U.S. Department of Justice

Dept. of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Address Pandemic

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

The Department of Justice announced that it is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.

The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.

“Law enforcement at every level remains on duty and vigilant in the Eastern District, even in the face of this contagious illness,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr.  “These funds made available through the Department of Justice will provide critical support to our vital law enforcement partners.”

“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”

The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received.

Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.

Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.

For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553.

For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.

NC Department of Revenue Offers Expanded Penalty Relief for Taxpayers

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-Press Release, NCDOR

Secretary of Revenue Ronald G. Penny announced on Tuesday that the North Carolina Department of Revenue (NCDOR) is expanding tax relief as part of Governor Roy Cooper’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NCDOR will not impose penalties for late filing or payments of many tax types, including sales and use and withholding taxes, through July 15. The NCDOR previously announced tax relief for individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, and estates.

“These measures will come as welcome tax relief for individuals and businesses across North Carolina,” Penny said. “We are providing the maximum flexibility under existing state law.”

In the notice issued today, the NCDOR announced that it will not impose penalties for failure to obtain a license, failure to file a return, or failure to pay a tax that is due on March 15, 2020, through July 15, 2020, if the corresponding license is obtained, return is filed, or tax is paid on or before July 15, 2020.

The NCDOR cannot waive interest from the due date under current state law–currently 5% per year, the minimum rate allowed by statute. Additionally, sales and use and withholding taxes are trust taxes and the money collected must be remitted to the state and cannot be used for other purposes.

The relief from Late Action Penalties applies to the following tax types:

• Withholding Tax
• Sales and Use Tax
• Scrap Tire Disposal Tax
• White Goods Disposal Tax
• Motor Vehicle Lease and Subscription Tax
• Solid Waste Disposal Tax
• 911 Service Charge for Prepaid Telecommunications Service
• Dry-Cleaning Solvent Tax
• Primary Forest Products Tax
• Freight Car Line Companies
• Various Taxes Administered by the Excise Tax Division

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Town Talk 03/31/20: VGCC Small Business Director Discusses SBA Loans, Webinars

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Sheri Jones, director of the Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) Small Business Center, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

U.S. Small Business Administration Loans

In discussing the various ways the VGCC Small Business Center is working with local businesses during the current health crisis, including assistance with loan applications, Jones emphasized that time is of the essence.

“The best advice I can give is to go ahead and apply now; don’t wait,” Jones stated. “People are applying and getting approved, but this situation is unprecedented. We don’t know how long the funds will hold out and how many are going to apply.”

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to small businesses in all states and territories that are suffering economic injury as a result of the virus.

Terms for these Economic Injury Disaster Loans range from 15 to 30 years and the total loan amount is considered on a case-by-case basis. According to Jones, for-profit businesses will pay 3.75% interest, while non-profits will pay 2.75%.

“These loans are available directly through the Treasury Department with no third-party lender involved,” explained Jones. “Most businesses are eligible to apply.”

According to the SBA’s website, the disaster loans may be used for fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid due to the disaster’s impact.

VGCC Small Business Center’s “Coronavirus Business Ready” Webinars

In an effort to further support local businesses and offer encouragement, the VGCC Small Business Center has scheduled a series of free, live webinars entitled “Coronavirus Business Ready – Protecting Your Small Business.”

Each part addresses various areas of concern that all businesses are currently facing. The remaining webinars include:

Keeping Customers & Employees Safe During Unsettling Times –

April 2, 2 – 3 p.m. (Register)

Promoting Your Business & Products During a Crisis –

April 4, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

Ideas to Keep Cash Flowing During a Pandemic Shutdown –

April 7, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

How to Manage Employees as Coronavirus Spreads –

April 9, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

Business Planning & Strategizing as a Coronavirus Antidote –

April 14, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

Communicating With Customers & Employees in Light of COVID-19 –

April 16, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

Participants must register at least two days prior to each session with a valid email address in order to receive the webinar login information. After registering, the link will be sent approximately 24 hours before the event, and a reminder email will also be sent approximately an hour prior to the start time.

For more information on assistance for small businesses, please email Sheri Jones at smallbusiness@vgcc.edu, visit the VGCC Small Business Center website at www.vgcc.edu/coned/small-business-center/ or visit the Facebook site at www.facebook.com/vgccsmallbusinesscenter/.

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

Three Arrested After Drugs Thrown Over Fence at Franklin Correctional Center

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On March 27, 2020, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit arrested three individuals for multiple drug offenses related to possessing and attempting to distribute controlled substances to inmates at Franklin Correctional Center in Bunn, NC. 

The investigation began when a citizen observed a vehicle stop in front of the Franklin Correctional Center, and one of the passengers jumped out and threw an object over the fence. The concerned citizen contacted the Franklin County Sheriff‘s Office to report the incident and was able to provide information that aided deputies in locating and stopping the vehicle. 

Ditereal Harris (FCSO photo)

Once the vehicle was stopped, members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit contacted employees at Franklin Correctional Center and were informed that two of their correctional officers also observed the incident and were able to quickly locate the item thrown over the fence. The correctional officers were able to confirm that controlled substances were in the item thrown over the fence. 

Drug Unit detectives retrieved the item and discovered marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines and MDMA inside the item thrown over the fence. As a result, Ditereal Harris, Xavier White and Rotonia Lowery Moore, all of Raeford, NC, were arrested.

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “This case began when a concerned citizen saw something suspicious and they acted. By calling the Sheriff‘s Office and giving vital information, our deputies were able to find and stop the vehicle. The investigation that developed as a result of their initiative kept dangerous drugs out of the hands of individuals inside of Franklin Correctional Center.” 

Xavier White (FCSO photo)

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit was assisted in this investigation by the Franklin Correctional Center. This investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.

Ditereal Harris – 310 Locust Lane Raeford, NC 28376, 18-years-old 

Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine, Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana, Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Heroin, Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Methamphetamines, Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver MDMA, Deliver Cocaine, Deliver Marijuana, Deliver Heroin, Deliver Methamphetamines, Deliver MDMA, Felony Possession of Marijuana.

Xavier White – 526 East 6th Avenue Raeford, NC 28376, 18-years-old 

Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine, Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana, Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Heroin, Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Methamphetamines, Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver MDMA, Deliver Cocaine, Deliver Marijuana, Deliver Heroin, Deliver Methamphetamines, Deliver MDMA, Felony Possession of Marijuana. 

Rotonia Lowery Moore (FCSO photo)

Ditereal Harris and Xavier White are both being held in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $500,000 secured bond.

Rotonia Lowery Moore – 116 Dalmation Drive Raeford, NC 28376, 33-years-old

Maintain a Vehicle for the purpose of Storing Controlled Substances. 

Rotonia Lowery Moore was given an $15,000 unsecured bond. 

For more information concerning this investigation or to report drug activity in your neighborhood, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496–2186.

TownTalk 03/30/2020 (Places You Can Go)

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TownTalk for Monday, March 30, 2020

TownTalk airs M-F on WIZS, Henderson at 11 a.m. Listen at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / streamed live at wizs.com and with Tunein and on smart connected devices and speakers.

NC Gov. Roy Cooper; Covid-19; Executive Order 121; Where you can go; Stay at Home

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington, message of assurance and request for adherence to Exec Order 121

Vance County Schools meal pickup for the week; One day this week; March 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

NC Governor Logo

Texting Tool Available to Access Local Free Meal Sites for NC Children

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper announced last week that parents who need food assistance for their children can text FOODNC to 877-877 to locate nearby free meal sites. The texting service is also available in Spanish by texting COMIDA to 877-877.

After entering their address, parents will receive a text with the location and serving times for nearby pick-up and drive-thru free meal sites while schools are closed. Sites have been set up across the state for families with children ages 18 and younger, including preschool children, who rely on free and reduced-price meals at school.

“School closings mean no meals for some of our most vulnerable children. Now families have an easier way to find food during these times of financial stress,” Governor Cooper said.

Parents can also call 2-1-1 to speak with an operator who will help them locate meal sites in their community. The 2-1-1 service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Services are provided in English, Spanish and many other languages.

Additionally, No Kid Hungry has created a map of local school sites, community organizations and food assistance programs across North Carolina where families can access food. The interactive map can be viewed at nokidhungrync.org/covid19/ and is updated daily.

The Governor’s North Carolina COVID-19 Education and Nutrition Working Group, co-chaired by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), worked in partnership with state and community organizations such as No Kid Hungry to set up the texting program.

School sites and community organizations providing food are experiencing a high demand for services and rely on dedicated volunteers to provide meals. NCDHHS and NCDPI ask that people who are not at high-risk for severe illness associated with COVID-19 sign up to volunteer to prepare meals. Those interested in volunteering should call their local school district office, community organization or visit volunteernc.org.

For more information and additional guidance on regulations and recommendations related to the health threat from COVID-19, please visit the NCDHHS website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus and CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Franklin County Schools

Franklin Co. Schools to Continue Meal Pickup Over Spring Break Week

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Schools

Franklin County Schools has staff members serving meals, planning for instruction, improving our facilities, and connecting with students and families during what has been an unprecedented time for us. At FCS, we are grateful to be working with you and our staff during this challenging time. We are all in this together.

As you may already know, Governor Cooper announced on March 23 that all public schools in North Carolina will be closed until at least May 15. We are going to adjust our spring break to March 30 – April 3rd. During this time, we will not be providing additional student work.

We will maintain meal pickup Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. during this spring break period. As a reminder, meal pickup is taking place at Laurel Mill Elementary, Franklinton Elementary, Youngsville Elementary, Louisburg High, and Bunn High each day from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

This includes lunch, a snack, and breakfast items. Please keep in mind – this food is being provided to ensure that our students have meals when they are not in school. If there are additional needs for the elderly and shut-ins in our community, you are encouraged to reach out to community agencies and our churches for assistance in this area.

On Monday, April 6, we will have new student assignments available for the next two weeks. These will be provided in an online format and we will also have packets available for our students that do not have internet access. On Monday, April 6, these work packets can be picked up at any of our feeding sites for elementary and middle school students from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Just ask for the grade levels that you need. Our high school students will receive specific guidance from their individual schools on pickup instructions for April 6.

Students with internet access can find these resources on our website.

Specifics on this will be posted on our website, and we will be communicating on this via phone, email and social media as well.

We have received several questions about end-of-grade and end-of-course testing. On March 23, the NC State Board of Education voted to request a waiver of testing this year. More specifics will follow on this.

There is and will continue to be lots of information (as well as speculation) regarding this virus and the response to this virus. We are committed to communicating the most up-to-date and accurate information as it is received.

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North Carolina Receives Federal Disaster Declaration for COVID-19

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

The White House granted Governor Roy Cooper’s request late Wednesday for a federal disaster declaration for the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic in North Carolina.

The declaration provides Public Assistance to all 100 North Carolina counties, allowing local governments, state agencies and eligible non-profits to be reimbursed for costs involved in responding to the outbreak of the Coronavirus.

“This is good news for cities, towns and counties that are incurring expenses as their public health providers, first responders and emergency managers work to protect communities from COVID-19,” said Governor Cooper. “We know this response will be costly and this federal assistance will help cover them.”

North Carolina is still waiting for additional assistance that Cooper requested including disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling, disaster case management and other items. They remain under review and could be granted as the COVID-19 situation evolves.

“We will continue working with FEMA as they review our request for more benefits for people impacted by this pandemic,” added Cooper.

Governor Cooper has taken several actions to protect the health of North Carolinians, including ordering all K-12 public schools in North Carolina to close through May 15, banning gatherings of more than 50 people, limiting bars and restaurants to only take-out or delivery service, restricting visitors to long-term care facilities, and promoting social distancing by closing businesses like movie theaters, gyms, nail salons, and several others.

For more information and additional guidance, please visit the NCDHHS website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus and CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Golden LEAF Deploys $15M to NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program

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-Press Release, The Golden LEAF Foundation

The Golden LEAF Foundation announces $15 million in funding to launch a rapid recovery loan program in response to economic losses related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Golden LEAF funding will support the NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program by enabling loans to be made to eligible businesses for up to $50,000 with zero interest and no payments for six months. If not repaid in six months, the loan will automatically convert to a term loan.

The NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program (https://ncrapidrecovery.org/) is managed by the NC Rural Center, a statewide nonprofit that has been supporting small business owners for more than 30 years. The Rural Center will lead a broad coalition of nonprofit lending partners to directly assist small business owners. Participating Rapid Recovery organizations include Business Expansion Funding Corporation (BEFCOR), Carolina Small Business Development Fund, Mountain BizWorks, Natural Capital Investment Fund, and Thread Capital.

“Small businesses are more than just job providers, they are pillars of our communities,” Governor Roy Cooper said. “They need our support now more than ever, and this program can help people across the state as we weather the effects of this pandemic.”

Speaker of the House Tim Moore said, “This rapid response by the Golden LEAF Foundation to support North Carolinians through the COVID-19 crisis will provide immediate financial benefit for folks who are hurting during an uncertain economic upheaval, serving as a strong example of our state activating every asset available to help families and businesses in all 100 counties through this difficult time.”

Senate Leader Phil Berger said, “This action by Golden LEAF is welcome news and much needed. Everybody — the private sector and local, state, and federal governments — will need to work toward the common goal of restarting the economic engine once this crisis passes.”

“The Golden LEAF Board of Directors is making funds available to help meet the immediate needs of businesses affected by the pandemic by building upon a model used following Hurricanes Matthew, Florence, and Dorian,” said Bo Biggs, Golden LEAF Board Chair. “This program is designed to assist businesses working to apply for a Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Loan or other commercial loan but that have more immediate needs for capital.”

The federal government has made Economic Injury Loans available through the Small Business Administration (SBA) in all 100 North Carolina counties. The NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program will complement the SBA by providing a bridge until businesses can access funding from the SBA.

“The Golden LEAF Foundation recognizes the critical role small-business owners play in our state’s economy,” said Scott T. Hamilton, President, Chief Executive Officer of the Golden LEAF Foundation. “The ‘LEAF’ in Golden LEAF stands for Long-term Economic Advancement Foundation. Golden LEAF cannot let this pandemic cause irreparable economic damage to our state’s small businesses.”

Small-business owners affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19) can learn more about the NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program and apply for a loan at https://ncrapidrecovery.org/. To speak with someone about this program or other resources available to small businesses, contact BLNC at 800.228.8443.

NC State Board of Elections

State Board Investigating Possible Text Messaging Scam

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-Press Release, NC State Board of Elections

The State Board of Elections is investigating a possible scam targeting North Carolinians with unsolicited text messages regarding their voter registration status or asking them to register to vote.

Recipients of the text messages should not click on the link embedded in the text and delete any such text messages from their phone.

The link sends recipients to what purports to be Vote.org’s website, but Vote.org officials confirmed Thursday that they are not sending the text messages.

The State Board is investigating and will alert state and federal authorities about the issue.

The State and County Boards of Elections have received numerous calls and emails from concerned recipients of the text messages.

“We know these texts can be confusing to voters, and we take this situation very seriously,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections. “We urge all North Carolinians to get information about voting and voter registration from trusted, reliable sources, including your state and county boards of elections.”

Voters can check their registration status at any time using the State Board voter lookup tool here: https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/.

If you would like to register to vote, the voter registration application can be found here: https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/Voter_Registration/NCVoterRegForm_06W.pdf.

For more information on voter registration in North Carolina, visit the State Board website at https://www.ncsbe.gov/Voters/Registering-to-Vote.

Vote.org also released a statement on Thursday:

“We at Vote.org take voter integrity and protection very seriously and ask that voters reach out directly to officials if they believe they have been contacted without solicitation. Text messages received in the last week were not that of Vote.org. We will continue to protect your vote, stay in communication with the North Carolina State Board of Elections and encourage voters to reference state registration websites and our official platforms at Vote.org. All communications received from Vote.org are marked as being such and can be found on official platforms.”