100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Lisa Harrison, director of Granville-Vance Public Health, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.
With Phase I of NC Governor Roy Cooper’s easing of COVID-19 restrictions beginning Friday at 5 p.m., Harrison said it is important that the public remain vigilant in the “new normal” of washing hands frequently, wearing face coverings while out in public and maintaining physical distance when possible.
Informing listeners that coronavirus is transmitted through air particles in a process known as aerosolization, Harrison said wearing a mask is one way to protect others from your germs.
“Your mask protects everyone around you from your aerosolized particles and someone else’s mask protects you from their aerosolized particles,” explained Harrison. “Wearing a face mask to keep your germs to yourself is a beautiful sign that you care about other people.”
While COVID-19 is not thought to be spread through food, Harrison said it is important when preparing meals to practice good hygiene such as hand washing, thoroughly cleaning utensils and properly wiping down surfaces that food may touch.
With fever, coughing and shortness of breath remaining the primary symptoms of coronavirus, Harrison said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also added muscle pain, sore throat, chills and loss of taste and smell to the list of possible indicators.
“We have learned that the coronavirus affects everyone differently. One person may get a couple of these symptoms, while another person may experience more of these symptoms. The large majority of people that get coronavirus will not have severe illness, will not need oxygen and will not need to go to the hospital. More than 95 percent of the population who get coronavirus will have mild or moderate illness,” Harrison stated.
Protecting the remaining five percent of the population is the primary purpose of COVID-19 restrictions. “The reason we are taking precautions is for the rest of the population that will have severe illness, will need oxygen at the hospital and are in danger of losing their lives,” said Harrison.
This vulnerable population includes those who reside in congregate living areas such as prisons, nursing homes and group homes; people over the age of 65; and those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, severe obesity and those on dialysis.
With two percent of coronavirus patients dying from related complications, Harrison said a common link on death certificates has been the presence of a previous underlying health condition.
“We want to make sure we protect all of these vulnerable populations that have a much greater risk of severe illness and death,” Harrison said.
For additional information on COVID-19 and updated statistics, visit the Granville-Vance Public Health website at www.gvph.org and the CDC website at www.cdc.gov.
To hear the interview with Harrison in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
Thornton Library Welcomes New Adult Services Librarian
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Granville County Government
The Granville County Library System welcomes Melanie Baldwin to the Richard H. Thornton branch in Oxford.
As Adult Services Librarian, Baldwin will be responsible for developing, promoting, presenting and evaluating programs and displays for adult patrons, as well as assisting in the development of the materials for the collection of books/resources and other duties.
Baldwin began work in her new role on April 1.
The Granville County Library System welcomes Melanie Baldwin to the Richard H. Thornton branch in Oxford. Baldwin began work in her new role on April 1, 2020. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt)
A native of Vance County, Baldwin lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan for seven years before returning to the area. She is a graduate of the North Carolina School of Science and Math and attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and North Carolina State University, where she earned her undergraduate degree. While working at the college library at UNC Wilmington, she decided to pursue a career as a librarian, later earning her Masters degree in Library Science from North Carolina Central University.
“I wish I had been able to meet our patrons in person,” Baldwin said, “but, unfortunately, we are all doing our best to slow the spread of COVID-19. I hope everyone is taking care at this time, and I hope to be able to bring some library services to you over the internet.”
A fan of young adult fiction and fantasy books, Baldwin is married and resides in Henderson. She can be reached online through “Ask a Librarian” on the Granville County Library System website (https://granville.lib.nc.us) and at melanie.baldwin@granvillecounty.org. A new “chat” option is also available at https://granville.lib.nc.us/chat/.
While the four branches of the Granville County Library System continue to be closed to the public, Baldwin offers a reminder that curbside pickup service has again been made available from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Thornton Library in Oxford and at the South Branch library in Creedmoor.
Those wishing to reserve materials can simply call in or message either library branch with a list of requested materials, park at a curbside library space and give the library a call. Your materials will be placed on an outside table to be conveniently retrieved. (Limit five books, five DVDs and five audiobooks.) Contact the Thornton Library at 919-693-1121 and the South Branch at 919-528-1752 to make your materials requests.
United Way Awards $6,100 in Grants to Local Charitable Organizations
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy United Way of Vance County
The United Way of Vance County has awarded $6,100 in grants to local charitable organizations to assist needy families in Vance and Warren counties with food insecurities.
The grant funding was made possible with contributions to our United Way from corporations that serve our area.
With the corporate contributions, our United Way established a COVID-19 Relief Fund to provide grants to local nonprofits to assist families in need, with a special focus on providing the families with food.
The corporate contributions were received from Duke Energy, Truist Bank (formerly BB&T) and Vulcan Materials Company.
The United Way of Vance County Board of Directors reviewed submitted applications for the grant funds and awarded monies to Area Christians Together in Service (ACTS) in Henderson, Life Life Outreach Inc. in Henderson, and Loaves & Fishes Food Ministry in Warrenton. These three outstanding charitable organizations are using the funds to supply families during the COVID-19 pandemic with necessary food items.
“Our United Way board of directors believe it is very important to support the needs of our community during this very difficult time,” said Terri Hedrick, treasurer of the organization. “We have been contacted by many families expressing a dire need for food. So, we knew immediately how we wanted to help once our United Way received the contributions.”
“We can’t thank the outstanding corporations enough for their amazing generosity to support our community and we are very glad to allocate the grant funds to ACTS, Life Line and Loaves & Fishes, which work tirelessly to meet the food needs of disadvantaged families on a regular basis.”
The United Way of Vance County continues to accept donations for families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those interested in contributing may do so on our website at unitedwayvance.org or by contacting the organization by email at unitedwayofvance@gmail.com.
Noon News 05/11/20
/by Larry100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
WIZS, Henderson – Your Community Voice
Local News with John Charles Rose
Aycock Rec. Center, Fox Pond Remain Closed; Most Outdoor Parks/Trails Open
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
A statement from the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department:
Although NC Governor Roy Cooper issued a “soft opening” throughout the state, the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department will remain closed to the public at this time.
While the order does reference the opening of parks, it is recommended that additional precautions be taken for community gatherings and that playgrounds remain closed.
Recreation is our business and our responsibility, therefore we are keeping our parks and playground equipment “closed” but will continue to encourage you to utilize the walking trails and tracks we have to offer.
We are asking our Henderson-Vance community to continue to practice social distancing in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Below is a list of Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities and their status.
Closed:
Remaining Open:
Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks will monitor the situation and make an assessment on when it is safe to reopen some or all of the affected facilities. Updates about facilities, classes/programs and events will be available on our social media platforms and website at http://ci.henderson.nc.us/departments/recreation_and_parks/.
HTI Turning Donated Laptops Into Chromebooks for Vance Co. Students
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce
Do You Have Old Laptops You Could Donate?
Matt Raydo with HUBZone Technology Initiative (HTI) recently contacted the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce about collecting old/used laptops. Raydo’s organization converts old laptops into Google Chromebooks and donates them to those in need within Vance County schools.
HTI accepts laptops without cracked screens or missing keys. The laptop’s power cord is strongly preferred, but HTI will accept laptops without one.
Because of COVID-19 restrictions, walk-ins are not accepted at this time, however, you can schedule a drop-off by email at info@hubzonetech.org or call Mark Williams at (919) 603-7303. Pick up can be arranged for multiple laptops.
For more information, please check out the HTI website at https://hubzonetech.org.
Click the play button below for a video on HTI’s mission:
Vance County Commissioners to Hold Budget Work Sessions May 12 & 13
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to Board/Executive Asst., County of Vance
Please be informed that the Vance County Board of Commissioners will hold budget work sessions on Tuesday, May 12 and Wednesday, May 13, 2020, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
These sessions will be held in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 122 Young Street, Henderson.
Due to limited space for the public, links have been added to the Vance County website under “Latest News” so that people can listen in on the work sessions.
Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen will be on WIZS TownTalk at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 14 to discuss the budget sessions. Listen live at 1450 AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wiz.com by clicking Listen Live.
Warren Co. Board of Education to Hold Virtual Meeting May 12
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Warren County Schools
The Warren County Board of Education will hold a virtual Board Meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at 6 p.m.
The public can access the meeting via a link on the school district website, warrenk12nc.org, under the Live Feed section. This link will also be posted on social media.
If you would like to make public comments, please click on the link below and complete the form by 3 p.m. on May 12, 2020. The comments will be read at the meeting. https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSd68ouW99Pu7Ra6i…/viewform…
Latest Covid-19 Vance Co. Situation Report
/by John C. RoseFrom Brian Short, director of Emergency Services for Hend-Vance Co
As of now, the total number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Vance County has increased to 152. A total of 24 individuals have now been released from isolation and 11 more remain hospitalized. Of those 152 cases, 90 are associated with community spread, 49 are associated with Pelican Health of Henderson and 13 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing. Sadly, in Vance County 13 people have now died as a result of complications associated with Coronavirus.
It is still very likely that our cases will continue to increase over the days and weeks ahead. At this time our coordinated response posture remains the same and we are not altering our recommendations to the general public.
While mainstream media continues to have open discussions about “reopening the country”, we strongly encourage our citizens to continue to observe the social distancing parameters and closing orders being issued by the Governor and suggested by our local and state public health agencies.
Phase I of Governor Roy Cooper’s modified Stay At Home order (Executive Order 138) is now in place. Staying home is still the best way to continue to slow the spread of the virus and protect our families and neighbors. At the same time, we know we can’t we stay in our homes indefinitely.
Essentially, Phase I eases restrictions on travel, business operations and mass gatherings. Phase I allows any retail business to open at 50 percent capacity. Businesses will be required to practice social distancing, perform frequent cleanings, provide hand sanitizer when available, screen workers for symptoms, and take other measures to protect employees and customers.
People may now leave home to go to any business that is open. Certain businesses will remain closed during Phase I, including bars, personal care businesses, entertainment venues, and gyms. Restaurants may only continue to serve customers for drive-through, take-out and delivery.
Food & Nutrition Services Participants Now Authorized for Online Grocery Purchases
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, NCDHHS
As of May 6, 2020, North Carolina Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) participants will be able to purchase groceries online using their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards at authorized online EBT retailers. North Carolina is the 10th state to implement this flexibility, which will remain permanently in place beyond the COVID-19 emergency.
The new flexibility will allow participants to buy food while also promoting social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and helping families with transportation and mobility barriers.
“People need to feed their families while also practicing social distancing,” said NC Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D. “This will allow families to order groceries at home and lower their risk of getting sick.”
Currently, Amazon and Walmart are the only authorized retailers approved for online FNS purchases nationally. The U.S. Department of Agriculture must approve other retailers who wish to participate in the FNS online purchasing program. NCDHHS encourages other EBT retailers to pursue USDA approval to become authorized online retailers.
All EBT retailers in North Carolina have received information from USDA about how to become approved for online FNS purchases and other retailers are encouraged to seek approval for online purchasing. More information for retailers is available on the USDA website.
More information about North Carolina Food and Nutrition Services can be found at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/low-income-services/food-nutrition-services-food-stamps.
North Carolina individuals and families can apply for FNS at https://epass.nc.gov/CitizenPortal/application.do
Town Talk 05/07/20: Public Health Director Encourages ‘Vigilance in New Normal’
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Lisa Harrison, director of Granville-Vance Public Health, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.
With Phase I of NC Governor Roy Cooper’s easing of COVID-19 restrictions beginning Friday at 5 p.m., Harrison said it is important that the public remain vigilant in the “new normal” of washing hands frequently, wearing face coverings while out in public and maintaining physical distance when possible.
Informing listeners that coronavirus is transmitted through air particles in a process known as aerosolization, Harrison said wearing a mask is one way to protect others from your germs.
“Your mask protects everyone around you from your aerosolized particles and someone else’s mask protects you from their aerosolized particles,” explained Harrison. “Wearing a face mask to keep your germs to yourself is a beautiful sign that you care about other people.”
While COVID-19 is not thought to be spread through food, Harrison said it is important when preparing meals to practice good hygiene such as hand washing, thoroughly cleaning utensils and properly wiping down surfaces that food may touch.
With fever, coughing and shortness of breath remaining the primary symptoms of coronavirus, Harrison said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also added muscle pain, sore throat, chills and loss of taste and smell to the list of possible indicators.
“We have learned that the coronavirus affects everyone differently. One person may get a couple of these symptoms, while another person may experience more of these symptoms. The large majority of people that get coronavirus will not have severe illness, will not need oxygen and will not need to go to the hospital. More than 95 percent of the population who get coronavirus will have mild or moderate illness,” Harrison stated.
Protecting the remaining five percent of the population is the primary purpose of COVID-19 restrictions. “The reason we are taking precautions is for the rest of the population that will have severe illness, will need oxygen at the hospital and are in danger of losing their lives,” said Harrison.
This vulnerable population includes those who reside in congregate living areas such as prisons, nursing homes and group homes; people over the age of 65; and those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, severe obesity and those on dialysis.
With two percent of coronavirus patients dying from related complications, Harrison said a common link on death certificates has been the presence of a previous underlying health condition.
“We want to make sure we protect all of these vulnerable populations that have a much greater risk of severe illness and death,” Harrison said.
For additional information on COVID-19 and updated statistics, visit the Granville-Vance Public Health website at www.gvph.org and the CDC website at www.cdc.gov.
To hear the interview with Harrison in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.