Local News - WIZS

Local Health Departments to Receive Combined $1+ Million in COVID-19 Funding

June 18, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is allocating $35 million in federal funding to local health departments to support the COVID-19 response. Per federal guidelines, counties will be able to use these funds to support COVID-19 staffing, infection controls, testing and tracing, IT infrastructure and data sharing and visualization.

“Our local health departments are critical partners with the state as we fight this virus, and this funding will help them continue and expand their important work,” said Governor Roy Cooper.

“Since the start of the pandemic, our local health departments have been working around the clock to protect their communities and slow the spread of the virus. These funds continue to support their ability to address the overwhelming demands they are facing,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D.

North Carolina’s local health departments are on the frontlines supporting people in getting tested for COVID-19 and knowing if they have been exposed. Testing and contact tracing are core public health activities and key components of North Carolina’s strategy to responsibly ease restrictions while continuing to slow the spread of COVID-19. These responsibilities are in addition to their ongoing work to promote health and prevent disease.

Local health departments will receive a base allocation of $90,000 per county with additional funding based on population size and their cumulative positive COVID-19 caseload. Some local health departments represent multiple counties. CLICK HERE to see how much each health department will receive.

Local health district allocations include:

Granville-Vance (two counties) – $650,568

Franklin – $242,158

Warren – $149,803

This one-time, non-recurring funding is part of NCDHHS’ cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC), which awards annual funding to state, local and territorial health departments to support vector-borne disease surveillance and response. The coverage period runs from the beginning of the 2020 calendar year through the end of FY 2021-22.

Visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov to learn more about testing and contact tracing in North Carolina. For more information about the state’s response to COVID-19, go to nc.gov/covid19.

GVPH COVID-19 Update: Outbreak at Pelican Health Nursing Home ‘No Longer Active’

June 18, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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As of June 17, 2020, there are 709 known COVID-19 cases in Granville County, 433 cases in Vance County, and 46,855 confirmed cases in North Carolina.

There are two outbreaks at congregate living facilities in Granville County at Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC and Murdoch Development Center in Butner, NC.

Of the cases in Granville County, 395 are associated with the prisons and five are associated with Murdoch. Of the 395 cases in the prison system, 89 have been released from isolation and one individual with Murdoch has been released from isolation.

Of the 309 community-based cases in Granville County, 180 have been released from isolation and 10 are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 17 deaths in Granville County, 16 of whom were with the Bureau of Prisons.

There are two active outbreaks at congregate living facilities in Vance County: Kerr Lake Nursing Home in Henderson, NC, and Senior Citizens Home in Henderson, NC. There was also an outbreak at Pelican Health in Henderson, NC that is no longer active.

Of the cases in Vance County, 103 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities including 42 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home and three associated with Senior Citizens Home. Of the 103 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 42 have been released from isolation.

Of the 330 community-based cases in Vance County, 160 have been released from isolation.

Six individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 35 COVID-19 related deaths in Vance County, 14 of whom were associated with Pelican Health and nine of whom were associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.

GVPH updates its website daily at approximately 5 p.m. with Vance and Granville COVID-19 statistics. Please visit www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information.

GVPH also emails updates about COVID-19 in Granville and Vance counties each evening. You can sign up to receive these emails at www.gvph.org/covid-19.

Completion of 2020 Census Encouraged Through Local Mailing Campaign

June 18, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

A local appeal from Granville County Government has been mailed out to encourage county-wide participation in the 2020 Census. As of June 9, roughly 60 percent of Granville’s population has responded.

Mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the Census is used to determine how billions of dollars in federal funding is distributed. “We’d love to get as many people as we can to complete the census, and in turn hopefully see more dollars come to Granville County,” remarked Comm. Tony Cozart, who made the motion to approve this mailing at the June 1 meeting of the Board of Commissioners.

Census results will also determine the number of seats each state has in Congress, as well as political representation at all levels of government.

The 2020 Census can be completed by mail, by phone or online in thirteen languages. This is the first year that three options have been made available for a more convenient response. Completed surveys are kept confidential and are protected by law for 72 years.

Those responding by mail should complete and return the questionnaire received in their mailbox earlier this year, which includes a Census ID. Other options are to call 1-844-330-2020 to respond by phone (1-844-468-2020 for Spanish-speaking residents) or to visit my2020census.gov to respond online.

Those who do not have a Census ID should visit the my2020census.gov website, click on START QUESTIONNAIRE, and click below the login where the following prompt is displayed: “If you don’t have a Census ID, click here.” Then, simply answer the questions.

Granville County is currently ranked in the top 20 in the statewide response report, tying with Mecklenburg and Craven Counties. As of June 9, the statewide response rate is reported at 57.1 percent.

On a more local level, the Town of Stem continues to lead Granville County’s response rates at 67.7 percent, followed by the City of Creedmoor at 60.6 percent, the Town of Butner at 57.6 percent, the City of Oxford at 57 percent and the Town of Stovall at 18.1 percent.

Self-response surveys will be accepted through Oct. 31, with Census workers scheduled to visit non-responsive households beginning Aug. 11. Those assigned to follow up door-to-door will be trained to practice social distancing and to follow health guidelines. According to an update sent through the North Carolina State Data Center, Area Census offices in our state are now re-opening, with census workers currently in the field dropping off Update/Leave packets to households in remote and rural areas.

Appropriations for roads, schools, hospitals, emergency response and many other community needs are determined by population, which is reflected through Census data every decade. “We all know how important this is for federal and state dollars, as we’re seeing this through the COVID crisis,” reminded Granville County Board Chair David Smith. “Let’s all do our part to make Granville County count.”

The Census appeal, signed by Sandy Woody, Addressing/GIS Manager and the county’s liaison for the 2020 Census, was mailed out on June 10 and is available for viewing on the Granville County Government website at www.granvillecounty.org.

‘A Discussion For Awareness’ to be Held at Creedmoor City Hall – June 18

June 17, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Granville County Chamber of Commerce

“A Discussion For Awareness” will be held at City Hall in Creedmoor, NC, 111 Masonic St., on Thursday, June 18, 2020, at 6 p.m.

The public is welcome to join the meeting to advocate for equality and to dismantle racial injustices in the United States.

Speakers will include influential members of the Creedmoor community. Facial masks and social distancing are required.

For more information, please contact thelma.mungo@gmail.com.

JF Webb, School of Health & Life Sciences to Merge Into Single High School

June 17, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

This past week, the final graduating class of JF Webb School of Health and Life Sciences walked across the stage. Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, the school will merge into a single high school on the campus.

While this marks the closing of one school, it signals the dramatic transformation of the entire school campus. JF Webb High School will begin the next academic year with the school’s focus and organization redesigned, to what will be known moving forward as, “The Warrior Way.”

The Warrior Way school redesign will keep all course offerings and special programs associated with the School of Health and Life Sciences and offer an additional NEW focus on providing students the opportunity to earn college credits through VGCC.

Much like an Early College program, students at JF Webb will be provided a streamlined track for dual enrollment at the college’s main campus just seven miles away. The school will offer special guidance and counseling to provide students the opportunity to earn enough credits to graduate with both a high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree.

Students will also have the opportunity to earn other specialty degrees and certificates related to a variety of careers. All of this will be provided at no cost to families – textbooks and tuition will all be included. The school is also in the process of planning regular shuttle service to and from JF Webb and the VGCC main campus on a daily basis.

JF Webb Principal Amy Rice offered her comments, saying “Warrior pride runs deep in our community. I am super excited about the changes going on at our school. The Warrior Way provides clear pathways forward for every student, no matter their interest. However, one thing all pathways have in common is a focus on post-secondary education. Every graduate from our school will have a clear advantage in moving on to the next step in their life’s plan. Whether it be a career in the world of biomedical sciences as a scientist or medical professional, a leadership position in business or industry, a well-paid job in one of the countless skilled trades, or service in the military, JF Webb is the place to launch those plans. The school has an amazing history and an even brighter future. If you haven’t checked us out lately, it’s time to give us another look.”

In addition to the restructuring of the school’s organization, the community will also notice significant upgrades and improvements to the physical campus as well.

To learn more about how you or your child can become part of the Warrior Way, reach out to Principal Rice ricea@gcs.k12.nc.us today.

COVID-19 Update: 1,116 Known Cases in GVPH District to Date

June 16, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

As of June 15, 2020, there are 698 known COVID-19 cases in Granville County, 418 cases in Vance County, and 45,102 confirmed cases in North Carolina.

There are two outbreaks at congregate living facilities in Granville County at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC and Murdoch Development Center in Butner, NC. Of the cases in Granville County, 393 are associated with the prisons and five are associated with Murdoch.

Of the 393 cases in the prison system, 87 have been released from isolation and one individual with Murdoch has been released from isolation.

Of the 300 community-based cases in Granville County, 135 have been released from isolation and nine are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 16 deaths in Granville County, 15 of whom were with the Bureau of Prisons.

There are three outbreaks at congregate living facilities in Vance County: Pelican Health in Henderson, NC, Kerr Lake Nursing Home in Henderson, NC, and Senior Citizens Home in Henderson, NC. Fifty-eight of the cases in Vance County are associated with Pelican Health nursing home, 41 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, and two are associated with Senior Citizens Home.

Of the 101 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 41 have been released from isolation.

Of the 317 community-based cases in Vance County, 141 have been released from isolation.

Seven individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 32 deaths in Vance County, 14 of whom were associated with Pelican Health and eight of whom were associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.

GVPH updates its website daily at approximately 5 p.m. with Vance and Granville COVID-19 statistics. Please visit www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information.

GVPH also emails updates about COVID-19 in Granville and Vance counties each evening. You can sign up to receive these emails at www.gvph.org/covid-19.

JF Webb High School Hires Lamont Robinson as Head Football Coach

June 16, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

JF Webb High School recently announced the hiring of its new high school football coach, Mr. Lamont Robinson. A Washington D.C. native, Lamont Robinson played high school football at H.D. Woodson High School, before he transferred his junior year to Duval High School in Lanham, MD.

JF Webb High School recently announced the hiring of its new high school football coach, Mr. Lamont Robinson. (Photo courtesy GCPS)

After his high school graduation, Coach Robinson served two years in the United States Navy. He was stationed on the USS Eisenhower based out of Norfolk, VA, and he served in the Aviation Fuels Division. After completing his military obligation, Coach Robinson enrolled in Prince George’s Community College and then transferred to Salisbury University where he majored in English and Education. At SU, Coach Robinson was a four-year letterman on the Seagulls football team.

After his college graduation, he became a teacher and head junior varsity football coach at Amelia County High School in Amelia, VA. Since then, Coach Robinson has served in a variety of coaching roles in North Carolina, including Saint Augustine’s College, S.E. Raleigh High School, Riverside High School and Warren County.

In 2008, Coach Robinson also became the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Phoenix, a member of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL). Lamont Robinson will be entering his twentieth year as a football coach this season.

Coach Robinson is excited about the opportunity to become the head football coach at J.F. Webb High School. Coach Robinson is also a father of a 12-year-old son, Mason Robinson.

JF Webb High School Principal Amy Rice offered her remarks, stating, “We are so excited to welcome Coach Robinson to the Warrior family. We look forward to the leadership he will provide our students on and off the field. We anticipate many successful seasons with him in this role.”

School Resource Officers Give Back to Community

June 15, 2020/by WIZS Staff

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Granville County Government

Over the last three months, School Resource Officers (SRO’s) of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office have been providing assistance to local food pantries and area churches during the Covid-19 pandemic, packing, distributing and delivering more than 500,000 pounds of food to those in need.

Those receiving assistance by Granville County’s School Resource Officers include the following locations, with food distribution totals reported through these efforts:

Area Congregations in Ministry (ACIM) – 325,817 pounds of food, which included 522 Senior Boxes (Commodity Supplemental Food Program for Seniors) and 815 family boxes (Food Bank COVID Relief Boxes);
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church – 2,500 cases (average 40 lbs. a box), totaling 100,000 pounds;
Delrayno Baptist Church – 2,500 cases (average 40 lbs. a box) totaling 100,000 pounds; and
FBC Food Bank, Creedmoor – 279 families served.

In addition, more than 24,000 boxes of breakfast, lunch and snacks through the BackPack Buddies program were delivered over a six-day period.

“Many of the volunteers we normally count on were not able to leave their homes due to the Stay At Home Order,” said Sue Hinman, Executive Director of ACIM. “If the SROs had not been there, we would not have been able to provide food to the many people who needed us. We truly appreciate their support and their help when we needed it most.”

The Granville County Sheriff’s Office has nine (9) School Resource Officers on staff. Following North Carolina school closure mandates – due to the COVID-19 pandemic – these SRO’s have assisted with food distribution since mid-March, making additional connections with families all over the county.

“Every single SRO was a part of this effort,” Chief Deputy Sherwood Boyd remarked. “The kids all know that our SRO’s are there to help, and now their parents do, too. We were proud to have assisted our community in this way, helping meet the needs of our residents.”

School Re-Entry Plans Topic of Today’s Granville Board of Education Meeting

June 15, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Granville County Public Schools

The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a Special Meeting on Monday, June 15, 2020, at 4 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Board of Education to receive updated information on school re-entry plans, updated budget information and other learning options for the upcoming school year.

However, in observance of the Governor’s “Stay-at-Home” Orders, this meeting will be conducted electronically, with members of the public invited to view the live stream. To join the live stream meeting, please use the following link:

https://live.myvrspot.com/player?udi=Z3Nj&c=Z3JhbnZpbGxlMQ%3D%3D

The Board will also meet in Closed Session in accordance with N.C. General Statute 143.318.11 (a)(6), 143-318.11 (a)(3), 143.318.11 (a)(5) and Section 115C-321 for Personnel, and Attorney/Client Privilege.

To view the agenda for this meeting, please click here.

Granville Co. Board of Commissioners to Hold Regular June 15 Meeting Via Zoom

June 15, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Debra A. Weary, Clerk to the Board, Granville County

The Granville County Board of Commissioners will meet remotely by Zoom conference call on Monday, June 15, 2020, at 7 p.m. for the regularly scheduled meeting.

In order to adhere to the COVID-19 restrictions, the meeting may be accessed by utilizing the link and/or phone number included below. Public comments will be accepted in written format and must be received by Monday, June 15 at 12 p.m. by mail to P.O. Box 906, Oxford, NC 27565 or email to grancomrs@granvillecounty.org

Join Zoom Meeting

https://granvillecounty.zoom.us/j/95965652266?pwd=ZU5yd3Y0Y3dESGtWUVVPS2J5QksvQT09

Meeting ID: 959 6565 2266

Password: 252302

Dial by your location

877 853 5247 US Toll-free

888 788 0099 US Toll-free

Meeting ID: 959 6565 2266

Find your local number: https://granvillecounty.zoom.us/u/adCuS6IvaN

Agenda:

Consent Agenda

1. Contingency Summary

2. Budget Amendment #9

3. Refunds-Releases and Write-offs for May 2020

Public Comments

4. Public Comments

Grant Matters

5. Home & Community Care Block Grant

6. JCPC County Plan and Membership List for FY 2020-2021

Purchasing

7. Emergency Communications Phone Relocation

8. Emergency Communications Radio Relocation

Budget Matters

9. Budget Discussion and Deliberation

Appointments

10. Granville County Library System Board of Trustees

11. Human Relations Commission

12. Research Triangle Regional Partnership Board of Directors

13. Kerr-Tar Workforce Development Board

14. Granville County Planning Board

County Manager’s Report

15. County Manager’s Report

County Attorney’s Report

16. Sale of Property

17. County Attorney’s Report

Presentations by County Board Members

18. Presentations by County Board Members

Any Other Matters

19. Any Other Matters

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