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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-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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-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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-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

Join H-V Rec. & Parks for Virtual ‘Body Blast’ Wednesdays

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

Don’t let the gyms being closed stop you from working out and staying healthy! Join Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks staff on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. for a Facebook Live “Body Blast” workout led by VJ Hunt.

Body Blast is a 45-minute high energy, high impact group circuit training, focusing on all the problem areas.

Please like H-V Rec. and Parks on Facebook (Henderson-Vance) and join us for this free virtual workout!

Noon News 04/21/20

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Listen to the news live each weekday on the air or online at 8 a.m., 12 noon and 5 p.m.

Town Talk Logo

TownTalk 04/21/20: Registration Open for VGCC’s Fully Online Summer Semester

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Kali Brown, dean of Student Access and Support at Vance-Granville Community College, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Frequently known as the curriculum side of the house, Brown oversees an area that includes Admissions, Career Services, Financial Aid and the Registrar’s Office.

Brown said the main focus of the Student Access and Support Division is connecting students to the college experience. “We help them gain access, whether they want to complete a short-term degree, such as a certificate or a diploma, or they are interested in pursuing an associate degree leading to workforce opportunities or college transfer.”

With over 40 degree, diploma, and certificate programs, Brown said VGCC offers something for everyone. “There are so many opportunities for students. Within a year to a year-and-a-half, a student can complete a credential, move into the workforce and start earning a livable wage.”

While VGCC’s current spring semester wraps up on May 11, registration is open and ongoing for the summer semester, which begins May 16, and the fall semester, which begins August 17. For a list of available classes, please visit the “Class Schedules” section of VGCC’s website or click here.

Following adjustments made in the middle of the spring semester due to the COVID-19 pandemic and state-wide stay-at-home orders, VGCC will offer summer classes in an entirely online format for both current and new students.

Classes typically taught in the summer semester that are unable to be offered online will potentially be offered this fall, depending on the situation, stated Brown.

“Summer is a great opportunity for students to get started, and it’s a great opportunity to take a general education class that they need for their program of study,” Brown said.

Many of VGCC’s curriculum admission processes, including the admission application, Financial Aid application and scholarship application, can be completed online.

While applying online is part of the standard admissions process, Brown said changes have been made to placement testing requirements as a result of stay-at-home orders. Testing requirements have been temporarily waived, with students now required to provide their high school transcript for placement purposes.

For more information on VGCC’s programs, semester dates, class schedules and registration information, please visit www.vgcc.edu.

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

Also appearing on TownTalk Tuesday was Hal Muetzel, local owner-operator of Express Employment Professionals.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Total COVID-19 Cases Increase for Vance, Granville; Several Released From Isolation

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health and Brian Short, director of H-V Emergency Management

As of April 20, 2020, there are 113 known cases of COVID-19 in Granville County, 31 cases in Vance County, and 6,764 confirmed cases in North Carolina. Of the positive test results in Granville County, 74 are being reported at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC.

There have been a total of six (6) deaths in the health district – one in Vance County and five with the Bureau of Prisons in Granville County. Of the 39 community-based cases in Granville County, 11 have been released from isolation and 10 of the 31 cases in Vance have been released from isolation.

According to a recent update from Brian Short, director of Henderson-Vance Emergency Management, three individuals remain hospitalized in Vance County, while 18 individuals are currently isolated at home.

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 can share 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.

According to the CDC site, the decision to discontinue isolation should be made in the context of local circumstances. Options now include both 1) a time-since-illness-onset and time-since-recovery (non-test-based) strategy, and 2) test-based strategy.

Time-since-illness-onset and time-since-recovery strategy (non-test-based strategy):

Persons with COVID-19 who have symptoms and were directed to care for themselves at home may discontinue isolation under the following conditions:

  • At least three days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
  • Improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and,
  • At least seven days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

Test-based strategy:

Previous recommendations for a test-based strategy remain applicable; however, a test-based strategy is contingent on the availability of ample testing supplies and laboratory capacity as well as convenient access to testing. For jurisdictions that choose to use a test-based strategy, the recommended protocol has been simplified so that only one swab is needed at every sampling.

Persons who have COVID-19 who have symptoms and were directed to care for themselves at home may discontinue isolation under the following conditions:

Persons with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who have not had any symptoms may discontinue isolation when at least seven days have passed since the date of their first positive COVID-19 diagnostic test and have had no subsequent illness provided they remain asymptomatic.

For three days following discontinuation of isolation, these persons should continue to limit contact (stay six-feet away from others) and limit any potential dispersal of respiratory secretions by wearing a covering for their nose and mouth whenever they are in settings where other persons are present.

In community settings, this covering may be a barrier mask, such as a bandana, scarf, or cloth mask. The covering does not refer to a medical mask or respirator.

While the mainstream media has begun to have discussions about ‘reopening the country,’ Short stated that H-V Emergency Management continues to strongly encourage citizens to continue to observe social distancing parameters and closing orders.

To stay current on the number of cases in our state and local area, please visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services’ Coronavirus statistics page at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/covid-19-case-count-nc.

GVPH is also updating its website with Vance and Granville statistics daily at www.gvph.org/COVID-19/