Michael Fisher, Vance Co. Board of Commissioners (District 2) Candidate
Henderson City Council’s Land Planning Committee to Meet Sept. 3
City of Henderson’s Sewer System Bypassed 786,000 Gallons of Untreated Water
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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health
Granville Vance Public Health will kick off its Diabetes Prevention Program with a pre-diabetes screener and Diabetes Prevention class on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, at 5:30 p.m.
The new Diabetes Prevention class will be held at Oxford United Methodist Church in Oxford, NC. The class will be limited to ten to ensure social distancing guidelines are met. For those uncomfortable with attending in person, a virtual option will be offered.
Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. To determine if you are at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes and qualify for the class, take the pre-diabetes screener at https://.surveymonkey.com/r/3VPHQK2.
For more information on GVPH’s Diabetes Prevention Program, please contact regional coordinator and lifestyle coach Ashton Johnson at (919) 690-2114 or ajohnson@gvdhd.org.
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-Obituary courtesy Sossamon Funeral Home
James Martin “Jimmy” Cordell, 77, of Henderson, NC died Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at Maria Parham Health.
Born in Durham County, he was the son of the late George Franklin Cordell and Gertrude Hunt Cordell Breland.
Jimmy retired as a Lieutenant in the investigation division of the Vance County Sheriff’s Department where he proudly served for thirty-four years. In recognition of his dedicated service, he was the recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award from Gov. Mike Easley. He was a member of the Henderson Masonic Lodge #229 and a member of the Granville County Shrine Club and Tri-County Shrine Club and was a member of Amran Temple. He attended Calvary Baptist Church in Henderson.
Surviving are two daughters; Tammy C. Williams (Anthony) and Lisa C. Baker (A.P. III), one son; Steve F. Cordell (Anita), the mother of his children; Linda A. Cordell, seven grandchildren; Matthew Williams, Nathan Williams, Jessica Williams, Payton Baker, Price Baker, Chelsey McCann (William) and Kasey Newcomb (Sam), three great-grandchildren; Kayleigh Mae McCann, Anna Kate McCann and Cullen Sanderson.
A funeral service will be held Friday, September 4, 2020, at 11 a.m. at South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church, conducted by the Rev. Frank Sossamon and Dr. Gene Wood. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.
Serving as active pallbearers are Matthew Williams, Nathan Williams, Price Baker, William McCann, Sam Sanderson, W.L. Harris, Tim Robinson and Rudy Hunt. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be members of the Vance County Sheriff’s Department, City of Henderson Fire Department, all Master Masons and Shriners.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Masonic Home for Children, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565.
The family will receive friends at his home.
We ask that all who attend the service practice social distancing and wear a face mask. The service will be live-streamed on at https://www.youtube.com/
Arrangements are by Sossamon Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.sossamonfuneralhome.com
On Wednesday’s segment of the noon news, WIZS remembered Cordell. “WIZS expresses its condolences to the family of Jimmy Cordell and to our friend and public servant Steve Cordell, Henderson Fire Chief, on the passing of his father. We will remember Jimmy fondly and respectfully. He had a very good sense of humor and will be greatly missed in our community.”
THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-Press Release, Vance County Schools
Vance County Schools has surpassed the state graduation rate once again, while also posting the highest graduation rate in the history of the district.
We are pleased to report that our 2019-2020 graduation rate is 90.3%, compared to the state graduation rate of 87.6%. This represents an increase of 3.6% over the 2018-2019 4-year graduation rate of 86.7%. Seven years ago, Vance County Schools’ posted a graduation rate of 64.9% — the lowest in the state. We have improved our graduation rate by over 25% during that time, now surpassing the state graduation rate.
For the 2019-2020 year, Vance County Schools met or exceeded the state average in 8 of the 9 measurable subgroups. Those exceeding the state average included male, female, black, Hispanic, economically disadvantaged, English learner, and student with disabilities. The state and our district both measured greater than 95% for Academically and Intellectually Gifted students.
Our Superintendent, Dr. Anthony Jackson, is beginning his sixth year leading Vance County Schools. With each passing year, our graduation rate is improving. “This is a tremendous accomplishment for our district. As our graduation rate continues to climb, it gives certainty that the strategies and programs we have in place are preparing our students for their future. It also reiterates that when we work together, progress is possible.”
Our district continues to make progress, bringing innovative programs, partnering with our students and families, and personalizing education options for our students. We have robust fine arts programs at every school in our district. Additionally, we offer an alternative pathway for grades 6-12, a K-5 year-round STEAM Academy, our 6-8 STEM Early High School, an Early College High School, and new this year, an entirely virtual K-12 school. With 16 schools in our district, we are working hard to ensure our students have a learning environment that fits what they are seeking.
We continue to extend our program offerings to our students, providing a variety of opportunities for them within our schools. We offer Career and Technical Education programs, providing 13 career pathways for our students. Our Early College has been named one of the Best High Schools in America and our district continues to thrive with digital convergence through Modern Teacher, having been recently recognized nationally for the progress in the strategic planning process.
The programs and digital resources available for our students, the personalized education available through school options, the relationships being built between our staff and families, and the efforts of our community partnering with us, continue to be at the forefront of our students’ success.
We are extremely proud of our district and all that has been accomplished. We still have room to grow and Dr. Jackson emphasizes that “we will not be satisfied until all of our students graduate on time; the stakes are too high to accept otherwise.”
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-Press Release, Vance County Schools
Vance County Schools recently added its sixteenth school to the district – Vance Virtual Village Academy, also known as V3. V3 is an entirely virtual school for students in grades K-12.
As the school year kicked off, the students of V3 worked to establish their identity relative to school colors and mascot. The students voted on their school colors and official mascot then participated in a school logo design contest.
Devin Crump, a sixth-grader at V3, designed the official logo for the school. The new mascot and colors were unveiled on September 1, 2020.
VCS is excited to reveal the Vance Virtual Village Academy Huskies. Their school colors are crimson and gray. The Huskies have an enrollment of over 200 students in their first year and look forward to an amazing 2020-2021 school year!
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-Press Release, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments
Many small and local businesses in the Kerr-Tar Region have been negatively affected by COVID-19. In an effort to provide support to those businesses, the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments is rolling out the Open for Business Loan Program.
This loan program is designed to help small to medium size businesses recover from the economic effects of this pandemic.
The Open for Business Loan is a non-forgivable interest-free loan, ranging from $10,000 – $100,000. Eligible borrowers are small to medium size (1-99 employees) businesses who have been in business for at least 12 months and must be located in Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance or Warren counties.
Documentation providing evidence of a loss of revenue since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic is required. All loans will require a personal guarantee and additional collateral. Funds can only be used for working capital and/or equipment and require an application fee of $200. Standard loan terms of 5 to 10 years.
The Open for Business Loan Program is locally administered and funded by the US Department of Commerce and Economic Development Administration with funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
To apply, visit www.kerrtarcog.org and click on the “Open for Business Loan” tab. Applications are available on the Kerr-Tar COG website at www.kerrtarcog.org or by calling Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments at (252) 436-2040. Applications should be completed as soon as possible as funding is limited.
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-Press Release, City of Henderson
NOTICE OF BYPASS OF UNTREATED WASTEWATER
The City of Henderson’s Sewer Collection System bypassed approximately 786,000 gallons of untreated water on August 31, 2020, due to inflow/infiltration from the heavy rain.
The overflow occurred at Neatherly St, E Rockspring St, the intersection of Pinkston St. and Farrar Ave., Pinkston St. (Green Acres outfall), Alexander Ave., and Bridgers St.
Approximately 149,625 gallons of untreated water entered a tributary to Sandy Creek. Approximately 12,375 gallons were contained on the ground.
Two lift stations also had overflows due to inflow/infiltration: 1416 Rock Mill Road/Martins Creek overflowed approximately 72,000 gallons and 482 Rock Mill Road/Sandy Creek overflowed approximately 552,000 gallons both entering Sandy Creek.
North Carolina General Statutes Article 21 Chapter 143.215.1c requires a press release for all bypasses of 1,000 gallons or more that enter surface waters.
Questions concerning this matter should be directed to the Public Works ORC Joey Long, Jr. at (252) 226-4492 or Andy Perkinson at (252) 431-6117.
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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper
Governor Roy Cooper today announced that after a summer of hard work to slow the spread of COVID-19, North Carolina will take a modest step forward move into Phase 2.5 starting this Friday, September 4, 2020, at 5 p.m.
Phase 2.5 means the following for North Carolina:
In addition, NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen issued a Secretarial Order allowing for outdoor visitation at nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities. To participate, nursing homes must meet several requirements, including, but not limited to, not having a current outbreak, having a testing plan and updated written Infection Control or Preparedness plan for COVID-19, and having adequate personal protective equipment.
The Secretarial Order is effective as of September 4, 2020, at 5 p.m. and remains in effect through September 22, 2020.
“Safer at Home Phase 2.5 continues our state’s dimmer switch approach to easing some restrictions,” said Governor Cooper. “We can do this safely only if we keep doing what we know works — wearing masks and social distancing. In fact, a new phase is exactly when we need to take this virus even more seriously.”
Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shared an update on North Carolina’s data trends. Dr. Cohen explained that North Carolina has seen stability in our key metrics.
“As we take modest steps forward today, it’s important to remember that moving forward doesn’t mean letting up on slowing the spread of the virus. Our progress is fragile and we need to maintain focus on the 3Ws especially as we head into flu season,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, MD.
Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days
Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days
Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days
Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days
Although these numbers are still stable or declining, they remain high. In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to prevent virus spread. These areas include:
Laboratory Testing
Tracing Capability
Personal Protective Equipment
Mask mandates and other prevention methods remain in effect and are even more important to contain the virus, Cooper said. Read the Executive Order here.
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-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Public Safety
As Labor Day fast approaches, increased congestion across the state is expected as motorists travel to their intended vacation destinations. With this in mind, the State Highway Patrol is stressing the importance of sober driving throughout the holiday weekend.
Combining forces with the Governor’s Highway Safety Program and more than 500 law enforcement organizations statewide, the SHP is participating in the GHSP’s Booze It & Lose It campaign. Troopers throughout the two-week initiative will focus on multiple motor vehicle violations such as excessive speeding, aggressive driving and driving while distracted. A special emphasis will also be placed on removing impaired motorists, attempting to prevent needless collisions from occurring.
“Removing impaired drivers before they harm themselves or someone else is among our highest priorities throughout the holiday weekend,” said Colonel Glenn McNeill, Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. “Ensuring safe travel is a shared responsibility among both law enforcement and those who travel across our great state.”
Last year, the SHP responded to more than 1,351 collisions throughout the Labor Day weekend. Among those collisions, 402 resulted in an injury and 12 resulted in one or more fatalities. Ninety-four collisions within the same time frame occurred due to impairment of either alcohol or drugs.
Motorists can assist in reducing needless collisions by following the provided suggestions:
The Booze It & Lose It campaign began Monday, August 31 and will conclude on Sunday, September 13, 2020.
