City of Henderson Logo

City of Henderson’s Sewer System Bypassed 786,000 Gallons of Untreated Water

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-Press Release, City of Henderson

NOTICE OF BYPASS OF UNTREATED WASTEWATER

The City of Henderson’s Sewer Collection System bypassed approximately 786,000 gallons of untreated water on August 31, 2020, due to inflow/infiltration from the heavy rain.

The overflow occurred at Neatherly St, E Rockspring St, the intersection of Pinkston St. and Farrar Ave., Pinkston St. (Green Acres outfall), Alexander Ave., and Bridgers St.

Approximately 149,625 gallons of untreated water entered a tributary to Sandy Creek. Approximately 12,375 gallons were contained on the ground.

Two lift stations also had overflows due to inflow/infiltration: 1416 Rock Mill Road/Martins Creek overflowed approximately 72,000 gallons and 482 Rock Mill Road/Sandy Creek overflowed approximately 552,000 gallons both entering Sandy Creek.

North Carolina General Statutes Article 21 Chapter 143.215.1c requires a press release for all bypasses of 1,000 gallons or more that enter surface waters.

Questions concerning this matter should be directed to the Public Works ORC Joey Long, Jr. at (252) 226-4492 or Andy Perkinson at (252) 431-6117.

NC Governor Logo

North Carolina to Move Into Phase 2.5

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper today announced that after a summer of hard work to slow the spread of COVID-19, North Carolina will take a modest step forward move into Phase 2.5 starting this Friday, September 4, 2020, at 5 p.m.

Phase 2.5 means the following for North Carolina:

  • Mass gathering limits will increase to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors from the current limit of 10 indoors and 25 outdoors.
  • Playgrounds may open.
  • Museums and aquariums may open at 50% capacity.
  • Gyms and indoor exercise facilities, such as yoga studios, martial arts, and rock climbing, as well as skating rinks, bowling alleys, indoor basketball, volleyball, etc., may open at 30% capacity.
  • Bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, indoor entertainment facilities, amusement parks, dance halls will remain closed.
  • Large venues remain subject to the mass gathering limits.

In addition, NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen issued a Secretarial Order allowing for outdoor visitation at nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities. To participate, nursing homes must meet several requirements, including, but not limited to, not having a current outbreak, having a testing plan and updated written Infection Control or Preparedness plan for COVID-19, and having adequate personal protective equipment.

The Secretarial Order is effective as of September 4, 2020, at 5 p.m. and remains in effect through September 22, 2020.

“Safer at Home Phase 2.5 continues our state’s dimmer switch approach to easing some restrictions,” said Governor Cooper. “We can do this safely only if we keep doing what we know works — wearing masks and social distancing. In fact, a new phase is exactly when we need to take this virus even more seriously.”

Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shared an update on North Carolina’s data trends. Dr. Cohen explained that North Carolina has seen stability in our key metrics.

“As we take modest steps forward today, it’s important to remember that moving forward doesn’t mean letting up on slowing the spread of the virus. Our progress is fragile and we need to maintain focus on the 3Ws especially as we head into flu season,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, MD.

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

  • North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness continues to decline.

Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

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

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive is stable.

Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is declining.

Although these numbers are still stable or declining, they remain high. In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to prevent virus spread. These areas include:

Laboratory Testing

  • The state continues to have testing capacity and lab turnaround times are averaging two days. However, fewer people are getting tested. Anyone who has symptoms or has been exposed should get tested. There are supports available to help people who may face challenges in being able to miss work or safely stay home.

Tracing Capability

  • The state continues hiring contact tracers to bolster the efforts of local health departments.

Personal Protective Equipment

  • North Carolina’s personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are stable.

Mask mandates and other prevention methods remain in effect and are even more important to contain the virus, Cooper said. Read the Executive Order here.

State Highway Patrol

Labor Day Weekend Marks the Launch of Highway Patrol’s Impaired Driving Initiative

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-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Public Safety

As Labor Day fast approaches, increased congestion across the state is expected as motorists travel to their intended vacation destinations. With this in mind, the State Highway Patrol is stressing the importance of sober driving throughout the holiday weekend.

Combining forces with the Governor’s Highway Safety Program and more than 500 law enforcement organizations statewide, the SHP is participating in the GHSP’s Booze It & Lose It campaign. Troopers throughout the two-week initiative will focus on multiple motor vehicle violations such as excessive speeding, aggressive driving and driving while distracted. A special emphasis will also be placed on removing impaired motorists, attempting to prevent needless collisions from occurring.

“Removing impaired drivers before they harm themselves or someone else is among our highest priorities throughout the holiday weekend,” said Colonel Glenn McNeill, Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. “Ensuring safe travel is a shared responsibility among both law enforcement and those who travel across our great state.”

Last year, the SHP responded to more than 1,351 collisions throughout the Labor Day weekend. Among those collisions, 402 resulted in an injury and 12 resulted in one or more fatalities. Ninety-four collisions within the same time frame occurred due to impairment of either alcohol or drugs.

Motorists can assist in reducing needless collisions by following the provided suggestions:

  • Plan ahead by ensuring a designated driver has been selected.
  • Use a ride-sharing service if no designated driver is available.
  • Prepare for delays by choosing alternate routes.
  • Monitor speed limits and avoid driving distracted.
  • Increase following distances.

The Booze It & Lose It campaign began Monday, August 31 and will conclude on Sunday, September 13, 2020.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Local COVID-19 Update: Number of New Community Cases Reported by Week Declines

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

Granville Vance Public Health’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard shows a decline in the number of new community cases reported weekly in both Granville and Vance County from August 23 to August 30, 2020. On August 23, Granville reported 74 new cases of COVID, with Vance reporting 54 new cases. On August 30, Granville reported 15 new cases from the previous week, with Vance reporting 11 new cases. This is the lowest number of new community cases reported weekly in both counties since April.

For additional information, please visit GVPH’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard (click here) for tables and graphs that are updated daily. A chart for those considered “off-isolation” has recently been added.

The following is an update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of August 31, 2020. Granville Vance Public Health numbers correlate with the NC Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NCEDSS) data.

The county case numbers reported on the NC county map from the NC Department of Health and Human Services may differ from the ones reported locally as they are updated at different times and may change once residence is verified.

Granville County

1,542 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,542, 897 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 897, 740 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,542 cases, 516 are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County, and 440 of those 516 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,542, 129 are associated with outbreaks at long term care facilities including 24 at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center, and 94 at Universal Health Care. The outbreak at Granville House is no longer active.

Of the 129 cases in long term care facilities in Granville County, 15 have been released from isolation.

Eight individuals in Granville County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 45 deaths in Granville County: five in the community, one associated with Central Regional Hospital, one associated with Murdoch Development Center, 17 associated with Universal Health Care, and 21 associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.

Unfortunately, two recent deaths have been reported associated with Universal Health Care: a 72-year-old female passed away on August 29 and an 83-year-old male passed away on August 30, 2020.

Vance County

881 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 881, 756 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 756, 577 have been released from isolation

Of those 881, 125 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities including 49 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home and 17 associated with Senior Citizens Home. The outbreaks at Alliance Rehabilitative Care and at Pelican Health nursing home are no longer active.

Of the 125 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 96 have been released from isolation.

Seven individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 42 deaths in Vance County: 14 associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 12 associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, two associated with Senior Citizens Home and 14 in the community.

Additional Information

The number of those who have been ‘released from isolation’ is determined by the CDC Guidance for discontinuation of isolation for persons with COVID-19.

Please visit www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information from Granville Vance Public Health and to sign up for daily email updates.

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 9-1-20 Noon

Local News Audio 9-1-20; Noon; WIZS Radio

Henderson News, Local News, Election News

  • Ernestine Bazemore, NC Senate District 3 Dem. Candidate
  • Local Voter Registration Deadlines

Click Play Below for Full Details…

 

American Flag

Vance Co. BOE Announces Important General Election Dates, Reminders

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-Information courtesy the Vance County Board of Elections

The Vance County Board of Elections (VCBOE) has announced important upcoming November 2020 General Election dates, deadlines and reminders.

November 2020 General Election Important Dates:

Friday, September 4, 2020 – Absentee Voting by Mail Begins

Friday, October 9, 2020 – Voter Registration Deadline

Thursday, October 15, 2020One-Stop Voting (Early Voting) Begins

Tuesday, October 27, 2020 – Last Day to Request an Absentee Ballot by Mail

Saturday, October 31, 2020 – One-Stop Voting (Early Voting) Ends

Tuesday, November 3, 2020 – Last Day to Return an Absentee Ballot by Mail

Tuesday, November 3, 2020 – November Election Day

Friday, November 13, 2020 – County Canvass

Deadlines for Absentee Voting by Mail for the 2020 General Election

October 15, 2020 – October 27, 2020

Requests are accepted on the approved State Absentee by Mail Request Form only and ballots are mailed by the Board of Elections Office.

October 27, 2020 – November 3, 2020

Valid in-person requests are accepted for sick and disabled voters at the Board of Elections Office.

Ballots must be returned by November 3, 2020, at 5 p.m. or be post-marked by November 3, 2020, and received by mail no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2020.

Reminders on Absentee Voting by Mail

The absentee ballot envelope, where indicated, must have one witness and their signature and the voter’s signature or mark. Only the voter or the voter’s near relative or the voter’s verifiable legal guardian is allowed to request or return the voter’s absentee ballot materials.

To Request an Absentee Ballot by Mail

Voter or voter’s near relative or verifiable legal guardian must fill out and sign the State Absentee Ballot Request Form. Request forms are available at the Vance County Board of Elections Office, mailed by request from the VCBOE or online at www.ncsbe.gov.

Same-Day Registration

Those who miss the October 9, 2020, voter registration deadline may register to vote during the One-Stop Voting (Early Voting). Click here for a list of Vance County’s early voting dates and sites.

Out of Precinct Voting

Voters who appear on Election Day in the correct county but in the improper precinct may cast a provisional ballot which will be counted for all contests in which the voter was eligible to participate.

For more information, visit the Vance County Board of Elections website (click here) or call the VCBOE at (252) 492-3730. The VCBOE office is located at 300 S. Garnett Street in Henderson, NC. Director Faye Gill is also available by email at fgill@vancecounty.org.

City of Henderson Logo

Henderson City Council’s Land Planning Committee to Meet Sept. 3

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-Information courtesy the City of Henderson

The Henderson City Council’s Land Planning Committee will meet at 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2020, in Council Chambers at City Hall, 134 Rose Avenue in Henderson.

The purpose of this meeting is to consider an offer to purchase City-owned property. The public is welcome to observe.

Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments

Kerr-Tar COG Awarded Funding to Assist Eligible Residents With Home Repairs

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-Press Release, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments

The Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments (COG) has been awarded $200,000 by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) under the 2020 cycle of the Urgent Repair Program to assist residents in the counties of Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance and Warren.

The Urgent Repair Program finances emergency home repairs for homeowners who are elderly or have special needs and whose incomes are below 50% of the median for the area. Only repairs that address imminent threats to the life and/or safety of occupants of the dwelling unit or accessibility modifications will be performed under the program. A total of 18 households are projected to be assisted.

In the Urgent Repair Program, one or two critical problems may be repaired, but the entire house is not addressed. Examples of work typically done under this program include roof or HVAC system repair, well or septic system repairs, adding accessibility features like ramps, bathroom grab bars and wider doors.

The COG will provide assistance, to those whose homes are selected for repairs, in the form of a loan. Homeowners will receive an unsecured deferred, interest-free loan, forgiven at a rate of $2,000 per year until the principal balance is reduced to zero.   The maximum amount of the loan available is $10,000.

Applications are available starting September 1, 2020, and must be returned to the COG office by 5 p.m. on November 1, 2020.  Clients to be assisted will be selected by January 1, 2021.

The application and program information are available on the Kerr-Tar Regional COG website at www.kerrtarcog.org or by calling (252) 436-2040.

The funds provided by the NCHFA for the Urgent Repair Program come from the North Carolina Housing Trust Fund.

Melanin Marquee Rescheduled

‘Melanin Marquee’ Rescheduled for Tues., Sept. 1

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Due to unforeseen technical difficulties experienced Sunday evening, McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center has rescheduled the “Melanin Marquee – A Black Broadway Cabaret” for Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.

The performance will be shown live via the McGregor Hall Facebook page.

Enjoy this incredible lineup of the region’s finest performers free-of-charge from the comfort of your home. A donation link will be available to support McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center.

Make sure to visit the McGregor Hall Facebook page to read the artists’ profiles before tuning in to the live performance.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 8-31-20 Noon

Local News Audio 8-31-20

  • Local Gyms Opening for People in Need of Exercise Medically
  • Voter Registration
  • Drug Arrests in Franklin Co, $135k Street Value

Click Play Below for Full Details…