Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Dr. Jessica Perry

Dr. Jessica Perry Named Interim Principal of Vance Virtual Village Academy (V3)

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Dr. Jessica Perry has been selected as the Interim Principal of Vance Virtual Village Academy (V3). She began with Vance County Schools as the Director of Testing and Accountability in 2018.

She has been in public education for 19 years serving as an administrator in Franklin County Schools, as well as Beginning Teacher Support Coordinator, Assistant Instructional Management Coordinator and Business teacher for Wake County Public Schools. Dr. Perry is also an adjunct professor at Wake Tech Community College. 

Jessica Perry

Dr. Jessica Perry has been selected as the Interim Principal of Vance Virtual Village Academy (V3). She began with Vance County Schools as the Director of Testing and Accountability in 2018. (Photo courtesy VCS)

Bringing a wealth of knowledge to this role, we are certain Dr. Perry will be a tremendous asset to Vance County Schools and our community, leading Vance Virtual Village Academy.

With the launch of this new, innovative school in Vance County, we know that we have an amazing leader paving the way! Dr. Perry will assume her new role effective immediately.

WIZS Note: Responding to an inquiry regarding the announcement on July 2, 2020, that Nathan Currie was named the Principal for Vance Virtual Village Academy, VCS stated Mr. Currie is no longer employed with the school district. 

Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health Celebrates Opening of New Cardiac Catheterization Lab

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-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Click here for a 3D tour of Maria Parham Health’s new Cath Lab.

Maria Parham Health (MPH) today announced the completion of a new cardiovascular catheterization (cath) lab within its hospital in Henderson. Leadership celebrated with a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony in the presence of physicians, employees and board members on Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Maria Parham’s team of cardiologists will begin performing procedures in the new cath lab on August 5, 2020.

As its name suggests, the new laboratory will be primarily used to perform cardiac catheterization procedures on patients who need advanced heart care. Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel problems. A tiny tube called a catheter is placed into a blood vessel so that imaging dyes and small equipment can be passed through.

Catheterization enables healthcare providers to examine the heart and blood vessels, and is used to look for blockages in arteries, check heart valve function, measure blood flow and even place stents in arteries when they are narrow or blocked. In a medical emergency, catheterization procedures allow physicians to quickly diagnose heart problems and provide lifesaving treatments. Vascular studies of other areas, such as a patient’s legs, can also be done in the cath lab.

“Every minute counts when a patient has a heart attack, and now with our newly expanded cath lab, members of our community have enhanced access to interventional heart care without leaving Henderson,” said Bert Beard, chief executive officer of Maria Parham Health (MPH). “We are pleased to be able to provide high-quality cardiovascular care close to home for those we serve and take another important step toward advancing our mission of Making Communities Healthier.”

Maria Parham’s cardiovascular team includes Schuyler Jones, MD, a Duke Health cardiologist, who serves as medical director of the cath lab, and cardiologists Augustus Grant, MD; Jorge Gutierrez, MD; Navaneetha Sheshadri, MD; Radhakrishnan Ramaraj, MD; Willie Sessions, MD; Sydney Short, MD; and Rajesh Viswanathan Swaminathan, MD.

MPH will also be welcoming new Duke Health cardiologist Jenifer Rhymer, MD on August 21, 2020.

In addition, radiologists from Wake Radiology will treat patients in the lab. The lab is staffed by four employees, including registered nurses and cath lab technicians.

“Our team is really excited for the opportunity to perform a vast array of cardiac and vascular procedures in our new cath lab,” said cardiologist Schuyler Jones, MD. “This expansion really highlights Maria Parham Health’s commitment to excellence in clinical care and outcomes in cardiovascular care.”

The total cost of the project was $3.3 million for construction and equipment, which was made possible by a capital investment from LifePoint Health, MPH’s operating partner. The lab’s new equipment includes a next-generation 3D imaging system designed to provide fine image details for greater precision while keeping the radiation dose as low as possible.

The imaging system has a tableside user interface for easy access and offset C-arm provides maximum positioning flexibility and patient access in all views. The new hemodynamic monitoring system is capable of measuring blood flow, blood pressure, oxygen levels and other vital signs, as well as enabling documentation and generating reports.

For more information about Maria Parham Health’s cardiovascular services, visit MariaParham.com. To find a provider who specializes in heart care at Maria Parham, call 800.424.DOCS.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

GVPH COVID-19 Update: Case Reported at Alliance Rehabilitative Care (ARC)

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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 August 3, 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

1,192 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,192, 653 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 653, 495 have been released from isolation, and 11 are hospitalized.

Of those 1,192 cases, 507 are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County, and 366 of those 507 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,192, 32 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, 10 at Universal Health Care, and eight at Granville House.

Of the 32 cases in long term care facilities in Granville County, eight have been released from isolation.

There have been a total of 25 deaths in Granville County, three in the community, one at Central Regional Hospital, and 21 of whom were associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.

Vance County

709 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 709, 585 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 585, 440 have been released from isolation.

Of those 709, 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) in Henderson, NC. The outbreak at ARC is newly reported. 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 40 deaths in Vance County, 14 of whom were associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 11 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 145 total known active cases in the Vance County community and 158 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers). The total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Vance County has not increased since July 6.

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.

VGCC Customer Service Excellence

VGCC to Offer New Customer Service Excellence Program

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College has scheduled a new, mostly-online program designed to equip area residents with the customer service skills that are critical to the success of all businesses and organizations. The “Customer Service Excellence” program is set to be offered four times this fall.

In each case, students will only attend the first class in person at one of VGCC’s campuses. The rest of the program (totaling 24 hours) will be completed online from the comfort and safety of students’ homes or offices.

The class that begins at the college’s Main Campus (near Henderson) will be held August 24 – September 13; at the Franklin County Campus (Louisburg), September 14 – October 4; at South Campus (Creedmoor/Butner), October 5-25; and at the Warren County Campus (Warrenton), October 26 – November 15. Students are reminded that masks or face coverings are now required for everyone while indoors on campus.

The first few classes within the program will introduce the basic concepts of customer service, including how to handle difficult customer interactions; enhance participants’ communication skills; and examine customer relationship management (CRM), which can lead to growing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Next, students will learn critical problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, as well as basic computer skills for the workplace. Then, participants will gain skills that can help them secure employment, including career/resume development, and job interview techniques. A section on financial literacy will help students learn strategies for managing money, budgeting and saving.

Finally, students will prepare for the National Career Readiness Certification exam.

“This program is designed to equip employees with the skills needed to provide outstanding customer service by building and maintaining mutually-beneficial relationships,” said VGCC Dean of Business & Industry Solutions Tanya Weary. “These classes teach participants how to achieve customer service excellence while building a robust, skilled workforce for our local employers in any number of sectors.”

The instructor for the program is Alex Madrigal.

The program costs $70 but will be free of charge to participants who qualify through a Human Resources Development (HRD) waiver.

For more information, contact Kyle Burwell, Director of Occupational Extension, at (252) 738-3276 or burwellk@vgcc.edu.

To register, visit https://www.vgcc.edu/coned/hrd/.

VGCC Logo

Town Talk 08/03/20: VGCC Receives CARES Act Funding, Readies for Fall Semester

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of Vance-Granville Community College, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Desmarais announced that VGCC recently received $363,000 as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was signed into law in March to assist American workers, families and businesses.

Funding of $500-$1,500 is available to VGCC students who were registered for in-person classes during the spring semester, received some form of financial aid and were adversely affected by COVID-19. If the pandemic negatively impacted a student’s work schedule, finances, childcare availability and/or personal health, among other areas, Desmarais said they are considered adversely affected.

The amount of funding an eligible VGCC student receives depends on the number of credit hours they were registered for in the spring. Desmarais reported the college has distributed $188,000 in federal CARES Act funding to date.

Desmarais also said that after “a high volume online summer semester that exceeded enrollment compared to last summer,” VGCC is turning its attention to the beginning of its fall semester on August 17.

For the fall, many courses will continue to be taught in an online format, with trade classes such as welding, carpentry and automotive returning for at least partial in-person instruction. “We are teaching what we can in an online format to reduce the number of people on campus at this time,” explained Desmarais.

Drive-up internet Wi-Fi hotspots will be available in VGCC’s parking lots, with access to college internet labs and devices available for registered students.

In addition to in-person tutoring by appointment, online tutoring and assistance with online learning will also be available.

As a safety precaution, the college will require the following measures:

  • Masks are required to be worn in buildings and outside when around other people.
  • A quick health screen will be required each day when arriving on campus.
  • While on campus, keep at least six feet away from others to comply with social distancing.
  • Please do not come to campus if you are feeling unwell, and let your advisor or faculty member know so you can stay caught up with assignments.

To learn more about VGCC, or to register for the fall semester, please visit the college’s official website at www.vgcc.edu.

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

Vance County Sheriff's Office

Local Business Offers Free Lunch to Law Enforcement, First Responders

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-Information courtesy Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame

Local business Tony’s Auto & Tire is providing lunch for on or off duty law enforcement officers, medical workers and first responders on Saturday, August 8, 2020.

The free lunch will be served drive-thru style starting at 11:30 a.m. at 415 Raleigh Road in Henderson. The meal includes chicken and fixings.

Eligible participants include:

  • Law Enforcement
  • 911 Communicators
  • Medical Personnel
  • Fire/Rescue – Volunteer/Full-time
  • First Responders

Sheriff Brame said the meal is a thank you from the business for all that these individuals do for the community.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Antavian Cornelius Yancey

Search Continues for Suspected Murderer Antavian Cornelius Yancey

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-Information and photos courtesy the Vance County Sheriff’s Office

Update: The Vance County Sheriff’s Office, along with other state and local authorities, continue to look for Antavian Cornelius Yancey for the murder of Charisma Robinson. It is believed that Yancey has family and friend ties in Durham, Burlington and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Yancey is considered to be armed and dangerous. If you have seen or have any knowledge about Antavian C. Yancey’s location, please contact your local law enforcement agency.

Aliases: Cornelius Yancey and Antavian Yancey

Original Press Release Issued July 24:

On Thursday, July 16, 2020, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division received a call referencing smoke in a wooded area. Upon the arrival of Deputies and the Vance County Fire Department on the scene, a vehicle was fully engulfed. 

Members of the Vance County Sheriff‘s Office Criminal Investigation Division responded to investigate the vehicle fire along with North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s Arson unit. On July 17, 2020, the Vance County Sheriff‘s Office Criminal Investigation Division received a phone call from the Burlington Police Department in reference to the Burlington Police Department locating the body of a black female that was believed to be from Henderson, North Carolina. The female was identified as Charisma Robinson, age 35. 

Investigator began to investigate these incidents and developed that the two cases were connected. Participating agencies from the Vance County Sheriff‘s Office, Henderson Police Department, Burlington Police Department and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation began a collaborative effort to solve the murder of Charisma Robinson, 

Through the investigation, a person of interest was developed and later identified as a subject/suspect in this matter. 

On July 24, 2020, a warrant for Murder and Burning of Personnel Property was issued for Antavian Cornelius Yancey (B/M/Age 34), regarding the death of Charisma Robinson. 

Yancey is believed to be armed and dangerous. If located, please contact the Vance County Sheriff‘s Office at (252) 738–2200.

Hurricane Isaias

Hurricane Isaias Has Potential to Impact Local Area Beginning Monday Morning

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

From Brian Short, director of Henderson-Vance Emergency Operations:

While Hurricane Isaias, at this point, is expected to be mainly a coastal event, it is still days away and a slight jog to the left could change our local level of impact significantly. Isaias is also expected to reach category 2 status prior to impact. At its current forward speed, we could begin to feel the impacts of the storm as soon as early Monday morning.

Henderson-Vance Emergency Operations has been monitoring this system for the past few days with great interest and will continue to do so going forward. Everyone is encouraged to continue to watch this storm closely and to begin basic preparedness activities if they have not already done so.

Today, we began our pre-storm activities and will escalate them over the coming days, implementing certain emergency protective measures if and when they are needed.

Keep in mind that we are now entering peak hurricane season, and the tropics have already been very active. The time to prepare is now and not when the winds begin to blow.

In addition to non-perishable food and water, hurricane emergency supply kits should include:

• First-aid kit
• Weather radio and batteries
• Prescription medicines
• Sleeping bag or blankets
• Changes of clothes
• Hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant
• Cash
• Pet supplies including food, water, bedding, leashes, muzzle and vaccination records.

If you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if you’re in a home that would be unsafe during a hurricane, figure out where you’d go and how you’d get there if told to evacuate.

We will continue to issue additional updates as they are received or our situation changes.

Please follow Vance County Emergency Operations on Facebook to stay informed on current preparedness efforts and other storm-related information.

More information on severe weather and hurricane preparedness is located at www.ReadyNC.org.

Vance County Logo

Vance Co. Board of Commissioners to Hold Monthly Meeting Mon., Aug. 3

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to Board/Executive Asst., County of Vance

The Vance County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, August 3, 2020, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 122 Young Street, Henderson.

Agenda items:

1. Public Comments (for those registered to speak by 5:45 p.m. – each speaker is limited to five minutes)

2. Public Hearing – 6 p.m. – Animal Control Ordinance Amendments

3. Appointment – 6:15 p.m. – Sennica Nicholson, Board of Elections Chair – Poll Worker Wages

4. Appointment – 6:30 p.m. – Porcha Brooks, Tax Administrator – Untimely Exemption Applications

5. Water District Board

a. Monthly Operations Report

6. Committee Reports and Recommendations

a. Public Safety Committee

– Fire District Redistricting

– Fire Reorganization

– Fire Association Priorities

b. Properties Committee

– Warrenton Road Convenience Site – Construction Bids

7. Finance Director’s Report

a. Surplus Property

b. Grant Project Ordinance Amendment – Coronavirus Relief Funding

c. Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) Funds for Elections

d. Coronavirus Relief Fund Project Approval

8. County Attorney’s Report

a. REO Property – Bid Acceptance – Tanner Street Lot – Parcel 0111 04009

b. REO Property – New Offer – Community House Road Lot – Parcel 0460 01026

9. County Manager’s Report

a. Legislative Goals

b. McGregor Hall Funding Request

c. HVIP Phase III Project Update

d. Request from Secretary of Interior

10. Consent Agenda Items

a. Tax Refunds and Releases

b. Monthly Reports

c. Minutes

11. Miscellaneous

a. Appointments

b. September Meeting Date

c. Appoint County Manager as NCACC Voting Delegate

12. Closed Session

a. Economic Development Project

Click here to view current and prior Board agendas.

Granville Vance Public Health Logo

GVPH COVID-19 Update: Cases Increase, Deaths & Hospitalizations Remain Stable

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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 July 30, 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

1,145 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 1,145, 611 are community-spread cases located across Granville County. Of those 611, 484 have been released from isolation, and six are hospitalized.

Of those 1,145 cases, 505 are affiliated with the prison system in Granville County, and 74 of those 505 have been released from isolation.

Of those 1,145, 29 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, seven at Universal Health Care, and eight at Granville House.

Of the 29 cases in long term care facilities in Granville County, six have been released from isolation.

There have been a total of 25 deaths in Granville County: three in the community, one at Central Regional Hospital, and 21 of whom were associated with the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex.

Vance County

693 positive test results for COVID-19.

Of those 693, 570 are community-spread cases located across Vance County. Of those 570, 415 have been released from isolation.

Of those 693, 123 are associated with outbreaks at congregate living facilities, including 48 cases associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, and 17 associated with Senior Citizens Home. The outbreak at Pelican Health nursing home is no longer active.

Of the 123 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 40 deaths in Vance County: 14 of whom were associated with the Pelican Health nursing home outbreak, 11 of whom were associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home, and two of whom were associated with Senior Citizens Home.

WIZS Note: There are 155 total active cases in the Vance County community and 127 in the Granville County community at large at this time (excluding congregate living numbers). The total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Vance County has not increased since July 6.

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.