100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Granville County Government
Granville County Government continues to work closely with Granville-Vance Public Health and to take precautionary measures, following guidance from the local health department and from the CDC. With everyone’s safety in mind, these operational changes have been implemented in response to COVID-19:
Granville County Senior Services: All three Senior Centers (Oxford, Creedmoor and Stovall) are closed to participants until further notice. Group activities, classes, group meetings and special events have been canceled. Because the tax deadline has been changed to July 15, the tax assistance program has been temporarily suspended and will restart on Thursday, May 14 from 5 until 8 p.m., ending on July 9. Appointments currently on the books will be rescheduled and new appointments will be taken.
Home delivered meals continue and congregate meals (on-site) are available as a drive-through option. Those not able to use the drive-through option should call the Senior Center at 919-693-1930 to ask about being placed on a home-delivered route. KARTS has also made the decision to temporarily discontinue the around-town shuttle until further notice.
Granville County Library System: All four branches of the Granville County Library have been closed to the public as of March 21, but curbside service is available Monday through Friday at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford and at the South Branch in Creedmoor. Library patrons can call or email either library to request materials for pickup between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., then give the library a call upon arrival. (Limit five books, five DVDs and five audiobooks.)
In addition, all scheduled events and programs have been canceled and meeting rooms will not be available for public use until the state of emergency is lifted. All services to nursing homes and assisted living centers have also been postponed until further notice. Deadlines for all materials currently checked out will be automatically extended. The Thornton Library can be reached at 919-693-1121 and the phone number for the South Branch is 919-528-1752.
Department of Social Services: To better serve residents who need assistance, the Department of Social Services is also accepting applications for Food and Nutrition assistance, Medicaid, Work First Family Assistance or any other economic service program through DSS online, by phone or by mail. To apply by phone, please call 919-693-1511. To apply online, please visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/social-services/. To apply by mail, send the application to P.O. Box 966, Oxford NC, 27565.
Granville County Animal Management: For safety precautions, please call the Animal Shelter at 919-693-6749 to make an appointment for adoptions, rescue pulls and viewing of lost animals. For a limited time, all fees for pet adoptions and rescue pulls will be waived. A majority of volunteers are also being asked to not visit at this time, but to please continue to support the Animal Shelter by sharing animals available for rescue and adoption, as well as notices for lost animals. Rabies vaccinations for owned animals have been suspended until further notice.
Animal Control officers continue to be on the job. Please call 919-693-6749 during normal operating hours of Monday through Friday, noon until 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., as most animal control concerns can be addressed over the phone. If you have an animal-related emergency, please call 9-1-1 to have Animal Control Officers contacted, who are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Granville County Courthouse: As of March 23, the Granville County Clerk’s Office will be interacting with the public through their cashiering window. Residents are encouraged to call 919-699-4800 before coming to the courthouse, as there are a number of matters that can be handled over the phone or through the N.C. Courts’ website at www.nccourts.gov. By order of the Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, many court matters are being continued and rescheduled until after April 13, 2020.
Exceptions are proceedings necessary to preserve statutory and constitutional rights in criminal cases, such as first appearances; and proceedings necessary to obtaining emergency relief, such as protective and restraining orders. Matters that fall into these exceptions will proceed as necessary and required by law before the Court.
Cases that will be continued and rescheduled until after April 13, 2020, include 1. Magistrate’s and Small Claims Court; 2. Regular Civil and Criminal District Court; 3. Civil and Criminal Superior Court; and 4. Most Estate and Special Proceedings Hearings before the Clerk. The Clerk’s Office will mail notice of a new hearing date for all matters that are continued and are rescheduled.
Granville County Sheriff’s Office: As of March 23 and until further notice, only one person will be admitted inside the front lobby of the Sheriff’s Office at a time. Visitation in the Granville County Jail is also restricted until further notice. Fingerprint services have been suspended until April 13. Effective immediately, crime reports of a non–violent nature will be taken over the phone or by email, if at all possible. These reports include, but are not limited to, misdemeanor theft, harassing communications, lost property, identity theft, computer/phone/mail scams. The phone number for the Sheriff’s Office is 919-693-3213 and the email address is granville.sheriff@granvillecounty.org. For more serious concerns, all residents are asked to call 9-1-1.
Granville County 9-1-1: Residents should be aware that telecommunicators are screening all calls for COVID-19 symptoms. Any “yes” answers to the questions asked will be relayed to emergency responders so that they will be prepared and aware.
Inspections and Planning: As of Monday, March 23, the Planning and Inspections Department will be closed to the public. Residents can reach staff members by phone or by email. Appointments that are necessary will be made. In addition, a drop box will be located in the hallway for plan and application submittals. Field inspections will continue but may be limited. Online payment access is also available. Call 919-603-1326 to have an online payment link sent to your email address.
Tax Department: The Granville County Tax Office encourages all taxpayers to call for an appointment prior to their visit. Online payments are also accepted at https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/online-payments/. Call 919-693-4181 for assistance.
Granville County Board of Elections: The Granville County Board of Elections is closed to the general public but will be taking calls at 919-693-2515 for information and appointments.
Granville County Office of N.C. Forest Service: The Granville office location is temporarily closed to the public until further notice. Burning permits will be made available online at ncforestservice.gov. Residents should be aware that staffing adjustments may increase response times for inquiries and assistance. To reach a staff member, call 919-482-2301. For emergencies, please dial 9-1-1.
Parks and Recreation: Although tournament play has been canceled, Granville Athletic Park remains open. With the exception of playground equipment, the walking trails and other open spaces are available for public use. Residents are asked to follow health recommendations, including the practice of social distancing. Remember that gatherings should be limited to 50 people or less.
Soil and Water Conservation: The Soil and Water Conservation office is closed to the public until further notice; however, the Natural Resource Conservationist continues to work in the office and in the field and can be reached at 919-693-4603 or at byron.currin@granvillecounty.org.
Meeting cancellations: Several committee meetings and meetings of independent boards have been canceled or postponed. For a listing of canceled/postponed meetings and events scheduled through Granville County Government, please visit www.granvillecounty.org for notices.
Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Creates $1 Million COVID-19 Relief Fund
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Cardinal Innovations Healthcare
COVID-19 Relief Fund
In this time of unprecedented crisis, Cardinal Innovations is committed to our members’ needs and those that care for them. The social and economic impacts of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are real, and we are committed more than ever to ensuring that services and supports are available to those in need.
As part of our ongoing philosophy of community reinvestment, Cardinal Innovations has created the COVID-19 Relief Fund to support local responsiveness in a way that impacts the health, wellness and stability of vulnerable populations impacted by COVID-19, particularly individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and/or substance use disorders. We are placing a particular emphasis on initiatives that will make an immediate impact on the availability of social services and increase the community’s overall ability to serve those who are disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
Cardinal Innovations is committing an initial total fund amount of $1,000,000 to provide assistance where it is most needed. Requests for grants up to $20,000 will be accepted, with award amounts to be aligned with the number of people reached and overall impact.
In order to facilitate responsiveness to immediate needs, Cardinal Innovations will accept applications on an ongoing basis throughout the pandemic. We will deploy an expedited review process and make determinations as quickly as possible following grant submissions. Please contact Allison Stewart at allison.stewart@cardinalinnovations.org with any questions. Together we will continue to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Request for Grant Process Requirements and Guidelines:
To learn more or to apply, visit www.cardinalinnovations.org/covid19-relief-fund.
Vance Co. Schools Meal Pick Up Schedule for Week of March 30 – April 3
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Vance County Schools
Spring Break for Vance County Schools is scheduled for March 30 – April 3, 2020.
Meal pick up will take place on Tuesday, March 31 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. This will be the only meal distribution for the week and will include multiple meals.
Pick Up Sites for Spring Break Week include:
VCS is grateful for the churches and organizations assisting with these efforts to ensure our students’ needs are met over spring break!
Stay in Shape With H-V Rec. & Parks ‘Body Blast’ Virtual Workout
/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
Don’t let the gyms being closed stop you from working out and staying healthy! Join Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks staff on Friday, March 27, 2020, at 10 a.m. for a Facebook Live “Body Blast” workout led by VJ Hunt.
Body Blast is a 45-minute high energy, high impact group circuit training, focusing on all the problem areas.
Please like H-V Rec. and Parks on Facebook (Henderson-Vance) and join us for this free virtual workout!
Cooperative Extension with Jamon Glover 03/26/20
/by Larry100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
Granville County Government Operational Changes – Updated March 26
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Granville County Government
Granville County Government continues to work closely with Granville-Vance Public Health and to take precautionary measures, following guidance from the local health department and from the CDC. With everyone’s safety in mind, these operational changes have been implemented in response to COVID-19:
Granville County Senior Services: All three Senior Centers (Oxford, Creedmoor and Stovall) are closed to participants until further notice. Group activities, classes, group meetings and special events have been canceled. Because the tax deadline has been changed to July 15, the tax assistance program has been temporarily suspended and will restart on Thursday, May 14 from 5 until 8 p.m., ending on July 9. Appointments currently on the books will be rescheduled and new appointments will be taken.
Home delivered meals continue and congregate meals (on-site) are available as a drive-through option. Those not able to use the drive-through option should call the Senior Center at 919-693-1930 to ask about being placed on a home-delivered route. KARTS has also made the decision to temporarily discontinue the around-town shuttle until further notice.
Granville County Library System: All four branches of the Granville County Library have been closed to the public as of March 21, but curbside service is available Monday through Friday at the Richard H. Thornton Library in Oxford and at the South Branch in Creedmoor. Library patrons can call or email either library to request materials for pickup between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., then give the library a call upon arrival. (Limit five books, five DVDs and five audiobooks.)
In addition, all scheduled events and programs have been canceled and meeting rooms will not be available for public use until the state of emergency is lifted. All services to nursing homes and assisted living centers have also been postponed until further notice. Deadlines for all materials currently checked out will be automatically extended. The Thornton Library can be reached at 919-693-1121 and the phone number for the South Branch is 919-528-1752.
Department of Social Services: To better serve residents who need assistance, the Department of Social Services is also accepting applications for Food and Nutrition assistance, Medicaid, Work First Family Assistance or any other economic service program through DSS online, by phone or by mail. To apply by phone, please call 919-693-1511. To apply online, please visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/social-services/. To apply by mail, send the application to P.O. Box 966, Oxford NC, 27565.
Granville County Animal Management: For safety precautions, please call the Animal Shelter at 919-693-6749 to make an appointment for adoptions, rescue pulls and viewing of lost animals. For a limited time, all fees for pet adoptions and rescue pulls will be waived. A majority of volunteers are also being asked to not visit at this time, but to please continue to support the Animal Shelter by sharing animals available for rescue and adoption, as well as notices for lost animals. Rabies vaccinations for owned animals have been suspended until further notice.
Animal Control officers continue to be on the job. Please call 919-693-6749 during normal operating hours of Monday through Friday, noon until 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., as most animal control concerns can be addressed over the phone. If you have an animal-related emergency, please call 9-1-1 to have Animal Control Officers contacted, who are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Granville County Courthouse: As of March 23, the Granville County Clerk’s Office will be interacting with the public through their cashiering window. Residents are encouraged to call 919-699-4800 before coming to the courthouse, as there are a number of matters that can be handled over the phone or through the N.C. Courts’ website at www.nccourts.gov. By order of the Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, many court matters are being continued and rescheduled until after April 13, 2020.
Exceptions are proceedings necessary to preserve statutory and constitutional rights in criminal cases, such as first appearances; and proceedings necessary to obtaining emergency relief, such as protective and restraining orders. Matters that fall into these exceptions will proceed as necessary and required by law before the Court.
Cases that will be continued and rescheduled until after April 13, 2020, include 1. Magistrate’s and Small Claims Court; 2. Regular Civil and Criminal District Court; 3. Civil and Criminal Superior Court; and 4. Most Estate and Special Proceedings Hearings before the Clerk. The Clerk’s Office will mail notice of a new hearing date for all matters that are continued and are rescheduled.
Granville County Sheriff’s Office: As of March 23 and until further notice, only one person will be admitted inside the front lobby of the Sheriff’s Office at a time. Visitation in the Granville County Jail is also restricted until further notice. Fingerprint services have been suspended until April 13. Effective immediately, crime reports of a non–violent nature will be taken over the phone or by email, if at all possible. These reports include, but are not limited to, misdemeanor theft, harassing communications, lost property, identity theft, computer/phone/mail scams. The phone number for the Sheriff’s Office is 919-693-3213 and the email address is granville.sheriff@granvillecounty.org. For more serious concerns, all residents are asked to call 9-1-1.
Granville County 9-1-1: Residents should be aware that telecommunicators are screening all calls for COVID-19 symptoms. Any “yes” answers to the questions asked will be relayed to emergency responders so that they will be prepared and aware.
Inspections and Planning: As of Monday, March 23, the Planning and Inspections Department will be closed to the public. Residents can reach staff members by phone or by email. Appointments that are necessary will be made. In addition, a drop box will be located in the hallway for plan and application submittals. Field inspections will continue but may be limited. Online payment access is also available. Call 919-603-1326 to have an online payment link sent to your email address.
Tax Department: The Granville County Tax Office encourages all taxpayers to call for an appointment prior to their visit. Online payments are also accepted at https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/online-payments/. Call 919-693-4181 for assistance.
Granville County Board of Elections: The Granville County Board of Elections is closed to the general public but will be taking calls at 919-693-2515 for information and appointments.
Granville County Office of N.C. Forest Service: The Granville office location is temporarily closed to the public until further notice. Burning permits will be made available online at ncforestservice.gov. Residents should be aware that staffing adjustments may increase response times for inquiries and assistance. To reach a staff member, call 919-482-2301. For emergencies, please dial 9-1-1.
Parks and Recreation: Although tournament play has been canceled, Granville Athletic Park remains open. With the exception of playground equipment, the walking trails and other open spaces are available for public use. Residents are asked to follow health recommendations, including the practice of social distancing. Remember that gatherings should be limited to 50 people or less.
Soil and Water Conservation: The Soil and Water Conservation office is closed to the public until further notice; however, the Natural Resource Conservationist continues to work in the office and in the field and can be reached at 919-693-4603 or at byron.currin@granvillecounty.org.
Meeting cancellations: Several committee meetings and meetings of independent boards have been canceled or postponed. For a listing of canceled/postponed meetings and events scheduled through Granville County Government, please visit www.granvillecounty.org for notices.
VGCC Small Business Center Offering Free ‘Coronavirus Business Ready’ Webinars
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Sheri Jones, Director, VGCC Small Business Center
In an effort to support our local businesses and offer encouragement and help where we can, the Small Business Center of Vance-Granville Community College has scheduled a 7-part series of free, live webinars entitled “Coronavirus Business Ready – Protecting Your Small Business.”
Each part addresses various areas of concern that all businesses are currently facing, including:
Prepare Your Business to Borrow Money Before Negative Economic Shifts –
March 31, 9:30 – 11 a.m. (Register)
Keeping Customers & Employees Safe During Unsettling Times –
April 2, 2 – 3 p.m. (Register)
Promoting Your Business & Products During a Crisis –
April 4, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)
Ideas to Keep Cash Flowing During a Pandemic Shutdown –
April 7, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)
How to Manage Employees as Coronavirus Spreads –
April 9, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)
Business Planning & Strategizing as a Coronavirus Antidote –
April 14, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)
Communicating With Customers & Employees in Light of COVID-19 –
April 16, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)
Participants must register at least two days prior to each session with a valid email address in order to receive the webinar login information. After registering, the link will be sent approximately 24 hours before the event, and a reminder email will also be sent approximately an hour prior to the start time.
Please know that your VGCC Small Business Center is here to support you during this challenging time! We can be contacted via email at smallbusiness@vgcc.edu.
Town Talk 03/25/20: Sheriff, Police Chief Discuss Procedures, Coronavirus Reaction
/by Kelly BondurantTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame and Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Brame and Barrow explained that both the Vance County Sheriff’s Office and the Henderson Police Department have made adjustments in their operating procedures to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
For example, many non-violent criminal reports will only be taken by telephone during the coronavirus pandemic. These reports include, but are not limited to: misdemeanor theft, harassing communications, lost property, identity theft, computer/phone/mail scams.
Reports can be made with a Henderson Police Department employee during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F) at (252) 438-4141. Reports can be made with a Sheriff’s Office employee during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F) at (252) 738-2200.
The front lobby of the Police Department has been temporarily closed to the public, while the front lobby of the Sheriff’s Office will only allow one person at a time until further notice.
According to Brame, the Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor the Vance County Detention Center to limit the exposure to inmates and staff; visitation is restricted until further notice.
“This [coronavirus] is having a huge impact on everyone in Vance County economically, especially small businesses and convenience stores,” said Brame. “We are all going to have to comply with executive orders from the governor and president. Right now, we are looking at ways that churches can still hold services and serve God while complying with orders concerning congregation numbers, but we are going to work it out.”
Governor Roy Cooper’s recent ban on gatherings larger than 50 people has prompted area churches to get creative with ways to still hold services. Brame said he has spoken with several local pastors and has heard suggestions ranging from online sermons to holding multiple services to keep the numbers below the threshold.
With updates coming from the governor and public health officials sometimes hourly, Barrow said law enforcement is facing the challenges head-on and adjusting accordingly. “We’ve been dealing with the unknown our entire careers. We live in the unknown. We took an oath to our office and our guys are prepared to take on whatever they need to take on.”
One of the challenges facing the department now, according to Brame, is securing enough personal protective equipment (PPE) for the staff. Brame said he is visiting several stores daily trying to gather enough face masks, hand sanitizer, gloves and other PPE for his deputies.
Both Brame and Barrow agreed that local City and County officials, as well as the general public, have been supportive and responsive during this time.
“I’m proud of our community,” said Barrow. “They’ve taken heed to the orders that have come down, for the most part, and we haven’t had any issues.”
To hear the interview with Brame and Barrow in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
United Way of Vance County Opens 2020 Grant Application Process
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, United Way of Vance County
The United Way of Vance County grant application process for 2020 is now open.
We are accepting grant applications now through May 15, 2020, from local nonprofit agencies that seek to provide assistance to disadvantaged citizens in Vance and Warren counties in the areas of basic needs, health and education.
For those nonprofit agencies seeking to apply for funding, you may obtain an application from our website at www.unitedwayvance.org or by e-mail at unitedwayofvance@gmail.com.
If your agency plans to apply for grant allocations, we ask that you complete the application in its entirety. Any application that is not complete will not be accepted for consideration for grant funding. The completed application also must be received in our United Way of Vance County office no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2020.
Properly completed and signed grant applications can be provided to us through regular mail or by e-mail. For regular mail, send the application to United Way of Vance County, P.O. Box 1352, Henderson, N.C. 27536. For e-mail, send the application to unitedwayofvance@gmail.com.
Once applications are received, we will be contacting those agencies that apply on the status of their application and plans for presentations to our Funds Allocations Panel at a location and time to be determined.
Any questions about our grant application process can be sent to our United Way by email at the address above or by calling Terri Hedrick, treasurer/secretary, at (919) 702-4329.
Clerk of Superior Court Vance County Update 3-25-20
/by John C. Rose100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
— from Henry L. Gupton, Vance County Clerk of Superior Court
Due to the COVID-19 virus our operations have changed. Our office is still open Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, our doors are locked. Please know that if your matter is not an emergency and can be delayed, we would appreciate you waiting until the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. If it can be handled by phone or mail, please do so. We will continue to accept filings. All other court cases will be continued. You will be questioned at our two windows about your business. We have also set up a public computer terminal just outside our office so that everyone will have access to look up the information they need. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 252-430-5100. Please continue to monitor the North Carolina Judicial on Facebook (click here) for any updates. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. It is our pleasure to serve you. Thank you for your understanding.
Cooperative Extension with Paul McKenzie 03/25/20
/by Larry100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm