Tag Archive for: #towntalk

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

Town Talk 07/13/20: Harrison Encouraged by Positive Local COVID-19 Trends

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Lisa Harrison, director of Granville-Vance Public Health (GVPH), appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

With 905 known Granville County COVID-19 cases and 24 deaths, and 561 known Vance County cases and 40 deaths reported as of Friday afternoon, Harrison said precautions still need to be taken to stop the spread of the virus.

“It is really critical to drive home the point that wearing a face covering and staying six-feet away from other people is the way we prevent this from spreading,” explained Harrison. “Everyone has the opportunity to help us with these numbers.”

In addressing national news reports of large increases in confirmed COVID-19 cases in the past week, Harrison said the trend is similar to the days following Memorial Day weekend when a spike in positive test results was recorded.

“We do see spikes in the numbers when we have weekends like Memorial Day or July 4th where people want to spend time with their family and friends. Wearing a mask, staying six-feet apart and washing hands becomes more challenging,” said Harrison.

According to the CDC, the incubation period for COVID-19 is thought to extend to 14 days, with a median time of four to five days from exposure to onset of symptoms.

While Harrison acknowledged the numbers reported may not reveal the entire picture when considering those who do not seek testing or medical treatment, she is encouraged by the recent increase in testing in the local area.

“I feel good about the amount of testing being done in Vance and Granville County,” Harrison said. “I feel like we are testing symptomatic and asymptomatic. We’re testing contacts and anyone who comes to GVPH and needs a test.”

In addition to increased access to testing, Harrison is encouraged by other positive trends locally including the stabilization of COVID-19 cases in congregate living facilities.

In Granville County, there are currently outbreaks at four congregate living facilities including the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner; Murdoch Development Center in Butner; Central Regional Hospital in Butner; and Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center in Oxford.

In Vance County, there are currently outbreaks at two congregate living facilities including Kerr Lake Nursing Home and Senior Citizens Home in Henderson.

There was previously an outbreak at Pelican Health in Henderson that is no longer active.

“We’ve worked really closely with our long-term care facilities. They’ve done a really great job of doing regular testing, making sure they are isolating those who have symptoms and have tested positive and minding infection control so they can reduce spread as much as possible while also monitoring the health and wellbeing of residents and staff,” said Harrison. “It’s been a heavy load these last three months; I’m pleased the stabilization does seem to have started.”

As far as community-based cases, or those not connected with a congregate living facility, Harrison is pleased that the majority of Granville and Vance residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 have been released from isolation.

Qualifications for ‘release from isolation’ status is set by the CDC and is determined by a combination of symptom-based, time-based and test-based strategies (click here to learn more).

As of Friday afternoon, of the 480 total community-based cases in Granville County, 348 have been released from isolation and five are currently hospitalized.

In Vance County, 364 of the 439 community-based cases have been released from isolation. Five individuals in Vance County are currently hospitalized.

“More people have been released from isolation than current numbers of those positive with COVID-19,” Harrison stated. “The majority are in recovery mode and are past the approximate 14-28 day experience.”

Please visit www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information and to sign up for daily email updates.

To hear the interview with Harrison in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Granville County Tourism

Town Talk 07/09/20: Parks/Trails Open in Granville Co.; Upcoming Brides on Wheels Tour

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Angela Allen, director of the Granville County Tourism Development Authority, appeared on WIZS’ Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

While COVID-19 restrictions have forced the cancellation of popular Granville County events such as the Lake Holt Fourth of July fireworks show, the Hot Sauce Contest & Festival in downtown Oxford and the Creedmoor Music Festival, Allen said there are still plenty of outdoor activities available this summer.

Outdoor Activities:

  • Hix Dog Park – the first dog park in Granville County, Hix allows dogs to run and play inside a fenced-in area. Shady spots and benches located inside the park provide pet owners comfort while they watch the dogs socialize and exercise. Located at 300 Williamsboro Street in Oxford.
  • Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area – features five miles of hiking and walking trails. Trail difficulty ranges from easy to moderate. Hikers will enjoy seeing fields being restored to forest, wildflower meadows and wildlife sightings as they traverse the trails. Located at 3189 Brogden Road in Stem.
  • Gauntlet Fitness & Walking Trail – opened in the spring of 2016, the 1.1-mile trail is outfitted with a variety of fitness stations designed to challenge hikers. The Gauntlet is the work of Jonathan Gaudette, who worked on the project in pursuit of his Eagle Scout badge. Located at 2186 Brassfield Road in Creedmoor.
  • Lake Devin – open to the public year-round, Lake Devin in Oxford offers fishing, 2.5 miles of walking trails, kayaking, dock and boat ramp.
  • Lake Rogers Park – covering over 175 acres just northwest of downtown Creedmoor, Lake Rogers offers several picnic shelters, boat rentals and light concessions.
  • Lake Holt – offers fishing opportunities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boating in Butner.

The Granville Athletic Park, Grassy Creek Recreation Area, Central Avenue Gazebo Park and Wilton Slopes on the Tar River Paddle Trail also offer a wide variety of outdoor, and in many instances free, activities. Allen reminded listeners that usage of some outdoor equipment, such as children’s playgrounds, may be temporarily restricted due to State mandate.

For more information on events and activities in Granville County, please visit www.visitgranvillenc.com.

Switching gears to discuss an upcoming big event for Granville County Tourism, Allen announced the annual Brides on Wheels Tour that was postponed from its original date in April is set to move forward with social distancing guidelines in place on July 26, 2020.

Brides on Wheels Tour:

Brides planning a 2020-2021 wedding are invited to take a scenic caravan tour of Granville County to learn more about wedding locations and resources available to help plan their special day.

The 2020 Brides on Wheels Tour includes a stop at three wedding/reception venues: The Oaks at Oxford, Carlee Farm and Shadowing Oaks. Participants will also have early access to the newly renovated The Orpheum at Oxford. Florists, photographers, caterers, disc jockeys, rental companies and more will welcome brides and their guests throughout the tour.

Registered participants will receive the tour schedule prior to the day of the event so that they can travel to each venue in their personal vehicles. “We really wanted to revamp and revise the tour in a way where people felt safe and secure about coming this year,” Allen said.

Interested brides may register online at https://granvillebows2020.eventbrite.com.

For more information about the Brides on Wheels Tour, please visit www.brides-on-wheels.com or contact Allen by phone at (919) 693-6125 or by email at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.

To hear the interview with Allen in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance County Schools Logo

Town Talk 07/08/20: Vance County Schools’ Reopening Plans

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

To hear today’s Town Talk segment in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk or click the play button below.

Listen live to Town Talk every Monday – Friday at 11 a.m. at 100.1 FM, 1450 AM or online at www.wizs.com.

To read Vance County Schools’ recent press release for a framework of current reopening plans, click here.

American Flag

Town Talk 07/07/20: American Flag, National Anthem (Call-Ins)

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

To hear today’s Town Talk segment in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk or click the play button below.

Listen live to Town Talk every Monday – Friday at 11 a.m. at 100.1 FM, 1450 AM or online at www.wizs.com.

Town Talk Logo

Town Talk 07/02/20: State & Local Unemployment Rates, MPH CEO Op-Ed

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

To hear today’s Town Talk segment in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk or click the play buttons below.

Listen live to Town Talk every Monday – Friday at 11 a.m. at 100.1 FM, 1450 AM or online at www.wizs.com.

To read the discussed Op-Ed piece from Maria Parham Health CEO Bert Beard, click here.

Confederate Monument and Statue Vance County

Town Talk 07/01/20: Call-in, Discussion on Removal of Vance Co. Confederate Statue

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

To hear today’s Town Talk segment in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk or click the play button below.

Listen live to Town Talk every Monday – Friday at 11 a.m. at 100.1 FM, 1450 AM or online at www.wizs.com.

To read the WIZS article regarding the Vance County Board of Commissioners’ 4-3 vote to remove the Confederate statue and monument, click here.

Town Talk Logo

Town Talk 06/30/20: School Plans, Masks, Inconsistencies & Politics

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

To hear today’s Town Talk segment in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk or push the play button below.

Listen live to Town Talk every Monday – Friday at 11 a.m. at 100.1 FM, 1450 AM or online at www.wizs.com.

Dale Folwell

Town Talk 06/29/20: State Treasurer Folwell Discusses Economic Repercussions of COVID-19

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

North Carolina State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Folwell, who has served as NC State Treasurer since 2017, discussed a myriad of topics including unemployment, recent grants awarded to NC counties for COVID-19 recovery efforts, the economic fallout and recovery potential from the virus and much more.

A few takeaways from Folwell’s interview:

• $3 billion remains in the NC Unemployment Trust Fund. With money paid in by NC businesses, Folwell explained the fund works in much the same way as an insurance company.
• As part of the state-administered Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) that was passed by Congress, the four-county area will receive over $4 million in aid: Vance County – $974, 599, Granville County – $1,233,427, Warren County – $571,030 and Franklin County -$1,383,798.
• Rural NC communities are facing serious economic challenges.
• Estimates show the State will experience shortfalls of $3.5 – $4.5 billion dollars due to economic repercussions of the shutdown.

For press releases and updates from the Treasurer’s Office, including Folwell’s recent request for Governor Roy Cooper to grant a waiver of Executive Order No. 142 for Citizen-Owned Utilities and the announcement of reduced Medicare Advantage premium rates, visit the Treasurer’s website at www.nctreasurer.com.

To hear the interview with Folwell in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Vance County NC

Town Talk 06/24/20: Tem Blackburn Discusses Historical Importance of Henderson Family

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

George Templeton “Tem” Blackburn II, local historian, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Blackburn discussed the important role Richard Henderson, a member of one of the first families to settle in the Henderson area, played in the expansion of the American West.

While officially chartered by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1841, the city, named in honor of former North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Leonard Henderson, son of Richard Henderson, was home to the Henderson family approximately one hundred years prior.

Unlike many areas of the country that experienced settlement from east to west, Blackburn explained the local area had a principal settlement pattern of north to south.

The Henderson family, including a young Richard, was the first among several planter families that relocated from the area near Richmond, VA in the 1740s, according to Blackburn. Other families, including the Bullocks and Williams, soon followed suit.

Richard Henderson, whose father Samuel was the first sheriff of Granville County, became a lawyer with an interest in opening the lands west of the Appalachian Mountains.

Blackburn said Richard Henderson, with ties to pioneer Daniel Boone, ultimately gained the approval of the Cherokee Nation for a settlement through the Cumberland Gap into what is now Kentucky and Northern Tennessee.

While no major battles were fought in NC during the American Revolutionary or Civil War, and no prominent generals originated from the state, Blackburn said the local connection to the westward expansion of the country is of great historical significance.

“Before the Revolution, there was the opening of the American West,” Blackburn stated. “Richard Henderson played a key role in that. That gives our area a claim to say we are connected with the most significant event in NC history, which is tied to the larger history of the nation.”

To hear the interview with Blackburn in its entirety, including other historical facts, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.