Vance County Schools Center For Innovation

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Vance Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson shared his vision for the former Henderson Middle School campus recently with Vance County commissioners. The plan includes housing Vance Innovative Schools, as well as spaces for professional development and community use.

“We are excited about the impact this center will have for our staff, our students and in our community,” Jackson said in a written statement to WIZS. Originally unveiled to the school board in December 2020, Jackson shared the plan with commissioners at their Feb. 1 meeting.

Jackson predicts it will take $200,000 to replace the boiler in the main building and to make some cosmetic upgrades to other areas. That cost has been included in the district’s capital improvement budget; at this time, however, “we are not requesting any funding for the project from the county commissioners.”

The school opened in 1936; its last day as a middle school was in 2018, when the county’s two middle schools and two high schools were consolidated into one campus each. Vance County Middle School is located in the former Northern Vance High School. Since it ceased being a middle school, the former Henderson High School campus has housed several other school programs, but the new plan calls for a more comprehensive use of the space.

The building was in very good shape when the two middle schools consolidated, Jackson said, adding that the district had done a good job maintaining the building since then. Originally, the building was offered for sale, but with no immediate offers, Jackson said “instead of allowing it to fall into disrepair, we are using the space to meet district needs.”

Following is a list of specific programs and spaces that will be located in the building: (See map below)

  • STEM Early High School– providing a permanent home for the STEM School.  STEM is currently occupying space at Vance County High School serving 350 students.
  • Vance Virtual Village Academy–  office space and classroom space for testing and face-to-face meetings. V3A is currently serving more than 200 students.
  • Vance County Professional Practice Center– space for district professional development and training.
  • Wayne Adcock Community Auditorium– the auditorium will be used for our district fine arts programs and available to the community.
  • Advance Academy High School– currently located at the Charles Street location.
  • Vance County Empowerment Academy– currently located at the Charles Street location.
  • Vance County Evening Academy– currently located at the Charles Street location.
  • District TV Recording Studio– a new resource that is being fully funded by an anonymous gift to VCS.
  • Technology Assistance Center– currently located at the Charles Street location.

This slide prepared by Vance County Schools shows a mapped overview of the Center for Innovation as presently planned. It was presented to Vance County Commissioners at a regular meeting by Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson on February 1, 2021.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Covid Info Granville Vance; Vaccine Info

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— submitted by Lisa Harrison, Granville Vance District Health director

Since Jan. 26th, there have been 260 new cases of COVID-19 in Granville and 284 in Vance.
Unfortunately, there have been 4 additional deaths reported this week. A 69 year old male from Vance County passed away on Jan. 24th, a 57 year old male from Vance County passed away Jan. 26th, a 45 year old female associated with the outbreak at Central Regional passed away on Jan. 23rd, and a 71 year old male from Granville County passed away on Feb. 1.
The GVPH data dashboard is currently under construction. As we shift our priority to COVID-19 vaccines, we are reevaluating what data we are able to share and how we share it. We appreciate your patience during this time. In the meantime, we encourage you to visit the NCDHHS COVID-19 Dashboard. Relevant graphs from these dashboards are available on our website at https://gvph.org/covid-19_dashboard/.
We want to reiterate a few points as we do our best work in a tough environment and answer some questions we’ve been receiving.
We only receive a few hundred doses of vaccine each week – that’s true for the hospitals and our health department locations alike. The state asks those of us providing vaccine to be sure to use all of our vaccine allotment each week – they want us to run out before we get more in the next shipment sent to the state from the federal level. If we don’t use it all we risk losing more shipments. For now, we can easily vaccinate more than 200 people per day in our clinics, and at that rate, we are easily all out of vaccine each week and have to wait for the next shipment. For that reason, we cannot keep doing mass vaccination clinics because there isn’t enough vaccine supply for those unless we get a transfer from another area of the state (like last week – that’s why we could have a last-minute effort in Henderson on Sunday).
It is important for people to know when we run out this week, we’re not out for good – we’re just out for this week and more will come in its place next week. I don’t want people to panic when they hear we’re out of vaccine because more is on the way. But, it does make it hard to plan any additional mass vaccine clinics or schedule appointments too far into the future.
Here are some answers to a few additional questions we have heard lately:
Q: How do we get registered in the COVID-19 Vaccine Management System (CVMS) and how did people sign up for the clinic on Sunday at the High School?
  • If you are currently eligible to receive a vaccine, please call the GVPH COVID Vaccine Hotline at 252-295-1503. This hotline is the source for ALL GVPH clinics for vaccine whether they are in Vance County, in Granville County, or even for the clinic we held with Maria Parham and Vance County Schools in Henderson – all appointments are made via the hotline. We receive tens of thousands of calls a day so I know it’s hard sometimes to get through, but we are always increasing the number of people working the hotline and we have to have a fair and equitable approach to the vaccine appointments.
Q: Why didn’t we know about the vaccine clinic on Sunday at Vance County High School? (people entered the traffic line at Clarke Elementary School in Henderson and proceeded through informational stations to Vance High School across the street for the flow of things – but it was all the same vaccine clinic in the same general area).
  • We do not advertise vaccine clinics when we host these because we host what we call ‘closed pod’ clinics which means people must already have an appointment and must already be registered in our Covid Vaccine Management System (CVMS) to streamline the process. The places across the state that have opened up their mass clinics to people who did not have appointments have been over-run with miles-long waits of cars coming from everywhere so we only do closed pods, people must pre-register, and traffic is restricted. As I mentioned, we book all appointments through our hotline so community members should call for an appointment and will be informed of the location at that time. For this clinic, Maria Parham was able to receive a transfer of 975 doses of another hospital’s allotment so it all came together quickly – we all found out about the doses being available on Thursday, January 21 at 9am and the clinic was held on Sunday, January 24 – it came together that quickly strictly based on vaccine availability.
Q: Do I still need to wear my mask after I get my first vaccine shot?
  • Yes! The virus is still spreading in our communities and it takes a few weeks after each dose of the vaccine for your body to build up immunity and be ready to fight it off well. It is still important to practice the 3 Ws – especially with new strains of the virus being discovered, we must stay protected with wearing our mask, washing our hands, and waiting six feet or more apart from others.
Q: How will the public be notified of the timing for their second dose? 
  • Notification comes by way of the COVID Vaccine Management System (CVMS) in which everyone who gets the vaccine must register in NC. In addition, we will be handing out a reminder card for the second dose as well as scheduling people for their second dose when they come for their first dose. It’s important for people to return to their same location for their second dose that they went to for their first dose.
Q: When will frontline essential workers be vaccinated?
  • Soon! Teachers, court system employees, grocery clerks, county and city employees, and so many others are important frontline essential workers. Many have reached out to ensure we don’t forget about them – I promise we won’t forget anyone in this important vaccine initiative. We want EVERYONE who wants a vaccine to get one, and there are some key infrastructure and front line workers who have been very patient. We believe we will get to these groups around the end of February or beginning of March. Front line essential works is a different phase (Group 3 below) than what some have called ‘frontline HEALTH CARE workers.’ So far, we have been focused on those MOST at-risk for severe illness and death from COVID-19 and that includes our health care workers, long term care staff and residents, congregate living facilities (like group homes and homes for the intellectually and developmentally disabled), and other places where we see tremendous outbreak activity and know that we need to focus vaccine administration first. Also, those most at risk of dying from COVID-19 are over age 65. Between these two counties of Granville and Vance, more than 25,000 people in these first two groups alone. Since we are only receiving a few hundred doses of vaccine each week, it’s taking a longer time than we would like to reach the most high-risk groups. As soon as we and the state feel like we have done a good job with the high risk groups 1 and 2, we will be able to move on to group 3. Everyone is important and everyone needs a vaccine, but with vaccine doses coming out slowly as they are produced and going around the country and around the world at the same time, it calls for patience before we can get to some really important groups that we know are all at some level of risk.  Thank you for understanding and for being patient. Again, we will get to EVERYONE who wants a vaccine, just not all at one time. More information and frequently asked questions can be found online here: https://gvph.org/covidvaccines/.
Be Well,
Lisa Macon Harrison,
Health Director
McGregor Hall

McGregor Hall’s February Gospel Concert Postponed Until Sept. 11th

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In a blast email from McGregor Hall in downtown Henderson, WIZS News has learned that the February gospel music concert planned has now been postponed until later in the year.

It’s because of covid.

The concert featuring the Perrys and the Kingsmen will now be presented on September 11th, 2021 at 2 p.m.

The email said, “Your safety is our top priority and we hope you will plan to join us in welcoming two of Gospel music’s greats on this new date!

“If you have any questions, please call the box office: (252) 598-0662”

Warrenton Presbyterian Church Endows VGCC Scholarship

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— VGCC press release

To the glory of God, Warrenton Presbyterian Church recently endowed a scholarship at Vance-Granville Community College, and the historic congregation is making history again with the size of its gift. By donating $60,000 to the VGCC Endowment Fund, the church has established this scholarship at the “Presidential Excellence Award” level, the highest at the college. That means that future student recipients will receive a scholarship of $3,000 per year to cover tuition, books and fees at the college. This will be just the second VGCC scholarship at that level.

Rev. Candice White, who pastors the church, said that the scholarship was envisioned after the session had explored how best to address social justice issues on the local level and looked to the community college for a possible partnership.

In awarding the new scholarship, preference will be given to students from Warren County, students of color, and students with significant financial need.

White added “the church membership understands the importance of an education – the difference it can make in a person’s life.” “However, for so many, the cost of pursuing education beyond high school is not possible. And in this case, that is where Warrenton Presbyterian Church comes in – we have been ‘blessed to be a blessing’ to young women and men of color and need for many years to come.”

The church is housed in a building that was built by Jacob Holt in the mid-1800’s on North Main Street in Warrenton’s historic district.

“We are grateful to Rev. White and the members of Warrenton Presbyterian Church for supporting education in this special way,” said Eddie Ferguson, VGCC’s endowment fund director. “After a year in which students and our community have been impacted by the pandemic, the church’s generous gift is a source of tremendous encouragement and joy to us all.”

“This new scholarship will help generations of students to achieve their dreams and will carry on Warrenton Presbyterian Church’s long history of service,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, the president of VGCC.

Through the Endowment Fund, VGCC has awarded more than 9,700 scholarships to students since 1982. Scholarships have been endowed by numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff. Tax-deductible donations to the VGCC Endowment Fund have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business or industry with a lasting gift to education. For more information, call (252) 738-3409.

Local News Audio

WIZS Local News 2-4-21 Noon

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Click to Listen to Local News Audio.
WIZS Your Community Voice — 100.1 FM / 1450 AM
PRESENTED IN PART BY OUR SPONSOR DRAKE DENTISTRY

TownTalk 2-4-21: Genealogy & History With Shannon Christmas and Mark Pace

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The way Shannon Christmas sees it, the reason genealogists should use new-fangled science in conjunction with old-fangled documentary research to complete their family tree is simple: DNA does not lie, he said. Sometimes, people do.

Christmas spoke with Bill Harris and Mark Pace on Thursday’s Town Talk about how genetic testing can confirm family histories that often are passed down through man-made documents. But DNA can also throw genealogists a curve ball, he said, when test results don’t match up to what family members have known, or been told, for years.

The noted genetic genealogist paid a return visit to Town Talk and encouraged all levels of genealogists to really understand the value of both science and old-fashioned research to have as complete a family tree as possible. “We have a real problem now,” Christmas said, that individuals think that “all they need to do to learn about their family history is just to take a DNA test and nothing else.” DNA test results can yield information about previously-unknown branches of a family tree, but documentary research – combing through court records or family papers, for example – “can provide the same sort of shocking info, the same sort of revelation,” Christmas said. It is important, he added, to do both of them together when working to fill in the family tree.

Click Play for this edition of TownTalk…

A DNA test is “a great resource for confirming one’s own ancestry and also for extending your family tree,” he said. Knowing the different types of tests and their particular strength is helpful, too, he added. Autosomal DNA testing and X-chromosome DNA testing are used to predict relationships and assign kinship, he said. Sometimes, a family tree’s branches are gnarly, such as when families have double-first cousins or half siblings. That’s when genealogical DNA tests can help. The Y DNA is passed from father to son, and mitochondrial DNA, which males and females both have, is only passed down from mothers.

Christmas decided to delve into his own ancestral lineage when his nephews were born.

“In 2009, I recognized that my position within my family had changed. I was no longer the oldest member of the youngest generation,” he explained. “I became an uncle and I wanted to document my family’s history for the next generation – For my nephews – and their children. “ Although that was his prime motivation, he confessed: “I also enjoy the intellectual stimulation that comes from doing genealogy and genetic genealogy in particular.”

Here’s just a snippet of what he’s learned about Erasmus Christmas, his paternal 2x great-grandfather: He was born enslaved in 1830 in Warren County. Through the family’s oral history, he had been told that his biological father was also the slave owner and his mother was an enslaved woman on the plantation. “DNA was able to provide evidence that supported the oral history,” Christmas said. Y-DNA test results showed that he, indeed, had traits that were of European origin. “That was a crucial piece of information that confirmed the oral history; in addition, the autosomal DNA matched me to other descendants of the slave owner’s parents.

He predicts the future of DNA testing will come to include complete genomic mapping, which, in addition to artificial intelligence and automation, can help speed up the whole process. More cataloging of more DNA segments is one thing, Christmas said, but “artificial intelligence is, well artificial.” No algorithm in the world can take the place of the human eye when it comes to noticing errors, he said. Genealogists must continue to do research manually and continue “to vet every source and every record” for accuracy.

For now, Christmas said, “it’s more important to get your DNA into each of the autosomal DNA databases. There might be a relative in one database and not in the others, and those relatives might have the answers you’re looking for.”

Take the case of King Richard III, for example. The British monarch’s remains were positively identified in 2013 using DNA from living descendants. The king died in 1485. That’s 528 years, folks.

NC SBI

SBI Special Investigations Unit Investigating Shooting of Suspect Involving Agent After Hours-Long Standoff

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— press release

At approximately 5:00 pm on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, special agents from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s (SBI) Computer Crimes Unit and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force along with deputies from the Granville County Sheriff’s Office attempted to serve an arrest warrant and search warrant at a residence located at 3147 Cannady Mill Road, Franklinton, North Carolina, in Granville County.  The arrest warrant was for:  1st degree statutory sex offense (1 count); 1st degree sexual exploitation of a minor (4 counts); disseminating obscenities to a minor (1 count).  The search warrant was for the production of child pornography.

Upon arrival, the suspect named in the arrest warrant, who was armed, retreated into the home.  The Franklin County SWAT, Wake Forest Police SWAT and SBI Special Response Team were called to assist with taking the suspect into custody.

After an 18-hours long standoff, at approximately 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, the suspect approached the door entrance from inside the home, armed with a long gun.  An SBI agent fired a shot striking the suspect.  The suspect was pronounced deceased on the scene.  The SBI’s Special Investigations Unit is now investigating and pursuant to standard operating procedure, the SBI agent has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

The SBI always seeks to preserve life and to use the minimum amount of force necessary.  Rarely, there are those occasions where the use of deadly force is exercised by our agents.  As with every officer involved  shooting the case will be fully investigated and reviewed with the District Attorney.

Names of the suspect and agent will be released at a later time.

Virtual Hiring Event Tuesday, Feb. 9th, Sunrock

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According to information obtained from the Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments and NC Works, Carolina Sunrock will hold a virtual hiring event Tuesday, February 9th.

It will start at 11 a.m. To register, go online to events.kerrtarworks.com.

You are invited to join in for this virtual hiring event at Carolina Sunrock. Jobs opportunities are included for equipment operators, CDL A and CDL B drivers, pipe and grading foreman as well as others.

Call 919.693.2686 for more information or email joseph.jung@ncworks.gov or lonnda.brothers@ncworks.gov.

City of Oxford Executive Assistant Blair Organizes Masonic Home Donations

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The community has an opportunity to show a little love to two Granville children’s homes in February. Donations chosen from the homes’ wish lists are being accepted through Feb. 24, according to an employee of the City of Oxford who is organizing the event.

Alyssa Blair devised the plan to support Central Children’s Home and the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford. Blair has organized similar events for other groups and wanted to do something to help these two organizations.

There is a dropbox for donations located just inside the front door at Oxford City Hall, 300 Williamsboro St.

Each home created a wish list that includes basic household items such as dish cloths, batteries, bath towels, among other items.

Central Children’s Home: (https://www.oxfordnc.org/Central%20Children’s%20Home%20Wish%20List.pdf)

MHCO at: (https://mhc-oxford.org/current-needs-2/?fbclid=IwAR0PRQSvCMrIf-MeMOaKIxpI1yPl_S0COfqzAdc1PVHUGQd91lJS32PuRVU)

“Alyssa said she wanted to do another drive and this is the first one for the year,” said MHCO administrator Kevin Otis. 2020 was a tough year and 2021, Otis told WIZS, is looking like it is going to be rough, too. “She asked ‘what better way to spread love and joy…(than) to help others,’” he added.

“We are humbled and honored to share the love and joy from the community with Central Children’s Home,” Otis said, and reiterated that his residents really do need the items on their wish list.

Otis said houseparents and children have a case of cabin fever because of pandemic restrictions, but the “Kids are doing great in school thanks to all the support and encouragement from our houseparents and tutors.”

About 20 employees have received their first COVID-19 vaccination, he said. “Once we can get all our direct care staff vaccinated, we will be able to mingle more on campus, take in admissions more readily, and provide support services in person and directly with the children.  It’s been a lot.  We feel blessed and appreciate everyone’ prayers,” he added.

Contact Alyssa Blair at 919.693.1102 for more information about donating to this event.

TownTalk 2-3-21: Hon. Henry L. Gupton, Vance County Clerk of Court

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WHAT AN IMMENSELY ENJOYABLE SHOW WITH VANCE COUNTY CLERK OF COURT THE HON. HENRY L. GUPTON.  FROM HIS BEGINNINGS AS A VANCE COUNTY SHERIFF IN 1986, TO HIS CIVIC DUTIES AS A MAGISTRATE, TO HELPING MANY A VANCE COUNTY RESIDENT AT HIS/HER MOST VUNERABLE MOMENTS, TO HANDLING MILLIONS IN FINANCES EACH YEAR, HENRY GUPTON IS WHO’S HERE FOR YOU IN VANCE COUNTY.  AND NOT JUST GUPTON, BUT HIS STAFF AND ALL THE DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS INSIDE THE VANCE COUNTY COURTHOUSE EACH DAY. THANK YOU MR. GUPTON!  YES SIR, YOU ARE ESSENTIAL AND MORE AS IS EACH OF YOU IN THE NC COURTS. — John C. Rose

Please enjoy our interview from TownTalk by clicking play…as well as our write up below…

The Hon. Henry L. Gupton takes his job seriously, without a doubt. But the Vance County Clerk of Court also values the importance of making personal connections, whether it’s with the courthouse employees, his staff or the people who come to his office for help.

Town Talk host John C. Rose checked in with Gupton, on Tuesday, and the interview aired Wednesday. Gupton talked about his love for working in and with the Vance County community, which began in 1986. Gupton was a deputy sheriff and then became a magistrate in 1993. He became clerk of court in 2017, filling the seat vacated b

y Deborah W. Finch’s retirement. He was elected for the first time in 2018.

“It’s just a passion for me,” Gupton said. “I enjoy serving people and helping people. Everything I’ve done in my career, I’ve felt like at some point, I have made a difference in someone’s life,” he added. “To me, that’s what Henry Gupton and the clerk of court’s office is all about.”

The clerk of court’s office is the record keeper for the entire court system in Vance County, Gupton explained. From wills and estates to small-claims and superior and district court cases, Gupton and his staff are charged with maintaining all documents filed at the courthouse.

And he is afforded the title “the Honorable” because he is an ex oficio judge as his job pertains to probating wills.

The way he sees it, he and his office must “do everything we can to help our citizens – that’s what my office is here for and that’s what we try to do on a daily basis,” he added. When people come to him during an emotional time, after the death of a relative or loved one, it’s important to Gupton to just listen.

“I give them a moment to sit down and cry and just let their feelings out because they’re at a very vulnerable moment… and then do what we have to do to have them move forward in life,” he said.

Restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have affected the courthouse operations a bit, but Gupton said the courthouse operations were only disrupted for half a day. He expects to hold the first jury trial on Mar. 1 – practicing social distancing, of course. He and the courthouse staff must make sure that they are “taking care of our citizens who will be on jury, and our other citizens and the public. At this moment, courthouse staffs are in the Phase 3 category to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Although some form of court is held every day in Vance County, the local courthouse faces serious backlogs, just like other courts across the state. “We’re doing what our North Carolina General Statutes say –  we’re keeping the courts open and keeping them running for business, serving our citizens,” Gupton said.

With lots of sanitizing between court sessions, he added. “The courthouse (staff) is doing a fantastic job,” Gupton said.

The clerk’s office has come through with flying colors two state audits – not a single deficiency, Gupton said. “It’s a great feeling,” he said, responding to a question about the audit. “My hat’s off to all of my staff. I have a wonderful staff in this office. And that lets me and the public know what a great job we do – as a team – in our office.“