Governor Roy Cooper announced that $85.4 million in federal funds provided for COVID-19 relief to counties will be disbursed this week.
Three large counties, Guilford, Mecklenburg and Wake, have already received funds directly from the federal government, and 59 other counties that have completed certification will receive funds this week from the state-administered Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) that was passed by Congress. Counties are encouraged to support municipalities with the funding as needed.
“Everyone is working hard to make ends meet, including county governments as they finalize their budgets,” Governor Cooper said. “These funds will help communities respond to the COVID-19 crisis with testing, personal protective equipment and more.”
Though the federal government did not require that the state share any of the $3.56 billion in the CRF to North Carolina local governments, Governor Cooper’s COVID-19 budget proposal recommended $300 million be allocated to counties and municipalities.
Ultimately, the unanimously approved and bipartisan budget that Governor Cooper signed included $150 million for counties that have the flexibility to share monies with their municipalities as county commissioners deem appropriate.
Local allocations include:
Vance County – $974, 599
Granville County – $1,233,427
Warren County – $571,030
Franklin County – $1,383, 798
The full distribution of funds is listed hereby county, along with instructions to counties about how the funds may be used.
The CRF funds may be used for medical needs including the COVID-19 related expenses of public hospitals and clinics, including testing; public health expenses, such as personal protective equipment and other medical supplies, as well as the cost of cleaning public areas and facilities such as nursing homes; payroll expenses for public safety or healthcare employees dedicated to responding to the COVID-19 emergency; and expenses to comply with public health measures, including teleworking, distance learning, food delivery, paid leave for public employees, expenses for maintaining prisons, and protecting the homeless population.
By state law, the 97 remaining counties will receive a base amount of $250,000, with more distributed by population. This quick disbursement of funds was coordinated by the state Office of State Budget and Management and the new North Carolina Pandemic Recovery Office (NC PRO).
For questions about how CRF funds may be used, go to the NCPRO website for more information.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/NC-Governor.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-05-28 09:22:092020-05-28 09:23:19Four-County Area to Receive Over $4 Million in COVID-19 Relief Funding
Keith Shearon, director of Customized Training at Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC), appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.
VGCC provides customized training programs tailored to meet the needs of a company and its employees. Classes are flexible in design to accomplish specific objectives and are jointly planned by company managers and training specialists from the College.
Funded by the State of North Carolina, Shearon said these programs offer companies training that assists with plant expansions, technological advancements and productivity enhancements.
Pioneered in 1958 to enhance economic development in NC by way of a well-trained and educated workforce, customized training was, and continues to be, a key part in attracting new companies and retaining existing companies, explained Shearon.
Examples of VGCC’s customized training courses include:
Computer Training
Communication Skills
Customer Service
Environmental
Leadership
Management
Quality Control
Safety & Health
Team Training
Technical & Engineering
Vocational Trade
Eligible industry sectors include manufacturing, technology-intensive, life sciences, regional or national warehousing and distribution centers, business and technical support centers, air courier services and national headquarters with operations outside of NC.
As an example, Shearon said customized training would be appropriate when a manufacturer purchases equipment and needs to train employees on how to operate the new technology. The company’s management would contact VGCC to schedule an assessment and map out a training plan for employees before and/or after hire.
With five projects currently underway, Shearon said companies are reaching out to VGCC’s Customized Training Program for assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have this struggle going on in our economic situation right now,” stated Shearon. “We have some companies that are growing despite the situation, and we have other companies that are struggling because of the situation. A lot of companies are trying to figure out how to use the resources they have available to them to carry on the best that they can.”
While VGCC is typically regarded in the community as a place to register for courses that will lead to the completion of a degree or a diploma, Shearon said the College has much to offer in terms of shorter-term training and business guidance as well.
-Information courtesy Granville Vance Public Health
As of May 26, 2020, there are 258 known COVID-19 cases in Granville County, 243 cases in Vance County, and 24,140 confirmed cases in North Carolina.
There are three outbreaks at congregate living facilities in the district – one at Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC, one at Pelican Health in Henderson, NC, and one at Kerr Lake Nursing Home in Henderson, NC.
Of the total positive cases in each county, 119 in Granville County are associated with the prisons, 45 in Vance County are associated with Pelican Health nursing home, and 22 are associated with Kerr Lake Nursing Home.
Of the 139 community-based cases in Granville County, 57 have been released from isolation and 4 are hospitalized.
Of the 119 cases in the prison system, 63 have been released from isolation.
Of the 243 cases in Vance, 98 have been released from isolation and 12 are currently hospitalized.
There have been a total of 31 deaths in the health district – 20 in Vance County and 11 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.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0061_granville-vance-public-health.png.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-05-27 08:55:172020-05-27 08:55:17Local COVID-19 Report: 31 Deaths Reported in Granville, Vance Health District
Vance County High School celebrated commencement with 220 graduates on Saturday, May 23, 2020, at 9 a.m. The drive-thru ceremony was held at Vance County High School.
Though unable to have a traditional graduation, Vance County Schools was elated to be able to recognize the Class of 2020. Students were afforded the opportunity to graduate on their scheduled commencement day. Each graduate was limited to one vehicle; however, the ceremony was live-streamed on the school district website, as well as live updates provided on WIZS 1450 AM/100.1 FM for other family, friends and community members. The event was also covered by Spectrum News.
Once graduates arrived, the family received their graduation programs and began the line-up in their vehicles. Family members were congratulated during the processional drive-thru as their child exited the vehicle and walked towards the stage through a tunnel of celebrations.
The finale included family who were able to view their graduate walking across the stage, an integral part of the plan. Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent of Vance County Schools, and Mr. Rey Horner, principal of Vance County High School, presented each of the graduates with their diploma.
Graduates included:
Ruby Aguirre, Dw’aylon Alexander, America Alfaro, Haytham Ali, Omar Ali, Avery Allen, Jylesha Allen, Nijah Allen, Elijah Alston, Kaleeha Alston, Tamia Alston, Tyasha Alston, Tre’Quan Archie, Dinah Baldwin, Breanna Ball, Jamila Barnes, Annie Baskerville, Isaac Bell McLean, Tyler Bondurant, Jatavious Boyd, Roy Boyd, Tajmia Boyd, Traquan Boyd, Nashiya Branch, Sha’Nia Branch, Lamaurice Bridges, Ricky Brodie, Kapri Brown, Jasmine Brummitt, Tyree Bryant, Jy’Hem Bullock, Sha’Mya Bullock, Treshaun Burton, Armarnee Burwell, Ashanti Burwell, Kristophe’ Burwell, Phillip Burwell, Samein Burwell, Jonathan Castilleja, Jermey Clark, Keyuna Cofield, Kasaveon Cole, Keziah Coleman, Sherique Coleman, Malik Cooper, Tra’Veon Cooper, Aaliyah Copeland, La-Dashia Coppedge, Jamie Crute, Jordan Dalipe, Tammy Dang, James Davis, Shamarra Davis, Kaya Devaughn, Terrance Downing, Harry Drumgold, Ashanti Edwards, Kayla Ellington, Kiana Epps, Mariela Escribano Chontal, Davonte’ Evans, E’nya Evans, Ky’Ree Evans, Sarah Evans, Ke’Mari Falcon, Tydasia Faulkner, Keith Fisher, Samayia Floyd, Hope Fogg, Ijaray Gary, Nshama-Rishona Gibbs, Victoria Glasscock, Quincy Glover, Jada Gray, Christian Green, Jamari Green, Logan Grimes, Ernesha Hallom, Clitayvious Hammond, Breaoni Hargrove, Ja’niya Hargrove, Jebias Hargrove, Jonah Hargrove, Mark Hargrove, Howard Harley, Amauri Harris, La’Zariah Harris, Michael Harris, Trekwon Harrison, Carneshia Hawkins, Devone Hayes, Ijanae’ Henderson, Kennede Henderson, Tory Henderson, Andrea Hendricks, Tyree Hendricks, Susanna Hernandez, Diana Hernandez-Campos, Ja’Khiah Hicks, Joye Hicks, Diamond Hope, Keiron Hunt, Shamia Hymon, Eric Jett, Brian Johnson, De’Andre Johnson, Nikita Johnson, Anasia Jones, Davion Jones, Diamonte’ Jones, Edward Jones, Jabari Jones, Kayla Jones, Phadol Jordan, Carlos Juarez-Hernandez, Jy’Kavious Judkins, Ashanti Kearney, Ta’niah Kearney, Dewayne Kennedy, Quinysha King, Jolvin Kingsberry, Kahlil Kingsberry, Austin Lawless, Carolina Leon, Aquavion Lewis, Jhanell Lewis, Taliya Lewis, Tiyani Lewis, Monserrat Lopez, Asia Loyd, Ta’Quan Lyons, Jose Maldonado, Ausencio Maldonado-Alvarez, Victoria Martiny, Tahkeira McKnight, Stephanie Melgar, Jessica Mellor, Leahana Melton, Marilyn Mendoza Mata, Vanessa Mendoza, Kyra Mitchell, Ny’Asia Mitchell, Ja’Quan Moore, Madison Moore,Yesenia Morales, Thomas Murphy, Gianna Ortiz, Rodney Palmer, Brian Paramo-Saldana, Ma’kiyah Parham, Maximus Parham, Rontaja Peace, Cody Pegram, Kayla Penny, Natasha Perry, Shakilvin Pettaway, Payton Rainey, Elsa Ramos, Michael Reavis, Ashanti Richardson, Dai’Quan Roberts, Gustavo Robles-Delao, Julie Rodriguez, Yareli Rodriguez Ramirez, Breanna Rodwell, Jackson Royster, Tamara Sanchez, Jennifer Sanchez-Alejo, Brian Santaclara, Laura Santos Hernandez, Sylvester Shaw, Jay’la Shearin, Jaylen Shearin, Nigee Shearin, Sha’Joya Smith, Larry Springs, Christopher Stevenson, Ta’Ree Sulyans, Isis Taylor, Kaziah Taylor, Duquasha Terrell, Kristina Terry, Lantavious Terry, Noah Terry, Rockele Terry, Tiana Terry, Destinee Thompson, Miriam Trejo, Delmy Trochez Sanchez, Edgar Torres, Jalen Townes, Malik Townes, Thomas Townes, Maria Umanzor Guzman, Keyon Umstead, Marcos Vasconcelos, Anna Ventura, Jecario Watson, Destiny Weaver, Jordan Webb, Si’mone Webb, Derrick Wiggins, Tyere’ Wiggins, Jhaiiheeim Wilkins, Zachary Willard, Antonio Williams, Csaveon Williams, Dynasty Williams, Melaine Williams, Rosolind Williams, Sydiahiah Williams, Thomasina-Hydeia Williams-Niles, Jacob Williamson, Bryanna Wilson, Da’Unta Wimbush, Atiya Woods, Rielly Wortham, Bryton Yarborough, Phajja Yarborough and Ashley Zuniga.
Vance County Schools recognizes seniors using Latin honors as determined by the student’s grade point average. A total of 43 graduating Vance County High School seniors received Latin honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, cum laude).
Senior Victoria Glasscock delivered a pre-recorded speech to her class.
In addition to 220 high school diplomas being awarded, combined, Vance County High School students have been awarded over 1.5 million dollars in scholarships and grants. This number continues to grow as students are still receiving award letters that were delayed by COVID-19.
Although the Class of 2020 did not experience a traditional senior year, VCS is proud to have provided a graduation that allowed every senior their moment to shine and be celebrated. We are extremely proud of our seniors and wish them the best as they journey ahead.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/VCHS-Grad-2020.jpg265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-05-26 14:36:242020-05-26 15:14:23Vance County High School Graduates 220 in Drive-Thru Ceremony
Greg Ackles, the new head men’s basketball coach for Wake Forest High School and former coach at Southern Vance High School (SVHS) and Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC), appeared on the WIZS Coach’s Corner Tuesday.
Serving as the head men’s basketball coach at VGCC for the past two years, and at SVHS for the five years prior, Ackles now takes on a Wake Forest team with a recent 1-9 conference and 5-20 overall record.
While Ackles has his work cut out for him, he said his experience with team building and motivating players to be competitive – as witnessed in doubling the number of VGCC wins during his two-year coaching tenure – will serve him well.
“I don’t want to toot my own horn, but I know what I’m capable of and I know my ability in terms of building a program,” said Ackles. “The expectation is the same regardless of any job I take on: to get the players to be competitive.”
Ackles said he has already been in talks with the Cougar’s Junior Varsity basketball coach and has an online meeting scheduled with players this evening for a general meet-and-greet. It is expected that the majority of the players, with the exception of the four seniors who graduated, will be returning for the next season.
With the recent retiring of VCHS basketball coach Wilton Baskett leaving an open position at the combined high school, Ackles said he “heavily debated” his options, but ultimately decided to apply for the Wake Forest position and to accept the resulting job offer.
“I want to say thank you to Vance County because they treated me well the past seven years at both the high school and at VGCC. Hopefully, we can make this thing work at Wake Forest.”
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/coachscornerfeaturedimage.jpg265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2020-05-26 14:20:252020-05-26 14:20:25Coach’s Corner 05/26/20: Former SVHS, VGCC Basketball Coach Heading to Wake Forest
Students studying biotechnology at Vance-Granville Community College recently joined their counterparts from a handful of other colleges in a career fair that was tailor-made for the current state of social distancing and video-conferencing.
On May 14, nine VGCC Bioprocess students participated – from their homes – in the first in a planned series of Virtual Career Fairs organized by the BioNetwork, part of the N.C. Community College System. Representatives of several North Carolina biopharmaceutical companies talked with students, including Biogen, Catalent, KBI, Guerbet, Merck, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer and Seqirus, along with staffing agencies like Adecco, Manpower and Spectraforce.
“This innovative event represented an outstanding partnership of Vance-Granville staff, the BioNetwork and the private sector,” said Stewart Lyon, who heads VGCC’s Biotech programs, based at the college’s Franklin County Campus. “Although the full results are still being tabulated, we know that our students were able to speak with an average of six employers during the event, and one student spoke with 13 potential employers! Some participants have also confirmed that they have received invitations to formal job interviews from the event.”
VGCC not only made this opportunity available to students but also helped prepare them ahead of time, so they could present themselves in the best professional light. Lyon, VGCC Director of Career Services Linda Fletcher and BioNetwork staff all helped review the students’ resumes before the event. In fact, having an “approved” resume was a requirement for students to participate. Lyon and Fletcher continue to offer such services to students, to help them secure good jobs after they complete their studies.
Enrollment for the Fall 2020 semester is going on now for the Bioprocess Technology program. VGCC offers a Bioprocess Technology certificate, which can be completed in as little as six months (combining online coursework with labs meeting only once per week); a diploma program, which takes about one year, and the two-year Associate in Applied Science degree. All these options are eligible for federal financial aid to qualified students.
Lyon also points out that students have options to continue their education beyond VGCC, particularly through new transfer opportunities. Students seeking four-year degrees can transfer to North Carolina Central University and East Carolina University through special articulation agreements.
For more information on VGCC’s biotech programs, contact Mr. Lyon at lyons@vgcc.edu or 252-738-3632.
Prospective students are also encouraged to check the college website, www.vgcc.edu, and the Facebook page – facebook.com/vancegranville – this summer for announcements on upcoming Biotech information sessions.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/VGCC-Virtual-Biotech-Fair-1.jpg265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-05-26 09:47:452020-05-26 13:24:50VGCC Biotech Students Participate in Virtual Career Fair
-Information courtesy Paul McKenzie, Agricultural Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension
The next meeting of the Vance County Regional Farmers Market Advisory Board will be held via the Zoom video conferencing platform on Thursday, May 28, 2020, at 2 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.
For access information, please contact the NC Cooperative Extension’s Vance County Center by 1 p.m. on May 28. Those interested in participating may call (252) 438-8188 or email paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0055_Farmers-Market-Edited-e1461854851601.png.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-05-26 08:09:142020-05-27 15:34:30VCRFM’s May 28 Online Advisory Board Meeting Open to the Public
-Obituary and photo courtesy Davis-Royster Funeral Service
Dr. Andrea Lynnette Harris, 71, of West Rockspring Street, Henderson, died May 20, 2020, at Duke Raleigh Medical Center in Raleigh. She was born in Sumter, SC to the late Al Harris, Sr. and Geneva Smith Harris.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. No public services will be held at this time.
She is survived by two nieces: Alana and Omara Harris; and one great-niece, Lourdes Harris, along with a host of other relatives and friends.
Dr. Andrea Harris, Henderson resident and NC Women & Minority Economic Developer, died May 20, 2020. (Photo courtesy Davis-Royster Funeral Service)
Congressman G. K. Butterfield issued the following statement on Harris:
“Andrea Harris lived a life of passion, humility and unwavering dedication to breaking barriers and blazing trails for the economic advancement of minority groups. From being the youngest community agency director in the nation at age 23 to serving as Co-founder of the Senior Fellow of the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development in Durham, NC; Andrea dedicated her life’s work to the imperative economic principle that prosperity must be shared and never isolated.”
“Though she was the recipient of many awards and recognitions for her work in business and leadership—above all, Andrea Harris is beautifully adorned by the doors that she has opened, the opportunities that she has fostered and the lasting impact she has made on individuals, businesses and minority communities in North Carolina. Her legacy continues to challenge us all to be better, to speak up, to make our voices heard and our purpose clear. Andrea was my personal friend for more than 40 years, and I extend my sincerest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce President Michele Burgess said Harris will be remembered as a trailblazer for historically underutilized businesses and for her work with civil rights. She was serving as a member of the Vance County Economic Development Commission Board and was on the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees.
Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington had these kind words: “Today we remember one of the brightest lights of our time. A brilliant champion for all people, a fierce friend and truly a phenomenal lady. Like so many others, we cherish the time we were privileged to share with Andrea Harris. With a strong word she had the ability to remind us what was truly important. I recall the words of Maya Angelou, ‘No sun outlasts its sunset, but will rise again, and bring the dawn.’”
Yesterday, NC Governor Roy Cooper honored Harris’ many accomplishments by ordering all North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff until sunset on Saturday, May 23.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Andrea-Harris-1.png265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2020-05-22 17:29:452020-05-25 12:03:21In Memory of Dr. Andrea Harris, Local Resident and NC Women & Minority Economic Developer
-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Co. Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson Family YMCA will hold summer day camp for ages 4-12 weekly beginning June 1 through August 7, 2020.
Camp will be held Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Participation is $115 per week for members and $135 per week for non-members. Financial assistance is available.
The camp will conduct daily health screenings and will follow recommendations from the NCDHHS, CDC and the health department.
More information on a virtual camp option and a teen camp for members 13-17 is coming soon.
The Henderson Family YMCA is located at 380 Ruin Creek Road in Henderson. For more information, please visit the website at www.hendersonymca.org or call (252) 438-2144.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/YMCA-Summer-Camp-2020.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-05-22 17:16:172020-05-22 17:16:17Henderson Family YMCA Moving Ahead With Youth Summer Day Camp
Vance County Early College High School celebrated commencement with 41 graduates on Thursday, May 21, 2020, at 6 p.m. The drive-thru ceremony was held at Vance-Granville Community College.
Though unable to have a traditional graduation, Vance County Schools was elated to be able to recognize the Class of 2020. The ceremony was live-streamed on the school district website and live updates were provided on WIZS 1450 AM/100.1 FM.
Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent of Vance County Schools, and Mr. Travis Taylor, principal of Vance County Early College High School, presented each of the graduates with their diploma.
Graduates were Ashly Arias, Dawson Ayscue, Evan Beaudet, Angela Bolanos Salazar, Mason Boone, Jasmine Davis, Daniela Decena-Santos, Aryianna Dockery, Virginia Ellis, Adison Evans, Emani’ Foster, Kierra Gray, Cheyenne Guerrant, Matthew Gupton, Viviana Hernandez, Seth Hight, Wesley Hight, Lakaevyn Holden, Tania Hunter, Isaiah Johen, Tre’Quan Johnson, Josiah Jones, Malik Kilgore, Logan Ludenburg, Destiny McBurrough, Kristyn Medlin, Hanna Miller, Chauncy Noel, Brayden Patterson, Jade Puryear, Josie Roberson, Kendall Royster, Jennifer Solomon, Julie Solomon, Jabrial Steed, Jessica Steed, Aure Tejada, Lane Wade, Ahbrionna Williams, Haley Williams and Leslie Zuniga Trejo.
Vance County Schools recognizes seniors using Latin honors as determined by the student’s grade point average. A total of 31 graduating Vance County Early College High School seniors received Latin honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, cum laude).
Seniors Jade Puryear and Josiah Jones delivered pre-recorded speeches to their class.
In addition to 41 high school diplomas being awarded, 29 students earned an Associate of Arts degree, and an additional 12 students earned transferrable college credit. Combined, the Vance County Early College High School students have been awarded over $5 million in scholarships and grants.
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