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

Antavian Cornelius Yancey

Yancey Believed to be Armed and Dangerous

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— press release from Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

Subject: Antavian Cornelius Yancey

Aliases: Cornelius Yancey and Antavian Yancey

On Thursday, July 16, 2020, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division received a call reference smoke in a wooded area. Upon the arrival of Deputies and the Vance County Fire Department on the scene, a vehicle was fully engulfed.

Members of the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division responded to investigate the vehicle fire along with North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s Arson Unit.

On July 17, 2020, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division received a phone call from Burlington Police Department reference to Burlington Police Department locating the body of a black female that was believed to be from Henderson, North Carolina. The female was identified as Charisma Robinson, age 35.

Investigators began to investigate these incidents and developed that the two cases were connected. Participating agencies from the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Henderson Police Department, Burlington Police Department and North Carolina State Bureau of investigation began a collaborative effort to solve the murder of Charisma Robinson.

Through the investigation a person of interest was developed and later identified as a subject/suspect in this matter.

On July 24, 2020 a warrant for Murder and Burning of Personnel Property was issued for Antavian Cornelius Yancey (B/M/ Age 34), regarding the death of Charisma Robinson.

Yancey is believed to be armed and dangerous.  If located please contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 252-738-2200.

City of Oxford

Fire Department, City of Oxford Encourage Residents to Develop Home Escape Plan

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-Information courtesy the City of Oxford

The Oxford Fire Department and the City of Oxford stress the importance of understanding what to do and where to go if there is a fire in your home.

According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) surveys, only one of every three American households have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. Out of 71% of American households with a fire escape plan, only 47% have practiced it; and, one-third of American households believed they would have at least six minutes before a fire in their home would become threatening, whereas, in reality, the time is less.

So, what can you do to prepare yourself and your family? 

  • MAKE a home escape plan; draw a map of your home including all doors and windows and make sure to discuss the plan with everyone living in your home.
  • KNOW at least two ways out of every room, if possible.
  • HAVE an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home.
  • PRACTICE your home fire drill at least twice a year and PRACTICE using different ways out.
  • TEACH children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help.
  • CLOSE doors behind you as you leave;  a closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.
  • INSTALL smoke alarms inside every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.
  • TEST smoke alarms monthly.
  • If your smoke alarms sound, GET OUT AND STAY OUT.
  • If you have to escape through smoke, GET LOW AND GO UNDER.
  • CALL the fire department from outside your home. 

Planning ahead for a fire can make a difference in your life and your family’s lives. All of the information provided and more education tips can be found on the NFPA website at nfpa.org. 

If you have any questions and/or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the Oxford Fire Department at (919) 603-1140, by email at ofd@oxfordnc.org or call Oxford City Hall at (919) 603-1100.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Local GVPH COVID-19 Update: No Reported Vance Co. Deaths in Last 17 Days

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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 July 23, 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

1,075 positive test results for COVID-19 in Granville County.

Of those 1,075, 569 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 569, 446 have been released from isolation, and eight are hospitalized.

Of those 1,075 cases, 492 are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County. Of those 492, 74 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,075 total positive cases, 14 are associated with an outbreak at long term care facilities including six at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center, and five at Universal Health Care in Oxford, NC.

Of the 14 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

642 positive test results for COVID-19 in Vance County.

Of those 642, 519 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 519, 400 have been released from isolation.

Of those 642, 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 119 total active cases in the Vance County community at large at this time. This is an increase of 18 active cases since Monday, July 20, 2020. All congregate living facility numbers are still stable. 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.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Board of Education Votes to Begin Academic Year Remotely

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-Information courtesy Granville County Public Schools

At a special called meeting on Thursday, July 23, 2020, the Granville County Board of Education voted 5-2 to begin the 2020-2021 academic year with remote entry for all students. The Board also granted the Superintendent the authority to reassess and make modifications to the reentry plan in consultation with the local Health Department at the four-week mark.

District and school leaders will begin the process of providing detailed information to families on what back to school will look like for children this year. GCSP knows that parents will have many questions and will strive to get answers flowing quickly to help with the transition back to school.

GCPS thanks you for your patience and understanding as it works through this difficult time.

VGCC Logo

VGCC to Offer UAV/Drone Pilot Training Courses, Commercial Pilot Ground School

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College is introducing new opportunities for education and training in the Aviation field – covering both manned and unmanned flights. VGCC is partnering with Total Flight Solutions, an aviation company with a location at Triangle North Executive Airport in Louisburg, to offer these classes. 

The first courses being offered by VGCC will provide training to help people fly Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly called “drones.”

The 16-hour UAV Pilot Training Course will be held on two Saturdays, August 22 and August 29, 2020, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day at the airport in Louisburg. Students will receive hands-on instruction on how to control a drone and prepare to become a UAV operator. The cost of the course is $71.25. 

“This ‘flight school’ consists of a four-hour discussion of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight rules for UAVs/drones, and 12 hours of flying drones and observing drones in flight,” explained Keith Shearon, Director of Customized Training for VGCC. “This is about learning to fly, including a thorough understanding of how the remote control works. It’s an excellent course for folks who haven’t yet bought a drone, or for those who have recently purchased a drone and need some guidance.” Shearon added that for training, students will use GPS-enabled drones that are owned by the college.

In conjunction with these flight classes, VGCC will then offer the 25-hour “FAA Part 107 Exam Preparation” course for the first time on September 17-19, for students wishing to obtain the license required for commercial operation. All but the very smallest drones require a license to fly, and all commercial-use drones require this license. Like the pilot training, the exam-prep course is taught by professionals from Total Flight Solutions. The cost of this course is $133.25, which does not include the actual examination fee.

VGCC and Total Flight Solutions are also preparing to offer a Commercial Pilot Ground School later in the year. Completing this course is the first step in preparing for a rewarding, lucrative career as a commercial pilot for manned vehicles. 

For more information on Aviation at VGCC, visit www.vgcc.edu/coned/aviation or contact Keith Shearon at shearonj@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3433.