Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Epsom Community Classic

Register Now for Epsom Community Classic Run/Walk

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The Epsom Community Classic Run/Walk will be held Saturday, August 29, 2020, from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Originally scheduled for April, the coronavirus pandemic necessitated a rescheduling to this later date.

The race is run on a 3.5-mile loop starting and finishing at Epsom Fire and Rescue located at 8120 NC Highway 39 in Henderson.

This event is being held in partnership with New Bethel Baptist Church with the end goal of raising financial support for missions.

Entrants have a choice of entering as a competitive or recreational runner. Competitive entrants will receive an official time and will be eligible for awards. Recreational entrants will not receive official times, but can either time themselves or see their times on the digital clock at the finish line.

The entry fees are $20 through August 19, $25 August 20-28 and $30 on race day. The fee does not include a t-shirt, but shirts can be ordered for an additional $10 on or before August 19.

To register, visit the Epsom Community Classic link on RaceReach.com (click here). 

Awards will be presented to the first three male finishers overall, to the first three female finishers overall and to the top three finishers in each of the following age groups (both genders): 19-under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60-over.

Due to the road conditions, running with a baby stroller is not recommended. Also, please no pets.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be some changes to how the race is conducted. Water will be available both at the start/finish area and once on the course. Hand sanitizer will also be available. Vendors and food trucks will be taking their own precautions by serving pre-packaged food and drinks.

Depending on the dictates of the county, there may be post-race snacks available, but just to be safe, you may want to bring your own.

Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments

Kerr-Tar COG: Loan Program Helps Rehabilitate Homes in Vance County

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-Press Release, Kerr-Tar Council of Governments

The Kerr-Tar Council of Governments (COG) has been granted membership by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) under the 2020 cycle of the Essential-Single Family Rehabilitation Loan Pool Program (ESFRLP2020).

Funding from this program will assist with essential and critical repairs to single-family homes that are owned and occupied by lower-income households. These repairs help veterans, seniors and persons with disabilities stay in their homes, saving on health care and long-term care costs.

The major requirements to be eligible for ESFRLP2020 assistance are:

1. The home must be located in Person/Vance County;

2. The home must be owner-occupied;

3. Site built and off-frame modular units will be eligible for considerations, however, manufactured housing is not eligible for assistance;

4. The house must have a full-time household member who is an older adult (age 62+), disabled or a veteran, or a household with a child under the age of six whose health is threatened by the presence of lead hazards;

5. The gross annual household income must not exceed 80% of the area median income for Person/Vance County;

6. The property cannot have been repaired or rehabilitated with public funding of $30,000 or more within the past 10 years;

7. The cost of rehabilitation cannot exceed the ESFRLP2020 Program Guideline limit of $30,000.

Applications are available by calling Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments at (252) 436-2040 or on the Kerr-Tar COG website at www.kerrtarcog.org.

Applications should be returned as soon as possible, but no later than November 2, 2020, at noon to the Kerr-Tar COG, PO Box 709, Henderson, NC 27536 or to 1724 Graham Avenue, Henderson.

Vance County Schools Logo

Vance County Schools Provides Quick Links for Most Requested Info.

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Vance County Schools has provided quick online links with additional information to assist in locating some of the most requested items.

2020-2021 School Calendars: https://bit.ly/VCScalendarinfo

The Latest on ReOpening Our Schools: https://bit.ly/ReOpenPlans

Remote Learning Information and Help: https://bit.ly/VCSremotesupport

Laptop Request Form: https://bit.ly/needlaptop

Locate Free Spectrum Wifi: https://www.spectrum.com/wifi-hotspots

Bus Hotspot Information: https://bit.ly/VCSwifi

Latest Meal Distribution Information: https://bit.ly/VanceMeals

NCDHHS

Executive Order Extends School Immunization, Health Assessment Deadlines

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-Press Release, NCDHHS

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 156 extending, but not waiving, proof-of-immunization and health assessment documentation deadlines for school and child-care facilities. With health care visits limited in some cases due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the order will give students and families more time to get their required vaccines and health assessments completed.

“With kids headed back to school and flu season right around the corner, it’s more important than ever this year for all North Carolinians to get their recommended immunizations,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D. “Childhood immunizations keep kids safe and protect public health by lowering the likelihood of an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease like measles.”

The Executive Order and a State Health Director Memo issued by State Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Tilson will extend, but not waive, North Carolina’s current proof-of-immunization requirement deadlines for students enrolled in public, private or religious educational institutions, including child care facilities and K-12 schools as well as colleges and universities. The Executive Order also extends the deadline for each child entering a North Carolina public school for the first time to submit a school health assessment.

In typical years, proof of required immunizations and health assessments are required within 30 days of the first date of attendance of school. After the 30 days, children are to be excluded from school until the family provides documentation of requirements. This year, the 30-day “grace period” for all students will begin on October 1, 2020. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services similarly extended immunization and health assessment deadlines in September 2018 during the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.

Whether children are home-schooled or attend school in-person or by remote learning, they are required by state law to be immunized based on their age for certain vaccinations as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

School requirements are listed on the NCDHHS website according to school or grade level, as well as the requirements for young children who attend child care facilities. NCDHHS’ Immunization Branch offers comprehensive guidance on immunization recommendations, as well as advice for families on navigating access issues during COVID-19, and is working with local health departments on strategies to increase immunization access.

NCDHHS is collaborating with multiple partners, including the North Carolina Pediatric Society and the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians, on an awareness campaign to help ensure school-age children are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases. NCDHHS is also partnering with Community Care of North Carolina, NC Area Health Education Centers and others on the Keeping Kids Well program to increase well-child visits and immunization rates for Medicaid beneficiaries younger than 19 years old. Governor Cooper has proclaimed August Immunization Awareness Month in North Carolina to highlight the importance of immunization.

“Immunization Awareness Month and back-to-school season are important reminders to families to make sure their children are up to date on vaccines. If you have any questions about what vaccines are due or how your doctor’s office is responding to COVID-19, reach out to your pediatrician or family physician,” said Susan Mims, MD, MPH, FAAP, president of the North Carolina Pediatric Society. “Whether your children are going back to school in person or virtually, please make sure they are protected from preventable diseases and death.”

Financial concerns should not act as a barrier to childhood immunization. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program offers free vaccines to families who cannot afford to pay for their children’s vaccines (through 19 years of age), and federal law requires most private insurance plans including Medicaid to cover recommended preventive services such as vaccinations at no out-of-pocket cost.

In order to be fully protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, children should receive all age-appropriate immunizations.

For more information about vaccine-preventable diseases and recommended immunizations, refer to resources from the CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Parents who are unsure which vaccines their children need can find out by taking a short quiz on the CDC website.

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

See What’s Happening at Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market This Week!

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-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Market Manager, Vance County Regional Farmers Market

Produce, Baked Goods, Crafts & More!

Squash, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, cucumbers, canary melons, cantaloupes, corn, peaches, blueberries, blackberries, watermelons, potatoes, okra, beets, cabbages, strawberries, radishes, greens & more. Fresh & local. We have pasture-raised beef, pork and free-range hen eggs.

You will also find a variety of canned vegetables, pickles, chow-chow and sauces. Local honey, too! Complete your meal with delicious pies, cakes and cookies – including cheesecakes. Don’t forget the fresh cut flowers!

Lots of unique, creative craft items: soaps, scrubs, bath salts, hand sanitizers, crocheted cloths, hand towels wreaths, flower arrangements beeswax candles, hand-sewn face masks, aprons, woodcrafts, jewelry and so much more!

Perry Library Now at the VCRFM

The Perry Memorial Library will now have a booth at the VCRFM on Wednesdays as a part of their POP-UP Program. The library’s building in downtown Henderson is currently closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic (though they do offer curbside pick-up services). Their booth at the market will offer several services normally provided at the library.

Customers may get a library card, return books, place holds on books and materials – all while at the farmers market. Library staff will also provide instructions on using the online databases and Overdrive digital media set-up. They will also have a selection of books you may check out right at the library booth!

Don’t Plant Those Seeds!

Did you receive seeds in the mail? The NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has received numerous reports of NC residents receiving seeds in the mail that they did not order. These seeds are apparently being shipped from China. The Department of Ag urges NC residents to avoid planting these seeds. Some of the worst insect and weed pests our nation contends with originated from foreign countries. Planting an unknown seed from another country could potentially have disastrous results.

This type of international shipment of plant material is unlawful and NCDA&CS asks anyone who received one of these unsolicited foreign shipments to save the contents along with all shipping labels and contact the Plant Industry Division toll-free at 800-206-9333 or email at newpest@ncagr.gov.  Plant Industry staff will contact you to gather information and pick up the package.

North Carolina residents are not in violation of any regulations if they received these shipments, but they are the key to identifying and stopping future shipments.

Largest Watermelon Contest

Get out there and start growing watermelons! The VCRFM is challenging you to grow the largest watermelon in the area. The winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to Franklin Brothers Nursery (courtesy of JASM Farms).

Note From the Farmers Market

Customers are asking about pink-eye purple hull peas – they are still about a week out from being available at the market. Please call VCRFM vendors to pre-order for curbside pick-up or large orders. Vendors can usually supply larger orders – such as a bushel of butter beans- if they know ahead of time.

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr. in Henderson, NC. Normal summer hours (through September 30) are Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Book Bag Drive Thru

H-V Rec. & Parks Announces Upcoming Fortnite Tournament, Book Bag Drive-Thru

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department

Fortnite Tournament: Want to win some V-Bucks?? Play in the first Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks online single-elimination Fortnite tournament. Youth ages 7-17 team up with three of your friends in a Battle Royal match. Each player on the winning team of the tournament will win 2,800 V-Bucks.

Participants can register now through Sunday, August 23 online at https://hvrpd.recdesk.com/. The cost is $8 per team.

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

Book Bag Drive-Thru: The Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department will be hosting a Book Bag Drive-Thru on Saturday, August 29 from 11 – 2 p.m. The Book Bag Drive-Thru will take place in the circle between the Henderson Police Department and McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center on Breckenridge Street in Henderson. Book bags are for youth attending school in Vance County.

Parents will enter from South Garnett Street and exit onto South Chestnut Street. Voter Registration and Census forms will also be offered to parents.

For more information, please contact Jaleel Johnson at (252) 431-6099 (jjohnson@ci.henderson.nc.us)

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

GVPH: Updates on COVID-19 Employee Quarantine, Return to Work Guidelines

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-Press Release, Granville Vance Public Health

Staff at the Granville Vance Public Health Department continues to test for COVID-19, contact trace, and watch the trends in the data daily. When an individual displays symptoms of COVID-19 or tests positive for the virus (regardless of whether they have symptoms), they are placed under isolation.

Persons with COVID-19 who have symptoms and were directed to care for themselves at home may discontinue isolation under the following conditions: 

  • At least 24 hours have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and, 
  • At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. 

If the individual tested positive for COVID-19 but has not had any symptoms, they should remain under isolation until at least 10 days have passed since the date of their first positive COVID-19 diagnostic test assuming they have not subsequently developed symptoms since their positive test. If they develop symptoms, then the symptom-based strategy should be used. 

For an individual who had close contact, defined as less than 6 feet for 15 minutes or more, with a person who has symptoms of COVID-19 or with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, it is recommended they quarantine in their home until 14 days after the last exposure and self-monitor for symptoms. Our contact tracing efforts are intended to educate and advise people about when they have been in contact with a positive case, and then to ask them to quarantine to reduce the spread of COVID-19. People who are not yet showing symptoms can, in some cases, still spread the virus. 

Employers should implement the recommendations in the Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 to help prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. We have summarized some of the key guidance for businesses below. 

If an employee within your business tests positive for COVID-19, it is important to determine which employees may have been exposed to the virus (again, someone who was within less than 6 feet for 15 minutes or more with a positive COVID-19 patient) and take additional precautions: 

  • Inform employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 
  • Most workplaces should follow the Public Health Recommendations for Community-Related Exposure and instruct potentially exposed employees to stay home for 14 days, telework if possible, and self-monitor for symptoms. 

Therefore, in order to maintain healthy business operations, businesses should implement flexible sick leave and supportive policies and practices. Accordingly, the CDC recommends that all businesses: 

  • Ensure that sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance and that employees are aware of and understand these policies. 
  • Maintain flexible policies that permit employees to stay home to care for a sick family member or take care of children due to school and childcare closures. Additional flexibilities might include giving advances on future sick leave and allowing employees to donate sick leave to each other. 
  • Employers that do not currently offer sick leave to some or all of their employees should consider drafting non-punitive “emergency sick leave” policies. 
  • Employers should not require a COVID-19 test result or a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick to validate their illness, qualify for sick leave, or to return to work. 

o Under the American’s with Disabilities Act, employers are permitted to require a doctor’s note from your employee to verify that they are healthy and able to return to work. However, as a practical matter, be aware that healthcare provider offices and medical facilities may be extremely busy and not able to provide such documentation in a timely manner. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care and can follow CDC recommendations to determine when to discontinue home isolation and return to work. 

We understand some critical infrastructure industries such as healthcare, critical manufacturing, law enforcement, and others have concerns about contacts to a positive case staying out of work for 14 days. Critical infrastructure workplaces should follow the guidance on Implementing Safety Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers Who May Have Had Exposure to a Person with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 to ensure continuity of operations.

Employers in critical infrastructure have an obligation to manage potentially exposed workers’ return to work in ways that best protect the health of those workers, their co-workers, and the general public. When we speak with contacts, we direct them to check with their place of work and follow work guidelines if they are an essential worker. Additional information about identifying critical infrastructure during COVID-19 can be found on the DHS CISA website or the CDC’s specific First Responder Guidance page. 

The CDC provides guidance for mitigating staff shortages and guidance for returning to work. Additional information and guidance tailored to businesses and employers is available through OSHA, CDC, and NC Department of Health and Human Services. 

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

GVPH COVID-19 Update: Recent Deaths Reported at Universal Health Care

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-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health

The following is an update for COVID-19 spread and response in Granville and Vance County as of August 10, 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

1,262 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,262, 704 are community-spread cases located across Granville County, 541 of those 704 have been released from isolation and eight are hospitalized.

Of those 1,262, 507 cases are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County, 366 of those 507 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,240, 51 are associated with outbreaks at long term care facilities including 11 at Murdoch Development Center, two at Central Regional Hospital, one at Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center, 29 at Universal Health Care, and eight at Granville House.

Of the 51 cases in long term care facilities in Granville County, eight have been released from isolation.

There have been a total of 28 deaths in Granville County, four in the community, one of whom was associated with Central Regional Hospital, two of whom were associated with Universal Health Care, and 21 of whom were associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.

Unfortunately, two deaths associated with Universal Health Care have been reported. A 66-year-old female passed away on August 7, and an 86 year-old female passed away on August 8.

Vance County

747 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 747, 623 are community-spread cases located across Vance County, 472 of those 623 have been released from isolation.

Of those 747, 124 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities, including 48 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, 17 associated with Senior Citizens Home, and one with Alliance Rehabilitative Care (ARC). The outbreak at Pelican Health nursing home is no longer active.

Of the 124 cases in congregate living facilities in Vance County, 44 have been released from isolation.

Three individuals in Vance County are hospitalized.

There have been a total of 41 deaths in Vance County, 14 of whom were associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 12 of whom were associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, two of whom were associated with Senior Citizens Home, and 13 in the community.

WIZS Note: There are 151 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 163 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers). While the total number of deaths in Vance County remained steady at 40 for several weeks, a recent COVID-related death associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home brings the count to 41.

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 www.gvph.org/COVID-19/ for the latest information from Granville Vance Public Health and to sign up for daily email updates.

North Henderson Baptist

North Henderson Baptist to Hold 220 Seafood Drive-Through Fundraiser

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-Information courtesy Gayle Davis, North Henderson Baptist Church

North Henderson Baptist Church will have a fundraiser for missions at 220 Seafood Restaurant on Monday, August 17, 2020, from 4 until 7 p.m. The event is drive-through only.

Plates are available for $8 and include trout, French fries and hush puppies.

All are welcome! Your support of this fundraiser is greatly appreciated!

H-V Chamber Logo

H-V Chamber: Employee Quarantine Guidelines, New Industry, Counterfeit Money & More

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The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce announces the following community updates:

Employee COVID-19 Quarantine & Returning to Work

The Chamber has received a Memo To Businesses and Employers from Kelsey Dickman with the Granville-Vance Public Health Department (here is the link). The memo gives some updates for you to be aware of as a local employer or HR manager concerning employee quarantine and isolation for COVID-19 cases in the workplace. Dickman indicated that the Granville-Vance Public Health Department website has also been updated with this information:  https://gvph.org/

Summary Notes – One change to note is criteria for release from isolation has been updated to the following: isolation can generally be discontinued 10 days after symptom onset and resolution of fever for at least 24 hours (reduced from 72 hours), without the use of fever-reducing medications, and with the improvement of other symptoms.

Additionally, GVPH would like to continue to emphasize that employers should not require a COVID-19 test result or a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick to validate their illness, qualify for sick leave, or to return to work. A test-based strategy (i.e. requiring negative tests) is no longer recommended to discontinue isolation, except in very specific circumstances in consultation with infectious diseases experts, per the CDC guidance regarding duration of isolation. Therefore, providers will no longer be able to offer testing to return to work.

If you have any questions about the memo information provided here or about public health-related communications needs, please contact Kelsey Dickman at (252) 492-7915 ext. 236 or email kdickman@gvdhd.org.

Announcement of New Industry

The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome a new manufacturing industry and new employment opportunities to Vance County. An announcement was made this week by Governor Cooper, NC Dept of Commerce and our local EDC office that Select Products Holdings will be coming to Vance County – utilizing the space in the former Staples Distribution building, across from Vance-Granville Community College.

Select Products offers high-quality, affordable paper products ranging from facial and bath tissue to paper towels and napkins.

Counterfeit Money Discovered

Counterfeit $5 bills were recently discovered by a downtown Henderson business. All businesses (especially those in retail and service) should be aware of this situation.

Job Retention Grant (JRG) Program

The H-V Chamber received word from the NC Dept of Commerce that a new grant program for businesses and non-profits has been announced. If you are a business owner/manager or a non-profit organization manager and you have experienced interruption due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, this new Job Retention Grant (JRG) Program may be a valuable resource for you.

The NC Dept of Commerce has posted the application and guidance, including a FAQ, for businesses. The deadline for applications is September 1, 2020, so you will need to respond right away. Read the eligibility carefully!

The website is https://www.nccommerce.com/grants-incentives/disaster-recovery/job-retention-grant-jrg. It should provide you the necessary information, as well as the application, application guidance and an FAQ section.

For additional information contact Bruce Naegelen, Community Economic Development Planner with the NC Dept of Commerce, by telephone at (252) 822-1859 or by email at bruce.naegelen@nccommerce.com.