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Warren County EDC Seeks Farmers for Free Analysis Program

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-Press Release, Warren County Government

Warren County Economic Development Commission (EDC) is seeking Warren County farmers interested in increasing crop yield and profits through analysis of plant sap by Advancing Eco Agriculture, or AEA. 

EDC is providing funding for three Warren County farmers willing to commit to the program requirements during the current growing season. Farmers must notify the EDC office that they would like to participate by 5 p.m., Friday, June 19, 2020.

AEA plant sap analysis reveals plant mineral levels, nutritional deficiencies, and excesses before they cause significant yield loss. Results provide the farmer the opportunity to determine and apply the precise amount of a needed nutrient before a deficiency manifests as a disease or weakness. 

Since 2006, Advancing Eco Agriculture has served over 2 million acres with AEA programs while working hand in hand with farmers in North America, producing healthier soil, stronger crops, and higher profits.

In brief, here’s how the program works:

Participating farmers will receive sample collection kits, mail leaf samples to the AEA laboratory, and receive an analysis report by email. An AEA consultant will interpret the results and recommend corrective measures in a group call, so even farmers not participating in the sap analysis can learn from the consultation. 

Farmers continue to observe and measure crop health and harvest results. The accumulated data aids in planning for the next growing season. The cost of the testing program is paid by the Warren County EDC. Farmers will pay for corrective applications themselves. 

If you are interested in participating, please contact the Warren County EDC Director Stacy Woodhouse at the Warren County EDC office at (252) 257-3114. The EDC office is open from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Vance County Logo

Vance Commissioners Approve County, Water District Budget

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Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen provided WIZS with the following summary of the Vance County Board of Commissioners’ special called meeting held Monday, June 15, 2020:

County Budget – The total general fund budget is $49,498,430, with $1,310,356 used from fund balance to balance the budget. The overall budget with all funds combined is $60.7 million. The budget includes no increase in the general fund property tax rate (remains at .89 cents), no increase in the fire tax rate (remains 8.9 cents), and a $5 increase in the solid waste household fee. Overall, the budget addresses the Board’s top priorities for the coming year while moving the county forward and maximizing county services with limited revenue growth.

Water District Budget – The total water district budget is $1,250,689, which includes a general fund transfer of $261,885. The budget holds the usage rate at 10.33 per $1,000 gallons. We currently have $1,338 active metered customers on the system and believe it will take 1,600 to 1,650 to break even assuming we do not take on any additional debt for the system.

Maria Parham Incentive – Maria Parham Health is in the process of adding a cardiac cath lab which will increase the tax value over $3.2 million and add over 25 jobs with an average wage of over $60,000. As a result of this, we have been discussing an economic development incentive agreement with Maria Parham for several months. We were unable to hold the necessary public hearings and approve the agreement last night due to restrictions that were previously in place related to COVID-19 and public hearings.

Eaton Johnson – The Board approved financing for the project and awarded the contract for the renovation of the former Eaton Johnson Middle School building to Danco Builders, who was the lowest qualified bidder. We will need approval of the financing from the Local Government Commission which meets on July 7, but after that, we will be finalizing contracts and work will begin for the 10-month project to renovate Eaton Johnson for use by DSS. The construction cost approved was $3,030,856.38 and the total project budget with engineering and other contingencies included is $4,531,662. We are hopeful for an August 1, 2020, start date which would put completion in April or May of next year.

Vance County’s approved budget documents and Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) can be viewed on the County’s Board of Commissioners website (click here).

Local News Audio

WIZS Local News – Jobs/Work/Who to call

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WIZS – YOUR COMMUNITY VOICE

Local News – 8am; 12 Noon; 5pm; M-F

Noon News for June 16, 2020

Where to find a job. Who to call.

 

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Vance County Schools Recognizes VGCC With Partnership Award

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance County Schools recently recognized Vance-Granville Community College with the 2019-2020 “Partnership of the Year” award for collaborating with Vance County Early College High School (VCECHS).

“We are pleased to be able to partner with Vance County Early College and the entire school system,” VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais said, in accepting the award on behalf of the college faculty and staff. “An important part of our student body, Early College students enrich our campus community, and we have the privilege of helping them achieve their goals.” 

VGCC worked closely with the school system in 2008 to start the Early College High School, and it has been housed on the community college’s Main Campus near Henderson ever since.

VCECHS is a five-year high school experience that offers students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma along with an Associate in Arts and/or Associate in Science degree, or at least some college transfer credits, tuition-free.

Early College programs provide affordable, accessible pathways to four-year university degrees for many students. In addition, VGCC offers other “Career and College Promise” (CCP) pathways to students at traditional high schools – allowing them to earn college credits, as well.

“We are extremely grateful for your partnership work with Vance County Schools,” Aarika Sandlin, the system’s public information officer, wrote in a letter to the college. “Without devoted community members, churches and organizations, our system would not be the same. We appreciate all that you have done for our schools and our students this year. We are so proud of all you have done to make a difference, making us all Vance County Proud!”

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

COVID-19 Update: 1,116 Known Cases in GVPH District to Date

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

As of June 15, 2020, there are 698 known COVID-19 cases in Granville County, 418 cases in Vance County, and 45,102 confirmed cases in North Carolina.

There are two outbreaks at congregate living facilities in Granville County at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC and Murdoch Development Center in Butner, NC. Of the cases in Granville County, 393 are associated with the prisons and five are associated with Murdoch.

Of the 393 cases in the prison system, 87 have been released from isolation and one individual with Murdoch has been released from isolation.

Of the 300 community-based cases in Granville County, 135 have been released from isolation and nine are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 16 deaths in Granville County, 15 of whom were with the Bureau of Prisons.

There are three outbreaks at congregate living facilities in Vance County: Pelican Health in Henderson, NC, Kerr Lake Nursing Home in Henderson, NC, and Senior Citizens Home in Henderson, NC. Fifty-eight of the cases in Vance County are associated with Pelican Health nursing home, 41 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, and two are associated with Senior Citizens Home.

Of the 101 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 41 have been released from isolation.

Of the 317 community-based cases in Vance County, 141 have been released from isolation.

Seven individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 32 deaths in Vance County, 14 of whom were associated with Pelican Health and eight of whom were associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.

GVPH updates its website daily at approximately 5 p.m. with Vance and Granville COVID-19 statistics. Please visit www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information.

GVPH also emails updates about COVID-19 in Granville and Vance counties each evening. You can sign up to receive these emails at www.gvph.org/covid-19.

JF Webb High School Hires Lamont Robinson as Head Football Coach

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

JF Webb High School recently announced the hiring of its new high school football coach, Mr. Lamont Robinson. A Washington D.C. native, Lamont Robinson played high school football at H.D. Woodson High School, before he transferred his junior year to Duval High School in Lanham, MD.

JF Webb High School recently announced the hiring of its new high school football coach, Mr. Lamont Robinson. (Photo courtesy GCPS)

After his high school graduation, Coach Robinson served two years in the United States Navy. He was stationed on the USS Eisenhower based out of Norfolk, VA, and he served in the Aviation Fuels Division. After completing his military obligation, Coach Robinson enrolled in Prince George’s Community College and then transferred to Salisbury University where he majored in English and Education. At SU, Coach Robinson was a four-year letterman on the Seagulls football team.

After his college graduation, he became a teacher and head junior varsity football coach at Amelia County High School in Amelia, VA. Since then, Coach Robinson has served in a variety of coaching roles in North Carolina, including Saint Augustine’s College, S.E. Raleigh High School, Riverside High School and Warren County.

In 2008, Coach Robinson also became the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Phoenix, a member of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL). Lamont Robinson will be entering his twentieth year as a football coach this season.

Coach Robinson is excited about the opportunity to become the head football coach at J.F. Webb High School. Coach Robinson is also a father of a 12-year-old son, Mason Robinson.

JF Webb High School Principal Amy Rice offered her remarks, stating, “We are so excited to welcome Coach Robinson to the Warrior family. We look forward to the leadership he will provide our students on and off the field. We anticipate many successful seasons with him in this role.”

Warren Co. Memorial Library Announces Start of Book Pickup, Summer Reading Program

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-Information courtesy Warren County Government

No Contact Pickup:

Warren County Memorial Library will resume limited public operations beginning Wednesday, June 17, 2020, with the introduction of “No Contact Pickup.”

Library patrons will be able to place books and audiovisual materials on hold via the library catalog at any time, or by calling (252) 257-4990 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Library staff will pull the requested items and give the patron a call when the items are checked out and ready for pickup.

The library’s lobby will be open for book pickups on Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Your items will be placed in a bag with your name on it for you to grab and go. There will be no access to the main building, community room, or restrooms at this time.

Further steps for re-opening will be announced as details become available. All efforts are being made to fully return to serving patrons in person while mitigating any potential spread of the coronavirus.

During the pandemic, Warren County Memorial Library staff have worked to greatly expand the range of resources and services that are available online. If you need a library card or need to update an existing one, that can now be handled at the library website, www.wcmlibrary.org. You may also give the library staff a call at (252) 257-4990, and they will be happy to assist you.

Summer Reading 2020:

Warren County Memorial Library is excited to announce this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, “Imagine Your Story,” centered around fairytales, legends, myths, fables, and folklore.

While many people may be staying home this summer, readers are free to travel to worlds unknown with their imaginations. The Summer Reading Program will run from Monday, June 22 until Friday, July 24, 2020.

Reading during the summer months can make the difference between summer setbacks and summer success, leading to better academic performance when kids and teens return to school. This year will feel a little different as pandemic precautions have moved many of your favorite programs and books online. 

“We are thrilled with the work our entire staff has done to create a wonderful array of activities and suggested reads that can be enjoyed from the comfort and safety of home,” said Cheryl Reddish, Library Director. “We encourage readers of all ages to join the challenge beginning Monday, June 22 with a Kickoff Event.”

Adults are invited to participate in the “Read 4 Life” Adult Summer Reading Challenge, culminating in the Adult Zoom Book Discussion on Monday, July 20, 2020, from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m., where readers can share thoughts, suggestions and comments about the books they read, or just meet some Warren County readers. 

If residents need a library card, that is no problem. Library card signups can now be handled online at the library’s website: www.wcmlibrary.org. 

For More Information about the Library or to Access eResources: Go to www.wcmlibrary.org for event details and additional services offered. All library programs are free to access. Call the library for more information at (252) 257-4990. The library is located at 119 S. Front Street, Warrenton, NC 27589.

Cokesbury Fire Department

Cokesbury Fire Dept. Postpones July 4 Fireworks Extravaganza

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The Cokesbury Fire Department has released the following statement:

Cokesbury Fire Department has been patiently waiting to make a decision on our 2020 Fireworks Extravaganza. The Board of Directors, after weighing the potential of restrictions still being in place on July 4, has decided to postpone the fireworks until Saturday, September 5, 2020.

We waited until now to see what level of attendance would have been allowed, and also to gauge the comfort level that our people had as it related to public safety and our ability to put on the best show possible.

Look for additional information on the rescheduled fireworks as it gets closer to September.

Granville Co Sheriff

School Resource Officers Give Back to Community

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Granville County Government

Over the last three months, School Resource Officers (SRO’s) of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office have been providing assistance to local food pantries and area churches during the Covid-19 pandemic, packing, distributing and delivering more than 500,000 pounds of food to those in need. 

Those receiving assistance by Granville County’s School Resource Officers include the following locations, with food distribution totals reported through these efforts:

  • Area Congregations in Ministry (ACIM) – 325,817 pounds of food, which included 522 Senior Boxes (Commodity Supplemental Food Program for Seniors) and 815 family boxes (Food Bank COVID Relief Boxes);
  • Pleasant Grove Baptist Church – 2,500 cases (average 40 lbs. a box), totaling 100,000 pounds;
  • Delrayno Baptist Church – 2,500 cases (average 40 lbs. a box) totaling 100,000 pounds; and
  • FBC Food Bank, Creedmoor – 279 families served.

In addition, more than 24,000 boxes of breakfast, lunch and snacks through the BackPack Buddies program were delivered over a six-day period.

“Many of the volunteers we normally count on were not able to leave their homes due to the Stay At Home Order,” said Sue Hinman, Executive Director of ACIM. “If the SROs had not been there, we would not have been able to provide food to the many people who needed us. We truly appreciate their support and their help when we needed it most.”

The Granville County Sheriff’s Office has nine (9) School Resource Officers on staff. Following North Carolina school closure mandates – due to the COVID-19 pandemic – these SRO’s have assisted with food distribution since mid-March, making additional connections with families all over the county. 

“Every single SRO was a part of this effort,” Chief Deputy Sherwood Boyd remarked. “The kids all know that our SRO’s are there to help, and now their parents do, too. We were proud to have assisted our community in this way, helping meet the needs of our residents.”

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Calling All Young Professionals! H-V Chamber Organizing Group for Ages 21 – 40

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce is organizing a new Young Professionals group for ages 21 – 40. Who do you have in your business or organization that you could recommend?

This group will meet to socialize, network and share business referrals; receive professional development training; participate in community improvement projects; and be identified as leaders for civic club membership and board appointments in our community.

The participants must work for area businesses but do not have to have reside here. The group will meet during lunch hour or after work hours.

If you have business colleagues and associates in your business/organization that you would like to present for membership, please contact the Chamber at (252) 438-8414 or michele@hendersonvance.org.