100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Henderson-Vance Emergency Management Director Brian Short has released the area’s latest situation report, including information about Vance County’s second positive COVID-19 case.
The report reads:
Late last evening, Henderson-Vance County Emergency Management was informed of a second individual who had tested positive for the Coronavirus in Vance County. Like the previous case, this individual is being isolated at home and our local health department is conducting contact tracing to determine the level of exposure to others.
This being the second occurrence in our county does not constitute any changes to our current response posture or our recommendations to the general public.
Keep in mind this continues to be a very fluid situation and the information provided and included could change at any time. As the confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to increase throughout the state, nation and in fact the world, we continue to coordinate with Public Health agencies, Maria Parham Health, Department of Social Services, State Emergency Management and our local emergency services response partners. We are communicating several times daily in an attempt to gauge their needs and be as proactive in meeting those needs as we can be.
Testing is ongoing through both Maria Parham Health and our local Health Department. There are currently 297 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in North Carolina and, thus far, 0 deaths.
Please visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services Coronavirus statistics page at the following link to stay current on the number of cases in our state: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/covid-19-case-count-nc
Personal protective equipment (PPE) continues to be very scarce as global competition for the same supplies is occurring. Responders and health care providers are being encouraged to reuse PPE, in particular masks, as often as possible to ensure that we hold on to our supplies for as long as possible. Once they run out, they could be out for an extended period of time.
We continue to submit requests for PPE and related resources to State EM as they are received and so far all of our requests have been filled or are in the process of being filled as supplies become available.
Vance County and the City of Henderson continue to be under a local State of Emergency. Being under a local state of emergency allows us to implement certain emergency protective measures if and when they should become necessary.
The Emergency Operations Center is currently not activated, however, our Emergency Management staff is closely monitoring the situation across the country and at home on a continuous basis.
To date, calls into the Vance County 911 Communications Center have not shown a significant increase, however, we are poised to up staffing should it become necessary. The 911 Telecommunicators are asking additional Coronavirus screening questions on all medical-related calls and will continue to do so until it is no longer needed. As a precaution, our Backup 911 center remains prepped and ready to be occupied if needed.
We continue to ask that citizens please DO NOT call 911 to ask general questions about the Coronavirus. 211 has established a hotline for this purpose and we ask that our citizens contact their local physician or take advantage of the hotline if they have medical-related questions.
There is also a toll-free Coronavirus hotline manned by trained individuals that can answer questions that you may have. The number is 888-892-1162.
You may also visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services website at the following link: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina
Both the Henderson Police Department and Vance County Sheriffs Office are now responding to nonemergency calls via telephone but are still responding as they always have to emergency calls.
We continue to encourage our citizens as they shop for groceries and other related items to please shop smart. Our local convenience stores and grocery stores are working hard to restock their shelves and, for the most part, items are available for them to do so. That means using good shopping practices and buying only what you need for yourself and your family.
We are strongly encouraging 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. If you need to go to work, the grocery store or pharmacy, please do so, but we are encouraging everyone to stay home as much as they possibly can. In particular, those individuals that are already at risk due to age or other medical conditions.
Many of our local restaurants have remained open and have been very creative about continuing to provide their services to our citizens whether it be keeping their drive-through services open, offering online ordering or curbside services, and this is greatly appreciated.
Our office will continue to monitor this event very closely and will continue to issue informational releases as the situation develops.
North Carolina Reports First COVID-19 Associated Deaths
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting the first COVID-19 associated deaths.
A person from Cabarrus County died on March 24 from complications associated with the virus. The patient was in their late seventies and had several underlying medical conditions. A second person in their sixties, from Virginia who was traveling through North Carolina, also died from COVID-19 complications. To protect the families’ privacy, no further information about these patients will be released.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones. This is a stark warning that for some people COVID-19 is a serious illness. All of us must do our part to stop the spread by staying at home as much as possible and practicing social distancing,” said Governor Roy Cooper.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recommends that people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 stay at home to the extent possible to decrease the chance of infection. On March 22, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated who is at high risk for severe illness. People at high risk include anyone who:
In addition, pregnant women should be monitored closely since they are known to be at risk for severe viral illness. However, data so far on COVID-19 has not shown an increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness in pregnant women.
While children are generally at lower risk for severe infection, some studies indicate a higher risk among infants.
Governor Cooper has taken several actions to protect the health of North Carolinians, including ordering all K-12 public schools in North Carolina to close through May 15, banning gatherings of more than 50 people, limiting bars and restaurants to only take-out or delivery service, restricting visitors to long-term care facilities, and promoting social distancing by closing businesses like movie theaters, gyms, nail salons, and several others.
For more information and additional guidance, please visit the NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus [click.icptrack.com] and CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus [click.icptrack.com].
EDC Encourages Businesses to Prepare Now for Potential ‘Shelter in Place’ Order
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Dennis Jarvis, Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Director
The Vance County Government, the Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission and Chairman Tommy Hester are hopeful that the current situation facing Vance County, the State of North Carolina, and the United States will be a short time for all concerned.
During this period of uncertainty, we are learning that the value of planning and being prepared is essential for the continuation of business. A key economic sector for Vance County and the state is manufacturing. Other sectors are reliant for manufacturing to progress. Manufacturing in Vance County has and always will be a critical component of our economic health.
On Friday, March 20, 2020, Governor Roy Copper stated he is “not issuing a shelter in place order or an additional closure of businesses,” however, the current trends demonstrate that daily cycles are evolving and can change at any moment.
The Vance County EDC is being proactive with various local, state, and regional organizations to provide access to vital information for citizens and the business community. Our goal is to provide an ability to communicate to state leaders on how to define the essential role your business provides Vance County and the State of North Carolina.
We are asking every manufacturer in Vance County to email beoc@ncdps.gov with the following information:
In the event Governor Cooper does order a “shelter in place,” taking this action NOW will help expedite the possibility that you may receive a letter/certificate for your employees to present to public safety representatives should the need arise in their commute to and from their place of work.
If your business does cease operations and has to furlough your staff, NC Works is able to provide a “Quick Response Team” to address the needs of your employees. The NC Works Career Center is continuing to offer Rapid Response services for companies and their employees that are going to be affected by layoffs. For assistance with a quick response team, contact Lou Grillo, Business Services Manager at Kerr-Tar Workforce Development Board – lgrillo@kerrtarcog.org; Phone 252-436-2040 or 866-506-6223.
All industrial manufacturing, agri-business and distribution are ESSENTIAL. Your company is vital and valued in Vance County and the region. We appreciate all that you do for Vance County and the State of North Carolina.
If you have additional questions, please contact Dennis Jarvis at 252-492-2094 or by email: djarvis@vancecounty.org.
First Baptist Church to Hold ‘Virtual Vespers’ Midweek Community Prayer
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy First Baptist Church
On Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at 7 p.m., Dr. Ron Cava, senior minister of First Baptist Church in Henderson, will be hosting Virtual Vespers – a Midweek Community Prayer.
This will be held weekly via the online meeting platform, Zoom.
The public is invited to join by following this link https://zoom.us/j/904449512. You can also join with your telephone by calling (301) 715-8592 and entering meeting ID 904 449 512.
Vance Co. Board of Elections; Please Call Ahead
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Faye M. Gill, CERA, Elections Director, Vance County Board of Elections
UPDATED 03/27/20
Vance County Board of Elections — Public access to the Board of Elections office is controlled by the County Board of Elections. All members of the public are encouraged to call the office (492-3730) ahead of visiting should they have any questions or need anything like voter registration forms, reports, etc. The staff will report to work their normal business hours – 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. There is a drop-off mailbox outside of the Director’s office for mail. Email fgill@vancecounty.org for more information.
Per the board members for the Vance County Board of Elections, effective today, March 25, 2020, the Vance County Board of Elections office will be closed to the public until further notice. The staff will report to work for their normal business hours – 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.
There is a drop-off mailbox outside of the director’s office for mail. Should anyone need voter registration forms, reports, etc., please call the office at (252) 492-3730 or email fgill@vancecounty.org.
The staff will be available to assist you during this closure.
Public access to the Board of Elections office is controlled by the County Board of Elections staff. All members of the public are encouraged to call the office (492-3730) ahead of visiting should they have any questions or need anything like voter registration forms, reports, etc.
Town Talk 03/24/20: Mayor Ellington Provides Henderson COVID-19 Updates
/by Kelly BondurantTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.
With at least two cases of COVID-19 currently confirmed in Vance County, Ellington assured the community that steps have been taken to contain the spread and measures are in place to assist those in need.
“We cannot control what happens, but we can control how we respond and how we react,” Ellington stated. “I want to reassure the citizens of Henderson that we have taken steps to carry us through these moments. This is the time to stand on the side of grace, as we realize our own shared humanity, and to be there for your family, friends, neighbors and the elderly.”
Ellington thanked Terrell Blackmon, Henderson’s new city manager, and City Council members for their dedication to keeping residents and City staff safe.
Last week, Blackmon elected to close Henderson City Hall to the public, changing operations to an ‘appointment-only’ format for the foreseeable future.
City Hall staff will still be available to answer questions by telephone at (252) 430-5700 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Utility payments may be made online, by phone, by mail or placed in the drop box outside of City Hall (click here for more details).
Ellington also praised the City’s decision to temporarily suspend water disconnections due to non-payment of utility bills “so people will have access to safe, sanitary water during this difficult time.”
Accounts will continue to be billed as normal for any water used during this suspension period and residents are reminded that they are still responsible for payment of all account balances.
Calling the world-wide coronavirus pandemic a “fluid situation that is constantly evolving,” Ellington said the City will continue to work with state and federal officials, as well as community partners, to provide the latest information to the public.
Ellington said he suspects we will see an increase in closings and restrictions coming down from the State and governor’s office in the next few weeks, but a bounce-back and return to normalcy is expected.
“This is going to pass, we know,” said Ellington. “True character is revealed in these times that we face.”
To hear the interview with Ellington in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
Warren County Animal Control Awarded $3K Grant for Spay and Neuter Program
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Warren County Government
The Warren County Animal Control is pleased to announce that the department has been awarded a grant from the Petco Foundation in the amount of $3,000 for the Spay and Neuter Program.
This grant will be used for the following:
These funds will help to reduce the number of unwanted animals in Warren County and to reduce the number of animals impounded at the Animal Ark.
For more information, contact Warren County Animal Control at 252-257-6137.
Several Granville Co. Board of Commissioners Meetings Canceled or Postponed
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Information courtesy Debra A. Weary, Clerk to the Board, Granville County
The joint meeting with the Granville County Board of Commissioners and the Granville County Board of Education announced for March 30, 2020, has been postponed until a later date to be determined.
The Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for April 6, 2020, has been moved to April 20, 2020, at 7 p.m. at the Granville County Expo Center.
The pre-budget work sessions scheduled for April 20 and April 23 have been canceled. Budget work session dates will be determined later.
Warren Co. Urges Businesses to Research COVID-19 Assistance Resources
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
-Press Release, Warren County Government
Many businesses across Warren County, the state, and the country have been affected by the regulations and preventative measures surrounding the COVID-19 virus. It is important for businesses to take advantage of the resources being made available by the state and federal government, as well as other organizations in a timely manner.
If you require assistance, Warren County Economic Development can help. For more information, contact Stacy Woodhouse, Economic Development Commission Director, at 252-257-3114 or by emailing StacyWoodhouse@WarrenCountync.gov.
The following are some of the assistance programs available to businesses:
SBA Disaster Assistance Loan (SBA)
Loans up to $25,000 do not require collateral. Note that the SBA website is crashing regularly during business hours due to increased traffic; businesses are encouraged to apply from 7 p.m. – 7 a.m. during off-peak hours. https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Information/Index
N.C. Division of Employment Security
If you have lost your job or been laid off, file an Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim. New changes to the state’s unemployment system have occurred due to the current impacts of the COVID-19 coronavirus in North Carolina. COVID-19 specific information can be found at https://des.nc.gov/need-help/covid-19-information. This website has information for both employers and people seeking unemployment benefits. The NC Division of Employment Security can also be reached at 888.737.0259.
Facebook Small Business Grants
Facebook has a small business grants program. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/business/boost/grants.
NC Rapid Recovery Loans
The North Carolina COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Lending program supports North Carolina small businesses and family farms as they recover from the economic impact of COVID-19. This loan helps small businesses bridge the gap between when crisis strikes and when federal loans, insurance payouts, and other relief funds are approved, or businesses have time to recover. These funds are provided by the Golden Leaf Foundation. For more information, visit https://ncrapidrecovery.org/.
Federal Income Tax Extension
The U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service have announced that the federal income tax filing due date is automatically extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020. Taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations, and other non-corporate tax filers, as well as those who pay self-employment tax. For more information, visit https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus.
NC Income Tax Filing
The deadline for filing NC Income Tax has been extended from April 15 to July 15, 2020. For more information, visit https://www.ncdor.gov/home/ncdor-actions-covid-19.
Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland 03/24/20
/by Larry100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
Emergency Management Confirms Second Case of COVID-19 in Vance County
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Henderson-Vance Emergency Management Director Brian Short has released the area’s latest situation report, including information about Vance County’s second positive COVID-19 case.
The report reads:
Late last evening, Henderson-Vance County Emergency Management was informed of a second individual who had tested positive for the Coronavirus in Vance County. Like the previous case, this individual is being isolated at home and our local health department is conducting contact tracing to determine the level of exposure to others.
This being the second occurrence in our county does not constitute any changes to our current response posture or our recommendations to the general public.
Keep in mind this continues to be a very fluid situation and the information provided and included could change at any time. As the confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to increase throughout the state, nation and in fact the world, we continue to coordinate with Public Health agencies, Maria Parham Health, Department of Social Services, State Emergency Management and our local emergency services response partners. We are communicating several times daily in an attempt to gauge their needs and be as proactive in meeting those needs as we can be.
Testing is ongoing through both Maria Parham Health and our local Health Department. There are currently 297 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in North Carolina and, thus far, 0 deaths.
Please visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services Coronavirus statistics page at the following link to stay current on the number of cases in our state: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/covid-19-case-count-nc
Personal protective equipment (PPE) continues to be very scarce as global competition for the same supplies is occurring. Responders and health care providers are being encouraged to reuse PPE, in particular masks, as often as possible to ensure that we hold on to our supplies for as long as possible. Once they run out, they could be out for an extended period of time.
We continue to submit requests for PPE and related resources to State EM as they are received and so far all of our requests have been filled or are in the process of being filled as supplies become available.
Vance County and the City of Henderson continue to be under a local State of Emergency. Being under a local state of emergency allows us to implement certain emergency protective measures if and when they should become necessary.
The Emergency Operations Center is currently not activated, however, our Emergency Management staff is closely monitoring the situation across the country and at home on a continuous basis.
To date, calls into the Vance County 911 Communications Center have not shown a significant increase, however, we are poised to up staffing should it become necessary. The 911 Telecommunicators are asking additional Coronavirus screening questions on all medical-related calls and will continue to do so until it is no longer needed. As a precaution, our Backup 911 center remains prepped and ready to be occupied if needed.
We continue to ask that citizens please DO NOT call 911 to ask general questions about the Coronavirus. 211 has established a hotline for this purpose and we ask that our citizens contact their local physician or take advantage of the hotline if they have medical-related questions.
There is also a toll-free Coronavirus hotline manned by trained individuals that can answer questions that you may have. The number is 888-892-1162.
You may also visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services website at the following link: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina
Both the Henderson Police Department and Vance County Sheriffs Office are now responding to nonemergency calls via telephone but are still responding as they always have to emergency calls.
We continue to encourage our citizens as they shop for groceries and other related items to please shop smart. Our local convenience stores and grocery stores are working hard to restock their shelves and, for the most part, items are available for them to do so. That means using good shopping practices and buying only what you need for yourself and your family.
We are strongly encouraging 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. If you need to go to work, the grocery store or pharmacy, please do so, but we are encouraging everyone to stay home as much as they possibly can. In particular, those individuals that are already at risk due to age or other medical conditions.
Many of our local restaurants have remained open and have been very creative about continuing to provide their services to our citizens whether it be keeping their drive-through services open, offering online ordering or curbside services, and this is greatly appreciated.
Our office will continue to monitor this event very closely and will continue to issue informational releases as the situation develops.