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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools
Granville County Schools held and sponsored the annual District Spelling Bee for Granville County on the evening of March 14, 2020, at Tar River Elementary School.
Ten elementary schools from around the county, both public and charter, had School Spelling Bees during the first semester of the 2019-20 school year. Each school had talented and dedicated staff that worked diligently to organize their Bee and award a top speller for their school. The District Bee allows those top spellers the chance to compete to win the trophy as best speller of the year for Granville County.
District Spelling Bee winner, Joel Jose, and GCPS Superintendent Alisa McLean (GCPS photo)
The ten winners, just by chance evenly divided between fourth and fifth grades, and their parents met at Tar River for a rehearsal the day before the contest. Amy Lue, Moderator, reviewed the rules and procedures with these sharp students and their families; then Dana King, Word Master, lead them through some practice words at the microphone.
“Holding a practice helps the children understand how the Spelling Bee works and gives them the confidence to perform on stage. This allows their nerves to be for spelling and not on how they need to comport themselves during the event,” commented Mrs. Lue, who was the organizer of the event.
Each contestant received a special t-shirt, provided by Granville County Schools, to wear the next night and keep as a memento of their experience. To prepare, the students studied the official Scripps National Spelling Bee word list of more than 4,000 words for several weeks ahead of the District Bee.
The students buzzed with excitement as they gathered on stage with Mrs. Lue the next night, while their families and teachers found seats in the multi-purpose room. Before the curtain rose, the judges were seated in front of the stage: Mrs. Cathy Frizzle, community volunteer, and Dr. Michael Myrick, and Dr. Stan Winborne, both from Granville County Schools, and Dana King, retired Media Coordinator, as the Word Master. Then Dr. Tonya Thomas welcomed the audience and introduced the spellers.
Contestants were:
Cayden Middleton – fifth-grader from Butner-Stem Elementary
Joel Jiljo Jose – fourth-grader from C. G. Credle School
Belen Elizarraras – fifth-grader from Creedmoor Elementary
Payton Gary – fifth-grader from Falls Lake Academy Charter School
Jordan Hershberger – fourth-grader from Granville Academy
Aubrey Canada – fourth-grader from Mt. Energy Elementary
Jasper Luffman – fourth-grader from Stovall-Shaw Elementary
Morgan Congleton – fifth-grader from Tar River Elementary
Dacari Burrell- fourth-grader from West Oxford Elementary
Bree Blackley – fifth-grader from Wilton Elementary
District Spelling Bee participants pose for a picture with Granville County Schools leaders and staff. (GCPS photo)
Superintendent Dr. Alisa McLean greeted everyone for this annual event, praising them for already being school winners. Mrs. Lue reviewed the rules and explained that contestants would stay on stage for a practice round of spelling before the first round of the Bee began.
Each contestant approached the microphone center stage, the words were pronounced first, and the Word Master gave a definition, the part of speech, and a sentence before the student had a chance to spell. After the practice round, all ten contestants sat up straight and listened carefully as the official first round of the Bee began.
In Round One, two students missed their words, leaving the stage at the end of the round to sit with their families in the audience. No one missed a word in the second round, so all eight contestants were still in the competition. Two more students missed their words in Round Three, as the words became a little more difficult. One student missed in Round 4, and another missed in Round 5.
One student missed a word in each of the next two rounds, leaving Jasper Luffman, from Stovall-Shaw, and Joel Jose, from C. G. Credle, last on stage. Jasper missed his word, and Joel got his correct in Round 8. Then Joel was up for a word in Round 9 and correctly spelled, “culinary,” to win the District Bee. This was his second win, as he was also Granville County Schools’ District Bee Winner in 2019 when he was in the third grade.
All contestants returned to the stage to receive certificates and medals awarded by Dr. McLean and Dr. Thomas. Joel was called back up to receive the trophy, then participants and officials posed for photographs. The evening ended with a reception in the Professional Development Room, with cupcakes and juice provided by Superintendent McLean.
Our winner, Joel, is the son of Jiljo Jose and Sema Jose. He is a current fourth-grader at C.G. Credle Elementary School. He had a large group of family and school supporters in the audience that cheered loudly for him when he won.
Sherrie Burns, principal, and the staff at C.G. Credle were very excited and proud to have the winner for the second year in a row.
Unfortunately, with the Covid-19 pandemic, the National Spelling Bee, which was to be held the last week of May in Maryland was first postponed, then the decision was made to cancel for the first time since World War II.
GCPS winner, Joel, had registered for this event to proudly represent our county for the second time. He will be recognized by the Scripps Spelling Bee organization for his accomplishment in reaching the next level. He will also receive the prizes that would have been awarded to him at the event.
GCPS is proud of Joel and of all the students that competed in our District Bee. We want to thank Granville County Schools for being the sponsor for the Granville County District Bee and providing this opportunity to all Granville County elementary students.
Local COVID-19 Update: Vance, Granville & Warren County Report
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health and Warren County Health Department
As of June 2, 2020, there are 324 known COVID-19 cases in Granville County, 332 cases in Vance County, 66 cases in Warren County and 29,889 confirmed cases in North Carolina.
There are four outbreaks at congregate living facilities in the district – one at Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC; one at Murdoch Development Center in Butner, NC; one at Pelican Health in Henderson, NC; and one at Kerr Lake Nursing Home in Henderson, NC.
Of the total positive cases in each county, 142 in Granville County are associated with the prisons, 5 are associated with Murdoch, 58 in Vance County are associated with Pelican Health nursing home, and 32 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.
Of the 177 community-based cases in Granville County, 87 have been released from isolation and 4 are hospitalized.
Of the 142 cases in the prison system, 70 have been released from isolation.
Of the 242 community-based cases in Vance County, 120 have been released from isolation.
Of the 90 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 31 have been released from isolation.
13 individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.
There have been a total of 34 deaths in the Granville Vance health district – 24 in Vance County and 10 with the Bureau of Prisons in Granville County.
Also as of June 2, the Warren County Health Department NC reports 66 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Warren County; 2 are hospitalized; 49 cases have recovered; 2 deaths related to COVID-19 (both had underlying health conditions).
Confirmed positive cases in Warren County range from 12 years of age to 83 years of age.
McMillen Provides Overview of Recommended Vance Co. Budget Changes
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen provided WIZS with the following summary of the Vance County Board of Commissioners’ meeting held Monday, June 1, 2020:
We held three public hearings last evening in regard to the overall FY 2020-2021 budget, the water budget and the economic development budget. We are on schedule to adopt the budget during our special meeting on June 15 and are not anticipating any additional work sessions unless the Board decides otherwise.
Overall, there have only been a few changes the board has made to the recommended budget. The changes are as follows:
– Increased revenue into the general fund due to transferring $41,903 from economic development fund as the result of revenue from Triangle North to offset expenses.
– Increased EMS capital outlay $1,400 to account for the increased cost of camera installation.
– Increased revenue and expenditures by $12,295 due to Emergency Management COVID-19 grant.
– Moved $6,000 from the 4H budget to the Cooperative Extension budget to cover the salary for the 4H position.
– Adjusted state revenues and expenditures for the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) based upon funding grid approved by the JCPC Board on May 28, 2020.
– Added four additional vehicles to the sheriff’s office budget to fully fund the sheriff’s request for eight vehicles – $144,000 additional cost to be financed.
We are running the final numbers on the budget and will have the overall budget and revised appropriation from fund balance in the next day or so.
WIZS Note:
On today’s edition of Town Talk, Sheriff Brame briefly addressed last night’s meeting and said he was pleased with the outcome for the sheriff’s office. “I thank the County Commissioners for being in favor of what I asked for. I understand this is crunch time, and everyone knows we are in an economic fallout due to COVID-19. I’m pleased that the commissioners are working with the Vance County Sheriff’s Office and other County agencies.”
To see the recommended budget (prior to the June 1 Commissioners’ meeting), click here. To hear a recent Town Talk interview with McMillen regarding the budget, click here.
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 06/02/20
/by CharleneListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 2 PM Monday – Thursday.
Town Talk 06/02/20: Sheriff, H-V Rec & Park Director Discuss Downtown Rally
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame and Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department Director Kendrick Vann appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Brame and Vann discussed Sunday’s rally/walk through downtown Henderson, a response, in part, to the death of George Floyd, an African-American man who died during an incident with law enforcement in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 25.
With an estimated 30-40 rally participants, primarily young people and community leaders, both men expressed their gratitude that the event remained peaceful.
“It went very well on Sunday,” said Brame. “People came together to protest in an orderly fashion. There was no name-calling, no one got out of hand and no one tried to block the street. It was just a great rapport.”
Vann agreed, “Everything went really, really well. I’m truly proud of the young men and women that came out for this great cause. It’s very rare that you have people between the ages of 17 and 25 that stand up for something and have a purpose.”
Vann said the biggest takeaway of the day was the thoughtful conversations and the knowledge gained.
“Participants got an education between myself, Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow, the Henderson City Council members, Rev. John Miles and others,” stated Vann. “They learned a lot about the process of doing things the right way. We also talked about the history of Vance County and downtown Henderson, why the community was named what it was named and the importance of knowing where your City and County offices are located. These young adults didn’t know that information, but they were excited to learn more.”
Sheriff Brame said what was most important to participants is that law enforcement and community leaders took the time to listen. “We cannot solve all the world’s problems, but we need to be there to communicate and listen,” Brame explained. “All people want us to do is hear them out, to be patient and listen to them.”
Addressing a recent press release issued by the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association and posted to WIZS.com (click here for full statement), Brame agreed that the officer in the Floyd incident acted “inexcusably” and his actions were “totally contrary to the training provided to law enforcement officers in North Carolina.”
Brame said he believes the respect for law enforcement in Vance County, and the respect law enforcement shows the community, is in a good place right now, and he doesn’t want to see that damaged.
“I had a young man come up to talk to me in my vehicle at the protest,” said Brame. “He didn’t understand the presence of law enforcement at the event. I explained to him that we don’t want what has happened in surrounding areas such as Raleigh and Charlotte to happen in Vance County. It took us a long time to build up what we have. Why would we tear it down?”
Vann reminded listeners that law enforcement is vital to a successful, thriving community. “Law enforcement is here for a reason and we’ve got to trust the system. Some people have bad experiences of working with the system and don’t have the whole story; that’s what makes it a sensitive topic.”
By working collaboratively, Vann said the Vance County Sheriff’s Office and Henderson Police Department are improving community relations.
“I think Sheriff Brame and Chief Barrow – one being African-American and the other being Caucasian – do a great job of working together to minimize a lot of things,” Vann said. “People in the community have to hold officers and deputies accountable. If you see someone doing something wrong, don’t blow it off. These two great men leading these departments can’t see or be everywhere. We have to tell them so that we can help prevent things from happening. We as a community need to be accountable for what goes on in our own community. That’s what I believe, and that’s why I was there on Sunday.”
Brame echoed Barrow’s request on yesterday’s Town Talk episode asking anyone that wants to hold a rally or protest in Henderson or Vance County to go through the proper channels by contacting the sheriff’s office or police department first.
To hear the interview with Brame and Vann in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Releases Statement on George Floyd Incident
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association
The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association stands for the protection of the rights of all citizens. The sheriffs of North Carolina expect all law enforcement officers to conduct themselves professionally and lawfully at all times. These higher standards of conduct include reserving the use of force, especially deadly force, for those times when its use is absolutely necessary and lawful.
While we are not privy to the full investigation, what we have seen in the video of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota is unacceptable. The video clearly shows unprofessional and egregious conduct by law enforcement officers. This type of law enforcement conduct cannot be tolerated and must be swiftly addressed by the law enforcement community and the criminal justice system.
Part of the mission of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association is to provide education and training to sheriffs and their personnel. The law enforcement conduct displayed in this video is inexcusable and totally contrary to the training provided to law enforcement officers in North Carolina.
As sheriffs, we strive to build relationships with everyone in our communities. These relationships are built on mutual respect between officers and their community. It is by our conduct that law enforcement officers earn the respect of the public we are sworn to serve. This type of egregious misconduct by a few officers erodes the respect citizens have for all officers. Therefore, when law enforcement officers violate laws or policy, we expect them to immediately be held accountable. We, the members of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, will tolerate nothing less.
We extend our deepest sympathies to George Floyd, his family, the citizens and businesses of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the law enforcement community that live up to their oath and creed of respect, courage, dedication, and service to protect and serve their community.
Details, Announcements for AdVance Academy’s June 11 Graduation Ceremony
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Vance County Schools
AdVance Academy’s graduation event is set for Thursday, June 11, 2020, at 2:30 p.m. at Vance-Granville Community College. Vance County Schools released the following information for those participating in the drive-thru style event:
Program of Events
At your designated time, enter from Poplar Creek Road to the main entrance of Vance-Granville Community College.
Proceed down the main road to the parking lot of Building 7. Staff will direct you. No open-air vehicles or
passengers in truck beds are permitted. Please do not arrive before your scheduled time.
Station 1: Graduate Check-in
One vehicle per graduate | Stop at the check-in station | A paper with the graduate’s name will be placed under the
windshield wiper| Follow directives of staff for vehicle line up | Pay careful attention to the line to keep it moving smoothly | Receive graduation program
Station 2: Processional
When the graduate nears the graduation station, a runner will take the windshield wiper sign to the name reader
Graduate Preparation Zone
Pay attention to signs for directions
Station 3: Graduation
Wait for the sign to show the graduate may exit vehicle | The student will walk to the stage | The student’s name will
be called as they walk across the stage | Receive diploma cover and photo opportunity | The student will return to the vehicle immediately | The car will then join the recessional line
Station 4: Recessional
Watch for signs and move to the graduate pick up spot | All vehicles must make a right onto Poplar Creek Road upon exiting graduation
Guidelines:
No restroom facilities will be available | Cap & gowns are required to participate in graduation | The graduate should be
positioned in the vehicle to be the only person that needs to step out of the car upon arrival at the graduation point| Graduation signs can be picked up after all graduation ceremonies have concluded
Graduation Arrival Time by Graduate’s Last Name
2:30 p.m. ~ Allen – Edmonds
3:05 p.m. ~ Evans – Jones
3:45 p.m. ~ Kearney – Satterwhite
4:15 p.m. ~ Small – Yancey
Note from Vance County Schools: We are excited about graduation! It is our hope that seniors will celebrate by decorating their cap or even their vehicle. As a reminder, no open-air vehicles are permitted (convertibles, bikes, open-top jeeps, etc) and no one will be permitted to ride in the back of a pickup truck. Only one vehicle is permitted per graduate.
As you proceed through the graduation line-up, you will see signs giving instructions. We ask that you pay close attention to ensure a smooth process. Everyone must remain in their vehicle throughout. The graduate will be informed when they are able to exit the vehicle. We also ask that you avoid loud music and horn honking.
We cannot wait to celebrate the Class of 2020!
SHPHC, Cardinal Innovations Partner to Pay In-Need Residents’ Utility Bills
/by WIZS StaffTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
In partnership with Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions, South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church will be paying utility bills (water/sewer/electricity) for those families that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in our community.
The payment is limited to one bill per household and requires the presentation of an original unpaid utility bill and verification of residential address.
The payment will be made directly to the utility and is limited to no more than $150.
The distribution will be on Friday, June 5, 2020, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Family Life Center (located behind the church) of South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church – 905 Americal Road in Henderson, NC.
This distribution is open to the affected public and will be on a first-come/first-served basis for as long as funds are available.
‘Veteran’ Granville Speller Wins District Bee Again
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools
Granville County Schools held and sponsored the annual District Spelling Bee for Granville County on the evening of March 14, 2020, at Tar River Elementary School.
Ten elementary schools from around the county, both public and charter, had School Spelling Bees during the first semester of the 2019-20 school year. Each school had talented and dedicated staff that worked diligently to organize their Bee and award a top speller for their school. The District Bee allows those top spellers the chance to compete to win the trophy as best speller of the year for Granville County.
District Spelling Bee winner, Joel Jose, and GCPS Superintendent Alisa McLean (GCPS photo)
The ten winners, just by chance evenly divided between fourth and fifth grades, and their parents met at Tar River for a rehearsal the day before the contest. Amy Lue, Moderator, reviewed the rules and procedures with these sharp students and their families; then Dana King, Word Master, lead them through some practice words at the microphone.
“Holding a practice helps the children understand how the Spelling Bee works and gives them the confidence to perform on stage. This allows their nerves to be for spelling and not on how they need to comport themselves during the event,” commented Mrs. Lue, who was the organizer of the event.
Each contestant received a special t-shirt, provided by Granville County Schools, to wear the next night and keep as a memento of their experience. To prepare, the students studied the official Scripps National Spelling Bee word list of more than 4,000 words for several weeks ahead of the District Bee.
The students buzzed with excitement as they gathered on stage with Mrs. Lue the next night, while their families and teachers found seats in the multi-purpose room. Before the curtain rose, the judges were seated in front of the stage: Mrs. Cathy Frizzle, community volunteer, and Dr. Michael Myrick, and Dr. Stan Winborne, both from Granville County Schools, and Dana King, retired Media Coordinator, as the Word Master. Then Dr. Tonya Thomas welcomed the audience and introduced the spellers.
Contestants were:
Cayden Middleton – fifth-grader from Butner-Stem Elementary
Joel Jiljo Jose – fourth-grader from C. G. Credle School
Belen Elizarraras – fifth-grader from Creedmoor Elementary
Payton Gary – fifth-grader from Falls Lake Academy Charter School
Jordan Hershberger – fourth-grader from Granville Academy
Aubrey Canada – fourth-grader from Mt. Energy Elementary
Jasper Luffman – fourth-grader from Stovall-Shaw Elementary
Morgan Congleton – fifth-grader from Tar River Elementary
Dacari Burrell- fourth-grader from West Oxford Elementary
Bree Blackley – fifth-grader from Wilton Elementary
District Spelling Bee participants pose for a picture with Granville County Schools leaders and staff. (GCPS photo)
Superintendent Dr. Alisa McLean greeted everyone for this annual event, praising them for already being school winners. Mrs. Lue reviewed the rules and explained that contestants would stay on stage for a practice round of spelling before the first round of the Bee began.
Each contestant approached the microphone center stage, the words were pronounced first, and the Word Master gave a definition, the part of speech, and a sentence before the student had a chance to spell. After the practice round, all ten contestants sat up straight and listened carefully as the official first round of the Bee began.
In Round One, two students missed their words, leaving the stage at the end of the round to sit with their families in the audience. No one missed a word in the second round, so all eight contestants were still in the competition. Two more students missed their words in Round Three, as the words became a little more difficult. One student missed in Round 4, and another missed in Round 5.
One student missed a word in each of the next two rounds, leaving Jasper Luffman, from Stovall-Shaw, and Joel Jose, from C. G. Credle, last on stage. Jasper missed his word, and Joel got his correct in Round 8. Then Joel was up for a word in Round 9 and correctly spelled, “culinary,” to win the District Bee. This was his second win, as he was also Granville County Schools’ District Bee Winner in 2019 when he was in the third grade.
All contestants returned to the stage to receive certificates and medals awarded by Dr. McLean and Dr. Thomas. Joel was called back up to receive the trophy, then participants and officials posed for photographs. The evening ended with a reception in the Professional Development Room, with cupcakes and juice provided by Superintendent McLean.
Our winner, Joel, is the son of Jiljo Jose and Sema Jose. He is a current fourth-grader at C.G. Credle Elementary School. He had a large group of family and school supporters in the audience that cheered loudly for him when he won.
Sherrie Burns, principal, and the staff at C.G. Credle were very excited and proud to have the winner for the second year in a row.
Unfortunately, with the Covid-19 pandemic, the National Spelling Bee, which was to be held the last week of May in Maryland was first postponed, then the decision was made to cancel for the first time since World War II.
GCPS winner, Joel, had registered for this event to proudly represent our county for the second time. He will be recognized by the Scripps Spelling Bee organization for his accomplishment in reaching the next level. He will also receive the prizes that would have been awarded to him at the event.
GCPS is proud of Joel and of all the students that competed in our District Bee. We want to thank Granville County Schools for being the sponsor for the Granville County District Bee and providing this opportunity to all Granville County elementary students.
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 06/01/20
/by CharleneListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 2 PM Monday – Thursday.
Downtown Oxford March to Honor George Floyd Scheduled for June 2
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy the City of Oxford
There will be a march in Downtown Oxford to honor George Floyd on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, beginning at 3 p.m.
The March will begin on Hunt Street, turn onto Broad Street, then onto Hillsboro Street ending at the Granville County Courthouse.
Businesses on streets along the route of the march will be impacted. Motorists are encouraged to find an alternate route.
Those desiring to participate are requested and encouraged to wear face masks and honor social distancing guidelines.