N.C. Gov. Says No Public School; No Gatherings Over 100

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This afternoon (Saturday, March 14, 2020) about 4:30, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper conducted a press conference and provided an update on novel Coronaviris in N.C.

He said, “Today I’m issuing an executive order to stop mass gatherings of more than 100 people across our state.”

The Governor said North Carolinians need a statewide response and statewide action.

He said, “The executive order has another key component. It directs all K-12 public schools across our state to close for students on Monday, March 16th for at least two weeks.”

Gov. Cooper said these actions are to provide new guidance as the State works to limit the spread of the virus.  He said these orders make the guidance on schools and gatherings mandatory.

At the time of the press conference, the Governor quoted statistics from this morning (March 14, 2020) citing 23 positive tests in 12 Counties.

He said we are all changing our ways of life to contain and limit the virus, and “now we need to ask you to change even more.”

Perry Memorial Library To Close For Coronavirus Prevention

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— press release from Perry Memorial Library, Patti McAnally

In evaluating information that indicates that aggressive early social distancing can stop the coronavirus from exponentially spreading, library leadership is making the difficult decision to close to the public beginning on Monday, March 16. Currently we plan to reopen on Monday, March 30, but will be continually assessing the situation to determine if this date will be extended.

This decision is consistent with Governor Cooper’s call for all public schools to close. The scientific data show that early, aggressive social distancing is vital in slowing the virus’s spread. By not delaying the decision to close, the benefits of social distancing will be maximized.

Overdue fines for materials due during this time will be waived. Additionally, ebooks and digital audio will remain available through e-iNC. We will be prominently posting instructions on how to access these materials on our website and Facebook page. Also, we have added a tab to our website with information on the virus, including links to utilities and other businesses offering special services during this time.

The library’s leadership team will continue to monitor the situation and respond accordingly. Follow the Library on Facebook and check the website for the latest updates.

Vance County Schools Leaders Plan For Instruction, Nutrition

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— from Vance County Schools

District leaders held a conference call this afternoon (Sunday, March 15, 2020) to discuss plans for remote learning, student nutrition, staff support and possible calendar adjustments. Stay tuned for announcements tomorrow. This is a fluid situation, and we are working very hard to make the best decisions for students and staff. We continue to thank everyone for your patience. Stay up to date with the latest updates at www.vcs.k12.nc.us.

Aarika Sandlin
Public Information Officer
Vance County Schools

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Mayor Addresses Coronavirus; City Temporarily Suspends Water Disconnections

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-Press Release, Office of Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington

As communities begin to feel the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the City of Henderson would like to share with you the steps we are taking to help protect the health and safety of our citizens and employees, which is always our top priority.

We are closely monitoring local and national reports on the evolving impact of COVID-19. Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Vance County Department of Health and Human Services and other applicable public health agencies, we are taking the proper recommended precautions.

In all City facilities, we have added extra sanitation measures. We are encouraging frequent hand washing. We are considering social distancing policies and employee travel bans aimed at protecting the health and well-being of our teammates and the public. We are canceling all advisory boards and commissions meetings for the next thirty days.

We realize that you depend on us, and we are committed to serving our citizens. The City’s mission is simple, yet powerful: provide quality services to protect the health, safety and welfare of our citizens.

We feel deeply for those who have been affected already. The City of Henderson is here to help in any way possible.  Again, the health and safety of our citizens and employees is our top priority, and we are committed to doing our part to keep Henderson safe.

To that end, the City of Henderson will temporarily suspend water disconnections.

During this time, we want to ensure all Henderson Water customers have access to clean drinking water and wastewater services. We will continue to monitor guidance from public health agencies and provide updates on this policy moving forward.

We encourage all customers to avoid paying bills in person and to utilize alternate payment methods, including by mail, drop box, online or by calling 866-270-5612.

Please reach out to the City Manager (252) 430-5701 if you have any questions or concerns.

Christopher Arendall Arrested for Attempted Murder in Dec. Shooting Incidents

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-Press Release, Vance County Sheriff’s Office

On Thursday, March 12, 2020, Christopher Arendall, age 28, was arrested in Fayetteville, North Carolina for the shootings that occurred on December 25, 2019, at 2840 US 158 Bypass in Henderson and on December 16, 2019, at 137 Sombrero Lane in Henderson.

Christopher Arendall (FCSO photo)

Arendall was charged with one count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury, two counts of Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, two counts Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, one count of Attempted Murder and Burglary/Breaking & Entering.

Arendall was picked up from the Cumberland County Detention Center on Friday, March 13, 2020, and transported to the Vance County Detention Center and placed under a $890,000.00 bond.

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G-V Public Health Recommends Canceling, Modifying Events of 100+ People

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Granville Vance Public Health

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Granville Vance Public Health recommends that organizers of events that draw more than 100 people cancel, postpone, or modify these events, or offer online streaming services beginning March 13, 2020, until further notice. These events include large gatherings where people are in close contact (less than 6 feet), such as concerts, conferences, sporting events, faith-based events and other large gatherings.

Organizations that gather up to 100 people should create an emergency plan and prepare for COVID-19 in their communities by taking the following steps:

  • Consider alternative options to gathering large groups of people, such as streaming video of the event or having patrons participate online.
  • Instruct participants to stay home if they are sick.
  • Encourage people who are at a higher risk for complications from COVID-19, including people over 65 and those with pre-existing medical conditions, to consult with their doctor before attending.
  • Have hygiene supplies available for employees and participants, including hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, tissues, and lined trash cans.
  • Promote behaviors that prevent the spread COVID-19 among participants and employees using the enclosed resources.
  • During and after the event, disinfect frequently-touched surfaces with a cleaning agent that is effective against coronaviruses.
  • Decrease close contact between attendees at the event. For example, place seats farther apart or reduce the number of attendees.

Please let us know if you would like additional educational information for distribution or you may access these materials online through the CDC website here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/factsheets.html or through the NC DHHS website here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina/materials-and

 The local risk of contracting COVID-19 remains low; however, we still encourage you to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 and any other flu-like illness by taking the following steps:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • If soap and water are not available, use a generous amount of hand sanitizer which is at least 60% alcohol on all surfaces of the hands and wrists.
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Stay away from sick people.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces – especially ones that are frequently touched – using regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
  • Stay home if you’re sick and don’t send sick children to school or childcare.
  • High-risk individuals should avoid large gatherings such as concerts, church services, and sporting events.

As questions and concerns about coronavirus (COVID-19) increase across North Carolina, we’d like to encourage the promotion of the statewide Coronavirus Helpline (1-866-462-3821) for the public, which is answered 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.

Raccoon Found on Currin Rd. Tests Positive for Rabies

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-Information courtesy Vance Co. Animal Services

Vance County Animal Services responded to a call on March 12, 2020, in reference to a possibly rabid raccoon in the 300 block of Currin Road in Henderson. The raccoon was sent off for testing and has tested positive for rabies.

At this time, Animal Services is asking residents to please make sure that all dogs and cats are up-to-date on their rabies vaccines. Even if your pet is up-to-date, a booster vaccine is recommended if you live on or near Currin Road.

The Vance County Animal Shelter offers rabies vaccines for $5. Hours of operation are Monday 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; and Saturday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Henderson American Legion Post 60 to Hold Chicken Plate Sale

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-Information courtesy Henderson American Legion Post 60

The Henderson American Legion Post 60 will hold a Chicken Plate Sale on Friday, April 3, 2020, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Tickets are $8 for a plate of 1/2 chicken, green beans, red-skinned potatoes, dessert and bread. Pick up and go or stay and eat. Beverage included for eat-in only.

Location: Corner of E. Spring Street and S. Garnett Street in Henderson, NC.

Proceeds benefit Vance County Veterans. See a Legion member for tickets or call Andy Roberson at (252) 432-2432.

State Offers $5K Reward in HPD Sgt. Brandon Mitchell Shooting

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-From the Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper announced on Monday that the State is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the shooting of Sergeant Brandon Mitchell, age 31.

During the evening hours of Wednesday, July 10, 2019, detectives from the Henderson Police Department began investigating the homicide of 16-year-old Adonious Hawkins, Jr. Shortly after midnight on Thursday, July 11, 2019, detectives traveled to 1043 North Pinkston Street, home to one of the suspects. Investigators attempted to speak to individuals at this address and were unsuccessful. Henderson Police Sgt. Brandon Mitchell and Lt. David Elliott then went to a house next door to seek information.

While the two officers stood just inside the home, shots were fired from outside into the residence. Sgt. Mitchell was shot in the right shoulder and rushed to a local hospital. Other police detectives who were outside the home identified two passing vehicles as the source of the gunfire. The vehicles left the scene without being captured by law enforcement.

Police have previously made arrests in connection with the shooting death of Adonious Hawkins, Jr.

Anyone having information concerning the shooting of Sgt. Mitchell should contact the Henderson Police Department at (252) 438-4141 or the State Bureau of Investigation at (919) 662-4500.

Vance Co. Schools Announces Procedure Changes Due to Coronavirus Risk

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Over the past few days, Vance County Schools has been in close dialogue with the Health Department and can confirm that at the time of this writing there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 or Coronavirus in Vance County.

As such, our efforts will continue to be focused on prevention and following best practices to keep students and staff healthy. These include:

  • Regular, thorough cleaning in our buildings
  • Frequent hand-washing and use of hand sanitizer
  • Respecting personal space

Also, we ask that all students and staff who have cold or flu-like symptoms to stay home until fever-free for 24 hours and seek medical care as needed. These efforts will promote healthy school environments for everyone. Consistent with guidance from the Granville Vance Health Department, we are implementing the following:

School Closure: Currently, there are no plans to close schools. Should this change, we will alert you via our standard communications procedures (ConnectED, Twitter, Facebook, District Website).

Field Trips & Travel: Out of an abundance of caution, all field trips will be suspended for the next four weeks, effective immediately. We will attempt to reschedule these events at a later date if possible. While we make no promises, for those trips that may have involved fees or deposits, we will do our best to work with the companies to secure refunds and/or credits as allowed, given the uniqueness of the situation. We are also suspending all non-essential work-related travel for Vance County Schools staff, including professional development workshops and conferences.

School Events & Visitors: All school-based events that draw crowds will be evaluated by the district to determine the best scenario, as we gain an understanding of COVID-19 and its progression. We are also monitoring our volunteers and visitors on all campuses to reduce potential exposure to our students and staff.

Athletics: The North Carolina High School Athletic Association Board of Directors decided to suspend all interscholastic athletics beginning at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020, through Monday, April 6, 2020. This means that all workouts, practices, games and skill development sessions for all middle and high school athletics in the state of North Carolina must be suspended. The NCHSAA will continue to assess the situation with COVID-19 to determine the next steps and we will keep our community informed of new information.

This situation is very fluid and we will continue to post updates on our website at www.vcs.k12.nc.us.

Facility Rentals: All facility rentals for Vance County Schools will be canceled until further notice. This allows us to keep our schools disinfected, ensuring the safety of our students and staff. If you have a rental scheduled you will be contacted by the district on the next steps.

Proactive Steps: As previously shared, our custodians, maintenance and transportation are continuing to proactively disinfect frequently surfaces and buses. We will also continue sanitizing our buildings and provide hand sanitizing stations throughout every building in the district.

We realize these cancellations and changes will come as disappointments to many, but please understand our Vance County Schools family is of the utmost importance – and is what drives our decisions as we work to keep everyone safe.

We hope you will join us in taking precautions to keep our students, staff and schools healthy so we can continue educating our students. We will keep you posted with additional updates as needed.