Granville Vance Public Health Logo

COVID-19 Update: 1,116 Known Cases in GVPH District to Date

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

As of June 15, 2020, there are 698 known COVID-19 cases in Granville County, 418 cases in Vance County, and 45,102 confirmed cases in North Carolina.

There are two outbreaks at congregate living facilities in Granville County at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC and Murdoch Development Center in Butner, NC. Of the cases in Granville County, 393 are associated with the prisons and five are associated with Murdoch.

Of the 393 cases in the prison system, 87 have been released from isolation and one individual with Murdoch has been released from isolation.

Of the 300 community-based cases in Granville County, 135 have been released from isolation and nine are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 16 deaths in Granville County, 15 of whom were with the Bureau of Prisons.

There are three outbreaks at congregate living facilities in Vance County: Pelican Health in Henderson, NC, Kerr Lake Nursing Home in Henderson, NC, and Senior Citizens Home in Henderson, NC. Fifty-eight of the cases in Vance County are associated with Pelican Health nursing home, 41 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, and two are associated with Senior Citizens Home.

Of the 101 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 41 have been released from isolation.

Of the 317 community-based cases in Vance County, 141 have been released from isolation.

Seven individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 32 deaths in Vance County, 14 of whom were associated with Pelican Health and eight of whom were associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.

GVPH updates its website daily at approximately 5 p.m. with Vance and Granville COVID-19 statistics. Please visit www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information.

GVPH also emails updates about COVID-19 in Granville and Vance counties each evening. You can sign up to receive these emails at www.gvph.org/covid-19.

JF Webb High School Hires Lamont Robinson as Head Football Coach

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-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools

JF Webb High School recently announced the hiring of its new high school football coach, Mr. Lamont Robinson. A Washington D.C. native, Lamont Robinson played high school football at H.D. Woodson High School, before he transferred his junior year to Duval High School in Lanham, MD.

JF Webb High School recently announced the hiring of its new high school football coach, Mr. Lamont Robinson. (Photo courtesy GCPS)

After his high school graduation, Coach Robinson served two years in the United States Navy. He was stationed on the USS Eisenhower based out of Norfolk, VA, and he served in the Aviation Fuels Division. After completing his military obligation, Coach Robinson enrolled in Prince George’s Community College and then transferred to Salisbury University where he majored in English and Education. At SU, Coach Robinson was a four-year letterman on the Seagulls football team.

After his college graduation, he became a teacher and head junior varsity football coach at Amelia County High School in Amelia, VA. Since then, Coach Robinson has served in a variety of coaching roles in North Carolina, including Saint Augustine’s College, S.E. Raleigh High School, Riverside High School and Warren County.

In 2008, Coach Robinson also became the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Phoenix, a member of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL). Lamont Robinson will be entering his twentieth year as a football coach this season.

Coach Robinson is excited about the opportunity to become the head football coach at J.F. Webb High School. Coach Robinson is also a father of a 12-year-old son, Mason Robinson.

JF Webb High School Principal Amy Rice offered her remarks, stating, “We are so excited to welcome Coach Robinson to the Warrior family. We look forward to the leadership he will provide our students on and off the field. We anticipate many successful seasons with him in this role.”

Warren Co. Memorial Library Announces Start of Book Pickup, Summer Reading Program

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-Information courtesy Warren County Government

No Contact Pickup:

Warren County Memorial Library will resume limited public operations beginning Wednesday, June 17, 2020, with the introduction of “No Contact Pickup.”

Library patrons will be able to place books and audiovisual materials on hold via the library catalog at any time, or by calling (252) 257-4990 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Library staff will pull the requested items and give the patron a call when the items are checked out and ready for pickup.

The library’s lobby will be open for book pickups on Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Your items will be placed in a bag with your name on it for you to grab and go. There will be no access to the main building, community room, or restrooms at this time.

Further steps for re-opening will be announced as details become available. All efforts are being made to fully return to serving patrons in person while mitigating any potential spread of the coronavirus.

During the pandemic, Warren County Memorial Library staff have worked to greatly expand the range of resources and services that are available online. If you need a library card or need to update an existing one, that can now be handled at the library website, www.wcmlibrary.org. You may also give the library staff a call at (252) 257-4990, and they will be happy to assist you.

Summer Reading 2020:

Warren County Memorial Library is excited to announce this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, “Imagine Your Story,” centered around fairytales, legends, myths, fables, and folklore.

While many people may be staying home this summer, readers are free to travel to worlds unknown with their imaginations. The Summer Reading Program will run from Monday, June 22 until Friday, July 24, 2020.

Reading during the summer months can make the difference between summer setbacks and summer success, leading to better academic performance when kids and teens return to school. This year will feel a little different as pandemic precautions have moved many of your favorite programs and books online. 

“We are thrilled with the work our entire staff has done to create a wonderful array of activities and suggested reads that can be enjoyed from the comfort and safety of home,” said Cheryl Reddish, Library Director. “We encourage readers of all ages to join the challenge beginning Monday, June 22 with a Kickoff Event.”

Adults are invited to participate in the “Read 4 Life” Adult Summer Reading Challenge, culminating in the Adult Zoom Book Discussion on Monday, July 20, 2020, from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m., where readers can share thoughts, suggestions and comments about the books they read, or just meet some Warren County readers. 

If residents need a library card, that is no problem. Library card signups can now be handled online at the library’s website: www.wcmlibrary.org

For More Information about the Library or to Access eResources: Go to www.wcmlibrary.org for event details and additional services offered. All library programs are free to access. Call the library for more information at (252) 257-4990. The library is located at 119 S. Front Street, Warrenton, NC 27589.

Cokesbury Fire Department

Cokesbury Fire Dept. Postpones July 4 Fireworks Extravaganza

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The Cokesbury Fire Department has released the following statement:

Cokesbury Fire Department has been patiently waiting to make a decision on our 2020 Fireworks Extravaganza. The Board of Directors, after weighing the potential of restrictions still being in place on July 4, has decided to postpone the fireworks until Saturday, September 5, 2020.

We waited until now to see what level of attendance would have been allowed, and also to gauge the comfort level that our people had as it related to public safety and our ability to put on the best show possible.

Look for additional information on the rescheduled fireworks as it gets closer to September.

Granville Co Sheriff

School Resource Officers Give Back to Community

THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Granville County Government

Over the last three months, School Resource Officers (SRO’s) of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office have been providing assistance to local food pantries and area churches during the Covid-19 pandemic, packing, distributing and delivering more than 500,000 pounds of food to those in need. 

Those receiving assistance by Granville County’s School Resource Officers include the following locations, with food distribution totals reported through these efforts:

  • Area Congregations in Ministry (ACIM) – 325,817 pounds of food, which included 522 Senior Boxes (Commodity Supplemental Food Program for Seniors) and 815 family boxes (Food Bank COVID Relief Boxes);
  • Pleasant Grove Baptist Church – 2,500 cases (average 40 lbs. a box), totaling 100,000 pounds;
  • Delrayno Baptist Church – 2,500 cases (average 40 lbs. a box) totaling 100,000 pounds; and
  • FBC Food Bank, Creedmoor – 279 families served.

In addition, more than 24,000 boxes of breakfast, lunch and snacks through the BackPack Buddies program were delivered over a six-day period.

“Many of the volunteers we normally count on were not able to leave their homes due to the Stay At Home Order,” said Sue Hinman, Executive Director of ACIM. “If the SROs had not been there, we would not have been able to provide food to the many people who needed us. We truly appreciate their support and their help when we needed it most.”

The Granville County Sheriff’s Office has nine (9) School Resource Officers on staff. Following North Carolina school closure mandates – due to the COVID-19 pandemic – these SRO’s have assisted with food distribution since mid-March, making additional connections with families all over the county. 

“Every single SRO was a part of this effort,” Chief Deputy Sherwood Boyd remarked. “The kids all know that our SRO’s are there to help, and now their parents do, too. We were proud to have assisted our community in this way, helping meet the needs of our residents.”

H-V Chamber Logo

Calling All Young Professionals! H-V Chamber Organizing Group for Ages 21 – 40

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce is organizing a new Young Professionals group for ages 21 – 40. Who do you have in your business or organization that you could recommend?

This group will meet to socialize, network and share business referrals; receive professional development training; participate in community improvement projects; and be identified as leaders for civic club membership and board appointments in our community.

The participants must work for area businesses but do not have to have reside here. The group will meet during lunch hour or after work hours.

If you have business colleagues and associates in your business/organization that you would like to present for membership, please contact the Chamber at (252) 438-8414 or michele@hendersonvance.org.

Local News Audio

WIZS Local Noon News 06/15/20

WIZS – YOUR COMMUNITY VOICE

Noon News for June 15, 2020

  • Special Meeting Called to Adopt Vance Co. Water District Budget Ordinance
  • Eaton Johnson Project for DSS and Senior Center
  • Vance County Schools Meal Pickup
  • Oxford Police News
  • Virtual Bingo

 

Franklin County Schools

Franklin Co. Schools Offering Free Summer Meal Service

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-Information courtesy Franklin County Schools

Franklin County Schools is offering a free summer meal service for students on Mondays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

Meals will be available for curbside pick up at Bunn High School, Franklinton Elementary School, Laurel Mill Elementary School, Louisburg High School and Youngsville Elementary School.

Breakfast and lunch for three days will be included at each pickup; please bring a large bag or box for meals.

FCS is now offering curbside pre-order for pick up on Mondays and Thursdays. Please contact the FCS Child Nutrition Services staff for more details (click here).

For more information, visit www.fcschools.net or https://www.fcschools.net/domain/1376.

Vance County Schools Logo

Vance Co. Schools Completes Commencement Exercises, Graduates 340

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools recently graduated 220 from Vance County High School, 41 from Vance County Early College High School and 79 from Advance Academy.

VCS is so proud of the Class of 2020, as these 340 students begin their journey taking a variety of pathways – some are going straight into the workforce, many students are off to colleges and universities, while others have committed to serving in branches of the United States military. No matter where their journey takes them, VCS takes pride that each of them began their journey with Vance County Schools – the place we hope they always call home.

At the time of the May graduations, many of our district’s students were still receiving award letters from colleges and universities. We are excited to announce that Vance County Schools Class of 2020 has a combined total of over 10 million dollars in scholarships and grants. We know educational funding opens pathways for our students and are excited about the opportunities that are before them.

We are excited to share that our students have received the following college acceptances and opportunities to serve in the United States military.

Class of 2020 College Acceptances

Appalachian State University | Barton College | Belmont Abbey College | Brevard College | Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute | Campbell University | Cape Fear Community College | Catawba College | Central Piedmont Community College | Charleston Southern University | Chowan University | Coastal Carolina University | Converse College | Coppin State University | Durham Technical Community College | East Carolina University | East Tennessee State University | Elizabeth City State University | Elon University | Emory and Henry College | Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville Technical Community College | Florida Agriculture and Technical State University | Forsyth Technical Community College | Gardner-Webb University | Grand Canyon University | Greensboro College | Guilford College | Guilford Technical Community College | Halifax Community College | Hampton University | High Point University | Hofstra University | Hollins University | Howard University | James Madison University | Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte | Johnson C. Smith University | Johnson Community College | Lees-McRae College | Lenoir-Rhyne University | Liberty University | Louisburg College | Louisiana State University | Livingstone College | Mars Hill University | Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts | Meredith College | Methodist University | Nascar Technical Institute | Nash Community College | North Carolina A & T State University | North Carolina Central University | North Carolina State University | North Carolina Wesleyan College | Old Dominion University | Oral Roberts University | Pamlico Community College | Pfeiffer University | Pitt Community College | Radford University | Roanoke University | Queens University | Shaw University | Spelman College | St. Andrews University | St. Augustine’s University | The University of Mount Olive | Thomas Nelson Community College | Tidewater Community College | Trevecca Nazarene University | University of Lynchburg | University of Mount Olive |University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | University of North Carolina at Pembroke | University of North Carolina at Wilmington | University of South Alabama | Vance-Granville Community College | Virginia Union University | Wake Technical Community College | Wayne Community College | Western Carolina University | William Peace University| Wingate University | Winston-Salem State University |

Class of 2020 Military Service

United States Air Force | United States Army | United States Navy | United States Marine Corps | United States Army National Guard |

Vance County Schools is extremely proud of the Class of 2020. We look forward to all that our students will accomplish as they begin this new journey. We know they will go forth and do great things!

Granville County Public Schools

School Re-Entry Plans Topic of Today’s Granville Board of Education Meeting

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-Information courtesy Granville County Public Schools

The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a Special Meeting on Monday, June 15, 2020, at 4 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Board of Education to receive updated information on school re-entry plans, updated budget information and other learning options for the upcoming school year.

However, in observance of the Governor’s “Stay-at-Home” Orders, this meeting will be conducted electronically, with members of the public invited to view the live stream. To join the live stream meeting, please use the following link:

https://live.myvrspot.com/player?udi=Z3Nj&c=Z3JhbnZpbGxlMQ%3D%3D

The Board will also meet in Closed Session in accordance with N.C. General Statute 143.318.11 (a)(6), 143-318.11 (a)(3), 143.318.11 (a)(5) and Section 115C-321 for Personnel, and Attorney/Client Privilege.

To view the agenda for this meeting, please click here.