Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments

‘Open for Business’ Loan Opportunity Available for Small Businesses Affected by COVID

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-Press Release, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments 

Many small and local businesses in the Kerr-Tar Region have been negatively affected by COVID-19. In an effort to provide support to those businesses, the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments is rolling out the Open for Business Loan Program.

This loan program is designed to help small to medium size businesses recover from the economic effects of this pandemic.

The Open for Business Loan is a non-forgivable interest-free loan, ranging from $10,000 – $100,000. Eligible borrowers are small to medium size (1-99 employees) businesses who have been in business for at least 12 months and must be located in Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance or Warren counties.

Documentation providing evidence of a loss of revenue since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic is required. All loans will require a personal guarantee and additional collateral. Funds can only be used for working capital and/or equipment and require an application fee of $200. Standard loan terms of 5 to 10 years.

The Open for Business Loan Program is locally administered and funded by the US Department of Commerce and Economic Development Administration with funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

To apply, visit www.kerrtarcog.org and click on the “Open for Business Loan” tab. Applications are available on the Kerr-Tar COG website at www.kerrtarcog.org or by calling Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments at (252) 436-2040. Applications should be completed as soon as possible as funding is limited.

Granville Co Sheriff

Sheriff Noblin Offers Tips for Safe Labor Day Holiday

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

With the approach of the Labor Day weekend, Granville County Sheriff Charles R. Noblin, Jr. asks all residents to join him in making this Labor Day holiday a safe one.

Traditionally during the Labor Day holiday, our highways experience one of the highest traffic flows of the year as families travel for the three-day weekend. The Sheriff reminds everyone to follow these safe driving tips when on the road:

  • Always shift attention every few seconds, constantly scanning the road ahead and behind. Never stare blankly ahead or fix your gaze on one point on the road.
  • When passing a vehicle, always glance at the ground beside the front wheel of the car you intend to pass. That way, you will know instantly if the car is about to veer, giving you an extra few seconds to respond.
  • Also when passing, pull out into the opposite lane of traffic while you are still well behind the car in front. This should give you some time and space to build up speed, and will enable you to pull back into your own lane, should the need arise.
  • Never cut abruptly out of your lane into the opposite lane. Always signal your intentions with your brake lights, turn signals, horn and/or headlights so that other drivers will see you well before you change course.
  • Always “aim high” in steering, glancing frequently at points well ahead. Not only will this help in steering, but will also help check the position of vehicles in front, as well as oncoming traffic.
  • Never follow too close. Remember that, as speed increases, it takes substantially longer to stop. Also, remember that it’s good to have an extra cushion of space in front if you are being tailgated, on a slippery road, or in low visibility conditions.

“I would like to remind all drivers to also practice the ‘Golden Rule’ when driving,” Sheriff Noblin said. “Be courteous and tolerant of other drivers. Let’s make this Labor Day weekend a safe one on our roads.”

The Granville County Sheriff’s Office is now open in their new location at 525 New Commerce Drive in Oxford, in the newly-constructed Law Enforcement Center. For any questions or for more information, their phone number remains the same at (919) 693-3213, or you can send emails to granville.sheriff@granvillecounty.org.

City of Henderson Logo

City of Henderson’s Sewer System Bypassed 786,000 Gallons of Untreated Water

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-Press Release, City of Henderson

NOTICE OF BYPASS OF UNTREATED WASTEWATER

The City of Henderson’s Sewer Collection System bypassed approximately 786,000 gallons of untreated water on August 31, 2020, due to inflow/infiltration from the heavy rain.

The overflow occurred at Neatherly St, E Rockspring St, the intersection of Pinkston St. and Farrar Ave., Pinkston St. (Green Acres outfall), Alexander Ave., and Bridgers St.

Approximately 149,625 gallons of untreated water entered a tributary to Sandy Creek. Approximately 12,375 gallons were contained on the ground.

Two lift stations also had overflows due to inflow/infiltration: 1416 Rock Mill Road/Martins Creek overflowed approximately 72,000 gallons and 482 Rock Mill Road/Sandy Creek overflowed approximately 552,000 gallons both entering Sandy Creek.

North Carolina General Statutes Article 21 Chapter 143.215.1c requires a press release for all bypasses of 1,000 gallons or more that enter surface waters.

Questions concerning this matter should be directed to the Public Works ORC Joey Long, Jr. at (252) 226-4492 or Andy Perkinson at (252) 431-6117.

Franklin County Logo

Untreated Wastewater Discharged From Youngsville Regional Pump Station

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Notification of Discharge of Untreated Wastewater

Franklin County Public Utilities experienced a discharge of untreated wastewater from the Youngsville Regional pump station in Youngsville. The discharge was a result of heavy rain on Monday, August 31, 2020. The discharge started at 11 p.m. and continued until Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at 2 a.m.

The discharge of wastewater was estimated to be 11,560 gallons, and approximately 6,200 gallons entered into an unnamed tributary of Richland Creek which is a tributary of the Neuse River Basin. Franklin County Public Utilities staff was dispatched to the site and started clean up after the discharge stopped.

The Division of Water Quality was notified of this event on September 1, 2020, and is reviewing the matter.

General Statute 143-215.1C requires the owner or operator of any wastewater collection or treatment works to issue a press release when an untreated wastewater discharge of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface waters.

For additional information concerning this event, please contact Franklin County Public Utilities Department at (919) 556-6177. Additional information can be obtained by visiting Franklin County’s website at www.franklincountync.us.

NC Governor Logo

North Carolina to Move Into Phase 2.5

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper today announced that after a summer of hard work to slow the spread of COVID-19, North Carolina will take a modest step forward move into Phase 2.5 starting this Friday, September 4, 2020, at 5 p.m.

Phase 2.5 means the following for North Carolina:

  • Mass gathering limits will increase to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors from the current limit of 10 indoors and 25 outdoors.
  • Playgrounds may open.
  • Museums and aquariums may open at 50% capacity.
  • Gyms and indoor exercise facilities, such as yoga studios, martial arts, and rock climbing, as well as skating rinks, bowling alleys, indoor basketball, volleyball, etc., may open at 30% capacity.
  • Bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, indoor entertainment facilities, amusement parks, dance halls will remain closed.
  • Large venues remain subject to the mass gathering limits.

In addition, NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen issued a Secretarial Order allowing for outdoor visitation at nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities. To participate, nursing homes must meet several requirements, including, but not limited to, not having a current outbreak, having a testing plan and updated written Infection Control or Preparedness plan for COVID-19, and having adequate personal protective equipment.

The Secretarial Order is effective as of September 4, 2020, at 5 p.m. and remains in effect through September 22, 2020.

“Safer at Home Phase 2.5 continues our state’s dimmer switch approach to easing some restrictions,” said Governor Cooper. “We can do this safely only if we keep doing what we know works — wearing masks and social distancing. In fact, a new phase is exactly when we need to take this virus even more seriously.”

Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shared an update on North Carolina’s data trends. Dr. Cohen explained that North Carolina has seen stability in our key metrics.

“As we take modest steps forward today, it’s important to remember that moving forward doesn’t mean letting up on slowing the spread of the virus. Our progress is fragile and we need to maintain focus on the 3Ws especially as we head into flu season,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, MD.

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

  • North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness continues to decline.

Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

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

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days

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

Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is declining.

Although these numbers are still stable or declining, they remain high. In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to prevent virus spread. These areas include:

Laboratory Testing

  • The state continues to have testing capacity and lab turnaround times are averaging two days. However, fewer people are getting tested. Anyone who has symptoms or has been exposed should get tested. There are supports available to help people who may face challenges in being able to miss work or safely stay home.

Tracing Capability

  • The state continues hiring contact tracers to bolster the efforts of local health departments.

Personal Protective Equipment

  • North Carolina’s personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are stable.

Mask mandates and other prevention methods remain in effect and are even more important to contain the virus, Cooper said. Read the Executive Order here.

YMCA

Town Talk 09/01/20: Henderson Family YMCA Offers Daily Child Care, School Assistance

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Dana Holloman, director of Youth Services at the Henderson Family YMCA, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

The Henderson Family YMCA is helping local students, parents and teachers by offering in-person full-time or part-time school assistance/child care through its Back To School Academy. The program runs from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. After-School Care only is also available weekdays from 2 until 6 p.m.

Though the program began with the start of the new school year on August 17, space is still available for both YMCA members and non-members.

 

Participants are asked to bring their necessary school device, books, work packets, etc.; a yoga/nap mat or blanket for quiet time; an extra set of clothes, swimwear, towel and flip flops; lunch that does not require heating; quiet time material such as a favorite book or magazine; and a reusable water bottle. Snacks are provided in the morning and afternoon.

According to Holloman, the YMCA provides the appropriate time for the student to log in for virtual learning each morning or for them to work on their online schoolwork or assigned worksheets. Each participant is assigned to their appropriate age, grade or school group.

In the afternoon, participants “have time to unwind” with both indoor and outdoor activities including swimming, youth sports clinics, arts and crafts, robotics, playtime and virtual field trips. Afternoon academic time is provided for those who need to log in for virtual school lessons later in the day.

The YMCA conducts daily health screenings with temperature checks and basic health questions on all campers and camp staff. YMCA camp counselors are required to wear a face covering; masks are optional for campers. Face coverings are available to campers by request.

All Back to School Academy and After School activities, crafts, games and sports adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Back To School Academy Schedule

7:30 am – 8:30 am Arrival, breakfast
8:30 am – 9:00 am Devotion, pledge & prayer
9:00 am – 12:00 pm Academic Time (bring devices and/or school work)
10:30 am – 10:45 am Morning snack
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Quiet time/reading time/nap time
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Choose one specialty activity (Robotics, youth sports skill clinics, swim time, academic time, arts & crafts, etc.)
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm Snack
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm Choose one specialty activity (Robotics, youth sports skill clinics, swim time, academic time, arts & crafts, etc.)
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Choose one specialty activity (Robotics, youth sports skill clinics, swim time, academic time, arts & crafts, etc.)
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm Free time

The Back to School Academy weekly full-time cost is $115 for YMCA members and $135 for non-members. Part-time, or less than five days per week, is $95 for members and $110 for non-members. After-School Care only is a weekly fee of $45 for members and $55 for non-members.

The Henderson Family YMCA is located at 380 Ruin Creek Road in Henderson. For more information, call (252) 438-2144 or email Holloman at danah@henfamymca.org.

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

State Highway Patrol

Labor Day Weekend Marks the Launch of Highway Patrol’s Impaired Driving Initiative

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-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Public Safety

As Labor Day fast approaches, increased congestion across the state is expected as motorists travel to their intended vacation destinations. With this in mind, the State Highway Patrol is stressing the importance of sober driving throughout the holiday weekend.

Combining forces with the Governor’s Highway Safety Program and more than 500 law enforcement organizations statewide, the SHP is participating in the GHSP’s Booze It & Lose It campaign. Troopers throughout the two-week initiative will focus on multiple motor vehicle violations such as excessive speeding, aggressive driving and driving while distracted. A special emphasis will also be placed on removing impaired motorists, attempting to prevent needless collisions from occurring.

“Removing impaired drivers before they harm themselves or someone else is among our highest priorities throughout the holiday weekend,” said Colonel Glenn McNeill, Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. “Ensuring safe travel is a shared responsibility among both law enforcement and those who travel across our great state.”

Last year, the SHP responded to more than 1,351 collisions throughout the Labor Day weekend. Among those collisions, 402 resulted in an injury and 12 resulted in one or more fatalities. Ninety-four collisions within the same time frame occurred due to impairment of either alcohol or drugs.

Motorists can assist in reducing needless collisions by following the provided suggestions:

  • Plan ahead by ensuring a designated driver has been selected.
  • Use a ride-sharing service if no designated driver is available.
  • Prepare for delays by choosing alternate routes.
  • Monitor speed limits and avoid driving distracted.
  • Increase following distances.

The Booze It & Lose It campaign began Monday, August 31 and will conclude on Sunday, September 13, 2020.

Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 09-01-20 – Leasing Farm Land

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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.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Local COVID-19 Update: Number of New Community Cases Reported by Week Declines

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

Granville Vance Public Health’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard shows a decline in the number of new community cases reported weekly in both Granville and Vance County from August 23 to August 30, 2020. On August 23, Granville reported 74 new cases of COVID, with Vance reporting 54 new cases. On August 30, Granville reported 15 new cases from the previous week, with Vance reporting 11 new cases. This is the lowest number of new community cases reported weekly in both counties since April.

For additional information, please visit GVPH’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard (click here) for tables and graphs that are updated daily. A chart for those considered “off-isolation” has recently been added.

The following is an update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of August 31, 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

1,542 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,542, 897 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 897, 740 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,542 cases, 516 are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County, and 440 of those 516 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,542, 129 are associated with outbreaks at long term care facilities including 24 at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center, and 94 at Universal Health Care. The outbreak at Granville House is no longer active.

Of the 129 cases in long term care facilities in Granville County, 15 have been released from isolation.

Eight individuals in Granville County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 45 deaths in Granville County: five in the community, one associated with Central Regional Hospital, one associated with Murdoch Development Center, 17 associated with Universal Health Care, and 21 associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.

Unfortunately, two recent deaths have been reported associated with Universal Health Care: a 72-year-old female passed away on August 29 and an 83-year-old male passed away on August 30, 2020.

Vance County

881 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 881, 756 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 756, 577 have been released from isolation

Of those 881, 125 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities including 49 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home and 17 associated with Senior Citizens Home. The outbreaks at Alliance Rehabilitative Care and at Pelican Health nursing home are no longer active.

Of the 125 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 96 have been released from isolation.

Seven individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 42 deaths in Vance County: 14 associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 12 associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, two associated with Senior Citizens Home and 14 in the community.

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.

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 9-1-20 Noon

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Local News Audio 9-1-20; Noon; WIZS Radio

Henderson News, Local News, Election News

  • Ernestine Bazemore, NC Senate District 3 Dem. Candidate
  • Local Voter Registration Deadlines

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