warren Opportunity presents a COVID-19 Awareness T-Shirt Design Contest for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Students must live in Franklin, Granville, Vance or Warren County to be eligible.

Participants are asked to design a t-shirt with a message that will encourage more individuals (youth in particular) to wear masks, wash their hands, stay six feet apart and get tested if exposed.

Prize categories include elementary school (K – 5th grade), middle school (6th – 8th grade) and high school (9th – 12th grade).

Prizes:

Grand Prize: PS4 Gaming System

First Place: $100

Second Place: $50

Third Place: $25

Each first-place winner’s school will also receive $200.

Rules:

  • Complete Student Entry Form (click here). Please fill out the entry form completely.
  • Artwork should express the importance of wearing a mask, washing hands, etc.
  • Must include a catchphrase for artwork (ex. Be safe, Wear your mask, etc.).
  • Clearly label your artwork on the back with the student’s name, school name and grade level.
  • Securely attach entry form to artwork.
  • No frames.
  • No multidimensional work.
  • Artwork size should be no larger than 8.5 x 11.
  • Entries should be a drawing or a painting done in pencil, markers, colored pencils or acrylic.

Submission Deadline:

All submissions must be postmarked by Wednesday, October 7, 2020. Mail completed entry form and artwork to:

Franklin-Granville-Vance-Warren Opportunity

COVID-19 Awareness Art Contest C/O Felecia Coleman

PO Box 1453

Henderson, NC 27536

Vance County Logo

Properties Committee to Discuss Courthouse Roof, D.A. Office Renovation Bids

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-Information courtesy the County of Vance

The Vance County Properties Committee (Brummitt, Taylor, Wilder) is scheduled to meet on Monday, October 5, 2020, at 5 p.m.

The meeting will be held in the Administrative Conference Room of the Vance County Administration Building located at 122 Young Street, Henderson, NC.

The purpose of the meeting is to review the courthouse roof bids and D.A. Office renovation bids.

Dr. Antonio Jordan

VGCC Names Dr. Antonio Jordan Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College has recently experienced growth in credit students taking more classes, as well as upward trends in student headcount. The college has been intentional about focusing on student access and success overall and has a strategic goal of continuing to enhance the “front-door experience” for students, which includes admissions and enrollment services.

To lead efforts that will build upon this work, VGCC recently named Dr. Antonio J. Jordan as its new Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services.

In his new role, Jordan will lead a talented department that develops and maintains a student-centered process of admission, from engaging and recruiting prospective students to welcoming them to VGCC through New Student Orientation. He and his team are committed to enhancing virtual and in-person recruitment activities for traditional and non-traditional students.

VGCC recently named Dr. Antonio J. Jordan as its new Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

Jordan comes to VGCC from Davidson County Community College, where he has served as director of enrollment and student services. He also previously served as vice president for student services at James Sprunt Community College and worked at the N.C. Community College System Office, first as director of pre-college programs and later as director of academic/curriculum programs. Jordan has also served as a counselor and taught in other higher education settings.

“We are truly excited to have Dr. Jordan join the Vanguard family,” said VGCC Dean of Student Access & Support Kali Brown. “He brings a wealth of knowledge in admissions, enrollment management, and student services to his new role. I am confident the Office of Admissions, under Dr. Jordan’s leadership, will continue to connect and support students as they navigate the enrollment process at VGCC.”

“Dr. Jordan brings extensive experience in higher education and North Carolina community colleges to our college. He has a proven track record of being committed to providing college access to students and helping them succeed,” said Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of learning, student engagement and success. “We look forward to his leadership in serving future Vanguards, whether they are students who are approaching high school graduation or members of the adult learner population.”

Jordan holds a doctoral (Ed. D.) degree in Educational Leadership from Wingate University, an Educational Specialist credential from Wingate University, a master’s in Counseling/Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a bachelor’s in Psychology from Pfeiffer University.

The Admissions and Enrollment Services team is currently enrolling students for fall eight-week classes that begin Oct. 14, winter term courses that will begin Dec. 1, and spring classes that begin in January. These are outstanding opportunities for prospective students to take courses that will lead to a meaningful credential.

Apply for admission online at www.vgcc.edu or call (252) 738-3234 for additional information.

Archie Taylor, Jr.

Town Talk 09/29/20: Archie Taylor, Jr., Vance Board of Commissioners (District 2) Incumbent

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Archie Taylor, Jr., the incumbent for the District 2 seat of the Vance County Board of Commissioners, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Taylor, a Democrat, is running against challenger Michael Fisher for the seat. Filing after the primary election, Fisher, a Democrat, said in an earlier interview with WIZS that he was required to run as an unaffiliated candidate and petition for voter signatures in order to add his name to the November 2020 General Election.

A retired military officer and businessman, Taylor was elected to the Board of Commissioners in 2012. He served as Chairman of the Board in 2015 and 2019 and currently serves on the Vance County Public Safety Committee.

Taylor also serves on the Board of Directors for the Vance County Department of Social Services, Maria Parham Health, McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center, Vance County Public Schools Foundation and Occoneechee Council: Boy Scouts of America.

Below is a portion of Taylor’s responses to questions asked during the Town Talk interview:

Archie Taylor, Jr., the incumbent for the District 2 seat of the Vance County Board of Commissioners. (Photo courtesy County of Vance)

Q: What does a vote for Archie Taylor mean for the future of the Vance County Fire Department, fire districts and Vance County Rescue Squad?

A: I am a strong proponent of the Vance County Fire Department; they have served the county well for over 60 years.

Now we have this element inside of the Rescue Squad – along with some others in our community- who would disband the Vance County Fire Department. Instead of eight volunteer fire departments, there would be nine because they would get rid of the Vance County Fire Department, distribute its employees and have the Rescue Squad take over firefighting in the county. I think that is absolutely a huge mistake for our county.

Mine has been the primary voice, largest voice, loudest voice of making sure we keep our Vance County Fire Department as is and build a model around something else. That’s one of the biggest differences between me and my opponent.

A vote for me is a vote to keep the Vance County Fire Department intact.

Q: How does your platform address areas of growth and concern in the community?

A: When citizens in District 2 call on me for assistance, I jump right on it and do my best to help them, whether its finding grant money to have water lines installed or cleanup of dilapidated houses in the area.

I was able to get Carver School a multi-purpose room when it was the only school in the county that didn’t have one. I was also able to help Middleburg Steakhouse reopen and am proud of the Board’s involvement in the opening of the new Vance County Animal Shelter.

Right now, I’m working on helping bring broadband internet access to our county. We [the Board of Commissioners] looked at several options and explored the most cost-effective means. We found Open Broadband to be the best solution for us. It not only provides the installation of internet throughout our county but is also good for our citizens in terms of what they’ll have to pay.

Q: What is your stance as far as using taxpayer money to fund areas such as the Vance County Rescue Squad and the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center?

A: I question why Vance County pays over $100,000 for rescue work. As pointed out in The Daily Dispatch recently, Granville County has $20,000; Franklin has $40,000; Warren has zero dollars allocated to rescue, and yet Vance County has over $102,000. So, I’ve questioned that for six months or so, and I guess we will come to some resolution on that.

McGregor Hall is a very important part of our county’s economic development; it brings our community over $2 million in revenue every year based on a study done by NC State University. We are very fortunate to have a facility of its type.

McGregor Hall is one of the only performing arts centers of its kind in the state that gets no public money at this time. I think it’s important that we figure out some way to help McGregor Hall because it provides a big economic impact to our community, and we want big economic impacts.

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

(This is not a paid political advertisement. Political candidates are offered equal air time/coverage on WIZS.)

Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 09-29-20 – Disaster Prep Kits

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Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 2 PM Monday – Thursday.