The recent stretch of warmer, sunny days is a welcome sign that spring is just around the corner. For Granville-Vance Public Health Director Lisa Harrison, the break in the weather is another way to combat COVID-19 as well.
“The biggest help is that people spend more time outside,” Harrison said on Tuesday’s Town Talk. She spoke with John C. Rose and Bill Harris about how things are going with vaccinations in the area and what’s in store in the upcoming months.
“Making sure that we’re breathing fresh air,” she said, adding that the natural ventilation that being outdoors affords is very beneficial.
At this time, 17 percent of residents in Vance and Granville counties have gotten at least one COVID-19 vaccine and 10 percent are fully vaccinated. “That’s just excellent progress,” she said.
“We’re doing an excellent job,” Harrison said, and said the collaboration with community partners like schools, hospitals and local pharmacies has been a key component to getting vaccines in arms.
The very good news that Harrison shared Tuesday comes from a CDC update, as well as from Gov. Roy Cooper and DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen. People who have been fully vaccinated and have waited two weeks for full immunity to occur can gather in small groups – sans masks. “It’s absolutely fine for us to congregate in small groups,” she said, as long as everyone has waited two weeks after being fully vaccinated.
It is still important to wear masks in big public spaces, she said, or in spaces where you’re not sure that everyone has been fully vaccinated, she added.
More than 15,000 shots have been given in the two counties, she said, but she also acknowledged that some residents may choose not to be vaccinated. Being vaccinated, however, is “the best way to protect our entire population and each other.” Some people who have been exposed to the virus may have developed their own antibodies, which she said is a positive step toward overall community resistance or immunity to COVID-19.
For complete details and audio click play. Story continues below including links.
Harrison reiterated that the three vaccines currently available in North Carolina – Phizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson – are all safe and effective. All three prevent severe illness and hospitalization. “There is not a bad choice,” she stated. “Dr. (Anthony) Fauci is right – get the vaccine that is available to you first.”
Because the Phizer vaccine is the most fragile, it usually goes to hospitals because they can keep it in super-cold storage. The Phizer vaccine is shipped in lots of 975 doses and is used for large-scale clinics. The Moderna vaccine doesn’t have to be kept as cold, she said. She estimated that each county gets between 500 and 700 Moderna doses each week. Harrison said the health department probably would be ordering the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the end of March. It could be used for more vulnerable populations, such as those people who may have a difficult time coming back for a second dose, which is required of both the Phizer and Moderna vaccines.
Side effects such as achiness, soreness or fatigue after the second shot, Harrison said , simply mean “your immune system is working well.” You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine, she stressed. The vaccine “trains” your immune system to recognize and combat the virus. “It trains your immune system and then it disappears,” she said.
After the show, Harrison forwarded some links of interest to WIZS.
https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/media/1469/open
https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/media/905/download
Watkins selected for Governor’s School
/by Laura GabelIsaac Charles Watkins, a junior at Oxford Preparatory School, has been selected to attend North Carolina Governor’s School of 2021.
Watkins, 17, lives in Oxford with his parents Kelly Watkins and Chris Cox. He was selected for the program because of high academic performance in the social sciences, according to Vici Bradsher, upper school director at OPS. He will attend Governor’s School West, held at High Point University, Bradsher noted.
“Being selected for Governor’s School is a high honor,” Bradsher said. “Not all schools have students selected to attend Governor’s School,” she said. He is the first OPS student to be selected to attend the summer program.
“We are honored that Isaac has been selected,” Bradsher said, adding that it is “a testament to the level of dedication with which Isaac pursues everything. Isaac is such a very deserving young man.”
His accomplishments extend into the community as well. He spends time helping others at Area Congregations in Ministry (ACIM) food bank in Oxford and the Flat River Baptist Association Church & Communities Ministries in Oxford. He also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout last year. His Eagle Scout project was the creation of a prayer garden at Sharon Baptist Church, where he attends with his family.
Watkins will be studying the social sciences at Governor’s School, and Bradsher said he excels in history, government and politics. At OPS, he also is a member of the swimming and cross-country teams, and is a commencement marshal for the second year.
Music is another passion he pursues. He plays electric guitar in the OPS Jazz band and plays trumpet in the school’s performing Band. Outside of school activities, he co-founded The Palm Trees, a band that has performed for various events at the Senior Center in Oxford.
He performs musical selections regularly at his church, his mother said. His maternal grandfather majored in music in college, and Isaac plays the trumpet that his grandfather once played.
The North Carolina Governor’s School is the nation’s oldest statewide summer residential program for gifted high school students. The 5 ½-week program is located on two campuses: Governor’s School West is at High Point University in High Point, and Governor’s School East is held at Meredith College in Raleigh. Each site can accommodate up to 335 students. The program is administered by the Public Schools of North Carolina, the State Board of Education, and the Department of Public Instruction through the Exceptional Children Division.
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Vance County Goals for 2021-2022
/by Laura GabelThe Vance County Board of Commissioners discussed and prioritized a wide range of goals for the 2021-22 during its recent board retreat, from attracting new businesses to finding ways to lowering EMS call volume.
The number one goal is to retain or create new jobs and attracting $10 million in new investment in the county, according to information from County Manager Jordan McMillen.
Next comes exploring options that will support the county’s economic development efforts. Options include creation of “pad ready sites, construction of a shell building and/or repurposing existing buildings.”
Additional goals, listed in order they were prioritized are:
H-V Chamber Will Launch New Human Resource Council
/by John C. Rose— Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce Press Release
The Board of Directors of the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce voted in December 2020 to adopt a 2021 Program of Work which includes the formation of a new Human Resources Council. This new program is a goal under the Chamber’s Business and Growth and Development Division, a division co-chaired by Chamber board members Brian Williams, Account Manager of Temperature Control Solutions and Stephanie Hoyle, Broker Associate with Century 21 Country Knolls Realty.
The first meeting of the Human Resources Council will take place by Zoom video conference on Thursday, March 25 at 1:00 pm. The purpose of establishing the new program, as explained by Michele Burgess, President of the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce, is to bring together human resource professionals working in local industry, manufacturing, business, education, and governmental entities to share ideas, network, and get answers to human resource issues affecting their businesses. Burgess noted that each monthly meeting will include a guest speaker giving a presentation on a relevant human resource topic. Burgess said, “I had been having conversations all last year with our members who were calling to ask for the Chamber’s assistance looking to answers to their questions on where to find workers to fill their vacancies, asking about available professional development programs for their human resource department staff, and questions about employee time-off for quarantine during the pandemic. The Chamber doesn’t have all the answers, but we will work to find the available resources to help solve our members’ problems. It soon became evident that a Human Resource Council would help them tremendously.” The Chamber’s Human Resource Council will provide local member firms with training, networking opportunities, time to give an update on their business and a time for questions and answers. Later in the year, once the pandemic restrictions are lifted, the Human Resource Council will meet in person for a working lunch meeting.
Jessica Carroll Voss
The Human Resource Council will be led by Chamber business volunteer, Jessica Carroll Voss, Human Resource Manager with Hollander Sleep Products. Voss grew up in Vance County, and graduated from Northern Vance High School in 2006. She attended UNC-Wilmington and graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Human Resource Management. Voss has 10 years of human resource experience, previously working for Snider Fleet Solutions in Greensboro, Express Employment Professionals in Oxford, and GKN Driveline in Roxboro and Sanford. She joined the Hollander company in October of 2020. Burgess said, “I was so excited to hear of Jessica returning to Vance County to work here last fall. Hollander Sleep Products is a very supportive Chamber of Commerce member, and Jessica is a great asset to them not only because of her degree and experience, but she knows the community, has many local contacts, and understands the local workforce needs. Having her step up and take on this leadership with our Chamber and this new initiative makes me proud.”
Cherrelle Lawrence
The featured presentation for the premier meeting of the Human Resource Council on March 25 will be Cherrelle Lawrence, Dean of Corporate Learning and Professional Development with Vance-Granville Community College. She also serves as Dean of the VGCC Franklin County campus. Her topic will be “Investing In Talent.” “I have heard Cherrelle Lawrence speak and our Council is in for a real treat” Said Michele Burgess. “She has a wealth of information about training programs that our local employers will be interested in hearing, such as fast tracked certificate training programs, as well as, programs that involve apprenticeships and internships that will benefit both the employer and the employees.
Chamber member firms who would like to sign up to receive the Zoom link for the March Human Resource Council meeting are asked to email Michele Burgess at michele@hendersonvance.org or call the Chamber office. Anyone interested in being a part of the Human Resource Council who is currently not a member of the Chamber, is encouraged to call Michele Burgess to discuss membership at 252-438-8414.
Small Farms Week 2021
/by Laura GabelThe 35th annual celebration of Small Farms Week will be held virtually Mar. 21-27. Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T State University is sponsoring a series of virtual events and educational programs to inform the public and provide research-based information to support small farmers.
This year’s theme is “35 Years: Resilience. Strength. Diversity” and will begin with a kick-off event on Friday, Mar. 19, according to information from the Greensboro-based university. The programs are “designed for farmers with limited incomes and acreage and will provide them with information to become more resilient and more profitable,” according to the statement. Although focused on small-scale farmers, the public is also invited to attend.
The USDA census defines a small farm as “a farm that is 179 acres or less in size, or earns $50,000 or less in gross income per year.
The Mar. 19 event will feature agriculture in Avery County, located in western North Carolina. This session also will recognize Avery County’s Amos and Kaci Nidiffer, the 2020 Small Farmers of the Year. A panel of local farmers will discuss farming in that part of the state.
The virtual activities continue on Monday, Mar. 22, with sessions on the health benefits of community gardening and ways to boost your immune system during the pandemic. A virtual education forum on Tuesday, Mar. 23 will cover plant production, farm management, high-tunnel winter production and livestock production. A panel of N.C. A&T students will discuss the wide variety of career opportunities available in agriculture and related fields.
Wednesday’s program includes information on marketing and agribusiness, as well as a small farms update by members of A&T’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. The day also includes one of the highlights of the week: the virtual Small Farmers’ Appreciation Program. Keynote speaker is Jimmy Gentry, president of the North Carolina Grange. The 2021 Small Farmer of the Year will also be announced.
The final event of Small Farms Week 2021 will be a panel discussion among A&T students on Thursday, Mar. 25 about opportunities for young people in agriculture.
The registration link is
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/small-farms-week-35-years-resilience-strength-diversity-tickets-141203398165
Franklin County Detention Center Contraband (Part 2)
/by WIZS Staff— press release from Franklin County Sheriff Kent D. Winstead
(WIZS News has re-ordered the arrestee list as well as redacted some information from this press release.)
Arrests
On March 9, 2021,the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Group arrested Tiffany Lynn Edwards, a former detention officer at the Franklin County Detention Center. Edwards was charged with supplying inmates at the Franklin County Detention Center with contraband (tobacco). In addition, detectives with the Special Operations Group also arrested Elizabeth McCray with Conspiring to Provide Contraband to an Inmate.
These arrests were part of an ongoing investigation involving inmates at the Franklin County Detention Center gaining access to prohibited and/or illegal items.
During the investigation, it was determined that Edwards had supplied inmates with tobacco products. Through the investigation it was also determined that McCray was involved in financing deals within the facilities to acquire marijuana edibles. Both of these items are considered contraband and are not allowed inside the detention center.
The investigation is ongoing.
Charges Include:
Elizabeth McCray
33 years old
491 Stallings Road
Zebulon, NC 27597
Elizabeth McCray was charged with one (1) Count of Conspire to Provide Contraband to an Inmate.
Elizabeth McCray was released after posting a $20,000 secured bond.
Tiffany Lynn Edwards
(redacted and picture withheld)
Tiffany Lynn Edwards was charged with one (1) Misdemeanor count of Providing Contraband to an Inmate.
Tiffany Lynn Edwards was released after posting a $1,000 secured bond.
For more information concerning this investigation or to report drug activity in your neighborhood, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.
Hear Billing Solutions Virtual Hiring Event Tuesday, March 16 at 11 a.m.
/by John C. RoseHear Billing Solutions is holding a virtual hiring event tomorrow (Tues, March 16, 2021) with guaranteed interviews.
You’ll find out about opportunities for billing specialists.
Interviews will be available Thursday for those who attend the virtual event Tuesday.
Register at events.kerrtarworks.com.
Contact the NC Works Career Center for more information at 919-693-2686.
Email Joseph.Jung@ncworks.gov or Lonnda.Brothers@ncworks.gov
Cooperative Extension with Paul McKenzie 03-09-21 – Pruning Fruit Crops
/by CharleneListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 2 PM Monday – Thursday.
TownTalk 03-09-21; Lisa Harrison, Granville Vance Public Health
/by Laura GabelThe recent stretch of warmer, sunny days is a welcome sign that spring is just around the corner. For Granville-Vance Public Health Director Lisa Harrison, the break in the weather is another way to combat COVID-19 as well.
“The biggest help is that people spend more time outside,” Harrison said on Tuesday’s Town Talk. She spoke with John C. Rose and Bill Harris about how things are going with vaccinations in the area and what’s in store in the upcoming months.
“Making sure that we’re breathing fresh air,” she said, adding that the natural ventilation that being outdoors affords is very beneficial.
At this time, 17 percent of residents in Vance and Granville counties have gotten at least one COVID-19 vaccine and 10 percent are fully vaccinated. “That’s just excellent progress,” she said.
“We’re doing an excellent job,” Harrison said, and said the collaboration with community partners like schools, hospitals and local pharmacies has been a key component to getting vaccines in arms.
The very good news that Harrison shared Tuesday comes from a CDC update, as well as from Gov. Roy Cooper and DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen. People who have been fully vaccinated and have waited two weeks for full immunity to occur can gather in small groups – sans masks. “It’s absolutely fine for us to congregate in small groups,” she said, as long as everyone has waited two weeks after being fully vaccinated.
It is still important to wear masks in big public spaces, she said, or in spaces where you’re not sure that everyone has been fully vaccinated, she added.
More than 15,000 shots have been given in the two counties, she said, but she also acknowledged that some residents may choose not to be vaccinated. Being vaccinated, however, is “the best way to protect our entire population and each other.” Some people who have been exposed to the virus may have developed their own antibodies, which she said is a positive step toward overall community resistance or immunity to COVID-19.
For complete details and audio click play. Story continues below including links.
Harrison reiterated that the three vaccines currently available in North Carolina – Phizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson – are all safe and effective. All three prevent severe illness and hospitalization. “There is not a bad choice,” she stated. “Dr. (Anthony) Fauci is right – get the vaccine that is available to you first.”
Because the Phizer vaccine is the most fragile, it usually goes to hospitals because they can keep it in super-cold storage. The Phizer vaccine is shipped in lots of 975 doses and is used for large-scale clinics. The Moderna vaccine doesn’t have to be kept as cold, she said. She estimated that each county gets between 500 and 700 Moderna doses each week. Harrison said the health department probably would be ordering the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the end of March. It could be used for more vulnerable populations, such as those people who may have a difficult time coming back for a second dose, which is required of both the Phizer and Moderna vaccines.
Side effects such as achiness, soreness or fatigue after the second shot, Harrison said , simply mean “your immune system is working well.” You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine, she stressed. The vaccine “trains” your immune system to recognize and combat the virus. “It trains your immune system and then it disappears,” she said.
After the show, Harrison forwarded some links of interest to WIZS.
https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/media/1469/open
https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/media/905/download
#BRENTSTRONG; Heather Montgomery And Fundraiser For Brent Montgomery
/by Laura GabelThe local community continues to rally around Brent Montgomery and his family as the Henderson man battles COVID-19 at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. Montgomery’s wife, Heather, talked with guest host Brandon Boyd on Wednesday’s Town Talk and provided an update on his condition, as well as plans for a lunchtime fundraiser that will take place Thursday, Mar. 11.
The grills will be lit by 4 a.m. Thursday, Boyd said, and take-out plates of barbecued chicken will be ready for pickup beginning at 11 a.m. at the former Boyd dealership located at the corner of Ruin Creek Road and US Hwy. 158.
“The chicken is the last thing that this is about,” Boyd said, adding that there’s a “sense of hope and optimism in the air” for Brent’s condition to improve.
Heather Montgomery said his condition remains the same – “the support from the machines is what’s keeping him alive at this point,” she said. The next option, she added, would be a lung transplant, because his lungs “are overcome with COVID scarring.”
Riding a roller coaster of emotions since his hospitalization almost a month ago has been difficult, yet Montgomery said she continues to pray for a miracle. She said that the continuous messages of encouragement that pour in from all over have provided support, comfort and strength to her and her family. “We are not giving up on him,” she added. “We’re praying for a miracle – that’s what it’s going to take.”
The Thursday event came together in just a few days, Boyd said. Volunteers are welcome to come out and help, he added. Plates are $10 cash only, and donations will be accepted as well. Orders of 10 or more plates are available for delivery; call Sandy Reese at 252.213.0058 to place an order.
“This is a day to celebrate Brent Montgomery,” Boyd said. His patrol car will be parked on the lot, and the entire community is invited to come out and show support to the Montgomery family.
For audio click play.
Heather Montgomery called the community outpouring of support “unbelievable” and she often feels overwhelmed to realize all the ways that her family feels that support and love. She is grateful to the NC Highway Patrol as well, saying that the supervising colonel calls or texts her daily for updates. Fellow troopers have provided support and are always ready to help lend a hand when needed. Several troopers stood in for their colleague at Senior Night activities for their son, Heather Montgomery said.
In one of the last texts he sent, Brent told his wife not to give up on him. Now, “when he can’t speak, I’m trying to speak for him,” she said. She has had to develop a deeper level of trust with God, she said, because she knows that her husband’s condition is beyond her control.
Calling him a humble man, Montgomery said she was going to have a hard time explaining to her husband all the good things that she has witnessed and experienced during his illness. “I just can’t wait to tell (him) about all these things,” she mused. “It’s going to take a long time (for him) to absorb all this that’s going on.”
Fundraiser traffic flow: Vehicles will enter the property of the former Boyd dealership from the far east side and circle around the back of the building, then pick up plates by the showroom on the west side of the property.
WIZS Local News 03-09-21 Noon
/by Bill HarrisWIZS Your Community Voice — 100.1 FM / 1450 AM
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