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Vance County DSS Service Changes

March 23, 2020/by John C. Rose

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

— courtesy Denita DeVega, MA, Director of Vance County Department of Social Services

Vance County Department of Social Services has adjusted operational protocols in response to advisories regarding social distancing. Until further notice, effective March 24, 2020, face to face interactions will be limited.

Services will continue to be provided via email, fax, telephone, and in person as needed. There is a drop box located at the entrance of DSS available Monday through Friday 8:30AM-5PM. For assistance please continue to call 252-492-5001 and you will be directed to appropriate staff.

If your call is not returned timely, please call the following numbers for assistance 252-492-5001 ext. 3304 or 3307. For additional information on applying for services, requesting information, or making reports, please refer to the contact information below.

Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) – Applications and Recertification’s
Call (252) 492-5001 / Fax (252) 438-5997
Apply online for Food and Nutrition using https://epass.nc.gov

Medicaid
Call (252) 492-5001 then Option #2 / Fax (252) 438-5997
Apply for Medicaid using https://epass.nc.gov or www.healthcare.gov or email your application to teresa.wright@vance.nc.gov.

Medicaid Transportation
Call (252) 492-5001 then Option #4 / Fax (252) 438-5997

The eChild Support Portal provides customers an easy and convenient way to connect with child support services 24-7. Contact www.ncchildsupport.com for more information. For case status update and payment questions you can call Child Support Customer Service at 1-800-992-9457 or our main office at (252)-492-5001.

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) and Crisis Intervention Program (CIP)
Call (252) 492-5001 then Option #3 or ext. 3900 / Fax (252) 438-5997

Work First (Cash Assistance Applications, Reviews, and Employment Services)
Call (252) 492-5001 Option #7 then Option #2 / Fax (252) 438-5997

Subsidized Child Care Assistance (SCCA)
Call (252) 492-5001 Option #7 then Option #1 / Fax (252) 438-5997

Adult Services, Adult Protective Services, and Services for the Blind
Call (252) 492-5001 / Fax (252) 438-5997
(Call 911 to make a report after hours)

Child Protective Services (CPS) Intake
Call 252-436-0407 Monday-Friday 8:30 am to 5:00pm
After Hours/Weekends: 252-492-0202

Children’s Services-In-Home Services, Foster Care, Adoptions, LINKS, Licensing, Placement, etc.
Call 252-436-0407 Monday-Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
After Hours/Weekends: 252-492-0202

Vance County Senior Center
Call (252) 430-0257 / Fax (252) 433-9694

Granville County Government Declares State of Emergency

March 23, 2020/by WIZS Staff

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Granville County Government

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with increasing confirmed cases in North Carolina, the Granville County Board of Commissioners has approved the issuance of a Declaration of a State of Emergency.

Signed by Chairman David T. Smith, this declaration is also in response to the March 10, 2020, Executive Order No. 116 to coordinate response and to take protective actions regarding the prevention of the spread of the Coronavirus in our communities.

At the time of this document, Granville County has one confirmed case of COVID-19.

The Declaration includes all five municipalities of Granville County and goes into effect at 4:30 p.m. today, March 23, 2020.

The Declaration reads:

WHEREAS, COVID–19 is a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death and is a new strain of coronavirus previously unidentified in humans which can spread from person to person; and

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization declared COVID–19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, 2020; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC“) has warned of the high public health threat posed by COVID–19 globally and in the United States and has deemed it necessary to prohibit or restrict travel to areas designated by the CDC, and

WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, the United States Department of Health and Human Services Secretary declared a public health emergency in the United States for COVID–19 under Section 319 of the Public Health Service Act; and

WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020. the President of the United States, due to the spread of COVID–19, declared a national emergency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and corresponding regulations of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA“); and

WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, the Governor of the State of North Carolina by Executive Order No. 116 declared a state of emergency to coordinate response protective actions regarding the prevention of the spread of COVID–19 within the State of North Carolina and has since issued Executive Orders 117, 118, 119, and 120 dealing with the COVID 19 emergency and may issue additional Executive Orders in the future; and

WHEREAS, in consultation with health care professionals and based upon guidance from the CDC and NCDHHS, arrangements must be made immediately to take such actions that are deemed necessary and appropriate to ensure that COVID-19 remains controlled and that residents in Granville County remain safe and secure; and

WHEREAS, the spread of the disease poses an imminent threat to property in the County due to illness–related absenteeism, particularly among public safety personnel, healthcare personnel, and persons engaged in activities and businesses critical to the economy and infrastructure of the County; and

WHEREAS, at the time of this document‘s creation, Granville County has confirmed cases of Covid-19, 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 Granville County, North Carolina, and its municipalities, due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, 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 Granville County; and

WHEREAS, by and with the consent of the mayors of the municipalities within Granville County this Declaration applies within the municipal limits of the Town of Butner, the Town of Stem, the Town of Stovall, the City of Creedmoor and the City of Oxford, and

WHEREAS, this Declaration is in addition to the executive orders referenced above and should any provision hereof be declared to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such declaration shall not affect the validity of this Declaration as to any part thereof which is not specifically declared to be invalid or unconstitutional.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority contained in Article 1A of Chapter 166A of the North Carolina General Statutes, Article 36A of Chapter 14 of the North Carolina General Statutes, and Chapter 20 of the Granville County Code of Ordinances, I, David Smith, Chairman of the Granville County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim:

A State of Emergency exists within the County of Granville and by the request of the mayors of the Town of Butner, the Town of Stem, the Town of Stovall, the City of Creedmoor and the City of Oxford, within the corporate limits of those municipalities (the “Municipalities“).

The prohibitions and restrictions contained herein are necessary in order to maintain an acceptable level of public order, services, protection of lives, safety and property during this emergency.

Restrictions on Long Term Care Facilities. All nursing homes, long term care facilities and assisted living residences (including adult care homes and family care homes) shall follow any applicable guidance issued by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (“NCDHHS”), the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (“CMS”), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (“CDC”).

Restrictions on the use of playgrounds: Effective March 24, 2020, the use of publicly and privately-owned playground equipment is prohibited except as set out below. This prohibition does not apply to playground equipment at residences owned or leased by one or more people for their own living quarters or to the areas surrounding playground equipment including greenways, walking trails or other amenities of open spaces or parks. The foregoing notwithstanding, the county and each town, city, board of education, or charter school within Granville County may set its own rules in compliance with all state and federal laws for the operation of its playgrounds during the duration of this Declaration.

Restrictions on Access to Public Buildings and Facilities: No person shall access any building or facility owned or occupied by any county, town, city, board of education, or charter school within Granville County except in compliance with any restrictions which may be posted on the main entrance on such building or facility. Each county, town, city, board of education, or charter school may set its own rules in compliance with all state and federal laws for its hours of operation during the duration of this Declaration. Citizens are strongly urged to conduct all public business via internet or phone until further notice. Citizens with specific questions should contact the county, town, city, board of education, or charter school or department thereof with which he/she has business.

General Recommendations: All persons residing or present within Granville County, including its municipalities, are highly encouraged to comply with all recommendations of the Granville-Vance District Health Department, NCDHHS, CMS, and CDC for the testing, reporting, prevention, and control of COVID-19. These recommendations are updated frequently, and all persons are urged to stay up to date on the most recent recommendations.

All law enforcement officers, emergency management employees and all other county personnel employed by Granville 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 Granville County Emergency Operations Plan.

I hereby delegate to the Granville County Manager, and/or his designee, all power and authority granted to me and required of me by Article 1A of Chapter 166A and Article 36A of Chapter 14 of the North Carolina General Statutes, and by Chapter 20 of the Granville County Code of Ordinances, for the purpose of implementing the referenced Emergency Operations Plan, and to take such further action as is necessary to promote and secure the safety and protection of those dwelling in the County.

I further proclaim that the Emergency Operations Plan adopted by the County of Granville, and all applicable mutual assistance compacts and agreements are in effect and shall remain in effect until this Declaration is rescinded. All emergency management personnel subject to my control are hereby ordered to cooperate in the implementation of the provisions of the County’s Emergency Management Plan and all applicable mutual assistance compacts and agreements and to furnish assistance thereunder.

Granville County recognizes and acknowledges that it and each of the Municipalities are likely to incur substantial economic damage from the issuance of this Declaration and do 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 direct that copies of this Declaration be disseminated to the mass communications media for publication and broadcast and that a copy of this Declaration be posted in Granville County Courthouse and other public buildings as appropriate.

Pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. $166A-19.31(h), any person who violates this Declaration shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor in accordance with G.S. 14 288.20A

This Declaration shall be effective immediately and shall remain in effect until rescinded pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. $166A-19.22(c).

Proclaimed this the 23rd day of March at 4:30 p.m.

David T. Smith

David Smith Chairman, Granville County Board of Commissioners

Warren County Operations Updates 3/23/2020

March 23, 2020/by John C. Rose

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Warren County Updates Announced to County Operations; Announcement of NC Executive Order No. 120

— from the Warren County Manager’s Office

As of March 23, 2020 at 5:00 pm, all Warren County, Warren County Schools, Town of Norlina, and Town of Macon playgrounds, basketball courts, and pickleball courts are closed to the public. Team sports are also prohibited at these facilities as well.

Effective March 23rd, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office will be closed to the public until further notice. Please call 252-257-3364 with business-related questions and concerns. Anyone needing to enter the Sheriff’s Office will be screened. If information is being requested after 5:00 pm, weekends, or holidays the contact number is 252-257-3456. No finger printing will be done until further notice. There will be no more than two occupants in the waiting area at one time.

Additionally, Governor Roy Cooper has issued an Executive Order closing an additional set of businesses beginning 5 pm on March 25th. This Executive Order will impact many local businesses in Warren County, including (but not limited to): gyms, barber shops, hair and beauty salons, gaming establishments (sweepstakes lounges), bingo halls, tattoo parlors, and massage therapy.

The Executive Order also limits mass gatherings to 50 attendees or less. This order also extends school closure to May 15th and extends additional restrictions for long-term care facilities. Executive Orders can be found at https://governor.nc.gov/news/executive-orders.

For more information, contact the Warren County Manager’s Office at 252-257-3115 Monday-Friday from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm or visit www.warrencountync.com.

H-V Chamber, Economic Development & Partners Support Local Small Businesses

March 23, 2020/by Kelly Bondurant

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce President Michele Burgess and Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission Director Dennis Jarvis appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Burgess reported that the Chamber of Commerce and Vance County Economic Development offices are working together in partnership with Vance-Granville Community College, the Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments (COG), the Henderson Downtown Development Commission, and other entities to ensure local businesses, especially small business leaders, have updated information on remaining afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.

With the U.S. Small Business Administration granting Governor Roy Cooper’s request for a disaster declaration, NC small businesses that are suffering economic losses due to coronavirus will have the opportunity to apply for low-interest economic injury disaster loans (EIDLs).

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov.

While encouraged by the assistance provided by the SBA, Jarvis stated that there are also local organizations, such as the Kerr Tar COG, offering business owners a range of low-interest loans to suit their needs.

“It’s not any different than going to a traditional lender – the terms are the same, your amortization schedule is the same,” said Jarvis. “What they are able to do is to wave some requirements that are on traditional funding programs.”

The COG serves the five-county area of Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin and Person and can be reached by phone at (252) 436-2040 or online at www.kerrtargcog.org.

For workers who have been laid off or temporarily furloughed due to the coronavirus shutdown, Governor Cooper’s office announced a relaxing of sorts on unemployment qualifications, including the removal of a one-week waiting period after termination and not holding employers responsible for benefits paid.

Burgess listed NC Works Career Center as a local Vance County agency that will assist with issues affecting your workforce such as lay-offs, hiring, etc. Visit them online at www.ncworks.gov or call (252) 438-6129 for assistance.

You may also visit the NC Department of Commerce’s Employment Security website for more detailed information (click here) and to apply for unemployment (click here).

Information regarding the coronavirus outbreak and its effect on local businesses and the economy may be obtained by visiting the Chamber’s website at www.hendersonvance.org and the Economic Development website at www.vancecountyedc.com.

According to Burgess, the website for the H-V Chamber of Commerce is being updated daily. Clicking on the link at the top of the home page marked “COVID-19” will give viewers access to information including low-interest loans, phone numbers to call for questions about unemployment, employee layoffs, the latest news from the Granville Vance Public Health Department, etc.

VCS Updates: School Buildings to Remain Closed Through May 15

March 23, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools continues the journey through COVID-19 and how it is impacting not only our education system but our families as well. We learned today that the Governor is mandating that school buildings remain closed for students through May 15, 2020.

Remote Learning

The Vance County Schools Remote Learning platform and many resources are available on our district website for students Pre-K through 12th grade. Students have a variety of ways to receive instruction: learning packets, online or a blended model of the two. We are working with each individual student’s situation to ensure we are meeting their needs academically.

An opportunity to pick up new packets, as well as drop off completed ones will be provided after Spring Break. Each school will send out instructions on this process. If you have any questions about your child’s remote learning, please contact the school for further guidance.

Meal Distribution

Meal pick up continues this week, Monday through Thursday (March 23 – 26) from 11 a.m – 1 p.m. Pick up sites include Aycock Elementary, EM Rollins Elementary, Zeb Vance Elementary, New Hope Elementary, Vance County Middle and Vance County High.

Spring Break

As a reminder, Spring Break will be from March 30 – April 3. During that time, we have coordinated with several churches and organizations for meal distribution to take place on March 31. Please check our website for updates on pick-up locations.

Events/Facility Rentals/Athletics

Due to the Governor extending the executive order for the closure of school buildings, all school and district-wide events scheduled now through May 15, 2020, are canceled. Arts Alive, previously scheduled for April 25, 2020, is postponed, with the hope to reschedule.

Additionally, all facility rentals are canceled during that time and athletics will remain suspended until at least May 18, 2020.

Office Hours

Vance County Schools is continuing to work to ensure we are available for our families as we face the impacts of COVID-19. To curb the spread of the coronavirus, we are moving towards conducting business with minimal personal contact. Every school office and district office will continue to be available by phone from 9 a.m. -4 p.m. We apologize for the inconvenience but safety continues to be a priority for our district.

We will continue to keep our families up-to-date with the latest information. We realize that things are not easy at the moment for many in our community, but we are committed to doing all that we can for each and every child. As a reminder, should you have any questions or concerns about remote learning, meals, the calendar or other issues, please reach out to your child’s school.

City of Oxford Declares State of Emergency Effective March 23

March 23, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Information courtesy The City of Oxford

PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE EXISTENCE OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN OXFORD, NORTH CAROLINA

WHEREAS, COVID–19 is a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death by the SARS CoV–2 virus, which is a new strain of coronavirus previously unidentified in humans and which can spread from person to person; and,

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization declared COVID–19 is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, 2020; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the “CDC”) has warned of the high public health threat posed by COVID–19 globally and in the United States and has deemed it necessary to prohibit or restrict travel to areas designated by the CDC, and

WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, the United States Department of Health and Human Services Secretary declared a public health emergency in the United States for COVID–19 under Section 391 of the Public Health Service Act; and

WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed multiple cases of COVID–19 in the State of North Carolina, including one or more cases in Granville County; and

WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper declared a State of Emergency for the State of North Carolina based on the public health emergency posed by COVID–19; and

WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the President of the United States declared a national emergency; and

WHEREAS, on March 23, 2020, the Chairman of the Granville County Board of Commissioners issued a Declaration of a State of Emergency for Granville County; and,

WHEREAS, immediate attention is required to protect public health from the spread of the disease, reduce further damage, ensure public safety, and render emergency relief, and

WHEREAS, I, Jacqueline vdH Sergent, Mayor of the City of Oxford, North Carolina, do find that the potential spread of COVID–19 within the City of Oxford constitutes an imminent threat to the safety and welfare of the City of Oxford that existing conditions have caused or may cause widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life, and public safety authorities may be unable to maintain public order or afford adequate protection for lives or property, and

WHEREAS, declaring a State of Emergency and imposing the restrictions and prohibitions ordered herein is necessary to maintain order and protect public health, safety, and welfare.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as the Mayor of the City of Oxford under Article 1A of Chapter 166A of the North Carolina General Statutes and Chapter 7 of the City of Oxford Code of Ordinances, after conferring with my colleagues on the Oxford Board of Commissioners, I, Jacqueline vdH Sergent, Mayor of the City of Oxford, North Carolina, hereby declare and proclaim that a State of Emergency exists within the City of Oxford.

SECTION 1. Emergency Area Established. The emergency area covered by this Emergency Proclamation shall be the entire jurisdiction of the City of Oxford.

SECTION 2. Adoption of Granville County Declaration. I, Jacqueline vdH Sergent, Mayor of the City of Oxford, North Carolina, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. $ 166A–19.22, do affirm that the Declaration of a State of Emergency issued by Granville County applies in its entirety to the City of Oxford.

SECTION 3. Implementation and Enforcement. I hereby order all City of Oxford law enforcement officers and employees and all other emergency management personnel subject to our control to cooperate in the enforcement and implementation of the provisions of this declaration, all applicable local ordinances, state and federal laws, and the City of Oxford Emergency Operations Plan. I urge all City of Oxford residents and businesses to follow the advice and recommendations of the CDC, and the advice and recommendations of the federal, state, and county governments regarding our public health and controlling the spread of this virus.

SECTION 4. Distribution. I hereby order this declaration: (a) to be distributed to the news media and other organizations calculated to bring its contents to the attention of the general public; (b) to be filed with the City of Oxford Clerk, and (c) to be distributed to others as necessary to ensure proper implementation of this declaration.

SECTION 5. Effective Date and Time. This Declaration of Emergency shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect until modified or rescinded.

DECLARED this the 23rd day of March 2020, at 4:30 p.m.

Spring Street Missionary Baptist to Offer Community Free Food, Clothing

March 23, 2020/by WIZS Staff

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy Pinky Davis-Boyd, Spring Street Missionary Baptist Church

On Friday, March 27, 2020, from the hours of 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., Spring Street Missionary Baptist Church will provide free food and clothing to the community in the church parking lot.

The church is located at 511 Orange Street in Henderson.

Granville Co. Government Continues to Make Operational Changes – Updated March 24

March 23, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County Government continues to work closely with Granville-Vance Public Health and to take precautionary measures, following guidance from the local health department and from the CDC. With everyone’s safety in mind, these operational changes have been implemented in response to COVID-19:

Granville County Senior Services: All three Senior Centers (Oxford, Creedmoor and Stovall) are closed to participants until further notice. Group activities, classes, group meetings and special events have been canceled.

Because the tax deadline has been changed to July 15, the tax assistance program has been temporarily suspended and will restart on Thursday, May 14 from 5 until 8 p.m., ending on July 9. Appointments currently on the books will be rescheduled and new appointments will be taken.

Home delivered meals continue and congregate meals (on-site) are available as a drive-through option. Those not able to use the drive-through option should call the Senior Center at 919-693-1930 to ask about being placed on a home-delivered route. KARTS has also made the decision to temporarily discontinue the around-town shuttle until further notice.

Department of Social Services: To better serve residents who need assistance, the Department of Social Services is also accepting applications for Food and Nutrition assistance, Medicaid, Work First Family Assistance or any other economic service program through DSS online, by phone or by mail. To apply by phone, please call 919-693-1511. To apply online, please visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/social-services/. To apply by mail, send application to P.O. Box 966, Oxford NC, 27565.

Granville County Library System: All four branches of the Granville County Library have been closed to the public as of March 21, but curbside service is available Monday through Friday at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford and at the South Branch in Creedmoor. Library patrons can call or email either library to request materials for pickup between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., then give the library a call upon arrival. (Limit five books, five DVDs and five audiobooks.)

In addition, all scheduled events and programs have been canceled and meeting rooms will not be available for public use until the state of emergency is lifted. All services to nursing homes and assisted living centers have also been postponed until further notice. Deadlines for all materials currently checked out will be automatically extended. The Thornton Library can be reached at 919-693-1121 and the phone number for the South Branch is 919-528-1752.

Granville County Animal Management: For a limited time, fees will be waived for pet adoptions and rescue pulls. For safety precautions, visitors to the shelter can only come into the facilities for purposes of adoption or rescue, or if looking for lost animals. In addition, rabies vaccinations for owned animals are being suspended until further notice. For questions, please call 919-693-6749.

Granville County Courthouse: As of March 23, the Granville County Clerk’s Office will be interacting with the public through their cashiering window. Residents are encouraged to call 919-699-4800 before coming to the courthouse, as there are a number of matters that can be handled over the phone or through the N.C. Courts’ website at www.nccourts.gov.

By order of the Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, many court matters are being continued and rescheduled until after April 13, 2020. Exceptions are proceedings necessary to preserve statutory and constitutional rights in criminal cases, such as first appearances; and proceedings necessary to obtaining emergency relief, such as protective and restraining orders. Matters that fall into these exceptions will proceed as necessary and required by law before the Court.

Cases that will be continued and rescheduled until after April 13, 2020, include 1. Magistrate’s and Small Claims Court; 2. Regular Civil and Criminal District Court; 3. Civil and Criminal Superior Court; and 4. Most Estate and Special Proceedings Hearings before the Clerk. The Clerk’s Office will mail notice of a new hearing date for all matters that are continued and are rescheduled.

Granville County Sheriff’s Office: As of March 23 and until further notice, only one person will be admitted inside the front lobby of the Sheriff’s Office. Visitation in the Granville County Jail is also restricted until further notice. Fingerprint services have been suspended until April 13.

Effective immediately, crime reports of a non–violent nature will be taken over the phone or by email, if at all possible. These reports include, but are not limited to misdemeanor theft, harassing communications, lost property, identity theft, computer/phone/mail scams. The phone number for the Sheriff’s Office is 919-693-3213 and the email address is granville.sheriff@granvillecounty.org. For more serious concerns, all residents are asked to call 9-1-1.

Granville County 9-1-1: Residents should be aware that telecommunicators are screening all calls for COVID-19 symptoms. Any “yes” answers to the questions asked will be relayed to emergency responders so that they will be prepared and aware.

Inspections and Planning: As of Monday, March 23, the Planning and Inspections Department will be closed to the public. Residents can reach staff members by phone or by email. Appointments that are necessary will be made. In addition, a drop box will be located in the hallway for plan and application submittals. Field inspections will continue but may be limited. Online payment access is also available. Call 919-603-1326 to have an online payment link sent to your email address.

Granville County Office of N.C. Forest Service: The Granville office location is temporarily closed to the public until further notice. Burning permits will be made available online at ncforestservice.gov. Residents should be aware that staffing adjustments may increase response times for inquiries and assistance. To reach a staff member, call 919-482-2301. For emergencies, please dial 9-1-1.

Parks and Recreation: Although tournament play has been canceled, Granville Athletic Park remains open for public use. Residents are asked to follow health recommendations for gatherings, including social distancing. Avoid being closer than six feet from anyone, whenever possible, and limit physical contact. Remember that gatherings should be limited to 50 people or less. Reservations for picnic shelters and other amenities can still be made by calling the GAP at 919-693-3716.

Soil and Water Conservation: The Soil and Water Conservation office is closed to the public until further notice; however, the Natural Resource Conservationist continues to work in the office and in the field and can be reached at 919-693-4603 or at byron.currin@granvillecounty.org.

Meeting cancellations: Several committee meetings and meetings of independent boards have been canceled or postponed. For a listing of canceled/postponed meetings and events scheduled through Granville County Government, please visit www.granvillecounty.org for notices.

Governor Orders Increased Access to Childcare, DMV Clarifications

March 23, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper has waived restrictions to increase access to caregivers to provide flexible child care and elder care during the coronavirus emergency. The Order provides flexibility to local health departments working to adapt to the increased need for their resources.

Additionally, it provides for ways for Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices to enact social distancing protections and waives some registration requirements to ensure resources can be delivered by truck throughout the state.

“Doctors, nurses, first responders and other critical personnel need to know their children are safe so they can continue to respond during this time of crisis,” said Governor Cooper. “And we’re loosening trucking requirements so important medicine and equipment can get quickly to the people in all 100 counties that need it.”

The Order provides for the following provisions:

Improve access to safe, flexible child care for first responders, emergency personnel, food preparers and others;
Transfer authority to local health departments to be more flexible with mandates during the crisis, so they can prioritize the most needed services;
Lifts some restrictions so that volunteers and other caregivers may care for children and elders during the crisis.

The transportation waiver includes provisions to:

Allow DMV offices to ensure appropriate social distancing including requiring appointments and making sure offices have enough space for DMV customers;
Postpone DMV hearings that can reasonably be delayed during the crisis response;
Offers clarity around regulations so that critical supplies can get where they are needed throughout the state;
Waive Commercial Driver’s License requirements to ensure school buses can be utilized in responding to the crisis.

The North Carolina Council of State concurred with the order Friday. The full order is available here.

For more information, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus, which includes daily updates on positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina.

Warren Co. Partners with Loaves & Fishes Ministries to Offer Food Pickup

March 23, 2020/by WIZS Staff

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-Press Release, Warren County Government

Citizens of Warren County and around the world have found themselves in an unprecedented position with the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of you have inquired about ways to help your neighbors right here in your home community of Warren County.

Warren County government is partnering with Warrenton-based non-profit, Loaves & Fishes Ministries, to help facilitate neighbors helping neighbors and ensuring all of our residents have access to food options during this difficult time.

Food and monetary donations can be dropped off at Loaves & Fishes, located at 538 W. Ridgeway Street in Warrenton, NC (behind the Health Department), on Mondays and Wednesdays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. All donations will be accepted.

If you, your organization, or business is interested in providing volunteer services for the Loaves & Fishes Ministries food bank, please call Warren County Emergency Services at 252-257-1191. All volunteers for Loaves & Fishes will be coordinated through Emergency Services. At this time, no more than 12 volunteers are needed per day.

Loaves & Fishes is currently available to all members of the public for food pick-up on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

For more information, call Loaves & Fishes at 252-257-1160 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. You can also call the site manager, Rosa Jones, at 252-431-4445. Loaves & Fishes Ministries is on Facebook @lfmwarrenton.