Local News - WIZS

Granville Co. Board of Commissioners to Hold Special Meeting July 20

July 17, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy the County of Granville

Special Meeting Notice

Please take notice that the Granville County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting on Monday, July 20, 2020, at 7 p.m.

In order to adhere to the COVID-19 restrictions, members of the Board will participate via simultaneous communication. Members of the public may only attend via simultaneous communication using call-in information.

The Board anticipates going into closed session pursuant to G.S. §143-318.11(a)(3), (5) and (a)(6).

Public Dial-in Information

1-866-423-8755

Passcode is 583341

To view Granville Co. Board of Commissioner meeting agendas and minutes, click here.

Governor Cooper Names Members of Andrea Harris Task Force

July 17, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Earlier this week, Governor Roy Cooper named the members of the Andrea Harris Social, Economic, Environmental, and Health Equity Task Force.

The Task Force, established by the Governor’s Executive Order 143, will address the social, environmental, economic, and health disparities in communities of color that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The first meeting is anticipated in early August.

“Inequities in North Carolina are not new, but COVID-19 is shining a bright light on disparities that have gone unchecked in our health care and economic institutions for communities of color,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “This task force is the right way to address these inequities as we recover from the pandemic so that as we come back from this, we improve access to affordable healthcare and quality economic opportunities.”

“Health inequities are the result of more than individual choice or random occurrence — they are the result of the historic and ongoing interplay of inequitable structures, policies, and norms that shape lives,” said NC Department of Administration Secretary Machelle Sanders. “I am deeply honored to carry Andrea Harris’ torch on this new task force, as we grapple with these complex and critical issues for North Carolina.”

To read the full press release, including the list of individuals named to the task force, click here.

GSK Science in the Summer™ Returns Virtually for 2020

July 16, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-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).

GVPH: Local COVID-19 Update as of 7/15/20

July 16, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

The following is an update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of July 15, 2020. Granville Vance Public Health numbers correlate with the NC Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NCEDSS) data.

The county case numbers reported on the NC county map from the NC Department of Health and Human Services may differ from the ones reported locally as they are updated at different times and may change once residence is verified.

Granville County

983 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 983, 509 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 509, 371 have been released from isolation, and seven are hospitalized.

Of those 983 cases, 465 are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County, and 95 of those 465 have been released from isolation.

Six of those 983 are associated with an outbreak at the Murdoch Development Center, five of whom have been released from isolation.

Two of those 983 are associated with an outbreak at Central Regional Hospital.

One resident has tested positive for COVID-19 at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center. Three staff members have also tested positive.

There have been a total of 25 deaths in Granville County, three in the community, one at Central Regional Hospital, and 21 of whom were associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.

Vance County

586 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 586, 463 are community-spread cases located across Vance county, and 365 of those 463 have been released from isolation.

Of those 586, 123 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities, including 48 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home and 17 associated with Senior Citizens Home.

The outbreak at Pelican Health nursing home is no longer active. Of the 123 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 44 have been released from isolation.

Two individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 40 deaths in Vance County, 14 of whom were associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 11 of whom were associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, and two of whom were associated with Senior Citizens Home.

Additional Information

The number of those who have been ‘released from isolation’ is determined by the CDC Guidance for discontinuation of isolation for persons with COVID-19.

North Carolina has a prevention and detection-focused approach to testing for COVID-19 in long term care facilities. Because people are living in close proximity, these are settings that many states monitor for the spread of COVID-19. NC DHHS considers long term care facilities to be experiencing an “outbreak” if at least two individuals who are staff and/or residents have tested positive. An outbreak is considered over after 28 consecutive days with no new positive test results.

All long term care facilities in the district are testing staff and residents regularly and participate in a weekly call with Dr. Shauna Guthrie at Granville Vance Public Health. For schools, businesses, and other settings that are not congregate living facilities, the state considers multiple cases to be a “cluster.” A cluster is defined as both a minimum of five cases in the same facility within a 14-day period and a plausible epidemiological linkage between cases.

Some additional cases being reported currently out of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) are related to a building on the Durham County side, and those cases will be reported to the Durham County Health Department for data entry into the NCEDSS system. The Bureau of Prisons is doing its own testing on-site. For more about the response from the Bureau of Prisons, please visit the Prison’s website.

Please visit www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information from Granville Vance Public Health and to sign up for daily email updates.

Granville County Library System to Ease Restrictions on July 21

July 15, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The Granville County Library System will ease restrictions to the public beginning Tuesday, July 21, 2020. The re-opening will be accompanied by procedures put into place to ensure the safety of staff and visitors, which include:

The number of patrons in each library branch will be limited to support social distancing guidelines. Each patron should limit the number of people brought in with them;
Library patrons may browse the shelves or pick up holds Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. and from 2 until 4 p.m. at the Richard H. Thornton and South Branch Libraries. (Contact Stovall and Berea branches for their hours);
An emphasis will be placed on mobile printing and the quick selection of materials;
Face coverings over the nose and mouth will be required;
Computer usage will be limited to 30 minutes a day with limited, remote assistance;
Curbside pick-up will continue;
Designated areas will be closed off, such as the Children’s area; and
Some materials will be restricted, including magazines, newspapers, Legos, and puzzles.

To follow public health requirements, hand sanitizer will be available and high-touch public areas will be cleaned frequently. Protective barriers at circulation and information desks have also been installed.

Areas that will remain closed to the public include:

The Children’s Library at the Thornton Library in Oxford;
The Picture Book section at the South Branch Library;
Tables; and
Meeting rooms.

Visitors are encouraged to follow the “Three Ws” as outlined by the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services – WEAR a cloth face covering; WAIT in line at least six feet away from others; and WASH hands frequently or use hand sanitizer. Library visits should be postponed if experiencing symptoms of illness.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all four branches of the Granville County Library System (in Oxford, Creedmoor, Stovall and Berea) have been closed to the public since March 21 for safety precautions. “Virtual” programming, curbside service and other precautionary measures have been in place since that time.

Keep up-to-date by visiting the Granville County Government website at https://granville.lib.nc.us/ or following the library system’s social media page.

Granville County Public Schools Moving Forward With ‘Plan B’

July 15, 2020/by WIZS Staff

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

On Tuesday, July 14, 2020, Governor Cooper announced that all schools will open this fall under the state’s “Plan B.” Plan B includes moderate social distancing, in which only half of the students may physically report to school at a given time, while the other half of the students will participate remotely.

This is a balanced, flexible approach that also includes extensive daily screening and cleaning processes as well as a requirement for ALL students and staff to wear a face mask while at school.

Our Board of Education recently approved the general framework for Plan B in GCPS, which includes two separate groups of students alternating between two consecutive days of face-to-face school each week, with Wednesday being a remote learning day for all students. So, essentially, students will physically report to school for two days of “face-to-face” learning at school and remain at home for three days of remote learning each week.

Our Board also approved a provision to allow the district to begin this schedule on August 17, 2020, using a ‘staggered entry’ approach. This means for the first two weeks of school, smaller groups of students will physically report to school in order to learn and understand the new screening processes, social distancing expectations, use of PPE and modified class schedules.

This school year, all students and parents will be learning about many new expectations, processes and procedures for how school will operate. Therefore, it is important that we do this with smaller groups of students in a staggered manner, initially, to ensure the safety of everyone on our campuses.

Granville Early College High School will also operate under Plan B, but with a modified format, which will be different from all other schools. Their individual plan will accommodate VGCC’s decision to have all of its courses delivered in an online format only.

GCPS is committed to providing CHOICES to our families. Starting later this week, families can expect to receive additional information about how to sign-up for other choices they have available. This process, known as “SaFE”, or Sign-up for Fall Entry,” will allow parents who do NOT want their children to physically report to school under Plan B to either: (1) apply to Granville Academy (our K-12 blended learning school); or (2) receive full remote instruction at their base school. We want parents to feel comfortable about their decision for their children. Everyone should remain on the lookout for more information about the “SaFE” process in the next few days.

Finally, GCPS will join a number of other districts in extending the suspension of all athletic activities until the NCHSAA gives further guidelines following Governor Roy Cooper’s announcement today. We understand that may come later in this process. Therefore, summer workouts that were planned to begin on July 20 will be suspended until further notice. All other non-athletic extracurricular activities are suspended until further notice, as well.

We understand that this is a very difficult and stressful time for our families and students. We will continue to provide frequent communication and updates to our families using our automated phone system, emails, social media, our district website and our partners in the local media.

Governor Announces Public Schools to Open Under Plan B; Phase 2 Extended

July 14, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen were joined today by education and health leaders to announce health and safety plans for K-12 public schools for the new school year. Schools will open for in-person instruction under an updated Plan B that requires face coverings for all K-12 students, fewer children in the classroom, measures to ensure social distancing for everyone in the building, and other safety protocols.

“The most important opening is that of our classroom doors. Our schools provide more than academics; they are vital to our children’s’ health, safety and emotional development,” said Governor Cooper. “This is a difficult time for families with hard choices on every side. I am committed to working together to ensure our students and educators are as safe as possible and that children have opportunities to learn in the way that is best for them and their families.”

The Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit outlines the updated requirements for Plan B. Districts may choose to operate under Plan C, which calls for remote learning only, and health leaders recommend schools allow families to opt in to all-remote learning. Modifications have been made to Plan B since it was released in June to make it more protective of public health.

“After looking at the current scientific evidence and weighing the risks and benefits, we have decided to move forward with today’s balanced, flexible approach which allows for in-person instruction as long as key safety requirements are in place in addition to remote learning options,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, MD. “We will continue to follow the science and data and update recommendations as needed. We ask every North Carolinian to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and follow the three W’s: Wear a face covering when in public, Wait 6 feet apart, Wash your hands.”

Governor Cooper also announced that the state will provide at least five reusable face coverings for every student, teacher and school staff member in public schools. In June, the state provided packs of personal protective equipment to schools that included a two-month supply of thermometers, surgical masks, face shields and gowns for school nurses and delegated staff who provide health care to students.

“Educators and stakeholders across our state have worked tirelessly to reopen our school buildings safely for our students, teachers and staff. Today, we take another critical step towards that goal. We also know families need to choose the option that is best for their children, so all school districts will provide remote learning options,” said Eric Davis, Chairman of the State Board of Education.

“In-person education is important for children, and it happens in the context of a community. This plan strikes the right balance between health and safety and the benefits of having children learn in the classroom. We must all continue with proven measures to reduce COVID-19 transmission like wearing a face covering, keeping distance between people, and frequent hand and surface cleanings so we can move closer to safely re-opening public schools,” said Dr. Theresa Flynn, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, a practicing pediatrician who serves on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Pediatric Society and joined today’s announcement.

Under Plan B, schools are required to follow key safety measures that include:

Require face coverings for all teachers and students K-12
Limit the total number of students, staff and visitors within a school building to the extent necessary to ensure 6 feet distance can be maintained when students/staff will be stationary
Conduct symptom screening, including temperature checks
Establish a process and dedicated space for people who are ill to isolate and have transportation plans for ill students
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in the school and transportation vehicles regularly
Require frequent hand washing throughout the school day and provide hand sanitizer at entrances and in every classroom
Discontinue activities that bring together large groups
Limit nonessential visitors and activities involving external groups
Discontinue use of self-service food or beverage distribution

In addition, schools are strongly recommended to follow additional safety measures that include:

Designate hallways and entrance/exit doors as one-way
Keep students and teachers in small groups that stay together as much as possible
Have meals delivered to the classroom or have students bring food back to the classroom if social distancing is not possible in the cafeteria
Discontinue activities that bring together large groups
Place physical barriers such as plexiglass at reception desks and similar areas

More details can be found in the Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit. Read the Screening Reference Guide for schools and the Infection Control and PPE Guidance.

In addition to the announcement about school plans, Governor Cooper shared that North Carolina will remain paused in Safer At Home Phase 2 after the current Executive Order expires on Friday, July 17.

“As we continue to see rising case numbers and hospitalizations, we will stay in Safer At Home Phase 2 for three more weeks,” said Governor Cooper. “Our re-opening priority is the school building doors, and in order for that to happen we have to work to stabilize our virus trends.”

School Groups on Today’s Public School Announcement:

“While all school re-entry plans have their challenges during this pandemic, our superintendents, principals, and other school leaders will continue to prioritize student and staff safety in reopening schools under the cautious parameters outlined today by the Governor,” said North Carolina Association of School Administrators Executive Director Katherine Joyce. “We look forward to continuing work with the Governor, the General Assembly, and other state leaders to ensure our schools have the support needed to get student learning back on track in the safest manner possible in each local district.”

“I recognize Governor Cooper faced a very difficult decision. The good news is that local school boards can now begin to officially put their school reopening plans in motion,” said Brenda Stephens, President of the North Carolina School Board Association. “While the current situation may not be ideal for all, I’m confident North Carolina’s educators will continue to provide students with the best education possible.

NCWorks Hosting Virtual Hiring Events for Mako Medical, Nugget Children’s Furniture

July 14, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy NCWorks Career Center

Mako Medical

NCWorks Career Center will host two Virtual Hiring Events per week over the next several weeks for Mako Medical starting Thursday, July 16, 2020, at 11 a.m. The Virtual Hiring event schedule will be the same every week with sessions at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and 11 a.m. on Thursdays.

The Virtual Hiring Event will include a brief company overview, information about available positions, skills related to the positions and the application process. Strong applicants can view the available positions and apply directly to Mako Medical at www.makomedical.com/careers, but anyone that would like more information or has questions is encouraged to join the Virtual Hiring Event sessions.

Nugget

NCWorks also hosted a Virtual Open House for Nugget at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14. There will be more events in the coming weeks as well.

Nugget is a manufacturer of children’s furniture which currently operates in Hillsborough and is relocating to Butner. They are seeking 30 new team members to begin on September 1 at the Butner facility, with training starting the last week in August. They are a living wage employer paying $15/hour and provide 100% health insurance. These are team assembly positions. Heavy lifting is not required.

Please visit https://nuggetcomfort.com/ [nuggetcomfort.com] for information on the employer, but please be aware that NCWorks has been asked to prescreen all applicants. If an applicant reaches out directly to the company, they will receive the link to the event. The employer requests no phone calls, and there is no number provided on the website.

With questions on these events, including how to join the upcoming virtual sessions, please contact NCWorks Career Center Business Services team members Lonnda Brothers or Joe Jung at (919) 693-2686 or by email at joseph.jung@ncworks.gov or lonnda.brothers@ncworks.gov.

East Wake Football League Postpones Fall Season, Looks to Spring

July 13, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, East Wake Football League

The East Wake Football League (EWFL) is committed to ensuring a positive youth football experience and sharing a long history of competitive youth football in the seven (7) county area. Due to the growing concerns about COVID-19, the Board of Directors of the EWFL has decided to postpone the 2020 Tackle Football and Cheer season.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented health and safety concerns that, in our opinion, make it difficult to have a season and keep players, coaches and families safe.

As an alternative, the Board will begin to design a Spring football season for our teams that would begin in early 2021. We will share more information as plans develop.

“The safety of our athletes is our first priority, and we will follow the guidance of the CDC and the State of North Carolina as we think about the next steps of our League,’ said Jeff Clark, League Commissioner.

About the East Wake Football League: The EWFL is a North Carolina 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to youth football in North Carolina. The EWFL is an independent league that currently consists of 18 affiliated organizations with three (3) teams each from 6 to 14 years in age. The EWFL has served the youth football community for over 50 years. More information may be found at www.ewfl-football.com.

Weichel Hired as Assistant County Manager

July 13, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County Government announces that Korena Weichel will be joining the administrative team as Assistant County Manager.

Weichel brings 20+ years of managerial experience and 12 years of local government experience to her new role as she has most recently served as City Manager for the City of Creedmoor (beginning as Interim Manager in 2018) and Assistant City Manager (since 2013). Weichel also held the position of Administrative Services Director for the City of Creedmoor for five years, as well as having prior experience in financial reporting, human resources and marketing.

Granville County Government announces that Korena Weichel will be joining the administrative team as Assistant County Manager on August 17, 2020. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt)

“I have enjoyed serving the citizens of the Creedmoor community and appreciate the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated staff to accomplish many goals and initiatives over the past twelve years,” Weichel says. “I am pleased to continue working in Granville County, and I am looking forward to supporting all our municipalities at the county level.”

As Assistant County Manager, Weichel will work with the County Manager in researching policy recommendations and long-range approaches for program services implemented by the County and will serve as project manager for multi-department projects and as a liaison for interdepartmental contacts.

In addition to other duties, Weichel will assist the County Manager with the planning and development of programs, as directed by the Board of Commissioners, as well as negotiating contracts, monitoring the budget and submitting proposals and reports.

A fall graduate of UNC Pembroke with a degree in Public and Non-Profit Administration, Weichel holds an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Vance-Granville Community College. She has also completed programs of governmental studies from the UNC School of Government, including Municipal and County Administration and Public Executive Leadership Academy, and presently serves on the North Carolina League of Municipalities’ (NCLM) Human Resources Advisory Committee and the N.C. City and County Manager’s Association’s (NCCCMA) Planning Committee.

Weichel is married and has one son, who also serves in local government as Finance Director for the Town of Valdese, NC (Burke County).

She begins work with Granville County Government on August 17.