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North Carolina’s Key COVID-19 Indicators Remain Stable

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today shared an update on North Carolina’s key COVID-19 indicators. The data and trends show that North Carolina remains stable nearly one week into Phase 1.

“Our COVID-19 decisions are guided by the data and the science,” said Cooper. “We will use the time in this phase to keep a careful eye on the data and the indicators before we are ready to announce the start of Phase 2. North Carolinians should continue to stay home if they can and take precautions to keep themselves safe.”

“Continued stability in these trends is a real positive for our state. While we remain on a good path for the 14-day trends we need to see to move to Phase 2, our progress as a state is still dependent on our individual actions,” said Dr. Cohen. “We need to continue to protect our loved ones and our neighbors. If you leave home, practice three Ws – wear, wait and wash.”

Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen also announced that DHHS now has a list of testing locations on the DHHS website.

The list includes more than 200 sample collection sites in 54 counties, with more being added as they are verified. The list is comprised of health care providers, pharmacies and retail locations, local health departments and others that are providing testing for COVID-19. Some of the sites that are federally funded do not cost anything for the individual being tested. Doctors and clinicians may also provide testing at their offices.

Based on the metrics laid out last month by Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen, officials need to continue watching the trends before announcing a shift into Phase 2.

Secretary Cohen reported North Carolina remains stable on the following key metrics:

Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is decreasing.

Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases is slightly increasing.

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive has been decreasing and is starting to level.

Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is level.

In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. These areas include:

Laboratory Testing

  • North Carolina has doubled the daily testing rate from approximately 2,500-3,000 to more than 6,000

Tracing Capability

  • The Carolina Community Tracing Collaborative has already hired close to 100 new contact tracers adding to the 250 already working at our local health departments.

Personal Protective Equipment

  • Supply chains continue to improve with the exception of gowns.

The Phase 1 executive Order remains in effect until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 22.

However, the end of this Order does not necessarily mean the state will move to Phase 2. Phase 2 will only start if data and indicators remain stable.

Read a copy of today’s graphs and slides.

VGCC Truck Driver Training Program Gears Back Up

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College is excited to announce that its CDL Truck Driver Training Program is back up and running.

The program, offered in collaboration with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, has been on hold since early March when the COVID-19 pandemic forced all face-to-face classes to cease. The N.C. Community College System has made an exception to allow colleges to resume educating students in transportation courses like Truck Driver Training, in-person.

On May 11, students returned to class and to a “new normal.” Portions of the new daily routine for students include temperature checks, face masks, social distancing in trucks and on the truck practice range.   

“Qualified and licensed truck drivers are essential employees, especially during these uncertain times,” said Dawn Michelle Tucker, Dean of Continuing Education and College and Career Readiness for VGCC. “We are excited to get the students back in training, so they can become licensed and employed with companies who need drivers to move goods and services across our service area and across the country.” 

During the next five weeks, students will continue honing their driver training skills such as backing skills, completing pre-trip inspections and backing up to a loading dock. Students will also continue to get their miles and time on the road. All of these skills and requirements are essential in preparing them for the DOT exam in order to get their official CDL-A license and be fully employable as a truck driver. 

For more information on the Truck Driver Training Program at Vance-Granville Community College, please visit www.vgcc.edu/cdl/ or contact Kyle Burwell, Director of Occupational Extension, at 252-738-3276 or burwellk@vgcc.edu.

‘Virtual Bingo’ Offers Fun, Home Delivery of Prizes for Seniors 55+

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-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Program Superintendent

The Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department will hold a community-wide “Virtual Bingo” for seniors ages 55 or better on Friday, May 22, 2020, from 12:45 until 1:45 p.m.

Participants can join Virtual Bingo by computer or phone.

Participants must contact Crystal Allen by phone (252) 431-6091 or email callen@ci.henderson.nc.us to register for Virtual Bingo by Friday, May 15.

Prizes will be delivered to participants’ homes following social distancing protocols.

Local News Audio

Noon News Audio: 05/14/20

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Local News at 8a, 12noon, 5p; M-F

Today at Noon:

  • City Budget
  • County Budget
  • Covid-19 in Granville-Vance
  • VGCC Dr. Jeffery Allen, success of African-American Males

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Henderson City Council to Hold Special Called Budget Meeting

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-Information courtesy Esther J. McCrackin, City Clerk, City of Henderson, NC

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington has requested a Special Called Meeting of the Henderson City Council on Monday, May 18, 2020, at 6 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Council to receive the Proposed FY 2020-2021 Budget.

Due to the continued restrictions regarding gatherings of more than 10 individuals, City Hall remains closed; however, the public is welcome to observe online via Zoom.

To Join the Zoom Meeting:

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Meeting ID: 825 4131 7076
Password: 861162

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Maria Parham Health Celebrating National Hospital Week May 10-15

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-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health (MPH) is proud to join the American Hospital Association and healthcare organizations around the country in celebrating National Hospital Week, which is observed May 10-15.

Each May, National Hospital Week provides an opportunity to pause and honor the millions of healthcare professionals who dedicate their lives to taking care of people in their greatest times of need and to recognize the positive difference hospitals and healthcare organizations make in the communities they serve.

“As our community continues the fight against COVID-19, the pivotal role our healthcare workers play in the well-being of society is clearer than ever,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Their tireless efforts on the front lines of this disease and their commitment to quality care and patient safety year-round are critical to our mission of Making Communities Healthier. We proudly honor these heroes during National Hospital Week and commend their inspiring efforts to serve others.”

Maria Parham Health in Henderson and Maria Parham Franklin will be marking the national observance with special gifts and prizes for all staff. Community members are encouraged to leave a special note of thanks for hospital employees at www.thankahealthcarehero.com.

As one of the region’s economic leaders, the organization employs approximately 800 staff and contributed more than $8 million in taxes to the local and state economies last year. Additionally, it is proud to sponsor a number of local community organizations and non-profits.

Ensuring that everyone has access to the high-quality and compassionate care they need is a top priority for the organization and fundamental to its mission. In 2019 alone, Maria Parham Health provided more than $62 million of charity and other uncompensated care, regardless of patients’ ability to pay.

“We are privileged to have a significant impact on its health and economic well-being,” said James Johnson, chair of MPH’s board of trustees. “As we celebrate National Hospital Week amid unprecedented challenges this year and begin to look to the future, we are aware that healthcare – like other aspects of life – might look a little different. What will not change, though, is our mission and our commitment to this community. We will continue to put the health and well-being of our neighbors first, ensuring safe places of care and a healthier community for us all.”

Local News Audio

Noon News Audio: 05/13/20

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Noon News Audio for May 13, 2020

First Degree Murder Arrests
Henderson Rec Players
Shopping Angels

Henderson Rec Players Cancels Summer Season; McGregor Hall Opens Phone Lines

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The McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center recently provided updates regarding the Henderson Rec Players’ 2020 Summer Season and the opening of the center’s phone lines.

Henderson Rec Players 

In an effort to protect our beloved actors and patrons, the summer season of the Henderson Rec Players has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

While we are sad to see this break in a nearly 50-year tradition in our community, be assured that this is a temporary pause, and the Rec Players will be back to entertain and provide a creative outlet for all ages as soon as it is safe to do so.

Stay strong and we look forward to shining the spotlight on our local talent again very soon.

McGregor Hall Phone Lines

As Phase One of North Carolina’s Road to Re-Opening begins, we are excited to announce that McGregor Hall’s office phone lines are opening again.

Phone lines are now open Monday through Friday from 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. You can reach McGregor Hall at (252) 598-0662.

Our Box Office will remain closed to the public for the safety of our patrons and employees until June 1, 2020.

Thank you, once more, for your support during this difficult time. We look forward to speaking with you and seeing all of you soon!

WIZS is in talks with Henderson Rec Players and McGregor Hall representatives to bring you a special edition of Town Talk next week. Please stay tuned to WIZS for more details.

Henderson and Best Arrested, Charged with 1st Degree Murder

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Press Release – May 12, 2020

Last night (5/11/2020), at approximately 9:30 PM, Officers of the Henderson Police Department were dispatched to 277 Lincoln Street, Lincoln Height Apartments, in reference to a person suffering from a gunshot wound. When Officers arrived, they located the deceased, Zechariah Alexander (age 20), with a single gunshot wound.

Investigators responded immediately, and quickly developed suspect information through the cooperation of our citizens.

Warrants were soon obtained for the arrest of Demetrius Henderson (age 36) and Saivion Best (age 19) for First Degree Murder.

As of this afternoon, both Demetrius Henderson and Saivion Best have been arrested, served, and placed at the Vance County Jail without bond pending their first court appearance.

As always, assistance from the public was vital in solving this case. We are still asking for anyone with information to contact us through social media, Crime Stoppers (252-492-1925), Henderson Police Department (252-438-414), or the P3 App.

Authority: Chief M.W. Barrow

Free, Local Grocery Delivery Service in Need of Volunteers & Recipients

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Scarlette Walker, NC State Coordinator for Shopping Angels, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Shopping Angels is an entirely volunteer-based program that was founded in March by Jayde Powell, an undergraduate pre-med student at the University of Nevada, Reno.

The premise is simple: volunteers grocery shop for individuals who are especially at-risk for COVID-19 and/or those with other health issues, seniors, parents of young children and those who are self-isolating due to possible COVID-19 exposure. Requested groceries are delivered to the recipient’s home with no additional fees added; all the recipient pays is the price on the grocery receipt.

Volunteers or “shopping angels” are matched with recipients and will contact them for a grocery list. Wearing a mask and gloves, volunteers will then go grocery shopping, bring the groceries to the recipient’s door, return to their car and call the recipient to let them know their groceries have arrived.

The volunteers keep in touch with recipients throughout the process and, upon delivery, recipients exchange cash for their items or work out another payment arrangement that is more convenient.

Walker stated clients are never expected to pay more than the exact cost of the groceries as reflected on the receipt, are never expected to pay before groceries are delivered and are not expected to pay gas money, tips or delivery fees.

While the response to Walker’s initial efforts to get Shopping Angels up and running in Vance County has been slow, she was pleased to report that one individual has agreed to sponsor a resident in need of groceries.

“Shopping Angels allows you to request services for yourself or a specific person such as a family member by visiting www.shoppingangelsglobal.org and clicking on the “Request Services” tab,” explained Walker. “Services are offered across the U.S., so service requests are available for various cities and states.”

With food assistance proving a huge topic during the COVID-19 situation, Shopping Angels also has a “Give Now” feature online that allows for donations specifically by the state and city of choice.

To volunteer, to request service or to become a sponsor, visit www.shoppingangelsglobal.org and complete the appropriate form.

For those without computer access, those who need assistance with the forms or with general questions, please contact Walker directly at (252) 226-0131. If Walker is unavailable, please leave a voicemail and your call will be returned.

To hear the interview with Walker in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.