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SportsTalk: Hairston Readies Granville Central For Football

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“I’m very excited,” says new Granville Central Football Coach Travis Hairston. He’s only been on the job a week and half but has already identified a core group of players who are working hard to help the team turn around last year’s 1-5 record. He looks to bring his extensive knowledge of defense to the team and says defense will be a priority this season.

Hairston’s experience includes defensive coordinator positions at several schools in North Carolina and Maryland including Sanders, East Wake and Rolesville High Schools. His defensive philosophy is simple: “Score points and not allow them to score.” He also emphasizes preparation and expects the Granville Central team to be prepared every week. “I believe we are going to win some games and be competitive,” Coach Hairston says.

He will have to get prepared quickly as Granville Central takes on Ravenscroft in the first game of the season a week from Friday. Ravenscroft has a diverse offense and gets after the ball on defense. Ravenscroft will not be the only tough team Granville Central will face this season as later on this year the will play South Granville in an in-county rivalry game and Carrboro.

 

Granville County Chamber of Commerce

8th Annual Granville Chamber Golf Tournament Set For Sept. 21; Moves To Kerr Lake Country Club

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The Granville County Chamber of Commerce has announced that its 8th annual golf tournament is scheduled for Tuesday, September 21, 2021. This year’s tournament will be held at Kerr Lake Country Club.

The club, located at 600 Hedrick Drive, Henderson, is a new member of the Granville Chamber.

Registration begins at noon and a box lunch will be provided, according to information from Executive Director Lauren Bennett Roberson. The shotgun start will be at 1 p.m.

Snacks and beverages will be included during play and there will be various contests throughout the day, including a 50/50 raffle, longest drive, closest to the pin challenge and a hole-in-one shootout.

Corporate sponsorships are $450 and include a 4-player team. Individual spots are $100, as are hole sponsors.

To learn more, contact the Chamber office at 919-693-6125.

 

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

The Local Skinny: Covid Data for Vance and Granville Counties

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— Info Courtesy of Granville Vance Public Health —

Covid Local Data Update previous 7 days ending Saturday, August 7th

In the past 7 days, there have been 42 new cases in Vance County, a 16.67% increase from the week before. The percent positivity rate in Vance County is 6.03%. According to the CDC COVID Data Tracker, there is substantial community transmission in Vance County.

In the past 7 days, there have been 63 new cases in Granville County, a 6.78% increase from the week before. The percent positivity rate in Granville County is 5.64%. According to the CDC COVID Data Tracker, there is high community transmission in Granville County.

In Vance County, 50.5% of those over the age of 12 have received at least one dose of their COVID-19 vaccine and 40.8% are fully vaccinated.

In Granville County, 58% of those over the age of 12 have received at least one dose of their COVID-19 vaccine and 50.6% are fully vaccinated.

In North Carolina, 62% of the adult population is at least partially vaccinated and 58% of the adult population is fully vaccinated.

CDC Moratorium Temporarily Halts Residential Evictions Until Oct 3

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CDC issues new temporary moratorium to halt residential evictions through Oct. 3

HOPE Program still accepting applications for emergency rental assistance

— press release courtesy of the N.C. Department of Public Safety —

RALEIGH—The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a new residential eviction moratorium that will offer protection from eviction for most renters in North Carolina. The moratorium, which will remain in effect through Oct. 3, 2021, applies in U.S. counties experiencing substantial and high levels of community transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that triggers COVID-19. The CDC has found that evictions of tenants for failure to pay rent could be detrimental to public health measures designed to slow the spread of the virus. Most North Carolina renters would be eligible for protection from eviction under the order, with some important exceptions.

As of today, only four North Carolina counties do not meet the new eviction moratorium criteria, including Bertie, Hertford, Hyde and Warren counties. The status of these and other counties could change in the future depending on COVID-19 transmission levels.

Renters throughout the rest of the state who currently meet the eligibility criteria may present a declaration form to their landlord and receive protection from eviction. Renters can also find additional resources online through NC 211 and the HUD Rental Housing Counseling and Eviction Prevention Program, which includes contact information for local housing counselors.

Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance

The N.C. Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions Program (HOPE) continues to provide rent and utility assistance to low-income renters in 88 counties that are experiencing financial hardship due to the economic impacts of COVID-19. Since opening last fall, HOPE has awarded more than $328 million to ​North Carolina households, with ​$245 million already paid to landlords and utility companies statewide.

Information about the HOPE Program, including eligibility requirements, program benefits and an online application, is available at www.HOPE.NC.gov. Applicants who cannot access the website should call 888-9ASK-HOPE (888-927-5467) for help with the application process. The HOPE Call Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both English- and Spanish-speaking representatives are available to assist callers.

As of last week, the HOPE Program is also accepting landlord referrals of tenants who are struggling to pay rent due to the pandemic. Landlords can submit tenant names and contact information through the HOPE Program website or by contacting the HOPE Call Center at 888-9ASK-HOPE (888-927-5467). A program specialist will then follow up with the tenant to help start the application process.

In addition to the HOPE Program, 12 counties and five Native American tribes received direct federal funding to manage local emergency rental assistance programs. More information about the areas served by HOPE and local programs is available at the HOPE Interactive Map.

The HOPE Program is managed by the N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency, a division of the Department of Public Safety. To learn more about the HOPE Program, visit www.HOPE.NC.gov

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Families Living Violence Free

Town Talk: Families Living Violence Free Prepares For Event At Rucker Park

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Families Living Violence Free is hosting a back-to-school Kids Day event Saturday, Aug. 14 at Rucker Park in Granville County. Children and adults can enjoy a variety of activities, from food trucks to water games during the Fun Day, which is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to FLVF staff.

LeSha Sneed and Carly Simonton were guests on Town Talk Monday and said the event is all about fun activities for children, combined with some awareness and outreach regarding domestic violence and abuse.

It’s important for young people to be able to make connections with adults who can help, Sneed, youth advocacy counselor for FLVF, told hosts John C. Rose and Trey Snide. She added that school resource officers (SROs) will be present Saturday. Children can’t always remember names, she said, but they can remember faces. It’s important for young people to know adults they can trust if they need to confide in someone about problems they may be facing.

“Kids have to feel safe around you before they’ll open up,” Sneed said. This fun day/fundraiser will help young people make connections with those adults.

Bookbags filled with school supplies will be distributed, and food and gas cards will be raffled off as well, Simonton said. As the adult advocacy counselor at FLVF, she noted that

the last year and a half has “taken a toll, obviously.” Children were learning remotely and parents were either working from home or without jobs altogether. Sometimes, school and jobs are “safe” spots for victims of domestic violence and abuse. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down those havens and left victims isolated from help.

But FLVF stayed open throughout that period, Simonton said, providing virtual options and keeping the 24/7 crisis phone lines operational.

The crisis center has moved to a new location, Henrahand Cottage on the campus of Central Children’s Home, 211 W. Antioch Drive, but its mission remains the same: “giving voice and support to domestic violence and sexual assault victims.”

Although it is located in Granville County, Simonton said their services are open to everyone. FLVF partners with many area agencies, and counselors can make sure clients connect with programs and services most convenient to their location.

“We make sure our clients are covered, no matter what,” Simonton said.

In 2019, FLVF saw 323 “unique clients,” which means that some clients they helped more than once. She said statistics show that by the time a client reaches out to FLVF, they’ve already made seven attempts – on average – to leave a violent or abusive situation. Victims of domestic violence or abuse don’t fit into one age range, but Simonton said the majority of clients they see at FLVF are in the 34-64 age group.

Outreach into the community helps to establish connections that may be needed in a moment of crisis. “It’s a lot easier to open up when you know you have a connection with someone,” Simonton said. This type of outreach event helps establish connections so people “know we’re here from the get-go,” she said. The public needs to see us as a good resource in the community, she added. “We’re literally here for everyone.” All services are free and confidential.

The FLVF Fun Day will be held at Rucker Park, located at 5189 Old N.C. 75, Oxford.

Visit www.flvf.com to learn more. The 24/7 crisis lines are 919.693.5700 (English) and 919.690.0888 (Spanish)

 

For complete details and audio click play.

 

McClary, Purple Heart Recipient, To Speak At Living Stones Church Of God Aug. 8

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Clebe McClary said he enjoys playing golf, a sport he took up later in life, after meeting PGA golfer Billy Casper. It wasn’t the first time he’d met Casper however; the first time was when he was in a military hospital bed, facing a leg amputation.

First Lt. Patrick C. “Clebe” McClary III USMC (Retired) recounted the story to John C. Rose on Thursday’s Town Talk:  He was a platoon leader in the First Reconnaissance Battalion in Vietnam when the Viet Cong attacked. He attributes his very existence today to a visit by the PGA golfer. “He said, ‘I’m praying for you. God’s got a plan for your life. Don’t quit,’” McClary said.

Casper wasn’t for the war, McClary said, “but he was for the troops.”

So when McClary got the chance to meet Casper at the Masters Tournament a few years ago, he took it. And he also took up golf.

He said he enjoys the beauty of the course, and the chance to witness to others while he’s out there.

McClary will be the featured speaker Sunday at Living Stones Church of God Worship Center in Oxford. He is speaking in conjunction with the annual observance of Purple Heart Day on Saturday, Aug. 7.

“Purple Hearts – that’s a medal you don’t want,” McClary said. “You’ve got to get shot to get that rascal,” he said. And he has three of them.

McClary shares his story and the message of having “a personal relationship with a living Savior. Know the Lord. You don’t know when it’s going to be your last day,” he said.

See more about McClary, visit www.clebemcclary.com.

Listen here to the full interview with Clebe McClary.

Granville County Chamber of Commerce

Leadership Granville Deadline Fri, Aug 6

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Applications for the 2021-22 Leadership Granville class are due by Friday, Aug. 6.

The educational program, designed to offer leadership training and a broader knowledge of the county to its citizens, will kick off on Sept. 14.
Participants have the opportunity to acquire knowledge of the community and become personally and professionally acquainted with the county’s structure and life while developing leadership skills and networking opportunities, according to a statement from Lauren Roberson, executive director of the Granville County Chamber of Commerce.

Leadership Granville is sponsored by the local chamber, as well as Granville County Public Schools and Vance-Granville Community College.

Sessions involve field trips across the county, and include topics from county history and local government to recreational facilities, agriculture, business and industry.

Enrollment is limited. A limited number of scholarships are also available.

Applications are being taken until Aug. 6 and are available through the Granville County Chamber of Commerce Office, 124 Hillsboro Street in Oxford, or online at https://granville-chamber.com/member-services/leadership-granville.

For more information, call the chamber office at 919.693.6125 or email Roberson at lauren@granville-chamber.com.

Bring Your Mask: GCPS Students, Staff Must Wear Face Coverings To Begin School Year

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All Granville County Public Schools students and staff will be required to wear face coverings on all school property when school starts later this month, following a board of education decision made during its regular monthly meeting on Monday, Aug. 2.

The decision came following a presentation from Granville-Vance Public Health Director Lisa Harrison and GVHD Medical Director Dr. Shauna Guthrie about the COVID-19 Delta variant.

The new variant is more contagious and has caused a spike in hospitalizations – 97 percent of those hospitalized are unvaccinated. Citing guidance from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics, the health department officials recommended that GCPS follow the mask requirement while students, staff and visitors are indoors.

Masks must be worn except when students or staff are eating or drinking.

Masks will be provided free of charge to all students and staff as needed. The district has an ample supply of additional PPE, including gloves, gowns and face shields for staff which also are available upon request.

Individuals may apply for a mask exemption based on a medical condition or physical disability, according to Dr. Stan Winborne, GCPS associate superintendent and public information officer. Applications are available at each school and Winborne added that documentation verifying the condition must accompany the application.

Adults should remain six feet apart from others when possible, and students should maintain three feet of physical distancing and school staffs will continue regular and thorough cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces and common areas will continue, Winborne said.

The board will revisit the topic at future meetings to determine if adjustments are needed, and the board will consider at its September meeting policies for visitors, volunteers and indoor facility rentals and indoor events or performances. Right now, none of these are allowed. The board is set to review each topic and adjust policies as needed, Winborne said.

Donations Of School Supplies Part of Oxford’s Back To School Bash Aug. 6

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Teachers get as excited as schoolchildren when it’s time to get back-to-school supplies. There’s just something about opening a new box of…black dry erase markers?

It doesn’t evoke the same feeling as when opening a new box of crayons, but dry erase markers, loose-leaf paper and index cards are a few of the items that folks in and near Oxford are encouraged to donate to a “Stuff the Bus” event scheduled for Friday, Aug. 6, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

It’s part of a Back to School Bash in the Littlejohn parking lot from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be food trucks on site and a Cruz-In. The movie Inside Out will be shown beginning at 8 p.m.

The Granville Ed Foundation and the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation (DOEDC) are joining forces to collect the school supplies for teachers.

The complete list of items to donate for teachers is:

looseleaf paper
graph paper
single-subject spiral notebooks
pencils
pens
glue sticks
staples
construction paper
student scissors
dry erase markers (black)
white board cleaner
highlighters
crayons
paper clips
plastic spoons/forks
index cards
boxes of facial tissue
disinfectant wipes
tape
colored copy paper
laminating sheets
multi-colored card stock

Vance, Granville, Warren Masks

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Visitors to any indoor Warren County facility must wear masks while conducting business, effective Monday, Aug. 2. As of this publication, there are no mask mandates in Henderson or Vance County buildings, but officials told WIZS that they continue to monitor updates regarding mask recommendations from the state.

All visitors entering a Granville County facility should wear a face covering effective Tuesday, August 3, according to Lynn Allred, public information officer/grants coordinator. In a written statement, Allred said, “Employees should wear a face covering when engaging with the public; Employees – whether vaccinated or unvaccinated – should wear a face covering inside the workplace when within 6 feet of other people. (Face coverings are not necessary if the employee has a private workspace); Social distancing should be practiced wherever possible.”

Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen acknowledged that guidance changes, and “at the current time, we are not planning to require masks within the county buildings,” McMillen said in a statement to WIZS News. He added that officials are “highly encouraging the use of masks within the common areas and courtrooms at the courthouse due to the large concentration of individuals within these areas.” According to McMillen, Chief District Court Judge John Davis issued a memo requesting the recommended use of masks in these areas.

“We … continue to watch the guidance as it changes daily. Our intent is to follow state mandates as it relates to social distancing, mask wearing and other precautions if they are implemented again,” McMillen said.

Henderson City Manager Terrell Blackmon said city officials currently are assessing the situation. “As we solicit additional feedback from the health department, a similar announcement may be forthcoming,” Blackmon told WIZS in reference to what Warren County is doing.

In Warren County, County Manager Vincent Jones and Health Director Dr. Margaret Brake issued a statement concerning the updated mask requirement. Warren County is among the 92 N.C. counties with a high or substantial transmission of COVID-19, the statement read. The CDC recommends that residents of those areas need to wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. County staff also will be wearing masks indoors.

As of this publication, Warren, Vance and Granville counties are considered “substantial” spread areas. Franklin County is a “high” spread area.