NCDHHS

Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine Booster Now Required for All Rising NC 12th Graders

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, NCDHHS

Effective August 1, 2020, a booster dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) is required for students entering the 12th grade in public, private or religious schools in North Carolina. Students who do not meet this requirement may not be allowed to attend school until they receive the booster dose.

The MenACWY vaccine helps protect against four common strains of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W and Y) that cause diseases including infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia).

“The MenACWY vaccine is the best protection against meningococcal disease, which most often affects young people,” said Kelly Kimple, M.D., M.P.H., Chief of the Women’s and Children’s Health Section of the Division of Public Health. “It is vital that children and adolescents continue to receive all their immunizations on schedule to ensure they are fully protected against all vaccine-preventable diseases, including some of the major causes of meningitis.”

All 11- through 12-year-old adolescents should receive one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine. A booster dose of MenACWY should be given at age 16 for adolescents entering the 12th grade or by 17 years of age, whichever comes first. Adolescents who receive their first dose of MenACWY on or after their 16th birthday do not need a booster dose.

There are two age-appropriate vaccines that meet this requirement and provide the necessary protection, Menactra® and Menveo®. If unsure, parents are urged to ask their child’s immunizing provider if they are properly protected, or if an additional vaccine is needed.

Teens and young adults are at increased risk for infection with meningococcal disease. Infection has two common outcomes: meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and sepsis (bloodstream infections). Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache and stiff neck. With bloodstream infection, symptoms also include a dark purple rash. About 1 of every 10 people who gets the disease dies from it.

Even with treatment, an infection with meningococcal disease can lead to death within a few hours. In non-fatal cases, permanent disabilities can include loss of limbs, hearing loss and brain damage. The bacteria that cause this infection can spread when people have close contact with someone’s saliva, such as through kissing, coughing or sharing eating utensils and cups.

Recognizing the importance of immunization, Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed July as Adolescent Immunization Awareness MonthOpen PDF in North Carolina. Now, more than ever, public health reminds us of the importance of continued routine vaccination to keep children healthy and avoid the risk of vaccine-preventable disease.

For additional information on meningococcal disease and the updated meningococcal immunization (MenACWY) booster requirement, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and our new fact sheet in EnglishOpen PDF or en EspañolOpen PDF.

For more information on all vaccine requirements for 12th graders in North Carolina, go to www.immunize.nc.gov/schools.Open PDF

Daniel Arthur

Franklin Co. Man Arrested on Six Counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On Thursday, July 23, 2020, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division issued warrants for the arrest of Daniel Kasanje Arthur, a Franklin County resident. Daniel Kasanje Arthur was charged with six (6) counts of Second-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.

Charges followed after an extensive investigation conducted by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations Computer Crimes Unit.

Daniel Kasanje Arthur was given a $250,000 secure bond and is currently held in the Franklin County Detention Center.

Daniel Kasanje Arthur
36 years old
102 Cardinal Dr.
Youngsville, NC 27596

Daniel Kasanje Arthur (Photo courtesy FCSO)

NC Dept of Agriculture

NC Residents Warned Not to Plant Unsolicited Foreign Seed Sent to Them

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, NCDA&CS

North Carolina residents who have received seed shipments that they did not order from China or other foreign sources are advised not to plant these seeds because they could be a pathway for the introduction of invasive species, insects and plant diseases.

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has been contacted by numerous people who have received the seeds, which are likely the product of an international internet scam known as “brushing.” “According to the Better Business Bureau, foreign, third-party sellers use your address and Amazon information to generate a fake sale and positive review to boost their product ratings,” said Phil Wilson, director of the Plant Industry Division.

“Seeds are just one of the items used in this scam, however, you could receive other inexpensive items such as rubber bands, plastic toys, or empty bags.” This type of international shipment of plant material is unlawful and NCDA&CS asks anyone who received one of these unsolicited foreign shipments to save the contents along with all shipping labels and contact the Plant Industry Division toll-free at 800-206-9333 or email at newpest@ncagr.gov.  Plant Industry staff will contact you to gather information and pick up the package.

North Carolina residents are not in violation of any regulations if they received these shipments, but they are the key to identifying and stopping future shipments.

Antavian Cornelius Yancey

Yancey Believed to be Armed and Dangerous

/by

— press release from Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

Subject: Antavian Cornelius Yancey

Aliases: Cornelius Yancey and Antavian Yancey

On Thursday, July 16, 2020, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division received a call reference smoke in a wooded area. Upon the arrival of Deputies and the Vance County Fire Department on the scene, a vehicle was fully engulfed.

Members of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division responded to investigate the vehicle fire along with North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s Arson Unit.

On July 17, 2020, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division received a phone call from Burlington Police Department reference to Burlington Police Department locating the body of a black female that was believed to be from Henderson, North Carolina. The female was identified as Charisma Robinson, age 35.

Investigators began to investigate these incidents and developed that the two cases were connected. Participating agencies from the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Henderson Police Department, Burlington Police Department and North Carolina State Bureau of investigation began a collaborative effort to solve the murder of Charisma Robinson.

Through the investigation a person of interest was developed and later identified as a subject/suspect in this matter.

On July 24, 2020 a warrant for Murder and Burning of Personnel Property was issued for Antavian Cornelius Yancey (B/M/ Age 34), regarding the death of Charisma Robinson.

Yancey is believed to be armed and dangerous.  If located please contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 252-738-2200.

VGCC Logo

VGCC to Offer UAV/Drone Pilot Training Courses, Commercial Pilot Ground School

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College is introducing new opportunities for education and training in the Aviation field – covering both manned and unmanned flights. VGCC is partnering with Total Flight Solutions, an aviation company with a location at Triangle North Executive Airport in Louisburg, to offer these classes. 

The first courses being offered by VGCC will provide training to help people fly Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly called “drones.”

The 16-hour UAV Pilot Training Course will be held on two Saturdays, August 22 and August 29, 2020, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day at the airport in Louisburg. Students will receive hands-on instruction on how to control a drone and prepare to become a UAV operator. The cost of the course is $71.25. 

“This ‘flight school’ consists of a four-hour discussion of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight rules for UAVs/drones, and 12 hours of flying drones and observing drones in flight,” explained Keith Shearon, Director of Customized Training for VGCC. “This is about learning to fly, including a thorough understanding of how the remote control works. It’s an excellent course for folks who haven’t yet bought a drone, or for those who have recently purchased a drone and need some guidance.” Shearon added that for training, students will use GPS-enabled drones that are owned by the college.

In conjunction with these flight classes, VGCC will then offer the 25-hour “FAA Part 107 Exam Preparation” course for the first time on September 17-19, for students wishing to obtain the license required for commercial operation. All but the very smallest drones require a license to fly, and all commercial-use drones require this license. Like the pilot training, the exam-prep course is taught by professionals from Total Flight Solutions. The cost of this course is $133.25, which does not include the actual examination fee.

VGCC and Total Flight Solutions are also preparing to offer a Commercial Pilot Ground School later in the year. Completing this course is the first step in preparing for a rewarding, lucrative career as a commercial pilot for manned vehicles. 

For more information on Aviation at VGCC, visit www.vgcc.edu/coned/aviation or contact Keith Shearon at shearonj@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3433.

Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health Urges Community Members to Wear Masks

/by

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health is urging community members to wear face masks or cloth face coverings in public areas where social distancing is not easily achieved in an effort to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

This aligns with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and North Carolina mandate, as being an effective way to prevent the spread of the illness. The hospital has already instituted a universal masking protocol within its facilities and requires anyone entering to wear a face mask at all times.

“Maria Parham strongly encourages our community members to wear masks because each of us plays an important role in helping to keep our community safe and protect one another from the spread of infectious diseases,” says Dr. Ronald Stahl, chief medical officer at Maria Parham. “One of the easiest and most effective ways we can look out for each other and aid in the fight against COVID-19 is to wear a face mask in public spaces right now.”

Recent studies have shown that universal masking can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19, especially in individuals who may be asymptomatic and unaware that they are ill. Face masks and cloth face coverings should be worn over the nose and mouth, and be held securely in place with loops or ties.

“Until there is a vaccine, wearing a mask in public, practicing social distancing and proper hand hygiene are our best lines of defense in reducing the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” Stahl says. “That’s why we’ve established a universal masking protocol in our facilities to help protect our patients, providers and employees, and we’re encouraging our fellow citizens to do the same in other public places. By looking out for each other, we’ll get through this together and continue making our community healthier.”

For more information from the CDC on face coverings and how to make your own, visit https://bit.ly/30mMOu8. To learn more about how Maria Parham is working to ensure the safety of patients during this time, visit https://bit.ly/2ZMXP9j.

NCHSAA

NCHSAA Delays Start of Fall Sports Season Until at Least September 1

/by

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, NCHSAA

On Tuesday, Governor Cooper announced the reopening plan for the 2020-2021 school year. He also indicated that the NCHSAA would be making the decisions relative to sports. The NCHSAA Board of Directors approved the following rule and calendar changes:

  • The start of NCHSAA fall sports is delayed until at least September 1.
  • The first five (5) student days of the 2020-2021 school year will be designated as a “dead period” for ALL sports, allowing school staff to focus on the start of school.
  • NCHSAA Phase One of the summer conditioning and workouts will continue until further notice.

Commissioner Que Tucker provides the following statement at this time.

“For now, we believe these steps provide hope for our student-athletes, and the possibility for playing fall sports We know that many decisions are being made relative to the reopening plan your school(s) will follow. After each LEA has had an opportunity to formalize and finalize those reopening plans, the NCHSAA Staff will survey the membership to determine how sports should and/or can fit into the various models that will exist across the state. Please understand this delayed start date is not “in cement” and can be delayed even further if we do not have improved data from DHHS, or some other reason exists for delaying further into September or beyond.

We acknowledge that playing certain sports are more problematic at any time without a vaccine; however, we remain in consultation with our Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) members, and they believe we can and should offer a sports program, with all necessary modifications, delays, etc. In the coming weeks, we will continue working with the SMAC as we plan our next steps for the fall, as well as determining when equipment could be shared—i.e. balls— and/or if we can move into Phase 2 of the summer workouts/conditioning.

Each NCHSAA Board Member believes in the value of education-based athletics and is committed to SAFELY offering a fall, winter, and spring sports program during this school year; however, there is also a commitment to the health and safety of students and coaches. Towards this end, we all will continue to follow the guidance of the Department of Health and Human Services relative to the data and how we all safely move forward.

Science in the Summer

GSK Science in the Summer™ Returns Virtually for 2020

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, GSK Science in the Summer™

GSK Science in the Summer™, a free summer STEM program that aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, returns this summer as an entirely virtual offering with a new theme: Chemistry is Everywhere!

Traditionally held at local libraries and community-based organizations, this new online format for 2020 in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic ensures that GSK Science in the Summer™ can continue to offer high-quality, interactive STEM learning for its 34th year. With experiments available online, this year even more students entering second through sixth grade can participate at a critical time in their education journey and following the disruption of the 2019-20 academic year.

To ensure students without access to high-speed internet or devices at home can participate, GSK and the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center have created packets replicating the online instruction that they will disperse at libraries and Boys & Girls Clubs while maintaining social distance and all other COVID-19 precautions.

The all-new curriculum invites children to play the role of chemists by practicing real scientific techniques and exploring basic principles of chemistry—including the chemistry of polymers, glow sticks, and bombardier beetles. The program provides opportunities for students to embody science careers, think scientifically, use real science tools and techniques and have fun.

Families in Central NC who registered to participate in the week-long camps that typically took place at libraries and Boys and Girls Clubs a week at a time will participate during that same week this summer but at home.

Through accompanying online videos, educators from the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center guide students through several activities and share more about the hands-on chemistry research projects they’ll be exploring at home.

After conducting their experiments at home, students with access will join a live virtual research meeting with a Morehead Planetarium and Science Center educator to share results from their experiment, ask questions about the chemistry topic highlighted in the activity, and reflect on how they each were like scientists.

All virtual content will be made available beginning in late July or early August at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center’s website for students throughout the state who didn’t enroll in the program to use and enjoy.

Provided by GSK in partnership with the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and administered at science centers across the nation, this fun, 100% free STEM enrichment program helps prevent the summer slide and keeps all students, including students from underserved and underrepresented populations, engaged in STEM learning through hands-on experiments. The program reaches more than 3,000 students at 50 locations across Central NC each year.

“We hope that GSK Science in the Summer™ programs continues to inspire more children to put on their goggles and explore the wonders of science. Our goal is to encourage students, particularly those from populations underrepresented in the scientific community, to pursue STEM career paths later in life,” said Becki Lynch, Director, US Community Partnerships at GSK.

“Through the GSK Science in the Summer™ curriculum and online resources, we are proud to continue to serve our participants as they explore chemistry at home with their families,” says Glenda Hairston, Science Programs Outreach Manager, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. “Through our curriculum and online resources, we hope that children will be inspired to see themselves as scientists who can improve the world using their critical thinking skills, natural curiosity, and creativity.”

For more information, visit the GSK Science in the Summer™ website (click here) or the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center website (click here).

Local News Audio

WIZS Local News 07/14/20 Noon

/by

Local News on WIZS

Your Community Voice

  • Covid-19 and Vance County
  • Granville-Vance Public Health
  • Vance Commissioners to Discuss County Debt, Shared Parking Agreement
  • A Witness for Peace on Earth

 

Franklin County Sheriff

Youngsville Couple Found Dead in Murder-Suicide

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On Sunday, July 12, 2020, at approximately 9:50 p.m., Youngsville Police Department responded to a 911 hang-up call at 133 Wolfpack Lane, Youngsville. Youngsville Police Department was on scene approximately 20 minutes speaking with the two occupants of the residence regarding an apparent domestic situation. 

After speaking with both occupants, Youngsville Police Department cleared the scene. However, a short time later, Youngsville Police Department was once again dispatched to 133 Wolfpack Lane after a neighbor called 911 to report shots fired. Law enforcement units from Youngsville Police Department, Franklinton Police Department, and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responded, along with Franklin County EMS. 

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Wake Forest Police Department Special Response Team (SRT) responded and made entry to the residence. Upon entry, law enforcement personnel located a male and female who were deceased as a result of apparent gunshot wounds. 

The individuals were identified as Lamien Fornike Moore and Albert Jerome Crudup both of whom reside at 133 Wolfpack Lane, Youngsville. The preliminary investigation revealed that Albert Crudup allegedly shot Ms. Moore and then died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Lamien Fornite Moore – B/F – DOB: 7/03/1969 (age 51) 

133 Wolfpack Lane Youngsville, NC 27596

Albert Jerome Crudup – B/M – DOB: 8/16/1967 (age 52)

133 Wolfpack Lane Youngsville, NC 27596