The City of Oxford would like to feature local scenes on the front of its annual greeting card. Photographers of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels are invited to enter their best photos for a chance to be featured on the front of the City of Oxford’s 2020 greeting card with authorship specified on the back of the card.
To be eligible, the photo must be taken within Oxford’s city limits and must be scenes that are appropriate for the winter or the Holiday Season from Thanksgiving through New Year’s.
It is recommended that photos be submitted by the first week of December.
Entries may be submitted in person to the City Clerk’s office at City Hall (300 Williamsboro Street), or by emailing the picture and a brief description of the picture alyssa.blair@oxfordnc.org.
For more information, please contact Oxford City Hall at (919) 603-1100.
2019 Greeting Card Cover taken by Joan Roberson. (Photo courtesy City of Oxford)
Vance-Granville Community College recently received just over $188,000 from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund to help local residents obtain job training.
The GEER Fund, created as part of the federal CARES Act, will provide scholarships for eligible VGCC continuing education students pursuing short-term workforce training programs within certain pathways that will lead to state or industry-recognized credentials. Students can receive up to $750 in assistance per course. Scholarships can potentially help cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies, credentialing tests, transportation, or childcare.
At VGCC, the eligible pathways include the following programs:
Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET),
BioWork Process Technician,
Electronic Health Records,
EMT-Basic,
EMT-Paramedic,
Heavy Equipment Operator,
Healthcare Billing and Coding,
HVAC – Cooling,
HVAC – Refrigeration,
Introduction to Welding,
Nurse Aide, Levels 1 and 2,
Phlebotomy,
Production Tech, and
Truck Driver Training.
VGCC officials may add more programs to the list, based on local workforce needs.
“We are excited about the opportunities that the GEER Fund will open up for many students, especially those who have lost their jobs and suffered financially due to the pandemic,” said Dr. Jerry Edmonds, vice president of Workforce Development and Community Engagement for VGCC. “There are jobs available and many employers need talented workers, so now is a great time to retrain and gain new skills, so that you can prepare for a new career or advance in your chosen field.”
Governor Roy Cooper announced the initial allocations of North Carolina’s GEER Fund in August. At that time, Bill Carver, the interim President of the North Carolina Community College System, said, “North Carolina Community Colleges are uniquely positioned to offer short term workforce preparation to assist in the State’s economic recovery. This funding will be used for targeted programs providing cost-effective, high-quality opportunities for North Carolinians wanting credentials leading to career advancement.”
For more information, contact Dawn Michelle Tucker, Dean of Continuing Education & College + Career Readiness, at (252) 738-3288 or tuckerd@vgcc.edu.
-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health
The following is an update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of October 13, 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
1,852 positive test results for COVID-19.
Of those 1,852, 1,190 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 1,190, 1,097 have been released from isolation.
Of those 1,852 cases, 526 are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County, and 501 of those 526 have been released from isolation.
Of those 1,845, 136 are associated with outbreaks at long-term care facilities including 30 at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center and 95 at Universal Health Care.
The outbreak at Granville House is no longer active.
Of the 136 cases in long-term care facilities in Granville County, 112 have been released from isolation.
Two individuals in Granville County are hospitalized.
There have been a total of 50 deaths in Granville County: five in the community, one associated with Central Regional Hospital, one associated with Murdoch Development Center, 21 associated with Universal Health Care and 22 associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.
Vance County
1,078 positive test results for COVID-19.
Of those 1,078, 953 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 953, 836 have been released from isolation.
Of those 1,078, 125 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities including 49 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.
The outbreaks at Alliance Rehabilitative Care, Senior Citizens Home and Pelican Health nursing home are no longer active.
Of the 125 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 96 have been released from isolation.
Five individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.
There have been a total of 46 deaths in Vance County: 14 associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 12 associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, two associated with Senior Citizens Home and 18 in the community.
WIZS Note: There are 117 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 93 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers). Two additional COVID-19 related Vance County deaths and no additional Granville County deaths have been reported in the last two weeks.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0061_granville-vance-public-health.png.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-10-14 11:06:192020-10-14 11:06:19GVPH COVID-19 Update as of 10/13/20
In North Carolina, the fall wildfire season typically lasts from mid-October until mid-December. During this time, the N.C. Forest Service and the USDA Forest Service urge residents and visitors to be cautious with campfires and when burning yard debris.
“The leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina is debris burning,” said North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “As leaves begin to fall and vegetation starts to dry out, it’s important for everyone to use extreme caution when burning debris of any kind. Let’s all remember that our best defense against wildfires starts at home.”
For people who choose to burn debris, the N.C. Forest Service offers the following tips:
Consider alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass and stubble, may be of more value if used for mulch instead.
Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any authorized permitting agent open for business or online at www.ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit.
Don’t pile vegetation on the ground; instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle away from overhead branches and wires. Keep your pile small, not tall.
Stay informed about the weather and possible weather changes. Postpone outdoor burning during high winds or gusts, or periods of low relative humidity. Even if you have a valid permit, stop burning if strong winds develop.
Household trash should be hauled away to a trash or recycling station. It is illegal to burn anything other than yard debris.
Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up debris burning.
Stay with your fire until it is completely out.
Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris.
When burning agricultural residue and forestland litter, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time. Before doing any burning in a wooded area, contact your county ranger.
Defensible space around your home is important. Clear debris from your roof and gutters. Store firewood and other combustible items at least 30 feet from your home, uphill if possible. For more information and tips to help create a defensible space around your home and protect your property from wildfire, visit www.resistwildfirenc.org.
The USDA Forest Service also reminds campers to be cautious with campfires. Use existing fire rings, if possible, and clear a safe area around them of at least 15 feet. Never leave campfires unattended, and ensure they are completely out before leaving.
The USDA Forest Service offers the following guidelines for safely extinguishing campfires and helping to prevent wildfires:
Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible.
Pour lots of water on the fire, drown ALL embers, not just the red ones.
Pour until the hissing sound stops.
Stir campfire ashes and embers with a shovel.
Scrape the sticks and logs to remove any embers.
Stir and make sure everything is wet and that embers are cold to the touch.
If you do not have water, use dirt. Pour dirt or sand on the fire, mixing enough dirt or sand with the embers to extinguish the fire.
Continue adding or stirring until all remaining material is cool.
Do NOT bury the fire as the fire will continue to smolder and could catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire.
Always exercise caution with any outdoor burning. Even when burn bans are not in effect, weather conditions may not be favorable for outdoor fires, Troxler said. Outdoor burning is discouraged during periods of low humidity or high winds.
To learn more about fire safety and preventing wildfires and loss of property, visit www.ncforestservice.gov or contact Granville County Ranger Rob Montague at (919) 693-3154.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0093_ncforestservice.png.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-10-14 08:49:352020-10-14 08:49:35NC’s Fall Wildfire Season Begins
-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Public Safety
The Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill is a worldwide earthquake safety movement involving 17.1 million people throughout 2020 (and counting). Most participate in ShakeOut by registering to practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” and many do much more.
Please visit https://www.shakeout.org/southeast/register/ today to register your organization, school, agency, business or family and perform a ‘Drop, Cover, and Hold On’ drill on Thursday,October 15, 2020, at 10:15 a.m., or any date and time that works best for you.
The drill can be completed together in-person or at home via videoconferencing. Once registered you will:
Learn how your organization, school, agency, business or family can be more prepared for earthquakes.
Be counted in the world’s largest earthquake drill.
Receive ShakeOut news and other information about earthquakes and preparedness.
Make a difference by motivating others to participate and be prepared.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, participants are adapting their ShakeOut activities through videoconferencing, choosing staggered or alternative dates, and following local health and safety guidelines (see ShakeOut.org/covid19).
From Brian Short, director of Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations:
There are three levels of participation in International ShakeOut Day. Level 1 is basic level participation, and that is the level in which the local area will be participating.
NC is subject to earthquakes. Earthquakes do, in fact, occur more frequently than most people realize. It is important for us all to know what to do in the event one should occur in our area.
Unlike the statewide tornado exercise, there will not be any sort of announcement made via radio, TV or otherwise. It is up to each agency or individual to initiate their own participation at the appropriate time.
Ahead of early voting and Election Day, the State Board of Elections reminds all North Carolinians that voter intimidation and coercion are prohibited by state and federal law.
“The State Board is committed to ensuring all voters have a safe voting experience, free from intimidation and harassment,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections. “Regardless of political affiliation, every voter deserves to cast their ballot in peace.”
Penalties for violations include prison time, fines or both.
One-stop, in-person early voting begins Thursday, October 15 and ends Saturday, October 31. Election Day is November 3.
Buffer Zones
Buffer zones protect voters from harassment and intimidation when entering a polling place. Electioneering and other activities are prohibited inside the buffer zone.
In most situations, the buffer zone is 50 feet from the entrance to the polling place.
The area outside the buffer zone is a public forum, which the First Amendment protects from most restrictions on political activity.
“We must balance the right of every voter to enter the voting place free from intimidation within these First Amendment protections,” Bell said in the numbered memo.
Control of Polls
The chief judge or one-stop site manager must ensure voters can peacefully access the buffer zone and voting enclosure. If they are unable to do so, the chief judge must contact the county board of elections or law enforcement.
Election officials must be prepared to respond immediately to behavior that disrupts or threatens to disrupt the peace and order of a polling place. If the behavior poses a threat to any person’s safety or a situation seems likely to get out of control, the election official should immediately contact local law enforcement for assistance.
“The State Board has partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies who provide assistance, including monitoring and support on the ground,” Bell said.
County boards of elections are encouraged to meet with law enforcement ahead of elections. Partnerships allow for a swift response if county boards or election officials are unable to control a situation at a voting site.
Although they may be contacted as needed, law enforcement should not be stationed at a voting place, as some voters may find their presence intimidating.
Poll Observers/Poll Watchers
Observers are appointed by political parties, and requirements are outlined in state statute. Observers must be registered to vote in the county, except for the 100 state at-large observers who must be registered in the state.
Observers may observe and take notes, but may not disrupt voters or election officials. Observers may not speak to voters or stand close enough where they could see confidential information.
Each political party is required to submit the list of observers to the county board of elections at least five days before a person is scheduled to observe.
Anyone has the right to watch or monitor the election outside the voting place and outside the marked buffer zone. Members of the public, campaigners, candidates, advocates, and “poll watchers” may not enter the buffer zone or voting enclosure unless they are voting.
A poll watcher has no legal status under North Carolina law and must remain outside the marked buffer zone.
To reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 at the polls, all observers must wear masks when inside the voting enclosure. Social distancing is in place in all polling places and observers should abide by social distancing requirements as outlined in Numbered Memo 2020-18.
Observers who refuse to wear a mask or abide by social distancing will be required to leave the voting place.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/NC-State-Board-of-Elections.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-10-10 11:50:262020-10-10 12:46:54Voter Intimidation Prohibited by Law in North Carolina
Please click here for meeting agendas and minutes.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Oxford-Logo.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-10-09 09:45:242020-10-09 09:45:24Oxford Board of Commissioners to Hold Regular Monthly Meeting Oct. 13
Eligible individuals who want to cast their ballot on Election Day 2020 have until Friday, October 9 to register to vote.
To register, eligible individuals have the following options:
Complete a North Carolina Voter Registration Application and return it to their county board of elections office by 5 p.m. October 9. If an application is received after the deadline, it will be timely if it is postmarked on or before October 9. If the postmark is missing or unclear, the application will be processed if it is received in the mail no later than 20 days before the election. Otherwise, the application will not be processed until after the election. If submitted by fax or email, the application must be received by 5 p.m. October 9, and a hard copy of the document delivered to the county board by 20 days before the election.
“We encourage all eligible individuals to register to vote and make their voice heard in 2020,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections. “It’s easy, and there’s still time, either through the regular process or at any one-stop early voting location in your county.”
Same-Day Registration Available During Early Voting Period
Individuals who miss Friday’s deadline may register and vote at the same time during the one-stop early voting period, October 15-31, at any early voting site in their county. County-by-county early voting sites and schedules are available at the State Board’s One-Stop Early Voting Site Search. (For early voting sites statewide, see this PDF.)
Except under rare circumstances, North Carolina residents may not register to vote on Election Day.
To register to vote, a person must:
Be a U.S. citizen;
Live in the county of his/her registration, and have lived there for at least 30 days before the date of the election;
Be at least 18 years old or will be by the date of the general election. 16 and 17-year-olds may preregister to vote; AND
Not be serving a sentence for a felony conviction, including probation, parole, or post-release supervision.*
*By order of the court, you may now register and vote if you are serving an extended term of probation, post-release supervision, or parole, you have outstanding fines, fees, or restitution, and you do not know of another reason that your probation, post-release supervision, or parole was extended.
Updating Your Registration
The voter registration application may be used to change any voting information, including name, address, and party affiliation. The change notification must be signed and should be sent to the voter’s county board of elections by October 9.
Updates to name, address, and party affiliation must be signed, but can be provided by fax or email to your county board of elections. A wet ink (physical) signature is not required for voter registration updates in the same county.
DMV customers may update their voter registration residential or mailing address and party affiliation through the DMV service. This service does not currently allow voters to change their name.
Registered voters also may update an existing registration at a one-stop early voting site during the early voting period.
Granville County volunteer fire departments have been working for the past several months to complete requirements for lower insurance rates for local residents and businesses.
At the October 5 meeting of the Granville County Board of Commissioners, Emergency Services Director Jason Reavis provided details of the training, equipment, maintenance, staffing levels, water supply, inspections and communications that were evaluated during recent inspections by the Insurance Services Office (ISO).
Ratings were released by N.C. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey in a September 23 presentation at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center.
N.C. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is pictured with chiefs of Granville County volunteer fire departments during a Sept. 23 presentation. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt)
The Insurance Services Office rates fire departments on a scale from 1 to 10 to determine how well-protected a community is by the district’s fire department, with 1 being the highest score. These ratings, which stay in effect for a five-year period, are provided to homeowners insurance companies to determine insurance premiums in fire districts across the state.
The assessment takes into consideration the readiness of the fire department itself, available water sources for water protection, and communication capabilities. Since communities with well-prepared and well-equipped fire departments are at less risk of extensive property damage, low ISO scores can result in lower insurance rates for homes and businesses.
“These new ratings may result in thousands of dollars in savings on Granville County insurance premiums to Granville County homeowners and businesses,” Causey said during his presentation.
Granville County’s volunteer firefighters have been preparing for the recent ISO assessments for over a year, culminating in drills that took place during the summer.
In June, volunteer fire departments in Antioch, Berea, Brassfield, Bullock, Corinth, Cornwall, Providence, Stem and Stovall, as well as Granville Rural Fire Department, began training with a timed tanker shuttle, using both a static water source (pond) and a pressurized water source (fire hydrant). Approximately 29 tankers and fire trucks from across the county and from neighboring vicinities participated, with inspectors from the North Carolina Fire Marshal’s Office conducting the drills.
Inspections followed at each fire department, with scene set-ups and all paperwork completed in mid-July.
“Most of our fire departments are staffed by volunteers,” said Granville County Fire Marshal Ken Reeves. “These dedicated firefighters have worked day and night – between their full-time jobs and their volunteer service – in an attempt to get insurance scores lowered in their communities. The result of their hard work is something we all should be proud of.”
Finals scores for each participating department are as follows:
Antioch: 6 (previous score of 9)
Berea: 6 (previous score of 9)
Brassfield: 6 (previous score of 9)
Bullock: 5 (previous score of 9)
Corinth: 5 (previous score of 9)
Cornwall: 6 (previous score of 9)
Granville Rural: 5 (previous score of 9)
Providence: 4 (previous score of 9)
Stem: 5 (previous score of 4 in town limits, 9 outside)
Stovall: 5 (previous score of 9)
There are 14 fire departments in Granville County, with 10 being part of the recent ISO assessments. The Creedmoor Fire Department (also volunteer-based), as well as the City of Oxford and the Town of Butner (paid municipal departments), were not included in these inspections, but are set to be evaluated soon. The Virgilina Fire Department is rated by the State of Virginia.
During his presentation to the County Board of Commissioners, Reavis also expressed appreciation to 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Director Trent Brummitt, Byron Currin of Soil and Water Conservation, the County’s Addressing Coordinator Sandy Woody, and Fire Marshal Ken Reeves for their work during the ISO inspections.
For more information about fire departments/districts in Granville County, contact Fire Marshal Reeves by phone at (919) 603-1310 or by email at ken.reeves@granvillecounty.org.
