Franklin County News - WIZS

Latest on Isaias for WIZS Area

August 3, 2020/by John C. Rose

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for Franklin, Harnett, Hoke, Wake, and Warren Counties. — Click For The Latest

WEATHER.GOV/RALEIGH – https://www.weather.gov/raleigh

NWS RALEIGH – https://www.facebook.com/NWSRaleigh

NWS RALEIGH – https://twitter.com/NWSRaleigh

The latest on Isaias for the WIZS listening area – 1450 AM / 100.1 FM / Live Stream

THE LATEST NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BRIEFING WILL ALWAYS BE AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK:

https://www.weather.gov/media/rah/briefing/NWSRaleighLatestBriefing.pdf

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(Update 9:30 a.m. – 8/3/2020) — update written and provided by Brian Short, Henderson-Vance Director of Emergency Operations

Click here for the Isaias briefing as of 9:30 a.m. on August 3. Overall, the local situation remains the same as in previous updates.

Presently, we remain under a Flood Watch and are just outside the boundary of counties who are under a Tropical Storm Watch (though that will likely change to include us).

We are forecast to receive wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph, with rainfall estimated between three and six inches. We should begin feeling the effects late this evening and in the overnight hours into Tuesday. With this much rain and gusty winds, we could certainly have downed trees and power outages.

As of today at 8 a.m., we have activated our Emergency Operations Center in a monitoring capacity and have escalated to a Level 2 status. We will be issuing a local Proclamation of a State of Emergency later this morning just to be on the safe side.

One particular emergency protective measure that could be implemented would be a vehicle curfew. If enacted, this would apply only to the municipal city limits of Henderson and not all of Vance County. Additionally, this limitation would only be imposed if power is lost due to the storm and would only be for the overnight hours beginning at 8 p.m. and lasting until 6 a.m.

Beginning this evening, we will be overstaffing the 911 center, and it will remain overstaffed throughout the day on Tuesday.

At this point, we do not plan to open any shelters as we do not believe they will be needed. However, we remain ready to do so if the situation worsens.

We will be coordinating our preparedness activities with our local and state response partners, and we are encouraging our citizens to continue their own local preparedness efforts.

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(Update 12 Noon – 8/2/2020) — update written and provided by Brian Short, Henderson-Vance Director of Emergency Operations

Attached (above links) is the morning forecast from the National Weather Service for Tropical Storm Isaias. (Those links above will stay current with subsequent updates.) The storm continues to shift west with each update, and the current track continues to bring it inland through our state following the I-95 corridor. At present, we are forecast to receive some pretty strong wind gusts that at times could reach tropical storm strength as well as between 4 and 6 inches of rain. The rainfall will occur over a relatively short period of time, so localized flooding and flash flooding is certainly possible as are downed trees and power lines.

Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations

Our office is continuing to monitor the storm closely. We will make a decision early tomorrow (Monday) about declaring a local state of emergency for this event. We will also decide early tomorrow (Monday) regarding the implementation of any additional emergency protective measures.

Remember it is still not too late to work on your emergency supply kit (on Sunday and early Monday) and begin some basic preparedness activities if you have not done so already.

We will continue to forward along additional information as it is received.

The National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a Flash Flood Watch for a portion of central North Carolina, including the following areas: Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Granville, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Orange, Person, Richmond, Scotland, Vance, Wake, and Warren. The watch presently is in effect from Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon.

In an earlier statement from Brian Short, he said:

Keep in mind that we are now entering peak hurricane season, and the tropics have already been very active. The time to prepare is now and not when the winds begin to blow.

In addition to non-perishable food and water, hurricane emergency supply kits should include:

• First-aid kit
• Weather radio and batteries
• Prescription medicines
• Sleeping bag or blankets
• Changes of clothes
• Hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant
• Cash
• Pet supplies including food, water, bedding, leashes, muzzle and vaccination records.

If you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if you’re in a home that would be unsafe during a hurricane, figure out where you’d go and how you’d get there if told to evacuate.

We will continue to issue additional updates as they are received or our situation changes.

Please follow Vance County Emergency Operations on Facebook to stay informed on current preparedness efforts and other storm-related information.

More information on severe weather and hurricane preparedness is located at www.ReadyNC.org.

Boys and Girls Clubs Announces Planned Reopening Date for Local Units

July 29, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy the BGCNCNC newsletter and President/CEO DJ Jones

In a recent newsletter, Boys and Girls Clubs of North Central North Carolina (BGCNCNC) President/CEO Donyell “DJ” Jones announced that the Boys & Girls Clubs is working to finalize its reopening strategy.

Current plans include opening the following locations on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, with hours to be determined:

Granville Unit
Vance Unit
Franklin Unit
Franklinton Middle School Unit
Halifax Unit

Approval from the local school systems is still needed to open the following locations:

Mariam Boyd Elementary Unit
Northside K-8 Unit
West Oxford Elementary Unit
Creedmoor Elementary Unit
Inborden Elementary Unit
Everetts Elementary Unit

Although several locations will be open, due to social distancing requirements and guidance from the local health professionals, BGCNCNC will not be able to operate at full capacity. Capacity will be determined as club spaces are evaluated. The current plan is to offer in-person services and virtual programming.

As BGCNCNC moves forward with its reopening strategy and procedures, members will be contacted by the Area Director/Unit Director.

Members whose contact information has changed should contact the appropriate club location to update:

Granville Unit – (919) 690-0036, ext 121
West Oxford Elementary Unit, Creedmoor Elementary Unit – (919) 690-0036, ext 107
Vance Unit, Mariam Boyd Elem. Unit and Northside K-8 Unit – (919) 690-0036, ext 105
Franklin Unit and Franklinton Unit – (919) 690-0036, ext 104
Halifax Unit, Inborden Elem. Unit and Everetts Elem. Unit – (919) 690-0036, ext 108

For more information, please call (919) 690-0036 or visit www.bgcncnc.com.

Franklin County Schools to Begin Academic Year Fully Remote

July 28, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Schools

The Franklin County Board of Education voted on July 27 to reopen the 2020-2021 school year under Plan C, therefore, all students will begin the year fully remote.

Students who have signed up for the Virtual Academy will have the option to remain on a remote learning plan once the district moves forward with a learning plan that calls for face-to-face instruction.

Students who wish to apply for the FCS Virtual Academy may do so by the deadline of Wednesday, July 29, 2020.

FCS students who have already applied do not need to resubmit their applications. FCS will contact each student and their families in the near future with details about the next steps in the process.

The Virtual Academy is accepting applications online via the following link: https://tinyurl.com/y2krco2p

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

July 28, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-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

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

July 27, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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

July 27, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-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.

Yancey Believed to be Armed and Dangerous

July 25, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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

July 23, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-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 Urges Community Members to Wear Masks

July 20, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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 Delays Start of Fall Sports Season Until at Least September 1

July 17, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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.