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Granville Fire Departments Report Improved Inspection Ratings

October 7, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

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.

Grace Family Ministries to Hold Weekend Prayer Walk

October 7, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy Grace Family Ministries

Join Grace Family Ministries this Saturday, October 10, 2020, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. for a prayer walk through Henderson.

Participants should meet at Grace Ministries, 981 Burr St in Henderson, at 10 a.m. for a devotional, prayer and street assignments. Lunch will be served after the prayer walk.

For more information, please call (919) 691-3381.

Granville Co. Public Schools Moves Toward Plan A Reentry

October 7, 2020/by WIZS Staff

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

At their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, October 5, 2020, the Granville County Board of Education approved a new timetable for the gradual, staggered shift for students to return to school.

Currently, the district is in the process of welcoming students back to school under Plan B. Plan B allows for different groups of students to physically return to school on different days of the week. Under this plan, strict social distancing is required along with other safety protocols mandated by the state. COVID symptom screening and the use of face masks are mandatory for all persons entering school grounds.

The Board also approved a shift to Plan A for elementary students, as allowed under the Governor’s recent executive order, which allows these grade levels of students to return to school in one single group, with relaxed restrictions on social distancing.

The Board approved this new plan with input from a wide range of stakeholders, including our local health care professionals, parents, teachers, administrators and students. The chart below references the specific dates for transitions for different grade levels as the district gradually shifts toward more students attending school in person.

*BASED ON READINESS INDICATORS*
	Plan B Staggered (1 Day F2F)	Full Plan B (2 Days F2F)	Plan A (4 Days F2F)
PK, K, & Self Contained EC	September 28, 2020	October 19, 2020	January 6, 2021
Grades 1 – 5	October 12, 2020	October 26, 2020	January 6, 2021
Grades 6-12	October 12, 2020	October 26, 2020	Remain on Plan B
*EC Self-Contained maintain current schedule
Virtual at the base school remains an option

It was also shared at the meeting that families should remain flexible, as schools could potentially shift back to full remote learning in the event there was a shift in the readiness indicators. This could include a sudden rise in COVID cases, clusters within schools, or issues related to school staffing availability or operational readiness.

GCPS will report suspected, presumptive, or positive cases of COVID-19 to the Granville-Vance Health Department and work with them for follow-up and conduct contact tracing. If a person with COVID-19 was in a GCPS facility while infectious, staff will coordinate with local health officials to notify affected employees and families.

Because of the district’s obligation to protect the privacy of students and employees as required by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) federal laws, the district cannot release specific information about a confirmed case. The names of the people affected and other personally identifiable information will be provided to public health officials in accordance with reporting requirements; however, this information will not be released to the public or the media.

Unless a positive COVID-19 case results in a significant disruption of a campus’ ability to safely operate or deliver instruction, only those identified as close contacts will be notified.

In the event of a reported cluster, it may be necessary for a school to shift to fully remote learning for a certain period of time. Staff and families should be prepared for potential shifts to online instruction if they become necessary. Any changes to a school’s instructional plan will be communicated to families with as much notice as the circumstances allow.

Suspect in Shooting of Female While on Release for Homicide Located, Arrested

October 6, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy the Henderson Police Department

Today, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office located and arrested John Williams without incident on outstanding warrants from their office, along with outstanding warrants from the Henderson Police Department.

On Friday, September 25, 2020, officers of the Henderson Police Department responded to the 200 block of Chavasse Avenue after receiving a call of a person being shot. When they arrived, they located Tracey L. Person (51) suffering from a single gunshot wound to the upper torso.

Person was transported to an area medical facility for treatment of her injuries.

She and a male friend had been walking in the area when a dark-colored vehicle pulled alongside them and an occupant fired a weapon. As a result of HPD’s investigation, it is believed the male walking with Person was the intended target of the assault.

Through the assistance of the public, the shooter was identified as John Williams, age 37, of Vance County.

Williams was on pre-trial release for a homicide that occurred in Vance County.

Williams is now in the Vance County Jail without bond due to these charges and his previous pretrial release conditions.

Local Noon News 10/6/20

October 6, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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Granville Vance Public Health’s Free Diabetes Program Begins Today

Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame Discusses Passing of Former Sheriff Thomas Breedlove

VGCC is Offering Events for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Click Play for Full Details and Local News Audio…

wizsradio · Noon News 10-6-20 Diabetes Prevention; Sheriff
Breedlove; Domestic Violence Awareness

City of Henderson Issues Statement on Halloween Activities

October 6, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, City of Henderson

COVID-19 has changed or influenced how we define our “normal” for 2020. As we enter the fall season and quickly approach Halloween, we should remain vigilant with our efforts to reduce the threat of COVID-19 in our community. The event of Halloween is known to bring an abundance of people into close contact, and many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses.

Due to the pandemic, this year the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services “strongly recommends” against traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating in favor of lower risk activities. Residents of Henderson are advised to consider NCDHHS’s Halloween event guidance when determining whether to participate in Halloween celebrations (https://files.nc.gov/covid/documents/guidance/NCDHHS-Interim-Guidance-for-Halloween.pdf).

There are several safer, alternative ways to participate in Halloween. Please be on the lookout for lowered risk alternatives within our community.

Celebrating virtually or with members of your own household poses a low risk for spreading the virus, while in-person gatherings pose varying levels of risk. When participating in any activity, participants should consider the risk of virus spread based upon the activity’s size and the host’s use of mitigation strategies. Remember the three W’s, Wear, Wait, and Wash.

Per the CDC, a costume mask (such as for Halloween) is not a substitute for a cloth mask. A costume mask should not be used unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn’t leave gaps around the face. Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask because it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.

If you may have COVID-19 or you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters.

GVPH COVID-19 Update as of 10/5/20

October 6, 2020/by WIZS Staff

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-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 5, 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

1,794 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,794, 1,132 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 1,132, 1,022 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,794, 526 cases are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County and 494 of those 526 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,794, 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.

11 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

1,051 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,051, 926 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 926, 804 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,051, 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.

12 individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 45 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 17 in the community. Unfortunately, there has been another death in the community: a 72-year-old male passed away on October 3, 2020.

WIZS Note: There are 122 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 110 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers). One additional COVID-19 related Vance County death and no additional Granville County deaths have been reported in the last seven days,.

Additional Information

The number of those who have been ‘released from isolation’ is determined by the CDC Guidance for discontinuation of isolation for persons with COVID-19.

Please visit GVPH’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard (click here) for tables and graphs that are updated daily.

Dr. Michael A. Myrick Receives State Leadership Award

October 6, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

On Friday, September 25, 2020, Jack Hoke, the executive director of the NC School Superintendents Association, presented Dr. Michael Myrick with the Dr. Sam Houston, Jr. Leadership Award.

This prestigious annual award is presented to graduates of the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association and the North Carolina Alliance for School Leadership Development’s Aspiring Superintendent Program, a program that is designed to empower transformational education leaders for North Carolina’s public schools.

On Friday, September 25, 2020, Jack Hoke (right), the executive director of the NC School Superintendents Association, presented Dr. Michael Myrick (left) with the Dr. Sam Houston, Jr. Leadership Award. (Photo courtesy GCPS)

The award is named in honor of Dr. Samuel Houston who is president and chief executive officer of the North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center. Dr. Houston served as superintendent of the Mooresville Graded School District for ten years where he opened the first year-round school in North Carolina.

Dr. Houston has been a champion for strategic planning, student performance and accountability, meeting the needs of the 21st-century workforce, skills for the STEM world and building education partnerships. Dr. Houston also served as the first executive director of the University of North Carolina Center for Leadership Development.

Dr. Myrick has served the students of Granville County Public Schools as the assistant superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction and Student Services for the past seven years. He has also held numerous leadership positions at the district level and is a former high school and elementary school principal.

He began his career in education teaching high school English classes in Halifax County. He earned his BA from Elizabeth State University, and his Masters and Doctoral Degrees from Virginia State University. He is also the immediate past president of the Rotary Club of Oxford. He is married to his wife of 20 years, Florence, and has two children, Andrew and Jadyn, who both attend Granville County Public Schools.

Upon receiving this honor, he commented, “I was excited to be selected to participate in the Aspiring Superintendents Program, which is one of the premier professional development opportunities for senior-level administrators. Participation in the program was an honor, but I was humbled to be one of only four recipients selected to receive the 2020 Dr. Sam Houston Leadership Award. The distinction is one that I will cherish for years to come.”

Superintendent Dr. Alisa McLean also shared her remarks, saying, “Dr. Michael Myrick is deserving of this esteemed award. Our district is extremely proud of him.”

Vance Co. Sheriff Curtis Brame Reflects on Former Sheriff Thomas Breedlove

October 5, 2020/by Kelly Bondurant

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Many in the community were saddened to hear the news that Robert Thomas Breedlove, sheriff of Vance County from 1990-2006, passed away on Sunday at the age of 86.

In a conversation with WIZS News, current Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame said he was saddened to hear of the passing of a man that he knew prior to their law enforcement days.

“I received a call from his son Tommy and daughter Lynne over the weekend,” said Brame. “I was shocked; I was hurt. He is going to be truly missed in this county.”

From the WIZS’ Archive – L to R: Sheriff Thomas Breedlove, Tom Hannon of WIZS, Police Chief Glen Allen, John C. Rose in the early 2000s after a TownTalk episode.

Breedlove and Brame entered Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) together in 1983 and worked hand-in-hand until Breedlove’s retirement in 2006.

“He was an excellent sheriff, a people’s sheriff. He was all about rapport and bridge-building. People in this county loved him. He was just a great commander-in-chief, and as I understand it, a military man and good baseball player down in Middleburg in his younger years.”

Brame said he has fond memories of being invited to eat holiday dinners at Breedlove and wife Lib’s home as a young deputy. Elizabeth “Lib” Breedlove preceded her husband in death in 2016.

“We were always welcome in his home,” stated Brame. “That meant a lot to me being a young deputy – for the high sheriff to invite me into his home. I learned a lot from him. I take a lot of that, and I use it today. He will certainly be missed throughout the law enforcement community of Vance County.”

Robert Thomas Breedlove Sr., Former Vance County Sheriff, Dies at 86

October 5, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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R. Thomas Breedlove, Sr.

Robert Thomas Breedlove Sr., 86, of Henderson, NC died Sunday, October 4, 2020, at his home.

Born in Vance County, he was the son of the late Marvin Green Breedlove and Daisey Lowry Breedlove. He was the widower of Elizabeth Edwards Breedlove.

Mr. Breedlove was employed as a serviceman with the former Carolina Power & Light for sixteen years. He received his state electrical license in 1969. In 1977, he founded Breedlove Electric, Inc. In 1983, he became an Auxiliary Officer with the Vance County Sheriff’s Department until 1990.

Robert Thomas Breedlove Sr., 86, of Henderson, NC died Sunday, October 4, 2020, at his home. (Photo courtesy Sossamon Funeral Home)

He was elected Sheriff of Vance County in 1990. He took office as sheriff on August 31, 1989, then he was re-elected in 1994, 1998 and again in 2002.

Sheriff Breedlove was certified in Basic Law Enforcement Training, Police Science, Life Safety Issues for Jailers and School for Sheriff’s Deputies and Jailers.

He was awarded the Long Leaf Pine Award from then Gov. Mike Easley.

Sheriff Breedlove received several special recognition awards including “Best Elected Official” in Vance County thirteen years by the readers of the Daily Dispatch; Special Recognition Award given by The Henderson-Vance Human Relation Commission in May of 2000; the Hero’s Award & Key Plaque to Camp E-ten Etu and the Community Partners of Hope Award.

He was a member of Kiwanis International where he was past president, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and was a member of the American Legion where he was the Commander in 2004. He was a U.S. Army Veteran and a member of the First Baptist Church in Henderson.

His committees and memberships included Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers, Youth Opportunity Service Advisory Council, Drug and Crime Elimination Advisory Council, Criminal Intelligence Council, Emergency Management (Planning), Helping Hands, Governor’s Crime Commission, Kerr-Buggs Island Safety Council, Public Service Council, Criminal Justice Partnership Advisory Board, Law Enforcement Executive Council, Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Chamber of Commerce membership, Eckerd Wilderness Camp (Board Member), VWGV Criminal Justice Partnership Regional Advisory Board, 911 Advisory Board, Legislative Committee Member, (NC Sheriff’s Association) re-appointed in 2004-2005, Technical Review Committee (VC Planning Commission), Salvation Army Advisory Board, NC Sheriff’s Training and Standards Commission (appointed August 2003 and re-appointed in October of 2004), NC Sheriff’s Eastern-at-Large Representative in 2003, Criminal Justice Lay Advisory Committee (3-year term), Kiwanis Board of Directors, NCSA President’s Appointment (East), Criminal Justice/BLET Advisory Board.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, October 8, 2020, at 2 p.m. at South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church, conducted by the Rev. Frank Sossamon.

Surviving are one daughter, Lynne B. Pendergrass (David); one son, Robert Thomas “Tommy” Breedlove Jr. (Cynthia); one sister, Rachel Breedlove, one brother, Ralph Breedlove; one grandson, Robert Thomas “Tre” Breedlove (Lindsey); one great-grandson, Judson Breedlove; two step-granddaughters, Renee Faulkner and Stephanie Wright (Butch), two step-grandsons, David Pendergrass Jr. (Jennifer), Kenneth Pendergrass and a step-great granddaughter, Zoie Wilson.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Amy Elizabeth Breedlove; one sister, Peggy Dickerson and three brothers, Marvin Breedlove Jr., Glenn Breedlove and Ernest Breedlove.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 12:30-2 p.m. at South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church. All other times, they will be at his home.

Honorary pallbearers will be all present and former law enforcement officers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers – 901 Dorsey Ave., Henderson, NC 27536.

The family wishes to give a “Special Thank You” to his caregivers Jean M. Collins, Matthew Todd and Anna Davis.

We ask everyone who attends the visitation and memorial service to practice social distancing and wear an appropriate face covering.

Arrangements are by Sossamon Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.sossamonfuneralhome.com.