Warren Co. Flag

One Additional Death Reported; Increase in Spread of COVID-19 in Warren County

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-Press Release, Warren County Government

Warren County public health officials reported the latest fatality due to COVID-19 yesterday. The fatality was a 75-year-old resident. This brings the COVID-related death toll in the county to eight individuals.

At the time of this press release, the Warren County Health Department reports 558 positive cases of COVID-19 with 466 recovered cases and two individuals in the hospital. The Health Department is following 88 active cases as of 5 p.m. on November 17.

“Like other counties within the region and across the state, Warren County continues to see increases in new cases,” stated Dr. Margaret Brake, health director. “The percent of positive tests has increased from 2.5% in mid-September to 7.3%.”

On November 17, NC Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) launched the COVID-19 County Alert System to inform counties of their level of transmission of COVID-19 statewide. The system uses three metrics (case rate, percent of tests that are positive and hospital impact on a county) to place counties into three tiers: Yellow- Significant Community Spread; Orange-Substantial Community Spread: Red-Critical Community Spread.

According to NC DHHS officials, the system will update during the second week of the month.

Warren County is in the Orange Tier for the period of November 1, 2020 – November 14, 2020. Counties in the Orange Tier must have had at least 21 new cases in 14 days and also meet one of the following metrics: 8-10% positive cases or has a moderate impact on county hospital(s).

Warren County has 299 new cases per 100,000 population within the two-week period. This equals to 29.9 new cases per 10,000 people. Warren County cases have a moderate hospital impact. Brake shared that since Warren County does not have a hospital, the Warren County score for this metric is based on where the highest percentage of the county’s inpatient hospital admissions occurred.

The state has created a menu of actions that counties can take to slow the spread of COVID by individuals, businesses, and community organizations and public officials.

For county residents, some recommendations include wearing a mask at all times when you are not at home and maintaining physical distance from people who do not live with you; limiting the mixing of people who do not live in your household; avoiding settings where people congregate and large gatherings/celebrations; adhering to the no more than 10 people indoors for events.

Individuals who are at high risk for developing serious illness should consider staying home as much as possible and only going out for work, medical appointments or other business.

Other recommendations are that community and religious organizations should avoid any in-person indoor meetings, events, worship services, or other gatherings above the indoor mass gathering limit of 10 people.

For individuals who are caregivers, please take care to wear a mask and wash your hands when checking in on elderly parents or family members so that you do not spread the virus to them. If you are sick, please have someone else to check on your loved one.

All businesses are strongly encouraged to implement teleworking if feasible and cancel any non-essential travel. Businesses can also share messages about the importance of wearing a mask and practicing the 3Ws; post signs about the 3Ws at entrances in accordance with the executive order; provide face coverings to employees and patrons and support employees to stay home when they are sick.

Anyone who is sick or thinks he/she may have been exposed to COVID-19 should get tested for COVID-19.

For more information, please contact Public Health Director Dr. Margaret Brake at (252) 257-1185.

Granville Fall Clean Out

Reminder: Granville’s Drive-Through ‘Fall Clean Out’ Disposal Event This Weekend

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Granville County Government

On November 21, 2020, residents of Granville County can bring recyclable and hazardous household items to the Expo and Convention Center in Oxford as the annual “Fall Clean Out” is held from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Due to statewide health requirements, this year’s event will be a drive-through, with assistance provided at each designated station.

On-site to collect items for recycling and safe disposal will be the following vendors:

  • Veolia – will be collecting paint, paint-related materials, household cleaners, old gasoline, drain cleaners, fluorescent light tubes and other hazardous household materials;
  • N.C. Department of Agriculture – will be accepting pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, weed killers, etc.;
  • Shred Ace – will be providing on-site document shredding;
  • Interstate Batteries – will be collecting car batteries, motorcycle/boat batteries, lithium/lithium-ion batteries, hearing aid and watch batteries, etc.; and
  • Granville County Sheriff’s Office – will be collecting medications, inhalers, sharps, diabetic supplies, ammunition, flares and fireworks.

In addition, scrap metal such as junk lawnmowers, broken appliances, bicycles and metal furniture will be accepted, as well as electronics (computers, televisions, laptops, printers, etc.) for recycling.

The Granville County Humane Society will also be on-site to accept donations of pet supplies, dog and cat food, leashes, collars, crates, pet beds, kitty litter and towels.

Last year’s event resulted in the collection of 6,200 pounds of paint, more than 700 pounds of pesticides/fungicides/herbicides, 3,100 pounds of electronics, 3,000 pounds of scrap metal, 5,000 pounds of shredded paper, 2,900 pounds of household chemicals and many more household items.

“We appreciate everyone’s efforts in keeping these harmful items out of the community and the environment,” said Teresa Baker, Granville County Recycling and Sustainability Coordinator.

For more details, contact Baker at (919) 725-1417 or at bakertd@gcs.k12.nc.us.

City of Henderson Logo

City of Henderson Responds to COVID-19 Orange Alert Level

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On Tuesday, Governor Roy Cooper and Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) announced a new COVID-19 County Alert System to pinpoint counties with the highest levels of viral spread and offer specific recommendations to bring numbers down.

The system uses metrics informed by the White House Coronavirus Task Force and North Carolina’s key metrics to categorize counties into three tiers:

Yellow: Significant Community Spread

Orange: Substantial Community Spread

Red: Critical Community Spread

To be assigned to the red or orange tier, a county must meet the threshold for case rate for that tier AND the threshold for either percent positive OR hospital impact.

  • Case Rate: The number of new cases in 14 days per 100,000 people
  • Percent Positive: The percent of tests that are positive over 14 days
  • Hospital Impact: A composite score based on the impact that COVID-19 has had on hospitals including percent of COVID-19 hospitalizations, COVID-19 related visits to the Emergency Department, staffed open hospital beds and critical staffing shortages over 14 days

According to the current chart, Vance County is coded orange for substantial community spread with a 9.1% 14-Day Percent Positive rate; 464.8 14-Day Case Rate Per 100,000 and a moderate hospital impact.

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington responded to the Governor’s press conference and Vance County’s orange alert level:

“As we look to the ever-increasing cases of COVID-19, the City Manager and I have met, and we are strongly advising the citizens to adhere to the Governor’s mandatory mask mandate along with the other common-sense steps that have been made known by numerous health experts. As duly noted by our orange alert level that shows substantial community spread, we must take this very seriously and act now for the well being of everyone in our city and county. It is up to us to protect ourselves and one another. Please, think before you leave your home, enter businesses and as we gather for the upcoming holidays; lives are at risk. We cannot and must not move into the red alert level. As the Governor has stated: it is up to each individual city and its leaders to take action, and we are prepared to take those next steps.”

Ellington continued, “While we are not at this point as of now, similar to texting while driving and wearing your seatbelt, this certainly could result in a fine for blatant negligence. We are making it a priority to revisit and contact businesses as well as the faith community, urging them to refuse entry without a proper face covering. This falls on them to do their part. These are difficult decisions for leaders, and it’s a reflection on them; safety has to be paramount. As the Christmas season approaches, let’s not let it get to imposing stricter regulations. Just do the right thing for your fellow man.”

In information sent by the City, the state of NC is asking public officials in red and orange counties to consider expanding free COVID-19 testing, pass ordinances to create civil penalties for statewide order violations, increase enforcement of gathering size and setting the alcohol curfew earlier than the statewide rule of 11 p.m.

The City has not indicated that any such further restrictions are currently planned for Henderson. WIZS will bring you any additional information as it is released.

Vance County Courthouse

COVID Outbreak Closes Vance Co. Courthouse for Two Days

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Due to a small outbreak of COVID-19, the Vance County Courthouse is closed and will be closed Thursday, November 19 and Friday, November 20, 2020.

The Vance County Clerk of Court, the Hon. Henry Gupton, told WIZS News that two or three positive COVID tests have occurred, both in folks who work in or around the courthouse and the courtrooms and in those who appear in court.

Gupton said the Granville-Vance Public Health Department suggested the closing and a thorough cleaning.

There will be no court this Thursday and Friday. Gupton said he would be at the courthouse himself and a dropbox would be available outside for emergency filings.

Gupton said he wants to be there to help people; he wants everyone to know what is going on and that additional information would be available soon.

None of this news story should be used in any manner to make decisions beyond this week. Gupton will issue additional information as needed.

All indications at this time of publication are that the courthouse will be open next week.

Henderson Police Department

HPD: 17-Year-Old Shot by Juvenile Suspect Succumbs to Injury

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-Press Release, Henderson Police Department

On Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at approximately 5:50 p.m., officers of the Henderson Police Department arrived at 111 S. Pinkston Street in response to a person being shot. When responders arrived, they located 17-year-old Tysean Wortham of Henderson suffering from a single gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Mr. Wortham was transported to a medical facility where he later succumbed to his injury.

Through the public’s assistance, the investigators of the Henderson Police Department quickly developed a suspect. Shortly after midnight, investigators were able to take the suspect, a 15-year-old juvenile, into custody without incident.

The motive behind this tragedy remains under investigation and no further information can be released about the arrestee due to his age.

As always, we are grateful for the community we serve and the assistance they provide us in our duties. We are still seeking information from the public about this incident. Please contact us through Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers at (252) 492-1925 or P3 app, call us at (252) 438-4141, or contact us through Facebook or Instagram.

Rabies Alert

Skunk Found on Cross Creek Road Tests Positive for Rabies

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-Information courtesy Vance Co. Animal Services

Vance County Animal Services responded to a call on November 16, 2020, in reference to a possibly rabid skunk in the 800 block of Cross Creek Road in Henderson. The skunk was sent off for testing and has tested positive for rabies.

At this time, Animal Services is asking residents to please make sure that all dogs and cats are up-to-date on their rabies vaccines. Even if your pet is up-to-date, a booster vaccine is recommended if you live on or near Cross Creek Road.

The Vance County Animal Shelter offers rabies vaccines for $5. Hours of operation are Monday 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; and Saturday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Green Rural Redevelopment (GRRO)

Noon News 11-18-20; Free Food, Covid Tests, PPE; Food Drive; Job Fair

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– GRRO Free Covid Testing; Free Food Boxes; Free PPE
– Covid in Vance County
– Henderson Wellness Center, ACTS, Thanksgiving Food Drive
– VGCC Job Fairs

For Full Details and WIZS Noon News Audio Click Play…

 

ACTS of Henderson Sign

ACTS of Henderson Announces Current Food Pantry Needs

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-Information courtesy ACTS of Henderson

ACTS of Henderson is currently in need of the following items for its food pantry:

  • Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
  • Rice – one or two lb. bags
  • Peanut butter – 16 to 18 oz. jars
  • Canned baked beans
  • Canned beans – navy, great northern, pinto, black-eyed peas, etc.
  • Clean, dry plastic grocery bags
  • Any type of canned greens
  • Dry pasta
  • Cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup
  • Canned soups – chicken noodle, tomato, etc.
  • Canned green peas
  • Canned corn
  • ‘Awesome’ brand cleaner (from the Dollar Tree or Roses)
  • Wrapped, unused silverware packets

Items may be dropped off at the ACTS location at 201 South Williams Street in Henderson any weekday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you need to drop off at a time other than this, please call ACTS at (252) 492–8231 to make arrangements.

Duke Energy Equality

Duke Energy Awards $1 Million in Grants for Social Justice & Racial Equity

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-Information courtesy Tanya Evans, District Manager, Duke Energy

Duke Energy is taking another positive step to advance social justice and racial equity in North Carolina. The Duke Energy Foundation announced the recipients of $1 million in grants for nonprofit organizations working for social justice and racial equity.

In July, Duke Energy committed to an annual social justice and racial equity grant cycle for at least three years in the state.

Local recipients include:

Project Momentum – Reducing disparate outcomes

“Project Momentum Inc. (PMI) is extremely appreciative to have been selected as a recipient of the Duke Energy Foundation social justice and racial equity grant. This opportunity will allow us to recreate the narrative among local community-based organizations by educating and implementing practical solutions to address equity, diversity, and inclusion in day-to-day practices,” said Mysha Wynn, founder and executive director, Project Momentum.

Region K Community Assistance Corporation – Civic engagement

“The Kerr-Tar Council of Governments/Region K Community Assistance Corporation serves a diverse group of citizens, and has for years,” said Vance County Commissioner Leo Kelly Jr., Chairman of the Board. “The funds provided by the Duke Energy Foundation will be used to train member governments’ elected, Vance Co. boards, and citizen advisory commissions in our region on social justice and racial equity, which we feel is integral to the functionality of our organization and region. By providing this type of training from a regional entity, we hope to bring about greater cultural awareness and sensitivity of diverse groups living within the Kerr-Tar region. On behalf of the Board, I’m extremely pleased that our office seeks out such grants to benefit our region.”

Freedom Organization – Reducing disparate outcomes

“On behalf of the Freedom Organization, I want to thank the Duke Energy Foundation. We are grateful for its support. We look forward to advancing efforts in social justice and racial equity within our community by creating agency for Black and POC residents in North Carolina,” said Marquetta Dickens, CEO, Freedom Organization.

In addition to these grants, employees also have the opportunity to support local organizations through the Duke Energy Foundation’s matching grant program, Dollars4Good, as well as its Hours4Good program, which enables employees to earn grants for volunteer hours logged.

Duke Energy also recognizes the incredible hardship our customers are facing during the global pandemic, and the Duke Energy Foundation has made significant grants to support our communities through hunger relief and bill assistance funding. We are proud to support organizations who are working tirelessly on the behalf of communities in our region such as:

  • County Outreach Ministry
  • Caswell Parrish
  • Backpack Buddies Person Co
  • Christian Help Center
  • ACIM
  • Vance County United Way
  • A Touch of the Fathers Love Ministry and Food Bank
  • Loaves & Fishes Ministry
  • Rachel’s Pantry – Elm City Missionary Baptist Church
  • The Caswell Fund
  • United Way of the Tar River Region
  • Warren County DSS
  • Halifax Community College – Patriot Fund
Maude Lassiter Painting

Painting Honors Granville’s First African-American Librarian

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Granville County Government

The Granville County Library System has announced the completed commission for an oil portrait of Maude Lassiter, the first African-American librarian in Granville County. Painted by artist Stephen Cefalo of Raleigh, NC, the portrait will soon be on permanent display at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford.

A native of the Jonathan Creek community, Lassiter was born on Sept. 12, 1892, and was a longtime educator in Granville County, having earned degrees in School Administration and Religion from North Carolina Central University, Shaw University and Atlanta University.

An oil portrait of Maude Lassiter, the first African-American librarian in Granville County, will soon be on permanent display at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford. Painting by artist Stephen Cefalo of Raleigh, NC.

In 1942, she was hired as a librarian at the Granville Street Library, the county’s first library for people of color. This was a position she would hold for more than 23 years. During her tenure, she is credited with introducing literature and knowledge to many people of the community, as well as for bringing luminaries Mordecai Wyatt Johnson, John Hope Franklin and Langston Hughes to the area.

The impact of Mrs. Lassiter’s contributions to the community and to education are still being felt today.

Juanita Rogers, Head Chair of the Granville County Library System’s Board of Trustees, remembers Lassiter as being “the essence of kindness, caring and dignity” and the Granville Street Library as being a place that was “quiet and conducive to reading” throughout her childhood and teen years.

“Maude Lassiter’s leadership embraced an ambitious vision for the future of many children of color who were exposed to her skillful guidance and lectures in communication, stressing that ‘reading was the key to knowledge,’” Rogers recalls.

“The library offered a variety of books and periodicals from different academic disciplines. There I enjoyed reading ‘Ebony,’ ‘Jet,’ ‘Life’ and ‘Time’ magazines. Some of the outstanding African-American newspapers were ‘The Journal and Guide,’ ‘The African-American,’ ‘The Carolinian’ and the ‘Carolina Times.’ Mrs. Lassiter’s bold and patient leadership encouraged young people from Oxford and Granville County to venture out in life in various positions and careers.”

Lassiter was also active in over a dozen community organizations and was particularly noted for her dedication to the First Baptist Church of Oxford. After four decades of public service and a lasting devotion to her community’s right to education and information, Lassiter retired in 1966 and died five years later. She is buried at the Plummer Cheatham Memorial Park in Oxford.

Andrew Maloney, Branch Manager of the Richard H. Thornton Library, notes that a ribbon-cutting and reception to unveil the painting are now in the planning stages; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the date and time have not yet been determined.

“This painting was a collaborative effort by our staff to honor Maude Lassiter, a trailblazing woman who excelled in a field that had low black representation, in a state that was extremely segregated,” Maloney said. “We hope that this commission will also contribute to the representation of significant black citizens in our local history today, where they are often forgotten.”

Additional details about Maude Lassiter’s life and the history of the library she so skillfully directed are available through the North Carolina Room of the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford. Those interested in learning more can also contact North Carolina Room Specialist Mark Pace at (919) 693-1121.

For more information about artist Stephen Cefalo, please visit his website at stephencefalo.com.