Wednesday, Dec 30 Food Giveaway 9 a.m. at Mt. Moriah A.M.E. Zion

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The first food giveaway, round one if you will, on December 26 being a success, Mt. Moriah A.M.E. Zion Church now moves on to round two.  Round two will happen Wednesday, December 30th starting at 9 a.m. at the church located at 5448 Highway 158 Business, Henderson, NC 27537.

Mt. Moriah A.M.E. Zion Church is partnering with Livingstone College and the NC Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health to fight food insecurities in Henderson, Vance County, NC and surrounding areas.

In a scheduled event Dec 26, Rev. Linda T. Bristow, assistant to the pastor, told WIZS News the church and its partners were able give away more than 150 food boxes to try to make a dent in the fight against food insecurities in our area.  She said, “People were in line at 8:30 a.m. and continued steadily throughout the morning. Unfortunately, people were still coming after we had given out all our supplies.

“Our next food giveaway will be Wednesday, December 30 beginning at 9 a.m. We’ll be giving away three hundred (300), forty (40) pound cases of fresh chicken, drumsticks, bone-in thighs and boneless breasts, she said.”

The event is free and open to anyone experiencing food insecurities.  Additional giveaways are being planned.

Food Giveaway Dec 26 & Dec 30 at Mt Moriah AME Zion Church

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— courtesy Rev. Linda T. Bristow, Assistant to the Pastor at Mt. Moriah AME Zion Church

Mt. Moriah is partnering with Livingstone College and the NC Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health to fight food insecurities in Henderson, Vance County, NC and surrounding areas. Two community outreach initiatives are scheduled, the first on December 26, 2020 beginning at 10:00 AM.  We will be giving away free groceries (fresh produce, dry goods, and canned goods). Then, on December 30, 2020 starting at 9:00 AM, we will be giving away cases of fresh chicken (up to 40 lbs). Both events are free and open to anyone experiencing food insecurities and will be held at Mt. Moriah A. M. E. Zion Church, located at 5448 Highway 158 Business, Henderson, NC 27537. We’ll be announcing more giveaways soon!

King Leader Award; John Lewis Award Applications

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(For full details, be sure to visit the link trianglemlk.com.  Vance, Granville, Franklin residents should apply.)

The Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee is accepting nominations for a special award to recognize a young person making a positive impact in his or her community through social justice activities. The John Lewis Student Activist Award will be a one-time award given in 2021 and honors the life and legacy of the late U.S. Congressman and Civil Rights leader John Lewis, who died in 2020. The winner will be announced in the annual MLK, Jr. Interfaith breakfast, held virtually on Jan. 18, 2021.

This student award is in addition to the annual King Leader Grant Award, given to the leader of an organization for work in the community, according to information released by the committee. The counties eligible to submit nominations include Franklin, Granville and Vance counties in the WIZS listening area. The deadline to submit nominations for both awards is Jan. 5, 2021.

Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent of Vance County Public Schools, is helping the Triangle MLK, Jr. Committee spread the word locally. The student award “is for students who have really lifted their voice to speak out – we have some great kids in our community, so I’m challenging us to identify those student leaders and identify those organization leaders…we’ve never had a winner from this area,” Jackson added.

Congressman Lewis described his activism as “good trouble,” which began when he was young. The Triangle MLK, Jr. Committee established the award to honor Lewis’s legacy of leadership that began in his youth; nominees must be between the ages of 18 and 22. According to information provided by the committee, the purpose of the award is “to recognize and uplift the work of a modern-day, passionate young leader that is making significant strides and impact in social justice activism as the civil rights movement marches on.”

In addition to the student award, the King Leader Award is given to the leader of an organization that has made or continues to have a positive impact in a community in the areas of social justice, community empowerment, equity and/or inclusivity or has been a catalyst in relationship building in the community. Review the application for additional eligibility requirements. This is the third year the King Leader Award has been given.

The John Lewis Award winner will receive a $500 honorarium; The King Leader Award will receive $5,000 for the organization he or she leads.

For more information about the Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee and to download the applications, visit trianglemlk.com.

Vance County Sheriff's Office

Car Chase, Wreck, Stolen Vehicle, Wreck, Foot Chase, Attempted Carjacking, Weapon Fired, Arrest

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— information courtesy of a press release from Sheriff Curtis Brame

On Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at approximately 11:18 a.m., the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division assisted the Henderson Police Department Patrol Division.  They were chasing a 2011 Honda Accord with a North Carolina registration in the area of Willowood Drive inside the city limits of Henderson.  During the chase, deputies ascertained that Paul Z. Pearce, a white male age 29, had felony drug charges pending out of Wake County and to approach with caution.

The suspect Pearce wrecked the vehicle he was driving on Cypress Drive and stole another vehicle in the neighborhood and then wrecked the second vehicle on Edgewood at Cedarwood Drive, striking a patrol vehicle, flipping the stolen vehicle several times.

Pearce exited the stolen vehicle after wrecking and ran on foot through the woods onto Willowood Drive where he attempted to carjack another vehicle occupied by two women.

Deputies were chasing the suspect on foot when one deputy gave the suspect multiple commands to stop.  The deputy then fired a service weapon missing the suspect Pearce.

No one was injured as a result of the weapon being discharged.

The suspect, Pearce, was apprehended and taken to Maria Parham Health in Henderson and air lifted to Duke Medical Center, where it was confirmed that he was not shot during the incident.

The Vance County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina Highway Patrol and Henderson Police Department are conducting the investigation, and charges are pending regarding this incident.

The investigation is continuing.

TownTalk 12-22-20; Vance County Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson On Return From Covid

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Vance County Schools developed and last week adopted a plan for the return to face-to-face learning.  But when?

The plan itself calls for two days of face-to-face instruction and a staggered entry.  The entry would begin with PreK then K and 6 grades followed by grades 1 and 2 and finally grades 3-5.  Self-contained EC students in grades PreK-12 begin re-entry as well, and remote options remain available.

Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson told WIZS TownTalk, “One of the reasons we wanted to go ahead and get the plan approved was so parents would understand the format and understand, if you look at it closely, it really looks at the ramp up.  So, each group would be brought in for a period of time, maybe a week, to get it stable, so it would take us about three to four weeks to completely implement the full plan and get all the students back in on that full schedule.”  (To hear the interview with Dr. Jackson click here or the TownTalk logo to the right.)

The total format and all the safety protocols, so the teachers and students have a chance to understand, is important as well.  It can’t happen all at once.

As to the remote learning participation so far, Dr. Jackson said 91 to 92 percent of students are engaged every single day.  In terms of grades, he said, “We had some students do better than they would in the classroom, but we’ve also had some students who have struggled in this environment that we are going to have to do some work to help recapture and recoup the time lost and instruction they’ve missed.”

He said overall students are doing well.

The Vance County School board has operated with caution.  Jackson said he believed that when all the data indicated its safe for kids and adults as well, and when the board is told it’s safe for both kids and adults, that it will be the signal the board needs to implement the plans for face-to-face learning.

Part of the puzzle is not only keeping folks healthy but also knowing there are enough healthy teachers and staff so the schools can operate effectively.  Vance County has avoided flip flopping between open and closed and being forced to stop again after in-person learning resumes.

When asked about requiring teachers and staff to be vaccinated for covid, he said, “We follow state statute that governs our local policies, and once that’s cleared up, we will act accordingly.  The truth is, we can’t get schools back open until people have a comfort level that we are safe.”

Local News Audio

WIZS Local Noon News 12-23-20; Local Covid Vaccine

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WIZS Local News Audio at Noon 12-23-20

  • Local Covid
  • Local Covid Vaccine
  • Perry Memorial Library
  • Possible severe weather Christmas Eve, storms, wind

For the news audio, click play…

 

5.4 Percent of Vance County’s Population Has Tested Covid Positive

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The total number of Covid cases in Vance County since the pandemic began equals 2,406 as of today, December 22, 2020, and that means 5.4 percent of the population of Vance County has been diagnosed with the virus.  The 883 active cases of Covid-19 right now in Vance County represents 1.98 percent of the population of the County.

Vance County has seen a net increase of 115 cases in a week or just over 16 per day.  In the past seven days, the County has experienced a total increase of 214 cases. During the same seven-day period, beginning December 16 and ending December 22, a total of 99 cases have come to an end with the person being released from isolation.

As of Tuesday, December 22, 2020, there are 883 active cases in Vance County, with 873 of them in the community at large.  With the community spread increasing, the number of dead is increasing too, three more attributed to Covid in the past week.

The number of cases calling for inpatient care in Vance County is holding steady at 23, of which the lower twenties has been the figure most of December.

Perry Memorial Library

Perry Memorial Library Curbside; And The 2020 Holidays

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Perry Memorial Library has a web page at https://www.perrylibrary.org/ and the staff send out important information via email to registered patrons.

This week WIZS received such an email, and it indicated that, although you cannot go inside right now, curbside pick-up is available Monday-Friday from 10am-6pm.  Place your holds, they’ll contact you when the items are ready for pick-up, and staff will bring them to your car!

If you need help placing holds, give them a call at 252-438-3316, and the staff will talk you through the process or place your holds for you.  Hours are Monday-Friday from 10am-6pm.

Holiday Closings will affect those times as follows; “The library will be closed Thursday and Friday, December 24 and 25, and Friday, January 1. Curbside and phone service will not be available. Have a happy and safe holiday,” the library issued email said.

And, Perry Memorial Library on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/perryreaders is having some holiday fun!

From the library:

“The expert curators at Perry Memorial Library have come up with a list of 32 holiday classics, both movies and specials. Voting started last week. Through very scientific voting on Facebook the list has been narrowed to 16 and the competition appears tough.

“There’s still plenty of time to make your voice heard. Voting on the Sweet 16 (started) Monday, December 21, at noon. The champion will be crowned Monday, December 28.

“And as an extra bonus, everyone who votes gets a chance at winning their own DVD copy of the winning classic!

“Be sure to follow us on Facebook and vote for your favorite!”

Governor Cooper Gives COVID-19 County Alert Update

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— press release courtesy of North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and his office

Gov. Cooper Calls on North Carolinians to Stay Vigilant this Holiday Season

More than 90 percent of North Carolina counties now in the red or orange zone; Vaccines continue to be distributed to communities around the state

Today, Governor Roy Cooper and Secretary of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Dr. Mandy Cohen shared updates on the COVID-19 County Alert System, warning that more than 90 percent of North Carolina counties are now designated as red or orange.

“North Carolina needs to drive down our numbers. To do that, we all need to change our holiday plans if you haven’t already,” Governor Cooper said. “The best and safest option is to connect virtually or by phone. But if you gather in-person, keep it small and do it outside. Get a COVID-19 test before you go. Spread out the tables and chairs. Follow the modified Stay at Home Order and be home by 10 PM. And, always, always wear a mask.”

The County Alert System uses COVID-19 case rates, the percent of tests that are positive and hospital impact within the county to categorize counties into the following tiers:

  • Yellow: Significant Community Spread
  • Orange: Substantial Community Spread
  • Red: Critical Community Spread

There are currently 65 red counties, 27 orange counties and only 8 yellow counties. Read the updated report to see where each county stands and how the alert system was designed.

“The county alert map shows how quickly things can escalate. As you think about the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays please avoid traveling and gathering. If you absolutely must, get tested ahead of time, wear a mask all the time, keep it small and keep it outdoors,” said Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D.

Governor Cooper and Dr. Cohen also highlighted updates on North Carolina’s distribution of two COVID-19 vaccines. The state expects to receive approximately 60,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 176,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine. The Moderna vaccine does not require ultra-cold storage and is slated to go to 59 hospitals and 97 local health department sites.

Governor Cooper and health officials warned against traveling and large gatherings ahead of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The Governor also reminded people that the statewide mask mandate and Modified Stay at Home Order requiring people to be home between 10 PM and 5 AM will still be in effect through the holidays until at least January 8, 2021

Pastor Joseph Casteel from First United Methodist Church in Roanoke Rapids and Reverend James White from Christ Our King Community Church in Raleigh joined today’s briefing to discuss how critical it is for communities of faith to follow the safety measures while celebrating. They stress that the most important thing people can do for their communities this Christmas is taking the steps necessary to protect their communities, even if that means pausing or adapting traditions.

“The opportunity for you and your family to remain safe, an opportunity not to put anyone else at risk and, the freedom for you to choose the time for meaningful worship that works for you. It’s a win-win. There will be a myriad of online opportunities for meaningful worship. It will be okay,” Pastor Joseph Casteel said.

“Pastors, Rabbis and other faith leaders are often expected to have words of hope. Maybe we are all appropriately lost for words. What is most needed are actions and perspectives that will lead to life now and in the future,” Rev. James White said. “Perhaps we all need to figure out how to create celebrations in the midst of limitations. This is not as impossible as it may sound.”

The CDC is encouraging people to avoid traveling for the holidays. If continuing to gather, state officials urge North Carolinians to keep get togethers small and outside with social distancing and masks. People can also get a COVID-19 test ahead of gathering.

Read the full holiday guidance from NCDHHS.

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Local News Audio

Noon News 12-22-20 United Way; VGCC CDL Program; Granville Co. Holiday Schedule

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Stories include:

– United Way presents grant checks to local organizations

– 100% Graduation rate for Vance Granville Community College CDL Program

– Granville Co. Government holiday schedule

For full details and audio click play.