100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, Vance County Schools
Over the past few days, Vance County Schools has been in close dialogue with the Health Department and can confirm that at the time of this writing there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 or Coronavirus in Vance County.
As such, our efforts will continue to be focused on prevention and following best practices to keep students and staff healthy. These include:
- Regular, thorough cleaning in our buildings
- Frequent hand-washing and use of hand sanitizer
- Respecting personal space
Also, we ask that all students and staff who have cold or flu-like symptoms to stay home until fever-free for 24 hours and seek medical care as needed. These efforts will promote healthy school environments for everyone. Consistent with guidance from the Granville Vance Health Department, we are implementing the following:
School Closure: Currently, there are no plans to close schools. Should this change, we will alert you via our standard communications procedures (ConnectED, Twitter, Facebook, District Website).
Field Trips & Travel: Out of an abundance of caution, all field trips will be suspended for the next four weeks, effective immediately. We will attempt to reschedule these events at a later date if possible. While we make no promises, for those trips that may have involved fees or deposits, we will do our best to work with the companies to secure refunds and/or credits as allowed, given the uniqueness of the situation. We are also suspending all non-essential work-related travel for Vance County Schools staff, including professional development workshops and conferences.
School Events & Visitors: All school-based events that draw crowds will be evaluated by the district to determine the best scenario, as we gain an understanding of COVID-19 and its progression. We are also monitoring our volunteers and visitors on all campuses to reduce potential exposure to our students and staff.
Athletics: The North Carolina High School Athletic Association Board of Directors decided to suspend all interscholastic athletics beginning at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020, through Monday, April 6, 2020. This means that all workouts, practices, games and skill development sessions for all middle and high school athletics in the state of North Carolina must be suspended. The NCHSAA will continue to assess the situation with COVID-19 to determine the next steps and we will keep our community informed of new information.
This situation is very fluid and we will continue to post updates on our website at
www.vcs.k12.nc.us.
Facility Rentals: All facility rentals for Vance County Schools will be canceled until further notice. This allows us to keep our schools disinfected, ensuring the safety of our students and staff. If you have a rental scheduled you will be contacted by the district on the next steps.
Proactive Steps: As previously shared, our custodians, maintenance and transportation are continuing to proactively disinfect frequently surfaces and buses. We will also continue sanitizing our buildings and provide hand sanitizing stations throughout every building in the district.
We realize these cancellations and changes will come as disappointments to many, but please understand our Vance County Schools family is of the utmost importance – and is what drives our decisions as we work to keep everyone safe.
We hope you will join us in taking precautions to keep our students, staff and schools healthy so we can continue educating our students. We will keep you posted with additional updates as needed.
G-V Public Health Recommends Canceling, Modifying Events of 100+ People
/by WIZS StaffTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-Press Release, Granville Vance Public Health
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Granville Vance Public Health recommends that organizers of events that draw more than 100 people cancel, postpone, or modify these events, or offer online streaming services beginning March 13, 2020, until further notice. These events include large gatherings where people are in close contact (less than 6 feet), such as concerts, conferences, sporting events, faith-based events and other large gatherings.
Organizations that gather up to 100 people should create an emergency plan and prepare for COVID-19 in their communities by taking the following steps:
Please let us know if you would like additional educational information for distribution or you may access these materials online through the CDC website here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/factsheets.html or through the NC DHHS website here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina/materials-and
The local risk of contracting COVID-19 remains low; however, we still encourage you to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 and any other flu-like illness by taking the following steps:
As questions and concerns about coronavirus (COVID-19) increase across North Carolina, we’d like to encourage the promotion of the statewide Coronavirus Helpline (1-866-462-3821) for the public, which is answered 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.
GCPS Coronavirus Update: School Closure Not Recommended at This Time
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, Granville County Public Schools
This afternoon, GCPS Board Chairman David Richardson and Superintendent Alisa McLean both participated in a conference call with the NC Governor’s office. During this call today, it was shared that at this time, NC does NOT recommend preemptive closures of public schools.
Closing schools at this time is unlikely to prevent the spread of the virus and may have negative impacts on the community and our families. Our local Health Department is also NOT recommending school closure at this time.
Instead, it is recommended that we continue to take steps to help prevent the spread. These include frequent and thorough cleaning of facilities and buses, frequent hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer, respecting personal space and covering your cough and sneeze, and finally, having students and staff who have cold and flu-like symptoms to stay home.
In addition, the district has suspended all field trips, athletics, community meetings and non-essential work-related travel for staff. As of Monday, March 16, all school-based afternoon and evening events are suspended, including all community use of facilities. In addition, visitors to our schools will be limited to parents or guardians and essential GCPS employees only and restricted to designated parts of each school campus.
We are also considering making adjustments in the way students interact within our schools, including assemblies, serving of meals, and pick-up and drop-off procedures.
Please know that as of today, there are still NO confirmed cases in our county. We will continue to monitor this fast-moving situation closely, and provide additional updates as needed should conditions change. Our Board of Education will be meeting on Monday, March 16 and will address this topic at this time. As always, the meeting will be live-streamed and the link may be found on our district website HERE.
Thank you all for your continued patience, support and trust as we navigate this unprecedented situation TOGETHER!
Franklin County Government Makes Operational Adjustments
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, Franklin County Government
Franklin County Government is taking precautionary measures by making the following operational changes in light of Corona Virus concerns:
Department of Aging
Louisburg and Franklinton Senior Centers are closed to the public for all classes, events, activities and congregate meals until further notice. Adult Day Care and Meals On Wheels will operate on normal schedule. Please call the center if you wish to purchase Ensure or Glucerna. The Louisburg Senior Center number is (919) 496-1131. The Franklinton Senior Center can be reached at (919) 496-5611.
Library
The number of attendees at meetings in meeting rooms will be limited to 10 persons (including the person organizing the meeting) at Franklinton, Youngsville and Bunn Libraries. Library patrons who have scheduled the Justice Street Annex in Louisburg will be limited to no more than 18 persons for the larger space in that building and no more than six persons in the conference room at one time.
Library programming for children is canceled indefinitely.
Parks & Recreation
Parks & Recreation programs and events are suspended until April 6, 2020. Any further modifications will be communicated to participants in a timely manner. Parks & Recreation facilities are open for public use. Reservations for picnic shelters and ballfield rentals are still being accepted. The department is asking everyone to follow the Governor’s
recommendations for gatherings including:
• Avoid being closer than six feet (or three feet at a minimum) for longer than 10 minutes with anyone, especially those who may be ill.
• No gathering of more than 75 people.
Additional Information Resources
Franklin County Corona Virus COVID-19 Joint Information Center (JIC)
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(919) 496-8113 (Franklin-County-Specific Virus Information)
Franklin County residents may also choose to email their questions/concerns to CoronaVirus@franklincountync.us.
https://www.franklincountync.us/services/health
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-northcarolina.
Raccoon Found on Currin Rd. Tests Positive for Rabies
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Information courtesy Vance Co. Animal Services
Vance County Animal Services responded to a call on March 12, 2020, in reference to a possibly rabid raccoon in the 300 block of Currin Road in Henderson. The raccoon was sent off for testing and has tested positive for rabies.
At this time, Animal Services is asking residents to please make sure that all dogs and cats are up-to-date on their rabies vaccines. Even if your pet is up-to-date, a booster vaccine is recommended if you live on or near Currin Road.
The Vance County Animal Shelter offers rabies vaccines for $5. Hours of operation are Monday 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; and Saturday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Henderson American Legion Post 60 to Hold Chicken Plate Sale
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Information courtesy Henderson American Legion Post 60
The Henderson American Legion Post 60 will hold a Chicken Plate Sale on Friday, April 3, 2020, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Tickets are $8 for a plate of 1/2 chicken, green beans, red-skinned potatoes, dessert and bread. Pick up and go or stay and eat. Beverage included for eat-in only.
Location: Corner of E. Spring Street and S. Garnett Street in Henderson, NC.
Proceeds benefit Vance County Veterans. See a Legion member for tickets or call Andy Roberson at (252) 432-2432.
Meet Ken Reeves, Granville County’s New Fire Marshal
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, Granville County Government
Ken Reeves is Granville County’s newly-hired Fire Marshal. Reeves comes to Emergency Services with training and experience, as he has served as Battalion Chief, Fire Investigator and Training Officer of the Vance County Fire Department, as well as working with the City of Oxford’s and the City of Henderson’s Fire Departments.
Ken Reeves was recently named Granville County’s new Fire Marshal. (Granville Co. Govt. photo)
He is a certified N.C. Fire Inspector and a certified N.C. Fire Investigator, in addition to being a Fire and Life Safety Educator and earning the Associate Level in Emergency Management.
In his new role, Reeves will provide fire prevention inspections, as mandated by the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal, as well as public fire education, coordination of overall firefighting efforts in the county, fire investigations, and regulatory reporting of fire conditions within the county.
A native of Maryland, Reeves is a thirteen-year resident of Granville County and now lives in Stem with his wife and three children. He is a graduate of Keiser University (Sarasota, FL), with a two-year degree in Fire Science, and teaches fire and rescue classes at Vance-Granville Community College on a part-time basis.
The office for Granville County Emergency Services is located at 5662 Cornwall Road in Oxford. Residents or businesses with questions or concerns can contact Reeves at 919-603-1310.
Granville Co. Board of Commissioners to Meet Mon., March 16
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Information courtesy Debra A. Weary, Clerk to the Board, Granville County
The Granville County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, March 16, 2020, at 7 p.m. at the Granville Expo and Convention Center, 4185 US Highway 15 South, Oxford.
Agenda items include:
Consent Agenda
1. Contingency Summary
2. Minutes
Introductions, Recognitions and Presentations
3. 100th Year of League of Women Voters and 19th Amendment
4. Granville-Vance District Health Department and COVID-19 Update
5. Town of Stem’s 20 Year Plan
Public Comments
6. Public Comments
Human Resources Matters
7. Position Reclassifications and Market Adjustments
Purchasing
8. Granville County Law Enforcement & Detention Center Inmate Operational Supplies
9. Granville County Law Enforcement, Detention Center & Animal Shelter Administrative Furnishings
10. Granville County Law Enforcement & Animal Shelter Owner Processed Change Orders
11. Granville County Animal Shelter Containment and Shelter Accessories
12. Granville County Law Enforcement Center VoIP Phone System
13. Granville County Law Enforcement Center Virtual Server Infrastructure
Appointments
14. Senior Services Advisory Committee
15. Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
16. Granville County Citizens Advisory Committee for Environmental Affairs
17. Granville County Library System Board of Trustees
18. Human Relations Commission
19. Community Advisory Council – Granville Appointments
20. Agricultural Advisory Board
21. Creedmoor Planning Board – Extraterritorial Member
22. Granville County ABC Board
County Manager’s Report
23. ABC Board Update
24. Cannady Mill Property
25. Proposed Street Lighting for Oxford Loop Road and Goshen Street Intersection
26. Granville Employee NCDOT Spring Litter Sweep
27. County Department Expo
28. Announce Joint Meeting with Board of Education
County Attorney’s Report
29. County Attorney’s Report
Presentations by County Board Members
30. Presentations by County Board Members
Any Other Matters
31. Any Other Matters
Closed Session
32. Closed Session as allowed by G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3) – Attorney-Client Matter
33. Closed Session as allowed by G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5) – Property Acquisition
To view Granville Co. Board of Commissioner meeting agendas and minutes, click here.
Granville School Board to Hold Special Meeting on Procedures, Health Updates
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Information courtesy Granville County Public Schools
NOTICE TO PUBLIC AND PRESS
The Granville County Board of Education will meet for a Special Meeting on Monday, March 16, 2020, at 6 p.m. at the Central Services Building, 101 Delacroix Street, Oxford, North Carolina.
The purpose of this meeting is for the Board of Education to discuss Board trainings, Board procedures, health updates and mid-year information with the Superintendent.
The Board will also meet in a Closed Session with the Board’s attorney in accordance with N.C. General Statute pursuant to G.S. 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 on this evening.
To view the agenda for this meeting, please click here.
State Offers $5K Reward in HPD Sgt. Brandon Mitchell Shooting
/by WIZS StaffTHIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-From the Office of Governor Roy Cooper
Governor Roy Cooper announced on Monday that the State is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the shooting of Sergeant Brandon Mitchell, age 31.
During the evening hours of Wednesday, July 10, 2019, detectives from the Henderson Police Department began investigating the homicide of 16-year-old Adonious Hawkins, Jr. Shortly after midnight on Thursday, July 11, 2019, detectives traveled to 1043 North Pinkston Street, home to one of the suspects. Investigators attempted to speak to individuals at this address and were unsuccessful. Henderson Police Sgt. Brandon Mitchell and Lt. David Elliott then went to a house next door to seek information.
While the two officers stood just inside the home, shots were fired from outside into the residence. Sgt. Mitchell was shot in the right shoulder and rushed to a local hospital. Other police detectives who were outside the home identified two passing vehicles as the source of the gunfire. The vehicles left the scene without being captured by law enforcement.
Police have previously made arrests in connection with the shooting death of Adonious Hawkins, Jr.
Anyone having information concerning the shooting of Sgt. Mitchell should contact the Henderson Police Department at (252) 438-4141 or the State Bureau of Investigation at (919) 662-4500.
Vance Co. Schools Announces Procedure Changes Due to Coronavirus Risk
/by WIZS Staff100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
-Press Release, Vance County Schools
Over the past few days, Vance County Schools has been in close dialogue with the Health Department and can confirm that at the time of this writing there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 or Coronavirus in Vance County.
As such, our efforts will continue to be focused on prevention and following best practices to keep students and staff healthy. These include:
Also, we ask that all students and staff who have cold or flu-like symptoms to stay home until fever-free for 24 hours and seek medical care as needed. These efforts will promote healthy school environments for everyone. Consistent with guidance from the Granville Vance Health Department, we are implementing the following:
School Closure: Currently, there are no plans to close schools. Should this change, we will alert you via our standard communications procedures (ConnectED, Twitter, Facebook, District Website).
Field Trips & Travel: Out of an abundance of caution, all field trips will be suspended for the next four weeks, effective immediately. We will attempt to reschedule these events at a later date if possible. While we make no promises, for those trips that may have involved fees or deposits, we will do our best to work with the companies to secure refunds and/or credits as allowed, given the uniqueness of the situation. We are also suspending all non-essential work-related travel for Vance County Schools staff, including professional development workshops and conferences.
School Events & Visitors: All school-based events that draw crowds will be evaluated by the district to determine the best scenario, as we gain an understanding of COVID-19 and its progression. We are also monitoring our volunteers and visitors on all campuses to reduce potential exposure to our students and staff.
Athletics: The North Carolina High School Athletic Association Board of Directors decided to suspend all interscholastic athletics beginning at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020, through Monday, April 6, 2020. This means that all workouts, practices, games and skill development sessions for all middle and high school athletics in the state of North Carolina must be suspended. The NCHSAA will continue to assess the situation with COVID-19 to determine the next steps and we will keep our community informed of new information.
Facility Rentals: All facility rentals for Vance County Schools will be canceled until further notice. This allows us to keep our schools disinfected, ensuring the safety of our students and staff. If you have a rental scheduled you will be contacted by the district on the next steps.
Proactive Steps: As previously shared, our custodians, maintenance and transportation are continuing to proactively disinfect frequently surfaces and buses. We will also continue sanitizing our buildings and provide hand sanitizing stations throughout every building in the district.
We realize these cancellations and changes will come as disappointments to many, but please understand our Vance County Schools family is of the utmost importance – and is what drives our decisions as we work to keep everyone safe.
We hope you will join us in taking precautions to keep our students, staff and schools healthy so we can continue educating our students. We will keep you posted with additional updates as needed.