VGCC Logo

VGCC Small Business Center to Offer Free ‘Business Resiliency’ Webinar Series

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

-Information courtesy the VGCC Small Business Center

The Small Business Center of Vance-Granville Community College has scheduled another webinar series entitled “Business Resiliency in 2020” where participants will learn various ways to move small businesses forward during and after COVID-19.

There will also be time allowed for questions and answers. This is part of the Small Business Center’s continued effort to support local businesses and offer encouragement and help.

These free sessions will be held from 2 – 3 p.m. on the following dates:

April 28 – Best Practices for Effectively Working Remotely

April 30 – Stabilizing Cash Flow in an Unstable Market

May 5 – Why Marketing Your Business is More Important Now Than Ever Before

May 7 – Know Your Small Business Resources: Navigating the Small Business Pipeline

May 12 – Stay Flexible and Moving Forward Business in 2020

May 14 – Relationship Building = Repeat Business

Please register for each session at www.vgcc.edu/coned/small-business-center/#schedules

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Second COVID-19 Related Death Reported in Vance; Five at Butner Prison Complex

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

As of April 23, 2020, there were 118 known cases of COVID-19 in Granville County, 37 cases in Vance County and 7,608 confirmed cases in North Carolina. Of the positive test results in Granville County, 76 are being reported at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC.

There have been a total of seven deaths in the health district – two in Vance County and five with the Bureau of Prisons in Granville County.

Of the 41 community-based cases in Granville County, 18 have been released from isolation. At the Federal Correctional Complex, 41 of the 76 cases have been released from isolation.*

Of the 37 cases in Vance County, 10 have been released from isolation.*

*Granville Vance Public Health (GVPH) does not have official guidance at this time to determine whether someone is ‘recovered’ since many details about this virus and its effects are still being discovered. GVPH shares the number of those who have been ‘released from isolation’ as determined by the CDC Guidance for discontinuation of isolation for persons with COVID-19.

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

Special News Report: Tribute to Tommy Dale, Jr.

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Audio Tribute to Tommy Dale, Jr.

Link to obituary as well as link to view his funeral service

Special News Report: Tribute to Tommy Dale, Jr.  From our broadcast script:

IT IS A TOUGH DAY FOR MR. DALE’S FAMILY, AND IT IS FOR US HERE AT WIZS TOO. OVER THE YEARS, MR. TOMMY DALE PROVIDED HIS CRAFT AND EXPERTISE TO WIZS BOTH FOR PAY AND IN KINDNESS. HE WAS A MASTER AT FIXING ANYTHING ELECTRONIC, ESPECIALLY RF EQUIPMENT, WHICH, OBVIOUSLY, RADIO STATIONS ARE 100 PERCENT RELIANT ON IN SOME FORM OR ANOTHER. MR. DALE WAS ALSO HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL AT PROVIDING HENDERSON AND VANCE COUNTY WITH NEEDED EQUIPMENT, EXPERTISE AND KINDNESS TO KEEP 2-WAY COMMUNICATIONS OPEN, ESPECIALLY IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT PAST WHEN THINGS WERE NOT SO HIGH TECH, FAR MORE CUMBERSOME AND JUST GENERALLY A PAIN AT TIMES FOR SURE. LIVES HAVE BEEN SAVED BY HIS KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY TO APPLY PRINCIPLES OF ELECTRONICS AND RF AND MORE THAN LIKELY ALSO BY THE TIMES OF DETERMINATION OF MAKING SOMETHING WORK. A FIRE TRUCK, AMBULANCE OR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER WHO CAN’T COMMUNICATE, CAN’T GET TO THE SCENE, LOSES TIME, AND IS HIMSELF OR HERSELF IN DANGER…NOT TO MENTION THE ONES NEEDING THE HELP. MR. DALE’S TALENTS, OF WHICH I HAVE OBSERVED FIRST HAND IN HIS SHOP AND AT WIZS, WERE REMARKABLE AND OBVIOUSLY A GIFT FROM GOD, WHICH MR. DALE OBVIOUSLY RECOGNIZED, AND NURTURED AND ENHANCED AND GREW.  HE GREW HIS POTENTIAL AND HE PROVIDED THAT POTENTIAL TO OTHERS. I LOVED HIS DRY WIT. HE WAS A MESS, BUT HE WAS A GOOD MESS. WHEN MY DAD DIED 12 YEARS AGO, I REMEMBER THINKING MORE THAN ONCE AND DOING SO MORE THAN ONCE…AT LEAST I CAN CALL MR. DALE. MY CALL TODAY IS TO YOU MY FRIENDS. MY FRIEND MR. TOMMY DALE HELPED THE RADIO STATION YOU’RE LISTENING TO MANY TIMES AND IN A LOVING WAY. PLEASE REMEMBER HIM, HIS LIFE, HIS FAMILY, HIS COMMUNITY AND FRIENDS TODAY. MAY THE LOVE OF OUR GOD THE FATHER, WITH THE PEACE FROM CHRIST THE SON AND THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BLESS AND ACCEPT OUR BROTHER AND BE WITH HIS FAMILY.

Mr. Dale and wife, Elizabeth

NC Governor Logo

Governor Extends Stay At Home Order Through May 8

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper today issued Executive Order No. 135  extending North Carolina’s Stay At Home order through May 8. The orders extending the closure of restaurants for dine-in service and bars and closure of other close-contact businesses are also extended through May 8.

Governor Cooper shared details about North Carolina’s plan to lift restrictions in three phases once the data show that key metrics are headed in the right direction.

“The health and safety of people in North Carolina must be our top priority,” Cooper said. “This plan provides a roadmap for us to begin easing restrictions in stages to push our economy forward.”

Last week, Governor Cooper laid out the path forward centered on three things: testing, tracing and trends. Today, Governor Cooper and Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of NC Department of Health and Human Services, shared more specifics on those key metrics. The Stay At Home and other orders are extended today because North Carolina has not yet seen a downward trajectory of those metrics needed to begin gradually lifting restrictions.

“North Carolina cannot stay at home indefinitely,” added Governor Cooper. “We have to get more people back to work. Right now, the decision to stay at home is based on public health data and White House guidance. North Carolina needs more time to slow the spread of this virus before we can safely begin lifting restrictions. I know that this pandemic has made life difficult for many people in our state and I am focused on keeping our communities safe while planning to slowly lift restrictions to help cushion the blow to our economy.”

“Data has driven our decisions, starting with the aggressive measures Governor Cooper took early on to slow the spread of COVID-19. Those actions combined with North Carolinians’ resolve to stay home to protect their loved ones have put our state on the right path. If we stick to these efforts right now we will continue to see a slowing of virus spread and we can slowly begin easing restrictions,” said Secretary Cohen.

The metrics that North Carolina is considering align with the White House guidance for Opening Up American Again.

In order to begin lifting restrictions, North Carolina needs to see progress in these key metrics:

  • Sustained Leveling or Decreased Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days
  • Currently, North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is decreasing over the last 14 days.
  • Sustained Leveling or Decreased Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days
  • Currently, North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases over the last 14 days cases is still increasing, although at a slower rate.
  • Sustained Leveling or Decreased Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days
  • Currently, North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive over the last 14 days is increasing at a slow rate.
  • Sustained Leveling or Decreased Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days
  • Currently, North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations over the last 14 days is largely level with a slight trend upward.

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

  • Increase in Laboratory Testing
  • Currently, North Carolina is testing approximately 2,500 to 3,000 people per day and is working to increase to at least 5,000 to 7,000 per day.
  • Increase in Tracing Capability
  • Currently, North Carolina has approximately 250 people doing contact tracing across its local health departments and is working to double this workforce to 500.
  • Availability of Personal Protective Equipment
  • The state is working to ensure there are adequate supplies to fulfill requests for critical PPE for at least 30 days. This includes face shields, gloves, gowns, N95 masks, and surgical and procedural masks. Currently, the state has less than a 30 day supply of gowns and N95 masks. The availability of PPE is calculated based on the average number of requests for the last 14 days compared to the supply that the state has on hand.

Governor Cooper also shared information about how North Carolina can gradually re-open over three phases to prevent hot spots of viral spread while also beginning to bring our economy back. These phases are based on the best information available now but could be altered as new information emerges.

In Phase 1:

  • Modify the Stay At Home order to allow travel not currently defined as essential allowing people to leave home for commercial activity at any business that is allowed to be open, such as clothing stores, sporting goods stores, book shops, houseware stores and other retailers.
  • Ensure that any open stores implement appropriate employee and consumer social distancing, enhanced hygiene and cleaning protocols, symptom screening of employees, accommodations for vulnerable workers, and provide education to employees and workers to combat misinformation
  • Continue to limit gatherings to no more than 10 people
  • Reopen parks that have been closed subject to the same gathering limitation. Outdoor exercise will continue to be encouraged.
  • Continue to recommend face coverings in public spaces when 6 feet of distancing isn’t possible
  • Encourage employers to continue teleworking policies
  • Continue rigorous restrictions on nursing homes and other congregant care settings
  • Local emergency orders with more restrictive measures may remain in place.

Phase 2

At least 2-3 weeks after Phase 1

  • Lift Stay At Home order with strong encouragement for vulnerable populations to continue staying at home to stay safe
  • Allow limited opening of restaurants, bars, fitness centers, personal care services, and other businesses that can follow safety protocols including the potential need to reduce capacity
  • Allow gathering at places such as houses of worship and entertainment venues at reduced capacity
  • Increase the number of people allowed at gatherings
  • Open public playgrounds
  • Continue rigorous restrictions on nursing homes and other congregant care settings

Phase 3

At least 4-6 weeks after Phase 2

  • Lessen restrictions for vulnerable populations with encouragement to continue practicing physical distancing and minimizing exposure to settings where distancing isn’t possible
  • Allow increased capacity at restaurants, bars, other businesses, houses of worships, and entertainment venues
  • Further increase the number of people allowed at gatherings
  • Continue rigorous restrictions on nursing homes and other congregant care settings

Governor Cooper and Dr. Cohen both underscored the need for the testing, tracing and trends to move in the right direction for each of these phases to move forward. If there is a spike in infections, tightening of restrictions may be needed temporarily.

Information about K-12 public schools is expected tomorrow.

Kerr Lake Park Watch Asks Cooper to Reopen State Parks

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-Information courtesy the Kerr Lake Park Watch Facebook page

Kerr Lake Park Watch (KLPW), a 900 member group of campers and park users who visit NC State Recreation Areas and Virginia State Parks on Kerr Lake, has sent a message to NC Governor Roy Cooper asking him to reopen state parks.

KLPW was founded in 2010 by Frank Timberlake, a native of the shores of Kerr Lake, and five other Kerr Lake campers.

According to KLPW’s Facebook page, the group sent the following information to Governor Cooper:

YOU NEED TO OPEN STATE PARKS, GOVERNOR COOPER

The state parks opened could provide citizens with some much needed open space, especially campgrounds.
▪ The parks already are gated with controlled access
▪ The parks are already patrolled by rangers who are law enforcement officers
▪ Rangers could enforce social distancing and other special pandemic rules and regulations
▪ Rangers can use the P.A. function on their radios to speak to anyone they see violating any social distancing and, if rules aren’t obeyed, the rangers can tell the visitor(s) to leave to avoid citation, all from the safety of their vehicle
▪ Campgrounds should be reopened as campsites are already socially distanced
▪ Reservations and check-in can all be handled online

Reopening the state parks will help ease tension as people can walk, hike, run, fish, camp and other safe activities while maintaining social distancing.

We are asking you to reopen state parks. There needs to be some special rules but the parks need to open and now!

WIZS Note: Governor Cooper is expected to lay out a three-part plan later this afternoon for lifting stay-at-home restrictions.

NC MedAssist

NC MedAssist Offers Free Pharmacy Program to Qualifying Individuals

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-Press Release, NC MedAssist

NC MedAssist is the only free mail-order pharmacy serving all 100 counties in NC since 1997. Although they are most known for their mobile pharmacy events where they distribute over-the-counter medicine into impoverished communities, this organization’s primary focus is their Free Pharmacy Program.

Last year, NC MedAssist served 18,805 patients and dispensed 229,805 prescriptions valued at $68 million dollars to low-income, uninsured individuals throughout North Carolina. Once enrolled in the Free Pharmacy Program, prescription medication is mailed directly to the patient’s home, usually providing a 90 day supply.

“As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, thousands of North Carolinians are losing both their jobs and their health insurance. However, not everyone knows that our program exists, especially people who may have never needed our services before,” said Lori Giang, CEO of NC MedAssist. “Without our health, we have nothing. So we want our neighbors across the state to know that we are here and ready to help them in any way we can.”

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, NC MedAssist has restructured its services to be more digitally available. They have added their enrollment application online, as well as transitioned their Free Over-the-Counter Store (located in Charlotte) into a curbside pick-up retail pharmacy with online ordering available. They have also extended re-certification deadlines for current patients who may need additional time to gather their required documentation.

“We realize this is a critical time for everyone,” said Giang. “Our number one goal is to ensure that families across the state continue receiving the medication they need to live.”

To learn more about the NC MedAssist Free Pharmacy Program and to see if you qualify, please visit https://medassist.org/ or call 1-(866)-331-1348.

U.S. Department of Justice

Henderson Man Indicted for Possessing Firearm After Mental Health Adjudication

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

-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announces that a federal grand jury sitting in Raleigh indicted MATTHEW SCOTT THOMAS, 34, of Henderson for possessing a firearm after having been adjudicated mentally defective and committed to a mental institution and for making a false statement during the transfer of firearms.

The indictment alleges that on January 26, 2018, THOMAS made false statements on a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) form during the attempted transfer of firearms. Specifically, THOMAS is alleged to have falsely indicated that he had never been adjudicated mentally defective and not committed to a mental institution, when in fact he had. Additionally, the indictment alleges that on December 4, 2019, THOMAS possessed a firearm after having been so adjudicated. If convicted, he faces up to ten years imprisonment and three years of supervised release on each count.

The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

ACTS of Henderson Sign

ACTS to Reopen Friday; Provides List of Needed Items

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

-Information courtesy ACTS of Henderson

ACTS of Henderson will reopen on Friday, April 24, 2020, and appreciates the community’s patience during the closure.

Donations of food may be dropped off anytime between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays at 201 South William Street in Henderson.

Monetary donations may be mailed to ACTS at P.O. Box 25, Henderson, NC 27536.

Specific items that are needed right now include any canned vegetables EXCEPT green beans and corn; 18 jars of peanut butter; jelly; canned spaghetti sauce; any type of canned fruit; and canned beans, like pinto, navy, great northern, black-eyed peas, etc.

If you’d like more information, please email lapeoples@actsofhenderson.org

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Vance County Regional Farmers Market to Offer Pre-Orders, Curbside Pickup

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

-Information courtesy the Vance County Regional Farmers Market

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market will begin its 2020 sales season this Saturday, April 25 from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Pre-orders and curbside pick-up will be available on market Saturdays this year, and customers are strongly encouraged to pre-order. All pre-orders must be placed by 5 p.m. on the Thursday before the Saturday pickup.

The following vendors will be at the market on Saturday, April 25 and are taking pre-orders:

Adcock Farms               
Canned goods including tomatoes, string beans, chow chow, pickles, onions; jellies and jams including strawberry, peach, blackberry, damson, grape, fig; honey and seasonal fresh produce.
Contact: Calvin Adcock: 252-204-6853

Dixon & Sons Farms     
Strawberries, sweet potatoes; seasonal fresh produce; pasture-raised pork; vegetable slips; bedding plants.
Contact: Kelly Dixon: 919-691-1367

Faulkner Family Farms
Pasture-raised pork
Contact Don Faulkner: 252-438-0982

Maul-N-Wedge
Barn wood furniture
Contact: Kenneth Fuller: 919-669-5801

Sweet Inspirations
Baked goods including pies, cakes, cookies
Contact: Eric Hargrove: 412-758-5184

Teresa’s Creations
An eclectic mix of handcrafted items including inspirational note pads, bath balms, herbal oils
Contact: Teresa Hicks: 252-438-8509

JW Creek Farms           
Pasture-raised beef and eggs
Contact: Janice Murphy: 919-691-1804 or William Murphy: 919-691-1529

2020 Market Schedule/Hours

April 25 – May 31 ~ Open Saturdays 7:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
June 1 – September 30 ~ Open Wednesdays & Saturdays 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Special Twilight Markets (in lieu of Wednesday markets) Open on Tuesday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 28 from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.
October 1 – December 5  ~ Open Saturdays 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Handcrafted Holiday Market on Saturday, November 21 from 8 a.m – 2 p.m.

Market closes for the season on Saturday, December 5.

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is a significant community resource, providing food for the community and an important market outlet for local farmers. The management of the Farmers Market is doing everything possible to provide a safe, clean, sanitized environment in which to shop, but doing so will require cooperation from everyone, including vendors and customers. To that end, customers are being asked to follow these guidelines.

Vance County Regional Farmers Market Customer Shopping Guidelines – Effective April 25, 2020, until further notice:

1. PLEASE DO NOT COME TO THE MARKET IF YOU DO NOT FEEL WELL OR HAVE A COUGH, FEVER OR SHORTNESS OF BREATH, OR IF YOU HAVE RECENTLY BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH COVID-19.
2. Maintain Social Distance (6 feet) between you and all others. Follow posted directions regarding entry and traffic flow. No more than one customer at each booth.
3. Practice good hygiene with hand sanitizer or handwashing. A convenient hand wash station is available for your convenience.
4. Please wear a mask or face covering during your visit.
5. Shop with a purpose – do not linger at a vendor’s booth after your purchase (this opens space for the next customer).
6. Designate a shopper from your family and do not bring everyone to the market.
7. Refrain from touching produce and products. Let the vendor handle and package your selections.
8. When possible, refrain from touching surfaces within the market.
9. Cover coughs and sneezes.
10. Be prepared for a brief wait outside if the building reaches the safe, maximum capacity.
11. Consider placing pre-orders with vendors so they can have it ready for “curbside” pick up.
12. Above all, please be patient and courteous.

The good news: COVID-19 is not a foodborne illness. According to the CDC, it is extremely unlikely that someone will catch it through eating. The virus is most likely to cause illness through respiratory transmission, not eating. The routes to be concerned about include being in close proximity to many people or coming in contact with high touch surfaces.

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr. in Henderson, NC.

Contacts:

Market Manager: Tracy Madigan @ 252-598-0814
Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie @ 252-438-8188

(This is not a paid advertisement)

WIZS Noon News Audio 4/22/20

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As you go to lunch or finish up lunch and return to work, if you missed the noon news on WIZS, you can hear the audio here.

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click on Listen Live at wizs.com — Listen to WIZS Local News live M-F at 8 a.m., Noon and 5 p.m.

Latest at Noon:

  • The Vance County Regional Farmers Market opens this Saturday, April 25
  • Latest on summer and fall schedules and enrollment at Vance Granville Community College
  • Latest on an accused escapee from the Federal Corrections facility in Butner