Tag Archive for: #granvillecountynews

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

New COVID-19 Cases Drop In Vance, Granville

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For the first time in months, Vance and Granville counties COVID-19 percent positive rates have dropped to the “low” level. There have been no new deaths reported in the last few weeks in either county.

Vance reported 17 new cases over the past week, and Granville reported 27, according to the weekly update from Granville Vance Public Health.

Those numbers represent a 3.4 percent positivity rate for Vance County and a 3.0 percent positivity rate in Granville.

No new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the last two weeks from the Granville buildings of the Federal Prison in Butner, NC.

There have been 14,118 cases of COVID-19 in Granville County and 11,783 cases of COVID-19 in Vance County for a total of 25,901 across the health district.

Granville County has documented 111 deaths as a result of COVID-19 and Vance County has a total of 112 deaths for a total of 223 deaths across the health district.

“We have reached a number of milestones in the COVID-19 pandemic as we have rounded out year two and are all collectively hopeful that no more variants of concern are around the corner,” said GVPH Director Lisa Harrison.

As mask restrictions loosen, Harrison said health professionals and others will continue to pay close attention to the level of disease in the population and to make sure the public remains healthy and safe from communicable disease.

“For those in public health, the epidemic curve (in this case, the pandemic curve) shows us a visual picture of what we have been through together,” Harrison said.

 

 

 

City of Oxford

Oxford Makes Mask Mandate Optional For Employees, Visitors – With Exceptions

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Oxford City Manager M. Alan Thornton said Tuesday that, effective immediately, the city is changing its mask requirement policy.

“Face coverings will become optional in all city-owned  facilities, vehicles and  operations for employees and visitors,” Thornton said in a press statement. Department directors, however, may continue to require face coverings in certain settings determined to be high-risk transmission for COVID-19. Examples include responding to medical calls or transporting suspects in patrol cars, the statement continued.

“Employees may continue to wear face coverings, even when not required,” the statement continued. All unvaccinated employees are “strongly encouraged to wear face coverings, even in situations where not required.”

City Hall will re-open to visitors and the public, and visitors are encouraged to continue to wear face coverings. All routine utility payments will continue to be accepted at the kiosk locate at the front entrance. Residents who need to establish new utility accounts or handle other account management issues will be served in the city’s finance department.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Vance’s Reported COVID-19 Cases Drop By Half In Last Week

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Vance County’s new COVID-19 cases dropped by half in the last week, with 24 new cases being reported in the 7-day period that ended Mar. 4, according to information from Granville Vance Public Health.

That reduction puts the county’s percent positivity rate at 5.3 percent, lowering it from high transmission to substantial transmission.

Granville County’s community transmission rate remains in the high category, with 4.7 percent positivity and 65 new cases in the same 7-day period. The state’s percent positive rate is slightly lower than either Vance or Granville at 4.3 percent.

Total cases of COVID-19 in Vance total 11,763 and Granville cases total 14,105. There have been no new deaths reported in the last week; total deaths across the health district are 223, with 112 in Vance County and 111 in Granville County.

A total of 60 percent of the population in Vance County over the age of 5 have gotten at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine or the single-shot J & J. In Granville County, that figure is 65 percent. Both counties fall below the statewide average of 71 percent who are fully vaccinated.

GVPH Director Lisa Harrison stated in the update that North Carolina has begun to move to monitoring weekly trends rather than daily data points.

“The NC DHHS data dashboard is shifting into a model where individuals can check in with the data track once a week and make decisions about their own risk and determine whether they need to add layers of protection, such as masking indoors or avoiding crowds,” Harrison said.

As restrictions ease and mask mandates Iifted, Harrison said it is important to remember that the risk for infection remains.

It’s important to remember that COVID-19 is still with us even though we are reaching less risky phases across our community and state. It is okay to choose to wear masks even when the risks have diminished – please remember there are those who may be especially vulnerable to illness,” she said.

Visit https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/25/health/cdc-covid-metrics-mask-guidance/index.html to learn more.

Filing Period Ends For May 17 Primary

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The filing period for the May 17 primary election ended at noon today, and several candidates filed the necessary paperwork before the deadline, according to Vance County Board of Elections Director Melody Vaughan

Randy Oxendine, a Democrat, filed for the District 2 seat on the Vance County Board of Education, a seat currently held by his wife, Darlynn Oxendine.

Republican Jonathan Collier added his name to the list of candidates for the office of Vance County Sheriff. Collier faces Patrick Bailey in the Republican primary race. Incumbent Curtis Brame and Sterlin Walker will be on the Democrat ballot for sheriff in the primary.

William Earl Purvis filed for Henderson City Council Ward Seat 2 At Large and will challenge incumbent William Burnette for the seat.

The City Ward 1 at large incumbent Sara Coffey has filed for re-election and faces opposition from Clementine Hunter, who also has filed for the seat.

Amanda Burnette, a Democrat, filed to run for Clerk of Superior Court. She faces incumbent Henry Gupton in that race.

In neighboring Granville County, a field of three Democrats and three Republicans are vying for the job of sheriff.

Democrats Keith Daniel, Robert D. Fountain, Jr. and Ronald M. Smith, Sr. have filed. Republicans Vance Johnson, Robert Morris and Clinton Owens also have filed.

In the race for Board of Education District 5, Samantha Harris and Danielle Hayes will vie for the seat. And in District 7, incumbent David Richardson faces Taylor Frederick for the seat.

Bradley Oldenburg, (R) has filed for Granville County Commissioner in District 2. He joins Rob Williford II, (D), who had previously filed.

In the newly created NC Senate District 18, four candidates have tossed their names into the ring: Republican Dimitry Slabyak filed in December, before the filing was suspended; Republican E.C. Sykes of Raleigh filed Feb. 28, Libertarian Ryan Brown of Creedmoor filed on Mar. 1 and Democrat Mary Wills Bode of Oxford filed Mar. 2.

The Local Skinny! From The Land Of Ice And Snow: Vikings Coming To Granville

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The Vikings are planning an invasion soon, right here in Granville County. But this invasion is filled with activities for the whole family, especially if you’re into axe-throwing and drinking mead.

The Viking Experience will take place at the Granville Expo Center on Mar. 26 and Mar. 27.

Hannah Reed and her mother Angela Reed are the business duo behind the weekend event, which they describe as part educational and part entertainment.

They talked with John C. Rose on Thursday’s The Local Skinny! about how those who attend the local venue will be transported back to the Middle Ages, when Vikings in their sailing ships were conquering and pillaging.

There will be plenty of activities for children and adults, including “Vikings in training” activities and fight demonstrations throughout the weekend.

Not into axe-throwing and sword-fighting? That’s ok, too. There will be music and dancing “pretty much all day,” as well as a Norse-inspired acrobatic groups to entertain attendees.

Purchase an extra “fight pass” to gain access to the fight pit, where foam swords and other “safe” weapons abound, the Reeds said.

Based in Creedmoor, the Reeds attend similar festivals in Maryland, but noticed that there weren’t any Norse-inspired events around these parts. So about five years ago, they set the wheels in motion that has resulted in the first Viking Experience in the area.

Vendors will sell food, drinks, jewelry and much more during the weekend. And re-enactors will mingle with the crowds. “Our characters are roaming constantly and will interact with you as if you are actually part of that world,” Hannah said.

The festival will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mar. 26 and then from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mar. 27. Tickets are available online at https://www.thevikingexperiencenc.com/

Plan to stay for the dinner theatre, which is offered at a separate ticket price

Angela suggests buying tickets in advance.

“We are getting a huge, huge interest in this event – much larger than we even expected,” she said.

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NC MedAssist

NC MedAssist Distributing OTC Meds In Oxford Mar. 11

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NC MedAssist is coming to Oxford next week to give away an assortment of over-the-counter medications including pain relief products, as well as cold and flu medicines, allergy pills and children’s medication.

The distribution will take place on Friday, March 11 – rain or shine – from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the campus of the Masonic Home for Children, 600 College St., according to information from the non-profit based in Charlotte. Triangle North Healthcare Foundation is bringing the event to the area.

Registration is not required, but you may pre-register at www.medassist.org/mobile and pick up your order on the day of the event.

Items also may be picked up for a family member or friend.

All North Carolina residents over the age of 18 are welcome to pick up medications; there are no income or ID requirements.

NC MedAssist is a non-profit pharmacy that provides access to prescription medications to the uninsured and also provides free over-the-counter medications to anyone in need through its Mobile Free Pharmacy events.

Learn more at www.medassist.org.

AARP Driver Safety Classes Scheduled For Senior Drivers

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Registration is now open for AARP Driver Safety Courses hosted by  Granville County Senior Services. The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation’s first and largest driver safety  course designed especially for drivers 50 and older. The course is intended to help drivers live more independently  as they age and remain safe on today’s roads.

The AARP Driver Safety Program course covers defensive driving techniques and the normal changes in vision,  hearing, and reaction time associated with aging. The course also provides practical techniques for adjusting to  these changes to ensure the driver’s own safety and that of others on the road. Participants learn about current  rules of the road and how to operate their vehicles safely in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment.  Course topics include maintaining proper following distance, methods of changing lanes and turning at  intersections, effects of medications on driving, minimizing the effect of dangerous blind spots, limiting driver  distractions such as eating, smoking, and cell phone use, properly using safety belts, air bags, and anti-lock brakes, maintaining physical flexibility, and monitoring the driving skills and capabilities of yourself and others.

The North Granville Senior Center in Stovall will hold this class on Monday, March 21 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  You must preregister for this class by calling the center at 919. 693.3383.

The Granville County Senior Center in Oxford will hold this class on Thursday, March 31 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  You must preregister for this class by calling the center at 919. 693.1930.

The course cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members, which includes all course materials.  Course participants may be eligible to receive a state mandated, multi-year discount on their auto insurance  premium. Participants should contact their insurance company or agent for more details. The instructor for this  class will be Lynroy Thomas, a certified AARP Driver Safety Program instructor.

Granville School Board Hears Pitch About A Dual Language Program At West Oxford Elementary

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The Granville County Board of Education heard a presentation on Monday from a group of educators who proposed that West Oxford Elementary become the site of a dual language program.

As the old saying goes, “All it takes is time and money.” In this case, it’s time, money and bilingual native Spanish-speaking teachers.

West Oxford Assistant Principal Jacquel Green, along with staff members Regina Harris, Sonia Hernández and Rita Jackson, spoke to the board about the positive impact a dual language program could have at their school and they provided details for implementation. Principal Bethany Bonnemere appeared via video to explain the importance of creating bilingual and biliterate students.

Board members asked questions and provided positive feedback to the West Oxford team. Board Chair David Richardson ultimately made a motion, which was seconded and approved, for the idea to be considered at the Feb. 25 meeting of the Finance Committee. The committee will meet virtually at 11 a.m.

West Oxford has a Global Leadership theme, which the dual language program would complement nicely, but the big question is: How would it be funded?

Green shared with the board that no area charter schools currently offer a dual language program; Person and Warren counties each have one school that offers dual language and Durham County has three schools with dual language programs.

More than 25 families with students currently in pre-school completed a survey from the school expressing interest.

Harris, a 3rd grade lead teacher, explained that the initial kindergarten cohort would have two native Spanish-speaking teachers who would co-teach 24 students. The majority of instruction would be in Spanish, with 30 minutes of daily instruction in English.

Each year, a new native Spanish-speaking teacher would be added and a new cohort of kindergarten students would join the program. In some cases, teachers would “loop up” and move grade levels with the class.

As students approach the 3rd grade, they would receive more instruction in English in preparation for end-of-grade tests, but most math instruction would be given in Spanish.

The team asked the board for a 10-year commitment to the program – an investment of time and money. Allowing the kindergarten cohort to get to high school, Hernández said, would show the kinds of gains they can make in becoming bilingual and biliterate.

The vendor that partners with the school now to implement its global leadership theme also provides support for dual language programs, Green said, and can help identify qualified teachers.

A program coordinator is needed, and this person would have a number of responsibilities, including being a substitute when teachers are absent to ensuring the program is implemented appropriately.

Board member Leonard Peace said it sounded like a wonderful program to have. “I certainly hope we can afford to do it,” Peace said. “I would like to make sure we can afford to do it before we make the decision.”

Dr. Gregory McKnight agreed, and said the program would be “an investment that would pay good dividends for our students and our system.”

COVID-19 Rates Continue To Drop In Vance, Granville

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COVID-19 cases continue to recede in Vance and Granville counties, and there have been no new deaths reported in the past week, according to information from Granville Vance Public Health.

Trends are decreasing, lowering the risk of infection, according to Lisa Harrison, GVPH director. Harrison also notes that there have been improvements in hospital capacity.

There have been 79 new cases reported in Vance County in the 7 days ending Friday, Feb. 18. The percent positivity rate is 12.9 percent; in Granville County, 164 new cases were reported in the same period for a percent positivity rate of 11.6 percent.

A total of 11,658 cases have been reported in Vance and 13,888 cases have been reported in Granville.

In the Bureau of Federal Prisons in Butner, there were 3 Granville County inmates whose positive test results were reported to the local health department this week (57 cases have been reported during the 30-day period). There are no new cases among staff to report.

Granville County Sheriff

Granville Sheriff’s Office To Offer Citizens Academy In April

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The Granville County Sheriff’s Office will host the second annual Citizens Academy, set to kick off in April 2022.

Registration is required for the program, which will be held at the Law Enforcement Center, 525 New Commerce Drive, Oxford. Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Citizens Academy offers classes to provide a general overview of law enforcement issues, crime prevention, patrol procedures as well as additional topics of interest regarding law enforcement for the community. This program will build a better understanding between law enforcement and those served by the Granville County Sheriff’s Office. Interested participants may pick up a paper application at the Granville County Sheriff’s Office.

Download an application at https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/sheriff/new-citizens-academy/.

For more information about the Citizens Academy, contact the sheriff’s office at  919.693.3213.