Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Local COVID-19 Statistics; GVPH Updates Online Data Dashboard

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

GVPH has updated the way data is shared on its website. Please visit GVPH’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard (click here) for tables and graphs that will be updated daily.

The following is an update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of August 25, 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

1,470 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,470, 834 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 834, 663 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,470, 514 cases are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County and 366 of those 514 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,470, 122 are associated with outbreaks at long term care facilities including 19 at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center, 92 at Universal Health Care and eight at Granville House.

Of the 122 cases in long term care facilities in Granville County, nine have been released from isolation.

12 individuals in Granville County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 40 deaths in Granville County: four in the community, one associated with Central Regional Hospital, one associated with Murdoch Development Center, 13 associated with Universal Health Care, and 21 associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.

Unfortunately, a recent death associated with Murdoch Development Center has been reported: a 71-year-old female passed away on August 25, 2020.

Vance County

836 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 836, 711 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 711, 577 have been released from isolation.

Of those 836, 125 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities including 49 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, 17 associated with Senior Citizens Home, and one with Alliance Rehabilitative Care (ARC). The outbreak at Pelican Health nursing home is no longer active.

Of the 125 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 44 have been released from isolation.

Five individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 42 deaths in Vance County: 14 associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 12 associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, two associated with Senior Citizens Home, and 14 in the community.

WIZS Note: According to the provided data, there are 134 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 171 in the Granville County community at this time (excluding congregate living numbers).

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.

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

GAP Quilt Square

Granville Athletic Park Site of Newest Addition to Regional Quilt Trail

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

With the installation of a quilt block on a historic tobacco barn, the Granville Athletic Park (GAP) is now included on the Quilt Trails of the Tar and Roanoke Rivers.

The block was installed this past Saturday by the Franklin County Arts Council, connecting the GAP and Granville County to a heritage trail that meanders through eastern North Carolina. A description of the block and a brief history of the park will now be included on a travel guide that takes visitors on a cultural journey from one block to the next, county by county.

“Quilt blocks blend history, culture and community, and help tell the stories of the sites where they hang,” says Franklin Arts Council Director Ellen Queen. “Each block has been carefully designed or chosen to trigger the story of the family home, business or historical site where it resides.”

Pictured with the new quilt block at Granville Athletic Park are Michael Felts, County Manager; Angela Allen, Granville Tourism Development Authority Director; Sue Hinman, County Commissioner; Ellen Queen, Director, Franklin Arts Council; and Zelodis Jay, Granville County Commissioner. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

The trail includes Franklin, Vance, Warren, Wake, Nash, Martin, Pitt and Granville Counties. This is Granville’s second block to be included on the trail. One has also been installed at a private residence in Oxford but is not available for public viewing.

The barn quilt featured at the Granville Athletic Park is easily visible from the main parking lot and walking trail, with a design that reflects the community’s efforts to preserve the property where the block now hangs.

In 1989, the state of North Carolina had joined a multi-state compact with a goal of building five hazardous waste incinerators for private company ThermalKEM. The following year, a list of 18 potential locations had been narrowed to two, with one being in Granville County.

When concerned citizens learned of the state’s intentions, they took action. Oxford attorney John Pike secured a loan from Adams Tobacco Company to purchase the 48-acre Ellok Jones farm, a tract of land in the middle of the proposed 580-acre incinerator site off Belltown Road.

“Barrister’s Block” has been added to the Quilt Trail of the Tar and Roanoke Rivers and can be seen on the barn along the GAP’s walking path. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

Pike then sold $5 ownership shares to thousands of local residents as well as to shareholders around the world. Future negotiations with approximately 8,000 property owners, some living as far away as the Soviet Union and South America – in addition to public protests and the possibility of multiple lawsuits – resulted in the eventual elimination of Granville County as a possible site.

On May 21, 2004, the acreage once proposed as the location for a hazardous waste incinerator was dedicated as the Granville Athletic Park and Jonesland Environmental Preserve. Encompassing 69 acres, today’s GAP is the largest recreational park in the county and provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities for residents and for visitors.

The fitting “Barrister’s Block” quilt design is a tribute to the successful community campaign to preserve the land on Belltown Road. As the role of a “barrister” is to serve as a courtroom advocate, Attorney John Pike – with the support of Granville County citizens – was an advocate for preserving the land. The red and white colors of the quilt block are a nod to the Granville County flag.

This project was partially funded through a mini-grant provided through the Granville Tourism Development Authority.

“The Quilt Trails are a great way for visitors to find Granville County,” said Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen, “and, once they are here, they can explore local restaurants, shops, galleries and more. We’re proud to be a part of this heritage trail and to be able to tell the background story of this part of our county.”

To learn more about the Quilt Trail of the Tar and Roanoke Rivers, which is the only trail of its kind in the eastern part of the state, please visit granvillecounty.org for a link to the Franklin Arts Council’s online trail guide and to their website.

Granville County Public Schools

GCPS to Study, Share ‘Readiness Indicators’ Before Transitioning to Plan B

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Granville County Public Schools is committed to our students returning to school as soon as it is safe to do so. In order to begin a safe transition from Plan C (all remote) to Plan B (partial remote/partial face-to-face), the Board of Education and administration are closely monitoring a variety of “Readiness Indicators.” These indicators measure a variety of data points which include state and local COVID data trends, physical readiness of our facilities, and survey data from families and staff.

We will also be closely monitoring the ever-changing research as it relates to children and their exposure to and transmission of COVID.

In addition, the district has asked to join with Duke University in a clinical guidance research study with other public school districts in our area, the results of which may also help inform our reentry plans.

To track all of these data points, GCPS is developing a “Readiness Dashboard” that will be shared with the public in the coming weeks. This dashboard will list the data sets for each area and provide weekly trends and analysis.

The Board of Education will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, September 14, 2020. At that time, the Board will review the data for each of the readiness indicators and determine the next steps for reentry.

When the decision is made to shift toward Plan B, the district will implement a ‘staggered entry’ return in which certain groups of students and grade levels of students will return before others on certain days of the week. The staggered re-entry plan will be finalized soon and shared with all families prior to the September 14 Board Meeting.

GCPS believes strongly that school is the best place for our students to learn and thrive. We will continue to work towards getting our children back into classrooms when it is safe to do so.

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 8-24-20 Noon

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Vance County Schools Meal Box Distribution Postponed Until Tuesday

Local Retail Sales Up, June Record Month

Granville County Teacher Arrested

Local Economic Development Grant Requests Approved

Click Play Below For Full Details…

 

NC SBI

Butner-Stem Middle School Teacher Arrested on Child Exploitation Charges

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-Press Release, NC State Bureau of Investigation

On Friday, August 7, 2020, special agents with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s (SBI) Computer Crimes Unit (CCU) arrested a teacher from Butner-Stem Middle School. Bobby Scott Nealey, 50, of Wake Forest, North Carolina, has been charged with nine counts of 2nd-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. 

The investigation began after a tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline. It was reported to NCMEC via a social media site that a user had uploaded child sexual exploitation (CSE) material.

Nealey is a 6th-grade teacher and wrestling coach at Butner-Stem Middle School. He was arrested on Friday, August 7, 2020, at approximately 6 p.m. at his residence. After going before a magistrate, Nealey was issued a $400,000 secured bond for nine counts of 2nd-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and was taken to the Granville County Detention Center.

This is an ongoing investigation. If you have any additional information, please contact the SBI at (919) 662-4500. No additional information is available at this time.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

GVPH COVID-19 Update: Six Recent Deaths Reported at Universal Health Care

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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 August 20, 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

1,410 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,410, 790 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 790, 647 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,410, 514 cases are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County, and 366 of those 514 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,410, 106 are associated with outbreaks at long term care facilities including 18 at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center, 77 at Universal Health Care, and eight at Granville House.

Of the 106 cases in long term care facilities in Granville County, eight have been released from isolation.

Eleven individuals in Granville County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 35 deaths in Granville County: four in the community, one of whom was associated with Central Regional Hospital, nine of whom were associated with Universal Health Care, and 21 of whom were associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.

There have been six additional deaths reported recently to GVPH associated with Universal Health Care. An 86-year-old male passed away on August 6, a 55-year-old male passed away on August 14, a 61-year-old male passed away on August 15, an 88-year-old male passed away on August 16, a 72-year-old male passed away on August 17, and a 71-year-old male passed away on August 19.

GVPH continues to work closely with all long term care facilities, hosting regular webinars and providing updates regarding infection control, testing guidance, communication and staffing.

Vance County

806 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 806, 681 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 681, 577 have been released from isolation.

Of those 806, 125 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities, including 49 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, 17 associated with Senior Citizens Home, and one with Alliance Rehabilitative Care (ARC). The outbreak at Pelican Health nursing home is no longer active.

Of the 125 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 44 have been released from isolation.

Seven individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

WIZS Note: There are 104 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 143 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers).

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.

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

Alex Tharp

JF Webb Names New Head Basketball Coach

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

J.F. Webb High School recently announced the hiring of its new high school basketball coach, Alex Tharp.

A native of Orange, Virginia, Coach Tharp played high school basketball at Orange County High School. After graduation, he attended Shooting for Greatness Academy in Raleigh, North Carolina for one year of post-graduation play. During his year at Shooting for Greatness, he excelled in both the classroom and on the basketball court. This led to a scholarship to continue his basketball career at Chowan University in Murfreesboro, North Carolina.

J.F. Webb High School recently announced the hiring of its new high school basketball coach, Alex Tharp (pictured above). Photo courtesy GCPS.

He transferred to St. Andrews University in his junior year, had a successful season and was looking forward to a promising senior year. During the second game of his senior year, he broke his ankle. This injury ended his playing career, but it opened the door to his coaching career.

Alex graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and began his teaching career in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He also served as the assistant varsity men’s basketball coach at Pasquotank County High School.

In 2018, Coach Tharp accepted a position as an assistant basketball coach at Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky. He shared that while the college coaching experience was exciting, it was not the right fit for him. He wanted to return to coaching high school athletes. This led him to Granville County.

Alex is a fifth-grade teacher at Tar River Elementary School and was an assistant basketball coach at Granville Central High School last year. Granville Central’s head coach, Michael McDaniel, shared, “he has a great basketball mind, and I think he could be a great fit at Oxford Webb.”

Coach Tharp is excited about the opportunity to become the head basketball coach at J.F. Webb. He shared, “I am ready to bring a new energy to the Warriors basketball program while getting the opportunity to work with a group of amazing young men. My goal is to help these young men be prepared for the next phase of their lives after high school, whether that be continuing their basketball career at the college level, going to college as a student to obtain a degree, or going into the workforce to immediately impact society. I cannot wait to get to work and help these young men reach their full potential on and off the court.”

Harry Mills

Mills Appointed to State’s Compliance Commission for Accountability

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County Economic Development Director Harry Mills has been appointed to the State Board of Education’s Compliance Commission for Accountability.

This Commission, which includes principals, teachers and central office staff, as well as members of district school boards and the community, is charged with advising the State Board of Education – through the N.C. Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) – on testing and other issues related to school accountability and improvement.

Granville County Economic Development Director Harry Mills has been appointed to the State Board of Education’s Compliance Commission for Accountability. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

Issues the Commission is tasked with addressing include proposed changes to the state’s accountability program; the testing code of ethics; test security and administration; auditing procedures that ensure the integrity of testing and accountability programs; and other related issues.

Through his role as Economic Development Director, Mills currently works in partnership with Vance-Granville Community College and with Granville County Public Schools’ Career Technical Education (CTE) program to help prepare students for the workforce.

The Compliance Commission for Accountability meets annually (at least) and the term of the appointment is four years. Mills’ appointment extends from August 6, 2020, to December 31, 2023.

NC Coop Extension

N.C. Cooperative Extension Centers Offer Wildlife Management Seminars

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-Press Release, NC Cooperative Extension 

North Carolina Cooperative Extension will host a series of free online seminars on the topic of wildlife management. This will be a six-week series scheduled at 1 p.m. each Friday from September 4 through October 9, 2020.

Wildlife on your land can offer various benefits, but also has the potential to create significant problems. Maximizing benefits while minimizing problems is simply a matter of implementing the right management practices. In this free online seminar series, representatives from various agencies will review the practices that help landowners meet their goals.

Topics and presenters include:

  • Sept. 4 – Fallow Vegetation and Native Plantings: Managing Habitat for Wildlife and Pollinators ~ Presenter is John Isenhour, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
  • Sept. 11 – Invasive Plant Control and Forest Management to Benefit Wildlife ~ Presenter is John Isenhour, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
  • Sept. 18 – Hunting Leases and Trespass Laws ~ Presenter is Andrew Brannan, NC State Extension
  • Sept. 25 – Coyote and Vulture Depredation Issues ~ Presenter is Jonathan Carreto, USDA/APHIS Wildlife Services
  • Oct. 2 – Beaver Management and Control ~ Presenter is Jonathan Carreto, USDA/APHIS Wildlife Services
  • Oct. 9 – Reducing Crop Damage From Deer ~ Presenters are Greg Batts and Jason Allen, NC Wildlife Resource Commission

To register for the series of seminars, visit http://go.ncsu.edu/wildlifemgmtseries and register via EventBrite. Links to the seminars will be emailed to registrants.

Complete details can be found at http://go.ncsu.edu/managewildlife. Details are also available by calling the NC Cooperative Extension County Center in your area:

Vance County – (252) 438-8188

Granville County – (919) 603-1350

Warren County – (252) 257-3640

Franklin County – (919) 496-3344

Person County – (336) 599-1195

VGCC Logo

VGCC’s Statement of Support for President Rachel Desmarais

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Vance-Granville Community College Vice President Dr. Levy Brown and Board of Trustees Chair Danny Wright have released the following joint statement:

The college community is deeply saddened and heartbroken to share that President Rachel Desmarais’ oldest son, Ian J. Simmons passed away as a result of a car accident on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. The Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students at Vance-Granville Community College fully support President Desmarais and her family during this tragic time.

Furthermore, we send our prayers and condolences during this time of bereavement. And, we ask that you join us in offering up prayers and positive thoughts.

Dr. Desmarais is an outstanding leader, educator, community member, spouse, and mother who embodies both the mission and vision of Vance-Granville Community College. The members of our campus community are deeply committed to following the strategic leadership direction established by President Desmarais.

“My heart and the heart of the entire Board of Trustees goes out to the Desmarais family,” said VGCC Board Chair Danny Wright. “The Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff are fully committed to ensuring that our students continue to receive an excellent education while our president takes the necessary time needed with her family.”

As her college family, we will get through this difficult time together while showing love and support for our President and her loved ones.