Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Paint With DP

Free ‘Paint With DP’ Sessions Scheduled for Nov.

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

Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks will feature FREE “Paint With DP” Facebook live sessions. Tune in to participate or just watch on the Henderson-Vance Athletics Facebook page.

The live sessions will be on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 28, 2020, at 2 p.m.

You can now come in to paint in-person at Aycock Recreation Center. The registration fee is $20 and includes all needed supplies. You can register at Aycock Recreation Center or online at https://hvrpd.recdesk.com/. There are only 10 slots available.

Once the painting is completed, participants can submit pictures of their masterpieces to Darius Pitt at dpitt@ci.henderson.nc.us or on Facebook Messenger. The best painting will receive a $25 gift card.

For more information, please contact Darius Pitt at (252) 438-3408 (dpitt@ci.henderson.nc.us).

VGCC Logo

Reminder: VGCC to Hold Open Air Job Fairs This Week

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Tanya Weary, VGCC Dean of Business & Industry Solutions

Open air job fairs featuring hundreds of local positions will be held at all four Vance-Granville Community College locations this week. These events are in response to the dramatic need for employees across the service area.

The job fair begins at the college’s Warren County Campus (Warrenton) on November 17, 2020; at Main Campus (near Henderson) on November 18, 2020; at South Campus (Creedmoor/Butner) on November 19, 2020; and at the Franklin County Campus (Louisburg) on November 20, 2020.

VGCC’s Career Services, Small Business Center and Customized Training have teamed up to offer the first open air job fair event in our service area. Employers from across Granville, Franklin, Vance and Warren Counties will be there seeking to fill jobs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

“We’re really just trying to connect the businesses and employers with our job seekers throughout the counties that we serve. There are a lot of jobs and we are sure we can help you find one,” said Tanya Weary, VGCC Dean of Business & Industry Solutions.

This event is free and open to the public. Participants will meet employers from across the service area who will be hiring and eager to fill jobs with competitive wages, benefits and more. Job fair seekers will also be able to gain tips on getting the job they are after.

“We are excited to offer job fairs at each of our campuses,” Linda Fletcher, Director of Career Services said.  She continued, “The college is committed to developing strong communities and improving the quality of life for our community members. Jobs are the key. Local employers have jobs and need good candidates ready to work. We welcome both VGCC students and community job-seekers at each of our open air job fairs.”

Attendees are expected to adhere to social distancing guidelines, and capacity levels will be observed and mandated throughout each event. Job fair participants are reminded that health screenings and masks or face coverings are required for everyone while on campus.

VGCC Career Services encourages job seekers to consider adding to their skill set through additional training and/or education. We can help with career exploration for career-changers or determining the next step in developing an established career. In addition, our students receive assistance with resumes, interview preparation, and job search skills. Take the next step with us toward a better future.

For more information, visit: https://www.vgcc.edu/career-fair/, or contact Linda Fletcher, Director of Career Services, at (252) 738-3466 or fletcherl@vgcc.edu.

Vance County Sheriff's Office

Vance County Deputy Charged With Extortion, Obstruction of Justice

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-Press Release, Vance County Sheriff’s Office

On Thursday, November 5, 2020, Vance County deputy Mitch Pittman turned himself into the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation in Granville County after being charged with two counts of Extortion and two counts of Obstruction of Justice.

Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame is conducting an internal investigation by an outside entity to ensure that the integrity of the agency is being met. The findings of the matter will be provided to the District Attorney.

Henderson Christmas Parade

Majority of Local Christmas Parades Canceled; Oxford’s Still A Go

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

The Vance County Arts Council has announced that the Downtown Henderson Drive-Thru Christmas Parade originally scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2020, has been canceled.

Likewise, the Town of Warrenton has also canceled its annual parade.

The Town of Louisburg has also announced that the Louisburg Christmas Parade originally scheduled for Sunday, December 6 has been canceled “due to COVID-19 concerns and the inability for the public and participants to social distance.”

As of the time of this posting, Oxford still plans to hold a “Reverse” Drive-Thru Christmas Parade on Friday, December 4.

In this “reverse” parade to be held downtown, floats, dancers and cars are stationary and spaced apart. Spectators can drive-through and enjoy from the safety of their vehicles. Candy will not be distributed.

The Oxford parade line up will start at 5 p.m., with the parade beginning at 6 p.m.

The public is reminded that plans change quickly with new COVID updates released daily. Please check WIZS and the respective organization’s webpage and social media sites for updates on holiday events.

Mako Medical

Town Talk 11/12/20: Mako Medical One of Country’s Largest COVID-19 Labs

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

As part of a rebroadcast of Tuesday’s Sports Talk, Chad Price, Founder/CEO of Mako Medical, was featured in the second segment of WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

Price discussed how Mako, with a location in Vance County, has quickly transitioned into one of the largest COVID-19 laboratories in America with over 2 million tests performed.

Prior to COVID, the lab performed approximately 3,000 types of tests for hospitals, urgent care facilities and labs.

“When COVID hit,” Price explained, “we made the decision as a team to pivot and reallocate these resources and really focus on helping people with the virus. We did that early on, and it has just continued to grow.”

According to Price, Mako currently serves as the official testing partner for 17 states in the country.

“We’ve done a really great job of getting the results out quickly, which is what people really need, especially as you start to see a resurgence [of COVID]. We also have a good program in place to prevent false positives,” Price stated.

Price’s comments come at a time when the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting new highs in COVID numbers daily.

To hear the interview in its entirety, including Mako’s dedication to hiring veterans and sports talk, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Angel Tree 2020

Salvation Army of Henderson Announces ‘Angel Tree,’ ‘Forgotten Angels’ Drive

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

The Salvation Army of Henderson encourages the community to help a child in need this holiday season by taking a name from the “Angel Tree.”

This year, due to COVID-19, more people than ever are struggling to make ends meet. The Angel Tree program of Henderson helps families in need by providing new clothing and toys to 400 children each year. Your generous gift from this registry will bring joy to a local child and help the Salvation Army rescue Christmas.

As part of its “Forgotten Angels Drive,” The Salvation Army also encourages the community to consider supporting children ages 9 to 12 that are often left on the tree in favor of younger kids.

How it Works:

  1. Choose the number of angles that you, your school or your company are interested in helping, and you will receive the tags for the desired amount. You can also choose a tag off the Angel Trees located at area Walmarts.
  2. Provide age-appropriate, new toys and clothes for the child(ren).
  3. Place the Angel tag number and name of child on all bag(s) of donated items.
  4. Deliver unwrapped gifts to The Salvation Army at 2292 Ross Mill Road in Henderson, NC Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. by December 11, 2020.
  5. You may also go to www.walmart.com/registry/registryforgood and enter your location as 27536 to select “Angel Tree of Henderson.” Items may be purchased online and shipped directly to The Salvation Army of Henderson.

Contact Captain Odessa Smith at (252) 432-7766 or email odessa.smith@uss.salvationarmy.org with any questions.

NC Governor Logo

NC Lowers Indoor Gathering Limit to 10 to Slow Spread of COVID-19

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper announced today that North Carolina’s indoor mass gathering limit will be lowered to 10 people in an effort to drive down North Carolina’s key COVID-19 metrics. Executive Order 176 will go into effect on Friday, November 13 and will be in place through Friday, December 4, 2020.

“This reduction in our indoor gathering limit aims to slow the spread and bring down our numbers,” Governor Cooper said. “It also sends a serious signal to families, friends and neighbors across our state. Success in slowing the spread will help our businesses.”

As the weather gets colder, more people will be gathering indoors. Science has shown that indoor gatherings increase the risk of transmission of COVID-19, and this Executive Order seeks to limit indoor gatherings that could rapidly and dangerously spread the virus.

The Order does not change the reduced capacity limits for certain businesses that have already been laid out. For more on this, read the Frequently Asked Questions document.

Governor Cooper and NC DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen also underscored the need for people to wear a mask anytime they gather with people outside of their immediate household. As the holiday season approaches, NCDHHS released health guidance to help people celebrate as safely as possible without spreading the virus.

“Let’s keep our friends, family, and loved ones safe this holiday season. If you are going to travel or get together, plan ahead to reduce the risk to your family and friends,” said NCDHHS Secretary Cohen. “Remember, it’s not how well you know someone when it comes to wearing a mask. If they don’t live with you, get behind the mask.“

Dr. Cohen also provided an update on North Carolina’s data and trends.

Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is decreasing but still elevated.

Trajectory of Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of cases is increasing.

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive is level but above 5 percent.

Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is level but high.

In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread in testing, tracing and prevention.

Testing

  • Testing capacity is high

Tracing Capability

  • The state is continuing to hire contact tracers to bolster the efforts of local health departments.
  • There have been almost 350,000 downloads of the exposure notification app, SlowCOVIDNC.

Personal Protective Equipment

  • North Carolina’s personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are stable.

Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief Program Expands

Also today, Governor Cooper announced that full-service restaurants are now eligible for assistance through the Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief Program (MURR) administered by the NC Department of Commerce.

These businesses may apply for up to four months of rent or mortgage interest capped at $20,000 per location for up to two locations. Businesses can learn more and apply by visiting www.nccommerce.com/murr.

American Flag

WIZS to Honor Veterans With Special ‘Heroes We Remember’ Program

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

Veterans make up a special part of our nation, state and community. In honor of Veterans Day, WIZS Radio presents a special program this Saturday, November 14, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. featuring music performed by the President’s United States Marine Band.

Titled “Heroes We Remember,” this program, sponsored by JM White Funeral Home, will feature music and a message that will inspire and give thanks to those who have served this country.

Be sure to listen live this Saturday at 1450 AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

GVPH Local COVID-19 Update: Two Recent Granville Deaths Reported

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

The following is an update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of November 9, 2020. Granville Vance Public Health numbers correlate with the NC Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NCEDSS) data.

The county case numbers reported on the NC county map from the NC Department of Health and Human Services may differ from the ones reported locally as they are updated at different times and may change once residence is verified.

Granville County

2,189 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 2,189, 1,501 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 1,501, 1,302 have been released from isolation.

Of those 2,189, 528 cases are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County and 501 of those 528 have been released from isolation.

Of those 2,189, 160 are associated with outbreaks at long-term care facilities, including 53 at Murdoch Development Center and 95 at Universal Health Care.

The outbreaks at Central Regional Hospital, Brantwood and Granville House are no longer active. Of the 156 cases in long-term care facilities in Granville County, 113 have been released from isolation.

7 individuals in Granville County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 53 deaths in Granville County: eight in the community, one associated with Central Regional Hospital, one associated with Murdoch Development Center, 21 associated with Universal Health Care and 22 associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.

Unfortunately, there have been two more deaths in the community: a 36-year-old female passed away on Nov. 6 and an 81-year-old female passed away on Nov. 8.

Vance County

1,296 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,296, 1,159 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 1,159, 925 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,296, 137 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities, including 29 at Senior Citizens Home.

The outbreaks at Kerr Lake Nursing Home, Alliance Rehabilitative Care and Pelican Health Nursing Home are no longer active.

Of the 137 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 97 have been released from isolation.

7 individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 47 deaths in Vance County: 14 associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 12 associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, two associated with Senior Citizens Home and 19 in the community.

WIZS Note: There are 234 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 199 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers).

Additional Information

The number of those who have been ‘released from isolation’ is determined by the CDC Guidance for discontinuation of isolation for persons with COVID-19.

Please visit GVPH’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard (click here) for tables and graphs that are updated daily.

Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks

Letters to Santa, Exercise Classes, Holiday Crafts & More at Aycock Rec. Center

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

-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department

The Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department announces upcoming events:

HVRPD Neck Gaiters – Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks is now selling neck gaiters, a multipurpose accessory that can be worn 12 different ways. It can be used as a breathable face covering and is actually required in some youth sporting leagues due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Youth and adult sizes are available at the Aycock Recreation Center for $10 per gaiter.

Body Blast – a 45-minute group circuit training focusing on all the problem areas. This will be a high-energy, high-impact class guaranteed to get you into shape! This class is offered live on the Henderson-Vance Facebook page and at the Aycock Recreation Center on Mondays and Wednesdays.

You can sign up for classes online at https://hvrpd.recdesk.com/. Only 10 participants are allowed in the class at Aycock Recreation Center. Classes are $2 for non-members and $1 for members.

For more information, please contact Darius Pitt at (252) 438-3408 (dpitt@ci.henderson.nc.us).

Arthritis Exercise Class – The Henderson Vance Recreation & Parks Department will hold Arthritis Exercise Class on Wednesdays and Fridays through December 23, 2020, from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. This is a FREE low-impact, joint safe program developed for people with arthritis. This class has been proven to decrease pain and stiffness while increasing flexibility and range of motion. This class is also suitable for every fitness level.

Join by logging on to Facebook Live on the Henderson Vance Special Programs page or in-person at the Aycock Recreation Center. Participants must preregister to participate at the Aycock Recreation Center. There are only 10 slots available.

For more information or to register, please contact Crystal Allen at (252) 431-6091 (callen@ci.henderson.nc.us) or Tara Goolsby at (252) 438-3948 (tgoolsby@ci.henderson.nc.us).

Crafty Kids – join the HVRPD for our Thanksgiving craft workshop for youth on Monday, November 23, 2020, at 6 p.m. at the Aycock Recreation Center. Participants ages 4 to 8 will take part in crafts that are age-appropriate and Thanksgiving-themed.

This event will be open to the first 12 participants to register. The cost is $5 per participant, and the registration deadline is Thursday, November 19, 2020.

You can register online at https://hvrpd.recdesk.com/ or at Aycock Recreation Center. Each participant must have an adult over the age of 18 with them at all times to help them with the crafts. Only the participant and one guardian will be allowed in the event due to COVID-19 restrictions. Participants over the age of five and guardians are required to wear a mask at all times. 

For more information, please contact Lauren Newlin at (252) 438-3160 (lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us).

Letters to Santa – Santa and his elves will be collecting your letters and handing out holiday goodies at the Aycock Recreation Center on Saturday, December 19, 2020, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Participants over the age of five and guardians are required to wear a mask at all times. Letters to Santa is open to the first 100 participants that register by Thursday, December 10, 2020.

Register online at https://hvrpd.recdesk.com/ or at the Aycock Recreation Center. Remember to bring your camera to take pictures.

For more information, please contact Crystal Allen at (252) 431-6091 (callen@ci.henderson.nc.us).