THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
Lisa Harrison, director of Granville-Vance Public Health (GVPH), appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.
With 905 known Granville County COVID-19 cases and 24 deaths, and 561 known Vance County cases and 40 deaths reported as of Friday afternoon, Harrison said precautions still need to be taken to stop the spread of the virus.
“It is really critical to drive home the point that wearing a face covering and staying six-feet away from other people is the way we prevent this from spreading,” explained Harrison. “Everyone has the opportunity to help us with these numbers.”
In addressing national news reports of large increases in confirmed COVID-19 cases in the past week, Harrison said the trend is similar to the days following Memorial Day weekend when a spike in positive test results was recorded.
“We do see spikes in the numbers when we have weekends like Memorial Day or July 4th where people want to spend time with their family and friends. Wearing a mask, staying six-feet apart and washing hands becomes more challenging,” said Harrison.
According to the CDC, the incubation period for COVID-19 is thought to extend to 14 days, with a median time of four to five days from exposure to onset of symptoms.
While Harrison acknowledged the numbers reported may not reveal the entire picture when considering those who do not seek testing or medical treatment, she is encouraged by the recent increase in testing in the local area.
“I feel good about the amount of testing being done in Vance and Granville County,” Harrison said. “I feel like we are testing symptomatic and asymptomatic. We’re testing contacts and anyone who comes to GVPH and needs a test.”
In addition to increased access to testing, Harrison is encouraged by other positive trends locally including the stabilization of COVID-19 cases in congregate living facilities.
In Granville County, there are currently outbreaks at four congregate living facilities including the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner; Murdoch Development Center in Butner; Central Regional Hospital in Butner; and Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center in Oxford.
In Vance County, there are currently outbreaks at two congregate living facilities including Kerr Lake Nursing Home and Senior Citizens Home in Henderson.
There was previously an outbreak at Pelican Health in Henderson that is no longer active.
“We’ve worked really closely with our long-term care facilities. They’ve done a really great job of doing regular testing, making sure they are isolating those who have symptoms and have tested positive and minding infection control so they can reduce spread as much as possible while also monitoring the health and wellbeing of residents and staff,” said Harrison. “It’s been a heavy load these last three months; I’m pleased the stabilization does seem to have started.”
As far as community-based cases, or those not connected with a congregate living facility, Harrison is pleased that the majority of Granville and Vance residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 have been released from isolation.
Qualifications for ‘release from isolation’ status is set by the CDC and is determined by a combination of symptom-based, time-based and test-based strategies (click here to learn more).
As of Friday afternoon, of the 480 total community-based cases in Granville County, 348 have been released from isolation and five are currently hospitalized.
In Vance County, 364 of the 439 community-based cases have been released from isolation. Five individuals in Vance County are currently hospitalized.
“More people have been released from isolation than current numbers of those positive with COVID-19,” Harrison stated. “The majority are in recovery mode and are past the approximate 14-28 day experience.”
Please visit www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information and to sign up for daily email updates.
To hear the interview with Harrison in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
Town Talk 07/13/20: Harrison Encouraged by Positive Local COVID-19 Trends
/by Kelly BondurantTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
Lisa Harrison, director of Granville-Vance Public Health (GVPH), appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.
With 905 known Granville County COVID-19 cases and 24 deaths, and 561 known Vance County cases and 40 deaths reported as of Friday afternoon, Harrison said precautions still need to be taken to stop the spread of the virus.
“It is really critical to drive home the point that wearing a face covering and staying six-feet away from other people is the way we prevent this from spreading,” explained Harrison. “Everyone has the opportunity to help us with these numbers.”
In addressing national news reports of large increases in confirmed COVID-19 cases in the past week, Harrison said the trend is similar to the days following Memorial Day weekend when a spike in positive test results was recorded.
“We do see spikes in the numbers when we have weekends like Memorial Day or July 4th where people want to spend time with their family and friends. Wearing a mask, staying six-feet apart and washing hands becomes more challenging,” said Harrison.
According to the CDC, the incubation period for COVID-19 is thought to extend to 14 days, with a median time of four to five days from exposure to onset of symptoms.
While Harrison acknowledged the numbers reported may not reveal the entire picture when considering those who do not seek testing or medical treatment, she is encouraged by the recent increase in testing in the local area.
“I feel good about the amount of testing being done in Vance and Granville County,” Harrison said. “I feel like we are testing symptomatic and asymptomatic. We’re testing contacts and anyone who comes to GVPH and needs a test.”
In addition to increased access to testing, Harrison is encouraged by other positive trends locally including the stabilization of COVID-19 cases in congregate living facilities.
In Granville County, there are currently outbreaks at four congregate living facilities including the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner; Murdoch Development Center in Butner; Central Regional Hospital in Butner; and Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center in Oxford.
In Vance County, there are currently outbreaks at two congregate living facilities including Kerr Lake Nursing Home and Senior Citizens Home in Henderson.
There was previously an outbreak at Pelican Health in Henderson that is no longer active.
“We’ve worked really closely with our long-term care facilities. They’ve done a really great job of doing regular testing, making sure they are isolating those who have symptoms and have tested positive and minding infection control so they can reduce spread as much as possible while also monitoring the health and wellbeing of residents and staff,” said Harrison. “It’s been a heavy load these last three months; I’m pleased the stabilization does seem to have started.”
As far as community-based cases, or those not connected with a congregate living facility, Harrison is pleased that the majority of Granville and Vance residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 have been released from isolation.
Qualifications for ‘release from isolation’ status is set by the CDC and is determined by a combination of symptom-based, time-based and test-based strategies (click here to learn more).
As of Friday afternoon, of the 480 total community-based cases in Granville County, 348 have been released from isolation and five are currently hospitalized.
In Vance County, 364 of the 439 community-based cases have been released from isolation. Five individuals in Vance County are currently hospitalized.
“More people have been released from isolation than current numbers of those positive with COVID-19,” Harrison stated. “The majority are in recovery mode and are past the approximate 14-28 day experience.”
Please visit www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information and to sign up for daily email updates.
To hear the interview with Harrison in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
East Wake Football League Postpones Fall Season, Looks to Spring
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, East Wake Football League
The East Wake Football League (EWFL) is committed to ensuring a positive youth football experience and sharing a long history of competitive youth football in the seven (7) county area. Due to the growing concerns about COVID-19, the Board of Directors of the EWFL has decided to postpone the 2020 Tackle Football and Cheer season.
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented health and safety concerns that, in our opinion, make it difficult to have a season and keep players, coaches and families safe.
As an alternative, the Board will begin to design a Spring football season for our teams that would begin in early 2021. We will share more information as plans develop.
“The safety of our athletes is our first priority, and we will follow the guidance of the CDC and the State of North Carolina as we think about the next steps of our League,’ said Jeff Clark, League Commissioner.
About the East Wake Football League: The EWFL is a North Carolina 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to youth football in North Carolina. The EWFL is an independent league that currently consists of 18 affiliated organizations with three (3) teams each from 6 to 14 years in age. The EWFL has served the youth football community for over 50 years. More information may be found at www.ewfl-football.com.
WIZS Local News 07/13/20 Noon
/by John C. RoseWIZS LOCAL NEWS 07/13/20 NOON
YOUR COMMUNITY VOICE
‘Let There Be Peace on Earth’ to Ring in Downtown Henderson Through July
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Mary Helen Jones
Each Tuesday and Thursday through July at 12 p.m. in downtown Henderson, the First Baptist Church and the First United Methodist Church bells will ring the hymn “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”
You are invited to come downtown, wearing masks, standing at least 6-feet apart and sing this song of hope.
Participants may stand on the steps of the First United Methodist Church or line up along Garnett Street.
Weichel Hired as Assistant County Manager
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Granville County Government
Granville County Government announces that Korena Weichel will be joining the administrative team as Assistant County Manager.
Weichel brings 20+ years of managerial experience and 12 years of local government experience to her new role as she has most recently served as City Manager for the City of Creedmoor (beginning as Interim Manager in 2018) and Assistant City Manager (since 2013). Weichel also held the position of Administrative Services Director for the City of Creedmoor for five years, as well as having prior experience in financial reporting, human resources and marketing.
Granville County Government announces that Korena Weichel will be joining the administrative team as Assistant County Manager on August 17, 2020. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt)
“I have enjoyed serving the citizens of the Creedmoor community and appreciate the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated staff to accomplish many goals and initiatives over the past twelve years,” Weichel says. “I am pleased to continue working in Granville County, and I am looking forward to supporting all our municipalities at the county level.”
As Assistant County Manager, Weichel will work with the County Manager in researching policy recommendations and long-range approaches for program services implemented by the County and will serve as project manager for multi-department projects and as a liaison for interdepartmental contacts.
In addition to other duties, Weichel will assist the County Manager with the planning and development of programs, as directed by the Board of Commissioners, as well as negotiating contracts, monitoring the budget and submitting proposals and reports.
A fall graduate of UNC Pembroke with a degree in Public and Non-Profit Administration, Weichel holds an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Vance-Granville Community College. She has also completed programs of governmental studies from the UNC School of Government, including Municipal and County Administration and Public Executive Leadership Academy, and presently serves on the North Carolina League of Municipalities’ (NCLM) Human Resources Advisory Committee and the N.C. City and County Manager’s Association’s (NCCCMA) Planning Committee.
Weichel is married and has one son, who also serves in local government as Finance Director for the Town of Valdese, NC (Burke County).
She begins work with Granville County Government on August 17.
Vance Commissioners to Discuss County Debt, Shared Parking Agreement
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy the County of Vance
Vance County Board of Commissioners Chairman Gordon Wilder has called a special meeting for Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at 4 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Conference Room, Vance County Administration Building, 122 Young Street in Henderson.
The purpose of the meeting is to:
1. Hold a public hearing for the refinancing of County debt.
2. Approval of Shared Parking Agreement – Henderson Institute.
3. Other items as necessary.
Please click here to view the full agenda.
Oxford Commissioners to Hold July 14 Board Meeting
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy City of Oxford
The Oxford Board of Commissioners will hold a regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, at 7 p.m. online via Zoom.
To Join the Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87138845754?pwd=L1AvbTMxK3VSeTI0YUZ5aXNEWnhjQT09
Meeting ID: 871 3884 5754
Password: 828030
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099
Agenda Items Include:
Public Hearing to receive citizen input on the adoption of a System Development Fee Resolution.
Consider adopting the Water and Sewer System Development Fee (SDE) Resolution.
Consider appointing Wilkinson & Carpenter. P.A., to serve as the legal advisor to the Oxford Planning Board.
Please click here for the full meeting agenda.
Tax Filing, Payment Deadline July 15; Tax, COVID-19 Scams Increase
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Internal Revenue Service
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina reminded taxpayers of the July 15 filing and payment deadline and warned against an increase in tax and COVID-19 scams.
Due to COVID-19, the original filing deadline and tax payment due date for 2019 was postponed from April 15 to July 15. Taxpayers filing Form 1040 series returns must file Form 4868 by July 15 to obtain the automatic extension to Oct. 15.
“Although the extension provides additional time to file the tax return – it is not an extension to pay any taxes due,” said Matthew D. Line, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. “For people facing hardships who cannot pay in full, including those affected by COVID- 19, the IRS has several options available to help. The IRS encourages taxpayers to visit IRS.gov as soon as possible to explore these options and avoid accruing interest and penalties after the July 15 deadline.”
As the filing deadline approaches, taxpayers should beware of tax and COVID-19 related scams. “Criminals use the tax filing deadline as an opportunity to steal personal and financial information,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “Taxpayers should remain vigilant and know that the IRS will not initiate contact with them via phone, email or social media to request personal or financial information.”
In the last few months, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division (CI) has continued to see a tremendous increase in a variety of Economic Impact Payment scams and other financial schemes. CI continues to work with its law enforcement partners to put a stop to these schemes and bring criminals to justice.
Taxpayers can report COVID-19 scams to the National Center for Disaster Fraud. Taxpayers can also report fraud or theft of their Economic Impact Payments to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). Unsolicited (phishing) emails that appear to be from the IRS should be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov.
For the most up-to-date information about the tax filing deadline and IRS impersonation scams, taxpayers can visit IRS.gov.
Masonic Home for Children at Oxford Helping Families in Need
/by WIZS StaffTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-Information courtesy Kevin Otis, Administrator, Masonic Home for Children at Oxford
COVID-19 has brought a health, economic, and social pandemic to families. The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford (MHCO) provides a safe haven for children to grow, learn, and develop. The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford is North Carolina’s first children’s home celebrating 147 years of helping children in need. MHCO continues that proud tradition through two programs, Group Cottage Foster Care and Independent Living.
The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford provides loving care for children and young adults aged birth to twenty-two. Children reside in cottages with live-in House Parent Child Care Workers. The family-style program meets children where they are developmentally and provides a nurturing, learning environment. Supports are provided to help children with academics, become gainfully employed, obtain transportation, participate in extracurricular activities, and manage the trauma they may be facing. Families stay involved and co-parent with the program team to develop Individual Service Plans to address needs, set goals, and build in supports to achieve personal milestones.
The Independent Living Program (ILP) provides apartments for young adults. ILP residents continue education at Vance- Granville Community College, trade schools, and four-year universities. Coaching is provided to help residents obtain and maintain employment. Independent living skills are taught relating to a variety of topics including cooking and cleaning, driver’s education, budget management, and tax preparation.
The Masonic Home for Children is located in Oxford, North Carolina on a pristine 347-acre campus. Cottages provide up to eight residents with their own bedroom, bathroom suite, and open kitchen/family room setting. Playgrounds, basketball courts, a gymnasium, and outdoor pool provide opportunities for children to be active, learn skills, and develop confidence.
The foundations of success include a strong emphasis on Education, Vocation, Spiritual Development, Recreation, Responsibility, and Respect. The program provides a family of support that includes the child’s family of origin, all working together for the child’s best interests. Long term goals include returning home and independence.
MHCO has helped well over 10,000 children have a chance at a better life. Alumni have gone on to become business owners, military leaders, and receive doctorates. For many, success is being able to provide for themselves and their families.
The need for services provided by MHCO is even more necessary during these difficult times. The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford can provide for your children as you manage the challenges you and your family face. Parents maintain guardianship, and scholarships are available to provide the cost of care.
Learn more about referring a child in need by calling (919) 693-5111 or visiting MHCO’s website at www.mhc-oxford.org.
WIZS Local News 07/10/20 Noon
/by John C. RoseWIZS Local News 07/10/20 Noon
Your Community Voice