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Four-County Area to Receive Over $4 Million in COVID-19 Relief Funding

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper announced that $85.4 million in federal funds provided for COVID-19 relief to counties will be disbursed this week.

Three large counties, Guilford, Mecklenburg and Wake, have already received funds directly from the federal government, and 59 other counties that have completed certification will receive funds this week from the state-administered Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) that was passed by Congress. Counties are encouraged to support municipalities with the funding as needed.

“Everyone is working hard to make ends meet, including county governments as they finalize their budgets,” Governor Cooper said. “These funds will help communities respond to the COVID-19 crisis with testing, personal protective equipment and more.”

Though the federal government did not require that the state share any of the $3.56 billion in the CRF to North Carolina local governments, Governor Cooper’s COVID-19 budget proposal recommended $300 million be allocated to counties and municipalities.

Ultimately, the unanimously approved and bipartisan budget that Governor Cooper signed included $150 million for counties that have the flexibility to share monies with their municipalities as county commissioners deem appropriate.

Local allocations include:

Vance County – $974, 599

Granville County – $1,233,427

Warren County – $571,030

Franklin County – $1,383, 798

The full distribution of funds is listed here by county, along with instructions to counties about how the funds may be used.

The CRF funds may be used for medical needs including the COVID-19 related expenses of public hospitals and clinics, including testing; public health expenses, such as personal protective equipment and other medical supplies, as well as the cost of cleaning public areas and facilities such as nursing homes; payroll expenses for public safety or healthcare employees dedicated to responding to the COVID-19 emergency; and expenses to comply with public health measures, including teleworking, distance learning, food delivery, paid leave for public employees, expenses for maintaining prisons, and protecting the homeless population.

By state law, the 97 remaining counties will receive a base amount of $250,000, with more distributed by population. This quick disbursement of funds was coordinated by the state Office of State Budget and Management and the new North Carolina Pandemic Recovery Office (NC PRO).

For questions about how CRF funds may be used, go to the NCPRO website for more information.

Will Local Churches Continue To Have A Choice

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In short, a 14-day order that has allowed local churches to worship inside, if they so chose, will now lead into a preliminary injunction hearing on Friday, May 29.  It was so ordered on May 16 by United State District Judge James C. Dever III.  The hearing will take place at 11 a.m. in a courtroom of the Terry Sanford Federal Building in Raleigh.

A phone caller to WIZS, intending to be on the air but the show had just ended, asked when folks could go back to church.  The answer lately has been when your church decides to open.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued interim guidance for places of worship.  Just click here for more.

In the link above, a place of worship an its congregation can read about: Social Distancing and Minimizing Exposure; Cloth Face Coverings; Cleaning and Hygiene; Monitoring for Symptoms; Protecting Vulnerable Populations; Combating Misinformation; Water and Ventilation Systems; Additional Resources.

But the larger verdict has been rendered so far by churches choosing not to open, such as the information recently published in a story by northcarolinahealthnews.org. (“Despite judge’s ruling allowing for services, most NC churches remaining closed“)  This story link also has embedded within it the text of the petition filed and the temporary injunction ordered with the including exhibits.

The 14-day order prevents the State of North Carolina from blocking services inside and enforcement actions against same.

Governor Roy Cooper issued a press release stating: “We don’t want indoor meetings to become hot spots for the virus and our health experts continue to warn that large groups sitting together inside for long periods of time are much more likely to cause the spread of COVID-19. While our office disagrees with the decision, we will not appeal, but instead urge houses of worship and their leaders to voluntarily follow public health guidance to keep their members safe.”

But as the 14 days have begun to wrap up, the new answer to our WIZS caller’s question is: faith based communities will need now to see and hear the next steps offered by the Federal Court Friday as well as any updated NCDHHS guidance.

The main apparent rub with Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 138, which essentially stated church goers could only be inside with a maximum of 10 people if no other options were present, is that the order is unconstitutional, and, for lack of a better way to express it, unfair and inconsistent.  Also, there is the question of who determines what worship is.  Is “valid” worship decided by the worshipers or a party of enforcement such as a sheriff or sheriff’s deputy?

So the federal judge issued a temporary restraining order, the summation of which called for Friday’s hearing and included the words that worshipers “should observe the Recommendations to Promote Social Distancing and Reduce Transmissions to the extent practicable.”

Has your church held worship inside?  Did you go?  What are your hopes?  Go to facebook.com/wizsradio and tell us in the comments under this story.

Perry Memorial Library Offering Curbside Book Service, No Contact Home Delivery

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-Information courtesy Perry Memorial Library

Perry Memorial Library in Henderson announces a new curbside service available from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

You start by placing holds on materials through your library account or by calling the library at (252) 438-3316. If calling, have your library card number handy. Please make sure the library has the correct information to contact you when your holds arrive (email, phone or text).

For curbside delivery, you can receive up to five books or audio CDs and two DVDs.

When you receive notification that your holds are ready, come to the library and park in one of the designated spots in the parking lot on the Winder side of the building. Spots are near the entrance, next to the handicapped parking. Call or text the number on the sign and let library staff know you have arrived and your spot number.

There is a table set up, and staff will bring your holds out and place them on the table under your spot number, give you a big wave, and you can grab your holds from the table.

If you have books to return, please place them in the outside book drop.

If you are unable to leave your house due to physical limitations or COVID precautions, please call  (252) 438-3316, ext. 223, to arrange for no-contact delivery through the library’s adult outreach coordinator.

Perry Memorial Library looks forward to getting books, audiobooks and DVDs back in your hands!

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Local COVID-19 Report: 31 Deaths Reported in Granville, Vance Health District

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

As of May 26, 2020, there are 258 known COVID-19 cases in Granville County, 243 cases in Vance County, and 24,140 confirmed cases in North Carolina.

There are three outbreaks at congregate living facilities in the district – one at Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC, one at Pelican Health in Henderson, NC, and one at Kerr Lake Nursing Home in Henderson, NC.

Of the total positive cases in each county, 119 in Granville County are associated with the prisons, 45 in Vance County are associated with Pelican Health nursing home, and 22 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.

Of the 139 community-based cases in Granville County, 57 have been released from isolation and 4 are hospitalized.

Of the 119 cases in the prison system, 63 have been released from isolation.

Of the 243 cases in Vance, 98 have been released from isolation and 12 are currently hospitalized.

There have been a total of 31 deaths in the health district – 20 in Vance County and 11 with the Bureau of Prisons in Granville County.

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

VCHS Grad 2020

Vance County High School Graduates 220 in Drive-Thru Ceremony

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release and photos, Vance County Schools

Vance County High School celebrated commencement with 220 graduates on Saturday, May 23, 2020, at 9 a.m. The drive-thru ceremony was held at Vance County High School. 

Though unable to have a traditional graduation, Vance County Schools was elated to be able to recognize the Class of 2020. Students were afforded the opportunity to graduate on their scheduled commencement day. Each graduate was limited to one vehicle; however, the ceremony was live-streamed on the school district website, as well as live updates provided on WIZS 1450 AM/100.1 FM for other family, friends and community members. The event was also covered by Spectrum News. 

Once graduates arrived, the family received their graduation programs and began the line-up in their vehicles. Family members were congratulated during the processional drive-thru as their child exited the vehicle and walked towards the stage through a tunnel of celebrations.

The finale included family who were able to view their graduate walking across the stage, an integral part of the plan. Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent of Vance County Schools, and Mr. Rey Horner, principal of Vance County High School, presented each of the graduates with their diploma. 

Graduates included:

Ruby Aguirre, Dw’aylon Alexander, America Alfaro, Haytham Ali, Omar Ali, Avery Allen, Jylesha Allen, Nijah Allen, Elijah Alston, Kaleeha Alston, Tamia Alston, Tyasha Alston, Tre’Quan Archie, Dinah Baldwin, Breanna Ball, Jamila Barnes, Annie Baskerville, Isaac Bell McLean, Tyler Bondurant, Jatavious Boyd, Roy Boyd, Tajmia Boyd, Traquan Boyd, Nashiya Branch, Sha’Nia Branch, Lamaurice Bridges, Ricky Brodie, Kapri Brown, Jasmine Brummitt, Tyree Bryant, Jy’Hem Bullock, Sha’Mya Bullock, Treshaun Burton, Armarnee Burwell, Ashanti Burwell, Kristophe’ Burwell, Phillip Burwell, Samein Burwell, Jonathan Castilleja, Jermey Clark, Keyuna Cofield, Kasaveon Cole, Keziah Coleman, Sherique Coleman, Malik Cooper, Tra’Veon Cooper, Aaliyah Copeland, La-Dashia Coppedge, Jamie Crute, Jordan Dalipe, Tammy Dang, James Davis, Shamarra Davis, Kaya Devaughn, Terrance Downing, Harry Drumgold, Ashanti Edwards, Kayla Ellington, Kiana Epps, Mariela Escribano Chontal, Davonte’ Evans, E’nya Evans, Ky’Ree Evans, Sarah Evans, Ke’Mari Falcon, Tydasia Faulkner, Keith Fisher, Samayia Floyd, Hope Fogg, Ijaray Gary, Nshama-Rishona Gibbs, Victoria Glasscock, Quincy Glover, Jada Gray, Christian Green, Jamari Green, Logan Grimes, Ernesha Hallom, Clitayvious Hammond, Breaoni Hargrove, Ja’niya Hargrove, Jebias Hargrove, Jonah Hargrove, Mark Hargrove, Howard Harley, Amauri Harris, La’Zariah Harris, Michael Harris, Trekwon Harrison, Carneshia Hawkins, Devone Hayes, Ijanae’ Henderson, Kennede Henderson, Tory Henderson, Andrea Hendricks, Tyree Hendricks, Susanna Hernandez, Diana Hernandez-Campos, Ja’Khiah Hicks, Joye Hicks, Diamond Hope, Keiron Hunt, Shamia Hymon, Eric Jett, Brian Johnson, De’Andre Johnson, Nikita Johnson, Anasia Jones, Davion Jones, Diamonte’ Jones, Edward Jones, Jabari Jones, Kayla Jones, Phadol Jordan, Carlos Juarez-Hernandez, Jy’Kavious Judkins, Ashanti Kearney, Ta’niah Kearney, Dewayne Kennedy, Quinysha King, Jolvin Kingsberry, Kahlil Kingsberry, Austin Lawless, Carolina Leon, Aquavion Lewis, Jhanell Lewis, Taliya Lewis, Tiyani Lewis, Monserrat Lopez, Asia Loyd, Ta’Quan Lyons, Jose Maldonado, Ausencio Maldonado-Alvarez, Victoria Martiny, Tahkeira McKnight, Stephanie Melgar, Jessica Mellor, Leahana Melton, Marilyn Mendoza Mata, Vanessa Mendoza, Kyra Mitchell, Ny’Asia Mitchell, Ja’Quan Moore, Madison Moore,Yesenia Morales, Thomas Murphy, Gianna Ortiz, Rodney Palmer, Brian Paramo-Saldana, Ma’kiyah Parham, Maximus Parham, Rontaja Peace, Cody Pegram, Kayla Penny, Natasha Perry, Shakilvin Pettaway, Payton Rainey, Elsa Ramos, Michael Reavis, Ashanti Richardson, Dai’Quan Roberts, Gustavo Robles-Delao, Julie Rodriguez, Yareli Rodriguez Ramirez, Breanna Rodwell, Jackson Royster, Tamara Sanchez, Jennifer Sanchez-Alejo, Brian Santaclara, Laura Santos Hernandez, Sylvester Shaw, Jay’la Shearin, Jaylen Shearin, Nigee Shearin, Sha’Joya Smith, Larry Springs, Christopher Stevenson, Ta’Ree Sulyans, Isis Taylor, Kaziah Taylor, Duquasha Terrell, Kristina Terry, Lantavious Terry, Noah Terry, Rockele Terry, Tiana Terry, Destinee Thompson, Miriam Trejo, Delmy Trochez Sanchez, Edgar Torres, Jalen Townes, Malik Townes, Thomas Townes, Maria Umanzor Guzman, Keyon Umstead, Marcos Vasconcelos, Anna Ventura, Jecario Watson, Destiny Weaver, Jordan Webb, Si’mone Webb, Derrick Wiggins, Tyere’ Wiggins, Jhaiiheeim Wilkins, Zachary Willard, Antonio Williams, Csaveon Williams, Dynasty Williams, Melaine Williams, Rosolind Williams, Sydiahiah Williams, Thomasina-Hydeia Williams-Niles, Jacob Williamson, Bryanna Wilson, Da’Unta Wimbush, Atiya Woods, Rielly Wortham, Bryton Yarborough, Phajja Yarborough and Ashley Zuniga.

Vance County Schools recognizes seniors using Latin honors as determined by the student’s grade point average. A total of 43 graduating Vance County High School seniors received Latin honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, cum laude). 

Senior Victoria Glasscock delivered a pre-recorded speech to her class. 

In addition to 220 high school diplomas being awarded, combined, Vance County High School students have been awarded over 1.5 million dollars in scholarships and grants. This number continues to grow as students are still receiving award letters that were delayed by COVID-19. 

Although the Class of 2020 did not experience a traditional senior year, VCS is proud to have provided a graduation that allowed every senior their moment to shine and be celebrated. We are extremely proud of our seniors and wish them the best as they journey ahead.

For additional photos from the ceremony, please visit the Vance County Schools’ Facebook page (click here).

 

 

Noon News 05/26/20

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WIZS, Henderson – Your Community Voice

Vance County High School Graduation
YMCA Youth Summer Camps
Granville County Public Schools surpasses 290,000 meals served since school was in quarantine
Latest COVID 19 numbers

VGCC Biotech Students Participate in Virtual Career Fair

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Students studying biotechnology at Vance-Granville Community College recently joined their counterparts from a handful of other colleges in a career fair that was tailor-made for the current state of social distancing and video-conferencing. 

On May 14, nine VGCC Bioprocess students participated – from their homes – in the first in a planned series of Virtual Career Fairs organized by the BioNetwork, part of the N.C. Community College System. Representatives of several North Carolina biopharmaceutical companies talked with students, including Biogen, Catalent, KBI, Guerbet, Merck, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer and Seqirus, along with staffing agencies like Adecco, Manpower and Spectraforce. 

“This innovative event represented an outstanding partnership of Vance-Granville staff, the BioNetwork and the private sector,” said Stewart Lyon, who heads VGCC’s Biotech programs, based at the college’s Franklin County Campus. “Although the full results are still being tabulated, we know that our students were able to speak with an average of six employers during the event, and one student spoke with 13 potential employers!  Some participants have also confirmed that they have received invitations to formal job interviews from the event.”

VGCC not only made this opportunity available to students but also helped prepare them ahead of time, so they could present themselves in the best professional light. Lyon, VGCC Director of Career Services Linda Fletcher and BioNetwork staff all helped review the students’ resumes before the event. In fact, having an “approved” resume was a requirement for students to participate. Lyon and Fletcher continue to offer such services to students, to help them secure good jobs after they complete their studies. 

Enrollment for the Fall 2020 semester is going on now for the Bioprocess Technology program. VGCC offers a Bioprocess Technology certificate, which can be completed in as little as six months (combining online coursework with labs meeting only once per week); a diploma program, which takes about one year, and the two-year Associate in Applied Science degree. All these options are eligible for federal financial aid to qualified students. 

Lyon also points out that students have options to continue their education beyond VGCC, particularly through new transfer opportunities. Students seeking four-year degrees can transfer to North Carolina Central University and East Carolina University through special articulation agreements.

For more information on VGCC’s biotech programs, contact Mr. Lyon at lyons@vgcc.edu or 252-738-3632.

Prospective students are also encouraged to check the college website, www.vgcc.edu, and the Facebook page – facebook.com/vancegranville – this summer for announcements on upcoming Biotech information sessions.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

VCRFM’s May 28 Online Advisory Board Meeting Open to the Public

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-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension

The next meeting of the Vance County Regional Farmers Market Advisory Board will be held via the Zoom video conferencing platform on Thursday, May 28, 2020, at 2 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.

For access information, please contact the NC Cooperative Extension’s Vance County Center by 1 p.m. on May 28. Those interested in participating may call (252) 438-8188 or email paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu.

Dr. Andrea Harris

In Memory of Dr. Andrea Harris, Local Resident and NC Women & Minority Economic Developer

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-Obituary and photo courtesy Davis-Royster Funeral Service

Dr. Andrea Lynnette Harris, 71, of West Rockspring Street, Henderson, died May 20, 2020, at Duke Raleigh Medical Center in Raleigh. She was born in Sumter, SC to the late Al Harris, Sr. and Geneva Smith Harris.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. No public services will be held at this time.

She is survived by two nieces: Alana and Omara Harris; and one great-niece, Lourdes Harris, along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Arrangements are by Davis-Royster Funeral Service: https://www.davis-royster.com/obituaries/Dr-Andrea-Lynnette-Harris?obId=14048441#/celebrationWall

Dr. Andrea Harris, Henderson resident and NC Women & Minority Economic Developer, died May 20, 2020. (Photo courtesy Davis-Royster Funeral Service)

Congressman G. K. Butterfield issued the following statement on Harris:

“Andrea Harris lived a life of passion, humility and unwavering dedication to breaking barriers and blazing trails for the economic advancement of minority groups. From being the youngest community agency director in the nation at age 23 to serving as Co-founder of the Senior Fellow of the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development in Durham, NC; Andrea dedicated her life’s work to the imperative economic principle that prosperity must be shared and never isolated.”

“Though she was the recipient of many awards and recognitions for her work in business and leadership—above all, Andrea Harris is beautifully adorned by the doors that she has opened, the opportunities that she has fostered and the lasting impact she has made on individuals, businesses and minority communities in North Carolina. Her legacy continues to challenge us all to be better, to speak up, to make our voices heard and our purpose clear. Andrea was my personal friend for more than 40 years, and I extend my sincerest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce President Michele Burgess said Harris will be remembered as a trailblazer for historically underutilized businesses and for her work with civil rights. She was serving as a member of the Vance County Economic Development Commission Board and was on the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees.

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington had these kind words: “Today we remember one of the brightest lights of our time. A brilliant champion for all people, a fierce friend and truly a phenomenal lady. Like so many others, we cherish the time we were privileged to share with Andrea Harris. With a strong word she had the ability to remind us what was truly important. I recall the words of Maya Angelou, ‘No sun outlasts its sunset, but will rise again, and bring the dawn.’”

Yesterday, NC Governor Roy Cooper honored Harris’ many accomplishments by ordering all North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff until sunset on Saturday, May 23.

Henderson Family YMCA Moving Ahead With Youth Summer Day Camp

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Co. Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson Family YMCA will hold summer day camp for ages 4-12 weekly beginning June 1 through August 7, 2020.

Camp will be held Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Participation is $115 per week for members and $135 per week for non-members. Financial assistance is available.

Registration is available online only at https://www.hendersonymca.org/programs/camps/summer-day-camp

The camp will conduct daily health screenings and will follow recommendations from the NCDHHS, CDC and the health department.

More information on a virtual camp option and a teen camp for members 13-17 is coming soon.

The Henderson Family YMCA is located at 380 Ruin Creek Road in Henderson. For more information, please visit the website at www.hendersonymca.org or call (252) 438-2144.