Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Economic Impact Payments May Require Additional Steps; Deadline TODAY!

/by

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

-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Veterans Affairs benefits, have qualifying children under the age of 17, and didn’t file a tax return in 2018 or 2019, you may need to take extra steps to register to have $500 per child added to the $1,200 Economic Impact Payment you’ll receive this year.

The deadline to register with the IRS is TODAY, May 5, 2020.

Visit the IRS website for more information: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here

For a short video with tips for using the IRS website (e.g., the information you’ll need to complete the online application): https://app.vyond.com/videos/cf708ddd-11da-4fbd-8653-2fc13b8a0424

The application requires an email address, so if you need help creating an account, see these simple instructions to create an e-mail account via Google: https://app.vyond.com/videos/1f24fb37-ef7f-4ad3-b123-d75f11373b25

Vance County Animal Shelter Cleared; All Inhabitants Find Homes

/by

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

Vance County Animal Services Chief Frankie Nobles appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Nobles was pleased to announce a first in his over 10 years of service with the Vance County Animal Shelter – a complete clearing by either rescue, fostering or adoption of all animals this past weekend.

“It’s never been completely empty since I’ve been here,” said Nobles. “We are excited. We got every animal to a home, and it was an amazing weekend.”

Nobles said it was a combination of the hard work of shelter staff and volunteer organizations, and fewer animals being taken in during COVID-19 restrictions, that made this possible.

You can listen to the interview here from WIZS Radio.

The shelter is currently responding to emergency calls only, such as injured or aggressive animals, and has used some of the downtime for needed shelter maintenance.

“We’ve worked so hard to get to the point of clearing the shelter. When COVID-19 happened, that was our time to catch up and get ahead of the ballgame. It’s getting to be summertime, and that’s when we see most of our animals coming in,” Nobles said.

Nobles explained such a feat would not be possible without volunteer organizations such as the Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society of Henderson, NC. “We joke around here and call ourselves the dream team just because we are a big team of people that work well together, and it works like a dream.”

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

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

14 COVID-19 Deaths, 254 Confirmed Cases in Granville, Vance Health District

/by

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

-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

As of May 4, 2020, there are 144 known COVID-19 cases in Granville County, 110 cases in Vance County, and 11,848 confirmed cases in North Carolina.

There are two outbreaks at congregate living facilities in the district – one at Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC and one at Pelican Health Nursing Home in Henderson, NC.

Of the total positive cases in each county, 87 in Granville County are associated with the prison and 47 in Vance County are associated with the nursing home.

Of the 57 community-based cases in Granville County, 34 have been released from isolation and 46 of the 87 cases at the prisons have been released from isolation.

Of the 110 cases in Vance, 19 have been released from isolation and 6 are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 14 deaths in the health district – 8 in Vance County and 6 with the Bureau of Prisons in Granville County.

GVPH updates its website daily with Vance and Granville COVID-19 statistics. Please visit www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information.

Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health to Resume Elective, Non-Urgent Surgeries & Procedures

/by

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

-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health announced today that it is taking the appropriate steps to safely resume some elective and non-urgent surgeries and procedures that were previously rescheduled out of an abundance of caution amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The decision to reschedule procedures when clinically appropriate was made in accordance with federal and state guidance and aimed to help preserve critical resources in the event of a surge of COVID-19 patients in the community.

Today, current projections indicate a lower than expected volume of COVID-19 in the region, which means less strain on healthcare resources.

“Resuming these important services is an essential component of meeting our community’s health needs and advancing our mission of Making Communities Healthier,” said Bert Beard, Chief Executive Officer of Maria Parham Health. “As this work gradually gets underway in our hospital again, we remain committed to conserving critical supplies, being vigilant in our fight against COVID-19, and ensuring that our facility is a safe place for all patients, providers and employees.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Maria Parham Health has continued to carefully follow guidance from federal, state and local officials, monitor the prevalence of the virus in the community, and evaluate supplies and resources – including personal protective equipment like masks, gowns, gloves and goggles.

The decisions about which procedures can safely move forward will be made only after assessing a comprehensive pre-operative checklist and evaluating potential risks. The hospital will initially focus on scheduling patients with more time-sensitive health needs, and those decisions will be made in partnership with the attending physician/surgeon/proceduralist. Patients who are scheduled and approved for procedures must meet specific requirements, including passing standard COVID-19 screenings.

Surgical patients also will be asked to practice “safer at home” behaviors for seven days prior to their procedure to minimize potential exposure; check their temperature twice a day during this 7-day period and report temperatures over 100°F to their provider; and undergo testing for COVID-19.

Patients awaiting information about their previously postponed procedure can expect to hear from their provider or provider’s office to discuss rescheduling at the appropriate time.

Maria Parham Health will continue to screen and mask everyone who enters the facility and maintain a zero-visitor protocol for the foreseeable future. These important measures have had a positive impact on ensuring a safe environment, and they also are aligned with the federal government’s guidelines.

Additionally, the facility has implemented new processes and procedures to further protect the health of patients, providers and employees. Visit mariaparham.com to learn more.

As a reminder, if you are having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or go directly to the Emergency Room. If possible, tell the dispatch agent if your emergency involves symptoms possibly related to COVID-19.

Vance County Logo

Vance County’s Recent Committee Reports & Recommendations

/by

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

-Information courtesy Vance County Government

Properties Committee – Eaton Johnson Bidding Schedule

The committee (Brummitt[C], Taylor & Wilder) met on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, to discuss the bidding schedule for the Eaton Johnson renovation and whether bids should be released as discussed at the board meeting last month. Two of the three
committee members recommended proceeding forward with bidding in light of the good bidding environment.

The DSS director was present and mentioned that roughly 40% of their clients have embraced the use of phone and virtual meetings during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, although federal and state requirements necessitate in-person meetings for a good portion of the work in DSS. The DSS director mentioned that the volume of individuals needing assistance and
visiting the department will increase significantly once normal operations return.

Recommendation: Proceed forward with the bidding process for Eaton-Johnson renovation and set a public hearing for the June 1, 2020, board meeting as required by the LGC for project financing.

Addressing Ordinance Appeal – Vance Academy Road

The committee discussed an appeal to the county’s addressing ordinance from a citizen for property along Vance Academy Road. The citizen plans to add a residence to the family farm and due to there being more than two homes along the same drive, the county’s addressing ordinance requires the path to be named and all addresses along the path to be re-addressed.

The ordinance allows the board of commissioners to hear and decide on appeals and waivers to the requirement. The citizen/property owner has appealed the request due to the difficulty in re-addressing their current address as it is the address
of record for 16 franchised businesses, more than 20 other businesses as well as registrations and licenses with the Federal Aviation Administration.

The committee discussed the request and recommended granting the appeal to allow one additional residence to be constructed located off of the existing paved drive.

Recommendation: Grant the appeal from the addressing ordinance administrator’s determination and allow one additional home to be added to the paved drive that contains residences with addresses of 560 and 580 Vance Academy Road, and to encourage the property owners to adequately post the location of these addresses along the paved drive.

Human Resources Committee – Resolution Amending Personnel Policies Relative to COVID-19

The committee (Faines[C], Wilder & Taylor) met on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, to review a resolution ratifying the Families
First Coronavirus Response Act. The committee reviewed the act last month and recommended approval of the local policy amendment consistent with the act this month.

The act and associated policy extend the criteria for employees qualifying for family medical leave, provides emergency paid sick leave to employees and defines emergency responder positions that are essential and excluded from portions of the policy.

The emergency paid sick leave provides up to 80 hours of paid sick leave and is available to all employees for the following
qualifying reasons:

1. The employee is subject to a federal, state, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19; or
2. The employee has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19; or
3. The employee is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and is seeking a medical diagnosis.

Non-emergency responder classified employees are also eligible for emergency paid sick leave for the following additional reasons:
4. The employee is caring for an individual subject to an order described in #1 or self-quarantine as described in #2; or
5. The employee is caring for a child whose school or place of care is closed (or child care provider is unavailable) for reasons related to COVID-19.

Recommendation: Approve resolution amending personnel policies to include the COVID-19 Policy and the COVID-19 Policy for Emergency Paid Sick Leave Emergency Responders.

The next Vance County Board of Commissioners’ meeting will be held on Monday, May 4, 2020, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 122 Young Street in Henderson, NC.

H-V Rec. & Parks: Free ‘Paint With DP’ Online Session, Chance to Win Gift Card

/by

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

-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Program Superintendent

Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks will host a FREE “Paint With DP” Facebook live session on Saturday, May 9, 2020, at 3 p.m. Tune in to the Henderson-Vance Athletics Facebook page to participate or just watch.

Once the painting session is completed, participants can submit a picture of their masterpiece. The best painting will receive a $25 gift card.

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

VCS Invites Community to ‘Be the Light’ in Celebration of High School Seniors

/by

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

-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools is inviting the community to help us celebrate our seniors on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at 8 p.m. by turning on your porch light for 20 minutes.

Also, at 8 p.m., tune in to the district’s Facebook, Twitter or website for a special message to the Class of 2020.

We are Vance County Strong!

Boys and Girls Clubs

Boys & Girls Clubs Offering Free, Hot Meals to All Children Ages 5-18

/by

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

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central North Carolina (BGCNCNC) Chair of the Board Tanya Evans and President and CEO Donyell “DJ” Jones appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

Evans and Jones were excited to announce that the Boys and Girls Clubs have resumed the distribution of hot, free meals to club members and\or any child between the ages of 5-18. Families are encouraged to drive through and pick up meals without getting out of their vehicles.

Meals are provided Monday – Friday from 4:30 until 6 p.m. at the following locations:

  • Granville Club – 105 West St. in Oxford, NC
  • Vance Club – 212 N. Clark St. in Henderson, NC
  • Roanoke Rapids Club – 116 W 3rd St. in Roanoke Rapids, NC

Volunteers are needed to assist with the distribution of prepackaged dinners. If you are able to assist, please send the following information to Jones at djones@bgcncnc.com:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Days/times that you can volunteer
  • Desired club location where you can serve (Henderson, Oxford or Halifax)

To ensure the safety of all participants, volunteers should bring a mask (scarf, bandana, or wrap) that will cover the nose and mouth. Gloves will be provided on-site. If you are sick, not feeling well or have been exposed to someone that is sick or not feeling well, please refrain from volunteering.

Beginning with the second week of service, the BGCNCNC will be distributing educational/activity kits for members during meal distribution. There will be opportunities for volunteers to assist with creating packets for distribution at that time.

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

NC Governor Logo

‘Some Indicators Moving in Right Direction, Others Not’ in Decision to Ease COVID-19 Restrictions

/by

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

-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper and NC DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen shared an update on where North Carolina stands in the fight against COVID-19 and urged North Carolinians not to let their guard down.

“North Carolinians have made tremendous sacrifices and it is making a difference,” said Governor Cooper. “We remain hopeful that the trends will be stable enough to move into Phase 1 next week.”

“We need to keep up the actions that will slow the spread of the virus. The good news is that we know we can do this. If we stay home now to protect our loved ones and our communities, we can put ourselves on a path to begin easing restrictions and moving forward as planned,” said Dr. Cohen.

As of today, North Carolina has 10,509 lab-confirmed cases, 546 people in the hospital, and 378 deaths due to COVID-19.

Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen updated on where North Carolina stands on the following key metrics:

  • Sustained Leveling or Decreased Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days
  • Currently, North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is level over past 14 days but has been on an uptick over the past seven days.
  • Sustained Leveling or Decreased Trajectory of Lab-Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days
  • Currently, North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases over the last 14 days cases is still increasing.
  • Sustained Leveling or Decreased Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days
  • Currently, North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive over the last 14 days is decreasing.
  • Sustained Leveling or Decreased Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days
  • Currently, North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations over the last 14 days is largely level.

In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. These areas include:

  • Increase in Laboratory Testing.
  • North Carolina has surpassed 4,000 tests for the last 6 of 9 days with 6,000 tests reported yesterday.
  • Increase in Tracing Capability.
  • NC DHHS announced the Carolina Community Tracing Collaborative, a new partnership with Community Care of North Carolina (CCNC) and the North Carolina Area Health Education Centers (NC AHEC) to double the state’s current contact tracing capabilities. The Collaborative has started recruiting for these positions.
  • Availability of Personal Protective Equipment.
  • The state has a 30-day supply of most personal protective equipment, except for gowns and N95 masks.

“We need everyone to continue following the Stay At Home order right now so that we can move to the next phases of easing restrictions. Complacency could risk lives and undo these plans,” added Governor Cooper.

Volunteer Hospital Gown Project Continues in Face of Local COVID-19 Surge

/by

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

A message from Amy Starr Russell, Associate Minister, First Baptist Church:

Last week we were excited to receive the news that MPH was well stocked with gowns. We felt that our project was reaching a natural conclusion and that we could wrap up our work this week. However, that decision was made with the caveat that we would reassess should there be a surge in our area. Unfortunately, that surge came this past weekend.

With the outbreak at Pelican Health, the need is greater than ever for our local healthcare workers.

We have committed to work for three more weeks or 1,500 more gowns, whichever comes first. We need your help and our community’s help to reach this goal and meet this need.

Beginning on Monday, May 4, 2020, we will resume our regular shifts of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekly with evening shifts on Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. All shifts are currently at McGregor Hall (201 Breckenridge – entrance at the corner of Wyche and Winder Streets in downtown Henderson).

If you are able to help, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0449afad2fa7fb6-protective2

Volunteers are required to sign up online before participating.

All volunteers 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All volunteers will be screened upon arrival and must have a temperature below 100, no symptoms, and no known exposure to COVID-19 (including no known exposure by anyone in their household). Please bring a mask and scissors with you.

We are asking that all volunteers isolate as much as possible for the sake of each person who comes to give their time. All volunteers are required to wear masks, wash hands frequently throughout their shift and maintain social distance.

With the beginning of this second phase, our financial need has also increased. If you would like to make a donation toward this project, go to this website: https://engage.suran.com/fbchenderson/s/give/new-gift and choose “COVID-19 Protective Medical Gown Project.”