WIZS Local News Audio 8-5-21 Noon
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Warren County Seeks New Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization
– press release –
Warren County is now included in the group of counties that have made a decision to move to a new Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO). These organizations are responsible for providing behavioral healthcare services in North Carolina. Warren County is currently served in the Cardinal Innovations Healthcare catchment area, which extends from Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, to the Virginia border at Warren County.
Effective August 3rd, Warren County will provide notice to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Cohen of the County’s intent to disengage from the Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization, Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, and realign with Eastpointe.
The Warren County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution and disengagement plan and will be seeking stakeholder and citizen feedback.
For more information, contact the County Manager, Vincent Jones, at the Warren County Manager’s Office at 252-257-3115.
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– Additional information provided by Warren County:
WARREN COUNTY PLAN TO DISENGAGE FROM CARDINAL INNOVATIONS AND JOIN EASTPOINTE LME/MCO.
On August 2nd, 2021, the Warren County Board of Commissioners voted to seek permission from the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Service (DHHS) to disengage from Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, a Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (LME/MCO) managing mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities and substance use services. North Carolina statute 122C-115(a3) permits a county to request disengagement from a LME/MCO and to join another LME/MCO. In light of the impending merger between Cardinal Innovations Healthcare and Vaya Health, Warren County has chosen to join Eastpointe LME/MCO. The Board of Eastpoint voted to accept Warren County as a member.
We do not know how quickly this change will occur. Warren County and Eastpointe LME/MCO have requested an effective date of October 1, 2021, subject to the approval of DHHS.
- Actions Taken in Conjunction with Resolution: The Warren County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution to disengage from Cardinal Innovations and join Eastpointe. A letter making the request was sent to Secretary Cohen of DHHS on August 3rd, 2021.
- The Eastpointe Board voted to accept Warren County as a member on August 3rd, 2021 and sent a letter to Dr. Cohen that same day.
- Warren County has notified the other counties served by Cardinal and the Co-Chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee of the North Carolina Assembly of our decision.
- Warren County and Eastpointe have jointly developed this plan to ensure a smooth transition for Warren County residents and providers which will ensure the continuity of service as the county transitions to Eastpointe.
- Warren County affirms that it has no outstanding financial liabilities to Cardinal Innovations Healthcare.
- Warren County affirms that there is no real property impacted by this proposed change.
- Warren County will remain a member of Cardinal until the effective date of its realignment with Eastpointe, thereby ensuring no loss of services to residents.
- Warren County has determined that Eastpointe meets the population requirements for a LME/MCO outlined in NC Statute and that its disengagement from Cardinal will not cause Cardinal nor Vaya to fall below those requirements.
Actions to be taken immediately:
- Warren County and Eastpointe will publish this plan on their respective websites.
- Warren County will issue a press release and post to its website and Facebook page a notification of its plan to disengage from Cardinal and join Eastpointe and will solicit public comment on the plan for sixty (60) days. Warren County will post the public comments on its website for thirty (30) days following the end of the public comment period.
- Warren County will specifically request public comment from providers, consumers, advocated, self-advocates and the State and Local Consumer and Family Advisory Committees.
- This same press release will serve as written notification to all Warren County providers of this proposed change.
Actions to be Taken Upon Approval by DHHS:
- Eastpointe will hold Provider Fairs to enter into contracts with all providers in good standing currently serving Warren County residents. Eastpointe plans to contract with all current providers.
- Eastpointe and Warren County will hold public meetings at least one of which will be in the evening to introduce Eastpointe to consumers, families and stakeholders and answer any questions about Eastpointe and this change.
- Eastpointe and Warren County will hold at least one public meeting targeted to other public agencies in Warren County, such as schools, Department of Social Services, Law Enforcement, Courts, Public Health etc. to discuss the change and answer any questions.
- Eastpointe will assess the current gaps in service in Warren County and recruit providers to address any identified gaps.
TownTalk: Turning Point CDC Community Day Aug 7
Turning Point Community Development Corporation continues its outreach in the area with Community Day 2021 set for Saturday, Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Turning Point Director Chalis Henderson invites schoolchildren to come out for backpacks stuffed with school supplies and enjoy a variety of activities for the whole family.
Henderson was the guest on Wednesday’s Town Talk and shared details of the event with John C. Rose and Trey Snide.
“Everything’s going to be outside,” she said, except the barbershop. Two barbers will be socially distanced in the large multipurpose room of the Turning Point community engagement building, located near the interchange of Norlina and Warrenton roads in Henderson. Vendors will be distanced appropriately on the lawn. “We will enjoy seeing people, but we definitely want people to feel safe and healthy,” Henderson said.
“We have a large group of community resource vendors – it’s going to be a family-friendly, fun event,” she said. And those 120 backpacks? They’ll be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so come out early.
One note to parents: Henderson said the child should be present to receive the backpack and parents should be prepared to give a name, phone number and the county they live in for the backpack giveaway.
The mobile learning lab will be up and running for the event as well. Henderson said the school bus-turned learning lab has been outfitted with air conditioning, so it will be on the road in August. A couple of young people will be on the bus to provide demonstrations of some of the lab’s functions.
Last year’s Community Day event was cancelled because of the pandemic, which makes this Saturday’s event even more special and important. It’s important for residents in the area to become aware of resources that are available to them, she added.
Established as a community development entity, Turning Point has become a place of empowerment and community engagement. Providing backpacks and having events to share resources are just two ways for Turning Point to “live” its vision statement: We believe rural communities can thrive and flourish.”
Henderson said she was heartened to see so many community members – and parents that are served through Turning Point – show up to bring donations of school supplies to help fill out the backpacks.
The non-profit had gotten the backpacks and a few school supplies, but Henderson said she felt like they needed some more. So she set up a one-week drive to collect supplies and she said there was “an overflow of resources coming in.”
Turning Point will have raffle tickets available on Saturday for the chance to win a complete HVAC system. Tickets are $10, she said. The prize is made possible by Ranes Heating and Air and Henderson said “100 percent of the proceeds go to Turning Point CDC.” The winner will be announced in October. Tickets also may be purchased via a link on its website www.turningpointcdc.org
Also available at the Community Day event are t-shirts emblazoned with the Turning Point vision statement: “We believe rural communities can thrive and flourish.”
Turning Point CDC Director Chalis Henderson Interview Audio. Click Play Below.
Leadership Granville Deadline Fri, Aug 6
Applications for the 2021-22 Leadership Granville class are due by Friday, Aug. 6.
The educational program, designed to offer leadership training and a broader knowledge of the county to its citizens, will kick off on Sept. 14.
Participants have the opportunity to acquire knowledge of the community and become personally and professionally acquainted with the county’s structure and life while developing leadership skills and networking opportunities, according to a statement from Lauren Roberson, executive director of the Granville County Chamber of Commerce.
Leadership Granville is sponsored by the local chamber, as well as Granville County Public Schools and Vance-Granville Community College.
Sessions involve field trips across the county, and include topics from county history and local government to recreational facilities, agriculture, business and industry.
Enrollment is limited. A limited number of scholarships are also available.
Applications are being taken until Aug. 6 and are available through the Granville County Chamber of Commerce Office, 124 Hillsboro Street in Oxford, or online at https://granville-chamber.com/member-services/leadership-granville.
For more information, call the chamber office at 919.693.6125 or email Roberson at lauren@granville-chamber.com.
SportsTalk: Trey Snide Named Cross Country Coach At Crossroads Christian
Many people know Trey Snide as the host of the “Beach Music Blast” and “SportsTalk” on WIZS Radio. Some may have bought some advertising from him. Anyone who knows Trey also knows he is a true sports fan. What they might not know is that Trey coaches not only one team at Crossroads Christian but, now, two teams.
In addition to being the head baseball coach at the school, he has now been named head coach of the school’s cross country team. Trey brings experience from his time as a student who ran track for Lees-McRae College in the North Carolina mountains. When asked what that experience as an athlete in college gives him as a coach he said, “Never Give up even though you may feel like passing out.”
He has his runners at Crossroads Christian up early to run. Practice currently begins at 7:30 in the morning, and while that may seem early, he says the beautiful countryside where his players practice makes it much better. “Hills, water, woods, dirt, grass…everything you would find in competition,” Trey says of the area.
Coaching cross-country is different than coaching baseball or other team sports. Trey said it is more about the individual and finding ways for the individual to improve.
His team will have some pieces already in place with a 1A All State Runner and the team will looking to get the most from his and the other members of the team this season. The coach in Trey says, “They may say they can’t do anymore, but as a coach, you try to get a little bit more. Give me everything you’ve got.”
WIZS congratulates our own Trey Snide, the new cross country coach at Crossroads Christian.
For complete details and audio click play.
The Local Skinny! Home and Garden Show 8-4-21
Thank you for listening to WIZS Radio. Your Community Voice!!
Each Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., Paul McKenzie and Wayne Rowland of the Vance County Cooperative Extension Service join us on air.
Click play below for the latest episode including information on:
- You can start planting fall garden vegetables if you can irrigate when needed.
- Avoid pruning unless absolutely necessary. Delay until late-November at the earliest!
- Lawn mower maintenance is crucial to extend the life of your mower. Check owners manual.
- Planning to renovate your tall fescue lawn? Need to start herbicide applications ASAP.
- Keep a close watch for squash bugs on squash and pumpkins as well.
- Purchase fertilizer to apply to tall fescue lawns in early September.
- Gardening questions call Cooperative Extension 252-438-8188 or come by the office we are located at 305 Young street M-F 8:30am to 5pm.
WIZS Radio Local News Audio 8-4-21 Noon
Thank you for listening to WIZS Radio. Your Community Voice!!
Click Play Below.
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For Now, Vance County Schools Maintains Face Covering Requirements
Vance County Schools resumes this week and so a statement on masks was needed now, before the scheduled August 9 board of education meeting.
That statement online at vcs.k12.nc.us reads:
“Vance County Schools will maintain our current face covering requirements for all students and adults in all buildings with students. The Board of Education will revisit this at the August 9th Board of Education meeting.”
As Public Information Officer Aarika Sandlin reminded WIZS News Tuesday afternoon, the VCS Early Start School Calendar shows open house for Wednesday, August 4 and the first day of school as Thursday, August 5. Vance County Early College High School uses the early start calendar.
The VCS Year-Round Calendar lists the first day of school as Monday, August 9. EM Rollins STEAM Academy is the only year-round school but is in session, in person before the board of education meeting.
The VCS online statement also says:
“Vance County Schools would like to remind all of our families that we will be back to school face-to-face 5 days a week for the 2021-2022 school year. Should your child wish to participate in virtual learning, they may do so by transferring to our virtual school, Vance Virtual Village Academy, which does require a one-year commitment.”
VCS Traditional Calendar Schools start Monday, August 23.
Nearby to the west, all Granville County Public Schools students and staff will be required to wear face coverings on all school property when school starts later this month, following a board of education decision made during its regular monthly meeting on Monday, Aug. 2.
The Granville decision came following a presentation from Granville-Vance Public Health Director Lisa Harrison and GVHD Medical Director Dr. Shauna Guthrie about the COVID-19 Delta variant.
Vance County Schools officials also rely of Harrison and Guthrie and GVPH, and the VCS board is likely to be provided much of the same information as was presented in Granville County.
Bring Your Mask: GCPS Students, Staff Must Wear Face Coverings To Begin School Year
All Granville County Public Schools students and staff will be required to wear face coverings on all school property when school starts later this month, following a board of education decision made during its regular monthly meeting on Monday, Aug. 2.
The decision came following a presentation from Granville-Vance Public Health Director Lisa Harrison and GVHD Medical Director Dr. Shauna Guthrie about the COVID-19 Delta variant.
The new variant is more contagious and has caused a spike in hospitalizations – 97 percent of those hospitalized are unvaccinated. Citing guidance from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics, the health department officials recommended that GCPS follow the mask requirement while students, staff and visitors are indoors.
Masks must be worn except when students or staff are eating or drinking.
Masks will be provided free of charge to all students and staff as needed. The district has an ample supply of additional PPE, including gloves, gowns and face shields for staff which also are available upon request.
Individuals may apply for a mask exemption based on a medical condition or physical disability, according to Dr. Stan Winborne, GCPS associate superintendent and public information officer. Applications are available at each school and Winborne added that documentation verifying the condition must accompany the application.
Adults should remain six feet apart from others when possible, and students should maintain three feet of physical distancing and school staffs will continue regular and thorough cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces and common areas will continue, Winborne said.
The board will revisit the topic at future meetings to determine if adjustments are needed, and the board will consider at its September meeting policies for visitors, volunteers and indoor facility rentals and indoor events or performances. Right now, none of these are allowed. The board is set to review each topic and adjust policies as needed, Winborne said.
SportsTalk: Pender Announced As New Vance County High Football Coach
Henderson, N.C. – The Vance County Board of Education has approved Wilbur Pender as the new Head
Football Coach at Vance County High School.
Coach Pender is a Franklin County native who graduated from Franklinton High School before continuing his football and academic career at Catawba College. Following his collegiate playing career as a defensive lineman, Pender pursued a career in education and coaching where his experience includes positions as a Math teacher and assistant football coach at East Montgomery High School, Northern Vance High School, Olympic High School, and Clover High School (South Carolina).
He will be joining Vance County High School after most recently serving as the Head Football Coach at
Granville Central High School this past school year. “Coach Pender is a great leader and role model who takes his responsibilities as both a teacher and a coach very seriously” said Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Joe Sharrow of Pender. “He is extremely intelligent, has a passion for teaching, and has demonstrated the ability to establish positive relationships with students, staff, parents, and community members. Having grown up in the area and having previously taught and coached at Northern Vance High School, he is familiar with our schools and community and we are very excited to welcome him back. I have no doubt he will be a strong addition to the Viper family.” Pender will replace Hunter Jenks, who coached the Vipers for just one season.
“I am beyond excited to get started at Vance County and really dive in and invest in the future of the program.” Pender said in a statement. “I’m grateful for the opportunity from Principal Horner, Athletic Director Sharrow, and Vance County Schools for trusting me to lead the Vipers. I loved my time at Northern Vance working with the kids then and now with both schools as one I feel this place is set up for sustainable success on and off the field. There are not many one high school counties left in the state and it’s truly the best situation to have. I can’t wait to get the youth program and middle school program involved with us because we are one family. Go Vipers!”
The Vipers are set to begin the 2021 season at home on August 20th in the County Line Clash rivalry game with Warren County High School
For complete details and audio click play.