News 03/02/20
100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
Vance County Schools Addresses Coronavirus Concerns
THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-Press Release, Vance County Schools
Vance County Schools continues to follow the guidance of local, state, and federal health officials regarding all communicable diseases. With the current concerns around COVID-19 coronavirus, the state of North Carolina has no reported cases at this time. Medical experts have indicated that the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are the same recommendations for preventing the spread of the flu.
The district is in the process of installing hand sanitizer stations near the Main Entrances of all of our facilities. All hard surfaces will be appropriately cleaned with EPA-registered disinfectants. Also, additional refresher training is being provided to our custodial and maintenance teams. Our buses will be disinfected appropriately as well.
The district is encouraging students and staff to follow basic prevention guidelines. Here are some helpful tips that, with everyone’s help, will aid in prevention:
- Wash your hands frequently – and thoroughly. Use a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then, throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
- Remain home with a fever – if you have a temperature of 100.4 or greater, you should remain home until you are 24 hours fever free without fever-reducing medication.
- Use the appropriate EPA-registered disinfectants on high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, tabletops, electronics, light switches, and more.
We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust protocols and processes as warranted. Updates will be posted on our district website at www.vcs.k12.nc.us.
Additional Information and links:
Vance County Schools: Emergency Health Information for Coronavirus can be found here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus (English) can be found here; in Spanish here.
Coronavirus Q&A can be found here.
How to Clean and Disinfect Schools to Help Slow the Spread of the Flu information is available here.
Coronavirus updates from the CDC can be found here.
Granville Tourism Development Authority Wins Regional Award
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-Press Release, Granville County Government
At their annual Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Connections Conference held in Little Rock, Arkansas, Granville County’s Tourism Director Angela Allen and the Granville County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) was recognized with the Best Marketing Shining Example Award for its “Uniquely Carolina” campaign.
Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen was recently recognized with the “Shining Example” award by the Southeast Tourism Society. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)
The “Uniquely Carolina” brand was unveiled at the 2019 Hot Sauce Festival this past September and has already received top honors by the North Carolina Travel Association. According to Allen, the need to refresh the brand was long overdue, as there was no consistent or unique brand message to deliver a compelling reason to visit Granville County.
As part of the re-branding process, Allen and the TDA Board of Directors interviewed over 100 county stakeholders, including industry partners, government officials, community leaders and local volunteers. They also conducted focus groups, with community outreach including the completion of surveys to residents, community leaders and teachers.
“We developed our brand with input from those in the community,” Allen explains. “Granville County offers outdoor spaces where visitors can come and relax, festivals and venues where they can gather with friends, and shops, restaurants, farms and markets where they can step away and discover Granville County. We really feel the new brand and identity captures our county and the tourism community.”
The Southeast Tourism Society is comprised of all states in the southeast, stretching beyond the Mississippi River to include Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana. STS brings together tourism professionals from the state and local levels who share the mutual belief that regional promotion of tourism creates a powerful marketing alliance.
As part of this partnership, STS evaluates marketing programs of the 13 states in the southeast region, selecting three as the “best of the best.” The three winners are identified by size: smaller community, mid-size, and large city/state levels.
“We are thrilled to see Angela Allen win a Shining Example award for such a great campaign,” said Wit Tuttell, Vice-President of Tourism and Marketing for North Carolina. “This campaign does an excellent job focusing on the authentic experiences in Granville. That’s exactly what visitors want to know, and it fits perfectly with our efforts to promote ‘Firsts That Last’ for people who visit North Carolina.”
Additionally, the state of North Carolina was recognized with the marketing award on the state level.
“We are part of the Carolinas,” Angela further explains. “North Carolina has an incredibly positive image with residents and travelers. We want to continue to capture and reflect the attraction of being in North Carolina, so for the professionals across STS to recognize the work in Granville as the best across all 13 states in the region is actually a tribute to the whole community.”
For more information about Granville County’s “Uniquely Carolina” campaign, or to find out more about the local tourism industry, contact Allen at 919-693-6125 or at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org. Those interested in the local events and attractions that bring visitors to our area can also visit www.visitgranvillenc.com.
Reminder: One-Stop Early Voting for March Primary Ends This Weekend
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-Information courtesy the Vance County Board of Elections
A reminder that One-Stop Early Voting for the March 3 Primary will end on Saturday, February 29, 2020. The hours of operation for February 29 are 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. There are two voting sites, one is at the Vance County Board of Elections office and the other is at the Henderson Operations Center on Beckford Drive.
All absentee ballots must be returned by Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at 5 p.m. or must be postmarked by March 3, 2020, and received in the Board of Elections Office by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2020.
Voters WILL NOT be required to show photo ID for the March 3, 2020 Primary Election. In a December 31 order, a federal district court blocked North Carolina’s voter photo ID requirement from taking effect. This injunction will remain in place until further order of the court. If you have any questions, please contact the State Board of Elections at (919) 814-0744.
For more information, please visit the Vance County Board of Election website (click here) or the State Board of Elections website (click here).
Perry Memorial Library and VITA Offering Free Tax Preparation Services
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-Information courtesy Perry Memorial Library
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is offering free tax preparation services at Perry Memorial Library in Henderson now through Monday, April 13, 2020, on Mondays from 3 – 7 p.m.; Thursdays from 3 – 5 p.m.; Fridays from 3 – 5 p.m.
Please bring all income documentation, picture ID, Social Security card(s) for all dependents and health insurance information.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $56,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.
IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.
No appointment needed – First Come, First Served.
H-V Chamber of Commerce Announces 2020 Sponsorship Opportunities
-Information courtesy The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce announces its 2020 sponsorship opportunities. This is a chance to support the Chamber’s membership events and to promote your business. If interested in a sponsorship or with any questions, please contact Michele Burgess or Sandra Wilkerson at (252) 438-8414.
Shop With A Cop
Presenting Sponsor (only 1) Maria Parham Health – $3000
- Company name on ticket board, company name on tickets, Company recognized on Facebook live kickoff event and raffle drawing event, recognition in Chamber publications, recognition on all media outlets, recognition at shopping day with the kids, recognition on Chamber radio minutes.
Gold Sponsor (unlimited) – $1000
- Company recognition on Facebook live kickoff event and raffle drawing event, recognition in Chamber publications, recognition at actual shopping day, recognition on Chamber radio minutes.
Silver Sponsor (unlimited) – $750
- Company recognition on Facebook live kickoff event and raffle drawing event, recognition on Chamber radio minutes, recognition on actual shopping day.
Bronze Sponsor (unlimited) – $500
- Company recognition at Facebook live kickoff event and raffle drawing event.
Golf Tournament
Presenting Sponsor (only 1) Truist Bank – $3000
- Two teams of 4 players, company banner provided by sponsor displayed at tournament, company name on all printed tournament materials, presenter at awards ceremony, space provided for company tent and table, hole sponsor signage, recognition on all media outlets, the sole right to provide golf goody bags at tournament, game tickets for eight players, recognition in Focus newsletter and Business Outlook Magazine.
Gold Sponsor (unlimited) – $1000
- One team of 4 players, game tickets for four players, hole signage, space provided for company tent and table, recognition in Chamber publications, recognition at tournament. Recognition in Focus newsletter and Business Outlook Magazine, Beverage Cart Sponsor signage.
Silver Sponsor (unlimited) – $750
- One team of 4 players and signage, recognition in Chamber publications, recognition at tournament.
Bronze Sponsor (unlimited) – $600
- One team of 4 players and signage, recognition at tournament.
Leadership-Vance Graduation Ceremony
Gold Sponsor (limited to 1) – $1,500
- Program and signage and verbal recognition at ceremony, social media recognition, table provided for promotional material from your business, two tickets to the ceremony.
Silver Sponsor (unlimited) – $750
- Program and verbal recognition at ceremony, two tickets to ceremony.
Bronze (unlimited) – $400
- Program and verbal recognition at ceremony.
Leadership-Vance Lunch Sponsor $300 (unlimited)
- Agenda, signage and verbal recognition at one of Leadership-Vance Tour days.
Business After Hours $200 (limited to 6 separate businesses)
- Opportunity to host a Business After Hours at your business or designated location.
Chamber provides: logo and email blast for the invitation, social media recognition and radio minute recognition.
Business provides: location of choice, food, beverage, area to display promotional items and brief comments about your business.
WOVEN (Women of Vance Empowered Networking)
Program Sponsor for one quarterly meeting – $100 (unlimited)
- Recognition on program and verbally, table provided to display your business information.
Media/Marketing Sponsor
Gold (unlimited) – $1000
- Prominent recognition on all Chamber publications, recognition on the Chamber’s website, one annual feature article in Chamber Focus newsletter, recognition in quarterly Business Outlook magazine, twelve annual Chamber radio minutes featuring your company,
Silver (unlimited) – $750
- Recognition on all Chamber publications, recognition in quarterly Business Outlook magazine, eight annual radio minutes featuring your company
Bronze (unlimited) – $500
- Recognition in quarterly Business Outlook magazine, six annual radio minutes.
Granville Board of Education to Meet March 2
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-Information courtesy Granville County Public Schools
NOTICE TO PUBLIC AND PRESS
The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a regular board meeting on Monday, March 2, 2020, at 6 p.m. at the Central Services Building, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina.
The Board will also meet in a Closed Session with the Board’s attorney in accordance with N.C. General Statute pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a) on this evening.
To view the agenda for this meeting, please click here.
Deported Alien, Found in Warren Co., Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges
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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Wilmington has returned indictments charging OMAR LABRA-TREJO, age 50, of Mexico, and JOSE GUILLERMO LEIVA-GALVAN, age 34, of Honduras, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
If convicted of illegal reentry, LABRA-TREJO, previously deported twice and found in Warren County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
LEIVA-GALVAN, previously deported and found in New Hanover County, is alleged to have been previously removed subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction (felony larceny). Therefore, if convicted, he would face a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.
News 02/28/20
100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
Town Talk 02/27/20: Planning Underway for Kerr Lake Fireworks, Henderson Car Show
THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
Vance County Tourism Development Authority’s Pam Hester and Norman Dickerson appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.
While seemingly a bit early in the year to discuss the Fourth of July Fireworks at Kerr Lake and the fall car show, Hester explained that the planning of these events is a “year-long process.”
The 19th Annual Show, Shine, Shag & Dine Classic Car Show will be held in downtown Henderson on Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17.
“We are up to our eyeballs with car show and fireworks,” said Hester. “We are hoping to make the car show even bigger and better than it was last year if that is at all possible.”
New for 2020, Southern Classic Cars will hold an additional cruise-in event on Sunday, October 18, giving car show enthusiasts another day of entertainment and providing local businesses such as hotels and restaurants another day of visitor revenue.
Located at 117 Horner Street in Henderson, Founder and CEO Charles Bowman and staff plan to hold a cruise-in the third Sunday of every month beginning in March, according to Hester.
“This will get people used to coming to car shows in Henderson and give our annual car show visitors a reason to stay one more night,” Hester said.
For the fireworks show scheduled for Saturday, July 4, with activities planned from 3 until 10 p.m., Hester and Dickerson said it takes multiple agencies and volunteers working together to make everyone’s Independence Day fun, and more importantly, safe.
“Between 14-16 agencies are involved in the fireworks show – governmental, state, other regulatory and volunteers” explained Dickerson. “It takes a good coordination of all these organizations to make the 20 minutes of kaboom happen.”
Events such as the car show and fireworks display aren’t possible without collaboration between organizations and between counties, Hester said. “Everybody in the five-county area has a unique, individual thing to offer and each of the five counties can benefit from the uniqueness of the other four counties if we all work together.”
Giving an example, Hester said Henderson does not have enough hotel rooms to accommodate all of the visitors to the annual car show. As a result, guests spill over into neighboring counties that enjoy the economic boost from hotel room rentals, restaurant meals consumed, gas purchased, etc.
“Norman and I can’t do what we do on our own,” Hester said. “We have to have collaboration, and I feel like we have formed some very valuable partnerships with other agencies and people in this county. That’s what makes us successful.”
For more information on Vance County Tourism events, please visit www.kerrlake-nc.com.
To hear the interview with Hester and Dickerson in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.