100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health
The following is an update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of August 10, 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
1,262 positive test results for COVID-19.
Of those 1,262, 704 are community-spread cases located across Granville County, 541 of those 704 have been released from isolation and eight are hospitalized.
Of those 1,262, 507 cases are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County, 366 of those 507 have been released from isolation.
Of those 1,240, 51 are associated with outbreaks at long term care facilities including 11 at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center, 29 at Universal Health Care, and eight at Granville House.
Of the 51 cases in long term care facilities in Granville County, eight have been released from isolation.
There have been a total of 28 deaths in Granville County, four in the community, one of whom was associated with Central Regional Hospital, two of whom were associated with Universal Health Care, and 21 of whom were associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.
Unfortunately, two deaths associated with Universal Health Care have been reported. A 66-year-old female passed away on August 7, and an 86 year-old female passed away on August 8.
Vance County
747 positive test results for COVID-19.
Of those 747, 623 are community-spread cases located across Vance County, 472 of those 623 have been released from isolation.
Of those 747, 124 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities, including 48 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, 17 associated with Senior Citizens Home, and one with Alliance Rehabilitative Care (ARC). The outbreak at Pelican Health nursing home is no longer active.
Of the 124 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 44 have been released from isolation.
Three individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.
There have been a total of 41 deaths in Vance County, 14 of whom were associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 12 of whom were associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, two of whom were associated with Senior Citizens Home, and 13 in the community.
WIZS Note: There are 151 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 163 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers). While the total number of deaths in Vance County remained steady at 40 for several weeks, a recent COVID-related death associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home brings the count to 41.
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.
Masonic Home for Children at Oxford’s 2020 Homecoming Festival Canceled
/by WIZS StaffTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-Information courtesy the Masonic Home For Children at Oxford
The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford announces with regret that the 2020 Masonic Homecoming Festival will not be held this year. This difficult decision was made in consideration of local and State guidelines and recommendations.
“We feel that cancellation of this year’s festival is the most prudent action to take at this time,” said Kevin Otis, administrator at MHCO. “The health and safety of the children, staff, our community, and visiting guests of the Masonic Home for Children had to be a priority in the decision-making process.
Local community support means so much to MHCO. The mission of providing a home for some of the children of North Carolina continues to be the priority. MHCO thanks our community for its support during this difficult season of disruption to our lives and the uncertainty that is upon us all.”
MHCO looks forward to the 2021 Masonic Homecoming Festival when we hope that once again the festival will be held in its full scope with food, music, games, activities, parade, and the pageantry that goes with the events of the weekend: October 8-10, 2021.
Special Report/Noon News: 08/12/20
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Special Report/Local News Audio for 08-12-20 at Noon
Henderson City Councilwoman Fearldine Simmons Passed Away Sunday
Click play to listen.
Audio 08-12-20 WIZS Special Fearldine Simmons
Town Talk 08/11/20: In Memory of Henderson City Council Member Fearldine A. Simmons
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Mayor Ellington and the Henderson City Council ordered all City of Henderson flags to be lowered to half-staff beginning Monday until further notice to show respect for Council Member Fearldine Allen Simmons, of 1005 County Home Road, who passed away at her home on Sunday.
Simmons, age 73, served as the representative for the Council’s Ward 4 seat, and her term was active through 2021. She also served on the Human Resources and Land Planning Committees, as well as the 911 Board.
Simmons Passed Away
“It was a sad moment for us, and we shared a moment of silence at the opening of last night’s Council meeting,” said Ellington. “Mrs. Simmons was a steady voice for the City of Henderson; she thought through every vote with passion. It was a somber night for us.”
A graveside service for Simmons will be held at Sunset Memorial Garden in Henderson on Saturday, August 15 at 12:30 p.m. Arrangements are being made by Betts & Son Funeral Home.
To hear the interview with Ellington in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
Henderson City Council Member Fearldine A. Simmons, of 1005 County Home Road, passed away at her home on Sunday, August 9, 2020. (Photo courtesy Allen Simmons)
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 08/11/20
/by CharleneListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 2 PM Monday – Thursday.
Local News Audio 08-11-20 Noon WIZS
/by John C. RoseWIZS – Your Community Voice
Local News Audio for 08-11-20 at Noon
Click play to listen.
Leadership Granville Class Holds Outdoor Graduation Program
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Granville County Chamber of Commerce
The Leadership Granville Class of 2019-2020 graduation, originally scheduled for early April, was postponed due to COVID-19. The Leadership Granville Steering Committee planned an outdoor graduation for Monday, August 10, 2020, at Granville
Athletic Park’s shelter.
During a more informal program than in past years, the graduates shared their most impressive sessions, as well as ideas for future Leadership Granville classes. Steering Committee Chair, Tiana Royster/Union Bank and Cecilia Wheeler/Chamber President/VGCC, presented the graduation plaques to nine of the twelve graduates who were able to attend.
Following the plaque presentation, graduates picked up a bag of snacks and bottled water provided by Morrirson’s, Rick Childs/Granville Health System.
Pictured left to right: Jason Kelly/Oxford Parks and Recreation; Jennifer Cufalo Carpenter/Granville Education Foundation; Gina Eaves/Chick-fil-A; Julie Hicks/Vance-Granville Community College; Nealie Whitt III/Falls Lake Academy; Kelley Hightower/Hightower Reporting Service; Ruth Ann Bullock/Legal Shield; Lisa Evans/Granville County Public Schools; Kelly Watkins/Cardinal Innovations Healthcare. Not pictured: Christina Moscato/Oxford Preparatory School; Douglas Peters/ Granville County Public Schools; Tyler Woodside/Union Bank, Vance Charter School. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Chamber of Commerce)
GVPH COVID-19 Update: Recent Deaths Reported at Universal Health Care
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health
The following is an update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of August 10, 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
1,262 positive test results for COVID-19.
Of those 1,262, 704 are community-spread cases located across Granville County, 541 of those 704 have been released from isolation and eight are hospitalized.
Of those 1,262, 507 cases are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County, 366 of those 507 have been released from isolation.
Of those 1,240, 51 are associated with outbreaks at long term care facilities including 11 at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center, 29 at Universal Health Care, and eight at Granville House.
Of the 51 cases in long term care facilities in Granville County, eight have been released from isolation.
There have been a total of 28 deaths in Granville County, four in the community, one of whom was associated with Central Regional Hospital, two of whom were associated with Universal Health Care, and 21 of whom were associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.
Unfortunately, two deaths associated with Universal Health Care have been reported. A 66-year-old female passed away on August 7, and an 86 year-old female passed away on August 8.
Vance County
747 positive test results for COVID-19.
Of those 747, 623 are community-spread cases located across Vance County, 472 of those 623 have been released from isolation.
Of those 747, 124 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities, including 48 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, 17 associated with Senior Citizens Home, and one with Alliance Rehabilitative Care (ARC). The outbreak at Pelican Health nursing home is no longer active.
Of the 124 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 44 have been released from isolation.
Three individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.
There have been a total of 41 deaths in Vance County, 14 of whom were associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 12 of whom were associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, two of whom were associated with Senior Citizens Home, and 13 in the community.
WIZS Note: There are 151 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 163 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers). While the total number of deaths in Vance County remained steady at 40 for several weeks, a recent COVID-related death associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home brings the count to 41.
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.
North Henderson Baptist to Hold 220 Seafood Drive-Through Fundraiser
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Gayle Davis, North Henderson Baptist Church
North Henderson Baptist Church will have a fundraiser for missions at 220 Seafood Restaurant on Monday, August 17, 2020, from 4 until 7 p.m. The event is drive-through only.
Plates are available for $8 and include trout, French fries and hush puppies.
All are welcome! Your support of this fundraiser is greatly appreciated!
Help Wanted: Cook/Kitchen Manager Needed for ACTS of Henderson
/by WIZS StaffTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-Information courtesy Lee Anne Peoples, Executive Director, ACTS
Cook/Kitchen Manager Needed
Looking for a dependable & experienced part-time Cook/Kitchen Manager for the ACTS of Henderson Soup Kitchen. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a 30-minute lunch (up to 30 hrs/wk).
Applications may be picked up and completed applications may be dropped off at ACTS (201 South William Street in Henderson) Monday-Thursday from 2 – 4 p.m. If you have any questions, email Lee Anne Peoples, Executive Director, at lapeoples@actsofhenderson.org.
Required Qualifications:
As the name implies (ACTS—Area Christians Together in Service), is an organization based on Christian principles. As such, the person for this position should be a Christian. In addition, they should have:
Responsibilities include:
Preparing and packaging 15-20 Mobile Meals plates & 75-125 meals through the Soup Kitchen daily in a timely manner; providing instruction to staff & volunteers in assisting with that process; monitoring sanitation practices to ensure that employees/volunteers follow standards & regulations; inspecting supplies, equipment, & work areas to ensure conformance to established standards; checking the quality of food & supplies, including raw or cooked food products to ensure that standards are met; keeping track of supplies; interacting daily with clients of ACTS Soup Kitchen in a positive, caring manner; washing, drying and putting away dishes; maintaining a record of the number of meals served daily through both Mobile Meals & the Soup Kitchen; washing, drying, folding, & putting away kitchen linens; training new volunteers & providing direction to volunteers & staff in a kind manner; cleaning kitchen, dining, & bathroom areas each day.
Additional duties may be assigned. Volunteers usually assist the Cook/Kitchen Manager with these tasks, but it is ultimately their responsibility to ensure that they are completed.
H-V Chamber: Employee Quarantine Guidelines, New Industry, Counterfeit Money & More
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce announces the following community updates:
Employee COVID-19 Quarantine & Returning to Work
The Chamber has received a Memo To Businesses and Employers from Kelsey Dickman with the Granville-Vance Public Health Department (here is the link). The memo gives some updates for you to be aware of as a local employer or HR manager concerning employee quarantine and isolation for COVID-19 cases in the workplace. Dickman indicated that the Granville-Vance Public Health Department website has also been updated with this information: https://gvph.org/
Summary Notes – One change to note is criteria for release from isolation has been updated to the following: isolation can generally be discontinued 10 days after symptom onset and resolution of fever for at least 24 hours (reduced from 72 hours), without the use of fever-reducing medications, and with the improvement of other symptoms.
Additionally, GVPH would like to continue to emphasize that employers should not require a COVID-19 test result or a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick to validate their illness, qualify for sick leave, or to return to work. A test-based strategy (i.e. requiring negative tests) is no longer recommended to discontinue isolation, except in very specific circumstances in consultation with infectious diseases experts, per the CDC guidance regarding duration of isolation. Therefore, providers will no longer be able to offer testing to return to work.
If you have any questions about the memo information provided here or about public health-related communications needs, please contact Kelsey Dickman at (252) 492-7915 ext. 236 or email kdickman@gvdhd.org.
Announcement of New Industry
The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome a new manufacturing industry and new employment opportunities to Vance County. An announcement was made this week by Governor Cooper, NC Dept of Commerce and our local EDC office that Select Products Holdings will be coming to Vance County – utilizing the space in the former Staples Distribution building, across from Vance-Granville Community College.
Select Products offers high-quality, affordable paper products ranging from facial and bath tissue to paper towels and napkins.
Counterfeit Money Discovered
Counterfeit $5 bills were recently discovered by a downtown Henderson business. All businesses (especially those in retail and service) should be aware of this situation.
Job Retention Grant (JRG) Program
The H-V Chamber received word from the NC Dept of Commerce that a new grant program for businesses and non-profits has been announced. If you are a business owner/manager or a non-profit organization manager and you have experienced interruption due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, this new Job Retention Grant (JRG) Program may be a valuable resource for you.
The NC Dept of Commerce has posted the application and guidance, including a FAQ, for businesses. The deadline for applications is September 1, 2020, so you will need to respond right away. Read the eligibility carefully!
The website is https://www.nccommerce.com/grants-incentives/disaster-recovery/job-retention-grant-jrg. It should provide you the necessary information, as well as the application, application guidance and an FAQ section.
For additional information contact Bruce Naegelen, Community Economic Development Planner with the NC Dept of Commerce, by telephone at (252) 822-1859 or by email at bruce.naegelen@nccommerce.com.