Dennis Jarvis

Dennis Jarvis, H-V Economic Development Director, Accepts Position in Jefferson Co., WV

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-Press Release, Jefferson County Development Authority

The Jefferson County Development Authority announces that Dennis Jarvis II will be its new executive director, effective July 6, 2020. Jarvis will lead the organization as it develops a new strategic plan for its future direction and focus on economic development efforts in Jefferson County.

The Jefferson County Commission approved the employment of Jarvis today upon the recommendation of the Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA) Board of Directors. Working with a national firm, JCDA board members began the search for a new executive director six months ago. After seeking input from community stakeholders regarding the type of candidate to pursue, Jarvis was selected following an extensive screening and interview process.

The Jefferson County Development Authority announces that Dennis Jarvis II, currently the director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission in North Carolina, will be its new executive director, effective July 6, 2020. (Photo courtesy JCDA)

Jarvis has 20 years of community and economic development experience in West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. He started his career as the deputy director of the Logan County Development Authority in West Virginia and is currently the director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission in North Carolina.

His background with business development, job creation, small business and entrepreneurial assistance programs as well as marketing and grant writing will be instrumental to the JCDA, said Neil McLaughlin, president of the JCDA. “We were impressed with Dennis’s enthusiasm for this area, his motivation and creativity for the role in general, and his stalwart Mountaineer spirit.”

“We look forward to Dennis joining the county,” said Jefferson County Commission President Jane Tabb. “This position is key to increasing and diversifying the tax base for Jefferson County and strengthening the economic well-being of our county, our businesses, and our residents.”

Since being reconstituted a year ago, McLaughlin noted the JCDA Board has been working to move forward, increase transparency, and grow relationships with the community, business leaders, and regional and state officials. In January, the JCDA hired a consultant to facilitate the development of a new strategic plan to guide JCDA leaders in establishing the direction of the organization.

“We’re looking forward to having Dennis on board as we begin this new chapter of the JCDA,” McLaughlin said. “His engaging personality, pro-active attitude, and relationship-building skills will be assets as the JCDA incorporates community involvement into the strategic planning process in the next few months.”

Jarvis welcomes the opportunity to come back to West Virginia. “I am honored to return home to West Virginia and the eastern gateway to our great state,” he said. “The choice to relocate to Jefferson County was easy. This is a progressive, dynamic community with a strategic location and vibrant workforce.”

The JCDA board is focused, Jarvis noted. “I am pleased to be able to work with the JCDA board. They are an energetic, synergistic group,” he said. “Developing a new strategic plan for the organization with community input is exciting for the future of Jefferson County.”

Born in Bluefield, West Virginia, Jarvis received his bachelor’s degree from Bluefield State College and completed his master’s degree at Marshall University. He is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at Oklahoma University, the Community Development Institute of West Virginia University, and is a Certified Business Retention Specialist with Business Retention International.

Jarvis and his wife, Lori Daniels Jarvis, are looking forward to returning to West Virginia with their cat, Virginia, and puppy, Buzzie. They enjoy traveling and riding their Indian Chieftain motorcycle. He is also a big fan of college football and likes podcasting.

During the next few months, the JCDA will be planning several events where community officials, business leaders, and local residents will have an opportunity to meet and get to know Jarvis.

The JCDA consists of a 15-member board of directors, including representatives from the county commission and each of the five municipalities within the county as well as industry, business, labor, education, and citizens representatives. The JCDA aims to promote, develop, and advance the economic development of Jefferson County, West Virginia.

For more information about the JCDA, visit www.jcda.net, email info@jcda.net, or call 304-728-3255.

JCPenney

Henderson JCPenney Among 154 Locations Closing Nationwide

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-Information and featured image courtesy JCPenney

JCPenney has announced that 154 stores, including the Henderson Square location at 380 N. Cooper Dr. in Henderson, NC, will close permanently.

Other North Carolina JCPenney store closings include the locations at Biggs Park Shopping Center in Lumberton, Twin Rivers Mall in New Bern, North Hills Shopping Center in Raleigh and the Richmond Plaza in Rockingham.

JCPenney posted the following statement on the company blog:

Following a comprehensive review of our retail footprint, JCPenney made the difficult decision to close 154 stores. We will continue to operate the majority of our stores and our flagship store, jcp.com, to ensure our valued customers continue to have access to the products and brands they need and want.

Please click here for the full list of closing locations by state.

Gang Free

Gang Free, Inc. in Need of Volunteers to Deliver Food Boxes ASAP

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Melissa Elliott, the founder of Gang Free, Inc. and Henderson City Council member, reached out to WIZS this afternoon to help spread the word of Gang Free Inc.’s free food delivery to those affected by COVID-19.

Stating she was currently “a bit overwhelmed” by the response of those in need, Elliott would appreciate any volunteer help she can get in delivering food boxes on behalf of the Gang Free organization.

This would also be a great opportunity for youth who are now out of school for the summer to get involved in helping others in their community.

According to Elliott, volunteers would leave food boxes in the resident’s vehicle or on the porch and would not go into the home.

“I think it is notable that the people are reaching out for assistance so that they don’t infect others in the community,” Elliott said.

For more information or to volunteer, please call Elliott at (252) 425-5220.

Local News Audio

Noon News 06/04/20

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WIZS, Henderson – Your Community Voice
Gang Free is delivering boxes of food to people
Filing for Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor begins Monday, June 8
Advance Academy announces graduation details
Vance Granville Community College announce enrollment gains

 

H-V Emergency Operations

Expected Above-Normal 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season Has Begun

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-Press Release, Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations

With June 1 came the official beginning of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, which lasts until November 30.

Already, we have had an active season with three (3) named storms, and with the forecast projections for this year, we could definitely be in for a busy season.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting an above-normal season in terms of the number of storms.

The Atlantic Basin Seasonal Hurricane Forecast for 2020

Number of Named Storms: 13-19
Number of Hurricanes: 6-10
Number of Major Hurricanes (Category 3 or higher): 3-6

The Vance County Office of Emergency Operations wants to make sure that you and your family are prepared for whatever this season brings our way. The time to prepare is now, well out in front of peak hurricane season. Keep in
mind that communities and individuals are expected to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours (3 days) following the impact of a hurricane.

“If the impact is severe enough, it may potentially take outside help three (3) days to get here,” Short said. “By taking the time to gather up a few basic necessities now, you will enable your family to weather the storm and the aftermath until help can arrive.”

For more information about how you and your family can prepare for severe weather, visit the National Weather Service website: http://www.weather.gov/rah or visit our state site for emergency information including severe weather preparedness: https://readync.org/EN/Index.html

2020 Tropical Storm Names for the Atlantic Region

Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Laura, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky and Wilfred

Recommended Family Preparedness Items

The best time to assemble a three-day emergency supplies kit is well before you will ever need it. Most people already have these items around the house, and it is a matter of assembling them now before an evacuation or State of Emergency order is issued.

Start with an easy to carry, watertight container – a large plastic trash can will do, or line a sturdy cardboard box with a couple of trash bags. Next, gather up the following items and place them in your kit:

Essentials
 Water – 1 gallon per person per day (a week’s supply of water is preferable)
 Water purification kit or bleach
 First aid kit and first aid book
 Pre-cooked, non-perishable foods, such as canned meats, granola bars, instant soup & cereals, etc.
 Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, soap, baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices
 Non-electric can opener
 Anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel
 Blanket or sleeping bag per person
 Portable radio or portable TV and extra batteries
 Flashlight and extra batteries
 Essential medications
 Extra pair of eyeglasses
 Extra house and car keys
 Fire extinguisher – ABC-type
 Food, water, leash and carrier for pets
 Cash and change
 Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes
 Please remember your pets

Sanitation Supplies
 Large plastic trash bags for waste, tarps and rain ponchos
 Large trash cans
 Bar soap and liquid detergent
 Shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes
 Feminine hygiene supplies
 Toilet paper
 Household bleach
 Rubber gloves

Stocking up now on emergency supplies can add to your family’s safety and comfort during and after a disaster. Store enough supplies for at least three days, preferably seven days, in one place.

Local News Audio

Noon News 06/03/20

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WIZS, Henderson – Your Community Voice
Upcoming Job Fair for Harbor Freight
South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church to offer utility relief for impactees of COVID 19 pandemic
Sheriff Curtis Brame and Kendrick Vann discuss Sunday’s protest walk

VGCC Logo

Enrollment Numbers Up for VGCC’s Summer Term

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Vance-Granville Community College has been working diligently to educate more students this summer. The hard work is paying off.

As of the beginning of the summer semester in late May, VGCC had 1,228 students enrolled in credit programs. That represents an estimated 11% increase compared to the beginning of the summer 2019 semester when enrollment stood at 1,101. The college is likewise experiencing an estimated 30% increase in the number of student hours completed, typically known as Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) enrollment.  

A significant source of enrollment for this summer is in both the college transfer and technical and trades credit program areas. VGCC also has a healthy number of special credit students from four-year universities taking classes. 

“We are pleased to see the trend for increased enrollment at VGCC continue into this summer semester,” VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais stated. “We are here to serve our community and are rising to the challenge of providing increased access to quality online learning during the pandemic. We look forward to offering more in-person instruction this fall as we help our community members pivot during this uncertain economy.”

“The college’s Student Engagement & Success team, faculty, marketing and many people have contributed to this effort. We are glad to see the college educating more students in the four-county area and the wider region. Our team is committed to being innovative and thinking about the best ways to provide quality instruction and support services to those who choose Vance-Granville. When students learn with us, they are ready for the workforce and/or success at a senior institution,” said Dr. Levy Brown, the college’s vice president of learning, student engagement and success. “Student access, retention, success and career preparation are embedded in our mindset, and it continues to show!”

Students are encouraged to apply and register for Fall 2020 now.

Established in 1969, VGCC offers more than 40 credit programs, in which students work toward certificates, diplomas and degrees. Area residents and businesses can also take advantage of a variety of continuing education/job training opportunities, as well as the High School Equivalency and Adult High School Diploma programs. High school students can get a step ahead by starting their college education early with VGCC courses.

The college has four campuses – one each in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties – and offers online programs, as well. The new “Vanguard Flex” program is offering flexible, hybrid schedules in the evenings and weekends on the Franklin Campus in Louisburg, to accommodate schedules for adult learners. 

For more information about the college, visit www.vgcc.edu.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Local COVID-19 Update: Vance, Granville & Warren County Report

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health and Warren County Health Department

As of June 2, 2020, there are 324 known COVID-19 cases in Granville County, 332 cases in Vance County, 66 cases in Warren County and 29,889 confirmed cases in North Carolina.

There are four outbreaks at congregate living facilities in the district – one at Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC; one at Murdoch Development Center 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, 142 in Granville County are associated with the prisons, 5 are associated with Murdoch, 58 in Vance County are associated with Pelican Health nursing home, and 32 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.

Of the 177 community-based cases in Granville County, 87 have been released from isolation and 4 are hospitalized.

Of the 142 cases in the prison system, 70 have been released from isolation.

Of the 242 community-based cases in Vance County, 120 have been released from isolation.

Of the 90 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 31 have been released from isolation.

13 individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 34 deaths in the Granville Vance health district – 24 in Vance County and 10 with the Bureau of Prisons in Granville County.

Also as of June 2, the Warren County Health Department NC reports 66 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Warren County; 2 are hospitalized; 49 cases have recovered; 2 deaths related to COVID-19 (both had underlying health conditions).

Confirmed positive cases in Warren County range from 12 years of age to 83 years of age.

Vance County Logo

McMillen Provides Overview of Recommended Vance Co. Budget Changes

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Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen provided WIZS with the following summary of the Vance County Board of Commissioners’ meeting held Monday, June 1, 2020:

We held three public hearings last evening in regard to the overall FY 2020-2021 budget, the water budget and the economic development budget. We are on schedule to adopt the budget during our special meeting on June 15 and are not anticipating any additional work sessions unless the Board decides otherwise.

Overall, there have only been a few changes the board has made to the recommended budget. The changes are as follows:

– Increased revenue into the general fund due to transferring $41,903 from economic development fund as the result of revenue from Triangle North to offset expenses.

– Increased EMS capital outlay $1,400 to account for the increased cost of camera installation.

– Increased revenue and expenditures by $12,295 due to Emergency Management COVID-19 grant.

– Moved $6,000 from the 4H budget to the Cooperative Extension budget to cover the salary for the 4H position.

– Adjusted state revenues and expenditures for the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) based upon funding grid approved by the JCPC Board on May 28, 2020.

– Added four additional vehicles to the sheriff’s office budget to fully fund the sheriff’s request for eight vehicles – $144,000 additional cost to be financed.

We are running the final numbers on the budget and will have the overall budget and revised appropriation from fund balance in the next day or so.

WIZS Note:

On today’s edition of Town Talk, Sheriff Brame briefly addressed last night’s meeting and said he was pleased with the outcome for the sheriff’s office. “I thank the County Commissioners for being in favor of what I asked for. I understand this is crunch time, and everyone knows we are in an economic fallout due to COVID-19. I’m pleased that the commissioners are working with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office and other County agencies.”

To see the recommended budget (prior to the June 1 Commissioners’ meeting), click here. To hear a recent Town Talk interview with McMillen regarding the budget, click here.

North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Releases Statement on George Floyd Incident

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-Press Release, North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association

The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association stands for the protection of the rights of all citizens. The sheriffs of North Carolina expect all law enforcement officers to conduct themselves professionally and lawfully at all times. These higher standards of conduct include reserving the use of force, especially deadly force, for those times when its use is absolutely necessary and lawful.

While we are not privy to the full investigation, what we have seen in the video of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota is unacceptable. The video clearly shows unprofessional and egregious conduct by law enforcement officers. This type of law enforcement conduct cannot be tolerated and must be swiftly addressed by the law enforcement community and the criminal justice system.

Part of the mission of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association is to provide education and training to sheriffs and their personnel. The law enforcement conduct displayed in this video is inexcusable and totally contrary to the training provided to law enforcement officers in North Carolina.

As sheriffs, we strive to build relationships with everyone in our communities. These relationships are built on mutual respect between officers and their community. It is by our conduct that law enforcement officers earn the respect of the public we are sworn to serve. This type of egregious misconduct by a few officers erodes the respect citizens have for all officers. Therefore, when law enforcement officers violate laws or policy, we expect them to immediately be held accountable. We, the members of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, will tolerate nothing less.

We extend our deepest sympathies to George Floyd, his family, the citizens and businesses of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the law enforcement community that live up to their oath and creed of respect, courage, dedication, and service to protect and serve their community.