Granville County News - WIZS

Enrollment Numbers Up for VGCC’s Summer Term

June 3, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Vance-Granville Community College has been working diligently to educate more students this summer. The hard work is paying off.

As of the beginning of the summer semester in late May, VGCC had 1,228 students enrolled in credit programs. That represents an estimated 11% increase compared to the beginning of the summer 2019 semester when enrollment stood at 1,101. The college is likewise experiencing an estimated 30% increase in the number of student hours completed, typically known as Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) enrollment.

A significant source of enrollment for this summer is in both the college transfer and technical and trades credit program areas. VGCC also has a healthy number of special credit students from four-year universities taking classes.

“We are pleased to see the trend for increased enrollment at VGCC continue into this summer semester,” VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais stated. “We are here to serve our community and are rising to the challenge of providing increased access to quality online learning during the pandemic. We look forward to offering more in-person instruction this fall as we help our community members pivot during this uncertain economy.”

“The college’s Student Engagement & Success team, faculty, marketing and many people have contributed to this effort. We are glad to see the college educating more students in the four-county area and the wider region. Our team is committed to being innovative and thinking about the best ways to provide quality instruction and support services to those who choose Vance-Granville. When students learn with us, they are ready for the workforce and/or success at a senior institution,” said Dr. Levy Brown, the college’s vice president of learning, student engagement and success. “Student access, retention, success and career preparation are embedded in our mindset, and it continues to show!”

Students are encouraged to apply and register for Fall 2020 now.

Established in 1969, VGCC offers more than 40 credit programs, in which students work toward certificates, diplomas and degrees. Area residents and businesses can also take advantage of a variety of continuing education/job training opportunities, as well as the High School Equivalency and Adult High School Diploma programs. High school students can get a step ahead by starting their college education early with VGCC courses.

The college has four campuses – one each in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties – and offers online programs, as well. The new “Vanguard Flex” program is offering flexible, hybrid schedules in the evenings and weekends on the Franklin Campus in Louisburg, to accommodate schedules for adult learners.

For more information about the college, visit www.vgcc.edu.

Local COVID-19 Update: Vance, Granville & Warren County Report

June 3, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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

-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health and Warren County Health Department

As of June 2, 2020, there are 324 known COVID-19 cases in Granville County, 332 cases in Vance County, 66 cases in Warren County and 29,889 confirmed cases in North Carolina.

There are four outbreaks at congregate living facilities in the district – one at Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC; one at Murdoch Development Center in Butner, NC; one at Pelican Health in Henderson, NC; and one at Kerr Lake Nursing Home in Henderson, NC.

Of the total positive cases in each county, 142 in Granville County are associated with the prisons, 5 are associated with Murdoch, 58 in Vance County are associated with Pelican Health nursing home, and 32 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.

Of the 177 community-based cases in Granville County, 87 have been released from isolation and 4 are hospitalized.

Of the 142 cases in the prison system, 70 have been released from isolation.

Of the 242 community-based cases in Vance County, 120 have been released from isolation.

Of the 90 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 31 have been released from isolation.

13 individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 34 deaths in the Granville Vance health district – 24 in Vance County and 10 with the Bureau of Prisons in Granville County.

Also as of June 2, the Warren County Health Department NC reports 66 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Warren County; 2 are hospitalized; 49 cases have recovered; 2 deaths related to COVID-19 (both had underlying health conditions).

Confirmed positive cases in Warren County range from 12 years of age to 83 years of age.

North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Releases Statement on George Floyd Incident

June 2, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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

-Press Release, North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association

The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association stands for the protection of the rights of all citizens. The sheriffs of North Carolina expect all law enforcement officers to conduct themselves professionally and lawfully at all times. These higher standards of conduct include reserving the use of force, especially deadly force, for those times when its use is absolutely necessary and lawful.

While we are not privy to the full investigation, what we have seen in the video of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota is unacceptable. The video clearly shows unprofessional and egregious conduct by law enforcement officers. This type of law enforcement conduct cannot be tolerated and must be swiftly addressed by the law enforcement community and the criminal justice system.

Part of the mission of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association is to provide education and training to sheriffs and their personnel. The law enforcement conduct displayed in this video is inexcusable and totally contrary to the training provided to law enforcement officers in North Carolina.

As sheriffs, we strive to build relationships with everyone in our communities. These relationships are built on mutual respect between officers and their community. It is by our conduct that law enforcement officers earn the respect of the public we are sworn to serve. This type of egregious misconduct by a few officers erodes the respect citizens have for all officers. Therefore, when law enforcement officers violate laws or policy, we expect them to immediately be held accountable. We, the members of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, will tolerate nothing less.

We extend our deepest sympathies to George Floyd, his family, the citizens and businesses of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the law enforcement community that live up to their oath and creed of respect, courage, dedication, and service to protect and serve their community.

‘Veteran’ Granville Speller Wins District Bee Again

June 2, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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

-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

Granville County Schools held and sponsored the annual District Spelling Bee for Granville County on the evening of March 14, 2020, at Tar River Elementary School.

Ten elementary schools from around the county, both public and charter, had School Spelling Bees during the first semester of the 2019-20 school year. Each school had talented and dedicated staff that worked diligently to organize their Bee and award a top speller for their school. The District Bee allows those top spellers the chance to compete to win the trophy as best speller of the year for Granville County.

District Spelling Bee winner, Joel Jose, and GCPS Superintendent Alisa McLean (GCPS photo)

The ten winners, just by chance evenly divided between fourth and fifth grades, and their parents met at Tar River for a rehearsal the day before the contest. Amy Lue, Moderator, reviewed the rules and procedures with these sharp students and their families; then Dana King, Word Master, lead them through some practice words at the microphone.

“Holding a practice helps the children understand how the Spelling Bee works and gives them the confidence to perform on stage. This allows their nerves to be for spelling and not on how they need to comport themselves during the event,” commented Mrs. Lue, who was the organizer of the event.

Each contestant received a special t-shirt, provided by Granville County Schools, to wear the next night and keep as a memento of their experience. To prepare, the students studied the official Scripps National Spelling Bee word list of more than 4,000 words for several weeks ahead of the District Bee.

The students buzzed with excitement as they gathered on stage with Mrs. Lue the next night, while their families and teachers found seats in the multi-purpose room. Before the curtain rose, the judges were seated in front of the stage: Mrs. Cathy Frizzle, community volunteer, and Dr. Michael Myrick, and Dr. Stan Winborne, both from Granville County Schools, and Dana King, retired Media Coordinator, as the Word Master. Then Dr. Tonya Thomas welcomed the audience and introduced the spellers.

Contestants were:

Cayden Middleton – fifth-grader from Butner-Stem Elementary

Joel Jiljo Jose – fourth-grader from C. G. Credle School

Belen Elizarraras – fifth-grader from Creedmoor Elementary

Payton Gary – fifth-grader from Falls Lake Academy Charter School

Jordan Hershberger – fourth-grader from Granville Academy

Aubrey Canada – fourth-grader from Mt. Energy Elementary

Jasper Luffman – fourth-grader from Stovall-Shaw Elementary

Morgan Congleton – fifth-grader from Tar River Elementary

Dacari Burrell- fourth-grader from West Oxford Elementary

Bree Blackley – fifth-grader from Wilton Elementary

District Spelling Bee participants pose for a picture with Granville County Schools leaders and staff. (GCPS photo)

Superintendent Dr. Alisa McLean greeted everyone for this annual event, praising them for already being school winners. Mrs. Lue reviewed the rules and explained that contestants would stay on stage for a practice round of spelling before the first round of the Bee began.

Each contestant approached the microphone center stage, the words were pronounced first, and the Word Master gave a definition, the part of speech, and a sentence before the student had a chance to spell. After the practice round, all ten contestants sat up straight and listened carefully as the official first round of the Bee began.

In Round One, two students missed their words, leaving the stage at the end of the round to sit with their families in the audience. No one missed a word in the second round, so all eight contestants were still in the competition. Two more students missed their words in Round Three, as the words became a little more difficult. One student missed in Round 4, and another missed in Round 5.

One student missed a word in each of the next two rounds, leaving Jasper Luffman, from Stovall-Shaw, and Joel Jose, from C. G. Credle, last on stage. Jasper missed his word, and Joel got his correct in Round 8. Then Joel was up for a word in Round 9 and correctly spelled, “culinary,” to win the District Bee. This was his second win, as he was also Granville County Schools’ District Bee Winner in 2019 when he was in the third grade.

All contestants returned to the stage to receive certificates and medals awarded by Dr. McLean and Dr. Thomas. Joel was called back up to receive the trophy, then participants and officials posed for photographs. The evening ended with a reception in the Professional Development Room, with cupcakes and juice provided by Superintendent McLean.

Our winner, Joel, is the son of Jiljo Jose and Sema Jose. He is a current fourth-grader at C.G. Credle Elementary School. He had a large group of family and school supporters in the audience that cheered loudly for him when he won.

Sherrie Burns, principal, and the staff at C.G. Credle were very excited and proud to have the winner for the second year in a row.

Unfortunately, with the Covid-19 pandemic, the National Spelling Bee, which was to be held the last week of May in Maryland was first postponed, then the decision was made to cancel for the first time since World War II.

GCPS winner, Joel, had registered for this event to proudly represent our county for the second time. He will be recognized by the Scripps Spelling Bee organization for his accomplishment in reaching the next level. He will also receive the prizes that would have been awarded to him at the event.

GCPS is proud of Joel and of all the students that competed in our District Bee. We want to thank Granville County Schools for being the sponsor for the Granville County District Bee and providing this opportunity to all Granville County elementary students.

Downtown Oxford March to Honor George Floyd Scheduled for June 2

June 1, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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

-Information courtesy the City of Oxford

There will be a march in Downtown Oxford to honor George Floyd on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, beginning at 3 p.m.

The March will begin on Hunt Street, turn onto Broad Street, then onto Hillsboro Street ending at the Granville County Courthouse.

Businesses on streets along the route of the march will be impacted. Motorists are encouraged to find an alternate route.

Those desiring to participate are requested and encouraged to wear face masks and honor social distancing guidelines.

McGregor Hall, Brian Westbrook to Present Virtual Presentation of ‘Buyer & Cellar’

June 1, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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

-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Brian Westbrook (“Into the Woods,” “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”) will perform in an online, one-man presentation of Jonathan Tolins’ comedy classic “Buyer & Cellar,” the first virtual performance in McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center’s history.

The one-man play follows Alex More, a struggling actor who makes ends meet by landing a job as the curator of Barbra Streisand’s basement.

Online performances will be held on Saturday, June 13 and Saturday, June 20, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket purchasers will receive a web address and password at the email address connected to their purchase no later than 10 minutes prior to showtime.

Please note: content rated ‘R’ for language.

For tickets, visit https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/11557

In order to continue its mission to “share the healing power of the arts in Henderson and beyond,” McGregor Hall asks for the help and support of the community to make this performance a success.

Cooper Extends Utility Cut Off Moratorium, Implements Evictions Moratorium

June 1, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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

-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order No. 142 to extend the prohibition of utility shut-offs and implement a moratorium on evictions. The Order went into effect Saturday with the Governor’s signature.

“North Carolinians need relief to help make ends meet during the pandemic,” said Governor Cooper. “Extending housing and utility protections will mean more people can stay in their homes and stay safe as we all work to slow the spread of this virus.”

“North Carolinians want to pay their rent, but for far too many people – through no fault of their own – that’s just not possible right now,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “We are in unprecedented times that call for unprecedented action. I support Gov. Roy Cooper’s extension of the moratorium on evictions to ensure that people do not face homelessness in the midst of this health and economic crisis.”

The Council of State concurred on this Executive Order with no objections.

The Order will aid in efforts to stop the spread of the virus by preventing homelessness due to eviction and ensuring access to essential utilities such as water and power. Though the Order allows for extended windows to pay rent and utility bills, all tenants and customers are still ultimately responsible for making their rent and utility payments.

The Order’s evictions moratorium:

Is effective immediately and lasts for 3 weeks;
Would prevent landlords from initiating summary ejections or other eviction proceedings against a tenant for nonpayment or late payment of rent;
Prevents landlords from assessing late fees or other penalties for late or nonpayment;
Prevents the accumulation of additional interest, fees, or other penalties for existing late fees while this Order is in effect;
Requires landlords to give tenants a minimum of six months to pay outstanding rent;
Requires leases to be modified to disallow evicting tenants for reasons of late or nonpayments; and
Makes clear that evictions for reasons related to health and safety can take place.

The Order’s utility shutoff moratorium:

Continues effective immediately and lasts 60 days;
Prohibits utility disconnections for all customers;
Prohibits billing or collection of late fees, penalties, and other charges for failure to pay; and
Extends repayment plans at least six months, and sets the default term for repayment to six months for cases when the utility and customer cannot agree on the terms of an extended repayment plan.

More information can be found in the FAQ document or read Executive Order 142.

McDonald’s of NC, Granville Owners Donate 83,000 Pounds of Food to Community

June 1, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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

-Press Release, McDonald’s USA, LLC

McDonald’s of North Carolina and local area owner/operators Jeff & Ana Endrusick announced they will be donating 83,000 pounds of food to support the local Oxford community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

McDonald’s is partnering across its system amidst this crisis to help ensure that excess food and ingredients from menu items originally produced and destined for McDonald’s restaurants will serve its purpose in feeding communities nationwide.

Together, with longtime partner Food Donation Connection (FDC) and local charitable organizations, the extra food will be distributed via local charities and food banks including Area Congregation in Ministry (ACIM) of Granville County to those in need – including children and families.

This latest initiative builds on the McDonald’s commitment to be lockstep with suppliers and owner/operators to serve communities during this unprecedented time and beyond. Last week, McDonald’s announced it had donated $3.1 million dollars in food to support local communities nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic.

McDonald’s will continue to feed and foster the North Carolina community, remaining open to safely serve those who are essential and offer convenient, safe and contactless ways for customers to enjoy delicious favorites through drive-thru, carry out, McDelivery, and Mobile Order & Pay with McDonald’s App.

McDonald’s is led by its purpose to feed and foster community around the country by reliably providing delicious, safe food every day and particularly in times of crisis.

“We are so grateful to McDonald’s for their donation of food to our pantry. This donation will help ACIM provide food to our residents so that they will not have to worry about how to pay their grocery bill,” said Susan Hinman, Executive Director for ACIM. “We are currently seeing additional families who are seeking help because of the impact the COVID-19 virus has had on their lives and McDonald’s is playing a significant role in supporting these families.”

Granville County Commissioners to Hold Remote Budget Public Hearing

May 29, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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

-Information courtesy Debra A. Weary, Clerk to the Board, Granville County

The Granville County Board of Commissioners will meet remotely by Zoom conference call on Monday, June 1, 2020, at 7 p.m. for the regularly scheduled meeting.

In order to adhere to the COVID-19 restrictions, the meeting may be accessed by utilizing the link and/or phone number included below.

Public comments will be accepted in written format and must be received by Monday, June 1 at 12 p.m. by mail to P.O. Box 906, Oxford, NC 27565 or email to grancomrs@granvillecounty.org

To join the Zoom Meeting:

https://granvillecounty.zoom.us/j/94148945996?pwd=N0dQQWJBZTdrYVFJQ0drUlVpWGxMQT09

Meeting ID: 941 4894 5996 ~ Password: 973170

Dial by your location: 877 853 5247 US Toll-free or 888 788 0099 US Toll-free

As part of Monday’s meeting, a public hearing will be held on the proposed FY 2020-2021 Budget. The proposed budget for Granville County has been submitted to the Granville County Board of Commissioners in accordance with the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act.

A copy of the proposed budget is available for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk to the Board and at the Richard H. Thornton Library and other library branches if they are open to the public.

The proposed budget can be found at https://www.granvillecounty.org/government/finance-department/comprehensive-annual-financial-reports-budget-documents/.

Public comments on the proposed budget will be accepted in written format and must be received by Tuesday, June 2 at 8 p.m. by mail to P.O. Box 906, Oxford, NC 27565 or email to grancomrs@granvillecounty.org as required by the Act to Provide Aid To North Carolinians In Response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Crisis, (S.L. 2020-3, SB 704, Section 4.31). The public comments will be included in the meeting minutes.

To view Granville Co. Board of Commissioner meeting agendas and minutes, click here.

Granville Board of Education to Hold June Meeting Online

May 29, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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

-Information courtesy Granville County Public Schools

The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a regular board meeting on Monday, June 1, 2020, at 6 pm. However, in observance of the Governor’s “Stay-at-Home” Orders, this meeting will be conducted electronically, with members of the public invited to view the live stream.

To join the live stream meeting, please use the following link: https://live.myvrspot.com/player?udi=Z3Nj&c=Z3JhbnZpbGxlMQ%3D%3D

The Board will also meet in Closed Session in accordance with N.C. General Statute 143.318.11 (a)(6), 143-318.11 (a)(3), 143.318.11 (a)(5) and Section 115C-321 for Personnel and Attorney/Client Privilege.

Public comments for this meeting will be accepted in writing by using this link: https://forms.gle/krHjyJg3JTwj7jt1A

Comments entered into this form between the hours of 12 and 4 p.m. on June 1, 2020, will be distributed to the Board of Education members before the meeting, and the first two minutes of each comment will be read aloud during the meeting.

A maximum of 30 minutes in total will be allotted for public comment.

To view the agenda for this meeting, please click here.