Local News - WIZS

Golden LEAF Deploys $15M to NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program

March 24, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, The Golden LEAF Foundation

The Golden LEAF Foundation announces $15 million in funding to launch a rapid recovery loan program in response to economic losses related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Golden LEAF funding will support the NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program by enabling loans to be made to eligible businesses for up to $50,000 with zero interest and no payments for six months. If not repaid in six months, the loan will automatically convert to a term loan.

The NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program (https://ncrapidrecovery.org/) is managed by the NC Rural Center, a statewide nonprofit that has been supporting small business owners for more than 30 years. The Rural Center will lead a broad coalition of nonprofit lending partners to directly assist small business owners. Participating Rapid Recovery organizations include Business Expansion Funding Corporation (BEFCOR), Carolina Small Business Development Fund, Mountain BizWorks, Natural Capital Investment Fund, and Thread Capital.

“Small businesses are more than just job providers, they are pillars of our communities,” Governor Roy Cooper said. “They need our support now more than ever, and this program can help people across the state as we weather the effects of this pandemic.”

Speaker of the House Tim Moore said, “This rapid response by the Golden LEAF Foundation to support North Carolinians through the COVID-19 crisis will provide immediate financial benefit for folks who are hurting during an uncertain economic upheaval, serving as a strong example of our state activating every asset available to help families and businesses in all 100 counties through this difficult time.”

Senate Leader Phil Berger said, “This action by Golden LEAF is welcome news and much needed. Everybody — the private sector and local, state, and federal governments — will need to work toward the common goal of restarting the economic engine once this crisis passes.”

“The Golden LEAF Board of Directors is making funds available to help meet the immediate needs of businesses affected by the pandemic by building upon a model used following Hurricanes Matthew, Florence, and Dorian,” said Bo Biggs, Golden LEAF Board Chair. “This program is designed to assist businesses working to apply for a Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Loan or other commercial loan but that have more immediate needs for capital.”

The federal government has made Economic Injury Loans available through the Small Business Administration (SBA) in all 100 North Carolina counties. The NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program will complement the SBA by providing a bridge until businesses can access funding from the SBA.

“The Golden LEAF Foundation recognizes the critical role small-business owners play in our state’s economy,” said Scott T. Hamilton, President, Chief Executive Officer of the Golden LEAF Foundation. “The ‘LEAF’ in Golden LEAF stands for Long-term Economic Advancement Foundation. Golden LEAF cannot let this pandemic cause irreparable economic damage to our state’s small businesses.”

Small-business owners affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19) can learn more about the NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program and apply for a loan at https://ncrapidrecovery.org/. To speak with someone about this program or other resources available to small businesses, contact BLNC at 800.228.8443.

Governor Extends School Closure Date To May; Orders Group Limit To 50 People

March 24, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

On March 23, Governor Roy Cooper ordered tighter limits on gatherings and extended school closures statewide to May 15, 2020. The order also closed some businesses that require close social interaction and limited visitors to long-term care centers.

The Executive Order’s effective date will be Wednesday, March 25.

“Each and every choice we are making is intended to flatten the curve and provide our health care system the ability to treat the sickest patients in the coming months. This is what we need to do to slow the spread of this illness and protect the health and safety of North Carolinians,” Governor Cooper said.

Also Monday, the Governor’s request for a major disaster declaration for North Carolina was received by FEMA. This specifically requested Individual Assistance, Crisis Counseling Program, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance and more.

50-PLUS MEMBER GATHERINGS BANNED; CLOSE-CONTACT BUSINESSES CLOSED

Monday’s announcement prioritized social distancing by lowering the threshold on large gatherings to ban crowds of more than 50 people. To stay consistent with this number, it will require certain businesses to close, including:

Bingo Parlors, including Bingo sites operated by charitable organizations
Bowling Alleys
Indoor Exercise Facilities (e.g. gyms, yoga studios, martial arts facilities, indoor trampoline and rock-climbing facilities)
Health Clubs
Indoor Pools
Live Performance Venues
Movie Theaters
Skating Rinks
Spas
Sweepstakes Lounges
Video game arcades
Barber Shops
Beauty Salons (including waxing and hair removal centers)
Hair Salons
Nail Salons/Manicure/Pedicure Providers
Massage Parlors
Tattoo Parlors

Grocery stores and restaurants providing takeout and delivery will remain open. Additionally, Governor Cooper reminded North Carolinians to show restraint in buying groceries and supplies.

“I know today’s orders cause hardship for a lot of people. I do not treat these decisions lightly,” added Governor Cooper. “We have made them in the interest of health and safety.”

SCHOOL DEADLINE EXTENDED, EDUCATION LEADERSHIP TO BUILD PLAN FOR EDUCATION

The May 15 school closure date is based on current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As the situation in North Carolina evolves, more may be needed. Governor Cooper has asked the State Board to collaborate with the Department of Public Instruction and legislators to:

develop a plan to ensure access to a quality education for students through the remainder of the school year.
provide students with remote learning while school buildings are closed.
ensure that all school employees – including janitors, bus drivers, teaching assistants and cafeteria workers — will work in safe environments and be paid.

MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS, SUPPLIES NEEDED

Also Monday, Cooper highlighted the need for medical and health care workers and urged qualified, available professionals to volunteer by signing up at ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus. Already more than 300 people have volunteered.

Specifically, the Governor highlighted the need for doctors and nurses, pharmacy, imaging and respiratory care, and facility maintenance and administrative support workers.

Critical supplies and equipment like masks, gloves, and gowns are low. Governor Cooper is convening North Carolina’s top manufacturers to explore transitioning production lines to start making these critical supplies.

The full order is available HERE.

Granville County Government Declares State of Emergency

March 23, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with increasing confirmed cases in North Carolina, the Granville County Board of Commissioners has approved the issuance of a Declaration of a State of Emergency.

Signed by Chairman David T. Smith, this declaration is also in response to the March 10, 2020, Executive Order No. 116 to coordinate response and to take protective actions regarding the prevention of the spread of the Coronavirus in our communities.

At the time of this document, Granville County has one confirmed case of COVID-19.

The Declaration includes all five municipalities of Granville County and goes into effect at 4:30 p.m. today, March 23, 2020.

The Declaration reads:

WHEREAS, COVID–19 is a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death and is a new strain of coronavirus previously unidentified in humans which can spread from person to person; and

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization declared COVID–19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, 2020; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC“) has warned of the high public health threat posed by COVID–19 globally and in the United States and has deemed it necessary to prohibit or restrict travel to areas designated by the CDC, and

WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, the United States Department of Health and Human Services Secretary declared a public health emergency in the United States for COVID–19 under Section 319 of the Public Health Service Act; and

WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020. the President of the United States, due to the spread of COVID–19, declared a national emergency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and corresponding regulations of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA“); and

WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, the Governor of the State of North Carolina by Executive Order No. 116 declared a state of emergency to coordinate response protective actions regarding the prevention of the spread of COVID–19 within the State of North Carolina and has since issued Executive Orders 117, 118, 119, and 120 dealing with the COVID 19 emergency and may issue additional Executive Orders in the future; and

WHEREAS, in consultation with health care professionals and based upon guidance from the CDC and NCDHHS, arrangements must be made immediately to take such actions that are deemed necessary and appropriate to ensure that COVID-19 remains controlled and that residents in Granville County remain safe and secure; and

WHEREAS, the spread of the disease poses an imminent threat to property in the County due to illness–related absenteeism, particularly among public safety personnel, healthcare personnel, and persons engaged in activities and businesses critical to the economy and infrastructure of the County; and

WHEREAS, at the time of this document‘s creation, Granville County has confirmed cases of Covid-19, and

WHEREAS, Article 1A of Chapter 166A of the North Carolina General Statutes and, more specifically N.C. Gen. Stat. $166A–19.22, authorizes counties and municipalities to declare a state of emergency and exercise the powers and duties set forth therein to direct and aid in the response to and mitigation against emergencies; and

WHEREAS, the undersigned, in accordance with and on the basis of the foregoing, finds that an emergency exists within Granville County, North Carolina, and its municipalities, due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, and further finds that it is necessary and appropriate to exercise the authority cited hereinabove by issuing this Declaration in order to address said emergency and to protect the health and wellbeing of the citizens of Granville County; and

WHEREAS, by and with the consent of the mayors of the municipalities within Granville County this Declaration applies within the municipal limits of the Town of Butner, the Town of Stem, the Town of Stovall, the City of Creedmoor and the City of Oxford, and

WHEREAS, this Declaration is in addition to the executive orders referenced above and should any provision hereof be declared to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such declaration shall not affect the validity of this Declaration as to any part thereof which is not specifically declared to be invalid or unconstitutional.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority contained in Article 1A of Chapter 166A of the North Carolina General Statutes, Article 36A of Chapter 14 of the North Carolina General Statutes, and Chapter 20 of the Granville County Code of Ordinances, I, David Smith, Chairman of the Granville County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim:

A State of Emergency exists within the County of Granville and by the request of the mayors of the Town of Butner, the Town of Stem, the Town of Stovall, the City of Creedmoor and the City of Oxford, within the corporate limits of those municipalities (the “Municipalities“).

The prohibitions and restrictions contained herein are necessary in order to maintain an acceptable level of public order, services, protection of lives, safety and property during this emergency.

Restrictions on Long Term Care Facilities. All nursing homes, long term care facilities and assisted living residences (including adult care homes and family care homes) shall follow any applicable guidance issued by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (“NCDHHS”), the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (“CMS”), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (“CDC”).

Restrictions on the use of playgrounds: Effective March 24, 2020, the use of publicly and privately-owned playground equipment is prohibited except as set out below. This prohibition does not apply to playground equipment at residences owned or leased by one or more people for their own living quarters or to the areas surrounding playground equipment including greenways, walking trails or other amenities of open spaces or parks. The foregoing notwithstanding, the county and each town, city, board of education, or charter school within Granville County may set its own rules in compliance with all state and federal laws for the operation of its playgrounds during the duration of this Declaration.

Restrictions on Access to Public Buildings and Facilities: No person shall access any building or facility owned or occupied by any county, town, city, board of education, or charter school within Granville County except in compliance with any restrictions which may be posted on the main entrance on such building or facility. Each county, town, city, board of education, or charter school may set its own rules in compliance with all state and federal laws for its hours of operation during the duration of this Declaration. Citizens are strongly urged to conduct all public business via internet or phone until further notice. Citizens with specific questions should contact the county, town, city, board of education, or charter school or department thereof with which he/she has business.

General Recommendations: All persons residing or present within Granville County, including its municipalities, are highly encouraged to comply with all recommendations of the Granville-Vance District Health Department, NCDHHS, CMS, and CDC for the testing, reporting, prevention, and control of COVID-19. These recommendations are updated frequently, and all persons are urged to stay up to date on the most recent recommendations.

All law enforcement officers, emergency management employees and all other county personnel employed by Granville County are directed to cooperate in the enforcement and implementation of the provisions of this Declaration and of all applicable provisions of local ordinances, state and federal laws and emergency declarations, and the Granville County Emergency Operations Plan.

I hereby delegate to the Granville County Manager, and/or his designee, all power and authority granted to me and required of me by Article 1A of Chapter 166A and Article 36A of Chapter 14 of the North Carolina General Statutes, and by Chapter 20 of the Granville County Code of Ordinances, for the purpose of implementing the referenced Emergency Operations Plan, and to take such further action as is necessary to promote and secure the safety and protection of those dwelling in the County.

I further proclaim that the Emergency Operations Plan adopted by the County of Granville, and all applicable mutual assistance compacts and agreements are in effect and shall remain in effect until this Declaration is rescinded. All emergency management personnel subject to my control are hereby ordered to cooperate in the implementation of the provisions of the County’s Emergency Management Plan and all applicable mutual assistance compacts and agreements and to furnish assistance thereunder.

Granville County recognizes and acknowledges that it and each of the Municipalities are likely to incur substantial economic damage from the issuance of this Declaration and do hereby request that they receive any and all available federal and state financial aid and other assistance for which they may be eligible in connection with the same.

I direct that copies of this Declaration be disseminated to the mass communications media for publication and broadcast and that a copy of this Declaration be posted in Granville County Courthouse and other public buildings as appropriate.

Pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. $166A-19.31(h), any person who violates this Declaration shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor in accordance with G.S. 14 288.20A

This Declaration shall be effective immediately and shall remain in effect until rescinded pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. $166A-19.22(c).

Proclaimed this the 23rd day of March at 4:30 p.m.

David T. Smith

David Smith Chairman, Granville County Board of Commissioners

City of Oxford Declares State of Emergency Effective March 23

March 23, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy The City of Oxford

PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE EXISTENCE OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN OXFORD, NORTH CAROLINA

WHEREAS, COVID–19 is a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death by the SARS CoV–2 virus, which is a new strain of coronavirus previously unidentified in humans and which can spread from person to person; and,

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization declared COVID–19 is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, 2020; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the “CDC”) has warned of the high public health threat posed by COVID–19 globally and in the United States and has deemed it necessary to prohibit or restrict travel to areas designated by the CDC, and

WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, the United States Department of Health and Human Services Secretary declared a public health emergency in the United States for COVID–19 under Section 391 of the Public Health Service Act; and

WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed multiple cases of COVID–19 in the State of North Carolina, including one or more cases in Granville County; and

WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper declared a State of Emergency for the State of North Carolina based on the public health emergency posed by COVID–19; and

WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the President of the United States declared a national emergency; and

WHEREAS, on March 23, 2020, the Chairman of the Granville County Board of Commissioners issued a Declaration of a State of Emergency for Granville County; and,

WHEREAS, immediate attention is required to protect public health from the spread of the disease, reduce further damage, ensure public safety, and render emergency relief, and

WHEREAS, I, Jacqueline vdH Sergent, Mayor of the City of Oxford, North Carolina, do find that the potential spread of COVID–19 within the City of Oxford constitutes an imminent threat to the safety and welfare of the City of Oxford that existing conditions have caused or may cause widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life, and public safety authorities may be unable to maintain public order or afford adequate protection for lives or property, and

WHEREAS, declaring a State of Emergency and imposing the restrictions and prohibitions ordered herein is necessary to maintain order and protect public health, safety, and welfare.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as the Mayor of the City of Oxford under Article 1A of Chapter 166A of the North Carolina General Statutes and Chapter 7 of the City of Oxford Code of Ordinances, after conferring with my colleagues on the Oxford Board of Commissioners, I, Jacqueline vdH Sergent, Mayor of the City of Oxford, North Carolina, hereby declare and proclaim that a State of Emergency exists within the City of Oxford.

SECTION 1. Emergency Area Established. The emergency area covered by this Emergency Proclamation shall be the entire jurisdiction of the City of Oxford.

SECTION 2. Adoption of Granville County Declaration. I, Jacqueline vdH Sergent, Mayor of the City of Oxford, North Carolina, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. $ 166A–19.22, do affirm that the Declaration of a State of Emergency issued by Granville County applies in its entirety to the City of Oxford.

SECTION 3. Implementation and Enforcement. I hereby order all City of Oxford law enforcement officers and employees and all other emergency management personnel subject to our control to cooperate in the enforcement and implementation of the provisions of this declaration, all applicable local ordinances, state and federal laws, and the City of Oxford Emergency Operations Plan. I urge all City of Oxford residents and businesses to follow the advice and recommendations of the CDC, and the advice and recommendations of the federal, state, and county governments regarding our public health and controlling the spread of this virus.

SECTION 4. Distribution. I hereby order this declaration: (a) to be distributed to the news media and other organizations calculated to bring its contents to the attention of the general public; (b) to be filed with the City of Oxford Clerk, and (c) to be distributed to others as necessary to ensure proper implementation of this declaration.

SECTION 5. Effective Date and Time. This Declaration of Emergency shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect until modified or rescinded.

DECLARED this the 23rd day of March 2020, at 4:30 p.m.

Granville Co. Government Continues to Make Operational Changes – Updated March 24

March 23, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County Government continues to work closely with Granville-Vance Public Health and to take precautionary measures, following guidance from the local health department and from the CDC. With everyone’s safety in mind, these operational changes have been implemented in response to COVID-19:

Granville County Senior Services: All three Senior Centers (Oxford, Creedmoor and Stovall) are closed to participants until further notice. Group activities, classes, group meetings and special events have been canceled.

Because the tax deadline has been changed to July 15, the tax assistance program has been temporarily suspended and will restart on Thursday, May 14 from 5 until 8 p.m., ending on July 9. Appointments currently on the books will be rescheduled and new appointments will be taken.

Home delivered meals continue and congregate meals (on-site) are available as a drive-through option. Those not able to use the drive-through option should call the Senior Center at 919-693-1930 to ask about being placed on a home-delivered route. KARTS has also made the decision to temporarily discontinue the around-town shuttle until further notice.

Department of Social Services: To better serve residents who need assistance, the Department of Social Services is also accepting applications for Food and Nutrition assistance, Medicaid, Work First Family Assistance or any other economic service program through DSS online, by phone or by mail. To apply by phone, please call 919-693-1511. To apply online, please visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/social-services/. To apply by mail, send application to P.O. Box 966, Oxford NC, 27565.

Granville County Library System: All four branches of the Granville County Library have been closed to the public as of March 21, but curbside service is available Monday through Friday at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford and at the South Branch in Creedmoor. Library patrons can call or email either library to request materials for pickup between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., then give the library a call upon arrival. (Limit five books, five DVDs and five audiobooks.)

In addition, all scheduled events and programs have been canceled and meeting rooms will not be available for public use until the state of emergency is lifted. All services to nursing homes and assisted living centers have also been postponed until further notice. Deadlines for all materials currently checked out will be automatically extended. The Thornton Library can be reached at 919-693-1121 and the phone number for the South Branch is 919-528-1752.

Granville County Animal Management: For a limited time, fees will be waived for pet adoptions and rescue pulls. For safety precautions, visitors to the shelter can only come into the facilities for purposes of adoption or rescue, or if looking for lost animals. In addition, rabies vaccinations for owned animals are being suspended until further notice. For questions, please call 919-693-6749.

Granville County Courthouse: As of March 23, the Granville County Clerk’s Office will be interacting with the public through their cashiering window. Residents are encouraged to call 919-699-4800 before coming to the courthouse, as there are a number of matters that can be handled over the phone or through the N.C. Courts’ website at www.nccourts.gov.

By order of the Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, many court matters are being continued and rescheduled until after April 13, 2020. Exceptions are proceedings necessary to preserve statutory and constitutional rights in criminal cases, such as first appearances; and proceedings necessary to obtaining emergency relief, such as protective and restraining orders. Matters that fall into these exceptions will proceed as necessary and required by law before the Court.

Cases that will be continued and rescheduled until after April 13, 2020, include 1. Magistrate’s and Small Claims Court; 2. Regular Civil and Criminal District Court; 3. Civil and Criminal Superior Court; and 4. Most Estate and Special Proceedings Hearings before the Clerk. The Clerk’s Office will mail notice of a new hearing date for all matters that are continued and are rescheduled.

Granville County Sheriff’s Office: As of March 23 and until further notice, only one person will be admitted inside the front lobby of the Sheriff’s Office. Visitation in the Granville County Jail is also restricted until further notice. Fingerprint services have been suspended until April 13.

Effective immediately, crime reports of a non–violent nature will be taken over the phone or by email, if at all possible. These reports include, but are not limited to misdemeanor theft, harassing communications, lost property, identity theft, computer/phone/mail scams. The phone number for the Sheriff’s Office is 919-693-3213 and the email address is granville.sheriff@granvillecounty.org. For more serious concerns, all residents are asked to call 9-1-1.

Granville County 9-1-1: Residents should be aware that telecommunicators are screening all calls for COVID-19 symptoms. Any “yes” answers to the questions asked will be relayed to emergency responders so that they will be prepared and aware.

Inspections and Planning: As of Monday, March 23, the Planning and Inspections Department will be closed to the public. Residents can reach staff members by phone or by email. Appointments that are necessary will be made. In addition, a drop box will be located in the hallway for plan and application submittals. Field inspections will continue but may be limited. Online payment access is also available. Call 919-603-1326 to have an online payment link sent to your email address.

Granville County Office of N.C. Forest Service: The Granville office location is temporarily closed to the public until further notice. Burning permits will be made available online at ncforestservice.gov. Residents should be aware that staffing adjustments may increase response times for inquiries and assistance. To reach a staff member, call 919-482-2301. For emergencies, please dial 9-1-1.

Parks and Recreation: Although tournament play has been canceled, Granville Athletic Park remains open for public use. Residents are asked to follow health recommendations for gatherings, including social distancing. Avoid being closer than six feet from anyone, whenever possible, and limit physical contact. Remember that gatherings should be limited to 50 people or less. Reservations for picnic shelters and other amenities can still be made by calling the GAP at 919-693-3716.

Soil and Water Conservation: The Soil and Water Conservation office is closed to the public until further notice; however, the Natural Resource Conservationist continues to work in the office and in the field and can be reached at 919-693-4603 or at byron.currin@granvillecounty.org.

Meeting cancellations: Several committee meetings and meetings of independent boards have been canceled or postponed. For a listing of canceled/postponed meetings and events scheduled through Granville County Government, please visit www.granvillecounty.org for notices.

Governor Orders Increased Access to Childcare, DMV Clarifications

March 23, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper has waived restrictions to increase access to caregivers to provide flexible child care and elder care during the coronavirus emergency. The Order provides flexibility to local health departments working to adapt to the increased need for their resources.

Additionally, it provides for ways for Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices to enact social distancing protections and waives some registration requirements to ensure resources can be delivered by truck throughout the state.

“Doctors, nurses, first responders and other critical personnel need to know their children are safe so they can continue to respond during this time of crisis,” said Governor Cooper. “And we’re loosening trucking requirements so important medicine and equipment can get quickly to the people in all 100 counties that need it.”

The Order provides for the following provisions:

Improve access to safe, flexible child care for first responders, emergency personnel, food preparers and others;
Transfer authority to local health departments to be more flexible with mandates during the crisis, so they can prioritize the most needed services;
Lifts some restrictions so that volunteers and other caregivers may care for children and elders during the crisis.

The transportation waiver includes provisions to:

Allow DMV offices to ensure appropriate social distancing including requiring appointments and making sure offices have enough space for DMV customers;
Postpone DMV hearings that can reasonably be delayed during the crisis response;
Offers clarity around regulations so that critical supplies can get where they are needed throughout the state;
Waive Commercial Driver’s License requirements to ensure school buses can be utilized in responding to the crisis.

The North Carolina Council of State concurred with the order Friday. The full order is available here.

For more information, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus, which includes daily updates on positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina.

State Board Investigating Possible Text Messaging Scam

March 20, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, NC State Board of Elections

The State Board of Elections is investigating a possible scam targeting North Carolinians with unsolicited text messages regarding their voter registration status or asking them to register to vote.

Recipients of the text messages should not click on the link embedded in the text and delete any such text messages from their phone.

The link sends recipients to what purports to be Vote.org’s website, but Vote.org officials confirmed Thursday that they are not sending the text messages.

The State Board is investigating and will alert state and federal authorities about the issue.

The State and County Boards of Elections have received numerous calls and emails from concerned recipients of the text messages.

“We know these texts can be confusing to voters, and we take this situation very seriously,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections. “We urge all North Carolinians to get information about voting and voter registration from trusted, reliable sources, including your state and county boards of elections.”

Voters can check their registration status at any time using the State Board voter lookup tool here: https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/.

If you would like to register to vote, the voter registration application can be found here: https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/Voter_Registration/NCVoterRegForm_06W.pdf.

For more information on voter registration in North Carolina, visit the State Board website at https://www.ncsbe.gov/Voters/Registering-to-Vote.

Vote.org also released a statement on Thursday:

“We at Vote.org take voter integrity and protection very seriously and ask that voters reach out directly to officials if they believe they have been contacted without solicitation. Text messages received in the last week were not that of Vote.org. We will continue to protect your vote, stay in communication with the North Carolina State Board of Elections and encourage voters to reference state registration websites and our official platforms at Vote.org. All communications received from Vote.org are marked as being such and can be found on official platforms.”

Alexis Simmons Awarded Barker-Ferguson Endowed Scholarship to Barton College

March 20, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Oxford Preparatory School

Alexis Simmons, a senior at Oxford Preparatory School, has been awarded the Barker-Ferguson Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship provides full-tuition, room and board.

Alexis Simmons, a senior at Oxford Preparatory School, has been awarded the Barker-Ferguson Endowed Scholarship and has also been named a Nursing Scholar at Barton College. The scholarship provides full-tuition, room and board. (Photo courtesy OPS)

Alexis has also been named a Nursing Scholar at Barton. Alexis is the daughter of Steve and Lisa Simmons of Henderson, NC. During her time at Oxford Prep, Alexis has earned a number of academic distinctions including being named marshal, earning membership in Beta Club and a Director’s List recipient every semester.

Alexis not only excels in academics, she is also a talented dancer and thespian, having performed in numerous roles with the Henderson Rec Players.

The Barker-Ferguson Endowed Scholarship was established through a gift by Eddie and Debra Ferguson in honor of her father, William L. Barker, and in memory of her mother, Birdie Parham Barker, and of his parents Jack E. and Dorothy Hunt Ferguson. One full scholarship is renewable as long as the recipient maintains a 3.25 cumulative grade point average.

The Barker-Ferguson Endowed Scholarship is awarded to a resident of Granville or Vance counties, North Carolina, who attends high school in those counties. Nominations are to be made by the guidance counselor(s) and/or principals of each school to the Barton College Scholarship Committee.

The recipient must meet the following minimum requirements: SAT score of at least 1,000, unweighted high school grade point average of a 3.40 on a scales of 4.00, and rank in the upper ten percent of the high school class (where available). Demonstrated leadership potential and exemplary extracurricular performance are also weighed heavily in the selection process.

Alexis competed in a Barton’s selective, early acceptance program that allows high school students who meet GPA and test score requirements to be accepted directly into the nursing program without competing for upper-level courses at the conclusion of the sophomore year.

As a Nursing Scholar, Alexis met rigorous academic requirements including maintaining a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher and having an ACT composite score of 24 or higher; or SAT 1170 or higher (Evidence-based Reading, Writing, and Math).

Granville County Senior Services Awarded for CLL Program

March 20, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Granville County Government

The Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) Program, offered through Granville County Senior Services, was the recipient of N.C. Association on Aging’s “Reaching for the Stars” Innovative Program Award on March 6. The award, announced during the Association’s conference luncheon in Wilmington, NC, is granted to an agency that has an innovative and creative program that works to enrich the lives of older adults.

Pictured are CLL Coordinator Marilyn Howard, Senior Services Director Kathy May, NCAOA President Annette Eubanks, and Senior Services Assistant Director Angela Wright. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

Initiated in 2017, the Creative Lifelong Learning program is modeled after the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offered at Duke and N.C. State Universities, as well as other senior center programming in the Triangle. The suggestion for a similar program was made by a local retired couple, who also established an endowment fund that pays for course instructors.

Through the work of a steering committee, led by CLL Coordinator Marilyn Howard, many interests have been identified and instructors scheduled for a wide variety of course offerings based on member requests, class leader expertise and balance in the curriculum, with most classes being held at the Senior Center in Oxford. Classes vary in length, with sessions that range from interactive hour-long workshops to day-long trips and/or lectures.

Granville County Senior Services Director Kathy May, Assistant Director Angela Wright and Creative Lifelong Learning Coordinator Marilyn Howard attended the N.C. Association on Aging conference and accepted the award. Nominees for this distinction were from all across the state.

For more information about the Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) program, contact the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford at 919-693-1930 or visit www.granvillecounty.org.

One Case of Coronavirus Confirmed in Granville County

March 20, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville Vance Public Health

As of March 20, 2020, there is one confirmed case of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Granville County. To protect privacy, no additional information about the individual will be shared by the health department. The affected person is currently in isolation at home.

“This is not a surprise, as we know what’s happening across the state and nation, said Granville Vance Public Health Director Lisa Macon Harrison. “We expect there will be more cases as testing continues to increase. Residents should be prepared; not scared. We want to remind everyone to continue to practice prevention measures and social distancing as we try to contain the spread of COVID-19.”

Families of individuals who are confirmed positive for COVID-19 will be given information about isolation and quarantine and asked to monitor symptoms. Currently, across the state and nation, there is not enough access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or sample collection kits to test everyone across the district or state, so residents of Granville and Vance Counties are asked to not seek a test for Coronavirus unless they have symptoms of fever AND lower respiratory symptoms (cough or difficulty breathing). At this time, state guidance continues to require those symptoms be present in order to send in a sample for testing.

While the illness isn’t severe for most people, it can be really serious for some. GVPH is taking appropriate steps to stop its spread. “As seen in other countries and states with more cases, people often recover from Coronavirus,” Harrison says. “It is not yet understood why, but children tend to fare well, experiencing a lighter version of the virus and recovering more easily than adults from what is known so far.”

A global dashboard with real-time data is available on the GVPH web site at https://gvph.org/COVID-19/.

Granville Vance Public Health continues to work closely with partners across Granville and Vance counties, including hospitals, private providers, school systems, community health centers, senior centers, county and city governments, churches, emergency managers, and many others to provide education and guidance regarding mitigation efforts.

Please rely on accurate sources of information from the CDC (www.cdc.gov) and State Division of Public Health as well as your own local public health officials.

Granville Vance Public Health will provide the most up-to-date and accurate information for COVID-19 in our
district online at https://gvph.org/.