VGCC Logo

VGCC Declares March 16-20 Spring Break; Courses Resume Online Next Week

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy Vance-Granville Community College

VGCC will be moving Spring Break to Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20 to allow the college time to transition to mostly online instruction for the next several weeks in support of our Governor’s directive to practice more social distancing to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

This means there will be no credit/curriculum classes from March 16 – March 20.

The only exception to that is clinicals and apprenticeships which will continue as scheduled unless otherwise noted by your college contact. Credit/curriculum courses will resume Monday, March 23 in an online or hybrid format. More details are available on the College website.

Students are asked to please continue to check their email and the College COVID 19 web page for more updates, as the situation is changing rapidly.

VGCC Connects Students to Careers in Biotech

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

With the biotechnology industry booming in North Carolina, Vance-Granville Community College is offering a number of training program options, while focusing on helping students land jobs and, if they choose, transfer to partnering universities.

Students (from left) Tony Williams, Enrique Rodriguez-Jimenez and Denise Marrow practice skills in the biotech lab at VGCC’s Franklin Campus. (VGCC photo)

“According to NCBIO and the N.C. Biotechnology Center, thousands of new jobs in biotech and life sciences are coming to central North Carolina in the next few years,” said Stewart Lyon, who heads VGCC’s Biotech programs, based at the college’s Franklin County Campus. “Vance-Granville can help you enter a rewarding career in biotech or pharmaceutical manufacturing or a science lab position in as little as six months.”

In Bioprocess Technology, the college offers a certificate, which can be completed in six months; a diploma program, which takes about one year, and the two-year Associate in Applied Science degree. All these options are eligible for federal financial aid to qualified students. In addition, there is a BioWork Process Technician continuing education course offered periodically, in a format that takes less than one semester to complete.

Lyon, who has experience in the biotechnology industry and was VGCC’s Faculty Member of the Year for 2018-19, provides students not only with education but also resources and connections to obtain employment. In addition to emailing leads on job opportunities to a distribution list containing current and former students, Lyon is planning special events.

“We’re holding a resume event for current and former students of VGCC’s Biotechnology programs at the Franklin Campus on Monday, March 23, from 5:30 – 8 p.m.,” he said. “A biotech resume expert will visit from the NC BioNetwork to help students cater their resumes for entry into the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.”

Then, on April 16, current and former students are invited to attend a special career fair at the N.C. Biotechnology Center in the Research Triangle Park. Only students who participate in the March 23 resume clinic can attend the career fair.

The growing biotech field encompasses a wide variety of employers, including companies that are on the front lines of developing tests and treatments for diseases. Everything from pharmaceutical manufacturing to research, testing and medical labs, agricultural feedstock and industrial biosciences businesses are included in the broad sector, which are represented in the Triangle as well as VGCC’s service area.

“We have students and alumni employed at several companies in the area, including Novozymes in Franklinton, Grifols in Clayton, Isolera Extracts in Oxford, Revlon in Oxford, and Scientific Calibration in Cary,” Lyon said. To increase his students’ knowledge of the industry, he regularly takes them on field trips to some of these locations.

Lyon also points out that students have options to continue their education beyond VGCC, particularly through new transfer opportunities. Graduates with the Bioprocess Technology degree may transfer into the Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences program at North Carolina Central University.

“A summer internship is available at NCCU’s research labs, which gives students professional experience and can count for credit toward the VGCC degree,” Lyon added.

NCCU also offers master’s degrees in both Drug Discovery and Biomanufacturing, and a Ph.D. program is under development. Since VGCC’s Bioprocess Technology certificate is also a Career & College Promise (CCP) option for current high school students, the partnership with NCCU means that a pathway from high school training through advanced graduate degrees is possible.

Meanwhile, through the new “Pirate Promise” program, students from VGCC can transfer to East Carolina University to complete a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology, with a concentration in Bioprocess Manufacturing. ECU’s degree can be completed entirely online or in-person.

Anyone interested in learning more about studying biotechnology at VGCC is invited to visit the Franklin Campus open house on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. until noon. The campus is located at 8100 N.C. 56, just west of Louisburg.

For more information on VGCC’s biotech programs, contact Mr. Lyon at lyons@vgcc.edu or 252-738-3632.

Granville Co. Chamber Cancels ‘Cluck ‘N Shuck’ Event

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy Granville County Chamber of Commerce

In accordance with CDC guidelines, the Granville County Chamber Board of Directors will cancel the April 3, 2020,  ‘Cluck ‘N Shuck’ seafood fundraiser event. If you have purchased a ticket, please contact the Chamber office at (919) 693-6125 or email wanda@granville-chamber.com for a refund.

The Chamber apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause but feels this action is appropriate.

Granville School Board to Convert Today’s Work Session Into Emergency Meeting

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy Granville County Public Schools

UPDATED NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC:

The Granville County Board of Education will convert its Monday, March 16, 2020, Board Work Session to an Emergency Board Meeting under G.S. 143-318.12(3), in order to discuss matters related to the current State of Emergency and statewide school closures. Board members will be participating telephonically.

In keeping with the recommendations of public health officials, the Board offices will not be open to the public, but the public may receive a live audio stream of the meeting via a web link that will be posted on the Board’s website prior to the meeting.

Granville County Public Schools

GCPS Offering FREE Drive-Thru Breakfast/Lunch for Children

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Starting Monday, March 16, we will open drive-thru lunch service sites at the following schools:

  • Butner Stem Middle School
  • Mt. Energy Elementary School
  • CG Credle Elementary School   

Families can visit any of these sites between the hours of 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and get a FREE bagged lunch and breakfast for the next day.

These FREE meals are available for all children between the ages of 2-18.

We will expand these sites in the coming days and make home delivery available to students with special circumstances.  We do not want a single child to go hungry during this period when school is closed.

Please take advantage of this opportunity and help spread the word to your friends, family and neighbors.  Thank you!

N.C. Gov. Says No Public School; No Gatherings Over 100

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

This afternoon (Saturday, March 14, 2020) about 4:30, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper conducted a press conference and provided an update on novel Coronaviris in N.C.

He said, “Today I’m issuing an executive order to stop mass gatherings of more than 100 people across our state.”

The Governor said North Carolinians need a statewide response and statewide action.

He said, “The executive order has another key component. It directs all K-12 public schools across our state to close for students on Monday, March 16th for at least two weeks.”

Gov. Cooper said these actions are to provide new guidance as the State works to limit the spread of the virus.  He said these orders make the guidance on schools and gatherings mandatory.

At the time of the press conference, the Governor quoted statistics from this morning (March 14, 2020) citing 23 positive tests in 12 Counties.

He said we are all changing our ways of life to contain and limit the virus, and “now we need to ask you to change even more.”

Granville Public Schools Planning For Student Instruction, Meals; Like Other Districts

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

— from Granville County Public Schools

For the latest from Granville County Public Schools, click this link.

All staff should plan for a workday, for Monday March 16.

We are reaching out this evening (Sunday, March 15, 2020) with the latest updates. This afternoon, Dr. McLean and senior staff participated in a conference call with state officials regarding the Governor’s decision to close school for the next two weeks. While good information was shared in the call, there are still many uncertainties. Here is what we can share with you now:

Staff are working to create plans that will support our students academically and are also developing ways to provide meals to students during this period of school closure. You can expect to receive follow-up communications tomorrow with more details on how we will support our families with these efforts.

Also, you should know that we have created a one-stop information location on our district website HERE. We will be posting the most up-to-date information for students, families, and staff members there for everyone to access. Be sure to visit it and share as needed.

Thank you and we will keep you posted!

Dr. Stan Winborne
Assistant Superintendent of Operations & Human Resources
Public Information Officer
Granville County Public Schools

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

G-V Public Health Recommends Canceling, Modifying Events of 100+ People

/by

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Granville Vance Public Health

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Granville Vance Public Health recommends that organizers of events that draw more than 100 people cancel, postpone, or modify these events, or offer online streaming services beginning March 13, 2020, until further notice. These events include large gatherings where people are in close contact (less than 6 feet), such as concerts, conferences, sporting events, faith-based events and other large gatherings.

Organizations that gather up to 100 people should create an emergency plan and prepare for COVID-19 in their communities by taking the following steps:

  • Consider alternative options to gathering large groups of people, such as streaming video of the event or having patrons participate online.
  • Instruct participants to stay home if they are sick.
  • Encourage people who are at a higher risk for complications from COVID-19, including people over 65 and those with pre-existing medical conditions, to consult with their doctor before attending.
  • Have hygiene supplies available for employees and participants, including hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, tissues, and lined trash cans.
  • Promote behaviors that prevent the spread COVID-19 among participants and employees using the enclosed resources.
  • During and after the event, disinfect frequently-touched surfaces with a cleaning agent that is effective against coronaviruses.
  • Decrease close contact between attendees at the event. For example, place seats farther apart or reduce the number of attendees.

Please let us know if you would like additional educational information for distribution or you may access these materials online through the CDC website here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/factsheets.html or through the NC DHHS website here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina/materials-and

 The local risk of contracting COVID-19 remains low; however, we still encourage you to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 and any other flu-like illness by taking the following steps:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • If soap and water are not available, use a generous amount of hand sanitizer which is at least 60% alcohol on all surfaces of the hands and wrists.
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Stay away from sick people.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces – especially ones that are frequently touched – using regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
  • Stay home if you’re sick and don’t send sick children to school or childcare.
  • High-risk individuals should avoid large gatherings such as concerts, church services, and sporting events.

As questions and concerns about coronavirus (COVID-19) increase across North Carolina, we’d like to encourage the promotion of the statewide Coronavirus Helpline (1-866-462-3821) for the public, which is answered 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.

Granville County Public Schools

GCPS Coronavirus Update: School Closure Not Recommended at This Time

/by

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

This afternoon, GCPS Board Chairman David Richardson and Superintendent Alisa McLean both participated in a conference call with the NC Governor’s office. During this call today, it was shared that at this time, NC does NOT recommend preemptive closures of public schools.

Closing schools at this time is unlikely to prevent the spread of the virus and may have negative impacts on the community and our families. Our local Health Department is also NOT recommending school closure at this time.

Instead, it is recommended that we continue to take steps to help prevent the spread. These include frequent and thorough cleaning of facilities and buses, frequent hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer, respecting personal space and covering your cough and sneeze, and finally, having students and staff who have cold and flu-like symptoms to stay home.

In addition, the district has suspended all field trips, athletics, community meetings and non-essential work-related travel for staff. As of Monday, March 16, all school-based afternoon and evening events are suspended, including all community use of facilities. In addition, visitors to our schools will be limited to parents or guardians and essential GCPS employees only and restricted to designated parts of each school campus.

We are also considering making adjustments in the way students interact within our schools, including assemblies, serving of meals, and pick-up and drop-off procedures.

Please know that as of today, there are still NO confirmed cases in our county. We will continue to monitor this fast-moving situation closely, and provide additional updates as needed should conditions change. Our Board of Education will be meeting on Monday, March 16 and will address this topic at this time. As always, the meeting will be live-streamed and the link may be found on our district website HERE.

Thank you all for your continued patience, support and trust as we navigate this unprecedented situation TOGETHER!

Meet Ken Reeves, Granville County’s New Fire Marshal

/by

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Press Release, Granville County Government

Ken Reeves is Granville County’s newly-hired Fire Marshal. Reeves comes to Emergency Services with training and experience, as he has served as Battalion Chief, Fire Investigator and Training Officer of the Vance County Fire Department, as well as working with the City of Oxford’s and the City of Henderson’s Fire Departments.

Ken Reeves was recently named Granville County’s new Fire Marshal. (Granville Co. Govt. photo)

He is a certified N.C. Fire Inspector and a certified N.C. Fire Investigator, in addition to being a Fire and Life Safety Educator and earning the Associate Level in Emergency Management.

In his new role, Reeves will provide fire prevention inspections, as mandated by the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal, as well as public fire education, coordination of overall firefighting efforts in the county, fire investigations, and regulatory reporting of fire conditions within the county.

A native of Maryland, Reeves is a thirteen-year resident of Granville County and now lives in Stem with his wife and three children. He is a graduate of Keiser University (Sarasota, FL), with a two-year degree in Fire Science, and teaches fire and rescue classes at Vance-Granville Community College on a part-time basis.

The office for Granville County Emergency Services is located at 5662 Cornwall Road in Oxford. Residents or businesses with questions or concerns can contact Reeves at 919-603-1310.