NC State Board of Elections

State Board Reminds Voters Not to Photograph Their Ballots

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-Press Release, NC State Board of Elections

The State Board of Elections is reminding voters that North Carolina law prohibits taking photographs of or videotaping voted ballots. Please refer to N.C.G.S. § 163-166.3 for more information.

“Voters should not take a picture of their completed ballot, whether they vote in person or by mail,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections. “We respect voters showing their pride in casting a ballot but ask that they do so in another manner.”

The State Board has received multiple complaints of photographed absentee ballots and has been alerted to additional violations on social media in recent weeks. If a voter has taken a picture of their ballot and shared the photo online, the voter should delete the photograph.

When voting in person, voters may have phones or electronic devices with them as long as those devices are not used to photograph or videotape a ballot or communicate with anyone via voice, text, email or any other method.

Photographing a marked ballot is illegal in part because such photographs could be used as proof of a vote for a candidate in a vote-buying scheme. Electronic communication while voting is prohibited because of limits on voter assistance and to prevent disruptions in the voting enclosure.

Voters may bring voting guides, notes and other materials into the voting booth. They also may use electronic devices to access a slate card or candidate information, provided they don’t use the devices to communicate with anyone.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Join WIZS Town Talk for Domestic Violence Awareness Month Coverage

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In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, WIZS’ Town Talk will feature local organizations involved with various aspects of this prevalent type of abuse.

Please join us live at 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com at 11 a.m. to hear discussions with the following scheduled guests:

Monday, October 5 – Vance-Granville Community College

Monday, October 12 – Infinite Possibilities, Inc.

Monday, October 19 – Families Living Violence Free

Thursday, October 22 – Vance County Sheriff’s Office

According to Families Living Violence Free, on average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States. Silence and lack of knowledge about these problems play a large part in why domestic and sexual violence continue to persist.

Understanding the warning signs or red flags for domestic violence, sexual assault and abuse is a critical first step in addressing and preventing these crimes.

Please tune in to these informative segments for more information.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

VGCC Observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College is presenting activities every Thursday during October as part of the observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

VGCC’s Counseling department and Psychology Club are partnering with local domestic violence prevention organizations Families Living Violence Free, Safe Space and Infinite Possibilities, along with mental/behavioral health provider Cardinal Innovations.

The series kicks off on October 1, at 11 a.m., with an online panel discussion featuring representatives of those organizations.

“Domestic Violence is on the rise, and this is another topic that we will not remain silent about,” noted VGCC Counselor/Accessibility Coordinator/Student Assistance Program Coordinator/Title IX investigator Cathy Davis.

This hourlong Zoom session is open to students, faculty, staff and the community. Participants must register in advance for this webinar at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bR5vp7M1QF6bzyF1ldwLLw

On October 8, at 11 a.m., a second online event will feature a video presentation on “Healthy Relationships,” hosted by Safe Space. After watching the video, there will be an opportunity for discussion and questions. Participants must register in advance for this webinar at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sX745OJsSGS_K4aD__s2HQ

On October 15, there will be a drive-through giveaway on each of VGCC’s four campuses, between 12 and 1:30 p.m.

Later in the month, on October 22, students, faculty and staff will be encouraged to wear purple and to use social media to spread positive messages about domestic violence awareness, using the hashtags #ChangeHappensHere and #LoveShouldntHurt.

Finally, on October 29, VGCC students should pay attention to www.vgcc.edu and college social media accounts for information on a “scavenger hunt.”

Davis encourages all students to use the free services of the Student Assistance Program (SAP) if they have domestic violence concerns, in addition to reaching out to their local organizations. More information on the SAP is available at www.vgcc.edu/sap. To seek assistance through the SAP, call 1-800-633-3353.

For more information, contact Cathy Davis at davisc@vgcc.edu or (252) 226-9547.

NC Governor Logo

NC to Move Into Phase 3 on Friday

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

North Carolina will cautiously ease some restrictions while continuing safety measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 as the state’s metrics remained stable in September, Governor Roy Cooper announced today.

“Our top priority remains getting children back to in-person learning. This month marks a major shift for many families now and in the coming months as schools open their doors, some for the first time since the pandemic,” said Governor Cooper. “The virus continues to spread, so we must take the next steps methodically, and responsibly.”

“We must continue our hard work to slow the spread of this virus,” said Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. “By practicing the 3Ws — wear, wait and wash, — getting your flu shot, and downloading the SlowCOVIDNC app, each of us can protect the progress we have made.”

Dr. Cohen reviewed the state’s key metrics:

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

  • North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness has a slight increase.

Trajectory of Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

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

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days

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

Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is level.

In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread in testing, tracing and prevention.

No-cost testing events are being deployed across the state and testing turnaround times are improving. New contact tracers are bolstering the efforts of local health departments. A new NCDHHS app, SlowCOVIDNC, is notifying users of exposure to the virus. Personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are stable.

As these metrics and capacity remain stable, the state will ease some restrictions starting Friday. Executive Order 169 begins Oct. 2, 2020, at 5 p.m. and continues for three weeks through October 23. Its new provisions include:

  • Large outdoor venues with seating greater than 10,000 may operate with 7% occupancy for spectators.
  • Smaller outdoor entertainment venues, like arenas or amphitheaters, may operate outdoors at 30% of outdoor capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less.
  • Movie theaters and conference centers may open indoor spaces to 30% of capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less.
  • Bars may operate outdoors at 30% of outdoor capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less.
  • Amusement parks may open at 30% occupancy, outdoor attractions only.
  • The limits on mass gatherings will remain at 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.
  • The 11 p.m. curfew on alcohol sales for in-person consumption in locations such as restaurants and outdoor bars will be extended to October 23.

State and public health officials will continue watching the key COVID-19 trends over the next several weeks to determine if any further restrictions can be eased when the current Executive Order expires on October 23.

Read Executive Order 169.

Read the FAQs on Executive Order 169.

Read the slides from today’s briefing.

Dr. Antonio Jordan

VGCC Names Dr. Antonio Jordan Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College has recently experienced growth in credit students taking more classes, as well as upward trends in student headcount. The college has been intentional about focusing on student access and success overall and has a strategic goal of continuing to enhance the “front-door experience” for students, which includes admissions and enrollment services.

To lead efforts that will build upon this work, VGCC recently named Dr. Antonio J. Jordan as its new Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services.

In his new role, Jordan will lead a talented department that develops and maintains a student-centered process of admission, from engaging and recruiting prospective students to welcoming them to VGCC through New Student Orientation. He and his team are committed to enhancing virtual and in-person recruitment activities for traditional and non-traditional students.

VGCC recently named Dr. Antonio J. Jordan as its new Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

Jordan comes to VGCC from Davidson County Community College, where he has served as director of enrollment and student services. He also previously served as vice president for student services at James Sprunt Community College and worked at the N.C. Community College System Office, first as director of pre-college programs and later as director of academic/curriculum programs. Jordan has also served as a counselor and taught in other higher education settings.

“We are truly excited to have Dr. Jordan join the Vanguard family,” said VGCC Dean of Student Access & Support Kali Brown. “He brings a wealth of knowledge in admissions, enrollment management, and student services to his new role. I am confident the Office of Admissions, under Dr. Jordan’s leadership, will continue to connect and support students as they navigate the enrollment process at VGCC.”

“Dr. Jordan brings extensive experience in higher education and North Carolina community colleges to our college. He has a proven track record of being committed to providing college access to students and helping them succeed,” said Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of learning, student engagement and success. “We look forward to his leadership in serving future Vanguards, whether they are students who are approaching high school graduation or members of the adult learner population.”

Jordan holds a doctoral (Ed. D.) degree in Educational Leadership from Wingate University, an Educational Specialist credential from Wingate University, a master’s in Counseling/Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a bachelor’s in Psychology from Pfeiffer University.

The Admissions and Enrollment Services team is currently enrolling students for fall eight-week classes that begin Oct. 14, winter term courses that will begin Dec. 1, and spring classes that begin in January. These are outstanding opportunities for prospective students to take courses that will lead to a meaningful credential.

Apply for admission online at www.vgcc.edu or call (252) 738-3234 for additional information.

NCDHHS

NCDHHS Updates Nursing Home Order to Allow Indoor Visitation

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-Press Release, NCDHHS

As North Carolina’s key metrics continue to remain stable and strong infection prevention and control requirements remain in place, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued a Secretarial Order yesterday updating visitation guidelines for nursing homes to allow indoor visitation.

“We have focused on protecting the health of nursing home residents since the start of this crisis. Our progress in testing, infection control and slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities allows us to move forward with safe indoor visitation in accordance with federal guidance,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D.

Indoor visitation will only be permitted in nursing homes with no COVID-19 cases in the last 14 days and in counties with a percent positive testing rate of less than 10%, reflecting guidance from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Local community transmission levels are the key factor for nursing home outbreaks, emphasizing the importance of community-wide adoption of proven prevention practices (the 3 Ws). Facilities allowing in-person visitation will be required to follow strict infection prevention guidelines.

Throughout NCDHHS’s pandemic response, its five-point strategy for long-term care facilities has focused on prevention, staffing, testing, outbreak management and oversight. The department’s innovative universal testing strategy within skilled nursing facilities has been cited by the Rockefeller Foundation as a national model.

NC DOT

Federal Grant Will Fund Missing Link on Southeast Rail Corridor

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-Press Release, N.C. Department of Transportation

The N.C Department of Transportation has received a $47.5 million federal grant to purchase the S-Line rail corridor between Raleigh and Ridgeway in Warren County.

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded this grant to the department’s Rail Division as part of the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program. This investment into the Southeast Corridor will provide better connections between rural and urban communities while also spurring new economic development opportunities.

In addition, the corridor will help offer improved freight services and will trim up to 1.5 hours off passenger rail services between Raleigh, Virginia and D.C.

“A modernized freight and passenger rail network will connect the Southeast while spurring new economic development opportunities,” said Transportation Secretary Eric Boyette.

In 1992, the U.S. Department of Transportation named the Southeast Corridor as one of the first five federally designated higher-speed rail corridors in the country. The corridor is a network of passenger and freight rail that runs from Washington, D.C. to Jacksonville, Fla., encompassing D.C., Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida.

Ronnie Daniel Scholarship

New VGCC Scholarship Endowed in Memory of George Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Daniel

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Faye Daniel Chappell and her brother, R. T. “Tom” Daniel, both of Oxford, recently established a new scholarship at Vance-Granville Community College in memory of their brother, George R. “Ronnie” Daniel.

VGCC will award the Ronnie Daniel Memorial Academic Achievement Scholarship to a student from Granville County. Preference will be given to students in programs of study related to information technology or medical fields. VGCC Health Sciences programs include Radiography, Nursing, Histotechnology, Medical Assisting and Pharmacy Technology.

A new scholarship was recently established at Vance-Granville Community College in memory of the late George R. “Ronnie” Daniel. VGCC will award the Ronnie Daniel Memorial Academic Achievement Scholarship to a student from Granville County. (Photo courtesy the Daniel family.)

“Ronnie would be pleased that from this memorial scholarship, many others will join the ranks of healthcare professionals,” Faye Daniel Chappell said.

Ronnie Daniel was born and raised in Oxford and remained there until his death in 2019. He graduated from J.F. Webb High School in 1967 and attended Hardbarger Business College in Raleigh. Daniel was employed by Food Lion for the last 15 years before he retired. While there, he was a faithful employee, never missing a day of work. He received several awards and recognitions while employed.

“Ronnie had a very outgoing personality and never met a stranger. His ability to interact with people enabled him to form many lifelong friendships. He enjoyed traveling. He particularly loved Disney World and had been there six times throughout the years. He also loved history, especially that which pertained to Granville County. He enjoyed getting out to use his Metal Detector, collecting coins and geodes,” his siblings, R.T. “Tom” Daniel and Faye Daniel Chappell, recalled.

“Thanks to this family’s generosity, the Ronnie Daniel Scholarship will support hard-working students for years to come by allowing them to complete training for rewarding careers,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, VGCC’s president.

“We are honored that Faye and Tom would choose to celebrate the life of their brother, Ronnie, by helping VGCC students achieve their educational goals,” added VGCC Endowment Director Eddie Ferguson.

Through the Endowment Fund, VGCC has awarded more than 9,700 scholarships to students since 1982. Scholarships have been endowed by numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff. Tax-deductible donations to the VGCC Endowment Fund have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business or industry with a lasting gift to education. For more information, call (252) 738-3409.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy Offering Extended Payment Plan Options

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-Information courtesy Tanya Evans, District Manager, Duke Energy

As Duke Energy gradually resumes standard billing and payment practices in North Carolina, our goal is to work with customers in need to ensure they have the opportunity to enroll in a payment plan that meets their specific situation, and that they have an opportunity to connect with local assistance agencies and funds.

Beginning October 1, 2020, customers behind on their bills will receive notices about their past-due balances. Disconnecting a customer’s service is the very last step in a lengthy process, and it’s a step we want to avoid altogether.

That’s why we are giving all customers who need more time to pay the opportunity to establish an extended payment plan to catch up on any balance that accumulated during the disconnection suspension. No customer on a payment plan who is current on that arrangement will be disconnected. It is important that they contact us as soon as possible to set up the payment arrangement.

We want customers facing financial hardship to know that we are here to help. Our team is prepared to support customers through these challenging times and provide manageable solutions to keep their lights on. We can be reached at the following numbers:

Duke Energy Carolinas: 1-800-777-9898

Duke Energy Progress: 1-800-452-2777

We also encourage customers to consider using the online self-service options to avoid longer wait times.

We recognize the financial impacts from this pandemic, for some, are far from over. If you know someone who needs help managing their Duke Energy bill, please encourage that person to give us a call.

Warren Co. Memorial Library

Warren County Memorial Library Reopens

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-Information courtesy Warren County Memorial Library

The Warren County Memorial Library reopened to this public this week. Hours are currently Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Book/resource browsing, copying, printing and faxing are available inside. No contact pickup is still provided.

Restrooms and computers will be unavailable for use from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. to allow for cleaning.

Guests are asked to wear face covers and practice social distancing.