Local News - WIZS

VGCC’s Statement of Support for President Rachel Desmarais

August 20, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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.

McGregor Hall to Present Free, Online Performance of ‘Melanin Marquee’

August 19, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center will feature “Melanin Marquee – A Black Broadway Cabaret” live via its Facebook page on Sunday, August 30, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy this incredible lineup of the region’s finest performers free-of-charge from the comfort of your home. A donation link will be available to support McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center.

Make sure to visit the McGregor Hall Facebook page to read the artists’ profiles before tuning in live for the performance.

RSVP by clicking on this event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/372006713784250

(This is not a paid advertisement)

VGCC Small Business Center Offering Free Counseling Services

August 19, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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The Small Business Center Network and Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center have launched the Reboot, Recover, Rebuild (R3) Program offering free counseling services to local small businesses.

Now is the perfect time for small business owners to reach out and receive guidance on solving issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program will be available through December 30, 2020. Interested businesses must complete a Counseling Request Form (click here).

For more details or to sign up, please contact Sheri Jones, director of the VGCC Small Business Center at (252) 738-3240.

Oxford Public Works Committee to Discuss Water, Sewer Projects

August 19, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, City of Oxford

The Public Works Committee for the Oxford Board of Commissioners will meet on Thursday, August 20, 2020, at 1 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the water & sewer projects on College Street and the Hatchers Creek PUD. All those interested are invited to attend.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85000949847?pwd=cjNjbTg0bldxOHg3RUJLNUxKaW0rZz09

Meeting ID: 850 0094 9847

Passcode: 461261

Dial by your location – 929 205 6099

Meeting ID: 850 0094 9847

Passcode: 461261

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdkW2BrSUH

VGCC Vice President Levy Brown Appointed to Serve on National Commission

August 18, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Dr. Levy Brown, a vice president at Vance-Granville Community College, recently accepted an appointment to the Commission on Student Success of the American Association of Community Colleges. He will serve a three-year term (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023).

“I am excited and humbled to have been appointed to AACC’s Commission on Student Success. It is a fantastic opportunity that provides a space for exchanging ideas, connecting, and learning with some of the brightest leaders who champion the success of students,” Brown said. “Community colleges such as Vance-Granville are continuing to positively impact the lives of our students. My goal is to partner with highly motivated professionals from across the country to eliminate barriers that keep our students from being successful. This includes those from underrepresented and marginalized populations. Finally, I am appreciative to work at an outstanding college, and with a supportive president who supports this type of work.”

Dr. Levy Brown, a vice president at Vance-Granville Community College, recently accepted an appointment to the Commission on Student Success of the American Association of Community Colleges. He will serve a three-year term (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023). (Photo courtesy VGCC)

Dr. Brown serves as the Vice President of Learning, Student Engagement & Success (Chief Academic and Student Affairs Officer) for VGCC. He is responsible for leading and working collaboratively with credit faculty and staffers in the areas of academic programs, student success, equity and inclusion, enrollment management, K-12 partnerships and other areas.

Prior to joining VGCC, Brown served as Dean of Arts & Sciences at Lenoir Community College and has been engaged in higher education work for nearly two decades. Brown is an active member of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce and other local boards. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

The Commission on Student Success focuses on student access and success and organizational transformation. The commission may examine subject areas including, but not limited to, degree completion and two-year to four-year transfer programs. In addition, the commission focuses on AACC’s 21st-Century Initiative and Implementation Guidelines, to showcase cutting-edge innovation with proven outcomes and improve student success; and to provide affordable, high-quality technical assistance in areas that support student success.

“At VGCC, Dr. Brown has been an active champion of changing institutional mindset, structures and supports to encourage all students to achieve their best success,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of VGCC. “I am proud that he will be representing our college successes on the AACC Commission and look forward to what he is able to glean from the collective wisdom of this national panel.”

GVPH COVID-19 Update: Cases, Hospitalizations & Deaths as of 8/17/20

August 18, 2020/by WIZS Staff

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

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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 17, 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

1,372 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,372, 756 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 756, 606 have been released from isolation and 12 are hospitalized.

Of those 1,372, 512 cases are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County. Of those 512, 366 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,372, 104 are associated with outbreaks at long term care facilities, including 17 at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center, 76 at Universal Health Care, and eight at Granville House.

Of the 104 cases in long term care facilities in Granville County, eight have been released from isolation.

There have been a total of 29 deaths in Granville County: four in the community, one of whom was associated with Central Regional Hospital, three of whom were associated with Universal Health Care, and 21 of whom were associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.

Unfortunately, another death associated with Universal Health Care has been reported. A 92-year-old individual passed away on July 28, 2020.

Vance County

789 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 789, 664 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 664, 562 have been released from isolation.

Of those 789, 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.

Three individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 41 deaths in Vance County: 14 of whom were associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 12 of whom were associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, two of whom were associated with Senior Citizens Home, and 13 in the community.

WIZS Note: There are 102 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 150 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers). Hospitalizations and total deaths remain steady in Vance County based on numbers reported last Monday, August 10. Hospitalizations slightly increased in Granville County (from 8 to 12) and total deaths rose by one (from 28 to 29) over the past week.

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.

VGCC Ranked Sixth-Best Community College in the Nation

August 17, 2020/by WIZS Staff

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College was recently recognized as one of the top ten community colleges and trade schools in the nation for 2020. VGCC came in at number six on the rankings published by “Best Colleges” (www.bestcolleges.com), a leading provider of independent college rankings and higher education research. The college was also the third-highest-ranked school from North Carolina.

“We are pleased to see this national recognition for Vance-Granville, which we attribute to the dedication and innovation demonstrated by our faculty and staff every day,” Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of the college, said. “VGCC is committed to providing high-quality education and training that is affordable and accessible for the people of Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties.”

Best Colleges noted that the college has extended its reach by providing career-oriented programs that can be completed entirely online. These programs include Supply Chain Management, Medical Office Administration, IT/Business Support, Early Childhood Education, Criminal Justice, Accounting, and Business Administration. Students can also complete the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science programs online, which prepares them for transferring to a university to complete a bachelor’s degree. The college has transfer agreements with numerous four-year universities.

“VGCC boasts strong graduation rates and small class sizes,” the website also noted. “The school’s 13-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio allows students to receive plenty of individualized attention.”

Established in 1969, VGCC offers more than 40 credit programs, in which students work toward certificates, diplomas and degrees. Area residents and businesses can also take advantage of a variety of continuing education/job training opportunities, as well as the High School Equivalency and Adult High School Diploma programs.

Enrollment is currently ongoing for eight-week curriculum credit classes that begin on October 14, and for the spring semester that starts in January 2021. For more information about VGCC, visit www.vgcc.edu.

School Re-Opening on Granville Board of Education’s Afternoon Retreat Agenda

August 17, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a Board Retreat on Monday, August 17, 2020, at 2 p.m. This meeting will be held at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center, 4185 US-15, Oxford, NC.

The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss board operations and long-term planning and to discuss topics related to the re-opening of schools.

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.

Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting will be required to wear face coverings and cooperate with health screening and social distancing procedures.

VGCC to Offer Sustainable Agri-Tech Program This Fall

August 14, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College continues to “cultivate” new programs for the fall semester. The Sustainable Agri-Tech program will grow one’s knowledge in the agricultural field and prepare students for occupations in a wide variety of jobs in agriculture (both production and value-added) with a range of skills and knowledge.

The program addresses agricultural concepts, skills, and techniques that are required by the agriculture industry. Upon completion, students will have explored sustainable and organic methods, plant, soil and animal science, field management, equipment maintenance and basic computer skills and marketing techniques.

The class begins on September 14, 2020, at 6 p.m. Kelly Dixon will be leading this hybrid class at VGCC’s Franklin Campus. The 96-hour program is made up of only 30 hours in the classroom and 66 hours online. The cost is $188.25.

Tuition assistance is available to those who meet eligibility guidelines. Space is limited.

For more information please visit: https://www.vgcc.edu/agritech/

Census Workers Begin Door-to-Door Visits at Non-Responsive Households

August 14, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

On August 11, the U.S. Census Bureau began follow-ups with households that have not yet responded to the 2020 Census.

In Granville County, 63.7 percent of residents have participated as of August 10, which is above the North Carolina response rate of 59.4 and the national reported participation of 63.4 percent; however, more than four in every ten households across the state have not yet returned their Census surveys, according to state reports. This represents more than four million North Carolinians not captured in the population count, which equates to a potential funding loss of more than $7 billion.

In most cases, Census takers will make up to six attempts at each housing unit address. This includes leaving notification of the attempted visit at the door, with a reminder about self-response options. Census workers may also try to conduct interviews over the phone.

All Census takers have completed training on social distancing and safety protocols and will follow local public health guidelines. They will be required to wear face masks and will have easily-recognizable identification badges that include a photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date.

Household members encountered by Census staff are asked to maintain social distances during interviews and to practice the CDC’s health recommendations as much as possible, including the use of hand sanitizer. For safety reasons, Census takers will not enter homes and will conduct interviews outside whenever possible or practical.

During this follow-up phase, all residents can still self-respond online at 2020census.gov, by phone at 844-330-2020, or by mailing their completed questionnaires. There will be no need for in-person visits for those who respond unless the responses are incomplete.

Field data collection will end on September 30. Self-response options will also close on that date.

A county-focused report from the NC Counts Coalition ranks Granville County as number 14 out of 100 North Carolina counties in terms of response rates and shows that 45.8 percent of Granville households have responded to the Census online between March 12 and August 2, with 17.4 percent participating by phone or by mail.

The Census is mandated by the U.S. Constitution and takes place every 10 years. Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and to inform how billions of dollars in federal funds will be allocated by state, local and federal lawmakers annually for the next ten years.

Historically, Granville County’s self-response rates have been 60 percent in 1990; 64 percent in 2000; and 65.7 percent in 2010. This is the first year that responses have been accepted online.

For more information, please visit www.2020census.gov.