Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health Nationally Recognized as a Best Maternity Care Hospital by Newsweek

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health was named to Newsweek’s 2020 list of Best Maternity Care Hospitals. The distinction recognizes facilities that have excelled in providing care to mothers, newborns and their families, as verified by the 2019 Leapfrog Hospital Survey. Best Maternity Care Hospitals is part of Newsweek’s Best Health Care series, powered by data from The Leapfrog Group.

“Best Maternity Care Hospitals showcases an elite group of hospitals from across the country,” said Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief of Newsweek. “These facilities stand out for the care they provide to women and families, and for giving babies a strong start to life. Particularly in these uncertain times, we are honored to share this list of top-ranked facilities with Newsweek’s readership.”

“The birth of a child should be a wonderful, life-changing time for a mother and her whole family. It is a time of new beginnings, of fresh hopes and new dreams, of change and opportunity” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Our team works tirelessly to make sure every mother and child that we see receives the highest standard of care. We are extremely proud to be recognized as a leader in maternity care in our country.”

Hospitals named as a Best Maternity Care Hospital have fully met The Leapfrog Group’s standards for maternity care on evidence-based, nationally standardized metrics. This includes lower rates of early elective delivery, NTSV C-section, and episiotomy, as well as compliance with process measures including newborn bilirubin screening prior to discharge and blood clot prevention techniques for mothers delivering via C-section.

Maria Parham Health was one of fewer than 250 nationwide to receive the prestigious accolade. The full list of recipients appeared in the July 24 edition of Newsweek, available online and at newsstands nationwide.

Delivering more than 500 babies per year, Maria Parham’s team consists of OB-GYNs Dr. Weldon Hampton, MD and Dr. Emma White, DO, family medicine practitioners Dr. Vu, MD, Dr. Higgins, MD, and Dr. Dieter, MD, midwives Janice Martinez, MSN, CNM, and Karen Maclean, MSN, CNM, nurse practitioners, Estena Bradley, WHNP-BC, Crystal  Minor, WHNP-BC, pediatricians Dr. Sylvia, MD and Dr. Ahmed, MD and specially trained nurses and staff.

Maria Parham provides a variety of care and services for mother and baby, including prenatal care, education, labor & delivery, breastfeeding support by certified lactation consultants, and inpatient pediatric program.

To learn more about Maria Parham’s Mother & Baby services, visit MariaParham.com.

Granville County Library System

Granville Co. Library System Celebrates Library Card Sign-Up Month

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The month of September is set aside each year as “Library Card Sign-Up Month.” The Granville County Library System, in partnership with the American Library Association, marks the beginning of the school year as an opportunity to ensure that every child signs up for their own library card.

The 2020 Theme for the American Library Association’s campaign is “Libraries are Wonderful,” with “Wonder Woman” of the DC Comics’ Justice League, as Honorary Chair. The superhero theme emphasizes the value of learning and the role libraries play in transforming lives and strengthening communities through education.

Library cards can be used to check out books, take home DVD’s, use the internet, and take advantage of a wide variety of ways that make learning fun. Studies show that children who read regularly (or are read to) and who use library resources often perform better in school, and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning. Libraries also offer great ways for families to spend time together through scheduled programs and activities.

Granville County residents may apply for a FREE library card by showing a valid North Carolina driver’s license, photo ID or student ID with a current Granville County address. Students under the age of 14 can be issued a card with a parent ID and parent signature.

Non-residents may be issued a Granville County Library System library card for $15 per year. Lost cards can be replaced for only $1.

Throughout the school year, librarians and staff members are ready to assist students with educational resources and services. From STEAM programs, online activities, internet access, workshops, storytime hours and librarian expertise, local libraries help provide a cost-effective option for education, whether virtually or in person.

Branches of the Granville County Library System (in Oxford, Creedmoor, Stovall and Berea) are open during limited hours, as precautionary measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing guidelines apply and masks are required when visiting library branches in person.

For more details about what your local library has in store during the 2020/2021 academic year, or to learn more about Library Card Sign Up Month, please visit https://granville.lib.nc.us/ or call your local library today:

  • Richard H. Thornton Branch (Oxford): (919) 693-1121
  • South Branch (Creedmoor): (919) 528-1752
  • Stovall Branch (Stovall): (919) 693-5722
  • Berea Branch (Berea): (919) 693-1231

Library Card Sign-Up Month has been held each September since 1987.

City of Henderson Logo

Henderson City Council to Hold Second CDBG-Coronavirus Public Hearing

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-Information courtesy the City of Henderson

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington has requested a Special Called Meeting of the Henderson City Council for Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at 12 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is to hold a second Public Hearing regarding the submission of a Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) to the North Carolina Department of Commerce Rural Economic Development Division.

This meeting will be held in Council Chambers, 134 Rose Avenue, Henderson, NC, and will also be available via the Zoom information below.  The public is welcome.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89238953419?pwd=bWZ4VjZHQ1g3SzBXT05UeE12RzBtUT09

Meeting ID: 892 3895 3419

Passcode: 242597

Dial by your location: (929) 205-6099 US

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 9-21-20 Noon

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WIZS – Your Community Voice. Local News Audio.

  • COVID-19 test results for Vance County
  • Voter Registration Information
  • Fish Fry Fundraiser
  • Small Business Loan Program

Click play for Full Details…

 

City of Oxford

Oxford Board of Commissioners, Property & Public Safety Committees to Meet

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-Information courtesy the City of Oxford

The Oxford Board of Commissioners will meet on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at 5 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom.

The purpose of the meeting is to potentially adopt the KLRWS Funding Request Resolution and the amended City of Oxford Capital Improvement Plan. All those interested are invited to attend.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88398097760?pwd=emhtYVdiNk1HajJ5Z2gyNDU0MTBGQT09

Meeting ID: 883 9809 7760

Passcode: 413309

Dial by your location (929) 205-6099

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The Property Committee for the Oxford Board of Commissioners will meet on Wednesday, September 23, at 9 a.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss City-Related Property Matters. All those interested are invited to attend.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85415818222?pwd=YXBQTDVUdDBic2V3Y1locEtyTVpWdz0

Meeting ID: 854 1581 8222

Passcode: 481512

Dial by your location (929) 205-6099

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The Public Safety Committee for the Oxford Board of Commissioners will meet on Tuesday, September 29, 2020, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss community relations & policing by the Oxford Police Department. All those interested are invited to attend.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83358251666?pwd=dFpUUEFnY0RpTWNlcURnWVVCbU9sQT09

Meeting ID: 833 5825 1666

Passcode: 892587

Dial by your location (929) 205-6099

Perry Memorial Library

Perry Memorial Library Opens Doors With Limited Hours

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-Information courtesy the Perry Memorial Library

Beginning Monday, September 21, 2020, the Perry Memorial Library in Henderson will be open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. and 2 until 4 p.m. For everyone’s safety, masks are required to enter the building.

Visits are limited to computer use and material check out. Computer sessions will be limited to 30 minutes.

Curbside pickup will be available Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Fines are still suspended at this time.

Granville County Public Schools

Granville Co. Public Schools Addresses Governor’s ‘Plan A’ Announcement

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Statement from Granville County Public Schools

On Thursday, September 17, 2020, Governor Cooper announced that NC Public Schools will have the option to allow all students to return to school under Plan A as soon as October 5, 2020. This announcement aligns with the current Granville County Public Schools’ plan to bring students back to school physically in a gradual, staggered entry progressing over time.

Having the option for K-5 students to return on Plan A provides the next step in the GCPS district’s goal of having all students able to return to school when it is safe to do so. Our Board of Education and administration will continue to closely monitor the readiness indicators for our district and community.

Currently, GCPS will shift to students physically reporting to school on alternating days of the week under Plan B beginning on September 28 for Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and special education students who receive instruction in a separate setting. All other grades will return on October 12.

The district will continue to include stakeholders in the planning and decision-making of safely bringing our children back to school.  GCPS is thankful for the continued patience, grace and support during this time.

For more information, please visit our website at www.gcs.k12.nc.us.

Franklin County Sheriff

Louisburg Man Chokes, Kills Father

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On September 18, 2020, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responded to 26 William Perry Road, Louisburg regarding a male subject assaulting his father by choking him. Upon arrival, deputies were unable to locate a pulse on the victim, who was identified as Darren Hobgood. 

The Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team made entry into the residence and the suspect, Xavier Vishal Billups, was taken into custody without incident. 

Mr. Billups was transported to Wake Medical Hospital and upon his release will be charged with Second Degree Murder. 

Xavier Vishal Billups – 26 William Perry Road, Louisburg – 27 years of age 

This matter remains under investigation and no further information will be released at this time. If anyone should have any additional information pertaining to this investigation, please call Detective Brian Jacobson at (919) 340–3285.

City of Henderson Logo

City of Henderson Reports Recent Bypass of Untreated Water

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NOTICE OF BYPASS OF UNTREATED WASTEWATER

The City of Henderson’s Sewer Collection System bypassed approximately 391,900 gallons of untreated water on September 18, 2020, due to inflow/infiltration from heavy rain.

The overflows occurred at Sandy Creek Pump Station, Redbud Pump Station, and several manholes including Neatherly Street, the intersection of Pinkston Street/Farrar Avenue, the intersection of Alexander Avenue/S. Elizabeth Street, and the intersection of Alexander Avenue/Willow Lane.

Approximately 342,450 gallons of untreated water entered a tributary to Sandy Creek. Approximately 46,000 gallons of untreated water entered a tributary to Red Bud Creek. Approximately 3,450 gallons were contained on the ground.

North Carolina General Statutes Article 21 Chapter 143.215.1c requires a press release for all bypasses of 1,000 gallons or more that enter surface waters.

Questions concerning this matter should be directed to Joey Long Jr – Collection System ORC at (252) 226-4492, Christy Lipscomb – HWRF Interim Director/ORC at (252) 430-9387, or Public Works Director Andy Perkinson at (252) 431-6117.

Emiliano Dunton

VGCC Student Engages in Cutting-Edge COVID-19 Research

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College student Emiliano Dunton of Oxford has faced challenges in his life, and now, he is involved in research related to what is perhaps the world’s biggest challenge today: the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

Dunton, a VGCC Bioprocess Technology student, is participating in a research externship program at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) through a partnership between the community college and the university. Through the externship, he gets practical experience related to his studies. Specifically, Dunton works with a team led by Dr. Weifan Zheng, an award-winning professor of pharmaceutical sciences at NCCU’s Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE) program, along with research scientists Xialan Dong and Zheng Huang. Zheng and his team are currently using computer programming to identify drugs that may be effective in attacking COVID-19.

Vance-Granville Community College student Emiliano Dunton of Oxford is participating in a research externship program at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) through a partnership between the community college and the university. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

“I am currently learning a new computer language called Python, which is the most used computer coding language of 2020,” Dunton explained. “Our plan is to use the computer language to search for articles pertaining to biopharma research and information regarding COVID-19.”

Currently, due to that same global pandemic, Dunton is working and learning remotely with the professors at NCCU, but he looks forward to making an on-site visit to the Durham campus in November.

Stewart Lyon, head of the Bioprocess Technology program at VGCC, said Dunton is perfect for this research opportunity because of his interest in not just biotechnology but computers. “Emiliano has found a niche in science in the growing field of bioinformatics,” Lyon said. “Bioinformatics essentially uses computer programming languages to analyze large biological data sets.”

Dunton recalled, “I enrolled at VGCC because I did some research on good biotechnology programs and found out VGCC had one of the best around.” He said that the Bioprocess program appealed to him “because I’ve always been intrigued with technology, and the ever-growing science/information-driven era we live in calls for that type of background.”

Dunton said his excitement about learning a new computer language led him to participate in the NCCU externship program. “I also want to inspire more minority youth in my community to strive for excellence and let them know that no matter where you’re from, or what type of background you came up from, you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to,” he added.

Lyon said that Dunton is an inspiration to his instructors and classmates because of his determination to overcome obstacles in order to achieve success. Due to injuries sustained from a gunshot wound years ago, Dunton uses a wheelchair. Though he has use of his arms, Dunton also relies largely on touch-screen computers and has recently learned to code using speech-recognition software.

“After I’ve completed my studies at VGCC, my goal is to continue my education and obtain a bachelor’s of science degree,” Dunton added. He has an interest in the intersection of pharmaceuticals and agriculture and would like to learn more about North Carolina’s growing hemp industry and related pharmaceutical extracts. “I also would like to empower and educate people on methods to generate generational wealth for minority youth in the surrounding communities, as well as inspire academic excellence,” Dunton said.

According to Lyon, Dunton “serves as an example of resilience and that great opportunities in life are available.” He recalled seeing how excited the student was “to find out that he was going to be actively contributing to a research team with the goal of helping to resolve a global health crisis….I think his time with VGCC and Bioprocess Technology, and now linking back to the UNC system, has been transformative for him. Emiliano also balances his obligations as an outstanding student with his familial and community responsibilities.  He is a father as well as a student, and seeks to be a role model both at home and in the classroom.” Dunton said his seven-year-old daughter is one of his greatest “sources of strength.”

Dunton is the recipient of the Donald and Betsy Seifert Presidential Excellence Award this year. That is VGCC’s highest scholarship level.

Lyon said he is also pleased with the partnership with NCCU that allows Dunton to have such an interesting experience. The externship program is largely supported by a grant from the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) to NCCU.

“VGCC is listed as a participant in NCCU’s initiatives under the grant,” Lyon explained. “NCCU uses the funds to accomplish two major goals: develop and implement the research externship experiences for our students, and to create stackable program credentials. This ultimately helps to increase the number of students entering the industry employment pipeline. The partnership between VGCC and NCCU now allows for our students to transfer from VGCC’s Bioprocess Technology degree to NCCU’s bachelor’s degree program in Pharmaceutical Sciences.”

VGCC’s Bioprocess Technology program is open to everyone, including current high school students through the North Carolina Career & College Promise (CCP) program. In fact, through NC CCP, the program is tuition-free for eligible high school students who want to get an early start on their college education.

For more information on VGCC’s biotech programs, contact Lyon at lyons@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3632.