New Process to Get “Work Permit” in NC

/by

— press release courtesy NCDOL

NCDOL today announces the rollout of a new process for obtaining youth employment certificates that aims to streamline the process and better ensure youths are working in safe jobs. After a soft launch in April, the new process takes effect today, May 3.

The NCDOL Wage and Hour Bureau administers youth employment certificates, which are required under the N.C. Wage and Hour Act. The certificates, commonly referred to as a work permit, are designed to alert parents, teens and employers of certain prohibited jobs and hour limits for workers under the age of 18.

“We changed the process for obtaining youth employment certificates to better ensure that our state’s young employees end up working in safe and acceptable jobs,” Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson said. “We understand this will be a big change for employers, but we are ready to assist any employer, parent or youth who have questions about the new process.”

Any questions about the new process should be directed to the Wage and Hour Bureau Call Center at 1-800-625-2267. To learn more about youth rules and regulation, please visit the NCDOL website.

TownTalk 5-3-21 Dr. Michael Sylvia, Chief Of Pediatrics, Maria Parham Health

/by

Children can safely return to school said Dr. Michael Sylvia, Chief of Pediatrics at Maria Parham Hospital, earlier today on TownTalk.

TownTalk broadcast audio and written story below.

In the past year or so, experts and laypeople have spoken at length about all the complications brought on by COVID-19 and the effects it has had, both in the community and across the globe. But one local pediatrician said Monday he would offer a simple response to the question about children’s safe return to school: Yes.

“The short answer is yes, it is safe to send your child- and kids – back to school,” said Dr. Michael Sylvia, chief of Pediatrics and vice chair of the department of Medicine at Maria Parham Medical Center.

“We know that school is incredibly important, not just for the learning’s sake, but there’s a lot of social skills that kids develop in school, especially in the 6- to 12-year age group, that pre-adolescent range,” Sylvia told John C. Rose on Monday’s segment of Town Talk.

He said children invariably will come home with the everyday, run-of-the-mill germs that cause colds, stomach bugs and other common ailments when they do return to in-person school full-time. But it is important for parents and other adult family members to be able to discern those routine symptoms and not jump to the conclusion that the child has COVID-19.

“Kids share germs – it’s inevitable,” he said. Symptoms such as a high fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, chills and body aches, and loss of taste or smell could indicate something more than just a standard cold, he said. If a child complains of those symptoms, or has been exposed to COVID-19, a call to the doctor is in order for possible testing.

As children return to group activities like sports, it’s going to be important to be vigilant about hand washing and not grabbing the wrong water bottle.

But not letting young people play sports could have a more negative impact than letting them get back on the fields for practice and games. “Sports is huge for team building and emotional development,” Sylvia said. “I’m all about kids getting out and exercising.”

Parents who notice changes in their children’s behavior – physical or emotional – should talk with their pediatrician. “The one thing that parents can do is just be open,” Sylvia said. “Share your concerns with your child.”

Sylvia commented on the ongoing research around COVID-19 and how it affects different age groups. Teenagers are still far less likely to catch COVID-19 or have symptoms bad enough to put them in hospital, he said. Younger children are even less likely to experience symptoms, he added. But children are still being included in clinical trials, and the research can help health experts target the age ranges that should be vaccinated.

“We’re optimistic that we’ll have some pretty good information about vaccines in kids by summer,” Sylvia said.

The decision to vaccinate young children has yet to be made, but Sylvia said it probably would be a good idea, even if there is a low incidence of infection. Why? “It’s (for) the child or the adult in the community who can’t get the vaccine for health reasons,” he said.

“I’m optimistic that we will be through this in the near future,” Sylvia said. “Parents just have to stick it out just a little longer.”

The Local Skinny! May 3 Vaccines At Your Location

/by

How about if the vaccine comes to you?

According to Granville Vance Public Health Director Lisa Harrison in her latest email update, the local health department is shifting strategy away from mass vaccination clinics to in-house and outreach clinics.

Meaning, if you haven’t been vaccinated and don’t want to go to the public health department in Henderson or Oxford, there may be a way the shot comes to you.

Harrison wrote, ” In addition to having vaccines at the health department every day, our teams are going to businesses, farms, fire stations, churches and special events across the two counties to make it easier for people to access vaccine without having to come to us. Kelsey Accordino at the health department is coordinating local outreach events so feel free to reach out if you would like to request an outreach event at an organization you’re affiliated with. Kelsey can be reached by phone at 919-277-1485 or by email at kdickman@gvdhd.org.”

Calling the main number at the health department or the vaccine hotline should put you in touch with someone who can make an appointment for vaccine.  In Vance county call 252-492-7915 and in Granville County call 919-693-2141.

The health department continues to receive Moderna as its primary vaccine type.

Harrison wrote, “So… why is demand slowing down so much? We are asking ourselves that as well. It’s natural for us to see a slower uptake of vaccine over time. There are a number of things at play for a number of reasons, but overall, I believe we have made it through the first three stages of an adoption curve. There is a model called the “Diffusion of Innovation” that a professor in communications named Everett Rogers made popular as a theory in his book, Diffusion of Innovations in 1962. This curve can explain how the population takes on any new technology or behavior. It explains well the difference between ‘early adopters’ and those who adopt a new technology or behavior later after they have thought about it more and watched to see how others did with the innovation. This is the case anytime something new comes out. A short video on Youtube provides more about the Diffusion of Innovation theory. I think we are finishing up with the early majority and are going to be working a bit more slowly and deliberately on the late majority in the coming months.”

New Medical Office Has Official Opening In Downtown Henderson

/by

The owner of Kerr Area Rural Medical Alliance, a new medical office in Henderson, said she hopes to provide quality health care with an emphasis on treating the client as a person, not just a number on a chart.

Anita Rogers is a physician assistant with more than a decade of experience in the field of health care. She spoke to a group of well-wishers at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Wednesday, April 28 at the newly renovated office 425-B Chestnut St. She said she wants to blend modern, professional care with the old-fashioned quality of really knowing and understanding the clients she sees.

“I like to describe myself as sort of a modern-day Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, Rogers told the group Wednesday, making a reference to a popular 1990’s TV show. She takes pride in the relationships with her patients and stressed the importance of paying attention to what they say as a key to knowing specific care needs.

In addition to providing preventative care and chronic care management, Rogers said the practice will make home visits to qualified patients. Most insurances are accepted. The practice offers a wide range of medical services, including sports physicals and DOT physicals.

Present at the ribbon-cutting were representatives of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, as well as Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington and other community members. Ellington welcomed Rogers and her staff to downtown Henderson. Chamber board member Dr.  Levy Brown commended Rogers for her efforts. He said he is married to a health-care professional and knows firsthand the dedication necessary for those in that field.

Michele Burgess, director of the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce, welcomed Anita and her team to Henderson. “After meeting and talking with Anita Rogers, Brittany Simpson, and the staff members, I came away really impressed with their business model,” Burgess told WIZS News. “It was encouraging to hear their vision for bringing back more personal medical care, and making the relationship between medical team and patient a priority, and even offering to make house calls.  I know that with their leadership and wealth of experience this family practice, located in the downtown area, will be a success.  We welcome them into our Chamber of Commerce organization and encourage anyone looking for a new medical team to contact them.”

In addition to Rogers, the office has a second physician assistant, Brittany Simpson. Office staff include one nurse, Roxanne Morris, office manager Barbara Terry and Spanish/English bilingual receptionist Becky Adcock.

Rogers graduated with honors from Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University in 2008 and has been a practicing physician assistant for 13 years.

Visit www.kerrarearuralmedicalalliance.com to learn more or phone 252.598.1059.

Granville Masons To Honor First Responders, Hold Open House May 8

/by

Granville area Masonic chapters are hosting a couple of events on Saturday, May 8 at the Masonic Center in Oxford. The first is an appreciation breakfast for the area’s first responders; the second is an open house designed to share information about Masons and their role in the community.

First responders in the area are invited to stop by the Masonic Center in Oxford on Saturday, May 8 to pick up “breakfast on the go” as a show of appreciation for the work they do in the community, said Kevin Otis, director of the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford. Otis said the event is being hosted by Oxford Lodge #122, Grainger Lodge #412, and the local Rainbow Girls Chapter 90. Breakfast will be available from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Masonic Center, located at 105 W. College Street, just down the street from the MHCO campus.

“The Masonic bodies want to thank each of you for your dedicated commitment to keeping us safe, especially in these difficult and perilous times,” Otis said in a statement to WIZS News. “Your commitment to others is an example for all to follow,” Otis said.

The second event, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., is designed to answer questions about Masonry, from York Rite bodies and the difference between Amran and Sudan Shrine to the connection between Shriners and Masons, he said.

Representative from the local lodges, as well as the local Rainbow Girls chapter will be on hand during the open house.

Otis said it’s a great way to find out what each group is doing to help the community and help each other be their best. Visitors can tour the lodge room, see the imagery, and get ask questions. But, Otis added, “No Masonic secrets will be shared – only how joining any of these Masonic bodies will help you shine your light for others and guide you to a better tomorrow.”

Henderson Mall Purchased, Name Will Change to Henderson Pointe

/by

A Maryland-based investment group has purchased the Henderson Mall property on Dabney Drive. The first order of business was to rename it Henderson Pointe.

Broad Reach Retail Partners, LLC specializes in acquiring properties with anchor tenants like grocery stores, Walmart and Target. The former Mall property has a Food Lion, as well as other retailers Roses, Badcock Furniture and Harbor Freight.

Christian Lockamy, director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission, told WIZS News there has been a shifting supply and demand for this type of retail space since COVID-19 began.

“There has been a lot of movement in retail,” Lockamy said. Newer companies are “swooping in” with mergers and acquisitions as older investors are looking for ways to exit the retail market. The purchase amount was not disclosed, but Broad Reach targets properties between $5 million and $50 million, according to a list of criteria on its website.

Lockamy said Broad Reach specializes in shopping centers that also are in proximity to areas that are seeing continued development – for example, the Beckford Drive/Graham Avenue area of Dabney Drive. The property, which has more than 188,000 square feet of retail space, currently has a 72 percent occupancy rate.

“There continues to be strong investment demand as convenience-oriented retail, particularly strong grocery-anchored retail, has weathered the pandemic well,” said Nate McKay, Broad Reach Retail’s acquisition officer.

“We are finding great success in acquiring high-volume Food Lions,” McKay added. “They have outstanding tenant credit and are an excellent draw to the centers they anchor.”

The investment group recognizes the value a property like the former Henderson Mall has in the community and Broad Reach CEO Nate Tower said Broad Reach can add to that value by revitalizing the property and “filling retail voids to support the needs of the local residents.”

Mike Waters

3 Vance Deputies Indicted, Accused of Embezzlement, Extortion, Conspiracy

/by

A Vance County grand jury has returned bills of indictment against three Vance County deputies involving an incident in 2020 surrounding a 2007 White Cadillac STS.

Vance Sheriff Curtis Brame issued a statement on Tuesday, April 27 acknowledging the indictments.

“All three deputies have been suspended from duty with the sheriff’s office pending resolution of their charges,” Brame stated.

“I believe in and support my officers and that protocol was followed,” the statement continued. Brame added that he does not have any evidence at this time that would warrant charges brought against them.

Information from District Attorney Mike Waters names deputies Purav J. Patel, Mitch Taybron Pittman and Stephen ONeal Staton were indicted on a string of charges ranging from embezzlement and extortion to motor vehicle title fraud and conspiracy. The charges stem from incidents that began in late April 2020 and continued for several months. The car was seized as evidence, and then the driver’s aunt – who provided the driver of the Cadillac with most of the money to buy the car in Virginia – was subsequently convinced to turn the car over to the sheriff’s office, according to the district attorney’s office.

In the Sheriff’s statement, Brame said he had an outside agency conduct an internal investigation which concluded that “violation of office policy and lack of training was found.”

A review of documents from the district attorney reveals a string of choices. Ultimately in any case an indictment reveals a questioning of the choices made by the person or persons accused.

In addition, at the outset, the DA is requesting the court allow access to and consideration of information presently being denied to investigators as privileged information, attorney-client privileged information.

Mike Waters

Pendergrass Plea of Guilty to One Count Sexual Battery Results in Sex Offender Registration

/by

Following an investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation here in North Carolina, the local district attorney’s office of the 11th Prosecutorial District informs WIZS News that Tony R. Pendergrass, 58, of Franklinton has entered a plea of guilty to one count of sexual battery.

The plea to the one count, which is a Class A1 misdemeanor, took place on April 28, 2021 in Granville County.

As a result, Pendergrass faced a maximum sentence of 60 days.

Assistant District Attorney Brent Groce said by email to WIZS, “Following Mr. Pendergrass’ plea of guilty (as charged), the Court heard from the victim’s mother, who read an impassioned statement to the Court concerning the impact that Mr. Pendergrass’ criminal behavior has had on her (family).”

After hearing from the victim’s mother, the court accepted the plea arrangement in the following manner. The ADA wrote to WIZS, “the defendant received a sentence of 60 days, which was suspended for an unsupervised term of 24 months on the following conditions: (1) he must serve a 5 days sentence in jail beginning immediately; (2) pay court costs; (3) have no contact with the victim or his family for a term of five years; and (4) register as a sex offender.”

The ADA indicates a “methodical, thorough, and thoughtful investigation” occurred, which was helped by a “brave victim of a serious offense” who benefited from having an “incredible support system.”

Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow said Pendergrass was a former captain, having resigned on July 13, 2020.

State of North Carolina District Court documents list the date range of offenses as 05/15/2020 – 05/17/2020. Pendergrass’ signature accepting the misdemeanor statement of charges as defendant is visible on the document with the date 4/28/2021 hand written beside his name.

Court costs were $483.00, including a $383.00 cost and $100.00 fine.

When the present, active five days in jail finishes, Pendergrass has 72 hours from discharge to report to a probation officer in the State of North Carolina.

The misdemeanor statement of charges and judgment are signed by the presiding judge.