Tar River Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Meeting Jan 28th

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There will be a public meeting on Thursday, Jan. 28 to discuss updates to the Tar River Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, which covers Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren counties. The virtual meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. and will discuss next steps to update the hazard mitigation plan. The plan outlines steps to prepare, respond and reduce losses in the event of floods, severe storms, wildfires, extreme winter weather and other natural hazards.

Local governments are required to develop a hazard mitigation plan as a condition for receiving certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance, including funding for hazard mitigation projects, which stems from passage of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.

The upcoming meeting is the part of the first of six steps that will be addressed in the update, according to information from area emergency management officials. In addition to public outreach is risk assessment, capability assessment, mitigation strategy development, plan maintenance and plan adoption. The updated plan is expected to be ready for review by the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency by June 2021.

In addition to two open public meetings, residents of the four counties are invited to complete a survey. Find the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MPWRNC2 and to visit the Tar River Hazard Mitigation Planning website click on https://gis.aecomonline.net/irisk2/NCHMP.aspx?region=30.

If you would like to attend the meeting, use the following links and information:

Join on your computer or mobile app by CLICKING HERE TO JOIN THE MEETING or use this link BY CLICKING HERE.  Or call in (audio only) (877) 286-5733,,456918094#  (Toll-free) Phone Conference ID: 456 918 094#

Updates and draft documents will be available on the website during the planning process, which began in September 2020.

Granville County Emergency Management is leading this regional effort. The planning committee is made up of local officials, representatives, and key stakeholders.

To learn more about the project, contact any of the emergency management coordinators below:

Robin Edwards, Granville County

919.603.1310 / robin.edwards@granvillecounty.org

Brian Short, Vance County

252.438.8264 / bshort@vancecounty.org

Dennis Paschall, Warren County

252.257.1191 / dennispaschall@warrentcountync.gov

Christy Shearin, Franklin County

919.291.9420 / chearin@franklincountync.us

IRS Warns About New Wave of Covid Scams

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— press release

IRS Criminal Investigation warns North Carolina taxpayers about new wave of COVID-19 scams as second round of Economic Impact Payments are delivered

The Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI) is warning North Carolina taxpayers about a new wave of COVID-19-related scams as the agency delivers the second round of Economic Impact Payments.

In the last several months, IRS-CI has seen a variety of Economic Impact Payment (EIP) scams and other financial schemes designed to steal money and personal information from taxpayers. Criminals are taking advantage of the second round of Economic Impact Payments – as well as the approaching filing season – to trick honest taxpayers out of their hard-earned money.

“As this second round of Economic Impact Payments are being issued and as we approach tax filing season, I’d like to remind taxpayers to remain vigilant.  Fraudsters continue to exploit this pandemic to victimize the American public by seeking ways to gain access to taxpayer’s personal and financial information in an effort to line their own pockets,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line.

Some common COVID-19 scams include:

  • Text messages asking taxpayers to disclose bank account information under the guise of receiving the $1,200 Economic Impact Payments.
  • Phishing schemes using email, letters and social media messages with key words such as “Coronavirus,” “COVID-19,” and “stimulus” in varying ways. These communications are blasted to large numbers of people and aim to access personally identifying information and financial account information (including account numbers and passwords).
  • The organized and unofficial sale of fake at-home COVID-19 test kits (as well as offers to sell fake cures, vaccines, pills, and professional medical advice regarding unproven COVID-19 treatments).
  • Fake donation requests for individuals, groups and areas heavily affected by the disease
  • Bogus opportunities to invest in companies developing COVID-19 vaccines while promising that the “company” will dramatically increase in value as a result.

Although criminals are constantly changing their tactics, taxpayers can help protect themselves by acting as the first line of defense. The best way to avoid falling victim to a scam is knowing how the IRS communicates with taxpayers. The IRS does not send unsolicited texts or emails. The IRS does not call people with threats of jail or lawsuits, nor does it demand tax payments on gift cards.

IRS-CI continues investigating hundreds of COVID-19-related cases with law enforcement agencies domestically and abroad and educating taxpayers about scams.

COVID-19 scams should be reported to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or submitted through the NCDF Web Complaint Form. The NCDF is a national coordinating agency within the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division dedicated to improving the detection, prevention, investigation and prosecution of criminal conduct related to natural and man-made disasters and other emergencies.

Taxpayers can also report fraud or theft of their Economic Impact Payments to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). Reports can be made online at TIPS.TIGTA.GOV.

Taxpayers who receive unsolicited emails or social media attempts to gather information that appear to be from either the IRS or an organization closely linked to the IRS, should forward the message to phishing@irs.gov. Taxpayers are encouraged not to engage potential scammers online or on the phone.

To learn more about COVID-19 scams and other financial schemes visit IRS.gov. Official IRS information about COVID-19 and Economic Impact Payments can be found on the Coronavirus Tax Relief page, which is updated frequently.

SportsTalk Coaches Corner Player Of The Week 1-15-21

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Trey Snide talks about last nights local high school basketball game between Crossroads Christian and Kerr Vance Academy. Crossroads picked up their first win of the season in that contest. Two players were also named WIZS Players of the Week: Javonte Waverly of Henderson Collegiate and Cameron Stancil of Vance Charter School received the honor for the week of Jan. 15th.

For complete details and audio click play.

 

Hollander Virtual Hiring Event January 19th

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WIZS has been asked to announce, by the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments’ Workforce Development Board, Hollander Sleep Products is holding a virtual hiring event.

It will take place Tuesday, January 19 at 11 a.m.

Visit the Weebly events page to register.  (https://ncworkskt.weebly.com)

You can join for this hiring event with Hollander Sleep Products to find out about their current openings and how to apply.

Email joseph.jung@ncoworks.gov or lonnda.brothers@ncworks.gov.

The NCWorks Career Center can be reach by phone at 919-693-2686.

(This is not a paid ad or sponsorship.)

Noon News 1-15-21 Payroll Protection; Food Drive; Food Insecurities; Shannon Christmas; Mick Mixon

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Stories include:

– Payroll Protection is now underway

– Democratic Party holding local food drive

– Food insecurities addressed with food drives-

– Shannon Christmas’ TownTalk appearance

– Mick Mixon on SportsTalk

For details and full audio click play.

 

Mt. Moriah A. M. E. Zion Church Partnership to Fight Food Insecurity

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— from Linda T. Bristow

Mt. Moriah A. M. E. Zion Church is continuing its partnership with Livingstone College and the NC Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority to fight food insecurities in Henderson, Vance County, NC and surrounding areas.

Two additional community outreach initiatives are scheduled. The first is on MLK Day Monday, January 18, 2021 beginning at 11 a.m.  We will be giving away free groceries (fresh produce, meat, dairy, eggs, and canned goods).

On January 22, 2021, we will be giving away cases of fresh chicken (up to 40 lbs).

Both events are free and open to anyone experiencing food insecurities and will be held at Mt. Moriah A. M. E. Zion Church, located at 5448 Highway 158 Business, Henderson, NC 27537.

Warren Co. Flag

Warren County Launches Public WIFI at Two County Parks

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— press release

Warren County now has public WIFI at two of its parks – the Warren County Recreation Complex in Warrenton and the Magnolia Ernest Recreation Park in the Soul City community.

The service at the Warren County Recreation Complex, located on the Hwy 158 Bypass, was funded directly by the county using CARES Act funding for equipment and installation; the county will cover service costs.

The WIFI zone at the Magnolia Ernest Recreation Park is a part of Governor Cooper’s NC Student Connect Initiative with the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The program provides 12 months of unlimited data service for each site.

Those using the WIFI at the park in Soul City, located on Duke Drive, should park in the pull-off area in front of the pool house for the best service.

“This public WIFI initiative is especially important in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. As a rural community, these additional options are a great start until our countywide broadband efforts are realized,” said County Manager Vincent Jones.

“We appreciate the partnerships and support from Interim EDC Director, Charla Duncan, and the Governor’s Office in helping our residents.”

The NC Student Connect program is designed specifically to help students who live in areas that are inaccessible for broadband and cell service. These students, especially during the pandemic, are struggling to maintain quality education due to lack of internet. While students are the top priority, the broader communities can also benefit from the service.

The device will not be password protected; however, the WIFI is content filtered and is CIPA compliant. This means that users will not be able to access inappropriate content.

“Providing access to internet is a priority identified by the Warren County Board of Commissioners,” stated Jones.

Warren County is currently awaiting the end of the quiet period for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund auction from the FCC. On February 1st the county’s plan is to move forward in discussion with the winner of that federal funding for Warren County unserved census tracts.

For more information, contact the Warren County Manager’s Office at 252-257-3115 or Charla Duncan at Warren County Economic Development at 252-257-3114.

GCPS Board of Education: Schools to Remain in Plan C

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— GCPS Press Release

At their regularly scheduled meeting on January 11, 2021, the Granville County Board of Education voted 5-2 for students to remain in remote learning status, or Plan C.  Board members LeBreque and Houlihan voted against the motion.  The approved motion directed staff to continue providing updates on the readiness indicators and would require the Board to reconsider a change to the plan at their March 1, 2021 Board Meeting.  The motion also stated that, if possible, families should be given at least two weeks notice prior to a change in the district’s learning plan.  Under this plan, the earliest students could return to school would be on March 15, 2021, and would do so under a staggered schedule with PK and students in separate self-contained classrooms returning to school first.

Superintendent McLean offered her perspective, stating, “Our heart’s desire is to have children return to school as soon as possible.  Unfortunately, the indicators are simply going in the wrong direction.  Quality instruction is critically important at all times, and administrators and teachers are working hard to ensure our students are engaged and actively learning while under Plan C.  We want all of our families to know that we are here for you, so please reach out if there are needs that are not being met and we will do our very best to support you.”

During a presentation shared at the meeting, Dr. Shauna Guthrie, MD, MPH, and Medical Director of the Granville Vance Department of Health, provided data on the spread of COVID in our community.  Each of the key metrics presented show a rise in the spread of the virus in and around the Granville Community.  In addition, staff also shared data regarding staff shortages at schools.  Since December, the number of staff required to quarantine has risen by more than 20%.  Nearly a third of all 855 full-time employees have been forced to isolate at home at some point since the pandemic began.  In the month of December alone, there were more than 7 days with more than 25 teachers out on quarantine.  The number of available substitutes remains less than half of what it was pre-pandemic.  Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Human Resources, Dr. Stan Winborne, explained, “Our ability to maintain sufficient staff in our buildings to safely supervise children continues to decline as the pandemic drags on.  It is not just our teachers who are being impacted, but the countless others who play critical support roles in serving our children and making sure our operations run smoothly and safely.”

Chairman Richardson also noted, “This is definitely not the preferred mode of learning.  We absolutely want our children back in school as soon as it is safe to do so.  With the vaccines ramping up, it is my hope we can begin to turn the corner on this soon.  In the meantime, we must do all we can to ensure the quality of our instruction and services to our children while on remote learning.”

GCPS would like to extend an apology for the technical issues with the digital production of the January 11 meeting.  We thank everyone for their patience and understanding.  The next regular Board of Education meeting is February 1, 2021.

Democratic Party

Vance County Democratic Party Collecting Food for ACTS and The Help Center

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The Vance County Democratic Party will be honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday.

In observance and honor of MLK, the VCDP will be collecting non-perishable foods for those in need in Vance County.

Proceeds and items will be delivered to ACTS and The Help Center of Vance County.

You can drop off items outside the library on Monday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. or Shear Magic Salon at 1224 Dabney Drive and ask for Angela Thornton.  Or text 919-614-1934 and she will come out and unload items.

Item pickup is also available.

The VCDP appreciates your support for those in need during these unprecedented times and battling the pandemic.  Many are in need in our community with lost jobs, lost homes.

Help show the community that we care.  Reach out to your network of friends and ask them to donate non-perishable items for the community.

The VCDP would love to thank you in person for your support and looks forward to seeing you there in honor of MLK!

NCDHHS

Anyone 65 and Older Eligible to Sign Up for Covid Vaccine

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— news release courtesy of ncdhhs.gov

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced today that vaccine providers that are ready to expand may vaccinate all health care workers and anyone 65 years and older.

“Doctors, hospitals and local health departments are working hard to get people vaccinated. There may be a wait, but when it’s your spot, take your shot to stay healthy and help us get back to being with family and friends,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D.

Because vaccine supplies are currently limited, states must make vaccine available in phases.  To save lives and slow the spread of COVID-19, independent state and federal public health advisory committees recommend first protecting health care workers, people who are at the highest risk of being hospitalized or dying, and those at high risk of exposure to COVID-19.

North Carolina moves through vaccination phases by aligning to federal priorities while giving local health departments and hospitals the flexibility to move to the next priority group as they complete the previous one and have vaccines available. With today’s announcement, vaccine providers who are ready may vaccinate adults 65 years and older and health care workers, which will be followed by frontline essential workers, then adults with high risk of exposure and increased risk of serious illness, then everyone. It is the responsibility of all vaccine providers to ensure equitable access to vaccines. This will mean taking intentional actions to reach and engage historically marginalized communities.

“We know that people are doing all that they can to learn about the vaccines so they can make the best decision for themselves and their families. It can be hard to know what is true and what can be trusted. We are here to provide you with honest, factual information,” said Secretary Cohen.

As part of the ongoing effort to educate North Carolinians about the safety, benefits and importance of receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, NCDHHS launched You have a spot. Take your shot. to provide all North Carolinians with information about COVID-19 vaccine development, testing, safety, side-effects and reactions.

A searchable list of health departments and hospitals administering the vaccination is available on the state’s COVID-19 vaccination website, yourspotyourshot.nc.gov. There is a wait time in many areas. Counties are in various stages as they deal with new COVID-19 cases and vaccinations. To support communities, NCDHHS is partnering with health systems, local health departments and community health centers across the state to host large community vaccine events for people currently eligible to be vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccinations are free of charge, regardless of whether or not people have insurance. However, most doctors cannot provide COVID-19 vaccines in their office at this time. Individuals who are currently eligible and would like to receive the vaccine must make an appointment with their local health department or hospital.

In collaboration with local and statewide media outlets, pooled video footage and photos from recent vaccination clinics, PSAs produced by NCDHHS and other resources are available for publication and broadcast use, and can be downloaded from bit.ly/3rTOcS2. 

For more information, visit yourspotyourshot.nc.gov.