Dr. Jessica Perry

Dr. Jessica Perry Named Interim Principal of Vance Virtual Village Academy (V3)

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Dr. Jessica Perry has been selected as the Interim Principal of Vance Virtual Village Academy (V3). She began with Vance County Schools as the Director of Testing and Accountability in 2018.

She has been in public education for 19 years serving as an administrator in Franklin County Schools, as well as Beginning Teacher Support Coordinator, Assistant Instructional Management Coordinator and Business teacher for Wake County Public Schools. Dr. Perry is also an adjunct professor at Wake Tech Community College. 

Jessica Perry

Dr. Jessica Perry has been selected as the Interim Principal of Vance Virtual Village Academy (V3). She began with Vance County Schools as the Director of Testing and Accountability in 2018. (Photo courtesy VCS)

Bringing a wealth of knowledge to this role, we are certain Dr. Perry will be a tremendous asset to Vance County Schools and our community, leading Vance Virtual Village Academy.

With the launch of this new, innovative school in Vance County, we know that we have an amazing leader paving the way! Dr. Perry will assume her new role effective immediately.

WIZS Note: Responding to an inquiry regarding the announcement on July 2, 2020, that Nathan Currie was named the Principal for Vance Virtual Village Academy, VCS stated Mr. Currie is no longer employed with the school district. 

Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health Celebrates Opening of New Cardiac Catheterization Lab

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-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Click here for a 3D tour of Maria Parham Health’s new Cath Lab.

Maria Parham Health (MPH) today announced the completion of a new cardiovascular catheterization (cath) lab within its hospital in Henderson. Leadership celebrated with a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony in the presence of physicians, employees and board members on Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Maria Parham’s team of cardiologists will begin performing procedures in the new cath lab on August 5, 2020.

As its name suggests, the new laboratory will be primarily used to perform cardiac catheterization procedures on patients who need advanced heart care. Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel problems. A tiny tube called a catheter is placed into a blood vessel so that imaging dyes and small equipment can be passed through.

Catheterization enables healthcare providers to examine the heart and blood vessels, and is used to look for blockages in arteries, check heart valve function, measure blood flow and even place stents in arteries when they are narrow or blocked. In a medical emergency, catheterization procedures allow physicians to quickly diagnose heart problems and provide lifesaving treatments. Vascular studies of other areas, such as a patient’s legs, can also be done in the cath lab.

“Every minute counts when a patient has a heart attack, and now with our newly expanded cath lab, members of our community have enhanced access to interventional heart care without leaving Henderson,” said Bert Beard, chief executive officer of Maria Parham Health (MPH). “We are pleased to be able to provide high-quality cardiovascular care close to home for those we serve and take another important step toward advancing our mission of Making Communities Healthier.”

Maria Parham’s cardiovascular team includes Schuyler Jones, MD, a Duke Health cardiologist, who serves as medical director of the cath lab, and cardiologists Augustus Grant, MD; Jorge Gutierrez, MD; Navaneetha Sheshadri, MD; Radhakrishnan Ramaraj, MD; Willie Sessions, MD; Sydney Short, MD; and Rajesh Viswanathan Swaminathan, MD.

MPH will also be welcoming new Duke Health cardiologist Jenifer Rhymer, MD on August 21, 2020.

In addition, radiologists from Wake Radiology will treat patients in the lab. The lab is staffed by four employees, including registered nurses and cath lab technicians.

“Our team is really excited for the opportunity to perform a vast array of cardiac and vascular procedures in our new cath lab,” said cardiologist Schuyler Jones, MD. “This expansion really highlights Maria Parham Health’s commitment to excellence in clinical care and outcomes in cardiovascular care.”

The total cost of the project was $3.3 million for construction and equipment, which was made possible by a capital investment from LifePoint Health, MPH’s operating partner. The lab’s new equipment includes a next-generation 3D imaging system designed to provide fine image details for greater precision while keeping the radiation dose as low as possible.

The imaging system has a tableside user interface for easy access and offset C-arm provides maximum positioning flexibility and patient access in all views. The new hemodynamic monitoring system is capable of measuring blood flow, blood pressure, oxygen levels and other vital signs, as well as enabling documentation and generating reports.

For more information about Maria Parham Health’s cardiovascular services, visit MariaParham.com. To find a provider who specializes in heart care at Maria Parham, call 800.424.DOCS.

Granville County Emergency Management

Granville County Emergency Services Reports Minimum Storm Damage

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County Emergency Services reports minimum impact due to Isaias, which made landfall on the North Carolina coast at around 11 p.m. on August 3. According to Emergency Management Coordinator Robin Edwards, reports of a few downed trees and spotty power outages had been made in our area, with no reports of flooded roadways or other damage.

Granville County Emergency Services had been prepared to implement the county’s Emergency Operations Plan, had the storm been more severe. As a precautionary measure, Granville County Commissioners had approved the issuance of a Declaration of Emergency in anticipation of possible severe weather resulting from this storm.

Hurricane season extends through November 30. All Granville County residents are urged to continue making emergency preparedness plans as the season continues, so they can be ready when the time comes. 

To receive county-wide emergency notifications, residents are also encouraged to enroll in the Code Red alert system for future weather emergencies. To sign up for Granville County’s Code Red notifications, please visit www.granvillecounty.org and click on the Emergency Management link on the Community tab.

For more information, please call the Granville County Emergency Services office at (919) 603-1310.

NC Dept of Agriculture

State Sees Year’s First Cases of Often Fatal EEE Disease in Horses

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

Four horses have recently tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) in North Carolina. The horses were located in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus and Durham counties. These are the first cases of EEE reported this year.

“In 2019, there were only two reported cases of EEE in horses in North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The fact that we have doubled the 2019 number already, points to a need to be extra vigilant and vaccinate your equine. Mosquito season in North Carolina has several more months to go.”

EEE causes inflammation or swelling of the brain and spinal cord and is usually fatal. Symptoms include impaired vision, aimless wandering, head pressing, circling, inability to swallow, irregular staggering gait, paralysis, convulsions and death. Once a horse has been bitten by an infected mosquito, it may take three to 10 days for signs of the disease to appear.

“If your horses exhibit any symptoms of EEE, contact your veterinarian immediately,” said State Veterinarian Doug Meckes. “It is imperative that horse owners keep their vaccines current, talk to their veterinarian about vaccinating equine as soon as possible against EEE and West Nile virus.”

The vaccinations initially require two shots, 30 days apart, for horses, mules and donkeys that have no prior vaccination history. Meckes recommends a booster shot every six months in North Carolina because of the state’s prolonged mosquito season.

Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle of water that lasts for more than four days, so removing any source of standing water can reduce the chance of exposing animals to WNV or EEE. Keeping horses in stalls at night, using insect screens and fans and turning off lights after dusk can also help reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Insect repellants can be effective if used according to manufacturers’ instructions.

People, horses and birds can become infected from a bite by a mosquito carrying the diseases, but there is no evidence that horses can transmit the viruses to other horses, birds or people through direct contact.

While there is no vaccine to protect people from EEE, people can protect themselves with repellents and by judicious suppression of mosquito populations, especially in areas near freshwater hardwood swamps.

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 08/04/20 Noon

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Local News Audio 08/04/20 Noon

WIZS – Your Community Voice

  • Isaias storm totals and reports
  • VGCC with CARES ACT funds
  • MPH Cath Lab Ribbon Cutting

Click Play to Listen…

 

Samuel Dickerson 4-H

Granville Youth Attend NC 4-H Congress; Dickerson Inducted Into Honor Club

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

A delegation of Granville County 4-H members attended North Carolina 4-H Congress, which was held virtually this year. This year’s 4-H Congress, held July 20 through July 23, attracted more than 300 youth and adults representing 4-H programs across the state.

Conference delegates participated in general sessions, learned together in workshops, recognized award winners and elected State 4-H Officers for the upcoming year. 

Samuel Dickerson, age 16, represented Granville County and was inducted into the 4-H Honor Club, one of the highest honors a 4-H’er can achieve. New Honor Club members were tapped during a candlelight ceremony held Monday night, July 20. 

Samuel Dickerson (pictured above) represented Granville County at the 2020 NC 4-H Congress and was inducted into the 4-H Honor Club, one of the highest honors a 4-H’er can achieve. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

Membership in the Honor Club is based on service to the 4-H program, leadership, moral standards, 4-H activities and project achievement. Less than one-half of one percent of North Carolina 4-H’ers are selected for membership each year. Members must be at least 16 years old and have a minimum of three years of 4-H experience.

Dickerson is a senior at Cornerstone of Freedom Academy and a member of S.H.O.W 4-H Club. The son of Paul and Terese Dickerson of Oxford, he has been active in the 4-H program for 9 years. 

4-H is North Carolina’s largest youth development organization, equipping more than 262,200 young people each year with the skills to succeed and improve the world around them. 4-H programs and camps encourage young people to “learn by doing,” helping them to develop into active, contributing citizens. NC State Extension and the Cooperative Extension Program at N.C. A&T State University coordinate 4-H programs statewide.

To learn more about opportunities available through Granville County 4-H, please contact Agent Lina Lue Howe at (919) 603-1350 or at lina_howe@ncsu.edu.

Franklin County Schools

Franklin County Schools Accepting Applications for Student Internet Service

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Schools

Franklin County Schools understands that many families in our community do not have access to the internet. In order to assist those families in preparation for remote learning during the 2020-2021 school year, we are asking interested families to complete an application for internet service.

Families with reliable internet service are asked not to apply for assistance.

All applications are due Friday, August 7, 2020, by 5 p.m.

Complete the application via the following link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdeHiHYkwSXrQPrfLm4a5MNcEdHbCfLZWYMUEqEX_kjjGRShA/viewform

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

GVPH COVID-19 Update: Case Reported at Alliance Rehabilitative Care (ARC)

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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 August 3, 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

1,192 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,192, 653 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 653, 495 have been released from isolation, and 11 are hospitalized.

Of those 1,192 cases, 507 are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County, and 366 of those 507 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,192, 32 are associated with outbreaks at long term care facilities including 11 at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center, 10 at Universal Health Care, and eight at Granville House.

Of the 32 cases in long term care facilities in Granville County, eight have been released from isolation.

There have been a total of 25 deaths in Granville County, three in the community, one at Central Regional Hospital, and 21 of whom were associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.

Vance County

709 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 709, 585 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 585, 440 have been released from isolation.

Of those 709, 124 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities including 48 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, 17 associated with Senior Citizens Home, and one with Alliance Rehabilitative Care (ARC) in Henderson, NC. The outbreak at ARC is newly reported. The outbreak at Pelican Health nursing home is no longer active.

Of the 124 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 44 have been released from isolation.

Three individuals in Vance County are hospitalized

There have been a total of 40 deaths in Vance County, 14 of whom were associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 11 of whom were associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, two of whom were associated with Senior Citizens Home, and 13 in the community.

WIZS Note: There are 145 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 158 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers). The total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Vance County has not increased since July 6.

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 www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information from Granville Vance Public Health and to sign up for daily email updates.

VGCC Customer Service Excellence

VGCC to Offer New Customer Service Excellence Program

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College has scheduled a new, mostly-online program designed to equip area residents with the customer service skills that are critical to the success of all businesses and organizations. The “Customer Service Excellence” program is set to be offered four times this fall.

In each case, students will only attend the first class in person at one of VGCC’s campuses. The rest of the program (totaling 24 hours) will be completed online from the comfort and safety of students’ homes or offices.

The class that begins at the college’s Main Campus (near Henderson) will be held August 24 – September 13; at the Franklin County Campus (Louisburg), September 14 – October 4; at South Campus (Creedmoor/Butner), October 5-25; and at the Warren County Campus (Warrenton), October 26 – November 15. Students are reminded that masks or face coverings are now required for everyone while indoors on campus.

The first few classes within the program will introduce the basic concepts of customer service, including how to handle difficult customer interactions; enhance participants’ communication skills; and examine customer relationship management (CRM), which can lead to growing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Next, students will learn critical problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, as well as basic computer skills for the workplace. Then, participants will gain skills that can help them secure employment, including career/resume development, and job interview techniques. A section on financial literacy will help students learn strategies for managing money, budgeting and saving.

Finally, students will prepare for the National Career Readiness Certification exam.

“This program is designed to equip employees with the skills needed to provide outstanding customer service by building and maintaining mutually-beneficial relationships,” said VGCC Dean of Business & Industry Solutions Tanya Weary. “These classes teach participants how to achieve customer service excellence while building a robust, skilled workforce for our local employers in any number of sectors.”

The instructor for the program is Alex Madrigal.

The program costs $70 but will be free of charge to participants who qualify through a Human Resources Development (HRD) waiver.

For more information, contact Kyle Burwell, Director of Occupational Extension, at (252) 738-3276 or burwellk@vgcc.edu.

To register, visit https://www.vgcc.edu/coned/hrd/.

Vance County NC

Hurricane Isaias Prompts Vance Co. Officials to Proclaim State of Emergency

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-Information courtesy the City of Henderson

Due to the current track of Hurricane Isaias and its anticipated impact on Vance County, the Mayor of the City of Henderson and the Chairman of the Vance County Board of Commissioners have declared a State of Emergency for Henderson, NC.

Of note in the proclamation, a vehicle curfew may be enacted in the event of significant power outages, fallen power lines, and road blockage(s), due to fallen trees and flooding. Such a curfew would be in effect from 8 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2020, until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The curfew will not be officially enacted until/if public safety officials and the delegated authority(s) find that such conditions exist. The time frame may be extended pursuant to the authority delegated. 

As of the time of this posting (approximately 2:30 p.m. on August 3, 2020), a vehicle curfew is not in effect.

Below is the proclamation in its entirety:

PROCLAMATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY 

The following Proclamation is issued by the Mayor of the City of Henderson and the Chairman of the Vance County Board of Commissioners: 

WHEREAS, information from the National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other sources indicate that Hurricane Isaias is tracking towards the State of NC; and 

WHEREAS, there is a high probability that the storm will track inland very close to Vance County, and 

WHEREAS, Vance County is likely to receive heavy rain and strong winds associated with this tropical event, and 

WHEREAS, these conditions could potentially cause travel and other hazards, power outages and present a clear and present danger to life and property, and 

WHEREAS, Article 1A of Chapter 166A of the North Carolina General Statutes, and more specifically N.C. Gen. Stat. 166A-19.22, authorizes counties and municipalities to declare a state of emergency and exercise the powers and duties set forth therein to direct and aid in the response to and mitigation against emergencies; and 

WHEREAS, the undersigned, in accordance with and on the basis of the foregoing, finds that an emergency exists within Vance County, North Carolina, and its municipalities, due to the threat of Hurricane Isaias, and further finds that it is necessary and appropriate to exercise the authority cited hereinabove by issuing this Declaration in order to address said emergency and to protect the health and wellbeing of the citizens of Vance County. 

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority contained in Article 1 of N.C.G.S. Chapter 166A, Article 36A of N.C.G.S. Chapter 14, Title II Chapter 10-8 of the City of Henderson Code of Ordinances and Vance County Ordinance #17, State of Emergency, I, Eddie Ellington, Mayor of the City of Henderson, and I, Gordon Wilder, Chairman of the Vance County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim that a State of Emergency exists within the County of Vance, the City of Henderson, and all other municipalities and townships located within Vance County. 

I further proclaim that the restrictions set forth below, pursuant to Article 1 of NCGS Chapter 166A, Title II Chapter 10–8 of the City of Henderson Code of Ordinances, and the Vance County Ordinance #17, State of Emergency, are necessary in order to maintain an acceptable level of public order, services, and protection of lives, safety and property during this emergency, and that the same shall be in effect within the City of Henderson, County of Vance and all municipalities and townships, until this Proclamation is rescinded. I hereby order all City and County law enforcement officers and employees and all other emergency management personnel subject to my control to cooperate in the enforcement and implementation of the emergency ordinances set forth below. 

  1. A. 

General Emergency Protective and Control Measures and operations to support the same shall be implemented as determined to be necessary for the health, safety and protection of our citizens. 

Vehicle Curfew: In the event of significant power outages, fallen power lines, and road blockage(s), due to fallen trees and flooding, a curfew will be in effect from 8:00 p.m. Monday the 3rd day of August until 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, the 4th day of August, 2020 for the City of Henderson only. The curfew will not be enacted until public safety officials and the delegated authority(s) find the conditions in this section exist. This time frame may be extended pursuant to the authority delegated. General Recommendations: All persons residing or present within the jurisdiction are highly encouraged to comply with all recommendations issued by local officials during the state of emergency. 

All law enforcement officers and employees and all other departments, officers, agents, employees, and personnel employed by or subject to the control of the City of Henderson and/or Vance County are directed to cooperate in the enforcement and implementation of the provisions of this Declaration and of all applicable provisions of local ordinances, state and federal laws and emergency declarations, and the Vance County Emergency Operations Plan. 

The City of Henderson and Vance County recognize and acknowledge that it is likely to incur substantial economic damage from the issuance of this Declaration and does hereby request that they receive any and all available federal and state financial aid and other assistance for which they may be eligible in connection with the same. 

I further proclaim that the Emergency Operations Plan adopted by the City of Henderson and County of Vance, and all applicable mutual assistance compacts and agreements are in effect and shall remain in effect until this proclamation expires or is rescinded. All emergency personnel are hereby ordered to cooperate in the implementation of the provisions of the Emergency Operations Plan and all applicable mutual assistance compacts and agreements, and to furnish assistance thereunder. 

I direct that copies of this Proclamation be disseminated to the mass communications media for publication and broadcast, and that a copy of this Proclamation be posted in City Hall as well as the Vance County Courthouse and other public buildings as appropriate. 

This Proclamation shall be effective immediately and shall remain in effect until rescinded. 

Proclaimed this the 3rd day of August 2020.

Eddie Ellington, Mayor of Henderson

Gordon Wilder, Chairman of the Vance County Board of Commissioners