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Henderson City Council to Hold Second CDBG-Coronavirus Public Hearing

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-Information courtesy the City of Henderson

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington has requested a Special Called Meeting of the Henderson City Council for Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at 12 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is to hold a second Public Hearing regarding the submission of a Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) to the North Carolina Department of Commerce Rural Economic Development Division.

This meeting will be held in Council Chambers, 134 Rose Avenue, Henderson, NC, and will also be available via the Zoom information below.  The public is welcome.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89238953419?pwd=bWZ4VjZHQ1g3SzBXT05UeE12RzBtUT09

Meeting ID: 892 3895 3419

Passcode: 242597

Dial by your location: (929) 205-6099 US

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 9-21-20 Noon

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WIZS – Your Community Voice. Local News Audio.

  • COVID-19 test results for Vance County
  • Voter Registration Information
  • Fish Fry Fundraiser
  • Small Business Loan Program

Click play for Full Details…

 

Perry Memorial Library

Perry Memorial Library Opens Doors With Limited Hours

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-Information courtesy the Perry Memorial Library

Beginning Monday, September 21, 2020, the Perry Memorial Library in Henderson will be open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. and 2 until 4 p.m. For everyone’s safety, masks are required to enter the building.

Visits are limited to computer use and material check out. Computer sessions will be limited to 30 minutes.

Curbside pickup will be available Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Fines are still suspended at this time.

City of Henderson Logo

City of Henderson Reports Recent Bypass of Untreated Water

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NOTICE OF BYPASS OF UNTREATED WASTEWATER

The City of Henderson’s Sewer Collection System bypassed approximately 391,900 gallons of untreated water on September 18, 2020, due to inflow/infiltration from heavy rain.

The overflows occurred at Sandy Creek Pump Station, Redbud Pump Station, and several manholes including Neatherly Street, the intersection of Pinkston Street/Farrar Avenue, the intersection of Alexander Avenue/S. Elizabeth Street, and the intersection of Alexander Avenue/Willow Lane.

Approximately 342,450 gallons of untreated water entered a tributary to Sandy Creek. Approximately 46,000 gallons of untreated water entered a tributary to Red Bud Creek. Approximately 3,450 gallons were contained on the ground.

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 Joey Long Jr – Collection System ORC at (252) 226-4492, Christy Lipscomb – HWRF Interim Director/ORC at (252) 430-9387, or Public Works Director Andy Perkinson at (252) 431-6117.

Emiliano Dunton

VGCC Student Engages in Cutting-Edge COVID-19 Research

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College student Emiliano Dunton of Oxford has faced challenges in his life, and now, he is involved in research related to what is perhaps the world’s biggest challenge today: the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

Dunton, a VGCC Bioprocess Technology student, is participating in a research externship program at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) through a partnership between the community college and the university. Through the externship, he gets practical experience related to his studies. Specifically, Dunton works with a team led by Dr. Weifan Zheng, an award-winning professor of pharmaceutical sciences at NCCU’s Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE) program, along with research scientists Xialan Dong and Zheng Huang. Zheng and his team are currently using computer programming to identify drugs that may be effective in attacking COVID-19.

Vance-Granville Community College student Emiliano Dunton of Oxford is participating in a research externship program at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) through a partnership between the community college and the university. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

“I am currently learning a new computer language called Python, which is the most used computer coding language of 2020,” Dunton explained. “Our plan is to use the computer language to search for articles pertaining to biopharma research and information regarding COVID-19.”

Currently, due to that same global pandemic, Dunton is working and learning remotely with the professors at NCCU, but he looks forward to making an on-site visit to the Durham campus in November.

Stewart Lyon, head of the Bioprocess Technology program at VGCC, said Dunton is perfect for this research opportunity because of his interest in not just biotechnology but computers. “Emiliano has found a niche in science in the growing field of bioinformatics,” Lyon said. “Bioinformatics essentially uses computer programming languages to analyze large biological data sets.”

Dunton recalled, “I enrolled at VGCC because I did some research on good biotechnology programs and found out VGCC had one of the best around.” He said that the Bioprocess program appealed to him “because I’ve always been intrigued with technology, and the ever-growing science/information-driven era we live in calls for that type of background.”

Dunton said his excitement about learning a new computer language led him to participate in the NCCU externship program. “I also want to inspire more minority youth in my community to strive for excellence and let them know that no matter where you’re from, or what type of background you came up from, you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to,” he added.

Lyon said that Dunton is an inspiration to his instructors and classmates because of his determination to overcome obstacles in order to achieve success. Due to injuries sustained from a gunshot wound years ago, Dunton uses a wheelchair. Though he has use of his arms, Dunton also relies largely on touch-screen computers and has recently learned to code using speech-recognition software.

“After I’ve completed my studies at VGCC, my goal is to continue my education and obtain a bachelor’s of science degree,” Dunton added. He has an interest in the intersection of pharmaceuticals and agriculture and would like to learn more about North Carolina’s growing hemp industry and related pharmaceutical extracts. “I also would like to empower and educate people on methods to generate generational wealth for minority youth in the surrounding communities, as well as inspire academic excellence,” Dunton said.

According to Lyon, Dunton “serves as an example of resilience and that great opportunities in life are available.” He recalled seeing how excited the student was “to find out that he was going to be actively contributing to a research team with the goal of helping to resolve a global health crisis….I think his time with VGCC and Bioprocess Technology, and now linking back to the UNC system, has been transformative for him. Emiliano also balances his obligations as an outstanding student with his familial and community responsibilities.  He is a father as well as a student, and seeks to be a role model both at home and in the classroom.” Dunton said his seven-year-old daughter is one of his greatest “sources of strength.”

Dunton is the recipient of the Donald and Betsy Seifert Presidential Excellence Award this year. That is VGCC’s highest scholarship level.

Lyon said he is also pleased with the partnership with NCCU that allows Dunton to have such an interesting experience. The externship program is largely supported by a grant from the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) to NCCU.

“VGCC is listed as a participant in NCCU’s initiatives under the grant,” Lyon explained. “NCCU uses the funds to accomplish two major goals: develop and implement the research externship experiences for our students, and to create stackable program credentials. This ultimately helps to increase the number of students entering the industry employment pipeline. The partnership between VGCC and NCCU now allows for our students to transfer from VGCC’s Bioprocess Technology degree to NCCU’s bachelor’s degree program in Pharmaceutical Sciences.”

VGCC’s Bioprocess Technology program is open to everyone, including current high school students through the North Carolina Career & College Promise (CCP) program. In fact, through NC CCP, the program is tuition-free for eligible high school students who want to get an early start on their college education.

For more information on VGCC’s biotech programs, contact Lyon at lyons@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3632.

Redeem The Teens

Register Now: All-Boys Teen Leadership Academy to Hold Orientation This Weekend

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-Information courtesy Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department

ENROLLING NOW!

All-Boys Saturday Leadership Academy

Saturday Leadership Academy provides small group instruction, coaching, mentorship and leadership development for teen African American males ages 12-18 residing in Vance County, NC.

ELIGIBILITY: African American males ages 12-18 residing in Vance County, North Carolina.

WHEN DO WE MEET: Saturday beginning September 19, 2020, and ending Saturday, December 12, 2020, from 1-2:30 p.m. at Aycock Recreation Center, 307 Carey Chapel Road, Henderson, NC.

Orientation: We will meet parents, students, and coaches on Saturday, September 19 at 1:30 p.m. at the Aycock Recreation Center.

Social distancing will be required. Please wear your masks.

READY TO REGISTER? Complete the registration form below and click SUBMIT.

Registration Form Link: https://forms.gle/YCiKmURuwfNYgWuH8

QUESTIONS: Contact redeemtheteens@gmail.com or call (919) 807-1329.

NC Governor Logo

Public Schools Now Able to Implement Plan A for Elementary Schools

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

After several weeks of stable COVID-19 trends and continued low virus spread in school settings, Governor Roy Cooper today announced that beginning on October 5, North Carolina public school districts and charter schools can choose to implement Plan A for elementary schools (grades K-5).

Plan A continues to include important safety measures like face coverings for all students, teachers and staff, social distancing, and symptom screening but does not require schools to reduce the number of children in the classroom.

“We are able to open this option because most North Carolinians have doubled down on our safety and prevention measures and stabilized our numbers,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “North Carolinians are doing the hard work to improve our numbers and trends. Many people are wearing masks, keeping social distance and being careful to protect others as well as themselves. We have shown that listening to the science works. And I’m proud of our resolve.”

As the Governor announced in July, every district will continue to have the flexibility to select Plan A, B or C based on their unique needs. In addition, districts should still provide an option for families to select all remote learning for their students. Read the Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit to learn more about the requirements under each plan.

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 a sustained leveling or decrease of key metrics.

“Our trends show that we are on the right track. It’s up to all of us to protect our progress. Our individual actions like those 3 Ws will help keep our school doors open.,” said Secretary Cohen.

Dr. Cohen also explained that as schools have opened, the current science shows that younger children are less likely to become infected, have symptoms, experience severe disease or spread the virus.

“It’s great news today that we are a step closer to providing the option of in-person learning to families who want their children to return to school,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson. “While the Governor, the State Board of Education, and I have our differences, I join with them today to encourage local school board members to take advantage of this change and open all schools safely. I thank the many parents and teachers across North Carolina who have been vocal advocates on this important issue.”

“For the past six months, superintendents, principals, teachers and local BOE have worked diligently to care for the safety of our students and staff while educating our children. While we are anxious to return all students, we know that teachers, principals, and students need a gradual transition over the next three months. I ask our parents to remain patient, knowing that we are moving as quickly as is safely possible. And I ask our teachers to continue to assist our students by supporting this deliberate, thoughtful transition,” said Eric Davis, Chairman of the State Board of Education.

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

  • North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is declining.

Trajectory of Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

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

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days

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

Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is declining.

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

Laboratory Testing

  • Access to testing has expanded. No-cost testing events are being deployed across the state and testing turnaround times have improved.

Tracing Capability

  • Contact tracers continue to be hired to bolster the efforts of local health departments. A new exposure notification app will be launched soon.

Personal Protective Equipment

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are stable
City of Henderson Logo

Downtown Director Kathy Walters Resigns From City of Henderson

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Kathy Walters, director of the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission (DDC), has submitted her resignation to the City of Henderson effective September 30, 2020.

In a statement to WIZS News, Walters said she has “decided to retire and simplify my life.”

With approximately 10 years of prior experience working for the City of Henderson, including a turn as DDC director in the ‘90s, Walters returned to the role at full-time status in September 2019.

Henderson City Manager E. Terrell Blackmon said, “Kathy Walters chose to resign from her position, as she has several years of prior government service with the State of North Carolina. In the short while that I have been here, she has been a valuable member of my team and was instrumental in the City of Henderson regaining its status as a Main Street Community.”

A part of the Main Street Program from the mid-1980s until approximately 2010, a time that included Walters’ first tenure as director, a lapse in the completion of requirements cost the downtown area the coveted distinction.

The DDC announced last month that after a lengthy recertification process, the N.C. Main Street and Rural Planning Center has officially renamed Henderson a designated N.C. Main Street Community. Benefits of Main Street status include technical assistance with building restoration and access to grant money – perks that can help attract new businesses and breathe new life into downtown.

Dr. Stephen Pearson, chair of the DDC, said Walters was instrumental in the reestablishment of Henderson to Main Street status and was personally helpful with his new role.

“She did a fantastic job as executive director, and it’s been an absolute pleasure working with her,” Pearson said. “She was a great help to me transitioning into my position.”

Blackmon said the City will begin the recruitment process to name a new DDC director in the coming weeks. In the interim, Blackmon and Development Service Director Corey Williams will perform the day-to-day activities of Walters’ position.

Ducky Derby

Rubber ‘Ducky Derby’ Race to Be Held in Downtown Henderson This Saturday!

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

The 11th Annual FGV Ducky Derby Race will be held this Saturday, September 19, 2020, at 11 a.m. on Garnett Street in downtown Henderson.

Several changes from previous events will be in place due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The public is still welcome to join the fun in-person. Social distancing and masks will be required for all participants.

Proceeds from the annual event provide services for local families with children age five and younger. (Click here for article and video from last year’s event.)

This year, with the uncertainty surrounding event-planning, no individual tickets for rubber ducks were sold. Instead, Smart Start secured sponsors to support this event.

Approximately 2,000 rubber ducks will “race,” with each representing a child enrolled in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. Founded by singer and entertainer Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Foundation, the Imagination Library partners with Smart Start programs to offer youth one free book a month – via mail – from birth through age five.

Applications for the Imagination Library can be found at local pediatric offices, childcare centers, the Granville Vance Public Health Department, Maria Parham Health, libraries and the FGV Smart Start office.

The “lucky duck” [child] who wins the Ducky Derby will receive the grand prize of free Chick-fil-A for a year.

“We wanted to have something for the public; so many things aren’t going to happen this fall. We decided we wanted something that we can still have and – possibly – people could come out and see,” stated Garry Daeke, outreach coordinator for FGV.

Those not able to attend in-person can view the event live on the FGV Smart Start Facebook page.

To enroll your child in the Imagination Library or with questions, please call FGV Smart Start at (252) 433-9110.

Henderson Men's Shelter

Henderson Men’s Shelter, Hope House to Open Under New COVID Guidelines

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-Information courtesy Jane King, Community Partners of Hope

Community Partners of Hope has had to navigate some new obstacles this year, but with your help, we will continue to offer services to homeless men both in the emergency men’s shelter and in Hope House.

However, there will be some big changes for the upcoming shelter season which are necessary to keep everyone as safe as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.

VOLUNTEERS

We will not be able to use volunteers for supervision this year. Even with the strictest safety guidelines, we need to minimize the number of people who come into contact with our guests at the shelter, so we will depend on a minimum number of paid staff to cover all shifts and provide backup in case someone is not able to work a shift. This puts an added burden on our budget, so it would help greatly if you would consider donating money instead of your time as a volunteer this year.

MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY

The maximum occupancy for the 2020-2021 season will be six men. In order to maintain a minimum safe distance, we cannot house the 10-12 men we have had over the past year. This allows room for an adequate distance between sleeping spaces as well as during meals, showers, etc. To accomplish this we will limit stays to a maximum of 14 days. If a man still needs shelter after a seven-day break, he may return for another 14 days if there is room.

Health guidelines will be strictly enforced and if a man refuses to comply, he will be asked to leave. Where we have tried to be lenient in the past, the health and safety of our residents and staff require us to be very strict this year.

MEALS

We will still be asking people to sign up to bring meals, but in order to prevent the spread of germs, we are asking that volunteers bring eight meals served in take-out trays and/or lunch bags. Individual bottles of water, tea, or juice will be greatly appreciated.   Each man will receive his meal without touching any other person’s food. You can remain in your car when you bring the meal and someone will come out to get the food.

There are a few restaurants that will provide meals occasionally, but we need volunteers to pick those up and deliver to the shelter. If you know of a restaurant to add to our list, please contact me. Breakfast will consist of cereal bars, juice boxes, etc. that can be bagged for the men to take as they leave.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Everyone in the shelter MUST wear a mask over their mouth and nose except when eating, showering, or sleeping. Hand washing and social distancing will be enforced. Anyone who does not comply will be asked to leave.

We have asked the Health Department for guidance on cleaning, and we are exploring additional safeguards including an air handling system to circulate and disinfect the air in the shelter.

HOPE HOUSE

Our resident capacity will be limited to no more than four men. We have three men in Hope House at the moment, and the oversight committee is reviewing applications to accept one new resident. During this pandemic, we believe it safest to have only two men in each bedroom, and we are keeping the single room free in case of a need to quarantine.

The Hope House residents are following safety guidelines and keeping the house sanitized as much as possible.

DONATIONS

Here is a list of the most needed items:

  • Socks – white tube socks – not short socks or dress socks
  • Underwear – boxers and tee-shirts in sizes L, XL, 2X, and 3X
  • Thermal underwear – prefer black waffle weave – sizes L, XL, 2X, and 3X
  • Gloves – waterproof, please – not knitted
  • Shower shoes
  • Hand sanitizer in small bottles that men can carry in their pocket
  • Disposable razors
  • Toothpaste – sample sizes
  • Soap – travel sizes
  • Laundry pods – eliminates the problem of not measuring powder or liquid properly
  • Tall Kitchen Trash Bags (13 Gallon Size)
  • Pine-sol type cleaner – gallon containers
  • Spray shower cleaner (scrubbing bubbles or similar item)
  • Paper Towels
  • Bleach
  • Clorox spray cleaner plus bleach

We cannot accept used clothing, bedding, or other items. New items should be delivered in their original packaging.

Please do not bring donations to the shelter! Needed items can be delivered to WIZS radio station or to the First Presbyterian Church office in Henderson on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Please contact Jane King at (252) 432-9494 to make other arrangements.

CONTRIBUTIONS

All contributions are tax-deductible.

Checks may be made out to CPOH and mailed to: Community Partners of Hope, PO Box 1791, Henderson, NC 27536

PRAYERS

As always, we need your prayers. Please include our ministry on your church’s prayer list and encourage others to learn more about and pray for our guests, our staff, and all who make this possible.