Tag Archive for: #vancecountynews

Vance County Schools Logo

Vance County Schools Approves 2020-21 Calendars, Applies for K-12 Fully Remote Option

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-Information courtesy Vance County Schools

2020-2021 Vance County Schools Calendars Approved

Vance County Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the 2020-2021 calendars, reflecting the current requirements, as passed by the general assembly, including five remote learning days.

The early start calendar will begin for students on July 31, 2020, and end on May 21, 2021.

The year-round calendar will begin for students on July 31, 2020, and end on June 11, 2021.

Traditional calendars will start for students on August 17, 2020, and end on June 2, 2021.

The total number of days in the calendar is the same length as previous years, just allocated to include the remote learning days. Check out the VCS website (click here) to view the calendars in more detail.

Vance Virtual Village Academy

Vance County Schools wants to ensure that there is a place for every student to learn. As discussion of the 2020-2021 school year begins, the uncertainties for many families remain.

VCS has applied for a new LEA code through the NC Department of Public Instruction for Vance Virtual Village Academy (V3). This school is designed for grades K-12 and will be a fully remote option for those families that feel this is the best option for their child. The school is designed as a place “WHERE WE VALUE connectedness, engagement,
and equity.”

V3 will offer a variety of activities that serve all types of learning styles. The premise is that all teachers will need to consider Universal Design for Learning (UDL) when planning both their synchronous and asynchronous instruction, working to increase access to learning by reducing physical, cognitive, intellectual, and organizational barriers to
learning whenever possible.

At this time, VCS awaits approval from the state to move forward with V3.

Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health Eases Visitor Restrictions

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health announced yesterday that it is transitioning from a zero-visitor protocol to limited visitor restrictions as the hospital gradually resumes elective and non-urgent cases and services at its facilities.

The decision was made as current projections continue to indicate a lower than expected volume of COVID-19 in the region and after careful review of state and federal guidance. The updated restrictions, which will now allow most patients to have one visitor or support person per day, have been implemented effective immediately.

“Our hospital’s top priority is safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our patients, providers, employees and community,” said Bert Beard, chief executive officer (CEO) of Maria Parham Health. “We continue to monitor closely the prevalence of the virus in our community as we adapt our operations to safely care for and support our patients, and we feel confident that it is safe to begin allowing limited visitors again at this time.”

As part of the updated visitor restrictions, patients are now limited to one well visitor per day, including one companion for outpatient appointments and one support person for obstetric patients. All visitors must be 18 years of age or older, will be screened upon entry and are required to wear a mask and an armband/sticker while in the facility.

Visitors who do not pass the screening at entry will be asked to reschedule their visit until they are symptom-free. Visitors are not allowed for high-risk, isolation, immunocompromised or patients who are under observation or test positive for COVID-19.

Maria Parham Health continues to screen everyone who enters the facility for symptoms consistent with COVID-19, per CDC guidelines. For additional updates on how the hospital is working to maintain a safe and supportive environment during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit mariaparham.com.

NC Governor Logo

NC Public Schools’ Reopening Plan to be Announced by July 1

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Office of NC Governor Roy Cooper

To hear further discussion on this press release, please go to WIZS.com and click on today’s Town Talk.

New health guidelines released Monday represent a first step to help North Carolina K-12 public schools find a safe way to open to in-person instruction for the 2020-21 academic year, health and education leaders announced Monday.

The StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Toolkit (K-12) lays out a comprehensive set of baseline health practices that public schools should follow to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for students, staff, and families. In addition to specific requirements, the Toolkit recommends practices that schools should implement to minimize the spread of COVID-19 while allowing in-person teaching to resume.

Governor Roy Cooper, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson, State Board of Education Chair Eric Davis, and NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Secretary Mandy Cohen shared the guidance Monday.

“Getting children back to school to learn is a high priority, but they must be able to do so in the safest way possible,” said Governor Cooper. “Every child, family and public school educator in North Carolina deserve strong protection to lower the risk of virus spread.”

Schools are asked to plan for reopening under three scenarios – Plan A: Minimal Social Distancing, Plan B: Moderate Social Distancing, or Plan C: Remote Learning Only. NCDHHS, in consultation with the State Board of Education and Department of Public Instruction, will announce by July 1 which of the three plans should be implemented for schools to most safely reopen. The remaining plans may be needed if the state’s COVID-19 metrics change over time.

“Opening schools will be possible if we keep working together to slow the spread of COVID-19. We will each need to do our part and practice the 3 Ws – Wear a cloth face covering. Wait six feet apart. Wash your hands frequently. These easy actions will have an outsized impact in keeping viral spread low in order to help get our children back to school,” said Cohen.

The Public Health Toolkit was developed collaboratively by DHHS and DPI with input from a range of stakeholders across the state, including local superintendents, State Board of Education members, the Governor’s Teacher Advisory Council, and members of the Governor’s COVID-19 Education and Nutrition Working Group.

“We are working together to balance the need for all of our children to get back to school – especially children who rely on public schools for their education, health, safety and nutrition – while at the same time proceeding cautiously and deliberately to protect their health and safety,” said Chairman Davis. “I know meeting these public health requirements will take a tremendous effort by our schools – but I also know we are doing the right thing and that our schools will rise to the challenge.”

The StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Toolkit will be a companion to operational guidance under development by DPI that will offer strategies for how to implement the public health guidance and cover other non-health areas for reopening planning, including scheduling, instructional practice, and staff training.

“Today, North Carolinians have the important first step of returning to schools in the fall with this release of the final health guidance for schools from the NC Department of Health and Human Services,” Superintendent Johnson said. “In addition, the North Carolina education agency has already been leading workgroups, comprised of diverse stakeholders from teachers to school staff to superintendents to other support professionals, to create draft operational strategies that will help our school systems prepare for the fall. We will now seek feedback on the draft operational strategies from other stakeholders across the state to ensure that we best capture the needs of all our schools.”

The StrongSchoolsNC Public Heath Toolkit (K-12) was developed using the most current CDC guidance for schools and includes requirements and recommendations for eight areas: Social Distancing and Minimizing Exposure; Cloth Face Coverings; Protecting Vulnerable Populations; Cleaning and Hygiene; Monitoring for Symptoms; Handling Suspected, Presumptive or Confirmed Positive Cases of COVID-19; Communication and Combating Misinformation; Water and Ventilation Systems; Transportation; and Coping and Resilience.

For example, it requires students and others to be screened for illness before entering school and requires floor markings to maintain social distance. It also includes sample screening symptom checklists in English and Spanish, a flow chart protocol for handling suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19, and a checklist of infection control supplies schools may need. The Toolkit will be updated as new health guidance is released by the CDC and additional resources are added.

Questions about the StrongSchoolsNC Public Heath Toolkit (K-12) should be directed to StrongSchoolsNC@dhhs.nc.gov (in English or in Spanish).

National Beta Club

Vance County Schools Receives National Beta Recognition 

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-Press Release, Vance County Schools

Vance County Schools has been named a 2020 District of Distinction by the National Beta Club. This honor was granted to only two districts in the state of North Carolina and awarded for offering the academic recognition membership to all students in all eligible schools within the district. 

This national award recognizes commitment to academic excellence, leadership development and service involvement throughout every school in our district, in an ongoing mission to prepare our students for their future. The students exemplify these characteristics and qualities and stand true to the Beta motto: “Let Us Lead by Serving Others.” By cultivating service and leadership, we know we are preparing our students for tomorrow. 

Beta Club advisers in our schools play a major role in the success of the program and recognition of eligible students. Those advisers include: 

  • Kim Burton of Aycock Elementary School
  • Teresa Hicks of Carver Elementary School
  • Jessica Williams of Clarke Elementary School
  • Joy Herndon of Dabney Elementary School
  • Marian Faulkner of E.O. Young Elementary School
  • Shaunese Coombs of E.M. Rollins Elementary School
  • Sharita Jones of L.B. Yancey Elementary School
  • Cathy Oswald of New Hope Elementary School
  • Eva Jennings of Pinkston Elementary School
  • C’Monee Wilkins of Zeb Vance Elementary School
  • Gradesa Lockhart of STEM Early High School
  • Vicki Anne Fullwood of Vance County Early College High School
  • Pamela Perry of Vance County Middle School
  • Bobbi Parks of Vance County High School 

In addition to the district recognition, every school in our district has been recognized as a National Beta School of Merit, honoring the club’s dedication and commitment to academic excellence. Each school has members from all eligible grade levels in their individual Beta Clubs. 

Vance County Schools had eight schools awarded National Beta Schools of Distinction, for increasing membership by 10%. Growth is evaluated based on student membership from the previous year. Recognized as Schools of Distinction include New Hope Elementary, Pinkston Street Elementary, Clarke Elementary, E.M. Rollins Elementary, E.O. Young Elementary, Aycock Elementary, STEM Early High and Vance County Early College. 

With more than 500,000 active members and 8,750 chapters nationally and internationally, National Beta has become the nation’s largest non-profit, educational youth organization. National Junior Beta Club includes grades 4-8 and National Senior Beta includes grades 9-12, with both recognizing outstanding achievement, promoting character and social responsibility, encouraging service involvement to school and community as well as fostering leadership skills. 

Vance County Schools is proud to be recognized as a Beta Club District of Distinction and for all of our schools being designated as Schools of Merit. We are extremely proud of our Schools of Distinction and excited about Beta Club continuing to make an impact in our schools, within our community and for our students.

Coach's Corner Logo

Coach’s Corner 06/08/20: Register Now for VCAC Barracudas’ Summer Swim Season

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Natasha Rubin, head coach of the Vance County Aquatics Club “Barracudas” appeared on WIZS Coach’s Corner Monday.

Rubin said Barracudas coaches worked hard to offer a 2020 Summer Swim Season to local youth amid on-going COVID-19 restrictions.

Swim sessions will be offered at two locations: Henderson Country Club and Forest Hills in Oxford. To accommodate all swimmers, practices are limited to one hour sessions with a maximum of 12 in the pool at a time.

According to Rubin, this smaller swimmer-to-coach ratio will allow for more one-on-one time and personal attention. “This session will result in better techniques and better speed when we start racing again, hopefully in the fall,” Rubin explained.

As of right now, Rubin said there are no meets planned for the summer session; however, plans are being made for intraclub competitions and other team-building opportunities.

Practices will be held three days a week for six weeks beginning June 15 and ending July 30. Practice will not be held the week of June 29.

Those who are interested in participating are asked to register by Wednesday, June 10. You can register online and choose a location preference at www.teamunify.com/ncvacb.

Visit the Barracudas’ website (click here) or Facebook page (click here) for more information.

To hear more from Rubin, please listen to the Coach’s Corner audio by clicking the play button above.

Vance County NC

Vance County Public Safety, Properties Committee Announce June Meetings

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Please be informed of the following scheduled Vance County committee meetings. All meetings will be held in the Commissioners’ Conference Room of the Vance County Administration Building located at 122 Young Street in Henderson.

Public Safety Committee (Wilder, Brummitt, Taylor)

Monday, June 8, 2020, at 3 p.m.

  • Ladder truck purchase
  • Fire redistricting
  • Animal Control ordinance amendment
  • Bertie ambulance franchise

Second Public Safety Committee Meeting

Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at 3 p.m.

  • Fire reorganization

Properties Committee (Brummitt, Taylor, Wilder)

Monday, June 29, 2020, at 3 p.m.

  • Green Rural Redevelopment proposal to use Eaton Johnson cafeteria
  • Henderson Institute shared parking agreement
  • Eaton Johnson renovation
Vance County Logo

Filing Period Begins for Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor

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-Information courtesy Vance County Board of Elections

Filing for Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor starts Monday, June 8, 2020, at 12 p.m. and ends on Monday, July 6, 2020, at 12 p.m.

The filing fee is $5. The Vance County Board of Elections office will not be closed for lunch during the filing period.

Anyone interested in filing should call the Vance County Board of Elections office at (252) 492-3730. If you would like to make an appointment before coming to file, you may do so.

You will be required to wear a mask and have your temperature taken before entering into the Board of Elections office.

One person is allowed in the director’s office and the deputy director’s office at a time. A waiting area is available in the hall. Anyone that visits the office should practice social distancing.

U.S. Department of Justice

Henderson Heroin Trafficker Sentenced

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-Press Release, U.S. Department of Justice

A Henderson man was sentenced to 78 months in prison for trafficking heroin in Vance County.

According to court documents, Reginald Lamont Lewis, 31, was involved in the distribution of heroin from February 2017 until December 2018. During that time, law enforcement investigated the drug trafficking activities of Lewis by conducting undercover purchases of narcotics; over 300 individual doses of heroin were purchased in total.

The execution of a search warrant led to the seizure of approximately $25,600 in U.S. currency.

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Henderson Police Department; the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation; the Vance County Sheriff’s Office; and the Virginia State Police Department investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick J. Miller prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the U.S. Department of Justice website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:18-cr-00518-D-1.

Dennis Jarvis

Dennis Jarvis, H-V Economic Development Director, Accepts Position in Jefferson Co., WV

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-Press Release, Jefferson County Development Authority

The Jefferson County Development Authority announces that Dennis Jarvis II will be its new executive director, effective July 6, 2020. Jarvis will lead the organization as it develops a new strategic plan for its future direction and focus on economic development efforts in Jefferson County.

The Jefferson County Commission approved the employment of Jarvis today upon the recommendation of the Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA) Board of Directors. Working with a national firm, JCDA board members began the search for a new executive director six months ago. After seeking input from community stakeholders regarding the type of candidate to pursue, Jarvis was selected following an extensive screening and interview process.

The Jefferson County Development Authority announces that Dennis Jarvis II, currently the director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission in North Carolina, will be its new executive director, effective July 6, 2020. (Photo courtesy JCDA)

Jarvis has 20 years of community and economic development experience in West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. He started his career as the deputy director of the Logan County Development Authority in West Virginia and is currently the director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission in North Carolina.

His background with business development, job creation, small business and entrepreneurial assistance programs as well as marketing and grant writing will be instrumental to the JCDA, said Neil McLaughlin, president of the JCDA. “We were impressed with Dennis’s enthusiasm for this area, his motivation and creativity for the role in general, and his stalwart Mountaineer spirit.”

“We look forward to Dennis joining the county,” said Jefferson County Commission President Jane Tabb. “This position is key to increasing and diversifying the tax base for Jefferson County and strengthening the economic well-being of our county, our businesses, and our residents.”

Since being reconstituted a year ago, McLaughlin noted the JCDA Board has been working to move forward, increase transparency, and grow relationships with the community, business leaders, and regional and state officials. In January, the JCDA hired a consultant to facilitate the development of a new strategic plan to guide JCDA leaders in establishing the direction of the organization.

“We’re looking forward to having Dennis on board as we begin this new chapter of the JCDA,” McLaughlin said. “His engaging personality, pro-active attitude, and relationship-building skills will be assets as the JCDA incorporates community involvement into the strategic planning process in the next few months.”

Jarvis welcomes the opportunity to come back to West Virginia. “I am honored to return home to West Virginia and the eastern gateway to our great state,” he said. “The choice to relocate to Jefferson County was easy. This is a progressive, dynamic community with a strategic location and vibrant workforce.”

The JCDA board is focused, Jarvis noted. “I am pleased to be able to work with the JCDA board. They are an energetic, synergistic group,” he said. “Developing a new strategic plan for the organization with community input is exciting for the future of Jefferson County.”

Born in Bluefield, West Virginia, Jarvis received his bachelor’s degree from Bluefield State College and completed his master’s degree at Marshall University. He is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at Oklahoma University, the Community Development Institute of West Virginia University, and is a Certified Business Retention Specialist with Business Retention International.

Jarvis and his wife, Lori Daniels Jarvis, are looking forward to returning to West Virginia with their cat, Virginia, and puppy, Buzzie. They enjoy traveling and riding their Indian Chieftain motorcycle. He is also a big fan of college football and likes podcasting.

During the next few months, the JCDA will be planning several events where community officials, business leaders, and local residents will have an opportunity to meet and get to know Jarvis.

The JCDA consists of a 15-member board of directors, including representatives from the county commission and each of the five municipalities within the county as well as industry, business, labor, education, and citizens representatives. The JCDA aims to promote, develop, and advance the economic development of Jefferson County, West Virginia.

For more information about the JCDA, visit www.jcda.net, email info@jcda.net, or call 304-728-3255.

JCPenney

Henderson JCPenney Among 154 Locations Closing Nationwide

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-Information and featured image courtesy JCPenney

JCPenney has announced that 154 stores, including the Henderson Square location at 380 N. Cooper Dr. in Henderson, NC, will close permanently.

Other North Carolina JCPenney store closings include the locations at Biggs Park Shopping Center in Lumberton, Twin Rivers Mall in New Bern, North Hills Shopping Center in Raleigh and the Richmond Plaza in Rockingham.

JCPenney posted the following statement on the company blog:

Following a comprehensive review of our retail footprint, JCPenney made the difficult decision to close 154 stores. We will continue to operate the majority of our stores and our flagship store, jcp.com, to ensure our valued customers continue to have access to the products and brands they need and want.

Please click here for the full list of closing locations by state.