100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Rev. Frank Sossamon with South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Sossamon announced that while necessary changes will be made for the sake of safety during the COVID-19 situation, the 69th Annual National Day of Prayer is still scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2020, and will be honored locally.
Instead of larger crowds physically meeting in spots around Vance County, as has been the norm in previous years, community leaders will meet at designated locations.
Their prayers and conversation will be broadcast to the public in two separate services on WIZS 1450 AM, 100.1 FM, or by clicking “Listen Live” at www.wizs.com.
The afternoon service will begin at 12 p.m. and the evening service will start at 7 p.m.
This year’s theme is “Pray God’s Glory Across the Earth,” and Sossamon encouraged all churches to help spread the word of the prayer rally to the congregations.
“It’s one of the few times the entire community is called upon to pray together, and even to pray publicly,” Sossamon stated. “I think the public aspect of prayer is very important and powerful. We didn’t want to let this go just because we couldn’t physically gather this year.”
The schedule for the 12 p.m. service on May 7 is as follows:
- Maria Parham Health – Rev. Frank Sossamon and MPH CEO Bert Beard
- City Hall – Rev. Rhonda Pulley and Mayor Eddie Ellington
- ACTS – Rev. Dr. Ron Cava and Lee Anne Peoples
- Vance County Courthouse – Rev. Joseph Ratliff and guest
The 7 p.m. service includes music and a study of the “seven mountains of prayer,” including church, family, education, government, business, military and media.
The schedule for the 7 p.m. service on May 7 is as follows:
Welcome, Statement of Purpose and Opening Prayer
Music
Seven Mountains of Prayer #1 – Church
Comments – Rev. Dora Dorsey, Retired Pastor
Prayer – Rev. Bobby Fletcher, Pastor of First Methodist Church
Seven Mountains of Prayer #2 – Family
Comments – Denita DeVega, Director of Vance County Social Services
Prayer – Goldie Davis, Income Maintenance Administrator, Vance County Social Services
Seven Mountains of Prayer #3 – Education
Comments – Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent, Vance County Schools
Prayer – Dr. Trixie Brooks, Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction – VCS
Seven Mountains of Prayer #4 – Government
Comments – Jordan McMillen, Vance County Manager
Prayer – Gordon Wilder, Chairman of Vance County Board of Commissioners
Seven Mountains of Prayer #5 – Business
Comments – Michele Burgess, Director of Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce
Prayer – Michele Burgess or guest
Seven Mountains of Prayer #6 – Military
Comments – Archie B. Taylor, Retired Military
Prayer – Archie B. Taylor or guest
Music
Seven Mountains of Prayer # 7 – Media
Comments – Nancy Wykle, Publisher/Editor of The Daily Dispatch
Prayer – John Charles Rose, Owner/Operator of WIZS AM Radio
While the day of prayer has been led by the clergy in the past, Sossamon said he and other members of the Vance County Ministers Community Partnership, the group responsible for planning the annual prayer day, thought it would be more poignant this year to include community leaders.
“We discussed it and thought ‘why don’t we actually take people from those areas of the community and let them speak to us about their area and have a prayer?’ People will want to tune in to WIZS and listen. I think it will educate and inspire you, and you’ll certainly benefit from the evening,” Sossamon commented.
In addition to tuning in, Sossamon said he encourages families to honor the spirit of the day by “getting in their car and driving to these seven mountains to pray. Drive to a business or a building, park in the parking lot and pray for the institution and those who work there.”
To hear the interview with Sossamon in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
Vance County Schools Announces Plans for Graduation Celebrations
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Letter to the Class of 2020 from Vance County Schools:
To the Class of 2020,
We hope that you are all were able to view “Be the Light: A Tribute to the Class of 2020,” a message of hope for our beloved seniors. As we approach one of the biggest milestones in your life, we want to make sure we celebrate you while also keeping the health and safety of everyone as a top priority.
Each of our high schools will host a drive–thru graduation event. Seniors will be assigned designated times, giving each senior their moment of celebration. Families will be given directives from the school on the process; however, each senior will be allowed one vehicle of guests to join them as the senior exits the vehicle, walks across the stage and a photograph is captured of this special moment.
Drive-Thru Graduation Schedule:
Vance County Early College – Graduation Date: May 21 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.; Rain Date: May 22
Vance County High School – Graduation Date: May 23 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Rain Date: May 27
Advance Academy – Graduation Date: June 11 from 3 – 5:30 p.m.; Rain Date: June 12
We understand this is not the graduation you dreamed of; however, you are resilient and we will do all we can to honor and celebrate your accomplishments. If government guidelines and health regulations allow a larger graduation event to occur this summer, the district is committed to seeing that through. But in the meantime, we want to celebrate you and all you have accomplished now.
Stay tuned for additional information from your individual school, as well as the district website.
Go forth and do great things!
NC to Move Into Phase I of Easing COVID-19 Restrictions Friday
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper
Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order No. 138 to modify North Carolina’s Stay At Home order and transition to Phase 1 of slowly easing certain COVID-19 restrictions effective Friday, May 8 at 5 p.m. Certain businesses remain closed as the state continues battling COVID-19.
“COVID-19 is still a serious threat to our state, and Phase 1 is designed to be a limited easing of restrictions that can boost parts of our economy while keeping important safety rules in place,” said Governor Cooper. “This is a careful and deliberate first step, guided by the data, and North Carolinians still must use caution while this virus is circulating.”
“We must continue to protect our families and neighbors as we take this cautious step forward. When you leave your home, follow the three W’s: wear a face covering, wash your hands, and wait six feet apart,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the NC Department of Health and Human Services.
Today’s Order removes the distinction between essential and non-essential businesses. Retail businesses are allowed to open at 50% capacity and will be required to direct customers to stand 6 feet apart, perform frequent cleanings, provide hand sanitizer when available, screen workers for symptoms and more. The Order allows people to leave their homes for commercial activity at any business that is open.
Certain businesses remain closed, including bars, personal care businesses, entertainment venues and gyms. Restaurants may only continue to serve customers for drive-through, take out and delivery.
All workers at retail and other businesses are recommended to wear cloth face coverings. Teleworking is still encouraged for businesses that can practice it.
Though small outdoor gatherings will be allowed in Phase 1, gatherings of more than 10 people generally are still prohibited. The Order encourages cloth face coverings to be worn when outside the home and in contact with others. Everyone who uses a face covering should adhere to this guidance without fear of profiling or bias.
During Phase 1, childcare facilities will be open to serve families of parents who are working or looking for work. These centers will be required to follow strict cleaning protocols. Summer day camps can operate in compliance with NC DHHS guidelines.
In explaining today’s Order, Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen reported North Carolina remains stable on the following key metrics:
Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days
Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days
Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days
Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days
In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. These areas include:
Laboratory Testing
Tracing Capability
Personal Protective Equipment
The order is in effect until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 22. However, the end of this Order does not necessarily mean the state will move to Phase 2. Phase 2 will only start if data and indicators are in the right place.
Read Frequently Asked Questions about Order 138.
View a copy of recent graphs and slides.
GVPH: COVID-19 Update: May 5, 2020
/by John C. RoseWIZS – YOUR COMMUNITY VOICE – 1450 AM / 100.1 FM / CLICK ON LISTEN LIVE
— courtesy of Granville Vance Public Health online at GVPH.org
Vance County
113 positive test results for COVID-19
68 of those 113 are community-spread cases located across Vance county
45 of those 113 are associated with an outbreak at the Pelican Health nursing home
20 of those 113 cases have been released from isolation and 8 remain hospitalized
There have been a total of 10 deaths in Vance County, 6 of which are associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak. Unfortunately, there were two deaths today. An 81-year old male and an 85-year old male died today, May 5, 2020, at the Pelican Health nursing home.
Granville County
144 positive test results for COVID-19
57 of those 144 are community-spread cases located across Granville county and 36 of those 57 have been released from isolation
87 of those 144 cases are affiliated with the prison system in Butner, NC and 47 of those 87 have been released from isolation
There have been a total of 6 deaths in Granville County, all reported by the Bureau of Prisons associated with the Federal Correctional Complex.
Some additional cases being reported currently out of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) are related to a building on the Durham County side and those cases will be reported to the Durham County Health Department for data entry into the NCEDSS system. The Bureau of Prisons is doing their own testing on site. For more about the response from the Bureau of Prisons, please see their website.
Town Talk 05/05/20: Community Leaders, Clergy to Lead Local Day of Prayer – May 7
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Rev. Frank Sossamon with South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Sossamon announced that while necessary changes will be made for the sake of safety during the COVID-19 situation, the 69th Annual National Day of Prayer is still scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2020, and will be honored locally.
Instead of larger crowds physically meeting in spots around Vance County, as has been the norm in previous years, community leaders will meet at designated locations.
Their prayers and conversation will be broadcast to the public in two separate services on WIZS 1450 AM, 100.1 FM, or by clicking “Listen Live” at www.wizs.com.
The afternoon service will begin at 12 p.m. and the evening service will start at 7 p.m.
This year’s theme is “Pray God’s Glory Across the Earth,” and Sossamon encouraged all churches to help spread the word of the prayer rally to the congregations.
“It’s one of the few times the entire community is called upon to pray together, and even to pray publicly,” Sossamon stated. “I think the public aspect of prayer is very important and powerful. We didn’t want to let this go just because we couldn’t physically gather this year.”
The schedule for the 12 p.m. service on May 7 is as follows:
The 7 p.m. service includes music and a study of the “seven mountains of prayer,” including church, family, education, government, business, military and media.
The schedule for the 7 p.m. service on May 7 is as follows:
Welcome, Statement of Purpose and Opening Prayer
Music
Seven Mountains of Prayer #1 – Church
Comments – Rev. Dora Dorsey, Retired Pastor
Prayer – Rev. Bobby Fletcher, Pastor of First Methodist Church
Seven Mountains of Prayer #2 – Family
Comments – Denita DeVega, Director of Vance County Social Services
Prayer – Goldie Davis, Income Maintenance Administrator, Vance County Social Services
Seven Mountains of Prayer #3 – Education
Comments – Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent, Vance County Schools
Prayer – Dr. Trixie Brooks, Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction – VCS
Seven Mountains of Prayer #4 – Government
Comments – Jordan McMillen, Vance County Manager
Prayer – Gordon Wilder, Chairman of Vance County Board of Commissioners
Seven Mountains of Prayer #5 – Business
Comments – Michele Burgess, Director of Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce
Prayer – Michele Burgess or guest
Seven Mountains of Prayer #6 – Military
Comments – Archie B. Taylor, Retired Military
Prayer – Archie B. Taylor or guest
Music
Seven Mountains of Prayer # 7 – Media
Comments – Nancy Wykle, Publisher/Editor of The Daily Dispatch
Prayer – John Charles Rose, Owner/Operator of WIZS AM Radio
While the day of prayer has been led by the clergy in the past, Sossamon said he and other members of the Vance County Ministers Community Partnership, the group responsible for planning the annual prayer day, thought it would be more poignant this year to include community leaders.
“We discussed it and thought ‘why don’t we actually take people from those areas of the community and let them speak to us about their area and have a prayer?’ People will want to tune in to WIZS and listen. I think it will educate and inspire you, and you’ll certainly benefit from the evening,” Sossamon commented.
In addition to tuning in, Sossamon said he encourages families to honor the spirit of the day by “getting in their car and driving to these seven mountains to pray. Drive to a business or a building, park in the parking lot and pray for the institution and those who work there.”
To hear the interview with Sossamon in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 05/05/20
/by CharleneListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 2 PM Monday – Thursday.
H-V Rec. & Parks to Hold Mother’s Day Poetry Contest
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Program Superintendent
Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department is sponsoring a Mother’s Day Poetry Contest. Participants should submit one original poem about mothers and/or Mother’s Day by email to tgoolsby@ci.henderson.nc.us by 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2020.
The winner of the poetry contest will receive a Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks goodie bag and will be announced on Facebook Live on Sunday, May 10 at 2 p.m.
For more information, please contact Tara Goolsby at (252) 438.3948 or tgoolsby@ci.henderson.nc.us.
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 05/04/20
/by CharleneListen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 2 PM Monday – Thursday.
City of Oxford Launches ‘Oxford Says’ Segment, YouTube Channel
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy the City of Oxford
“Oxford Says”
If you have any topics you would like to hear discussed in future “Oxford Says” segments or have questions for scheduled guests, please PM the City of Oxford via Facebook.
YouTube Channel
The City of Oxford has also launched its new YouTube channel. Videos relating to the City will be posted there in the hopes of providing a new communication tool with the public. Please check out the channel and subscribe as the City will post videos about the NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival, public campaigns, information tutorials and more.
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRQBRZrLkuI8vAaDFL825-w
Citizens of Henderson Organizes Drive Through City to Thank Essential Workers
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Christine Hawkins, Citizens of Henderson
Citizens of Henderson has organized a drive through the city to thank essential workers for their sacrifices on Thursday, May 7, 2020. All that are interested in participating are invited to join by meeting at the Vance County Courthouse on Church Street at 2:30 p.m.
The line of vehicles will be escorted by police as the group drives by the police station, fire department, Vance County offices, City of Henderson Operations Center, post office and Maria Parham Health. If time permits, a nursing home and grocery store may also be included.
Participants are allowed to make signs with appropriate, positive messages to place in car windows.
Citizens of Henderson thanks everyone for their support and looks forward to honoring local frontline workers!
State Will Not Provide COVID-19 Testing Directly to Prison, Parole Employees
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, NC Department of State Treasurer
State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, and the State Health Plan (Plan) announced that they are no longer seeking a direct testing solution with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS) regarding testing of corrections officers and other employees at the state’s correctional institutions over the next few weeks.
Announced on April 22, the Plan had sought to provide direct testing at DPS facilities after Treasurer Folwell had secured more than 20,000 COVID-19 tests. However, logistical and personnel concerns from DPS will prevent direct testing. Therefore, Treasurer Folwell has told Mako Medical, and any other test providers that were going to provide tests, they can release the tests designated to support the program.
“We’re disappointed that we could not work out the details on how to go directly to the facilities outside of the fence to test,” said Treasurer Folwell. “However, we fully understand the dilemma of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice.”
The vast majority of DPS employees are members of the Plan. Last month, the Plan announced that it is waiving the cost of treatment for members diagnosed with COVID-19, including associated deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. The Plan previously announced that it was also covering the cost associated with the testing of COVID-19.
The member cost-share waiver for COVID-19 related treatments is effective immediately through June 1, 2020, at which time the Plan will continue to re-evaluate this and other measures. The Plan is taking this action to help ensure that members receive the COVID-19 testing and treatment they need when they need it.
“Unlike other state agencies, DPS has unique safety and operational hurdles that could not be overcome by the State Health Plan’s desire to directly test these state employees,” added Treasurer Folwell. “We know that the leadership at ACJJ wants to act as quickly as possible and their concern for the welfare of their employees is tantamount. In fact, ACJJ has recently procured, paid for and administered tests at one of its 54 facilities.”
State Health Plan Executive Director Dee Jones added that the Plan is ready to assist when a viable testing method that meets DPS’s requirements is available. However, she highly encouraged any State Health Plan member who is exhibiting symptoms to see their Primary Care Physician.
The State Health Plan, a division of the Department of State Treasurer, provides health care coverage to more than 727,000 teachers, state employees, retirees, current and former lawmakers, state university and community college personnel, and their dependents.