City of Oxford

City of Oxford to Resume Normal Disconnection Procedures July 30

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

IMPORTANT NOTICE: City of Oxford Utility Customers

The City of Oxford will resume normal disconnection procedures Thursday, July 30, 2020, for unpaid accounts from March 31-July 29, 2020. Bills due after July 29 will also be under normal City Utility Policy procedures.

Any utility customer with an outstanding balance from March 31-July 29, 2020, must make payment arrangements with the City of Oxford Water Department by August 7, 2020. Any outstanding balance accrued prior to March 31, 2020, will not be included in the payment arrangements.

Please call (919) 603-1120 with questions and/or to set up payment arrangements.

Executive Order 124 went into effect on March 31, 2020, and prohibited the disconnection of utility services for nonpayment and suspended assessment of late and non-payment fees. The Order was amended by Executive Order 142 to expire on July 29, 2020, at 11:59 p.m.

Resources include:
https://www.ncuc.net/execorder124.html (NC Utilities Commission)
https://files.nc.gov/…/EO124-Utilities-Evictions-Financial-… (EO 124)
https://files.nc.gov/…/EO142-Temp-Prohibitions-on-Evictions… (EO 142)

Boys and Girls Clubs

Boys and Girls Clubs Announces Planned Reopening Date for Local Units

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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.

Sheriff Charles Noblin

Granville County Sheriff Warns Against COVID-19 Scams

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County Sheriff Charles Noblin, Jr. advises that scammers have been “pulling out all the stops” to capitalize on the COVID-19 pandemic, using illegal robocalls, phony websites, bogus emails and other forms of communication. In the Summer 2020 Newsletter of the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association, Sheriff Noblin offers a warning to be aware and to look to trusted sources of information to stay safe and avoid being a victim.

According to the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ), there have been reports of scammers knocking on doors trying to peddle fake cures and test kits, as well as cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment. At the same time, price gougers had been driving up prices on necessities like toilet paper, food products, gasoline, disinfectants and hand sanitizer.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the release of economic relief payments offer scammers yet another opportunity to trick citizens out of their money and personal information. Social Security beneficiaries have reported receiving calls from scammers claiming to be from the United States Treasury Department, the Social Security Administration or the Internal Revenue Service, who try to convince them to give out confidential information such as their bank account numbers, Social Security information or government benefits debit card number.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, there are ways for consumers to avoid falling victim to coronavirus-related scams:

  • Do not respond to texts, emails or calls about checks from the government. The Internal Revenue Service will not contact you by telephone, email, text message or social media;
  • Ignore online offers for vaccinations, since there are no products proven to prevent or cure the coronavirus at this time;
  • Be wary of ads for test kits;
  • Hang up on robocalls;
  • Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control or the World Health Organization, and report any concerns;
  • Do your homework when making donations. Never make a contribution by cash, in gift cards or through wiring money.

To file a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Division, call 1-877-5-NO-SCAM. 

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Local COVID-19 Update as of 07/27/20: New Outbreak at Granville House in Oxford

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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 27, 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

1,113 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,113, 596 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 596, 447 have been released from isolation and six are hospitalized.

Of those 1,113, 494 cases are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County and 74 of those 494 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,113, 23 are associated with outbreaks at long term care facilities including six at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center, six at Universal Health Care, and seven at Granville House in Oxford, NC. The outbreak at Granville House is newly reported.

Of the 23 cases in long term care facilities in Granville County, five have been released from isolation.

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

667 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 667, 544 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 544, 415 have been released from isolation.

Of those 667, 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.

Three 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.

WIZS Note: There are 129 total active cases in the Vance County community and 149 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers). The total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Vance County has not increased since July 6.

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.

NCDHHS

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

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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

City of Oxford

Oxford Water & Sewer Projects Underway; City Provides Emergency Contacts

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-Press Release, City of Oxford

The City of Oxford has several water and sewer projects underway throughout the City, and as a result, some issues with water or sewer may occur. The City is here to help, including for after-hour emergencies. 

Normal operating hours for Public Works are 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., and for other City offices, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

If you have an emergency after hours or an emergency during a holiday, please call 911 and state you are having a water/sewer issue. Emergency management will relay your issue to the appropriate on-call employee, who will then come to assess the situation.

For emergencies arising during normal operating hours, please call the City of Oxford Water Department at (919) 603-1120. Your issue will then be relayed to the appropriate City Superintendent. 

If you have any questions and/or concerns, please reach out to Oxford City Hall at (919) 603-1100.

Roxboro Police Department

DA’s Office, SBI Investigating Officer-Involved Roxboro Shooting Death

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-Press Release, Office of Michael D. Waters, District Attorney for the Eleventh Prosecutorial District

On Friday, July 24, 2020, the District Attorney‘s Office was contacted by Chief David Hess of the Roxboro Police Department regarding an officer-involved shooting that had occurred minutes earlier.

Chief Hess asked the DA’s office to join in requesting the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) to conduct an independent investigation. The SBI promptly arrived and began processing the scene for forensic evidence and conducting interviews.

The SBI preliminarily reported to the DA’s office that they concluded evidence collection as of Friday evening, but were continuing with interviews of witnesses. The Roxboro Police Department has fully cooperated with the SBI during this process. 

Tragically, David Brooks, Jr, of Roxboro was shot one time in the chest by the responding officer and, despite aid being rendered first by officers on scene and then by paramedics, he died of that wound. The North Carolina Office of the Medical Examiner confirmed after the autopsy that Mr. Brooks died as a result of this single gunshot.

Among the items recovered by the SBI is video footage of the incident as captured from the officer‘s dash-mounted video camera. After all witnesses have been interviewed, the District Attorney‘s office will petition the Court for the release of the complete video footage. 

The District Attorney‘s Office will await the results of the SBI investigation before making any determination about whether the use of force was appropriate.

NC Dept of Agriculture

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

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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.

NCDHHS

Funding Available to Help NC Residents With Energy Bills During Hot Summer Months

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-Press Release, NCDHHS

Funding is now available to help North Carolinians in crisis pay cooling or heating bills or secure cooling or heating resources. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Crisis Intervention Program provides assistance to qualified, low-income households who are experiencing a cooling-related crisis (or heating-related crisis in the winter).

“We know many families are currently facing additional financial hardships due to COVID-19, and this program is designed to bring aid to those in crisis to alleviate cooling or heating emergencies,” said David Locklear, Deputy Director of Economic and Family Services in the Division of Social Services. “North Carolina is moving into its hottest months of the year, and we hope those eligible will take advantage of this program to help keep their families safe and healthy.”

A household is in a crisis if it is experiencing, or is in danger of experiencing, a life-threatening or health-related emergency and sufficient, timely and appropriate assistance is not available from any other source. A life-threatening emergency is defined as a household that has no heating or cooling source or has a past due notice for primary heating or cooling service, and the health or well-being of a household member would be in danger if the heating or cooling crisis was not alleviated.

The Energy Programs Application form is available for download at https://epass.nc.gov for applicants to print and mail, fax, scan or drop off at a local DSS office after completion. Applications may also be made by calling the county department of social services or at county departments of social services offices, through June 30, 2021, while the funds are available. Households are individually evaluated by county departments of social services staff to determine whether there is a heating or cooling crisis. Benefits for families may vary, depending on the amount needed to alleviate the crisis.

To be eligible, a household must have at least one person who meets certain criteria, including being income-eligible and have a heating or cooling-related emergency. Full eligibility details are available online at www.ncdhhs.gov/crisis-intervention-program.

The Crisis Intervention Program is funded federally by the Administration for Children and Families. The funds are distributed through county departments of social services directly to the vendor or utility company. During the state fiscal year 2019-20, county departments of social services helped 137,850 North Carolina households experiencing a crisis by assisting with utility bills or securing fuel or cooling resources.

Oxford Logo

Oxford Public Works Committee to Discuss Road Resurfacing, Utility Infrastructure

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-Press Release, City of Oxford

The Public Works Committee for the Oxford Board of Commissioners will meet on Thursday, July 30, 2020, at 2 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the FY 20-21 Road Resurfacing Initiative, consideration of grant/loan offer from NCDEQ, the impact of development on the City’s utility infrastructure and other general updates. 

All those interested are invited to attend. 

Zoom instructions:

Topic: City of Oxford’s Zoom Meeting

Time: July 30, 2020, 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81808479378?pwd=UmFnUmpnTE9YQ0tpL0kxc1pqSlBOZz09 

+1 929 205 6099 US (New York) 

Meeting ID: 818 0847 9378

Passcode: 786326